Love's Vessel Chapter 1: Prologue: The Runaway, a yu-gi-oh fanfic

Author's Note: Hello and welcome back to the new a revised version of Confusion Catastrophe: A Runaway's Life! (now called Love's Vessel) I had removed this story (once again) in order to completely rewrite it. Originally I had started this fan-fiction in order to participate in Imperfect Paradise's challenge for writing this love triangle, but the challenge has ended quite a while ago. Now I'm just writing the story for the sake of writing it, just because I feel the need to. To be honest, I've grown quite fond of the love triangle (yet again due to Imperfect Paradise), so I'm going to enjoy attempting to write this story.

Also note, I was formerly known as PrincessChaos.
I moved to this account, considering the fact my past works irks me so.
You may call me Fizz now, please. Electric Fizz is acceptable as well.

Criticism is appreciated. Reviews are loved. Flames are ignored.
Have a nice day.

Summary: Seto × Shizuka × Pegasus - After running away from home, Shizuka never thought things could possibly be worse aboard this elegant cruise liner--how wrong she was.

Pairings: Seto × Shizuka × Pegasus, Katsuya × Mai, Anzu × Yuugi, Mokuba × Rebecca

Age Information: Shizuka (17), Kaiba (20), Pegasus (24), Katsuya (19), Mai (21), Yuugi (19), Anzu (18), Mokuba (16), Rebecca (15).

Warning: Suggestive themes, sexual situations, alcohol consumption, language, and mild violence.

Love's Vessel
Electric Fizz

Prologue: The Runaway
× "Who the hell are you?" - Kaiba, Seto

The crisp chill smell of salt and sand drifted through the air as Shizuka Jounouchi paused to take in all the glory held before her eyes. In front of her stood the giant vessel she was planning on boarding and beyond that lay the everlasting ocean. The large cruise ship was majestic and luxurious; she was hesitant on boarding it and was considering on waiting until a less luxurious ship anchored in it's place. Though she did not know how long she would have to wait for that to happen, she decided not to risk the chance to find out. She had to escape as quickly as she can before her brother could trace her.

You see, innocent little Shizuka had decided to runaway from the safety of her brother. Why? She was sick of having her over protective brother Katsuya down her back and around every corner. As much as she loved him, she wanted space and wanted to be able to make her decisions for herself. So, here she was standing before the huge ship that she would use to aid her to her freedom. Well, freedom for at least a while. She wasn't exactly planning on never returning; she just wanted some personal space for a bit. She knew when she did return her brother would be screaming his head off.

She felt guilty though, leaving her brother and friends to worry about. Although she did leave a note stating that she would be leaving for a while (attempting to nicely word the meaning of running away) and had asked her brother not to panic. She had even left her cell phone at home in order to avoid any expected phone calls she would be receiving. She just wanted her peace.

Adjusting her red backpack, she eyed the name of the ship that was anchored at the pier. Elegant script spelled out the word Ryuujin. Instantly she could tell the ship most likely belonged to someone who was well endowed with fortune. She chewed on her lip as she carefully approached the vessel. She would have to find some way on getting on the ship without being scene, since she did not have a ticket. The security looked tight and she was about to back down on trying to get on that ship, but her determination clung strong.

Taking a deep breathe she carefully zigzagging her way through crates, using them as shields from any bystanders or crew that could see her she approached the luxury liner. She carefully try to calculate the right moment to slip on unnoticed, she crouched down behind the crate nearest to the bridge to the ship. It seemed as if everyone had long boarded the ship, since there were no passengers visible on the first floor deck; although, she could clearly hear laughter and clinking of glasses coming from the second floor deck.

The sun was beginning to slip under the sea and no crew members seemed to be around. This was her chance to get on without being seen and so adjusting the backpack securely on her back, she scampered towards the bridge in a blind dash and threw herself behind the nearest crate aboard it. She finally let out a sigh of relief; the plan was going well as of far and hopefully she would not screw up and get caught.

Shizuka slipped the backpack off her back and placed it next to her on the floor. She silently wondered if her brother had found the letter she left or noted her absence, considering nightfall was approaching. She bit her lip as guilt began to snake itself into her system. What if her brother had done something stupid and hurt himself in the process of looking for her? Maybe she should give up on her plans and instead talk to her brother on his behavior towards her. She was sure he would understand.

She suddenly stood up from where she was crouching, when suddenly a loud fog horn burst through the air causing the ship to shake. She squealed in shock, as her knees buckled together and she stumbled a few steps backwards. As soon as the fog horn stopped invading the air, a loud clanking noise was heard. The anchor was being pulled up, signaling that the ship was preparing to set sail. She gulped as she glanced once more at the exit. It was far too late to turn back now, unless she was crazy enough to attempt to leap to solid ground. The ship groaned and creaked once more. Too focused on what she should do, she failed to notice her backpack slowly slipping off the deck and into the bottomless sea.

She even failed to hear the splash it made, since her ears were still ringing from the previous sound of the earsplitting fog horn. She decided to stay as the ship began to move, seeing as there was nothing else she could do. She knew if she had attempted to leap onto the pier she would have probably broken her neck. Turning her attention back to the sea, she watched the sunset continue to fall. The sky had been set aflame; burning bright. Tints of orange and yellow sported the sky as dusk showed it's face. The way the colors engulfed the sky was a beautiful sight to behold; not many people paused to note this happen on a daily basis.

