Written by: Michirutsunami

Summary: The second part of Return to the Past (Part 2)

Chapter Five

Return to the Past (Part 2)

The two looked at each other as if they were ghosts. “ Oh my goodness its Umi,” Tea gasped, “ I cant believe she’s here,” Joey muttered, “ I thought it was her,” Kaiba muttered to himself, until he heard someone else’s voice. “ I can’t believe Yami is here,” a voice said, the others looked to see three other people on the other side of the arena looking at both Yami and Umi. “ I had no idea he would be here,” another person, “ none of us did,” the other said, Kaiba softly gasping from hearing that familiar voice. “ Melanie?” Tea asked, one of the hooded people turned to loom at her, “ do I know you?” the person asked, “ its me Tea,” Tea replied. “ Tea?” the person asked, Tea then took off her hood, the person gave out a yelp, “ oh my it is you,” Melanie said as she lowered her hood and ran toward her friend.

“ How are you?” Melanie asked, “ all right, goodness I didn’t expect to see you here,” Tea said. “ Neither did we,” Joey said, “ Joey?” Melanie asked, Joey then took off his hood, “ hey Mel,” Joey said. “ Heh, still the same,” one of the other hooded people mutter, making the other snicker, “ hey I know that obnoxious voice, Claire!” Joey said, “ hello Joey,” Claire said with ease, “ what’s the matter not gonna show your face, afraid of how…” Joey started to say until Claire lowered her hood, Damn she gorgeous, Joey thought, “ you were saying?” Claire said with a wicked smile on her face, “ knock it off Claire, Joey’s just acting the same way he did all those years ago," Kathy said, “ well, well, well, if it isn’t tough little Kathy,” Tristan said. “ Hey you guys,” Kathy said, “ Kathy lowered your hood, be polite,” Claire said, “ all right all right,” Kathy replied as she lowered her hood, “ Kathy how are you?” Tea asked, “ fine,” Kathy replied; though no one could see, Kaiba was bright red, damn she’s still so cute after all these years, though I don’t know why I would be surprised.

Kathy then turned to Kaiba and smiled, “ then this must be Kaiba right?” “ Yep, that’s plain old boring Kaiba,” Joey said deviously, “ shut up mut,” Kaiba said coldly, “ go to hell,” Joey growled, “ yez, you two still hate each other, “ Kathy said as she walked toward Kaiba. Kathy just stood there for a minute as if she was waiting for something, “ well, aren’t you gonna take your hood down so I can see you?” Kathy finally said, “ no,” Kaiba muttered, “ why not?” Kathy asked. “ Just…because all right,” Kaiba said as he turned away, “ oh come on don’t be shy, its not like we make fun of you or anything,” Claire said, “ its not really that its just…” Kaiba muttered. “ Just take off the damn hood you idiot,” Joey shouted; as they started fighting, Umi and Yami were just looking at each other in pure shock.

“ Its you…” Yami muttered, “ I didn’t know…” Umi said at the same time, they then let out small laughs. “ Its good to see you again Yami,” Umi said, “ its good to see you Umi, I had no idea that you were gonna be here,” Yami replied. “ Same here, people don’t tell me anything and I’m pharaoh,” Umi laughed, Yami eyes then widened, “ your pharaoh? I’m too,” Yami said happily, Umi gave out a big smile, “ well isn’t that a coincidence.” “ What happened they get desperate,” Yami laughed making Umi fall to the ground. “ What?!” Umi growled as she got up, pointing her finger at him, “ you jerk, you haven’t changed after all these damn years,” Umi finished. “ Yez, such language Umi,” Yami muttered, “ don’t give me that you pest, you still act immature and irresponsible for you actions,” Umi shouted. “ And I suppose you’ve change, you still act like a big baby and take everything out of proportion,” Yami replied calmly, “ THAT’S IT!” Umi shouted as she and Yami started fighting.

“ Huh? What’s going on?” Melanie said as she looked toward Yami and Umi, the others also looked in that direction; when they saw Umi and Yami fighting, huge sweatdrops fell on their heads, “ oh no, not again,” Tristan said, “ even after all these years they still cant get along,” Melanie said sadly. When they saw things were getting out of hand, they ran over to their pharaoh and started holding them back. “ Let go, let go! Its time this ass got what he deserves,” Umi shouted, “ let me at that bitch!” Yami exclaimed. “ Umi will you relax,” Claire muttered as she tried holding Umi back, “ how can I when that ass started all this,” Umi shouted, “ oh then maybe I should spill another bucket of cold water on your head,” Yami shouted. Umi started growling, “ that’s it he’s dead,” Umi shouted; “ come on lets see what you can do,” Yami said as he tried to get out of Kaiba and the others grip.

“ Control yourself Yami,” Kaiba muttered, but then they all pulled him back falling to the ground, making Kaiba’s hood fall off; Umi and the other girls then stopped fighting to hold Umi back (since she stopped trying to get out their grip), “ Kaiba?” Umi gasped. Kaiba then looked at them, then he noticed his hood had fallen off, “ oh shit,” Kaiba growled. “ Wow, Kaiba you look very handsome,” Kathy said as she started blushing, “ oh thanks,” Kaiba muttered as a tint of red appeared on his face, but his thoughts were interrupted when he heard the guys “oooooing”. “ Kaiba still has a crush on Kathy,” Yami laughed, “ yez, after all these years,” Joey said through his laughs, his sides in pain from laughing. Umi and Claire’s face started to tighten with anger, “ come Umi, lets get those asses,” Claire growled as she rolled up her imaginary sleeves, Yami and Joey then stopped to look at them. “ Lets get em’,” Umi shouted as Umi and Claire started to run toward them, when Joey and Yami saw this they started running as fast as they could. “ On no, come on you guys before they kill each other,” Melanie said as she started to follow them.

