1692

The wind blew restlessly, gushing colds sir onto the face of people standing outside. The faces of the crowd were alarmed, overjoyed, or seething with anger. Up on a platform stood a hooded man, and noose in front of him. The women were dressed in black dresses with their bonnets covering their eyes, some were crying. But the men wore their normal attire, worn out shirt and pants with shoes that was uncommon to be without a hole at the top.

"Bring out the traitor!" chanted the men. Then the woman began to bawl as a boy, of about sixteen was led onto the platform. His hands were bound in front of him and he was blind folded, he had spiked tri-colored hair of crimson, raven and blonde. His blonde bangs hung framing his face, his skin was nearly perfect, free of blemishes. Save for the cuts and bruises inflicted upon it.

"Let the boy go!" cried out a woman. "He is innocent!" A formally dressed man, he wore a black button down shirt, the collar laced up to his chin, his pants hung loosely and brown boot came to his knees.

"People, this boy has been accused of the unforgivable act of witchcraft." He spoke in monotone voice. The boy yawned as if he were bored, earning at slap across the face. "He is traitor and must be dealt with."

"Hang him! Hang him!" chanted the men.

"No! He never did anything!" cried out women, and a few smaller girls and boys. "Let him go!"

"Now, do you admit of speaking with our enemy, Satan?" asked the man.

The boy looked towards the crowd and spoke. "Me? The devil? Perhaps I am he?"

The man clenched his teeth and turned back to the crowd. "The gypsy has decided that he shall not admit to his deeds. He shall go to death unforgiven!" The boy willingly placed his head into the noose, and smiled. "Now send him back to the flames from which he came!"

"Atemu!" cried out a girl. She had long wild brown hair and aquamarine eyes, she was barely fourteen.

"Don't worry..I'll be fine." He said, purposely not speaking her name to keep her safe.

The girl fell to her knees and began to cry uncontrollably. "Atemu! Don't leave me!" A woman came and placed a hand upon her shoulder. "Isis! We must save him!" The woman shook her head.

"He didn't want us to try and save him, Mana." She said. "Atemu is smart and knows what he is doing."

The hooded man pulled the lever, screams and yells of victory fill the air…but they stopped when they saw the puff of smoke and the empty noose. Mana's face brightened. "He did it." She whispered. Isis pulled her into a hug, while men began to roar with anger.

"Come. We must find Mahado and flee." Said Isis. Mana turned back to the noose.

"But Atemu.." she started, but Isis stopped her.

"There is no sense in finding him now. It won't be long until they accuse us. Now we must go." Isis grabbed Mana's hand and ran to their home.

"Atemu.."

Then a ringing filled the air, and I sprang from my bed. "Gahh!" I screamed, bumping my head on the low ceiling. "Ugg, that dream again." I rubbed my head and looked at the mirror across from my bed. I have wild brown hair and aqua-marine eyes, like the girl in my dream. We share the same face, but she held a feeling of beauty. I don't consider myself beautiful.

I sighed looking at myself in the mirror. My wild hair is strung everywhere, and it looks like I forgot to take my make up off last night. I look like someone threw me in my washing machine and dryer and set it way too high. But the deep circles under my eyes were caused by that stupid dream. It was totally giving me insomnia, but why the Salem Witch Trials? We haven't been studying that in class, like I would know. I barely pay attention in there anyway.

"Mana!" called out my mom from down stairs. "Are you ready for school!"

"Crap! I overslept!" I exclaimed.

"Again?" said a voice behind me. I turned and saw my Dad in the doorway. His name is Mahado, for some reason he is mentioned in my dream but never seen.

"Well, maybe you would like to buy me a new alarm clock?" I retorted.

"Or I could throw a bucket of ice cold water on you every morning." Chuckled my dad. I stuck my tongue out and grabbed my dull green and white school uniform.

