Chapter Four – Red Suit In A Dark Room
"Right; mincemeat, red peppers and mushrooms next".
Yugi and Mina prowled through the super market, their trolley practically bulging with food. "How can three teens eat so much?" Yugi asked, amazed and Mina laughed wickedly in response, "You have met Blake? The boy is a human bin!"
"Bin?" Yugi questioned. "Sorry", Mina apologised, "I mean trash can".
"No worries", Yugi smiled, "I just need to get the hang of your lingo".
Eventually they had everything that Mina thought they would need, she had been given no time to make a shopping list, everything had been sprung on her so suddenly. They brought the trolley forward, ready to pay for their items, which came together a whopping $376 dollars. Yugi's eyes went wide, but Mina seemed not to take notice and retrieved a platinum card from her purse.
They loaded the bags into the boot of the car, slamming it shut. Mina sighed, thankfully to have at least one thing crossed off her list of 'things to-do'.
"Mina", Yugi asked carefully, "I don't mean to pry, but, where are your parents? And Sarah's and Blake's?" Mina narrowed her eyes as she felt her throat go dry. She managed a cough before shrugging awkwardly, "back home – in England I mean".
"They didn't come with you guys, in the move?"
"No, uh, why don't I tell you back at the house, it's rather a long story" Mina forced a smile, in that case she had told the truth, but it proved more painful touching around the subject than she had first thought it would be. On the drive to the house, Mina asked Yugi about his life, he first told her of his grandfather, how he lived with him as his parents died when he was little. To his slight surprise, Mina changed the conversation as quickly as he had mentioned his own parents.
"Well this is us", Mina smiled, pulling into the driveway.
"Hey you don't live that far from my Grandpa's gameshop!" Yugi exclaimed.
"You don't say", Mina muttered, only half paying attention, her gaze was fixed on a black car that was parked adjacent to her house. The windows were darkened, and so she could not see the driver. It gave her an odd feeling in her stomach. She watched it intently, paranoia seeping from the back of her mind. It's probably nothing mina, she thought to herself, you're losing it.
They hopped from the car, Yugi helped Mina carry in the groceries. He probably doesn't realise how nice that it is, she smiled to herself, it's once in a blue moon that I'm ever helped with things like this.
Inside, the extended group of teenagers sat in the front room. The slip covers had been removed from the new suite, and every seat was occupied. "Lovely to see you all made yourselves at home", Mina called out sarcastically. She was much stronger than her small frame would have you believe, and she strode with ease carrying seven bags on each hand.
"Oh Mina, finally!" Sarah gasped, "I'm starving!"
"Yeah Mina, come on we could've died of hunger in the time that it took you", Blake agreed. Yugi sniffed, a little irritated by the pair.
"Do you need a hand with those Mina?" Tristan asked eagerly.
"I'd be better, I'm twice your size", Joey smirked, flexing his arms.
"Yeah, twice as wide!" Tristan snickered, and once more, the two were bickering. Mina set the bags down, but immediately acted. "Oh, would you all quit it!" she scolded, and the pair halted. "You are both acting like dumb and dumber. Now behave yourselves", Mina ordered.
Tea smiled and awe before announcing, "I love this girl!"
Mina chuckled, and glided across the floor to the stereo. She slipped in a CD and smiled. "Have you got colour in your cheeks?" She flipped her dark hair to the side as Arctic Monkeys played into their front room.
"What the heck is this?" Tristan asked.
"Arctic Monkeys!" Sarah replied cheerfully, "You can always tell what we need".
"That's my job", Mina muttered to herself with a knowing smile, "dinner shouldn't take too long".
"What'cha making?" Blake asked.
"Pasta", Mina called in response. Yugi helped Mina carry the bags into the kitchen, "Why on earth do you have bags without handles?" she complained, "it defeats the bloody purpose".
"Americans buy enough stuff as it is", Yugi laughed, "having handles would just make it too easy".
"Thanks, Yugi, you're a saint", Mina smiled as the shopping was put away.
"It's no problem Mina, really, you guys are new here that couldn't be easy", Yugi said. Mina nodded silently, you have no idea. "And you haven't exactly received a warm welcome".
"You don't say", Mina growled lowly, "what is Kaiba's deal anyway?"
"Don't take it personally, Kaiba's a good person, just not a very big people person".
"You could say that again, bloody hell I was just trying to help the wee thing and he acted like I had staged an intricate abduction", she grumbled.
"He has, ah, well, suspicious mind", Yugi laughed uneasily, even for a bright optimist as himself, it was difficult to think of good things to say about Seto Kaiba.
