One would think one would get used to waking up with an aching body when one was host to a rash of supernatural events and conduit for a magic using ancient spirit.

Yugi would have a few choice words for anyone that had said that to him this morning. While he'd defiantly felt worst, the stiffness and soreness was still not something he would ever enjoy. And the fact that Yami had fallen asleep with the Millennium Puzzle around his neck didn't help. At some point during the night, the two had switched again (something that typically happened without either able to control it) and Yugi had rolled over on the mattress, causing the sharp edged bauble to leave red indents on his chest. Not comfortable.

Blearily, the young teen lifted his head and his vision adjusted. The room was lit brightly with sunlight and the chronic hum of the airship filled his ears. Looking around, he blinked a few time till the bedside digital clock came into focus.

2:00pm

Okay...not morning anymore. How long did I sleep? Groaning a bit, Yugi let his head fall back down to the pillow. He didn't know what time Yami had finally fallen into bed, having stumbled to his soul room shortly after assuring himself that Ryou was safe and cared for. Shadow Duels were exhausting and no matter how many he partook in, they didn't get any easier. He briefly recalled Yami talking to Kari, but seeing as they were alone and he didn't currently have a black eye, he assumed it went well.

'You wound me Partner. Did I not say I would stay my annoyance with the girl?'

Yugi couldn't quite stop the small grin that crawled across his face at the stirring of his other self. He hadn't meant for his thoughts to be so loud. Yami sounded haughty and prideful. So...completely back to normal. Stretching out, he winced a little at the twinge in his muscles. It wouldn't be necessary for Yami to use his skills to heal him this time, but it was still uncomfortable.

Rolling out of bed, Yugi proceeded with getting ready for the day while conversing with his partner, "You did say that...but as we both know, Kari is very skilled at getting reactions out of people. Can't blame me for being a little skeptical."

A chuckle rumbled through the air as Yami phased into Spirit form. He was smiling a little and his shoulders were more relaxed. Yugi wasn't sure if that indicated that he was feeling better or if he was putting on a brave front for him. Sometimes it was hard to tell the difference, the Puzzle Spirit was extremely skilled at bluffing. 'I most certainly agree, but I believe Miss Kari and I have a bit of an understanding now.'

Yugi pulled out a fresh uniform from his suitcase and snorted a bit as he walked over to grab a towel. Hot water was a Godsend for sore muscles, "Miss Kari...when'd you get so formal?"

'I do strive to be polite Yugi. Besides, surly that is better than calling her 'The Girl' all the time.'

"You don't call Tea 'Miss'. Or Joey and Tristan 'Mr' or 'Sir'."

Yami shook his head as Yugi vanished into the bathroom, staying outside the facility to give his partner space, 'They are our friends...she is not.'

'You don't think of her as a friend?'

Pausing at the mildly alarmed tone of his hosts mental voice, Yami had to think for a few moments. Kari Russell was an enigma...a riddle every fibre of his being wanted to solve. She knew things he desperately wanted to know, but her words of warning warred within him. He felt comfortable around her, draw towards her emerald eyes and musical voice. And the fact that she stood like a brick wall when threatened both appealed and worried him. Would she place her own life in danger to help him if it came to that? The thought of her being hurt bothered him more than he wanted to admit.

Realising Yugi was still waiting for a response, he replied carefully, 'I think she could be a valuable ally in the coming fights...but I still think caution should be taken when dealing with her. She seems to want to help...but everything is still so uncertain.'

Rampant amusement and a muffled laugh came through the closed door, 'Ask her out on a date...that might ease up some of the tension you two are dancing around. How long has it been since you've had a crush on a girl?'

Yami jolted suddenly, then scowled at the air, replying with a carefully controlled tone of voice, 'I do not have a crush on her. I don't even know her...very well anyway. For all I know, she could be a reincarnation of my sister.'

The door to the joined bathroom slide open with a hiss and Yugi walked out, fully dressed in his fresh Domino High uniform and towel draped over his head as he dried his hair. Yami briefly saw mirth dancing in his amethyst eyes that he tried to hide with the fluffy white cloth, "Or your mistress...or wife. Personally, I like Kari. She's strong and fierce and doesn't take any crap from anyone. Tea will get along great with her. Mind you, Joey and Tristan will probably have permanent bumps on their head from the two of them."

'My mistress? What do you know about that sort of thing Yugi?' Now the conversation was getting a bit weird and Yugi grinned impishly as he tossed the damp towel in the provided hamper.

"More than you obviously. Come on...I'm hungry and I'd like to see how Ryou's doing beforehand." Humming in agreement (and resisting the urge to argue with Yugi about his more intimate knowledge's), Yami fell in a step beside his partner. Staying in Spirit form didn't use up a lot of energy on his part, but some parts of it did creep Yugi out a little bit. Like how when he walked through the open door, Yami just walked through the wall.

Yugi almost instantly wished he chosen to stay in his room for a while longer.

"Do I look like an idiot to you Psycho! Don't tell me you had nothing to do with it! That's a load of crap and we both know it!"

"You dare to accuse me of theft, Child! Such an act is beneath me, especially from a weak little girl like yourself!"

"Both of you calm down and someone tell me what the hell is going on! Roland! Fuguta! Do not let them engage again! I will not have my ship turned into a brawling arena!"

"Sir!" "Yes Sir!"

Down the hallway was a scene of epic proportion. Marik's robed form stood tall and intimidating in the brightly lit area. His attire looked slight dishevelled, like someone had grabbed onto his clothing. Kari was across from him with fire blazing from her eyes and fists clenched so tight her knuckles were turning white. Both were being held back by Kaiba's men (though Fuguta was more standing in front of Marik with a hand out), and that appeared to be the only reason the two weren't physically tearing each others throats out. Although Kari was wriggling a bit in the bear hug hold Roland had her in, Yugi got the impression she wasn't trying particularly hard to break free.

