As the door closed behind Marita, who slammed it hard for dramatic effect, Dawn sighed, massaging her temples from the migraine that she was getting.
"Seto, she just walked out on you. Aren't you going to call her back?"
Smiling slightly, the dark blue-eyed owner of Kaiba Corp just smiled, amused. "I know that Dawn, and no, I won't call her back. I don't need her smart mouth in my face again." He fiddled with the locks on his metallic steel briefcase, snapping it open to reorganize the cards it held inside.
Before he put the first card on top of the first pile he saw, his brown haired fiancée stalked over to his desk, and slammed the case closed, a look of suspicion in her eyes. Looking at him straight in his deep blue irises, she dropped her nicey-nice act, and decided to be blunt and frank with her words.
"Ok Mr. I'm-too-smart-for-my-own-darn-good, what are you up to? I KNOW YOU, Seto Kaiba; I know you well enough to know that you're up to something. I've played the nice, sweet little fiancée role pretty convincingly, now you're going to tell me WHY I had to lie to an old friend!"
"As I told Marita, 'my reasons are my own'." He replied, opening the briefcase again.
With lightning fast reflexes, Dawn snapped the case closed like the first time, only this time, she learned from her mistake. Quick as anything, she swept it off the desk, making a loud BAM! as it clattered to the marble floor. "Uh, UH, you ain't getting away THAT easily." Tapping into the power reserves of magic at her disposal, Dawn focused them into a ball of pure, raw, frozen energy, her eyes narrowing at her 'beloved'. "TELL ME SETO KAIBA, and I might just let you walk out of your office in one piece."
"Is that a threat?"
"You darn right it is."
"Dawn, if I told you..."
"You'd WHAT, Seto? Tell me Seto Kaiba, what would you do if you told me what you were planning? Explain to me what you are doing? Actually INVOLVING me in your life?" she countered, and then sarcastically, "Well, HEAVEN FORBID I EVER get close to you and your darn Duel Monsters cards." The long locks of her hair began to wave and sway by an unseen wind, only felt by the raw energy of her power.
"Dawn."
"What?"
"Calm down. I have the full intention of telling you everything, but not right now."
Long silences with dirty looks aimed at Seto's direction were all that followed his statement. Noticing the looks of distain, disgust and exasperation, he ignored them and picked his brief case up from off the floor, opening it yet again.
Relaxing as best she could on one of his soft leather chairs, Dawn huffed, wondering why and how on this whole wide world of people, that SHE was the woman 'lucky' enough to be paired with Seto Kaiba.
*You're a brick wall, and you hardly ever listen, Seto.* She thought, dispatching her gathered energy orb back into her fingers. *I know you better than that, and I know you're hiding something...* She gave Seto another round of dirty looks.
This time, she struck a nerve with the usually calm and cool Kaiba brother. "Dawn!" He snapped, losing his patience. "Do you mind? Don't give me that look. You're just wasting your time... and mine." Seto put the last of the new cards in their proper places on top of the older ones, and pushed the top of the briefcase closed, a hard CLICK! sound accompanying. Gripping the handle, he strode purposefully away from his desk and towards the door, passing Dawn with his long strides. Pulling out his cell, he speed dialed his baby brother to ask him to prepare a chopper, and called over his shoulder at Dawn. "Even you have your secrets Dawn. I'll find them out soon enough, but for now, I've got better things to do than to sit around and play mind games with you." His voice was hard and cold, icy enough to be considered Sub-Arctic.
*Not even the ARCTIC could match that coldness,* mused the magic lover, who scowled at him. Still suspicious and before Kaiba could get out the door, she replied, "You're going to find Yugi again, aren't you?"
He stopped dead in his tracks. Closing his eyes as if to savor Yugi's defeat, he countered," That's none of your business. And even if I was going out to find him, he wouldn't stand a chance against me, with Obelisk in my deck."
"Seto." Dawn chided, standing up to face him eye to eye. She flipped her long, brown bangs out of her deep blue eyes, and stated clearly; "Yugi has a God Card of his own: Osiris. And he also has his Dark Magician."
"It's true that he has both of those cards, but they soon will be mine," growled the oldest Kaiba brother, full of himself. He looked back at his fiancée, staring straight into her brilliant ocean blue eyes.
*Doesn't she understand? Osiris will be MINE, after I win it from Yugi,* he vowed, blinking away from the staring contest and turning away to resume his trek to the door. Echoing in the marble floored office, Kaiba repeated, "Those two cards will soon be mine."