"Yes, well I've got a feeling that his suspicious mind is going to make my life a living hell", Mina snapped.
"Join the club!" Joey shouted from the living room, Yugi and Mina laughed, "Yeah I noticed the chip on his shoulder that he has against you guys too".
"That's cause Yugi kicked his ass in a duel", Joey shouted again, Mina and Yugi re-entered the living room, "Do tell", Mina asked, intrigued as Yugi blushed, "guys c'mon it was nothing big". "Wasn't a big thing!" Joey exclaimed, "you beat the guy at his own game".
"Now that's a story I want to hear", Mina mused.
"And I love telling it!" Joey was in high spirits and told Mina of the duel that took place a week ago, "Kaiba – the sleaze – forced Yugi's grandpa into a duel, and Kaiba, being the fancy schmancy billionaire – used his virtual gaming system. Stole his grandpa's blue eyes white dragon and tore it up. So, him and Yugi duelled, and Yugi creamed him, it was awesome and after Kaiba's become a puny little grump, dropped out of duelling and everything!"
"Huh, way to go Yugi!" Mina laughed, "Just have one question, what the hell is duel monsters?"
It was safe to say that every person in the room gasped in shock, even Blake and Sarah. "What, I was just asking", Mina shrugged.
"How can you not know what duel monsters are?" Joey gasped.
"Mina come on, Blake and I play duel monsters", Sarah chimed, "on Fridays they use to have duels in the community centre".
"Why am I only hearing about this now?" Mina asked, slightly annoyed.
"Because you're a freaking vampire", Sarah protested, "Trying to get a hold of you to come was impossible, you were always out somewhere, at all hours".
Mina coughed uncomfortably, how could she respond to that? The room went silent, bar the low sounds of Arctic Monkeys playing in the background. "I'll just, make a start on dinner". Mina left the room briskly, looking around her. "It's in the past", she mumbled, and tied up her hair. Mina let the other teens talk and joke in the living room whilst she attempted to sort through the chaos that was her kitchen. Boxes upon boxes were stocked randomly and in need of unpacking, but of course there would be time for that later, Mina knew that henceforth she would be experiencing a lot more time on her hands, ever than she had before. She heard a scuffle, and shouts from Joey and Tristan before a loud thud. "What was that?" she barked.
"Uh, the lads are unboxing the coffee table for us!" Sarah replied before Mina shook her head, "figures". She began working away, chopping tomatoes, boiling pasta and keeping herself busy, Mina fancied herself a half-decent cook, but actually worried about her new American friends eating her food. She hummed to herself while she worked and soon the kitchen was brimming with steam and savoury smells. Within a half an hour she plated up six helpings, leaving them on the counter. "Hey dinner", she called into the living room, and within seconds the small room was packed. "Oh, boy I'm starving!" Joey smiled, and Blake chuckled, "believe me you won't be saying that once you've tried Mina's cooking".
"Oh, bite me Blake", she teased, and grabbed her rucksack, delving in for her cigarettes.
"Mina seriously", Sarah said worriedly, "You're still not eating?"
"I'm still jet-lagged", she shrugged in return, "trust me, give another day or so and I'll be devouring as much pizza and ice cream as my stomach can handle".
"And maybe you'll quite smoking too?" she jeered, pointing to the crumbled pack in her hand.
"I told you I'm still thinking on it" Mina snapped, instead of taking a break outside in their back garden, she skipped from the kitchen to the living room, and out the front door. "Uh, finally", she sighed, and retrieved her lighter from her blazer pocket. Mina shuddered as she inhaled deeply and closed her eyes, though she tried to stop herself, her mind wandered back to home. She thought of her mother making dinner, now that was a woman who could cook, she thought. Her father playing chess with her brother in the study, and her brother whining about it. Mina tried to make the images go away, but to no avail, they whirled and danced in her head, taunting her.
"Mina, smoking's bad for you!"
Mina gasped loudly and jumped, dropping the cigarette in her hand. She looked to see a scruffy kid with long hair and wide brown eyes. "Mokuba", Mina exclaimed, shocked to see him, "What, how did you get here?"
"It wasn't easy, I wasn't sure where you lived, but my big brother found out for me", he replied.
"Why?" Mina asked, further surprised.
"Because I asked him to", Mokuba replied innocently.
"No, I mean Mokuba what are you doing here?" Mina continued, kneeling.
"I wanted to see you, I didn't thank you properly for helping me", he told her.
"Oh, Mokuba you didn't have to do that, really sweetie, I didn't do that much", Mina smiled, "Would you like to come in?"
"Actually, Mina I came here to ask you to dinner", he grinned, "As a thank you for saving me".
