Hello and thanks a million for reading this fic. This is PRO-Anzu, so if you are Anti-Anzu, please push the 'back' button. Being a new writer, could you please help me with constructive criticism and not flames?
Full summary: Anzu is an aspiring journalist in busy New York who has a knack for getting into desperate situations with her curious personality. When by chance she is sent back to Domino to interview none other than Seto Kaiba, Anzu isn't exactly pleased.
Discovering a new threat and enemy, Anzu, desperate for a good story teams up with the cold CEO and learn more about the mysterious Malik to figure out the mystery.
"Talking"
Thinking
"Lyrics"
(--) Scene change or flashback if in italics (--)
The pairings are undecided and votes would help with the direction this story is going.
Vote for:
Anzu x Seto
Anzu x Malik
These pairings are definite:
Jou x Mai (not much, this is mostly Anzu, Seto and Malik centered)
Yami x Ishizu (Same as above note)
Maybe Shizuka x Honda
The first five chapters are mostly about Anzu, Seto and Malik. The other characters and an OC shall make more regular appearances from chapter six and up.
The Yami's and Hikari's have separate bodies too…
This story is also a mystery and there is a problem. See if you can figure it out as I drop some clues too.
Also, the rating might go up to PG-13 to be safe but definitely not as high as R. I'm not a huge fan of citrus fruits and I might begin using strong language, though currently I've censored most of it…
Disclaimer: I no own YGO, if you thought I did, I'm sorry to disappoint you…
Chapter one: Home for the Holidays
-Nov.27
It was the cold dreary day that everyone despised, when the wind seemed filled with icicles and the rain poured endlessly. The sun was unnoticeable under the thick clouds and all of New York City seemed painted with a dull grayish hue.
The only splotch of color on the bleak horizon belonged to a red umbrella owned by Mazaki Anzu. And the person of question was tugging at her scarf and coat, trying to keep warm while managing to keep her umbrella from flying off with the billowing winds.
Various leaves were stuck in her shoulder-length chocolate hair and her cheeks were a soft pink from the cold but Anzu still managed to smile cheerfully. As her brown messenger bag (It looks like a briefcase with a long strap) swung lazily behind her, Anzu whistled a lively tune and her steps were full of energy.
After nearing the end buildings on the large New York street, Anzu closed her umbrella and stepped into a tall office building. Carelessly wiping her running shoes on the welcome mat, Anzu walked up to the secretary's box. Leaning over the gray marble, Anzu casually asked for any messages.
"No, but Mr. Calmont would like to see you in his office right now." Said the middle-aged secretary, who always had a soft spot for the energetic and cheerful journalist.
"Thanks Lizzie!" Anzu thanked as she hung her umbrella on the rack and waited for the elevator to come.
"Anytime Anzu." Lizzie said as she returned to her typing, a small smile forming on her face.
When the elevator arrived, Anzu stepped in and pushed the button for 18th floor.
Whistling the same tune she had begun earlier, Anzu brushed her wrinkled jacket and pulled the leaves out of her hair until the elevator stopped on the requested floor.
Anzu stepped out and headed towards Mr. Calmont's office, exchanging cheerful hellos with her colleagues, working on tomorrow's edition of their newspaper, the International Inquirer.
After giving a small knock at the oaken door, Anzu cautiously stepped into her boss's office, ready for her new article.
Mr. Calmont's office was like the office of any other big newspaper editor. Old newspapers and unedited drafts were strewn across the large space and photographs hung lazily from the worn walls.
"Morning Mr. Calmont, you wanted to see me?" Anzu asked. She stepped carefully between the papers strewn over the tiled floor up to the large desk.
"Yes, yes, I did." Said Mr. Calmont, a small and bald man with a large snowy moustache. He was dwarfed by his gigantic swivel chair and he looked quite comical. "I'd like to compliment you on that astounding job you did on the W 42nd fires."
"I'm glad you liked it!" Anzu exclaimed happily, elated that someone appreciated her latest article. She had run through burning apartment buildings, tracked down arsonists and worked endless nights to prepare the article.
"Yes, you show great skill." Mr. Calmont said appreciatively. "And so I'd like you to take today off, go get an early start on the weekend and do something that most young things your age like to do, okay?"
"Really?" Anzu asked surprised. Mr. Calmont smiled at the young journalist and nodded.
"You've been working especially hard and you deserve a break." Mr. Calmont said. "Take this Friday off, alright? Go enjoy yourself!"
"Thanks so much!" Anzu said happily as she exited the room. Mr. Calmont only smiled at his newest and aspiring journalist.
