Destined Duelists

A year after the Pharaoh left - the beginning-

Yugi was trying to concentrate on his algebra homework, but he couldn't. It had been a year since his friend Atem had entered the spirit world. He remembered everything about the duel...his hesitance to attack, the finishing blow, and the farewell. Atem had been right-the courage did stick with him to the extent he became braver than he had been, but without his presence, there was still a hole in his heart. Unable to concentrate any longer, he pushed his homework aside and placed his chin in his hands.

'Who would have thought it would hurt this much after so much time had passed? I know I can't keep going on like this and must move on, but it's so hard.'

He could feel tears forming and quickly dried them. Wanting to distract himself from thinking about his fallen alter-ego, he picked up the phone and dialed Joey's number. Joey picked up the phone as he heard it ringing

"Hello" he said as he had noticed it was Yugi on the Caller Id.

Joey wasn't surprised since He would talk with Yugi when things were bugging him so he almost now expected a call from him every now and then. He waited to hear what his friend was going to say.

Over in Yugi's place, Yugi sprawled on the bed in a comfortable position. Hearing his best friend's voice on the other line, he felt a bit better already. He sighed softly, thinking how pathetic he was to let Atem's demise affect him to the point where he would have trouble focusing on his schoolwork.

"Hello Joey, how are you? Have you completed the homework we were given for algebra?" He tried his hardest not to show the depression in his voice.

'After all, I wouldn't want Joey to think I'm such a wuss. And Atem wouldn't want me to be sad either.'

He heard something outside, but he decided to ignore it, although his gut feeling was telling him to go check it out.

'It's probably nothing anyway.'

"I'm fine and no Yugi, I haven't got the algebra done. It's very complicated." He said, as much as he figured Yugi didn't want to tell him.

He knew that his friend missed Atem since the day he left.

"I can come over and we can work on this algebra stuff together." He offered knowing that right now his friend needed someone to talk to.

He wondered if Yugi called the others when he needed someone to talk to but he never asked him. Yugi managed a small smile to himself.

"Yes, I would like that. You see, I pretty much understand it, but I've been having trouble concentrating. All I could think about is Atem." He covered his mouth, not wanting to have revealed that because he was afraid of what Joey would say.

"Oops, forget what I just said...I imagine you have your own issues to deal with...you don't need to be burdened with my problems, too.."

"Yugi" Joey said knowing how tough this was. "If you want to talk about it you know I'll listen. Atem and you were almost like brothers it seemed. I'll be there soon." He told him.

Joey knew it was going to take a lot to help his friend. He was going to do the best he could. So when he set toward Yugi's place, he stopped for a second and happened to notice the family that had been moving in. "maybe if I tell Yugi about the new people close to his home, it may cheer him up to do something besides think of the past." He said softy

Over at the Motou's, Yugi hung up, as all he heard was the dial tone.

'He didn't even give me a chance to thank him...but I hope he can help. I'll only drive myself crazy if I keep thinking about it. I imagine Grandpa must be worried too.' He picked up his textbook, homework and pen, heading downstairs with them. He sat on the couch to wait for his best friend.

'Whatever I do, I can't tell Joey I've been having trouble eating at times. He would have a fit if he found out.' He wondered if maybe he should fix himself a quick snack while he waited, but he decided he wasn't interested in food.

'Maybe I should fix Joey something though.' He got up, headed into the kitchen and pulled out a box of cookies, bringing it over to the table before returning to the couch to sit down. It wasn't much longer that Joey knocked on Yugi's door, he knew with how bad his best friend was feeling he had rushed over here to help him. He sighed but he knew something needed to cheer him up, he tried hard to keep in mind to tell his best friend about the new people in Domino city. He'd also brought his algebra book with him so he could get help with understanding everything that was in their homework.

Yugi was on the verge of dozing off when he heard the knocking. He sat up with a jolt and got up.

'That must be Joey.' He rubbed his eyes a little then walked over to the front door. "

Who is it?" he asked.

"Yugi, it's me Joey." He said with a smile. "I'm here so we can talk and work on the homework."

Something in his voice made it clear there was something else he wanted to talk about as well. He hoped he wouldn't have to stay out there for too long. Yugi picked up on the fact that Joey had something more to say than what he revealed.

'I wonder what it could be.' He managed a small smile.

"Hey Joey," he greeted, trying to sound cheerful. "Just a minute."

He got the key and unlocked the door, opening it for the blonde. "Come on in." He stepped aside so Joey could come in.

'Hopefully whatever he has to say will get me out of this slump.'

Joey walked in still in his same mood. Once he was inside he turned to his best friend. "Did you know a few houses down a family has moved to Domino City?" he asked his best friend. He knew sometimes meeting new people made Yugi happy.

A chuckle was threatening to escape Yugi's lips at Joey's energy. It was getting hard for him to remain too depressed. He furrowed his brow a bit at Joey's question.

'Could that be the noise I heard not too long ago?' He shook his head.

"I haven't heard about a new family. Did you get to meet them?" he asked, shutting the door behind himself and Joey and locking it.

Joey shook his head no." Nah Yug. I wouldn't have done that knowing I told you I was coming." He said. He was curious about the new family though ant noticed he had his friend's attention.

"we could go meet them though." He said

Around this time the family was done with their moving in. The three daughters sat outside having a duel for fun among their selves.

Yugi's round violet eyes brightened up a bit. He knew he could always count on his friend to try and help him free his mind.

"Sure, Joey. Let's go." He looked around and saw the cookies he placed on the table. He squirmed, thinking how rude it was of him to forget to offer Joey anything.

"Oops, I almost forgot! Do you want a snack before we go?"

"Sure yugi. " he said, though he was hoping that everything was going to be going well. He took a cookie since his friend offered.

Yugi watched his friend eat for a little bit, only to smack his forehead when he realized he forgot to get him something to drink.

"Gosh what's wrong with me?" he muttered to himself as he dashed to the kitchen and got a bottled water for him.

"Here. You can either drink as we go or save for later," he said, offering the water to Joey.

Joey took it and smiled at Yugi." Thanks, Yug" he said as he took a sip of it then kept it for later.

"You're welcome." Yugi looked at his watch.

'Grandpa should be closing shop in about 2 hrs. Gotta hurry.'

He went and got a sheet of notebook paper, wrote on it "Stepped out with Joey. I'll be back soon" just in case he was still out by the time Mr. Motou was done selling cards. He taped the note to the door then got his keys, opened the door and turned to face Joey.

"All right, Joey, let's go."

Joey nod to his best friend as he left with him. He figured Yugi didn't know the way so he waited for him to lock the doors then led the way to the house.