Disclaimer: I only the plot. Sad... sniffsniff

Author's Notes: Almost two months, I know... ToT I really apologize for the late update...I never expected my first three months to be packed with exams, projects, term papers, research papers and the worst of all— gulp MATH FINALS!!! OO (Who invented the hell Math anyway?? Oh yeah, the Indians... X.x shines scimitars anybody here want to help me go back in time to kill Aryabatta?? The one who calculated pi?? X.x) Well anyways, I started this chappie as soon as I had the time, and since this was done in a hurry, I apologize in advance for any spelling/grammatical errors that you might find... sighs I hope you like it, guys!! .

Chapter 13: Prelude

The who stadium was packed. The news about the Industrial Illusions spread like wildfire, and all contenders flocked the match to see the fighter that Pegasus confidently placed to fight against the young, teenage assassin who had risen to the highest ranks of the tournament in such a short while.

Yami Yugi was a legend; and everyone wanted to see the one who had dared challenge the teen who ruled the arenas of the Underworld.

o-O-o-O-o

It wasn't heavy. But it was not exactly comfortable either.

Yami Yugi stared at the inverted pyramid hanging around his neck with a frown. Does he really have to wear this?

Otogi, who sat on a couch behind him chuckled, managing an audible "yes" between his small fits of laughter. An android—an assassin, nonetheless, frowning was a sight to see, after all. This was one of the times that he would actually forget that the tri-colored teen is not human. He gave the android a pat on the back. "It's Engineer Motto and Dr. Ishtar's strict orders."

Yami let the Millennium Puzzle (as the two scientists called it) rest on his chest, suspended by a silver chain hanging around his neck. The young computer analyst handed him his twin katana swords—clean, smooth, ready for the next kill. The stains and dent from his previous battles, fights and trainings are not visible from the sword's silver exterior, and some parts have been re-forged and modified to complement his progressing skills.

These two swords are practically the extensions of his hands, after all.

The android unsheathed one katana, silently admiring the sharp, curved edges. It would be a delightful to see his weapons smothered in red...amethyst orbs glowed crimson for a moment, entertaining the melancholic thoughts his mind is producing. It has been a long time since he had last fought a real match. He would definitely enjoy seeing blood and slow deaths—especially if he's the one causing both.

The light bouncing off the silver blade gave it an odd blue color. And his eyes, which were glowing bright red with malicious intentions, averted back to its original deep purple. Gazing at the bluish weapon, he let a small, barely noticeable smile grace his features.

That odd blue hue reminded her so much about her eyes.

Anzu...

At that moment, a soft knock resounded in the room. Otogi promptly stood from the couch and strode over to the door, turning the knob. Green orbs dropped to see the young brunette standing awkwardly at the hallway. He smirked. "Ah, that cute chick from the lab the last time—Ms. Anzu Mazaki, am I correct?" A soft blush and a small nod made his smirk grow even wider. "Yami! Somebody wants to see you!"

The assassin straightened out his trench coat before turning to greet his visitor. Otogi had already quietly left the room to give the two some privacy, and all that was left aside from the two teens is a thick blanket of silence. Yami was the first to break it. "Is there something you need?"

Anzu shook her head with a small smile, eyes downcast. But the android sensed something far deeper than that. After all, her eyes betray what her expression wouldn't, and right now, her soft cerulean orbs showed worry and distress.

But why?

The assassin promptly trampled the thought that hoped that she was feeling all those for him. Averting from his thoughts, he chose to focus on to the woman that was standing before him. He walked towards Anzu, and used two fingers to lift her chin up. "You can't hide anything from me," he whispered, partly due to the close proximity. He mouth twitched when he noticed that the brunette's cheeks had a light tinge of pink. He forced her to meet his gaze. "Tell me why you're upset."

"I..."

Anzu couldn't take it anymore. She wounded her arms around the android's waist, burying her face against the soft material of his shirt and feeling his hard muscles underneath. She felt tears prick the corner of her eyes as she sniffled. "I...I'm worried, Yami...I don't want anything happening to you and I—"

Strong arms wrapped themselves around her, enveloping her in a comforting embrace. A hand reached to caress her face and wipe the tears that threatened to fall. "You don't need to worry about me." The arms that were around her tightened as the same hand that was on her face tilted her chin up for the second time. "I don't want to see you crying."

For the second time that moment, Yami's voice came out in a whisper. The brunette cannot believe the thick, heavy emotion that came along with those words.

