** I just want to take a minute to say, all of you who have reviewed seriously are the best reviewers ever. I'm of course so flattered that you all are loving my story, but I really love that you give me embellished, detailed feedback. I really mean it, it means a lot to me, so thank you.


Jem

I was in a tunneled backstage area with the Kaiba brothers. The duel about to start any minute. Seto stood with his arms crossed, looking at the opening up a set of stairs that led to the duel arena. I could hear the cheer of the crowd high above and Roland's voice announcing the duel. "Now! It is time for the first duel of the semi-finals! Let me first introduce the new duelist on the scene, Mauro Kern!" There was cheering from the crowd, in anticipation of the duel I assumed since I didn't think he had a fan base. "And now, it is my honor to introduce his opponent, your host-"

I looked at Seto. He was motionless, arms crossed, with his usual stubborn look on his face, his eyes still ahead. He was listening for his cue.

When we met up with Mokuba before, he had surprised me with a parasol. "To keep you out of the hot sun," he explained. But now I turned and held it out to him. He understood my gesture and took it from me. Then I turned my attention back to Seto.

I shifted my stance towards him to get closer, then reached out and gently touched his arm. He turned slightly, only enough to see me out of the corner of his eye. I kept my hand on his arm and took a couple steps forward to stand in front of him. As I did, he uncrossed his arms. He cast his eyes down to me and I looked up into them. I reached up and gently touched the side of his face.

I felt in my chest a sensation, I do not know how to describe it, it was like a lightness, or a turning, or a tickle. I am still unable to compare it to anything, but now I know what it was: it was the actual, physical feeling, of love.

At the time all I knew was that the feeling was because of him. I moved up onto the tips of my toes to kiss him. He came down to meet me part way. I closed my eyes. I felt his hands on the small of my back as he gently guided my body against his. The kiss was the sweetest, most tender kiss I had ever experienced. And that's when I knew I was in love. That was the first time I admitted to myself, that I was damn-well, helplessly in love, with Seto Kaiba.

"-one of the top duelists in all the world-"

We parted and I sunk back down. I wrapped my arms around his waist and aligned my body along his. I rested my chin on his chest and looked up at him.

"Was that for luck?" he asked.

"Luck? Don't you have skill? No, that was just because I wanted to," I answered. "But I will give you a kiss for luck if you want."

"No, you're right, I don't need it." I don't think Seto understood flirting, though I probably also didn't do it very well.

"-one of the most successful men of all time-"

He looked back up.

"-Mr. Seto Kaiba!" Roland finally finished the introduction. I could hear the crowd go wild for the man I currently showed sentiments for. I let him go as he pulled back, then I stepped out of his way.

"Mokuba, take care of Jem. Hopefully this doesn't take long," he instructed before he ascended the stairs.

"You got it, bro!" Mokuba called.

I watched him walk up, then turned to Mokuba. "So you're my babysitter now? I hope your brother is paying you for this," I taunted.

"Seto never needs to pay me for any requests. I would do anything for my brother," Mokuba said as he started to turn away.

"I know you would," I admired.

"Come on, it's this way," he called over his shoulder as he started to walk. We walked deeper into the tall, wide cement tunnel, short enough lengthwise that it was still lit by natural light. "You know," he said as we walked, "you just brought out a side of my brother that I have never seen before. Ever."

"Hm," I replied, "I suppose it is a rarity."

"Well, you know, you're the same way," he responded. "I've seen the way the two of you act when you think no one is paying attention. Case and point two minutes ago." I made no comment. Mokuba handed me back my parasol and I opened it, resting it against my shoulder.

We emerged from the tunnel. Though most of the spectator seats were high above the arena, there was a place for Mokuba and I to sit, sunken at the side of the dueling field. There was a thick cement partition, and then a raised second row were Yugi and his many friends sat. As I approached our seats, I realized the parasol would also make for a good divider for me to ignore the others.

Mokuba and I found our seats. With my free hand, I smoothed my dress down before I sat, then looked up to the field. Seto and the man were shuffling the other's decks, both glaring at the other as they did so, then exchanged decks and went back to their respected sides.

Seto stood with his arms crossed. "I'll let you make the first move," Seto called out coldly to the man.