"Now I would like to dress and last I checked you have a Y chromosome." I chided, sending him away acting as if he were scared. Sometimes I don't know about him. I quickly dress and waged a war with my stubborn hair. No brushes, straighteners, or perms could tame my hair. My friend Kisara tells me that it is pretty on me, yeah coming from the girl with perfectly straight blue hair that I am envious of. I stared into my mirror, looking at my face. It looked like a clown had thrown up on my face. I applied the make up remover like Kisara showed me, but honest to God, I am horrible at doing make-up. A lot of times I just go without it. My dad can't teach me and my mom is usually out of town on business so I have no help there. I'm too scared to ask my friends, I'm afraid they will laugh at me, besides Kisara but she is naturally beautiful and doesn't need that much makeup. Well, better get to school. I rushed down stairs and saw my mom cooking diligently.

"Mana! You overslept again?" exclaimed my mom. Her name is Ishizu, and she had the same face as the woman named Isis in my dream. I found it perfectly normal for her to play that role. Isis seemed liked a mother in that story, but still it doesn't explain what she was so worried about in my dream. But if I stood by my mom, you would believe I'm adopted. She is such a beautiful woman. Her raven hair is perfectly straight, and her eyes are bright blue. Our only resemblance is our skin which my whole family has. I am pure-blooded Egyptian, yes they still have those around. But I usually don't go around saying that, because then I get teased being called Cleopatra or some nonsense like that. I gobbled down a bowl of cereal and tried to run out the door, but my mom caught my arm.

"Mana, your father and I must go to Egypt for business." He said.

"Both you and dad?" I asked.

"Don't worry, Marik and his parents will check up on you." She said sweetly. I gave my best 'Oh crap.' look, but that didn't work on her. Marik is my friend and all but at times, he gets a little too flirtatious.

"Kay, whatever!" and I rushed outside, but I glanced at a head of blue hair beside me. "Hey Kisara!"

"Oh, Mana? Oversleep?" she asked.

"How did you know?" I asked.

She smiled and handed me some gum. "Try this, and next time remember to brush."

"Crap!" I exclaimed. "Dad almost poured ice cold water on me!"

"I wouldn't blame him." Sneered Kisara.

"So, what are you doin after school? I feel like eating a couple gallons of ice-cream." I exclaimed.

"Sorry, I'm going to Seto's house." She said sweetly. Kisara happens to date the richest guy in our school, Seto Kaiba. Honest to Rah, I don't care for him and he doesn't care for me. So it works fine. I felt an arm wrap around my shoulder and noticed the blonde hair in my face.

"Marik! Quit!" I snapped, pulling his arm off of me.

"Come now, Sweeheart." He chuckled and winked at me. "Seto or Mr. Mahado isn't watching me is he? I'll likely be killed on the spot for even walking with you two."

"Seto isn't that possessive." Snapped Kisara.

"Alright, just tell me if a red dot appears on my chest."

Kisara and I ditched Marik when we arrived at school, by simply sending him on a senseless errand. Marik would do anything to get girls, but it would be like marrying my brother if I were to date Marik. We've known each other since kids. I rushed to my locker and found a note taped to the front.

Mana

We need to talk.

-Anzu

Oh no! Anzu is a dear sweet friend of mine, but I knew what this was about. She has found a guy who she thinks is interested in me and wants me to meet up with him. Anzu is what I call 'boy crazy'. I'm what you call, 'I don't care'. Honestly, I think they should ask me. I threw the note away, but went to find Anzu anyway. I found her flirting with some guy, who just transferred to our school he had long white hair and soft eyes. I approached her and smiled at the boy.

"Anzu, you needed to see me." I asked, trying shoo away the boy with my statement. But he didn't budge.

"Oh Yes. Ryou meet Mana. Mana meet Ryou. He just transferred here from England." Said Anzu cheerfully. Ryou's gaze set on me, he let his hand reach out to shake my hand. I quickly grabbed it and pulled away.

"Oh well, hope you enjoy yourself Ryou but I really must be getting to class." I spoke up. I really wanted to get away, I don't want another blind date with a strange guy.

