Author's Note: I'll say now, this is going to be relatively long, but you don't need to read it if you really don't want to. If, however, you have questions, I'd advise you check this before sending me a PM about them.
First of all, yes-this is based off the Hunger Games. I've stolen the idea of districts, and having children fight to the death, and things like escorts and stylists and much of the workup to the Games themselves. That being said, it isn't a crossover. There are no HG characters in this story, the world itself is significantly different, and the Shadow Games have their own set of rules. This story is all Yugioh, with a drastically different plot than the novels. The arc reflects the magic/spirits focus seen in Yugioh much more than it does anything Hunger Games. The world has ancient history identical to the Yugioh one, with everything that happened in Ancient Egypt remaining the same. The story itself, however, is set in a sort of dystopian society where old traditions are prominent in a highly modernized nation.
Honestly, the first part of this won't go into that; it'll take place heavily in the arena, much as the first Hunger Games book did. When I get to the second installment, world building will become more necessary, and the 'hows' and 'whys' will become clear. For now, the plot is more 'in the moment.'
One more thing, and then I'm done-please don't leave because you don't think you'll like who I'm shipping. For one, Seto Kaiba is the progonist (ish person). That should say something about the role of romance in the story. There might be pairings, maybe he'll end up with someone (I honestly don't know at this point), but it won't be a focus. Also, I probably won't take this in the direction you assume, so wait it out a while before heading off. If you just don't like the story, then well... I guess give constructive criticism and move on.
Sorry. That was rambly. But I guess that's the important stuff-message me or leave a review if you're still confused. Now, on to the story.
Disclaimer: I don't own Yugioh or the Hunger Games.
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Ch.1
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"The future is unlimited and the past is but a trace of memory" -Seto Kaiba
...
He was dreaming of blue eyes again, but the sharp blare of his alarm clock forced him awake before he could understand their significance. He stayed where he was for a moment, eyes squeezed shut as he tried to reclaim the clarity that took over whenever he had that particular dream, but the moment was lost. It had faded to his subconscious, and all he had left was the memory of azure eyes and a feeling like flying.
He groaned irritably, knowing full well it was stupid to get worked up about something so trivial, but feeling disappointed all the same. His senseless obsession with those eyes tore at him, made him feel like he were missing something vital. As though he could have comprehended some magnificent truth should he have held on just a little longer.
Foolishness, Seto thought, as he finally resigned himself to waking up. I have more important matters to worry about- The date hit him, and he cursed furiously. Drastically more important matters.
It was June 21st. The summer solstice.
The day of the Selecting Ceremony.
Dammit. Fuck it all to hell. Five years of dealing with the ceremony already, and he hadn't worried excessively about it before, but Mokuba was twelve this year. He was eligible. His brother was going to be in the pool of potential tributes.
Fuck.
Thoughts of his dream didn't go away entirely, clung to the edges of his brain like cobwebs, but he pushed them from his conscious mind for the moment. While he had no time in his life for idiocy such as dreams anyway, today required his focus more than any other. Not that focus would do anything, but he refused to let his thoughts wander to ridiculous things when there was a chance his brother could be taken from him.
Ra, even the thought made him ill. Briskly, hoping to distract himself from his borderline panic, Seto got to his feet and began getting ready for the day. Not that he found himself distracted at all. Not like anything could keep him from worrying about what might happen in only a few hours.
Mokuba. Selecting Ceremony. Today.
The thought made his stomach twist unpleasantly, affected him like little else could. Seto's hands shook so badly that he only barely managed to brush his teeth properly, and he decided not to shave at all; he had done so only yesterday, and a small amount of scruff was better than accidentally slitting his own throat.
Damn it, but he was this close to losing his mind with worry.
There was a chance, albeit a small one, that his brother would be taken from him before the day was out. The one thing on the entire godforsaken planet he cared about, and all it'd take was a single stroke of bad luck to send him to his death. Because Mokuba would not, could not win the Shadow Games. No matter how intelligent his brother was, no matter how competent, he was not cold-hearted, did not have the brutality necessary to let twenty-three people die to ensure his own survival.
If he goes, he dies.
The odds of Mokuba being selected were very low. So low that the possibility should not have warranted consideration. But the fact that there was a chance at all was terrifying.
If he lost Mokuba, he would have nothing.
His brother could not be chosen. Did not deserve to die.