She closed her eyes as she sighed and sat back down on the floor, leaning her back against the crate. She had no clue how long this liner was planning on being out to sea, but she hoped it would not be very long. She was beginning to feel homesickness, feeling her chest tighten with the cruel illness. Shizuka instantly felt very pathetic that she could not break free of her brother's safe reigns without doubt attacking her.

Damn it, she could not be thinking of him anymore at the moment, otherwise she would most likely nosedive off the blasted vessel and beg her brother to forgive her. That's how much the guilt was eating at her at the moment. She forced herself not to think of him any further and turned her attention back at the city she was leaving behind, watching it shrink as the boat continued to travel farther away from it with speed she thought was not possibly for something that was so heavy. In fact, how did this heavy metal thing float?

The orange sky slowly began to darken to a lovely shade of crimson. She hugged her knees as she rested her chin on them. Her hair seemed to glow, making her hair seem much more redder as the heaven's reflected against it. She yawned, feeling a bit tired but that was soon forgotten when the abrupt rumble of her stomach announced to her that she was hungry. She sat up straight and reached over towards her bag. When she felt nothing, she started groping around frantically before glancing down and noting that her red backpack holding her supplies was gone.

Panic instantly etched her face and she began crawling around searching for any signs of her bag. It shouldn't be that hard to spot, considering it was such a bright color. When she failed to find it, she fell back onto her butt and sighed in defeat. Somehow she had a feeling this was god's way of extracting revenge on her for making her brother's heart ache so. Her stomach growled breaking her thoughts. The faint aroma of food wafted through the air and she froze.

"Someone really spites me out there," she stated to herself softly as she fought to relinquish the delicious smells filling her nostrils. Clamping her hand over her nose she took a deep breath. Her stomach lurched and she silently cursed herself for have not eating before boarding this ship. She also cursed herself for not keeping a better eye on her supplies. God knows where they were washed up now.

Regardless, maybe she could sneak about and get a bite. Slipping her hand away from her nose, she glanced around trying to figure out where the smell was coming from. Even though she really could not risk the chance of being caught, her stomach was making the decision for her to go find something to shut it up. Maybe she could blend in now, considering the fact that she was on vessel now. She glanced up at the second floor deck, guessing that the food was up there since she was hearing the clanking of glass.

She slowly stood up and glimpsed up at the people. They were all dressed extremely sophisticated and she inwardly groaned when she glanced at her own attire. There was no question they would instantly tell that she did not belong here, especially since she was simply in a pair of faded jeans and a hooded jacket. She decided to wait until it was late before exploring the ship and acquiring something to eat. Shizuka would just have to deal with her stomach's grumbling until then.

She sighed and looked helplessly up at the upper deck. The food was so close and yet, so very far. Shaking her head and trying to clear her mind before she attempted doing something stupid, she threw herself back down onto her butt. Leaning her back against the crate she pouted, trying to figure out where the kitchen would be on the thing. It had to be under her, since she heard that was the most common place the galley would be. She licked her dry lips and noted the sky was beginning to darken into a shade of violet. It would soon become pitch black and maybe then she could begin her little search. It was risky, but she had the dark to aid her in hiding.

Her thoughts were interrupted when she heard footsteps, causing her eyes to widen as she pressed her back much more firmly against the crate. She wished she would just dissolve into the damn thing and away from anyone's sight. Her eyes dilated in fear as she heard the footsteps become louder, which meant they were much nearer to her now.

"Rebecca, what's wrong?" a voice asked, concern etching the voice. The voice sounded very familiar, but she could not place her finger on where she had heard it. She gulped when she saw two pairs of feet a few strides away from her hiding spot and she slowly inched herself further away.

"Nothing at all, everything is just dandy when you're boyfriend is the most romantic person in the world!" a sarcastic feminine voice broke through the air. Shizuka winced at the comment. That was a tad bit too harsh.

"Hey! I'm sorry for dragging you here, but I'll make it up to you. I promise!"

"You're such a liar Mokuba!"

Shizuka instantly clamped her hand over her mouth to stifle a gasp that was about to escape. When she heard that name instant memories of Battle City tournament floated into her mind. But it couldn't be that Mokuba, could it? She slowly snaked back closer to the two to make sure if her suspicion was correct or not. Her eyes widened; it was indeed the Mokuba she knew: Mokuba Kaiba.

Although she couldn't help but notice how much he had changed and was surprised that she could see the kid in the teen that stood a few feet away from her. His murky hair was now shorter, just passed his shoulders. He seemed to look more like his brother, although he still held his childish looks to some extent. He was taller now and slim, but he seemed much more toned than the older Kaiba. Shizuka's eyes wandered over towards his female companion that lay close to him. She had long golden blonde hair and bright green eyes that twinkled with anger. She was petite and seemed quite young; nothing more than a teenager.

