Chapter 7 : Agreement

The room seemed small… The air was almost too thick to breathe in, but maybe that was because I was breathing too fast. Opening my eyes, all I could see was darkness. Not even the normal darkness that kids are afraid of… It was the darkness that everyone was afraid of. The one that knew no limits, that acted as a shield to the real monsters of the world.

My breathing quickened. I couldn't focus on anything; there was nothing to focus on. Where was I? What happened? Was I still sleeping, and this was just some weird dream? What was going on?

And then, a door opened. Bright light entered the room, but I couldn't look up. My hands and legs were pinned down to something. A bed, perhaps? Or maybe a table. I wasn't sure. I was scared. I began to panic, pulling at my arms and legs, and tried to look up and see who it was that was at the doorway. My mind was racing a mile a minute. Who would do this to me? Was this a joke? What was happening?

Two faces soon appeared above me. One was of a person who I had never seen before. The other…was him. I stopped my motions and merely glared up at him, but my heart was still beating as though it would fly out of my chest. I wouldn't let him see the fear in my eyes, but I knew it was fear that was consuming my mind and body. Still, I couldn't let him win. Everything was a game with him.

Until, that is, he opened his mouth…and my eyes widened at the sight of two fangs…

Bolting upright in bed, I whimpered and put my hands on my face, wiping away the tears that were falling heavily down my cheeks. My body was covered in sweat, and the sheets were so disorganized that it was a wonder I was still partially covered. I was shaking uncontrollably. I needed to calm myself down, and the best thing for that was all the way over at work.

Dammit…this was why I didn't like sleeping. I didn't even call it sleep anymore. Sleep was designed to make you feel refreshed when you woke up. Every time I woke up, I felt worse than before.

Okay, so maybe that was a lie. I actually did feel a bit better physically; the strength I somehow managed to accumulate in my sleep was now coursing through my body. Sleep only drained me mentally…but it did a damn good job of doing so. Slowly crawling out of bed, I groaned as the sunlight hit my eyes and collapsed back down. Even though my energy had returned, I couldn't feel its effects yet. The nightmare was still too vivid in my mind and made my whole body shake. I decided a bath was in order. I couldn't go to work in this condition; nervous wrecks don't generally make good CEOs. My breathing still hadn't calmed itself down, and I could feel new sweat drops falling down my face. At least I wasn't crying anymore.

Reaching over to my night stand, I picked up my cell phone, dialed Arisa's number, told her I would be coming in late, hung up, and pushed myself up. Even though my body was shaking, I made myself get out of bed, having to hold onto the night stand in order to do so. My legs didn't want to take me to my private bathroom, but thinking of that hot bath awaiting me pushed me to take the steps needed to reach my destination. It was only when I reached the edge of the bathtub that my legs gave out, and I leaned against the edge of the tub as I turned the hot water on, watching it slowly fill up with blurry eyes.

This wasn't worth it… It just wasn't worth the physical strength I got from those five hours of sleep.


Reaching the top floor, I heard the elevator click, pushed myself off the metal wall, grasped my briefcase firmly, and walked through the main lobby. Arisa was typing away feverishly on the keyboard when she looked up and smiled at me. "Good morning, Mr. Kaiba," she greeted, quickly standing up and holding out a piece of paper. "I gathered all the information on this White Sand person and compiled it here. It was actually quite simple; this person doesn't know how to cover their tracks at all."

Smirking, I nodded my head in appreciation, took the paper from her, and said, "I'm going to need a full pitcher of that stuff today. I had a bad night."

"Yes sir." Bowing slightly as she always did, she quickly left into the adjacent room, most likely to get my synthetic blood. I shook my head and unlocked the double doors, shutting them behind me once I had entered my office and strolling over to my desk. I set my briefcase down and sat in my office chair before turning my computer on. Looking down at the paper Arisa typed for me, I groaned in recognition at the name of the profile written down.

Marik Ishtar. The fucker that had gone and nearly ruined my competition (I gave that credit to Yugi and his companion Yami). Everything I had asked for was written down plus extra, including his family background and current occupation, which was apparently a helper at his sister's museum. Obviously Arisa didn't know I knew this asshole, but I didn't expect her to. I was just happy for the report.

I closed my eyes and let out a sigh, my mind racing with questions. If it was really Marik's e-mail, then did that mean Ishizu knew nothing of her condition? Was it really back to square one? What was Marik doing researching the Blood Jewels? My head began aching, and I groaned as I crossed my arms on my desk and set my head down. This was not going to be a good day. I guess waking up should have been my first clue.

What did this mean? Ishizu was the one that should be researching this shit, not Marik. Was Marik aware of his sister's condition, or was he affected as well? God, that would be the icing on the fucken cake for me, wouldn't it? She said that they were researching a family issue…did that mean a previous Blood Jewel was involved with their family history?

I nearly jumped after a minute or so went by as I felt two hands begin massaging my shoulders. Arisa chuckled and whispered, "Just relax. You look so stressed out right now…" Deciding to just let it go, I set my head back down and moaned softly as she began massaging the knots out of my shoulder. For such a graceful girl, she sure had some force behind her. "Did you get some rest last night?" she asked, her voice still barely above a whisper.

