Joy: Oh my gosh! I am SO sorry for the HUGE delay. To be honest, I really don't have a good excuse except I kind of struggled to make this chapter flow well. Anyways, wow! Lots of reviews! I am so happy! I think I might do something different for the responses to this story. I hate to say I might not always answer them all. If you have a review that I need to respond to, I will put it at the start. That way we can get right to the chapter. But if you guys don't like that, I suppose I can compromise a bit. I just think you guys want to get to the chapter quicker. But I do read every single review and I will continue to do so. Okay!

There was a question I need to answer. The meaning of 'aibou'. According to my translator software and my Japanese friend, aibou means 'partner, pal, accomplice, or companion'. I hope that is what you were looking for Dark Kuriboh Empire. I also want to thank everyone who reviewed and complimented the newest addition to my story! Arigatou! Now on to the chapter!

The Ball

The ball started promptly at six o'clock in the evening. This party was a perfect opportunity for Steven to meet and greet potential business partners. Wealthy business people from all over Japan had shown up hoping to cut a deal or two with the American businessman. The ball was also a perfect opportunity for Joy to become more bored than she had ever been before in her entire life.

Why do these parties have to be so boring? Joy complained to herself. And Katilli's still with Bakura and I don't even WANT to know what they're doing.

Relax, aibou. It's nothing too naughty, Katilli told her through their link.

Well, at least you're having fun. This is so BORING! Joy heard Katilli laugh.

But I am not having that kind of fun, aibou. We are just sitting around watching an old movie that certain people tell me they could do without, Katilli explained with a laugh. To be honest, I love parties. Back in Egypt, I would organize grand festivals and parties to honor the Gods and anyone who was anyone would attend. There was food and wine and the dancing was marvelous.

That sounds so exciting. Maybe daddy should have had you organize this one. Now that would be fun. I could dress up in your robes or something Egyptian and we could learn about celebrations for the Gods. That would be educational as well as fun.

Perhaps someday we could, hikari.

As earlier stated, lots of very influential people had been invited to the extravagant ball, including one teenage CEO with deep blue eyes. Seto Kaiba scanned the room warily, clearing annoyed with the people in the room. His expression was one of dominance and annoyance mixed into one as he looked at the "corporate know it alls."

I despise these people. I only came here because I wanted to meet Joy's father and see for myself what kind of man he is. Besides, Kaiba Corp. could always use another contact.

Just then he spotted someone very familiar in the crowd. He stepped forward to get a better look and his jaw dropped in shock.

Joy…she looks…incredible!

Joy wore her black hair in a braided bun not unlike what she wore at the celebration party, with her white strand hanging down to the side. She wore a pale lavender sleeveless gown and long white silk gloves. The gown was adorned with a golden belt that connected in the front in a 'V' shape. Her ever-present sapphire necklace brought out her blue eyes perfectly.

She looks like a princess… Seto thought in surprise. He walked over to her, trying to maintain his self control. "Hey, Houyoku. Long time no see." Joy whirled around in shock, then her face lit up with recognition.

"Kaiba!" She grinned over at him. "It's so good to see you again! You look great!" She gave him a hug, causing Seto to work hard at suppressing a blush.

"So do you. I have to admit that dress looks good on you." Joy gave a sheepish smile. "Why didn't you call and tell me you were in Domino?" Seto asked.

"Gomen nasai, Kaiba. I got a bit busy. But what are you doing here? Did dad invite you?" She raised an eyebrow. "Are you hoping to speak with him?"

"Maybe."

"Well, come on! I'll introduce you!" Joy grabbed Seto's hand, dragging him over to where her father was talking to a rather snooty man in a brown suit. "Excuse me, can I –"

"Pardon me, girl, but Mister Houyoku and I are trying to have a conversation. I swear, the way these teenagers are raised to act these days is simply unacceptable!"

Joy blinked, and then frowned. "I was raised very well, thank you, you…you…corporate nobody!"

"You should learn to respect your elders, you little brat!" the man snapped back.

"Excuse me, but I don't believe it is appropriate for you to speak like that to MY DAUGHTER!" Steven sent the man a glare as he took Joy by the shoulder and led her away. Seto followed, an amused look on his face.

So why are you so happy? Sorcerer asked. Pleased to see Joy's father tell that guy off?

Partially, but I know that jerk and I have every intentions of making sure he eats his words. He gave Sorcerer a mental smirk. He followed the two to a secluded corner of the room.

"Now that we're away from that, what did you need to tell me, Joy?" Steven asked.

"I wanted to introduce you to Seto Kaiba, daddy. He is the CEO of Kaiba Corporations and a dear friend of mine. I met him over the summer." She motioned to Seto, who came forward and bowed to Steven, who did the same.

"Well, well. Seto Kaiba. News of your company has reached me even in America. You are quite an accomplished businessman. Joy has told me a lot about your character as well."

Seto raised an eyebrow. "Has she?"

"Indeed. Come. Let's talk."

Joy listened as her father and Seto talked business. It seemed to be going very well from what she could pick up. Her father had a lot of influence in America and wanted to spread his business to include Japan and its status in the gaming industry. One of the hottest things going on in Japan in the gaming field at the moment was Duel Monsters. Her father had never played, but Joy made sure he was kept up to speed on the game and he found it quite fascinating.

So the two CEO's talked and Joy was even asked to take some notes on the conversation. She found it uplifting that the two men got along so well. It was one of the things she was hoping for since she told her father about Seto. No, before that even, but that was another thing she wanted to speak to Seto about, and more than likely she would speak to her father as well.

I just hope I can pull this off without looking like a complete baka.

Joy: There you go! VERY delayed, but still updated! Next chapter will be quicker, I promise! The third chapter is called: 'Heart to Heart' Till then, review and see ya!