"He won't be selected," murmured Seto as he dressed himself, putting on his usual black pants and black shirt before donning his trench coat as though it were a piece of armor. Once ready, he headed straight for the kitchen. Normally at this time, it would either be work or his home office, but everything in the district shut down for the ceremony, including District Three's electronics industry. Not that he would have gone to work anyway; spending the morning with his brother was more important than going over balance sheets and blueprints that could wait until the next day.
So instead of office work, Seto began making breakfast. He had staff to do it for him, but they had the day off like everyone else. In any case, he cooked relatively well—had learned how when he was younger. Could remember mornings spent with his mother, smiling while she helped him crack eggs, laughing as she guided him through cutting vegetables or preparing stew. Before the orphanage. Before he learned what it was like to go without, to survive off of scraps of bread and watery soup.
He exhaled, consciously making a point to repress the memories. He was wealthy now, had an endless supply of food, and while he was too prudent to take it for granted, he prepared a more extravagant meal than usual in light of the upcoming ceremony. Omelets, loaded with peppers and sausage and cheese. Fresh rolls one of his workers had bought from the bakery the day before, and a colorful bowl of fresher fruit than could normally be had in their district. Logic told him a good meal would hardly make things better if Mokuba were chosen, but Seto had a tendency to become slightly illogical where his brother was concerned.
It was just as he was placing the final touches on the meal that Mokuba entered the kitchen. He was already dressed and cleaned up, his mess of hair worked into some semblance of neatness, and his clothing impeccable. He wore the suit Seto had gotten tailored for him a handful of months ago, when he decided Mokuba was old enough to start helping out at the company. It fit him perfectly. Made the kid look older than twelve, although Seto couldn't help but notice that the apprehension currently in his eyes offset the effect almost entirely.
"Morning, Seto," said Mokuba, in a forcedly cheerful voice.
Seto pursed his lips and said evenly, "If you're going to pretend you aren't nervous, don't do it through obnoxiously chipper greetings. Act normal. Don't over-compensate." He set a plate of food in front of Mokuba. Hesitated, then placed a hand on his brother's shoulder in a rare affectionate gesture, hoping it said what he didn't quite know how to voice. "In any case, it'll do you no good to worry now. Being nervous does not reduce your chances of being chosen."
Mokuba rolled his eyes. "You're doing it wrong. This is where normal people say 'It'll be okay; there's no reason to worry. You won't get picked.'"
Seto did not bother with a response as he took a seat across from his brother; Mokuba knew better than to expect that from him.
"I know, I know," said Mokuba. "You aren't one for mindless platitudes. But I'm just… What if I am selected? I don't know how to survive. I can't…"
Helplessness threatened to choke Seto. He looked at his plate.
"I will not lie to you. I refuse tell you that everything is going to be okay, or that you have no reason to be nervous, because the words would be empty. There is nothing I can say to comfort you, because nothing can be said." He exhaled sharply, then admitted the painful truth that troubled him most. "I cannot protect you from this."
Mokuba said nothing.
"Eat."
"Not hungry."
Seto took a deep breath. He didn't have the foggiest idea how to reassure someone, not even to his brother, but he would try his damned best for Mokuba.
"There are approximately two hundred thousand people in District Three. Roughly twenty-percent are between the ages of twelve and eighteen—that's forty-thousand people. Assuming that males and females are divided evenly, there are an estimated twenty-thousand different names that could be selected for each gender. That means each individual person has a .005 percent chance of being chosen. It's just simple math, and the person who is eventually selected will have had the same odds as everyone else, but—perhaps you will find it reassuring."
"Seto…"
"Eat, Mokuba," he repeated, more forcefully.
"Thank you."
Seto inclined his head slightly in response. He waited, watching his brother like a hawk until he younger boy began to eat. Then he started on his own meal.
The two finished their breakfast without another word. Mokuba's silence likely came from nerves. Seto's, however, was entirely because he knew nothing he said could ever encompass the maelstrom of worry and love and panic that was currently seizing his heart.
…
They left for the square shortly before one o'clock.
It had already been set up for the Selecting Ceremony the day before, by a squad of Capitol employees who came early solely to complete the task. A large fire pit was erected in the middle, though no flames had yet been conjured. Behind the pit, Maximillian Pegasus sat on his special chair, legs crossed and expression one of nothing less than pure giddiness. He chatted amicably with Joey Wheeler, District Three's single living victor.
