Yugi not have imagined this. Shadow simply disappearing when he was hoping for some sort of guidance when trying to get out of this mess. Shadow repeated Tea's words and was gone. It worried him. About to ask Yami to take his place so he could find her within the puzzle and seek her out, to ask what was wrong. He saw it, and wasn't stupid when there was a friend who wasn't being themselves. He normally simply let it be for either they would come to him when they were ready or was hesitant on going up to them, afraid that they would reject him.

Yami noticed the change in Yugi's emotion, noticed his surprise and hesitance to Shadow's disappearance to Shadow retreating into the Puzzle. "Do not worry Yugi. Focus on your friend and his Duel. He needs you. I will see Shadow." Yami voiced to his concerned host to ease him. So within the Puzzle, Yami exited his Soul Room and looked around. He saw Yugi's Soul Room from across his, it was bright and innocent like his host. He hoped it stay that way. Then he looked to the endless hallway. He began to walk to one, using his senses over magic and shadows like he always had like it was 2nd nature to him. It was the first thing he somehow knew when he was awakened by Yugi. That and using that power to place justice on those who threatened Yugi and his friends. He didn't fear the shadows nor was afraid. He left them be, Let them go on their business. "Shadow." He called, wondering though where within this hallway would the genie be.

In the middle of the dark room, Shadow sat there on the floor, recoiled into herself until her duel monster form dropped, and in her place, was the barefooted teenaged-girl whom Yugi saw just a little earlier. Even when the genie heard her name being called by the spirit, the shadows stopped wailing and she stayed where she was. Looking up at him, she didn't respond, but used her body language to show that she was acknowledging him, listening. Yami was her partner, her protector, her confidant, and her long-time friend (though he didn't necessarily remember that). My king, she inwardly thought to herself. Shadow kept herself calm, trying to reassure herself that she can confide in the spirit. Maybe it was best to tell him her problem. It's not that she didn't trust Yugi, it's just that she knew that he wouldn't understand.

The Spirit found Shadow within a dark room, and to his surprised, a different form. Not one he was use to seeing which was alright, he didnt see the problem. To his honesty, he liked it. It suited her in a way, though wondering if this was a form that was her original compared to the Duel monster form she was normally in. He wouldnt ask, he'd let it be. It wasnt important, looks arent everything and Yami knew that. With the wailing that stopped, the Spirit glanced about her, figuring it was the shadows about them. 'Tormented shadows, damned shadows. It seems Shadow takes the shadows of those who do wrong or worse.' Yami guessed by how different they were and that they were within this room with her and not bothering her or them. Not yet, he figured.

Seeing red eyes on him, he could tell that Shadow was listening, willing to hear him out before possibly speaking. Letting him make the first move. 'Something is wrong. She would have greeted me. Or even Yugi if he was in my place right now. Her body language also proofs this. I wonder if she might tell me. One way to find out.' Yami wondered, a calculatingly gaze as he then made a move and walked closer. "Shadow. I sense something is troubling you." He spoke up, reaching her before going to her level and sat down in front of her, to speak hopefully, face to face. "Might I ask what troubles your mind?" calm, smoothe deep voice spoke to hopes cux out her predicament that maybe he could help out.

Shadow looked up to see the spirit approaching her. Remarkably, just as he entered the dark room, the shadows dispersed, as if to avoid him, resulting them to be left alone. Considering that Yami was technically also a shadow-creature, like herself, she figured that they listen to him as well, knowing that he has the power to do as he wished with such magic that came from darkness and shadows.

Shadow sat the ground, before she took notice of him sitting in front of her. To compare them, she would be about his height. With Yugi, she would be taller by about five inches. She looked to the side when he spoke, giving herself a few seconds to think about what she needed to say. "Have you ever lost control of your feelings?", she asked, almost softly and quietly.

Yami didnt really need to think about her question. He knew he had quite a few times. "I have. It was Yugi was threatened a few times while in school bring bullied. It was a little hard to control with this feeling to protect him. But got better as time past. Getting use to his emotions. Seeing the real threats and what arent." Yami explained as he also told her his solution. "What troubles you to ask such a question?" Yami asked her, curiosity within his eyes though his face was neutral.

