a/n: I totally own the entirety of the YGO franchise, which is precisely why I am writing this fanfiction - to prove how completely and utterly self-absorbed I am. :D

"But," the girl said, almost losing hold of her breath, "I need this."

She bit her lip. So what if she was the epitome of mediocrity, despite her academic, let alone extracurricular abilities? She needn't become a doctor. Graphic designers only came in a few, and one of which would be fortunate enough attaining the position at KaibaCorp.

"No, no, no, NO!"

A palm slammed down on the table.

"I've seen you work bloody well hard these past few years. Thousands of tuition money and good grades will not go to waste!" If otherwise given the situation, this would have almost come as a compliment. "And for what?" she continued, "Pretty billboards and magazine covers?! What the hell were you thinking, Kisara!"

Kisara predicted what was to come next. Cold words, slaps, screams, more cold words. Nothing less of sure, she inwardly cringed, bracing herself for the proceedings of her mother's beatings; verbal or physical, it didn't alter the case.

"Graphic Desginer… out of all the arts…" she shook her head, "Why this? WHY are you doing this to me!"

All in a fluid movement, Kisara's mother advanced on her daughter faster than a Blue Eyes striking with its (1) White Lightning. She didn't even bother to protect herself. Her arms twitched furiously, but made no effort to soothe the redness of her cheeks. Her teeth gritted together, nose held high and an adamant glint in her eye, no more than the routine form of her tears threatened to break relentless façade that was plastered across her stone hard features.

"I'm not doing this to anyone," she rejoined, her tone levelled and teeth flaring from underneath their cherry lipped case. "If anything, mother, this involves me, and me only. I see no reason for your concern, and intend for no-one's harm through my decision."

Her mother stood there staring, no longer angered or wide-eyed, nor throwing around whatever came within her arm's radius. "So I adhere to think that I equate to nobody," was all that she said.

A sound of the door banging resounded from the room, as she exited to the kitchen. Peering from behind the corridor, Kisara heard no bangs of the pots and pans, found no clutter of ingredients on the tiles – there was absolutely no indication of even the tiniest form of anger. Returning to her bedroom, a guarded shiver crawled slowly down her spine. Kisara sighed upon her reflection of the night. It had been, by far, the calmest argument she had ever endured…

… and that was precisely what had troubled her.

Now, a point of importance:

(1) There have been some heated discussions over the official name of the Blue Eyes White Dragon's signature attack. So let's clear that up. White Lightning is the name of the attack in the English anime, whereas Burst Stream of Destruction is the one in the Japanese anime. Other variations appear to be the Horrible Burst Stream, as fostered in the English subtitles; but as an honest opinion and with all due respect, I simply say that the "White Lightning" attack sounds much better to me when using it in writing fanfiction.

In the end, it is personal preference here, really.