Kaiba was fuming on the outskirts of the fight, jaw clenching and unclenching in time with his hands. Mokuba stood slightly behind him, looking cheekily amused. Namu had his head poked out of his room, staring at the scene with fascination. Joey and Tristan flanked Kaiba on either side, giving each other questioning glances and the three girls were paused with turned heads outside Ryou's room. Everyone was focused on the conflict with laser intensity.

'Oookkaay...worst wake-up call ever.' Yugi stared at the scene with rap attention, concern and confusion warring with equal intensity's. He despised violence. Such acts went against everything he stood for. That's why he preferred to settle things through duels, most of the time no one got hurt. That was not what was currently happening.

Yami looked at the fight with equal interest, crushing down the surge of fear he'd felt at hearing Kari's screaming voice. Marik didn't currently have his Millennium Item out, but he had no doubt the sceptre was hidden within his robes, ready to tear into anyone that threatened him. Which the hot headed female was dangerously treading towards.

Said female in question threw her elbows backwards into Roland's gut. A whoosh of breath gushed by her cheek as the man's hold loosened and she shoved his arms off her. Kari glared across at Marik over Fuguta's shoulder, holding back on her urge to throat-punch the tattooed man, which would have been somewhat difficult with the guard in front of him, but she was pretty agile.

Instead she turned her rage onto Seto Kaiba, "What kind of facility are you running here, Blue-Eyes! I thought these rooms we're in were secure! So what am I to think when I wake up to find I've been robbed in the middle of the night! Is you're security so lax that I'm soon going to have my whole deck stolen! Or worst!"

Kaiba twitched at the redirected aggression, taking in a deep breath to calm himself. This girl was proving to be far more trouble than she was worth. But he was the Founder of the Battle City Tournament. This craft was of his own design, including the security system. If it was being called into question, he was responsible for dealing with it. He made a mental note to add in holding cells on any future planes he built. And he needed more information to settle this problem.

"What are you talking about? The doors on each room lock instantly when closed and can only be open from the inside after that. No one may enter without the proper key card or a master key card, which I have the only copy of." Kaiba withdrew the master key from his coat, just to prove he had it before continuing, "It's impossible for anyone else to enter, unless you were so foolish as to give your card to someone else. In which case, any missing items are your own fault. Now, what exactly was taken from your room?"

Kari glared back, unwilling to back down. It wasn't in her nature to flee from a fight. She pulled out her own card and waved it in the air mockingly, "My key cards right here, Blue-Eyes. I didn't give it away or lose it, its been with me the whole time. What isn't currently with me is the Millennium Ring that I had last night! So unless you gave out your master card to someone that opened my door, you've got a problem that's going to become a whole lot bigger if I don't get some answers! And the return of that Ring!"

Odion mustered a cold look towards the girl. He'd been dragged into this argument when Kari had pounded on his door, demanding to speak to him. Still posing as the young Tomb Keeper, Odion had to use all his discipline to keep his façade up when the red head had accused him of stealing the Millennium Ring from her room, even boldly going so far as to grab the front of his robes with the intent of inspecting his neck for the item. The honorable side of him was impressed at her fearlessness to confront such a powerful enemy. The commotion had screeched through the blimp, drawing Kaiba and his men to the scene right before Odion would have been forced to strike the girl to get her off him. Now, he had to deal with the current mess.

"I took nothing! The only things I desire are the Egyptian God cards and the power of the Millennium Puzzle. Everything else is meaningless and I will not tolerate these falsehoods you spew!" Jade eyes snapped back to him and a snarl exploded from her mouth, "BULLSHIT!"

"ENOUGH!" Kaiba's bellow seemed to shake the very hallway. Years of acting as CEO and speaking before groups of ruthless men eager to tear his hard earned work apart had given him a voice worthy of a God. A powerful pitch that could make even the most hardened person flinch. Rarely did he have to use it outside a boardroom these days, but it seemed that was the only thing that would break apart this situation.

Everyone present quieted at the yell, turning to look at the tall man. Pausing, Kaiba pinched the bridge of his nose briefly before turning his frigid eyes to the two Duelists, "I will not stand for such childish and disrespectful actions aboard my airship. Marik Ishtar...you are far from a shining example of a law abiding citizen and if I find that this accusation holds any amount of truth, you will be removed from my Tournament and will be personally dealt with by me. As for you..."

Kaiba turned to Kari with a glare that froze the air around. Even the enraged girl shifted slightly, though she did not look away, "You have been warned about you behavior. I am not your parent and I will not give you a second chance. Defy my orders again and you too shall be removed from this ship. As for your claim of theft...I will look into this matter personally. My aircraft is equip with high definition and infrared security cameras in all places, save the guests personal quarters. I will review them myself and deal with any foul play that may or may not have been performed. Now...both of your disperse! I've had enough of babysitting toddlers for one day!"

The heat in the air from flaring tempers decreased. Kari glared bitterly at the robed adult as Odion swept down the hallway. Everyone stepped back as he passed by, disappearing into some unknown corner of the airship. Kaiba spun on his heel as well, leashing his temper firmly when Mokuba trotted alongside him and cheerfully commented, "You should hold tournaments more often Seto. Haven't had this much fun since the 'Super Glue' incident."

Everyone around just stared in stunned surprise, exchanging glances and lifting shoulders in confused shrugs. Yugi looked over at Kari, who exhaled heavily and leaned back against the wall, massaging her temples with a pained expression.

"Do you ever go anywhere and not find trouble, Red?" Joey scratched at his cheek, a grin starting to form on his face. Now that the immediate threat of Marik was gone, he couldn't help but find a lot of humor in the fact that the man had gotten a verbal lashing from a girl half his size.

