~Mind Games~

"For those who feel like they're searching."

OC x Atem

Yu-gi-oh © Kazuki Takahashi

Mind Games © Iland Girl

~Opening Theme~

"CHEMISTRY- Period"

CHAPTER 4

"The First Attack"

It was Friday, three days since I had last seen Yugi, and two days before I was to officially start school. Kanna was being loud, again, complaining that Japanese style didn't compliment her natural figure.

Of course it didn't, we both had larger hips than most Japanese women, not to mention in general a larger structure. I was indirectly fortunate that I was short though, so things generally fit me being only five feet tall. Kanna was much taller at five nine. Shirts looked like crop tops on her, and dresses looked very short. I thought it was funny to be honest, but she didn't like my input in the very least.

I was lazing in the living room watching tv when the phone rang. Might as well answer, so I reached across to pick up the receiver.

"Wellington Residence, Sorano speaking."

It's only when I say my name out loud that I find it so funny. Mom and Dad were so excited when they found out I had possible Japanese heritage and immediately named me Sorano, because I was their little heaven-sent. I found it awkward to introduce a Japanese name phonetically correct, and then cut straight down to my natural English accent at my last name. I found it funny and robotic and did it on purpose most of the time.

"Ah, Sora! Is this a good time? Oh it's Yugi speaking." I smiled at Yugi's unsure tone.

"Oh Yugi, yeah it's a good time, what's up?" I shifted to get comfortable. Yugi stuttered a bit before answering.

"Nothing! I-uh I was just wondering if you had another puzzle piece? I um, I'm missing one." Yugi spoke so softly I had to turn down the tv to hear him.

"Sorry Yugi, but I checked my jacket before I left this time to make sure. Did you want help finding it?" I offered.

"Oh no! I probably just left it at school! No need to be worried! Thank you and have a nice day!"

He hung up before he even finished speaking, which had me worried. That call sounded very nervous…. Did someone take it? I recalled the big guy from a few days ago and shot upright.

I'm such an idiot, I forgot all about him!

"Mom I'm going out!" I called while rushing to the door and hopping to put my shoes on.

"Ok! Be back before dark!" Mother called back. I shouted an affirmative before running out the door, barely remembering to shut it as I raced to the school.

I hope nothing and happened….

Well, I can't say 'nothing' happened, but it was a very strange scene to come across.

The big guy from before was literally crying on the ground, muttering to himself. What the hell scared him that bad? I jogged around the corner and found Yugi laying on the ground. My heart leaped- was he hurt?

"Yugi!" I called while coming to a sliding stop beside him. I knelt down and shook his shoulders gently while calling to him. He muttered under his breath before opening his eyes. He'd have one heck of a shiner tomorrow, but otherwise looked pretty good. Well, good as in compared to the other two guys laying sprawled out with already black bruises.

"What…. happened…? Sora?" I helped him sit up and checked him over. My face was turning red as I saw every other little bruise on him.

"Who did this to you?! I'll end them right now!" I wanted to hit something so bad. Yugi was so small, I could lift him with one hand! Who would hurt this guy other than the nut job out front? And he wasn't in any shape to be throwing punches from my guess.

"It's okay! Joey and Tristan saved me!" Yugi looked over to them, and heaved himself up upon seeing the two prone forms. I was surprised, but not shocked. I mean, Yugi had to have other friends, right?

"Joey! Tristan!" Yugi knelt next to them and shook their shoulders much like I had. The blond, which Yugi called Joey, opened his eyes first. I stood up and walked over to them and checked them over. They looked a lot worse up close. The blond eyed me.

"Who the hell are you?" He said before grimacing and clutching his side. I frowned, not liking his attitude one bit.

"Yugi's friend, who are you?" I offered my hand to help him sit up. After a moment he took it.

"Joey Wheeler."

After helping him I glanced to the one who must be Tristan and helped him up since he had stirred.

It took a little while, but eventually the dup were sort of standing.

"I think you should go to the hospital," was my first statement, but when that was turned downI had switched it to "I can patch you up. Yugi, does your Gramps have a medical kit?"