*-*-*-*-*-*

A few days later, a big storm hit Egypt, keeping Umi and the others from returning to Lower Egypt. “ Stay with us?” Tea said happily, “ WHAT!” Joey and Yami exclaimed, “ come on Yami, they need a place to stay,” Tea replied. “ No way, I refuse,” Yami said as he walked toward his throne. “ Awe, they’re still sad that we beat their asses Umi,” Claire said sarcastically, “ you did not,” Joey growled. “ Come on Yami, where will they stay?” Kaiba explained, “ you just want them here so you can be near Kathy,” Joey laughed, then Kaiba put Joey in a head lock, “ shut your damn mouth you lousy mut,” Kaiba growled. “ Please Yami?” Tea whined, “ no and that’s final,” Yami replied, “ please Yami,” Umi asked, Yami then looked at her and gasped, her eyes your huge as if she was a sad puppy. “ Oh no, no, no, no, not the puppy dog putt,” Yami whined as he covered his eyes, “ pleaseeeeeee…” Umi said sadly. “ No, no way, never,” Yami shouted.

*-*-*-*-*-*

“ I hate you I really do,” Yami muttered, Umi then threw her arms around him, “ thank you Yami,” Umi said happily. “ This is great, we can catch up on so much,” Tea said happily to Claire and Melanie, “ yeah lots,” Claire said happily, she then looked at Joey and gave a wicked smile. “ Not to mention some serious payback,” she said deviously as she punched one of her, “ oh I’m really scared Claire,” Joey said sarcastically. “ You think you would have learned by now,” Kaiba muttered, “ shut up ass,” Joey exclaimed, he then got whacked in the head by Kathy, “ leave him be Joey,” Kathy said, “ hey Kaiba,” she said as turned to him, “ oh yeah,” Kaiba as he blushed. “ Can you show me where the library is, its been so long I’ve forgotten where it is,” Kathy asked. “ Oh sure,” Kaiba replied, “ oh Kathy you don’t need to do work, we’re kinda on vacation,” Umi explained, Kathy then looked at her, “ oh no, as your high priestess I’ve gotta make sure that the work is done,” Kathy said as she smiled.

“ Yez, she’s such a workaholic,” Umi muttered, “ what’s wrong with that, it would certainly help you,” Yami muttered, Umi then whacked him upside the head, “ what the hell was that for?” he shouted, “ for being such a ass,” Umi replied. “ Why you…” Yami growled, but he then noticed something glittering on Umi’s ears. His eyes widened in amazement, on her ears were a pair of golden pyramid shaped earrings, Umi then noticed he was looking at her. “ What?” Umi asked, “ your…wearing the earrings I got you…the ones I gave you before you left,” Yami replied. “ Oh yeah, believe it or not, I really do like them, I worn ever since I left here 7 years ago," Umi replied. “ 7 years?” Yami muttered, “ hey but don’t think its gonna change anything all right, cause nothing has, your still an ass that I still have to put up with,” Umi exclaimed. “ You…” Yami growled, and once and they started fighting. “ Not again,” Joey and Claire said in unison, they then looked at each other and blushed, but they then went toward them when they saw things were getting ugly. Melanie just rolled her eyes and walked away into the garden.

Oh its still so beautiful here, Melanie thought as she started sitting down in her favorite patch of jasmine flowers near the palace wall. It’s so good to be back here, and I think it’s the same for all the others, especially Umi. Melanie then picked one of the sweet smelling jasmine flowers and smelt it, Umi seems so much happier than before. Melanie gave out a big sigh, “ I’m just happy to be back,” Melanie muttered as she lay on the green grass.

*-*-*-*-*-*

“ Stop! Thief!” One of the guards screamed. “ Yez, its just an apple,” the boy growled as he ran as fast as he could. As the boy ran past a small store he made a quick turn, “ Bakura, you really need to grow up,” an a long black haired girl said as she came out of the store, “ not now later all right Isis,” Bakura replied. “ Stop!” the guard shouted, Bakura then jumped onto a big crate and jumped into the window of an old building. The guards then stopped, “ aren’t we going in there?” one of the guards asked, “ no, that place is haunted, we’ll get him some other time,” the other guard replied. “ You hear that, we’re gonna get you,” the guard shouted. “ Heh, you wish you fat pigs,” Bakura muttered; Bakura was 15 now, he still had long spiky white hair that went own to his shoulders and deep chocolate colored eyes, but now he was very tall and muscular. He wore a blue vest and long, baggy-at-the-end pants.

“ Hey, your back,” a happy voice said from behind. Standing there was a girl about Bakura’s age, she had long black spiky hair that also went down to her shoulders like Bakura’s but had emerald green eyes that could pierce the soul and body. “ Hey sis,” Bakura, “ here, cut this so we can eat it,” Bakura added as he threw the apple at his sister, “ thanks Bakura,” his sister said as she grabbed a knife from an old table. “ Where’s Malik?” Bakura asked, “ he went out, you know him, he always goes out on his own,” she said as she placed the apple on an old crate, “ he’s such an ass,” Bakura muttered as he looked out the window. “ Don’t say that, he’s a good person,” Naga said as she cut the apple once, “ that’s only because he never gives you a hard time Naga,” Bakura replied; Naga had a tint of red come to her cheeks. They then heard a big thump; they looked to see a boy sitting at the window. This boy a long spiky bright blonde hair that stopped at his neck. He had dark colored skin and two slashes on both sides of his cheeks, and he had menacing purple eyes.

