Yu-Gi-Oh! Fan Fiction ❯ Legacy of Seraph ❯ Chapter Seven ( Chapter 7 )

Legacy of Seraph

Chapter Seven

Yuan and the others walked into the Game Shop. "Hey, guys! Look who's here for dinner!"

Marik stepped forward. "Hello, Yugi and friends. It's good to see you."

"Marik!" Yugi exclaimed. "It's great to see you! What brings you back to Domino?"

"I wish to help fight the Westrams," Marik answered. "Yuan himself said that we need all of the help we can get, so I volunteered my services." Just then, they were interrupted by the television.

"We interrupt this program to give you a special broadcast," a television announcer said. "Here in the world broadcast studio with us today is the chief executive officer of the world renowned Kaiba Corporation, Seto Kaiba. Mr. Kaiba has an announcement to make to the world."

The camera shifted to focus on a well-dressed Seto Kaiba. "Greetings, people around the world, and especially duelists. I have a major announcement that will most likely change your plans for the next two months."

"All right!" Joey exclaimed. "He's tellin' da world about da Westrams!" Yuan, however, stayed focused on the TV, knowing what this was really about.

"Within the next few weeks, there will be a worldwide Duel Monsters tournament," Kaiba continued. "This tournament will be held in the city of New York beginning on Friday, July 18. Attendance will be optional except for those with championship titles. Those duelists will be required to come, as all championship titles will go on the line. To register, you can either go to your nearest KaibaCorp branch office building or you can register online at the KaibaCorp official Web site. All standard tournament rules will apply as set by the International League of Duel Monsters. I bid you farewell, and I hope to see all of you at the tournament." Then, the camera on Kaiba switched off.

"We now return you to your regularly scheduled program," came a voice from the TV.

Joey gritted his teeth. "OK, what is Kaiba plannin'? I know he's up to somethin'!"

"I know," Yuan said, looking down. "Kaiba told me in the airport. That's what he and I were talking about when Joey arrived. He told me that if I wanted, we would hold a memorial service for my father. His plan is to gather the best duelists in the world in a tournament. This will attract the Westrams like moths to a flame. I assume that's why he sought permission from the ILDM to put all championship titles on the line. Looks like I'm required to go, as I'm the Mid-Atlantic States champion."

"I guess my presence is required, also," Yugi said. "I'm one of two people who has been able to defeat Kaiba. The ILDM now recognizes me as the world champion."

"I guess dat leaves da two of us," Joey said, looking at Marik. "I guess we'd betta get goin' if we're gonna sign up." Marik nodded and the two left the Game Shop. Then, the phone rang. Yugi went over to answer it. "Moto Game Shop, Yugi speaking. How may I help you?"

"Yugi, this is Seto Kaiba," said the voice on the other side. "Is Yuan there?"

"Yes, he is," Yugi responded.

"Good," Kaiba said. "Put him on another phone so I can talk to both of you at once."

Yugi removed the phone from his ear. "Yuan, pick up on the other phone. It's Kaiba."

Yuan hurried off to grab the other phone. "Yuan here."

"Good," Kaiba responded. "Now listen up. In this tournament, use of the Egyptian God Cards will be strictly forbidden. That goes for both of you, and myself as well."

"All right," Yugi said. "That's fine by me."

"Sure," Yuan responded.

"Which reminds me," Kaiba said. "Yuan, did you succeed in activating The Winged Dragon of Ra?"

"Yes, I did," Yuan answered.

"Good. That's all I have to tell you. I'll be seeing you at the tournament." Kaiba hung up.

-7-

Before they knew it, it was time for Yugi, Joey, Yuan, Marik, Tristan, Duke, Tea, and Serenity (Odion opted to stay behind with Ishizu) to head to New York. They all went to Domino Airport and took Artis's private jet to New York. When they arrived at the John F. Kennedy International Airport, they found a surprise waiting for them.

"Professor Hawkins!" Yugi exclaimed in surprise. "What are you doing here?"