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*At the Crashdown Cafe, Battle City*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
The music was deafening loud and the place was jumping with people as the guys in Yugi's entourage arrived in style, wearing stylish but comfortably clothes. Since they were out partying, the guys had all decided to wear their normal clothes, casual as ever. The swirling colored disco lights swirled neon blues, greens and pinks around the dance floor on the first floor, and spotlights hung to illuminate the loft that held the dining tables, kitchen and bar.
"Man, dis place is da BOMB!" yelled Joey over the pounding music. He grinned, in hog heaven at looking at most of the girls in the room, or, in particular, looking for ONE of them to dance with. He brushed his long blonde bangs out of his chocolate eyes, swaying to the beats of the pulsating sounds.
Tristan Taylor's eye kept swinging to the door, shoving his hands in his rusty red jacket pockets. The gesture in itself wasn't obvious, but the amounts of them sure were, even to Yugi.
"Hey Tristan! Looking for someone?"
Dazed, his darker skinned friend just blinked, grinning from ear to ear. "Nope, just waiting for the lovely, Lady Serenity to grace me with her presence..."
"And ya betta take CARE of my sista!" Joey countered, grabbing Tristan in a headlock. "Cuz I know ya know I'd kick ya butt if ya didn't!"
"Hey! HEY!"
The two of them wrestled for a while, making Yugi smile. Their antics were comforting, especially with his nerves on hyper alert. Merrick's hunters could be anywhere, and it was nice to finally have the chance to relax, and be a normal fifteen year old. He smoothed out his black tank top, and fiddled with the silver chain that held the Millennium Puzzle in its metal clutches.
Although he was IN the Millennium Puzzle, Yami could see everything from Yugi's eyes, and knew of Yugi's unease. Bound by friendship, trust and mystical energies, the two of them were inseparable, the best of friends when loyalty and friendship was needed the most. They remained almost symbiotic, both in mental contact with the other constantly. It was comforting that they were so close, and always had the other to depend on.
A movement at the cafe door caught Yugi's eye, as three ladies entered, their outfits sparkling and glittering as they moved; they strode towards the dance floor, already dancing to the loud, drum beats of the music.
"Hey! Hey! There they are!" said the top duelist, pushing both Tristan and Joey away from each other and pointing towards the girls. Glancing towards the left, the two best friends stopped their fighting and stared, mouths hanging open like they never saw a woman before.
"Oh momma..." moaned Joey, eyes wide as saucers. "Getta load of Mei. Aww man, she looks HOTT!!!!"
"Speak for yourself," breathed Tristan, his jaw refusing to close. "Take a look at your SISTER. Aye chiwawa..."
"Hey, that's my SISTA you bone-head!!!!" cried Joey, giving his friend a noogie ah' la Joey. The two of them sparred for a sec, then regained their composure and sauntered over to Mei and Serenity, sheepish over their antics.
Yugi was still laughing at the two of them when he heard his name. "Yugi!" said a voice behind him. Turning, a guy with long black hair and startling green eyes, wearing his usual red vest, black shirt and black pants outfit stepped through the crowd, coming towards his old nemesis, and new friend. "Hey Yugi. This place is jumpin' ain't it?"
The two guys scanned through the growing crowd of partygoers, who were dancing crazily to the hypnotic rhythm produced from the high volume stereo system.
"Yeah, it sure is Duke."
The older guy smiled, watching some of the pretty girls sway back and forth before his eyes. Then, a flash of gold caught his eye. Staring, he glanced quickly at Yugi, and then back towards the pale skinned girl coming their way.
"Whoa, Yugi... who's that?"
Looking in the direction Duke was pointing, the red and blonde haired duelist caught sight of whom Duke was talking about. Surprised and in awe, he replied softly, "That's... Tea..."
"Tea?! Tea Gardener?"
"Yeah." came the reply, as they watched her come closer. Finally she was three feet in front of them, eyes glittering.
"Hey guys, what's up?"
As hard as he tried, and for once in his life, Duke Deblin was caught speechless. He tried hard to get a word out, ANY word would have done the trick, but instead, he just stared at the golden clad goddess in front of him.
It was Yugi who had to answer for him. "Tea, you look beautiful!"
Tea beamed, taking pleasure in Yugi's compliment, and for the silence breaking. "Thanks Yugi!" She turned to Duke, expecting the same courtesy. However, his brilliant green ones met her light blue eyes, his stare intense. Frowning slightly, the brown haired girl crossed her arms in disapproval. "What, do I have something in between my teeth or something?"
"Um... uh... no... uh... you see..."
*Looking like an IDIOT HERE!!!* Thought Duke, his mind working when his mouth refused to respond. *Come on Deblin, sweep her off her feet!*
"Um... er... uh... look, you... um... move your feet... here? Um, wait, I mean..." He stuttered, and the last part came out with a rush. "Youwanttomoveyourfeetwithme?"