"I'm sorry!" Mokuba cried seemingly hurt, "You know how my brother is. He wouldn't go alone and I didn't want to not be around for our anniversary."

The blonde girl sighed and wrapped her arms lovingly around his neck, giving him a small peck on the lips before softly muttering, "It's okay."

Shizuka suddenly felt her face become hot and looked away, ashamed that she was eavesdropping on their business. She scolded herself for watching them and tried to focus her attention elsewhere, but remembered that she had to keep watch so she would not slip and be caught. She furrowed her eyebrows however when she realized that Mokuba had noted that his brother was here. This was a problem; she definitely had to watch out that he didn't catch her. He would most likely recognize her, since she had not changed much in those few years. Plus she knew her brother would fume considering Kaiba would most likely claim how careless Katsuya was as an older brother.

Turning her attention back onto the mushy teenagers just in time to see Mokuba lean over, diving in for a more passionate kiss. Moments later however, their bliss was interrupted as a voice cut through, "Break it up you two."

All heads turned to see none other than Seto Kaiba standing before the lovebirds. He glared at Rebecca, "Hawkins, I would like to have a word with my brother. Preferably alone, so leave."

Rebecca opened her mouth in protest, but Mokuba placed his hand on her shoulder and gave it a slight squeeze. She understood and held her tongue. With a scowl and venomous glare directed at the elder Kaiba, she brushed passed him leaving the Kaiba brothers to talk. She glanced back for an instant and then walked back up the stairs to the upper deck.

"What is it nii-sama?" Mokuba asked, frowning in distaste. (1)

His brother had totally ruined their wonderful moment. Shizuka eyed the elder Kaiba, noting that he had too changed but not as much as the younger Kaiba. His chestnut hair was a bit shorter but it still suited the same style she had last seen him in. He was still as tall, but seemed much more menacing with those icy blue eyes that seemed to dig into your soul. His pale complexion glistened off the deck lights that flickered on the walls that instant, emitting an eerie glow about him. He still seemed like the Kaiba she had witnessed years ago--cold and unreadable, although he seemed much more colder now, especially at this moment under the light of the evening glow.

He was not wearing a trench coat like he normally did; instead he wore a simple black collared shirt along. Regardless of not having the ominous trench coat on, he did have those black leather pants she had seen him in. He put his hands in his pockets as he strolled closer towards Mokuba, but pausing near him to lean back against the bars that protected passengers from slipping off and falling into the sea.

"It's about your girlfriend," Kaiba spat, emphasizing girlfriend with venom. His eyes drifted towards his younger brother's face.

"What about Rebecca?" Mokuba asked, crossing his arms across his white collared shirt, distaste crossing his lips at the way his brother seemed to feel about his girlfriend. He was starting to get annoyed with his brother and the way he hated his girlfriend when she had done nothing to him. Well, nothing that he knew of anyhow.

"When are you dumping her?" the elder asked, turning around to lean his arms against the bars, as he watched the sea absentmindedly. Mokuba glared at his brother's back, "I'm not dumping her. I love her."

Kaiba snorted in response and turned his head to look at his brother, "How foolish," he said narrowing his cobalt eyes.

"How would you know? You never had a girlfriend," Mokuba spat, as his fists clenched and unclenched at the anger that boiled within him. If he didn't care for his brother, he would have punched him by now.

"I'm your brother. I intend to look out for what is best suited for you and I'm telling you to leave her," Kaiba commanded, turning around to face his rebellious brother.

"No," Mokuba simply stated, "Did you not hear me? I love her. I would never dream of leaving her. Now if you will excuse me, I have to go and find my girlfriend," Mokuba said angrily, as he purposely brushed past the elder brother. Kaiba did nothing to stop him. His only apparent response was raising his hand to rub the area between his eyes. Clearly, he was frustrated. He hated dealing with his little brother these days. He wished that his brother would have just stayed a ten year old so he wouldn't have to deal with this rebellious teenager with his hormones.

Suddenly a fog horn rang from a lighthouse across the sea, causing Shizuka to yelp in surprise. She instantly clamped her hand over her mouth, hoping she had not been heard. Kaiba had indeed heard the sound and instantly whisked his head towards her direction, "Who's there?" there was a pause, "Hawkins?"

Shizuka bit her lip and prayed that a miracle would bestow this moment to save her. Footsteps clanked against the hardwood floor as Kaiba investigated the scene. She closed her eyes and pressed her back against the crate, wanting to disappear. The footsteps had stopped and Shizuka slowly opened her eyes only to be greeted by narrow cold eyes staring down at her, "Who the hell are you?"

Shizuka voice instantly became lodged in her throat and she did the only thing she could do at that moment.

She fainted.

To be continued.

Notes:
(1) - nii-sama is a formal version for big brother.

Author's Note: I apologize if any of the characters sound out of character. It's been a while since I've written fan-fiction (almost two years in fact). I'm still attempting to get back into the flow to some extent. I'd appreciate any form of feedback. I'm currently working on the next chapter as well; it is in the process of being typed.

On the side note: Does my writing seem better at least? And if you see any grammatical errors, please tell me. I may have overlooked something while checking over.

Thank you.

This story, or any parts of it, is forbidden to be reproduced.