Chapter three is up! Nice to see ya too. This is when the action finally begins and new developments arrive. This one's mostly just Kaiba and Anzu getting started on the adventure…
Important Note: Alright, I am depressed, hockey season is dead, and theirs no Monster Revival card that can take it from the grave. That's it, Hockey is gone. There's no season. I mean, I've been reduced to watch The Pee Wee hockey games my little cousin plays in. But this is good news for fans of 'Eternity' This means, expect regular updates, probably weekly. Until Mid-February (When I'm going to Hawaii for a short vacation) I shall update faster now.
I just finished typing Chapter four and its my favorite so far! It has the most action and maybe some fluffy moments, between who is not for me to say. Expect it up in one or two weeks. It depends on my Homework.
Alright and the thanks you's go to (drumroll):
Kayvy: Nice to know you like it!
Avataria: YAY! You updated Sacrifice. Thanks for liking the last chapter. I wrote it at like 3:00 AM before I left for a day of snowboarding and I thought people would think it sucked.
Anzu-fan: Thanks for the double reviews. Much appreciated! Seto is doing it the kindergarten way but I think it's cuter! I don't like how most people portray him as a cold bastard and I wanted to show the nicer, cuter side of him. Thanks for reviewing!
Chapter Three: The Shipyard
Disclaimer: I don't own YGO.
Anzu was in one of Kaiba's 'smaller' limos with Morrison driving when the security guard decided to break the irritating silence.
"How the hell did you do that?" he asked as he peered at the girl from his mirror.
"What?" Anzu asked, looking away from the window, not comprehending the question.
"Survive an hour with Mr. Kaiba. I mean, I've been working for him for three years and the nicest thing he ever said to me was…" Morrison thought for awhile as he turned towards Anzu's neighborhood. "Hell, he never said anything nice to me, but here you are little missy and he's actually smirking! He only does that with Mokuba. And next thing I know, he invites you to stay with him! Not that I mind, I think you'll be a good influence on him…" Morrison continued as Anzu laughed all of a sudden.
"You're so inquisitive!" she exclaimed to Morrison, the security guard only remained silent through his thick sunglasses.
"Yeah, I guess I am, but since I work for Kaiba and he isn't really the most talkative guy and neither are my colleagues and little Mokuba, I need to talk sometimes. Do you mind?"
"No, go on." Anzu smiled as she leaned back, expecting a VERY long ride.
Morrison went on to explain his life of working for Kaiba and living with his elderly mother while Anzu listened attentively. Anzu realized that Morrison was taking the VERY long way to her house and decided that she might as well let the poor man talk awhile since he hardly got to.
When they finally got to her house, Anzu just went inside, grabbed her bags that she still hadn't unpacked and a few of her favorite stuffed animals. She also changed into a green cotton sweater. She grabbed her bags and carefully locked the door before returning to the limo.
"That was fast!" Morrison remarked as they drove away.
"I still hadn't unpacked since I came from New York yesterday." Anzu explained.
"You just met Mr. Kaiba and he's letting you stay with him? He must really like you."
"Kaiba? Like me?" Anzu asked, laughing, deciding not to tell about the note. "We've had some history and it's not exactly rainbows and lollipops." She went on to explain about the adventures she and her friends had had with Kaiba.
"Wow." Morrison exclaimed when Anzu had finished her story. "I knew Kaiba was really busy those months but doing that? I am shocked."
They finally arrived back at the Kaiba mansion once Morrison ran out of stuff to talk about.
"I'll see you later." Anzu said as she stepped out of the limo.
"Sorry, tonight and tomorrow, the security guards get a vacation and I'm leaving right now." Morrison stated, helping Anzu get her bags from the trunk before walking away.
Anzu waved and walked down the neat path to the front porch but before Anzu could open the door though, an exuberant Mokuba opened it, grinning wildly.
"Yay!" he yelled as he saw Anzu. "Big brother told me the news but I didn't believe it. I can't believe your going to stay with us for a month!" Mokuba gave Anzu a huge hug.
"Nice to see you too Mokuba." She said tenderly to the young boy.
"I'll put your bags in your room." A maid offered as she took Anzu's bags and strolled away, leaving Mokuba and Anzu.
"And you can play with me until dinner!" Mokuba commanded as he led Anzu away. Mokuba climbed stairs and walked endless hallways before arriving at a large room.
"Want to play snakes and ladders?" Mokuba eagerly asked Anzu.
"Sure." Anzu smiled as she sat down, charmed by the cute young boy who seemed the opposite of his elder brother.
(-)
At six o'clock, Seto finally finished filing his report on the safety procedures at Kaiba Corp. and was looking for Mokuba. He heard laughing from the games room and instantly knew where his little brother was.
Seto cautiously opened the door, expecting to see Mokuba watching television but was surprised to see Anzu and Mokuba playing cards.
"Did Jou really do that?" Mokuba asked, laughing uncontrollably.
"You bet!" Anzu verified as she too laughed. Seto cleared his throat.
"Mazaki, please refrain to talking to Mokuba about the mutt." He said icily. Anzu turned around and her eyes narrowed.
"Jou is not a dog, and he has a name." She said emotionlessly.
"If he doesn't have a brain, then he doesn't have a name to me."
"Jou might not be the smartest person on earth but at least he has a heart."
