Random Talk: I just noticed I've been giving Quatre a lot of lines. I don't mean to, it's just he plays a key role in the beginning of the story. It's just weird for me since I tend to focus on my top three favorite characters in a series.

"speak" person A talking to person B (same people as past chapters)

"speak" person B talking to person A (same people as past chapters)

Chapter 4

Ghost of the Past

The flight to Neo Domino was rather uneventful for the former Gundam pilots. The same couldn't be said to the other passengers who had to deal with them. No one dare complain after one look at Heero. At least everyone survived a sugar-high Duo during the long flight.

It was decided to leave the next day for Japan since Trowa, Wufei, and Zechs had Preventer business in Neo Domino City. They were to look into a group called the Neo Rare Hunters and see what their plans were. Why they were assigned such a task was unknown. The group was only interested in collecting rare Duel Monsters cards. But Heero had a different opinion.

They were in their hotel room, talking about the mission. Every time someone mentioned Rare Hunters, Heero's eyes would flash. Everyone noticed this, but couldn't figure out why Heero reacted that way. It was when Wufei mentioned that the group could just be some street thugs and weren't as dangerous enough that three ex-Gundam pilots were needed that Heero put in his two cents.

"They'll stop at nothing to achieve their goal," Heero said, "even murder."

"Just for a card game?" Duo asked. "Really, Heero, murder might be a little extreme."

"Duel Monsters is more then a game," Heero replied. "There is a dark history behind it not many know, even back then."

"Then how do you know?" Zechs asked. "Supposedly they were in the first Battle City, but not much is known about them. (1) Now you are saying all this is more then just a game."

"Long story. I'll explain later."

Everyone reluctantly dropped it, but still kept what they learned in their mind. Duo glanced at Quatre, knowing that the blond was making connections to what has been going on. He had to admit, Quatre might have been on the right track with Heero. How much did Heero really know?

"I'll be off now," Quatre said as he got his briefcase. "Remember, I have my cell phone turned on. You know the name of the café I'm going to, just in case of emergency."

"Alright, mother!" Duo yelled sarcastically. "Heero and I'll be fine. We're just going to Kaiba Manor since Kame Game Shop is off-limits today."

"Sorry. You know the café where my meeting is taking place is nearby there. We can stop by there tomorrow."

"Go," Heero said. "You will be late."

Quatre nodded as he walked out of the door. It was decided since he left sooner then planned; the meeting with the head of Industrial Illusions was that day. Instead of meeting at Industrial Illusion's Japan office, they were going to meet at a small café. Why a high profile would want to meet in a public place was beyond Quatre. The only request was that Quatre would dress in casual clothes so he wouldn't attract attention.

"You're getting better, kid!" a man with a street accent said in Japanese. "You might even live up to your name!"

For some odd reason, Quatre looked to where the voice came from. Joseph Wheeler stood in front of an old shop talking to a kid with spiky, tri-colored hair. The sign near the door said Kame Game Shop.

"Thanks, mister!" the kid said beaming. His violet eyes were shining with pride. "I'm gonna be the King of Games!"

Joseph laughed and rubbed the kid's hair. Just as soon as he said his goodbyes with the kid, he noticed Quatre standing a few feet a way, amused with the scene before him.

"Mr. Wheeler, I see you come here often," Quatre said.

"Long story," Joseph said. "We better get to the café before the crowd starts to come."

Quatre nodded and followed Joseph to the café. There, they grabbed a table and place their order with the waitress. An awkward silence came between the two.

"Care to explain why you're here instead of your boss?" Quatre asked after a few minutes.

"Well, I kinda lied about a few things," Joseph said.

"I figured as much," Quatre said. It was obvious now who the man in front of him really was. "I will not question why you left out your role in the company."

"There's that. But there's more than that. See, my name isn't really Joseph Wheeler. I use that so people will leave me alone. I just wasn't ready to deal with reality."

"What do you mean?"

