A/N: Sorry I haven't updated recently. I've been away, entertaining some good company. But now I'm back, and I've got a new chapter for you – from a different perspective than what you've become accustomed to. It may be a bit confusing at first, but just pay close attention and you'll be able to keep track, no problem. Thus I submit to you Chapter 44!

Wolf: Well, Jade wanted Sanga. Whether to help break Kyle's spirit or simply get the stronger monster, no one knows. Either way, she won.

Eusine: Well, he's got to lose sometime. Makes him less Mary Sue and more human.

Lumen: Yeah, I definitely wanted the realism going on here. Kyle still has failings; this just happens to become one of them. Just 'cause he's good doesn't mean he can't lose.

Wolfwings: YES!

Skraku: Some duels just don't pan out that way. This was one.

Monica: See all of the above. And enter her mind to make him not sad? Take a look and you might just see that that's not necessary after all.

Lady Tetsu-Maru: Thank you much. I love to entertain through my writing.

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Monica wiped her brow. "All right, enough's enough, I need a break. I'm gonna dehydrate otherwise."

The director frowned, but there wasn't much he could do. Monica was, after all, the one funding this particular enterprise. "Okay, just don't make it too long. We want to get out of here by nightfall with something."

"Don't worry, it's only mid-day," she chuckled. "Give me half an hour. You were complaining about curtain placement anyway."

"That I was," he conceded. "All right, people, let's see what we can do with those curtains, huh?"

Monica rolled her eyes in wry amusement. All indications before now had pointed to this: making commercials was a relatively easy task. Of course, this was compared to being on a TV series, in a movie, etc. Which meant it was still quite difficult if you didn't have much experience in the area.

Fortunately the director was one who knew exactly what he wanted, and was quite hands-on if. He'd get the commercial done on time, no doubts of that – and likely the amount of break-time Monica took was irrelevant.

She went into a pseudo-office – basically just a piece of concrete floor with three cubicle walls – and turned on her cell phone. She dialed out, and as she put the phone to her ear, a little smile danced across her face.

"Hello?"

"Hey there, Kyle," she grinned. "Whatcha up to?"

"Oh. Monica. Hey. Not much."

She frowned. "Something wrong, Kyle? You sound kinda down."

"You could say that. I think my winning streak fell apart."

She raised an eyebrow. "You've lost your winning streak? Good God, McCraine, I think I just heard an icicle fall in Hell."

"Bleh. It was bound to happen sooner or later."

"So? Get yourself out of it."

"Dunno if that's an option at this point."

"With all the cards you got from the Madison tournament?" She was skeptical. "I'm not quite sure I believe that. Unless your deck's composition totally sucks. You… did reconfigure your deck, didn't you?"

"…Not by much, no."

She rolled her eyes. "Well, then, there's your problem! Take it apart and put it back together with some more of those goodies you got. Don't just make them sit in your folder, use them. You're a player, not a collector; I know that as much as anyone else who's ever dueled you."

"…Don't worry about it."

"Let me choose what to worry about and what not to worry about," she admonished. "Pull yourself together. I'll come back in a couple days and then we can duel. All right?"

"…Uh… not really sure I feel like dueling at this point…"

Her frown deepened. "Kyle, you're not going to accomplish anything if you don't pick up where you left off. You can't just sit there languishing. New cards are coming out every two months; don't miss the opportunity. Come September, there'll be even more options out there. Besides, what's a level 4 duelist like you going to do when the next tournament offer arrives?"

"Refuse until I feel up to it?"

"No way. You'll enter if I have to sign your name to the sign-up sheet myself."

"Forgery's a crime, you know."

"And have you ever really concerned yourself with lawlessness?" She scoffed. "C'mon, Kyle. I know you better than that."

"Then you should also know that it's going to take a considerable amount of doing to cheer me up."

"I love a challenge," she smirked. But for his sake, she decided to change the subject. "Have you seen the commercial yet?"

"Yeah, it just got here a couple days ago. Now they're running it practically during every commercial break any cable station has."

"Good, then the FCC is doing its job."

"You look good in it, I'll say that much. Well-spoken, too."

She smiled. "Thanks. We're producing another couple, and then I'll be back home."

"You call Oregon 'home'?"

"It's more of a home than Indiana was."

"...True."

She smiled again. "I'll talk to you later, I've got to get back to work."

But as she pressed the "End" button, her smile faded and gave way to an expression of concern. Whatever's going on, it's a lot more than just losing a couple of duels. Something's really bothering him.