"Uh", Mina stuttered, the little thing was being very thoughtful, but having to go back to that place, with, with Kaiba? She shuttered at the thought. "That's, very sweet of you but don't you think your brother would mind, I'm sure he wouldn't want me –
"Oh, it's okay Mina I already swung it by him, he probably won't even be there anyway, he always goes straight to KaibaCorp from school, I promise it will be fun, oh please say yes".
Mina hesitated, the last thing she wanted was to run the risk of even bumping into Kaiba but, looking at Mokuba she found it rather difficult to find a reasonable excuse. "Oh, oh alright", Mina finally sighed and stuffed the packet into her blazer, "just let me get my keys".
"Oh, it's okay Rowland's here to drive us", Mokuba smiled, waving to the black car from before. "Oh, right", Mina mumbled, "Well I have to tell my friends, just to let them know".
"Of course, I'll be in the car", Mokuba dashed across the street and Mina had to restrain herself from scolding him for not looking before crossing. The big sister in me, Mina thought grimly, and sighed. She opened the door and called inside, "Sarah I'm going out for a bit".
"What, where yah going?" was the reply.
"Uh, I forget to get some things at the shop, I'll be back in a bit" Mina shouted.
"Okay, we're all heading to Yugi's grandpa's shop, meet us there", Sarah cried.
Mina silently prayed for her friend to stop her, and as per usual her prayer went unanswered. Oh, let's just get this over with, she thought. Mina closed the door and jogged to the car. The door was opened for her, something she wasn't use to. Mokuba was already seated in the back, and sat next to the window. Mina cautiously slipped inside, and tutted, "Mokuba, seatbelt".
"Oh, sorry Mina", Mokuba mumbled., his eyes low.
The car roared ahead, and Mina sensed that something was wrong. She was sitting next to Mokuba, and could tell he was far from happy. "Mokuba are you alright?" she asked gently.
"Uh huh", Mokuba whispered. But Mina knew better, a sister always knows. "Mokuba what's wrong, did something happen?"
"Mina, I'm sorry I came to you but I didn't know who else to go to", Mokuba answered bitterly, "you were so nice to me and, after Seto, I don't really know anyone else who could –
Mokuba's eyes watered and Mina panicked, what the hell had happened? "Mokuba you're okay", she hushed him, "just tell me what happened".
"Seto was already home when I came back from school. He had locked himself up in his study. He seemed so confused and sad. I asked what was wrong, and he started talking strangely. He started saying about how he didn't know himself anymore, and that he had to go away for a while, and he, he just left. He took his briefcase and left, that was hours ago, I didn't know what to do. Seto always tells me when he has to leave, where he goes and how long for. But, I'm scared Mina, he didn't seem like himself. Ever sense that duel with Yugi, he's seemed, just sad", he rambled. As Mokuba spoke Mina's heart had begun to beat rapidly. Oh God, she felt so guilty. Did, did she had a part in Kaiba's sudden departure? Did she do this to Mokuba? "It's okay Mokuba", she assured him, and pulled the boy into a hug, "it's okay, everything will be alright". Mins felt shaky and sick to her stomach. Kaiba deserved to be put in his place, he had been horrible to Yugi and his friends, but how could she justify that to his little brother? Suddenly there was a third voice, "Master Mokuba we will be arriving home in five minutes". It was Rowland, the driver from before. Mina tried to comfort Mokuba, a child she only knew a day and a half, but felt responsible for.
It was not long before they reached the Kaiba Mansion, pulling up to those large gates in the daylight was even more impressive, although Mina hated to admit it. Mokuba tugged her hand up the staircase and inside the house. "Mina you've got to do something, you've got to get my brother back home", Mokuba pleaded. Her heart sank with his words, I can hardly get him back if I played a part in sending him away. "I'll, I will try my best", she stammered.
Mokuba rushed them inside, just as any child does. "Okay kiddo, hold your horses", Mina said, "Now how can we contact your brother?"
"Uh, we could call him from my cell phone, but I've tried that, so I was thinking that we could call from yours, he wouldn't recognise the number".
"Uh, I, um", Mina stuttered, damn it, would she have to speak to him, what would she say? I'm sorry that you are such an asshole? Maybe, I'm sorry you are an ass and I hurt your feelings but that is no excuse to abandon your brother? Mina shook her head, "Just give me his number". Mokuba dialled it quickly, but Mina still had no idea what to say to him, she couldn't let Mokuba down, but could she possibly swallow her pride? Too late to decide as the phone began to rang, and Mokuba pressed it to her ear.