(--)
Instead of dashing out of the building, Anzu headed to her cubicle first, intending to tie up some loose ends on some of her articles. When she had finally filed all of her reports, she noticed that that the newly published November edition of the International Inquirer was on her desk. Deciding to plan out her day, Anzu flipped to the Entertainment section, or specifically the listing of the ballets playing in New York. Although the newspaper was about International news, it was mostly written for the citizens of the Big Apple.
Anzu scarcely had enough time to dance anymore but she always appreciated the ballets showing in New York. She eagerly scanned the paper and was delighted to find that the Nutcracker (my favorite ballet) was playing at a nearby theatre.
As she was about to put down the paper, Anzu noticed a very familiar face near the back of the paper. She gasped in surprise and she recognized none other than her old friend Yami shown as November's most eligible bachelor. Anzu smiled as she read his biography, showing his kind and loyal personality.
Yami had become quite the celebrity after winning so much Dueling Championships and Anzu wasn't surprised that he was chosen as that month's most eligible bachelor. It was a prestigious spot, with only the December most eligible bachelor spot more illustrious.
Deciding not to waste anymore time pondering over the past, Anzu quickly headed downstairs with her messenger bag still hung lazily over her shoulder. Deciding to take the stairs, Anzu quickly reached the lobby.
Determining to walk since the day had cleared, Anzu stuffed her umbrella in her bag and headed out, making sure she said a cheerful goodbye to Lizzie first though.
Stepping onto the now almost empty boardwalk, Anzu checked the contents of her bag, making sure her necessities were there.
And they were, her bulky camera, slim video camera, digital camera, cellphone, notepad, tape recorder and several pens were in the brown suede bag.
(--)
Anzu was walking through a nearby park when she noticed muffled screaming in the empty grounds. Anzu knew better than to invade the person's privacy but Anzu's curious journalist side took over and she carefully walked towards the crying and small screams, a sense of something wrong running through her mind.
Anzu carefully took out her large film camera and crept nearer to the sounds until she was near the bank of the river. She replaced the film cartridge and checked her camera for any malfunctional problems.
She crept silently from behind a willow tree and got ready for anything.
When Anzu saw what was happening, she gasped in surprise, she had expected little kids playing a game but the scene before her was much more shocking and disturbing.
A large brawly man was beating his petite wife while she wept pitifully and waited for him to stop. The air smelt like alcohol.
"Please, Leroy, stop!" she begged, her face covered in tears and bruises.
"You deserve it you ungrateful wench! You embarrassed me so badly in front of all my colleagues!" The man screamed as he slapped her.
Anzu gasped again as she took a few quick picture of the scene in front fighting back a temptation to beat the living daylights out of the man. The photos would come in as stable pieces of evidence when this man was charged with assault.
Anzu burned with anger as the man striked the woman again.
"LEAVE HER ALONE!" she yelled courageously as she stepped in, her face livid with anger. Both parties looked confused at Anzu.
"Forget what you saw and you'll walk away unharmed." The man offered, his voice slurred with alcohol. He didn't notice the camera Anzu held in her hands.
"No thanks, but leave the woman alone and I won't report you to the authorities." Anzu retorted angrily.
"This is my wife, and LEAVE US ALONE!" the man yelled.
"No. Leave her alone!" Anzu persisted. The man turned red with rage.
"Now you're going to get it Little Missy!" He gave a quick punch at Anzu.
Luckily, Anzu managed to duck and avoid the blow from the lumpy arm.
"What are you doing?! I'll call the police!" Anzu warned.
"I won't let you!" The man cried as he tried another punch. Anzu managed to duck and yelled to the woman,
"Quick, go and report your husband!" Anzu told her. The woman looked at her with a confused expression, not moving.
As Anzu dodged punches, she managed to open her camera and retrieve her film.
"Here!" she yelled to the woman as she threw her the film. "Develop the photos and show the photos to the police, you don't have to suffer with your husband!" The woman grappled the film, finally understanding and ran away while the man grew infuriated.
"You have no right to do that!" he yelled.
"You have no right to hit your wife." Anzu retorted abruptly as the man turned livid. His punches turned harder and faster.
The man finally managed to sock Anzu in the stomach as she was sent flying into the air and into a sturdy tree.
"Now you got what you deserve!" The man laughed as he turned to walk away, leaving Anzu to deal with her injuries.
"Go to hell!" Anzu cried while she clutched her stomach and leaned painfully against the tree.
"Now you're asking for it!" The man threatened menacingly as he turned around and advanced on the helpless Anzu. Anzu gave him a fearless stance as she prepared to be painfully hurt.