"Hello to you, too, Yugi," Prof. Hawkins said. "Your grandfather informed me that you would be coming in here, so I decided to greet you all."

Yuan entered the waiting area, and upon seeing the esteemed professor, walked up to him and shook his hand. "Hey, Professor! Long time no see!"

Yugi turned to look at Yuan, surprised. "You mean you know this man?"

"Of course!" Yuan responded. "He is not only a good friend of my father, he also taught my father when he was in college!"

"So, where's Rebecca?" Yugi asked.

"Oh, she went off to use the little girls' room," Prof. Hawkins responded. "Speak of the devil, there she is! Rebecca! Over here!"

Rebecca jogged up to her grandfather. She was wearing half-moon glasses, and her hair was down. She wore a school uniform consisting of a pink jacket and a blue skirt. "Yes, Grandpa?" she asked.

"Look who's here, Rebecca!" Prof. Hawkins responded. Rebecca turned to where her grandfather was facing.

"EEK!" Rebecca dashed forward and latched herself around Yugi's neck. "Oh, I've missed you, sweetie!" She planted a kiss on Yugi's cheek as the boy blushed furiously. Yuan looked over and noticed that Tea was standing with her hands balled into fists and a twitching eyebrow.

Rebecca detached herself from Yugi and looked at Yuan. "Who is he?" she asked.

"Rebecca, please be a little more polite," Prof. Hawkins said. "This is Yuan McCann, the son of Charles McCann."

"Charles McCann the duelist?" Rebecca asked. "The guy that you taught all those years ago?" The girl walked up to Yuan and looked him up and down. She then turned away and started giggling.

Yuan gave an exasperated sigh. Oh, great. "So, what are you guys doing in New York?"

"Rebecca's here to enter the tournament," Prof. Hawkins responded.

"Yep!" Rebecca said. "I'm the United States champion!"

Yuan smirked. "Well, you'd better not get used to having that title much longer," he said.

"Oh, and who's gonna take it away from me?" Rebecca demanded. "You? Ha! Don't count on it!"

Joey grinned. "Ooh, told off by a kid! Dat's embarrassing."

"I'm not a kid!" Rebecca shouted. "I'm a woman now!"

"You have yet to see me duel, Rebecca," Yuan said.

"I could say the same about you," Rebecca shot back.

"True, but I'll get my chance to watch you," Yuan said.

"Hey, where are we stayin'?" Joey interrupted. "I gotta unpack, and besides, I'm hungry!"

"Joey, are you ever not hungry?" Tea asked.

"I dunno," Joey answered. "Maybe when I sleep, but I can't really tell then."

Yuan rummaged through his carry-on case and pulled out a slip of paper. "Well, according to this, we're staying at the Deluxe Grand Hotel. Uncle Artis is paying for four top-floor suites. That means two people per suite."

Yugi turned to Joey. "Hey Joey, you want to share a room with me?"

Joey grinned. "Of course, Yug!'

"I'll share a room with Serenity!" Tristan exclaimed.

"No, you're not, 'cause I am!" Duke responded.

"Can it, both of ya!" Joey shouted. "Da girls room together, understood?"

"Sorry to impose, Tea," Serenity said.

Tea smiled. "Oh, it's quite all right," she said. "I was going to ask you to share a room with me, anyway."

Yuan looked at Marik at the same moment Marik looked at Yuan. "Share a room?" Yuan asked.

"Sure, why not," Marik responded.

"So that leaves me with . . ." Tristan said. He then looked at Duke. "Aw, man . . ."

-7-

A stretch limousine pulled out in front of the airport. The chauffeur stepped out and looked at a slip of paper. "McCann, party of eight?"

"That's us," Yuan said.

"Very well," the chauffeur responded. "My name is James. I'll be your chauffeur for the duration of your trip." He took their personal belongings and put them away. He then opened the door and motioned for them to get in. Quick as a flash, Tea dashed in and scrambled over to the window. Yuan looked confused, but shrugged his shoulders as he got in the limo after Tea.