She listened to Yami respond to her question, though it wasn't exactly what she meant. Maybe it was. She didn't know for sure. It was hard to explain, but she felt that she needed to; in the simplest way possible. Shadow continued looking to the side, thinking for a moment. "As I had told Yugi: I am the shadow of my sister. I am nothing but an embodiment of negative feelings. Because of being filled with them, I can't keep any of them at bay", she admitted to him, before closing her eyes.

"I don't want Yugi to know, because I fear that he will see me as nothing good. All I am is that of selfishness and hate", she was quick to just tell him by letting it out. She can't keep torturing herself behind the backs of the people she had to confide in. In a way, it felt good to let them know what the issue is, and let them help her if they choose to. But it was hard to even tell whether if they understood the problem or not; that is what she feared. Her face was still looking to the side, but she felt a wetness in her red eyes. "I felt jealousy towards that girl. Ever since she first appeared, it got the better of me. I did what I did back on the ship because of that", a tear fell from one of her eyes.

"You see, Yami? We shadows cannot help ourselves whenever negative feelings arise", she sighed sadly. "I'm so sorry, master", she had never felt so ashamed of abandoning Yugi when he needed her.

Yami continued to watch Shadow though to see that she was really disappointed in herself. That she really wanted to continue to either get the point across or really wanted them to believe it like they were suppose to stay away from her. It didn't seem to matter to Yami though for he saw nothing wrong with Shadow. She was learning ways of this world as he was. He smiled sadly to her as he placed a hand on her knee. "There is no need to be sorry Shadow. Jealousy I believe is common among even humans. I believe though that even you are capable to have positive feelings. If you were all of those feelings you would not be capable of having positive feelings so that is where I believe that is a lie." He said with a smile. "I would let Yugi be the one to figure out what he sees. But so far he has seen nothing but smiles, and support coming from you thus far. Negative feelings are to be expected." Yami explains further.

Scooting himself over to where they were sitting side by side, Yami placed a gentle hand to Shadow's head and brought her to him where her head would rest on his shoulder. "I believe most of all that you talk to Yugi about it. See how HE feels about it and go from there. Mai is only trying to suck up to him because he beat Kaiba and now Weevil. If you looked further to Yugi, he hasn't fallen for her charms at all. With that, I can assure you that she has no reach toward him that she can try anything what so ever. To let you in on why this is, he has lacked female friendship to know what to do and can tend to get nervous for he doesnt know how to talk to them like he can with Joey and Tristen. You and Tea have been his only female friends recently and slowly learning how to do just that. This is why he looked to you." The Spirit explains to her in hopes she understands his slight discomfort and why he had turned to Shadow in needing help how to talk to Mai when he was stuck and not able to form words.

Truthfully, she was ashamed of her actions back on the ship, but she was mostly afraid of what Yugi may think of her of doing such an act. But on the other hand, Yami lets her know that it's a common thing to feel, and that Yugi is only just getting to know her; to not lose hope on getting to know him and the world, in return. She let him guide her head to his shoulder, and made herself listen to him. Listen to what her king needs to say. Maybe he was right; maybe she was overthinking her self-consciousness. It did make her feel a little bit better when he mentioned that Yugi was nowhere near reciprocating any of Mai's advances. So, as long as he is not focused on Mai, she can hold herself back from doing anything selfish.

No, this doesn't mean she would want Yugi for herself, like Tea, but only to keep her shadow-self at bay, and not do anything to oppose Mai, if not, harm her. "I just want to be there for him, you know? And not do anything drastic that might twist his view of me", she admitted, having to wipe a few tears from her eyes. Maybe she should talk to Yugi, as suggested. It sounded wise, so after a moment of thought, she placed a hand on top of Yami's own. "Thank you, for your wisdom", she had to thank him. He was her protector; her partner; someone else she can confide in, aside from Yugi. But she had to think that Yami would come to understand such issues, probably more than Yugi. The boy was just a child; a tender-hearted, innocent child. But like Yami said, Shadow had to learn on letting Yugi see her as who she really is. Nodding to the spirit in thanks, she reappeared by Yugi's side, back in her duel monster form, looking down at the ground.

