Yu-Gi-Oh! Fan Fiction ❯ Dueling Love ❯ Shy Mystery Part 2 ( Chapter 3 )

Disclaimer: I do not own Yu-Gi-Oh. So you can't sue me! If you think you can then bite me! On with the story…

Dueling Love

Shy Mystery Part 2

"So what do you think we should do for our 3D model?" asked Yugi as he sat down with his research book. He waited for an answer as he glanced though the book's content. When she did not speak, he looked over where she sat in silence. "Hello? Did you hear me, Annaara?"

"Yes, I did," she replied in her ever soft voice.

"So what do you think we should do for this project? Any ideas, thoughts, whatever…" Yugi trailed off, seeing that he wasn't going to get anywhere. He sighed and stared at her. Without thinking, he asked, "Is there something wrong, Annaara?" She looked over at him, a questioning look crossing her fair face.

"What do you mean?"

"I mean is this something that is upsetting you? We've noticed how you flinch when we make any physical contact or how you never seem to look at us directly. We're a little worried about you."

"Why would you worry about me?"

"Because we are your friends, Annaara," Yugi stated gently. "And friends watch out for each other." He gazed at his friend while she pondered at what he just said. His words had left her at a loss, as she had never before had someone other then her parents worry about her, let alone a friend. The answer to the question of what was keeping her silent was one thing: her culture. Actually is more like her society's rules than anything else but it still affected her. Turning away from Yugi's gaze she answered, "It was the way I was brought up." Now it was Yugi that looked at her in confusion. Before he could ask, she continued. "In my old village, girls are raised to be quiet, obedient, and respectful. The men tell us what to do and all that. Not many women have many rights. If we were ever out of line, we got penalized."

"So that is why you are so meek, because that was how you had to act back home?" The Egyptian girl just nodded.

"By any chance," began Yugi, "is it required that you act like that outside your country, or at least outside of your home?"

"Well, I…" she trailed off, not sure what to say.

"Since this is a different country with different customs from the one you were raised in, maybe you could go with the flow here. You know, be open and do what you what to do. Try new things," suggested Yugi. Annaara suddenly looked a little uneasy. "Maybe we could work on this project tomorrow," she said then added quickly, "unless you wanted to get it started tonight." The other was already shaking his head.

"No, you head home. We'll catch up tomorrow," he said while standing up. Annaara to stood up and followed Yugi from the room. At the door, Yugi said his good nights and Annaara started home. When she arrived at home, she walked past her parents who were talking about something. But her mother, Antra, noticed her distracted mood. "Annaara, is something wrong?"

"Nothing, it's just that…well…I have been having some thoughts. Yugi mentioned how he and his friends are worried about my behavior. He says I should try to be more open. This place is so confusing. Women are treated differently than back home." She looked at her parents, hoping for some support. Her parents looked at each other then back at her.

"Well we are in another country with diverse customs. I at least think you should go more with their way then ours a little. You've seen how your mother is going out of her usual range to fit in. That fact is that we are here to stay and we might as well act the way we want to. Just remember to keep some of the basics while at home," her father explained clearly.

"So I should try new things and be like them?" asked Annaara.

"If you feel like it and don't get in trouble," Antra said. "By the way, who is Yugi? You have failed to mention him."

"He is this one boy I'm partners with and recently he and his friends have been accepting me as part of their group."

"Good to know you finally have some friends. Maybe you could invite Yugi over for dinner sometime," suggested Mr. Neferti.

"I'll think about it."

The next morning Annaara met the guys at school like she nowadays did. She tried to converse a little more with them. Unfortunately they talked about things that seemed beyond her. So instead, she just worked on not flinching at everyone's touch and on making more direct contact with them. Her studies became a little easier. Math was still a challenge for her. She decided to enlist in Yugi's help for that as well.

The next few days she tried to get more involved with their conversations. They mostly talked about Duel Monsters, a card game she wasn't familiar with. To be honest, she wasn't familiar with many of their games. She did understand some of what she heard. Like Yugi was the King of Games and one of Duel Monsters top champions. She asked some questions, trying to get more included. They always answered cheerfully.

Eventually she started to warm up to them. Unlike back home, these people were always respectful and helpful to each other. The only ones that hurt other people are bullies.

Yugi and the rest of the gang took her around town and showed her many things. They showed her the arcade, the park, the theater, the shops, and the other sights. One day Tea took her out on a girl only outing as she put it. The two had much fun. For the first time, Annaara felt happy and secure doing what she wanted. She had never smiled so much in her life. When they met up with the rest of the guys the next day, Annaara was just as thrilled. Things were starting to look up for her.