"How generous," the man responded. "But before we start, I've been instructed to make a few things clear." Seto narrowed his eyes. "I am here on behalf of Maximillion Pegasus, and my master has terms. He says that should I defeat you in this duel, you must hand his daughter over to me and stop interfering in his family's affairs."

"No way!" I heard one of the gang members yell from behind me. "It can't be, he doesn't mean-"

"Yes," Mokuba affirmed. "Pegasus has sent that man here to take Jem back against her will, but he has to go through my brother first. With Seto protecting her there's no way-"

"Mokuba, please," I said sternly, cutting him off. He was silent.

I heard Joey's voice quietly say from behind me, "That explains why she acted da way she did when I brought up her dad." Then I heard him add, "I guess I shoulda known—dat guy's a creep."

His friend, I can't remember his name, Trevor? Trenton?—whoever—asked him to explain. I pretended I did not hear any of it and started to tune it out. This had gotten so much worse. The circumstances themselves were bad enough, but as I have said before, I did not like to be the center of attention, and I did not like people knowing any of my personal business. But I kept myself outwardly blank, only showing the slightest bit of anger towards the pawn.

"Don't worry," Mokuba assured me. "My brother will defeat this jerk. He always does."

"I will agree to your terms, but only because you won't win," countered Seto. "And once I win, I suggest you take off running as fast as you can, because I'm going to make your life a living hell. But if you come to your senses before then, don't hesitate to get a head-start."

Then they simultaneously shouted, "Let's duel!" and the crowd went into an uproar. My head was starting to become cloudy again. I was grateful for Mokuba's gift, as the sun was still high in the sky, and hot. The sun and the noise overwhelmed me as things became hazier.

I heard Seto's voice and tuned back in. "Good first move, but let me show you how a real duelist does it," he exclaimed before he made his move. As the duel continued, I heard Yugi and the others make comments on their plays. And they, not just Mokuba, would call out quips of encouragement to Seto. However, they addressed him as 'Kaiba,' which I thought was odd. Seto had told me how it was the name of his adoptive father, a man he despised, yet he took and embraced the name. And here I was, disowning my birth father's name. Perhaps I would ask him about it one day, if I got to stay...

With that realization came a lot of what-ifs. What if Seto really does lose? What would happen if I did get taken away? Would I ever see Seto again? Or Mokuba? Would I have some way to communicate with them, and then should I? Stop, I told myself, I have to have faith in him. And even if he does lose, I will not go willingly. I will fight that man tooth and claw with everything I have.

"Jem." I heard a stern voice. It sounded like Yugi's, but it was different. Fierce and low. I turned my ear to him. "Believe in Kaiba, he is a skilled duelist and more than capable of winning this match. But if it will make you feel any better, in the unlikely event that he does lose, I will duel Mauro Kern on your behalf."

I was confused by the kindness, but I was also insulted by him trying to take care of my problems for me. And again, I did not like the idea of being dueled over. "That is very generous," I began firmly, "but it doesn't work that way. That man is not here for the tournament. I would be surprised if he even stuck around to duel you, or your opponent, should he win," I reminded him knowing he had not won his semi-final yet. I turned away.

The man wiped out one of Seto's monsters, but Seto stayed poised with his arms crossed. Only his coat flared out behind him in the accompanying gust.

"Ha!" yelled the man. "Looks like I'm one step closer to taking your little girlfriend away from you."

"Hm." Seto narrowed his eyes, then drew a card and smirked. "I told Pegasus and I will tell you, I am never turning her over. Not that it matters because you will lose this duel. Then you can run back to your master and tell him that he should know better than to cross Seto Kaiba." Then Seto played one of his legendary dragons and attacked, inflicting an even more devastating blow than the one he had just taken.

I was beginning to feel warm again and a dull pain ran through my head and body. It was not sharp like the others I had experienced, but it lasted longer and became more intense as my body temperature rose. Soon I was worn and sunken in my seat. My breathing had become labored. Mokuba glanced over and noticed.

"Are you ok?" he asked.

"I'm not- feeling well-" I answered heavily.

He reached out and placed a hand on my forehead. "You're burning up," he said.

I smiled weakly. That was exactly what Seto had said.

"What?" he asked, a little confused.

"That- Your brother-" was all I was able to get out.

