(A/N: I only own Arilana Nodoka and Mira! Enjoy!)
Chapter 1 Arilana Nodoka
I slowly entered the newly opened Kaiba Land. Who'd have thought that Mr. Seto Kaiba was such an egomaniac. oh wait; I made that conclusion before I came. Hehehe. I turned around and saw several reporters being shoved out the door. "I better not let them know I'm a reporter," I mumbled to myself. I walked around for a while until I came to the duelist arenas. "Oh wow. I haven't seen this before, I've heard of it, but never seen it. Holographic dueling arenas!" I wandered around until I came to an arena where two kids were dueling it out.
"I play Suijin in attack mode! And this card face down!" The boy in the red station said.
"I play Succubus Knight in attack mode, and I'll play this card face down," said the other boy in the blue station.
They were both at 1200 life-points. "I wonder how this is going to end," I whispered to myself.
"Suijin attack!"
"Not so fast! I play acid trap hole! Suijin go bye-bye."
"NO!"
"Oh yes."
I stood there, truly amazed at the engineering of Kaiba Corp. "Seto Kaiba, truly a genius," I mumbled.
"Oh, thank you. My brother Seto really is."
I froze; I hadn't thought that anyone had heard me. I turned toward the voice and looked down. "Um, hi."
"Hello," said the boy.
"You're Mokuba Kaiba?" I asked.
"Yes, and you are?"
"Um. hold on a moment, I think I forgot my name." I said scratching my head and laughing. Mokuba laughed at me. "Ah! Now I remember. Arilana Nodoka."
"Took you long enough," Mokuba said.
"Well sorry," I said sarcastically. "It's not everyday I meet someone like you."
"What do you mean by someone like me?" He started to take offense.
"I mean a rich little dude with. hey, nice hair." I said.
"What?"
I knelt down and looked him in the eyes. "Oh, can I touch your hair?"
"Huh?"
"Please. It looks so soft." I said.
"Um, alright, I don't see a problem with it," Mokuba responded. Mokuba turned around and I ran my fingers through his hair. "Hm. It is soft." I stopped and Mokuba turned back towards me. "You gotta tell me your secret!"
"Lather, rinse, repeat," Mokuba laughed.
"Are you serious?"
"Very serious."
"Wow. I wonder why it doesn't work for me." I stood up.
"When you shampoo, leave it in for three minutes, same with the conditioner."
"I'll have to try that," I said. "Thanks for the info."
"Hey, Arilana," Mokuba asked softly.
"Call me by my last name, Nodoka. I respond to it better," I said.
"Nodoka, you want to meet my big brother?" Mokuba asked.
"Would I! Of course, but." I looked down at my clothes. "I'm not dressed properly."
"What do you mean?"
"I mean, I can't go up to the wealthiest person I've ever seen dressed like I came from a birthday party."
Mokuba laughed. "You really take things too seriously don't you?"
"Oh. I do, don't I?" I laughed.
"Anyway, you look fine. You don't have to get all dressed up just to speak to my brother."
"Um, are you sure?"
"A little self conscious aren't you?"
"Very."
"Come with me," Mokuba said. He took my hand in his and led me through a back hallway. At the end of the hallway was a door. Who'd have thought? Mokuba opened the door and walked inside, I followed. Seto was sitting at a desk at the right wall working on some kind of contraption.
"Mokuba, close the door," Seto said. Mokuba closed the door behind me.
"Seto, I want you to meet someone," Mokuba said.
"Not right now Mokuba. I'm kind of busy at the moment."
"That's alright Mokuba, I'll come back another time," I said. "See ya later." I opened the door and walked out. Right before I closed the door behind me it opened up fully and Mokuba came out.
"Sorry, I just thought that he might want someone to talk to, he's been working for seven hours straight," Mokuba said.
"Oh, that's alright. Oh and you can tell him that if he just wants to speak to me, he can do that at school. I'm being transferred," I said.
"Really? Cool."
"Hey Mokuba, I'll see you later, I gotta get home." I walked out of the hallway and into the main area. I yawned and walked outside.
When I arrived home, I walked upstairs and wrote my article for the newspaper.
Who'd have thought that Kaiba Land would be so much fun? Definitely not me, I wouldn't be caught dead in a place like that. So when I was assigned to do a report on the establishment, I complained. But when I arrived, I couldn't believe my eyes. I would say it is a well thought out establishment. It is truly a place for those that have a duelist's soul. From what I saw, people came from everywhere to get in on the Kaiba Land action. Well, I would too if I had some cards. And from what I heard, their arenas are booked solid for the next three months. I would have tried to get an interview with the Kaiba brothers, but they are quite busy with all the action. That's all for this article, I'll try to get more information for those of you who would like to have some dueling fun. Thank you Kaiba Brothers, it's astonishing of what you have accomplished with this.
