"You entered the tournament?!" Ally screamed. I immediately clamped my hand over her mouth.

"Shhhh! I don't want everyone to know until it starts!"

"Sorry." She said, her voice muffled by my hand. I sighed, then removed my hand.

"It's alright. I just don't want to deal with people telling me to drop out before it starts because I won't be any good."

"Is Bakura entering?"

I shook my head. "I don't think so. At least, he hasn't talked to me about it yet."

"He totally should! Imagine if it got down to the two of you! It would be as epic as Joey and Yugi at Duelist Kingdom!"

I smiled. "So, anyway. I wanted to tell you that I'll be missing school once the tournament starts. I have to focus only on dueling if I want to get anywhere in the tournament."

Ally nodded. "I understand. I would totally skip and support you, but my mother would kill me."

"Yeah, I kind of figured. But it's okay. Yugi and his friends will be out and about, and if I ever need any encouragement, I'm sure they'll be there."

"Alright." Ally smiled. "Good luck. I know you'll make it to the finals."

"Thanks," I smiled. "I'll try to keep you posted."

We walked back to class after lunch was over, and I honestly felt like a weight had been lifted from my chest. I didn't have to lie to Ally about why I wouldn't be at school. I told her the honest truth. I couldn't wait to tell Bakura.

When we got back to the classroom, it was only me, Ally, and Bakura. I quickly walked over to him, hoping to tell him before the rest of the class got back, but as soon as I got to his desk, I heard Yugi's voice. I immediately acted like I was just walking to my seat, and as I sat down, I saw Yugi glancing at me.

Bakura turned and gave me a bright smile. I simply smiled back, still feeling Yugi's gaze on me. What is Bakura doing?

I opened a random notebook and started to doodle. I had no idea what I was drawing, but the next thing I knew, I had drawn the Millennium Symbol all over the page. I immediately closed the book.

Class started a moment later. I didn't pay much attention, though. All I could think about was the tournament. Would Bakura decide to enter with me? Or would he just let me duel for the both of us. Either way, I had some serious work to do if I wanted even a shot at beating some of the competition.

Soon enough, class was over. I stood to leave, but felt a slight tug on my bag as I walked past Bakura. I ignored it, as to not draw attention from anyone, and left the classroom behind Tea without looking back.

We made it back to Tea's house, where I told her I wasn't feeling well, and ran to the guest bedroom. I opened my bag and saw a folded piece of paper. I slumped my shoulders at the thought of Bakura only being able to speak to me like this. I unfolded the note.

Aria,

As of now, I have no intent of entering the tournament. I believe both of us entering would draw too much attention from Yugi and the Pharaoh. I will help you train, though, if you desire. Meet me in the alley if you can get away. If you can't, we will figure something else out.

Bakura

I smiled to myself. He agreed that I needed some training. And it made plenty of sense why he wasn't entering. We couldn't have Yugi knowing we were still working together. If he entered, especially so soon after I did, it would raise suspicions.

I folded some note and put it back in my purse, then made my way to the kitchen. Tea was there fixing a snack for herself. She quickly turned to face me, startling me. I jumped.

"Oh, sorry, Aria. Are you feeling any better? I know it's only been a few minutes, but..."

"Um... Yeah. I'm fine. I was just going to go for a walk and get some air."

"Do you want me to come with you? And are you sure you want to bring that?" She gestured toward the Duel Disk I had stuffed into my purse.

"I'll be fine. I just want to go to the library. I need to look up something."

"You need your Duel Disk at the library?"

"Well, no, but-"

"Aria, I don't want anything to happen to you. And getting challenged to a duel could be bad."

I sighed. There was no way of getting out of this one. I handed over the Duel Disk. "You're right, Tea. Could you just put on my bed, please?"

Tea smiled and nodded. "I hope you can find what you're looking for."

I was confused for a second before I remembered my lame excuse. "Oh, yeah! Thanks!"

I quickly left the house, smirking and patting my deck in my jacket pocket.