It rang once, maybe he won't pick up. A second ring, if he wouldn't answer his own brother then he probably won't pick up to an unknown caller. Third ring, at least I can show Mokuba that I tired. Fourth ring, it will just go to voicemail. Fifth ring, "What?"
Damn it. The answer shocked Mina, and it took her a moment to answer. "Kaiba?"
A low snarl was her response, and she gulped, but Mokuba looked at her pleadingly. "Kaiba, uh, Seto, it's Mina", she said gently.
"How did you get this number?" he snapped.
"Your brother, Mokuba gave it to me and -
"What are you doing near my brother?" he growled.
"He came to my house, he was worried about you and he asked me to –
"To what? You better not be pulling another stunt like last night", he warned.
"How about you let me finish my sentences and explain!" Mina finally snapped, but immediately regretted it. Control yourself goddammit. "I'm sorry, I'm sorry", she swallowed bitterly, "You have, every right to be defensive, after, after how I acted". Each word left a foul taste in her mouth and she had to physical restrain herself from recanting the shallow apology. Kaiba remained silent and Mina feared he would hang up, and so she spoke quickly, "Look, I know I am probably the last person you want to speak to right now but Mokuba is really worried about you, and I think, I think he would really just like to know where you are and if you will be back soon".
Kaiba remained silent, and Mina had to check to make sure he was still on the line. "Tell Mokuba that I don't know when I will be back, and that I am safe and that Rowland and the rest of the staff will take care of him", he answered finally, "And De Noir, don't mistake me from someone who cares about what you do".
The call ended, but Mina's hate towards Kaiba only increased, "that, son of a …" she stopped herself quickly, and looked down at Mokuba, forcing a smile. "You heard him little man, your brother is okay".
"Thank you, Mina, you're a really good friend", he grinned and hugged her tightly.
"Come on now sweetie, let's get you something to eat" she smiled.
Mina spent a following few hours with Mokuba, she gave the cook the night off and cooked him a meal. Despite being in a stranger's home with a boy she barely knew, it felt familiar for her. She helped him with his homework and distracted him from his absent brother. Sarah had called her, and Mina explained the situation to her. Sarah and the others thought it odd, but soon forgot as she told her about the gameshop. She described Yugi's grandfather and the duels they played in the house while watching the Duel Monsters Championship, going into such detail that she even mentioned a strange parcel that came for Yugi. They were interrupted by shouts from Mokuba in the other room, "Sorry Sarah I have to go, I'll catch up later okay?" Mina laughed.
"Okay, later darlin".
Mina was in much higher spirits as she walked into the hallway, were Mokuba was staring blankly out the window. "What is it little man?" she asked with a smile.
"Mina a bunch of weird cars just pulled up front", he said worriedly. Mina tensed and looked out, she saw with increased fear the dark limousines. Five men emerged from each, dressed in dark suits. Mokuba backed up in fear, "Mina those men are from my brother's company", he told her, "They are never supposed to come here when Seto is away".
"I'll call your brother and see what is going on and -
"Mina we have to run!" Mokuba gasped, Mina looked outside, a strange man with long grey hair and a red suit had approached the house, and was looking up at the pair with a knowing smirk.
"Why, who is he, what's going on –
"Mina we have to go now. Come on!" Mokuba grabbed her hand and pulled her down the corridor. They ran quickly, with Mina having no idea why. Her old senses were kicking in and for once, she didn't suppress them. She growled and picked up speed to the point at which she ended up scooping Mokuba up into her arms. "Mokuba, is there any where we can hide?"
"Seto's study, it's the safest place in the mansion", he answered.
"Right buddy I need you to lead us there", Mina asked, trying to keep the boy calm. "This way", he announced, and the two ran. They dashed inside Kaiba's study, and Mina was still confused, she knew there was danger, but what it was exactly, she had no idea. Her only option was to investigate.
"Okay Mokuba, I need you to stay here –
"But Mina I can help", he protested.
"Mokuba the best way you can help is to keep safe, your brother would want you to stay here", she reminded him, "believe me I'll be okay, I'll take care of everything I promise". Mina crept away from their hiding place, she felt totally at ease as she skilfully made her way outside of the study. Her honed senses focused on the commotion occurring in the house. She cursed her clothing, a flimsy school outfit has hardly ideal for sleuthing around a mansion with armed guards around every corner. She slipped through the door, and waited until she was sure that the corridor was empty. Mina tumbled forward, and searched for anything that could be used as a weapon. Nothing that she could see, but as she past a second rom, she saw the perfect thing. In the adjacent room two swords were displayed decoratively on the wall. Mina smirked and unsheathed it, holding it close. Trust Kaiba to keep weapons close by, she thought. Mina continued through the corridor and down two flights of stairs. She paused quickly as armed goons past through, but she managed to hide from sight.
