Joy: Okay, everyone. Big Chapter for you. Hope you like it. I have split this one up into different POVs, but I will tell you whose it is and all that. This is also present tense, so be ready for that, too. Just a couple of quick responses and questions…
To DMoS13: Not bad, Torru…I should have thought of that one…hmmm…. To Midnights: (drools over giant Seto poster) I know what you mean… To BabyGatomon: I got third shift!! I'll let you know more later on! Have you got internet back or still using school comp? I got the 21 and 22 off work, btw, and of course, Christmas. I think Ihave Christmas Eve off,too.To KDA1: How am I doing with you OCs? Hey, can Kira use any magic and stuff? Might come in handy later. To Silver Moon Phoenix: Hey, does Moon Shadow have any energy balls or somethign like that? Just curious for future chapters.
Ok, gotta get started on this chapter. :o) Here it comes!
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Conversations
Joy's POV
I can't believe it…me…in charge of a building full of people… It's all I can do to keep from dying from shock.
"Joy?" My head snaps up. Dad. He gives me a small smile. "Do you want to say a few words in response?"
Sure, why not? Of course, that means he wants an answer of whether or not I am gonna take him up on his offer to run a part of the company from Japan. Do I want to? I mean, look at all the work and responsibility! Then again, Kaiba runs a whole company…daddy only wants me to run a piece of it. And there's the point of being able to live in Japan…and being able to prove to daddy and everyone that I am capable of taking on such a duty with integrity and maturity.
I stand up and go over to the microphone on the podium. I take a deep breath as I look around at all the people, their eyes digging right into my soul, analyzing every aspect of my actions.
"I would like to say that this is as big of shock to me as I am sure it is to many other people. But I intend to take on this job and prove myself. I understand the responsibility and risk, but risk is an everyday obstacle, so I must take on those risks. Thank you."
The staring eyes have become too much for me to bear so I walk off the small stage and out the door, taking a seat on a bench across the hall, taking another deep breath.
You are really going through with this, hikari? Katilli asks me.
Yes, Katilli. It is a big opportunity for me, and I am going to take it while I can. Think about it! This is dad's way of testing my worth, and I am not intending to let him down.
All right, aibou. I just want you to be careful. Don't overwork yourself.
Hell, if Kaiba can run a whole company, I can run a piece of one.
Kaiba has had to learn quickly and he works very hard, Joy, Katilli countered.
I sigh. What the hell is the problem? She is always wanting me to be cautious and yet she expects me to succeed in life. How can I do that unless I take the bull by the horns? I can't hide from risks all my damn life! I know he works hard, damn it! And so can I! Katilli, are you saying I don't work very hard? Katilli pauses and I can feel her apprehension at answering my question. Don't freeze up now, Katilli. You're on a roll.
Now she is in a bit of shock…now she is a bit upset. Joy, if you want my honest opinion, then I shall give it to you. Every since we have arrived here in Japan, you have been neglecting work. Your purpose in coming here was to help your father with his work. I think the reason he chose you was so he could see where your priorities really lied – responsibilities or recreation.
I blink, completely taken back by her words. Did dad really think of me as shying away from work? Did he think of me as a goof off? What if Katilli was right? I think she might be…dad never says anything on the subject, but he has been trying to get me as organized and focused as possible since we came here…he even has me back at the hotel at a special time every night…maybe he and Katilli are right…maybe I am a screw up at my job. But no more. I intend to do at least this right. If my father thinks that way, he is about to be seriously surprised!
Seto's POV
So, Houyoku-san gave it to Joy. I sat at my desk after watching the televised press conference.
Think she can do it? Sorcerer asks me.
She has integrity and good leadership skills. She should do well if she puts her heart into it.
Just think, Kaiba – you and Joy will have yet one more thing in common.
I stand up and start pacing. Yeah. I can't help but worry though…
About…?
Akujin…it was strange that Yami didn't find him at that castle. If he didn't go there, where the hell did he go? I know he's going to show his ass sooner or later, and when he does, I want to be ready.