“ Hey Malik, where ya been?” Naga said happily, “ just getting us somethin’ to eat,” he said as he showed them a loaf of bread, “ here dig in,” Malik said as he threw the bread to Bakura, “ not hungry Malik?” Naga asked; Bakura then started to walk away, “ where you going?” Malik asked, “ just out, watch over Naga k,” Bakura said as he jumped out the window. “ He’s such an ass,” Malik muttered, “ you two are unbelievable you know that,” Naga muttered, “ what?” Malik said as he grabbed a slice of the apple and took a bite out of it. “ You to really hate each other don’t you?” Naga said as she stood up, “ I don’t hate him its just, he’s been so strange lately,” Malik muttered. “ I know, you think something’s wrong with him?” Naga said as she turned to him with her eyes all watery. Malik walked toward her and gave her a hug, “ I’m sure he’s fine, don’t worry, I’ll talk to him later if it makes you feel better,” Malik whispered in ear, “ thanks Malik,” Naga muttered.

*-*-*-*-*-*

“ Malik and Naga have been acting so strange lately, as if there are hiding something from me,” Bakura muttered to himself, as he walked toward the palace walls. “ What is up with them?” Bakura muttered, but just as he was thinking about it he heard something from over the wall. That sounds like someone singing, Bakura thought, he then crawled onto a huge box and jumped onto the ledge, “ I wonder who’s there?” Bakura growled as he lifted himself up to sit on the ledge, he then gasped at what he saw. There sitting in a jasmine patch was a young girl, she had blood colored hair and deep brown eyes, “ its her…” Bakura gasped as his eyes widened, I had no idea that I would see her again, but she’s here, she’s returned, Bakura thought. “ Hey you what are you doing up there?” someone shouted, Bakura looked down to see the palace guards, “ oh shit,” Bakura said under his breath, he then jumped off the ledge and started running, “ hey get back here,” the guards shouted as they followed him.

*-*-*-*-*-*

“ Hey Claire?” Joey asked, Claire turned to look at him, “ yeah?” she replied. “ Did…you…miss me?” Joey stuttered as his face turned red, Claire then turned away not for him to see her face all red, “ um, yeah, actually I did,” Claire replied, “ you did?” Joey said in surprise, “ yeah…um, did you miss me?” Claire asked, “ yeah I did,” Joey replied. “ I didn’t think you would,” Claire muttered, “ yeah, well…you see I was kinda an ass at that time and wasn’t really interested in girls...and well I think you know,” Joey said as he tried to find the right words. “ Oh no I don’t,” Claire replied in curiosity, “ well…” Joey started to say, “ what I’m tryin’ to say is…” he started to say until he heard someone coming this way. " Lord Joey, we found this commoner on top of the palace wall, what should we do with him?” one of the palace guards asked as the other struggled to hold onto a white haired boy. “ Hum, well have you asked Yami?” Joey asked, “ yes, Pharaoh Yami said we should ask you,” the guard replied, but before he could answer, someone else was coming down the hall; it was Melanie “ hey Joey, Claire, what’s going on?” “ Just dealing with someone causing trouble,” Joey replied, “ oh I see,” Melanie replied; Claire then looked at the boy and noticed something, the boy was staring at Melanie in a different way, and his face was red, “ oh hey Mel, where were you?” Claire asked. “ Oh just over by the palace wall collecting some flowers why?” Melanie replied as she showed her the flowers she had in her hand.

“ Oh I see, hey Joey can I talk to you?” Claire said as she grabbed Joey’s arm and dragged into a corner, “ what?” Joey asked, “ do you know where that boy was?” Claire asked, “ yeah the palace wall,” Joey replied, “ and where was Melanie?” Claire asked, “ the palace wall why?” “ Don’t you get it?” Claire asked, Joey just stared at her with a blank face, “ you idiot, he was looking at Melanie,” Claire explained, “ he was watching her,” Claire finished. “ That’s weird, wouldn’t he would do that if he had a crush on her,” Joey muttered, “ you ass he does, your so dense sometimes,” Claire muttered. “ So what should I do?” Joey asked, “ let him go, he hasn’t done anything wrong,” Claire replied, “ I guess,” Joey muttered, “ okay, I’m made my mind,” Joey said as he walked toward the others, “ let him go,” Joey finished. “ But Lord Joey…” the guard said, “ I’ve made my mind, let him go, innocent until proven guilty right?” Joey replied, “ I guess, all right let him go,” the guard replied, “ hey, don’t worry about it I’ll take him back to the gates,” Melanie said all of the sudden, “ oh, yes Miss Melanie,” the guards replied. Melanie that’s a cute name, the boy thought. “ Come on, its this way,” Melanie said as she leaded the boy in that direction.

