All right, Chapter Four up and running. There isn't much I can say about
this one, except, it's much longer than my last one, and that's a good
thing in my opinion. Its not as action-packed as the last chapters have
been, but it still is interesting, so don't think you can skip over it!
Thanks for the reviews, but I need more. I want fifteen before I post
anything else! Also, a note, so you're not confused. When Japanese people
exchange presents, they do not open them in front of each other. They open
them in private so if the gift is less than exceptional they don't hurt the
feelings of the person who gave it to them.
Now for all the legal blah…
Disclaimer: All names and likeness used in this are property of Yu-Gi-Oh, and of course, all characters from the manga/anime are not mine, no matter how much I wish they were. Oh well, at least, Rena and all other unfamiliar characters are mine!
*Note this isn't rated R for extreme romance. It's very gory, very graphic; those with weak constitutions probably shouldn't read it! (Though, the romance thing is probably going to rear its head sometime in the story so wait and see!) (By the way, the weak stomach thing was a joke. I just realized that sounds kind of offensive.)
*******+~+~+~+~+~+~+**************
Andre had finally gotten to sleep, after having stayed up for almost 36 hours, making sure Rena had gone through surgery, and was sleeping comfortably in her own room. He was waiting for the Professor now, who had been taken to the nurses' lounge to be interrogated about Rena's situation. He was probably next he figured, so he thought he'd get some well-deserved rest.
------
"All right, sir, if you don't mind we'd like to ask you some questions about your student," the police officer started. He took out a notebook and started asking questions, but kept his manner cool and friendly, as if not to get the Professor's nerves even more worked up than they already were.
"What's your name, sir?" the officer started.
"Edward Geb," the Professor replied.
"What do university do you work for, Professor Geb?"
"Yale University, in the United States. I'm considering retiring next fall." The officer waited patiently for him to finish then continued.
"What area do you teach?"
"History of the Old World and Archaeology."
"I see, very interesting. Now, what were you and your students doing out in the Theban Desert? Some sort of project?"
"Yes, that's it exactly. We were able to recruit students from five different countries,"
"Um, pardon me for interrupting, sir, but what five different countries?"
"Quite all right, Officer—" he started.
"Oh, sorry about that. I'm officer Luke Andeshat," the Egyptian police officer replied, extending a late handshake.
The Professor accepted it warmly, "Pleased to meet you. Now, continuing with what I was saying, the five countries that donated their brightest students to us were the United States, Japan, the United Kingdom, Egypt, and France."
"Why those countries?"
"Supposedly, they had more of a historical record, but," the Professor chuckled, "I believe it's because these countries have some of the best political ties. The US doesn't want China on their team, and Russia doesn't want to work with France. So, we picked students with not only the highest grade point average, but students who have had experience in archaeology. This isn't just a field trip, you know."
"Then, what is it?"
"It's an actual dig. We have funding from the Egyptian and Theban governments, as well as funding from the countries we have selected students from. In truth, the countries we selected aren't really relevant at all."
"Are you sure?"
"Positive."
"All right, what are you digging for?"
"The temple ruins of Mando Nashti'ora."
"Come again?"
"The temple Mando Nashti'ora. It's the site where Pharaohs came and worshipped their fathers and forefathers. In myth, it was the staging ground of an old game called the "Shadow Games." Supposedly, Pharaohs came and battled their priests and scholars, and sometimes rivals for sport using magical monsters, techniques, and traps. All poppycock in my opinion."
"I see. Anyway, the young woman, could I have her name?"
"Rena Campbelle."
"Yes, what was her role in this dig?"
"She's one of the most talented juniors I've ever met. She is actually third-in-command of this dig."
"Who is first, second, and, if there is one, fourth?"
"Myself first, Andre Reinar second, and our last little 'commander,' Fujiko Nazo."
"I assume they are the two outside in the waiting room."
"That's correct."
"What are yours and their relationship to this Rena?"
"Rena is like the daughter I never had. She's a brilliant student, and I couldn't be prouder of her."
"And the others?"
"I don't know, but from what I've seen, Andre has a crush on her, and they've been friends since he stopped trying to court her. As for Nazo, she's very protective of Rena, like an older sister, and they've been friends since the dig started, I'm sure."
"Well then, I guess that rules out a plotted attack."
"I'd think so. Rena wasn't focused on making enemies. Her biggest concerns were finding the temple."
"Yes, but how old is she?"
"Rena's now twenty."
"And her friends?"
"I'm sorry officer, but how are these questions relevant to Rena's problem?"
"I need to know if there was a reason for upset because a younger person got the job someone else wanted."
"Well, all right then. Andre is twenty-four, and Nazo just turned twenty- six."
"Then, if these people were so experienced, telling by their age, why was Rena elected third in command?"
"Well, Andre became second because he has a major in history, and has his degree, and Rena was elected because of a 4.1 GPA, and she can read fluently all forms of hieroglyphics, including vizierglyphs, a priestly code. They're also known simply as olden hieroglyphics. Nazo was placed third, because she had wonderful medical expertise, and she has a minor in old world history."
"All right. Who was with her at the time of the accident?"
"I don't know. I think Andre."
"Would you mind if I asked both him and Nazo a few questions?"
"Not at all, Officer Andeshat," the professor said, heading towards the door.
"Thank you, sir. Please send Nazo in first, if you don't mind."
-----
Nazo walked over to the Professor as he came out the door. He gestured at the door, "He wants to talk to you. Andre too."
Nazo walked hesitantly into the lounge. The police officer greeted her with a warm handshake.
"Please to meet you. You must be Nazo."
She eyed the handshake uncertainly, and gave a slight bow. Officer Andeshat put his hand away sheepishly, and gestured towards the chair that was pulled out. She took a seat.
"I'm Officer Luke Andeshat, and I'd like to ask you a few questions about Rena."
"Hai…er, I mean, yes."
"All right. How long have you known Rena."
"Isn't that personal?" she regarded him cautiously.
"Are you refusing to answer, Miss Nazo?" he asked warily.
1 "Brilliant, Nazo. Now you've made him suspicious…"
"Well, I've known her since the dig started, about three weeks ago."
"Okay. From what the Professor said, you are pretty good friends."
"I look after her. She's my little sister."
"She is your little sister?"
"Oh no, I just call her that. But she's like a sister."
"All right. Where had Rena been the day of the accident?"
"Walking around the site, and walking around the desert."
"Does she do that often?"
"It's her job."
"Oh, all right then. What kind of injuries did you notice when she was first brought to you?"
"Contusions, or bruises all over her body, four cracked ribs, deep cuts, gashes, smaller cuts," she replied, still haunted by the image she had had seen almost two days ago.
"What were your thoughts on that?"
"It looked like she had been beaten."
"Beaten? By whom?"
"I don't know."
"Are you sure?"
"I'm more than sure."
