Yu-Gi-Oh!: The Pharaoh's Flame!

Episode 2: The Gauntlet is Thrown!

Long ago, when the pyramids were still young, the Egyptian Kings played a game of great and terrible power. But these Shadow Games erupted into a war that threatened to destroy the entire world. Until a brave and powerful pharaoh locked the magic away, imprisoning it within the mystical Millennium Items. Now, five thousand years later, a boy named Yuugi unlocks the secret of the Millennium Puzzle. He is infused with ancient magical energies, for destiny has chosen him to defend the world from the return of the Shadow Games, just as the brave Pharaoh did five thousand years ago. 

https://youtu.be/4lL6tqBRm-o

The day broke bright over Domino City, the light streaming into the high windows of the local high school's second-floor classroom. The scent of polished floors, chalk, and teenage ambition lingered in the halls. Inside the classroom, a duel was already underway.

Jounouchi leaned forward on the desk, his voice loud and confident. "Okay, here you go, tough guy. My Rock Ogre's gonna rock your block off!"

Across from him, Anzu smiled, sliding a card onto her play area with a calm that defied the moment. "Hmm... I play this in defense mode."

Jounouchi raised an eyebrow. "Yeah, Anzu. Like that wimpy card has a chance against my giant rock guy. Give it up!"

Anzu tilted her head. "I guess I don't stand a chance... unless maybe I use the Breath of Life card."

"What? Can she do that?" Jounouchi blinked.

Yuugi, perched nearby, nodded. "Oh yeah. Breath of Life wears down rock monsters."

Honda added with a grin, "It reduces them to rubble."

Jounouchi's Rock Ogre dissolved in a shimmer of dust and pixels. He stared in disbelief as his Life Points dropped to zero. "Ahhh! Come on!"

Anzu laughed lightly. "That brings your Life Points down to zero, Jounouchi. Once again, you lose, and I rock."

Honda chuckled. "You stink at this game."

Jounouchi groaned, slouching over his desk in defeat. "Ugh..."

⸻

The group had spilled out onto the campus lawn, heading toward the school gate. A breeze played through the trees, catching Yuugi's hair and teasing the edge of Anzu's skirt.

Jounouchi sulked beside Yuugi. "Honda's right, man. I do stink. I can't win at Duel Monsters to save my life." He stopped walking and turned to Yuugi with a frustrated sigh. "What is it, Yuugi? Why can't I ever win? Teach me what I'm doing wrong."

Yuugi blinked, surprised by the sudden earnestness in his friend's voice. He jumped down from a metal railing and adjusted the straps of his school bag. "Well... let's start by checking your deck."

"'Kay..." Jounouchi fished the deck out of his pocket and handed it over with both hands. "Here you go."

Yuugi took the cards and began flipping through them slowly. His brows knitted in growing concern.

"Powerhouse liner, don't you think?" Jounouchi asked hopefully.

Yuugi cringed. "No one could win with these."

Jounouchi blinked. "Huh?"

"Your deck's filled with nothing but monster cards," Yuugi said gently. "Duel Monsters is all about combining your monsters with magic and trap cards to increase their strength and protect them. With no magic in your deck, your monsters will get creamed every time."

Jounouchi gasped, suddenly gripping Yuugi's shoulders with both hands. "See?! That's the kind of stuff I need to know! You've gotta help me, man!"

Yuugi chuckled awkwardly. "Umm..."

From nearby, a voice cut in with quiet confidence. "You should listen to Yuugi. He's right."

The boys turned to see Bloom approaching from the school gate, her bright orange-red hair catching sunlight like fire. She was dressed in the same school uniform as the others now—having recently transferred to Domino High—but her posture, her presence, still carried the regal air of someone born of flame and storm. Her cerulean eyes sparkled with warmth.

Musa walked beside her, a soft bounce in her step, headphones around her neck and a lollipop stick in her mouth. Her midnight-black twin-loop hair gleamed in the sunlight, and her midnight eyes flicked briefly toward Yuugi. She gave him a small wave and a smile—quiet, but directed just at him.

Yuugi flushed a little, quickly glancing down at Jounouchi's cards again. "H-Hey, Musa."

"Hey, Yuugi," she said, her voice soft and musical as ever. Something about the way she said his name made his heart stutter in his chest.

Musa nudged him gently with her shoulder as she came to stand beside him. "You're a good teacher. He's lucky to have you helping him."

Yuugi rubbed the back of his neck. "I-I'm just trying to help..."

Musa's smile deepened just a little, and for a heartbeat, the world seemed quieter, as though everything had leaned in to listen to that moment pass between them.

Tecna followed a few steps behind, her short pink pixie-cut swaying with precision. She held her tablet in one hand, tapping with practiced speed. "According to my calculations, Jounouchi's win-loss ratio is approximately 4%. Statistically tragic."

"Gee, thanks," Jounouchi muttered.

Bloom smiled and reached into her own card satchel. "Here, I'll show you how I built my deck. My strategy's fire-based—burn damage, chain effects, and pressure. My ace card is this—" She pulled out a glittering red-and-gold card and held it high. "Dragon of Domino."

Yuugi's eyes widened. "I've never seen that card before..."

"It's rare," Bloom said, eyes shimmering. "A Fire-type dragon, tied to the spirit of this city. The longer the duel goes on, the stronger it becomes."

The dragon depicted on the card was nothing short of majestic— He possesses mustache-like tendrils above each nose and eyes and there are horn-like projections on his lover jaw. On each side of its head is a large triangular horn-like frill.

Its color is orange with a yellow aura around it, which gives its body a fiery lava-like look. Wings stretched wide over the Domino skyline, eyes filled with the fury of a living inferno. The Dragon of Domino looked like the one Bloom's come from.

"And don't forget her secret weapon," Musa chimed in. "Dark Magician Girl."

"She's not really a secret," Bloom said with a laugh. "But yeah. I've always admired her. She's elegant, powerful, and full of surprises."

Yuugi's heart skipped again. "She's one of my favorites too..."

Musa glanced at him with a quiet look. "Figures."

Anzu stood slightly off to the side, a flicker of jealousy stirring in her chest. She watched the exchange between Yuugi and Musa, noting the way Yuugi's cheeks turned pink whenever Musa spoke to him. It wasn't like him to be so flustered, especially around girls, but this time was different. Her eyes narrowed ever so slightly, a tightness in her chest growing as she stood by, feeling a little left out.

Tecna finally looked up and nodded approvingly. "Bloom's deck is technically optimized for fire synergy. It's actually quite refined. You should study the structure, Jounouchi. Learn from the ratios—monsters, spells, traps."

Jounouchi blinked. "Ratios? You mean like math?"

"Like winning," Tecna said coolly.

Yuugi pulled out his own deck. "This is mine. It's a balance of monsters, magic, and traps. Cards like Mirror Force, Magical Hats, and Swords of Revealing Light—they work together. That's how you win. By thinking ahead."

Jounouchi stared at the decks, slowly nodding. "So... it's not just about playing strong cards. It's about how you play them. Man, I've been playing checkers and you guys are playing chess."

Yuugi smiled, trying not to glance too obviously at Musa. "Don't worry. We'll help you build a real deck."

Bloom lifted her Dragon of Domino card again. "And maybe someday, you'll duel me."

Jounouchi took one look at the fire-wreathed dragon and gulped. "Maybe someday. But not today."