"So do dogs." Seto retorted. Mokuba noticed Anzu's mad expression and decided to intervene.
"Let's go eat dinner!" he exclaimed as he tried to break the tension. Seto gave one last glare at Anzu before exiting with Mokuba and Anzu trailing.
"I'm sorry." Mokuba apologized to Anzu when Kaiba was out of earshot. "Big Brother can be mean sometimes, but he is actually a great person."
"Oh Mokuba." Anzu exclaimed sadly. "I'm sorry to get angry at your big brother. I'll try to keep my emotions in."
"That would be great!"
"Let's go catch up and eat dinner!" The two said as they ran up to the waiting and impatient Seto.
(-)
"What is this stuff?" Anzu questioned as she poked at the yellow gooey stuff in her plate. All three of them were seated at the large Kaiba dining table with a plate of steaming yellow goo in front of them.
"Yeah big brother, what is it?" Mokuba asked with a gross expression as he pulled an extremely long strip of yellow goo out of the china plate. The goo stretched longer but didn't break from its refuge.
"It's 'supposed' to be Kraft © dinner…" Seto blushed as he stared at it. It didn't exactly look edible…
"Who cooks in this household?" Anzu asked as she carefully poked at a 'supposed' macaroni.
"My cook went on vacation this morning. I cooked this." Seto admitted, knowing he wasn't the best cook in the world.
"You can't cook Kraft dinner!" Anzu asked, shocked. The yellow goo in front of her definitely did not look like Kraft dinner.
"Let's see you do better!" Seto shouted crabbily, he had worked hard to prepare the meal.
"My pleasure!" Anzu shouted back as she walked into the kitchen, throwing her 'supposed' Kraft dinner in the garbage.
Seto was fuming at his dining table as Mokuba stared worriedly at him.
"Big brother?" he asked warily.
"Yes?" Seto replied, his expression softening a bit.
"Can you try to be nice to Anzu?"
"I do."
"I know, but please try harder?" Mokuba begged. "I know you like her because you're nicer to her than everybody else but-"
"You think I LIKE her? I absolutely can't stand that annoying, self-centered little journalist!" Seto nearly shouted.
"Well…you let her stay with us…" Mokuba pointed out.
"That doesn't mean I like her. Mazaki and I agreed on that so you'll have company." Seto explained, not telling him about the threatening note.
"I know, but just try to get along?" Mokuba persisted. "And don't call Jou a dog in front of her."
"Fine." Seto sighed in defeat. At that moment, Anzu re-entered the room, three plates balanced neatly on her arms.
"Smells good…" Mokuba murmured as he smelled the food. Anzu beamed.
"It's Alfredo pasta with stir-fry vegetables and chicken breast." Anzu announced proudly. She placed the three plates on the table.
Mokuba, extremely hungry, quickly dug in, not caring about table manners.
"This. Is. So. Good." He managed to say between bites. Seto took a bite and seemed to approve as he went for another.
Anzu smiled knowingly as she too dug into the creamy pasta. As soon as Anzu took her first bite, Mokuba had licked the plate clean.
"Seconds?" Anzu asked as Mokuba looked pleadingly at her.
"Yes please!" Mokuba begged. Anzu laughed and went to retrieve more.
"Like it Seto?" Mokuba asked slyly.
"I…guess so." Seto admitted.
"Nice to hear that!" Anzu exclaimed when she returned with Mokuba's second plate.
(-)
Mokuba had finished his fifth helping when he fell asleep in his chair.
"I'll bring him back to his room." Seto said as he picked up his younger brother and walked off.
Anzu collected all the plates and placed them in the dishwasher before she sat on a sofa and took out the locket Seto had found.
It was a silver heart with a smaller diamond heart in the corner. The chain was intricately fabricated and inside, there was a place for one picture while on the other side it read, "Love is forever"
Anzu spun in on her fingers as she eyed the family heirloom.
"I'm so sorry I lost you." She whispered to the heart. That's when Seto returned.
"Where's my pasta?" he asked as he stared at the empty table.
"I thought you were finished." Anzu stated as she quickly stuffed the locket back in her pocket.
"Well I wasn't." Seto said, disappointed.
"Mokuba finished the rest but if you're still hungry, I made desert." Anzu explained.
"Alright." Seto agreed. Anzu walked into the kitchen and looked at the oven.
"The cookies are ready!" she exclaimed. Anzu wore a large pair of gloves and reached in and retrieved the chocolate chip cookies. Seto reached to take one but Anzu smacked his hand with one of the large gloves.
"Let it cool a bit!" she ordered as Seto pouted. Anzu laughed at the silly expression on the usually serious and stern CEO's face.
There was a silence as the duo waited for the cookies to cool.
"Can you help us cook every time?" Seto asked warily, still shaken up on how the 'supposed' Kraft dinner had turned out.
"Well…" Anzu said thoughtfully, then brightened. "You have to let me take some pictures for my story and decorate the mansion."
"I don't like Christmas." Seto stated.
"You can have that 'supposed' Kraft dinner every night then." Anzu threatened. Seto gave in.
"Fine. You can take pictures of the house for your story and decorate it."
"Yes!" Anzu cheered, she and Mokuba would have fun decorating the large mansion!
"Now can I have a cookie?"
(-)
Seto and Anzu were both wildly typing on their computers when Anzu stopped suddenly.
