Chapter 14

–KCHQ, Domino, Japan, 6:31p, 7/1/07–

"And we are online." Mokuba said. "That's all."

"Well, I hope you all enjoyed your stay." Seto said. "Out."

"I'll send you both final contracts." Pegasus said, standing. "Kaiba-boy, remember that you have to send out invitations. You have the list of finalists, so go hunt them down. Also, it would be nice if you made preparations for the Opening and Closing Ceremonies. You know, something for entertainment. Music, something. Nice entrance,"

"I get the point." Seto interrupted. "I can be creative."

"Alright, gentlemen. Other than Seto over there, you'll all be sent invitations detailing everything, and you can access the website with your administrative logins." Pegasus finished.

"It shall be quite the fortnight." Zigfried commented, picking up his belongings.

"Roland, ready the planes and limo." Seto said into his coat. "Yes sir" could be heard in return.

"We shall reconvene on Monday, July 9th at EuroKaiba theme park in England." Pegasus finished. Yugi sat quietly, thinking about his previous phone call.

Flashback

"Would you forgive him, Yugi?" Serenity asked.

"Oh, hi Serenity. Forgive who?" Yugi replied.

"Duke just sent an apology. Should I forgive him? Would you forgive him?"

Yugi stood in the middle of Seto Kaiba's office, confused as how to answer. The seconds ticked like hours, conjuring an appropriate response.

"What do I say to that? He tried to kidnap her over adrenaline of infatuation. How could I say yes? But how can I say no?"

"Yugi?" Serenity asked, not knowing if he was still there.

"What do I say?"

"Are you there?"

"I'm here." Yugi sighed. "I think you should forgive him...in time. He has issues he needs to face." With that, he hung up the phone. Stunned by a question off guard that although is a standard 'yes or no' question, has so many levels to it.

"Yugi?" Mokuba said, waving his hand around in front of Yugi's eyes. Yugi jolted forward, snapping back into reality. A small laughter came from around the room. "Yugi, the limousine is waiting to take you home."

"Oh!" Yugi said, startled. "I'm sorry. I was just thinking."

"Clearly." Seto added from the other side of the room.

"I'll just...go. See you guys next week." Yugi said, heading for the door.

"Auf Wiedersehen, Herr Yugi." Zigfried said as Yugi passed through the door frame. Yugi gave a thumbs up from in the hallway to the elevator. After the door closed, Seto put his hand to his head and started laughing.

"What's so funny?" Pegasus asked.

"I just remembered that I involuntarily invited the entire geek squad to the tournament." Seto answered.

"How so?" Mokuba asked.

"Since Yugi and Wheeler both get two extra tickets, they have enough to invite the whole squad and more." Seto explained.

"Ah, what kind of tournament would we have without their cheerleaders?" Zigfried asked.

-London, England, 11:00a Su 7/1/07, Equivalent Time–

"Celeste!" Master called from the other room.

"Yes." she returned.

"The tournament website is online. It looks like I'm sending you home to collect our invitations." Master informed her. "The World Championship is right here in England, as predicted. I'll pack up and prepare for the move into the new Kaibaland Hotel."

"Do we know when we are dueling?"

"Not yet. Tournament brackets won't be revealed until the Opening Ceremonies. Although I can tell you the identities of the top eight duelists. We were correct, the majority of our targets are in the top eight, meaning they shall encounter plenty of us for us to take data." Master explained.

"Lovely." Celeste replied, walking into the room. "Well, I'll take the helicopter tomorrow morning."

"Yes. Everyone is coming here. Right to me. It's perfect." Master said.

"Don't worry, I'll advance far. I already beat every top duelist in Canada." Celeste said. Master coughed loudly.

"Oh, and I was permitted to defeat you, in order to avoid suspicions, Master." she quickly added.

"In just under a fortnight, we shall begin our work. At last."

The sound at the EuroKaiba airfield was deafening. All KaibaCorp helicopters were spread out across the field, ready for takeoff. Not so far away, a helicopter was taking off from a private airfield.

"I'll be back soon." Celeste said through her headset.