They all laughed, the sound echoing through the spring air. But unseen, high above the city, eyes were watching. The game was far from over.

And a new challenge was already being set into motion...

The warm sun hung lazily in the sky over Domino City as Yuugi, Jounouchi, and their friends made their way toward the Game Shop. The hustle of the busy city streets mixed with the sound of footsteps on the pavement, creating a rhythm to their walk. Yuugi's tri-colored hair—black at the tips, magenta on top, and golden bangs—swung gently in the breeze, his violet eyes shifting between the people around him, always observant, always thoughtful.

Jounouchi walked ahead, his energetic stride carrying him forward with an unmistakable enthusiasm. "I'm tellin' ya, Yuugi, this is gonna be great! Your grandpa's the best, right? He's gonna teach me all about Duel Monsters. I'll be unstoppable!"

Yuugi sighed softly, hands tucked into his pockets. "I don't know if 'unstoppable' is the right word, Jounouchi. Grandpa's tough, and he doesn't make things easy."

Bloom, her fiery orange-red hair glowing in the light, gave Yuugi a soft, reassuring smile as she matched his pace. Her cerulean eyes were gentle but full of unspoken understanding. Being new found adopted cousins had mean a lot to her, she had already missed Vanessa and Mike. It showed in the way she naturally fell into sync with Yuugi. "I think you'll be fine, Jounouchi. Grandpa knows what he's doing," she said, her voice warm, supportive, yet hinting at something deeper when her eyes met Yuugi's for just a second.

Beside Bloom, Musa, with her long, midnight-black hair and quiet elegance, had been listening to Jounouchi's rambling. Her midnight eyes twinkled with a subtle amusement as she leaned in to say something to Yuugi. "I'm sure he'll be okay, Yuugi. If anyone can teach Jounouchi, it's your grandpa," she said softly. Though her words were kind, there was a slight hesitation, something in her gaze that lingered just a moment too long on Yuugi before she quickly turned her attention back to the conversation.

Yuugi's cheeks flushed slightly as he caught the briefest of glances between them. For a moment, he felt something he couldn't quite place—a warmth that settled in his chest, but quickly brushed it off, distracted by Jounouchi's boisterous laughter.

"I don't know, I'm still figuring it all out," Jounouchi laughed, rubbing the back of his neck awkwardly. "I mean, it's hard enough to keep up with Anzu, let alone someone like your grandpa!"

Yuugi's lips curled up at the corner in a small, fond smile. "Actually, Anzu beat you five times in a row, Jounouchi," he said, not missing a beat. He couldn't resist teasing his friend just a little, the playfulness in his voice matching the affection he felt for him.

Jounouchi groaned, slapping his forehead in mock exasperation. "Five? Aww man, that's humiliating."

Bloom chuckled lightly, her smile never fading. "You'll get there, Jounouchi. You just need a little more practice." She nudged him playfully, the connection between her and Yuugi as cousins giving her an unspoken understanding of his struggles. Yuugi and Bloom had always been close, and it was evident in the way they both cared for those around them, like a safety net for their friends.

Musa added, her tone soothing but laced with subtle encouragement, "Don't worry, Jounouchi. With a bit more focus, you'll start to see the bigger picture. It's about strategy, not just power."

Tecna, ever the strategist, chimed in as well. "Understanding the cards' interactions is crucial. It's not enough to just play the game; you have to think ahead."

Jounouchi grinned at the group's support, feeling bolstered by their words. "Thanks, guys. I guess I've got some work to do, huh?" His voice was full of sincerity now, a far cry from the confident bravado he'd started with.

Yuugi nodded, his smile genuine. "We'll all help you, Jounouchi. You're not alone in this."

The group arrived at the Game Shop, the familiar wooden door creaking open with a soft jingle of the bell overhead. Inside, the scent of aged paper and the hum of a quiet, cozy atmosphere greeted them. Sugoroku Mutou, Yuugi's grandfather, was at the counter, busy putting up a new poster featuring the Red-Eyes Black Dragon and Black Luster Soldier.

"Hey, Grandpa!" Yuugi called, his voice warm with affection. "I brought you a new student!"

Sugoroku glanced up, his expression a mixture of surprise and amusement as he saw the group enter. His sharp gaze shifted from Yuugi to Jounouchi, sizing him up. "A student, eh?" he said, his voice full of curiosity.

Jounouchi took a deep breath, stepping forward. "Yeah, I was hoping you could teach me everything there is to know about Duel Monsters. I hear you're the best, and I'm ready to learn!"

Sugoroku chuckled, folding his arms across his chest. "Hmm... Duel Monsters is a very complex game. It's not something you just pick up overnight."

Jounouchi's grin faltered slightly, but he kept his determination. "Yeah, I get that. Anzu beat me three games in a row." He glanced at Yuugi, then back to Sugoroku. "Well, five, actually."

Sugoroku raised an eyebrow, an amused glint in his eyes. "Five? I see you've got quite a ways to go, then."

Yuugi sighed, his hands tucked into his pockets. "I told you, Jounouchi, Grandpa's a tough teacher. But if anyone can do it, it's him."

Bloom stood to the side, watching the exchange with a knowing smile. She could tell that Yuugi was both proud of his grandfather's skill and a little nervous about how tough he could be. She placed a gentle hand on Yuugi's shoulder, offering silent support. Their bond, forged over years of being close cousins, was something they didn't need to speak about. Yuugi was a little more reserved, but Bloom's presence always had a calming effect on him.

Jounouchi dropped to his knees in a theatrical plea, his voice exaggerated but genuine. "Please, Gramps! I promise I'll work hard! I'll do anything!"

Yuugi rolled his eyes fondly, his lips curling into a smile. "Nice going there, smartmouth."

Jounouchi gave him an apologetic grin. "I'm just tryin' to make sure he says yes!"

Sugoroku considered it for a moment before nodding, a smile tugging at the corners of his mouth. "Fine. But only if you're ready for rigorous training. It won't be easy."

Jounouchi's eyes widened, the excitement in his voice clear. "I'm ready! I promise!"

With a chuckle, Sugoroku gave a small nod of approval. "Alright then, let's begin. But first, can you name the most powerful Duel Monster?"

Jounouchi blinked, clearly stumped. "Uhh... no?"

Sugoroku's expression softened. "What about the weakest?"

Jounouchi scratched his head. "Nooo."

Sugoroku crossed his arms, his eyes twinkling with amusement. "Do you know what a trap card is?"

Jounouchi's face flushed. "Kind of... uh, I have no idea."

The group exchanged amused glances, but Bloom's smile was warm and encouraging. "Don't worry, Jounouchi. You'll catch on."

Musa's voice was gentle, filled with a quiet support that Yuugi couldn't help but notice. "We're all here to help, Jounouchi," she said softly, her midnight eyes meeting his with a hint of something deeper—a subtle connection that Yuugi, too, was starting to feel. It was slow, gentle, but something that was quietly growing in the background.

Yuugi's heart skipped a beat as he caught Musa's gaze for a fraction of a second longer than usual, and he quickly looked away, feeling a warmth spread across his face. His thoughts, momentarily scattered, returned to the group's banter, but the feeling lingered, like the start of something new, something quiet, but undeniable...