I don't want to see you crying...

She merely stayed in the circle of embrace that her bodyguard had provided. Despite of her worry, she managed a small smile. Nestled around these arms, she was safe. Protected. Nothing can ever bring harm to her here. He would never allow it.

Anzu reached out and let her hands frame the sides of the android's face. This was one of the many times that she would actually forget that the man before was a machine. But that was a fact that she had long disregarded. Yami was more than a man to her now. She ignored the flutter in her heart as she let her fingers graze his hard sculpted jaw and before she knew it, she had already leaned forward...and placed a chaste kiss on the assassin's cheek.

"...just be careful...alright?..."

I did not realize it until now...

or maybe I have just been ignoring this all this time but now, I see...

...I can't imagine the future without you, right beside me...

o-O-o-O-o

"Anzu?"

Cerulean orbs met soft deep mahogany. Ryou shifted uncomfortably from the couch he was sitting. "Are you okay?"

For the second time that day, Anzu found herself forcing another smile. "Yeah..."

With a sigh, the silver-haired teen stood up and kneeled in front of his best friend. "I know you better than that...and I don't blame you for what you might be feeling right now but please..." He placed his hands on both sides of her head. "You know how much I hate seeing you like this..."

The brunette placed her hands above his own, grateful to have a friend as kind and as caring as Ryou. She pushed her thoughts of the android away for a second, and focused on the teen that was with her. But seeing her best companion made her heart ache even more. They both knew that the outcome of the battle would prove disastrous for both of them. After this battle, she might her best friend—the closest thing she could ever have for a brother forever.

"Hey Ryou," she began, desperately trying to hide the crack in her voice. "After this match, we'll still see each other right?"

Her voice caused Ryou's heart to swell. So this is where its all going to end up? A lifetime of friendship destined to be destroyed by a match that doesn't even involve him or his best friend? The silver-haired teen shook his head. He doesn't want that to happen. With a small, forced chuckle, he enveloped Anzu in a bear hug. "Of course, silly," he chose to ignore the sobs that wrenched themselves from the her throat. "We could still meet at Starbucks, like we usually do whenever we're bored...we could play Duel Monsters there, too...You beat me the last time, I still have to get back at you for that..."

Denial...

He felt the brunette smile. Another forced one, too; he knew that without a doubt. The only thing that had kept both of them breaking down are these false promises that they have been making for both of themselves. A coffee out with Anzu after the fight? He doubted if his father would even let him mention the word 'Mazaki' after all these if they lost. But if they won...

He wouldn't want to think what will happen to Yami...the android that his best friend had grown to care for—and if one were to look deeper, to love...and to Anzu...the only person in the world who had cared for him like she did; aside from his real mother. He did not want to lose the only real family he had...

And yet, what can he do?

o-O-o-O-o

Narrowed cobalt orbs gazed at the empty arena with a small frown. This was the first time Suguroku reported to Kaiba with hints of uncertainty. From what he had gathered both from the engineer and Schneider, it seemed like the Industrial Illusions is plotting something behind their backs.

Well, what can he expect from someone like Pegasus, anyway?

This is not good.

The CEO can't place the air of apprehension that seemed to linger about whenever he thinks about the upcoming match. Something is going to happen, and whatever that was, Kaiba knew it was not going to be good. Even with his confidence to Yami, he can't shake the dread that he is feeling.

Android or not, we need to be careful.

o-O-o-O-o

The announcer was enthusiastic as he called Yami to the arena. The spectators too, as they cheered and howled for the bloody battle they will sure be witnessing. There are more company owners this time, too, as they placed their own bets on the fight. Amethyst orbs scanned they area, looking directly at the window where he was sure Anzu was staying. He allowed a small smile to grace his features before letting his eyes glow scarlet as he turned to focus on the combat that he will be facing.

"...and now, let's give a round and sound for the Puppeteer!"

The android turned at the sound of heavy footsteps approaching. Gazing at the opponent that he will be fighting, his blood red eyes widened.

The Petr Askinov standing before him now, is anything but human.

o-O-o-O-o

Author's Notes: I originally planned this chappie to be entirely focused on Anzu's POV, but I still liked the way things turned out. 3 Don't forget to review, guys!! . More reviews might mean faster update (I still have a few days vacation before summer class so... cat-like grin heheh...) Flames will be used to burn all math and trigonometry pioneers for all eternity! XD