As Melanie and the boy started walking down the hall, he couldn’t help but look at her. When Melanie noticed this, she turned to look at him, “ what?” she asked, “ oh it’s nothing sorry,” the boy replied with his face turning red, “ that’s all right, so what were you doing over at the palace wall?” Melanie said with a big smile, “ Oh, nothing really, just hanging around,” the boy lied. “ I see…so what’s your name?” Melanie asked, “ its Bakura,” he replied, “ Bakura, that’s an interesting name,” Melanie said happily. “ So is Melanie,” Bakura replied, Melanie gave out a small giggle as they came to the palace gate. “ Well, it was nice meeting you Bakura,” Melanie said, “ nice to meet you too Melanie,” Bakura replied, “ good bye,” Bakura said as he walked out of the palace, “ bye,” Melanie said as she waved good bye

*-*-*-*-*-*

“ Yez, this library still is so big,” Kathy said as she looked around, “ yeah, we’ve been adding on since you left,” Kaiba replied, “ I always enjoyed coming to this library,” Kathy said as she started to read a scroll. “ So your Umi’s high priestess,” Kaiba muttered, “ you’re Yami’s high priest,” Kathy replied, “ and you still act so serious,” she finished. “ Am not,” Kaiba replied, “ yes you are, you still act like an adult Kaiba,” Kathy laughed as she went to the window and looked at the sunset, “ you haven’t changed either,” Kaiba replied. “ Who me?” Kathy asked, “ yeah, you still strike fear to Joey and Yami and…” he started as he brought his hand to her face, softly stroking her cheek, “ and yet, you make others to happy with that smile of yours,” Kaiba said softly. Kathy gave out a small chuckle, “ I’m just one girl out of millions Kaiba, there’s nothing special about me,” “ I think differently,” Kaiba replied, making Kathy slightly blush, “ how do you do that?” Kathy muttered. “ What?” Kaiba asked, Kathy then smiled at him and shook her head, “ nothing, forget it, um…I just remembered something, I have to…to um…go check up on something so, um, I’ll come back later,” Kathy stuttered as she slowly walked out of the room. “ All right, see you later Katherine,” Kaiba said, Kathy face then went blank, but then she smiled and left.

*-*-*-*-*-*

(Next day)

“ So what are we gonna do today Umi?” Claire asked, “ not a clue,” Umi whined as she laid on a huge cushion, swinging her leg back and forth, “ I never thought a vacation would be so boring,” Umi sighed, “ where’s Mel and Kathy?” Claire asked, “ probably out having a life, unlike us,” Umi replied, just then there was a knock on the door; it was Joey. “ Hey Claire, I’m goin’ down to the market place, wanna come?” Joey said, Claire then jumped to her feet and ran out of the room with Joey, ” see ya later Umi,” Claire said happily. Umi just looked out the door for a second and then sighed, “ all right, so I’m the only one without a life,” Umi whined. As she then, Yami walked past the door and saw Umi lying there. “ Hey Umi what are you doing,” Yami said coolly as he walked into the room, “ slowly dying, why?” Umi said sadly, “ oh that’s all, well, you wanna go do something?” Yami asked, “ like what?” Umi asked, “ I don’t know, we could go for a walk,” Yami replied. “ A walk would be nice,” Umi muttered, “ all right, then lets go,” Yami said as he helped Umi get up.

But then Umi slipped and fell into Yami’s body; she then looked up to look into his deep eyes, both hers and his face red. “ You…all right?” Yami stuttered, “ yeah,” Umi said, she then came to her senses and pulled away. “ Well…um, lets go for that walk k?” Yami stuttered, “ okay,” Umi said happily.

*-*-*-*-*-*

Over at the palace wall, Melanie was resting in the jasmine patch. Why can’t I stop thinking about that Bakura guy, Melanie thought. Just then she heard something and lifted her head to see someone sitting on the palace wall ledge. “ Hey there stranger,” the person said, Melanie then recognized that familiar face, “ hey Bakura, what are doing?” Melanie said happily, “ ah not much, just saw and familiar face and wanted to say hi,” Bakura replied, “ okay, come down here and talk to me,” Melanie said happily. Bakura then jumped off the wall and walked toward Melanie. “ So how are you?” Bakura asked as he sat down next to her, “ all right I guess, I’m just so bored,” Melanie sighed, “ you?” she asked. “ Ah, same, just dealing with my sister and friend,” he replied. “ Oh you have a sister,” Melanie asked, “ yeah, her names Naga and my friends name is Malik, “ Bakura replied. “ It must be nice to have a sister,” Melanie asked, “ yeah I guess,” Bakura muttered. “ What’s wrong?” Bakura asked, “ huh, oh its nothing,” Melanie replied, “ you sure?” Bakura with concern in his voice, Melanie gave out a small giggle, “ yeah, really I’m fine, don’t worry.” “ You wanna go do somethin’?” Melanie then asked, “ like what?” Bakura replied, “ anything, this kingdoms our playground,” Melanie said happily, making Bakura to start laughing, “ playground,” Bakura said through his laughs, “ yeah, playground, now lets go,” Melanie said as she pulled on Bakura’s arm and dragged him out of the garden.