The living room of the Mutou household was bathed in the soft blue glow of the television as the Duel Monsters Regional Championship blared from the screen. Mutou Yuugi and Jounouchi Katsuya were sprawled across the old couch, arms and legs akimbo. On either side of them, Mazaki Anzu and Honda Hiroto perched on battered ottomans, their postures relaxed, the room filled with easy, familiar energy.

Bloom sat cross-legged on the floor, her fiery hair falling over her shoulder as she absently doodled card ideas in a small notebook. Musa lounged nearby, draped casually over the arm of the couch, one leg kicked up and tapping lightly to the Duel Dome's energetic theme music. Tecna occupied the armchair beside them, posture straight, teal eyes focused on her tablet as she quietly analyzed the dueling strategies flashing across the TV screen.

The announcer's voice roared theatrically from the speakers:

"Of the two hundred duelists who have competed in this marathon tournament, only two competitors remain standing. Give it up for Insector Haga, the Bug Brawler — and his opponent, the number one ranked Dinosaur Ryuzaki!"

Jounouchi groaned loudly, running a hand through his blonde hair.

"Bug Boy versus Dinosaur Man? Seriously?! That should've been me in there!"

Anzu offered him a sympathetic look, though there was a teasing edge to her voice.

"You've been training really hard, Jounouchi-kun, but... those two are playing at a whole different level right now."

"Yeah, thanks for rubbin' it in, Anzu," Jounouchi muttered, slouching even lower.

Yuugi chuckled softly, the sound warm and genuine.

"And you're so tired you can't even keep your eyes open."

As if summoned by Yuugi's words, a heavy snore escaped Jounouchi's mouth. Musa burst into a playful grin, picking up a nearby napkin and flicking it lightly at his head.

"Hey, Sleeping Beauty, save it for after the duel," she teased, her voice light but affectionate.

Bloom giggled quietly, glancing up from her notebook.

"Maybe he's trying out a new deck theme," she said. "'Dreamland Warriors' — first attack, Nap-Time Ambush."

Yuugi laughed, eyes sparkling behind his bangs, and caught Musa's gaze for a brief heartbeat — an unspoken connection passed between them, soft and fleeting like the brush of wings. Musa looked away first, biting back a small smile.

Tecna, still not looking up from her tablet, added dryly,

"If fatigue was a viable battle tactic, Jounouchi-san would already be a regional champion."

The room broke into another round of laughter, a ripple of warmth binding them closer together.

Yuugi leaned back against the couch, heart full. It was these moments — ordinary and precious — that made him feel like he was exactly where he belonged. Beside him, Bloom was a steady, glowing presence, her sketches chaotic and vibrant, so different from his careful duel planning yet somehow complementary. Across from him, Musa was a quiet rhythm, playful but observant, her teasing masking a sensitivity that Yuugi found himself drawn to without fully understanding why.

[Flashback]

The Kame Game Shop buzzed with the low hum of late afternoon customers. Jounouchi sat at the counter, half-collapsed over a mess of cards.

"So tired," he muttered, forehead thunking against the tabletop. "Must... rest..."

Sugoroku Mutou stood behind him, a wooden practice sword in hand.

"No time for rest!" he barked, bringing the sword down sharply next to Jounouchi's head.

Jounouchi bolted upright with a strangled yelp, scrambling to gather his scattered deck. From across the room, Bloom and Musa exchanged delighted giggles, ducking their heads to hide their amusement.

[Flashback]

Back in the present, Honda smirked, nudging Jounouchi with his foot.

"See? It's true what they say — you snooze, you lose."

Jounouchi groaned in response, burying his face in the couch cushion.

Musa leaned over, gently pressing a cold water bottle into his hand.

"Come on, tough guy," she said, her voice softer now, teasing without cruelty. "Can't duel with a dry throat."

Jounouchi cracked one eye open, offering her a crooked, grateful smile.

"Thanks, Musa... you're a lifesaver."

Bloom set her notebook aside, her cerulean eyes bright.

"And remember, Jounouchi-kun — it's not about how many times you fall."

Yuugi smiled at her, finishing the thought naturally, their voices overlapping in perfect harmony:

"It's about how many times you get back up."

A quiet warmth pulsed through the room. Bloom's heart caught unexpectedly — it was moments like this that reminded her just how much she had needed a place to belong, and now... she had found it. Beside her cousin Yuugi, surrounded by friends who laughed, fought, and grew together. And across from her, Musa caught Yuugi's glance again — a shy, flickering look quickly hidden behind her hair — but it was there, real and undeniable.

The door to the living room swung open suddenly, breaking the moment.

Sugoroku Mutou stood in the doorway, a large box cradled in his arms, his grin unmistakable.

"Time for your next lesson!"

Jounouchi sat bolt upright, horrified.

"Wha—?! We're not done?!"

Sugoroku chuckled, shaking his head.

"Not by a long shot, you slacker."

"Nggh..." Jounouchi moaned, flopping back dramatically.

Sugoroku shifted the box to one arm, reaching out with his free hand to ruffle Yuugi's hair affectionately.

"You're all coming along," he said, voice rough with pride. "Especially you, Jounouchi. I'm proud of how far you've come."

Jounouchi's eyes grew suspiciously shiny.

"Gramps..." he choked, lunging forward for a hug — but Sugoroku neatly sidestepped, letting Jounouchi crash face-first into the couch with a muffled thud.

Anzu and Honda burst into laughter. Musa covered her mouth, giggling. Even Tecna smirked behind her tablet.

Yuugi and Bloom exchanged a look — a knowing, shared laughter glowing between them — as the room rang with the pure, chaotic joy of their found family. 

Sugoroku Mutou's voice cut through the warm chatter of the living room, rich with the gentle authority only years of wisdom could bring.

"Oh, by the way, Yuugi," he said, stepping into the cozy space with slow, deliberate steps. In his hands, weathered but steady, he held a large brown package—worn around the corners as if it had traveled far to reach them.

The conversation faded instantly.

Yuugi turned toward his grandfather, curiosity flickering across his young face, the afternoon sunlight catching the golden hue of his hair. Before he could move, Jounouchi—forever ruled by enthusiasm over balance—launched up from his seat, overreaching with wild arms.

"Whoa—!"

Thud.

Face first into the carpet.

The room froze for a heartbeat, and then—laughter.

Musa broke first, her rich, musical laugh filling the room like a melody, light and teasing. She leaned back against the couch, covering her mouth but unable to hide her amusement.

Bloom giggled beside her, the sound bright and bubbling with a natural joy she hadn't fully felt in weeks. Even Tecna, usually so composed, allowed herself a rare, small smile, her shoulders relaxing slightly.

Honda smirked openly, crossing his arms. "Real smooth, Jounouchi. Gonna challenge the floor to a duel next?"

Groaning dramatically, Jounouchi peeled himself off the ground and sprawled back on the couch like a defeated soldier. "Testing the structural integrity, thank you very much," he mumbled.

Yuugi chuckled softly, shaking his head as he moved to help Jounouchi up. His touch was gentle, full of a kindness that came so naturally to him. "Be careful next time, Jounouchi."

Across the room, Bloom watched them—Yuugi's easy patience, the way he brightened the space around him without even realizing it—and felt a swell of warmth in her chest. She could see so much of their shared family spirit in him: that same resilience, that same kindness that had carried her through her own darkest nights.

Sugoroku chuckled under his breath, the lines at the corners of his eyes deepening. He approached, carefully setting the package down on the coffee table with a soft thud that seemed to ripple across the room.

