A/N: alright…clarification: Battle City – Yugi gains all three god cards. My story – Kaiba still has his, Yugi has his, and there is another one missing. No, Marik doesn't have it. Anyways, trying not to confuse anyone who may have already seen those episodes. I, unfortunately, haven't seen a new episode for about 2-3 weeks now (well…at the time I typed this chapter) -_- Anyhow, the first Battle City did happen, but no one lost their god cards except Marik, but Yugi didn't acquire it…it got "lost". Heh, hope I'm not being confusing. And I think Jared mentioned "Shadow Realm" in a previous chapter…well, just pretend he said "Realm of Darkness" because I've yet to change it…

Oh yes, I do apologize for my lack of updates, I've been extremely busy and haven't had time to overview this chapter, so I'm doing it right now, early Sunday morning. Anyways, thanks for all the reviews, makes me smile ^_^ I'll try to have another update sometime this coming weekend, but I've got this major history project and band stuff going on. Alright already, here's chapter nineteen. ^_^

Chapter Nineteen – Sunset

"If the Egyptian god cards are the strongest cards in all duel monsters and Kaiba has one, then shouldn't he win?" Téa asked Yugi while they sat around a table where all Yugi's cards were laid out. He had been explaining all his cards and how to use them properly since they had arrived at the game shop an hour or so earlier.

"Téa, just because it is a strong card doesn't mean it's unstoppable. With every strength lies a weakness. I'm sure Jared knows about Kaiba's card and I'm sure that he has some pretty strong cards. Besides, there is still that other god card out there. It's possible that Jared somehow has it," Yugi said quietly, picking up Slifer the Sky Dragon and studying it.

"But wouldn't we have heard of it by now Yugi? It's been a few years since the first Battle City Tournament and no word has been heard of that other god card since."

"Who knows Téa, who knows." Yugi gathered his cards together and placed Slifer on the bottom. You may be the strongest card I have, but I can't risk using your power unless it's absolutely necessary.

~*~*~*~*~

"Seto!" Serena whined.

"No," he said firmly, his eyes narrowing.

"Please?" She tried another tactic and gave him her innocent, pleading puppy eyes.

Kaiba growled and looked away. I hate it when I receive those eyes. Mokuba still does that to me and I can't seem to ever say no.

"Is that a yes?" Serena's eyes lit up with hope and thought she had won.

Kaiba smirked and leaned down close to her ear, knowing full well what she was expecting. "No," he whispered softly and walked past her into the living room.

"Seto Kaiba!" Serena yelled, following him. "I'm not staying cooped up in this apartment. I'm not afraid of him; you know I'm not! He's not going to try anything until tomorrow evening when you two duel and you know it! If you won't go with me, then I'll go by myself!" Nothing like a little defiance. Besides, he's treating me like a child! But I guess it doesn't do me much good to whine to myself.

Kaiba growled again and turned to face her, his face emotionless. Without saying a word, he walked back into her room, rummaged through her clothes, and returned with a black jacket.

I won! Serena took the jacket and pulled it on over her white tank top and smiled at Kaiba. "Let's go!" She took hold of his hand and headed for the door, Kaiba grudgingly and unwillingly following.

Ten minutes passed as the two seemed to walk aimlessly around Domino. Silence had engulfed them and Serena was mentally beating herself up.

I should have just conceded and stayed at the apartment. But still, I can't be cooped up all day and he knows that. Besides, if he wasn't there, he knows I would have gone off on my own…he can't control me. I don't see why he's sulking to himself.

Serena frowned and looked at her companion. Somehow, he seemed different from all the other times she had studied him. His hair was being tossed gently about by the breeze, but his eyes never moved. They were fixed in a narrow position and they were cold. But there was something more to his eyes that was frightening. She couldn't quite place her finger on it, but she knew it had to do with anger.

Does she know the kind of danger she could be getting herself in to? She may be well able to care for herself and she may be strong, but she doesn't seem to understand! You don't mess with people like this, even if they are related to you. I should have stood firm and said no, but she wasn't going to sit around. She would have snuck out behind my back! Serena, you're putting yourself into more danger than necessary! Kaiba's mind was repeating over and over again. He was so caught up in his thoughts that he didn't even notice they had stopped walking. He had been letting Serena lead for the past ten minutes and had paid little attention to everything they had passed.

"I'm sorry," he heard her soft voice speak, bringing him back to reality. He opened his mouth to speak, realizing she must have heard his thoughts, but she cut him off.

"I guess I wasn't thinking really. I just wanted some fresh air…I hate feeling like I have to stay inside and it was so beautiful out that I guess I just ignored that fact of what went on last night. I'm sorry I upset you Seto," she whispered softly, leaning up against his chest.

Kaiba's expression was blank as he put his arms around Serena and ignored the fact that there were probably people around watching. "I guess I shouldn't have been so upset, but I felt better when you were in the apartment. I'm just worried about your safety, that's all," he admitted gently, kissing the top of her head. If there are any reporters around, they are going to have a field day with this one.