The blond had won two years ago when he was just fifteen, in a manner about as un-District Three as possible. He'd been dirt poor when selected, and had gotten through the Games with little more than stubbornness and pure grit. He wasn't an idiot, and his spirit monster had been one of the most powerful Seto had ever seen, but he was also obnoxious. Seto supposed he should've had some sort of pride in the boy for bringing the district 'honor,' but the mutt's abrasive personality had always rubbed him the wrong way, to the point where Seto preferred muting the television whenever he appeared on screen.
With one more glance at Wheeler—Ra, he felt sorry for the poor bastard who'd have to deal with that ass as a mentor—Seto returned his attention to the man running the check-in desks. He made sure Mokuba got through first, then gave his own name and let them prick his finger for the blood sample. They waited a second for everything to be confirmed, and then a peacekeeper waved them through.
Time to separate.
With as reassuring an expression as he could manage, Seto knelt in front of his brother and put both hands on his shoulders. Looked him right in the eye.
"No matter what happens, remember who you are, Mokuba. Remember that you are strong."
"I will. I promise," said Mokuba. "And Seto? Please, worry about yourself. If you get chosen…"
Seto leaned forward. Rested his forehead against his brother's. There was nothing he could say to Mokuba's words, so instead he settled for a low, sincere, "I love you, Mokuba."
"I love you too, Seto." His voice broke.
Seto Kaiba took a moment to steel his features before hugging his brother once more, and backing away.
Then they had to leave each other. A peacekeeper nudged him one way, while Mokuba was led the opposite, towards where the group of twelve-year-old boys were standing. Seto watched him for as long as he could, until his head of thick dark hair disappeared into the crowd. As the final stragglers arrived and the ceremony began, Seto craned his neck as subtly as possible, trying to catch sight of him, but his brother was lost. Too short, too small.
I'll find him after the ceremony.
The thought was not at all reassuring.
"Welcome, all you honored citizens," said Pegasus. "I hope you are excited for the 374th Shadow Games."
Not one person in the crowd shared his enthusiasm.
"As I am sure you know, the time has come to determine which eligible young man and woman possess souls most pleasing to the gods, to be offered up as a sacrifice to the Kingdom and its exalted king." He gave an excited squeal that made Seto's blood curdle, then clapped his hands together excitedly. "Now, I believe it is time to begin. Ladies first!"
He all but skipped to the fire pit and began eagerly throwing things inside, whispering incantations and 'invoking the knowledge of the gods.' The process never was explained, and Seto figured the lack of clarification meant the tributes were ultimately selected by chance—that the fire and incantations were nothing more than a cheap parlor trick to make the process itself look more flashy. Cheap trick or not, however, the overall effect was rather impressive. As Pegasus finished, pillars of flame rose unnaturally high from the pit, lapping hungrily at the sky.
More mumbling from Pegasus. The flames grew even larger.
"The tribute is-" A frown. The fire turned blue, and then pure white, and murmurs broke out amongst the crowd. Even Seto tensed. That had never happened before. He stared disbelievingly, wondering at what could possibly cause the change—especially when Pegasus's startled expression suggested even he had not expected the anomaly—but the flames flickered back to normal before he could give the matter any further thought.
Flustered, Pegasus cleared his throat.
"My apologies for the… mishap. As I was saying, the female tribute is Serenity Wheeler."
Seto's eyes flashed to where Joey Wheeler was sitting on the stage. He knew the girl was the mutt's sister from the interviews that were held towards the end of the Games, and he was also aware that the boy had spoken very, very highly of her. In fact, his devotion to the chit was the single area in which Seto had held any sort of respect for him.
It wasn't surprising to see him tense in his seat as though he'd been slapped. His face turned nearly purple with outrage, and Seto didn't miss the way two peacekeepers stepped forward and put restraining hands on his shoulders, obviously warning him against acting out. Joey snarled something Seto couldn't hear, but his words must've been met with some sort of subsequent threat, because his flushed face turned ghost white and he slumped back into his chair.
Seto studied him a moment longer, then turned his gaze to the girl who'd been chosen. He might have remembered her existence from the interviews, but he hadn't paid enough attention to truly recall what she looked like, or anything of her personality beyond that he'd found her to be painfully spineless. What little he remembered proved to be correct, because the small, dainty-looking redhead didn't have the mind to hide her terror as she walked to the stage. There were no tears and he could tell she was making an effort to keep her head held high, but her hands were shaking visibly, and her expression wasn't as stoic as he expected she thought it was.
When Pegasus grabbed her hand and held it to the sky as he introduced her, as he gushed over having another Wheeler in the Games, she stared out at the crowd with wide gray eyes, appearing as though she were moments from throwing up.