"This package came for you," he said, voice turning a touch more serious.

Yuugi blinked, his expression shifting from amusement to curiosity. He moved closer, crouching beside the coffee table to examine it.

"For me?" His voice was small, surprised.

The handwriting on the label was unfamiliar, neat but foreign. His sharp eyes scanned it—and then widened.

"It's from Industrial Illusions," he murmured.

Instantly, Jounouchi bolted upright, his whole body buzzing with excitement. "Industrial Illusions!? That's Pegasus's company! They make Duel Monsters!"

Bloom leaned forward too, sensing the change in the room's energy, the threads of fate beginning to twist subtly around her cousin.

Musa sat up straighter, her curiosity sharpening. "Why would they send you something?" she asked, her tone light but her eyes watchful.

Yuugi hesitated, his fingers brushing over the wrapping as if the package might vanish if he touched it too fast.

"Maybe... maybe it has something to do with Kaiba..." he said softly.

At the mention of Seto Kaiba, the room cooled. A hush fell.

Anzu's eyes narrowed slightly. "You mean... when you defeated him?"

Yuugi nodded, memories rising unbidden to the surface of his mind—

[Flashback]

The arena's cold air bit at Yuugi's skin.

Across from him, Seto Kaiba stood, radiating smug confidence.

"Draw your last pathetic card, so I can end this, Yuugi," Kaiba spat, his voice dripping disdain.

Yuugi, heart hammering against his ribs, drew his final card. The spirit within him rose with a calm, ageless power, wrapping around him like a second soul.

"My grandpa's deck has no pathetic cards, Kaiba," Yuugi said, his voice steady. "But it does contain... the unstoppable Exodia!"

Kaiba's smirk shattered as Yuugi revealed the five pieces. The color drained from his face.

"Impossible...!"

The word hung in the air just before Exodia's ancient might obliterated the field, a tidal wave of light and fury that reduced Kaiba's towering ego to rubble.

[End Flashback]

Yuugi exhaled slowly, grounding himself back in the moment.

Jounouchi rubbed his temples dramatically. "Just hearing Kaiba's name gives me a migraine."

Musa elbowed him lightly, a teasing glint in her eyes. "Sounds like someone's still sore they didn't get a shot at him."

He glared at her half-heartedly. "Pfft, like I care."

Anzu, quieter, more introspective, studied Yuugi carefully. "Still... it's incredible what you did, Yuugi."

Yuugi offered her a small, bashful smile, but it quickly faded as his eyes dropped back to the package.

Before he could move, the television flickered to life. Onscreen, Dinosaur Ryuzaki's Red-Eyes Black Dragon delivered a thunderous final blow, ending his match against Insector Haga.

Honda pointed, laughing. "Whoa! Ryuzaki just crushed Bug Boy!"

Jounouchi crossed his arms smugly. "Bugs versus dinosaurs? No contest."

Yuugi, however, didn't smile. His voice was calm, thoughtful. "Weevil's strategies are dangerous. He plays the long game. It's not always about brute strength."

Bloom caught that thoughtful tone instantly. It was the same look she had seen in herself, in battle—the quiet wisdom of someone who understood that real strength wasn't always loud or obvious.

She moved closer, placing a hand on Yuugi's shoulder. He looked up at her, and for a moment, it was just the two of them—the connection between cousins strong and unspoken.

"We'll face whatever comes," Bloom said softly, her voice meant only for him.

Yuugi's smile deepened, touched with emotion.

Beside him, Musa edged closer too, her knee brushing his lightly under the table—an accidental touch, but neither of them pulled away. Musa tilted her head, a playful spark in her deep eyes.

"So?" she murmured, voice dropping to something softer, something just between them. "You gonna open it, partner?"

The word—partner—stuck pleasantly in Yuugi's heart and as Yuugi and his friends continued to talk about the tournament.

The faint sound of a car engine echoed from outside, reverberating softly through the thick walls of the Mutou family shop. Inside, the warm glow of the old-fashioned lamp illuminated the room, casting a familiar, comforting light on the small gathering of friends and family. The usual lively chatter had quieted down, replaced by a thick air of anticipation as Sugoroku carefully placed the large box on the table in front of Yuugi. The moment felt oddly significant, as though something beyond the contents of the box was about to unfold.

"Yuugi, with all the excitement of the championship, you forgot to open your package," Sugoroku said, a mischievous twinkle in his wise eyes as he looked at his grandson.

Yuugi blinked, his mind still caught in the aftermath of the Duel Monsters Regional Championship. His friends' voices, full of excitement, seemed muffled for a moment. He hadn't even noticed the box until now, too distracted by the events of the day. The day of Dinosaur Ryuzaki's overwhelming victory and his own looming challenges had kept his thoughts swirling.

"Right, I completely forgot about it," Yuugi murmured, his fingers brushing over the brown paper. There was a small, nagging sense of unease, though he couldn't quite put his finger on why. His heart raced just slightly as his hand hovered over the string that held the package closed. He wasn't sure why, but his instinct told him that whatever lay inside this box had been sent for a reason.

As the others gathered around him, the tension in the room grew, each person sharing a similar look of curiosity.

Anzu, seated next to Yuugi, leaned forward slightly. "What do you think it is? Something from Kaiba?"

Yuugi shook his head, the thought of Kaiba's competitive arrogance still fresh in his mind. "No, I don't think so. It feels different. But who else could it be from?"

The soft sound of the box being opened filled the air, and Yuugi's fingers carefully peeled back the wrapping, revealing what was inside. A VHS tape, an odd red glove, and two gold stars lay inside. The sight of it confused everyone, and for a moment, they all stared at the contents in silence.

"Huh?" Jounouchi leaned in, squinting at the objects. "Some kind of glove... and... stars?" His voice was tinged with disbelief, but also curiosity.

Honda scratched his head. "Maybe there's an explanation on the video?"

Yuugi's eyes widened as he held the items in his hands, unsure of what to make of them. "I... I don't know. Let's see what this is about," he said, his voice soft, almost uncertain. His fingers gently reached for the VHS tape. The weight of the moment felt strange. The tape was an old-fashioned relic, a piece of a time long past, but there was something about it that felt... important.

Anzu watched him, her gaze filled with concern and curiosity. Musa, ever the one to notice the details in Yuugi's behavior, leaned in closer. She shared a soft look with Bloom, who was seated next to her, and both of them could sense the undercurrent of tension in Yuugi's movements. Bloom, always attuned to Yuugi's moods, could tell that this moment held a weight that went beyond the curiosity about the package. Something felt... different.

Yuugi slid the tape into the VCR, and with a soft click, the screen flickered to life. Static filled the screen before it was replaced by the figure of a man, his sharp features appearing in the grainy, black-and-white image. His hair was styled neatly, and his smile was more a smirk—a man who knew he was in control.

"Greetings, little Yuugi," the man's voice sounded over the speakers, smooth and confident. "I am Maximillion Pegasus."

"Pegasus?" Jounouchi said, his voice echoing disbelief. "What's he got to do with you, Yuugi?"

Anzu's hand unconsciously tightened around the edge of the couch as she remembered seeing the man on TV. The moment she had seen him earlier, her heart had skipped a beat, her mind racing with the implications of his presence.

