Chapter 2
Author's notes: Okay, so not everything happens on Halloween. Just makes Mr. Kaiba more paranoid. Here's the second chapter. It's something from me at least. XD
In the starkly stylized kitchen of his vast estate, Seto sat at the unnecessarily long table, staring at the elaborate sushi dish in front of him. His stomach growled impatiently, but he couldn't bring himself to pick up the chopsticks. In a move that was uncharacteristic of his normal behaviour, he picked up the shrimp roll and popped it into his mouth. There was something about the lack of refinement in the move that Seto oddly enjoyed. He didn't have the energy to be refined and picky about his eating habits, as his mannerisms slipped as the week went on.
His new diet saw him gain and lose pounds in a strange fluxuation. But recently, he gained a few pounds and looked a bit healthier. The nightmare seemed to have stopped tormenting him, and he thought it was over. Seto's eating habits weren't the only things that were changing. The CEO of Kaiba Corporations also had a change in wardrobe. He dressed more his age in clothes by Ralph Lauren, Diesel, DKNY, and professionally in Armani. The nightmare had shattered his sense of being invincible, giving Seto almost a turn-around in his personality.
The ancient Grandfather clock that was positioned across from Seto at the other end of the table, at the far wall rang eleven o'clock in the night. It was getting late. Finishing off the rest of the dish, Seto stood up and took the plate to the sink. The help had gone for the night, so his movements seemed to echo loudly in the vacant room. Pushing his hands in his pockets, he walked out of the kitchen, finding himself in the long corridor, one of many in his estate. The only strange thing that occurred to him was it seemed to be a little endless, like he was standing on a treadmill not moving at all, but his feet were moving. Shaking it off as his brain needing rest, Seto continued to walk.
A flash of lightning illuminated the corridor and he stopped, actually startled. "I'm losing it," Seto muttered to himself, running a hand through his longish hair. Thunder rolled rather loudly. "It'll be a harsh storm..." Walking through the still lit corridor, the rain pounded against the building, and Seto wondered if Mokuba was hiding under his bed. (He was always afraid of thunderstorms,) he thought fondly. His complacent thoughts were cut off by a bright flash of lightning, and the power suddenly going out. (...?!) Looking around, he felt a switch and flicked it on and off numerous times, but the power was gone. Standing alone in the corridor, Seto heard someone's heels clicking against the tiled floor. "Who's there?"
Another flash of lightning gave a brief outline of someone standing behind him. Frowning, Seto continued to walk, as the impeccable timing of lightning and thunder continued to sound off. The sound of the person's shoes continued to follow him. Finally, he turned around just as another flash of lightning struck. His eyes met with a murderous pair, and he realized it was the woman from his nightmare. She raised the spinal sword. "Do you see this?" she asked idly. "Your dear little brother decided to get in the way. I can't have that. But it's fitting ... that his bones will soon kill his 'nii-sama'." The beloved name dripped from her lips with a mocking tone. And then the sword came down.
Screaming, Seto Kaiba shot up in bed, breathing hard. His hands were checking his body to see if there were any wounds. There was nothing. His chest was as it always was, slender and toned, and unscathed. The nightmare was changing. It wasn't like the one that he had for the last six weeks. It ... seemed so real. Scanning the room, he concluded he was still in his large bedroom, alone, as usual. His digital calendar showed it was October 25th ... for an hour longer. "I ... I need some air," Seto stammered, and pushed himself out of the bed and got dressed in black pants, a hastily buttoned up black shirt and his old blue trench coat. Checking first to see if Mokuba was alright, [the smaller Kaiba was perfectly fine, making a small shell with his blankets in his sleep] Seto left the Kaiba estate.
Nearly running out of the mansion, Seto suddenly broke into a sprint, trying to get as far away as he could from his property. Running through the city that was blanketed in the night, the young executive found himself in the city square. Stopping to catch his breath, Seto glanced around. There were still people driving home, away from home, but they were few and far between, surprising Seto. Despite not being as large as Tokyo, Domino was still a fairly populated city. Walking more calmly now, he took deep breaths and calmed his racing heartbeat. Seeing the museum up ahead, Seto was surprised and curious to see that it was still open at this hour. Or if it wasn't, the lights must have been on for some reason. He walked up the steps and placed a hand on the doorknob. To his surprise, it turned and the door opened. Standing in front of him was a dark-haired woman dressed in tan Egyptian robes, a strange golden choker around her neck. "You're up late on your birthday."
Seto raised an eyebrow at her. "Why is this place open so late?" he questioned, putting his hands in his pockets. "And who are you?"
"It isn't, but your curiosity led you here for a reason," the woman replied, then smiled. "My name is Isis Ishtar. And you, Seto Kaiba, have been plagued by nightmares for over a month now about the dark woman handing you your death."
His eyes widened slightly, and then narrowed at her. "How did you know that?"
Isis chuckled. "I know many things that have happened. But tell me, what spikes your curiosity more? The fact I know about your nightmare, or the woman who shows you your death?"
Frowning, Seto replied, "the woman. Who is she?"