"Yeah… That's why I feel like shit." Twitching my head to the side, I heard my neck crack and smiled. Christ, did that feel good.

"How does sleep make you feel worse?" she questioned, leaning forward and frowning at me.

My eyes widened in surprise; had I never told her about that? I rarely kept things dealing with my vampiric state away from her. She deserved to hear everything that went on when it came to my state of being, for she took care of me without even my asking, and I respected her fully for that. I guess, however, since she never asked until now, I never thought to tell her. "I… When a vampire sleeps, they generally dream of the time they were turned into a vampire," I explained, feeling her hands work slightly lower down my back. "While most vampires had a pleasant experience turning into one, I didn't. So when I sleep… I see things I'd rather not see again."

Feeling her hands stop, I slowly sat up and felt my entire back crack, relieving nearly all the pressure. I sighed in content and went to thank her when she whispered, "I apologize."

I frowned up at her and asked, "Why are you apologizing?"

"I was the one who told you to get some rest last night. If I had known what you see when you sleep… If I had known you would wake up like this…"

I chuckled and shook my head. "Arisa, it's not your fault. I didn't have to sleep. In the end, it was my decision to do so, even if I knew the consequences. So don't blame yourself for my actions, alright?"

I watched as a small smile formed on her face, and she reached out and held her hand in front of my face. "I take it the normal synthetic stuff is probably not going to work in your condition right now," she stated, and I looked in confusion at her wrist. "Please…even if it wasn't my fault, I can tell you're still really exhausted. Who knows if the synthetic blood will do the job? So…take mine instead."

My eyes widened in shock. "No, Arisa," I replied coldly, quickly pushing her hand back. "I could never do that to you."

"B-But you said that humans can't turn into a vampire unless you use a special technique first! I don't know what that is, but I know you wouldn't use that on me, right? I want to help you, Mr. Kaiba. So please…" She slowly reached out again, and I swallowed the lump that had formed in my throat. I could sense her blood flowing, that delicious juice, but I had promised myself to never lay a finger on her. Her hand was now directly in front of my mouth, and with shaking hands I grabbed her wrist, meaning to push her away like last time. Instead, I now felt her blood coursing inside her, making my fangs drop on their own. N-No… I couldn't do this. Why did she want me to drink her own blood? It…didn't make sense. I tried pushing her wrist away, but it almost felt like her blood was calling out to me. Was it…or was it my own urges?

A sudden knock at the door made the two of us jump, and I quickly let go of her wrist. "I-I'm sorry," I whispered, placing my head in my hand and closing my eyes, willing my urge to suck her fucking dry away. I felt her hand gently caress my cheek, and my hands began to shake even more. "A-Answer the door." My voice was even shaking, and my voice never shook with emotion, except perhaps hatred at times. I was really out of it today.

I heard Arisa open the door and slowly shook my head. God, I had almost fucking tainted her. I always promised myself not to lose my conscious around her. I would never give in and drink her…and now I almost had. Was it my lack of will today, carrying over from the previous evening? I didn't know anymore. Why was I suddenly so weak?

"Mr. Kaiba," she said in a small voice, walking back up my desk. I opened my eyes and glanced up at her. "It's Miss Ishtar. She said she told you yesterday that she would come by today."

Fuck! I did not need this! Growling in irritation, I nodded my head and said, "Let her in." Hearing Arisa move again, I leaned back in my chair and let out a long sigh when I saw her place the cup of synthetic blood in the center of the desk. She mouthed 'I'm sorry' to me before quickly turning and walking back to the double doors. "He will see you now."

Draining the cup of its contents, I felt the blood begin working its magic and slowly smiled. Yes… I needed this right now. Any sort of blood would work, synthetic or otherwise. I just needed the strength and energy I gained from drinking this stuff. I was a monster in need of food so that I could function.

And just as quickly as I gained it, it seemed to be stripped away, for in walked Ishizu Ishtar, surprisingly wearing a different outfit: a black skirt that went down to her knees, a white, button-up shirt, black heels, and several golden bracelets. I knew talking to her would be difficult, but it was something that had to be done. After all, if the paper in front of me was telling the truth—

Shit. I quickly put the paper away in the top drawer of my desk, hoping she hadn't noticed. If she knew I knew about her research…well, more specifically, her brother's research, she may become suspicious. That would not lead to anything good.

"Good morning, Kaiba," she greeted, sitting down on the same couch she had the previous day. She seemed to be her normal, confident self, though I couldn't imagine why.

"What do you need, Ishizu?" I asked, pouring myself another cup of coffee. Leaning back in my chair, I sipped the synthetic juice and stared at the woman in front of me.

"I need your answer," she replied. "I want to know whether you'll help me and my brother collect the information we're looking for."

