Wolfie: I don't own Yu-Gi-Oh, I only own Yuki and all plot alterations that are needed to add her into the story. This one will be longer, but will still be in two parts, and I'm sorry if that makes you want to skip past it but I just got so into writing this chapter that it got longer than the rest. Please read and review.
Chapter 6: Journey to Duelist Kingdom part 1
Yuki honestly hadn't wanted to be alone the whole weekend, sure Yugi was there but her little brother has to grieve as well. This was because he had woken up to her sobbing into Joey's chest and had wondered what had caused his usually strong and rarely distraught sister to become so distraught. Eventually with enough prying into the situation he had found out what actually happened. Tea had offered to stay with the two young members of the Muto family, said family members were grateful and accepted the offer. This was after her and Tristan came back from making sure that Solomon got settled into the hospital okay. As well as after giving the doctor's a believable story as to why the old man was unconscious and unresponsive.
Though they of course didn't know what had caused this either, after all when they had woken up they saw their friend yelling at the TV. She was shaking it to before launching herself at Joey as she started sobbing hysterically. So the only excuse they had as to why the older male was unconscious and unresponsive was because they were watching a video that they received in the mail. Which meant that the excitement from what was on it had caused Solomon to pass out. Surprisingly enough the doctors believed that story, but then again these were the same doctors that took care of the older member of the Muto family the first time. Back when he was brought to the hospital because of what Seto did to him so really they'll believe anything at this rate.
When they got back from the hospital they had found a distraught Yuki cuddling an equally distraught Yugi as they laid on the couch. Both completely drained of energy as they had spent the hour that Tea and Tristan were at the hospital sobbing their eyes out as Joey did his best to comfort them. The two siblings were dozing off as they stared at the TV that was still playing static from the tape that previously showed Pegasus's face. The three teens feared that if they turned off the TV it would cause the two Muto siblings to break down so they didn't even try to mess with the TV. Everyone was sitting in silence because of that, the only sound in the room was the static coming from the TV as no one had the heart to remove the tape from the VHS. Nor did they wish to possibly disturb the peace that had befallen the two sad siblings that were dozing off on the couch.
One by one Joey, and Tristan went home since they could only stay for so long as they said their goodbyes to a half awake Yuki and Yugi. Also asking Tea to call them in the morning to tell them how things are going as they promised they'd be over whenever they can be over. Needless to say, the weekend was very hard for the two siblings as they just felt like a piece of them was missing. They hadn't realized just how much they took waking up to a warm smile and a home cooked breakfast for granted. Don't get them wrong Tea's attempts at warm smiles and breakfast did help a little bit but it just wasn't the same as waking up to their grandpa. With the smell of fresh pancakes, bacon, and eggs hitting their noses as his kind voice calls out that breakfast was ready.
They also took for granted how they come out to find their plates already made and at the table as he reads the morning news paper. However with the help of his sister and her friend Yugi was able to recover from this a bit easier than his sister. After all he was young and innocent so he wanted to believe that his grandpa would wake up soon and that everything would be okay but his sister didn't have that kind of luxury. So today, as the sun was setting and the school was supposed to be empty on a Sunday evening. The lone figure of Yuki Muto stood on the roof of the school watching as the sun set over Domino City. Her fingers were tightly gripping the chain-link fence that had been put up to prevent people from falling, or jumping, off of the roof.
'How'd I get myself into this mess? I still can't believe that Grandpa is actually gone. One minute, he's right there beside us, and the next, Pegasus show's his ugly mug and uses some so called magic to steal his soul. Why though? What could someone like Pegasus honestly want with me? And could it possibly have something to do with my Millennium Puzzle?... No, it doesn't matter if it does, cause I will get Grandpa back. I'll defeat Pegasus at his own game... Whatever that is.' Yuki thought as she continued to watch the sun set from the roof of the school, determined to go all the way if it means saving her grandpa's soul.
That same evening, Joey was sitting in his room with a tape that he had just got in the mail, and the fact that it was addressed to him confused him even more. After all the only person who usually get's mail is his dad, and that is usually bills and stuff like that rather than something like a video tape. So the fact that someone actually sent him a video had him wondering who would have taken the time to record and send a video to one Joey Wheeler. After all most people would just call him if they had a bone to pick with him. So this either must be really important if it is on a video tape rather than in a letter or a phone call. Or it is a prank video and when he puts it in the VHS player its just going to be a bunch of farting noises with a picture of him saying that he is a piece of shit. Then again he really wont know what it is until he puts it in.
"Wonder who this is from." Joey said as he popped the tape into the VHS player and he was met with the sight of a familiar face.
"Hey there, big brother. How have you been? I really miss you." Serenity said as the video shows her in what appears to be a hospital room in pink pjs.
"Serenity?" Joey asked as he stares at the TV, not expecting to get a video from his little sister.
"I can't believe it's been 6 years since we've seen each other. I'll never forget the day mom took me to live with her." Serenity said causing Joey to have a small flash back of the day she was talking about.