How about the last two items of legend?
We'll just have to get them to their rightful owners…and find the last keeper of light before Akujin does, otherwise we lose.
Joy's POV
"Joy?" Dad is standing in front of me. Cool. I can tell him what my game plan is. For the last ten minutes, I have been thinking about exactly how to do this. I came up with some good ideas, too. I can't wait to put them into action.
Katilli's cut the link…just a few minutes ago. I've been so busy thinking that I haven't tried to talk to her in her soul room yet. It'll have to wait till later on tonight. I have work to do right now.
"Yeah, daddy?" I ask.
He sits down next to me. "Listen, princess. I don't want you to think that I am hoisting this on you without giving you any help. I intend to stay here until the branch is on its feet completely before returning home. Now, all the arrangements have been made regarding room and board. There is a beautiful house ready for you to move in immediately. Completely furnished of course. I am proud of you for stepping up to the plate on this. Quite frankly, I wanted to keep the business in the family, but thought that maybe you would think I was overwhelming you, so I looked for another person. I want to tell you, though, that I do not regret choosing you."
I look at my dad straight in the eyes, seeking out his true feelings. There is a bit of apprehension and concern. I feel my heart sinking in to the bowls of my body. I guess Katilli was right after all. He's worried that I can't do it. Hurt by that thought, I almost feel like bursting into tears. But then I feel determination rise in me.
"You won't be disappointed in me this time, dad. I can do this. In fact, while I sitting here, I already thought up an agenda of things to do. I should be able to execute them quite well. Have no fear. I'll make you proud." With that I stand up and head out of the building, leaving my father to follow at his leisure.
Steven's POV
I blink. What just happened? I mean, one moment I am talking to my seventeen-year-old daughter about how I was proud of her, then she becomes a totally different person! I was a bit concerned that she would be angry at me for not telling her sooner about my choice, but never did I think that she would act so out of character.
And what did she mean by not disappointing me this time? Never has my daughter disappointed me. A lot of things have happened to her the last few weeks…perhaps she is overwhelmed? Maybe I should keep on eye on her, just until things quiet down a bit.
Yugi's POV
"Wow! Joy is probably fighting off butterflies in her stomach right now," Ryou says as Kira shuts off the TV.
"Yeah," I say. "What a shock this must have been. To be honest, I don't think she knew it was coming at all."
"I…I think she looked a bit pale. Do…do you think she'll be all right?" Kira asks timidly with concern.
"I think so. She'll need some time to adjust to the work load, but she'll be fine. Joy is great at taking charge and thinking ahead. I mean, if Kaiba can do it, so can she," I respond.
"You have a point," Kira admits with a slight smile, which I return.
"Now we need to focus on getting a jump on Akujin, getting the other items, and finding the last keeper of light," Ryou says. I nod in agreement.
Bakura, Yami and Reila appear in spirit form. "I believe there may be a way we can use the shield to find the other keeper. It might also be a means of getting the other items – The Sword of Kai and the Dagger of Shou. The sword is meant for Yugi, and the dagger for the third keeper," Reila explains.
"I think we should go after the items first, then the keeper. The item will react when the person touches it, ne?" Yami asks. Reila nods. "Okay, then we will ask Moon Shadow and the twins if they will lend us their duel monsters for a combined attack on the Castle of Evil. If we all strike as one, then we should have little problem getting inside. Bakura will then be able to snatch the items. Are we in agreement?"
Everyone nods. "What about us lights?" Kira asks.
"You will need to be at one of the castles. The pharaoh can have one of the Gods protect you at his castle if that is all right," Reila says, turning to Yami.
"That is a wise idea. The Winged Dragon of Ra should be a good choice for the task. Yugi, you contact Joy and Kaibaby telephone and tell her and Katilli to meet us at the Castle of Ancients. We have work to do."