"It's a long, long story that would be better for another day. I will tell you this. My real name is Katsuya Jonouchi. And yes, I am the same one who was the number three duelist in the world centuries ago."

"You've got to see this, Heero!" Duo exclaimed as he dashed to display case that held a prototype of the Duel Disk. "This Kaiba fella was pretty advanced for his time to come up with this!"

"Hn…" Heero replied, no where near Duo. Instead, he stood in front of a painting.

"Aw, come on Hee-chan! You can't stay there the whole time!"

"Go on," Heero said. "I'll catch up later." Duo sighed, knowing dragging Heero would do no good this time. He walked off to some other area, leaving Heero by himself.

Heero continued to stare at the painting, his eyes slowly filled with sadness. The painting was of two boys, one teenager and one child. Both wore identical white and gold Chinese-styled outfits. The teen had neat brown hair and piercing blue eyes, his face in a slight smirk that gave off an air of power. The younger had an innocent look with his long black hair styled in a messy manner and grey eyes showed happiness.

"Mokuba," Heero whispered before turning away, heading towards where Duo went.

It was at Kaiba's trophy room where Heero found his boyfriend. He expected Duo to be admiring all the different awards the young CEO acquired for different tournaments. Instead, Duo stared at a portrait of Seto Kaiba in interest.

"Hey, Heero," Duo said as soon as he sensed his lover. "If his hair was styled more like yours, you two could have been twins."

"We could be related," Heero said. "I could be a descendent of him or his brother."

"That would be so cool, wouldn't it?" Duo asked.

"Hn…"

Quatre stared in shock about what Joseph, now Jonouchi, just revealed. The person in charge of the revival of Duel Monsters was in fact one of the Great Duelists. How was it even possible considering cryogenics was only perfected at the start of the After Colony system? It was Jonouchi's laugh that brought Quatre back to the present.

"Sorry, that must have been a shock," Jonouchi said. "I know what you're thinking. The truth is that the technology for cryogenics was available back in my time, but no one knew if it would work. We couldn't wait to test it since lives where on the line. As you can see, it worked. Thank god Mokuba took control of that project. That kid was smarter then he let on."

"Amazing!" Quatre exclaimed softly.

"I know," Jonouchi said laughing once more. "I think we should get down to why we are here. You have the blue prints of the Duel Disks and control over Kaiba Corp. You said that you could have enough systems before the tournament. Am I correct?"

"That's right, Mr. Jonouchi," Quatre said as he switched to business mode.

"Please, call me Jonouchi. You remind me too much of my friend. Act pretty much the same way. Better yet, you can call me Jonouchi-kun. (2) It would feel like the old days."

"Uh, o-okay!" Quatre stuttered in surprise. "I was wondering how many duelists you are expecting for the tournament. That way I know the minimum amount needed."

"We'll have a better idea in three months," Jonouchi answered, "since that is when the cut-off date is for having enough points to enter. We're expecting more people trying to qualify after next week."

"May I ask why, Mr., I mean, Jonouchi-kun?"

"I'm sure you know about Rare Hunters by now. I believe some of your friends are looking into them as we speak."

"How did you-" Quatre started to say, wondering what was really going on, before Jonouchi interrupted.

"The original Rare Hunters were disbanded back in the first Battle City after Yuugi Mouto defeated Malik Ishtar in the finals. Recently, I have gotten word that they're back and more dangerous then before. I don't know what they are up to, but I know it could mean trouble. I informed Lady Une about this and why it could cause trouble."

"Then why do you think they would enter your tournament? It is not required for the loser to forfeit their rarest card to the winner... Unless it is the prize they are after."

"I can see why they call you the modern Seto Kaiba. Only you have a better personality. Even when you say something obvious, you still sound smart as all hell," Jonouchi laughed. He took out a deck of old Duel Monster cards from his jacket. "Next week, we will be announcing the grand prize. This is a one of a kind deck that had only one owner. There is only one person who could use it like it was meant to be. I have no doubt that person will win, but the Rare Hunters still pose a threat. Here, take a look."