*Oh God that was LAME!* He could've kicked himself for making a scene, and making himself look like an idiot. He shoved his hands into his pockets, hoping Tea wouldn't notice the ruby red blush creeping up his pale face. Just SHOOT ME NOW Lord... Aloud, he said, "Well, that's ok Tea. You don't have--"
"What do you mean, 'I don't have to'?" She questioned, mischief dancing in her eyes. "You're right, I don't HAVE to, but I WANT to!"
"You... you do?" *I can't believe this! Is she for real?* "Are you serious?"
"Yeah!" Tea smiled whole-heartedly. "And I hear you're a pretty good dancer too!" She began to sway with the beat, enticing Duke to join her as she shook her hips and waved her arms. Coyly, she asked, "So, what's it going to be Deblin? Are you going to dance or disappoint?"
A confident smile arose from Duke's lips, happy to have found a dancing partner, and even a potential date. He let Tea drag him across the onto the dance floor, mumbling his good-byes to Yugi.
*Well, it looks like everyone's happy,* thought Yugi, glancing towards the three couples on the dance floor, who looked familiar. Joey and Mei proved to be a perfect match for each other, their street grunge-and-grind techniques complimenting the other's perfectly. Tristan and Serenity were doing more laughing than dancing, mostly due to the fact that Tristan had two left feet. His frantic, zany movements made even Yugi grin, and Serenity crack up in hysterics. Glancing in the last couple's direction, Yugi could see that the rumors about Duke were true. His moves were sleek and stylish, both fitting with Tea's funky style and setting their moves far enough apart where they both shined on their own. All of them were smiling wide, happiness and joy spreading throughout their features.
However, despite the happiness, joy, laughter and fun, Yugi frowned, and heaved a heavy sigh. Yes, everyone was happy, all but him. In any situation, he hated being the third wheel, the one always singled out. True, he had his dueling matches and tournaments, but that was never the same as having someone there for you. It just wasn't the same.
Strolling to the tables on the loft part of the Cafe, he ordered himself a Coke and sat down. *Might as well make myself comfortable,* he sighed, sipping the cold and sugary drink. *I just might be here awhile...*
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*On the Sidewalk Outside*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
"I can't believe him!" Marita fumed, walking aimlessly down the sidewalk. In all truth, she didn't care where she was going, just as long as it was far away from Seto Kaiba. "He thinks he's all HOT STUFF, so full of himself... I hope he gets knocked down a peg or two..."
Sighing, she continued to walk straight ahead, her arms crossed behind her head. *The one who knocks him down will have to get something substantial for it though, because I know Seto well enough where I know he won't admit it otherwise.*
She stopped to look in a store window, gazing at the rows and racks of clothes beyond. Had she been paying more attention, she would have noticed her own reflection, except there was one thing different. The image cast upon the window's glass was not her own. The reflection was a ghostly presence, looking older and wiser. Her eyes were more defined and colored shady indigo, blue-purple and attentive. Unlike the girl that the reflection mimicked, her hair was longer, finer, and hung more around her heart-shaped face.
In a flickering instant, as Marita moved from one windowpane to the next, the image shifted and faded, replaced by Marita's own. Gone, but not away, the shadow of another still lingered, waiting to arise again.
If it weren't for the pulsating loud music coming from the building, Marita would have skipped it right over. Looking towards that direction, she read the name of the popular dance scene out loud.
"Hmmmmmmm... The Crashdown Cafe..."
*Oh, what the heck, why not?* she mused, a warm smile spreading across her lips. *I could use some R and R time...*
Walking up, she paid for a ticket, dealing with the African American bouncer, who looked like he could bench press a truck. Strolling through the threshold, she passed up the double doors into the darkened cafe, with the swirling colored disco lights, and the black lights whirling in its depths.
*~~~~~*~~~~~*
Having finished his soda, Yugi patrolled the dance floor, watching the couples in the crowds sway to and fro to the melody from the stereo system. A couple of girls had asked him to dance, but to each one he turned them down, his heart not in it. Although he had enjoyed their company, the nagging feelings of his loneliness, that he was the only one in the world who could save the world... well, that was enough to make him panic.
*I'm supposed to be having FUN,* he groaned, too shy to accept another girl's offer. *This isn't much fun, especially since I'm purposely leaving myself out from my friends. It's like I don't even WANT to be happy...*
~Yugi,~ said Yami in the younger boy's mind. ~You need to relax; you're a nervous wreck! ~
~I know, I KNOW!~ Moaned Yugi, frustrated. ~I just can't seem to dance with anyone...~
He sighed, stressed. Taking a gander towards Tea's direction, he could see she was having the time of her life. Who knew that Duke had all the right moves? Feeling a pang of jealousy, he slid his eyes to the dance floor, defeated.
