The Burning Crimson Rose

02. The Journey Ahead

[A\N: For later, "ushe" is short for usual]

As he walked, Yugi soon stopped to seat himself on the edge of the fountain, pulling out the red and gold book from his violet shoulder bag as he flipped it open and began to read. He suddenly found himself lost in the fictional world written for him as he continued to flip through the pages. The story was of a vicious king who's cruelty towards his people turned himself into a horrible monster, and the only way to slay the beast was with true love. Normally, Yugi would not bother delving into such a genre, however, for some reason, he felt that this story could be real, like it could happen to someone. He would much rather prefer practical things, but every once in a while, he would pick up a fictional book or two to lose himself in the wonders of the written world. However, because Yugi was so wrapped up in his book, he didn't even notice someone had been calling out to him until there was a tap on his shoulder. He glanced away from his book and looked upwards to see a tall blonde teen with golden brown eyes smiling at him dressed in a pair of blue jeans with a brown belt; a green T-shirt; black sneakers; and a blue jacket.

"Oh, hey there, Joey." Yugi greeted as he closed the book, stuffing it back into his bag.

"Didn't ya hear me callin' ya?"

Yugi shook his head. "No, I didn't. Sorry, but I must've gotten lost in my new book." He said as he stood up, the two heading for the Motou house.

"New book, huh? Is it another magician's book?" He teased.

The other teen grinned. "No, it's actually a fictional one."

"Really? I never figured you'd read that kinda stuff."

"No, not usually, but like I told Duke, I sometimes like to read these kinds of things. To me, it feels like a way to escape reality and travel to another world, you know?"

"Nice way of thinkin' about it." Joey grinned. "Oh yeah, I heard your gramps is workin' on a new invention for the fair. Ya think it'll be ready in time?"

"Yeah, I think it will. Grandpa always manages to pull through with his inventions in the end. I'm actually heading back to give him some more parts he asked for and a few special cards I thought he might enjoy."

"Then we should--"

Joey suddenly cut himself short when a carriage stopped next to the two boys. The coach climbed down and opened the door as a woman walked down the steps wearing a lavender colored dressed and large white coat. This woman had long, sunkist blonde hair framing lavender colored hues and a shade of red lipstick on her lips as her thick perfume wafted through the air. She smiled as she approached the two boys, white puffs of air escaping her lips as she spoke due to the cold weather.

"Ah, hello, Yugi, dear! It's so nice to see you again!" The woman known as Mai Valentine greeted a little too happily.

"Hi, Ms. Valentine. Nice to see you as well." Yugi greeted a bit formally, though if he had it his way, he would've just completely ignored her altogether, especially considering he despised socializing with the arrogant blonde woman, but he just bit the bullet and sucked it up only because he had no other choice.

"Oh, please, Yugi, no need for formalities. You know how much I dislike those." She waved her hand. "I just couldn't help but notice you on my way back home and was wondering if you would like to stop by my manor later for some tea and see all of my glorious trophies!" Mai said while inching closer to Yugi, trying to entice him, but he took a step back, clearing his throat.

"I'm sorry, but I can't today, Mai. I have to help my grandpa with his entry for the fair next month. Maybe another time." Yugi then turned and left Mai to fume with Joey following closely behind the other teen.