This is Reporter X. That's all for now folks.
I signed myself as Reporter X, as I usually did. I didn't want anyone to know that I was a reporter. It would ruin my social status. I studied my writing and ran it down to the studio. Back home, I took a shower and crawled into bed, ready for my first day at a new school. I dreamed that night. I bolted upright in my bed. "A dream I should not have dreamed. Kissing Seto Kaiba? That should not have happened. Does it explain my true feelings for him? No, impossible! I don't even know him. But, he sends a chill up my spine every time I see him. No, that's not true, why am I lying to myself? I've only seen him once. AH! I'm losing my mind!" I flipped over and covered my head with my pillow. "Sleep!" I mumbled into the pillow. When my alarm clock rang out at 6:30 in the morning, I jumped out of bed and began getting ready. I took a shower and threw on my uniform. I pinned my hair up with a clip and put on my socks and shoes. I got to school before most people had even awoken. I walked into the office.
"Hello, may I help you?" asked the secretary.
"I hope. I'm new here, and I don't know my schedule, or my way around," I said.
"Come with me." The lady walked to the back office, I followed. She searched through records until she found mine. "Here you are." She handed me my schedule.
"Thank you," I said and walked out. I walked around campus and mapped out my way. When school started, I walked to my first class. I introduced myself to the teacher and she sat me in an empty chair. When everyone else came in I found myself with the window at my left, a guy with blonde hair at my right. I paid no attention to the rest of the people around me. The guy at my right I soon learned was second place winner at Duelist Kingdom, Joey Wheeler. We got in trouble four times in that class, twice for passing notes, once for talking, and once for sleeping. Second period I had theatre arts. Then it was lunch. I didn't know where to sit until Joey motioned me to sit next to him at a table with four of his friends.
"Guys, this is Arilana Nodoka. She just transferred here," Joey said.
"Hi," they all said. I nodded.
After lunch was third period, I had history, Joey was in that class, and again we got in trouble. Fourth I had home economics, cooking was fun. We made miso soup. I wasn't hungry so I saved mine in a little thermos. When school finally let out I walked down the front stairs of the entrance and ran into Joey. "Here, you can have this." I said handing him the thermos and walking away.
"Hey Nodoka! Wait up!" Joey yelled and ran up next to me.
"Yes?" I asked.
"The um. A dance is coming up next week. And. I. was. um. was wondering if you wanted to . go with me?" Joey asked.
"What?"
"Aw, don't make me say it again." Joey looked down at the ground and shuffled his feet.
"Um, how about I think about it and get back to you tomorrow?" I said. I glanced at my watch. "Crap! I'm late! I have to go Joey, I'll see you tomorrow!" I ran off and down the road. I walked into a nearby coffee house.
"Nodoka!" A girl shouted from a table.
"Mira!" I walked over and sat down. "So, what's the story you're working on?"
"Oh it's just some strange crappy school violence one," Mira responded. "And you?"
"Kaiba Land," I smiled.
"You still on that? I thought you quit," Mira said.
"I'm still working. Mokuba Kaiba is so cute, I love his hair," I laughed.
"I bet you like his older brother," Mira teased.
"Mira! Don't say that! It's not true!" I shouted.
"Mokuba," Mira said.
"No, what?"
"Coming in the door," Mira looked at the door as the young Kaiba came through.
"Mokuba," I said as he walked over to me.
"Nodoka," he said sheepishly.
"Yes?"
He grabbed onto my arm. "Please help," he said.
"What? With what?" I asked, looking at Mira shocked.
"Seto won't come out of his room, he won't listen, he won't sleep, he won't eat," Mokuba said. "You've gotta help me!"
"Mira," I said looking at my friend.
"Go on, I'll see you later," Mira said. I stood up and pushed in my chair. I looked back up at Mira; she had a smug/mocking smile on her face. I stuck out my tongue at her.
"Come on!" Mokuba said. He grabbed my hand and we ran out of the shop.
"Mokuba! Slow down! This may sound sad but I can't run as fast as you!" I shouted. Mokuba stopped and looked at me. "I got an idea," I said smiling. I knelt down. "Climb on my back, I'll run, you tell me where to go," I said. Mokuba climbed on my back and put his arms around my neck. "Hold on now," I said.
"Alright," Mokuba responded.
"Which way?"
"Straight," Mokuba said. I stood and started running in the direction he was telling me. "You lied," Mokuba said.
"About what?" I asked as I kept running.
"You said you couldn't keep up, you're running faster than me!" Mokuba laughed.
"Don't believe everything you hear!" I laughed.
"Turn right up here," Mokuba said. I turned the corner. "Take a left now."
I took the left and stopped. "Is that your place?" I asked looking at the mansion.
