COSTUME REHERSAL TEST

Disclaimer: I don't claim to own YuGiOh or any of the characters within its universe.

Author's note: The inspiration for this [fiction] was that I've written a few test pieces or even had a few ideas that pretty much die due to lack of motivation or lack of plot or etc. Because of this, you might see mark ups, missing lines, very little color or clothing descriptions, and discontinuous plot. Also the title names for each fic are complete crap.

If I do decide on writing anything that appears here, then I will be using Chapter 1 for removal/rewrite notifications. After a year, I may take down this whole thing.

Test Fiction 1.b: Pronouncing Mr. & Mrs. Kaiba

Author's note: I felt the Seto that I was writing for "Apricot Bubblegum" was being off center for too long. I needed to add lines into the story that my readers would know as: things which Seto Kaiba would say. So, I decided to write a "test section" and use that energy to write: things which Seto Kaiba would say. Eventually, I got the "Admit it, you love me" quote came to mind and Téa's response was instantaneous. I laughed so hard, I decided to write on it a bit and see if I could add it into my fic as a dream. Well, it was too elaborate and I didn't want the fic to be dragged down any further, so I slapped the fragments [plus original parts] as a short.

I have yet to write him "mean enough" for this test piece.

"My lady and my King, I ask for your daughter's hand, in marriage."

"You both are a bit young, Ryou," the queen answered.

"We don't have to marry now. I only ask that if I am victorious in the war, then I ask to be betrothed to the King's daughter." The King and Queen looked at one another. The King was not to question the match as much as his wife did, for Téa. Ryou and Téa were the great-grandchildren of twin brothers. The two split the kingdom and decided not to reunite the two kingdoms unless the one family became barren. Téa was the only female heir to be ever born from the elder brother's bloodline. She was also the only child. They all looked at Ryou, who was still bowed. The King and Queen looked at Téa.

Téa started to cry as she mouthed, "Please?" Her parents always knew that the two had a good relationship. The Queen sighed, but gave her nod to the King.

"Prince Ryou Bakura," the King stated, "If you are successful in the upcoming battle, I will allow you to be officially betrothed to my daughter."

"Thank you, My King."

Seto leaned back against the door, "Admit it! You love me."

Téa's servants were fussing with her wedding dress. "Yeah, I'll admit it…YOU'RE A JERK!"

Seto smirked as he rolled his eyes from the other side of the door. He looked at his brother, "Make sure that she gets there." He walked off towards the grand room.

Mokuba placed his hand on the door, "Seto isn't that bad…. I promise you, Téa. He wouldn't have tried for your hand, if he didn't think you were pretty." Pretty was an understatement, Téa was beautiful. She had never seen so many suitors in her life, while Seto tried to win her. "Trust me, he would not have bothered if you did not say what you said to him at that party. He broke off his engagement with another, just to try for you. Even I don't exactly know why he chose you."

"Hey! Get back here!" The dark haired boy ran, but soon several market venders caught him. They had enough. He did not just steal because he needed to. He stole at least three times of day. And, if he did not get food, he found something that he could sell. He did not only steal from the venders, but also from the villagers. After trying for the last three months, they had finally got their hands on the criminal. Most cried out for his death or other sorts of punishments. There was no sympathy for his crimes. They tied up the boy's wrists and ankles. They threw him upon a table, on his back, as he pleaded with them. One of the butchers raised his arms in the air, while holding a cleaver. As he made his first attempt to hack at the boy, he suddenly felt a stinging sensation in his hands. His clever flew fifteen feet in the air and people scattered as it landed with a thud. They all looked and saw a hooded man turning his horse, with his blade drawn. He wore all black, with a black cape and a scarf over his nose and mouth. By the way he dressed, they all knew that he was a stranger to them.

His horse started to gallop back over, "What's the meaning of this? Let go of that boy!"

"He's been stealing from us," one of the villagers yelled, "And, it's been getting worse over the last three months."

"We need to kill him," another male villager yelled. The crowd yelled with him.

The stranger stopped his horse, "Under the authority of King Kaiba, I order you to release this boy!"

"You have no authority to command that over us," the butcher yelled.

The stranger's blue eyes narrowed and he used his sword to cut the ropes used to keep the boy from moving his feet, "I believe I do." The people started yelling at him.

"Wait, …, he does," one of the villagers said as he pointed to the stranger's clothing. It bared the mark of being one of the Kaiba Kingdom's soldiers. The stranger cut the rope that was used to keep the boy's arms straight and used it to pull him towards the horse.

"We don't belong to the Kaibas! They can't tell us what to do!" The people started yelling and surrounding the two.

"I order you to stop!" They did not listen to him. They were itching to throw him off his horse and punish him for saving a hoodlum. "Stand back!" The horse neighed.