"Yuugi... this is the famous Pegasus?"Sugoroku's voice, usually calm, held a note of surprise, as if the man's name stirred memories deep within him.

Pegasus continued speaking, his voice dripping with arrogance. "I have heard some terribly interesting things about you, Yuugi."

Yuugi's heart skipped a beat. The room felt colder suddenly, a sense of unease seeping into the warm air. The atmosphere had shifted again. He could feel the eyes of his friends upon him, but he kept his focus on the man in the television screen, as though his very presence demanded it.

Yuugi's breath hitched. "Huh?" He wasn't sure what Pegasus meant, but he felt a sudden weight in his chest, a feeling of something that he couldn't yet grasp. His eyes flicked toward his friends, but their faces mirrored his confusion.

Maximillion Pegasus smiled, a smile both courteous and predatory, and spoke with that strange, lilting tone that seemed to dance mockingly over every word.

"Your recent defeat of Seto Kaiba intrigued me so much, I've decided to investigate your remarkable dueling skills personally," Pegasus said. His voice was syrup-sweet, and yet cold as steel underneath. "Right here, right now, we shall hold a special duel."

The Game Shop felt suddenly smaller, heavier.

Yuugi blinked, clutching the edge of the counter for balance. His friends shifted around him uneasily — the air seemed to thicken between them.

Pegasus continued, smiling wider.

"We'll play with a strict time limit of fifteen minutes. And when time's up, the player with the highest life points will be declared the winner. Are you ready?"

Yuugi opened his mouth, but all that escaped was a stunned gasp. "Wha—?"

"Wha—?!" Jounouchi barked, stepping closer with a scowl on his face. His hands clenched into fists at his sides. "He can't seriously expect you to duel against a video tape!"

"That's insane," Honda muttered under his breath, folding his arms tightly across his chest.

Anzu leaned in toward Yuugi, her voice sharp with worry. "Yuugi, don't! This isn't normal!"

Beside them, Bloom tensed, her heart hammering against her ribs. Her bright blue eyes were locked on the screen, narrowed in suspicion. The longer she looked at Pegasus—the way his eye gleamed, the way his presence almost reached through the screen—the more something deep inside her stirred.

A whisper from a memory she couldn't access, like a half-remembered dream pulling at the edge of her mind.

Musa, too, edged closer to Yuugi without even realizing it, her shoulder brushing lightly against his. She could feel the tension building inside him — and it scared her how much she could sense it. Yuugi was always the steady one, the soft-spoken light among them. But now... fear and confusion churned under the surface of his calm exterior.

The room darkened perceptibly, the lights flickering—and Pegasus gave a low, malicious chuckle.

His Millennium Eye—embedded deep into his left eye socket—suddenly glowed with an unnatural, blinding gold light that radiated out of the television itself.

"No," Pegasus whispered. "It's not simply a duel..."

His smile widened into something almost grotesque.

"...It's magic."

The word hung in the air like a thunderclap.

All around Yuugi, the world twisted.

"Huh?!" Jounouchi barked again, stumbling back a step.

"What's happening?!" Honda shouted.

Musa gasped, clutching Yuugi's sleeve instinctively.

Bloom's stomach lurched — the very air seemed to crack and hum around them. Her skin prickled with goosebumps. It felt wrong — ancient and powerful, something so much bigger than any of them. Her legs weakened, but Tecna grabbed her arm firmly, anchoring her in place with a steady presence.

Before their very eyes, the shop's interior blurred and melted away.

The warm shelves stacked with Duel Monsters cards and old game pieces became washed-out silhouettes, draining of all color and sound.

Anzu's frightened call faded into static.

Honda's defiant shouts dimmed to nothing.

Jounouchi's stubborn presence winked out like a candle.

Sugoroku's comforting warmth vanished, as though snuffed out.

Only a small pocket of the world remained — Yuugi, Musa, Bloom, Tecna — and Pegasus, towering over them from the television screen.

Yuugi spun around desperately. "Everything's...growing dark and cold... and the others—they're not moving!" His voice cracked with horror. "What have you done to them?! Where have you taken us?!"

Pegasus's laugh echoed around the void, deep and satisfied.

"We are no longer in the world you know," he said. "But rest assured, little Yuugi... I will return you... after our game."

The darkness pressed closer, and for a heartbeat, Yuugi looked utterly alone, small against the overwhelming shadows. Musa, without thinking, reached for him — her fingers brushing lightly over his hand. Their eyes met, a brief, shivering connection, and in that instant, Yuugi drew strength from her steady presence. He tightened his grip, silently promising her that he wouldn't fall.

Bloom, standing stiffly nearby, felt a rush of cold air pass through her.

Her breath caught.

Something was stirring inside her—old and aching—something that recognized the power shimmering from the Puzzle on Yuugi's chest.

That light — that ancient magic — it called to her, like a beacon to something lost inside herself.

Then, Yuugi closed his eyes, drawing a deep, steadying breath.

The Millennium Puzzle flared with a blinding golden light.

The boy's silhouette seemed to stretch upward, growing sharper, stronger — his posture shifting, his presence suddenly radiating authority. The very air around him seemed to tighten, vibrating with a kind of power that Bloom could almost taste.

Yami no Yuugi emerged.

His crimson eyes opened, blazing with fierce, ancient resolve.

Bloom staggered back half a step, her heart hammering wildly against her ribs. She pressed a trembling hand to her chest, staring at him — no, not just Yuugi... someone else... someone ancient.

Musa gasped softly, stunned by the sudden change, but even now, her heart ached with affection — it was still him — her Yuugi, the boy she believed in.

"Start the clock," Yami no Yuugi said, his voice low and commanding, "and make your move, Pegasus."

Pegasus clapped mockingly. "Certainly," he said. "Let us begin."

The shadows around them swirled into a shape — a massive, looming Duel Arena formed of dark energy, and a red digital clock blinked into existence in midair:

15:00 — ticking steadily downward.

"Nervous, Yuugi-boy?" Pegasus teased, adjusting his gloves with exaggerated calm. "You should be. You have never faced a duelist like me before."

Yami's face remained carved from stone. "You may be good," he said, stepping calmly to his side of the field.

Pegasus's golden Eye shimmered hungrily. "I assure you," he said, voice purring, "I am."

From the shadows, Musa and Bloom watched, helpless, their hearts pounding.

Tecna stood between them, calculating possibilities, trying to anchor herself in logic — but even she could feel it. This duel was different.

Yami set his cards with a sharp, decisive motion.

"I will beat you," he said firmly, "to save my friends."

The Millennium Puzzle at his chest pulsed, responding to his vow.

Pegasus chuckled again.

"You won't save anyone with that dragon card," he said casually, drawing a single card from his deck with a flourish.

Yami tensed instantly, eyes narrowing.

"How...?" he growled.

Pegasus smiled darkly, his Millennium Eye blazing once more.

"I told you, Yuugi-boy," he said, voice rich with glee. "You've never faced anyone like me before. I can see into your mind. I know your every move before you even make it."

Musa clutched Tecna's hand now, her nails biting into the other girl's skin — she didn't even realize how tightly she was holding on.

Yami's jaw clenched. He could feel it now — the way Pegasus seemed to slither into his thoughts, twisting them, reading them before he could even act.

"Knowing your moves gives me a distinct advantage," Pegasus continued, almost lazily. "Wouldn't you say?"

