"I'm home!"

"Welcome back." A lavender haired teen said without taking her eyes off some homework she was doing.

"How was your day, Mom?" Asked a smaller blue-haired teen, who was sitting on the floor with the small TV on.

"Exhausting as usual. Package came for you, Shion." The older woman said as she passed a white box to her second child.

Shion took the package and started examining it. Their mother let out a yawn and told her two kids that she was going to bed. Right as she left the room, she shouted back to Shion to tell her what was in the box in the morning.

They each bid her goodnights, and Shion continued to look over the box.

"Let me guess; More Duel Monsters stuff?" The older one asked.

"It's from Industrial Illusions," Shion answered.

"Called it."

"That doesn't count, Nagisa. That's like guessing there's water in the sea." Shion countered.

Nagisa made her way over to Shion, as they placed the box to the side. "You're not gonna open it?" Nagisa asked as she sat down.

"I will once I find out who wins."

Nagisa let out a sigh. Not realising that the Duel Monster match Shion was watching was still going. They each watched with varying levels of interest.

"What's the green-haired one named again?" Nagisa asked.

"Weevil Underwood, or at least that's what he tells people," Shion told her.

"Is he this intense in real life?"

"I think he's somehow worse."

Nagisa pressed her lips into a thin line. Shion appreciated that despite her confusion towards Shion's 'career choice', Nagisa still tried to make conversation with them. Shion knew it was a strange way to make money, but they were good at Duel Monsters, and it was easier than most other jobs.

"He's like 13."

"14."

"Like that makes it better?" Nagisa rolled her eyes at the overdramatic theatrics of the teens on screen. "He's the one you would have gone up against if you didn't drop out?"

Shion nodded their head.

"Sorry that I made you rush home for a twisted ankle." Nagisa said with a sad look in her eyes.

"It's not your fault. I didn't give you a chance to explain what happened."

Shion's mind flashed back to a couple of days earlier when they were getting ready for their match with Rex Raptor for a place in the finals. Nagisa had called them. Saying that their mother was hurt in an accident. Before she had a chance to say that everything was fine and she just wanted to let Shion know what happened, the younger sibling was practically out the door. Forfeiting their spot to Rex.

"You doing okay?" Nagisa asked. Hoping that Shion wasn't taking the mishap too hard.

"I'm fine," Shion's eyes drifted to their left. "Ghost, on the other hand."

Shion looked to see the spirit watching the screen. They seemed to be ignoring Shion and Nagisa's conversation.

"I'm not mad if that's what you're trying to imply." Ghost's thoughts rang through Shion's head.

Shion's heart jumped a little. "You're sure about that?" Shion thought.

"I'm disappointed."

Shion cringed and turned back to the screen. Nobody seemed to have ever told Ghost how that's worse.

"A stunning win by Weevil Underwood, our newest champion." The announcer shouted to the audience. Shion watched as Weevil was presented with an award by a tall silver-haired man. Nagisa made a noise of disgust. "This guy."

Shion could help but nod in agreement. The man giving Weevil the award was Maximillion Pegasus. Mostly known for being the Head of Industrial Illusions and the creator of Duel Monsters.

"Congratulations." Pegasus said with a smirk.

"Uh, thank you." Weevil said. Seemingly utterly awestruck by the older man.

"And, as regional champion, I invite you to compete in the bold new tournament I'm hosting at Duelist Kingdom."

The two teens and the spirit's eyes went wide when hearing that.

"They just got done with a tournament. Why have another one so soon?" Nagisa asked, to no one in particular.

Shion's eyes wandered over to the package again. Nagisa noticed them doing this and let out yet another sign.

Nagisa sighed. "You don't think... "

"Only one way to find out."

"Shion, you just got back from a tournament. Don't you ever want to take a break?" Nagisa said. A small part of her already knew the answer.

"Why would I do that?"

"Because ... cuz... I-" Nagisa went quiet. Having trouble finding the right words for their sibling.

Shion grabbed the box and opened it up. Inside was what looked like a deep red glove, a small case with two star-shaped, golden-coloured bits and an envelope. Whatever Shion was expecting, it wasn't that.