"Thank you for meeting us so quickly Mr Pegasus, we understand how precious your valuable time is". Mina stopped when she heard a gruff voice speak, she crouched low and peaked into the room. It was dimly lit, some kind of briefing room. Six people were sitting at the large table, the strange man in the red suit sat opposite the other five dressed in dark suits. "Please hah, as much as I adore shameless flattery, I think it would be wise gentlemen to get straight down to business", the man, Pegasus, spoke.
"Why yes, of course", one of the five men spoke, Mina found it difficult to differentiate who in such dark lighting. Mina ducked once more into the other room after hearing footsteps, keeping the sword close to her. She peaked through, and almost gasped when she saw that it was Mokuba. She jumped out, but didn't dare speak, but instead motioned for him to crouch down, and stay silent.
"Now, gentlemen, let's see if I understand your proposition. Seto Kaiba has abandoned his corporate station, and now you five wish to seize control of KaibaCorp. You then want to merge with my company, and you'd like me to handle any messy details, yes?
"Precisely Mr Pegasus. With our money and your leadership, we will easily take control of KaibaCorp", another answered.
"Do tell", Pegasus grinned.
"For our plan to succeed, Kaiba must be taken out of the picture … permanently". Mina froze upon hearing these words, yes, she was not Kaiba's number one fan, but to kill a teenager over a company? Were they mad?
"However, there is one catch, as per the corporate bylaws only a Kaiba family member can legally control KaibaCorp".
"Hmm", Pegasus mused, clearly this information was not new to him.
"To that end, Pegasus, we recommend kidnapping Kaiba's brother Mokuba. In name, he will control KaibaCorp, but we will control him". Now Mina knew they were in serious danger. She looked at Mokuba who was rooted to the spot. She had to get him out of there, get in contact with Kaiba and warn him, she had to do something.
"Do these things for us and we will lay all of KaibaCorp's technology at your feet".
"Agreed. The elder Kaiba shall meet with an accident, and the younger Kaiba will be captured", Pegasus smiled.
"Excellent. But we have one final condition. The brat who beat Kaiba has tarnished KaibaCorp's good name, and we must insist that you restore it".
"Well, how fortuitous. Plans for me to duel Yugi are already under way. Now, to show that I truly am the man for this job – Kemo, bring me young Kaiba and Miss De Noir for me please?"
Both Mina and Mokuba looked up in shock, how could she not have heard the man, the tall man with shaded eyes scooped Mokuba into one arm and grabbed Mina by the other, and dragged them into the room.
"Ow, let us go, you creeps. We heard everything and when I tell my big brother, you're gonna -
"Now you see gentlemen you can see how efficiently I will handle our business. Young Kaiba is captured, Yugi will be defeated and Seto Kaiba will bother us no more", he grinned.
Mina squirmed against his grasp, how could she not have heard him coming? Perhaps she was a lot rustier than she realised. But that wouldn't last for long. Mina growled and kicked her leg up high, her hit landed true and whacked Kemo directly in the face. "Argh, why you little –
"Mokuba, run!" Mina called and jumped to her feat, raising her fists in front of her.
The board members had already scurried out and Kemo came at the girl again. She dodged his advance and punched, another hit landing squarely on the jaw.
"Kemo you fool go get the boy, leave the girl to me", Pegasus barked. Kemo staggered into the hall, and Mina only prayed that Mokuba would be faster. She snarled as she faced Pegasus, "I don't know who you are but you will never get away with this. Kaiba isn't an idiot, he will find out what's happened to his brother he'll tear you to pieces".
"Little Mina is this really how you treat an old family friend, your parents would be so disappointed", Pegasus smirked, and she froze. She didn't know this man; how could he know her name? How did he know her family? "Wh, what?"
"Aw, mummy and daddy didn't tell you, did they? And I must say I am surprised to see you so far from home, and in the residence of a Kaiba no less", Pegasus continued to taunt her, "Your parents really would not approve".
Mina felt disarmed and frightened, how did he know so much, who was this man? "How, how do you know me, who are you?" Mina stammered, backing up.
"Ah ah ah, there will be plenty of time for chit chat later, but for now little one, I think you need a time out", he smiled diabolically, and swept his hair from his eye, or what should have been his eye. Instead, Mina could not believe what she saw. "A millennium item", she gasped.
"Hmm, yes", he laughed, "and you're just going to love its trick".
Mina was left frozen, only able to scream, before everything went black.