The rest of the group gathered together, mingling loosely in the wide hallway. Yami looked over Kari carefully. She was back to wearing the sleeveless green top with black shorts and her classic white scarf. He could seen mild red marks on her arms that were rapidly fading from where Roland had held her, but otherwise she was unmarred.

Yugi spoke up next, "Kari...are you alright? That got...pretty heated. Marik didn't hurt you, did he?" The red head in question looked up, glancing at each member of the group before focusing on those who'd spoken,

"I don't find trouble Blondie...it finds me...even when I try like hell to avoid it. And no Spike...Psycho didn't touch me. Blue-Eyes and his goons showed up before fists got involved. Much to my disappointment." She scowled at the far wall, feeling her anger start to flare up again. Nothing cured frustration as much as beating the crap out of someone. Taking in a deep breath, she struggled to find her inner calm.

Mai Valentine's interlude did not help, "Wow...those rouge roots go right down to your toes, don't they? I'm surprised you haven't burst into actual flames."

Tea stifled a giggle from where she stood beside the blonde women and Kari felt her rage start to dissipate at the teasing tone, managing to chuckle a little, "Well...stick around Harpy...maybe you'll get lucky and get to see spontaneous human combustion occur. And I'm all natural, thank you very much."

Mai eyed the ruby colored locks that would have put a maraschino cherry to shame and smirked back, "Uh-huh...and I'm the Queen of the England." Kari pushed away from the wall and bowed deeply at the waist towards the purple clothed women, "Your Majesty..."

Giggles and laughs erupted from all around. The air calmed and everyone was able to relax again. Yugi smiled, glad that things were getting back to normal. Or at least his version of normal. Not wanting to shatter the mood, but knowing that someone had to say it, the spiky haired teen reluctantly spoke up, "So...what happened Kari? Is the Ring really missing?"

The flame haired girl looked back at him, sighing a little before starting to walk down the hallway with a backwards wave, "Let's all grab some food and then we'll talk."

Everyone fell into a loose step around, all moving in the same direction. Yugi had wanted to check on Ryou, but Joey assured him that his British friend was resting comfortable. The blond boy had made sure not to leave until Ryou had eaten a decent breakfast and fallen into a deep sleep. Not wanting to disturb him, Yugi kept moving with the group.

Emerging into the ballroom again, a large buffet was set up for everyone. Yugi plated himself a generous amount of fries and two fully loaded hamburgers, trying to ignore his growling stomach, before joining everyone at the large table. Munching on a crispy potato, he waited for the bad conversation to begin. Kari let everyone get some food into their system and chat causally before she ruined the mood. Things were just getting better and better.

"Alright...seeing as my unchecked temper got everyone worked up...sorry about that, my mouth tends run away without my brain attached..." Tristan snorted into his goulash and sarcastically replied, "Nooo...really?" Kari gave the brunette a dirty look before smirking at Tea,

"Hit him..." A yelp emerged as the blue eyed girl happily complied, smacking her friend lightly upside the head. Yugi swallowed a laugh by taking a large bite out of his burger while Tristan grumbled about abuse and everyone else giggled at the display. Kari felt a little better, sharing a mutual bonding moment with the tomboyish girl.

She finished chewing her mouthful of egg salad sandwich before continuing, "Anyway...my issues aside for the moment...yes...the Ring was taken from my room last night."

Shocked eyes and uncomfortably shifting occurred. Serenity was the first to speak, her voice fearful and worried, "And you think Marik took it? How'd know the Ring Spirit didn't come back and is in Ryou again?"

"First place I checked when I woke up and found it missing. Snowy is still gone, I'd be able to tell if Sweetie had that ass back in him again. And I know Psycho took it, no one else would want the damn thing. I just can't prove it. My issue is I didn't sense anyone come into my room. I'm normally pretty sensitive to that. No one used Shadow Magic to get in and out, meaning someone has access to Blue-Eye's system. Which is a lot worst."

Worried looks passed around the table. The idea that Marik had people on the blimp that could access their rooms while they slept was highly disturbing. Mai was the one who spoke up, being older and less synchronized with the group, "So...do we need to be concerned? How off the rocker is this guy? Are the walls going to be painted red by the end of this thing?"

Serenity shivered and moved closer to her brother. Tea wrapped her arms around herself and even Yugi looked worried as he waited for Kari to answer. To his distress, she didn't respond for a few moments,

"Right now we don't need to be concerned about anything...fatal happening just yet. Physical...yes...almost guaranteed...but there are currently preventions in place to keep any murders from occurring. However...as things progress further...yah...those safeguards are going to get weaker...and those with...looser morals will have more...freedom. Resulting in a lot more dangerous situations arising."

Being one of the only ones from a wealthier lifestyle, Duke was more familiar with thugs and hired muscle believing they could instill fear and achieve what they wanted through physical pressure and force. With that in mind, he added his two cents to the topic, "If that's the case, maybe we should start staying in pairs wherever we go. Might want to think about re-arranging the sleeping setup too."

Murmurs of agreement went around, along with worried looks and tiny shivers. Conversations eventually leaked back into a causal atmosphere. Namu managed to keep a neutral, if not slightly frightened look on his face even as he crowed internally at the chaos being caused while he ate quietly. Mai and Joey wondered about who would be selected for the next match, which was scheduled to take place at 10:00pm tonight. Tea asked Kari about her home country, drawing Yugi's interest. Duke and Tristan started to argue about who would accompany Serenity around the airship, till she naively asked them both to show her the basics of playing Duel Monsters together.