Yami sensed Yugi's loss of fighting spirit, and addressed his younger protégé'. ~Yugi, if you are uncomfortable with being here, let me give dancing a try. ~
~Are you sure? ~
~Yes, I'd like to. ~
~All right Yami, ~ Yugi replied, gripping his Millennium Puzzle. In a flash of light and mystical energies, Yami and Yugi became fused together, the older of the two's features and attitude shining through. Their two minds, although decidedly separate, were merged as one, with Yami in control; two minds, two souls, one body.
Yami scanned around the room, noticing minor things he was not able to pick up when looking through Yugi's eyes. His violet eyes intense, he peered through the crowds for someone he could dance with.
*I've got to make a good impression,* he thought, shaking his head and making his lightning shaped, 'straight up' bangs quiver back and forth. *Who knows what might happen if I don't.*
Somehow strange, the atmosphere of the club changed, the noisy drum beats giving way to soft guitar chords. A slow song began to play, "Kissed by a Rose" by Seal if Yugi was correct. All the couples began to draw closer, masculine arms wrapped around feminine hips, and soft hands clung and clasped to the back of strong necks.
Inadvertently, Yami noticed that he had drifted to the center of the dance floor, highlighted by a spotlight that came on immediately as he did. Adjusting his eyes to the spotlight, staring into its light, he caught a flash of azure blue. Turning towards it, he stopped and stared, his heart skipping a beat.
*~~~~~*~~~~~*
Something had drawn her to the middle of the dance floor, something that Marita could not deny. Swinging to the soft music, she danced to the center of the room, brushing past all the young couples in their own little worlds.
The second thing she noticed about him was his hair: spiky red and black, with lightning-like bangs streaking across. He seemed lonely, with no one dancing with him. It was a pity; a pity for them because it was truly their loss.
His hair was only the second thing she noticed, the first was what really took her breath away. The sight of his eyes, deep violet and hypnotic was the true magnet of her attraction. They were so beautiful to her, the most beautiful she had even seen, and she could have stared into those pretty peepers for every second, of every hour, of every day. Those eyes drew her into them, giving way to his soul, and for the first time in her life, Marita Shindou could feel her heart pounding with every moment. She couldn't stop staring into those eyes... familiar to her yet still unknown, paralyzed to move.
It was as if her feet had minds of their own, drawing closer and closer to the young man, and it seemed his feet were of equal mind. In an instant, they were right in front of each other, engrossed in thoughts and feelings they both had never felt before in quite some time.
"Do... you... wish... to..."
"...Dance?" she said breathlessly, finishing his sentence.
"Well... Yes." he replied, blushing beet red.
He tried to continue, but Marita stopped him, putting her left index finger on his lush lips.
"Shhh... don't speak."
As the lights whirled around and the disco ball came down to shower the dance floor in sparkles, a soft, brilliant light came from the direct center, unnoticed by any. If they would have questioned it, they would have merely thought it was the disco ball, instead of the glowing, glimmering armlet on a young girl's hand.
*~~~~~*~~~~~*
*What is it about this girl that made me feel this way?* wondered Yami, his violet eyes never faltering to stare into hers. HE could sense that there was something about her... something... UNREAL about her... He couldn't place his finger on it, just continued to stare into her blue-violet, indigo eyes. Yami's heart was pounding in his chest, his hands starting to sweat slightly. *What is it about this girl that makes me feel like the Pharaoh I was centuries ago? I haven't felt this way in 5000 years...*
His arms wrapped around her slender waist, and her petite hands clasped around his neck. He could smell the sweet scents of jasmine, lavender, and rosemary from the perfume she was wearing. Intoxicated, he drew her closer, feeling a gap in his heart that he had kept for so long fill up.
It was strange, that someone could make him feel this way, when he thought he couldn't be capable of it again. The more he thought of it, the more Yami came to realize that the girl he had remembered back at Yugi's house, during their conversation, was someone close to his heart, someone who he loved, and loved very deeply. He didn't remember her name or her face, but Yami knew that he had felt something for her.
As suddenly as it began, the soft, lilting music began to pick up the pace, the song ending. Yami realized that he didn't want to let this young woman go, no matter what the cost. Gazing at her face, he said few words to her, "Angel..."
The young lady's eyes softened, compassionate words never spoken from the mouth, but only the heart. As the beat began to pulse faster and faster, the music growing louder, she grinned whole-heartedly at Yami, and held her left wrist up, elbow bent at a ninety degree.