Isis' blue eyes lost their warmth and became somber. "She is what she is in your dream, Seto Kaiba. Death, destruction, the darkness itself. You are in danger, Seto Kaiba. Grave danger."
Walking further into the museum, Seto walked past Isis and turned around, his coat whirling around him. "What does she want with me? Why am I being tormented like this?"
"You are being tormented like this solely because it adds more fun for her," Isis explained, turning around. "As for what she wants with you, that is harder to explain. I cannot tell you everything, for sometimes, the mind needs to figure out these things for itself. I have one last thing to say to you right now, Seto Kaiba. Beware the one-winged raven." She then smiled, the warmth back in her dark blue eyes. "You should head back to your home. It is quite late."
"Hn ..." Seto frowned, unsure of what to make of the vague answers Isis provided him
with. Turning around, he stepped out of the museum, and began walking down the steps. (Psychics ... why don't they ever give straight answers? This whole thing is fucked up.) Making his way back to his home, Seto's mind began analyzing the latest dream. He saw her face this time. Musing, he remembered it was beautiful -- then promptly shuddered. Beautiful in a horribly demonic way. The flash of lightning caught a murderous intent in her eyes, her face ravaged by black veins. Promptly he shook his head and deemed himself ready for psychiatric treatment. (Only you would consider a psychotic dream woman to be beautiful. I'm going to schedule myself for a cat scan or something. I'm insane.)
By the time he reached home, Seto was tired as hell. Shrugging off his coat, and changing into his night clothes, he flopped on his bed and fell asleep instantly.
In a bare apartment in a developing section of Domino, Kurayami had been watching the exchange between Seto and Isis on a screen of sorts created by the darkness. "He doesn't realize how ancient his soul is," she mused, looking at his image. "Or how dark it can be. The Pharaoh's High Priest had a very mean spirit indeed. But his powers and memory are connected to an Item, the Rod. If I take his soul now it would be useless to me...the Rod is in another's hands...
"Hm...This Isis Ishtar will build his spirit back, allude to his ancient past...I should pay her a visit. She could prove to be quite useful ... or a thorn in my side." Kurayami pushed herself out of the chair, turning back into her human self. "At least Seto had a productive birthday." She chuckled, and ran a hand through her hair. Hearing a noise outside, she walked to the window and looked out. Smiling grimly she saw the Ring spirit search for her. He wouldn't find her, even if she was right above him. (And then there's this one ... chasing what is beyond his understanding...cheh. I should get some sleep.) Chuckle (There is much to do tomorrow.)
Author's notes: Okay, so not everything happens on Halloween. Just makes Mr. Kaiba more paranoid. Here's the second chapter. It's something from me at least. XD
In the starkly stylized kitchen of his vast estate, Seto sat at the unnecessarily long table, staring at the elaborate sushi dish in front of him. His stomach growled impatiently, but he couldn't bring himself to pick up the chopsticks. In a move that was uncharacteristic of his normal behaviour, he picked up the shrimp roll and popped it into his mouth. There was something about the lack of refinement in the move that Seto oddly enjoyed. He didn't have the energy to be refined and picky about his eating habits, as his mannerisms slipped as the week went on.
His new diet saw him gain and lose pounds in a strange fluxuation. But recently, he gained a few pounds and looked a bit healthier. The nightmare seemed to have stopped tormenting him, and he thought it was over. Seto's eating habits weren't the only things that were changing. The CEO of Kaiba Corporations also had a change in wardrobe. He dressed more his age in clothes by Ralph Lauren, Diesel, DKNY, and professionally in Armani. The nightmare had shattered his sense of being invincible, giving Seto almost a turn-around in his personality.
The ancient Grandfather clock that was positioned across from Seto at the other end of the table, at the far wall rang eleven o'clock in the night. It was getting late. Finishing off the rest of the dish, Seto stood up and took the plate to the sink. The help had gone for the night, so his movements seemed to echo loudly in the vacant room. Pushing his hands in his pockets, he walked out of the kitchen, finding himself in the long corridor, one of many in his estate. The only strange thing that occurred to him was it seemed to be a little endless, like he was standing on a treadmill not moving at all, but his feet were moving. Shaking it off as his brain needing rest, Seto continued to walk.
A flash of lightning illuminated the corridor and he stopped, actually startled. "I'm losing it," Seto muttered to himself, running a hand through his longish hair. Thunder rolled rather loudly. "It'll be a harsh storm..." Walking through the still lit corridor, the rain pounded against the building, and Seto wondered if Mokuba was hiding under his bed. (He was always afraid of thunderstorms,) he thought fondly. His complacent thoughts were cut off by a bright flash of lightning, and the power suddenly going out. (...?!) Looking around, he felt a switch and flicked it on and off numerous times, but the power was gone. Standing alone in the corridor, Seto heard someone's heels clicking against the tiled floor. "Who's there?"
