Yu-Gi-Oh! Fan Fiction ❯ Yugioh The College Years: The Different Story ❯ Chapter 10
[ T - Teen: Not suitable for readers under 13 ]
By: Yuugi Motoh 
Anime/Manga: Yu-Gi-Oh! Fan Fiction | Genre(s): Supernatural / Adventure / Action | Type: Alternate Universe | Uploaded On: 01.28.2006 | Pages: 7 | Words: 10.3K | Visits: 261 | Status: Work In Progress
Anime/Manga: Yu-Gi-Oh! Fan Fiction | Genre(s): Supernatural / Adventure / Action | Type: Alternate Universe | Uploaded On: 01.28.2006 | Pages: 7 | Words: 10.3K | Visits: 261 | Status: Work In Progress
CHAPTER TEN
"Pharoah, I've got an idea."
'Indeed. Aside from how nice Tèa looks in her leotard?'
"Oh SHUT UP!" Yugi blushed furiously. "I'm trying to be serious here!"
'I apologize, young one. Tell me.'
"I've been wondering how we could get a line on what Diaz is planning next, and I THINK I know who can tell us. Ishizu."
'Ishizu...' Yami pondered. 'The Millenium Necklace. You wish her to use it?'
"Yeah. I know she gave it to us at Battle City, but I'm not really sure how it works." Yugi tapped the Puzzle. "Besides, I think one at a time is enough, don't you?"
'That is probably a wise decision. But, Yugi, how do we contact Ishizu? True enough, she is the Director of the Antiquities Department at the Museum of Cairo. Getting a message to her there is not particularly difficult. Her duties will most likely not permit her to join us for some few days at best.'
"I know. I don't think we have to know right this minute, though. A week or two, or three, shouldn't be any pro--" Yugi broke off as the doorbell rang. "I wonder who that is?"
A minute or two later Bakura's voice echoed down the hall. "Er, Yugi?... You, ah, have visitors."
"Huh?"
"And unless I miss my guess, they've come quite a ways..." Bakura stepped aside, letting the two people behind him walk into the living room: a young man and a young woman, the woman the older of the two. The woman was clad in a flowing white robe, and her long dark hair was held back by a gold headband with a single emerald that rested just above her brows. The boy was blond, also clad in flowing clothing, with a golden necklace and bracelets. Both of them were a warm tanned color.
Stopping just within the door, both folded their hands in front of them and bowed to Yugi. "Pharoah," the young woman said, voice soft and respectful. "As you wished, so we have come."
"Ishizu." Yugi nodded. "But, but how did..?"
Ishizu smiled a little as she straightened. "Although I no longer hold the Millenium Necklace, my Pharoah, I am still sensitive to the mystic world. I sensed a great disturbance some little while ago, and, fearing for your safety, began to make arrangements to pay you a visit when I found out from your grandfather that you were no longer living in Domino."
"Everything's settled now," Yugi said firmly. "Everyone here IS my friend."
"Indeed." Ishizu favored Bakura with a long look. "Fate works in mysterious ways. However, I'm glad to hear this. --How may my brother and I be of service to you?"
"We've got a new problem... a new enemy, by the name of Diaz. He seems to know a LOT about the Millenium Items, AND about Yami and myself," Yugi explained. "I know it's a terrible burden to ask anyone to carry, but I know you understand the responsibility. Will you take back the Millenium Necklace, and use it to help us? Its power to sometimes foresee the future might let us know where Diaz is going to be next."
Ishizu looked down. Then she turned, looking at the boy beside her. "Marik, my brother... what do you think?"
"Ishizu, it's our duty. More than that, we owe the Pharoah everything." Marik looked at Yugi. "I know you never asked anything of me, but I've always felt that there should be SOMETHING we could do to thank you. You fought for my sake just as much as you fought for the lives of everyone here... Yes. Yes sister, if there's anything we can do, I think it's right for us to do it."
Ishizu nodded once. "Very well. --Yes, my Pharoah. I will take back the care of the Millenium Necklace, and use it in your service."
Yugi also nodded, then closed his eyes. The symbol on the Millenium Puzzle lit up, there and gone in a heartbeat, in a blink-- but the person who opened violet eyes to regard Marik and Ishizu was Yugi Motoh no more.
Both of them promptly sank down onto one knee each, bowing their heads in reverence.
"Don't kneel to me," Yami said softly. "I do not wish slaves to bow at my whim; I want friends, to walk the road of Destiny with me."
"Forgive us, Pharoah," Ishizu said, standing. "It was respect only."
"Mm." Yami permitted himself a smile. Reaching out into thin air that blackened into a pool of shadows at his gesture, he withdrew from the darkness a gleaming golden choker, which he handed to Ishizu. She clasped it about her throat and touched the Eye symbol in the centerpiece of the necklace briefly. "It will take me a little while to reaquaint myself with the powers of the Necklace," she said. "May my brother and I remain here during that time?"
"By all means." Yami gestured upstairs. "Use my room."
As Ishizu and Marik departed, Bakura folded his arms, a shadow passing over his features. "And what of the Millenium Rod?" he demanded suddenly, in a very different voice.
"What of it, Ba-Khu'ra?"
"Do you intend to return it to Marik Ishtar?"
"No. He was never its true owner to begin with, and I do not wish him to carry its burden again."
"Or fall under its temptation again?"
Yami favored Ba-Khu'ra with a long look. "It would not happen."
"Even the best of men can be corrupted, Pharoah, given the right circumstances and price. --Still, better to leave it where it is, I agree. Until and unless Seto Kaiba comes round. Which I quite doubt he ever will."
"I haven't given up hope that Kaiba will realize his errors. He might yet turn from the cold, lonely road he creates for himself and accept our friendship."
Ba-Khu'ra made a short derisive noise. "As soon expect the Great Sphinx to arise from the sands and begin to dance."
"Stranger things have happened."
"Such as?"
Yami gave Ba-Khu'ra a wicked smile. "Such as you and I being civil to one another, or agreeing on anything."
"Ha! Well struck." The Thief paused, studying Yami. "You're uneasy."
"Is it so obvious?"
"To me? Yes. But then it was--is-- my business, among other things, to be able to guess at a man's moods by the stance of his body. And yours speaks to me of worry."
"Turn that gaze on yourself, Thief, and tell me what you see."
"Pah." Ba-Khu'ra turned away, folding his arms.
Yami only waited.
"...Perhaps," Ba-Khu'ra said at last. "I find I enjoy this new world, this future time. I do not wish to leave it. Nor do I wish my light half to leave it too quickly. And I do... I do think I understand what Ishizu meant. It seems almost as if I feel a great darkness looming, like a storm, moving so subtly that you don't realize the speed with which it's coming until it's atop you."
"As do I. " Yami looked thoughtfully down the hall. "We will all be tested. Let us hope we will be ready when it comes."
"Yugi! YUUUGI!" Joey pounded into the room. "I--Oh. Uh. Pharoah. Did'ja know we got--"
"Visitors, yes. Thank you, Joey. Ishizu and her brother are here at my request. --Actually, that's not entirely true; they arrived before I had time to contact them."
"Whoa, dat's pretty good. You'd be a real winner at cocktail parties with dat trick." Joey waved a hand at Yami's scowl. "Sorry, wasn't dissin' ya. So what's up? Dose two don't exactly show up f'r tea an' crumpets."
"Yugi wanted to ask Ishizu's advice, but it seems Ishizu already felt she would be needed. She said she sensed a disturbance-- most likely Yugi's kidnapping-- and made arrangements to visit us at her earliest opportunity." Yami turned his gaze towards the ceiling. "Now we await what the Millenium Necklace may reveal. Would you ask everyone to gather here, in the living room, while we wait?"
"Sure t'ing."
A little over an hour later Ishizu re-appeared, bowing slightly as she entered. "I'm glad to see you all here," she said. "I only wish that it were under different circumstances. It seems sad, somehow, that only tribulation should bring us together."
"Does everybody in Egypt swallow a thesarus at birth?" muttered Tristan. "Man, stick around here long enough, you'll have enough ten-dollar words to choke a horse."
Tèa elbowed him in the ribs. "Tristan, cut it out! That's really snotty of you. I think it sounds elegant."
"Sorry, sorry."
"In any event, I believe I have the information you seek," Ishizu continued. "I have seen visions of another great tournament. I believe Kaiba is already planning it, in order to compensate for the failure of his copy of Duelist Kingdom.
"There were cliffs and rock outcroppings of many different hues, washed in sunlight, and great stark plains on which little grew. At first I thought it was somewhere in Egypt, but nowhere in the deserts I know has such stone formations. I do believe it to be somewhere desert-like, though." She closed her eyes, as if the better to recapture the vision. "It will be soon, very soon. I could feel most clearly Kaiba's impatience to begin. He wishes to match himself to you once more, Pharoah. He still cannot accept his destiny is tied irrevocably to yours, despite all he's seen and heard.
"I sense, too, a gathering darkness, above and beyond this man you call 'Diaz'. There is someone standing behind him. He does not act alone. And whatever lies in that darkness is more terrible than anything I've ever felt. You must be very careful, Pharoah. This may be your greatest challange yet, for Diaz wil surely take this chance to cross paths with you again." She bowed her head. "At... at first.. I believed Yugi Motoh's destiny was to return you to the world of the dead, Pharoah. That after he had faced all the challanges Fate had in store, he would set your spirit free so that it might at last rest. So my family has believed for centuries, and we have awaited the coming of the one who would solve the Millenium Puzzle with eagerness.
"I no longer believe that. There is some greater destiny awaiting you both, you and little Yugi. I feel it descending, and it makes me tremble, though I cannot honestly tell you if I shiver with fear or joy. Perhaps a little of both." Ishizu looked up, dark eyes wide and troubled. "Whatever happens, Pharoah, please, do not doubt that whatever service I and Marik may be to you and your friends, you have only to call upon us. As he said earlier, we owe you everything. I can never truly express my gratitude to you for giving me back my brother."
"Thank you, Ishizu." Yami inclined his head. "I appreciate your offer, and if I have need, you may rest assured I will call upon you. You are my trusted allies, you and Marik both. If what you say is true, I will have need of all the friends I can muster."
"Desert," Tristan mused. "Rocks of many hues.... sounds like somewhere out West. Arizona, maybe, or New Mexico-- real cowboy territory. But what Kaiba'd be doing out there is anyone's guess. I thought he was more into high-tech."
"Kaiba has always been a master showman," Ba-Khu'ra interjected. "He wishes his tournaments to be grand events, unforgettable spectacles unlike anything else that's ever happened. After all, he was the one who made an entire city his Dueling ground, now didn't he?"
"Yeah, you got a point. Suppose we won't know until he actually sends out the invitations."
"If it pleases the Pharoah," Ishizu said, "there are several museums in America I've been meaning to visit, in order to arrange an exchange of exhibits. If I take advantage of my leave of absence from Cairo to do that now, it would allow me to be close at hand if I'm needed."
"That might be a prudent idea, Ishizu. I agree." Yami nodded.
"By your leave, then, Marik and I will go book a room at a hotel briefly while we make our travel arrangements." With another bow Ishizu and Marik took their leave.
The very next day the Federal Express package with the plane tickets arrived. All expenses paid, for everyone in the house. No note; none needed. The KaibaCorp return address was message enough.
*******
'Is it ALWAYS this cold here?!'
No, I think sometimes it's colder.
'....You ARE joking.'
Nope! Yugi flashed the spirit at his side a smile. See, look, it's here in the brochure. The statewide average high temperature in July is just over 60 degrees, while in January, a 20 degree high is the average.
Yami's jaw sagged slightly. 'Twenty... degrees.' He shook his head. 'Kaiba has gone insane.'
No, I don't think so. I think he just wants to show everyone up for the whole rest of the year. Yugi leaned on the glass of the airport window, looking out at the sky. I hope it snows again...
'I hope it DOESN'T. Once is enough. It's a pleasant experience for a few days.' Despite the fact he couldn't feel the temperature in his spirit form, Yami wrapped his arms around himself. 'Not as a lifestyle.'