*-*-*-*-*-*

“ So what else do you wanna do while you’re here?” Yami asked, “ oh I don’t know, is there anything interesting around here anymore?” Umi asked as she picked jasmine flower and smelt it. “ Um…not much I guess, things were so much more interesting when we were kids,” Yami replied. “ Yeah, hey remember the time we mixed up the scrolls in the library?” Umi laughed, “ yeah, that was fun, it took them forever to put them back in their proper places,” Yami replied as he started laughing, “ how about the time we let out a huge snake loose at that huge party in your honor?” Yami laughed, “ yeah, that’s was hysterical, we got into so much trouble for that,” Umi replied. Yami then turned to think, “ hey that’s it,” Yami then said out of no where, “ what’s it?” Umi asked. “ A party, we should throw a huge party while you’re here,” Yami replied, “ why a party, you said you hated parties,” Umi replied, “ yeah well I’ll make an exception, so what do you say Umi?” Yami said. “ Well…all right, I haven’t been to one since my crowning,” Umi said happily, “ great, something to do,” Yami said, “ come on, lets go tell the others,” Umi said happily as she ran ahead of him.

*-*-*-*-*-*

“ A party, that sounds like fun,” Kathy said as folded some clothes, “ yeah but I don’t have anything to wear,” Umi replied, “ why not wear what your wearing now, that’s pretty,” Kathy said. “ No way, I wanna make sure that that ass Yami doesn’t give me a hard time about what I wear, that’s the last thing I need,” Umi replied as she started helping Kathy fold the clothes. “ Really? Because I was thinkin’ it was because you wanna impress him,” Kathy said deviously, making Umi’s face go bright red, “ what…th…that’s crazy,” Umi stuttered. “ Yeah whatever,” Kathy laughed, “ come on, what makes you think I wanna impress him, its not like I have a crush on him or anything,” Umi explained, “ oh really, you don’t have a crush on him?” Kathy asked, “ no,” Umi replied, “ I’m sorry I believe you do have a crush on him,” Kathy said.

“ How does Umi have a crush on?” Claire asked as she entered the room with a bundle of clothes in her hands, “ no one,” Umi exclaimed, “ Yami,” Kathy replied, “ oh, no surprise,” Melanie said as she came in with another bundle of clothes. “ I don’t have a crush on that ass,” Umi exclaimed, “ we beg a differ Umi,” Claire replied, “ how can I?” Umi growled, “ well, lets look at the facts, after we left you wouldn’t eat, sleep, or play, you weren’t happy when you became pharaoh, saying somethin’ was missin, and now that were back you all you do is laugh and talk to Yami,” Melanie explained. “ That means nothing, we are completely different,” Umi replied, “ well you know what they say, opposites attract,” Kathy giggled. “ Oh yeah, what about you and Kaiba?” Umi replied, “ hey lets keep to Yami and you all right,” Kathy replied, “ yeah, actually I would like to know if you two are a couple,” Melanie said.

“ Oh really, what I’d like to know is where you’ve been that last few days, I heard someone say they saw you with an unknown boy,” Kathy replied, making Melanie’s face go red. “ Oh, it must be that boy that got in trouble for being on the palace wall, now what was his name again,” Claire explained, “ its Bakura, and what if I’m hanging around with him,” Melanie growled. “ Does Yami know?” Umi asked, “ I don’t think so, but so what, hey Claire, I haven’t seen you around lately,” Melanie asked, “ well, um, I’ve been helping Joey out,” Claire said with her face red, “ your opinion of him surely has changed,” Kathy replied, “ yeah, he has changed a lot,” Claire explained. “ Well anyway, this party sounds like a lot of fun,” Melanie said, “ yeah, I just loved to dance,” Claire said happily. “ Hey, why don’t you do your dance of illusions for everyone Claire,” Melanie said, “ yeah, everyone loves that dance, its so neat,” Kathy replied, “ good idea, that’ll be fun,” Claire replied. “ I guess,” Umi sighed. “ What’s wrong Umi?” Kathy asked with concern, “ I don’t know, all of the sudden my stomach hurts,” Umi said as she gripped her stomach, “ you wanna rest?” Melanie asked, “ yeah, I’ll be fine later, I just think I need to be alone,” Umi replied, “ all right, we’ll come back later,” Claire said as she and the others walked out of the room. Umi then gave out another sigh and put her hand on her heart, “ actually, it’s my heart that hurts,” Umi muttered as a tear fell from her face.

*-*-*-*-*-*

“ Why in the world would throw a party for Umi, you hate her guts,” Joey said to Yami as he sat next to the garden fountain. “ I don’t hate her guts,” Yami replied, “ the way you treat her doesn’t really help you know,” Kaiba replied as he read a scroll, “ come on, do I really sound cruel to her, “ yes,” they both said in unison. “ You treat her like a dog,” Kaiba said as he looked at Joey and gave him a wicked smile, “ don’t even Kaiba or tell Kathy,” Joey said deviously, “ damn mutt,” Kaiba muttered. “ Anyway I thought it’d be nice, she’s been acting really odd lately,” Yami said, “ you’ve noticed it too?” Joey said, “ its like she’s not really there when you talk to her Yami,” he finished, “ yeah that’s why I thought about the party, might make her feel better. “ Have you noticed that she only acts that way when Yami’s there?” Kaiba said, Joey then looked at him, “ come to think of it yeah.” “ Oh great, I’ve made her upset, but what did I do exactly?” Yami replied, “ why don’t you ask her,” Kaiba replied, “ hey looks who coming over here,” Joey said.

