Disclaimer: Yu-gi-oh is the property Kazuki Takahashi.
A/N: Dreams, Thoughts and Conversations with Yami spirits are all in italics.
Chapter 11 - The One
Mr. Hiraku held a smug look on his face as he stared intently at the tense class. Standing up from his desk he had in his hand the exams from yesterday. Everyone held their breath.
"Most of you did fairly well. I'll walk around and hand back your exams." he began passing back the papers to each student. Everyone breathed a little easier, but there was that word most that still had students worried. As for Vari, she silently prayed. This was the test that would determine if she stays or gets the boot out of honors. She notice some of the students fainting right on the spot, others pulling their hair out, and a few who even began to cry. She didn't realized how getting a simple paper back would be this nerve racking. Mr. Hiraku was only 3 seats away from her. Crossing her fingers for a bit of luck, she braced herself for the worse.
"Congratulations Miss. Mayoto it looks like you'd be staying with us after all." Mr. Hiraku said.
Vari took the paper and stared. A 98%. She felt like jumping for joy in triumph. But she resisted the urge and just sat with a huge grin on her face.
"And your paper Mr. Kaiba." he practically thrust it at Seto.
There was no surprise. He got a 100% again. He even got the extra credit right making it 105%. Seto just shoved the paper away in his notebook without a care.
"I think having Mr. Kaiba as your tutor proved to be a good decision. Your grade has improved." Mr. Hiraku said with a smirk to indicate that it was his idea that made Vari pass.
Vari looked away instantly from embarrassment feeling a little awkward. Mr. Hiraku always had to shatter a good moment, even if he didn't do it on purpose. Seto on the other hand didn't say a word and just looked at the man. Vari notice the dark bags under his eyes, which look swollen and worn-out. Seto looked away the moment he became aware of her staring at him. She couldn't help but feel a little bit worried.
*****
"Cheer up Vari." Tristen said. "Look I know that Kaiba is a jerk and all..."
"You don't get it." Vari said.
Tristen blinked. "What's there to get?" he asked thoughtlessly. "Ow!" Tea elbowed his stomach hard. Tristen realized what he just said. "Sorry...What I meant was..."
Vari broke in. "It's not just that... Did you ever like someone so much that it hurt to see your heart broken later on?"
Tristen felt surprised, he didn't know what to say.
"I understand. It's hard getting over a huge crush." Tea said
"I appreciate you trying to make me feel better guys. But I'll get over it on my own, Okay? Don't worry about me." She stood up from the table. "I'm going to go out for a little bit by myself." She turned, but bumped against a strong firm arm. "Sorry..." she looked up. "Oh..." she mumbled, feeling awkward again.
"You should watch where you're going." Seto glowered.
Vari walked out of the cafeteria without another word. His head turned with a look of disappointment at her retreated form.
"What's your problem Kaiba!" Joey exclaimed from the table. "Can't ya see you hurt the poor girl, you selfish @%$#!" (A/N: rated PG people! I'll leave it to your imagination)
"I don't think that's any of your business Wheeler!" Seto hissed.
"I making it my business!" Joey said, practically jumping from the table. Both Tristen and Yugi had to hold him back from beating the snot out of Kaiba. "Let me at him!" he cried out.
"Easy man!" Tristen said.
"Joey! Your going to get yourself in trouble!" said Yugi.
Seto laughed. "Still need a leash for a dog."
"Why I oughta! Just let me throw a punch at him!"
"No Joey!" Yugi said, grabbing onto his arm and pulling him back. "Just calm down!"
"Alright!" said Joey. "I'm cool...Just let go of my arm."
Yugi and Tristen slowly let go of him, but still stood ready if Joey have an outburst again.
*****
"Kaiba's acting more ruthless then his usual ruthlessness." Yugi noted, conversing with the spirit in his soul room.
"He's being defensive because of denial." Yami observed.
"Denial?" Yugi asked.