Yami had been blatantly listening in on the talks, standing nearby in Spirit form and glancing around the room occasionally. When Kari's eyes had flickered over him during the course of the conversations, he didn't think anything of it. But when it happened a second time and her green eyes met with his own, holding his gaze for three heartbeats before she quickly looked away, alarm awakened in him, 'Yugi...I think Miss Kari can see me...'

His young friend jolted slightly before he shocked all parties by just blurting out his response, "Kari...why do you pretend you can't see Yami?"

The red head choked on her sandwich, coughing and hacking while Joey leaned over a slapped her on the back. In the back of his head, his other self stuttered and everyone else was just confused. It was a good way to end lunch.

Kaiba sat back in his chair before spinning towards the windows behind him and folding his hand beneath his chin. He'd spent the last three hours going over every frame of video from the security systems and had come to a conclusion he really didn't like.

Marik Ishtar was more destructive than he'd first thought he was.

In the process of review the feed, he'd seen the young Duelist that called himself Namu enter into Marik Ishtar's room no less than 3 times since his guests has boarded the Kaiba-Craft 3. Which would indicate the boy was working with the sociopath. Barring that evidence, there was a time gap in his video footage from last night. Between the times of 4:03am and 4:42am, no picture was shown on the screens save for a segment of black and white snow. When he'd dug deeper into the issue, now angry that someone was screwing with his work, what he'd found had not been good.

Someone with quality skills had hacked the firewalls and protections he'd installed. And when he'd looked at the electronic locking data, his Master Key had been used 2 times on the airship. Which meant that Kari Russell's claims were founded on truths. There was a flaw in his system, which could very well endanger those he was responsible for. A Tournament Founder took on the duty of keeping those in their competition safe until the event was completed. Even Maximillion Pegasus had seen to the safety of the finalists when Duelist Kingdom had taken place. Kaiba may not like 99% of anyone on board his ship, but that didn't lessen the fact that he was the one honor bond to keep them alive and well till Battle City was finished.

Exhaling a bit, he waited until the sound of shifting cloth in the still air was heard before he spoke, "You're involved in this."

Kaiba didn't state it as a question.

Behind him, Ishizu shifted again. She'd been summoned to the CEO's office a few minutes ago. Kaiba had been looking out the window without acknowledging her, so she'd waited, knowing what he wanted to speak on. The situation on the airship was rapidly becoming more complicated. The young teen would soon be loosing control over his Tournament, not something he would bend to easily. He refused to believe that anything outside of normal was occurring, refused to accept his role in what was to come. Which meant, she had to step in to push him in the right direction.

"Yes...But not with what you think. I have neither the skill nor the patience for computers. I am unable to hack your system as you think. But yes, I did use your Master Key to enter one of the guest rooms."

Kaiba frowned but didn't turn to look at her, "And the other instant my card was used? Who was it? And how did they get into my system?"

Ishizu shook her head, "I don't know...my brother is very clever and can manipulate and control the minds of others. Perhaps one of your men was controlled to gain access too..."

"Enough!" She stopped speaking, cut off in the middle of her words as Kaiba spun his chair around and stood in a flurry, rage vibrating from him but the emotionless mask of his face remaining the same, "Do you honestly expect me to believe some fairytale about mind controlling items and monster infested dimensions? This isn't a children's horror story, its a Duel Monster Tournament, founded by me. And I will not have my reputation tainted because of your family issues."

The Egyptian women did not falter before Kaiba's cold voice, stepping forward to stand before the large oak desk and stared down at him with clear eyes, "You cannot continue to deny you part in this Kaiba. You have seen what I've shown you and you know it to be true. You are connected to the Nameless Pharaoh and the actions that have occurred in the past and that are destined to occur in the future. Lying to yourself helps no one and will only harm those you are sworn to protect. Stop running and face this."

Kaiba took in a deep breath to steady himself. The events that led up to and were still occurring in Battle City would have driven a normal man insane. Seto Kaiba was not normal. And he venomously denied the supernatural occurrences that he'd seen. Smoke and mirrors, drug induced frenzies, man men playing at god and cultists brainwashed into submission. All of it could be logically explained when he thought about it. But even his iron clad skepticism was starting to falter. The visions shown to him by Ishizu that awakened emotions he hadn't felt since he was a child. Fear...belief...wonder...Things he'd buried after his adoption to Gozaburo Kaiba out of a necessity to survive.

And now...now on board his own custom made airship, within the confines of his tournament, he was starting to question what was real and what wasn't. There was a draw towards Yugi and his Geek Squad. A pull...since they seemed to be the center for the unnatural events unfolding. Then there was Kari Russell herself. A girl that enraged him simply by looking at him, something his impressive control and discipline had beaten out of him long ago. He felt off balance, unstable...and Ishizu's insistence that only accepting the truth would right him was starting to sound plausible. He opened his mouth to snarl back a nasty comment...

The collective screaming of terrified voices and the blood chilling howl of something that sounded vaguely dog-like cut off any words.

Lunch had gone...relatively well.

After Kari had starting breathing normally again (after punching Joey in the arm for hitting her too hard), the group had broken apart. Kaiba-Craft 3 was designed to give comfort and entertainment to its guests, to help them relax during the day in preparation for the heated Duels in the evenings. So with that in mind, each member had their own desires to fulfill.

Namu and Duke both agreed to keep an eye on Ryou for a time, as the siblings had handled the night watch. Joey, Tristan and Yugi had been informed of the on board arcade, equipped with the last games and systems for their entertainment. Kaiba was lucky he'd built his craft sturdy from the Viking effect the boys displayed at that news, the stamping of excited feet probably could have toppled a mountain. Mai had tried to drag Kari along with the girls to lounge in the luxury spa, insisting that a facial and massage would cure anything. While highly tempted to follow, the red head needed to pound out her excessive energy on something a lot more physical.