As the man lifted his arm to strike,
"This will teach you not to meddle in other's affairs!" he threatened angrily.
As Anzu turned away, she heard a loud thud but felt not pain. She looked up to see the man lying unconscious on the riverbank. Anzu was speechless as she looked up to her savior.
"Yami?" she asked doubtfully, not believing her eyes.
"Nice to see you Anzu." Yami said as he smiled at his old friend.
"What are you doing here?" Anzu asked, still dumbstruck.
"Well, I heard shouting, and when I saw this man about to hit you, I had to knock him out." Yami explained casually as he pointed to the unconscious man on the ground.
"Uh…Thanks." Anzu managed to say as she attempted to stand up.
"Be careful!" Yami cried as he ran up to Anzu and helped her up. "Are you alright?" he asked as Anzu finally managed to gain her balance.
"Yeah, just a little winded." Anzu said as she secured her bag and tried to walk for awhile. Her stomach doubled over in pain and Anzu clutched the tree again.
"Where are you going?" Yami asked as he helped her from falling.
"Nowhere in particular." Anzu said as she managed to smile at her old friend, she wasn't going to see the ballet in this state.
"Why don't you go to my hotel suite then, it's pretty close." Yami offered.
"It's alright." Anzu refused weakly as she began to turn around.
"Come on Anzu." Yami pleaded as he grabbed her arm. "You're in no condition to walk and we should catch up from old times." Yami smiled such a reassuring smile that Anzu decided 10 minutes wouldn't hurt.
"Alright Yami, let's head to your hotel." Anzu said, giving in.
"Great!" Yami exclaimed as he took Anzu's hand and slowly lead her away, leaving the unconscious man to be found by the police.
(--)
An hour later, Anzu was laughing heartily on a couch while Yami sat across from her, telling funny stories about her former friends.
"Oh, it's so nice to see you again!" Anzu smiled as she tightly gripped her cup of hot chocolate.
"It's so nice to see you too." Yami exclaimed as he smiled warmly. "How's your life?"
"Great! I love being a journalist and New York is a lovely place."
"Why not visit Domino soon?" Yami asked.
"I don't know." Anzu said seriously as she took another sip of hot chocolate. "I'm really busy these days."
"Yeah, like getting beaten up by drunk men." Yami joked.
"I've been through worse." Anzu laughed.
"Really? Like what?"
Anzu relayed her many adventures due to her curious and journalistic personality until Yami was laughing loudly about her crazy adventures.
"It seems like you've had more adventures than even I have!" Yami laughed. Anzu nodded truthfully as she consulted her watch.
"Oh! I have to go soon!" She exclaimed as she got up. Anzu recalled that she needed to finish another article for the newspaper by nine. She got ready to place the coffee mug on the small kitchen but Yami quickly intercepted her.
"Let me." He said as he took her cup to the sink.
"What are you doing in New York?" Anzu asked as she re-wrapped her scarf around her jacket.
"A charity autographing." Yami explained as he emerged from the kitchen.
"Oh, that's so sweet!" Anzu exclaimed.
"Thanks." Yami opened the door as Anzu stepped outside. "Let me walk you home." He offered.
"It's okay." Anzu declined as she began walking off.
"No, I insist." Yami persisted.
"In that case, be my guest, but let me warn you that a New York winter is colder that one in Domino!"
"I'll be fine."
(--)
At eight o'clock, Anzu sat in from of her fire, thinking of her joyous reunion.
"I wish I could go and see my friends again." She wished silently to herself as she looked at a shining star high in the inky sky.
Like an answer to her wish, the phone rang twice before Anzu picked it up.
"Hello?"
"Hello, Anzu?"
"Yes, it's me."
"This is Mr. Calmont."
"Oh! Hello Mr. Calmont, anything wrong?"
"Well, no, but I have a favor to ask you."
"Sure."
"Usually, Marcie does the entertainment celebrity news, but she came down with Pneumonia and I need you to take over her post for awhile."
"I don't know, I don't know much about Entertainment and the celebrity gossip…" Anzu said warily
"It's alright, I just need you to fly to Domino and interview Seto Kaiba for the next Most Eligible Bachelor feature, the elusive CEO actually agreed to an interview!" Mr. Calmont replied casually, as if it was an honor.
"…" Anzu was surprised at this request. Interview Kaiba? I'd rather tie my feet to a cement block and jump off Niagara falls.
"Anzu?"