"Kaiba, come and read this!" She gestured as she showed him her web page.
"What?" Seto asked crabbily. "It's just a lot of newspaper articles…all relating to CARD THEFTS IN DOMINO!" he exclaimed. On Anzu's search engine, over 20 entries were about valuable card thefts in Domino in the past month.
"I have to find who's doing this and get my Blue Eyes back." Seto muttered, desperate to get his favorite card back.
"Yeah, and I'll have a great story!" Anzu cheered, her eyes dancing with thoughts of front-page status. "Partners?" she asked suddenly, holding out her hand for the cold CEO.
"Well…" Seto thought. It'll be fun to work with Mazaki. "Partners." He decided as he shook hands with Anzu.
(-)
Seto finally finished typing up his company report after an hour and waited for it to send. He cautiously looked up from the screen and saw Anzu looking determined as she typed up something on the computer.
Her azure eyes gleamed in the light as she bit her lip thoughtfully and typed something on her computer. She frowned then looked up from her screen as she leaned back and caught Seto staring at her.
"What?" she asked. "Do I have crumbs on my face or something?"
"No." Seto answered, slightly embarrassed. "I just wondered what you're working on."
"I'm tracking down our thief." Anzu explained as she glanced at the computer screen. Seto shrugged and returned to his work.
"GOT HIM!" Anzu cried out as she began wildly scribbling on her notepad, after she typed something else into the computer. Seto stopped typing and walked over.
"Who?" he asked as he read the screen from behind Anzu's shoulder.
"Real name-CONFIDENTIAL" Seto read the biography.
"Alias: Jared Harold Malks. (Since release from prison)
Age: 54
Birthdate: May 3rd
Blood Type: AB
Eye color: Blue
Hair color: white but partially bald
Height: 1.64 m
Weight: 119 lbs.
Prison time: 1 year.
Current residence: 7845 Spruce Crescent, Domino, Japan.
Offences: illegal mutations of animals
Illegal animal testing
Illegal use of chemicals
Drug Trafficking
Public Risk: Low. JHM is on House arrest." Seto finished reading.
"What the hell is this!" he asked as he flipped up the page.
"This is our thief." Anzu stated as she put down her pencil.
"INTERPOL!" Seto cried as he read the top of the web page. "Isn't this information confidential?"
"Yes…" Anzu admitted. "I've hacked into it many times, they have information on all known criminals internationally." She explained.
"I know." Seto said sourly. "You do realize this is illegal?"
"I know," Anzu replied calmly. "But I'll practically do anything for a good story." She closed the web page. "And it's too easy to hack into."
"How do you know this Malks person is the thief?" Seto asked. Anzu sighed sadly.
"Let me tell you a story…"
(-)
Kaiba sat on a couch as Anzu sat across from him.
"Okay, tell your story." He commanded. Anzu nodded as she clutched her cup of Chamomile tea.
"I was doing a report about …Malks when I went to his residence across the Windward Bridge…
(-) Two Years Ago, near the Windward Bridge (-)
It was a dark, chilly night as I walked through the downtown district of New York. I knew it was dangerous but my story was due tomorrow and I just had to talk to Malks. I eventually found his home and got my equipment ready.
Note that I had found out that Malks was also a dangerous drug dealer and I knew the only way I could speak to him was to go undercover. He lived in the basement that connected to the back alley and so I knocked on the door.
I pretended to be a druggie and eventually he let me into his home. While his back was turned I took a few pictures. Besides for his drug trade, I discovered a lab with tortured animals. I took several shots until Malks became suspicious and pushed me out.
Unfortunately he noticed my camera and had figured out what had happened. As I walked away, Malks took a few shots with a rifle at me. I quickly realized the danger and headed towards the bridge, knowing that if I made it to the other side of the bridge, I'd be safe. Malks pursued me and managed to shoot me in the leg. I tumbled and fell off of the bridge, managing to grab on with only my fingers.
Malks, realizing the situation knew that dead men, or women in my case, tell no tales so he tried to kill me. It was then that a car drove over the bridge and the lights saved me as Malks got scared and ran back to this home. The car drove by and afterwards, I managed to climb up and walk to the nearest hospital…
I later charged Malks for attempted murder but there wasn't enough evidence and he said that I was trespassing so that's why he shot at me. My pictures didn't count as evidence both because I didn't have a search warrant for them and I couldn't prove that they belonged to Malks' home because he cleaned out his dwelling. Malks was eventually proven of drug trafficking and animal harm but he got away with attempted murder.
Also, that was the night that I lost my locket and only Malks could have known it was mine, because I must have left it in his home. He also has a reason to hate me, because I ruined his life… and he's living right here in Domino.
(-) End Flashback (-)
Anzu shuddered when she finished her story.
"It fits…Malks would want the cards for another weird scientific experiment…" Seto said thoughtfully.
"Let's go." Anzu said suddenly.
"Where?" Seto asked.
"Where else?" Anzu questioned. "I have his address…let's go now." Anzu closed her computer and picked up her bag. Seto pondered for awhile.
"Let's do it." He finally decided as he grabbed a black trenchcoat and a black woolen scarf.
"What's with the scarf?" Anzu inquired when she saw Seto. Seto gingerly touched the scarf.
"You have a problem with it?" He asked sourly. Anzu sighed and preceded outside.