"Serenity Wheeler, ladies and gentleman. Oh, this year is already looking to be one to remember!" Then he dropped her hand and stepped forward once more, going on excitingly, "Now, let us see if the second tribute is as fabulous as the first."
More muttering, more stupid, probably fake magic. The flames remained normal for a moment, but soon flashed blue, then white again, this time more intensely than they had for the Wheeler girl. Pegasus gave a frightened gasp and jumped backwards as sparks threatened to burn him, and Seto smirked, almost forgetting his consuming fear for Mokuba's life as he watched the idiot try to compose himself.
"I- I apologize… The spirits are simply very excited!" Pegasus tried shakily, in a voice even more grating than usual to make up for his uncertainty. "U-um, the male tribute for this year is… ooh." The fear subsided, and something like genuine fascination flashed through his eyes. Kaiba's breath hitched, and all he could think in that instant was not Mokuba, not Mokuba, anyone but Mokuba. "Seto Kaiba."
He froze, his teeth gritting together, hands clenching into fists as reality hit him hard and fast. Oh, there was relief, a brief moment of time where he was glad that it was him and not his brother, but then the other emotions hit. Fear that he did not let himself dwell on. Worry about how Mokuba would survive should he not come home.
Then determination.
Determination that he would not allow his brother to lose the last of his family. Determination that he would not die, that he would not let himself be defeated by weaklings who did not know the meaning of strength. Determination that he would come home to take care of Mokuba.
Determination that he would win.
He had already dealt with enough trauma, enough adversity, that after the initial shock, Seto was able to quickly restore his focus. First and foremost, he had to make a good impression—had to present himself in a way that would get him fans and get him sponsors. He had to be strong.
Not difficult. He'd spent the past five years of his life purging himself of every weakness he could.
Back straight, head held high, face an impassive mask—as though he did not care he had been chosen, as though he were not worried in the least about losing—Seto strode to the stage amidst the murmurs of the rest of the district. Some expressed shock that Three's most famous non-victor had been chosen, others venomously declared that the greedy Capitol lapdog had gotten what was coming for him, and a handful voiced regret that such a promising genius was possibly going to die so young.
He ignored them all as he took his place next to the Wheeler girl. Pegasus moved to take his arm, but Seto glared him down until the twit scampered away to conclude the ceremony. He glanced at the Wheeler chit, wondering if she were going to expect him to do the traditional handshake, but she wasn't looking at him. Her hands were folded together in front of her, her eyes cast on the ground so intently he wasn't sure she even knew he was there.
Well, at least it appeared she would not be as abrasive as her brother, if only because she didn't have the backbone for it. She seemed very… sweet as well, and the role Joey had placed her in during his Games—the one of a younger sibling in need of protecting—had Seto feeling a small amount of sympathy for her. Not enough that he would have second thoughts about killing her if necessary, but he'd try to avoid putting himself in a situation where doing so would be expected. Staying away from her would probably make the most sense strategically as well. Wheeler would almost certainly pour any sponsor money he had into his sister while the girl was still alive, but nothing said he wouldn't be willing to use his funds on Seto after her inevitable death. Not so long as Seto avoided taking the chit's life himself.
Seto was forced to table his contemplations when Pegasus finally concluded the ceremony, and escorted he and Serenity off the stage. She gravitated towards her brother as soon as she was able, leaving Seto to follow behind. He watched with something between empathy and disgust as they comforted each other, empathy because he knew he'd be doing the exact same thing if it were him and Mokuba, and disgust because Ra, couldn't the chit hold it together until the cameras were off her? He'd almost say she were trying to appear weak if she hadn't given him the exact same impression of uselessness when he'd seen her on screen two years ago.
It was almost laughable, how pathetic she was.
Pegasus led them inside the Justice Building, where Seto was taken to a private room. Mokuba rushed inside only moments later, his face stoic as could be expected, but he couldn't quite hold back the tears that were threatening to fall from his eyes. It looked like he'd been punched in the face and was trying to be tough about it. For all their sappy talk before the Ceremony, neither had really expected one of them to get chosen.
"S-Seto," Mokuba cried. He wrapped his arms around his waist, and Seto held the boy close to him. This would be the last he'd see of his brother for at least several weeks. He'd have to make the most of it.