"Uh…I don't know Mr. Calmont." Anzu said as she thought about her previous wish. I could see my friends again…
"Please Anzu, I know you have a busy schedule but Kaiba wants only the best to interview him."
"Alright Mr. Calmont." Anzu agreed, having a sinking feeling that she was doing something wrong.
"Thank you Anzu!" Mr. Calmont cried thankfully.
"Your welcome Mr. Calmont. When do I leave?"
"In two days, is that alright? I'll send you the ticket and have a cab come and pick you up at eleven in the morning."
"Alright Mr. Calmont."
"Oh, thank you Anzu, I'm sure Kaiba will be impressed with your skills!" Mr. Calmont said gratefully. Anzu softly laughed to herself.
After Anzu hung up, she pondered to herself.
"Did I just agree to interview Seto Kaiba?" she whispered to herself. She smacked herself on the head with a pillow as she realized there was no going back now.
At least I get to see Yugi and the guys again! Anzu thought and was so happy, she nearly forgot about why she was really going to go to Domino. She quickly decided to head in early and retreated to her bedroom, unaware that they star she had wished on was glowing brighter than before…
(--) Seto Kaiba (--)
Seto was annoyed and it was evident in his glare as he scowled at his high executives.
"What are you doing for a publicity stunt this time?" he asked, his voice dripping with annoyance. His colleagues looked around nervously before they chose a short, bald man to speak.
"Well, er…Mr. Kaiba, we have signed you up for the International Inquirer's December Most Eligible Bachelor…" the man managed to stammer. Seto's eyes narrowed as he buried his face in his hands.
"I assure you that this is a prestigious spot!" the man cried nervously as his colleagues nodded assuringly. "Only the best are chosen and it'll boost your publicity!" he continued. Seto shook his head.
"No." was his only answer.
"But sir…"
"No! I already have enough fangirls." Seto sighed as he recalled how much fan mail he got in a day.
"Uh…Mr. Kaiba, we've already signed you up and a reporter is coming in two days."
"What?!" Seto shouted as his executives cowered.
"They said they'll send their best!" The bald man managed to stammer, trying to look as small as he could.
"Fine, since the interview is already settled, but NEVER DO THIS AGAIN." Seto threatened. The executives sighed and nodded diligently, glad they still had their jobs and their heads.
(--) Anzu Mazaki (--)
-Nov. 28
The next morning, Anzu woke up bright and early and began to get ready for her trip. After packing all her necessities, Anzu decided to call her parents.
The phone rang twice before a cheery voice picked up the other end.
"Hello?"
"Hi Mom? It's me, Anzu!"
"Anzu? You haven't called in two weeks!" Ms. Mazaki exclaimed.
"Sorry, I've been pretty busy but I have great news." Anzu apologized.
"Can't wait to hear it."
"I'm coming home tomorrow!" Anzu cheered.
"…" Silence came from the other line.
"Mom?" Anzu asked worriedly. She figured her mother would be elated.
"That's great honey! But your father and I are going on a cruise to the Caribbean for two months." Ms. Mazaki explained sadly.
"What? The Caribbean?"
"Well, about a week ago, your father won a two month trip to the Caribbean and I was going to call you today."
"When do you leave?" Anzu asked, a little put down by her parent's absence.
"In four hours honey, we won't be able to see you." Ms. Mazaki said sadly, for she really missed her daughter.
"That's alright…" Anzu managed to say, even though she was depressed.
"I'm so sorry honey."
"It's alright mom, it was sort of last minute anyways."
"When you do come home, the keys will be under the flowerpot, okay?"
"I remember."
"I have to go now honey, and I'm so sorry."
"It's alright mom!" Anzu comforted.
"Well then, bye!"
"Bye." Anzu hung up. She had looked forward to seeing her parents again but now her dreams were dashed. Anzu sighed before grabbing her coat and stepping outside to buy some New York souvenirs and presents for her friends.
(--)
Anzu spent the rest of the day finishing packing finding out about her flight. Around eight o'clock, her phone began ringing.
"Hello?" she asked.
"Hi Anzu, it's Yami."
"Oh, hey Yami!"
"I'm wondering if you're busy tomorrow afternoon?" Yami asked anxiously.
"Well, my editor called last night and offered that I go to Domino for a few weeks tomorrow."
"Oh, and you accepted?"
"It would be nice to see the gang again." Anzu said carefully, trying not to show the other reason she was going to Domino.
"Well, I won't see you until I return to Domino because I have another autographing tomorrow." Yami said sadly.
"When are you returning to Domino?" Anzu asked.
"In four days."