"Spruce Crescent is near the northern part of Domino, around the marinas and sailing areas." Anzu explained as she and Seto preceded outside.
It was brisk and chilly and the moon and stars shone brightly. Seto chose to drive in one of his 'older' cars, an obsidian, sleek BMW.
"You direct me while I drive." Seto commanded.
"Yes sir!" Anzu saluted sarcastically as she pulled out a map. "First drive down your driveway and turn on the street, be careful not to hit the bush."
"Just direct!" Seto silenced as he started the engine. Nobody in the Kaiba household noticed the gentle purr of the engine as the two 'partners in crime' drove away.
(-)
After getting lost several times (and nearly killing each other while blaming the other for getting lost), the duo finally arrived at Malks' house, which was a one-floor bungalow beside an abandoned shipyard.
"It's creepy." Anzu whispered as she climbed out of the car. Seto only gave her a glare that obviously said. 'Don't say another word.'
Anzu stuck out her tongue at the CEO before proceeding to the house.
It was unkempt and dirty. Garbage was piled everywhere on the front lawn and the place was littered with weeds and 'Beware of Dogs', 'No Trespassing' signs. It was the only house on the street and the streetlights flickered, threatening to go out.
"I bet Malks also uses the abandoned shipyard." Anzu said, as she pointed to the light in the shipyard.
"Let's check it out." Seto suggested.
The two tiptoed to the dark, abandoned shipyard and waited.
"Look, the light is going off!" Anzu said as she pointed to the light. The two waited as they heard the back door open, then close. They waited a bit longer and heard a motor start. Anzu turned around and saw a motorboat leave and drift off into the waters, the person on it wearing a distinctive hat.
"Let's go, it's clear!" she whispered as she opened the front door, which had been unlocked. Anzu took her camera and began taking shots.
"Let's split up." She suggested. "I'll take pictures and you look for the cards." Seto looked worriedly at her.
"I don't know, I think it's safer if we stick together." He suggested.
"No." Anzu said. "I can see a office there, the cards should be there." She said as she pointed to a dim room across the hall.
"I still think we should stick together…" Seto said but found himself talking to air as Anzu disappeared.
"Mazaki?" he asked.
"I'll be fine!" she returned. "Go look for your cards!" Seto sighed and began searching.
(-)
He was flipping through the file cabinets when he heard some banging and crashing.
"Are you okay Mazaki?" he asked worriedly.
"I'm fine!" An echo returned. "I tripped over some of his lab experiments."
"Need help?"
"No, I'll be alright." Seto continued working. Five minutes later he heard talking between a man and a woman. He heard the woman shush the man.
"What's that?" Seto asked, feeling very scared. "Mazaki?" There was no reply.
"Mazaki!" he asked again, now very scared. He began to turn around when he heard the window creak open.
"What the hel-" But Seto was cut off by a large hit to his head and unconsciousness.
(-)
Seto's head pounded and he felt miserable. He groaned and tried to open his eyes. He heard something that sounded like a whisper then somebody running around.
"Kaiba?" he heard someone ask worriedly. Seto finally managed to open his ice blue eyes.
"Mazaki?" he asked, staring up at the worried face above his. He attempted to sit up.
"Don't move Kaiba!" she commanded. She wiped his forehead with an ice-cold towel.
"Who hit me on the head and where the hell were you!" Seto asked angrily as he glared menacingly at Anzu, as if it was her who had hit her on the head.
"In case you're wondering mister unappreciative, I got knocked out too, probably before you did!" Anzu said huffily as she pointed to a large gash on the front of her forehead.
She scowled angrily at her 'patient.' "And don't you go accusing me of not helping you when I was busy lying in the middle of his lab unconscious!"
Seto grumbled before sitting up forcefully. "It was your stupid idea to split up…" he muttered. Anzu whacked him on his face with the wet towel.
"What the hell was that for!" Kaiba swore as the ice cold water stung.
"For being the stupid and arrogant person you are." Anzu said grumpily.
"Are you just grumpy or what?" Seto asked as he looked at her still form.
"I don't like being hit on the head so hard." Anzu answered as she turned around to face Kaiba. "I'm sorry I whacked you, but you should watch it when someone else is upset."
"It's not like you have a warning sign." Seto muttered. He touched his head and found it to be bandaged.
"Where did you get the bandage?" he asked, his head finally clearing.
"I found it in his lab." Anzu said. "I woke up about half-an –hour ago and managed to bandage you and me up." She pointed to the large Band-Aid now covering her wound.
"Thank you nurse Mazaki." Seto said sarcastically. "What time is it?" he asked.
"3 in the morning." Anzu said calmly. Seto swore.
"Did you get enough photo's?" he asked anxiously. Anzu nodded. "Good, then let's go." Seto stood up and began to walk away.
"Wait, didn't you want to find the Blue Eyes?" Anzu asked.
"When the police come, they'll find it for me."
"No!" Anzu cried. "You can't call the police, if they find out, the press will too and then my story would be worthless." She begged Seto not to.
"Well, we have to go before Malks comes back." Seto persisted. Anzu gulped guiltily.
"Kaiba?" she asked warily.
"Seto." Seto said.
"Fine, Seto, I have something to tell you." Anzu said softly.
"Spill." Seto demanded, knowing something was amiss.