Taken aback, surprised, Yami flexed his own wrist the same, placing his wrist on hers. *This dance... I know it well...* He realized, smiling slightly. *Now, the real rhapsody begins...*
"Seto, she just walked out on you. Aren't you going to call her back?"
Smiling slightly, the dark blue-eyed owner of Kaiba Corp just smiled, amused. "I know that Dawn, and no, I won't call her back. I don't need her smart mouth in my face again." He fiddled with the locks on his metallic steel briefcase, snapping it open to reorganize the cards it held inside.
Before he put the first card on top of the first pile he saw, his brown haired fiancée stalked over to his desk, and slammed the case closed, a look of suspicion in her eyes. Looking at him straight in his deep blue irises, she dropped her nicey-nice act, and decided to be blunt and frank with her words.
"Ok Mr. I'm-too-smart-for-my-own-darn-good, what are you up to? I KNOW YOU, Seto Kaiba; I know you well enough to know that you're up to something. I've played the nice, sweet little fiancée role pretty convincingly, now you're going to tell me WHY I had to lie to an old friend!"
"As I told Marita, 'my reasons are my own'." He replied, opening the briefcase again.
With lightning fast reflexes, Dawn snapped the case closed like the first time, only this time, she learned from her mistake. Quick as anything, she swept it off the desk, making a loud BAM! as it clattered to the marble floor. "Uh, UH, you ain't getting away THAT easily." Tapping into the power reserves of magic at her disposal, Dawn focused them into a ball of pure, raw, frozen energy, her eyes narrowing at her 'beloved'. "TELL ME SETO KAIBA, and I might just let you walk out of your office in one piece."
"Is that a threat?"
"You darn right it is."
"Dawn, if I told you..."
"You'd WHAT, Seto? Tell me Seto Kaiba, what would you do if you told me what you were planning? Explain to me what you are doing? Actually INVOLVING me in your life?" she countered, and then sarcastically, "Well, HEAVEN FORBID I EVER get close to you and your darn Duel Monsters cards." The long locks of her hair began to wave and sway by an unseen wind, only felt by the raw energy of her power.
"Dawn."
"What?"
"Calm down. I have the full intention of telling you everything, but not right now."
Long silences with dirty looks aimed at Seto's direction were all that followed his statement. Noticing the looks of distain, disgust and exasperation, he ignored them and picked his brief case up from off the floor, opening it yet again.
Relaxing as best she could on one of his soft leather chairs, Dawn huffed, wondering why and how on this whole wide world of people, that SHE was the woman 'lucky' enough to be paired with Seto Kaiba.
*You're a brick wall, and you hardly ever listen, Seto.* She thought, dispatching her gathered energy orb back into her fingers. *I know you better than that, and I know you're hiding something...* She gave Seto another round of dirty looks.
This time, she struck a nerve with the usually calm and cool Kaiba brother. "Dawn!" He snapped, losing his patience. "Do you mind? Don't give me that look. You're just wasting your time... and mine." Seto put the last of the new cards in their proper places on top of the older ones, and pushed the top of the briefcase closed, a hard CLICK! sound accompanying. Gripping the handle, he strode purposefully away from his desk and towards the door, passing Dawn with his long strides. Pulling out his cell, he speed dialed his baby brother to ask him to prepare a chopper, and called over his shoulder at Dawn. "Even you have your secrets Dawn. I'll find them out soon enough, but for now, I've got better things to do than to sit around and play mind games with you." His voice was hard and cold, icy enough to be considered Sub-Arctic.
*Not even the ARCTIC could match that coldness,* mused the magic lover, who scowled at him. Still suspicious and before Kaiba could get out the door, she replied, "You're going to find Yugi again, aren't you?"
He stopped dead in his tracks. Closing his eyes as if to savor Yugi's defeat, he countered," That's none of your business. And even if I was going out to find him, he wouldn't stand a chance against me, with Obelisk in my deck."
"Seto." Dawn chided, standing up to face him eye to eye. She flipped her long, brown bangs out of her deep blue eyes, and stated clearly; "Yugi has a God Card of his own: Osiris. And he also has his Dark Magician."
"It's true that he has both of those cards, but they soon will be mine," growled the oldest Kaiba brother, full of himself. He looked back at his fiancée, staring straight into her brilliant ocean blue eyes.
*Doesn't she understand? Osiris will be MINE, after I win it from Yugi,* he vowed, blinking away from the staring contest and turning away to resume his trek to the door. Echoing in the marble floored office, Kaiba repeated, "Those two cards will soon be mine."
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*At the Crashdown Cafe, Battle City*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
The music was deafening loud and the place was jumping with people as the guys in Yugi's entourage arrived in style, wearing stylish but comfortably clothes. Since they were out partying, the guys had all decided to wear their normal clothes, casual as ever. The swirling colored disco lights swirled neon blues, greens and pinks around the dance floor on the first floor, and spotlights hung to illuminate the loft that held the dining tables, kitchen and bar.