Flashback beginning
"Joey!" A young Serenity yelled from within the backseat of a cab that was driving away, crying as she was looking out the window of the seat she was in.
"Serenity! Don't go! Wait!" A young Joey, not as young as Serenity though, shouted as he ran after the cab that was taking his sister away from him as he cries as well.
"Joey!" Serenity yelled from within the cab again as she continued to cry at the fact that she was being made to leave her brother.
Flashback ending
"I'm sending you this video just so you don't forget your little sister's face. It seems like I'm running out of time. I was hoping to see you once more before- well, uh, you understand. Bye-bye, brother." Serenity said as she tried to keep on a brave and happy face, thought towards the end she had tears welling up in her eyes.
"Run out of time? It can't be." Joey said with tears in his eyes, not wanting to believe that his sister's eyes have really gotten that bad.
"So long. Take care, Joey." Serenity said before the video faded away and was replaced by static causing Joey to gasp.
"Serenity." Joey said sadly through clenched teeth as he shut his eyes tightly to block the image of nothing but static from his eyes.
Meanwhile as Yuki walked home the sun had almost completely set as it grew darker and darker as she drew closer and closer to the closed game shop. Said shop would remain closed until her grandpa has his soul back and is in a fit enough condition to work. As she came to a stop infront of the door she looked down, reaching into her jacket pocket as she pulled out the set of keys. Those aforementioned keys had the key that she would need in order to unlock the door. She had already picked Yugi up and dropped him off her before spending that hour atop the school letting her thoughts wander. She was trusting her brother to be okay alone for at least an hour whilst she was out and about.
As she pulled the key from her pocket she looked up and noticed an envelope wedged between the door and the door frame. This confused her quite alot because why would an envelope be there? The postman doesn't deliver this late at night since it is way past the normal time that mail should be delivered. Come to think of it the postman shouldn't have been delivering so late at night on the night that she got the package from Industrial Illusions as well. This made her feel like foul play was afoot when it came to these two deliveries. After all the postman if he happened to have the envelope or package would be doing his rounds at the same time that she was bringing Yugi home.
Which means she would have received either one right away rather than late at night. This can only mean one thing, Pegasus sent someone to delivery the package when she was with her grandpa and all of her friends. Then sent someone to deliver this while she was on the roof of the school. That thought made her feel a bit paranoid because if Pegasus was watching her to see where she is and who she is with... Then what else has he possibly seen happen during the time that he has had people watching her?
"Do I open it or do I not open it? That is the question..." Yuki mumbled as she looked at the envelope, finding it creepy that Pegasus seems to know who she's with or where she is at any point in time. Slowly she pulled the envelope free from the door and opened it, seeing five cards inside of it. "Oh good god, can't he just send a written invitation, like a normal person?" Yuki asked as she pulled out on of the cards and flipped it over, seeing how the picture was that of an island with different types of land on it with a castle in the middle.
The next day: at Domino High
"A tournament at Duelist Kingdom? Isn't that an island?" Tea asked, wanting to make sure she heard everything right.
"So that's where Pegasus is is keeping your grandpa?" Joey asked, wanting clarification as well as they had been told the whole story as to what is going on.
"I'm not a hundred percent certain on that fact Joey. The only way for me to know for sure is to for me to become a contestant." Yuki said as she was looking at all five of the cards that were in the envelope. She had all of them laid out on the desk between her and Tristan, who was sitting at the other end of the desk as she held up one to look at it closely. "The boat will be leaving in two days. " Yuki said as she looked at the card, which depicted a boat sailing across the sea.
"But you can't go. It could be dangerous." Tea said in order to attempt to reason with her friend before she does something out of revenge that could get her hurt.
"Tea, if your gonna reason with me then come up with something reasonable!" Yuki said as she looked at her friend with a harsh look because she wasn't going to be talked out of this. Though she noticed that what she said had come out harsher than she wanted it to as she took a deep breath to calm herself down. "...I'm sorry Tea, I know you mean well, but I have to go. This is the only clue I have for rescuing Grandpa." Yuki said causing Tea to nod slightly in understanding, as she placed the card down next to the other four as she looks at her friends.
"I still can't believe it. Pegasus used some kind of weird spell to grab your grandpa's soul away. And now he's toying with you, forcing you to duel in the tournament." Tristan said as this was beyond cruel for a grown man to be doing to a 17 year old girl.
"Right. And without invitations, we can't even go there with you. I wish we could help you." Joey said with a frown as he wanted to help Yuki save her grandpa from Pegasus.
"This is bad." Tea said as she glanced down at Yuki and then at Joey.
"Huh? Hey, Yuki..." Tristan said, catching not only Yuki's attention but Joey's and Tea's as well as they all look towards him in question. He held up the two cards that had caught his eye as he looked at them more closely to make sure they were worth mentioning. "Check this out. According to this card, the tournament winner takes the grand prizes of $3 million!" Tristan said as he looked at the card in his left hand that depicted a picture of shining gold treasure.
"3 mil?" Joey asked in awe at the amount of money that could be won in the tournament.