"Yeah, come on," Mokuba jumped off and walked over and opened the gate. I walked through and waited for him as he closed it. "Follow me," he said. He ran through the courtyard to a chain on the ground. He pulled up on the chain and revealed a passageway.
"I didn't see that coming," I said. Mokuba walked down the stairs, I followed instinctively. He sat down at a table; I sat down across from him. "So, what are we going to do?" I whispered.
"I want Seto to stop working and do something else for a change," Mokuba whispered back to me.
"Alright, this is what we'll do," I said. I leaned over to Mokuba and silently told him my plan. After I explained it we started laughing. "Mokuba, that's a good one," I said loudly. I leaned back in my chair and fell over laughing.
"Nodoka!" Mokuba rushed over and helped me up.
We laughed until Seto came out of the back room. "Mokuba," Seto said quietly. Mokuba and I looked at Seto. "I told you, visitors aren't allowed down here."
"Well if someone would stop working for a change," I said glaring at the older brother.
"Nodoka, please don't," Mokuba said softly.
"What? He needs to learn," I growled.
"What are you talking about? You don't know me," Seto said.
"Your right, I don't, but I do know your brother," I said.
"Get out."
"You can't make me. I'm a guest of your brother's," I said looking down to Mokuba.
Seto looked at Mokuba. "Mokuba," he growled.
"Leave him be," I said.
"Stay out of this," Seto said to me.
I sighed. "You're ridiculous," I said.
"What?" asked the elder Kaiba.
"You heard me," I said. Mokuba looked at me confused. We hadn't talked about this in our plan. Mokuba ran into another room.
"Leave," Seto said calmly.
"I don't like repeating myself," I yawned.
"Then don't."
"You know, if you would spend more time with Mokuba, I wouldn't be here!" I shouted finally.
"Wha.?"
"Stop fooling around with your damn gadgets and pay attention to him once in a while," I growled. Seto was silent. I had been saving for that. "I'll leave now," I said quietly. I looked over at Mokuba who had been watching around a corner. I walked up the stairs and into the courtyard. Glancing backward, I smiled. I did something right for a change. I walked over to the gates, I was about to open them when four men in black suits walked up.
"Can you open the gates for us?" one of them asked.
"Um." I thought for a second. If they didn't have the key, they shouldn't be allowed in. "I'll go ask .Mr. Kaiba." I said. I despised calling him that.
"No, it's a surprise," said another.
"You're a terrible liar," I said.
"Let us in."
I took a step back; they approached closer to the gate. I stepped back farther. One began to climb up. I jumped forward and kicked the guy in the shin. "Get back," I growled.
"You have no association to Kaiba; or are you his little piece of ass?"
"What did you call me?" I shouted. "I am no ones little piece of ass!"
"What are you going to do about it?" one said laughing.
I looked around for a weapon. "Nothing. I'm going to sit here," I said. I stepped backwards and sat on the ground. As they started to climb the fence, I picked up some rocks and hit them with it. I started laughing. Mokuba came out to see what was going on, he ran back in and got his brother. Seto walked out, I was standing there pelting them with rocks.
"I thought you had left," Seto said.
"Well, I would leave, had I been granted the permission from these suits," I said.
Seto turned and looked at them. "You have no reason to be here," he said to them. At the same time, they all pulled out guns, Seto looked at them shocked.
I jumped back then reached behind me and pulled out a pistol. "Step aside," I said in a low tone.
Seto looked at me. "You had a gun this whole time? Did you plan on shooting me?" He asked surprised.
"I only have it for self defense," I said.
"Right," Kaiba said sarcastically.
"Don't get all bitchy with me," I growled.
"Bitchy? Look who's talking!" Seto shouted. As we shouted at eachother, the suits slowly inched away until they were gone. I put away the gun and looked at Seto. I started laughing. "What?" He asked.
"They left!" I laughed.
Mokuba ran out and over to Seto and me. "Seto! Can Nodoka stay for dinner?" Mokuba asked.
I looked to the elder Kaiba; he looked at me with clenched teeth. "Sorry Mokuba," I said. "I gotta get home, it's getting kind of late."
"Brother, why don't you walk her home?" Mokuba said to Seto.
"Uh," Seto paused.
"I'll be fine, Mokuba," I said. I mock saluted to Mokuba. I walked over and opened the gates, I then walked away. As I was walking down the sidewalk Joey ran up next to me.
"Were you just on Seto Kaiba's property?" he asked worried.
"Yeah, why?" I asked stopping and looking Joey in the eyes.
"Are you and he? Um." Joey stuttered.
"What? No! I was paying a favor to Mokuba," I said laughing.
"Oh, okay, I was just. I got a little worried for a moment there." Joey said.
"No reason to," I reassured him. "He's a complete and total. oh what's the word?"
"Bastard?" Joey suggested.