Jonouchi passed the old cards to Quatre. At first glance, the cards looked well used, yet still in very good condition. Quatre flipped the first card to examine it closer. He gasped when he realized what was in his hands.

"This is…" Quatre whispered, completely lost for words. "Is this actually…"

"It's the real deal," Jonouchi said as he drank some of the coffee he ordered. "That is Seto Kaiba's deck. Those are the same exact cards he used. That is his Blue Eyes White Dragon you hold in your hand."

"You are more quiet then usual."

"…"

"I don't like it. It was a bad idea to go there today."

"It wasn't that. Not completely. It's just today is…"

"Right, I remember. We can still go. We just need to drop Duo off."

"He can come if he wants. I'm sure he's hungry."

"Are you suggesting we ignore Quatre's orders and go straight there?"

"I want… To see him…"

"Thanks for meeting me here," Jonouchi said. "I hate coming here alone this time of year. You know, they rebuilt this café a few years ago. When I first came here, it was a convenient store."

"I guess this place is special to you," Quatre said.

"More then you realize. I better return to the office. Taylor starts to worry about me when I don't tell him where I went. Man, he's a sissy compared to his ancestor. Then again, I think he has an idea where I am."

"Something tells me I don't want to hear the full story."

"It's one of those things that you have to be there to actually understand the whole story. You can stay here for while. The people keep a tab for me since I come here often and they know I'm picking up your bill."

"That isn't necessary!" Quatre said while jumping up from his seat. "I mean, I just couldn't accept it. No offence or anything."

"I understand and insist I pay. It was my idea. Take care, kid. I'll see you soon."

Jonouchi walked away before Quatre could say anymore. He sighed and sat back down, thinking about everything Jonouchi told him. He was so wrapped up in his thoughts, he never noticed what was happening outside.

As soon as Jonouchi was out of the doorway of the café, he ran into someone. This caused what looked like a teenage girl and the person she was with to fall down. Being the gentleman he was, he tried to help out right away.

"I'm so sorry ma'am," he said. "I didn't see you there. Are you alright?"

"What did you just call me?" the "girl", now identified as a boy, yelled. "Why does everyone think I'm a girl because of the hair!"

"Duo," the other teen warned. He stood up and helped the other stand as well. They both looked at Jonouchi. The one named Duo was mad while the other's face was neutral. Yet, there was something hidden in his expression.

"Sorry!" Jonouchi said. "My first impression was that you were a girl. Don't get me wrong, I know a few guys with long hair. Look, here's ten bucks. Get something for you and your friend as my way of apologizing."

"Really? Sweet!" Duo said. "Come on, Heero! I want my hot coco!"

"Sure," Heero said. He followed Duo in, keeping one eye on Jonouchi. In return, Jonouchi watched him for a few seconds before giving him a smirk as he walked away.

"Heero?" Duo said with concern. "Something wrong? You recognize him?"

"No…" Heero answered quietly. "Just saw a ghost from the past."

Elsewhere, Jonouchi got into his car. After a few seconds of just sitting there, he burst into laughter. Thankfully, he decided to drive himself instead of taking a limo. It was typically a bad idea to give your employees of any kind any notions you weren't sane.

"You can change your look," Jonouchi said to himself. "You can change your name. But I'll always know it's you."

TBC

(1) According to GX, there was a second Battle City that took place between the first and when the series ended. At least, that is from what I can gather from Janime.

(2) Yuugi, being the polite teen he is, uses honorifics, like -kun and -chan. So, Jonouchi is saying that Quatre reminded him of Yuugi.

Random talk: If you haven't noticed by now, there will be people who associate Quatre with Yuugi besides Kaiba. It just makes my job easier when having characters from Yu-Gi-Oh interacting with him. Kinda…

Rubi-chan, over and out!