I'm sorry. I keep forgetting you--we-- come from the desert. --Yami?
'Yes, young one?'
Do you think I'll ever remember... then?
'I don't know.' Yami reached out, put a translucent hand on his companion's shoulder, hearing the wistful tone of his thoughts. 'Perhaps neither of us ever will regain all our memories. It's been a very long time, Yugi. We have now, though. We have today, and tomorrow, to make new memories.'
Yeah, you're right. --Hey! Look! I think I see a helicopter! Turning, Yugi waved an arm at his friends. "Hey, everyone, I see something, it looks like a helicopter!"
"Oh, that sounds like Seto Kaiba's calling card all right," Tristan said.
"Actually, it's kind of practical this time," Yugi said. "The roads around Kirwin aren't especially good, and the weather in the winter makes them worse. So flying us at least part of the way there in a helicopter makes sense."
Bakura also walked over and peered out. "I daresay you're right, Yugi, I think I see a KaibaCorp logo on it."
A few moments later a uniformed man walked into the airport lounge area, consulted a small clipboard, then moved over to the group. "Mr. Yugi Motoh and party?" he asked. "I'm Paul, your pilot. If you folks will get your luggage and follow me, we'll get started. Let's see..." he counted heads, making checks on the paperwork he was holding. "Any of you folks know how to ride a horse?"
At the unanimous shaking of heads, Paul heaved a sigh. Wonder if Mr. Kaiba made a mistake and sent me to pick up the rodeo clowns instead of a bunch of Duellists. Ah, well, they're city folks, most of 'em, can't blame 'em for not knowing the whinny from the tail. "Well, folks, there's a reason I ask," he explained. "Round these parts some of the back roads and trails get pretty rough around the end of winter, start of spring. Most folks use horses if they're getting off the paved roads, which we are. Hasn't been a paved road, hell, a gravelled road-- pardon my French, miss-- up to Kirwin for, oh, must be pretty close to twenty, thirty years now.
"So Mr. Kaiba decided he was gonna build a tempr'ary helipad over near Kirwin and set up a stable there so's folks could ride into the town itself-- sort of help you get into the mood. Those of you that can ride, we've got some nice Morgans. Those that don't--" he grinned--"you're gonna get real well acquainted with the backside of a buckboard wagon. But don't worry none about the town itself. Mr. Kaiba's planned for that, the buildings are all snug and warm and most events are set f'r indoors. If the weather holds good, we DO have some outdoor events planned-- tours of the mines, rides out into the area around the town, a Wild West shootout show, that sorta thing. So if y'all wanna come along with me, we'll get started now. --Oh yeah, I almost f'rgot to mention. Anyone that wants to dress up Western-style, clothes'll be provided at your hotel rooms. You're all staying at the Silver Dollar, finest hotel in these parts." He winked. "Why most of the rooms even have hot n' cold running water! Most of the time that is. Just fetch the pipes a bang or two if the water don't come out, and you should be fine."
Tèa made a face. "I hope he was kidding about the pipes. And about the horses."
"Yeah." Tristan shouldered his bag. "Or at least that they're gonna be tolerant of us 'city slickers'. Closest I'VE ever been to a horse is the horsepower of a cycle engine."
"I'm sure it's going to be a LOT of fun," Yugi said, shouldering his bag.
"I wonder if they have English saddles..? I might just manage that, I think," Bakura commented as they all started trailing after the copter pilot.
The helicopter proved to be just large enough to accomodate them all, with a bit of squeezing for the luggage. Once all were aboard, Paul got in and started the engine. Soon they were airborne and headed southwest over rolling plains.
"To your right," Paul called over his shoulder as they flew, "you should begin seeing the edges of the Shoshone National Forest pretty soon. Kirwin's on the southeastern edge of that. Shoshone National Forest was set aside in 1891 as part of the Yellowstone Timberland Reserve, making the Shoshone the first national forest in the United States. It measures about 2.4 million acres, bordered on the west by Yellowstone National Park, and runs clear down from Montana, including parts of the Absaroka, Wind River and Beartooth mountain ranges."
"Wow..." Yugi said, nose all but flattened to the glass.
"Can't see it from here, but almost due south of Kirwin we've got the Wind River Indian Reservation. The Eastern Shoshone and Northern Arapaho tribes share the reservation, and it includes Fort Washakie, named after a famous Shoshone chief. The fort here was the only military outpost established to protect rather than fight the Indians, and was in service up till about 1909. Wind River's also home to the Roberts Episcopal Mission, which was established by Chief Washakie in the 1880's when he granted 160 acres of irrigated farm land to the Rev. John Roberts. There's also a cemetary in the reservation where Lewis and Clark's famous guide, Sacajawea, is said to be buried." Paul laughed. "Don't worry, folks, nobody's on the warpath this season. If we get some good weather, I understand there might be a daytrip over to the fort, so save back a few dollars if you get a chance to go."
About an hour later, as a mountain range loomed into sight, the helicopter circled a small cluster of buildings and gently dropped to a landing. "Here we go," Paul said. "This is where you get your boots on. Welcome to Wyoming, hope y'enjoy your stay."
As everyone disembarked, they saw an outside corral with several dark brown and black horses nosing about, cropping at the sparse grass or nibbling at bales of hay placed around the enclosure. The rear of the corral let into a large barn-like building, with a stall or two just visible from where the group was standing.
An older man with a fine handlebar mustache and salt-and-pepper hair, clad in a cowboy hat, duster, neck-scarf, denims and boots walked up, tipping his hat. "Mornin' folks," he said. "My name's Jake. I'll be your guide through these parts. Understand you're travellin' through from the East! Must be a mighty big change. You-all toss your kit up there in the wagon and make yourselves comfortable, if you ain't plannin' on riding, while me and the boys get some of these hosses saddled up."
"I say," Bakura said, excited, "this really IS turning out to be terribly interesting!" He turned and beamed at the rest of the group. "Think I look rather the dandy type, do you?"
"You sure ain't da faithful Indian guide," teased Joey. "Good ting dey ain't on da warpath, I bet Yuge here would be on the top'a somebody's scalping list!"
Yugi flung up his arms to shield his head, pretending to be afraid, then giggled. "I think I'll take the wa--" he stopped, then nodded. "On SECOND thought... I think I'll ride a horse."
Jake wandered back up about then, leading several horses. "Before we get started, you folks got any questions?" he asked.
"No, I think we've got the idea. But Yugi here wants to ri--" Tristan stopped as the figure beside him ran lightly forward and vaulted to the saddle of a horse. "Holy cow..."
"Would you care to ride with me, Tèa?" Yami extended a hand.
Tèa giggled and put her hand in his. "Why, shore thing, handsome stranger!" she drawled.
As the group made their way along, the light breeze which'd been blowing eased off, letting the sun warm them. The trail wound back and forth, wending its way gently upwards towards the side of a mountain that rose at a steep angle, still dotted here and there with patches of snow, at the base of which a few grey buildings could be seen past the trees.
At last the horses and wagon rounded a curve in the trail and Jake drew up. "Here we be," he said.
Lying on a small plateau at the foot of the mountains rested a town, with wood buildings everywhere. There were other people on horseback, on foot and in wagons or buggys moving up and down the streets, and a bunting banner hung over the main street proclaimed:
WELCOME TO KIRWIN!
Jake drove on into town, nodding to some people who raised their hands to wave a greeting or tipped their hats, and drew up in front of a grand old two-story building with two large wooden doors, each of which sported a half-pane of etched glass at the top bearing the design of a coin. "Silver Dollar," Jake announced. "Here's where you stop off. Sure hope you-all enjoy your stay. Just talk to Miss Ellen, inside, for your room reservations."
As the doors swung open, the sound of a piano playing merrily spilled out onto the early afternoon air. There was a smell of woodsmoke to go with it, and the sound of voices in conversation, with a laugh here and there. Through the door they could all see a short hall leading into a large open room set up something like a hotel reception area, with a large wooden desk in their immediate line of sight. A silver bell rested on one side of the desk, along with a large leather-bound book and a quill pen.
Behind the desk sat an older woman, 40-ish or so, with her hair pulled back into a bun which was held back by a Spanish design haircomb. Her dress was of light cream colored cloth with a white daisy pattern, sensibly buttoned at the collar and cuffs and falling in delicate straight lines down to a belted waist. The sheerest lace graced the cuffs. She was reading a book, which she closed and set aside as the door opened, standing to move around from behind the counter and step forward. "Good morning," she said, her voice flavored with just a tinge of a Bostonian accent. "Welcome to the Silver Dollar. I'm Ellen McGuire, the proprietor. Can I do something for you?"
"Yes, please, ma'am," Yugi said, leaning in. "We're from out of town and we'd like a room." He glanced around at the others. "Right?"
"Well, you've certainly come to the right place, young sir, and please, call me 'Miss Ellen'." She smiled. "Every time I hear 'ma'am' I start looking around for my Great-Aunt Felicity."
"Yes'm--uh-- Miss Ellen."
"Come on in then, and let's see what we have open." Miss Ellen moved back behind the desk and began to page through a smaller book, humming along with the piano. "Let me see here-- I have reservations for a Motoh party, from the East-- would that be you?"
"Yes, rather," said Bakura.
"You have the entire third floor." Ellen turned the register book around, dipped the quill into an inkwell, and handed it to Yugi. "If you'll all just sign in, I'll get your room keys. I know you've had a long ride from the train station over in Meeteetse, so you probably want to settle down for a bit. The rooms are a dollar a week, but that includes one meal here a day; breakfast, lunch or dinner, your choice. Breakfast is 6 in the morning, lunch's at high noon and dinner's at six in the evening. Kitchen and dining room to your left, saloon's to your right. Mind you, I run a quiet place, no rowdy drunks allowed, so if you make a nuisance of yourself you're like to find yourself sleeping on the sidewalks. But I'm sure you folks have better manners than that." She passed out a set of wrought iron keys, each of which was 3 or 4 inches long. "Please enjoy your stay!"
"Wonder if Peggy's gonna show up," Joey said as they moved upstairs. "You s'pose Kaiba invited him too?"
"I wouldn't put it past him." Tèa nodded. "After Yugi, Pegasus is Kaiba's closest rival, and now that he's back in public, Kaiba might take the opportunity to challange him too."
"Sounds about right, doesnt it?" a familiar voice drawled from an open doorway ahead. "My, Tèa. You certainly are becoming an expert on the lifestyles of the rich and paranoid." A tall white-haired figure steped out and leaned on the wall, clad in a black shirt trimmed with white on collar and cuff and an intricate knotwork design down the front, also in white. A long deep crimson frockcoat with matching pants topped off the ensemble.
"Hey, Pegasus!" Yugi ran forward. "Cool, you ARE here."
"What, did you think I'd miss this? Particularly as the invitation was SO gracious. 'Be there or I'll have you hauled there in chains'. --Not really, unless you're reading between the lines, but that's about the gist of it." Pegasus waved a hand. "So here we all are again."
"What exactly is going on with all the Western and Eastern stuff?" Tèa asked. "Miss Ellen downstairs--"
"Is a temporary employee of KaibaCorp, as is everyone else in town with the exception of the Duelists. It's a closed tournament, no outside spectators. The whole town is KaibaCorp property. He bought the place and had it renovated. They're all role-playing-- actors and actresses on an enormous stage. For the duration of the tournament, we're LIVING in the Old West." Pegasus chuckled. "I have to admit, Kaiba does have some fantastic ideas for these little events."
"Oh wow." Tèa's eyes lit up. "That sounds so interesting!"
"Mm, doesn't it? But I'm slowing you down. Get your luggage stashed, then check out your closets." Pegasus tipped Tèa a wink. "The proper clothing does help set the mood, you know!"
The rooms were all furnished in a similar style: a large four-poster bed, easily big enough for two, with large fluffy pillows and white bedspreads. A cherrywood chest of drawers with an oval mirror mounted above it graced one wall, while across from the bed stood a matching wardrobe. A delft china pitcher and washbasin rested atop the chest of drawers, and the walls were decorated with Indian rugs and Mexican serapes, pinned up to add color to the plain plaster.