Another flash of lightning gave a brief outline of someone standing behind him. Frowning, Seto continued to walk, as the impeccable timing of lightning and thunder continued to sound off. The sound of the person's shoes continued to follow him. Finally, he turned around just as another flash of lightning struck. His eyes met with a murderous pair, and he realized it was the woman from his nightmare. She raised the spinal sword. "Do you see this?" she asked idly. "Your dear little brother decided to get in the way. I can't have that. But it's fitting ... that his bones will soon kill his 'nii-sama'." The beloved name dripped from her lips with a mocking tone. And then the sword came down.
Screaming, Seto Kaiba shot up in bed, breathing hard. His hands were checking his body to see if there were any wounds. There was nothing. His chest was as it always was, slender and toned, and unscathed. The nightmare was changing. It wasn't like the one that he had for the last six weeks. It ... seemed so real. Scanning the room, he concluded he was still in his large bedroom, alone, as usual. His digital calendar showed it was October 25th ... for an hour longer. "I ... I need some air," Seto stammered, and pushed himself out of the bed and got dressed in black pants, a hastily buttoned up black shirt and his old blue trench coat. Checking first to see if Mokuba was alright, [the smaller Kaiba was perfectly fine, making a small shell with his blankets in his sleep] Seto left the Kaiba estate.
Nearly running out of the mansion, Seto suddenly broke into a sprint, trying to get as far away as he could from his property. Running through the city that was blanketed in the night, the young executive found himself in the city square. Stopping to catch his breath, Seto glanced around. There were still people driving home, away from home, but they were few and far between, surprising Seto. Despite not being as large as Tokyo, Domino was still a fairly populated city. Walking more calmly now, he took deep breaths and calmed his racing heartbeat. Seeing the museum up ahead, Seto was surprised and curious to see that it was still open at this hour. Or if it wasn't, the lights must have been on for some reason. He walked up the steps and placed a hand on the doorknob. To his surprise, it turned and the door opened. Standing in front of him was a dark-haired woman dressed in tan Egyptian robes, a strange golden choker around her neck. "You're up late on your birthday."
Seto raised an eyebrow at her. "Why is this place open so late?" he questioned, putting his hands in his pockets. "And who are you?"
"It isn't, but your curiosity led you here for a reason," the woman replied, then smiled. "My name is Isis Ishtar. And you, Seto Kaiba, have been plagued by nightmares for over a month now about the dark woman handing you your death."
His eyes widened slightly, and then narrowed at her. "How did you know that?"
Isis chuckled. "I know many things that have happened. But tell me, what spikes your curiosity more? The fact I know about your nightmare, or the woman who shows you your death?"
Frowning, Seto replied, "the woman. Who is she?"
Isis' blue eyes lost their warmth and became somber. "She is what she is in your dream, Seto Kaiba. Death, destruction, the darkness itself. You are in danger, Seto Kaiba. Grave danger."
Walking further into the museum, Seto walked past Isis and turned around, his coat whirling around him. "What does she want with me? Why am I being tormented like this?"
"You are being tormented like this solely because it adds more fun for her," Isis explained, turning around. "As for what she wants with you, that is harder to explain. I cannot tell you everything, for sometimes, the mind needs to figure out these things for itself. I have one last thing to say to you right now, Seto Kaiba. Beware the one-winged raven." She then smiled, the warmth back in her dark blue eyes. "You should head back to your home. It is quite late."
"Hn ..." Seto frowned, unsure of what to make of the vague answers Isis provided him
with. Turning around, he stepped out of the museum, and began walking down the steps. (Psychics ... why don't they ever give straight answers? This whole thing is fucked up.) Making his way back to his home, Seto's mind began analyzing the latest dream. He saw her face this time. Musing, he remembered it was beautiful -- then promptly shuddered. Beautiful in a horribly demonic way. The flash of lightning caught a murderous intent in her eyes, her face ravaged by black veins. Promptly he shook his head and deemed himself ready for psychiatric treatment. (Only you would consider a psychotic dream woman to be beautiful. I'm going to schedule myself for a cat scan or something. I'm insane.)
By the time he reached home, Seto was tired as hell. Shrugging off his coat, and changing into his night clothes, he flopped on his bed and fell asleep instantly.
In a bare apartment in a developing section of Domino, Kurayami had been watching the exchange between Seto and Isis on a screen of sorts created by the darkness. "He doesn't realize how ancient his soul is," she mused, looking at his image. "Or how dark it can be. The Pharaoh's High Priest had a very mean spirit indeed. But his powers and memory are connected to an Item, the Rod. If I take his soul now it would be useless to me...the Rod is in another's hands...
"Hm...This Isis Ishtar will build his spirit back, allude to his ancient past...I should pay her a visit. She could prove to be quite useful ... or a thorn in my side." Kurayami pushed herself out of the chair, turning back into her human self. "At least Seto had a productive birthday." She chuckled, and ran a hand through her hair. Hearing a noise outside, she walked to the window and looked out. Smiling grimly she saw the Ring spirit search for her. He wouldn't find her, even if she was right above him. (And then there's this one ... chasing what is beyond his understanding...cheh. I should get some sleep.) Chuckle (There is much to do tomorrow.)