"Man, dis place is da BOMB!" yelled Joey over the pounding music. He grinned, in hog heaven at looking at most of the girls in the room, or, in particular, looking for ONE of them to dance with. He brushed his long blonde bangs out of his chocolate eyes, swaying to the beats of the pulsating sounds.
Tristan Taylor's eye kept swinging to the door, shoving his hands in his rusty red jacket pockets. The gesture in itself wasn't obvious, but the amounts of them sure were, even to Yugi.
"Hey Tristan! Looking for someone?"
Dazed, his darker skinned friend just blinked, grinning from ear to ear. "Nope, just waiting for the lovely, Lady Serenity to grace me with her presence..."
"And ya betta take CARE of my sista!" Joey countered, grabbing Tristan in a headlock. "Cuz I know ya know I'd kick ya butt if ya didn't!"
"Hey! HEY!"
The two of them wrestled for a while, making Yugi smile. Their antics were comforting, especially with his nerves on hyper alert. Merrick's hunters could be anywhere, and it was nice to finally have the chance to relax, and be a normal fifteen year old. He smoothed out his black tank top, and fiddled with the silver chain that held the Millennium Puzzle in its metal clutches.
Although he was IN the Millennium Puzzle, Yami could see everything from Yugi's eyes, and knew of Yugi's unease. Bound by friendship, trust and mystical energies, the two of them were inseparable, the best of friends when loyalty and friendship was needed the most. They remained almost symbiotic, both in mental contact with the other constantly. It was comforting that they were so close, and always had the other to depend on.
A movement at the cafe door caught Yugi's eye, as three ladies entered, their outfits sparkling and glittering as they moved; they strode towards the dance floor, already dancing to the loud, drum beats of the music.
"Hey! Hey! There they are!" said the top duelist, pushing both Tristan and Joey away from each other and pointing towards the girls. Glancing towards the left, the two best friends stopped their fighting and stared, mouths hanging open like they never saw a woman before.
"Oh momma..." moaned Joey, eyes wide as saucers. "Getta load of Mei. Aww man, she looks HOTT!!!!"
"Speak for yourself," breathed Tristan, his jaw refusing to close. "Take a look at your SISTER. Aye chiwawa..."
"Hey, that's my SISTA you bone-head!!!!" cried Joey, giving his friend a noogie ah' la Joey. The two of them sparred for a sec, then regained their composure and sauntered over to Mei and Serenity, sheepish over their antics.
Yugi was still laughing at the two of them when he heard his name. "Yugi!" said a voice behind him. Turning, a guy with long black hair and startling green eyes, wearing his usual red vest, black shirt and black pants outfit stepped through the crowd, coming towards his old nemesis, and new friend. "Hey Yugi. This place is jumpin' ain't it?"
The two guys scanned through the growing crowd of partygoers, who were dancing crazily to the hypnotic rhythm produced from the high volume stereo system.
"Yeah, it sure is Duke."
The older guy smiled, watching some of the pretty girls sway back and forth before his eyes. Then, a flash of gold caught his eye. Staring, he glanced quickly at Yugi, and then back towards the pale skinned girl coming their way.
"Whoa, Yugi... who's that?"
Looking in the direction Duke was pointing, the red and blonde haired duelist caught sight of whom Duke was talking about. Surprised and in awe, he replied softly, "That's... Tea..."
"Tea?! Tea Gardener?"
"Yeah." came the reply, as they watched her come closer. Finally she was three feet in front of them, eyes glittering.
"Hey guys, what's up?"
As hard as he tried, and for once in his life, Duke Deblin was caught speechless. He tried hard to get a word out, ANY word would have done the trick, but instead, he just stared at the golden clad goddess in front of him.
It was Yugi who had to answer for him. "Tea, you look beautiful!"
Tea beamed, taking pleasure in Yugi's compliment, and for the silence breaking. "Thanks Yugi!" She turned to Duke, expecting the same courtesy. However, his brilliant green ones met her light blue eyes, his stare intense. Frowning slightly, the brown haired girl crossed her arms in disapproval. "What, do I have something in between my teeth or something?"
"Um... uh... no... uh... you see..."
*Looking like an IDIOT HERE!!!* Thought Duke, his mind working when his mouth refused to respond. *Come on Deblin, sweep her off her feet!*
"Um... er... uh... look, you... um... move your feet... here? Um, wait, I mean..." He stuttered, and the last part came out with a rush. "Youwanttomoveyourfeetwithme?"