Coming their way were Kathy and the other girls, “ hey you guys, what are you doin’ here?” Joey asked, “ just takin’ a walk,” Claire replied as she sat next to him, “ where’s Umi?” Yami asked, “ in her room, she’s not feeling very good,” Melanie replied, “ what?” Yami asked with concern, “ yeah, we were talking about the party and she said her stomach hurt, so we left her to get some rest,” Kathy replied. “ What! I’m goin’ to check up on her,” Yami exclaimed as he ran into the palace, “ oh my, he really worried, “ Melanie muttered. “ What were you guys really talking about?” Kaiba asked, “ we were talking about her and Yami,” Kathy replied, “ and then we started to talk about each others relationships, that’s when she said she felt bad,” Claire added, “ hum, how bizarre,” Joey muttered. “ Its odd, at first she seemed happy to be back, but then it just turned to sadness like she did back home,” Kathy finished. “ I hope she feels better,” Melanie muttered.

As that was going on, Yami was running in the halls toward Umi’s room, she can’t get sick, I won’t let her, Yami thought. He then came to a halt at Umi’s room; he looked in and gasped. Inside the room was Umi lying on her bed, but she was crying, her face all pale and her eyes all red. “ Umi?!” Yami exclaimed, Umi then jolted her head to look at him her face filled with shock, “ Ya…Yami,” Umi stuttered. “ What are you doing, you should be resting,” Yami said as he walked into the room, “ go away Yami,” Umi said softly, “ no, not until you tell me what’s wrong,” Yami replied. “ It’s…its nothing, you don’t have to worry,” Umi said as she turned away, “ yes I do, something’s wrong with you and wanna know what it is,” Yami said, Umi just kept looking away. Yami then got mad and grabbed her upper so she would look at him, “ what’s wrong Umi?” he asked sternly, Umi just looked into his eyes and gave a big sigh, “ to be honest I don’t even really know,” Umi replied, “ huh?” Yami gasped, “ I see the Kathy and others with someone even if they do deny it…” Umi started explaining, “ I see them happy and I wonder who do I have? Who’s my someone? Or will I live my life alone?” Umi said sadly. “ Umi, you’re not alone,” Yami replied, Umi then looked at him again, “ you have lots of people who care for you,” Yami replied, Umi then gave out a sigh and shook out her head, “ you don’t even know what I’m talking about.” “ But you said you were afraid of being alone, and you’re not, you’ve got Kathy, Claire, Melanie an…” Yami started to say, “ I mean someone to love Yami!” Umi exclaimed Yami then stared at her, “ all of them have someone to love, but do I have Yami? Who?” Umi exclaimed.

Yami grabbed her hands and brought them to his lips, making her give out a small gasp, its time to tell her, Yami thought, “ you can have me,” Yami replied, Umi’s eyes widened in shock, “ wh…what?” Umi stuttered, “ you heard me, you can be with me,” Yami replied as he leaned and kissed her forehead, “ I love you Umi,” Yami whispered. Umi’s eyes started to water, he loves me…that means he does feel the same, she thought, “ now, lye down and get some rest,” Yami said as he softly laid her down, “ there, now just get some sleep,” Yami said as started to lift himself off the bed, “ no!” Umi exclaimed as she hugged, “ don’t leave me alone please,” Umi exclaimed as tears started to fall from her face, Yami then smiled and looked at her, “ don’t worry, I’m not gonna leave you all right,” Yami explained. Umi then softly shook her head as she lay down again, “ all right,” she muttered; she closed her eyes and started to sleep.

“ Hey is she all right?” Kathy asked as she saw Yami coming toward them, “ yeah she’s sleeping,” Yami replied, “ what’s was wrong?” Joey asked, “ oh, just an upset stomach, probably something she ate,” Yami replied as he sat down, “ that’s good,” Melanie said as she gave out a sigh of relief, Yami then looked at the sky, yeah, its great, he thought.

*-*-*-*-*-*

“ A party?” Bakura said, “ yeah and I want you to come,” Melanie replied, “ Mel are you sure you want me to come?” Bakura asked, “ yeah, hey you can even bring your sister and friend,” Melanie said, “ really, the pharaoh wont mind?” Bakura asked, “ actually he wants to meet you, I guess so he can you my flaws,” Melanie giggled, “ what flaws?” Bakura asked, making Melanie’s face go red, “ will you come?” “ Why not, I’ll talk to my sister,” “ oh here, this is for you guys to wear,” Melanie said as she handed him some clothes, “ hey thanks, listen I gotta go but I’ll see you later, oh when is the party again?” Bakura said, “ tomorrow, after sundown all right,” Melanie replied. “ All right I’ll see you there,” Bakura said as he leaped over the wall, “ bye,” Melanie replied.

*-*-*-*-*-*

“ Wow a party really?” Naga said happily after Bakura told her about the party, “ yeah, so you wanna go?” Bakura asked, “ you bet, it sounds like fun,” Naga replied, “ here, this is what you have to wear,” Bakura said as he handed her some clothes, “ wow, this is so pretty, your girlfriend is so kind,” Naga replied, “ she’s not my girlfriend Naga,” Bakura growled. “ Whatever, hey Malik you wanna come?” Naga said as she turned to look at him, “ yeah, but only because I don’t want those rich bastards to make a move on you since Bakura will probably hang out with his girlfriend most of the time,” Malik said wickedly, “ shut up, she’s not my girlfriend,” Bakura shouted. “ Yeah right, so its tomorrow?” Malik asked, “ yeah, so try not to get yourself thrown in jail,” Naga whined, “ hey, that’s not fair, I only gotten a warning,” Malik replied, “ sure you did,” Bakura said wickedly.