Yami smiled hearing Shadow tell him that she didnt want Yugi's view being twisted. She seemed honest and that was a good start on what he hoped she would continue to do for them and hopefully as equally to Yugi as she would him. But for now this he would be alright with. Being thanked, the Spirit saw the others hand on top of his own and made no other movements. He nods though she doesnt seem to see him. Seeing Shadow disappear next to him, Yami guide his arm back in his side. He looks up though doesnt seem to look at nothing in particular. "Let Yugi understand. It will seem to be hard for him to see different of you from what I understand." He mutters out a samile on his lips. With a smile, Yami stands and makes his way out of Shadows inner room. He walks to his own to see Yugi's inner room opened a bit. He walks over to it and saw the room still the same. Instead of going int his own room, he walks into Yugi's and lays on the bed and closes his eyes for a moment to hear what was going on in the outside and the purity of Yugi's soul room.

_____________________________________

"Right. Tiger Axe is another handicapped earth-based monster!" Mai tells Joey as Harpie shrieks and slashes Tiger Axe of which it evaporates with Joey's lifepoints dropping down.

LifePoint Scores:
Joey Wheeler: 1020
Mai Valentine: 2000

"Hmph! It'll take stronger monsters than your land-based wimps to beat my Harpie's Lady! Now I'll play *this* lovely card without even looking." Mai tells Joey while she places a facedown. She smirks to Wheeler. "I'll give you a hint. It's an equipment magic card that will help me defeat YOURnext card in one turn."

Joey bites his lip nervously. "Again with all that psychic stuff?" Can she see my cards, too? Since I can't see what she's playin', I gotta get defensive.' Joey sets a card in his monster zone.

"Running scared, huh? Well let me SHOW you my surprise Cyber Shield, to juice up my Harpie's Lady!" This bringing Harpy Lady from ATK:1690/ DEF:1820 to an ATK:2190/ DEF:2320. Joey was starting to freak out almost comically, taking a small step back with eyes wide and his face of that where he was ready to make an escape like he saw a ghost. Mai sets her Harpy Lady on the set monster that Joey has, setting her claws into the field that makes the yellow shine disperse into digitized shards. Joey cringed at the sight. "How is she doing that?" He mutters with a grimace. Mai laughing on the other side of the field. "Ahahahahaha, this is so much Fun! In case you were wondering, the next card you were thinking of won't work either."

Yugi could see that this was getting to his best friend and it was starting to worry him, knowing as much as Joey needed to do this on his own, it was getting hard to see him not being focused on the field and more on Mai's words and how she was playing her cards. "You've got to calm down Joey! Remember what grandpa taght you about Duel Monsters."
"Yeah! Don't let her rattle you Joey! Find see it as a fun old game!" Jaden encouraged next.
Yugi noticed a sensation to the back of his mind that pulled him to glance to the side and see that Shadow had reappeared. Yugi let his shoulders fall in relief that she had come back and what Yami may have said brought her back. "Shadow? Thank you. I'm glad you came back." He assures through their mental link. He was getting use to talking to her this way as he saw it easier than his friends other than Jaden and Yubel think he was crazy. The Demoness had turned to see the Genie and smiled softly to her, glad that she had come back. She would tell her companion but it was best he keep Joey as focused as possible with Yugi talking to Shadow.

Shadow kept her gaze to the ground, but managed to look at Yugi, and crossing her arms over her chest. She looked up at Yubel, who lingered nearby before closing her eyes, passively. 'I apologize, puzzle-solver, for my sudden departure', she said softly in their telepathic bond. 'Something deeply troubled me, and I couldn't stand the fact of admitting it to you', the genie could only be glad that she had managed to talk to Yami about it. Maybe it was a good idea to tell Yugi; right here, right now. So it wouldn't happen again.

'I...', Shadow could only pray that this should help her get used to communicating with Yugi, especially when it involved personal matters. 'It's about Mai', she finally managed to say what was on her mind. 'I found her to be intrusive; a distraction from what's in front of you. Yugi, I was jealous. For your sake, I knew that I shouldn't feel such things. I did what I had to do; the temptation was awful', she never felt such shame and, because of it, the genie was lightly biting her lip. 'Forgive me; I'm sorry for my behavior', she finally said it, only hoping that the boy will take it, lightly.

Yugi could only smile when he heard her call him puzzle-solver. Granted he guessed it was an okay title but nit one he wanted because it was only that. A Title. Nothing big about it. He gave a sight sigh but figured that she had more to say and listened intently, blocking out the world as he looked at her and was patitent about hearing about what was troubling her so much.