-7-

"So, Yuan, what is this Deluxe Grand Hotel like?" Yugi asked.

Yuan shrugged. "I don't know. From what I hear, though, it is the most exquisite hotel in the entire city. From what I understand, there will be a reception later this evening in the ballroom there."

While they were talking, Tea was taking in every minute detail of the city. "I can't believe it!" she squealed. "I can't believe I'm actually in the Big Apple!"

Yuan leaned over to Yugi's ear. "What's with her?" he whispered.

"Don't worry about her," Yugi said. "Ever since she was little, she has wanted to become a Broadway dancer."

Tea spun around to face Yuan. "Yuan! Let's catch a show on Broadway!"

"A show?" Yuan repeated. "You need to get the tickets in advance. It's not like you can go up and grab a few tickets like you do at the movies. Besides, Broadway tickets are expensive. How would you pay for them?"

"Your treat!" Tea exclaimed.

"What? No way!" Yuan responded as his face turned white. "Not on my debit card! I need that for college supplies!"

Tea looked at him with a puzzled expression. "Debit card? Why would you use that? Don't you have a credit card?"

Yuan shook his head. "Nope, and I never will get one."

This revelation shocked Tea beyond belief. "You're not getting a credit card? How do you expect to get through life?"

"I don't think I could get through life with a credit card," Yuan answered. "I hate being in financial debt. Oh, look, we're at the hotel!"

The limousine stopped in front and James got out to unload the bags. "Man, dis place is huge," Joey said in awe as he looked up. "And we're supposed to be on da top floor, huh?"

"Yeah," Yuan responded. "This hotel has thirty floors, an indoor pool, a hot tub, a weight training area, a gourmet restaurant, a grand ballroom, and a casino. You have to be 21 to enter the casino, though." A pair of bellhops came out with luggage carts and took their luggage.

Yuan, Yugi, and friends followed the bellhops into the lobby. As they entered, they heard a familiar voice: "Well, this is a pleasant surprise."

Yugi turned in the direction of the voice. "Hey! It's Mai!"

Joey ran up to Mai. "Hey, Mai! Long time no see!"

Mai smiled. "It's good to see you too, Joey." She then looked over the group. "I see the whole gang is here, with two new additions. I recognize Marik, but who's the other guy?"

Yuan walked up, got down on one knee, took Mai's hand, and kissed it. "My name is Yuan McCann, Miss . . ."

Mai pulled her hand back. "It's Mai Valentine. And please don't try to be so gentlemanly around me. I hate that."

Yuan got up. Ouch. Rejected right off the bat.

"So, I assume you guys are here to enter the tournament, correct?" Mai asked.

Yugi nodded. "Yeah, we are. Joey, Marik, Yuan, and myself will all be participating."

"Just like old times, huh?" Mai commented. She then looked at Yuan. "So you duel, too? Are you any good?"

Yuan's eyes widened. "Well, if I wasn't, my late father probably would have tried to disown me years ago."

"Yuan's father is Charles McCann," Yugi said.

Now it was Mai's turn to be surprised. "You're Mr. 8000's son? Why didn't you say so sooner?"

"I thought you had it figured out," Yuan responded. "I guess I was wrong. My apologies.

"Well, we had better go check in. Nice to meet you, Mai."

-7-

Yuan opened the door to his and Marik's room. As they walked in, they noticed a ceramic-tile floored bathroom with a hot tub and a large counter. On the opposite side of the bathroom was a miniature kitchen area, complete with counter, full-sized refrigerator, oven, and dishwasher, and there were two king-sized beds in the largest room with a television opposite them. Yuan set his luggage next to the bed nearest the window and flopped down on it, kicking off his boots. He then pulled out a small case and set it on the night stand. Taking a pair of contact lenses out of his eyes, he said, "Marik, I'm going to take a nap. The reception begins at 8:00. If I'm not awake by 7:00, wake me up, all right?"

Marik nodded. "I understand."

Yuan smiled. "Thanks." He then rolled over onto his side, rested his head on a pillow, and shut his eyes.