"So? Who can possibly care about money at a time like this?" Yuki asked, wondering who would actually think money is more important.
"Hey, gimme that! Ahh. 3 million." Joey said as he snatched the card from Tristan and cradled it like it was the check for the money itself rather than a card.
"Jeez, I guess Joey does..." Yuki mumbled to herself with a frown as she watched Joey look at the card with a smile.
"3 million in cold cash." Joey said as he continued to smile as he looks at the card.
Later on that day after school was over, Joey was sitting up on the room of the school as the sun was setting as he was watching it unblinkingly with a smile on his face. He was leaning against a wall whilst sitting on the ground as he hadn't really moved much from that position. Yuki had honestly been curious as to why her friend was just sitting up on the roof. The only reason people do that is either because they are depressed or want to be alone with their thoughts. Since she doubted that Joey was the first one she assumed it was the second one then. Still that doesn't stop her from wanting to know what is going on with him right now. It's really not every day she sees her friend staring at a card that promises the prize of 3 million dollars like it is the mother of all ice-cream sundae's. That and that look in his eye that says he's about to scarf it all down before anyone else can have some.
"Joey, what's got you sitting up here all alone?" Yuki asked as she walked over to Joey.
"Hmm?" Joey hums in question as he looks up at his friend, no longer zoning out.
"What's gotten into you today man?" Yuki asked because he had been acting strange, even for his normal behavior.
"Ah, nothin'. I'm just thinkin' about a whole lot of stuff." Joey said as he looked back towards the sunset that he had been staring at before Yuki got there. This caused said girl to glance towards the sunset as well, wondering what was so interesting about it that caused her friend to stare at it. "Yuki, you do know that I care about your gramps, right? I mean, he taught me about the heart of the cards." Joey said, hoping that Yuki know's that he does care about Solomon.
"Of course I know." Yuki said as she looked back towards Joey with a smile, she would never accuse him of not caring about her grandpa.
"I mean it! One way or another, I'll help you beat Pegasus." Joey said with a fiery determination, no way was he going to let her fight this battle alone.
"Heh, that means alot to me Joey, I would be highly concerned if you didn't try to risk your neck just for me, and I'm glad I can call you my friend." Yuki said as she came over and sat on the ground next to Joey, cradling her puzzle in her lap as well as she does this.
"Remember the first time we met?" Joey asked with a small smile, thinking back on the events that transpired before they were officially friends.
"I don't think I'll ever forget it. It was all thanks to the Millennium Puzzle." Yuki said as she looked down at the golden upside down pyramid she was cradling in her hands. There was a fond smile on her face as she had a flash back to when she first got the puzzle, back then it was just in a bunch of pieces in a gold sarcophagus. "The way Grandpa explained it to me, the puzzle was originally found in some Egyptian Ruins. My Grandpa gave it to me and kind of dared me to solve it. It was honestly the most incredible thing that I had ever seen in my entire life. As soon as my fingers touched the first few pieces, I knew it was much more than a simple puzzle. As silly as it sounded, I made a wish on the puzzle. I asked it to give me a real friend, and I honestly think the puzzle came through for me. That was when I first met you and Tristan, though I was too naive back then to realize that you two weren't acting like my friends." Yuki said as she had flashes of memories of the time it took for her to figure out where each piece went and which way it was supposed to go and saw the memory of when she first met Joey and Tristan.
"Ha! You mean when we were playing keep-away with the Millennium Puzzle? It was for you. We just wanted to toughen you up so you could stand up to the real bullies. We were only teasing you." Joey said with a smile that had an underline of guilt to it as saw a memory of when he had left a pissed off and slightly crushed Yuki sprawled on the floor withe the pieces of the Millennium Puzzle scattered across the floor as he smirked down at her.
"Don't play the teasing card with me Joseph Wheeler! You literally took a piece of the puzzle and threw it out the window. And let's not forget that I was the one that tried to help you guys when that bully picked on you." Yuki said as she remembered how she stumbled across Joey and Tristan getting beaten up by Ushio, the schools hall monitor and resident bully in charge of bullies, in an alleyway.
"Yea yea I know, but he was a mean one all right." Joey said as he remembered that memory much more vividly than the rest of the memories.
Flashback beginning
"What do we do?" Tristan asked from his spot on the ground as he laid leaning against Joey with his eyes closed.
"Shh!" Joey shushed Tristan, hoping that if they acted as if they were unconscious then they'd be left alone.
"Well, look what just showed up. It's little Yuki, just in time to watch me mop the floor with these guys." Ushio said as he looked over his shoulder at said girl who was looking at the scene infront of her in shock.
"Hey back off! Leave them alone!" Yuki shouted as she hoped to either get Ushio to listen to her or she hoped to get someones attention so they could get a teacher or an adult that could help.
"Who's gonna stop me? A little shrimp like you? I don't think so. Get lost." Ushio said with a grin as he looked back down at Tristan and Joey whom were just waiting for the beating to start up once again.