Hearing this involve Mai, granted not a complete surprise when he connected the dots, but hadnt expected being jelious. He glanced away for a moment woth a blush on the bridge of his nose and the back of his ears when she admitted that Mai was a type of distraction but this blush was out of the fact that he had no idea how to talk to females other than casual conversations that he was comfortable with. The fact Shadow cared about such things was flattering. The young boy looked back to Shadow with a soft smile when she apologized again. "There is no need to be sorry Shadow. I understand and though what happened on the ship was weird and had been a little concerned, Im not bothered by that.
Whats done is done. When you disappeared inside the puzzle, i was worried about you. I had wondered if it was something i had done." Yugi telepathically explained to her as his smile faded to a small frown as he recalled what happened recently.

The young Motou shakes his head, looking back to Shadow with a smile that returned to his lips that was genuine. "I'm just glad it wasnt and that we are able to talk about it. Just know you can talk to me about anything Shadow. I mean it. Like im sure you can talk to Yami." Yugi pointed out. He then giggles at what he remembered. And no more Puzzle Solver. Its Yugi. Okay?" He adds with a cheerful expression and unique innocense.

Shadow had her eyes closed, but then opened them a little bit, as soon as Yugi began to speak. She was rather surprised, and a little relieved, that he didn't freak out nor have second thoughts, at this very moment. However, when he began to explain that he feared about his own actions being the cause for her disappearance, it made the genie completely turn her head to look at him, slightly widening her red eyes. Did Yugi mean that? Did her master really mean to show concern for her? None of her previous masters have showed her any of this before; nothing that would be genuine, but rather for show. It felt as if this was the first time one would actually care for her wellbeing.

It made her eyes tremble a little bit, even while the genie watched him, before giving him a small smile of her own. It felt as if a weight has been lifted off of her shoulders. 'Hmm', Shadow hummed while giving him a nod of confirmation. 'I promise that I will', she wished that she could receive one of those Yugi made earlier: A hug. One that made her comfortable and safe. After that experience, she would willingly give him the same one, if he ever felt scared or sad. As his protector, she would. At first, she was confused when the boy insisted for her to not call him "Puzzle-Solver", the title she began to call him, ever since they have met.

Solver? Master? What would be suitable? But for him to just call him by his name, only made Shadow smile fondly at him. 'Of course, Puzzle Sol...I mean, Yugi', she quickly corrected herself. She would have to stop calling him that now. His name was 'Yugi'. Just Yugi Muto. If only the genie could thank the spirit, once again.

Yugi could only giggle a little at her correction. He knew it would take a bit to get use to just calling him by his name. But it was nice hearing her say his name. That their friendship had become more for the better and he was happy with that. "See? Doesnt it seem like we're friends than just servant and master? I never saw you like that. A see you as a friend. I want you to see me that way too Shadow!" explaining his reasoning for being called by his name and not Puzzle Solver.

But then it dawned on him and he blushed again in slight embarrassment as he stuffed his hands in his pockets and gently rubbed one of his feet in thr dirt while looking at them like his feet were the most interesting thing ever. "You....You've never had a friend. A real friend...have you..." He not much of a question as much as it sounded like one but a realization being spoken through their telepathic link. A frown on his face, sad that this was why Shadow was the way she had been for the most part. Not just out of respect.

Yami noticed this and stirred a little, giving the emotional comfort their link. Yugi gave a small smile at the silent comfort.

It was now Shadow's turn to start blushing, once Yugi started laughing good-heartedly at her mistake. It made her cover her mouth, though not completely; only brushing her fingers on her lips, before giving the boy before her a soft smile. However, his comment made her start to slowly realize that they could be, after all. But, in true honesty, she wasn't at all convince whether if they were or not. He never made any wishes yet, and she was still technically bound to his will. 'Do you really think so? I mean, you're still my master, and...I'm bound to your will. How could you still see me as a friend?', she was somewhat confused with the concept.

But then, it appeared that Yugi started to realize that he may have said something bad. The sensation of comfort through the bond seemed to be helping him be at ease, but then, the question made Shadow pause. She couldn't even say anything after that. It was too much of a thought. 'Being a genie and all, I can't say that I do', she confirmed, shaking her head lightly, and closing her eyes as she did so.