"All right then. I'm done."
"You are?" she asked, not trying to hide her surprise.
The policeman let out a laugh, "Yeah, I'm done. But if you don't mind, bring in Andre Reinar so I can have a few words with him."
Nazo nodded, bowed politely and left the room.
"Hey, Andre, get up," she said, trying to nudge the snoring man awake. He shifted, and finally yawned and sat up.
Nazo stumbled back, coughing, "It's a called a toothbrush, Andre. Use it."
"I don't really have one on hand, and I've been here almost two days straight."
"Well, get up. Officer Andeshat wants to talk to you."
"Fine, fine. I'm up," he said, half-standing, half-stumbling out of the chair.
He walked into the nurses' lounge.
"Hello, I'm Luke Andeshat," he said, standing and shaking Andre's hand.
"Yeah, sure. Sorry, I just woke up. I haven't slept for 36 hours, and I just fell asleep about half and hour ago," he said yawning.
"Then, I won't make this long," he said, almost laughingly. "All right, let's get started. How long have you known Rena?"
"Two weeks," he said through another yawn.
"Okay, now what was your relationship with her?"
"We're friends."
"Just friends?"
"That's what I said."
"Okay. What was Rena doing the day of the accident?"
"She had been walking around the site, checking up on how things were going. Then, she decided to walk around the sites edges, trying to find the temple we've been looking for."
"Anything else?"
"She found a crevice and fell into it, but I helped her out. We think it might be part of the temple we've been searching for."
"Was she hurt in any way when she fell into the crevice?"
"Maybe a couple bruises here and there, other than that, I have no clue," he said.
"Did she return with you after she fell into the crevice?"
"No, she asked me to get someone else. I think she wanted help excavating."
"Who did she want?"
"A new visitor. I forgot his name." Of course, Andre really hadn't. The name burned in his thoughts. How Rena had so desperately needed Seto Kaiba. And yet, he had been such a jerk. Not bothering to help her when she was half-dead, lying prone in the sand. He didn't even care.
"Mr. Reinar? Excuse me?"
Andre woke up from his daze, "Sorry?"
"I said, is that all?"
"Yeah, I can't think of anything else."
"Well, all right then. Good afternoon," he said, giving Andre's hand a final shake. Andre walked out the door, and sat back in the chair he had fallen asleep in. Suddenly, as he was dozing off, a sharp voice barked,
"Where is she?"
He looked up to see none other than, of course, Seto Kaiba, glaring down at him. "I asked you a question," he growled.
"Well, you aren't going to be asking me many more, I didn't grow up a slave," Andre snarled right back.
"I just want to know what room, Miss Campbelle was taken to," he said, lowering his voice.
"Why do you need to know? You, the same person who couldn't have cared less had she rotted in the desert," Andre said, not bothering to keep his tone down.
"What I do is none of your concern," Seto said.
"This time it is. You left one of my best friends lying wounded in the desert," Andre said, starting to yell. Nazo walked over.
"Is something wrong here?" she asked.
"I want to know what room, they've taken Miss Campbelle into," Seto said.
"Why?" she asked.
"There is something important I need to tell her. And that's all you need to know," he said.
"Really? Well, if you are so very desperate to know, the reception desk is right there," she said pointing a finger towards the desk at the back of the waiting room. Seto walked off, and she noticed a bag in his hand. Andre started after him, but Nazo laid a hand on his arm. She looked at him knowingly, and he sat down. Sleep overcame him almost immediately though, and he was soon snoring again.
"I need Rena Campbelle's room," he said to the nurse, startling her.
"Oh, okay. Hold on," she punched a few keys on her computer. "Room 229."
He nodded and walked toward the elevator.
------
She was awake, but prone when he walked in. She was a helpless figure, bandages covering her head, and thick splints around her ribcage. Her eyes were glazed, and for once, a flow of emotion rushed over him. Guilt. He actually felt guilty for what he had put her through. But he shouldn't, she was the one who tried to take an undead army on all by herself. She deserved this, but still, looking at the creature lying before him, he didn't want this.
He came closer to her side and took the chair next to her head. His hand reached out, almost with a mind of its own, and slightly caressed her cheek. He jumped back, and pulled away. What was he thinking? Her skin was silken; it had such a smooth quality. No, she was just another stupid woman. He felt nothing, and he was sure of it.
"Can you hear me?" he asked.
No answer or acknowledgement emanated from her lips or face.
"Are you there at all?"
Still, no answer.
"Listen, you baka onna. Ryu-Kishin is a gargoyle. He's a statue. I went into the temple myself. I destroyed his statue. I don't even have a scratch. And you know what?" he spat, "There is no treasure, just a scroll." He threw it on her lap.
"I hate you," she whispered, a tear strolling down her eye.
"What?" he jumped back.
"I hate you. I nearly died. Thank Isis Andre was there. I hate you," she started to cry. Seto reached up, and brushed her tears away.
"Don't touch me," she cried.
"I can't help it. I don't want to, but something's making me do it," he said, coming to a loss for words.
"I never want to go there again," she wept, "I never want to fight. Never again. I don't want to go back to the site. I don't want to fight. I'm so sorry Bria. I couldn't help you," she started crying tears flowing rapidly.
"Bria?" Seto asked confused. She pointed to a small book on the bedside table, it read, "My Diary: The Story of Bria Garnett." Seto thumbed through the pages, until he fell upon one entry. It read:
Dear Diary,
Today I had to work in the bowels. It's one of the hottest, most dry, most uncomfortable places to be, but it's where we find most of our artifacts. Rena was out there too. Together, we uncovered an entire trunk of royal jewelry! It's got to be the biggest find here. Rena has been translating inscriptions on it, while I date it and archive it. We're an awesome team! And rumor has it; Rena can speak and write in Ancient Egyptian, and write in vizierglyphs! Those are the olden hieroglyphics only priests and pharaohs could read. I didn't even know they existed until Professor Geb taught us about them. I've only known Rena since the dig began two weeks ago, but I feel like she's my older sister. It sounds stupid, I know, but I really look up to her. Yes, I know, I'm such a child! Well, maybe something exciting will happen tomorrow as well! I guess I'll walk around; of course, you'll be with me!
Well, until another time!
Bria G.
There were no entries after that. There were just some pictures and sketches of the pyramids in the very back.
"So?" he said, setting the book back down on the table.
"So? Bria died the day she finished writing that. I had to kill her when I re-opened the temple," Rena said, tears still flowing openly down her face.
"You need to get away from this place. Maybe even therapy," Seto said, eyeing her cautiously.
"I need to leave. I need to get home," she said.
"And stop crying. It makes you look weak and pathetic," he sneered.
"Come here," she said gesturing him closer. He came nearer, and like a flash, she slapped him sharply across the face.
"How dare you call me weak! You're not the one who nearly died!" she said incredulously.
