Huzzah, welcome me back, my dear fans! I have been indulging in "Kingdom Hearts" for the past week and I got a new parakeet and my mom got a new puppy. Yay! Okies, enjoy the update. I also feel like adding another disclaimer. I dunno why.

Disclaimer: I do not own Yugioh of any of its characters. Anzu and Seto belong to Kazuki Takahashi whom I love for creating this show and giving me a reason to write this fanfic. But IF I owned Yugioh, then there'd be no reason for fanfiction, now would there?

I own the plot and any random characters I throw into the story. Ok, enjoy.

Chapter Twelve

Soft Snow in the Village

Seto was working in an office in the manor, keeping up with his currency and such. It was early, he'd been awake since sunrise. And since the moment he opened his eyes to the current moment, he had gotten nearly half of a day's work completed. Admittedly, he was impressed.

There were new scrolls he still needed to deal with from the Clan. Missions were starting to come in. Not that he was surprised.

Within a few weeks, the snow would melt and it would be warmer. This was usually the time of the year when missions started up at a higher rate after the ground is iced. So far, most of his missions were assassination of traitors and thieves.

The Southern Clan had a far more noble cause behind their killings. In fact, on average, then only killed about 21 percent of people total in comparison to the Northern Clan. Seto knew it was because the Southern Clan wanted to break the power of the North, who seemed to believe they held a type of superiority over everyone.

Yoshinori had started this chaotic trend. He lusted for power and killed without mercy. Seto grimaced at this thought and at a bitter memory.

He himself had nearly been recruited to the Northern Clan after his parents had been killed and his little brother went missing. Now, he was all alone. The Southern Clan had fought off the Northern agents and took him with them.

Seto had been raised well and he returned the Clan by training and fighting for them. His story was well known by numerous members, and so many aspired to be like him.

"But why?" he often asked himself. What was so great about his life?

His family was nonexistent, he lived alone in a huge, empty, lifeless house and only lived to work and go on missions. Seto sighed quietly and continued to scan over some mission scrolls and tried to decide which were more important and which to reject.

Maybe he should take retiring into consideration soon. But what good would that do? Then he'd be jailed here, alone, forever... But what did he have to live for? Fighting? That was it? His so-called job that earned him so much wealth and power he was sick of it and did not even stay in one place to savor such "joy" as most believe it to be?

These questions had been coming to mind so much more than usual lately, it was starting to concern him. He was starting to wish for a metamorphosis to occur in his life; a large, positive change. Something to forever solace him and make life enjoyable.

At this moment, his thoughts went to Anzu. Her wide blue eyes, her pretty smile, her form of humor that was sometimes sarcastic and sometimes comical. These things actually did provide some type of comfort to him. He felt less alone with her here.

She could hate his guts, but so long as she smiled, laughed, made her jokes and wise remarks: so long as she was herself, he would not perceive forlornness.

"Mr. Kaiba? Lunch is ready." Seto nodded and stood up. Well, it had been nice to have that long ponder. But, he still had so many questions.

What do I do with my life?

Where should I go from here?

What does the future hold for me?

Is my life honestly the best it can be or is there something I can do to change it for the better?

He walked to the dining area to find Anzu sitting at the table, waiting patiently for him. Seto sat across from her and the two were serves miso soup in red bowls and a plate of kare raisu. (1) Seto picked up his chopsticks and started on his kare raisu.

Anzu picked up her bowl of miso soup and ate it daintily. They were quiet and simply enjoyed their lunch.

The meal tasted delicious. Seto especially enjoyed the spicy kare raisu, but the miso soup was seasoned delectably. Seto placed his bowl down and a servant took it up for him. They were served green tea and sipped it.

"So, are you ready to go and get you some clothes?" Seto asked simply. Anzu looked up at him and nodded.

"Yes." They finished their tea and stood up.

"Do you want to change into your white kimono?" Seto asked.

"Yes. And are you changing?"

"I have some clothes in other rooms. You go and change."

"Fine." Anzu walked away. Seto went off to change into more appropriate clothes. He wore pants and a nice top. Then, he stood near the front door and waited for Anzu.

She came down in her white kimono, her hair sweeping around her shoulders. Seto nodded at her and they exited the house. Anzu shivered a little at the cold and Seto handed her a black michiyuki (2) with white dragons on it. Anzu stared.

"What's this?"

"You're cold, aren't you?" Anzu accepted it and draped it over her fair shoulders. She felt much warmer now. Seto ld her to a carriage and they climbed in. Anzu looked outside as they rode away from the manor.

Seto owned a good portion of land and farms, it was no wonder he was so wealthy. She could tell it was beautiful in warmer seasons. This made her smile a bit and look forward to spring.

The village was a short ride away. They stopped and Seto exited the carriage. He moved to the other side and offered a polite hand to Anzu. She accepted and allowed him to help her down.

This village reminded her of the one near her old home. It was humble and cute. Right now, snow fell gently in a powder. Snowflakes brushed her face like quick kisses and landed in her hair.