"Would you mind not telling Yugi and them I'm returning, I want it to be a surprise." Anzu requested.
"Alright, I'll keep your secret!" Yami said cheerfully.
"Sorry I couldn't tell you sooner."
"It's alright."
"Well, got to go, see ya!"
"Bye." Yami hung up.
Anzu regretted not being able to see Yami for four days but she had to get ready for her trip.
"I'll finish packing after a short nap." She promised to herself. With that, Anzu fell into a deep sleep.
(--)
Nov. 29
After her 'short nap', Anzu awoke at eight the next morning. Stifling a yawn, Anzu quickly changed and ate her breakfast. She carefully made sure her journalism equipment was in her bag before she checked her other bag. When she was sure she wasn't missing anything, she went downstairs from her condo and waited in the lobby for the cab to arrive.
Shortly enough, a yellow taxi arrived promptly and the elderly driver helped Anzu to place her bags in the rear.
The drive to the airport was silent and uneventful as Anzu read through her newspaper and the driver minded his driving. After arriving at the International departures, Anzu cheerfully thanked the driver before setting off to her flight desk.
After finally finding JAL, Anzu checked in as the flight attendant assigned her a seat. Right after finding her way to the security check-out, Anzu sat at her gate and waited for the plane to begin boarding.
That's when Anzu noticed a news article that made her smile.
Woman abused by husband goes to Police
New York- Today the NYPD released images of the brutal attacks made by Leroy Brown against his wife, Mary. Yesterday afternoon, Ms. Brown showed up at the NYPD station badly bruised, hurt and scared. She managed to provide a roll of film showing her husband assaulting her.
"A girl saved me, but Leroy's hurting her now!" the woman screamed, badly scared. The police went to the site of the beating and found Leroy unconscious and signs of a struggle. The mysterious girl wasn't to be found.
Ms. Brown has described the girl as tall with shoulder-length chocolate hair and azure eyes. She was wearing a long trench coat with a red scarf and dress pants. Police would like the girl to come forward and thank her for the brave deed she did, for she stopped Leroy from badly hurting his wife and this esoteric girl was also the one who provided the film and evidence to secure Brown in prison.
Brown is currently in custody and under close surveillance. Police suggest charges of assault. Brown is set for trial in March and Ms. Brown is currently staying with her sister and attending therapy classes.
"I'd like to thank that girl, whoever she is. God bless her." Ms. Brown said to her savior in a press conference yesterday night.
Anzu smiled to herself as she saw some of the pictures she had taken. As she finished the article, Anzu's flight had begun boarding. Preparing her ticket, Anzu walked up to the desk and checked in.
She then followed a tunnel to the plane and eventually found her first class seat.
Anzu flew first to the bustling and scenic Vancouver and then to busy Tokyo. At Tokyo she took a cab to the smaller domestic airport and then flew to Domino. By the time she had arrived it was eight o'clock Monday morning in Domino time.
Anzu was yawning the whole time as she exited the airport and called a cab. Giving the driver her home address, Anzu headed home for the holidays.
End Chapter one
Authoress notes: The interactions between Anzu and Yami are by no means romantic and are friend-based so don't think that this is definitely Anzu x Yami. This is about the only time in about five chapters that Anzu and Yami will interact but their meeting in this chapter comes back later…
This is sort of a prologue so this is a short chapter, the other ones will be longer!
Here's a short teaser for chapter two:
"Stop!" Seto commanded as he tackled Anzu all of a sudden. Anzu fell with a thud underneath the CEO.
"What was that for?" she asked angrily as she checked her camera and other equipment.
"Be glad I saved your life!" Seto warned as he pointed to an arrow stuck in the wall where Anzu had stood. Anzu stared at it.
"I thought the danger was gone." She muttered.
"Seems not, you two better stay in that room a bit longer while we do another round." The security guard said as he sprinted towards where the arrow had flew from.
"There's a note." Seto remarked as he pulled a thin slip of paper from the arrow…
Chapter two should be up soon! Hope you had a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year...I did!
Note: I am I huge hockey fan (Die-hard Vancouver Canucks fan!), though a girl. I was going to post this story somewhere in Early Nov, Late Dec, until I got caught up in the Christmas rush and then the World Juniors! (YAY! Canada had a 42-7 record of points! UNDEFEATED! Sorry to all the other team supporters, Canada just had a terrific year, I'm not saying the other teams are bad.) And then there's the lockout so if the season is saved I probably will take years to review, if not, expect regular updates! Feel free to leave a note in your review or email me about hockey!
Till my exams are finished, CYA ppls Meroki