*Oh God that was LAME!* He could've kicked himself for making a scene, and making himself look like an idiot. He shoved his hands into his pockets, hoping Tea wouldn't notice the ruby red blush creeping up his pale face. Just SHOOT ME NOW Lord... Aloud, he said, "Well, that's ok Tea. You don't have--"
"What do you mean, 'I don't have to'?" She questioned, mischief dancing in her eyes. "You're right, I don't HAVE to, but I WANT to!"
"You... you do?" *I can't believe this! Is she for real?* "Are you serious?"
"Yeah!" Tea smiled whole-heartedly. "And I hear you're a pretty good dancer too!" She began to sway with the beat, enticing Duke to join her as she shook her hips and waved her arms. Coyly, she asked, "So, what's it going to be Deblin? Are you going to dance or disappoint?"
A confident smile arose from Duke's lips, happy to have found a dancing partner, and even a potential date. He let Tea drag him across the onto the dance floor, mumbling his good-byes to Yugi.
*Well, it looks like everyone's happy,* thought Yugi, glancing towards the three couples on the dance floor, who looked familiar. Joey and Mei proved to be a perfect match for each other, their street grunge-and-grind techniques complimenting the other's perfectly. Tristan and Serenity were doing more laughing than dancing, mostly due to the fact that Tristan had two left feet. His frantic, zany movements made even Yugi grin, and Serenity crack up in hysterics. Glancing in the last couple's direction, Yugi could see that the rumors about Duke were true. His moves were sleek and stylish, both fitting with Tea's funky style and setting their moves far enough apart where they both shined on their own. All of them were smiling wide, happiness and joy spreading throughout their features.
However, despite the happiness, joy, laughter and fun, Yugi frowned, and heaved a heavy sigh. Yes, everyone was happy, all but him. In any situation, he hated being the third wheel, the one always singled out. True, he had his dueling matches and tournaments, but that was never the same as having someone there for you. It just wasn't the same.
Strolling to the tables on the loft part of the Cafe, he ordered himself a Coke and sat down. *Might as well make myself comfortable,* he sighed, sipping the cold and sugary drink. *I just might be here awhile...*
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*On the Sidewalk Outside*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
"I can't believe him!" Marita fumed, walking aimlessly down the sidewalk. In all truth, she didn't care where she was going, just as long as it was far away from Seto Kaiba. "He thinks he's all HOT STUFF, so full of himself... I hope he gets knocked down a peg or two..."
Sighing, she continued to walk straight ahead, her arms crossed behind her head. *The one who knocks him down will have to get something substantial for it though, because I know Seto well enough where I know he won't admit it otherwise.*
She stopped to look in a store window, gazing at the rows and racks of clothes beyond. Had she been paying more attention, she would have noticed her own reflection, except there was one thing different. The image cast upon the window's glass was not her own. The reflection was a ghostly presence, looking older and wiser. Her eyes were more defined and colored shady indigo, blue-purple and attentive. Unlike the girl that the reflection mimicked, her hair was longer, finer, and hung more around her heart-shaped face.
In a flickering instant, as Marita moved from one windowpane to the next, the image shifted and faded, replaced by Marita's own. Gone, but not away, the shadow of another still lingered, waiting to arise again.
If it weren't for the pulsating loud music coming from the building, Marita would have skipped it right over. Looking towards that direction, she read the name of the popular dance scene out loud.
"Hmmmmmmm... The Crashdown Cafe..."
*Oh, what the heck, why not?* she mused, a warm smile spreading across her lips. *I could use some R and R time...*
Walking up, she paid for a ticket, dealing with the African American bouncer, who looked like he could bench press a truck. Strolling through the threshold, she passed up the double doors into the darkened cafe, with the swirling colored disco lights, and the black lights whirling in its depths.
*~~~~~*~~~~~*
Having finished his soda, Yugi patrolled the dance floor, watching the couples in the crowds sway to and fro to the melody from the stereo system. A couple of girls had asked him to dance, but to each one he turned them down, his heart not in it. Although he had enjoyed their company, the nagging feelings of his loneliness, that he was the only one in the world who could save the world... well, that was enough to make him panic.
*I'm supposed to be having FUN,* he groaned, too shy to accept another girl's offer. *This isn't much fun, especially since I'm purposely leaving myself out from my friends. It's like I don't even WANT to be happy...*
~Yugi,~ said Yami in the younger boy's mind. ~You need to relax; you're a nervous wreck! ~
~I know, I KNOW!~ Moaned Yugi, frustrated. ~I just can't seem to dance with anyone...~
He sighed, stressed. Taking a gander towards Tea's direction, he could see she was having the time of her life. Who knew that Duke had all the right moves? Feeling a pang of jealousy, he slid his eyes to the dance floor, defeated.