Which lead to the next problem. As they'd all agreed to stay in pairs and Kari was trying to run off on her own, Yugi had insisted that Yami stay with her. That had led to an interesting conversation. She still hadn't explained how she could see him, aside from simple saying she was unique, but had argued with his young host about the escort. "He's a translucent body, Spike. How's him following me around gonna help? Aside from being awkward for us both."

To which Yami had demonstrated that he could in fact perform some physical contact with the environment, even in his current state. Mai had almost fainted when Yami had transferred enough energy to grasp a glass in his hand and lifted it up. To most everyone, it appeared that a ghostly presence literally picked up the item and hovered it in mid-air. Yugi and him didn't mention that doing such tasks was quite difficult, requiring a great deal of focus and making them both tired afterwards, and Kari didn't question it much further, having run out of excuses to argue.

The Puzzle Spirit was quite sure Yugi's intentions were fueled by both concern for everyone's safety and a mischievous attempt to get him to spend time alone with the girl. However, he found he didn't mind the young boys meddling that much. Kari was a fascinating creature and being able to observe her without her able to dodge him could be interesting. Of course, she didn't quite agree.

So now, the irritated crimson girl was walking down the hallway back to her room with a see through amnesic Pharaoh beside her. As the airship was fairly small, Yami could distance his Spirit form from the Puzzle for a time. If the separation got too great, he would be pulled back regardless of his attempts to resist. The only downside to him staying with Kari was...

"You do realize that of everyone on this boat, I am the one who needs the least amount of protection. I'm probably capable of kicking everyone ass two times over...including yours."

He couldn't talk to her. They'd already determine that Kari couldn't read lips, so any communication between them was relayed via Yugi or by simple body language. Which she was remarkable good at reading, but the mild annoyance of not being able to respond was still present. It also meant she could rant to him and he couldn't really do anything about it. But, there was a plus side as well.

Smirking boldly, Yami walked through the wall of her room as she opened the door. On the other side, he moved his hand and hovered it over the girls head, lifting his palm up and down. Kari swatted at the appendage, scowling when her attack passed right through and snarled back, "You are barely taller than me. And besides, I am freaking fast on my feet. You can't beat what you can't catch, King."

He could annoy her in return and she couldn't do anything about it.

Kari huffed and flounced away from the smug Spirit. Despite the weird situation, it was somewhat comforting having him nearby. She couldn't really feel him in a traditional sense, but her mystical instincts tingled slightly, even as weakened as they currently were. Yanking out her backpack, she dug inside till she found her white Jujitsu uniform and brown belt. She was too young to be considered for black belt yet, but her Sensei held hope she'd reach that platform next year. As Kari reached for the t-shirt she always wore under the Gi, the skin on her right shoulder warmed slightly.

Turning her head, she found herself nose to nose with Yami's curious face. Deep wine colored eyes gazed deeply into her own emerald one. Kari felt her heart pick up pace, long suppressed memories rising to the surface at his closeness.

Dry heat...desert sun...tanned skin...cool gold...A deep baritone voice whispering past her ear...fingertips trailing along her arm...

She swallowed hard even as a flush crept up her neck. Yami's eye fell downwards focusing on her lips for just a moment before he blinked, seeming to come back to his senses and stepped away, placing more of a respectable distance between them. He pointed at the clothing in her arms, tilting his head to the side with questions in his expression.

Kari took in a breath, trying to calm her erratic emotions, "It's a uniform worn by those trained in self defense. I study Jujitsu mostly...and some Taekwondo and Krav Maga on the side. I been practicing since I was little...hate to think what my temper would be like without that as an outlet."

Yami hadn't meant to crowd her. Honestly, he mostly been curious about the strange clothing she'd pulled out and hadn't thought about where he was standing. So accustomed to having no one but Yugi able to see him in this form, he stepped closer than he'd intended in his inspection. Her reaction had almost been worth it. The way her eyes had darkened, showing flakes of amber in the iris's. Her slight intake of breath and charming blush that had colored her cheeks. He wasn't sure if the reaction had been due to her being surprised or something else. And right now, he didn't really want to think about it too much.

Setting her bag down, Kari looked over at him again, a warning in her face and teasing tone on her voice, "I'm going to change...don't let me catch you peeking, I really don't want to damage Yugi's body."

He managed to look offended, even as Kari laughed and walked into the bathroom with her uniform.

Twenty minutes later, Yami was nearly in full agreement with the red head about her abilities. The gym on board the airship was fully functional. He'd wandered around the equipment while Kari had warmed up with a few stretches, after setting up her phone on the stereo system to play an upbeat variety of songs. He'd settled on an open spot to watch while the girl had stepped onto the blue mats and started a series of strange movements. It took a few minutes for him to pick up on what she was doing.

She was fighting invisible foes. Punches, kicks, blocks, dodges and jumps. All in a synchronised pattern. He could practically see opponents lunging at her, knocked aside, struck down or rendered incapacitated. Occasionally, Kari would yell loudly, the sound reverberating off the walls and sometimes making him jump. The pulsing music playing in the background heightened the energy in the room and she was soon flushed with exertion and sweat. And Yami couldn't have taken his eyes off of her if he'd tried.

The katas were familiar and soothing, burning through the stress of the last few days. Kari forgot she had an audience almost as soon as she started. She spun in place, swinging high with a round-house kick before ducking to sweep a second attacker to the ground. Jump to avoid the return kick and spin in mid-air...three swift punches up the center and an elbow to the temple to finish it. "KYA!"

Kari exhaled and pulled her feet together, bowing slightly at the waist as was the tradition. A muffled sound that did not have the electronic tone of her playlist came through the air. Startled, she turned her head and saw Yami gently clapping his hands. The fact that he could even make a sound doing that was fairly shocking, but what nearly got her was the look on his face.