"He loves her."
"What?" Yugi said in disbelief.
"He loves her." Yami repeated. "Even though he's too stubborn to admit it."
"How do you know?" Yugi asked.
"Trust me I know."
*****
"Wheeler needs to be trained." Seto sneered. Joey clutched his fist together gritting his teeth.
"Joey..." Yugi warned. "We don't want trouble Kaiba."
"Then I suggest Wheeler keeps his nose out of people's business." Seto said.
"I don't see how anyone can like someone like him." Joey muttered to Yugi. Yugi gave a look. "I can't wait till the tournament, so I can cream you!" Joey said.
"I'm quivering in my boots Wheeler." Seto said sarcastically. "A ten second duel with you will send you packing home. As for you Yugi. You're the one I'm most looking forward to duel with." he smirked. "And I'm not planning on losing again."
Yugi nodded. "I'll be ready Kaiba."
*****
Maaya Mayoto looked up from the book she was reading (A Household Guide to Exotic Cooking) when she heard the doorbell rang, noting the impatient feeling as it kept on ringing nonstop. "I'm coming!" she said, dashing quickly to the front door. She opened it to see who was making such a fuss. Her face frowned a little. "Oh Mr. Yamada..." she said quietly, certainly surprised to see him and at the same time slightly annoyed.
"Mrs. Mayoto..." he said formally, with a slick tone in his voice.
"Is there anything I can help you with?" she asked in her most courteous voice she could muster.
"Yes..." he drawled out. "It concerns your husband, I'm afraid. May I come in?" he asked at her lack of manners.
Maaya notice that. "Of course. Please come in." Although she had half the mind to just slam the door in his face, but noting that it was about her husband, she better sit this one out. "What about my husband?" she inquired.
"The director and I are a little concern with what your husband has been doing. He sent for me to come over and talk to you." he lied. "Tell me, has Shiro been acting peculiar lately at home?"
"Well...he's been coming home very late for the past few days. And frankly I'm a bit concern."
"Did he say anything to you?" he asked. "About the project he's been doing."
"No, nothing, he didn't say a word. He's stopped talking about it for a few days." But then she remembered something. "Although he did mention something about Udjat."
Hajime's eyes glowed with interest. "Udjat, that means the 'sound eye' doesn't it?" he asked.
"I believe so, yes."
"I see..."
"Why do you need to know this? What's going on with my husband Hajime? Just tell me, please." she pleaded.
"He's being very secluded. That is all I know."
"That's not like Shiro." Maaya said.
"If there is nothing else you know then I will be going." he turned hastily. "Thank you for your time."
Maaya showed him to the door, leaving her bewildered. At the same moment Vari had just come home from school, looking rather sulky.
"I'm home mom." she said. dropping her book bag on the usual floor spot. "Hey what was Mr. Yamada doing here?" she asked. "I saw him walking down the street." Her mother didn't answer, she just stared off into space. "Mom?" she waved her hand into front of her mother's face.
Her mother blinked. "It's nothing. He just came over to talk to me about something."
"Oh..." she said. They both heard the doorbell ring. "I'll get it," Vari said. She twist the door knob open. A darkly tanned man stood with a charming look on his face. "Hey Nyri." she smiled.
"Hey kiddo." he said, ruffling though her hair.
"I'm not a little kid anymore, Nyri." Vari huffed trying fixing her now tangled hair.
"Nah you'll still be a little kid to me." he laughed, ruffling through her hair some more. Vari tried to get away with no avail. "Hey quit it!" she cried out. Vari stuck out her tongue at him childishly. He stuck his tongue back at her, in amusement.
"Do you two ever stop acting like children?" Maaya asked, interrupting their fun.
"Nope, never have, never will." Nyri said proudly.
Maaya gave a whole hearted laugh, it felt good, not the way she was feeling before. Her spirit seemed lifted. "Okay, that's enough you two." she said.