He slapped a card onto his Duel Disk.

"For example..." he drawled, "I can anticipate your next play, and counter it... with this."

He revealed a trap card — Dragon Capture Jar.

The Duel Field cracked with dark energy.

From the cards at Yami's feet, the holographic figure of the Kimori Dragon began to rise — roaring defiantly — only to be immediately seized by spectral chains of magic.

The creature was yanked into a swirling, crystalline jar, its roars fading into muted, desperate thuds against the glass.

"No—!" Yami cried, taking a half-step forward, rage flaring in his crimson eyes.

Pegasus chuckled again, tapping the jar lightly.

"Trapped," he said, smiling cruelly. "Never to be played against me."

Yami stared, trembling slightly—not from fear, but fury. His mind raced. 'He could real..his mind..'

Behind him, Bloom trembled.

She heard it again — whispers in ancient tongues, calling from somewhere deep inside her.

She didn't know it yet — but something was awakening.

Something that would change everything.

Yami's mind raced, struggling to make sense of the surreal scene before him.

The pain from the Dragon Piper's flute still throbbed through him, and the Koumori Dragon — his own monster — was now shackled under Pegasus's dark magic. A rush of heat coursed through him as the dragon's fierce attack burned through Silver Fang, the wolf-like creature's fur singed by flames.

"Agh!" he hissed through clenched teeth, staggering back a step. His Life Points dropped from 2000 to 1500 — a brutal reminder of how real this duel had become.

Pegasus chuckled darkly across the field, his Millennium Eye gleaming with a deep, unsettling light.

"Hah!" Pegasus sneered. "As you can see, Yuugi-boy, these monsters are very real. And also quite dangerous."

He leaned forward slightly, his voice dripping with venom. "Such defiance... and yet so ignorant of the true power hidden within your Millennium Puzzle."

The young duelist's — no, the spirit's — eyes narrowed dangerously.

No one here knew who he truly was. Not even Yuugi himself.

To them, it still seemed like Yuugi growing strangely fierce, his voice sharpening, his presence darkening.

None of them called him anything different. Not yet.

Because even he didn't know his name.

"What?!" he snapped, his voice fierce and cutting. "What are you talking about?"

Pegasus's smile widened, a sinister glint flashing across his face.

"Five thousand years ago," he began, his words deliberate, as if he enjoyed watching each syllable stab into Yami's mind, "a powerful pharaoh sealed away the magic of the Shadow Games."

The Millennium Eye flared again, sending a cold pulse through the air.

The spirit's breath hitched.

A pharaoh?

Sealed magic?

His mind reeled, flashes of ancient stone halls and roaring battles pounding in his head — visions he couldn't place, couldn't own.

"What does that have to do with me?!" he demanded, the cracks in his voice betraying his confusion.

Pegasus's voice softened to a taunting whisper.

"The pharaoh locked the dark powers inside seven Millennium Items... and, Yuugi, your Puzzle is one of them."

The spirit froze. His fists clenched around the Duel Disk.

Seven Items?

The Puzzle... his Puzzle?

"You're saying my Puzzle—" he started, but his voice faltered under the weight of it all.

"Yes," Pegasus purred, leaning back with satisfaction. "Inside that ancient relic sleeps a power you cannot yet imagine. Magic that could change your destiny — if only you knew how to unlock it."

The spirit's mind spun.

He had no memories.

No past.

Just this feeling — this need to protect Yuugi, to fight beside him, to win.

Who was he?

"And why tell me this?" he pressed, his voice a low growl.

Pegasus smiled a wolfish smile. "Because you must know... and because knowing will only make your struggle more delicious to watch."

He straightened, and the clock — now ticking louder at 12:30 — seemed to boom against the walls.

The spirit flicked his eyes briefly to Yuugi's side of the mind, where his gentle counterpart watched, trapped within the Puzzle, fear and confusion mirrored in his heart. They were two, and yet one — bound together by fate neither understood.

But there was no time to unravel it. Not now.

Now, there was only the duel — and survival.

"He's right," the spirit muttered under his breath. "Time's running out... and I still haven't figured out how he's reading my moves."

The air thickened like choking smoke.

Pegasus played Dragon Piper again — the flute shrieked — and Koumori Dragon, free yet enslaved, turned against its former master.

"Tell that to my Dragon Piper, as his flute of resurrection frees your Koumori Dragon but puts him under my command," Pegasus taunted.

The spirit clenched his jaw, heart hammering. He needed to act.

"I have to counterattack!!!" he growled.

"Silver Fang, attack!"

The wolf launched forward — only to be engulfed by the dragon's savage flames.

His Life Points dropped again — now 1500.

"Agh!"

He stumbled, biting back a scream.

From the sidelines, hidden in the noise, Musa stood still, her face unreadable but her hands trembling.

She felt it — the echo of his pain.

But she couldn't react. She couldn't show it.

Not yet.

If anyone realized the truth about her and the others, everything would fall apart.

Her hand brushed lightly against Yuugi's hand — and the touch grounded him.

Even as the clock ticked louder.

Even as Pegasus's shadow loomed larger.

Their eyes met — a silent connection, a promise.

She would be his anchor.

He would be hers.

Bloom, a few steps behind, watched the duel with burning eyes.

Inside her jacket, her hand clutched the Millennium Heart — the artifact that pulsed with an ancient magic she couldn't yet name.

Magic that thrummed in tune with the Puzzle's energy.

She could feel it, stronger than ever.

The hidden spirit within the Puzzle — a king from long ago — was calling out, and her Heart answered in kind.

"Yami..." she whispered under her breath. It just felt right. It şaş the first time...she said this.

She didn't know the name.

No one did.

But she could feel it, written in her very soul.

We're connected. More than you know.

In the distance, Tecna stood still, calculating probabilities, formulating strategies — trying to cling to logic in a world quickly slipping into magic and madness.

She felt the tension — Musa's quiet storm, Bloom's hidden grief, the battle raging within Yuugi.

She knew what was at stake, even if no one else could see it yet.

The spirit inside Yuugi tightened his grip on his cards, sweat trickling down his forehead.

This duel wasn't just for victory anymore.

It was for survival.

For answers.

For the truth of who — and what — he really was.

And it was only the beginning.

Yami stared at Pegasus, his mind still reeling from the revelation. His grip on his cards tightened as he muttered under his breath, more to himself than to anyone else.

"Wait a minute, he definitely knows what I'm about to do. But how? It's gotta have something to do with that weird eye of his. That's it, isn't it? That weird eye must somehow let him see the cards in my hand. So no matter which card I pick, he's already one step ahead of me. But that gives me an idea."

Yami's eyes flashed with new determination, and he clenched his fist. "I can't let him control this duel anymore. I need to outsmart him. I need to be the one in control."

Pegasus, watching with a cruel smile, let out an evil laugh that echoed through the dim, flickering space of the Shadow Realm.

"Hurry up now, Yuugi-boy," he taunted, his voice dripping with malice. "Time is running out for you and your friends."

Yami's face tightened in concentration. The seconds were ticking away. "I guess he's expecting me to play one of the cards in my hand. But what if I play a card even I haven't seen yet?! What happens if I draw a new card straight from the deck without even looking at it?"

It was risky, but it was the only chance he had to keep Pegasus from anticipating his every move. Yami's breath slowed, steadying his racing heart. He could feel his resolve building, the quiet strength within him rising. It wasn't just about the game anymore. It was about his friends. About the people he cared for.