Yugi looked up slowly to face Shadow, a small smile still present. "Thats okay. It doesnt take much to be friends than getting to know one another and decide by mutual feel if you would like to hang out together. Friends help take care of one another, support each other, hang out together, and just simply are. Friends can be almost like siblings, to being the people who are close to you the most." Yugi explains. "Im only scratching the surface on friendships. Everyone is different of how one anothers friendship involves and the kind of friendship you have." the young boy adds. "id like to be your first friend. If thats okay. We have a bond as servant and master but that doesnt mean we cant still be friends. You and I haventhe right to choose. I wouldnt force you to be my friend. Its your choice."

....."Hey. Stop that!" Mai snaps at the gang of which snaps Yugi out of his conversation with Shadow to watch Mai and Joey. This obviously confuses Yugi but this also confuses Jaden. "Wha...?" Jaden caught off guard. Mai turns serious then. "Your brainless cheerleading isn't going to help him against the superior power of my Harpie Ladies. Don't you guys get it yet? Friendship doesn't win duels, never WILL. It hasn't helped HIM. He's defeated and he knows it." Mai explains.

Jaden seems bristled with that statement. "Not true!" which leaves Yugi surprised to see Jaden riled up like he is. 'He must worry about Joey just as much as we do.' Yugi theorizes and smiles. This draws his attention back to Mai and Joey.

"No? I beg to differ. There can be only be ONE champion. On this island, in this game, someone can be your best friend today and your worst enemy tomorrow. Once the competition forces you to face each other in a duel...where's your friendship, then?" this seems to shake the blonde. Yugi was seeing this and was really starting to worry for Joey who was losing his confidence. But Mai wasnt done for she had more to say. "That's why the only person a duelist can trust is himself. I hope that your defeat today teaches you that lesson, kid." Mai finished as she had turned back to Joey.

Tristen was now worrying over his best friends decline in confidence. "He's losing it..."

"Joey needs help, Yugi." Tea looks to the boy who is frowning. "Help him!"

This seems to be the deciding factor as Yami was listening and had enough of this. Yami takes charge for during the charge, the last think that Yugi noticed was a ghostly pressence like a hand on his shoulder but a comforting gesture of which he closes his eyes as Yami took over. The Spirit now in charge opens his eyes to look at Joey, his presence now commanding and dominant. "DONT listen to her Joey! We're here to [i][b]help[/i][/b] you, just like you're always there for US!" This gains the attention of both Duelists as well as Yubel and Jaden with surprise though soon Jaden smirks.
"Huh?"
"W-wha-?"
"Trust me on this. She's just trying to divide and conquer, a strategy that's been used for centuries. Believe me. I know." he adds.

Joey looks to his friend shell shocked at Yugi's words, seeming to believe what his friend is saying. Maybe it was Yugi's sudden confident air, the way he was trying to get Joey back in the duel. Maybe he was right. They only wanted to help. Sadly Joey was caught on pause within his thoughts to seeing Mai laugh. "Hahahaha! D'you really think Yugi wants YOU to be the grand-prize winner?! Hahahaha! He's a duelist too, ya know. To win you'll eventually have to take HIM on." Mai counters. This had Joey hesitate and look to Yugi who was looking straight at him. "She's right...We'll have to Duel. But...."

Wheeler starts to think back on what Yugi said, how they were a team, thinking back on his sister's video, how she was running iut of time and didnt want Joey to forget what she looked like. "We are a team. But have to win the contest for Serenity..." he realizes as she mutters this to himself. "What do I do? Maybe Yugi's right about this thing. I have to stop listenin' to Mai's nonsense, and start usin' my head." The pressure's starting to show as Joey was fighting back tears. 'I just gotta concentrate on how to win the game!' Closing his eyes,ituning out the world as though he's standing alone in a void.

"...There's gotta be a way to beat Mai. If I can just figure out how she knows what her cards are... if she's not psychic, there must be somethin' else she's doin'." Joey begins to notice something then as he sniffs the air. A sensation tingling his nose. 'Whats that strange smell? I never noticed that smell when my eyes were open. I'm smellin' a buncha different perfumes, comin' from... her cards! Huh.' Joey smirks then but not really noticeable to Mai.

"Come on kid, its your turn."

"I see through your card trick! You sprayed all your cards with different pperfume. An' by smellin' each different scent, you can tell which card is which, even when they're facedown!" Joey deduces and declares it out loud that makes Mai grimace that her trick was found out. "So you don't have to look in order to play your cards. That way you can psych the other player out."