"I have to talk to your mom. So skittle away." he told Vari.
"If anyone needs me. I'll be in my room." Vari said, closing the bedroom door behind her.
Maaya turned to face Nyri. "Want anything to drink?" she asked casually.
"No thanks, I'm good. Oh yeah, by the way, I bumped into Hajime on the street. Not a pleasant encounter." he muttered.
"Yes, he came over for a little interrogation." Maaya said irritated.
He furrowed with confusion. "What about?"
"He was questioning me about Shiro's project." she answered.
Nyri's raised his eyebrows. "Oh really? What did you say?"
"I didn't say much...How could I have? All I could mention was something about an Udjat, that I heard Shiro mumbling once."
"The Udjat?" Nyri pondered in his mind. His expression turned serious. "Maaya...about Shiro..." He looked at her hard with deep apprehension. "He's been acting so weird lately. Like he's off in a different world. Every time I tried to ask him something, he turns me away. He won't even let the staff go near the chest except himself and Ishizu."
Maaya couldn't help but feel a pinch of jealousy, upon hearing another women's name. Nyri gave no notice. "You would think that it's life or death with those two." he continued, chuckling at his own joke.
Maaya just nodded and smiled, keeping her thoughts to herself. Hearing a ringing sound, she picked up the telephone. Nyri hushed up immediately.
"Hello...? Shiro? Oh...okay...No I understand..." she paused for a moment. "He's here with me right now...Do you want to talk to him?...Alright...Yes I will...Bye." she clicked the phone on the receiver not noticing that she clicked it a little too hard, making Nyri jump. "That was Shiro." she said.
"What did he say?"
"He said he'll be coming home late...as usual" she sigh. "He seems awfully in a rush."
"Probably off deluging into work." Nyri said.
"I don't know. I just don't know."
*****
Seto was typing vigorously on his laptop. Not paying attention to anything but the screen of data. He was so tired, but that didn't stop him. The Duel Monsters Tournament was tomorrow and there was still much more work to be done. There was a knock on his door. "Come in." he said, his eyes still focused on the laptop.
A spiky haired head peeked through the door. "Seto?" It was Mokuba.
"What is it Mokuba?" he asked tensely.
"You should take a break Seto."
"I can't I have to get this done! I'm on a deadline here." he said a little louder then he meant to.
"But Seto...your about to collapse soon, let someone else do it."
"And have them mess it up? No thanks." he said, still rapidly typing.
"You've barley had any sleep! How are you going to even duel tomorrow?" Mokuba exclaimed.
"How do you even know I've had enough sleep?"
"I hear you sometimes, waking up in the middle of the night. I heard you calling out to someone. What is it that you dream about big brother?"
"It's nothing."
"Is it Vari?"
"I don't want to hear it Mokuba." Seto said.
"But Seto..."
"Mokuba!" Seto said aggravated. His temper was back again. "I have work to do..."
"I'll leave if you promise me that you'll get some rest." he requested.
Seto finally lifted his head away from the laptop and looked thoughtfully at his little brother. He could never be mad at him. Seto sighed. "I promise Mokuba." He meant it truthfully.
Mokuba was convinced, but that didn't stop him from being worried. His brother was acting more and more strange day by day. There was only one thing he could think of that might help. He had a plan.
*****
After Mokuba left, Seto stopped abruptly and rotated his leather chair towards the window in back of him. Staring outside from the clear glass, his thoughts wondered. Mokuba was right about one thing, the dreams he had were pulsating through his mind. There was something he could do, and he had to do it now.
"I promised Mokuba..." he thought. "But this is more important." Getting up from his chair, he walked out the door. "I'm going out for a little while." he told one of the household butlers. "Don't tell Mokuba."
"Yes Sir." the butler nodded.
The sleek black limo was already waiting outside. "Take me to the Domino Museum." he told the driver.