"I won't let you keep hurting them. These guys, even if they can be dumbasses sometimes, are my friends." Yuki said as she stood in Ushio's way, hoping to block his ability to get to Joey and Tristan for the time being.
"Huh?" Joey asked softly in shock as he opened his eyes, wondering if he heard that right as Ushio begins to laugh.
"Okay, girly. You jumped to the head of the line! Say your prayers, you runt." Ushio said causing Yuki to gulp slightly as she had assumed, more like hoped, that the beefy bully was against hitting girls.
Though her hopes that that maybe true were crushed as Ushio made it quite clear that he had no qualms when it comes to hitting girls. He then begins to punch and kick Yuki without mercy and with such a sadistic grin on his face. This caused her to get tossed around like a rag doll as her assailant was dealing out hits with his full strength. He acted as if her body weight, small as it may be compared to him, did nothing to slow his movements. To him it seemed light she weighed nothing as he left her beaten and bloody at his feet though Yuki didn't care. She tentatively cracked on eye open in order to look over at Joey and Tristan.
She wanted to check to make sure they were okay, coughing up blood as she does this. This was the only sign that showed the equally beaten and bloody boys that she relatively okay. Tristan was honestly smiling slightly at the fact that the small girl was still nice enough to try and save them from Ushio. Despite the fact that they were both total assholes towards her. Joey however was confused, after all they both were cruel to her now that he thought about it. He was also in awe that despite that she was brave enough to stick up for them against Ushio of all people.
Flashback ending
"You stood up for us, Yuki. 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." Joey said as he would always cherish the fact that he was shown the meaning of true friendship. Despite how shocking it is to have been shown it by one of the people that he definitely wouldn't have expected to forgive him. Especially enough to even consider being friends with him.
"Yea, but at least you found the piece of the puzzle you threw out the window. Without it I would've never been able to finish solving the Millennium Puzzle." Yuki said as she remembered how Joey had gone out in the rain and almost catching a cold just to find the last piece of the puzzle. She couldn't believe it then and she still couldn't believe it now. As if it happened yesterday she remembered a sopping wet tall blond showing up at her doorstep with the last piece that she needed. "I never did get the chance to scold you for being such a dipstick, after all no normal person would go out in the rain just to find a puzzle piece." Yuki said as she lightly bonked Joey upside the head, clearly teasing him as she used the same tone as last time she teased him.
Flashback beginning
"I want to apologize, Yuki. I've been acting like a real jerk." Joey said as he glanced at Yuki over his should, they were both standing under a tree in the school courtyard.
"Oh so you were acting?" Yuki asked teasingly with a smile as she leaned back against the tree they were under with her arms crossed.
"I guess I deserved that one. If you ask me, I think Tristan and I may have underestimated you." Joey said with a laugh as he looked down at Yuki, a genuine smile on his face.
"What do ya mean by that?" Yuki asked with a raised eyebrow as she frowned, not knowing whether to take that as an insult or a compliment.
"You know, Yuki, your a tougher kid than I ever gave you credit for. Maybe we should hang out more often. What do you say?" Joey asked as he was being genuine when it came to wanting to hang out with the small girl.
"Sounds great." Yuki said with a smile, glad that Joey was at least attempting at growing their possible friendship.
Flashback ending
"The truth of the matter is you're the best friend I've ever had. And while I'm feelin' bold enough, I gotta say, your like a sister ta me too." Joey said as he looked at Yuki, he rarely opens up with the mushy gushy stuff but when he does he really means it.
"I feel the same, your also like the brother I never had. It just sucks that you can't come help me rescue Grandpa." Yuki said as she looked down at her lap, frowning in disappointment since she really didn't want to go on this adventure alone.
"Don't worry. Somehow, some way, I promise, we'll do it together." Joey said since he wanted to reassure Yuki that she didn't have to do this alone.
"Together, you mean it Joey?" Yuki asked as she looked at the tall blond with a hopeful smile on her face.
"Heh. You bet. We're a team, Yuki." Joey said with a smile, putting reassurance behind his reassurance.
"Aw you big old softy you!" Yuki said as she wrapped her arms around her tall friends neck, giving him a hug as he blushes.
"Yea, that little bit o' information doesn't leave this conversation." Joey said as he cleared his throat slightly, he does have a reputation to uphold.
"Whatever floats your boat, Wheeler. But there is one flaw to your reassurance, how are you going to go to the tournament if you don't have an invitation?" Yuki asked as she stopped giving Joey a hug and went back to just sitting next to him.
"Hmm..." Joey hummed slightly in thought as he had a plan forming inside of his head because he was going to get there, whether he had an invitation or not.
Two days later
Two days had passed since Yuki got the invitation to Duelist Kingdom and she had been trying her hardest to make sure she was prepared for when she was supposed to leave. She made sure she had some essentials, aka a tooth brush, tooth paste, a hair brush, hair ties, a few water bottles, a flash light, bug spray, and deodorant. Alongside that she had some forks, spoons, and knives, and a big plastic baggie for dirty silverware. She also had a Swiss army knife just incase she runs into anything that would require that sort of thing. Though she highly doubted that there'd be anything on the island that requires more than her deck challenge wise. She had it all packed up in a back pack that it would all fit in alongside some bento boxes that would tide her over until the finals. Which she assumed were in the castle since it was where Pegasus will most likely be.