"What? No!" I said. "I was going to say asshole." Joey and I talked all the way back to my home. "I just noticed something. You aren't wearing your uniform anymore," I said
"Hehe, yeah, I went home and changed real quick. So, how do you like your new school uniform?" Joey laughed.
"I feel naked." I said. I looked at Joey whose eyes were wide, he was blushing.
"Really." Joey snickered.
"Don't you go filling you head with senseless ideas," I said smiling. We walked up to the door of my house. "Later, Joey," I said turning the doorknob.
"No good night kiss?" Joey asked.
I turned around. "This wasn't technically a date," I said.
"That's cruel." Joey said. I smiled. "Fine, can we go out sometime?"
I thought to myself for a second. "Saturday?" I said.
"Two days from now?" Joey asked. I nodded. "Alright!" Joey marched off proudly.
I turned around to open the door and Mira was standing there. "I heard everything," Mira laughed.
"Mira! How'd you know where I lived?" I asked.
"Ran into a little thing called the white pages, coincidently," Mira said sarcastically. "My best friend is all grown up!" Mira said mock dramatically. I opened the door and chased her through the house. A couple minutes later we were watching movies and eating popcorn. "So, what about that Kaiba guy?" Mira asked.
"He's such an asshole," I said.
"You like him, don't you?" said Mira.
"NO!"
"Don't lie!"
"I'm serious I don't."
Mira laughed. "So, you gonna see him again? And what about that Joey character?"
"I'm going out with Joey this Saturday. And Seto is just a story." I said. Not to long later I went upstairs, took a shower and went to bed. Mira slept on the couch. When I woke up, I dressed, said bye to Mira and went to school. Me, Joey, his friend's Tristan, Yugi, Bakura and Téa joked infront of the school until the bell rang. I walked to my locker and opened it, only to have it slammed closed by some big guy. "Only second day of school." I repeatedly mumbled to myself.
"So, how 'bout you and me go do something fun," said the big guy.
"Ushio," said a voice behind the guy. I couldn't see who it was, fricking wide bastard. Ushio, the school enforcer, turned around to face his caller. "What do you want, Kaiba?" he asked. I took a step back. Ushio wrapped his arm around my neck, cutting off my air. I felt something cold and sharp slide next to my face. I flailed around like a dog at the end of its leash.
"Let her go," Seto snapped.
"You want her?" Ushio slightly pushed down on the knife. I felt my skin split, I felt my blood seep down the left side of my face. I clenched my teeth. "Well? Do you want her?" Ushio shouted.
I started becoming lightheaded, I frantically scratched at his arm but I was not let go. "Let her go," Seto said.
"Do you want her?"
Seto stood there, not knowing what to do. I fell limp. "I want her, give her to me," Seto said. That was all I heard, and then the impact when I hit the floor.
When I awoke, I was in the hospital. Seto was sitting in a chair with his head on the bed I was sleeping on. I stretched; unknowingly I squeezed Seto's hand. "Seto." I said. "How long have you been here, what time is it? .Why does my face hurt?" I put my hand on my face and felt the cut. "No wonder," I said.
"Are you alright?" Seto asked me.
"Why do you care all of a sudden?" I asked sitting up.
"Don't stand," he said.
"What? Why?"
"They changed your clothes," he said.
"Were you in the room when they did that?" I asked alarmed.
"I excused myself. Now lay back down, you'll feel better when you have your rest."
I growled. "You can't tell me what to do!" I said. He put his hand on my shoulder and pushed me back down on the bed. "Okay." I said lightly. I curled up and slept. I awoke to hear arguing. I opened my eyes and saw Seto and Joey in eachother's face.
"Look what you did, you woke her up!" Joey shouted.
I couldn't take it; I rolled over and vomited on the floor. "Nodoka!" Seto said turning towards me.
"Leave, both of you! Just leave!" I shouted, while still looking at the floor.
"But, Nodoka!" Joey said.
"Please," I said looking at them. I felt my face getting pale and my eyes getting red. I laid back just as Mira walked in.
"Kaiba was right, you are sick, girlie," Mira said with a smirk on her face.
"Don't remind me," I said with a runny nose.
"Hehe."
"Nodoka," said a little voice from the doorway. I looked over and it was Mokuba. "Can I come in?" he asked.
"Yeah, of course," I said. He ran in and jumped into the bed with me. He put one arm over me and held on tight. He then curled up and dozed off. "Did I miss something?" I asked Mira.
Mira shrugged. "He looks so cute," she said.
"But why did he come to me?" I asked, I then turned to a coughing fit.
"I think he likes you," Mira said.
"He's not a lost puppy, that followed me home one day, he's a human," I laughed.
"Well, I wasn't going to tell you this until you were alone, but I guess he wouldn't matter, cause he's asleep," Mira said.