"Fine, but shut up with the tears. You're getting on my nerves," he said.
"You've been grating on mine for the past ten minutes," she retorted.
"I'll call my pilot, and have you taken to your house via jet by tomorrow. Can you sign off the project by then?" he said, trying to avoid further argument.
"Yes, but why are you being so nice all of a sudden?" she asked.
"I assure you, I'm not. I just have bigger plans," he said.
"Am I in them?" she asked warily.
"Maybe later," he said. He picked up the scroll, "Do you think you could translate this?"
He laid it out on her lap. She rubbed her temple, as if in deep thought, "Yeah, it'll take awhile though. The phrases are kind of scribbled in some places, more orderly in others. And they're in olden hieroglyphs. That'll make the task twice as hard."
"Well, I'll be here at three o'clock tomorrow at the Theban airport," he said, and walked out the door.
"Good-bye to you too," she said to the empty space where Seto Kaiba once stood. "Jerk," she thought.
Outside the parking lot, as Seto was driving away, he noticed a police officer, standing out in the middle of the lot. The officer was tall, looking of an Egyptian descent. The officer glared at him, and Seto turned in his seat, and barked to his driver, "Go faster, really you moron, you drive like a grandmother." The driver said nothing, doing this job meant it was either strict, wordless compliance or a pink slip. He stepped on the gas. Even as they sped away from the hospital, Kaiba could still feel the policeman's eyes drilling into the back of his head.
"Brother? Is something wrong?" the young boy asked, tugging slightly at his brother's sleeve.
"No kid," he said tousling the wild, black hair of his younger brother.
------
Back in the parking lot, the officer smirked as Seto's limousine pulled away.
"Idiot mortal, you've felt nothing yet," he laughed. He had all the information he could give his mistress for now. He walked to the back of the building, and focused on his true form. He shrunk two feet in size, and his face sprouted forward into animal-like jowl full of razor teeth. How he pined to use them on the young goddess who had yet to be awakened. How he wished he could come and rip into her delicate skin, but no, his mistress wanted her to be kept alive until the final battle. Then, he could finally taste immortal blood, and O! How he hungered for it.
------
"Good-bye," Andre said the next day as Rena walked off toward the walkway to the private jet Seto Kaiba had promised.
"Oh Andre, don't be so upset. I'm going to be back in three months. The dig won't be over by then, I'm sure of it," she laughed. She gave him a quick hug and a small peck on the cheek. He blushed, and handed her a small bag. She dropped it into her bag, and walked over to Nazo, who was readily crying.
"Oh Rena, I'm so going to miss you," she said, giving Rena a deep bow. Rena returned the bow, and gave Nazo a big hug.
"You've been my best friend, Nazo, and I'll be back soon," she said.
"Um, I did get you something," she said, handing her a little package, wrapped ornately in Japanese paper.
"Oh Nazo, it's wonderful," she said, putting it away with Andre's so as not to offend Nazo.
"Rena, I must say you've been one of the best students I ever had, or ever will have, and I look forward to seeing you again back at the site," the Professor said, his older face wrinkled in a smile.
"Thank you so much Professor, I'll never forget what you taught me," she replied, giving him a small peck on the forehead, the way a child would kiss their grandfather.
"When you're done," Kaiba growled. He walked inside the plane, followed closely by his younger companion. His butler followed obediently behind him.
"Coming," Rena said exasperated by his emotionless interruption.
"Here," the Professor said, handing her yet another gift. This one was wrapped in brown paper, and tied with twine. "You'll be needing it, I think," he added. She nodded her thanks, and ran to the runway, knowing that the jet would probably take off, whether she was or wasn't on it.
"Finally," the elder Kaiba sniffed as she stepped inside the plane. The seats were black leather, and the room reminded her of a mansion she had been in once. The interior a darker blue, and lunch had been set up for three in the back.
"None for me," he said glancing at the Lobster Thurmidor that had been set before him.
Rena gawked at him, but didn't look for long. Her eyes were taking in the wonderful food sitting before her. Lobster Thurmidor, and a fresh garden salad had been set before her.
"Don Perione, sir?" the chef asked. Seto moved his glass toward the man. He opened the bottle with great skill, almost none of the sparkling liquid leaked out. He filled up the elder Kaiba's glass, and then turned to Rena, "Some for you miss?"
"Please," she said, her mouth full of salad. He filled her glass expertly then turned away and went into the kitchen area. Seto laughed patronizingly.
"It's a little sweet," he said taking a sip of his champagne.
"You talk about wine like you could drink it legally," she remarked.
"You drink like it you were of legal age to," he replied. Rena looked at her glass; half of the drink was gone. She felt her cheeks redden, and looked away.
Knowing he had won this battle, Seto posed a question, "Where do you live?"
"Albany, New York."
"In the States?"
"Last time I checked."
"Very funny."
"I'm sure."
"Score for me," Rena thought. Seto looked away, then pulled out a cell phone, and went up to the front of the plane to talk. She turned to the little boy who had been watching their conversation for some time now and said, "What's your name?"
"I'm Mokuba Kaiba," the boy replied.
"So, you're related to the Kaiba-san up there?" she asked, trying out her Japanese.
He nodded, "He's my brother."
She choked, "Really? You two look nothing alike."
"Well, we are," he said, getting a little defensive.
"No, it's just I would never have made that connection. I wasn't insulting your brother, honestly!" she cried. He looked at her suspiciously, but then brightened.
"Okay," he said cheerily.
"All right. I guess we haven't introduced ourselves properly," she said, giving Mokuba a bow.
"Hajimemaste, Mokuba desu. Doozo yoroshiku," he said. Rena just sat there.
"What?"
He slowed it down, and said very carefully, "Hajimemaste…Mokuba…desu. Doozo…yoroshiku."
"Oh! Doozo yoroshiku, Rena desu."
He smiled, "There, you got it!"
"I'm not much of a foreign speaker," she admitted.
"It sounded all right to me," he said.
"Arigatou, Moku-kun," she said brightening at the compliment. She decided this boy would become a good friend.
"So, I guess it's just your brother and you? What about your parents? What do they do all day?" she asked.
Mokuba winced. "Uh-oh," Rena thought, "Not a good question."
"They're dead," he whispered. "My okaasan died giving birth to me, and tousan died in an accident not long after. We were taken to an orphanage, and finally, Seto decided to challenge a big CEO to a game of chess. He said, if he won, that the man had to adopt both Seto and me," he looked Rena, who was sitting in awe, and continued, "My big brother won, and so, he adopted us, but he trained Seto to become a CEO, because he'd have to take over the company when he died."
"So, now Seto's the CEO of your adopted father's corporation," she said, not bothering to hide the shock on her face.
"Yep, and that's how it's been," he said. Seto finally joined them.
"We'll be there in a few hours," he said, "You'd best get some rest."