"Are these actual gold?!" Nagisa asked in disbelief. Picking up the trinkets to take a closer look at them.

Shion picked up the envelope and the glove. The glove was an odd accessory. As Shion turned it over, they noticed how the silver wrist had several familiar star-shaped indents in it.

Shion placed the glove next to them and opened the envelope. Inside were four Duel Monsters cards and a letter. The letter was written on what Shion could only describe as fancy rich paper. It was designed with pretty red patterns along the edges. At the bottom was Pegasus' fancy-looking signature in all its 'glory'.

Shion quickly read through the letter. Pegasus congratulated them on reaching third place during the Nationals. As they read, Shion could feel the curious yet cautious emotions coming from Ghost.

The letter went on to mention how proud Shion's father would have been if he could see them. Shion didn't want to admit it, but they felt bitter reading that. Pegasus acted like everything was fine between their families.

The text ended with Pegasus inviting Shion to the same tournament they had just seen them invite Weevil to earlier. With the promise that it would be worth their while. Once they were done Shion passed the paper over to Nagisa. The girl scanned over it and made another noise of disgust.

"Unbelievable. You don't need to waste your time with this." Nagisa said. Tossing the letter back in the box.

"Do you think I could ask him about dad?" Shion asked.

"Shion," Nagisa warned firmly. Knowing what Shion was thinking.

"He might know more about what happened."

"It was an accident. There's not much more to it than that."

"But people don't just drop dead. Mum said so."

"She used to say that years ago. Her husband had just died. She was trying to process it all."

"But he was coming back from a meeting with Pegasus. He was the last person to talk to him. He has to know something?"

Nagisa stared Shion down. Not liking how they were talking about their passed father.

"You're stressing her out." Ghost told her. "You need another reason if you intend on going."

Shion tucked their knees underneath their chin and stared at the wall. They picked up one of the cards seeing the image of a pile of gold and jewels printed onto it.

"There's a prize," Shion said.

"Shion, I swear to-," Nagisa replied. Not wanting their sibling to have anything to do with Pegasus.

"$3,000.000."

Nagisa's face went pale and blank. She just stared at Shion for a while. Looking like she was going to pass out. Quickly shaking her head to bring it back to reality. "No, no, no. Shion, I really don't think this is a good idea. Can you just think about it for more than a second?"

Nagisa and Ghost both stared as a thoughtful look appeared on their face. After a couple of seconds, it turned into one of confidence.

"I'm going!" Shion smiled positively while lifting her arms up into a fight stance.

Ghost let out a sigh as Nagisa slapped a hand to her forehead.

"I didn't mean that literally." Nagisa took her glasses off and started rubbing her eyes. "Okay, how about this; we discuss it with mum in the morning?"

"That makes sense."

Nagisa was clearly hoping that their mother would try and deter her younger sibling. Shion, on the other hand, felt hopeful about their mother's final say. To her, it would just be another tournament Shion wanted to join.

Nagisa got up from the floor and told Shion they were going to have a shower. Once she was out of sight, Shion headed outside to the balcony.

Shion looked out to the modest view their family's small apartment provided. The sounds of late-night Domino City that Shion had grown accustomed to were in full swing. Shion nervously fiddled with the gold band around their left arm.

"You're giving me that same feeling again," Shion said. "The same one as when I rushed back home."

"Like I said before. I'm not mad. I'm disappointed." Ghost replied. "You did the same thing you usually do. Rushed in without thinking."

"You don't think we should go?" Shion asked. Turning to the spectral figure, who shared their face.

"I do believe you made the right choice. I just wish you would put as much thought into things as you do when playing games."

Shion smiled and crossed their arms over the balcony rail. "I promise. I won't go with the first thing I think of."

A small smile appeared on Ghost's face. "Alright, let's see if you're more than just talk."

Shion's mother allowed Shion to go, but mostly due to the fact that Shion neglected to mention Pegasus in any way, shape or form. A few days later Shion and Nagisa took the bus to an address listed on one of the cards.

"I can't believe plus ones aren't allowed," Nagisa complained as they made their way to the docks.

"I didn't think you were interested in Duel Monsters," Shion asked.