I just hope I can find a way to cheer him up.

--

The Next Morning

--

Upon review of the edits done to the different shots, even the director had to admit that the commercial was looking halfway decent. Monica thought it was wonderful... but then again, how could it not be when she was in it?

One of the set runners came into the room, knocking as he moved – he wasn't terribly concerned with just standing there and waiting for someone to acknowledge his presence. The director turned to the runner and raised an eyebrow. "Yes?"

"There's a call for Monica," the runner said. "Line 3."

The director looked at Monica. "Don't you have a cell phone for these kinds of things?"

"I doubt it's a personal call, Frank," she said. "There aren't too many who'd call me just to chat."

"Mm. Take it in my office."

"Thanks." She left the room and went down the hallway to the director's office – it was a cramped ordeal, but it was what he had, and on the budget Monica had allowed, it wasn't half-bad.

She approached the phone, whose Line 3 light was still afire, and she picked up the receiver as she pressed the appropriate button. "Hello?"

"Ms. Zocallos?"

"Speaking."

"Good morning to you; this is Dorian Mendez, speaking on behalf of the Kepler Cigarettes corporation."

She rolled her eyes. I knew they'd call eventually. "Well, what can I do for you today, Mr. Dorian Mendez?"

"You could start by pulling the plug on your commercial campaign."

She raised an eyebrow. "That's a rather ballsy demand, Mr. Mendez. What's prompting this? Is the ad campaign being even more successful than we realize?"

"Ms. Zocallos, you're encouraging a national boycott on a product that doesn't do any harm to its consumers."

"You, sir, need to get a CAT scan if you truly believe that to be the case," she snapped. "Why do you think I'd even consider pulling the ads?"

"We're willing to do almost anything necessary to convince you, including but not limited to financial rewards for all of the efforts of yourself and the crew who assists you."

"You're bribing me." She scoffed. "I don't believe it. You people are insufferable. We're making this ad to get the awareness out there. Smoking is harmful, it does take lives, and you, I, and the surgeon general all know that."

"Very well, then... we will leave it up to you to choose what to do about this particular matter."

"The point of this call is moot, Mr. Mendez, because I'm not pulling those ads."

"In which case, we will see you in court."

"That's ridiculous."

"Rest assured, it's what will happen unless we can agree on some sort of measure. We would much rather not have to take you to court, but if you choose to leave us with no alternative..."

They're treating this like some sort of chess game, she thought. They make a move, I block it; they make another move, I block that one too; then they whip out their queen and rooks.

She blinked. Wait a minute... game... maybe...

"You know what?" she said. "I'll play your game, Mr. Mendez. But you'll have to play mine, too."

She could almost hear the quirking of his eyebrow. "Meaning what, Ms. Zocallos?"

"Meaning I'll pull my ad and any following ones in a wager."

"Gambling is illegal beyond casinos," responded the bigwig, sounding amused.

"Do you prefer a quick resolution or a long, drawn-out court battle?"

"A quick resolution is always preferable, as long as it's within the bounds of reason. Is your solution a reasonable one?"

"I'd hope so, because it's the only alternative I'm accepting," she answered. "So pay attention. I'm willing to pull the ads in a wager on a game of Duel Monsters. If I lose, the ads get pulled. If I win, they stay in place and our business is concluded – with no court battles."

"That's a steep wager."

"No kidding. So what it comes down to is, are you willing to put it all on the line, like I am?"

"You are hardly putting anything 'on the line' in this case, Ms. Zocallos, in comparison with the company I represent."

"I'd beg to differ. I've spent a long time putting together what I needed for the ad campaign, and I've poured a considerable amount of money into it, too. And now I'm apparently getting results, otherwise we wouldn't even be having this conversation. It's much like the operation of a company, if you consider the process. So think of us as rivaling companies, Mr. Mendez."

"In which case, the lives of both our respective companies would be in the hands of a single Duel Monsters match."

"You've got it."

"Why Duel Monsters?"

She shrugged. "What better game? All the other gambling crap's on the casino boats. Besides which, Duel Monsters is equal parts strategy and chance... also parts of a company's operation."

"And if we refuse?"

"Then you can give my regards to the judge."

She could heard some muttering in the background. Then, "We'll continue this conversation later, Ms. Zocallos. My business associates need to deliberate."