"We are clear for takeoff" a worker at the EuroKaiba airfield tower called out.

"Hurry back."

"KaibaCraft 2, engage."

–

–Inside the Wormhole–

-California, USA

"Her duel disk has been located as moving at 65 mph toward UCLA main campus." a KaibaCorp. henchman answered.

"Excellent." Croquet replied. Croquet had been assigned to present special invitations. "Follow."

"Well, you gotta think, girl, he's got a few years on you." Janine, Rebecca's friend, reminded her.

"I know, but age is just a number, right?" Rebecca asked, weary-eyed.

"Umm...no. Besides, didn't you say something about some girl, what was her name again?"

"Tea. Her name is Tea." Rebecca said with smite. "But I think we all know that...is that...a helicopter?" She looked out the moon roof to see a helicopter, flying low, straight above their car.

"Aww, what the..." Janine said, honking her horn and giving an obscene gesture out the roof.

"Sir, I don't think that's Rebecca." the henchman said.

"She's on the passenger side, can't you see the hair?"

"I'm flying."

Rebecca shifted the mirrors position to get a better view of the copter. "You might want to pull over. It's a KaibaCorp. helicopter."

"So?" Janine asked, looking up.

"Watch the road!" Rebecca called as Janine snapped into focus. "Duel Monsters World Championship invitations go out today."

"Fine." she said, giving a right turn signal. The helicopter flew over and landed in the grassy patch within an exit ramp. Emerging from the side door, Croquet ran out to the ramp.

"Here, drive along the side to meet him." Rebecca ordered, pointing out the window.

"Miss Rebecca Hawkins, on behalf of the Kaiba Corporation, I2, the Schroeder Corporation and Mr. Yugi Mutou, I present you an invitation to compete in the 2007 Duel Monsters World Championships, as the fourth seed and division leader." Croquet announced, cars whizzing by.

"Thank you, Croquet."

"Inside, you'll find your tournament registration, preliminary identification cards, three plane tickets and three V.I.P. park passes." Croquet explained.

"I'll make sure to look over everything." Rebecca replied, winking.

"See you next week!"

"Girl, I am so proud of you." Janine said. "Where's this thing gonna be held?"

"EuroKaiba, England." Rebecca replied. "Hey Janine, you know, I have three plane tickets here."

"Yeah."

"And three park passes." Rebecca continued.

"So?" Janine asked, looking at Rebecca. "Shut up!"

"Guess who is coming to England with Gramps and me?" Rebecca asked, receiving a shriek in response.

-Tokyo, Japan–

"Roland, I have here that she is currently on an observation deck in Tokyo Tower."

"Oh lord." Roland said, swearing soon after. "I've interrupted three classes, a service, and scared a dozen people in a movie theater, and now I have to descend onto Tokyo Tower. Who cares about getting fired anymore, let's just get arrested."

"I'll be landing on a construction flat nearby, if you don't mind taking a walk."

"Oh, thank God." Roland said.

"She should be about three hundred feet on your right, now."

"I have a visual, let's go." Roland said, he and his henchman now swiftly walking toward Mai Valentine.

"Mai Valentine, on behalf of KC, I2, Schroeder Corp, and Mr. Yugi Mutou, I present you with an invitation to the 2007 Duel Monsters World Championships, as the sixth seed in the tournament."

"I thought I might be hearing from you people." Mai said. "Where do I sign?"

"No signatures required, just follow the instructions in the envelope. I.D., plane tickets and park passes are all inside." Roland informed her.

"You should know by now that I only need one ticket and pass. I'm a loner." Mai said, opening the envelope.

"You should keep it. You never know who you might think of." Roland said, raising a hand. "Farewell."

"Goodbye." Mai said. As Roland walked away, Mai looked up.

"It's time to start over. Again."

-KC Medical Ward–

"Mr. Devlin, you are free to go." the nurse said, wrapping up a computer cord.

"Thank you, so much, Dorothea." Duke said, nodding.

"She seems like a sweet girl. I hope you two will be friends once again." Dorothea added, now standing in the door frame.

"I can only hope." Duke said. Both Duke and Dorothea took the reply from Serenity on the third.