"Well, I have to say Ishizu, that your previous visit did not impress me at all." Good. My voice was beginning to return to its cold, normal state. I couldn't have her knowing how weak I felt. That would just give her an opening, and I had a feeling that's exactly what she was looking for. "You vaguely explained your situation to me, and from what you did explain it sounds like it has absolutely nothing to do me. So I'll give you one chance to try and convince me that I should help you."

"I told you, Kaiba, I don't know why I'm asking you to help me out with this," she answered, shaking her head before returning her gaze to me. "Marik and I went through the list, and for some reason your name stuck with me. I just had a feeling you would help me…maybe it was wrong."

"Obviously."

"But Kaiba… I need information that I think only you can get. You're a hacker, aren't you? You're good at getting into places that you normally can't get into."

Hacking… So she did know about her brother's behavior. "And why on Earth, Ishizu, would you want a hacker on your side? You do realize that hacking is considered illegal, do you?"

"I know, but Marik and I need this information. We're willing to do whatever it takes to get it, illegal or otherwise."

Her blunt remark made me reconsider my outlook. I wasn't going to help her at first, but this woman was more than desperate. Draining my cup once more, I refilled it a second time and began sipping it again when she chuckled at me. "What?" I asked, glaring at her.

"I have always heard that you couldn't live without coffee, but I didn't know it was true."

She had no idea how true it was. "I don't think this is a good time for you to be making fun of me for my ways. Now either tell me what the hell you're looking for or get out. You're wasting my time."

Letting out a sigh, Ishizu shook her head and said, "I told you; Marik and I want family information. It's just—"

"Then why are you requiring a hacker if you want that sort of simple information?"

At this, Ishizu bit her lower lip and whispered, "You wouldn't believe me if I told you."

So there it was. I knew it was dealing with the Blood Jewel. She knew about my feelings towards her magic and Egyptian past. Whether that was true or not, I wasn't sure, but then again, after becoming the Blood Jewel, I believed just about anything. I just pretended not to in order to make people perceive me differently. It worked wonders. "Whatever. I'm not helping you unless you thoroughly convince me to do so."

And then, she did something that scared the living shit out of me. Within the matter of a few seconds, she jumped off the couch, ran around the desk, and embraced me, tears flowing freely down her face. I dropped my cup of coffee on the floor, hearing the glass shatter, but that was my least concern. Her aura this close was ungodly. It was reaching out to me so badly that I couldn't help but gasp in surprise. It was so strong…stronger that yesterday? Impossible; it had to be the proximity.

"P-Please, Kaiba," she choked out between sobs. "I don't know why, but I need you to help me out with this. I just feel like you're the one who can help me with this. I'm sorry, but you're the only one that can help me with this."

Letting her words sink in, I slowly pushed her back and looked into her eyes. Sure enough, there was a glint of red in them. Her aura was trying to break on its own, and it was now destroying her. The idea that it occurred in the matter of a few seconds scared me. I stood up and placed my hands on her shoulders, staring intently into her eyes. "Alright, I'll help you out," I stated, trying my best to ignore her aura. I didn't even care if my fangs were showing, my eyes were red…and I don't think she was paying enough attention to notice anyway.

"Y-You will?!" she exclaimed, smiling widely and wrapping her arms around me once again. "I-I'm sorry for this, but I just think we need your help. Thank you so much!"

Releasing her grip on me, she straightened her shirt out and blushed. "I'll leave you to your work now, but if you could, please stop by the museum later tonight so that we can discuss the information I need. I promise to be straight-forward with you then. Until tonight, I… Just know how grateful I am to have you helping." She smiled and embraced me one more time before turning around and leaving the office. I just stood there, my hand gripping the edge of the desk, as I stared a hole into the floor. I had just accepted her offer, basically accepting her as my responsibility. But her aura… I could never just ignore that. It was unbearable, especially that close. I had to end this. I would take her under my wing just to end this nightmare. Besides, if her aura could make her do that within a few seconds' time, it meant that she was somewhat suffering as well. Both parties were getting hurt at this point. I had to end it. Even if…even if…

"M-Mr. Kaiba?!" a sudden voice exclaimed, making me look up to see Arisa standing in shock at the doorway. "A-Are you alright, Sir? You…your fangs are really showing." Placing my finger against my teeth, I blinked in surprise at the fact that my teeth were fully exposed. Yet willing them away was futile, and so I merely closed my eyes and shook my head. "D-Do you need more—"

"Please, Arisa," I interrupted, sensing her sudden terror. She was genuinely concerned for me… I could feel her worry. "I will clean this up myself. Please, just go back to your desk and let me handle this right now."

"I… I'm sorry, Mr. Kaiba." Slowly she walked out and shut the door behind her, leaving me in the room by myself. How had things gotten out of hand so quickly? How?!

Slumping back down in my chair, I turned and looked down to see the broken glass. I knelt down out of the chair and slowly began picking up the shards, not worrying about the cuts I received from it. I don't even remember throwing the shards away, or sitting back down to work, or even beginning the report that I had started when I eventually came to. All I could think about for the rest of the morning was Ishizu's reaction.

She was a lost Knight…and I was the Blood Jewel.

What was I going to do?