"Don't look so upset," said Seto, as gently as he was able. "I'm strong, Mokuba. I will be back." He stroked his brother's hair comfortingly, as he used to do when they were at the orphanage and Mokuba would cry to him about how cruel the other children were. The memory brought a sad smile to his face. He'd been his brother's caretaker for so long… the niggling worry of how Mokuba would take it should he not come back appeared once more, but he pushed it back. There was no doubt in his mind that he would survive, no matter what he had to give up to do so.
"D-do you promise?"
Seto swallowed. He never made promises he might not be able to keep. And he knew, knew in his gut, that there was a chance he wouldn't get home. Bad luck, stupid circumstance, a vindictive Gamemaker.
It wouldn't take much to end his existence permanently.
He didn't say this, however. For the first time he could remember, he ignored his reluctance to give empty reassurance and say firmly, "I promise."
Mokuba managed a sad smile. "Then I believe you."
And he did. Seto knew that. His brother would always believe him, would never doubt his word, and that was more motivation to get home than anything.
He couldn't let Mokuba down.
"Stay with Roland when I'm gone," he said gruffly, because there were important things he needed to say and he was in danger of getting lost in sentimentality. "He'll take care of you. Keep going to school, do your homework, and make sure you get enough sleep." He took a deep breath. "Roland knows what I want done with the company and should oversee things, but I trust you more than I trust him, so make sure he doesn't become too lenient."
Mokuba nodded gravely, taking in the words as though his life depended on it.
"If things get… ugly, on screen, do not feel you need to watch. I will not tell you not to, because I know you are intelligent enough to determine whether you can handle it, but do not think you need to see me get hurt, or hurt someone else, for any reason. Okay?"
Another nod, except this time Mokuba added in a small voice, "I want you to do whatever you need to get home, Seto. I won't hold anything against you. Just… come back."
Seto squeezed his brother closer to him, then sighed softly and stepped away.
"I've already promised." Tears pricked his eyes, and he quickly blinked them away. Cleared his throat. "Mokuba…"
They looked at each other for a moment longer. Then a peacekeeper knocked on the door and said his time was up, and Seto ruffled his brother's hair one last time before he was forced to leave. Their eyes stayed connected as Mokuba backed out of the room, and then he was gone.
Seto stayed where he was and took several deep breaths to regain his composure. Fans and idiots who likely wanted nothing more than a place in his will asked to see him, but Seto had them all barred in favor of a few moments to himself.
By the time Pegasus came to fetch him, his face was stony once more. The time for emotion was through, and now he could focus all his attention on coming out on top.
Because he'd promised Mokuba, and if nothing else, Seto Kaiba refused to break a promise to his little brother.
…
Pegasus escorted him to a waiting car outside. Seto was met with flashing cameras and a flock of reporters, but he ignored them for the most part. Some tributes went out of their way to come across as charming, but he'd hardly have to bother with such stupidity. His natural demeanor was frightening enough that he wouldn't have to change at all to attract sponsors; acting cold and calculating was as easy for him as breathing, and he had enough charisma to pull off the angle without appearing unlikable.
Already, when he flashed an enigmatic smirk as he slid into the car, the camera flashes doubled in intensity, the reporters breaking into excited whispers as they discussed what the expression might mean.
No, it wouldn't be difficult at all to appease the morons who populated the Capitol.
The Wheeler girl was already in the vehicle when he entered, along with her irritating brother. Seto resisted the urge to comment on how pathetic the two of them looked, both teary-eyed and clinging to the other. He refused to outright play nice, but staying off the Wheelers' bad side was in his best interest if he wanted the mutt's eventual support. He didn't quite have it in him to play likable, but avoiding cruel comments would hopefully keep him from making an enemy he couldn't afford.
The car pulled up to the train station before long, and Pegasus hustled all of them onto the train. Serenity gasped as she took in her luxurious surroundings, obviously unused to the level of extravagance even with a victor for a brother, but Seto was not nearly as impressed. Much of his work was done in Capitol-constructed buildings, so he wasn't exactly struck speechless by a few superfluous frills, and he was hardly in danger of being awed by the train's advanced technology when he'd designed more sophisticated machinery before his eleventh birthday.
Serenity opened her mouth, as though intending to comment on the train, but Pegasus began speaking before she could, launching into a speech about the generosity of King Bakura, and how wonderful their accommodations would be throughout their stay in the Capitol.
"I'm sure you've never seen anything quite like this before," he said, as he led them towards their separate rooms. "It's quite impressive, isn't it?"