*-*-*-*-*-*

“ Hey Kaiba wait up,” Kathy said as she ran to catch up with Kaiba, “ hey Kathy,” Kaiba said as Kathy caught up with him, “ hey, why didn’t you wait?” Kathy said as she tried to catch her breath, “ wanted to see how long you could last,” Kaiba said wickedly, “ hey that’s mean,” Kathy whined, “ that’s the point,” Kaiba replied. “ So where are you going?” Kathy asked, “ to the library, I’ve gotta do some work before the party tomorrow,” Kaiba replied, “ yeah about the party…um, Kaiba I wanted to talk to you about that,” Kathy said. “ Is something wrong?” Kaiba asked, “ no, it’s just wanted to ask you something,” Kathy replied, “ okay what?” Kaiba asked. “ Well…” Kathy started to say as her face got red, “ I wanted to know if you would go with me,” Kathy finished; Kaiba’s face got all red, “ with me?” he stuttered. “ Yeah, if want to,” Kathy said, he’s gonna say no I know it, she thought, “ actually wanted to ask you the same thing,” Kaiba explained, “ you did?” Kathy gasped, “ yeah, so will you go with me?” Kaiba asked, “ I think I already answered your question,” Kathy giggled, “ yes,” Kaiba muttered. “ Well I’ll see you later,” Kathy said as she started to walk away, “ all right bye,” Kaiba said as he waved good bye. Yes, this is gonna be great, Kathy thought happily.

*-*-*-*-*-*

“ Hey Joey, whatcha doin’?” Claire asked when she found him under a huge tree, “ ah not much, just restin’,” Joey replied, “ can I join you?” Claire asked, “ yeah sit down,” Joey replied, Claire then sat down next to him, “ hey Claire,” Joey said, “ yeah?” Claire replied. “ What did you mean by you guys relationship’s?” Joey asked, Claire’s face went red, “ well um, I kinda meant that the others were nagging me about me spending time with you, thought we were datin’ or somethin’,” Claire replied. “ What did you say?” Joey asked, “ I told I was just hanging around with you,” Claire replied, “ would it be bad if you said yes?” Joey muttered, Claire then looked at him and smiled, “ no I don’t think it would have,” Claire replied, Joey looked at her in shock. “ It wouldn’t be, but you hate me,” Joey said sadly, “ where did you get that, don’t say when we were kids because I didn’t know any better,” Claire replied, “ so you don’t?” Joey asked, “ no I don’t hate you Joey,” Claire giggled. Joey then placed his hand on her face and gently stroked her cheek, “ you know I don’t hate you right?” Joey said softly, “ I guessed that already,” Claire giggled as she closed her eyes, “ hey Claire?” she heard him say, “ yeah?” she replied, “ there’s something I been meaning to tell you,” he said, Claire could feel him feel him leaning toward her, their lips almost touching, “ what?” Claire asked with hope, “ well…I…”

“ Hey mutt!” someone screamed, Joey growled and pretended not to hear the person; he knew it was Kaiba. “ Hey I know you can hear me!” Kaiba shouted, “ Claire then opened her eyes and giggled, “ you better go, you can tell me later all right,” she whispered, Joey then gave out a big sigh, stood up and started to walk toward Kaiba, “ what do you want you ass?” Joey growled, “ Yami wants to see us, says its important, something about the party,” Kaiba explained, “ trying to lucky?” Kaiba said wickedly as Joey walked past him, “ shut up and go to hell,” Joey growled, “ cant, I’ve got a date,” Kaiba said victoriously, “ must be someone who really delirious to say yes to you,” Joey muttered. “ Shut up, Kathy’s my date and I’m betting you don’t have anyone to go with,” Kaiba replied, “ Yeah I do, hold on a sec,” Joey replied as he turned to look at Claire. “ Hey you wanna go with me to the party?” Joey asked, “ sure,” Claire replied, “ told ya,” Joey said triumphantly to Kaiba as he walked toward the palace, “ lousy mutt,” Kaiba growled as followed him.

*-*-*-*-*-*

(Night of the party)

“ This is gonna be so much fun,” Claire said as pulled her hair back with her favorite clasp, “ I know, hey do you think these earrings would go with this outfit?” Melanie asked as she held them up, “ um…no, here, wear these ones,” Kathy replied as she handed her a pair of diamond earrings, “ hey thanks,” Melanie replied as she started putting them on, “ where’s Umi?” Claire asked, “ she’s trying on this new outfit she got, she’s been there forever though,” Kathy replied, “ I don’t think I’m going,” Umi said from behind the changing curtain, “ why the hell not?” Melanie asked, “ this outfit looks terrible on me,” Umi replied. “ Oh don’t be ridiculous, get out here,” Kathy demanded, “ no,” Umi replied, “ you look fine I’m sure,” Claire said, “ no, I’m not going,” Umi exclaimed, “ come on Umi,” Kathy demanded, “ fine,” Umi said after a few seconds, “ but don’t laugh okay,” Umi finished as she walked out.

Umi was wearing a light colored purple dress, at the neckline was a collar of gold and amethyst’s, on each arm was one slit that showed her shoulder to her elbow, where it then closed up. On the body it was kinda loose but her tied it with golden sash, she wore golden bracelets on her wrists and ankles, she also wore golden shoes. “ Wow Umi you look great,” Melanie gasped, “ really, you think?” Umi asked, “ yeah, Yami won’t know what hit him,” Kathy added. Yami…Umi thought, she hadn’t seen him lately, she thought he had forgotten his promise, but she wasn’t going to let that ruin her night, “ thanks you guys, now lets get going,” Umi said as she opened the door. “ She’s feeling better,” Melanie said happily, “ that’s good, now hurry up or we’re going to be late,” Kathy replied.