Pegasus smirked, already anticipating Yami's next move. "I already know you plan to play the Zombie Warrior, and I'm already prepared to counter it with a trap card that makes even zombies lie down and play dead."

Yami's eyes glinted as a plan formed, and a quiet smirk tugged at the corner of his lips. "Not this time. I figured out your little game, Pegasus. You may be able to see the cards in my hand, but you can't see the cards I pull from the deck."

Pegasus narrowed his eyes, clearly intrigued by Yami's confidence. "Hmmm?"

Yami was ready. "My next card is... the Dark Magician!"

A roar of triumph echoed as the iconic Dark Magician materialized in the virtual space, his staff raised, his eyes filled with the determination of a thousand battles.

Pegasus chuckled mockingly. "Whoa, the big, scary Dark Magician."

Yami stood tall, his resolve unwavering. "Mock me all you like, Pegasus. But my magician will destroy that dragon."

Pegasus, ever smug, leaned back in his seat. "Go right ahead, if you think it'll help."

Yami grinned, his eyes flashing with fire. "It'll do more than help, Pegasus. It'll bring you closer to defeat and bring me closer to saving my friends."

Pegasus let out a soft, sarcastic chuckle, clearly unperturbed by Yami's words. "If it can do all that, by all means, play it."

With a command, Yami raised his hand high, his voice echoing through the realm. "Dark Magician!"

The Dark Magician lifted his staff, the air around him crackling with the energy of ancient magic as he summoned his ultimate attack.

"Dark Magic Attack!!"

The attack surged forward, blasting towards Pegasus's Koumori Dragon. The force of the magic was tremendous, and the dragon seemed to flinch before it was engulfed by the blast.

Pegasus's life-points dropped from 2000 to 1200, but despite this, he was unbothered.

Pegasus laughed triumphantly, his voice a venomous hiss. "Nicely played. But by using your Dark Magician, you've let me manipulate you once again."

Yami's eyes widened in disbelief. "Huh?"

Pegasus leaned forward, his smile widening into something twisted. "By playing that one card, you have ensured my victory."

Yami gritted his teeth, his mind spinning as he tried to make sense of what was happening. "No."

Pegasus didn't wait for a response. "We shall see, Yuugi. Oh, a very rare card. This is the fearsome Faceless Mage."

Yami stared at the card with confusion. "I've never seen that card before. But my Dark Magician is one of the strongest magic cards in the game."

Pegasus's smile deepened. "But how will he fare once I combine my Faceless Mage with the, equally rare, Eye of Illusion?"

The Eye of Illusion gleamed with unnatural light, and Yami's heart skipped a beat as he realized what was happening.

Yami's voice came out strained, his brow furrowing in frustration. "Dark Magician, Dark Magic Attack!"

The Dark Magician thrust his staff forward, sending a devastating wave of magic towards the Faceless Mage. But as the magic neared its target, Pegasus raised the Eye of Illusion, and Yami's attack was absorbed by the Eye's strange power, dissipating harmlessly into the void.

Yami stared, stunned. "Dark Magician! My attack had no effect at all."

Pegasus's laugh rang out, sharp and cruel. "Heh, heh, heh. You've underestimated me once again, Yuugi."

Yami's chest tightened as the reality of his situation began to sink in. The Faceless Mage, with its Eye of Illusion, had completely nullified his most powerful attack. And now, his life-points were vulnerable.

He glanced at the VCR timer—only 5 seconds left.

Yami clenched his fists, his mind racing. He needed to break free. He needed to trust his cards, his instincts.

With the Celtic Guardian summoned, he issued his command. "I attack your combo with the elf swordsman!"

Yami's Celtic Guardian rushed forward, its sword raised to strike down the Faceless Mage.

Pegasus's grin widened. "True, your elf is mighty. But you have once again underestimated the incredible power of my Eye of Illusion!"

And with a flick of his wrist, the Eye of Illusion flared once more, and the attack of the Celtic Guardian was thwarted.

Yami's face twisted with frustration, his heart pounding in his chest as he realized that Pegasus had manipulated him yet again.

Meanwhile, the battle in the real world was taking its toll on Bloom. She was seated at the sidelines, her chest rising and falling with heavy breaths. The pain hit her suddenly—sharp, overwhelming. She gasped, clutching her chest as an intense, burning sensation shot through her.

Musa, standing nearby, immediately noticed the change in Bloom's expression. "Bloom!" she cried out, rushing to her side as the girl swayed on her feet.

But Bloom didn't hear her, her body collapsing into Musa's arms. "Yami..." she whispered weakly, her voice hoarse and filled with confusion. "It hurts... Why does it hurt...?"

Musa and Tecna, both now kneeling beside Bloom, exchanged confused looks. "Who's Yami?" Musa whispered, her eyes wide with worry. "Who is she talking about?"

Tecna's mind was racing. "There's something about that name... Yami. But who could she possibly be referring to?" she muttered, her brow furrowing as she tried to make sense of the connection. "It's... as if she knows him. But how?"

In Bloom's fragile state, her lips moved again. "Yami... You're... you're the one who..."

Tecna leaned in closer. "The one who what, Bloom?"

But Bloom couldn't respond. She had slipped into unconsciousness, her hand weakly reaching for something that wasn't there.

The confusion and worry deepened among the group, but the duel continued to unfold in the Shadow Realm. Time was running out, and the pressure was only mounting.

Back in the duel, Yami wasn't done yet. He had no choice but to face Pegasus's illusions and continue to battle with everything he had left.

"I won't lose," Yami muttered to himself, his voice full of unwavering determination. "Not now. Not when it matters most."

No! The word rang out, sharp and piercing, reverberating through the room like the scream of a broken heart. Yuugi's eyes widened, his breath caught in his throat as the realization struck him with the force of a physical blow. His mind raced, but his body stood still, frozen in disbelief. The Dark Magician—his most trusted ally, his own soul embodied in the card—had turned against him. His very essence had been twisted, manipulated by the dark magic of Pegasus's Millennium Eye.

The soft hum of the VCR clock filled the silence, each tick sounding louder than the last as Yuugi's life-points fell rapidly. 1500. 400.

Pegasus's voice sliced through the tension like a blade. "Dark Magic Attack."

The Celtic Guardian crumbled, its form vanishing into the air like a whisper carried away by the wind. Yami, his heart racing in his chest, struggled to keep his thoughts clear. How? he thought, his fingers shaking. That's impossible. The Faceless Mage doesn't have that kind of power.

And then it dawned on him, like a sudden flash of light in the dark. It's my own Dark Magician. He's under the control of the Millennium Eye. But if Pegasus is controlling my Dark Magician, what's controlling his own creatures?

A wave of nausea rolled through Yami. This wasn't just a duel anymore. It was a game of life and death—one that had transcended the realm of cards and monsters. The stakes were far higher than he had ever imagined.

Pegasus's voice returned, far too calm for the gravity of the situation. "Well, Yuugi, our time together is nearly up. And as I have more life-points than you, it appears I am the victor."

The words, cruel and final, filled the room as the countdown continued, its relentless march toward the end. 0:00.05. The clock's ticking echoed like a countdown to the abyss, each second heavier than the last.