"Tell me what?" I asked.
"You got a promotion."
Chapter 1 Arilana Nodoka
I slowly entered the newly opened Kaiba Land. Who'd have thought that Mr. Seto Kaiba was such an egomaniac. oh wait; I made that conclusion before I came. Hehehe. I turned around and saw several reporters being shoved out the door. "I better not let them know I'm a reporter," I mumbled to myself. I walked around for a while until I came to the duelist arenas. "Oh wow. I haven't seen this before, I've heard of it, but never seen it. Holographic dueling arenas!" I wandered around until I came to an arena where two kids were dueling it out.
"I play Suijin in attack mode! And this card face down!" The boy in the red station said.
"I play Succubus Knight in attack mode, and I'll play this card face down," said the other boy in the blue station.
They were both at 1200 life-points. "I wonder how this is going to end," I whispered to myself.
"Suijin attack!"
"Not so fast! I play acid trap hole! Suijin go bye-bye."
"NO!"
"Oh yes."
I stood there, truly amazed at the engineering of Kaiba Corp. "Seto Kaiba, truly a genius," I mumbled.
"Oh, thank you. My brother Seto really is."
I froze; I hadn't thought that anyone had heard me. I turned toward the voice and looked down. "Um, hi."
"Hello," said the boy.
"You're Mokuba Kaiba?" I asked.
"Yes, and you are?"
"Um. hold on a moment, I think I forgot my name." I said scratching my head and laughing. Mokuba laughed at me. "Ah! Now I remember. Arilana Nodoka."
"Took you long enough," Mokuba said.
"Well sorry," I said sarcastically. "It's not everyday I meet someone like you."
"What do you mean by someone like me?" He started to take offense.
"I mean a rich little dude with. hey, nice hair." I said.
"What?"
I knelt down and looked him in the eyes. "Oh, can I touch your hair?"
"Huh?"
"Please. It looks so soft." I said.
"Um, alright, I don't see a problem with it," Mokuba responded. Mokuba turned around and I ran my fingers through his hair. "Hm. It is soft." I stopped and Mokuba turned back towards me. "You gotta tell me your secret!"
"Lather, rinse, repeat," Mokuba laughed.
"Are you serious?"
"Very serious."
"Wow. I wonder why it doesn't work for me." I stood up.
"When you shampoo, leave it in for three minutes, same with the conditioner."
"I'll have to try that," I said. "Thanks for the info."
"Hey, Arilana," Mokuba asked softly.
"Call me by my last name, Nodoka. I respond to it better," I said.
"Nodoka, you want to meet my big brother?" Mokuba asked.
"Would I! Of course, but." I looked down at my clothes. "I'm not dressed properly."
"What do you mean?"
"I mean, I can't go up to the wealthiest person I've ever seen dressed like I came from a birthday party."
Mokuba laughed. "You really take things too seriously don't you?"
"Oh. I do, don't I?" I laughed.
"Anyway, you look fine. You don't have to get all dressed up just to speak to my brother."
"Um, are you sure?"
"A little self conscious aren't you?"
"Very."
"Come with me," Mokuba said. He took my hand in his and led me through a back hallway. At the end of the hallway was a door. Who'd have thought? Mokuba opened the door and walked inside, I followed. Seto was sitting at a desk at the right wall working on some kind of contraption.
"Mokuba, close the door," Seto said. Mokuba closed the door behind me.
"Seto, I want you to meet someone," Mokuba said.
"Not right now Mokuba. I'm kind of busy at the moment."
"That's alright Mokuba, I'll come back another time," I said. "See ya later." I opened the door and walked out. Right before I closed the door behind me it opened up fully and Mokuba came out.
"Sorry, I just thought that he might want someone to talk to, he's been working for seven hours straight," Mokuba said.
"Oh, that's alright. Oh and you can tell him that if he just wants to speak to me, he can do that at school. I'm being transferred," I said.
"Really? Cool."
"Hey Mokuba, I'll see you later, I gotta get home." I walked out of the hallway and into the main area. I yawned and walked outside.
When I arrived home, I walked upstairs and wrote my article for the newspaper.
Who'd have thought that Kaiba Land would be so much fun? Definitely not me, I wouldn't be caught dead in a place like that. So when I was assigned to do a report on the establishment, I complained. But when I arrived, I couldn't believe my eyes. I would say it is a well thought out establishment. It is truly a place for those that have a duelist's soul. From what I saw, people came from everywhere to get in on the Kaiba Land action. Well, I would too if I had some cards. And from what I heard, their arenas are booked solid for the next three months. I would have tried to get an interview with the Kaiba brothers, but they are quite busy with all the action. That's all for this article, I'll try to get more information for those of you who would like to have some dueling fun. Thank you Kaiba Brothers, it's astonishing of what you have accomplished with this.