"The engines are outdated," Seto said, unable to help himself. "I've overseen the creation of newer models that don't make half so much noise. I'd also estimate that this train uses at least five percent more fuel than is strictly necessary due to dated technology. Impressive?" He scoffed. "My twelve-year-old brother could create something more impressive in his sleep."
The male Wheeler snickered, while the female looked slightly uncomfortable, as though unsure of how to react to Seto's vindictiveness. He sent a smirk in her direction, and she glared back with all the ferocity of a week-old kitten. Her attempt at fierceness was almost as amusing as Pegasus's spluttering.
"Yes, well," said Pegasus after a moment, finally regaining some semblance of composure. "You are only from the districts, so it's hardly likely you'd receive the best the Capitol has to offer."
"I guess the king's generosity has limits, then," Seto replied dryly.
"Of course- Wait, I mean, that's not… Come with me," he demanded, his good humor evidently up. Seto chuckled to himself when Pegasus herded him into the first room they came across, apparently not wanting to deal with him any longer.
The room itself was surprisingly nice, though nothing overly surprising. Thick carpet, large bed, and a panel on the wall off which he could order a wide variety of food. There was a touch of superfluous extravagance that he found irritatingly tacky, but it certainly could have been worse. The bathroom especially was impressive, and Seto had to admit it was the nicest he'd seen in his life. The clothes that had been supplied for him were of undeniable quality as well.
Knowing that he had a fair amount of time until supper, Seto headed to the bathroom to shower, well aware that it was essential his appearance be impeccable from that point forward. He spent slightly more time cleaning himself than necessary, taking a few moments to let the hot water relax his muscles before drying himself and dressing in a pair of black pants and a button up shirt. He acknowledged that it was best he lost the trench coat, but found a suit jacket to take its place, unwilling to part with the security of another layer of fabric. He would have to do so eventually, he was aware, but he wanted to retain that small amount of comfort for the time being.
By the time he finished, it was nearly time for supper. Seto ran into Pegasus halfway to the dining car, and they walked in silence the rest of the way, Pegasus still obviously too offended by Seto's earlier comments to maintain his usual stream of chatter.
Serenity and Joey were already starting on their meal when they arrived. Seto noted that Joey was filling his sister's plate for her, while she watched with slightly narrowed eyes, obviously irritated that he didn't let her do it herself but unwilling to do anything about it. Seto bit back the urge to make a comment about the male's thick-headedness and the female's lack of spine—You can't afford to make Wheeler your enemy—and settled instead for silently loading his own plate with food, taking care to select the healthiest options available, and in larger quantities than he would have otherwise. Seto had a habit of ignoring eating in favor of more important things, but he'd have to make a point of consuming as many calories as possible in the week leading up to the Games. While battling spirit monsters was certainly the most notorious part of the Shadow Games, survival was every bit as important. It was unlikely he'd have a consistent supply of food in the arena, so he'd do well to put on weight while he still could.
"So… w-what do you think it means?" Serenity asked hesitantly, after several minutes of silence.
Seto continued eating for a moment before he realized the chit was speaking to him. He was tempted to ignore her, but forced himself to drawl with barely concealed impatience, "What do I think what means?"
She coughed. "T-the blue fire." She was speaking to her plate instead of to him, and it was annoying as hell. "O-or the white fire." Her eyes flashed briefly to Pegasus. "I-it isn't supposed to do that, r-right?"
Pegasus cleared his throat.
"It isn't supposed to do anything, dear girl. The fire does what the gods command of it."
"T-then why was it different?"
The escort didn't have an answer for that, and Serenity looked back towards Seto, obviously wanting him to say something. He swallowed the food in his mouth and replied coolly, "I highly doubt it means anything at all. The Capitol likely used something to alter the flames and neglected to notify this moron," he nodded towards Pegasus, "to make his reaction more realistic." His voice turned spiteful. "I imagine it was a publicity stunt."
"The gods do not care for publicity. I imagine the fire had a greater meaning that will reveal itself in time," declared Pegasus emphatically.
It took everything Seto had not to say where the so-called 'gods' could shove their greater meaning. He'd never believed that they were real, had always thought the mysterious but never named figures were merely entities dreamt up by the earliest ruler of the Kingdom to justify his cruelty and keep the people in line. He'd divided the districts and reduced them to poverty, and no one had questioned it because the gods said it must be. He'd enslaved much of District Thirteen and wiped out the rest because the gods had told him to. And now, the current king maintained the tradition of the Shadow Games because the gods declared the sacrifice necessary to make up for past wrongs of the districts.