But Yuugi—Yami—wouldn't let it end like this. "Time's not up yet, Pegasus," he said, his voice steady, though every fiber of his being was on edge. "You've left your Faceless Mage open to a physical assault." He called forth Summoned Skull, its monstrous form materializing with a flash of electricity, standing tall and menacing on the field.

Pegasus's eyes flickered, narrowing in surprised acknowledgment of the shift in momentum. "Nnngh," he muttered under his breath, caught off guard by the unexpected move.

"Summoned Skull, attack!" Yami's voice rang out with unwavering determination. The seconds on the clock seemed to stretch out endlessly as the monster moved forward, ready to strike.

0:00.02. The attack surged through the air, crackling with dark energy.

0:00.01. Time was slipping away.

0:00.00. The attack landed, but just as the final blow struck, Pegasus's voice cut through, smooth and taunting.

"Well, we've run out of time," he said, as though speaking of something trivial. "But how close was that? If you had been able to complete that attack, I would have lost. But I didn't, did I? I've taken the measure of your talents this day, Yuugi Motou. And when next we duel, we shall play for far higher stakes."

Yami's expression tightened, his mind whirling with the weight of the words. "I'm done with your games."

Pegasus chuckled, lifting a finger in mock warning. "You presume I'm giving you a choice in the matter. But..." He pushed his hair aside, revealing the gleaming Millennium Eye. Its dark glow pulsed, full of the ancient, terrible power it contained. "I'm not, for I too possess one of the seven Millennium Items—the all-powerful Millennium Eye!"

A chill ran down Yami's spine. "A Millennium Eye?" he whispered, his mind spinning with the implications.

Pegasus smiled, dark and knowing. "That's right, Yuugi-boy. And now I'll show you the true extent of its magic." The Eye glowed brighter, and in an instant, the dark magic surged through the room, snaking its way toward Solomon Mutou. The old man's soul was wrenched from his body, pulled into the dark realm of the television screen, trapped inside the illusion, beyond their reach.

Yami's breath caught. "Huh?" he murmured, struggling to comprehend what had just happened. The screen flickered, and the image of Sugoroku appeared, weak and distant. His voice echoed through the room, faint and trembling.

"Yuugi!" Yuugi took control of his own body.

A cold wave of terror washed over Yuugi, and before he could process the full depth of what had just occurred, he found himself lunging forward, hands pressed desperately against the screen. "Grandpa!" His voice cracked, raw with emotion. His mind screamed for a solution, but there was nothing. Nothing but the mocking voice of Pegasus.

"Yes, we will duel again, Yuugi. How else will you reclaim your grandfather's soul?"

The world seemed to blur around him, the tension thick in the air. The bright colors of the room were muted now, overshadowed by the darkness of the situation. His friends—Anzu, Jounouchi, Honda—were beginning to stir, but even as they regained consciousness, the gravity of the situation weighed on them all. Sugoroku, the man who had raised Yuugi with love and care, was lost to them. His soul was trapped within the game, and there was no clear way to get him back.

Yuugi's cry of despair tore through the room, desperate and heart-wrenching. "Grandpa! Grandpa!! Grandpaaaaaa!"

Bloom lay motionless on the floor, her chest rising and falling in shallow breaths. Her fiery hair was tangled around her face, her body limp and still as if the energy had been drained from her entirely. But as Yuugi's eyes lingered on her, a soft, barely audible whisper escaped her lips.

"Yami..."

The name lingered in the air like a faint echo, unfamiliar and yet deeply resonant. It was a name Yuugi recognized, but the context was... wrong. Yami? Why is she calling me that? His mind spun with the unanswered question, and the weight of the moment only deepened. There was something more to Bloom's words—something ancient, something they couldn't yet understand.

Musa, kneeling beside Bloom, felt a powerful surge of energy rise within her—a surge that felt connected to Bloom's words. As if the very air was vibrating with the sound of a distant, haunting melody. A pulse of magic surged through Musa's body,

"Bloomix." She said quitely...

https://youtu.be/6IqFZt6X6fY

 her wings unfurling as the Bloomix transformation took hold, glowing with a brilliant light.

"Musa..." Tecna's voice was filled with awe, her eyes wide in disbelief as she watched her friend's wings shimmer, brighter than ever before. The transformation was not just physical—it was a manifestation of something deep within her. And their top secret was out now. Tecna glanced at Yuugi and his friends. Yuugi gasped and blushed in disbelief. "M-Musa.?"

Musa's heart raced as the magic surged through her, the music of her power echoing within her chest. She was the fairy of Music, the embodiment of sound itself. And now, she could feel a new kind of energy—a new resonance. It was as though every note of her power was amplifying, growing stronger.

Her wings flared out behind her, glowing with radiant energy as she took to the air. She had to do something—she had to save Sugoroku. Her voice was her greatest weapon, her connection to the world. She would use it to find him.

With a deep breath, Musa closed her eyes, summoning the music within her. She let the notes rise from her soul, the vibrations of sound filling the air around her. I can track him, she thought, I can find him with my voice waves.

She reached out, her mind extending outward like an invisible pulse, seeking the echoes of Sugoroku's soul. She focused on the sound of his spirit, the faintest trace of his presence.

But as the music swirled around her, something dark and foreboding met her efforts—something that twisted the notes, distorted them. Her magic faltered for a moment. The dark energy surrounding Sugoroku's soul was too strong, too tangled in the illusion of the Millennium Eye.

She flew higher, her wings pushing her further into the unknown, calling out with the purest tones of her voice, trying to pierce the darkness, trying to reach him.

But no matter how far she flew, no matter how hard she searched, there was nothing. No response. No trace. Nothing.

Musa's wings began to falter. The power that had once surged through her now felt like a weight, as though her very essence was being pulled down by the overwhelming pressure of failure. Where is he? Her heart sank, and the magic within her seemed to fade.

Hovering in midair, Musa felt the weight of helplessness settle over her. The power she had worked so hard to master—her gift, her connection to music—had failed her. She couldn't find him.

Slowly, her wings folded, and she descended to the ground, the glowing light of her transformation dimming as her heart sank. She had thought she could save Sugoroku, that her music could reach him. But now, standing in the midst of the despair, she wasn't sure she could face Yuugi or Bloom.

The weight of failure pressed down on her as she sank to her knees. The air around her was heavy with the echoes of what could have been.

And yet, despite everything, the song of hope still lingered, faint but not yet silent.

https://youtu.be/f60vxCRPomU

Hey everyone,

I can't even begin to describe how excited I am right now! Episode 2 is finally complete — almost 10,000 words of intensity, emotion, and heart. This chapter took everything: my love for these characters, all the feelings I've built around their journey, and all the dreams I have for where this story can go.

This isn't just a crossover anymore — it's our adventure. It's about trust, loss, hope, and the strength to keep fighting even when everything feels like it's slipping away. It's about Yuugi, Bloom, Musa, and all the others growing through their deepest fears and finding light in the darkness.

Episode 2 pushed the characters — and me — to the very edge. I hope when you read it, you'll feel every heartbeat, every tear, and every quiet moment of hope the way I felt writing it.

Thank you for being here, for believing in this story, and for letting me share a part of my heart with you. Your support makes every long night of writing, every tiny detail, every emotional scene worth it. I can't wait to hear what you think. Get ready, because the story is only getting deeper, more powerful, and even more magical from here.

Much love —

Chibi-Usa_Usagi07.