Joy's POV
It is late evening and I am just finishing up some work on my computer when my cell phone rings. I look around, and not seeing it immediately, I go back to my work. But the blasted person is letting the phone ring and ring. Dad comes in.
"Joy, are you still working? Honey, take some time off from staring at that thing."
Okay…now I am getting confusing mixed signals. I mean, I thought I was doing what I was SUPPOSED to do! I sigh. I need to find out what he really thinks before I am driven to complete insanity…and will that person just hang up and call later!! ARGH!!
Katilli suddenly appears, nearly scaring both me and my father half to death. She goes and answers the phone. Good. Now I can talk to dad. "Dad, I need to know something, and I want your honest answer, okay?"
"Of course. What is it, Joy?"
"I need to know how you feel about me. Am I a slacker? I mean…every since we came here, I have been spending a lot of time with my friends and…" I trail off. I am so afraid of what he might say.
Steven's POV
I pull up a chair next to Joy and sit down. "Joy, I am going to answer you honestly. I think you are very responsible and mature." She looks rather shocked by my statement. "You completed every single task I have laid out for you, and ahead of schedule, too. You are thorough and precise and not one to procrastinate when a project is presented to you. The last few weeks have been so hectic that I was concerned you were a bit overwhelmed." I pause as something comes to mind. "Is that why you were acting so strangely lately? You thought I was disappointed?"
Joy nods sheepishly. "Well…yes, actually. But what about all that time with my friends?"
"As you recall, all that was my idea, dear. I gave you time off from work for that. Listen, Joy. I would not have picked you if I did not believe you were the right person for the job. Understand?" She smiles brightly and gives me a hug.
Joy's POV
Katilli gets off the phone and gives me a serious look. "Joy, that was Yugi. He and Yami need us to meet them. I can take us there."
Oh, so it's okay to slack off when it involves Yami, then? I ask her through the link. I get a guilty feeling from her.
Joy, I will talk to you about that on the way.
Fine, but don't come snapping at me cuz I am SO fucking sick of it. "Dad, can I go? I'll try to be back as soon as I can."
Dad smiles. "Joy, I want you to take as long as you need. Tell me all about it when you get home, though, okay?" I nod eagerly, then stand up and go over to stand besides Katilli. Soon we are whisked away by teleportation.
In an instant we are standing at the Castle of Ancients. The others are there…even Kaiba.
Joy? I want to apologize for being so harsh with you. I said things I regret and I had no real right in saying. I did not truly know your father's opinion and I should not have jumped to conclusions concerning his feelings. And I should not have snapped at you and saying all those things. I am proud of your accomplishments, and your father is right when he said the last few weeks have been a bit rushed. I know why you have not been constantly at your father's side and that you did complete all the work he gave you. I am sorry for my words.
I really have no reaction to her words. I mean, I can never stay mad at her, but right now I am not sure what to say. I guess I forgive her. She looks so pitiful looking down at her shoes and all. All right. You're forgiven. Just relax about me and work, okay? I'll manage just fine after getting settled. She nods happily and we turn to the others. It was then that I spot two very familiar and friendly faces.
"Moon Shadow! Sakura!" What are those two doing here?
"We are here to help in any way we can. Especially since our castles were attacked, too." Oops…forgot Moon Shadow can read minds. She smiles. "That is quite all right, Joy. I don't read them all the time.
"All right. Here is the game plan, everyone. The darks and the duel monsters are going to go after the last two items of legend. You lights are to stay here. Ra is going to protect you," Reila explains.
If I knew I would just be waiting around I would have brought my laptop, Katilli.
Sorry, Joy. We agreed that it would be best. After all, you can practice that energy ball. Who knows, maybe you can try making one of fire or water or some other element. And you can practice using that shield, too.
Hmm…this had promise.
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Joy: Okay, that was a long chapter…longer than I thought it would be. Next chapter is gonna be good, I hope. It answers a BIG question in the story. Can anyone guess what? Well, the next chapter is called – Don't Mess With Ryou! Till then, review!