Which is exactly how we ended up at the Kame Game Shop. Joey and Tristan helping each other stand while I helped Yugi. You could imagine Gramps' face when we waltzed in the door. We were now in Yugi's room, each boy was sat somewhere while I wheeled around with yogi's office chair to each. My medical kit a homemade on sat on Yugi's desk. Gramps kept checking up on us, but I think he secretly suspected me of being a ninja and that I beat the crap out of all three boys.

Good, keeps them on their toes.

"Hold still!" I muttered for the umpteenth time while swabbing Joey's cut cheek with alcohol. He growled.

"That fucking hurts!" I slapped his hands down when he flailed them in the air.

"That's rude, don't swear at me." I said while swabbing it again. Once it was done I put a bandaid on it and studied my handiwork.

Tristan needed an ace bandage around his chest while Joey was mostly his face and his arm. His left arm was now in a makeshift sling and resting.

"Alright, I think you're done." I said while moving on to Yugi. He looked embarrassed as he held an ice pack to his eyes. I gestured for him to move it away and winced at the shiner on his face.

"That's definitely leaving a mark….." I felt bad, because honestly I had forgotten about the bully after I shooed him off. Maybe if I had reported him this wouldn't have happened.

"Sora, are you okay?" Yugi asked. It pulled me from my thoughts. "You look sad."

I scowled.

"Of course I am! I'm downright pissed! I forgot all about that bastard and he did this. Didn't he? Speaking of, what happened?"

Joey was the one to answer. He shrugged before remembering his shoulder.

"He was beating up Yugi, so we tried defending him, then he kicked the crap out of us and left." Joey muttered, sounding almost embarrassed. I raised a brow.

"Really? Because I passed the guy on the way in and he was huddled on the ground crying." I said. The three boys looked at me with surprised.

"We really didn't know. I don't even remember him leaving." Yugi said. I dabbed some alcohol to a few more of his cuts and applied bandages.

"That's strange, well I guess you got a nameless vigilante on your side." I said while covering Yugi's last cut. It was only then that I realized the Millennium puzzle was hanging from Yugi's neck, completed.

"You found the last piece?" I asked, picking up the puzzle. Yugi beamed.

"Yeah! Joey found it! I'm so happy!" Yugi exclaimed. I grinned at him.

"Wow, years of trying and you solved it? I'm very impressed. So did your wish come true?" I praised, Yugi blushing. Behind me I could hear Joey muttering something about 'getting all the cute ones' but it could've been misheard.

"Oh! Yes it did, but I had it before I completed the puzzle." He explained. I smiled fondly, before letting the puzzle rest again and rolling away.

"Alright, I unfortunately have to get going. My mom wants me home before dark… and it's dark!" I jumped up and briskly walked to the door, throwing a goodbye to everyone while I left.

Jeez Mom is going to kill me…..!

"Sora!" I heard Yugi call, so I halted and turned to see him come running down the stairs.

"Thank you for patching me up, and… and for coming to look for me earlier." Good God could this boy become any more cute? I smiled.

"Of course Yugi, that's what friends are for. But you know, if you ever have problems, you can come to me." I tried to say as meaningfully as possible. Yugi's eyes widened, and all he did was nod in return. I waved goodbye and told him I really did have to go or my Mom would be furious.

Monday came and I was actually somewhat excited to arrive. I knew the way to school pretty well now, and Mom had packed me a lunch. The only sad thing was my bright pink uniform, but that couldn't be helped much. Save for Kanna laughing at me as I put it on I didn't get much else from her before walking out the door.

Today I had to leave a bit early since I was supposed to find my locker and get all of my schedules sorted. Thankfully I didn't have to look too hard to find my room. And even better, a familiar face was there.

"Well well, you're looking better." I greeted to Yugi who was playing a game. He looked up to me and grinned.

"Sora! You're coming to school now?" Yugi asked. I pulled up a chair and sat next to him while also checking out what he was doing with the deck of cards. Building a house of cards from the looks of it.

"Yup! First day! Wanna play a game?" I offered before Yugi agreed. We started playing War, which lasted until most of the other students got here. It seemed like the desk beside Yugi was empty, so I quietly claimed that one for myself. Soon Joey and Tristan walked in and I waved to them.

"Oh look here, you still look pretty bruised up." I snarked as Joey glared.

