Chapter 1

Disclaimer: I only own my characters and plot. Yugioh is (unfortunately) not mine, nor do I claim any profit from this.

I stumbled off the plane, yawn stretching my jaw and making my eyes water slightly. Remind me never to book a straight nine hour flight ever again. I rolled my shoulders until they popped satisfactorily. I made my way through the crowds exiting the terminal, unable to help the large grin that was spreading on my face. Once outside I took in a deep breath, I was finally home.

I swung my duffle bag off my shoulder and set it on the ground with a muffled thud. I sometimes forgot all my equipment was in there. I unzipped a side pocket and pulled out my small gray flip-phone, hitting the speed dial.

On the third ring they answered, "Yes, hello?"

"Captain, are you slackin' off again?"

"Huh?" Captain actually sounded surprised and there was the sound of something crashing to the ground in the back ground. "Jas, you're back?!"

I laughed loudly, gaining a few confused glances, "Why else would I be calling you idiot?"

I could feel his irritation radiate through the phone, "Hey! Don't call your sempai an idiot!"

I rolled my eye and chuckled fondly, "Hey I just call it as I see it, besides after the last two years I'm your sempai now!"

He clicked his tongue in irritation, "Hey not everyone can train around the world like you did."

"So? Doesn't change the fact that I did." I shifted my weight and rested a hand on my hip. "Just hurry your ass over here, I'm starving."

He sighed, but laughed lightly, "Yeah, yeah ya runt, what gate?"

I glanced around before replying "Gate seven, east. Oh, don't tell Gramps I'm home. I want it to be a surprise." A wide grin spread on my face.

He barked a laugh, "You're going to give him a heart-attack one of these days."

I shrugged, "Isn't that the point."

He laughed one more time before hanging up.

I slapped it closed and tucked it into my faded jean shorts. Like the rest of my outfit they were well worn and close to falling apart. I pulled at my black shirt. I had torn the sleeves off ages ago so it more resembled a baggy tank at this point. My black combat boots suffered the same fate. I had almost worn a hole through the toe and the heels were practically non-existent.

I mentally shrugged, what can you do when you wear the same outfit for two years? I had to travel light.

Several minutes passed as I reflected on my training. Gramps would be proud to know I gave it my all, my confident grin faltered. I still have a long way to go before I beat him. Gramps is the best of the best after all. I tightened my fist in determination. I was getting closer after all, two years of non-stop training wasn't for nothing. I could at least go toe-to-toe with Captain.

Speak of the devil. His familiar old tan car pulled up and he honked obnoxiously. I flashed him a grin while rolling my eyes before hefting up my bag and strolling over. I pried open the passenger door with a squeal before plopping myself down.

"So Captain, my Captain, how's it hangin'? Got a girl yet?"

The scruffy haired man sporting a five o'clock shadow glared at me and shoved my shoulder cheeks blazing. "Shut up ya brat! You didn't bring back a man either!"

My cheeks flamed at the thought, "I was training!" I slumped back into the worn seat, arms crossed, and grumbling, "Besides you and Gramps would kill me if I slacked off."

He ruffled my hair, messing up my pony tail. I glowered at him, but he only returned a confident smirk. "Oh come on Jas, I haven't seen you in two years and you can't even smile at me?"

He focused back on the road and pulled out with a jerk. I braced my feet against the dash, "Well I sure didn't miss your crappy driving."

"Hey I haven't hit anyone so it's safe enough."

My bag jumped and jumbled in my lap, making me huff out a breath every time my equipment slammed into my stomach. I should have thrown it in the back seat, I speculated as Captain took too tight of a turn.

I gritted my teeth and braced myself the rest of the silent ride as Captain was focused on his lunatic method of driving. As soon as we pulled up at the gates of the dojo I scrabbled for the handle, dropping myself to the ground as it finally shrieked open. "Thank God!" I cried sprawling out on the ground.

Captain sauntered out, closing his door with a slam. I heard the familiar sound of his flip-flops approaching and soon felt his foot stepping on my stomach, "Stop bein' such a drama queen ya brat."

I grinned at his angular face from the ground. I stuck my tongue out playfully and he snorted a laugh while extending his hand. With a grunt he hefted me up to my feet. "Holy! You ain't no light-weight anymore." He commented as I brushed off my shorts.

He held a hand over my head, "You ain't no short-stack either." He whistled with false surprise on his face.

I swatted his hand and picked up my duffle bag, "Well of course not ya idiot!" I squared my shoulders proudly. "I worked hard the last two years so of course I put on some muscle. The masters didn't go easy on me either, just so ya know."

He chuckled and bobbed his head in that familiar way that made me feel glad to be home. "I don't doubt ya."

I skipped the rest of the way to the front door, smile wide on my face. "What are you so cheerful about?" Captain asked taking his time to stroll behind me.