"A few hours?" Rena asked, "I was thinking more like a day or so."
"Please, this is a jet, not a petty little airplane," he said, leaning back in his chair.
"Excuse me for living," she said angrily.
"We'll try, but don't get your hopes up," he said.
"Very funny," she said, annoyed.
"I'm sure," he said, quoting her. She sat back in her fume, closed her eyes, and fell asleep faster than she had thought she would.
------
A hand shook her awake. "Please miss, we'll be landing soon, you'd best get your seat belt on," it was the butler. She looked down at her lap, where Mokuba had fallen into a peaceful sleep. "He really is a cute kid," she thought. She looked over at Seto, who had already buckled his belt and had fallen back asleep. His mouth hung open slightly, and she laughed, "He's nothing but a little kid," she laughed to herself.
They landed in fifteen minutes, as soon Rena got off the jet she knew there was a difference in the air, but she didn't care. This was her town. She was back, after spending all that time in Egypt, she was home.
"Not to interrupt you from your daydream, but our ride is outside, and I don't like to be kept waiting," Seto growled.
"Chill out," she spat. They walked out to the front, and she saw a black stretch limousine waiting for them. A tall man in a black suit held the door open.
"Come on," Mokuba said tugging at her arm. She climbed in and they made their way down Wall Street.
"While we're here, we can get my stock quotes for my North American enterprises," he remarked.
"My flat's just up the road," she said, after they were finished with business. Her apartment was located in a friendly neighborhood, there was a garden café and playground a couple blocks away, and the atmosphere was friendly despite the New Yorker representation. She ran up the stairs to her apartment, pulled out her key, and threw open the door. Two giant greyhounds jumped at her, one landing on Rena, the other missing its target and falling on Seto Kaiba knocking him to the floor. He raised a hand to strike the dog, but Rena knocked it away.
"Don't you dare lay a hand on my dog," she yelled at him. The dogs ran at her feet, yipping and barking, very pleased to see their owner home and happy.
"Oh, I missed you guys so much!" she said petting and kissing her dogs. They barked in reply.
Mokuba walked up behind her, "Can I pet them?"
"Of course, Moku," she said, trying out the nickname. He laughed and petted the dogs, and they licked his face and barked in canine happiness.
"What are their names?" he asked.
"The girl is Sashet, and the boy is Amun. I gave them Egyptian names because the greyhound is an Egyptian dog. I rescued these guys from an illegal racing greyhound operation," she said, standing up to give Mokuba the chance to play with the dogs.
"You'd best pack some clothes to hold you for a week. You can buy more when we get to Domino City," Seto said.
"Thank you!" she said running into the next room. "Let me take you to dinner tonight. My treat," she said. Then, she laughed. "I guess that seems weird, myself taking a rich guy out to dinner."
"Actually, I'm here on business trips, let me take you out," he said, rolling his eyes at her girlish stupidity.
"Where to then?" she asked.
"New York Falls," he said.
"You mean THE NEW YORK FALLS??" she asked stupefied.
"Yeah…" he said warily.
"I guess I shouldn't be surprised, after all, you are millionaire."
"Billionaire," he corrected. Rena bit her lip to keep from saying anything else.
"Wow, uh, okay, I'll be back in a sec, she said, dropping her bag on the floor, and running back to her room. Seto dropped down onto the couch, fifteen minutes later, she called, "I'm ready."
She stepped out, and Seto's jaw literally dropped. Rena stepped out in a chic, form-fitting dress that went down to the floor. It was black and satin, and a slit to her thigh revealed most of her shapely legs. Her hair was slightly pulled back; still letting most of it hang to her waist. She had make-up done, and it accentuated her deep, intense eyes perfectly. They shone in a violet glimmer, and her lips were full and pink. She walked up to him and said, "Now, we can go." She glided by, and he scented Eau de' Hermes.
At the restaurant, Mokuba chirped, "Try the Chicken ala King, it's really good!"
"Okay, Mokuba, I think I will."
"Good choice, madam," the waiter said. A band played soft, rhythm music. Several couples were already on the dance floor. Mokuba grabbed Rena's hand, "Will you dance with me?"
"Of course," she said laughing and taking his hand. They danced playfully; Mokuba spun Rena around and then Rena spun him around. Seto watched her dance. She was a very beautiful woman, he couldn't deny that, and her personality was charming. He cleared his mind of her thoughts, but still couldn't take his eyes off the woman dancing with his brother. She caught him staring at her and he looked away. She walked over to him, "Care to join us?"
"I wouldn't waste my time," he replied.
"Oh well," she said and went back to spin with Mokuba. He avoided all conversation with her that evening, and that was just fine with her.
She looked at him as he drove out to her home to pick up her things, and she couldn't help but notice how beautiful he was. He was tall and trim, and his body was stretched in sinew and muscle. His hair was dark, and she wanted to run her fingers through it. But above all, were his eyes. They were so intense, deep, blue as the ocean, and yet cold. But there was something underlying all of that, could it possible been loneliness? Was the man who had everything just a scared little boy, pretending to be a grown-up? She doubted it. He was too strong-willed and sure of himself. "The way you talk about him, it's as if you fancy him," she told herself, and she laughed. No way that was going to happen.
"They pulled into the driveway, and she stepped out. Her dogs greeted her as ecstatically as they did before, and she looked across at Seto, who was, coincidently, looking at her.
She put on her sweetest face and said, "Can we take them, please?"
"No way," he said.
"Aw, come on brother, I always wanted a dog," Mokuba joined in to Rena's pleas.
"No."
"Please?" They said together.
"Still no," he said.
The dogs whimpered, and Mokuba said, "Onegai shimasu, onaii-chan, onegai?"
"Come on Seto, they're perfectly behaved dogs. Please?" she said, putting on her most angelic face.
"I suppose, but if they make any sort of mess or trouble, I'm throwing them out of the jet myself," he said.
"Yes!" Rena and Mokuba slapped each other a high-five. Rena ran into her bedroom, grabbed her bags, and ran out to the limo. She handed her things to the driver, who put them away, the storage compartment. She held onto her purse, and the three gifts that lay inside.
"I can't wait, let's go," she said, showing her enthusiasm.
"Damare!" Seto yelled at her. She quieted down.
"Back on the jet again?" she asked.
"Hai."
"All right," she fell asleep. The driver turned a corner sharply, and Seto suddenly felt a weight on his arm. It was Rena, still sleeping, had fallen to rest on his shoulder, and truth to tell, he didn't really mind her there.
~ Kizuna Among Chinmoku Bushi? Hai!
___________________
Whew! Finally done! How was that for long? Yeah, I thought so! It was another cliffhanger ending I know, but come on; you know you love 'em! So, who is this dark mistress? Will Seto realize feelings for Rena? Will Rena admit to liking Seto?