Yami sensed Yugi's loss of fighting spirit, and addressed his younger protégé'. ~Yugi, if you are uncomfortable with being here, let me give dancing a try. ~
~Are you sure? ~
~Yes, I'd like to. ~
~All right Yami, ~ Yugi replied, gripping his Millennium Puzzle. In a flash of light and mystical energies, Yami and Yugi became fused together, the older of the two's features and attitude shining through. Their two minds, although decidedly separate, were merged as one, with Yami in control; two minds, two souls, one body.
Yami scanned around the room, noticing minor things he was not able to pick up when looking through Yugi's eyes. His violet eyes intense, he peered through the crowds for someone he could dance with.
*I've got to make a good impression,* he thought, shaking his head and making his lightning shaped, 'straight up' bangs quiver back and forth. *Who knows what might happen if I don't.*
Somehow strange, the atmosphere of the club changed, the noisy drum beats giving way to soft guitar chords. A slow song began to play, "Kissed by a Rose" by Seal if Yugi was correct. All the couples began to draw closer, masculine arms wrapped around feminine hips, and soft hands clung and clasped to the back of strong necks.
Inadvertently, Yami noticed that he had drifted to the center of the dance floor, highlighted by a spotlight that came on immediately as he did. Adjusting his eyes to the spotlight, staring into its light, he caught a flash of azure blue. Turning towards it, he stopped and stared, his heart skipping a beat.
*~~~~~*~~~~~*
Something had drawn her to the middle of the dance floor, something that Marita could not deny. Swinging to the soft music, she danced to the center of the room, brushing past all the young couples in their own little worlds.
The second thing she noticed about him was his hair: spiky red and black, with lightning-like bangs streaking across. He seemed lonely, with no one dancing with him. It was a pity; a pity for them because it was truly their loss.
His hair was only the second thing she noticed, the first was what really took her breath away. The sight of his eyes, deep violet and hypnotic was the true magnet of her attraction. They were so beautiful to her, the most beautiful she had even seen, and she could have stared into those pretty peepers for every second, of every hour, of every day. Those eyes drew her into them, giving way to his soul, and for the first time in her life, Marita Shindou could feel her heart pounding with every moment. She couldn't stop staring into those eyes... familiar to her yet still unknown, paralyzed to move.
It was as if her feet had minds of their own, drawing closer and closer to the young man, and it seemed his feet were of equal mind. In an instant, they were right in front of each other, engrossed in thoughts and feelings they both had never felt before in quite some time.
"Do... you... wish... to..."
"...Dance?" she said breathlessly, finishing his sentence.
"Well... Yes." he replied, blushing beet red.
He tried to continue, but Marita stopped him, putting her left index finger on his lush lips.
"Shhh... don't speak."
As the lights whirled around and the disco ball came down to shower the dance floor in sparkles, a soft, brilliant light came from the direct center, unnoticed by any. If they would have questioned it, they would have merely thought it was the disco ball, instead of the glowing, glimmering armlet on a young girl's hand.
*~~~~~*~~~~~*
*What is it about this girl that made me feel this way?* wondered Yami, his violet eyes never faltering to stare into hers. HE could sense that there was something about her... something... UNREAL about her... He couldn't place his finger on it, just continued to stare into her blue-violet, indigo eyes. Yami's heart was pounding in his chest, his hands starting to sweat slightly. *What is it about this girl that makes me feel like the Pharaoh I was centuries ago? I haven't felt this way in 5000 years...*
His arms wrapped around her slender waist, and her petite hands clasped around his neck. He could smell the sweet scents of jasmine, lavender, and rosemary from the perfume she was wearing. Intoxicated, he drew her closer, feeling a gap in his heart that he had kept for so long fill up.
It was strange, that someone could make him feel this way, when he thought he couldn't be capable of it again. The more he thought of it, the more Yami came to realize that the girl he had remembered back at Yugi's house, during their conversation, was someone close to his heart, someone who he loved, and loved very deeply. He didn't remember her name or her face, but Yami knew that he had felt something for her.
As suddenly as it began, the soft, lilting music began to pick up the pace, the song ending. Yami realized that he didn't want to let this young woman go, no matter what the cost. Gazing at her face, he said few words to her, "Angel..."
The young lady's eyes softened, compassionate words never spoken from the mouth, but only the heart. As the beat began to pulse faster and faster, the music growing louder, she grinned whole-heartedly at Yami, and held her left wrist up, elbow bent at a ninety degree.
Taken aback, surprised, Yami flexed his own wrist the same, placing his wrist on hers. *This dance... I know it well...* He realized, smiling slightly. *Now, the real rhapsody begins...*