"I finally get to eat Gramps food again! A month of nothing but rise and stock broth is not enough! The dietary training was the worst of all! I can finally pig out!"

I threw open the door calling out "I'm back!"

Several familiar voices clamored inside. "Jas!"

"Jas! Is that you?"

"Guys, it's Jas!"

I threw down my back and kicked off my shoes as fast as I could. I met the rest of the guys that frequent the dojo halfway to the training hall. They crowded around me, compliments and surprised statements flying everywhere so fast I couldn't reply to any of them.

"It's great to be home! I missed all of you!"

After a few bone crushing hugs and pleads to teach them Captain pushed his way through and waved the men off. "All right, all right you brutes. Give the girl some space. Besides," he gave me a pointed look, "she was just about to go see Gramps."

I gave him a grateful smile and promised to show them what I learned later. I passed the women's class that was in session and waved to the women I knew. Usually they didn't separate genders while in class, but the women instructors had started a self-defense course for women and it had become really popular. Or at least that's what they told me in the emails and letters they had sent me.

I raced to the back of the dojo to the outdoor training area. It was just getting into the summer months, so Gramps would be outside meditating. He never liked office work.

I quieted my footsteps and quieted my breath, trying to eliminate my presence. I spotted him in his usual place between the koi pond and the sakura tree, which was in full bloom. I lowered myself quietly from the deck to the grass. It was cool and freshly cut, and it smelled like home.

My face settled into a neutral concentrated look as I focused outward. I stilled my breathing and suppressed my energy more than before and crept forward. It was painstaking, but as I reached him and was about to leap onto his back he whipped around and grabbed one of my outstretched arms, throwing me across the lawn onto the ground.

Just as my back brushed the ground I crouched inward and rolled. I leapt back to my feet and charged gramps. Eyes focused on his sternum and mind reaching out to detect his energy he and I sparred. I was only ever able to brush his outer clothes while he landed a few solid hits on me. He pulled his punches though, I could tell. There was no sound other than our skin brushing and our clothes fluttering. Yet the air was tense with focus and determination.

He caught my arm again and threw me over the koi pond. I rolled to my feet then flopped to the ground with an aggravated sigh. Gramps harrumphed and folded his arms. "You've gotten better."

I grinned at him, "I thought I had you that time."

He snorted, "You still have a long way to go." His wrinkled face then spread into a smile, "Welcome home, Airi."

"Glad to be home Gramps!" I rocked back onto my hands and launched myself to my feet before bounding over and hugging him tight.

"You have improved," he ruffled my hair making my pony tail finally fall to the ground. Why did everyone do that?

I smirked playfully at Gramps and his slicked back white hair, he really looked like a mob boss. "Well you think after two years I would learn something." I rested my hands on my hips and rocked my weight to my left side.

He grinned and wacked the back of my head, "Cockiness will get you nowhere."

I hissed at the pain and rubbed the offended area, "Yes Gramps."

He chuckled then walked back towards the house, "Come, let's prepare dinner."

"Yes sir!" I cheered running after him.

Captain joined us after he closed up the dojo. Gramps made a hot pot in celebration of my return. I had showered while he cooked and I now felt refreshed and more relaxed than ever. Sitting at the table in a fresh new tank and a pair of red shorts Captain and Gramps asked me about my training.

I told them everything between bites. How my travels had led me from China to India and even America. I had learned from the masters of many different arts for months at a time. All of it was hard, they had pushed me every single day until I learned their concepts. Gramps told me I would demonstrate during the weekend while the dojo was closed, but to continue my individual training.

I nodded, "Yes Gramps."

Captain looked at the clock then whistled loudly, "Hey Jas, head off to bed now. You have school in the morning."

"Huh?" I stared at him flabbergasted. "B-but I just got back…"

"And you have neglected you academic studies," Gramps lectured. I pouted and glared at the old man. He didn't budge.

"Besides," Captain nudged me with his shoulder, "don't you want to see that little friend of yours." He wiggled his eyebrows suggestively. I shoved him and he toppled over with a laugh. He may be my cousin, but he didn't have to be so perverted.

My mind still jumped as my memory sparked. Yugi! I had forgotten about him! We emailed occasionally, but this last year we both lost contact a bit as He had entered into high school. I hope he's doing okay… I mused. He usually was the one everyone picked on, since he was a runt and a bit of a weakling.

I couldn't help the smile from spreading on my face. I cleared the table quickly and kissed Gramps on the cheek. "Night!" I then skidded to a halt at the base of the stairs, "You guys got the uniform I wanted right?"

Captain laughed, "Of course Jas."

I grinned at him, "Thanks Cap!"

"Yeah, yeah. Don't make me wake you in the morning, you won't like it."