And what's in those presents? All this and more in the next chapter of Yu- Gi-Oh! Konton no Millennia! Also, quick poll, would Seto make a better CEO, or a George Clooney-like super-hot doctor? Come on girls, what do you think?
Guy poll: Who thinks I've done a good job with the character of Rena? Huh, you gotta tell me boys!
Now for all the legal blah…
Disclaimer: All names and likeness used in this are property of Yu-Gi-Oh, and of course, all characters from the manga/anime are not mine, no matter how much I wish they were. Oh well, at least, Rena and all other unfamiliar characters are mine!
*Note this isn't rated R for extreme romance. It's very gory, very graphic; those with weak constitutions probably shouldn't read it! (Though, the romance thing is probably going to rear its head sometime in the story so wait and see!) (By the way, the weak stomach thing was a joke. I just realized that sounds kind of offensive.)
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Andre had finally gotten to sleep, after having stayed up for almost 36 hours, making sure Rena had gone through surgery, and was sleeping comfortably in her own room. He was waiting for the Professor now, who had been taken to the nurses' lounge to be interrogated about Rena's situation. He was probably next he figured, so he thought he'd get some well-deserved rest.
------
"All right, sir, if you don't mind we'd like to ask you some questions about your student," the police officer started. He took out a notebook and started asking questions, but kept his manner cool and friendly, as if not to get the Professor's nerves even more worked up than they already were.
"What's your name, sir?" the officer started.
"Edward Geb," the Professor replied.
"What do university do you work for, Professor Geb?"
"Yale University, in the United States. I'm considering retiring next fall." The officer waited patiently for him to finish then continued.
"What area do you teach?"
"History of the Old World and Archaeology."
"I see, very interesting. Now, what were you and your students doing out in the Theban Desert? Some sort of project?"
"Yes, that's it exactly. We were able to recruit students from five different countries,"
"Um, pardon me for interrupting, sir, but what five different countries?"
"Quite all right, Officer—" he started.
"Oh, sorry about that. I'm officer Luke Andeshat," the Egyptian police officer replied, extending a late handshake.
The Professor accepted it warmly, "Pleased to meet you. Now, continuing with what I was saying, the five countries that donated their brightest students to us were the United States, Japan, the United Kingdom, Egypt, and France."
"Why those countries?"
"Supposedly, they had more of a historical record, but," the Professor chuckled, "I believe it's because these countries have some of the best political ties. The US doesn't want China on their team, and Russia doesn't want to work with France. So, we picked students with not only the highest grade point average, but students who have had experience in archaeology. This isn't just a field trip, you know."
"Then, what is it?"
"It's an actual dig. We have funding from the Egyptian and Theban governments, as well as funding from the countries we have selected students from. In truth, the countries we selected aren't really relevant at all."
"Are you sure?"
"Positive."
"All right, what are you digging for?"
"The temple ruins of Mando Nashti'ora."
"Come again?"
"The temple Mando Nashti'ora. It's the site where Pharaohs came and worshipped their fathers and forefathers. In myth, it was the staging ground of an old game called the "Shadow Games." Supposedly, Pharaohs came and battled their priests and scholars, and sometimes rivals for sport using magical monsters, techniques, and traps. All poppycock in my opinion."
"I see. Anyway, the young woman, could I have her name?"
"Rena Campbelle."
"Yes, what was her role in this dig?"
"She's one of the most talented juniors I've ever met. She is actually third-in-command of this dig."
"Who is first, second, and, if there is one, fourth?"
"Myself first, Andre Reinar second, and our last little 'commander,' Fujiko Nazo."
"I assume they are the two outside in the waiting room."
"That's correct."
"What are yours and their relationship to this Rena?"
"Rena is like the daughter I never had. She's a brilliant student, and I couldn't be prouder of her."
"And the others?"
"I don't know, but from what I've seen, Andre has a crush on her, and they've been friends since he stopped trying to court her. As for Nazo, she's very protective of Rena, like an older sister, and they've been friends since the dig started, I'm sure."
"Well then, I guess that rules out a plotted attack."
"I'd think so. Rena wasn't focused on making enemies. Her biggest concerns were finding the temple."
"Yes, but how old is she?"
"Rena's now twenty."
"And her friends?"
"I'm sorry officer, but how are these questions relevant to Rena's problem?"
"I need to know if there was a reason for upset because a younger person got the job someone else wanted."
"Well, all right then. Andre is twenty-four, and Nazo just turned twenty- six."
"Then, if these people were so experienced, telling by their age, why was Rena elected third in command?"
"Well, Andre became second because he has a major in history, and has his degree, and Rena was elected because of a 4.1 GPA, and she can read fluently all forms of hieroglyphics, including vizierglyphs, a priestly code. They're also known simply as olden hieroglyphics. Nazo was placed third, because she had wonderful medical expertise, and she has a minor in old world history."
"All right. Who was with her at the time of the accident?"
"I don't know. I think Andre."
"Would you mind if I asked both him and Nazo a few questions?"
"Not at all, Officer Andeshat," the professor said, heading towards the door.
"Thank you, sir. Please send Nazo in first, if you don't mind."
-----
Nazo walked over to the Professor as he came out the door. He gestured at the door, "He wants to talk to you. Andre too."
Nazo walked hesitantly into the lounge. The police officer greeted her with a warm handshake.
"Please to meet you. You must be Nazo."
She eyed the handshake uncertainly, and gave a slight bow. Officer Andeshat put his hand away sheepishly, and gestured towards the chair that was pulled out. She took a seat.
"I'm Officer Luke Andeshat, and I'd like to ask you a few questions about Rena."
"Hai…er, I mean, yes."
"All right. How long have you known Rena."
"Isn't that personal?" she regarded him cautiously.
"Are you refusing to answer, Miss Nazo?" he asked warily.
1 "Brilliant, Nazo. Now you've made him suspicious…"
"Well, I've known her since the dig started, about three weeks ago."
"Okay. From what the Professor said, you are pretty good friends."
"I look after her. She's my little sister."
"She is your little sister?"
"Oh no, I just call her that. But she's like a sister."
"All right. Where had Rena been the day of the accident?"
"Walking around the site, and walking around the desert."
"Does she do that often?"
"It's her job."
"Oh, all right then. What kind of injuries did you notice when she was first brought to you?"
"Contusions, or bruises all over her body, four cracked ribs, deep cuts, gashes, smaller cuts," she replied, still haunted by the image she had had seen almost two days ago.
"What were your thoughts on that?"
"It looked like she had been beaten."
"Beaten? By whom?"
"I don't know."
"Are you sure?"
"I'm more than sure."
"All right then. I'm done."
"You are?" she asked, not trying to hide her surprise.
The policeman let out a laugh, "Yeah, I'm done. But if you don't mind, bring in Andre Reinar so I can have a few words with him."
Nazo nodded, bowed politely and left the room.