"Follow me." Seto traipsed down the path of the village market. There were stands everywhere, many selling various foods, steam mingling with the wind. Kids ran around as merchants called out the food.

"Yakitori!" (3) one merchant yelled. "Get some yakitori! Best yakitori in town!"

"Odon! Fresh odon!"

"Okonomoyaki! (4) Come and get it!" There was more than just food stands.

Some places sold pretty necklaces and trinkets. Others sold little toys for children. One was even selling fish. Seto looked around for a place with nice clothing for Anzu. So far, no luck.

At the end of the street, there was a stand run by a middle-aged merchant and it had a good amount of nice clothes. Seto took Anzu by her wrist and pulled her over to the stand. The man smiled.

"Good day, may I help you?"

"Yes. I need a new wardrobe for...my..."

"Friend?" Anzu offered, not sure what she should call herself either.

"Yes."

"Well, step right up. I have a fine selection of kimono and such." Anzu smiled and walked up. Seto sat back, waiting for her to find what she wanted.

Near the stand, there was a small, curtained area in which Anzu could try on the new kimono. She tried on at least fifteen and found ten she loved. One of them was a beautiful black and red kimono. It was ebony silk and has blood colored cherry blossoms sewn as a pattern.

Its elegance was beyond description and it flattered Anzu's body. She walked out of the changing area.

"Kaiba-san, what do you think?" she asked. He looked up at her and nodded.

"It's beautiful." He said it with simplicity and little emotion in his voice. But...something about the way he looked at her, something in his eyes made her feel like he was not being sarcastic. That she really did look beautiful.

Her face turned a little pink and she smiled.

"Thank you. Well, I love this one."

"That's the only kimono you want?" Seto asked.

"No, there were a few more."

"And what about sleep wear?" Seto asked.

"There is only regular kimono here. And they're all too nice to sleep in." Seto sighed and shook his head.

"Well, I suppose you'll have to put up with my yukata for a while. Do they at least sell obi here? You'll wear out the one you use right now if we don't find another."

"Already taken care of. And can I get some new shoes and tabi? (5)" Seto raised an eyebrow.

"Very well." Anzu smiled cutely at him. Seto sat and waited for her, enjoying her happiness. He liked seeing her smile, she looked even more beautiful.

Within half an hour, Anzu had all the clothes she wanted and some new shoes and such. Seto paid the merchant and walked away with Anzu.

"That was great! These kimono are even more beautiful than the ones I had at home."

"You'd be surprised what some of the artisans here are capable of." Anzu looked over at him.

"Do you have a lot of first-hand experience with the craftspeople here?" she asked.

"No, not really. I just know fine handwork when I see it. And I do know most businesses here are family run, and that normally ups the quality." He sighed. "However, this town does not make a lot of money. I buy some things here, but because I'm never home, I can't really invest in much."

"I'm surprised you care."

"Don't judge a bud before it blooms." Anzu blinked. She had never heard that phrase before. But, she liked it.

"Did you make that up?"

"I've read a lot of poetry over the past few years. Sometimes lines like that just come to me."

"So you like to read?"

"Very much so." By this time, they were back at the carriage. Seto helped Anzu in and they rode back toward the manor.

"Kaiba?"

"Yes?"

"Um...why did you buy me for so much?" she asked. Seto looked at her in surprise.

"What do you mean?"

"It's not like I was the prettiest girl there. And I don't think I was worth that much money." Seto smiled a bit.

"Well, let's just say I'm picky. And I could tell you were not just some prostitute. You looked like you had more...what's a good word? ...class. You were not just some dancer, you showed modesty, grace, and elegance. It wasn't some strip show to you, it was dancing."

"Actually, I just wanted it to end."

"You looked like you enjoyed dancing."

"Well...I guess." They came to the manor and walked inside. Anzu went to Seto's room, and hung her new clothes in the closet. Seto waited for her.

"What now?" he asked.

"Huh?"

"Are you planning on staying in the library? I don't want to send my entire staff to find you if you're just hiding out and reading."

"Well...I'm not too sure."

"Just let me know where you'll be so I can send a servant to fetch you for dinner." Anzu nodded.

"Can do." Seto walked away from her. She sighed and sat on the bed.

What to do? What to do now?

She looked out the window at the soft snow. Then she went to the library to read.

Well, I hope you liked the update. It wasn't too exciting. I'm gonna use a little bit of timeskip in the next chapter. It'll be...maybe three days later, I want to say. Possibly five. We just have to get this story moving. I don't like how so much is happening in only two or three days. I love ideas, sometimes they inspire me so feel free to offer plot suggestions. I have a mild idea, but I dunno how I can build up to it.

I used some more traditional Japanese food and such in this chapter, so here's what some of it was for those of you who would like to know.

1. Kare Raisu - Curry Rice

2. Michiyuki - Overcoat

3. Yakitori - Grilled chicken pieces on skewers

4. Okonomoyaki - A mix between a pancake and pizza made from dough and often spread with sauce and has numerous types of toppings.

5. Tabi - Split-toed socks.