"I went outside to take some pictures and…and…" Anzu looked at her feet. "come with me." She demanded. Seto sighed and followed her outside, knowing something was amiss.
(-)
Seto was speechless, how was this possible?
There was the motorboat they had seen Malks speed off in, drifting in the middle of the sea with no one in it…
And on the beach? The hat belonging to Malks.
"Did he drown?" Seto asked unbelievably.
"That's what I figured." Anzu whispered.
"We have to get out of here before the press finds out." Seto whispered. "Or my reputation is ruined."
"Let's go then." Anzu said as she turned around.
"Stop!" a voice commanded.
(-)
Seto anxiously turned around to face none other than Malik Ishtar wearing a dress shirt beneath an elegant tux.
"Ishtar!" he exclaimed. Malik smirked a smirk to rival Seto's own.
"Malik!" Anzu exclaimed. "What are you doing here?"
"I was here for the same reason as you." Malik said calmly while Seto and Anzu looked at each other. "Don't look so confused." Malik laughed. "I was here to kill Malks too."
"We were not here to kill Malks." Anzu said seriously.
"Then explain the boat and the hat." Malik laughed again. "Malks never leaves his hat."
"We didn't want to kill Malks but why did you?" Seto asked curiously.
"Well," Malik began. "Little Anzu here knows…" Seto frowned as he glanced at Anzu.
"Malik works for ICAC, the International Coalition Against Crime." Anzu said coldly, her eyes never leaving Malik.
"Ishtar's a secret agent!" Seto exclaimed. Malik grinned. (AN: Imagine Malik a secret agent! Hahaha!)
"You sound surprised Kaiba." He said slyly. (AN: I would be too Seto-kun)
"Of course I am, how can you be a secret agent when you're a criminal!" Seto asked again. Malik shrugged.
"I'm NOT a criminal. I'm a honest man, Anzu can vouch for that." Malik explained. Seto looked from Malik to Anzu.
"How do you know so much about Ishtar?" Seto asked Anzu. Anzu sighed, finally turning around to face Seto.
"Once upon a time, Malik and I were friends in New York." She admitted.
"Yes and partners in crime." Malik added. "I would give Anzu the story and she would help me break it." He smiled at Anzu as she glared back.
"Are you not friends anymore?" Kaiba asked slyly.
"No…" Anzu said Angrily, still glaring at the smirking Malik. "I'll never forgive you for that time." She said to Malik. Seto was confused but decided that it didn't involve him.
"I said I was sorry Zu." Malik said, using his special nickname for her. "We're still friends, right?"
"No." Anzu said coldly, her eyes narrowing. "You betrayed me Malik! I'll never forgive you and don't you dare call me Zu anymore."
"Anzu…" Malik protested, his face saddened and looking very cute for a former lunatic. Anzu turned away from him and ignored him.
"You still haven't answered what you're doing here." Seto said impatiently, tired of the soap opera scene before him.
"Malks did something to me, and I was here on payback." Malik said sullenly.
"What took you so long? You work for a spy agency, how come you didn't come and kill him earlier?"
"He's only listed on INTERPOL and it took me awhile to figure out Anzu's method of hacking in."
"What did Malks do to you?" Seto asked.
"Besides stealing my cards, something personal." Malik answered.
"You know he stole the cards too?" Anzu asked suddenly. "But how did you learn that?"
"I came for personal reasons but why else would Kaiba be here? I heard one of his cards was stolen too." Malik answered. "Did you guys find the cards?"
"No." Seto answered.
"I'll do another sweep." Malik offered as he went into the shack. Seto sat down glumly on the rock.
"What's wrong Kaiba-kun?" Anzu asked worriedly as she sat down beside him.
"You seem to used to be very friendly with Ishtar." Seto remarked. Anzu laughed, her azure eyes sparkling under the golden moon and stars.
"He was my best friend in New York." She explained, her eyes saddening. "And are you a bit jealous?" she teased as she wagged her finger at Seto.
"No." Seto pouted. Anzu laughed again.
"You look so cute like that." She teased as she pushed his nose with her finger. Seto continued pouting. "You know, there's no reason to be jealous." Anzu said seriously. "He's not my friend anymore and you are." As if to prove it, Anzu leaned over and gave him a quick kiss on the cheek.
"What was that for?" Seto asked, back to his usual self.
"To prove that we're friends!" Anzu said.
"What happened to Miss 'We can't stand each other, so let me just leave?'" Seto asked. Anzu pouted.
"Fine, if you have a problem with my friendship kisses, then I won't do it again." Anzu said, still pouting. Seto laughed slightly. He leaned in and kissed her softly on the cheek.
"Who said I had a problem with it?" he teased. Anzu blushed.
"You're impossible Seto!" she exclaimed as she splashed some water at him. Seto blinked, not expecting that.
"MAZAKI!" he yelled as he splashed her back. Anzu only laughed, though her hair and face was dripping with salty water.
(-)
When Malik returned, he found Seto and Anzu both soaking with water. Anzu's teeth were chattering.
"I just had to wear cotton today." She murmured as she hugged herself. She was dreadfully cold and shivering.
"What happened?" Malik asked as he eyed the two warily. Seto glared at him while Anzu didn't look too bright either.
"It's all his/her fault!" they accused at the same time. Malik laughed as Seto and Anzu glared at each other again.