"It's less about Duel Monsters and more about not wanting you alone on an island for so long," Nagisa explained.

"I'll be fine," Shion reassured her.

Nagisa just grumped in response and adjusted their younger sibling's jacket. Saying something about how Shion better not catch a cold. "Love you, nerd."

"Same here, dork,"

The two of them approached the boat and waited to be allowed on. "Attention, all duelists! Welcome to this event sponsored by Industrial Illusions!"

The announcer continued his speech. Explaining how everyone was considered 'elite' and how they needed the stars they were given to get on the boat.

"You each have a fair and equal chance to win! It all comes down to how well you've chosen your cards and how well you play. Now then, Duelists, cross the ocean, and enter the Duelist Kingdom!"

"Oh brother," Nagisa rolled her eyes.

"I'll see you in a week," Shion said as they pulled their sister into a hug.

"You better," Nagisa huffed.

Once Shion had gotten on the ship, they waved Nagisa goodbye. Eventually, moving inside when the cold started getting to them. Shion wandered around for a little while. Not really sure what to do. That was until they ran into Weevil.

"Chiba," he greeted.

"Hi Weevil," Shion greeted back.

"I'm surprised you were invited," Weevil grinned. "Given your habit of flaking out at the last second."

"I will destroy him," Ghost sneered.

"Well, there's no chance of flaking this time, Weevil," Shion smiled. "Hopefully, you'll get to see what I can really do."

Before Weevil could retort, someone nearby started yelling. Causing the two to walk over and stand next to Rex. Just so they could see what was going on.

"Do you wanna get thrown out of here?" One of the security guards yelled at the guy he was holding.

Weevil looked over to the boy trying to calm the taller blonde down. "Huh? Hey, aren't you that kid Yugi?"

The more petite boy turned his head in surprise. "Huh, yeah. Hey, you're Shion Chiba-"

"And Weevil and Rex The Dino-Duelist!" His taller friend finished.

Rex let out a laugh and explained how the teen was wasting his time with the guards. Saying how the private rooms only go to finalists from the last tournament.

"Congratulations on winning the regionals, Weevil!" Yugi said.

"It was nothing," Weevil shrugged.

"Yeah, I went easy on him that time," Rex bragged.

"Yeah, well, this time Yugi and I are gonna take the tournament," The taller boy said. "Right, Yugi?"

"To tell you the truth," Weevil interrupted. "Winning the last championship didn't feel like that much of an achievement. I guess I can't really call myself the champion until I defeat the duelist who beat Kaiba."

"Oh, don't sell yourself short, Weevil," Shion said somewhat sarcastically. Earning a dirty look from Weevil.

"But I'm sure I'll end up battling you in the big tournament, Yugi. Frankly, I look forward to it." Weevil said as he hopped back into his friendly persona.

"I look forward to it too." Yugi beamed.

"I'm looking forward to some dino demolition," Rex added.

"He loves that line," Shion told Yugi. "I have to say, Yugi, you're taller than I expected," Shion smiled.

Yugi let out a laugh. Clearly not expecting what Shion said. "Gee, thanks,"

"Let me tell you a little secret," Weevil said. Shoving past Shion. "It's something none of the other players knows about the games yet."

"Oh, isn't that cheating?" Yugi asked innocently.

"The other duelists will find out soon enough. But there are rules on the island that require more strategy."

"How delightfully vague, Weevil," Shion said.

"Ahh, rules are for wimps. In dueling, you either smash your opponent or get smashed yourself. It's one or the other." Rex stated.

" I can't believe we technically lost to this guy, " Ghost sighed.

"Strength is good, but you also need to combine them with other types of cards." Yugi's friend said.

"Who asked you?! Stay out of my way, or I'll stomp you, like everyone else." Rex yelled before stomping off.

"We'll see who stomps who when we get to the island," Green jacket said.

"Ignore him." Weevil said. About Rex. "Let's scope out the competition."

"What d'ya mean?" Yugi asked.

"Check out those chumps. They're already trading over there. Players here are swapping cards and strengthening their decks, getting ready for the big tournament. It's also a good chance to get a feel for your opponent's cards."