"Hey, Andre, get up," she said, trying to nudge the snoring man awake. He shifted, and finally yawned and sat up.
Nazo stumbled back, coughing, "It's a called a toothbrush, Andre. Use it."
"I don't really have one on hand, and I've been here almost two days straight."
"Well, get up. Officer Andeshat wants to talk to you."
"Fine, fine. I'm up," he said, half-standing, half-stumbling out of the chair.
He walked into the nurses' lounge.
"Hello, I'm Luke Andeshat," he said, standing and shaking Andre's hand.
"Yeah, sure. Sorry, I just woke up. I haven't slept for 36 hours, and I just fell asleep about half and hour ago," he said yawning.
"Then, I won't make this long," he said, almost laughingly. "All right, let's get started. How long have you known Rena?"
"Two weeks," he said through another yawn.
"Okay, now what was your relationship with her?"
"We're friends."
"Just friends?"
"That's what I said."
"Okay. What was Rena doing the day of the accident?"
"She had been walking around the site, checking up on how things were going. Then, she decided to walk around the sites edges, trying to find the temple we've been looking for."
"Anything else?"
"She found a crevice and fell into it, but I helped her out. We think it might be part of the temple we've been searching for."
"Was she hurt in any way when she fell into the crevice?"
"Maybe a couple bruises here and there, other than that, I have no clue," he said.
"Did she return with you after she fell into the crevice?"
"No, she asked me to get someone else. I think she wanted help excavating."
"Who did she want?"
"A new visitor. I forgot his name." Of course, Andre really hadn't. The name burned in his thoughts. How Rena had so desperately needed Seto Kaiba. And yet, he had been such a jerk. Not bothering to help her when she was half-dead, lying prone in the sand. He didn't even care.
"Mr. Reinar? Excuse me?"
Andre woke up from his daze, "Sorry?"
"I said, is that all?"
"Yeah, I can't think of anything else."
"Well, all right then. Good afternoon," he said, giving Andre's hand a final shake. Andre walked out the door, and sat back in the chair he had fallen asleep in. Suddenly, as he was dozing off, a sharp voice barked,
"Where is she?"
He looked up to see none other than, of course, Seto Kaiba, glaring down at him. "I asked you a question," he growled.
"Well, you aren't going to be asking me many more, I didn't grow up a slave," Andre snarled right back.
"I just want to know what room, Miss Campbelle was taken to," he said, lowering his voice.
"Why do you need to know? You, the same person who couldn't have cared less had she rotted in the desert," Andre said, not bothering to keep his tone down.
"What I do is none of your concern," Seto said.
"This time it is. You left one of my best friends lying wounded in the desert," Andre said, starting to yell. Nazo walked over.
"Is something wrong here?" she asked.
"I want to know what room, they've taken Miss Campbelle into," Seto said.
"Why?" she asked.
"There is something important I need to tell her. And that's all you need to know," he said.
"Really? Well, if you are so very desperate to know, the reception desk is right there," she said pointing a finger towards the desk at the back of the waiting room. Seto walked off, and she noticed a bag in his hand. Andre started after him, but Nazo laid a hand on his arm. She looked at him knowingly, and he sat down. Sleep overcame him almost immediately though, and he was soon snoring again.
"I need Rena Campbelle's room," he said to the nurse, startling her.
"Oh, okay. Hold on," she punched a few keys on her computer. "Room 229."
He nodded and walked toward the elevator.
------
She was awake, but prone when he walked in. She was a helpless figure, bandages covering her head, and thick splints around her ribcage. Her eyes were glazed, and for once, a flow of emotion rushed over him. Guilt. He actually felt guilty for what he had put her through. But he shouldn't, she was the one who tried to take an undead army on all by herself. She deserved this, but still, looking at the creature lying before him, he didn't want this.
He came closer to her side and took the chair next to her head. His hand reached out, almost with a mind of its own, and slightly caressed her cheek. He jumped back, and pulled away. What was he thinking? Her skin was silken; it had such a smooth quality. No, she was just another stupid woman. He felt nothing, and he was sure of it.
"Can you hear me?" he asked.
No answer or acknowledgement emanated from her lips or face.
"Are you there at all?"
Still, no answer.
"Listen, you baka onna. Ryu-Kishin is a gargoyle. He's a statue. I went into the temple myself. I destroyed his statue. I don't even have a scratch. And you know what?" he spat, "There is no treasure, just a scroll." He threw it on her lap.
"I hate you," she whispered, a tear strolling down her eye.
"What?" he jumped back.
"I hate you. I nearly died. Thank Isis Andre was there. I hate you," she started to cry. Seto reached up, and brushed her tears away.
"Don't touch me," she cried.
"I can't help it. I don't want to, but something's making me do it," he said, coming to a loss for words.
"I never want to go there again," she wept, "I never want to fight. Never again. I don't want to go back to the site. I don't want to fight. I'm so sorry Bria. I couldn't help you," she started crying tears flowing rapidly.
"Bria?" Seto asked confused. She pointed to a small book on the bedside table, it read, "My Diary: The Story of Bria Garnett." Seto thumbed through the pages, until he fell upon one entry. It read:
Dear Diary,
Today I had to work in the bowels. It's one of the hottest, most dry, most uncomfortable places to be, but it's where we find most of our artifacts. Rena was out there too. Together, we uncovered an entire trunk of royal jewelry! It's got to be the biggest find here. Rena has been translating inscriptions on it, while I date it and archive it. We're an awesome team! And rumor has it; Rena can speak and write in Ancient Egyptian, and write in vizierglyphs! Those are the olden hieroglyphics only priests and pharaohs could read. I didn't even know they existed until Professor Geb taught us about them. I've only known Rena since the dig began two weeks ago, but I feel like she's my older sister. It sounds stupid, I know, but I really look up to her. Yes, I know, I'm such a child! Well, maybe something exciting will happen tomorrow as well! I guess I'll walk around; of course, you'll be with me!
Well, until another time!
Bria G.
There were no entries after that. There were just some pictures and sketches of the pyramids in the very back.
"So?" he said, setting the book back down on the table.
"So? Bria died the day she finished writing that. I had to kill her when I re-opened the temple," Rena said, tears still flowing openly down her face.
"You need to get away from this place. Maybe even therapy," Seto said, eyeing her cautiously.
"I need to leave. I need to get home," she said.
"And stop crying. It makes you look weak and pathetic," he sneered.
"Come here," she said gesturing him closer. He came nearer, and like a flash, she slapped him sharply across the face.
"How dare you call me weak! You're not the one who nearly died!" she said incredulously.
"Fine, but shut up with the tears. You're getting on my nerves," he said.
"You've been grating on mine for the past ten minutes," she retorted.
"I'll call my pilot, and have you taken to your house via jet by tomorrow. Can you sign off the project by then?" he said, trying to avoid further argument.