"Take all the time you need," she said. The more time you take, the more people stay away from your products. She hung the receiver up, then sat down and sighed. What just got into me? Duel Monsters becomes a pseudo-courtroom? That's a hell of a way to reach a settlement on something quite this big.

But, she conceded, it's appropriate. It's a fast method, and it combines superb resources, strategy, and luck. None of those forms can do anything without the other two in this game. And besides... She grinned. It's not so different from what Kyle managed to pull off. I could start hoping that I get the same kind of luck with this deal that he had against Madison and they actually decide to go through with it.

Kyle...

She blinked. And blinked again. Maybe... maybe I should try being more like him. Offer them a completely risky, reckless, bizarre opportunity to get something they want... and then, in exchange, ask for an equal opportunity for something I want in return. She began to nod, a grin spreading across her face. That could work... it could work...

--

Several hours later, they were in the process of wrapping up. Monica had spoken with the director about the Kepler rep's "request", to which he'd simply scoffed. "These are the same people who go to Congress and say to everyone's face 'Cigarettes are not addictive.' Buncha lying assholes. A court case wouldn't hold up no matter how hard they pushed it."

"No kidding," she'd responded. "Looks like I might be striking a certain deal with them, though..."

He'd scowled. "Don't you dare tell me all this work has been for nothing. You're the one funding this entire campaign in the first place!"

"Calm down, I don't intend to pull our ads from a single commercial break," she'd assured him. "This deal will work completely in our favor, if all goes well. And we'll get a bonus of no court hassle."

"They wouldn't back off unless you were planning to really please them. Why do I get the feeling you're going to do something massively unwise?"

"Because you know me?" Monica had smiled impishly. "Don't worry. Things are under control, and I mean to keep them that way."

"Yeah, whatever. Go on back to the hotel, we'll get together tomorrow and see what we can come up with. Nine o'clock, my office."

"Yep." Monica made her way out of the building and out to the parking lot, but just as she was unlocking her car, the same runner she'd encountered that morning came racing out to meet her.

She glared. "What is it? Some of us need to get some early shut-eye."

"Sorry, but you've got another call." The runner chucked his thumb back at the studio.

She rolled her eyes. "Who from?"

"Some guy named Mendez."

"Oh." She pursed her lips. "I'd been hoping he'd at least wait until tomorrow..."

"Well, you know these suits. Can't wait for a dime to stop rolling before leaning down to pick it up."

Which just leaves their ass exposed and a tempting target for a swift kick, she thought. Still... perfect time for them to 'deliberate some' more over the proposal I'm about to give them.

--

"Mr. Mendez?"

"Ms. Zocallos. Good to hear your voice; we were starting to get worried."

"You caught me on my way to my car. Something I can do for you?"

"Actually, this call concerns something you wanted us to do for you. And after careful consideration, the board of Kepler has – on a democratic vote – chosen to accept your offer. There are conditions, of course."

"Name them."

"Very well. Since there are not many in our company who are knowledgeable about the game of Duel Monsters, a professional duelist will be hired. You will not know your opponent prior to the match. You and your opponent will be operating under the rules of the recent Madison Enterprises tournament, with which I believe you are familiar."

"Quite."

"Good. In the event that our hired duelist wins the match, you will immediately cease production of all materials not yet released, and you will pull the plug on the ads currently running, on threat of lawsuit."

Monica snorted in wry amusement. "I'm an honorable duelist, Mr. Mendez. You don't need to threaten me with a lawsuit for not doing my duty. I'm a woman of my word."

"That's good to know. In the event that you win, we will not contact you again, nor will we pursue any legal action against you."

"That's the part I like best."

"Then with your consent, we will be drawing up a contract stating the terms of this agreement."

"It's not my consent you'll need. It's your own. I have a couple new terms I want to stick in with the deal."

There was a prolonged moment of hesitation on the other end of the line, but Mendez's voice returned. "Very well... name your terms and we'll consider them."

"I happen to have in my possession a pair of extremely rare Duel Monsters cards. I want to wager them in addition to the future of the ad campaign."

"Those cards being...?"

Monica bit her lip, almost not wanting to say it. Here goes... "Two Blue-Eyes White Dragon monster cards."

She could just barely hear a collective intake of breath on the other end. In spite of herself, a small grin touched her lips – she loved the reaction she got every time she revealed she had a Blue-Eyes on hand.

"Ms. Zocallos... have you just admitted to being in possession of two well-known stolen items?"