I stuck my tongue out at him before skipping up the stairs.

I surveyed my room and saw it was exactly like it was two years ago. My desk in the corner next to the window. My bed just behind it. Next to my bed stood my two book cases filled with a variation of mange, novels, study guides, and martial art training and theory books. My closet was closed, but probably still had all my old clothes. I crinkled my nose at the thought. Maybe Gramps would let me go shopping for some new stuff.

Hanging on the hook on my wall was my new uniform for Domino high. I grinned and ran my hand over it. I would see Yugi tomorrow. I hope he's made some friends. He's such a sweet soul, and I've known him since we were kids.

I chuckled at the thought of the game obsessed runt.

I flopped down onto my cream colored comforter and gazed around the blank pale green walls. I really need to decorate now that I'm home.

My thoughts drifted off and soon I was out.

An unfamiliar alarm jolted me awake hours later just as the morning sun was beginning to peak into my room. I slapped the white little machine resting on my window ceil with an annoyed groan. I dreamed of my waterfall meditation training, but in the middle I had been attacked by rainbow colored bears. It was so bizarre.

I jumped out of bed and stretched my arms above my head. Wide awake I made my way downstairs to one of the training rooms. My mind and body were still set on my training schedule, not that it was a bad thing.

I warmed up for twenty minutes. Doing laps, push-ups, sit-ups and basic forms. I then moved to breathing techniques and meditation. The main focal point of my two years of training was getting to a point of Mushin. A mind of no mind. A clear was of being.

I steadied my breathing and controlled my heart beat. My thoughts melted away until everything was blank. No input, no output. For two hundred heartbeats I meditated before inhaling deeply and slowly bringing myself back into the world. I was so close to perfecting my Mushin method. I just needed to apply it to my training. To have a clear mind during battle was my ultimate goal. Gramps was the master of it, and I was leagues away from where he was.

I stood and did a few minutes of yoga before moving to the more strenuous part of my training. I moved into basics. Rolling, falling, basic techniques. Then I moved into forms. I did two forms from each art I had been taught. I then brought out a sand bag and worked on my strikes. First I worked on strength, and moving through the punch, then I moved onto speed. Soon I combined both and the room was filled with the sound of quick successions of thwaps and thuds from my impact.

When my timer sounded I abruptly stopped and let out a long breath. Sweat poured down my face and back and my limbs were warm. I shook out my arms and legs, stretching them before I put the sand bag away and headed back upstairs.

I showered and got ready for school. I felt my energy come back after my shower while I brushed my hair. I guess I was finally getting used to the intense training. I smiled at myself. It felt nice, I liked being strong, disciplined, but I knew I still had a long way to go.

I noted that my hair had grown a lot over the last two years. Where it barely touched my shoulders when I left in junior high it how nearly reached my waist. I tied it up in a high pony tail. I debated on cutting it, or at least styling it. I brushed the thought away and dressed in my uniform. I was wearing the boy's uniform, because 1. I don't do skirts, and 2. The color was hideous.

Gramps was a supporter of the school since Captain was a coach and the leader for the martial arts club. So I got a bit of leeway with the rules. I felt kinda bad about it, but if it got me out of wearing the uniform I did not care. I smiled at my reflection, my hazel eyes lighting up. It had been a long time since I had gone to school. Plus I got to see Yugi!

Maybe I could surprise him at his house, I thought while gathering up my school bag and heading down stairs. I shook my head, nah. I'd jump him at school like I always do. I laughed at the thought. Wouldn't he be surprised?

Gramps was in the kitchen when I got down there. "Mornin' Gramps!" I cheerfully called. I could already tell it would be a great day!

"Airi, good morning he greeted.

"What's for breakfast?" I set my bag on the table and bounced over.

"Your favorite," was all he commented.

"Pancakes?" I cheered and indeed the fluffy circle of goodness greeted my eyes and nose making my mouth salivate. No one cooked like Gramps did.

He hummed in confirmation and I snatched the stack he was building on the side of the pan. However he smacked me on the back of the head, "Impatience will get you nowhere." I pouted at his lecture but he let me sit down anyway.

I smothered the half dozen pancakes in syrup and devoured them faster than one could blink. Gramps brought me seconds and I ate them as quickly as I did the first. Feeling full Gramps made me stop before I had thirds. "You'll be late," he commented holding out a bento box.

"You know I love ya, right Gramps?"

He chuckled as I placed it in my bag. I kissed his cheek farewell and barely put on my shoes before I bolted out the door. My excited energy carried me all the way to school, long before most of the other students arrived.

Captain met me at the front office to get my schedule. The secretary took me into her office, and she glowered displeased at my appearance. She reminded me of a mix of a crow and a skeleton. She was thin as a bone, and the way she peered down her nose at me condescendingly made me want to slap her.