She also assumed that since the finals would be in the castle it would mean that the finalists would be given a proper meal and a chance to rest. Which is why she only made enough food for breakfast, lunch, and dinner and after that she would probably be screwed. After all she only brought enough food for a day, maybe two if she rations it by only eating half at a time. Yuki also thought she maybe going alone so she only packed enough things for herself. She had asked Tea and Tristan to baby sit Yugi while she was gone to since they have no neighbors that would be able to do it. Then with that out of the way she headed for the docks, which is where the boat was waiting for all of the contestants. Once there she stood in the crowd of duelists seemed to be never ending and was growing by the minute.
Time ticked by as she stood there in skinny overall jeans, this time in black, with a navy long sleeve shirt. Plus her usual leather choker collar necklace, and Millennium puzzle with added black ankle boots that add an inch of height to her already short 5'2" height. She also had a simple black jean jacket on as well since by now it was 8:00 pm, she had gotten there at 5:00 pm after telling Yugi to wait for Tea. She said the brunette would be there soon after she left, and the signal for them to get on the boat was taking forever to happen but she understood why though. The men in suits were checking to make sure that everyone getting on the boat were duelists and that there was no one who was attempting to stow-away. If they did so it would result in cheating a duelist out of their spot in the tournament by sneaking on through any back entrances on the boat. Though because of how long it was taking it had become quite chilly, and despite the close quarters that was the crowd of duelists waiting to get on the boat. It did nothing to lessen the bite of the cold Autumn, almost winter, night that had settled over Domino.
"Leave it to Pegasus to schedule a tournament this close to winter..." Yuki grumbled as she rubbed her hands together, trying to get them warm as she looked up at the boat
"Attention, all duelists. Welcome to this event sponsored by Industrial Illusions. You received with your invitation the star chips that will grant you entry into the contest. You are all elite, invited by us after close observation of your past Duel Monsters contests. You each have a fair and equal 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!" Kemo said from the boat as he looked down at the crowd of duelists who were all looking up at him as he spoke, and soon the boarding of the vessel began.
"Present your star chips as you board the vessel. Thank you. Next." A man said as he stood behind a table with another man, both of them in suits, as they check to that each duelist has star chips.
'Is there supposed to be so much security for a tournament?' Yuki thought to herself as she stood in line, inching forward whenever someone else moves forward.
"Hey, you! Get out of here! Only official contestants are allowed onboard." Another man said loudly which caused the two guys in suits at the back of the line to look in the direction that the commotion was coming from.
"How do you know I'm not official?" Joey asked which caused a few duelist, including Yuki, to look in the direction of the commotion as well.
"Because the official duelists aren't trying to sneak onboard through the lower hatches." Another man said as him and his suit wearing colleague were dragging a struggling Joey, who was wearing an outfit consisting of a green jacket, white shirt, jeans, and black tennis shoes, away from the ship.
"Joey? What the fuck is he doing?" Yuki asked herself in shock as she sacrificed her space in line to approach her friend who is still struggling against the men in suits as she speed walks in order to get there in time.
"Stop your struggling. We're gonna have to throw you out." One man said as he looked down at Joey, if it weren't for his struggling they could have escorted him away without causing a scene. However now they will need to use brute force in order to get the stubborn teenager to leave so they can finish this assignment.
"No way! I came here to duel, and I'm gonna duel." Joey said as he looks at the guy on his right as he raises his clenched fist, he was going to be in that tournament, even if he has to bash a few heads in first.
"That's enough gruesome twosome, let him go!" Yuki said as she stopped speed walking as she now stood infront of Joey and the two men in suits.
"Hey, Yuki!" Joey said with a grin, glad to see his friend before he get's himself thrown out.
"We can say hello later ya dingus! Now what the hell are you doing here?" Yuki asked as she yanked Joey down to her height by the front of his shirt.
"Ha ha. Did you really think I'd let you do this on your own?" Joey asked with a smile as he leaned down to accommodate for the fact that the short, temperamental at times, bearer of the Millennium Puzzle was pulling him down by his shirt.
"Not really, but I had hoped you'd be smarter than this." Yuki grumbled with a frown as she released her hold on his shirt.
"You can lecture me 'bout it later. Now, come on, help me out." Joey said which caused the short girl to sigh slightly before cracking a small smile. She honestly wouldn't have this adventure start any other way than with her best friend.
Meanwhile near some cargo crates Tristan and Tea were hiding behind one as they watch a guy, who is clearly a worker on the ground, direct a crane that was picking up a shipping container. Said container was the one that was infront of the one that they were hiding behind. They knew that Yuki would be mad at then if the fact that their are sneaking on board is revealed before it's too late to send them home. After all they promised to watch Yugi so she could go to this tournament. Their small friend, who is honestly quite scary when someone gets her extremely pissed off, will surely kill them. Then she'll have their heads on a pike for abandoning their responsibilities as baby sitters.