"Yes, but why are you being so nice all of a sudden?" she asked.
"I assure you, I'm not. I just have bigger plans," he said.
"Am I in them?" she asked warily.
"Maybe later," he said. He picked up the scroll, "Do you think you could translate this?"
He laid it out on her lap. She rubbed her temple, as if in deep thought, "Yeah, it'll take awhile though. The phrases are kind of scribbled in some places, more orderly in others. And they're in olden hieroglyphs. That'll make the task twice as hard."
"Well, I'll be here at three o'clock tomorrow at the Theban airport," he said, and walked out the door.
"Good-bye to you too," she said to the empty space where Seto Kaiba once stood. "Jerk," she thought.
Outside the parking lot, as Seto was driving away, he noticed a police officer, standing out in the middle of the lot. The officer was tall, looking of an Egyptian descent. The officer glared at him, and Seto turned in his seat, and barked to his driver, "Go faster, really you moron, you drive like a grandmother." The driver said nothing, doing this job meant it was either strict, wordless compliance or a pink slip. He stepped on the gas. Even as they sped away from the hospital, Kaiba could still feel the policeman's eyes drilling into the back of his head.
"Brother? Is something wrong?" the young boy asked, tugging slightly at his brother's sleeve.
"No kid," he said tousling the wild, black hair of his younger brother.
------
Back in the parking lot, the officer smirked as Seto's limousine pulled away.
"Idiot mortal, you've felt nothing yet," he laughed. He had all the information he could give his mistress for now. He walked to the back of the building, and focused on his true form. He shrunk two feet in size, and his face sprouted forward into animal-like jowl full of razor teeth. How he pined to use them on the young goddess who had yet to be awakened. How he wished he could come and rip into her delicate skin, but no, his mistress wanted her to be kept alive until the final battle. Then, he could finally taste immortal blood, and O! How he hungered for it.
------
"Good-bye," Andre said the next day as Rena walked off toward the walkway to the private jet Seto Kaiba had promised.
"Oh Andre, don't be so upset. I'm going to be back in three months. The dig won't be over by then, I'm sure of it," she laughed. She gave him a quick hug and a small peck on the cheek. He blushed, and handed her a small bag. She dropped it into her bag, and walked over to Nazo, who was readily crying.
"Oh Rena, I'm so going to miss you," she said, giving Rena a deep bow. Rena returned the bow, and gave Nazo a big hug.
"You've been my best friend, Nazo, and I'll be back soon," she said.
"Um, I did get you something," she said, handing her a little package, wrapped ornately in Japanese paper.
"Oh Nazo, it's wonderful," she said, putting it away with Andre's so as not to offend Nazo.
"Rena, I must say you've been one of the best students I ever had, or ever will have, and I look forward to seeing you again back at the site," the Professor said, his older face wrinkled in a smile.
"Thank you so much Professor, I'll never forget what you taught me," she replied, giving him a small peck on the forehead, the way a child would kiss their grandfather.
"When you're done," Kaiba growled. He walked inside the plane, followed closely by his younger companion. His butler followed obediently behind him.
"Coming," Rena said exasperated by his emotionless interruption.
"Here," the Professor said, handing her yet another gift. This one was wrapped in brown paper, and tied with twine. "You'll be needing it, I think," he added. She nodded her thanks, and ran to the runway, knowing that the jet would probably take off, whether she was or wasn't on it.
"Finally," the elder Kaiba sniffed as she stepped inside the plane. The seats were black leather, and the room reminded her of a mansion she had been in once. The interior a darker blue, and lunch had been set up for three in the back.
"None for me," he said glancing at the Lobster Thurmidor that had been set before him.
Rena gawked at him, but didn't look for long. Her eyes were taking in the wonderful food sitting before her. Lobster Thurmidor, and a fresh garden salad had been set before her.
"Don Perione, sir?" the chef asked. Seto moved his glass toward the man. He opened the bottle with great skill, almost none of the sparkling liquid leaked out. He filled up the elder Kaiba's glass, and then turned to Rena, "Some for you miss?"
"Please," she said, her mouth full of salad. He filled her glass expertly then turned away and went into the kitchen area. Seto laughed patronizingly.
"It's a little sweet," he said taking a sip of his champagne.
"You talk about wine like you could drink it legally," she remarked.
"You drink like it you were of legal age to," he replied. Rena looked at her glass; half of the drink was gone. She felt her cheeks redden, and looked away.
Knowing he had won this battle, Seto posed a question, "Where do you live?"
"Albany, New York."
"In the States?"
"Last time I checked."
"Very funny."
"I'm sure."
"Score for me," Rena thought. Seto looked away, then pulled out a cell phone, and went up to the front of the plane to talk. She turned to the little boy who had been watching their conversation for some time now and said, "What's your name?"
"I'm Mokuba Kaiba," the boy replied.
"So, you're related to the Kaiba-san up there?" she asked, trying out her Japanese.
He nodded, "He's my brother."
She choked, "Really? You two look nothing alike."
"Well, we are," he said, getting a little defensive.
"No, it's just I would never have made that connection. I wasn't insulting your brother, honestly!" she cried. He looked at her suspiciously, but then brightened.
"Okay," he said cheerily.
"All right. I guess we haven't introduced ourselves properly," she said, giving Mokuba a bow.
"Hajimemaste, Mokuba desu. Doozo yoroshiku," he said. Rena just sat there.
"What?"
He slowed it down, and said very carefully, "Hajimemaste…Mokuba…desu. Doozo…yoroshiku."
"Oh! Doozo yoroshiku, Rena desu."
He smiled, "There, you got it!"
"I'm not much of a foreign speaker," she admitted.
"It sounded all right to me," he said.
"Arigatou, Moku-kun," she said brightening at the compliment. She decided this boy would become a good friend.
"So, I guess it's just your brother and you? What about your parents? What do they do all day?" she asked.
Mokuba winced. "Uh-oh," Rena thought, "Not a good question."
"They're dead," he whispered. "My okaasan died giving birth to me, and tousan died in an accident not long after. We were taken to an orphanage, and finally, Seto decided to challenge a big CEO to a game of chess. He said, if he won, that the man had to adopt both Seto and me," he looked Rena, who was sitting in awe, and continued, "My big brother won, and so, he adopted us, but he trained Seto to become a CEO, because he'd have to take over the company when he died."
"So, now Seto's the CEO of your adopted father's corporation," she said, not bothering to hide the shock on her face.
"Yep, and that's how it's been," he said. Seto finally joined them.
"We'll be there in a few hours," he said, "You'd best get some rest."
"A few hours?" Rena asked, "I was thinking more like a day or so."
"Please, this is a jet, not a petty little airplane," he said, leaning back in his chair.
"Excuse me for living," she said angrily.
"We'll try, but don't get your hopes up," he said.
"Very funny," she said, annoyed.