"No way! How could an amateur punk like *you* see through my aroma strategy! It's just impossible!" Mai now freaking out.

"I gotta admit, Mai, ya really had me buyin' in to the whole 'psychic power' schtick. I was too freaked out to think things through because a' that. But you're not a psychic at all! You're just a big FAKE!" Joey points the accusing finger at.

Yami smiles and was pleased with Joey's sudden confidence built up once more. "All right, Joey!"
"Go get 'er, Joey!"
"You da man!"
"Yugi, you were right!" Joey says with a thumbs up. Yugi returning it.

"Just because you saw through my little psychic act, doesn't mean you're going to be able to defeat me in a duel!"

Joey looks to my with a neutral look but one with confidence that wasnt going to go away any time soon. "I think you're wrong. Before you were winnin' by confusin' me and trying to pit me against my friends. But now my mind is clear. I know who I can trust. All you've got left is your cheap tricks, and I won't fall for 'em anymore!" Joey then starts to draw his card. "I'm gonna blast your Harpies outta the sky wit' this!"

"Good card, Joey!" Jaden declares.

"Baby Dragon! ATK:1200/ DEF:700"

"
Mai scoffs a laugh. "
Ha! *That* wimpy card is your grand play? I only wish it was worth some more so when I devastate you it'll do more damage to your lifepoints! My card will be, Elegant Egotist! Its magic will make duplicates of my Harpie's Lady!" Harpie glows, and the glow splits into red, green, and blue. Now there are three glowing blurs.

"Harpie's Lady One..." The first Harpie, with the red hair, is still here.
"...two..." The second Harpie has purple wings and spiky blue hair.
"...three!" The third Harpie has short, bright-orange hair and green wings. Joey wasnt liking the odds. "It's three times the trouble!"

Shadow had paused, and listened to Yugi explain about friendships. In her mind, the genie thought that friendships, for her, were impossible, especially when it involved the whole master-servant scene. However, for Yugi to offer in becoming her first friend, she took a moment to think about it. The boy has been so kind, so helpful, and seemed to very, very understanding; almost forgiving. He must be that pure.

She didn't have time to answer, when the commotion of the duel became too much in between Mai and Joey. She knew that Mai was trouble all over; a red flag. In a way, the genie was glad that Yugi had managed to reassure her that Mai was never going to be the top priority. She did learn that he wasn't comfortable in talking to girls in that kind of fashion, and that he was only focused on the task at-hand to rescue his grandfather.

It was gonna take some time, until she can get these negative feelings to dissipate, since she just learned about these things. For Mai to currently be before them, it wasn't exactly helping, but she will pull herself through, eventually. As soon as she sensed the transition of Yami coming forth, Shadow felt her transparent figure become solid, yet remain unnoticeable to the other humans, except Jaden. "If you happened to be listening, I managed to tell him", she said to the spirit, with a more confident expression. Maybe Yugi was right; maybe all three of them can be friends, despite the fact of her current position as a servant. In truth, the boy didn't want her to be left out and neglected, so he wanted to get to know her more.

Knowing that the spirit had the outside under control, Shadow faded from his side, and back into the Puzzle, reappearing before Yugi in his soul room; once again, in the form of the same teenaged girl, smiling down at him. "Yugi", she began, before sat down on the bed. She was starting to like calling him by his name, regardless that it wasn't exactly a proper way to address the person, who is your master. "I'd like to know what it's like to have a true friend", she said. "I accept your offer".

Yami hadnt looked to Shadow when he informed him about having talked to Yugi. Granted he knew. "I know. Im proud of you. He is right you know. We would be willing to be your first friends." Yami reassured, comfirming what Yugi had offered.

"Now what? He was struggling when there was only one!" Tea exclaims, knowing it was true.
"Don't give in, Joey! You've still got all kinds a' moves left!" Jaden cheers on from where he is.
"Really? What moves would those be?" Tea asks skeptically, her arms crossed. Jaden shyly laughs while Tristen shrugs. "How would we know? Ask an expert...ask Yugi."

Yami stands where he is as he watches Joey. "This is Joey's Duel. He needs ro figure it out."