It's not like they left the young Muto sibling without someone to watch over him. They asked their parents if they could take turns checking in on the 8 year old while their gone. They also had a very good, at least to them it was good, reason as to why they shoved their job as baby sitters for Yugi off onto their parents. That reason was so they could be there for Yuki. After all they are her friends as much as Joey is so they figured why not go along for moral support. After all Joey is going along to help out dueling wise so why can't they come to help out cheering wise?
"They're distracted. Lets's go." Tea said quietly to Tristan whom was making sure the coast is clear.
"Right." Tristan said softly as they walk into the open door of the shipping container they were hiding behind.
Back by the boat with the other duelists Yuki decided that as long as a scene has been started she might as well make the most of it. She should at least have some fun before she has to stress about dueling. These guys are here to make sure everything goes smoothly, she figured that much out just by watching how they do everything they can to make sure they leave on time. Therefore they will want to end this as quickly as possible as to not upset Pegasus.
Or in this case any of the higher up goons that maybe in charge of getting the duelists onto the boat. Now if Yuki had been here three years ago, she would have been far too shy to approach these men in suits to get them to let go of Joey. However this is the 17 year old Yuki that they are faced with. She is a force to be reckoned with, both inside of a fair duel and outside of a duel. These guys won't know what hit them after she is finished with getting them to let her friend on the boat.
"Let him go boys, I won't say it again. Plus he's with me, so you gotta let him on." Yuki said as she crossed her arms, she was cold and just wanted to get on the boat by now.
"Only people with a star chip can get on board. There are no exceptions. Understand?" The man on the right asked as he looked down at Yuki, hoping she understood the rules.
"Well then what about these? I heard you needed an invitation in order to come, so doesn't this count as a pass to get on board?" Yuki asked with a raised eyebrow as she held up one of the cards. The one she was holding was Glory of The Kings Hand, which depicted the treasure that represented the 3 million dollars.
"Well, yes, but..." The man on the left said as he trailed off, not exactly knowing how he should deal with this.
"Then it shouldn't matter if a duelist has star chips or not. If they have one of these cards then they can get on the boat, just like the rest of us, right?" Yuki asked as her normally sweet and innocent eyes grow harsh as she looks at the men. This part of her honestly was gonna make them squirm, and then milk it for all its worth.
"Technically, you are right, ma'am. But we are under strict orders-" The man on the right said as he tugged on his tie since it suddenly felt too tight.
"Strict orders my ass! This is false advertising, sending these cards in an invitation, and then saying you need star chips to get in. I want to have at talk with your superiors about your behavior, trying to kick out my friend when he clearly has the card needed to give him access to the ship." Yuki said, her words causing the men to flinch. She then pulled a bit of the slight of hand card trick when they weren't paying attention to hide her Glory of The Kings hand card from view.
"I do?" Joey asked as he was wondering where Yuki was going with this since he doesn't have one of those cards. Plus if he did then he knew he would have remembered something important like that.
"Mhm. It's right, here." Yuki said as she reached into the inside pocket of Joey's jacket as the two men in suits watch her closely. Then with another slight of hand trick she pulled out her Glory of The Kings hand, making it look like it is her friends card. "Silly Joey, you must've forgot you had it." Yuki said with a small giggle, giving her dumbfounded friend a subtle wink to get him to play along.
"Yea, I guess so. Thanks Yuki, your a life saver!" Joey said with a grin as he took the card as he caught onto what she was doing. He'd play along with the charade that this is his card if it'll get him on the boat.
"Anytime. Now, back to the matter at hand. He has a card, so let him on the boat." Yuki said as she gave Joey a small smile before looking at the men who were no longer restraining the blond. She gave them a harsh look as she crossed her arms and one of the men was going to argue when something was said to him over his ear piece.
"...Are you sure sir?" The man on the left asked into his microphone as he turned away from the teens. He was speaking softly so only the person on the other end could here him. "Of course sir, right away sir." The man on the left said before having a small hushed conversation with his colleague.
"In light of some, news, from our superiors, we have realized our mistake and humbly apologies. So long as your friend promises to behave, he may be allowed to board the boat, regardless of his lack of star chips." The man on the right said as he gives the small girl a bow in respect as his colleague did the same. However said girl knew it was just an order from their superiors as she knew guys like this never humbly apologize for anything.
"Good men. Now come along Joseph, the boat, awaits." Yuki said, gesturing dramatically to the boat before dragging her friend onto it.
"Oh lord, I have no idea how you can do that..." Joey said as he leaned his back against the railing of the boat after pocketing the Glory of The Kings Hand card. His elbows were resting on it as well to keep him balanced as he looked at Yuki.
"Do what?" Yuki asked as she glanced at Joey from her spot next to him by the railing of the boat. She was standing with her forearms resting on the railing and her hands hanging over the railing.