"The famous Seto Kaiba was worried? About a girl related to Pegasus?" Serena asked jokingly, pulling out of his embrace and smiling lightly.

"She's not just any girl," Kaiba replied, his voice becoming that of a love-sick preteen. "She's an angel!"

Serena laughed as she rolled her eyes, but she couldn't stop the faint blush from climbing up her face. "Oh really?"

"Yes, really." Kaiba smiled down at her and took hold of her hand. He glanced around their surroundings and calculated in his head. "Come," he said briskly, pulling her with him.

"As if I have a choice!" she exclaimed, smiling as she quickened her pace. I wonder where we're going.

~*~*~*~*~

"You said she left the apartment?" a voice growled in the darkness.

"Y-y-yes M-master," a man stuttered, his face bowed down.

"Do not stutter when speaking to me!" 'Master' snapped back at the man, his eyes growing colder than they were. Well, well, well, it seems she has a problem staying in one place. A smirk crept up on his face as he turned and faced his newest servant. Tomorrow, she'll be stuck in the Realm of Darkness. We'll see how she enjoys that. Oh wait, she'll be dead. Such a pity!

"Jared," a voice called the man, bringing him back to reality.

"Yes Mitch?" he asked, annoyed at his apprentice for interrupting his contemplation of what tomorrow would bring. Jared had insisted his apprentice refer to him as "Jared" rather than as "Master" since he would one day take over that role.

"She is with Seto Kaiba," he reported, bowing his head slightly.

Jared growled and eyed his servant. "Go," he said curtly and smirked cynically as the man scurried out of the dank room, stumbling over himself.

"Seto Kaiba will lose to me tomorrow." An evil smile spread across Jared's face as he looked at Mitch. "Did you find that card?"

"Yes Jared."

"And the holder?" he asked, his eyes narrowing.

"Gone, as you requested."

"Good, good," Jared replied, snatching the card held out to him. The Winged Dragon of Ra. Such a delight to have finally met you. I cannot wait until you defeat Seto Kaiba tomorrow in our little duel. Jared laughed cynically as he pulled out his deck and placed the card within it. Oh yes, tomorrow evening shall be most eventful. To gain the Millennium Ruby Necklace and it's powers and value will be the greatest thing I have accomplished. But to rid me of my illegitimate daughter and her 'lover' will be even more satisfying!

"Mitch, I want you to do something for me," Jared said, his eyes narrowing into tiny slits.

"Yes Jared, whatever you desire," Mitch replied, his voice monotone and his expression blank.

"I want you to find my daughter and send some servants to follow her and Seto Kaiba. Have them keep thought of every word spoken and every action, am I understood?"

"Yes Jared," Mitch answered, turning on his heel and exiting the room, a smirk plastered on his face. The Millennium Ruby Necklace will be mine and I will possess all the powers of darkness and I will be unstoppable! I will be supreme ruler and master of Blood of Darkness and eventually, the world!

You are so foolish my dear apprentice. As soon as I have defeated my daughter, I and only I will be unstoppable. I will have no need for you. Jared turned around and glanced out the dark window which faced the sea, a scowl showing on his face. You will not receive the same fate as my dear daughter. Oh no, you my dear apprentice, shall receive a watery grave and no one will be there to save you for no one will ever know or care.

You dare defy me, the all mighty, powerful leader and ruler of Blood of Darkness and for that, you shall suffer immensely. I will have no need for a successor once I obtain my goal for I shall become…invincible!

~*~*~*~*~

"Close your eyes," Kaiba whispered into Serena's ear, causing a shiver to run up her spine.

"Where are we going?" she giggled, shutting her eyes and feeling Kaiba place his hands over them.

"No peeking, I'll make sure of that." Once again, a shiver ran up her spine as he spoke. He had been leading for fifteen minutes when he suddenly stopped walking and went behind her, putting them in their current situation.

"You didn't answer my question," Serena pointed out, realizing she was now walking with Kaiba pressed up against her back.

"You'll see," he said simply and began directing her in which way to go.

~*~*~*~*~

"Yugi, she isn't here!" Téa yelled, running down the hallway of the apartment towards the kitchen where Yugi was sitting, his eyes staring into space. "Yugi?"

"Sorry Téa," he said quietly, blinking a few times to gain back his focus. "She probably went somewhere with Kaiba," he pointed out. "This is Kaiba's cell phone number apparently." Yugi held up a piece of paper towards Téa.

"When did you find this?" she asked, groaning.

"When we walked in, but you were going all frantic." He looked up at Téa's face and grinned sheepishly.

"Yugi! And you let me search the whole apartment!"

"It's not like it's that big Téa. Let's just call him and make sure everything is alright."

"Fine," Téa said, picking up the phone and groaning again.