There were lithographs as well on the walls over the headboard, and upon occasion a painting of the area, featuring the mountains or a woodland scene. Tucked in a neat roll at the end of the bed was a bundle that turned out to be a large fur, perhaps a bearskin, that had been meticulously turned into a rug/spread and obviously meant to be unfurled over one's feet and legs for extra warmth at night. The single concession to the modern age was a small closet that turned out to hold a toilet, shower and sink, though all of them were of an 'old-fashioned' type that could pass for period.
Both wardrobe and chest of drawers contained, upon inspection, several different suits of clothing that could be mixed and matched to make a fairly decent few days' worth of 'Western' wear: shirts, jeans or pants, vests, jackets, and the like for the men, dresses, vests, shirts and skirts for the women. Boots of varying types were tucked away neatly at the bottom, and in the top drawer were tietacks, cufflinks, bandannas, and all the other smaller pieces to complete the ensemble. There were even a few hats at the top of the wardrobe, again in varying types, but all lending themselves to the Western ideal.
Square in the middle of each bed was a cream-colored envelope that held an invitation:
Seto Kaiba, mayor of the town of Kirwin, would like
to invite you to attend a welcome dinner at his house
tonight at 7 PM. Period attire is requested but not required.
******
"Hey, check it out!" Joey spun around in the hallway. "I'm a real live cowpoke!" He slapped a hand on the leather chaps. "Just call me da Domino Kid."
"Me, I'm not used to all these buttons..." Tristan gestured at his ensemble, a white shirt with dark buttons, with a double-breasted silver vest over it, black pinstriped pants and dark brown tooled leather boots.
Behind Tristan, Yugi eased out into the hall. He was wearing a dark blue longhorn bib shirt, the front portion sporting 11 neat silver studs holding it in place, a pair of black pants with suspender buttons, and black boots. "Me either, but it does look sort... of... *guh*..."
Following his gaze the others saw Tèa emerge from her room, dressed in a long Spanish-style dress, her shoulders bare and a lace mantilla gracing her short brown hair. A little shyly, she turned a pirouette. "Do you like it Yugi?"
"Wow," he replied, taking in Tèa and her dress wide. "Tèa, you look-- wow."
"Yes, ladies and gentlemen, today's word is 'wow'," teased Bakura, shutting his door. He was dressed in a more continental style, almost like a banker, with a jacket over a frilled shirt and tweed pants. "My, you DO look splendid, Tèa. --Shall we, everyone?"
Once they walked out of the Silver Dollar it became evident where they were going. A large house set up and to the back of the town, almost flush against the mountainside, had every room lit up and the sounds of music and voices drifted down from it on the wind.
"Here, Tèa--" Yugi threw a silk shawl around her shoulders. "It's pretty chilly out here. This might help some."
"Let's not dawdle and it won't matter too much," Pegasus observed.
"Yeah, someone's already giving me dirty looks." Yugi giggled. "And he isn't even out here with us to feel it!" He shyly offered Tèa his arm, and, trailed by everyone else, they hurried up to the house, where a man in servant's livery waited to accept their invitations and usher them in.
Almost the second they entered the house, a shadowy figure moved forward to intercept them. "How touching. Looks like the rumors are true, you HAVE recruited someone else into your little group of cheerleaders, Yugi. Or maybe Pegasus is just hoping to ride in on your coattails."
Yugi half-turned, still holding Tèa's arm, and looked at the speaker. The gentle look on his face dropped off, to be replaced with a little frown of determination. "Kaiba," he said.
Seto Kaiba, clad in a Westernized version of his usual garb (right down to the sleeveless white duster) folded his arms and smirked, gaze finding and marking each person there. "Welcome to MY tournament," he said. "Though I'm still trying to figure out how the International Dueling Association would've suggested SOME of you." His eyes rested deliberately on Joey.
"Kaiba that's enough!" Yugi let go of Tèa and stepped forward, hands balling up into fists, almost visibly trembling. "I know what you're about to start saying and you can just stop where you are. Everyone here deserves to be here, whether or not YOU think that much of them. It isn't about who's got the best reputation or who plays the flashiest, most powerful cards, or who measures up to YOUR standards of what a Duelist should be. If I Dueled the way YOU think I should, I'd be miserable-- because I wouldn't be Dueling; I'd be treating my deck as if it was just a stack of pieces of colored paper. You always wonder why you lose to me? I'll tell you the same thing I've always told you. You don't believe in anything or anyone but yourself, so how can anyone or anything else believe in YOU?!"
It was almost funny; tiny Yugi standing there, eyes blazing, locked on Kaiba's, the silence in the hall almost thick enough to cut.
Almost funny... until Seto Kaiba dropped his stare first, glancing to the side, the smirk replaced by a sullen scowl. "Fine," he said, looking back at last. "Have it your way, Yugi. But I intend to prove to you that superior skill WILL lead me to another victory."
"Skill is nothing unless you have a heart to go with it," Yugi answered.
"Whatever." Kaiba waved a hand dismissively. "We're not here for a challange. Not tonight, anyway. If you'll all follow me, dinner's waiting."
Yugi turned, looking back at the others. "Let's go, everyone," he said, with a firm little nod. One hand in Tèa's, one hand in Joey's, he walked forward.
"Hey Yugi!"
Yugi looked up as they walked into the dining hall (and it WAS a hall, just about; the table could seat all of them with room to spare). His face lit up. "Hey, Mokuba!"
The tall young man with the shock of dark hair ran forward, grabbing Yugi and giving him a hug. "Man, it's great to see you again! you're looking... uh.." he stared down, puzzled. "The same," he finished.
"Well, YOU'RE not!" laughed Yugi. "No fair, you grew."
Mokuba laughed a little. "Yeah, I kinda hit my growth spurt. --So, how do I look? I'm th' sheriff in these here parts, podner!" He held out his arms, showing off his cowboy outfit, complete with a Texas Ranger style badge.
"I guess that means you're going to be enforcing the rules in this tournament too?"
"You bet. Seto says he wouldn't trust anyone else with the job."
"He's right."
"Come on, I'll show you all to your seats." Mokuba led them over to the table, pointing out the placards that marked everyone's plate.
The first course of the dinner was served in almost-silence. Kaiba wasn't particularly hungry-- hadn't been since the IDA told him flat out if he wanted sanctioning for this tournament he'd better open the doors to his fellow Master Duelists, and that meant ALL of them, including Pegasus. But he ate nonetheless, as much to reassure Mokuba as to conceal his distaste for some of his dinner company.
When the plates were taken away he stood. "As chairman of this tournament, I'd like to welcome you to Kirwin," he said. "Most of the rest of the participants have already received an explanation of the rules, but as honored guests, you're receiving a personal briefing and a chance to ask me questions.
"The rules are fairly simple. Like Battle City, you can't summon your stronger monsters straight onto the field-- you have to sacrifice a weaker monster, Level 4 or below, to bring out a Level 5 or above. You don't have to risk your strongest card, at least not IN the duels themselves. The 'catch' in this tournament is that if you lose, you must remove your rarest card-- ALL of them, if you have more than one of the same card-- from your playdeck for the duration of the tournament. So, for example, if I were to lose a Duel, I would have to take all of my Blue-Eyes White Dragons out of my deck and leave them out for the rest of my time in the tournament. If I lost a second Duel, then my next rarest card would be taken out, and so on down the line. But don't count on that happening any time soon. In the event you have several cards of an equal rarity, the cards to be eliminated will be chosen by random draw.
"You are allowed to bring other cards into your playdeck to replace them, but I'm sure you see where this is heading. Lose, and the entire structure of your deck could change dramatically. You'll have to think ahead and plan how to shift your strategies. Everyone's deck and backup cards will be registered, by the way, so don't try to bring in anything that you don't currently have with you.
"There is no 'elimination' in the first round. Instead, you must win six Duels, which will move you into the second bracket. Your losses don't count against you-- only your wins will be taked into consideration. It's in your best interest NOT to lose too much, though, for the reasons I stated above.
"Each person that makes it to the second bracket will have to Duel against one of my hand-picked Desperados in order to continue to the third bracket. Those who make it to third will then be facing each other in a series of random duels until we have a winner. If we have an uneven number of finalists, the person who did the best in the second bracket but didn't make it to the third bracket will be advanced to third to even things up.. so you see, this time around I'm even giving the losers a second chance." He smiled thinly. "The tournament will begin tomorrow at the traditional hour of high noon and continue through the day till sundown. Thereafter, it'll open at dawn and end at sundown. Nights are free to rest, rebuild your deck, and enjoy the events in town. You CAN also participate in the daytime events, but be aware you may be challenged to Duel any time it's daylight.
"Refusal to Duel a challanger will be counted as one loss, with the attendant penalty of removing your rare cards. My brother Mokuba, as 'sheriff', is final arbiter of any issues regarding the rules or Duelist conduct, and his decisions are not open to debate. Failure to accept that is grounds for immediate dismissal from the tournament." Kaiba took a sip of his wine, then continued, "Now, as for the rewards. The winner of the tournament will take home $500,000 dollars tax-free and a custom-built second-generation Duel Disk. These new Duel Disks are lighter, can be made in your choice of color and detail work, and will feature a special isomorphic anti-theft system. In essence, the Duel Disk will be keyed specifically to one person and will only work for their owner. He or she will also be offered Master Duelist status by the IDA, with all the attendant rights, privileges and responsibilities. Second place will receive $250,000, and third place $100,000. Any questions?"
"You haven't set any time table," Tèa said. "If you don't mind my asking, how much time do we have to get the six wins to move into the second bracket?"
"Good." Kaiba nodded slightly. "I was wondering if someone was going to ask that. This is a five day tournament, therefore you have about 18 hours to get in your six duels-- from 12 noon to 6 PM or so tomorrow, from 6 AM to 6 PM the day after. The next two days after that will be the Desperado duels, and the last day will be the finals. However, if you're in the middle of a Duel when the sun sets, we won't discount it, so long as the Duel began BEFORE sundown. And the start and stop times are not fixed-- basically, think of it this way. If there's even a sliver of the sun showing, either dawn or dusk, you have the right to Duel. Before or after that, you're out of luck. Not everyone in the old West had a convenient pocketwatch or clock at hand, so they judged things more by the sun than we do.
"Also remember that you can be challanged to Duel ANYWHERE while the sun is up, so hiding in your room won't help.
"Once you get to the second tier, IF you do, you're going to have to track down a Desperado and call them out. Any Desperado will do, though. You're not assigned to a specific one, and they will be identifiable. Desperados will be all in black, with the KaibaCorp logo on the front of their shirts and a red bandanna tied around the right arm. They're under orders to remain within sight of the town, though they may hide out anywhere in town, or in the opened gold mine tunnels, which are also clearly marked and monitored. It's up to YOU to find one and Duel him or her. That phase will last for about 24 hours." Again a thin, almost mocking smile. "Old West outlaws didn't make it easy on the lawmen tracking them down. So don't expect any favors from MY Desperados."
"Yeah, so?" Tristan muttered under his breath. "You never did anyone any favors in your life. Why expect your flunkies to be any different?"
Bakura raised a hand. "Mr. Kaiba," he said, "I'm curious as to why Tristan, Tèa and I are here. Grant you, we DO all know how to Duel, but we're scarcely in your usual category."
Kaiba arched a brow. "Curious," he said. "As to your being here? It's simple enough. You made a tolerable showing at Battle City. I want to see if you can continue it, or if your performance then was only a fluke. I've met any number of people who imagined they were good enough to be included in one of my tournaments. It always interests me to find someone who might actually BE worthy." He glanced around again at the group. "Let's just say that for the other two, I'm looking forward to putting the people I DON'T know to the test.
"A true Duelist-- and this is something even you'll agree with, Yugi... a true Duelist is always on the lookout for others who are worthy to compete against." His eyes locked on Yugi's again. "Besides," he said, very very softly, "I'm bringing the full power of my Deck into this battle. I'm sure you will too Yugi. You'd better. I don't intend to lose, no matter what it takes. So I expect each and every one of you--" he gestured at everyone else--"to Duel as hard as you can, even if you find yourselves facing your best friends at the end. Let me borrow a popular phrase and you'll understand where I'm coming from." He turned, heading out of the room, and paused at the door. "There can be only ONE."