"Act the way you usually act, and sometimes act shy and reserved, only to then basically suddenly scare a grown man shitless. I thought those stuck up guards were gonna break down sobbing and begging for forgiveness at any second!" Joey said with a laugh as he hung his head back slightly to look up at the dark night sky.
"It's a gift." Yuki said with a smirk as she ran her fingers through her golden bangs. Now it was just a waiting game for when the rest of the duelists are on board.
At the same time, down in the cargo container, Tea was honestly having a hard time being quiet. The crane picks up the container that they were in as she gets jostled around as it was placed on the deck of the ship. Though much to her shock, when she fell over she landed on something that made a noise and it definitely wasn't Tristan. When she looked down she saw that it was Yugi that she had landed ontop of. Both teens were honestly shocked to say the least, the kid that they were supposed to be baby sitting but was now supposed to be getting baby sat by their parents. Though here he was plain as day sneaking onto the boat they were sneaking on. It was alot to take in but one thing that settled in was the fact that Yuki will murder them. Then find a way to bring them back just so she can murder them again for letting her brother sneak onto the boat.
"Ow. Tea, get off of me, your heavy!" Yugi said a little too loudly for Tristan's liking as he squirms underneath Tea.
"Shh!" Tristan shushed which caused the 8 year old to glare at him in retaliation to being shushed.
"Don't shush me Tristan. Get back to me when you try being quiet with a heavy ass girl crushing your spleen!" Yugi said as he got out from underneath Tea as he hissed out the words heavy and "crushing your spleen". Said brunette girl pouting at being called heavy twice by a kid who is 8 years younger than her.
"I'm not heavy!" Tea said as she hissed out her words and once again the volume level is too loud for Tristan's liking. To him it was like his two stow-away companions were trying to get them caught.
"Pipe down, both of you." Tristan said as he hissed out the word both as this gets them both to shut up. He then sighed slightly, knowing this would be a long night before they have to find a way off the boat.
Finally the boat sounded its steam whistles as it began to set sail, heading for the island known as Duelist Kingdom. It would take at least a night to get there if they have no complications. Yuki and Joey were still leaning against the railing but had now switched positions. Yuki now had her back against the railing and Joey had his forearms on the railing. So far they weren't exactly talking, only because the short girl was feeling major sea sickness. This means she was just trying to focus on anything other than the water and other than the swaying of the boat. The bearer of the Millennium Puzzle never was good when it came to riding boats, it just made her stomach queasy.
Plus the fact that she didn't know how to swim didn't help much either. She had always enjoyed the beach, just as any other child had/has. Even so when she was dragged into the water by a large wave when she was 5 she had become deathly afraid of bodies of water. If she had a choice in the matter, if she didn't have to save her grandfather, she wouldn't even be on this boat whilst it is in the middle of the ocean. She would have much more preferred to travel by plane or something more open like a hot air balloon. However she was trying to be strong, for her sake as well as her grandfathers. When all she really wanted to do was find a nice safe corner to curl up in in the fetal position in order to wait until the boat docks at Duelist Kingdom.
"I'm glad you scared their boss into letting me on the boat Yuki, but their right. I don't have star chips, and I think I need those too." Joey said as he glanced down at the Glory of The Kings Hand card for a second. Then he put it away in his pocket since he doesn't want to risk losing it after Yuki was nice enough to give it to him.
"Your right..." Yuki said, swallowing back her nausea because even talking made her feel sick right now. Reaching into her pocket she pulled something out and held it out to Joey as looks at him. "Here, take it, just incase." Yuki said as she dropped the item into the blonds held out hand.
"Yuki, this is one of your star chips. Don't ya need both?" Joey asked as he looked at the gold star that was now in the palm of his hand.
"Nope, this card says, a duelist only needs a star chip in order to participate..." Yuki said as she held up a card with a dueling glove and star chips on it. She was still trying to swallow back her nausea as she does this as well.
"Yea, but if any of the other players find out we only have one star chip each, they could really try to take advantage of us." Joey said as he looked at Yuki and said girl looked at him slightly. Though not to far away a blond girl by the name of Mai Valentine overheard their conversation as she walked through the crowd of people who were on deck.
"Then stop talkin' about it." Yuki said as she almost doubled over when the boat swayed a bit more than it has been. She managed to hold herself up as she acted like she didn't almost double over and puke.
"Hmm..." Mai hummed to herself as she adjusted her outfit as she looks at Yuki and Joey. Said outfit consisted of a white lace up crop top, matching purple jacket and mini skirt, and equally matching purple go-go boots.
"Kinda exciting, isn't it, Yuki?" Joey asked as he watched the water that was bellow the boat. He hadn't realized yet that his friend is sea sick though as he keeps watching the water.
"Yea, exciting..." Yuki mumbled as she was hiding her sea sickness behind her resting bitch face.
"Well. What do we have here?" Mai asked as she approached Yuki and Joey from her spot within the crowd.
"Huh?" Joey asked as he looked behind him, noticing Mai standing there behind him.