"Yeah, guess you could say I had a shitty nurse. Didn't even wear a cute outfit." Joey quipped back. I glared.

"You're mistaking reality for porn buddy. I'm not wearing some skimpy outfit to take care of your broken nose." I snapped while standing up. Joey and I were standing across Yugi's desk. He was definitely much taller than me but that didn't intimidate.

"My nose wasn't broken!"

"It might be if you keep talking."

"Eh? You threatening me little girl?"

"The only thing little here is you!"

"I'm way taller than you!"

"I wasn't talking about your height."

"Take that back!"

"You first!"

"HEY!" Tristan cut in before pushing us both back. We both turned our glares on him at the same time.

"What?!" We said in unison.

"Jeez, you sound like an old married couple. Just kiss and make up already." Tristan muttered. I felt absolutely scandalized while Yugi piped up.

"Don't joke like that Tristan!" The little guy said. Joey seemed just as sickened as me.

"Yeah, don't say such gross things man, I might throw up." He pretended to gag for extra effect. I glared at him again, ready for another round. Unfortunately I couldn't, because the rest of the class was already making it's way inside. I decided to instead stew in my seat and mutter to myself for a while rather than deal with Joey. I wasn't actually angry at Joey, but I was certainly riled up. One concerned question from Yugi though, and I was calm as a breeze again.

Jeez this kid has one heck of a mind control…

Class went by quick enough. I only had to stand up once to present myself to everyone and for the rest of the day I was mostly left alone. Lunch was spent playing cards with Yugi and Joey, and at some point a girl named Miho came over to watch. It was obvious Tristan was really in to her too. Another girl named Tea would sort of come over, but she would look at me and then pass on by. I have no idea why, but she also would shoot a comment at the boys from across the room now and then.

At the end of school though, Joey came over and slapped my desk. I looked up, surprised.

"Alright look, I don't like owing people….. and you did do a good job patching me up so….let's get some grub." He sounded like he was passing a kidney stone while saying it, but I could acknowledge the apology in there at least.

"Well, you don't have to buy me food to win me over, though that would work too." I turned to Yugi. "Hey, Yugi, wanna come with us for some food today?"

Yugi nodded.

"Can we go to Burger World? I hear their burgers are amazing!" He chirped in. I smirked before glancing at Joey.

"That settles it, Burger World it is." I said, but no sooner had I finished did Miho and Tristan come running up.

"Oh! Could Miho come? I've been wanting to go for a while!" She begged, I looked between the boys but saw no complaint so I nodded.

"Then I must accompany you!" Tristan stuck in.

Okay, so five people. I preferred smaller crowds, but this wasn't such a bad thing. I did need to talk to more people.

"Oh, you want to go to Burger World? I wouldn't advise that," Tea piped up from across the room. We all glanced over to see her shaking her head. "I hear they have really bad service and the waiters are super rude! Oh, and the Burgers are a health risk!"

"Oh, thank you for letting us know, Tea!" Yugi said. I watched Tea carefully, noting how she just dropped it and left shortly afterwards. I wasn't the only one either. Joey nudged Yugi.

"Yugi, have you noticed how weirdly Tea's started acting?" He said quietly. Yugi thought for a moment.

"Well yeah, she hasn't walked home with me in a while…."

Joey nodded.

"I don't want to say this…. But maybe she's roaming the streets for tips if you get what I mean." Joey said lowly. Everyone else looked scandalized, but I just rolled my eyes.

"Joey, I've known you for less than a day and you've already mistaken porn for reality twice. It's obvious she's got a job at Burger World." I said while packing up my things. Yugi and Joey glanced at me.

"What? But students aren't allowed jobs." Tristan said. I raised a brow.

"Oh right, you guys aren't allowed those. Is that normal for Japan?" I asked, but Joey shrugged.

"Hell if I know, I don't really pay attention."

"Well, are we going or not? I want a burger." I said while making my way to the door. Yugi ran shortly after me and the rest followed.

"Have you ever had a job, Sora?" Miho asked. I nodded.

"Yeah, I had a few. Nothing exciting. I picked eggs for a farmer, water plants for a greenhouse, washed dishes in a restaurant… Just boring stuff."