" But Mana, I was thinking maybe you and me could skip class today with Marik and Ry-" I cut her off my clamping my hand over her mouth. I ran away quickly, avoiding the trouble Anzu was causing me. Not that I am a goody goody, I have a little rebellious streak myself. But not with guys, I don't like to take that risk. Besides, I can't miss this class. I already stink at this subject. I ran straight into my Chemistry class and sat down in the back. I prefer the back because I get away with things during class back here. I motioned for Kisara to join me, but she mouth sorry and turned away. That stupid boyfriend of hers had already partnered with her. Darn it, I needed Kisara's brain to pass. I know it is shallow of me to rely on her but I have a problem with school and Kisara is my solution. Not only that, school seems better when your best friend is beside you. I laid my head down against the table, then I heard the chair next to me being pulled out. I expected to see Kisara, Anzu or even Marik but not this guy. Never in my life did I expect to see him.

"Close your mouth, you will catch flies." He spoke in a low soft tone that make my insides stir. He was the same boy from my dreams. The same spiky tri colored hair. The same blonde bangs and crimson tipped hair. The only thing was his eyes, I never saw his eyes in my dream but now I see them. They were a deep blood red, it was odd color but attractive. I then registered my mouth was hanging open, and he had just insulted me.

"He, sorry about that. I've never seen you around school before." I forced out, astonished. How is he here? It isn't like I've ever seen him ever, how could his face show up in my dreams. Dreams always are connected to your memory or what is on your mind lately, I've never had this boy on my mind.

"Transfer student. From Egypt." He spoke something, resting his head on his hand.

"Really?"

"Yes, and from the looks of you we share the same blood?"

"Are we related?" I asked nervously. What if I had some Egyptian cousin I didn't know about? Crap. He is really hot. Wait, what am I saying?

"No, we are just both pure-blooded Egyptians." He said, with a smirk.

"How did you know?"

"Lucky guess?" he said, placing his hands behind his head.

"Well, you know what race I am but not even my name. I am Mana Hasina." I said cheerfully.

"Mine is Yami Mouto." He said softly. At least the boy from my dream and him do not share the same name. I turned slightly to see Anzu in front of me.

"Can we speak for a second?" she said. Before I could answer, she had already pulled me to a corner. "Are you for real? You finally take interest in a guy and it happens to be the hottest new transfer student?"

"Interest? I've known him for five seconds." I retorted. "Anzu..for one second think about something besides a guy." I said and strode back to my seat.

"Who is that?" he asked, with his eyebrow raised.

"Oh that's Anzu Masaki. She is a friend of mine." I replied.

"Oh.." He spoke softly, it was almost hypnotizing. It is pretty impressive when you have girls drooling because of one little word. Not that I was really doing that….I hope I wasn't. He pulled out a book and started to read intently.

"What is that book about?" I asked. Why was I interested? I hate books!

"It is about a young girl and young boy who fall in love but their love his forbidden. Sappy stuff like that." He replied.

"If it is so sappy then why do you read it?" I asked.

"Cause the girl reminds me of you, sweetheart." He spoke softly, smiling to him. I instantly blushed. Was he flirting with me?

"Alright class, settle down." In came our teacher. I sighed looking at her. It is sad when your science teacher holds more beauty than yourself. "I want to introduce our two new transfer students. Please come forth." I watched as Yami and Ryou made their way to the front of the class. "This cutie right here, is Ryou Bakura…" The teacher patted him on the head, while his face flushed bright red. His blush showed up clear as day on his pale face. "…and this is Yami Mouto. He came all the way from Egypt to be at our school."

His expression was easily read; it said 'Yeah, cause I left my home for a tiny high school when I could be with my friends where I was born.' Yeah, perhaps I'm overdoing it. But that is what I believe. But I could never leave here even if I was deported. Yeah, I was born in Egypt and lived there for about two years until my parents decided I would get a better education in Japan. The teacher returned them to their seats, Yami sat down with grace. Why was he making my heart skip a beat just by getting close to me? The teacher started her long class about the importance of….honestly I didn't pay attention one bit. How could I when Mr. Fabulous kept winking and nudging me. I couldn't really keep my eyes away for his crimson ones. Of course every time I did steal a glance, he would turn and act like he was blowing me a kiss. He was one heck of a flirt. But I didn't know that, maybe he liked me? Or maybe he already did this with every other girl in the school and I'm lucky number twenty-nine. I nearly fell out of my seat when the bell rang but a strong hand caught my wrist before I made impact with the floor. I looked up and saw Yami looking at me with those irresistible crimson eyes, a blush spread across my face as he pulled me up and I fell against his chest.