"What is all of this commotion," they barely heard a woman yell, "I order you all to stop this at once or you all will be arrested!" The murmurs came from the villagers in her direction and as they passed the message along, the stranger also heard with his own ears the words: it's the princess. The crowd parted as she made her way to the horseman with three of her guards. She was wearing a pink kimono that was embroidered about the seams, "Someone could've been trampled! I'm having you arrested for causing this commotion!"

"It was not me. It was something involving this boy." He tugged on the rope and the boy walked and stopped in between them. "They were going to kill him."

The princess pointed to the butcher, "What was going on with this boy?"

"This is the one who was stealing from us, for years! The one who became more aggressive during the last season. Princess Téa, he's gotten so big and aggressive over the last year, he'll eventually become a murderer."

The stranger looked at him, "But, he has committed no murder. And, should not be treated as one, as he still dabbles as a thief."

The princess looked at him, "This is none of your business."

"It IS my business, as your future King might be the one determining this boy's punishment. Unless, you're going to put him to death, today." She felt a disdain for his kingdom as they supplied the weapons which caused Bakura's death. She looked up at him and saw that he was a high ranking guard for King Kaiba. They both knew that today was the last day that the princess would have the authority to issue any punishments. Ever since it was announced that Princess Téa was of age to be married, she was forbidden to suggest any changes to the law. And, after today, the princess could not order any other punishment except temporary imprisonment. Also, no punishment could be issued to those she orders imprisoned, until the outcome of the suitors' rivalry for her. After the competition, her father or the suitor who won her hand may decide what to do with her prisoners. And, she would remain to have no say over her kingdom, until after her wedding, …that is IF her husband allows her to have any ruling authority. "Let me take the boy. There's not enough time to ban him and you wouldn't have to kill him." The princess heard kindness in his voice, but had her doubts.

"My people would prefer that he goes to jail."

"Why? So, he can rot for four years and get killed at the front of some war line for your people?"

"That wouldn't happen to him."

"But, it does. Your new King could order that of him. Wouldn't you rather give him the chance to reform himself?" He seemed serious. The princess found something attractive within his blue eyes. She also started to internalize the sound of his voice. The stranger had noticed her big blue eyes. They were breath taking. The way they sparkled…even though she was serious, he knew that there was way more to her. He had never seen a girl with blue eyes, before.

"Do you think that this criminal can be reformed?"

"Yes."

"Take off your mask, sir knight." He uncovered his face. Téa's mouth opened as she had never seen a man so handsome before. Her attraction towards him increased. She had not felt this way towards Prince Bakura. "How do I know, that if I give him to you, that YOUR kingdom would not let him rot for four years, just to have him killed on the front line for your King?"

"It's because he'd be my responsibility. If he messes up, then he would have to die by my hand." He looked at the villagers and pointed his sword at the butcher. He looked back at her, "Unfortunately, if you choose to have your kingdom punish this boy, I would have no choice but to have my kingdom charge that man for attempted murder. I'm willing to turn a blind eye to that, if you give that boy to me." What the villagers did not know yet, was for the next few weeks, the entire kingdom would be in chaos. If the princess's kingdom and her suitor's kingdom believed in the same punishable crime, that kingdom may take the criminal and deliver punishments within their own jurisdiction.

"I hope that you are successful with reforming this thief."

The stranger put his hand over his heart and bowed his head to her, "Thank you, princess. I will never forget your kindness." He turned his horse and the boy yelped as he pulled his hands into the air by the rope, "To everyone within earshot! I have caught this boy STEALING from this market place! If any of you find this boy not guilty, then speak your peace." Not a single person spoke up for the boy. "Since I caught this boy, the Kaiba Kingdom will punish this thief as we see fit. This boy will be placed in prison until his sentence can be carried out. The stranger tugged on the rope and the boy walked alongside of the horse. The princess would have asked his name, but she knew that she would see him at the party that night.

Téa had had enough. She had talked to hundreds of men, tonight. And, most of them she could not stand. She knew that she had not talked with Prince Kaiba, yet. She at least wanted that one over with. If she waited any longer, the way that she would tell him off would chase away the better suitors within the group. She snuck away onto one of the balconies. She smiled as she took in a deep breath. The smell of stale sweat and the cigar smoke was weighing down everyone's mood. After a couple of minutes, someone lifted the white curtain and walked onto the balcony, towards her.

"My Princess." She turned to see that a tall man with blue eyes and brown hair had just walked out onto the balcony. He was holding a bottle of sake and a couple of glasses. "Would you care to have a drink with me?" By his clothing, she knew that he was not one of her subjects.

"You need not be so polite. I am not your future queen."

He walked over and stopped next to her, "Not yet. Yet, you could be." His voice sounded familiar. She looked and saw that he was wearing the symbol of the Kaiba Kingdom on his arm.

She looked up at him, "Dear soldier, were you the one I met in the market place?"

"Yes. I was the one who took the boy from you." He poured a glass and held it out to her, "I only came by to thank you. I promise to make a good man out of him." Their fingers touched as he she took the glass from him and started to drink. He poured himself a glass.