Then I heard Téa call down to us, "Hey, is she ok down there?"

Mokuba turned back to her. "No, she's burning up." He twisted to face me. "I'm going to go get you some water," he said before springing out of his chair. Out of concern, I was quick to hold out my hand and stop him.

"No," I struggled. "Not by yourself- Could be more- Too risky- Stay."

Mokuba made a disappointed sound as he planted both feet on the ground, his shoulders dropping. He tilted his head down, thinking of what to do now.

"Hey," I heard Téa again. "Did you say you needed water? I'll go get it for you."

"Yeah," Joey added. "I'll go wit ya."

"Really?" Mokuba asked, turning to them. "That would be great, thank you guys."

I heard Yugi's low voice hum.

"Of course!" Téa volunteered cheerfully before Mokuba told her how to find it.

Mauro noticed my condition as she and Joey left. "Look, you can't even take care of her!" he boastfully accused Seto, practically laughing.

Seto looked at me and saw what the man was referring to. He clenched his teeth and Mauro laughed. Seto turned his attention back to his opponent and called out another fierce assault.

I stayed still and silent, looking to Seto, my mind occupied by how my body felt. Soon the two returned with the water. Joey stood next to me, extending the bottle. My eyes were downcast as I turned my head to him, and then my eyes flashed upward. Joey stood with one arm outstretched, the other hand in his front pocket. Téa stood next to him, her hands closed near her chest with a concerned look on her face.

"Here ya go," he offered.

I looked at it listlessly for a moment, then reached up and took it from him. "Thank you," I acknowledged wearily.

"So what, you're only nice to me when I do stuff for ya?" he accused.

"Joey-" I heard Téa say, annoyed as she nudged him in the ribs.

"No," I managed softly. "Usually- I find you irritating- but this- was gracious- so thank you."

"Eh, it was no problem," he claimed, waving his hand. I turned away.

"Well, we'll just be back here if you need anything," Téa chirped as she pushed Joey along.

I held the water in my hand. "Here," Mokuba said as he took it from me. He twisted it open and handed it back. Hm. Again, just like your brother, Mokuba. I took a sip, and it did help, so I drank another significant portion. Then I looked back up to the duel to see what had happened.

Suddenly the intense pain was back, this time through my whole body. I doubled over, dropping both the parasol and water to the ground as I cried out.

"Jem!" I heard Mokuba cry and I sensed him hop up. My eyes were closed tightly. All I could sense was the intense pain in my body and hear the voices of those around me.

"What's happening to her?" I heard Téa cry out, along with a gasp that seemed to belong to a young girl.

"It is her ka," I heard an unfamiliar woman's voice answer.

"Her wha-?" asked Joey.

"She has a force inside of her. I did not foresee it getting this bad. Her body is no longer able to handle the power within her. Kaiba may not have a choice soon."

"Mokuba, who is this woman? Get her away from me!" I screamed.

"Jem..." Mokuba replied softly, slightly holding up an arm to me.

I heard Seto call an attack, then the man's voice cry out, "No, I lost!" and the crowd go wild. I held my head, shaking. The noise only amplified the pain.

"Jem! Jem!" I heard Mokuba rejoice. "He did it! Seto won!"

The man's voice came again, "No, I can't go back without her!"

But right after I heard the pawn, the other noises were replaced with- helicopter blades? And then I heard my most beloved voice of all cry out, "You bastard!" accompanied by gasps.

"Ju-Jude?"


So did I do ok with that chapter? Did it live up to your expectations?

Dustfinger's cheering section: I LOVE that you're paying attention to the details! I include a lot of clues in the fics (I would like to think it's one of those series that a reader can reread once it's complete and then see them all for what they are and say "holy shit!", though again, I'm not always sure how my writing comes across to others).

SO! If it's not clear, everything she has been experiencing has been because of the ka (still to be explained a little further).

And Namara, I can finally confirm that no, she is not (as though Kaiba wouldn't take every precaution to keep control over his life, and he's always one step ahead, never reckless, unless he's dueling Yugi on the roof trying to get Mokuba back), so breathe easy! Well, for that anyway.


Next Chapter: All Fired Up

Jem heard Mokuba's cries and turned to see Kaiba take the hit. "Seto!" she cried.