*****
Daybreak reached the Domino City harbor, the sun setting over the horizon with it's orange rays shimmering on the ocean waters. But inside the abandon warehouse was a different story.
"What have you learned?" his eyes glowing with anticipation.
His servant stuttered in his speech. "I have sought information from the wife." he said.
"And?" his master asked impatiently.
"She has mentioned the Udjat. The sound eye of Horus, sacred symbol of the pharaohs."
To his master's delight that was exactly what he wanted to hear. The servant gave sigh of relief.
"Did she suspect anything?" his master asked.
"No. She did not." he answered dully. "But there is still the security measures to deal with."
"No doubt that my sister is behind it." he looked fiercely. "I'll leave you to deal with it. I don't care how you do it, but bring me that box." he glared. "Don't screw it up."
"What of the other? I fear that he might suspect me."
"Kill him. I want no one standing in my way."
The servant gulped and nodded obediently. He walked off with his task at hand.
Another darkly robed man appeared beside his master, his dark skin face held scars across his cheek. "You should have let me handled it. I fear we cannot trust him" he said doubtfully.
"He cannot escape my control on him. I have another job for you. Are you up to it?"
He nodded. "Yes. The Duel Monsters Tournament begins tomorrow. I am ready. What about your sister?"
"I will deal with my sister in my own way." he sneered menacingly. "Everything is falling into place."
*****
Seto stood inside the Domino Museum entrance, waiting patiently. He saw a person walking slowly out of one of the hallway exhibits.
"You wish to speak with me Seto Kaiba?" Ishizu asked, approaching him.
"I understand that you are a scholar in Egyptology." Seto stated plainly.
"I am." she said. "May I asked why you've come to seek me?"
He gave an irritated glare. Trying to hold his superior CEO appearance. "My reasons are my own."
"I see..."
"All I want is for you to translate this saying. Set ba..."
"...netjer tepy" she finished subconsciously.
"Yes how did you know?"
A great wave of astonishment was clearly shown on her face, but she quickly wiped it away. "That saying is from an ancient prophecy." she explained. "It was part of a cult from the Old King..."
"I didn't ask for a history lesson." Seto stopped her. "I asked what it meant."
"It means Seth, soul of first prophet." she answered, fixing her eyes on him.
There was confusion written on his entire face. "Great. I wasted my time. I still don't know what the heck it means." he muttered to himself.
Ishizu stared at him knowingly. "Let me ask you a question Kaiba." Ishizu said. "Do you believe in fate?"
Seto frowned. "No. I don't."
"And why not?" she asked.
"Because I don't believe in anything controlling my future."
"Ironically fate works in many ways. A preordain method I would say. Destiny calls for you Kaiba and you can only accept it."
Seto smirked at her silly statement. "Sounds stupid to me."
Ishizu just smiled. "A man's belief is his own."
"Thank you for your time." he said curtly. "I will be going." trying hard not to bolt out of there so quickly.
Ishizu nodded, watching him walk out the museum entrance and into his limo. The gold eye necklece she wore around her neck glowed brightly.
"He is the one."
A/N: What's inside the chest? Why is it so important that everyone wants to get a hold of it? Who's the mysterious servant? Will Vari ever stop sulking? Will Seto ever stop being a stubborn prick? What's the deal with Ishizu? What's Mokuba's plan? Will Yugi and Yami ever figure out the past and take on Seto's challenge? And what the hell happen to Bakura? Find out in the next chapter of YuGiOh the Wakening.
I've made this a very long chapter. Lots of things waiting to be unraveled. Calling "the chest" is beginning to sound so lame, it's driving me nuts!!! But the story has to progress it's own way *sigh* I bet you really like it know what's inside. Well I'm not telling!!! Not yet anyways...you'll have to stick around and find out. Don't you just hate me for that?
R/R! Tell me what you think about the chapter! And I'll be sure to continue as soon as I can if I get lots of reviews! Happy reading! ^_^