"I'm sure," he said, quoting her. She sat back in her fume, closed her eyes, and fell asleep faster than she had thought she would.
------
A hand shook her awake. "Please miss, we'll be landing soon, you'd best get your seat belt on," it was the butler. She looked down at her lap, where Mokuba had fallen into a peaceful sleep. "He really is a cute kid," she thought. She looked over at Seto, who had already buckled his belt and had fallen back asleep. His mouth hung open slightly, and she laughed, "He's nothing but a little kid," she laughed to herself.
They landed in fifteen minutes, as soon Rena got off the jet she knew there was a difference in the air, but she didn't care. This was her town. She was back, after spending all that time in Egypt, she was home.
"Not to interrupt you from your daydream, but our ride is outside, and I don't like to be kept waiting," Seto growled.
"Chill out," she spat. They walked out to the front, and she saw a black stretch limousine waiting for them. A tall man in a black suit held the door open.
"Come on," Mokuba said tugging at her arm. She climbed in and they made their way down Wall Street.
"While we're here, we can get my stock quotes for my North American enterprises," he remarked.
"My flat's just up the road," she said, after they were finished with business. Her apartment was located in a friendly neighborhood, there was a garden café and playground a couple blocks away, and the atmosphere was friendly despite the New Yorker representation. She ran up the stairs to her apartment, pulled out her key, and threw open the door. Two giant greyhounds jumped at her, one landing on Rena, the other missing its target and falling on Seto Kaiba knocking him to the floor. He raised a hand to strike the dog, but Rena knocked it away.
"Don't you dare lay a hand on my dog," she yelled at him. The dogs ran at her feet, yipping and barking, very pleased to see their owner home and happy.
"Oh, I missed you guys so much!" she said petting and kissing her dogs. They barked in reply.
Mokuba walked up behind her, "Can I pet them?"
"Of course, Moku," she said, trying out the nickname. He laughed and petted the dogs, and they licked his face and barked in canine happiness.
"What are their names?" he asked.
"The girl is Sashet, and the boy is Amun. I gave them Egyptian names because the greyhound is an Egyptian dog. I rescued these guys from an illegal racing greyhound operation," she said, standing up to give Mokuba the chance to play with the dogs.
"You'd best pack some clothes to hold you for a week. You can buy more when we get to Domino City," Seto said.
"Thank you!" she said running into the next room. "Let me take you to dinner tonight. My treat," she said. Then, she laughed. "I guess that seems weird, myself taking a rich guy out to dinner."
"Actually, I'm here on business trips, let me take you out," he said, rolling his eyes at her girlish stupidity.
"Where to then?" she asked.
"New York Falls," he said.
"You mean THE NEW YORK FALLS??" she asked stupefied.
"Yeah…" he said warily.
"I guess I shouldn't be surprised, after all, you are millionaire."
"Billionaire," he corrected. Rena bit her lip to keep from saying anything else.
"Wow, uh, okay, I'll be back in a sec, she said, dropping her bag on the floor, and running back to her room. Seto dropped down onto the couch, fifteen minutes later, she called, "I'm ready."
She stepped out, and Seto's jaw literally dropped. Rena stepped out in a chic, form-fitting dress that went down to the floor. It was black and satin, and a slit to her thigh revealed most of her shapely legs. Her hair was slightly pulled back; still letting most of it hang to her waist. She had make-up done, and it accentuated her deep, intense eyes perfectly. They shone in a violet glimmer, and her lips were full and pink. She walked up to him and said, "Now, we can go." She glided by, and he scented Eau de' Hermes.
At the restaurant, Mokuba chirped, "Try the Chicken ala King, it's really good!"
"Okay, Mokuba, I think I will."
"Good choice, madam," the waiter said. A band played soft, rhythm music. Several couples were already on the dance floor. Mokuba grabbed Rena's hand, "Will you dance with me?"
"Of course," she said laughing and taking his hand. They danced playfully; Mokuba spun Rena around and then Rena spun him around. Seto watched her dance. She was a very beautiful woman, he couldn't deny that, and her personality was charming. He cleared his mind of her thoughts, but still couldn't take his eyes off the woman dancing with his brother. She caught him staring at her and he looked away. She walked over to him, "Care to join us?"
"I wouldn't waste my time," he replied.
"Oh well," she said and went back to spin with Mokuba. He avoided all conversation with her that evening, and that was just fine with her.
She looked at him as he drove out to her home to pick up her things, and she couldn't help but notice how beautiful he was. He was tall and trim, and his body was stretched in sinew and muscle. His hair was dark, and she wanted to run her fingers through it. But above all, were his eyes. They were so intense, deep, blue as the ocean, and yet cold. But there was something underlying all of that, could it possible been loneliness? Was the man who had everything just a scared little boy, pretending to be a grown-up? She doubted it. He was too strong-willed and sure of himself. "The way you talk about him, it's as if you fancy him," she told herself, and she laughed. No way that was going to happen.
"They pulled into the driveway, and she stepped out. Her dogs greeted her as ecstatically as they did before, and she looked across at Seto, who was, coincidently, looking at her.
She put on her sweetest face and said, "Can we take them, please?"
"No way," he said.
"Aw, come on brother, I always wanted a dog," Mokuba joined in to Rena's pleas.
"No."
"Please?" They said together.
"Still no," he said.
The dogs whimpered, and Mokuba said, "Onegai shimasu, onaii-chan, onegai?"
"Come on Seto, they're perfectly behaved dogs. Please?" she said, putting on her most angelic face.
"I suppose, but if they make any sort of mess or trouble, I'm throwing them out of the jet myself," he said.
"Yes!" Rena and Mokuba slapped each other a high-five. Rena ran into her bedroom, grabbed her bags, and ran out to the limo. She handed her things to the driver, who put them away, the storage compartment. She held onto her purse, and the three gifts that lay inside.
"I can't wait, let's go," she said, showing her enthusiasm.
"Damare!" Seto yelled at her. She quieted down.
"Back on the jet again?" she asked.
"Hai."
"All right," she fell asleep. The driver turned a corner sharply, and Seto suddenly felt a weight on his arm. It was Rena, still sleeping, had fallen to rest on his shoulder, and truth to tell, he didn't really mind her there.
~ Kizuna Among Chinmoku Bushi? Hai!
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Whew! Finally done! How was that for long? Yeah, I thought so! It was another cliffhanger ending I know, but come on; you know you love 'em! So, who is this dark mistress? Will Seto realize feelings for Rena? Will Rena admit to liking Seto?
And what's in those presents? All this and more in the next chapter of Yu- Gi-Oh! Konton no Millennia! Also, quick poll, would Seto make a better CEO, or a George Clooney-like super-hot doctor? Come on girls, what do you think?
Guy poll: Who thinks I've done a good job with the character of Rena? Huh, you gotta tell me boys!