"So what were you guys doing here?" Malik asked as he sat down across from them. He noticed that Anzu was shivering from the cold.
"Actually tell me later, Anzu, you're shivering from the cold." He noted.
"Great observation." Anzu remarked coldly as she pulled at her sweater. "This is cotton and Kaiba just had to get the great idea to pour water all over me."
"You splashed me first!" Seto defended as he hugged his knees together. Anzu simply stuck out her tongue at him.
"I guess the mystery's unsolved." Malik sighed. "The cards are still lost."
"Until we find them." Anzu said optimistically. Her eyes saddened before she looked at Marik
"I can help you guys you know." Malik said suddenly.
"No." Anzu and Seto said at the same time. Anzu coughed softly.
"I can help cover up the tracks. I know the press will find out eventually but ICAC can keep it secret." Malik offered as he looked at the other two detectives.
"Well…" Seto began; thinking of the ruin he could be in if the press found out he was related to this case.
"No." Anzu concluded sourly, not noticing the pained expression on Malik's face.
"Anzu…" he began again but an angry glare from the sneezing journalist silenced him.
"I say we let Malik help us." Seto said. "The point is to retrieve the cards and maybe Malik can help."
"Oh, Alright!" Anzu said bitterly, standing up and walking to the car.
(-)
The ride home was quiet. Seto drove as Malik sat in the passenger seat and Anzu sat on the back. Seto and Malik eyed each other warily as Anzu fell asleep, exhausted by the day's events.
"Since we're going to be working together, do you want to stay at my mansion for awhile?" Seto offered Malik as they turned onto his lane.
"Alright." Malik agreed as he smoothed out his tux. They soundlessly turned into the driveway and Anzu still hadn't woken up.
"Shall we wake her up?" Seto asked as he stared at her calm face.
"That's a bad idea. Anzu gets really annoyed when she gets woken up and I don't want her to be responsible for your death." Malik warned. Seto sighed as he picked her up.
"Do you mind getting her bag?" he asked. Malik obediently picked up her heavy bag before closing the door.
When they entered the mansion, the chandelier shone brightly but everything was dark.
"oh no." Seto exclaimed. "I can't remember what room she's staying in." Malik just shrugged.
"Just place her in any spare room." Malik suggested. Seto nodded as he began to walk away. He opened a random door and found it was empty.
"You can stay here." Seto offered to Malik.
"Thanks Kaiba." Malik thanked. "I'll return her stuff tomorrow.
"Alright." Seto agreed as he went to hunt down a room.
(-)
Seto had gone through three doors and had found them all inhabited with his servants. His arms ached from carrying Anzu for so long and his impatience was running thin.
"Come on…" he whispered as he turned another doorknob. He was invited with loud snoring. He instantly closed the door.
The next room was his and he was just about to skip it when he remembered the extra bed in there. Mokuba occasionally got scared during stormy nights and insisted on sleeping in his big brother's room. Seto began to drift off in sleep and realized he couldn't carry Anzu much longer so with a defeated sigh, entered his room and dropped Anzu on the spare bed before dropping into his own and falling asleep instantly to the clock reading 2:25 AM.
(-)
Dec. 2
Seto awoke the late the next morning to see a curious face peering into his.
"Aah!" he yelled as he scrambled up. "Mazaki!" he yelled when he recognized who it was.
"You're finally up Seto!" she chirped happily. She had stopped sneezing and she had changed into light green jacket over a blue shirt and jeans with a ribbon tied and laced through the loopholes. She had also tied up her ponytail with a ribbon so only her long bangs hung over her long silver earrings.
"What do you want? Ishtar has your bag." Seto asked impatiently as he leaned against his headboard. Anzu sat on the edge of the bed as she handed Seto a photograph.
"Explain." She demanded. Seto's eyes widened when he saw what picture it was.
"Where did you find this!" he asked angrily, his face red from embarrassment or anger.
"You should know." Anzu teased. "Since you took a lot of care to hide it."
"I didn't hide it!" Seto denied but Anzu gave him a blank, unbelieving look.
"Nevermind." Seto sighed. "Why were you looking through my stuff?" he demanded.
"I was curious. Now explain the photo." Anzu demanded as she looked at the photo.
It was an aged photo. Seto, around 19 at the time was walking in a park with Isis beside him, both of them holding hands. Seto sighed as he looked at the photo.
"So I dated for Isis for a few short months…" he admitted as Anzu squealed.
"I knew it!" she exclaimed. Kaiba didn't look up from the photo.
"It didn't work, we just didn't fit and I don't even know why I did it." Seto said. Anzu nodded as she clicked something.
"What was that?" Seto asked as he looked at Anzu. He then saw the thing black thing in her hand. "You recorded that?" he asked incredulously.
"It would make a great story, imagine: COLD CEO'S HEART MELTED LONG AGO, UNABLE TO LET GO! It would be marvelous!" Anzu exclaimed.
"I refuse to let you publish things about my personal life, besides the press already knew for those two months. I'm surprised you didn't know, it was all over the news." Kaiba said coldly as he ripped the tape recorder from Anzu's grasp. He pulled out the disk and threw it in the wastebasket and then returned the machine to Anzu's shocked face.
"It's personal and it will remain personal." Seto clarified as he got up and began to leave.
"And don't you dare send anything to the press now Mazaki."
