Hello everyone! Just a warning to anyone new to this series that I've wrote, you may want to read the first two parts to this story, because there are references to them. Plus, it helps you gather what I did with the past of my story.
Anyways, to all of the people who have been waiting for what seemed like an eternity on this story, I apologize for it's lateness. I kind of underestimated the time I had to complete this story, plus, I've been semi lazy on writing it. I was getting a lot done for a while, but I've really begun to be truly lazy in the last month or two with my writing. I guess due that I've had things to do at work (where I do most of my writing, lol), plus at home I just don't feel the urge to write very often. Also, I've come up with an idea on another new story, this one being an Inuyasha fan fic, hence it has regretfully taken away some of my creative processes. But be assured, I will fully finish this story. I was going to hold off till I had fully wrote this story out before posting it, but since I'm so close to the end of writing it, I figured, I might as well start posting.
By the way, I'm sure everyone has noticed that I posted this at rating T. Truthfully, it could probably pass for K+, but just to be on the safe side for a few scenes, I went with T. Eh, there is suggestive stuff, but that's it. Really, I could go with K+, but as I said, to err on caution, I went T.
At any rate, without further ado, the story awaits. I hope to see reviews from all of my old readers, along with reviews from new ones. Enjoy guys!
Chapter 1
"It's raining again…" a depressed sounding voice said.
A young man with mid-back length black hair that was layered out, and somewhat flared out that was in his early twenties was staring out the windows. He had violet eyes as well, which gave him a bit of a different look. He wore yellow long sleeve shirt with a green vest, as well as blue jeans and white sneakers.
"It could be a typhoon and it wouldn't matter to me really Mokuba." replied a voice with some warmness, yet a bit of sternness from a red chair facing the windows of the outside of the skyscraper.
Mokuba slightly smirked and looked back from the window over to a young man who was in his later twenties. He was wearing a blue business suit with a red tie, and a small white dragon pendant attached to his coat collar. He had piercing dark blue eyes, with brown hair that went down to his neck, but was trimmed up. He had a look of true sternness, but there seemed to be signs of a small grin at his last comment.
Lightly chuckling, the stern young man said "So long as we have Duel Disks and plenty of business, I could care less about the weather."
Chuckling, Mokuba simply said "Very true Seto."
About this time, the phone rang, and Mokuba quickly picked it up, saying "This is Mokuba Kaiba speaking."
The voice on the other end was a feminine one, and said "Mr. Kaiba, there is a letter here addressed to you and Mr. Seto Kaiba. Shall I send it on in?"
Recognizing it as their secretary, Mokuba replied "Nah, I'll come out and get it. Thanks. By the way, who is it from?"
"Who else would mail us a letter Mokuba?" Seto said with a bit of irritation in his voice, causing Mokuba to miss the name that was said.
Sighing and shrugging, he sat the phone back on the hook and then walked through the set of double doors to their office. He then entered the area where their personal secretary sat. The young woman had shoulder length blonde hair, which she usually kept tied up in some kind of hairstyle. Mokuba was quite fond of her, for she was nearly his own age, and had thought many a times about asking her out, but knew better.
One, it was against company regulations, although him and Seto owned the company, which meant they could make or break the rules. But two was due that he didn't want to make an awkward situation if things didn't work out.
Sighing slightly, Mokuba continued on, saying "Ms. Long."
She looked up at him, giving him a small, but flirtatious smile at that. She then picked up the letter and handed it to him, making Mokuba quickly retreat before he could say a single word. Ms. Long only sighed at this, for she liked Mokuba as well, but knew better than to disobey the bosses, even if one was very attractive to her.
Once back inside the door of his and Seto's office, Mokuba let out a loud and audible sigh as he leaned heavily on the door.
"She did it to you again, didn't she Mokuba?" Seto called out, which completely startled Mokuba.
Glaring back at his brother, Mokuba only smugly replied "As if she could do anything to me."
Chuckling, Seto simply countered with "Sure… other than what you dream of what she does to you."
Looking away, Mokuba only threw the letter to Seto, who expertly caught it. Seeing the address of a familiar college on it, Seto chuckled.
"I didn't even have to really guess who it was from. It's as predictable as Wheeler's weekly challenges to me, and the weekly results of those duels." Seto said smugly.
Turning his attention back to his brother, Mokuba replied "Actually, he's won some of those duels Seto. So, it's not totally predicable."
Snorting, Seto replied "Those lucky wins of his don't count."