While Weevil explained this, Yugi's friend ran over to the group. "Oh! Strong cards! Hey, wanna trade? How about you? Anybody? Help me out here."

"Guess Joey's trading," Yugi said in surprise.

"I like his spirit," Shion commented with a grin.

"If you've come all this way and you're still trying to improve your deck, you've got to be pretty desperate. I'll catch you on the flip side."

"Bye-bye, Weevil," Shion waved.

"Whatever,"

"He's so nice," Shion said in a way that made it hard to tell if they were being sarcastic or not.

Suddenly something caught Shion's eye. A pyramid-shaped pendant hanging from Yugi's neck. That looked almost identical to their millennium band.

"Ask them where he got that!" Ghost urged Shion with a surprising amount of urgency for the spirit.

"That's an interesting pendant you got there?" Shion pointed.

"T, thanks, it's actually a puzzle that my grandpa gave to me," Yugi explained.

"From Egypt, right?"

Yugi paused in surprise. "That's-"

"HEY, Yugi!" His friend appeared out of nowhere. "You wouldn't believe how many people aren't willing to trade."

"Weevil did say most of the duelists would be confident with the cards they had," Yugi smiled. Causing Joey to give him a disappointed frown.

"I'll trade you something if you want?" Shion suggested. Causing Joey to light up.

Shion pulled their deck out of its case. Flicking through the cards to see what they could trade.

"How about this one?" Shion asked as they passed their Baby Dragon card to Joey.

Joey started frantically looking through his own cards. "Ummmm, how about... this one?"

Joey passed Shion a card with art of a purple imp looking creature with a gun. The text at the top of the card read 'Snipe Hunter'.

"This will do great, thanks!" Shion grinned up at him.

The three of them talked for a bit longer before Shion was called away by one of the Pegasus' lackeys.

"Ask him about the necklace!" Ghost pressed.

"Not how," Shion thought to them. "I don't wanna freak him out."

The lackey explained to Shion that there had been a slight mix up and that they had a luxury room to stay in, due to the Chiba's and Pegasus being 'old family friends'.

Neither Shion nor Ghost liked it but didn't want to risk rocking the boat by pointing accusations at one of Pegasus' workers. Shion jumped into the bed and once again pulled out their cards to sort through them. Making sure they were all set for the island.

"This is strange." Ghost stated. "What's this Pegasus up to?"

"I'll admit that it's weird seeing another kid who just happens to have a Millennium Item." Shion agreed without taking their eyes off the cards.

"The man's up to something. I just can't work out what it is!" Ghost exclaimed.

Shion stood up and looked Ghost in the eyes. "I promise, whatever it is, we'll get through it together."

Ghost looked sceptical for a moment but then gave Shion a soft smile. "Just like we always have."

Shion thought back for a moment. To the day they first got the Millennium Band.

It had been a month since her dad's funeral, and Pegasus came to visit the three of them. He brought a present with him. Vaguely explaining that it would all come together in time.

Shion's mother threw a fit after Pegasus left that day. Not wanting his petty gifts and what were (to her at least) empty words. It seemed like a cruel joke on Pegasus' part from her perspective. The woman had just lost her husband and wasn't interested in hearing about how everything would work out in the end.

After Shion's mother went to bed that night, Nagisa and Shion stayed up. Trying to decide what to do with the shiny bracelet. Nagisa tried it on first. Only to find it didn't fit. Leaving it to Shion.

The teen sometimes wondered if Ghost picked them up at night. Considering that the band had grown with them as the years passed. If that was the case, Shion was glad. They wouldn't trade Ghost for anything in the world.

Shion and Ghost moved out of the balcony and stared up at the stars. They wondered what Pegasus had in store for them when they got to the island. Failing to grasp how much trouble they were really in for.

Welcome to Cards with Teeth. I originally wrote this first chapter a few months ago, but just didn't end up posting it until now. Just something I want to mention: Shion and by extension Ghost are non-binary and use they/them pronouns.

Comments are welcome! Please and Thank You ^^

Also if you wanna see bts content for Shion & Ghost visit my tumblr  at darth-caillic