"Oh wow! You went to a farm! That must've been really cool to see the baby animals!" Miho gushed. I smiled and talked about the different farms and places I had been to, and she had a lot of questions about them too. It took up the whole walk to Burger World, and frankly the girl was kind of nice to talk to. She was a bit silly, but very sweet.

We entered Burger World and were immediately greeted by Tea.

"Welcome to Burger W-" Hey eyes widened when she realized it was us. I didn't say anything, but Joey was shocked.

"What the hell are you doing? You're not allowed jobs!" Joey declared. Tea had it in her to look a little embarrassed, but to my surprise Miho jumped forward.

"Oh they take high school students?! Miho wants a job! Tristan, they're hiring!" Miho exclaimed while coming to Tea's side. Tristan, in a split second decision, looked like he would regret it later but ultimately followed Miho. Tea kept her head down as she grabbed the other two and brought them to the back. I stood there, stunned, while Joey muttered about going to sit down. I followed him to a table and sidled in across from him, with Yugi beside us. Yugi looked a little worried.

"I hope she's not mad at us for coming." Yugi said quietly.

"Oh well, we said we were. She can't ban a place just because she works here." I said while resting my head on my palm. Not long after a tray was slapped down with three burgers.

"Welcome! Here are your burgers! We encourage you to eat with plenty of ketchup!" Tea said in a sickly sweet voice. I glared at her, pissed off as she wrote a threat all over our burgers. Before I could say anything though, Joey and Yugi were calming her down by saying they weren't about to tell. I rolled my eyes while they both started eating.

There was light chatter as we finished our burgers. Yugi mentioned a few new cards games coming into the shop and asked if I would like to swing by later, which I would. Joey called us dorks, but I was starting to get the vibes that that was how he just talked to his friends. There was also the feeling he would've punched me, girl or not, had I said some of the things I said earlier and he didn't like me.

It was a weirdly comforting thought.

"Hey, what's going on?" Joey gestured over our shoulders. I turned around to see a guy in a suit ushering our friends and what looked like the store manager into the back. I was about to say we turn around and not pay attention, but Joey and Yugi were already sneaking off. So of course I have to be the good friend and go after them. We snuck up to the others to see what was going on, I also brought the last few bites of my burger since it honestly was very delicious.

"An escaped convict? In here?!" Miho squeaked.

Well, that hadn't been what I was expecting. The man, who seemed to be an officer, nodded with a grim look before showing a sketch.

"I was looking for this man, but he's a master of disguises. He my also be holding a gun." The officer said. I rubbed my chin, trying to solve how you find someone who is that good at disguises that a cop couldn't find him.

He should really consider a job in the movie industry.

"Is there anything else we can go by?" I asked, trying to imagine the guy dressed like Mrs Doubtfire. The officer looked at his notes.

"He did get into an altercation with a prison guard a few days ago. The guard claims to have hit him on the right calf with his baton."

Great, so we just ask to have everyone's right calf exposed? Lovely, honestly. That was my train of thought until Tea grabbed a basket of toys cars and tossed them. They sped everywhere and under everyone's table.

Dammit, that was actually pretty smart. So we went around to each table and grabbed the cars while also moving around and subtly pulling up the pant legs of everyone. Man the stuff you can get away with is impressive in Japan.

I only got to three people, one of them was a prissy looking lady who squealed when I grabbed the car. I never even touched her, but she started screeching that I had. Can it old lady, that's probably the closest to any action you've seen lately. I stood up quickly and put a polite smile on my face.

"Pardon me Ma'am, but I was just grabbing the cars like I said. And might I commend you on your bravery to have long leg hair! I'm not brave enough to leave it unbraided at those lengths like you. Have a nice day!"

She screeched after me, but I think the embarrassment cut it short as she sunk down in her chair.

Everyone else had been checked, so we regrouped. Tea also had problems with people claiming harassment, so the officer pulled out his badge and explained the situation.

"I didn't find anyone." I said, getting similar answers from Tristan and Joey. Tea nodded in agreement. The officer looked at the list of information.

"Hm, it also seems that he has a severe egg allergy." The officer mumbled. A light bulb went off in my head.

"Oh, didn't the ingredients list include eggs in the buns?" I asked Tea, praying she kept up her clever streak. She seemed to understand and nodded.