Duke,

What you did was inconceivably ridiculous and terrifying. To ask such a thing of anyone after a stunt like this is preposterous. However, my sister, Serenity, wants to relay this to you. Yugi told her this, and she is taking it to heart. She'll forgive you, eventually. But, not right now. You have to deal with the consequences of your actions. She know that when the time is right, you will see one another again. As friends. And only as friends. So help me God, only as friends

.

Joey

-New Zealand–

"As Chief Overseer of Solid Vision for the Kaiba Corporation in Australia, it is a privilege to award you an invitation to the 2007 Duel Monsters World Championships in England."

"Thank you, sir. It is an honor." Zeke replied, outstretching his hand to shake. "Are you also giving the invitations for the Oceanic League?"

"Why yes. I just arrived from there, actually. I just dropped off an invitation to a young girl Naomi, as well as her friend Natalee." the man responded.

-Kame Game Shop, Domino City, Japan–

"This could be the safest place I've been all day." Roland commented, opening the door to the shop. Solomon was at his place behind the counter.

"Hello, what can I...oh wait, it's you, Roland." Solomon began.

"I'm going to assume that both Yugi and Joey are here." Roland said.

"And you assume correct." Solomon noted, turning to the staircase. "Yugi, there are two men in black suits wanting to rob the place. Come quick!" Roland laughed. Joey and Tristan barged down the staircase, both tripping as they hit the ground.

"Hey Roland." Yugi said, him and Tea walking down behind Joey and Tristan.

"If someone were robbing the place, do you think I would have had time to yell all of that?" Solomon asked, looking down at the two boys.

"No, not really." Tristan said, getting up.

"Formalities or no formalities?" Roland asked, yawning.

"No formalities; you seem tired." Yugi replied, continuing the yawn.

"Tournament ID's, three passes and plane tickets each. Congratulations, Defending World Champion, Rank 5 to Joseph Wheeler. EuroKaiba, England, July 8th is when you leave. Good luck, on behalf of kay-see, eye-two, ess-see and you." he said, pointing at Yugi with one hand and offering envelopes with the other.

"Well put. Go take a nap." Joey said, taking the envelope.

"Oh by the way..." he added, swallowing a yawn, "Mr. Mokuba birthday is on the seventh. No idea what gift you could give that he doesn't already own or have the capabilities to purchase, but, a thought."

-Toronto, Canada–

Celeste's helicopter landed in a field behind a housing development. She flicked her angelic blonde hair back out of her face and begin walking toward her house. On the road ahead, she watched as a limousine with two flags adorning at the front inching ever closer to the cul-de-sac.

"Well, I have excellent timing." Celeste noted, taking off for her back door. She pulled he purse in front of her, digging for a key. As she jumped up the staircase to the porch, she cold hear doors slamming from the front. A child playing in the street could be heard using the word "shiny" to describe the limo. Ready to laugh hysterically, she cranked open the door, running for her front door. In mid jog, she hopped around to throw her shoes across the room and to toss her purse on the table. Upon arrival at the door, she unlocked it, placed her hand on the door, and inhaled.

Knock knock knock....

"Hello" she said, opening the door. The man in front of her seemed startled.

"Oh, hi." he replied. "Is this the Deveraux residence?"

"It sure is, what can I do for you today?" Celeste responded.

"Why yes. My name is Tom Baker, and I'm Vice President of Affairs at the Solid Vision network station for North America. I'm here to deliver an invitation to the 2007 Duel Monsters World Championships."

"Yes!" Celeste said, putting on an excited tone. "I'm lucky I got here in time."

"Was that your helicopter?" Tom asked.

"Why yes, my husband and I love flying. In fact, we had just flown across to Vancouver to visit family." she lied, smiling.

"I wish I could pilot myself around the country."

"Oh yes, it's quite fun." Celeste assured him. "Do you have my husband's invitation as well?"

"Yes, I have one for the both of you. Inside are your I.D's, three park passes and three plane tickets a piece. But, seeing as you can fly yourself, there is a number inside to call if you don't need to fly Air Kaiba." Tom explained.