Admiration...pride...and a dark, sensual expression nearly hidden from her view. His eyes were on hers again, unblinking and filled with power. Kari felt the air shimmer, a pulse of electricity that had her heart pounding for an entirely different reason. She was held immobile as he stepped towards her, movements slow...purposeful...she held her breath when he paused before her, fathomless burgundy orbs looking into her soul. Kari heard the air crackle from the tension...

Wait...the air was actually crackling...?

Yami's senses finally honed in on something other than the exotic girl before him. His head snapped up, looking over her shoulder. The far wall of the gym had jagged tendrils of black energy that was focusing on a center point, channeling into a spinning spiral that rapidly grew in size. He stared in fascination and shock as...something...started to push out from the swirling vortex.

An backwards jointed leg littered with cracks that glowed with a burning red-white light emerged from the darkness, tipped with razor claws. Blazing eyes of fire, a long snouted head, teeth dripping with drool and two stumps protruding from its shoulders.

In the far reaches of his stunned mind, the Spirit briefly compared the horrific beast that had slithered out of the wall as canine-like and somewhat familiar as his instincts finally registered the leaking of Shadow Magic. His shell-shock state was abruptly broken by the high-pitched frightened yell of his companion,

"Are you freaking kidding me!?"

The wolf sized beast opened a maw of death and roared so loudly the walls shook before lunging forward with speed that made its body blur through the air. Kari yelped and dove to the side, rolling on her shoulder as rancid breath and heat scorched by her side. The clatter and crash of metal hitting the floor lit the air as she flipped to her feet and spun to look back. The red-black dog was tangled in one of the gyms weight lifting equipment, heaving muscles shoving the heavy bars off its body as it struggled back to four feet. Yami had jumped with her, staring at the creature with wide eyes.

Spinning on her toes, Kari bolted for the exit, mind going into overdrive. In her side vision, she saw Yami running with her, but didn't have time to talk as she heard claws scramble on the metal floor and a demonic snarl closing in. She slammed her hand on the inner electronic lock as she cleared the threshold, hearing the whoosh of the door closing behind her right before a CLANK! echoed from the far side.

Yami's near panic and ramped confusion screeched across the bond as he raced alongside Kari down the hallway. Yugi's respond was a frenzied flurry of words, 'Yami! What the hell is going on!'

'Yugi! Stay away! There's...'

"Get to Yugi!" He whipped his head to look at Kari as she dashed around the corner, hearing the door behind them crash open and the chilling shriek of claws on metal as the beast resuming the hunt. She managed a stern glare back, even as she untied her belt and ripped off the wrap around jacket of her uniform while fleeing, "Get to Yugi and hide! I'll draw it away!"

He blatantly shook his head, ignoring her order and continuing to race alongside her. While he admired her courage (a lot), there was no way in hell he was about to leave her to handle whatever this was on her own. He heard Kari swear colorfully enough that if he hadn't currently been running for his life, he might have dropped from shock.

As the pair rounded the next bend, Yami sensed his hosts presences and looked up. At the end of the hallway, Joey, Tristan and Yugi were racing towards them with the small teen in the lead. Duke and Namu appeared around the corner at a more controlled pace.

Without thinking, he withdrew back to the Puzzle and surged into Yugi's body. His partner didn't resist the switch. Already in a forward motion towards Kari, his eyes snapped behind her as the snarling quadruped of death skidded around the corner, hot on her heels with a howl piercing the air. Screams of terror and horrified exclamations erupted from the others at the sight of the fiery canine as it leapt for the red head.

Kari spun in place, jumping backwards and flung her jacket into the air. The white cloth fell across the beast head as it lunged forward and she felt hands close over her arms before she was jerked sideways into a firm chest. The beast was temporarily blinded and misjudged the jump, sailing past and slamming into the side wall, loosing a pained yelp. From the back of his mind, Yugi jabbered in shock,

'Oh my God! Is that a Flamvell Firedog!'

"What the fuck is dat!" "Jesus Christ!" "Yugi! Kari!" Panicked screams came from the group as they struggled to understand what was happening. Kari looked over her shoulder. Yami was physical in form and had both hands around her upper arms, having pulled her back flush to his front while yanking them both to the side. Luckily the quick movement had jolted the Puzzle to one side, otherwise the position she was in would have resulted in sharp pains down her back.

The fire monster was still stunned from the impact, her Gi's jacket clinging to its head. More running footsteps came from down the hallway. Kari's head broke from the entrancing gaze of the Pharaoh's. Down the hall from the opposite side of where the rest of the gang was currently freaking out, Kaiba and Ishizu bolted into view. The sight and feel of the tingling magic of the Tauk at her throat secured her next choice.

Reaching down, she grasped Yami's wrist in a death grip. Shoving away from him, Kari wrenched on his arm, dragging him behind her as she raced towards the female Tomb Keeper as she heard the growling beast regain its senses and start to scramble after its target once more.

Kaiba's brilliant, logical mind went blank at the site of the red-black dog-like body. Ishizu yipped in shock, eyes widening as she stared at the Pharaoh and Kari Russell running towards her. The commanding voice of the red-head jolted her from her stupor,

"Shield! Now! Hold it back!"

The two running teens darted between Kaiba and Ishizu as the Egyptian women raised her hands around her item. A sky blue aura surrounded her as she pulled on the power of her Necklace. Extending her arms straight in front of her, a concave lens of magical energy formed in the space before her, blocking the hallway.

Yami dug his heels in, jerking Kari to a halt, and spun to face the Flamvell Firedog. He saw the canine slam into the azure tinted wall of magic and Ishizu flinched, whimpering softly at the jarring impact. The fiery hound backed up and threw itself at the barrier, howling in bloodlust and determine to break through. Behind the monster, his friends scrambled about, yelling and shrieking in panic while simultaneously trying to find weapons or some other means to help.