The gods were nothing more than a tool to keep power in the king's hands, and if Seto wasn't certain the room was being monitored by people who'd call his thoughts treasonous and kill him the moment he stepped into the arena, he wouldn't have hesitated in tearing apart Pegasus's worshipful infatuation with the nonexistent beings.
"I think you should ignore it for now," said Wheeler, speaking up for the first time, likely in response to the scathing contempt in Seto's expression. "Pegasus is right; if the odd fire meant anything, we won't know about it until the time is right."
"I… I guess. I was just thinking, I've been having dreams… and I can't remember much, but there are always blue eyes in them, like the color of the fire." Serenity went crimson and snuck another glance at Seto. "Blue eyes like his."
His heart stopped in his chest, and for a moment Seto did not know what to think. There was no way that she'd been sharing his dreams, it had to be coincidence, but the odds of both of them dreaming about blue eyes—eyes that he now realized were similar to his own, that were nearly the same color as the fire had turned earlier—were astronomically low.
Seto stared at Serenity, wondering if she'd remembered anything more from the dreams than he had, if maybe she'd captured the significance in those blue eyes that he always seemed to miss, before he realized that Wheeler and Pegasus were both looking at him oddly. He quickly schooled his features, and glared irritably at both men.
"What?" he snapped coolly, but not cruelly—he wouldn't let his irritation lose him ground with the mutt—"So the chit is dreaming about my eyes. That sounds more like a stupid crush than anything of significance."
The mutt's face went red, and he snarled, "Like she'd ever have a crush on an unfeeling piece of shit like you, Moneybags."
"Joey," said Serenity. "He's just saying what he thinks. And he's probably right." She ducked her head. "N-not about the c-crush, but about it not being important."
"Either way," announced Pegasus, "you should control your temper, Joseph. It's unbecoming to lose control in such a manner."
Seto would have smirked at Wheeler's fury had his eyes not caught with the girl's. She had no talent whatsoever at guarding her thoughts, and Seto could see in her expression that she'd been blatantly lying to get her brother away from the subject. She suspected that Seto wasn't as ignorant as he was pretending, and he almost thought she might've worked up the stones to press the matter had there been no one else around.
Whatever she thought of her dreams, it was not that they were unimportant.
Seto disagreed, refused to believe that anything of real value could come from something as silly as a dream, but he also had to acknowledge that something was going on. He wouldn't dwell on it, but ignoring the matter wasn't an option.
He'd keep his eyes open, would maybe take the time to discuss the issue with the girl should the opportunity arise. Until then, he refused to waste any of his energy worrying about something so uselessly abstract.
"Fine. We'll forget about it for now," Joey said tightly. "The Selecting Ceremonies for the other districts are due on any second anyway." He got to his feet. "Sis." His voice darkened. "Moneybags. This way."
So much for staying on Wheeler's good side; seemed the mutt disliked him already. Possibly for the comment about his sister crushing on him, more likely from the fact that he'd be in a position to kill the girl by time the week was out, and quite probably—most probably—from old prejudices against the Kaiba family. Not that the prejudices weren't warranted; Gozaburo was the scum of the earth, and though he hated to acknowledge it, Seto himself was forced to be every bit the Capitol lapdog people saw him as.
That didn't mean he appreciated the mutt's attitude.
"I hardly find your abrasive behavior necessary," commented Seto, as he made his way out of the dining car. "I've hardly done anything to warrant it."
Wheeler snorted. "Your reputation precedes you, Kaiba. You're a known ass, and the only reason you're being less of a heartless dick than usual is that you know you need my help. Forgive me for not playing along."
Seto was almost impressed. So the moron wasn't such a moron after all.
"It doesn't mean I'm not putting forth the effort, mutt. You should try doing the same."
"I have one priority this year, and it ain't you, Kaiba. Give me one reason why I should bother pretending I don't hate you."
He eyed Wheeler shrewdly.
"Because in only a few days, I'm going to be in a position to kill your sister. If we end this week enemies, I'd have no reason not to do it—not when I'd know I wouldn't get any help from you either way." He let that sink in, then went on slowly, as though explaining something to a small child, "But if I think you might be willing to treat me as your second priority, there's a good chance I'd make it a point not to kill her. Not when I'd know it would lose me any chance of receiving outside help."
Wheeler narrowed his eyes.