Mokuba could only laugh at his brother's comment, and said back "Well, whatever, you have mail."
Picking up his letter opener, which had a white dragon head hilt, Seto said "Well, we might as well see what those two have to say."
After opening up the letter, Seto gently pulled out a small formal card. Looking at the lettering on the front, he saw the letters "You are cordially invited."
He then opened the card to find a written invitation, inviting both him and Mokuba to a graduation ceremony, followed by a small party. At the bottom, two names were written into the note, making Seto smirk once more.
"So, they're finally graduating from grad school. About freaking time! I was getting tired of sending the money to Pegasus so he could wire it to them as that scholarship." Seto said with a bit of irritation.
Raising an eyebrow, Mokuba asked "You mean you still haven't told either of them you're the one that actually paid for their schooling?"
Shaking his head, Seto simply replied "Nope, I haven't, and I don't intend on it just yet. I will someday, but not today."
Sighing, Mokuba then asked "So, are we going?"
Thinking for a moment, a smile finally graced Seto's face as he said "Yes, we are. It's time I made my intentions clear to them."
Nodding, Mokuba then asked "When is the date?"
"It's on May the ninth. That gives us a month to prepare. In the mean time, Duel Academy will be letting out at the beginning of June, so it all works out for us." Seto replied.
Without warning, the phone then began to ring loudly, making Mokuba jump. Snickering at his little brother's reaction, Seto then picked up the phone and answered "Seto Kaiba speaking."
"Kaiba-boy!" exclaimed a voice from the other side.
Groaning, Seto replied "What do you want now Pegasus?"
"Is that anyway to talk to an old friend? After all, I'm the one who has to constantly call you to ask about things. So, how are you and your brother? Coming to visit anytime soon? How's the weather…"
"STOP IT AND GET TO THE POINT OF YOUR CALL!" roared Seto with great irritation, if not anger, in his voice.
There was a light chuckle on the other end before Pegasus replied "My, my, aren't we impatient? Well, the reason I'm calling is that I got an invitation in the mail today for a certain couple's graduation, and thought I'd ask if you was lucky enough to get one also."
"Of course I received one! Those two would invite everyone, including myself that they knew for this little event." Seto replied with irritation still in his voice.
"But of course Kaiba-boy. After all, not everyone graduates from grad school, now do they? By the way, you sound rather moody. Are you getting enough fiber in your diet? I heard fiber makes you…"
Growling loudly, Seto yelled "SHUT UP ABOUT THIS STUPID RANDOM CRAP ALREADY PEGASUS AND GET TO THE POINT!"
After a moment of chuckling, Pegasus finally said "The reason I called was to see if you was planning on still going through with the plan we discussed those many years ago for those two. I wanted to know so if you weren't going to hire them, I could look into it."
"What makes you think those two would even work for you?! I'll take care of it, so don't worry about that Pegasus. I'm going to make the arrangements soon enough." Seto replied with still great irritation in his voice.
"Very well Kaiba-boy. Well, I shall go at that. I thought I'd make sure first. Till the next time we talk. Chow."
The phone then went dead as Seto slammed it back onto the receiver. "That idiot really makes me mad." he said in a truly irritated voice as he stood up and went to look out the window.
Mokuba only giggled at his brother and said "Ah, you know him. He loves to press your buttons Seto. Don't let it bother you too much."
Shaking his head, Seto replied "I know, but it infuriates me to no end that he does it."
Sighing, he then turned back to Mokuba and said "Well, now let's discuss a small bit of business. The academy is cranking out some of the best and brightest duelists this year. The top ranked duelist in the school, Zane Truesdale, will be graduating this year."
Nodding, Mokuba then said "Well, there is another great student coming up through the ranks, who happens to be a first year student. He is also unofficially ranked number two in the school to Zane. Only problem is, he's only ranked number two dueling skills wise, not grade wise."
Smiling, Seto replied "Yes, I know of the one you speak of. He represented Duel Academy in the School Duel against North Academy. He won that duel, and has beaten everyone within his own class. He's beaten every opponent put in front of him, including second and third year duelists, well, excluding Zane. That is his only current loss on his record. Otherwise, he has a perfect record."
"That's not bad at all for a Slifer Red student. Actually, that's amazing for a Slifer Red duelist. Zane is an Obelisk Blue, which makes sense, but this other kid, Jaden Yuki, he's something else." Mokuba commented.