This is Reporter X. That's all for now folks.
I signed myself as Reporter X, as I usually did. I didn't want anyone to know that I was a reporter. It would ruin my social status. I studied my writing and ran it down to the studio. Back home, I took a shower and crawled into bed, ready for my first day at a new school. I dreamed that night. I bolted upright in my bed. "A dream I should not have dreamed. Kissing Seto Kaiba? That should not have happened. Does it explain my true feelings for him? No, impossible! I don't even know him. But, he sends a chill up my spine every time I see him. No, that's not true, why am I lying to myself? I've only seen him once. AH! I'm losing my mind!" I flipped over and covered my head with my pillow. "Sleep!" I mumbled into the pillow. When my alarm clock rang out at 6:30 in the morning, I jumped out of bed and began getting ready. I took a shower and threw on my uniform. I pinned my hair up with a clip and put on my socks and shoes. I got to school before most people had even awoken. I walked into the office.
"Hello, may I help you?" asked the secretary.
"I hope. I'm new here, and I don't know my schedule, or my way around," I said.
"Come with me." The lady walked to the back office, I followed. She searched through records until she found mine. "Here you are." She handed me my schedule.
"Thank you," I said and walked out. I walked around campus and mapped out my way. When school started, I walked to my first class. I introduced myself to the teacher and she sat me in an empty chair. When everyone else came in I found myself with the window at my left, a guy with blonde hair at my right. I paid no attention to the rest of the people around me. The guy at my right I soon learned was second place winner at Duelist Kingdom, Joey Wheeler. We got in trouble four times in that class, twice for passing notes, once for talking, and once for sleeping. Second period I had theatre arts. Then it was lunch. I didn't know where to sit until Joey motioned me to sit next to him at a table with four of his friends.
"Guys, this is Arilana Nodoka. She just transferred here," Joey said.
"Hi," they all said. I nodded.
After lunch was third period, I had history, Joey was in that class, and again we got in trouble. Fourth I had home economics, cooking was fun. We made miso soup. I wasn't hungry so I saved mine in a little thermos. When school finally let out I walked down the front stairs of the entrance and ran into Joey. "Here, you can have this." I said handing him the thermos and walking away.
"Hey Nodoka! Wait up!" Joey yelled and ran up next to me.
"Yes?" I asked.
"The um. A dance is coming up next week. And. I. was. um. was wondering if you wanted to . go with me?" Joey asked.
"What?"
"Aw, don't make me say it again." Joey looked down at the ground and shuffled his feet.
"Um, how about I think about it and get back to you tomorrow?" I said. I glanced at my watch. "Crap! I'm late! I have to go Joey, I'll see you tomorrow!" I ran off and down the road. I walked into a nearby coffee house.
"Nodoka!" A girl shouted from a table.
"Mira!" I walked over and sat down. "So, what's the story you're working on?"
"Oh it's just some strange crappy school violence one," Mira responded. "And you?"
"Kaiba Land," I smiled.
"You still on that? I thought you quit," Mira said.
"I'm still working. Mokuba Kaiba is so cute, I love his hair," I laughed.
"I bet you like his older brother," Mira teased.
"Mira! Don't say that! It's not true!" I shouted.
"Mokuba," Mira said.
"No, what?"
"Coming in the door," Mira looked at the door as the young Kaiba came through.
"Mokuba," I said as he walked over to me.
"Nodoka," he said sheepishly.
"Yes?"
He grabbed onto my arm. "Please help," he said.
"What? With what?" I asked, looking at Mira shocked.
"Seto won't come out of his room, he won't listen, he won't sleep, he won't eat," Mokuba said. "You've gotta help me!"
"Mira," I said looking at my friend.
"Go on, I'll see you later," Mira said. I stood up and pushed in my chair. I looked back up at Mira; she had a smug/mocking smile on her face. I stuck out my tongue at her.
"Come on!" Mokuba said. He grabbed my hand and we ran out of the shop.
"Mokuba! Slow down! This may sound sad but I can't run as fast as you!" I shouted. Mokuba stopped and looked at me. "I got an idea," I said smiling. I knelt down. "Climb on my back, I'll run, you tell me where to go," I said. Mokuba climbed on my back and put his arms around my neck. "Hold on now," I said.
"Alright," Mokuba responded.
"Which way?"
"Straight," Mokuba said. I stood and started running in the direction he was telling me. "You lied," Mokuba said.
"About what?" I asked as I kept running.
"You said you couldn't keep up, you're running faster than me!" Mokuba laughed.
"Don't believe everything you hear!" I laughed.
"Turn right up here," Mokuba said. I turned the corner. "Take a left now."
I took the left and stopped. "Is that your place?" I asked looking at the mansion.