"Yes, all our buns are made with egg, so he should be exposing himself any minute now." She claimed mater of factly. Low and behold, not ten seconds later a shady looking guy jumped up. The officer zeroed in on him.

"You don't look so good." The officer said lowly. The guy panicked and tried to run, but the officer caught him and unmasked him. "You've been caught!"

"No you don't understand! I'm gunna be real sick! Get out of my way! Hurry before I get real sick!" The criminal kept shouting. Jeez what an idiot. Tea smirked before proudly answering him.

"It was a lie, our buns are made completely of flour." The criminal looked at her, and looked downright shocked before he lunged forward We all backed up, but the manager was toppled down with him. As the guy got back up he was screeching away.

"It's him! He's the real criminal!" He claimed, and as the officer pulled him back the guy ripped the manager's shirt, revealing a spider burn on his back.

We all stood, stunned, while the manager jumped up, grabbed the criminals gun, and pointed it at Tea. I yanked her behind me, feeling a defensive instinct kick in. The guy smirked at me, gesturing me to step forward.

"Everyone else back up. Except for the halfer, she's gunna keep me company." He said in a suddenly sinister tone. Compared to the kinder one he used earlier, this one gave me a chill. He would shoot, I could hear it in his voice. The whole this was pissing me off.

I obediently stepped forwards, and he wrapped an arm around my neck and pulled me to his back while laughing.

"You know, I've been hiding out here for a while, changed my face and was completely blended in. Nobody caught me until you bastards came along. Now, everyone on the floor! My lady and me are going for a walk." He said while yanking me over to a table. He let go of me for a second, and I prepared to be hit.

"Now just stay still like a good girl-"

"You're very rude." I interrupted while sitting down into the booth. If I could distract this guy maybe the others could escape, or better, they could help me. The man laughed at me and sat down, still pointing his gun at me.

"You've got some bravery kid, or is it stupidity?" He glanced me over. "I've never been with a foreigner, but you look like you know a thing or two."

I narrowed my eyes.

"Sorry, I'm not a teacher….. but I am a student." God I felt gross for saying it, but this guy was definitely paying attention now. He raised a brow.

"Oh?" He egged me on. I nodded slowly.

"Oh yes, I'm always up for learning, but tell me…. Sex can't be the only thing you desire. I'm sure hiding here meant you had to be a real good boy." I taunted back. He sneered.

"Damn right! Boy, bring us some alcohol! And cigarettes! I haven't had a light in months, but dammit today I've got a pretty lady and she deserves the finest." He laughed, still holding the gun to me. Maybe I could smash the bottle over his head? No he'd get me long before I had a chance. I played up my part though.

"You're too kind, but I don't drink or smoke." I politely said before something clicked.

He told a boy to bring that stuff over, which boy? I glanced over my shoulder to see Yugi coming and my heart sank. Quickly, I spun around to the guy, trying my hardest to ignore the pistol still aimed at me.

"Hey, tells you what, why don't we get out of here? I know for a fact there's a corner store down the block with shitty security. They'll have all the cigarettes you want, and I would love to learn a thing or two from you….. teacher."

That caught his attention, and for a second I thought I had him, but he reached across the table and grabbed my neck and yanked me forward. My ribs dug painfully into the table as he pulled some of the baby hairs from the back of my neck with his calloused fingers. I gritted my teeth to keep from crying out from the assault.

"How stupid do you think I am? I saw you walk in here with that kid. Your friend? Heh, alright. The next time you look over at him, even glance, I'm going to shoot him. So you better behave." He said so low that I felt a knot lock up in my chest at the threat. He shoved me back and waved his gun to Yugi this time, his warning very clear. I kept my face forward, even as the bottle and glasses were paced down. However, instead of leaving, Yugi sat down next to me.

"Huh? I didn't say you could take a seat kid. Buzz off." He growled. I wanted so badly to open my mouth and agree, but Yugi replied.

"You threatened Sora, and I thought you were looking for entertainment."

That voice….. this didn't seem right at all. Who was that? Dammit, I couldn't look! Out of the corner of my eye I could definitely see Yugi's hair, but that didn't sound like him.

"A game huh? Sure kid, the more you sit here the more chances I get to shoot you." The criminal said while glancing at me. His threat still stood clearly.