And with that, he was gone.
Yugi's eyes narrowed, then widened. "He can't--" he whispered under his breath. "He CAN'T mean to..." he sank back and covered his face with his hands.
"Oh yes he can," said Bakura, face grim. "And you know he will."
"But it's DANGEROUS!" Yugi jumped up. "This is NOT the time OR the place for that!" He rounded on Mokuba, who was just heading for the door himself. "Mokuba-- can't you--"
Mokuba only looked down miserably. "Sorry, Yugi," he said. "Seto... you know how he is... I'll try, but I don't think he'll listen, not even to me." He looked up, brown eyes worried. "When you left the last tournament, Seto got pretty upset. He's not kidding around. --I know, I know, like he ever 'kids around'." The younger boy sighed. "This time, he's serious. He's got something to prove, to himself at least. He's not going to let anything or anyone change his mind. But I'll TRY, ok? I owe you a lot." A lopsided grin. "Heck, I just about owe you EVERYTHING. I only wish I could get Seto to see it too." He turned and trotted out, following his brother.
In the silence that followed, Bakura's voice was quite clearly audible: "Well, what a shocking cock-up THIS is turning out to be."
"Okay, okay, what'm I missin' here?" Joey leaned across the table. "Spill it, Yuge."
"The God Cards." Yugi dropped his hands, sighed. "Kaiba wants to Duel me when I have the God Cards in my deck."
******
The banner stretching across the main street the next morning said it all:
== WELCOME TO TURN OF THE CARDS ==
Registration, Qualifying Goals and
Duelist Roster at City Hall
Tournament Begins: High Noon
Posted on the front porch of the City Hall-- a two-story building near the center of town-- was the following list of names:
Yugi Motoh - Joey Wheeler - Tristan Taylor - Ryou Bakura
Tèa Gardner - Maximilian Pegasus - Seto Kaiba - Rex Raptor
Weevil Underwood - 'Bandit' Keith Howard - Duke Devlin
Rebecca Hawkins - Mako Tsunami - Espa Roba - Diaz Russio
Amos Campbell - Junon D'Argenne - Serra Russio
Siegfried Mannheim - Jafar Hanshin - Sergei Ivanov - Ethan Johnson
Tom McGregor - Isona Shikuza - Giovanni Solermo - Paul Davis
Underneath was a short paragraph:
Round 1 - First 16 to win 6 Duels advance - challenge anyone
Time: 18 hours
Round 2 - First 8 to track down and defeat a Desperado advance
Time: 24 hours
Round 3- Winners of Round 2 compete for semi-finals (4 slots)
Round 4 - Winners of Round 3 compete for finals (2 slots)
Round 5 - The last Duelist standing wins
"This is it, guys," Yugi said as they stood on the front porch of the hotel. "We're going to do it. I KNOW we are."
"Vell, vell," a stranger's voice interjected. "If it isn't Maximilian Pegasus." The German accent made it 'Mockceemileeon'. "How quaint to see YOU here. I understood you retired, Sie nicht? And here with so many young people... Wie interessierend. "
Everyone turned to see a tall, thin figure with sharp features and short-cropped white-blond hair standing on the wooden sidewalk, just out of the sun. His entire attitude was somewhere between languor and ennui.
"Yipe," Tristan muttered, "that guy makes Max look like Randy Savage."
Pegasus's features took on an air of polite indifference. "Have we been introduced?" he asked, with an undertone of 'if we have, obviously you weren't remarkable enough for me to remember it'.
"Ah, nein . You vere... busy, obviously." The man bowed slightly, in the continental fashion. "I am Siegfried Mannheim, from Germany. Western European champion," he added. "And ZIS must be the so-famous Yugi Motoh." Siegfried smiled, but the smile didn't quite reach his eyes. "Somehow I expected you to be kleiner eines Görs -- ah, forgive me, the English-- older? Such an accomplished Duelist. Such a surprise and delight."
Almost at once everyone felt Pegasus bristle.
"I hope zat I vill have a chance to face you or vun of your company," Siegfried continued. "It vill be interesting to see how the American champions match up against the European styles of playing." With that he bowed again and sauntered off.
Joey looked hard-eyed after Siegfried. "I don't like that guy much," he murmured.
"You have every right to," Tristan muttered back. "For all intents and purposes, I think he just called Yugi a brat, or something close to it, if I remember my high-school German."
'You know, with the proper tools I could have that man's liver out and hand it to him before he collapsed from shock trauma.'
Bakura turned a little pale. You don't mean that!
'Try me.' Ba-Khu'ra smirked.
Here now, none of that. One doesn't go around killing one's opponents!
'Oh?' One white brow lifted. 'If you insist, then, we'll simply reduce him to a quivering semblance of his former self in the Arena. I think Dark Necrofear would probably enjoy that. I know I will.'
Must you always be so bloodthirsty?
'Bloodthirsty to you is practical to me. An enemy who's no longer breathing isn't much of an enemy. And mark me, little light, that one carries no love for anyone but himself.' Ba-Khu'ra's expression softened just a trifle. 'It wasn't a forgiving world 5,000 years ago. And you are a product of a... different time. Today your evils hide behind weapons that reach out across mountain and ocean alike. In my time, a man faced his death, or his opponent's, personally, and took the responsibility for the deed upon himself and no other.'
I know.
'Enough of the debate. Let's go. I want another look over our Deck before we begin.''
Max folded his eyes, his visible eye narrowing as a cunning, wicked smile spread across his features. "You know, as I recall, I do believe I've heard of our DEAR Mr. Mainheim. They say he's never lost a Duel. I wonder how many people he had to bribe to get that perfect record. I think I'm going to have more fun at this tournament than I originally planned on. Now, if you'll excuse me, I think I'll have a cup of coffee before the actual tournament starts." He walked back into the hotel, singing under his breath as he went:
"I'm on the case, can't be fooled
Any objection is overruled
Yes I'm the Arbiter and I know best
(He's impartial, don't push him, he's unimpressed)
You got your tricks, good for you
But there's no gambit I don't see through
yes I'm the Arbiter, I know the score
From square one I'll be watching all sixty-four..."
Fifteen minutes before noon, a bell began to ring slowly, its sound carrying through the streets of Kirwin, summoning everyone to the town hall. In front of it stood a board studded with small pieces of identical paper. Mokuba Kaiba was standing beside it, and as the crowd gathered he raised his voice. "Okay, everyone here's how it starts.
"These pieces of paper are little maps of the city, one for each Duelist. Each one has a site marked in color. Take one, open it, and check the spot. That's where you need to head to. As soon as the belltower--" he indicated the giant town clock above him-- "strikes 12 o'clock, you can begin chasing each other down for Duels." he grinned. "Didn't think we'd make it easy and let you all start challenging one another right here in Town Square, didja?
"Remember you have till sundown tonight to Duel, then dawn to sundown tomorrow. ANYWHERE in town is open territory, so you're gonna have to stay on your toes and pick your duels carefully. Same goes for your fellow contestants-- anyONE is fair game. Only the first 16 to win 6 Duels will advance. Keep that in mind.
"Just like Battle City, your Duel Disks will be used to relay duel information back to City Hall, where me an' my deputies will be watching out for trouble. Don't make me have to run you out of town!" He grinned. "Okay, line up and come forward two at a time to pull your map please!"
Here we go. Yugi closed his eyes a second, taking a breath. Nervous, excited, happy; all mixed up inside him, same as every tournament. The faintest cool touch on one shoulder, reminding him he wasn't alone; then it tightened. Yugi immediately looked to his right, saw Yami looking further down the street, and followed his gaze.
Diaz.
He was dressed in something approximating a Spanish gentleman's suit, and as Yugi looked his way his face lit up.
That scared Yugi worse than it would have if he'd looked angry, or worried, or surprised, but he didn't look away. Instead, he lifted his chin a little, shoulders straightening.
Diaz didn't smirk, or flinch. He simply bowed his head, acknowledging Yugi, and took his place at the back of the line along with Amos, Junon (who seemed a little subdued this morning), and a third boy who resembled him. Must be Serra. His son, maybe? Brother?
"I don't know if I like splitting up," Tèa said doubtfully.
"We can always join back up later," Bakura said soothingly. "Er--" He glanced at Mokuba. "There isn't any reason we CAN'T join back up later, is there?"
Mokuba shook his head. "Nope. We're just starting everyone off split up. If you want to grab a buddy after the tournament begins that's fine. Just remember: everyone's a legitimate target, and if you expect to move on, you're gonna have to get in those six duels as soon as possible."
"Right." Bakura chose a piece of paper, looked at it, and then surveyed the area due west of him. "Looks like..."
"Uh-uh!" cautioned Mokuba. "Don't let on where you'll be. Other people might be waiting to find out so they can ambush you. Just go there as quick as you can."
Bakura nodded. "See you later, guys," he said before he set off at a jog down Main Street.
Yugi looked at his own slip of paper. It seemed to indicate he should head northeast, towards the more mountainous side of Kirwin. "Good luck, everyone," he said, and stretched up for a kiss from Tèa as he left.
Joey's map pointed a little north and east (more easterly than anything else) towards the stables and the open area past them.
Pegasus wound up just behind Town Hall.
Tristan was to head due east towards the 'residential' area.
Tèa headed southwest, over behind the boarding house.
Long minutes of silence followed as each Duelist found their place and waited, to finally hear the deep tolling of the clocktower announcing the game was ON!
******
About the time Tèa arrived at the boarding house a soft voice spoke:
"Hey hey, my lucky day, pretty girl and sunny streets. C'mon, wanna Duel, huh?"
She turned to see the boy that'd been with Diaz-- Serra?-- smirking at her, Junon just behind him. "C'mon, what do you say?" he coaxed. "Perfect day, maybe I could take you for a soda after the Duel." He took a step in Tèa's direction.
A large hand descended on his shoulder. "No," Junon murmured. "Me."
"Huh?" Serra blinked up, staring at Junon; then he laughed. "So that's what you've been jumpy about all morning. Wanted to stake her out for yourself - sorry, bad metaphor," he added, "you know, stake, hot sun, Indians, Western movies... so anyway. Looks like Muscles here wants to buff up his rep by showing you what he can REALLY do."
"Fine by me," Tèa said, though her knees felt as if they wanted to just buckle right out from under her. This was the one, the man in her dream--
Hey, wait. He WAS in the dream I had about Yugi. And, and he really seemed to be trying to be gentle with Yugi... It was like... like he didn't want Yugi to be sad.
Maybe he didn't even want Yugi to be there in the first place.
Was there something like an apology in the giant's eyes? Something like a plea for understanding?
Despite herself, Tèa smiled at Junon. "It's okay," she said, not quite sure why she was saying it. "Let's Duel, Junon."
Junon smiled back slowly.
******
"Ah, this is TOO perfect." The light gleamed off Bandit Keith's ever present sunglasses as he watched Joey walk past his appointed 'ambush' spot. "I been waiting for a rematch with you, Wheeler--"
"Heyyyyy! Wait for me!"
"Damn." Keith did a quick fade as Rebecca ran up to Joey. "Slow down!" she half-gasped, half giggled. "I've only been chasing you two blocks now! It's Joey, right? I don't think we got properly introduced last time I saw you. but that WAS a few years ago when I Dueled Yugi. Maybe you'll give me a Duel?"
Yeesh, it's Bratzilla, Joey thought. Aloud he said, "Yeah, sure, Rebecca, ain't it? Ain't you Professor Hawkins' grand-daughter?"
"Sure am!" Rebecca nodded. "And my grandfather's here in town to cheer me on, so I just HAVE to win."
"Yeah, well, I ain't gonna make it easy on ya." Joey crouched, activating his Duel Disk. "Watch out, here comes Joey Wheeler!"