As the Duel Monster rammed into the protective shield again, Ishizu cried out loud, dropping to her knee while her arms shook, "I can't hold it much longer! It's too strong!"

Kaiba struggled to understand how a rabid dog had been turned loose on his ship and how to contain it while Yami started to move towards the struggling Tomb Keeper. A hard jerk on his arm snapped his gaze back to Kari,

"It's after you! It has no interest in anyone else, you put everyone in danger by being near! Hold it as long as you can, then get the hell out of the way! King! Come on, we need distance! MOVE!"

Her screaming explanation was cemented with a yank that made Yami almost loose his balance, but he stumbled forward and continued to run with Kari, despite his desire to stay and fight. If what she said was true, and in this situation faith was all he could count on, then being farther away from is friends was the best way to protect them.

The sounds of screaming terror and howling death faded as the two bolted further into the ship. Kari led him into the vast room where they'd had lunch earlier. She skidded to a halt, panting slightly and looked around frantically. Spotting the metal doors of the elevators that led to the roof of the craft, she resumed the run/drag of Yami even as he resisted slightly,

"How do we stop this monster!? Can you destroy it!?"

Kari jabbed the button to the lift hard, and turned back to the Puzzle Spirit, "Of course not! I told you my magic is weak outside the Realm! You'll have to deal with it! Banish it back to the other side!"

Yami sucked in a breath, his fear starting to creep up as her words sank in, "Me! Kari...I don't know how to banish this creature!"

Emerald eyes snapped to his as the doors to the elevator opened just as the Firedog cleared the entrance to the room. A howl erupted from its maw as it streaked towards them. Yami shoved Kari into the small box without hesitation and she hit the button. He spun around just in time to see the monster leap at the closing door. For a second, he actually saw down the hideous red throat as the tip of its nose was caught in the slamming metal plating.

For a heartbeat the quite of the space filled the air. All that could be heard was the duo's rapid breathing. The calm was broken quickly as Kari snapped her head towards him, "What do you mean you can't banish it!"

Yami snarled back, "You know I don't have many clear memories! What made you think my use of Shadow Magic was miraculously unaffected!"

Kari's palm pressed to her eyes as she slumped against the wall of the elevator, frustration and stress pounding through her. Really, she should have expected that, but it was really bad that she had to learn about it right now, "You don't remember how to unsummon a Duel Monster. You're killing me here, King!"

Taking in a breath and trying to remain calm, Yami struggled not to snap in response, "I can use some magic...but most of the Puzzle's power is...instinctive. I don't know any spells or curses beyond using 'Mind Crush'."

"Which is not going to help. Christ..." Yami watched with agitation as the red head ran her fingers through her hair. The motion of the elevator stopped and the doors opened. Kari stepped forward and grasped his wrist again, tugging him with her as she jogged onto the upper platform. The two stepped up onto the Dueling Arena. The high winds from the altitude whipped around them. In the bright light of the day, the arena looked almost serene with white clouds passing by and blue skies above.

Taking in a breath, Kari turned to the Puzzle Spirt, "Okay...if you can't get rid of it, you'll have to let me deal with it. Give me permission to use the Millennium Puzzle."

Yami stepped back, uneasiness and dread hitting him, "You said you could only use my Puzzle within the Shadow Realm. There is no black dome around us, how is a Duel Monster even able to be summoned into our world without a gateway?"

"I said I could use your Puzzle without your permission in the Shadow Realm under very specific circumstances. If you and Yugi agree, I can access a small portion of the items power and send the Firedog back to its own plane. And I said things were going to change. Why do you always assume everything I say is some kind of trick? God, you're so thick headed!"

Kari pulled on her longer tresses of hair, the temptation to smack Yami despite the threat that was moments behind them almost winning. Part of her was a bit glad he was acting like the man she knew, the other half wanted to strangle him. This shouldn't be happening, not yet anyway. It was too soon. She was not surprised when he venomously shook his head, "I...No, I can't allow that. I don't know you, I don't know what you'll do if I..."

"If you don't, that monster is going to tear you to shreds and likely me too!"

Yugi had tried to stay quiet and out of the way so Yami could concentrate, but the argument was escalating rapidly. And with danger so close, he had to intervene, 'Yami! What choice do we have! That thing is going to hurt someone! You said you wouldn't let anything happen to our friends, you promised!'

'Yugi...I...' The amnesic man struggled to create a plan. He wanted to solve this problem, wanted to protect the innocent and to keep his oath. But the thought of giving access to his Puzzle, the place where his spirit resided, his sanctuary, to anyone, even Kari, filled him with anxiety. His eyes darted about as he fought to think clearly. Kari's expression changed to anger as she opened her mouth to snap at him again. Yami quickly spoke before she could,

"Tell me how to banish it!" Kari stared for a moment, "What?!"

Yami stepped closer to her. His eyes burned with such intensity Kari almost stepped away, "Teach me the spell, show me how to banish the Flamvell Firedog."

Despite the severity of the situation, the green eyed girl couldn't help but admire the Pharaoh. Even in his memoryless state, he was faithful to his nature. Unwillingly to bend or take the easy path, he had to be difficult and stubborn. She might be frustrated and annoyed by it, but damn if it wasn't hot as hell seeing him dare the world to take him down.

Before she could argue further, the familiar snarl of the Firedog split the air. Both of them spun to the far side of the platform, where the black-red dog stalked onto the stage. It moved more cautiously than before, circling the pair and studying them with predatory eyes. Kari felt her heart pound as Yami and her moved slowly, keeping as much distance as they could, eyes locked on the beast.