'Damn it, even she's got legs for days!' Yuki though out of jealousy as she noticed once again there was a beautiful girl who's taller than her.
"Wow." Joey said, his eyes wide as he looks at Mai with a blush on his face as he turns to face her.
"So, you're the Yuki kid everybody's talking about, huh?" Mai asked to see if her assumptions are correct when it comes to the short girl.
"Whoa! Check it out." Joey said as he still continues to look at Mai while blushing. Though he is ignored by said girl and is ignored by Yuki who was still trying not to throw up.
"But I'm amazed that a squirt like you could beat Kaiba." Mai said as she walked over and leaned down slightly to be at Yuki's height. This caused the sea sick girl to lean back slightly, feeling sea sick and claustrophobic now. "You're famous you know." Mai said which made Yuki frown even more than she already was.
"Thanks, I think..." Yuki said with a frown as she held her twisting and turning stomach.
"Hey, Miss, I'm a really good friend of the famous Yuki, the Master duelist. In fact-" Joey said as he still had a blush on his face and wanted some attention from Mai too.
"Look!" Mai said, cutting Joey off and making him and Yuki flinch as she looked at him. She was checking out the competition and didn't like to be interrupted. "You're either a champ or a chump. Cut this guy loose. He's fashion challenged and deserves to be crushed in the games." Mai said, causing Joey to sweat drop as they watch her walk away.
"Please, crush me." Joey said with a clenched fist raised and a dopey opened mouth closed eye smile on his face.
"I'll crush you all, eventually. The name's Mai." Mai said as she looked at Yuki and Joey over her shoulder once more before she kept walking.
"How arrogant!" Tea said from her hiding spot as she had watched this conversation happen. Prior to said conversation her, Tristan, and Yugi snuck out of the cargo container in need of fresh air. "There's nobody better at playing Duel Monsters than Yuki." Tea said in hidden defense of her friends honor as the duelist who beat Seto Kaiba.
"I agree, my sis is the best. She'll knock that lady down a few pegs, I know she will." Yugi said from his hiding spot that was in the middle of Tristan and Tea's hiding spots.
"Shh. Quiet. They'll hear you." Tristan said as he glanced back at Tea and Yugi. They had been watching all of the duelists go inside the building part of the ship.
"I don't care. She's still the best." Tea said with an annoyed look as she closes her eyes and turns her back to Tristan and Yugi.
Inside the building part of the boat was the rooms that the contestants would be in for the night as the boats head to Duelist Kingdom. Much to Yuki's shock there were no private rooms, but at least there was a section for girls to stay in and a section for boys to stay in. So its not like they will be forced to sleep together, but she would have hoped that there would be at least some private rooms available for some people. Not that she was complaining or anything like that, the close quarters reminded her of summer camp, so sleeping in another area with other girls wouldn't be too bad. If only Joey would shut up long enough to get settled in, and then she'd be free to wallow in sea sick the universe is showing her no mercy and in the form of her friend starting shit once again. At times like this she wished her friend had a mute button, it'd certainly keep him out of trouble. It would also give the grumpy and sick girl a much needed break from getting him to think before he speaks.
"Hey, is this a joke or what? This is a luxury cruiser. I know you got better rooms somewhere." Joey said to one of the guys in suits that he had found to complain too. All while a tired Yuki, with even worse sea sickness now that their farther out at sea, tries to get him to stop.
"You again? We cut you a break, and now you're causing trouble?" The one man from before said as he came into the room to see what was going on. Now both him and the guy that Joey was complaining too were restraining him once again.
"Do you want to get thrown out of here?" The second guy asks as they kept a good hold on a struggling Joey.
'Man, all I wanted to do was get Joey settled in and then find a quiet corner to lie down. At this rate I'll never be able to get control of my sea sickness...' Yuki thought as two guys passed her talking about getting food. That comment wasn't helping as she was just one straw away before the camels back is broken and then its puke city for her.
"Huh? Hey, aren't you that kid, Yuki?" Weevil asked as he walked up to stand next to an amused Rex Raptor. Said dino duelist was watching this scene in amusement as he had been there since Joey started complaining.
"Yea, what's it to ya? Wait, you're..." Yuki said as she trailed off whilst looking at Weevil and Rex. Mostly because she was to sea sick to talk for too long and because she didn't expect to run into the Regional champ and the runner up on the boat.
"Weevil and Rex, the dino duelist." Joey said as him and the goons restraining him noticed said boys.
"Heh. You're wasting your time with those guys. The private rooms only go to finalists from the last championship, like us, and for the babes we decide to let in the room." Rex said with a smirk as it meant he got a room to himself. The part about babe's was directed at Yuki, since her outfit made her look sexy in his mind, as said girl cringes.
"No shit Sherlock, and keep the "babes" comment to yourself." Yuki said as she glanced at Rex, passing off her disgust as, well, disgust. This caused the dino duelist to grumble and glare slightly. "By the by, congrats on winning, Weevil." Yuki said as she glanced over at said Regional champion and resident bug duelist.