*-*-*-*-*-*-*

“ All right where are they,” Joey said, “ you know girls they take forever,” Kaiba muttered, “ yeah well I’m not getting any younger,” Joey growled, “ knock it off Joey,” Yami joked, “ why? Let him run his mouth, that way Claire can see she should of said no instead of yes” Kaiba said wickedly, “ you want me to tell Kathy?” Joey asked, “ tell me what?” someone said from behind them, they jumped back and turned to see Kathy, “ oh nothing, nothing at all,” Kaiba replied, “ you guys are acting strange,” Kathy said, “ what else I is new,” Melanie said as she walked down the stairs, “ where are you going?” Kathy asked, “ I’m going to look for Bakura, I’ll catch up with you guys later,” Melanie replied as she walked off, “ fine, all right Kaiba, ready?” Kathy said as she walked down the stairs, “ yeah I…wow!” Kaiba started to say until he looked at her, “ what, is something wrong?” Kathy asked, “ no its just…you look gorgeous,” he stuttered, “ thank you,” Kathy giggled, “ hey Kathy’s where Claire?” Joey asked, “ right behind you,” a voice said, he turned to see Claire, “ Claire hey, wow you look great,” Joey said, “ thanks, you look nice too,” Claire said, “ hey where’s Umi?” Yami asked. “ That’s odd, she was right behind us,” Kathy said, “ she’s probably in the garden,” Claire said, “ she’s really nervous,” she finished, “ about what?” Yami asked, “ no clue,” Claire replied, “ I’ll go see if she’s there,” Yami said as he walked away, “ that’s so cute,” Claire giggled, Umi, I hope Yami’s the one just for you, just like you hope for so many years, Kathy thought, “ ready to go?” Kaiba asked, “ yeah,” Kathy said.

*-*-*-*-*-*

“ I wonder where he is,” Melanie muttered as she looked around for Bakura, “ I hope he didn’t get into trouble,” she added. “ Hey there stranger,” someone said from behind her, Melanie gave out a sigh of relief, smiled, and turned around to see Bakura, “ hey you, I was wondering if you were coming,” Melanie said. “ And miss this, yez, you look beautiful,” Bakura said, “ thank you,” then someone whacked Bakura on the head, “ hey idiot, you gonna introduce us?” a deep voice said. Bakura then sighed and shifted his body to one side so Melanie could see a boy and girl, “ Melanie this is my sister Naga and my friend Malik,” Bakura said. “ Nice to meet you Melanie, Bakura told us so much about you,” Naga said happily, “ its nice to met you guys too,” Melanie replied. “ Well, now that introductions are done, I think I’m gonna take Naga and dance all right,” Malik said, “ fine,” Bakura growled. “ They seem really nice,” Melanie said.

*-*-*-*-*-*

As that was happening, Yami was looking in the garden for Umi, where is she? He thought. Just then he turned to see a girl sitting next to the garden fountain, “ Umi?” yami said, the girl turned to see him, “ hey Yami,” Umi said, “ what are you doing here?” Yami asked as he walked toward, “ I’m just thinking,” Umi muttered, “ about what?” Yami asked, “ nothing for you to worry about,” Umi muttered, “ Umi?” Yami said softly, “ yeah?” Umi replied. Just them Yami grabbed her wrist to pull her into his body and kissed her, Umi’s eyes wide with shock. Yami then wrapped his arms around her waist, he did remember, Umi thought happily as she wrapped her arms around his neck, just then Yami pulled away to look at her, “ I love you Umi,” Yami whispered to her, “ I know, Yami?” Umi replied, “ yeah?” he asked, “ I love you too,” she said softly, Yami gave out a small chuckle, “ I know,” he muttered as he leaned in the kiss her again.

*-*-*-*-*-*

(Return to present time)

“ So that’s really happened?” Kaiba said, “ I cant believe it, but what I don’t understand is how that tied with the millennium items,” Melanie said, “ there was probably more to the story but Umi didn’t have enough energy to continue the story,” Bakura explained. “ But you guys are missing the point,” Kathy said as she walked toward the window, “ what do you mean Kathy?” Joey asked, “ there were two things, first, we didn’t know that Bakura had a sister in the past, and two, Malik isn’t our enemy,” Kathy replied, “ of course he is, he’s after Umi,” Tea said. “ Maybe, but then again, maybe that’s what someone wants us to believe,” Kathy said. “ I don’t get it,” Tristan said, “ in the story Umi was telling us, Malik was nothing more then a friend of Bakura and his sister, he had no hatred toward the pharaoh Yami or Umi, and had no intentions to take the throne,” Kathy replied. “ That’s right, he would have at least tried back then,” Claire said, “ I think there’s someone else, someone who did hate Umi and Yami and did try to take the throne, but who?” Kathy said. “ We probably have to figure that out ourselves, in the mean time, we have to find Umi, that’s our main priority,” Yami then said, “ yeah,” the others said in unison. Umi, I will find you I promise, Yami thought.

*-*-*-*-*-*

“ They’ve figured it out,” Umi said through her breaths, “ Yami…please hurry, I don’t know how long I can last,” Umi said.

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