"Would you stop calling me Mazaki? I call you Seto now."
"Fine 'Zu', want me to call that?"
"Fine, call me Mazaki." Anzu gave in, even though she resented it, Zu was Malik's nickname for her and she hated it now.
"No, I think I'll give you a cute nickname too, how about Aki?" he asked.
"Fine, just remember what was said in this room, stays in the room." Anzu warned.
"Sure thing, Aki." Seto replied as he exited the room. Anzu sighed. The day had barely begun and she already had a headache.
(-)
Anzu had searched the rest of Seto's room for other secrets but none were left to be found and she didn't want to look through his clothes.
With a disappointed sigh, the curious journalist exited the room and went to hunt down her bag. Halfway down the stairs, Anzu bumped into Mokuba.
"Morning Mokuba!" she greeted the young boy as he wiped his eyes.
"Morning Anzu." Mokuba yawned. "Do you know where big brother is?"
"Check the dining room or washroom." Anzu suggested before heading down the stairs. She smiled cheerfully at the staff who all smiled appreciatively back, happy for the girl who had charmed Kaiba and made him a little nicer.
Anzu went to the kitchen where she had already cooked four breakfast's of eggs and toast. One of the them was gone, presumably taken by Mokuba because she had put an extra piece of toast and egg on the missing plate.
Anzu took one of the remaining three and sat at the empty dining table and began to eat. She quickly finished deciding to head to the library to get a book.
(-)
The sun barely shone through and into the library and the whole room was covered in darkness. Anzu nimbly stepped into the room.
"Hello?" she asked as she stepped in. Her only reply was the echo of her question repeated.
Anzu closed the door behind her as she began browsing through the massive library, looking for a book. Since it was so dark, it took her a long time to find one to her liking.
It was 'The Count of Monte Cristo' by Alexandre Dumas Sr., one of her favorite books. The only problem was that is was too high for her to reach, about 5 cm too high.
I wish I was Kaiba's height. Anzu wished to herself as she looked around for a footstool. After she browsed around for awhile, she finally found a ladder. Anzu carefully dragged it through the many rows and arrived at where her book had stood. She propped the ladder against the top shelf and began the slow and steady climb up. Once at the top, Anzu grabbed her book and began to head down.
It was then that disaster struck. The ladder tottered dangerously as Anzu hung on for dear life. No matter how she tried to stabilize it though, the ladder began to fall, Anzu with it. Anzu shut her eyes and waited for her head to hurt and her consciousness to leave her.
It never happened though, because somebody caught Anzu. Anzu flinched, expecting pain, but when it didn't happen, she dared to open her eyes and looked into the icy blue eyes of Seto Kaiba.
"Seto!" she exclaimed. "I'm sorry I fell!" Seto silently led her to her feet.
"Be more careful Aki!" he warned as he straightened the ladder. "He glad I was here to catch you."
"I'm sorry and thank you so much!" Anzu thanked again, and then she noticed something. "Wait? How did you get in here without me noticing?"
"I was here the whole time." Seto answered calmly.
"Why didn't you show yourself then?" Anzu asked curiously.
"It is my library." Seto pointed out. "Just be glad I saved you from death."
"Thank you." Anzu said thankfully as Seto walked out the door.
She walked over to his desk, deciding to do a bit of sleuthing. She flipped through some of the business papers and almost gave up with her search until she noticed a thick, red book.
"Interesting…" she said as she picked it up. "What is it?" The title was blank but when she opened the book, Anzu gasped.
Anzu had hit the jackpot of front page news opportunities. She smiled as she re-read the title, 'Seto Kaiba's PRIVATE journal: Do not read."
Anzu smiled again as she carefully switched her book with the diary and headed outside to read it…
Anzu sat down on a park bench near the sunflowers, her favorite flowers (okay, they're my favorite flowers).
She took out her camera and took a few shots of the incriminating book. As she was about to read the first page, she felt her guilty conscience began to speak.
Don't do it Anzu! It warned. Seto deserves his privacy. Anzu sighed. She actually did feel a little guilty for doing this but she couldn't back down now!
Fine, I won't PUBLISH anything about it, I just need to find out more about Seto, he's so secretive!
Feeling satisfied, Anzu opened the book and began reading the first entry dated July 24, 2002
Journal,
I don't know why I'm writing in here, I guess I feel so muddled and confused that I need to tell someone. Mokuba's too young and it's not like I have any friends. Not that I wished I did, that would make me weak.
I fired a couple of my high executives today. They were trying to give some of our secrets to my rival companies. Sometimes I do wish that I didn't own a company but that would show weakness and I'm anything but weak. I don't know what other people like to write in their journal things but I don't have anything else to write about.
The rest of the entry was scribbles about company supply lists so Anzu skipped ahead to the next entry. It was hard to decipher Seto's messy handwriting but she managed to do it. The next entry was dated May 19, 2001, almost a year later…
Journal,
I'm back because I feel confused and bored again. I had a business meeting with Isis today and I asked her out. My executives suggested that I get a girlfriend to boost my publicity and I don't know why I asked Isis. It was sort of a moment thing, when I had no control over my actions and the next thing I heard was that she said yes and would me at the restaurant tomorrow at seven.
And so I sit here, my brain all cluttered. I don't really like Isis and we're just friends I guess. To be really dating her would be weak.