"Yeah, come on," Mokuba jumped off and walked over and opened the gate. I walked through and waited for him as he closed it. "Follow me," he said. He ran through the courtyard to a chain on the ground. He pulled up on the chain and revealed a passageway.
"I didn't see that coming," I said. Mokuba walked down the stairs, I followed instinctively. He sat down at a table; I sat down across from him. "So, what are we going to do?" I whispered.
"I want Seto to stop working and do something else for a change," Mokuba whispered back to me.
"Alright, this is what we'll do," I said. I leaned over to Mokuba and silently told him my plan. After I explained it we started laughing. "Mokuba, that's a good one," I said loudly. I leaned back in my chair and fell over laughing.
"Nodoka!" Mokuba rushed over and helped me up.
We laughed until Seto came out of the back room. "Mokuba," Seto said quietly. Mokuba and I looked at Seto. "I told you, visitors aren't allowed down here."
"Well if someone would stop working for a change," I said glaring at the older brother.
"Nodoka, please don't," Mokuba said softly.
"What? He needs to learn," I growled.
"What are you talking about? You don't know me," Seto said.
"Your right, I don't, but I do know your brother," I said.
"Get out."
"You can't make me. I'm a guest of your brother's," I said looking down to Mokuba.
Seto looked at Mokuba. "Mokuba," he growled.
"Leave him be," I said.
"Stay out of this," Seto said to me.
I sighed. "You're ridiculous," I said.
"What?" asked the elder Kaiba.
"You heard me," I said. Mokuba looked at me confused. We hadn't talked about this in our plan. Mokuba ran into another room.
"Leave," Seto said calmly.
"I don't like repeating myself," I yawned.
"Then don't."
"You know, if you would spend more time with Mokuba, I wouldn't be here!" I shouted finally.
"Wha.?"
"Stop fooling around with your damn gadgets and pay attention to him once in a while," I growled. Seto was silent. I had been saving for that. "I'll leave now," I said quietly. I looked over at Mokuba who had been watching around a corner. I walked up the stairs and into the courtyard. Glancing backward, I smiled. I did something right for a change. I walked over to the gates, I was about to open them when four men in black suits walked up.
"Can you open the gates for us?" one of them asked.
"Um." I thought for a second. If they didn't have the key, they shouldn't be allowed in. "I'll go ask .Mr. Kaiba." I said. I despised calling him that.
"No, it's a surprise," said another.
"You're a terrible liar," I said.
"Let us in."
I took a step back; they approached closer to the gate. I stepped back farther. One began to climb up. I jumped forward and kicked the guy in the shin. "Get back," I growled.
"You have no association to Kaiba; or are you his little piece of ass?"
"What did you call me?" I shouted. "I am no ones little piece of ass!"
"What are you going to do about it?" one said laughing.
I looked around for a weapon. "Nothing. I'm going to sit here," I said. I stepped backwards and sat on the ground. As they started to climb the fence, I picked up some rocks and hit them with it. I started laughing. Mokuba came out to see what was going on, he ran back in and got his brother. Seto walked out, I was standing there pelting them with rocks.
"I thought you had left," Seto said.
"Well, I would leave, had I been granted the permission from these suits," I said.
Seto turned and looked at them. "You have no reason to be here," he said to them. At the same time, they all pulled out guns, Seto looked at them shocked.
I jumped back then reached behind me and pulled out a pistol. "Step aside," I said in a low tone.
Seto looked at me. "You had a gun this whole time? Did you plan on shooting me?" He asked surprised.
"I only have it for self defense," I said.
"Right," Kaiba said sarcastically.
"Don't get all bitchy with me," I growled.
"Bitchy? Look who's talking!" Seto shouted. As we shouted at eachother, the suits slowly inched away until they were gone. I put away the gun and looked at Seto. I started laughing. "What?" He asked.
"They left!" I laughed.
Mokuba ran out and over to Seto and me. "Seto! Can Nodoka stay for dinner?" Mokuba asked.
I looked to the elder Kaiba; he looked at me with clenched teeth. "Sorry Mokuba," I said. "I gotta get home, it's getting kind of late."
"Brother, why don't you walk her home?" Mokuba said to Seto.
"Uh," Seto paused.
"I'll be fine, Mokuba," I said. I mock saluted to Mokuba. I walked over and opened the gates, I then walked away. As I was walking down the sidewalk Joey ran up next to me.
"Were you just on Seto Kaiba's property?" he asked worried.
"Yeah, why?" I asked stopping and looking Joey in the eyes.
"Are you and he? Um." Joey stuttered.
"What? No! I was paying a favor to Mokuba," I said laughing.
"Oh, okay, I was just. I got a little worried for a moment there." Joey said.
"No reason to," I reassured him. "He's a complete and total. oh what's the word?"
"Bastard?" Joey suggested.