"Of course not!" Rebecca nodded firmly, one finger raising like a prim little teacher. "If you don't Duel your very best I WILL be insulted. I know I'LL be going all out. After all, a girl has to do something to help her get over a broken heart, right?" Leaning in, she confided, "I had this terrible crush on Yugi, you know. I mean, he's so CUTE and everything. But I saw him kissing Tèa Gardner in the square earlier, and I know a kiss of true love when I see it." She sighed. "I guess I'll just have to find some other cute guy who's a great Duelist to be crushed out over." With a coy little smile she pushed her glasses back up on the bridge of her nose.
"Pharoah, I've got an idea."
'Indeed. Aside from how nice Tèa looks in her leotard?'
"Oh SHUT UP!" Yugi blushed furiously. "I'm trying to be serious here!"
'I apologize, young one. Tell me.'
"I've been wondering how we could get a line on what Diaz is planning next, and I THINK I know who can tell us. Ishizu."
'Ishizu...' Yami pondered. 'The Millenium Necklace. You wish her to use it?'
"Yeah. I know she gave it to us at Battle City, but I'm not really sure how it works." Yugi tapped the Puzzle. "Besides, I think one at a time is enough, don't you?"
'That is probably a wise decision. But, Yugi, how do we contact Ishizu? True enough, she is the Director of the Antiquities Department at the Museum of Cairo. Getting a message to her there is not particularly difficult. Her duties will most likely not permit her to join us for some few days at best.'
"I know. I don't think we have to know right this minute, though. A week or two, or three, shouldn't be any pro--" Yugi broke off as the doorbell rang. "I wonder who that is?"
A minute or two later Bakura's voice echoed down the hall. "Er, Yugi?... You, ah, have visitors."
"Huh?"
"And unless I miss my guess, they've come quite a ways..." Bakura stepped aside, letting the two people behind him walk into the living room: a young man and a young woman, the woman the older of the two. The woman was clad in a flowing white robe, and her long dark hair was held back by a gold headband with a single emerald that rested just above her brows. The boy was blond, also clad in flowing clothing, with a golden necklace and bracelets. Both of them were a warm tanned color.
Stopping just within the door, both folded their hands in front of them and bowed to Yugi. "Pharoah," the young woman said, voice soft and respectful. "As you wished, so we have come."
"Ishizu." Yugi nodded. "But, but how did..?"
Ishizu smiled a little as she straightened. "Although I no longer hold the Millenium Necklace, my Pharoah, I am still sensitive to the mystic world. I sensed a great disturbance some little while ago, and, fearing for your safety, began to make arrangements to pay you a visit when I found out from your grandfather that you were no longer living in Domino."
"Everything's settled now," Yugi said firmly. "Everyone here IS my friend."
"Indeed." Ishizu favored Bakura with a long look. "Fate works in mysterious ways. However, I'm glad to hear this. --How may my brother and I be of service to you?"
"We've got a new problem... a new enemy, by the name of Diaz. He seems to know a LOT about the Millenium Items, AND about Yami and myself," Yugi explained. "I know it's a terrible burden to ask anyone to carry, but I know you understand the responsibility. Will you take back the Millenium Necklace, and use it to help us? Its power to sometimes foresee the future might let us know where Diaz is going to be next."
Ishizu looked down. Then she turned, looking at the boy beside her. "Marik, my brother... what do you think?"
"Ishizu, it's our duty. More than that, we owe the Pharoah everything." Marik looked at Yugi. "I know you never asked anything of me, but I've always felt that there should be SOMETHING we could do to thank you. You fought for my sake just as much as you fought for the lives of everyone here... Yes. Yes sister, if there's anything we can do, I think it's right for us to do it."
Ishizu nodded once. "Very well. --Yes, my Pharoah. I will take back the care of the Millenium Necklace, and use it in your service."
Yugi also nodded, then closed his eyes. The symbol on the Millenium Puzzle lit up, there and gone in a heartbeat, in a blink-- but the person who opened violet eyes to regard Marik and Ishizu was Yugi Motoh no more.
Both of them promptly sank down onto one knee each, bowing their heads in reverence.
"Don't kneel to me," Yami said softly. "I do not wish slaves to bow at my whim; I want friends, to walk the road of Destiny with me."
"Forgive us, Pharoah," Ishizu said, standing. "It was respect only."
"Mm." Yami permitted himself a smile. Reaching out into thin air that blackened into a pool of shadows at his gesture, he withdrew from the darkness a gleaming golden choker, which he handed to Ishizu. She clasped it about her throat and touched the Eye symbol in the centerpiece of the necklace briefly. "It will take me a little while to reaquaint myself with the powers of the Necklace," she said. "May my brother and I remain here during that time?"
"By all means." Yami gestured upstairs. "Use my room."
As Ishizu and Marik departed, Bakura folded his arms, a shadow passing over his features. "And what of the Millenium Rod?" he demanded suddenly, in a very different voice.
"What of it, Ba-Khu'ra?"
"Do you intend to return it to Marik Ishtar?"
"No. He was never its true owner to begin with, and I do not wish him to carry its burden again."
"Or fall under its temptation again?"
Yami favored Ba-Khu'ra with a long look. "It would not happen."
"Even the best of men can be corrupted, Pharoah, given the right circumstances and price. --Still, better to leave it where it is, I agree. Until and unless Seto Kaiba comes round. Which I quite doubt he ever will."
"I haven't given up hope that Kaiba will realize his errors. He might yet turn from the cold, lonely road he creates for himself and accept our friendship."
Ba-Khu'ra made a short derisive noise. "As soon expect the Great Sphinx to arise from the sands and begin to dance."
"Stranger things have happened."
"Such as?"
Yami gave Ba-Khu'ra a wicked smile. "Such as you and I being civil to one another, or agreeing on anything."
"Ha! Well struck." The Thief paused, studying Yami. "You're uneasy."
"Is it so obvious?"
"To me? Yes. But then it was--is-- my business, among other things, to be able to guess at a man's moods by the stance of his body. And yours speaks to me of worry."
"Turn that gaze on yourself, Thief, and tell me what you see."
"Pah." Ba-Khu'ra turned away, folding his arms.
Yami only waited.
"...Perhaps," Ba-Khu'ra said at last. "I find I enjoy this new world, this future time. I do not wish to leave it. Nor do I wish my light half to leave it too quickly. And I do... I do think I understand what Ishizu meant. It seems almost as if I feel a great darkness looming, like a storm, moving so subtly that you don't realize the speed with which it's coming until it's atop you."
"As do I. " Yami looked thoughtfully down the hall. "We will all be tested. Let us hope we will be ready when it comes."
"Yugi! YUUUGI!" Joey pounded into the room. "I--Oh. Uh. Pharoah. Did'ja know we got--"
"Visitors, yes. Thank you, Joey. Ishizu and her brother are here at my request. --Actually, that's not entirely true; they arrived before I had time to contact them."
"Whoa, dat's pretty good. You'd be a real winner at cocktail parties with dat trick." Joey waved a hand at Yami's scowl. "Sorry, wasn't dissin' ya. So what's up? Dose two don't exactly show up f'r tea an' crumpets."
"Yugi wanted to ask Ishizu's advice, but it seems Ishizu already felt she would be needed. She said she sensed a disturbance-- most likely Yugi's kidnapping-- and made arrangements to visit us at her earliest opportunity." Yami turned his gaze towards the ceiling. "Now we await what the Millenium Necklace may reveal. Would you ask everyone to gather here, in the living room, while we wait?"
"Sure t'ing."
A little over an hour later Ishizu re-appeared, bowing slightly as she entered. "I'm glad to see you all here," she said. "I only wish that it were under different circumstances. It seems sad, somehow, that only tribulation should bring us together."
"Does everybody in Egypt swallow a thesarus at birth?" muttered Tristan. "Man, stick around here long enough, you'll have enough ten-dollar words to choke a horse."
Tèa elbowed him in the ribs. "Tristan, cut it out! That's really snotty of you. I think it sounds elegant."
"Sorry, sorry."
"In any event, I believe I have the information you seek," Ishizu continued. "I have seen visions of another great tournament. I believe Kaiba is already planning it, in order to compensate for the failure of his copy of Duelist Kingdom.
"There were cliffs and rock outcroppings of many different hues, washed in sunlight, and great stark plains on which little grew. At first I thought it was somewhere in Egypt, but nowhere in the deserts I know has such stone formations. I do believe it to be somewhere desert-like, though." She closed her eyes, as if the better to recapture the vision. "It will be soon, very soon. I could feel most clearly Kaiba's impatience to begin. He wishes to match himself to you once more, Pharoah. He still cannot accept his destiny is tied irrevocably to yours, despite all he's seen and heard.
"I sense, too, a gathering darkness, above and beyond this man you call 'Diaz'. There is someone standing behind him. He does not act alone. And whatever lies in that darkness is more terrible than anything I've ever felt. You must be very careful, Pharoah. This may be your greatest challange yet, for Diaz wil surely take this chance to cross paths with you again." She bowed her head. "At... at first.. I believed Yugi Motoh's destiny was to return you to the world of the dead, Pharoah. That after he had faced all the challanges Fate had in store, he would set your spirit free so that it might at last rest. So my family has believed for centuries, and we have awaited the coming of the one who would solve the Millenium Puzzle with eagerness.
"I no longer believe that. There is some greater destiny awaiting you both, you and little Yugi. I feel it descending, and it makes me tremble, though I cannot honestly tell you if I shiver with fear or joy. Perhaps a little of both." Ishizu looked up, dark eyes wide and troubled. "Whatever happens, Pharoah, please, do not doubt that whatever service I and Marik may be to you and your friends, you have only to call upon us. As he said earlier, we owe you everything. I can never truly express my gratitude to you for giving me back my brother."
"Thank you, Ishizu." Yami inclined his head. "I appreciate your offer, and if I have need, you may rest assured I will call upon you. You are my trusted allies, you and Marik both. If what you say is true, I will have need of all the friends I can muster."
"Desert," Tristan mused. "Rocks of many hues.... sounds like somewhere out West. Arizona, maybe, or New Mexico-- real cowboy territory. But what Kaiba'd be doing out there is anyone's guess. I thought he was more into high-tech."
"Kaiba has always been a master showman," Ba-Khu'ra interjected. "He wishes his tournaments to be grand events, unforgettable spectacles unlike anything else that's ever happened. After all, he was the one who made an entire city his Dueling ground, now didn't he?"
"Yeah, you got a point. Suppose we won't know until he actually sends out the invitations."
"If it pleases the Pharoah," Ishizu said, "there are several museums in America I've been meaning to visit, in order to arrange an exchange of exhibits. If I take advantage of my leave of absence from Cairo to do that now, it would allow me to be close at hand if I'm needed."
"That might be a prudent idea, Ishizu. I agree." Yami nodded.
"By your leave, then, Marik and I will go book a room at a hotel briefly while we make our travel arrangements." With another bow Ishizu and Marik took their leave.
The very next day the Federal Express package with the plane tickets arrived. All expenses paid, for everyone in the house. No note; none needed. The KaibaCorp return address was message enough.
*******
'Is it ALWAYS this cold here?!'
No, I think sometimes it's colder.
'....You ARE joking.'
Nope! Yugi flashed the spirit at his side a smile. See, look, it's here in the brochure. The statewide average high temperature in July is just over 60 degrees, while in January, a 20 degree high is the average.
Yami's jaw sagged slightly. 'Twenty... degrees.' He shook his head. 'Kaiba has gone insane.'
No, I don't think so. I think he just wants to show everyone up for the whole rest of the year. Yugi leaned on the glass of the airport window, looking out at the sky. I hope it snows again...
'I hope it DOESN'T. Once is enough. It's a pleasant experience for a few days.' Despite the fact he couldn't feel the temperature in his spirit form, Yami wrapped his arms around himself. 'Not as a lifestyle.'
I'm sorry. I keep forgetting you--we-- come from the desert. --Yami?
'Yes, young one?'
Do you think I'll ever remember... then?
'I don't know.' Yami reached out, put a translucent hand on his companion's shoulder, hearing the wistful tone of his thoughts. 'Perhaps neither of us ever will regain all our memories. It's been a very long time, Yugi. We have now, though. We have today, and tomorrow, to make new memories.'