"Already in love with me?" he asked, smirking.

"Oh please. You aren't that hot."

"So I am at least a little," He smirked.

"No no no no! Not like that!" I tried to take it back, but he was already walking out. I stamped my foot in frustration and grabbed up my books. Kisara hurried up to me, with a big smile across her face.

"Interested in someone?" she asked.

"What? Him? He is nice." I said nervously.

"Don't tell Seto I said this, but I to nearly swooned when I saw him. Mana, if you were not an appealing girl why would a hot new guy decide to take a seat next to you?" asked Kisara.

"Because you were taken." I mumbled. She shook her head but then brightened up.

"You know how you say you are jealous of Anzu getting all the guys you ever liked?"

"I am not jealous of her!" I snapped. Actually I am a little. There is a short list of guys I ever was interested in and Anzu got them all.

"Whatever. Anzu isn't sitting with him and I heard her offer the seat to him." She said.

"What did he say?"

"He said. 'Nah, I think I already know who I want to sit with.'"

I began to blush; maybe for once the guy liked me. Not that I'm unpopular. I have a lot of friends but mainly girls and a few guys who were like family to me. I quickly rushed out to my locker, and what do I find waiting for me? None other than Marik Ishtar and…Ryou? Well, the scowl on Marik's face was unpleasant.

"Uh, hi Marik! You need something?" I asked, nervously.

"Why were sitting with that guy in Chemistry?" he asked sternly.

"He sat down with me. Why? Is he trouble?" I asked. It would be my luck that the first guy who might take interest in me would be a killer on the run from the cops.

"Look Mana, some things you just need to leave alone and that guy..you need to leave him alone." Said Ryou. I looked at him surprised.

"Do you and him go back?" I asked. Ryou looked down.

"I think, my memory is very faint ever since I left England." He said rubbing the back of his head. "But I can remember his face and I remember hating him. Well not hating. I don't hate anyone. I guess it was a bad feeling." He said giggling. I like people like that, ones who couldn't hate.

"Well, I know I don't like him. I saw the way he was eyeing you Mana, but it isn't your fault you are so fine." Marik chuckled.

"Haha, very funny Marik. Well, let's give him a chance." I said, cheerfully. I knew he was just joking with me calling me 'fine'. Kisara is fine. Anzu is fine. I am awkward and clumsy. But Kisara tries to make me feel better by saying I am pretty. Sometimes you don't want people telling you that, because when I look in the mirror it is like a slap in the face. I'm not ugly, just not downright beautiful.

I jumped as I felt Marik put his arm around my shoulder. "Alright, but if he does anything you know who will come and give him to beat down of his life."

"I can handle myself, Marik." I said balling of my fists as if I was about to fight him. Marik ruffled the top of my head before I skipped off to my locker. I fundled around for my stuff, and expected for that annoying first year to swing open his locker and hit me again, but instead it opened steadily and without even hitting my door. I looked to see and to my surprise, Yami was going through the locker next to me. "Yami! That locker belongs to Juro!" I exclaimed.

"Not anymore. We traded." He said smoothly.

"Why did you want to trade?" I asked, curious.

"Well, I was next to this guy who sweats a lot in Gym and also you are down here sweetie." He said tapping the end of my nose. I blushed at the touch.

"I'm flattered, just promise me you won't hit me with your door like Juro did." I pleaded.

He chuckled and bowed in front of me. "Yes Milady." He said. Why did he have to be so darn charming! And why did Marik have to tell me to stay away from him? Well, Marik doesn't rule my life and I can decide what to do. "Shall I escort you to your next class?" He said politely.

"Please do." I said cheerfully. We walked down the hall would try to hold my hand but I would push it away. But I could swear I saw Marik burning with anger at his locker.