"Ha! And I'm going to keep using the magic of "Elegant Egotist" to double my Harpies again and again each turn! Ahaha! But while my Harpies multiply, I can't attack you, so it's your move. Of course you'll soon be up against an army!" Mai declares smugly.
"An army of Harpies? How the heck do I fight an army?!" Joey mutters out in disbrlief. Though he had found out her strategy of sike people out when dueling her, but he still had to beat her deck and the strategy she uses. That was the whole new ball game there and it was starting to get to him.

"Don't give up, Joey!" An encouraging voice spoke out. The blonde was pulled out of his thoughts as he looked to voice that belonged to Yugi. "Huh?"
"Think hard about her strategy; she's been using only one monster card, and strengthening that one card with many magic cards. But there's a serious flaw in her dueling strategy, Joey!" Yami hinted as he was trying to get him to focus on the Duel and what needed to be done.

"Usin' magic on one card? That's true! She's just been juicin' up the Harpie Ladies every turn; but if she has mostly magic cards, maybe the Harpie Ladies are the only monsters! I bet if I can just defeat 'er Harpies, she won't have any monsters left to play!" Joey realized as he looked at the Harpy Ladies on the field. Now trying to think of a card that would help him stop this loop.

"That's right Joey, now think. What card in your deck will help you win?" Yami asks. "Which of my cards? You tell ME..." more for muttering to himself. But then Joey got to thinking. [i]'Wait...I think maybe you did." Thiniking back on the cards he had gotten back on the shop.

Yugi was sitting in his Soul Room for when Shadow had appeared before him. Granted he was startled a little having not expecting it while hearing what was going on and Joey starting to get his bearings together with Yami helping, getting the blonde to understand what he should pay attention to when dueling and how to act accordingly. So when Shadow appeared, he had been focused on the outside. He gave Shadow a smile of greeting, scooting over when she came to sit on the bed with him. The young boy could only smile in excitement as he heard her decision. "Thats great Shadow. " Yugi who was obviously overjoyed, threw his arms around her in a hug showing just how happy he was and more that Yami could feel this overpowering joy. "Thank you." Yugi thanked Shadow.

Yami may have been right all along, Shadow thought in realization, when she felt the boy’s arms wrapping themselves around her, in thanks to hearing her acceptance for his friendship and companionship. Her first friend, apart from her sister. She did take this action by slight surprise, but then she thought back to all of the other times when he did the exact same thing. As a result, the genie gave a fond smile, before returning the gesture, completing the embrace; one hand on his back, the other on the back of his head. She never felt anything so...heartwarming.

Just as Shadow held him, a stern look appeared on her youthful face. If this boy was to be her friend, no harm will come to him. That, she will swear, on her life. As one of his protectors/guardians, she swore. The thought made her tighten her grasp on him. Not tight enough to hurt him, but enough to let him know that he was safe in her presence; his purity was to be guarded. Her face then softened, before she laid her head on top of his own, closing her eyes, and smiling small, having to relish in the heart-warming grasp of the teenaged boy in her arms. “I’d do anything for you, Yugi, even if it means to make both of us happy”, and she meant it. If it’s to make Yugi and/or herself smile at all, Shadow swore that she would do anything.

Yugi was completely excited that she was to be his new friend and basically become part of the group though in technicality she was already a part of it. Granted there was bo way for his friends to be able to talk to her and vice versa buuut...that didnt mean he could put her word in here and there. But then there was hopeingly being able to tell his friends. That also meant him telling them about Yami. This was going to be a bit complicated but he would figure it out. AFTER they rescued Grandpa. Thoughts aside on that for now, Yugi relished in the hug that he had given Shadow and had gotten one in return. A bit later with a more firm hug, the young puzzle solver wondered if something was wrong or she was simply enjoying the hug and didnt want him to move. He was okay with it but he didnt know if to ask or not. But put him to ease was her oath of sorts of making them both happy. Pulling his head back, to look to her. "As long as my friends are happy, im happy. Thats all that matters." He tells her with a smile.

Shadow softly smiled at the response he made. This was her purpose now: Protecting her master now...friend. She really needed to get used that term, considering that she has never been labeled as one before. “Of course”.

As long as she had embraced him, the genie didn’t want to let go. Somehow, it made her feel safe and vice-versa. But, she knew they couldn’t stay like this forever, no matter how much she wished.

“Thank you for accepting me the way you did”, the teenage girl was truly grateful.