"You need to change your sight." Yami blinked but dared not take his eyes off the monster as he moved with Kari, "Don't look with your eyes...look with your mind. See the tendrils of magic that tie it to this plane...the leash that binds it...once you find it, you can sever it...its like swinging a sword, which you do know how to use, even if you don't remember...look hard King...and hurry."

Yami struggled to understand what she said, tried to follow her instructions. He was tempted to close his eyes, but the threat of the monster was too great to risk such a thing. As he stared at the Duel Monster made flesh and bone, something shimmered around the beast. It looked almost like heat waves he'd see from the blazing sun on hot summer days, but more substantial. Yami could see the waves start to solidify into snaking tentacles that seemed to vanish into the air.

Before he could try to act on the second bit of knowledge Kari had cryptically fed him, the monster's patience snapped. Muscles coiled under molten skin before the Firedog's claws clenched, propelling it forward faster than a bullet shot from a gun. Hands shoved at his side and Yami didn't resist the push. He rolled to the side, feeling the clogging heat of the elemental creature sear the air. Tucking in his legs, he bounced to his feet, darted backwards.

The Firedog spun towards him, lips pulled back and lunged again. Yami moved to dodge again, but the beast anticipated his reaction and snaked sideways. A pained cry, both physical and in his mind from Yugi, exited his mouth as the monsters teeth snagged on his jacket. It didn't clamp around his arm, but he felt the scrap of teeth draw blood and the heat from its skin started to burn his clothing and flesh.

A jerk on the monsters head pulled him off balance and Yami was forced to twist to the side as the Firedog swiped at him with a clawed front paw. Fisting his hand, he punched as hard as he could, aiming for the dogs blazing eyeball. The Flamvell Firedog yipped, both from the strike of his fist and from the sudden impact of Kari's shoulder as she tackled it from the side.

The double attacks knocked the beast loose from his arm, but Kari's forward momentum into the beast made her slide on one knee. Recovering more rapidly than either could imagine, the Duel Monster spun and jump on top of the bold red-head. Kari gritted her teeth, struggling to hold back a scream as the dogs flame touched paws pinned her shoulders to the ground, burning flesh and cloth. She wretched up her arms, sliding fingers between gashing teeth as she fought to keep the razor mouth from ripping off her face.

Yami scrambled to right himself, eyes wide as he saw the struggle Kari was in. The smell of seared tissue hit his senses and fear froze his muscles. Kari twisted her head, barely managing to save her cheek from getting bitten and tried to push her feet into the Firedog's belly to put more distance between them. His heart thundered with more force than when he'd faced 'Slifer'.

The desire to protect and the rage at seeing her injured flared through his blood. Ancient magic surged from his Puzzle, the golden glow lighting the area. In his palm, a softball sized orb of energy formed and he instinctively thrust his palm towards the snarling dog. Kari gasped in relief as the heavy, burning body flew off her with an explosion of gold light. Jerking her head up while crab walking backwards, she stared at the stunned canine that had gotten blasted across the arena. It was still moving, but much slower, a large section of its flank now black and smoking. Wounded, but not gone.

Her body throbbed from the assault but she yelled as she struggled to her feet, "King! Get rid of it! Now!"

Kari turned her head as she heard a pained grunt. The whites of her eyes became visible as Yami dropped to his knees. Sweat coated his brow and he was paler than death. Weakness gripped his body and his mind was becoming fuzzy. Yugi jabbered in confusion and Kari was suddenly beside him with arms wrapped around his torso,

"No! No-no-no...God damnit King! Don't faint on me, stay awake!"

His lips moved slowly, words slurring together, "Wha..ts...hap..pan..."

"You overdid it! Pulled too hard on the magic...King!...King!...Yam..ii..."

The voice of Kari started to fade. His mind was fading, vison growing blurry. A jerking motion had him looking up into emerald eyes, that pleaded with him to stay awake. It was the last thing he saw before the world slipped from view.

Heat...heat and the scent of sand and wind. Familiar...peaceful...calming.

'Home...Egypt...a memory?' His mind was slowly starting to become aware.

His eyes opened, the feel of a heavy weight on his head. He was sitting on something hard, with wide supports on the sides that his forearms rested on. Gold band wrapped around his arms. White cloth with gold and jewels littering the surface. Tanned skin, darker than he thought it should be.

He raised his head. The room was vast, with blurred human like forms moving all around. Tall pillars of light tan engraved with familiar markings. Braziers of fire burned on the sides, lighting the hall. Nothing was in focus, noises were muffled, voices unclear. He couldn't see anything, even in the bright light.

'What...what is this?' His thoughts seemed to be the only thing under his control. When he tried to speak, his mouth wouldn't open. He couldn't move his body, froze on the elevated seat and looking at the scene before him like a picture from a book.

A noise sudden rang through the air, clear as crystal water. A footstep...then another...and another.

The sound grew in volume and he could finally start to see something as more than a fuzzy image. A human shape moved towards him, slowly becoming more solid in for, like a ghost gradually taking on substance. He couldn't move, couldn't speak, could only stare in shock.

White marble...red fire...green emerald...a teasing smirk, so familiar it physical hurt. A worn maroon backpack held loosely in one hand. Long hair that shifted around flaring hips clothed in blue pants completely out of place for the setting. He knew her...she looked a little different...but he knew her.

Lips parted and that musical voice was all he could hear,

"Ready to play King...?"

Wow...well that took a while. Sorry about the slow update, but life has unexpectedly jumped in my way. I will continue to try and update and continue this story, but my interest is wavering a bit. And yes, the last part is a memory coming back to Yami in his weakened state. I do hope everyone really likes this chapter and its cliffhanger ending. Just to reassure everyone...no, I am not killing off either character. Please leave some reviews if you do. Enjoy everyone.

Angel0y