"Airi Arata, new transfer student," Captain reported.

"Relation to you Mr. Arata?" The woman's crackling voice sent shivers up my spine.

"Cousin," he flatly said.

The Arata family was well-known. My father was the owner of a large multi-industrial company while my Grandfather ran his world-famous dojo. For reason I lived with my Grandfather and Captain.

Her sneer softened at the mention, and she even offered what seemed like a smile, except it twisted her face into an ugly snarl.

Her fingers clacked noisily over her keyboard and soon two papers printed from the large printer on the side of her desk.

She handed them over and I forced myself to take them normally instead as if I was handling a poison soaked rag. I just did not like this woman. I guess that's a bit prejudice, but something did not sit right with me. I'd call it a hunch, but my training taught me better. As long as I never have to see her again, I'd be fine.

"That's your class schedule and the location of your footlocker and classrooms." The woman kindly informed me.

I nodded and offered a thankful smile. "Thank you."

"Anytime sweetie," she cooed. It sounded more like a congested cough, but I bowed slightly out of habit and exited with Captain as fast as I could.

Out in the hall he walked me towards the gym, "Creepy old bat."

I nodded as he shuddered, "Something is just really off about her."

"Tell me about it," he groaned. "Imagine having staff meetings with that thing."

I hissed sympathetically and he shoved my shoulder.

He led me off behind the gym to where he explained where the club dojo was at. "Gramps and I have decided that you'll begin kendo and help with the other clubs."

I nodded, but he ruffled my hair with a cheesy smile, "Don't worry it will only be every once in a while. We know you want to catch up with Yugi and live a bit of a normal life."

I growled while I fixed my hair, listening. When he finished I jumped up and hugged him. It would be nice to have a bit of normalcy with my training. I absolutely loved martial arts and my dojo and training, but I would like to experience a normal teenager life as well.

Captain and I had discussed the topic over letter very often, and I was relieved and ecstatic that they were letting me have this balance.

The warning bell then rang and I shouted a goodbye to Captain before racing off back to the main building. I found my shoe locker and traded my shoes quickly enough.

The school was huge, so it took me a while to find my classroom. It was well after the bell had rung, so I was a little anxious. I peered in from the back window and spotted Yugi's unique hair instantly. With a smirk I decided to wait until next period to go in. Instead I crept down the hall to the vending machine and munched on a snack and milk box while I waited.

The bell rang and the teachers exited the classrooms along with several dozen meandering students. I tossed my trash and brushed off my hands, a excited smiled growing on my face. Creeping back down to the class I ignored all the curious stares and snuck in through the back of the classroom. Yugi was standing by his desk surrounded by two guys and two girls. I mentally grinned seeing that he had friends, but I ignored them as I crept up behind him.

"I…found…you…YUGI!" I shouted glomping the small boy. He let out a shrill cry as we toppled to the ground.

I burst out laughing as his friends shouted in protests. I pulled us up, still continuing to laugh as he spun around, face flushed in surprise.

"Ai…Jas-chan!" he cheered jumping into my arms for a hug.

"Yugi!" I cheered hugging him tightly before releasing him and finally standing.

"Uh…Yugi…who the hell is this?" A blonde, delinquent looking kid jabbed his thumb at me.

How rude. I should tear his thumb off.

"Yeah, Miho doesn't know who she is…" a blue haired petite, soft looking girl commented.

"G-guys, this is Jas-chan. She's a childhood friend of mine," Yugi cheerfully introduced us.

I waved to them as they looked bewildered.

Great first impression, I mentally congratulated myself.

A/N: Yay! New story. Don't worry I should have another chapter of Ice and Sword up soon, but my little sis got me back into Yugioh, namely season 0 and the old manga, so I couldn't help but write my own story.

I wanted to leave Tea/Anzu out of the story completely, because she's annoying.

So I have replaced her as Yugi's childhood friend, but you'll see how all of that works out in the next chapter.

Also if you haven't figured it out already (those who have ready Ice and Sword), I am obsessed with martial arts. I have studied a single art for five years and am now a first ranked black belt (yay me). I have also studied a sword art for three years and am close to getting my first degree black belt in that. I plan on studying many arts for the rest of my life, so I'll probably become the next Jackie Chan or Bruce lee. Lol.

Anyway, martial arts plays such an important part in my life that I will usually include it in my writing. If it's not quite your forte, don't worry I'll be moving on into more Yugioh centered stuff from now on. I just wanted you guys to get a feel to how much it is involved in her life, and how it fits into her personality.

So read review, run for the hills, whatever. Just thanks for at least checking this out. I'll be starting in season 0, then moving on to the other season, so we're in for a long run. Lots of action, romance and friendship will be happening, so look forward to that!

thank you to Sakimi chan for her amazing artwork. Check her out!