Yeah, you're right. --Hey! Look! I think I see a helicopter! Turning, Yugi waved an arm at his friends. "Hey, everyone, I see something, it looks like a helicopter!"
"Oh, that sounds like Seto Kaiba's calling card all right," Tristan said.
"Actually, it's kind of practical this time," Yugi said. "The roads around Kirwin aren't especially good, and the weather in the winter makes them worse. So flying us at least part of the way there in a helicopter makes sense."
Bakura also walked over and peered out. "I daresay you're right, Yugi, I think I see a KaibaCorp logo on it."
A few moments later a uniformed man walked into the airport lounge area, consulted a small clipboard, then moved over to the group. "Mr. Yugi Motoh and party?" he asked. "I'm Paul, your pilot. If you folks will get your luggage and follow me, we'll get started. Let's see..." he counted heads, making checks on the paperwork he was holding. "Any of you folks know how to ride a horse?"
At the unanimous shaking of heads, Paul heaved a sigh. Wonder if Mr. Kaiba made a mistake and sent me to pick up the rodeo clowns instead of a bunch of Duellists. Ah, well, they're city folks, most of 'em, can't blame 'em for not knowing the whinny from the tail. "Well, folks, there's a reason I ask," he explained. "Round these parts some of the back roads and trails get pretty rough around the end of winter, start of spring. Most folks use horses if they're getting off the paved roads, which we are. Hasn't been a paved road, hell, a gravelled road-- pardon my French, miss-- up to Kirwin for, oh, must be pretty close to twenty, thirty years now.
"So Mr. Kaiba decided he was gonna build a tempr'ary helipad over near Kirwin and set up a stable there so's folks could ride into the town itself-- sort of help you get into the mood. Those of you that can ride, we've got some nice Morgans. Those that don't--" he grinned--"you're gonna get real well acquainted with the backside of a buckboard wagon. But don't worry none about the town itself. Mr. Kaiba's planned for that, the buildings are all snug and warm and most events are set f'r indoors. If the weather holds good, we DO have some outdoor events planned-- tours of the mines, rides out into the area around the town, a Wild West shootout show, that sorta thing. So if y'all wanna come along with me, we'll get started now. --Oh yeah, I almost f'rgot to mention. Anyone that wants to dress up Western-style, clothes'll be provided at your hotel rooms. You're all staying at the Silver Dollar, finest hotel in these parts." He winked. "Why most of the rooms even have hot n' cold running water! Most of the time that is. Just fetch the pipes a bang or two if the water don't come out, and you should be fine."
Tèa made a face. "I hope he was kidding about the pipes. And about the horses."
"Yeah." Tristan shouldered his bag. "Or at least that they're gonna be tolerant of us 'city slickers'. Closest I'VE ever been to a horse is the horsepower of a cycle engine."
"I'm sure it's going to be a LOT of fun," Yugi said, shouldering his bag.
"I wonder if they have English saddles..? I might just manage that, I think," Bakura commented as they all started trailing after the copter pilot.
The helicopter proved to be just large enough to accomodate them all, with a bit of squeezing for the luggage. Once all were aboard, Paul got in and started the engine. Soon they were airborne and headed southwest over rolling plains.
"To your right," Paul called over his shoulder as they flew, "you should begin seeing the edges of the Shoshone National Forest pretty soon. Kirwin's on the southeastern edge of that. Shoshone National Forest was set aside in 1891 as part of the Yellowstone Timberland Reserve, making the Shoshone the first national forest in the United States. It measures about 2.4 million acres, bordered on the west by Yellowstone National Park, and runs clear down from Montana, including parts of the Absaroka, Wind River and Beartooth mountain ranges."
"Wow..." Yugi said, nose all but flattened to the glass.
"Can't see it from here, but almost due south of Kirwin we've got the Wind River Indian Reservation. The Eastern Shoshone and Northern Arapaho tribes share the reservation, and it includes Fort Washakie, named after a famous Shoshone chief. The fort here was the only military outpost established to protect rather than fight the Indians, and was in service up till about 1909. Wind River's also home to the Roberts Episcopal Mission, which was established by Chief Washakie in the 1880's when he granted 160 acres of irrigated farm land to the Rev. John Roberts. There's also a cemetary in the reservation where Lewis and Clark's famous guide, Sacajawea, is said to be buried." Paul laughed. "Don't worry, folks, nobody's on the warpath this season. If we get some good weather, I understand there might be a daytrip over to the fort, so save back a few dollars if you get a chance to go."
About an hour later, as a mountain range loomed into sight, the helicopter circled a small cluster of buildings and gently dropped to a landing. "Here we go," Paul said. "This is where you get your boots on. Welcome to Wyoming, hope y'enjoy your stay."
As everyone disembarked, they saw an outside corral with several dark brown and black horses nosing about, cropping at the sparse grass or nibbling at bales of hay placed around the enclosure. The rear of the corral let into a large barn-like building, with a stall or two just visible from where the group was standing.
An older man with a fine handlebar mustache and salt-and-pepper hair, clad in a cowboy hat, duster, neck-scarf, denims and boots walked up, tipping his hat. "Mornin' folks," he said. "My name's Jake. I'll be your guide through these parts. Understand you're travellin' through from the East! Must be a mighty big change. You-all toss your kit up there in the wagon and make yourselves comfortable, if you ain't plannin' on riding, while me and the boys get some of these hosses saddled up."
"I say," Bakura said, excited, "this really IS turning out to be terribly interesting!" He turned and beamed at the rest of the group. "Think I look rather the dandy type, do you?"
"You sure ain't da faithful Indian guide," teased Joey. "Good ting dey ain't on da warpath, I bet Yuge here would be on the top'a somebody's scalping list!"
Yugi flung up his arms to shield his head, pretending to be afraid, then giggled. "I think I'll take the wa--" he stopped, then nodded. "On SECOND thought... I think I'll ride a horse."
Jake wandered back up about then, leading several horses. "Before we get started, you folks got any questions?" he asked.
"No, I think we've got the idea. But Yugi here wants to ri--" Tristan stopped as the figure beside him ran lightly forward and vaulted to the saddle of a horse. "Holy cow..."
"Would you care to ride with me, Tèa?" Yami extended a hand.
Tèa giggled and put her hand in his. "Why, shore thing, handsome stranger!" she drawled.
As the group made their way along, the light breeze which'd been blowing eased off, letting the sun warm them. The trail wound back and forth, wending its way gently upwards towards the side of a mountain that rose at a steep angle, still dotted here and there with patches of snow, at the base of which a few grey buildings could be seen past the trees.
At last the horses and wagon rounded a curve in the trail and Jake drew up. "Here we be," he said.
Lying on a small plateau at the foot of the mountains rested a town, with wood buildings everywhere. There were other people on horseback, on foot and in wagons or buggys moving up and down the streets, and a bunting banner hung over the main street proclaimed:
WELCOME TO KIRWIN!
Jake drove on into town, nodding to some people who raised their hands to wave a greeting or tipped their hats, and drew up in front of a grand old two-story building with two large wooden doors, each of which sported a half-pane of etched glass at the top bearing the design of a coin. "Silver Dollar," Jake announced. "Here's where you stop off. Sure hope you-all enjoy your stay. Just talk to Miss Ellen, inside, for your room reservations."
As the doors swung open, the sound of a piano playing merrily spilled out onto the early afternoon air. There was a smell of woodsmoke to go with it, and the sound of voices in conversation, with a laugh here and there. Through the door they could all see a short hall leading into a large open room set up something like a hotel reception area, with a large wooden desk in their immediate line of sight. A silver bell rested on one side of the desk, along with a large leather-bound book and a quill pen.
Behind the desk sat an older woman, 40-ish or so, with her hair pulled back into a bun which was held back by a Spanish design haircomb. Her dress was of light cream colored cloth with a white daisy pattern, sensibly buttoned at the collar and cuffs and falling in delicate straight lines down to a belted waist. The sheerest lace graced the cuffs. She was reading a book, which she closed and set aside as the door opened, standing to move around from behind the counter and step forward. "Good morning," she said, her voice flavored with just a tinge of a Bostonian accent. "Welcome to the Silver Dollar. I'm Ellen McGuire, the proprietor. Can I do something for you?"
"Yes, please, ma'am," Yugi said, leaning in. "We're from out of town and we'd like a room." He glanced around at the others. "Right?"
"Well, you've certainly come to the right place, young sir, and please, call me 'Miss Ellen'." She smiled. "Every time I hear 'ma'am' I start looking around for my Great-Aunt Felicity."
"Yes'm--uh-- Miss Ellen."
"Come on in then, and let's see what we have open." Miss Ellen moved back behind the desk and began to page through a smaller book, humming along with the piano. "Let me see here-- I have reservations for a Motoh party, from the East-- would that be you?"
"Yes, rather," said Bakura.
"You have the entire third floor." Ellen turned the register book around, dipped the quill into an inkwell, and handed it to Yugi. "If you'll all just sign in, I'll get your room keys. I know you've had a long ride from the train station over in Meeteetse, so you probably want to settle down for a bit. The rooms are a dollar a week, but that includes one meal here a day; breakfast, lunch or dinner, your choice. Breakfast is 6 in the morning, lunch's at high noon and dinner's at six in the evening. Kitchen and dining room to your left, saloon's to your right. Mind you, I run a quiet place, no rowdy drunks allowed, so if you make a nuisance of yourself you're like to find yourself sleeping on the sidewalks. But I'm sure you folks have better manners than that." She passed out a set of wrought iron keys, each of which was 3 or 4 inches long. "Please enjoy your stay!"
"Wonder if Peggy's gonna show up," Joey said as they moved upstairs. "You s'pose Kaiba invited him too?"
"I wouldn't put it past him." Tèa nodded. "After Yugi, Pegasus is Kaiba's closest rival, and now that he's back in public, Kaiba might take the opportunity to challange him too."
"Sounds about right, doesnt it?" a familiar voice drawled from an open doorway ahead. "My, Tèa. You certainly are becoming an expert on the lifestyles of the rich and paranoid." A tall white-haired figure steped out and leaned on the wall, clad in a black shirt trimmed with white on collar and cuff and an intricate knotwork design down the front, also in white. A long deep crimson frockcoat with matching pants topped off the ensemble.
"Hey, Pegasus!" Yugi ran forward. "Cool, you ARE here."
"What, did you think I'd miss this? Particularly as the invitation was SO gracious. 'Be there or I'll have you hauled there in chains'. --Not really, unless you're reading between the lines, but that's about the gist of it." Pegasus waved a hand. "So here we all are again."
"What exactly is going on with all the Western and Eastern stuff?" Tèa asked. "Miss Ellen downstairs--"
"Is a temporary employee of KaibaCorp, as is everyone else in town with the exception of the Duelists. It's a closed tournament, no outside spectators. The whole town is KaibaCorp property. He bought the place and had it renovated. They're all role-playing-- actors and actresses on an enormous stage. For the duration of the tournament, we're LIVING in the Old West." Pegasus chuckled. "I have to admit, Kaiba does have some fantastic ideas for these little events."
"Oh wow." Tèa's eyes lit up. "That sounds so interesting!"
"Mm, doesn't it? But I'm slowing you down. Get your luggage stashed, then check out your closets." Pegasus tipped Tèa a wink. "The proper clothing does help set the mood, you know!"
The rooms were all furnished in a similar style: a large four-poster bed, easily big enough for two, with large fluffy pillows and white bedspreads. A cherrywood chest of drawers with an oval mirror mounted above it graced one wall, while across from the bed stood a matching wardrobe. A delft china pitcher and washbasin rested atop the chest of drawers, and the walls were decorated with Indian rugs and Mexican serapes, pinned up to add color to the plain plaster.
There were lithographs as well on the walls over the headboard, and upon occasion a painting of the area, featuring the mountains or a woodland scene. Tucked in a neat roll at the end of the bed was a bundle that turned out to be a large fur, perhaps a bearskin, that had been meticulously turned into a rug/spread and obviously meant to be unfurled over one's feet and legs for extra warmth at night. The single concession to the modern age was a small closet that turned out to hold a toilet, shower and sink, though all of them were of an 'old-fashioned' type that could pass for period.