"You realize I'd only help you if something happened to her, and since nothing is going to hurt-"
Seto cut him off with a laugh. "You don't know that. Something might. And in the event that it does, I want every resource possibly put into getting me home." He glanced at Serenity. "Use logic. You treat me with some modicum of good breeding, and she loses one very dangerous enemy. But let pride get the best of you, and there's a very good chance I'll hunt her down out of spite." That wasn't true, but Wheeler didn't need to know that. "Think about what, exactly, that means, and then reevaluate whether you think it's a good idea to get on my bad side."
The mutt made a low, growling noise under his breath that was appropriate enough to almost have Seto laughing out loud, but he did mutter a gruff, "I'll think about it."
"See that you do."
They soon arrived at a different car, this one with a large television screen and several leather couches, and the discussion was dropped as they turned their focus towards the recap of the Selecting Ceremonies. Seto analyzed each tribute as they were called, but marked only a few as important enough to pay a significant amount of attention to. Both from One were good-looking enough to get significant attention from sponsors, while Ushio, a beast of a boy from District Two, certainly held the potential to be a physical danger. The male from Four was built athletically and appeared somewhat competent, while a young girl from Five had a kind of shrewd intelligence in her eyes that he'd have to watch out for.
The remaining tributes were seemingly unexceptional, but Seto vowed to keep an eye on them as well, knowing that it wasn't uncommon for a dark horse to emerge from one of the lower districts and catch the others off guard.
Still, even if someone unexpected did come up, Seto wasn't exceptionally worried. The fact of the matter was that the other tributes were all kids. Even the behemoth from District Two was a boy. Seto hadn't considered himself anything less than an adult since his parents died and he'd started taking care of Mokuba. He was a genius, he knew how to defend himself, and more than that, he knew what it took to survive against the harshest odds.
His victory was by no means guaranteed, but he certainly had an advantage over the gaggle of ignorant children he would be fighting against. Even the announcers marked him as the most dangerous tribute by far.
Out of all the tributes, he was in the best position to hold the most cards going in; already, it seemed the Games were largely histo win or lose.
Wheeler had apparently reached the same conclusion, because when he looked at the blond after the male from Twelve had been selected, his face was less antagonistic than it'd been when they entered the room. It appeared all he'd needed to see sense was a reminder of how obviously dangerous Seto was in comparison with the other tributes.
"The first set of odds will be out tomorrow," said Wheeler slowly, "and there's a good chance you'll be at the top."
"Naturally," Seto replied.
"You'll get sponsors, unless you really blow this next week."
"Most likely."
"You're an ass, but you're an ass who knows what he's doing."
"That's the most intelligent thing you've said all evening."
Wheeler huffed a sigh.
"Fine." He looked at Seto. "I won't make you into an enemy; so long as you keep from acting like an asshole, I'll pretend you don't disgust me." His expression turned hard. "In return, you stay away from Serenity, and I'll keep my dislike from interfering with my job as mentor. Good enough?"
"Yes." He looked to Serenity, who'd seemed content to stay out of the discussion. "That doesn't mean it'd be smart for you to get in my way, or that I won't hurt you if you get it into your head to try taking me out. Understood?"
Serenity looked slightly surprised at being addressed directly, but nodded.
"I won't try to hurt you… and I'll stay away. I don't want us to have to fight." She looked at her lap, then added softly, "I tutored your brother in English last year. He's nice. If I don't get home, I want you to. So you can get back to him."
Seto's eyes narrowed with suspicion, but her face was open, and the compassion in her eyes genuine. She really was that soft.
He ignored the way something in his chest shifted at the thought, blatantly disregarded any semblance of warmth he felt at her kind sentiment, and settled for a brusque nod in her direction.
"I'm glad we've reached an understanding," he said coolly, before turning on a heel and briskly exiting the room. The discussion with Wheeler had gone better than planned, and all things considered, he was in as favorable a position as could've been expected.
At that point, there was little else he could've asked for.
…
...
Author's Note:
So that was... a very big chapter, and though I proofread, odds are there's something I missed. In other words, if there are mistakes, typos, things you don't like-tell me. Can't guarantee I'll change the latter, but I'd appreciate knowing either way. I've got this plotted out in the more general way, but not really written, so updates won't be any quicker than once a week. Support and comments would be a big motivator for quickness, however, and reassurance that this plot isn't a complete dud would also be appreciated. I've never quite seen anything done like this before, so I'm a bit worried whether people will even like it.
Alright, that's all I have to say. I promise I'll refrain from huge author's notes like I did at the start from this point forward.
Please tell me what you think :),
LITY