~*~*~*~*~

"Perfect," Kaiba mumbled to himself when they reached the destination – a small Italian restaurant near the Domino Park. "We're here," he whispered, removing his hands from Serena's eyes, chuckling when she didn't open them. "You can look," he clarified.

"Oh!" she exclaimed, embarrassed, and snapped her eyes open. "You're taking me to dinner," she stated the obvious and turned to smile at Kaiba. "Why was it a sur—"

Kaiba growled as his cell phone began to ring. What nimwit is it this time?

Serena smiled and seated herself on a small bench beside the entrance to the bistro and waited for Kaiba to answer his phone, which he did promptly.

"Kaiba."

"Is Serena with you?" Téa asked eagerly, clutching the phone tightly to her ear.

Kaiba looked at Serena, his face amused. "Yes Téa," he replied, emphasizing her name as he looked over to Serena. "Did she forget something?"

"She didn't leave a note and Yugi and I were worried, but we found your cell phone number sitting on the table so Yugi suggested we call you because he figured she was with you and—"

"She's with me, she's fine, we're getting ready to eat, I'll bring her back later," Kaiba replied hastily, about to hang up the phone.

"Okay, bye Kaiba," Téa said, preparing to put the receiver back.

"Kaiba, wait!" Yugi exclaimed, grabbing the phone from Téa. He could almost hear Kaiba rolling his eyes. "Be on the lookout for anything out of the ordinary."

Kaiba just grunted and turned off his cell phone. No one was going to bother him and Serena during dinner.

"I didn't leave a note," Serena stated, hanging her head out of embarrassment. "Everyone always worries about me."

"Wouldn't it be better to have at least one person worry than none at all? You have friends Serena, they care about you," Kaiba replied, sitting himself next to her. He felt as if he were almost speaking to his younger self or Mokuba.

"You have people caring about you too Seto. Your little bro—"

Kaiba gently placed his finger over her lips to hush her and stood up, holding out his hand for her. Together, they entered the Italian bistro and were immediately served a table for two outside on the terrace. Neither of them noticed the man hidden in the shadows, watching their every move.

~*~*~*~*~

"Sunsets are better when you have someone to share them with," a voice beside her said.

Startled, Serena turned to look at the person who had taken occupancy on the bench. He looked to be about thirteen or fourteen with long black hair. She returned his smile and looked back at the sunset.

"My name is Mokuba," the boy said, looking intently at Serena.

"Serena," she said quietly.

"Shouldn't you be watching the sunset with your boyfriend Serena?" he asked her curiously.

Serena laughed softly. "I don't have one."

Mokuba saw a faraway look come over her eyes as she said that. "Sorry," he said quietly.

"It isn't your fault. I'm just holding out for the one everyone calls uncaring. Shouldn't you be at home? It's getting late," she said, quickly changing the subject.

~*~*~*~*~

Serena smiled softly as she looked across the table at Kaiba and then up at the sky.

"It's a beautiful sunset," Kaiba whispered, looking back at her.

"Someone once told me that sunsets are better when you have someone to share them with. He was right." She smiled brighter when she noticed a faint crimson color appear on Kaiba's cheeks. Thank you Mokuba, you were right.

Kaiba chuckled and reached across the table, taking Serena's hand. "Even the sunset cannot compare to your beauty."

Serena's cheeks flushed slightly, but she could not tear her eyes away from Kaiba's icy blue eyes which seemed to hold more warmth than she had ever realized.

I can't remember when I had such a wonderful time with someone other than Mokuba, but you constantly give me times to remember and enjoy. Thank you Serena, Kaiba silently mused as he continued to gaze at the sunset, every now and then glancing back at his companion and noting how radiant her beauty had become in the darkening night.

Enjoy it while you can Serena Pegasus. You are just one step I must complete, one obstacle I must overcome, to ensure my power. You and your necklace. And your father still has no clue what I plan to do. Oh he is as brainless as his servants; to think that I, Mitch Damingo, would actually follow someone as weak as he. It makes me want to laugh. But, you are quite a beauty and not much younger than I. Perhaps there is a way to keep you as my own and cause you to forget your past and to believe what I tell you. Yes, your necklace will be mine, and I just might use you as my queen.

Mitch sat in the darkness in a corner of the terrace, watching the two closely, listening to every word and noticing every action. They are fools to not admit their love for each other, when it is quite evident. But nonetheless, that will only be their downfall.

The sun had finally gone down and the sky had grown dark. The celestial lights peaked out from behind their black velvet blanket; the bright full moon shining down on Domino. Just enough light shone on the terrace to illuminate look of extreme care between Serena and Kaiba as they stood to leave.

Mitch watched the two leave and stood to take his exit. He knew where they were going and if he didn't want to raise suspicion, he would have to return "home" and tell Jared what he had seen. As he passed under the beam of moonlight, a small smirk illustrated itself on his face.