Both wardrobe and chest of drawers contained, upon inspection, several different suits of clothing that could be mixed and matched to make a fairly decent few days' worth of 'Western' wear: shirts, jeans or pants, vests, jackets, and the like for the men, dresses, vests, shirts and skirts for the women. Boots of varying types were tucked away neatly at the bottom, and in the top drawer were tietacks, cufflinks, bandannas, and all the other smaller pieces to complete the ensemble. There were even a few hats at the top of the wardrobe, again in varying types, but all lending themselves to the Western ideal.
Square in the middle of each bed was a cream-colored envelope that held an invitation:
Seto Kaiba, mayor of the town of Kirwin, would like
to invite you to attend a welcome dinner at his house
tonight at 7 PM. Period attire is requested but not required.
******
"Hey, check it out!" Joey spun around in the hallway. "I'm a real live cowpoke!" He slapped a hand on the leather chaps. "Just call me da Domino Kid."
"Me, I'm not used to all these buttons..." Tristan gestured at his ensemble, a white shirt with dark buttons, with a double-breasted silver vest over it, black pinstriped pants and dark brown tooled leather boots.
Behind Tristan, Yugi eased out into the hall. He was wearing a dark blue longhorn bib shirt, the front portion sporting 11 neat silver studs holding it in place, a pair of black pants with suspender buttons, and black boots. "Me either, but it does look sort... of... *guh*..."
Following his gaze the others saw Tèa emerge from her room, dressed in a long Spanish-style dress, her shoulders bare and a lace mantilla gracing her short brown hair. A little shyly, she turned a pirouette. "Do you like it Yugi?"
"Wow," he replied, taking in Tèa and her dress wide. "Tèa, you look-- wow."
"Yes, ladies and gentlemen, today's word is 'wow'," teased Bakura, shutting his door. He was dressed in a more continental style, almost like a banker, with a jacket over a frilled shirt and tweed pants. "My, you DO look splendid, Tèa. --Shall we, everyone?"
Once they walked out of the Silver Dollar it became evident where they were going. A large house set up and to the back of the town, almost flush against the mountainside, had every room lit up and the sounds of music and voices drifted down from it on the wind.
"Here, Tèa--" Yugi threw a silk shawl around her shoulders. "It's pretty chilly out here. This might help some."
"Let's not dawdle and it won't matter too much," Pegasus observed.
"Yeah, someone's already giving me dirty looks." Yugi giggled. "And he isn't even out here with us to feel it!" He shyly offered Tèa his arm, and, trailed by everyone else, they hurried up to the house, where a man in servant's livery waited to accept their invitations and usher them in.
Almost the second they entered the house, a shadowy figure moved forward to intercept them. "How touching. Looks like the rumors are true, you HAVE recruited someone else into your little group of cheerleaders, Yugi. Or maybe Pegasus is just hoping to ride in on your coattails."
Yugi half-turned, still holding Tèa's arm, and looked at the speaker. The gentle look on his face dropped off, to be replaced with a little frown of determination. "Kaiba," he said.
Seto Kaiba, clad in a Westernized version of his usual garb (right down to the sleeveless white duster) folded his arms and smirked, gaze finding and marking each person there. "Welcome to MY tournament," he said. "Though I'm still trying to figure out how the International Dueling Association would've suggested SOME of you." His eyes rested deliberately on Joey.
"Kaiba that's enough!" Yugi let go of Tèa and stepped forward, hands balling up into fists, almost visibly trembling. "I know what you're about to start saying and you can just stop where you are. Everyone here deserves to be here, whether or not YOU think that much of them. It isn't about who's got the best reputation or who plays the flashiest, most powerful cards, or who measures up to YOUR standards of what a Duelist should be. If I Dueled the way YOU think I should, I'd be miserable-- because I wouldn't be Dueling; I'd be treating my deck as if it was just a stack of pieces of colored paper. You always wonder why you lose to me? I'll tell you the same thing I've always told you. You don't believe in anything or anyone but yourself, so how can anyone or anything else believe in YOU?!"
It was almost funny; tiny Yugi standing there, eyes blazing, locked on Kaiba's, the silence in the hall almost thick enough to cut.
Almost funny... until Seto Kaiba dropped his stare first, glancing to the side, the smirk replaced by a sullen scowl. "Fine," he said, looking back at last. "Have it your way, Yugi. But I intend to prove to you that superior skill WILL lead me to another victory."
"Skill is nothing unless you have a heart to go with it," Yugi answered.
"Whatever." Kaiba waved a hand dismissively. "We're not here for a challange. Not tonight, anyway. If you'll all follow me, dinner's waiting."
Yugi turned, looking back at the others. "Let's go, everyone," he said, with a firm little nod. One hand in Tèa's, one hand in Joey's, he walked forward.
"Hey Yugi!"
Yugi looked up as they walked into the dining hall (and it WAS a hall, just about; the table could seat all of them with room to spare). His face lit up. "Hey, Mokuba!"
The tall young man with the shock of dark hair ran forward, grabbing Yugi and giving him a hug. "Man, it's great to see you again! you're looking... uh.." he stared down, puzzled. "The same," he finished.
"Well, YOU'RE not!" laughed Yugi. "No fair, you grew."
Mokuba laughed a little. "Yeah, I kinda hit my growth spurt. --So, how do I look? I'm th' sheriff in these here parts, podner!" He held out his arms, showing off his cowboy outfit, complete with a Texas Ranger style badge.
"I guess that means you're going to be enforcing the rules in this tournament too?"
"You bet. Seto says he wouldn't trust anyone else with the job."
"He's right."
"Come on, I'll show you all to your seats." Mokuba led them over to the table, pointing out the placards that marked everyone's plate.
The first course of the dinner was served in almost-silence. Kaiba wasn't particularly hungry-- hadn't been since the IDA told him flat out if he wanted sanctioning for this tournament he'd better open the doors to his fellow Master Duelists, and that meant ALL of them, including Pegasus. But he ate nonetheless, as much to reassure Mokuba as to conceal his distaste for some of his dinner company.
When the plates were taken away he stood. "As chairman of this tournament, I'd like to welcome you to Kirwin," he said. "Most of the rest of the participants have already received an explanation of the rules, but as honored guests, you're receiving a personal briefing and a chance to ask me questions.
"The rules are fairly simple. Like Battle City, you can't summon your stronger monsters straight onto the field-- you have to sacrifice a weaker monster, Level 4 or below, to bring out a Level 5 or above. You don't have to risk your strongest card, at least not IN the duels themselves. The 'catch' in this tournament is that if you lose, you must remove your rarest card-- ALL of them, if you have more than one of the same card-- from your playdeck for the duration of the tournament. So, for example, if I were to lose a Duel, I would have to take all of my Blue-Eyes White Dragons out of my deck and leave them out for the rest of my time in the tournament. If I lost a second Duel, then my next rarest card would be taken out, and so on down the line. But don't count on that happening any time soon. In the event you have several cards of an equal rarity, the cards to be eliminated will be chosen by random draw.
"You are allowed to bring other cards into your playdeck to replace them, but I'm sure you see where this is heading. Lose, and the entire structure of your deck could change dramatically. You'll have to think ahead and plan how to shift your strategies. Everyone's deck and backup cards will be registered, by the way, so don't try to bring in anything that you don't currently have with you.
"There is no 'elimination' in the first round. Instead, you must win six Duels, which will move you into the second bracket. Your losses don't count against you-- only your wins will be taked into consideration. It's in your best interest NOT to lose too much, though, for the reasons I stated above.
"Each person that makes it to the second bracket will have to Duel against one of my hand-picked Desperados in order to continue to the third bracket. Those who make it to third will then be facing each other in a series of random duels until we have a winner. If we have an uneven number of finalists, the person who did the best in the second bracket but didn't make it to the third bracket will be advanced to third to even things up.. so you see, this time around I'm even giving the losers a second chance." He smiled thinly. "The tournament will begin tomorrow at the traditional hour of high noon and continue through the day till sundown. Thereafter, it'll open at dawn and end at sundown. Nights are free to rest, rebuild your deck, and enjoy the events in town. You CAN also participate in the daytime events, but be aware you may be challenged to Duel any time it's daylight.
"Refusal to Duel a challanger will be counted as one loss, with the attendant penalty of removing your rare cards. My brother Mokuba, as 'sheriff', is final arbiter of any issues regarding the rules or Duelist conduct, and his decisions are not open to debate. Failure to accept that is grounds for immediate dismissal from the tournament." Kaiba took a sip of his wine, then continued, "Now, as for the rewards. The winner of the tournament will take home $500,000 dollars tax-free and a custom-built second-generation Duel Disk. These new Duel Disks are lighter, can be made in your choice of color and detail work, and will feature a special isomorphic anti-theft system. In essence, the Duel Disk will be keyed specifically to one person and will only work for their owner. He or she will also be offered Master Duelist status by the IDA, with all the attendant rights, privileges and responsibilities. Second place will receive $250,000, and third place $100,000. Any questions?"
"You haven't set any time table," Tèa said. "If you don't mind my asking, how much time do we have to get the six wins to move into the second bracket?"
"Good." Kaiba nodded slightly. "I was wondering if someone was going to ask that. This is a five day tournament, therefore you have about 18 hours to get in your six duels-- from 12 noon to 6 PM or so tomorrow, from 6 AM to 6 PM the day after. The next two days after that will be the Desperado duels, and the last day will be the finals. However, if you're in the middle of a Duel when the sun sets, we won't discount it, so long as the Duel began BEFORE sundown. And the start and stop times are not fixed-- basically, think of it this way. If there's even a sliver of the sun showing, either dawn or dusk, you have the right to Duel. Before or after that, you're out of luck. Not everyone in the old West had a convenient pocketwatch or clock at hand, so they judged things more by the sun than we do.
"Also remember that you can be challanged to Duel ANYWHERE while the sun is up, so hiding in your room won't help.
"Once you get to the second tier, IF you do, you're going to have to track down a Desperado and call them out. Any Desperado will do, though. You're not assigned to a specific one, and they will be identifiable. Desperados will be all in black, with the KaibaCorp logo on the front of their shirts and a red bandanna tied around the right arm. They're under orders to remain within sight of the town, though they may hide out anywhere in town, or in the opened gold mine tunnels, which are also clearly marked and monitored. It's up to YOU to find one and Duel him or her. That phase will last for about 24 hours." Again a thin, almost mocking smile. "Old West outlaws didn't make it easy on the lawmen tracking them down. So don't expect any favors from MY Desperados."
"Yeah, so?" Tristan muttered under his breath. "You never did anyone any favors in your life. Why expect your flunkies to be any different?"
Bakura raised a hand. "Mr. Kaiba," he said, "I'm curious as to why Tristan, Tèa and I are here. Grant you, we DO all know how to Duel, but we're scarcely in your usual category."
Kaiba arched a brow. "Curious," he said. "As to your being here? It's simple enough. You made a tolerable showing at Battle City. I want to see if you can continue it, or if your performance then was only a fluke. I've met any number of people who imagined they were good enough to be included in one of my tournaments. It always interests me to find someone who might actually BE worthy." He glanced around again at the group. "Let's just say that for the other two, I'm looking forward to putting the people I DON'T know to the test.
"A true Duelist-- and this is something even you'll agree with, Yugi... a true Duelist is always on the lookout for others who are worthy to compete against." His eyes locked on Yugi's again. "Besides," he said, very very softly, "I'm bringing the full power of my Deck into this battle. I'm sure you will too Yugi. You'd better. I don't intend to lose, no matter what it takes. So I expect each and every one of you--" he gestured at everyone else--"to Duel as hard as you can, even if you find yourselves facing your best friends at the end. Let me borrow a popular phrase and you'll understand where I'm coming from." He turned, heading out of the room, and paused at the door. "There can be only ONE."
And with that, he was gone.
Yugi's eyes narrowed, then widened. "He can't--" he whispered under his breath. "He CAN'T mean to..." he sank back and covered his face with his hands.
"Oh yes he can," said Bakura, face grim. "And you know he will."