"Thank you so much." Celeste said, reaching out to grab the envelopes.

"Once again, congratulations." Tom said, handing over the envelopes and taking a step back.

"Thank you." Celeste said, shutting the door. Immediately, she whipped out her cell phone and walked to put on her shoes.

"Yes?" Master answered.

"I'm gathering everything we'll need. I'm on my way home." Celeste said.

"Excellent."

-Kame Game Shop, Domino–Sa 7/7/07–

"Why am I here?" Seto asked, waiting for the driver to open the door.

"Because it's my birthday and I asked you to come." Mokuba replied, looking over at his brother.

"Very true. Happy thirteenth birthday." Seto said. "Again. And the entire population of KaibaLand wishes you happy birthday as well, seeing how you opened the park for free today."

"I thought it would be fun." Mokuba said. "And it was." Just then, the driver opened the door, revealing the front door of the Kame Game Shop.

"Are you sure that Tea said here?" Seto asked, noting the eerie darkness.

"Positive." Mokuba replied, stepping out of the limo. Walking up to the door, he knocked.

"Well, to me, it looks like no one is home." Seto remarked. Suddenly, the door cracked open. "We're gonna die."

"Seto." Mokuba whined, pushing open the door. "Hello, is anyone here?"

"Show yourself." Seto said.

"Surprise!" a chorus rang out. Solomon, Yugi, Joey, Tea and Tristan jumped out from behind the counter. Suddenly, a smile ran across Mokuba's face. Seto merely looked blank.

"Happy birthday, Mokuba." Tea said, walking in front of the counter.

"You brought me here...for a birthday party?" Seto asked.

"Roland inspired us to find something that Mokuba didn't already have, and couldn't readily purchase." Yugi explained.

"So, we thought Mokuba would enjoy a nice night among friends." Tea finished.

'That's really nice of you guys." Mokuba replied.

"You call these geeks friends?" Seto muttered, receiving a stare from Mokuba.

"You don't?"

"Is there cake?" Seto then asked, looking at Tea.

"In the other room, yes." Tea answered, giving an awkward look back.

"Party." Seto said. "You're lucky that there is an eight-hour time difference between Japan and England. Then again, there is only one more thing left to do..."

"...to you" the room sang, standing around Mokuba. Mokuba inhaled, then blew out thirteen candles sitting on top of a circular cake."

"Chocolate, right?" Mokuba asked.

"Half and half." Tea said, playing hostess. "I also whipped up Chocolate Parfait for you. I believe that Seto said it was your favorite."

"It is." Mokuba assured her, looking at Seto. "So you did have a hand in this."

"I might have." Seto said, looking away. "I had a lunch break, and 'Mr. I Stand Too Close To The Webcam' and the rest of the geek squad called. They had an idea, and I figured you would enjoy it."

"Even in my own house." Yugi murmured, raising his eyebrows. Seto caught the look of distaste and laughed.

"Let's eat!" Joey said.

"We just had dinner." Tea said. "You can't be that hungry. Then again..."

"I'll cut the cake while you decide what you want to do."

"Oh no..." Seto said.

"Let's play Monopoly." Mokuba suggested.

"Okay. We can play the new Electronic Banking edition." Yugi said.

"You kids go ahead and play, I'm going to go upstairs." Solomon said, accepting a piece of cake from Tea.

"Oh, alright. Good night!" Yugi said.

"Good night, Mr. Mutou." Mokuba said.

"So, are we playing on teams or as individuals." Joey asked, setting the game board on the table. "And I call being the banker!"

"Joey, we don't need a banker. We all get credit cards." Tea said.

"Oh good, can I use my own?" Seto joked, reaching for his back pocket.

"In theory, this could take hours." Tristan said. Mokuba and Yugi looked at one another.

"Individually." they said at once.

VekuKaiba: For anyone who wanted to know, Yugi wins that game of Monopoly, after dueling it out with Mokuba for the final turns. I have the actual score somewhere, but not on hand. If anyone still remembers me, I am alive and still writing, although busy. Writing Chapter 15 as I type. I love my new computer. Pie.