"What? No!" I said. "I was going to say asshole." Joey and I talked all the way back to my home. "I just noticed something. You aren't wearing your uniform anymore," I said
"Hehe, yeah, I went home and changed real quick. So, how do you like your new school uniform?" Joey laughed.
"I feel naked." I said. I looked at Joey whose eyes were wide, he was blushing.
"Really." Joey snickered.
"Don't you go filling you head with senseless ideas," I said smiling. We walked up to the door of my house. "Later, Joey," I said turning the doorknob.
"No good night kiss?" Joey asked.
I turned around. "This wasn't technically a date," I said.
"That's cruel." Joey said. I smiled. "Fine, can we go out sometime?"
I thought to myself for a second. "Saturday?" I said.
"Two days from now?" Joey asked. I nodded. "Alright!" Joey marched off proudly.
I turned around to open the door and Mira was standing there. "I heard everything," Mira laughed.
"Mira! How'd you know where I lived?" I asked.
"Ran into a little thing called the white pages, coincidently," Mira said sarcastically. "My best friend is all grown up!" Mira said mock dramatically. I opened the door and chased her through the house. A couple minutes later we were watching movies and eating popcorn. "So, what about that Kaiba guy?" Mira asked.
"He's such an asshole," I said.
"You like him, don't you?" said Mira.
"NO!"
"Don't lie!"
"I'm serious I don't."
Mira laughed. "So, you gonna see him again? And what about that Joey character?"
"I'm going out with Joey this Saturday. And Seto is just a story." I said. Not to long later I went upstairs, took a shower and went to bed. Mira slept on the couch. When I woke up, I dressed, said bye to Mira and went to school. Me, Joey, his friend's Tristan, Yugi, Bakura and Téa joked infront of the school until the bell rang. I walked to my locker and opened it, only to have it slammed closed by some big guy. "Only second day of school." I repeatedly mumbled to myself.
"So, how 'bout you and me go do something fun," said the big guy.
"Ushio," said a voice behind the guy. I couldn't see who it was, fricking wide bastard. Ushio, the school enforcer, turned around to face his caller. "What do you want, Kaiba?" he asked. I took a step back. Ushio wrapped his arm around my neck, cutting off my air. I felt something cold and sharp slide next to my face. I flailed around like a dog at the end of its leash.
"Let her go," Seto snapped.
"You want her?" Ushio slightly pushed down on the knife. I felt my skin split, I felt my blood seep down the left side of my face. I clenched my teeth. "Well? Do you want her?" Ushio shouted.
I started becoming lightheaded, I frantically scratched at his arm but I was not let go. "Let her go," Seto said.
"Do you want her?"
Seto stood there, not knowing what to do. I fell limp. "I want her, give her to me," Seto said. That was all I heard, and then the impact when I hit the floor.
When I awoke, I was in the hospital. Seto was sitting in a chair with his head on the bed I was sleeping on. I stretched; unknowingly I squeezed Seto's hand. "Seto." I said. "How long have you been here, what time is it? .Why does my face hurt?" I put my hand on my face and felt the cut. "No wonder," I said.
"Are you alright?" Seto asked me.
"Why do you care all of a sudden?" I asked sitting up.
"Don't stand," he said.
"What? Why?"
"They changed your clothes," he said.
"Were you in the room when they did that?" I asked alarmed.
"I excused myself. Now lay back down, you'll feel better when you have your rest."
I growled. "You can't tell me what to do!" I said. He put his hand on my shoulder and pushed me back down on the bed. "Okay." I said lightly. I curled up and slept. I awoke to hear arguing. I opened my eyes and saw Seto and Joey in eachother's face.
"Look what you did, you woke her up!" Joey shouted.
I couldn't take it; I rolled over and vomited on the floor. "Nodoka!" Seto said turning towards me.
"Leave, both of you! Just leave!" I shouted, while still looking at the floor.
"But, Nodoka!" Joey said.
"Please," I said looking at them. I felt my face getting pale and my eyes getting red. I laid back just as Mira walked in.
"Kaiba was right, you are sick, girlie," Mira said with a smirk on her face.
"Don't remind me," I said with a runny nose.
"Hehe."
"Nodoka," said a little voice from the doorway. I looked over and it was Mokuba. "Can I come in?" he asked.
"Yeah, of course," I said. He ran in and jumped into the bed with me. He put one arm over me and held on tight. He then curled up and dozed off. "Did I miss something?" I asked Mira.
Mira shrugged. "He looks so cute," she said.
"But why did he come to me?" I asked, I then turned to a coughing fit.
"I think he likes you," Mira said.
"He's not a lost puppy, that followed me home one day, he's a human," I laughed.
"Well, I wasn't going to tell you this until you were alone, but I guess he wouldn't matter, cause he's asleep," Mira said.
"Tell me what?" I asked.
"You got a promotion."