"But it's DANGEROUS!" Yugi jumped up. "This is NOT the time OR the place for that!" He rounded on Mokuba, who was just heading for the door himself. "Mokuba-- can't you--"
Mokuba only looked down miserably. "Sorry, Yugi," he said. "Seto... you know how he is... I'll try, but I don't think he'll listen, not even to me." He looked up, brown eyes worried. "When you left the last tournament, Seto got pretty upset. He's not kidding around. --I know, I know, like he ever 'kids around'." The younger boy sighed. "This time, he's serious. He's got something to prove, to himself at least. He's not going to let anything or anyone change his mind. But I'll TRY, ok? I owe you a lot." A lopsided grin. "Heck, I just about owe you EVERYTHING. I only wish I could get Seto to see it too." He turned and trotted out, following his brother.
In the silence that followed, Bakura's voice was quite clearly audible: "Well, what a shocking cock-up THIS is turning out to be."
"Okay, okay, what'm I missin' here?" Joey leaned across the table. "Spill it, Yuge."
"The God Cards." Yugi dropped his hands, sighed. "Kaiba wants to Duel me when I have the God Cards in my deck."
******
The banner stretching across the main street the next morning said it all:
== WELCOME TO TURN OF THE CARDS ==
Registration, Qualifying Goals and
Duelist Roster at City Hall
Tournament Begins: High Noon
Posted on the front porch of the City Hall-- a two-story building near the center of town-- was the following list of names:
Yugi Motoh - Joey Wheeler - Tristan Taylor - Ryou Bakura
Tèa Gardner - Maximilian Pegasus - Seto Kaiba - Rex Raptor
Weevil Underwood - 'Bandit' Keith Howard - Duke Devlin
Rebecca Hawkins - Mako Tsunami - Espa Roba - Diaz Russio
Amos Campbell - Junon D'Argenne - Serra Russio
Siegfried Mannheim - Jafar Hanshin - Sergei Ivanov - Ethan Johnson
Tom McGregor - Isona Shikuza - Giovanni Solermo - Paul Davis
Underneath was a short paragraph:
Round 1 - First 16 to win 6 Duels advance - challenge anyone
Time: 18 hours
Round 2 - First 8 to track down and defeat a Desperado advance
Time: 24 hours
Round 3- Winners of Round 2 compete for semi-finals (4 slots)
Round 4 - Winners of Round 3 compete for finals (2 slots)
Round 5 - The last Duelist standing wins
"This is it, guys," Yugi said as they stood on the front porch of the hotel. "We're going to do it. I KNOW we are."
"Vell, vell," a stranger's voice interjected. "If it isn't Maximilian Pegasus." The German accent made it 'Mockceemileeon'. "How quaint to see YOU here. I understood you retired, Sie nicht? And here with so many young people... Wie interessierend. "
Everyone turned to see a tall, thin figure with sharp features and short-cropped white-blond hair standing on the wooden sidewalk, just out of the sun. His entire attitude was somewhere between languor and ennui.
"Yipe," Tristan muttered, "that guy makes Max look like Randy Savage."
Pegasus's features took on an air of polite indifference. "Have we been introduced?" he asked, with an undertone of 'if we have, obviously you weren't remarkable enough for me to remember it'.
"Ah, nein . You vere... busy, obviously." The man bowed slightly, in the continental fashion. "I am Siegfried Mannheim, from Germany. Western European champion," he added. "And ZIS must be the so-famous Yugi Motoh." Siegfried smiled, but the smile didn't quite reach his eyes. "Somehow I expected you to be kleiner eines Görs -- ah, forgive me, the English-- older? Such an accomplished Duelist. Such a surprise and delight."
Almost at once everyone felt Pegasus bristle.
"I hope zat I vill have a chance to face you or vun of your company," Siegfried continued. "It vill be interesting to see how the American champions match up against the European styles of playing." With that he bowed again and sauntered off.
Joey looked hard-eyed after Siegfried. "I don't like that guy much," he murmured.
"You have every right to," Tristan muttered back. "For all intents and purposes, I think he just called Yugi a brat, or something close to it, if I remember my high-school German."
'You know, with the proper tools I could have that man's liver out and hand it to him before he collapsed from shock trauma.'
Bakura turned a little pale. You don't mean that!
'Try me.' Ba-Khu'ra smirked.
Here now, none of that. One doesn't go around killing one's opponents!
'Oh?' One white brow lifted. 'If you insist, then, we'll simply reduce him to a quivering semblance of his former self in the Arena. I think Dark Necrofear would probably enjoy that. I know I will.'
Must you always be so bloodthirsty?
'Bloodthirsty to you is practical to me. An enemy who's no longer breathing isn't much of an enemy. And mark me, little light, that one carries no love for anyone but himself.' Ba-Khu'ra's expression softened just a trifle. 'It wasn't a forgiving world 5,000 years ago. And you are a product of a... different time. Today your evils hide behind weapons that reach out across mountain and ocean alike. In my time, a man faced his death, or his opponent's, personally, and took the responsibility for the deed upon himself and no other.'
I know.
'Enough of the debate. Let's go. I want another look over our Deck before we begin.''
Max folded his eyes, his visible eye narrowing as a cunning, wicked smile spread across his features. "You know, as I recall, I do believe I've heard of our DEAR Mr. Mainheim. They say he's never lost a Duel. I wonder how many people he had to bribe to get that perfect record. I think I'm going to have more fun at this tournament than I originally planned on. Now, if you'll excuse me, I think I'll have a cup of coffee before the actual tournament starts." He walked back into the hotel, singing under his breath as he went:
"I'm on the case, can't be fooled
Any objection is overruled
Yes I'm the Arbiter and I know best
(He's impartial, don't push him, he's unimpressed)
You got your tricks, good for you
But there's no gambit I don't see through
yes I'm the Arbiter, I know the score
From square one I'll be watching all sixty-four..."
Fifteen minutes before noon, a bell began to ring slowly, its sound carrying through the streets of Kirwin, summoning everyone to the town hall. In front of it stood a board studded with small pieces of identical paper. Mokuba Kaiba was standing beside it, and as the crowd gathered he raised his voice. "Okay, everyone here's how it starts.
"These pieces of paper are little maps of the city, one for each Duelist. Each one has a site marked in color. Take one, open it, and check the spot. That's where you need to head to. As soon as the belltower--" he indicated the giant town clock above him-- "strikes 12 o'clock, you can begin chasing each other down for Duels." he grinned. "Didn't think we'd make it easy and let you all start challenging one another right here in Town Square, didja?
"Remember you have till sundown tonight to Duel, then dawn to sundown tomorrow. ANYWHERE in town is open territory, so you're gonna have to stay on your toes and pick your duels carefully. Same goes for your fellow contestants-- anyONE is fair game. Only the first 16 to win 6 Duels will advance. Keep that in mind.
"Just like Battle City, your Duel Disks will be used to relay duel information back to City Hall, where me an' my deputies will be watching out for trouble. Don't make me have to run you out of town!" He grinned. "Okay, line up and come forward two at a time to pull your map please!"
Here we go. Yugi closed his eyes a second, taking a breath. Nervous, excited, happy; all mixed up inside him, same as every tournament. The faintest cool touch on one shoulder, reminding him he wasn't alone; then it tightened. Yugi immediately looked to his right, saw Yami looking further down the street, and followed his gaze.
Diaz.
He was dressed in something approximating a Spanish gentleman's suit, and as Yugi looked his way his face lit up.
That scared Yugi worse than it would have if he'd looked angry, or worried, or surprised, but he didn't look away. Instead, he lifted his chin a little, shoulders straightening.
Diaz didn't smirk, or flinch. He simply bowed his head, acknowledging Yugi, and took his place at the back of the line along with Amos, Junon (who seemed a little subdued this morning), and a third boy who resembled him. Must be Serra. His son, maybe? Brother?
"I don't know if I like splitting up," Tèa said doubtfully.
"We can always join back up later," Bakura said soothingly. "Er--" He glanced at Mokuba. "There isn't any reason we CAN'T join back up later, is there?"
Mokuba shook his head. "Nope. We're just starting everyone off split up. If you want to grab a buddy after the tournament begins that's fine. Just remember: everyone's a legitimate target, and if you expect to move on, you're gonna have to get in those six duels as soon as possible."
"Right." Bakura chose a piece of paper, looked at it, and then surveyed the area due west of him. "Looks like..."
"Uh-uh!" cautioned Mokuba. "Don't let on where you'll be. Other people might be waiting to find out so they can ambush you. Just go there as quick as you can."
Bakura nodded. "See you later, guys," he said before he set off at a jog down Main Street.
Yugi looked at his own slip of paper. It seemed to indicate he should head northeast, towards the more mountainous side of Kirwin. "Good luck, everyone," he said, and stretched up for a kiss from Tèa as he left.
Joey's map pointed a little north and east (more easterly than anything else) towards the stables and the open area past them.
Pegasus wound up just behind Town Hall.
Tristan was to head due east towards the 'residential' area.
Tèa headed southwest, over behind the boarding house.
Long minutes of silence followed as each Duelist found their place and waited, to finally hear the deep tolling of the clocktower announcing the game was ON!
******
About the time Tèa arrived at the boarding house a soft voice spoke:
"Hey hey, my lucky day, pretty girl and sunny streets. C'mon, wanna Duel, huh?"
She turned to see the boy that'd been with Diaz-- Serra?-- smirking at her, Junon just behind him. "C'mon, what do you say?" he coaxed. "Perfect day, maybe I could take you for a soda after the Duel." He took a step in Tèa's direction.
A large hand descended on his shoulder. "No," Junon murmured. "Me."
"Huh?" Serra blinked up, staring at Junon; then he laughed. "So that's what you've been jumpy about all morning. Wanted to stake her out for yourself - sorry, bad metaphor," he added, "you know, stake, hot sun, Indians, Western movies... so anyway. Looks like Muscles here wants to buff up his rep by showing you what he can REALLY do."
"Fine by me," Tèa said, though her knees felt as if they wanted to just buckle right out from under her. This was the one, the man in her dream--
Hey, wait. He WAS in the dream I had about Yugi. And, and he really seemed to be trying to be gentle with Yugi... It was like... like he didn't want Yugi to be sad.
Maybe he didn't even want Yugi to be there in the first place.
Was there something like an apology in the giant's eyes? Something like a plea for understanding?
Despite herself, Tèa smiled at Junon. "It's okay," she said, not quite sure why she was saying it. "Let's Duel, Junon."
Junon smiled back slowly.
******
"Ah, this is TOO perfect." The light gleamed off Bandit Keith's ever present sunglasses as he watched Joey walk past his appointed 'ambush' spot. "I been waiting for a rematch with you, Wheeler--"
"Heyyyyy! Wait for me!"
"Damn." Keith did a quick fade as Rebecca ran up to Joey. "Slow down!" she half-gasped, half giggled. "I've only been chasing you two blocks now! It's Joey, right? I don't think we got properly introduced last time I saw you. but that WAS a few years ago when I Dueled Yugi. Maybe you'll give me a Duel?"
Yeesh, it's Bratzilla, Joey thought. Aloud he said, "Yeah, sure, Rebecca, ain't it? Ain't you Professor Hawkins' grand-daughter?"
"Sure am!" Rebecca nodded. "And my grandfather's here in town to cheer me on, so I just HAVE to win."
"Yeah, well, I ain't gonna make it easy on ya." Joey crouched, activating his Duel Disk. "Watch out, here comes Joey Wheeler!"
"Of course not!" Rebecca nodded firmly, one finger raising like a prim little teacher. "If you don't Duel your very best I WILL be insulted. I know I'LL be going all out. After all, a girl has to do something to help her get over a broken heart, right?" Leaning in, she confided, "I had this terrible crush on Yugi, you know. I mean, he's so CUTE and everything. But I saw him kissing Tèa Gardner in the square earlier, and I know a kiss of true love when I see it." She sighed. "I guess I'll just have to find some other cute guy who's a great Duelist to be crushed out over." With a coy little smile she pushed her glasses back up on the bridge of her nose.