"I'm well-aware that Seto Kaiba considers them stolen property," Monica remarked, "but he's almost the only one. They're not Mona Lisas and they're actually rather easily replaced – as Kaiba has made clear to the rest of the world, now that he has three more copies. This isn't unique art. This is card paper."

"Ms. Zocallos, there is a substantial reward posted for the return of those cards."

"That's something else I was already well-aware of. However, I'm not interested in that reward. But if you are, then you'd be well-advised to take this offer. I'm given to understand that hefty chunk of change could do well for a company, even one like yours."

"...Very well. We will assume, for the moment, that you would not offer these to us without expecting a wager of near-equal value in return. Is this assumption correct?"

"It is," Monica confirmed. "In return, I want you to wager a Gate Guardian effect monster card, as well as a Blue-Eyes Ultimate Dragon fusion monster card."

At that, there was the unmistakable sound of laughter. "And what could possibly make you think we have either of those in our possession?"

"Nothing does. That's why you're going to have to find them first. Otherwise, my ads will keep running, all the way through that long, drawn-out court battle... no matter the verdict. I'll see to that."

That brought whatever snickering was happening on the other end to a grinding halt. She smirked; she'd hit a nerve. They weren't sure a lawsuit was actually going to hold up in court... they just wanted to scare her. There was silence for a few moments, and then Mendez's voice returned once more, this time tentative. "Are the cards a deal-breaker?"

"Yes, they are. If you can't handle my deal, then take me to court. You people have a better chance of beating me personally in a duel than legally in some bizarre case. We both have money to burn. I can go around in as many circles as you'd have me make. I think it's worth fighting for. And if my ads are as successful as your apparent desperation seems to suggest they are, then the longer you waste time trying to nail me in the courtroom for something, the longer those ads run. My way, if you win, you'll get the ads pulled posthaste, and you'll have a couple of gifts for Mr. Kaiba. Can I make myself any more clear?"

"...We'll need more time to consider the offer. Is there a convenient time to call you tomorrow?"

"9:15 a.m.," she answered. "A pleasure doing business with you."

"I wish I could say likewise."

She scoffed and hung up. Well, then... this entire thing feels freaking weird... but then again, I'm not feeling very selfish about it. At least, not like I was feeling when I got the first Blue-Eyes.

Kyle, you're having a greater effect on me than you know.

--

The Next Morning

--

"Monica? Call for you on line 2."

The director frowned. "Again? Just what kind of deal are you making with these people, anyway?"

Monica shook her head as she got up. "It doesn't matter as long as I keep my head cool. The worst they can do is let the deal fall through and then take us to court – where no lawsuit they file can hold up. And the ads will run 'til Kingdom come if that happens."

"Monica, you wouldn't be making a deal with these people for nothing at all. There's got to be some risk to the ad campaign, and I want to know what it is so that I know my work isn't in vain. I've worked hard on this, too, and I'd like some credit for that."

"You'll get it," she promised. She pointed at his phone. "May I?"

He gestured towards it to indicate she could help herself – which was exactly what she did. "Hello?"

"Ms. Zocallos, Mr. Mendez from Kepler."

"A pleasure, as always."

"I'm sure. After careful consideration, the board has reached an agreement."

"Which is?"

"We're going to accept your offer."

She pumped her fist in silent victory, but otherwise gave no indication of joy in the matter – the director was still staring at her with flat incredulity. "That's good to hear. When is the event scheduled?"

"Don't be so hasty. We'll be drawing up a contract for your consideration. Once your and Mr. Kepler's signatures are on it, the event will take place at our convenience."

"Then fax the contract to me and I'll look it over. Make sure it isn't bathroom tissue... know what I mean?"

"Indeed. That fax will arrive shortly, I assure you."

"Good. Call me back after you send it. Rest assured I'll be reading the fine print."

"We expect no less."

She hung up and glanced at the director. He had eyebrows raised. "Contract? Fine print? I want to see this thing."

"It doesn't have anything to do with you personally," she said.

"But indirectly, it does?"

"Possibly. It's just the stuff I have to sign to make sure that they don't pull any funny stuff after saying they'd leave us alone."

He narrowed his eyes. "Anything happens to the ad campaign out of the ordinary, I'd best get a movie director's salary."

She rolled her eyes and looked over the latest script. So. The duel's on. They can go ahead and bring it. I'll be ready for them.

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I wonder how many of you were expecting Monica's point of view for this chapter. That point of view will continue to next chapter, when she signs the contract and duels the Kepler Cigarettes company's hired gun. Stay tuned!