Nodding, Seto replied "Yes, that's the truth. That is the reason behind me hiring some new help. I want to turn the Slifer's standing around. They have great potential, yet lack the teachers to really spur them on. That is mostly why I want a certain two someone's to teach."
Slightly smirking, Mokuba asked "Is that due that they beat you also?"
Growling at his brother, Seto replied "Don't tempt me to stick you in that box again."
Shuddering at the memory of the last time Seto stuck him in a box for a day, Mokuba put his hands up in a surrender stance and replied "Sorry…"
Smirking and then lightly chuckling, Seto said "It's alright. We'll see soon enough though if they deserve to be where I want them to be."
Looking back out the window, Seto then sat back down in his chair and said "We'll, I'll go ahead a reply to them, and then we have real work to do."
Nodding, Mokuba replied "Alright Seto."
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It was early May as a young couple was walking along a small clear lake. The two were holding hands, and was each enjoying the peace and quiet. The sunlight was shining down, glittering off the pair of silver wedding bands the two each had.
The young man with loose mid-back length brown hair, dark brown eyes, and an average body was simply smiling. He wore a pair of dark blue jeans, a white undershirt with an unbuttoned blue shirt overtop, and a pair of white tennis shoes.
The young woman walking along with him with her hand in his had mid-back length brown hair bound in a pony tail, light brown eyes, and a nice body. She wore a pair of light blue jeans, a brown peasant shirt, and a pair of white tennis shoes. She simply smiled at the young man and clung tightly to his hand.
"It's been nearly ten years…" the young man said in a happy voice that sounded like he was in total bliss.
"Yes, it has. Ten wonderful years that I wouldn't trade for the world." the young woman replied.
The two smiled as they continued to walk. They then found a small bench along the lake and sat down.
Smiling, the young woman said "Why is it we always seem to find our way to this bench each time we always go for a walk or one of us is mad at the other?"
Shrugging, the young man replied "I guess this bench has always been our safe haven. During the good and the bad, it's been here for us to work our problems out. Maybe today is just our goodbye to it."
Lightly chuckling, the woman said "So, we're saying goodbye to a bench now?"
Smirking, the young man replied "Why not? It's unofficially a part of our family."
This caused the young woman to laugh as she stood back up, pulling the young man with her. She then glanced down at the bench once more and said "Well, farewell for now old bench. We'll always treasure the memories we have sitting on you…"
"And making out on you." the young man added as the young woman smacked him playfully on the shoulder.
Shaking her head, the young woman said "I'm sorry for his comment. Don't take it personally… Why am I talking to the freaking bench!?"
"Because… I have no answer for that one. Why are you?" the young man questioned playfully.
Sighing, the young woman then grabbed the young man's hand and shook her head. The two then walked off as the gentle breeze began to pick up.
Smiling at the young woman, the young man said "Just a few more days till graduation. Are you ready to begin life out there?"
Lightly giggling, she replied "I'm always ready as long as I have you with me."
Proceeding to stop walking, and gently taking the young woman in his arms, the young man said "With you by my side, Marie, I'm ready for anything the world has in stored for us."
Smiling back at him, Marie said "And whatever is in stored for us, I know I'll always love you, Illidan."
"I shall always love you as well Marie." Illidan said as the two's lips were slowly coming closer and closer.
The two then kissed for a moment as the wind blew about, throwing strands of Illidan's hair into it. When they separated, the two stared into one another's eyes, each seemingly knowing what the other was thinking. The two then walked hand in hand back towards the apartment that they lived in.
For six years now, they had shared a single apartment. Even though neither had had a job, they had not gone without money. When applying for college, the two had each applied for scholarships, and each received the same one from Industrial Illusions. Both knew it had been Pegasus in other words trying to help them out. He had paid for their schooling, as well as money to live on.
Picking up the mail from the small lobby area, the two then made their way into their apartment. Once in, Illidan sat the mail down on the kitchen table and began to sort through it.
"Bill, bill, coupons! Hurray, coupons for Tide! Yes, Tide, the one laundry detergent to RULE THEM ALL!" he said sarcastically, making Marie lightly growl.
It was the millionth time in the last year or so he had said this. He had gotten it off of a flash video, titled One Ring to Rule Them All 3. Once and a while, it would make Marie laugh, but sometimes, it just downright annoyed her, and Illidan knew it.
Walking over, she said with a tint of irritation in her voice "Why don't you try reading off the real mail!"
Nodding in fear, Illidan then said "Let's see, we have a REAL bill, a letter from Pegasus, a letter from Yugi, another bill, and finally a letter from… I don't believe it!"