"It's not a normal game actually, it's a game for your life." Yugi said coolly. My eyes widened, I fought the instinct to look at him though. My hand clenched the hem of my skirt to try and focus on something else.

Yugi what the hell are you thinking?!

The criminal laughed.

"Now you're talking! Alright kid, let's hear it." He said while sticking a cigarette in his mouth. I glared at the criminal, doing my best not to move my gaze.

"It's a simple game, all you have to do is choose which finger you want to move. The rest are not allowed to move at all. If you do use any other fingers then there will be a punishment for it." Yugi said. This was definitely not a Yugi I had heard before. He was confident and sounded like he knew what he was talking about. I watched the guy started to pour some alcohol and realized that if Yugi called start then the guy would be forced to keep pouring alcohol….. And his cigarette needed lighting.

"Alright, sounds like fun kid. I choose me trigger finger." He stated confidently. Yugi held up his right thumb.

"Then I shall choose this finger," he said in such a smug tone. I understood though what his plan was immediately. I felt a smirk slip onto my face. This was genius. Yugi picked up the lighter from the table.

"Game start." He announced, opening the lighter. The criminal looked surprised, until he realized his cigarette had not been lit. He waited to pull the trigger until his cigarette was lit.

Yugi dropped the lighter, still lit, to rest on the man's hand. Which was still pouring alcohol.

If he moved now, the lighter would fall, and the alcohol was still pouring. He would light himself on fire. If he shot Yugi he would definitely move the lighter, and if he cheated he would have to put down the gun. I felt an arm wrap around my waist, Yugi was pulling me out fo the booth, but the entire time I noted Yugi never moved his fingers.

"Let's go Sora, you're safe now," Yugi said, but I glanced back to see the man put down the gun to pull the lighter. Yugi tsk'ed. "He couldn't follow the rules."

I was confused, but as I turned to look at him I noticed the lighter was still lit, and it was like the flame suddenly grew, attaching to the man's arm, and soon it began to engulf him. Yugi pulled me further away, and I covered my face when the heat reached me.

Along with the screams.

The officer had us taken to the back so we wouldn't see the body removed. I felt myself shaking as I was placed on a chair and a blanket put around me.

"Sora!" I looked up, seeing Yugi standing there, but it was little Yugi. My Yugi. He looked very concerned for me, and I couldn't hold it in any longer. I pulled him towards me, and I cried into his shoulder.

"I was so scared! And then he called you! Yugi I'm so sorry!" I held him tightly, and a few seconds later he was hugging me back. That was so terrifying!

"It's okay Sora! We're safe now!" Yugi said, his shyness evident and somewhat comforting. I hugged him tightly, and I believed him.

We were safe.

Ending Theme Song

"Let it Out" By Fukuharu Miho

Hi there!

Covid-19 has me locked away and I've begun to write again. So here we are with a newer version of Mind Games.

This book was halted orginally because 1. I dumbly started it before finals of my first year of univeristy and 2. because my computer quit on me at the time. I recently got back into YuGiOh and wanted to keep going with this! So if this is something you would be interested in please let me know. I may repost this as a new story and take this one down because it is literally nothing like I originally intended.

Also, I got a lot of people asking if Sora was from ancient Egypt, and well she originally was, now she's not... exactly from there... She has an entire story of her own to tell, and it's gunna be a bumpy ride.

This story is also entirely Atem/Yami Yugi x Sora. Let's be honest, a triangle isn't realistic, and I want to make it clear that Yugi is still being based sort of off Season 0 still! He will grow into being the Yugi most of us love and adore, but with way less censorship. I also wanted to write with the Japanese names, but no matter how hard I keep using the English dub ones. I'm sorry, but it's stuck in there.

Also, Yugi and Sora are gunna be very good friends, and you can bet there will be a LOT of duelling that comes from this story, so if you're not a fan of readnig out my very complex planned duels (Seriously I literally plan it out and even have decks made specifically for each arc for Sora so I know what kind of duel it would be) then this is not going to be for you.

Lastly, thank you for reading, and i would greatly appreciate a review from you guys, even just to let me know you want more!

Stay safe in these times, my friends.

Cheers!

"Iland Girl"