"But, what of your prince? Is he a good man?"

He smiled, "You have not met him, yet?"

"No. I feel that he is being rude by not introducing himself to me. Could you tell me what he looks like?"

"Button eyes with matching long black hair and dark skin. Always getting into trouble. But, please, forgive him, princess. He is very young to take up the role of king. His elder brother is getting married and the time is right for making good faith gestures. He wishes to have no enemies, once he takes you as his bride."

"I would never take a Kaiba as my husband."

"But, the princes are good men."

"Good men?! They are responsible for my fiancé's death!" She sighed and frowned at him, "I'm sorry, sir knight. I did not mean to offend you, of whom you have sworn yourself to protect. Their inventions had killed many of my kingdom's people. Family men, …sons, …and good men like yourself." Her voice was soft, "Do you have a wife; children, sir knight?"

"I hope to have both, one day."

She looked at him as she placed her hand on his forearm, "You are a kind man-."

He looked at her, "How would you know that?"

"I can…just tell."

"I see…." Her smell intoxicated his senses, "Do your eyes always sparkle like jewels, against the moon's light?" She started to blush and he took the hand that was on his arm, into his hand, "I've heard numerous words of your beauty, but none of them were enough. And, every man that I've heard the words from had failed to mention the beauty of your eyes." He was an elite Kaiba soldier, but the feelings that she was having towards him were forbidden. "I wish that my words be enough to ask you to become my future queen."

"I would never take a Kaiba as my husband."

He kissed her hand, "If I can't convince you otherwise, then I will simply have to beg my King to become your humble servant."

"You mustn't do that. You would be seen as a traitor."

"Why does it matter how he would punish me?"

"Because you're a good soldier and…." His eyes had gotten to her. They stared at one another and they started to hold hands.

"You need not concern yourself with my life. I can take care of myself. I will eventually need to see to the prince. But, I will stay, if you tell me otherwise."

"No, sir knight. Please see to him."

"Just to let you know…he is quite young to be looking for a queen. So, don't worry if you two don't take a liking to one another." He left her on the balcony alone.

= The above conversation needs to be reworked and possibly extended. I still need Téa to say something that warrants an uncontrollable attraction to her.

= Insert conversation between Téa and Mokuba.

"King Mazaki! I command that my brother's invitation for the princess's hand to be rescinded! As rightful heir to our throne, I ask for the right for Princess Mazaki to be my queen."

"Who are you, young man?"

His stomach flipped as he turned. He looked across the room at Téa. She could not believe that this brave young man was requesting to pursue her at the last moment. She too, wondered who he was. Their eyes were locked. All eyes were on him and his nerves caused him to hesitate.

"Tell me who you are, sir knight," Téa thought to herself.

"I am Prince Seto Kaiba: eldest son and rightful heir of the Kaiba Kingdom throne. Princess Mazaki, …I ask for your hand in marriage." The princess ran off in tears. She could not believe that the man whom she had fallen for was a Kaiba heir. Seto let out a sigh.

Author's note for version 1.b: I added the above to the original write and removed the three additional written sections due to the fact that I kept attempting to clean those up. I may add them back into this, if asked. I'm trying to avoid rewriting those sections, to avoid being tempted to write this one.

= Should he be meaner, now? Or only during the tournament? Or exhibit meanness every here or there?

"Please read the card."

Seto laughed at the card and looked at his opponent's card. "And, I bet all of the cards also say 'good luck', yet mine says: Go to hell, Prince Seto Kaiba."

"You're not sleeping in my bed with me, tonight!"

"If you're unwilling to receive my seed, tonight, then there's plenty of women that will."

She looked between him and the chamber maid. "Get out, of my bedroom! Get out, NOW!" She pushed the maid. The maid looked at Seto in confusion. She started to push her, "Get out! Get out!" She slammed the door shut, after her. She turned around to witness Seto sitting upon the bed. "You are not going to sleep in the same bed with me, tonight!"

"I'll oblige, only if you sit and have a talk with me." She thought that it was a trick, but she second guessed that since she knew that he was not a brute, like some of her other suitors were. She marched over and sat on the bed with him. He sat at the foot and her at her pillow. She had her arms crossed and her head tilted towards the ceiling with her eyes closed. "."

"!"

Seto let out an angry sigh, "If you're going to kick out my only entertainment, then at least look at me."

"No!"

"Something tells me that you would've been mad, no matter whom you got married to."

"You killed my husband. I hate you!"

"My kingdom had nothing to do with that war."

"Your people were the ones that made the weapons that killed him!"

"None of those idiots deserved you."

She looked at him, "And, you felt like you did?" She felt like that she was some trophy that he won.

He sighed, "It sounds bad when you put it that way. We both know that I'm not your ideal match…but I appreciate what you did." Her eyes softened.

To Be Continued or THE END ?