Looking at what he was staring at, Marie slightly gasped at it as well. There was a letter from Kaiba Corp, addressed to both Illidan and Marie. "He wouldn't dare write us, would he?" she asked curiously.
Smirking, Illidan replied "Doubtful he personally wrote us. Knowing Kaiba, he probably had Mokuba write it. Maybe we should frame it!"
Smiling back, Marie shrugged, saying "Never know, and no, no framing letters, yet…"
"True. Anyways, let's find out." Illidan said as he pulled out a small letter opener.
After a moment, Illidan pulled the letter out from the envelope and began to read aloud. "Yo dorks, me and Mokuba shall be at your graduation in a few days. Be there, or you'll regret making me waste my time. Seto Kaiba."
Chuckling, Illidan said "Oh joy, he's coming after all. And here I thought for once we wouldn't have to put up with his annoying attitude."
Laughing at Illidan, Marie replied "Ah, come on, he's not that bad. He's changed a good bit actually since he finally awakened to his ancient memories."
Sighing, Illidan nodded and said "True. At least he's not saying 'It's a trick! There isn't any such thing as magic!' I always loved hearing him say that, even though you knew he was completely off his rocker."
Marie only smiled at this and lightly chuckled, but replied "Well, at least he's coming. That means the whole gang will be there. We got a letter from Yugi and his friends saying they'd be there, and then there is Blue and Vash. Also, I got a letter back from Pegasus, also Bakura too. Shadi will even be there with Ishizu, and I figure they'll bring Marik and Odion too. I guess most of the old Shadow Court will be reunited once again. Of course, there are two exceptions…"
"One of which no one really cares is gone." Illidan added with a tint of anger.
Sighing lightly, Marie replied "Yeah, I don't think anyone will ever miss Gozaburo. I wish things could have been different though…"
Taking her into his arms in an embrace from behind, Illidan softly replied "As do I, but we can't change the past, nor change people who don't wish to change."
Nodding, she gripped his hand that was embracing her, and then sadly said "I only wish Yami was able to come to our graduation… He'd be so proud of us."
Nuzzling her neck gently, Illidan softly said "I know he would be. I wish he could come as well, but we both know he has finally been laid to rest. His spirit is in a far better place."
Sadly nodding, Marie replied "Yeah, and I'm thankful for that, but still, I miss him. He was so much like a brother to me."
Sighing himself, Illidan said "Yes, he was, and he was like one to me. I miss him daily, but try not to let it bother you. He's finally able to rest, so let's let him rest. He'd want us to be happy, and not be sad all our lives due that he's gone again."
Resting her head back against Illidan's chest, Marie lightly smiled and in a slightly happier tone said "You're right. We should be happy he's finally able to rest after five millennia. After all, he was trapped in the puzzle all those years. Now he has a chance to fully rest with all the other pharaohs of the past."
Illidan slightly growled at this, but Marie knew why. "I doubt Raijin went there Illidan."
Still softly growling, Illidan then stopped and sighed, leaning his head on hers. "I guess you're right. Just every time I think about Raijin, I think about the sacrifice my father made to save me from him. My father deserved better than that, but Raijin cruelly ended his life due to his own cowardly fear. Raijin got what he deserved in the end, but still, it's sad to know what it took to bring him down."
"I know Illidan, but we have to remember that the pharaoh that followed was one of the kindest people to ever lead the people. Yami corrected the wrongs his father inflicted upon the people, and did his best to help heal everyone's hearts. I think if not for Yami, Egypt would have been lost long ago." Marie said with kindness in her voice.
Illidan lightly smiled, and then asked "How did we get this far off of the subject of graduation?"
Lightly chuckling, Marie shrugged and moved out of Illidan's embrace and turned to face him, saying "I'm not sure. But let's not worry about the past. As Seto has so often said, the past is the past. Let it remain as it was."
Nodding, Illidan then rested his forehead on Marie's, saying "You're right."
The two then looked each other in the eye and slowly, their lips locked. After breaking away from a long and deeply passionate kiss, Marie smiled as mischief danced in her eyes. She then turned and went to leave the room. She slowly went slinking towards the staircase that led to their bedroom. As she ascended the steps, Illidan saw her peasant shirt fall to the floor of the steps, and soon saw a pair of jeans come tumbling down the stairs.
Smiling devilishly as he walked towards the stairs to go to the bedroom, Illidan said aloud "Well, I guess I know what that little vixen has in mind."