And why did I choose Isis? I guess that the Katsuya girl is too quiet and the Mazaki girl way too annoying. Mazaki would probably kill me if I asked her and she seems to like that dead pharaoh she always hangs around with.
So I have a dinner with Isis tonight and I have to get ready. I feel I will regret this.
Anzu smiled at the part about her before flipping to the next entry, dated May 20, 2001.
Journal,
That was the boringest dinner I had ever had. I even had more fun at that charity gala. Isis and I were silent the whole time, only talking about business.
At the end, I asked her for another date and she agreed. It's sort of a mutual agreement about this dating stuff. It's just date after date after date until we both get enough publicity. I sort of wonder why she does this but I think she's curious about me because she constantly asks questions about my personal life.
The next entry was May 22, 2001.
Journal,
I guess I'm getting used to writing in this book now. I took Isis to another fancy restaurant today. It was another uncomfortable silence.
She suggested we go to the park straight after so I agreed. She told me she knew that I didn't really like her that way and she felt the same way. She suggested we keep the ruse up, but just act as friends. I agreed, I would still get the publicity without having to go to those boring dinners again.
Anzu sighed. Seto never really fell in love with Isis.
"There goes my story." She muttered sadly as she flipped the page and continued reading.
July 12
Journal,
I 'broke' up with Isis today. Since we never hooked up, it doesn't really count. She was returning to Egypt and I didn't want to continue our 'relationship' long distance. So I called Teen People weekly (A/N: I don't own TPW either…)and told them about our 'break-up.' Isis didn't seem ruffled at all and I think we both got enough publicity in the two months. I was just about to send this picture of her and I holding hands to the media but I guess I'll dispose of it soon, if I could only find that picture, I seem to have lost it in my room somewhere.
Anzu smiled. That was the picture she had found that morning. She continued to read…
To be truthful, there is one person I would like to date, but she's already taken.
Anzu gasped. Who was Seto's crush! She had to find out. Anzu pondered who was dating around July 12, 2001.
"Nobody, …but Mai!" she exclaimed. It seemed highly improbable that Seto would like Mai, but there was so much evidence for it.
"It fits in!" Anzu exclaimed incredulously. "No wonder Seto hated Jou so much and everything!" Anzu quickly read the rest of the page.
I know that falling for someone is weakness, but I have fallen. For some reason, I don't feel weak and I actually work harder now and feel almost happy. Yes, the person that I've fallen for is none other than Mai.
Anzu gasped happily. (AN: Anzu x Seto fans are probably going to kill me for this journal entry… Anzu's only happy because it's a good story and she just wants Seto to be happy)
"It's true!" She smiled. "Wait until I tell the gang." She didn't bother flipping the page and finishing the entry and quickly flipped to the last entry. It was dated December 2nd, 2004.
Journal,
I woke up this morning to find Mazaki in my face, holding up that picture of Isis and me holding hands. She's so annoying that girl, always so curious and everything.
I met her yesterday when she came to interview me for her newspaper. We didn't exactly get along.
Old feelings arised too.
Anzu scowled.
"That's why Seto was so mean, he still hates me since Yami beat him at Battle City."
Anyways, one of my Blue eyes was stolen and I'll hunt down the thief no matter what. Anyways, I let Mazaki stay at my mansion since her life was in danger. She offered to help me get my card back if I would help her get her story so I agreed and we went hunting for this Malks guy.
There was a whole page that Anzu couldn't read so she skipped to the next page.
Mazaki told me that she used to like Yami and her first kiss was Ishtar. I was surprised. I never expected Ishtar of all people! Mazaki said it was an accident and I really want to learn about Ishtar and her relationship together in New York.
Today, I've also-
Anzu was reading when she felt the book ripped out of her hands.
"What?" she asked as she turned around to face a fuming Seto.
"Oh, Seto! What a nice diary you have!" she managed to stutter guiltily.
"What did you read Mazaki?" Seto asked emotionlessly.
"Nothing!" Anzu denied as she stood up.
"Liar."
"Fine." Anzu admitted as her head dropped. "I promise not to tell Jou or anybody that you used to like Mai." She whispered. Seto stiffened.
"What!" he asked unbelievably. "I like Mai!" he turned an odd shade of pink. (AN: Imagine Seto's face if it really happened in the anime!)
"Don't try to deny it Seto!" Anzu whispered. "I read the entry after you broke up from Isis." Kaiba seemed to loosen up.
"I'm over it now." He managed to say in a fake voice. Anzu frowned.
"No you're not." Anzu protested. "You turned bright red when I mentioned her name."
"I choose not to talk about it." Seto said coldly as he walked away, clutching the thick red journal.
(-)
Anzu sighed sadly as she walked inside to ponder about the mysterious and baffling Seto Kaiba.
"I'm sure he would be a decent guy if he could start dating someone he likes…" she muttered thoughtfully. She sat on a couch and leaned back, defeated and began counting girls she knew.
"Jou has Mai and I'm not going to break them up. Shizuka is in Fujiwara, Isis is in Egypt, Miho's busy entertaining relatives and there's no one left…" she muttered sadly. (AN: Besides yourself Anzu!) Then she brightened when she remembered something.
"Mai said her cousin Liana was visiting and she's…LIKE HER TWIN!" Anzu exclaimed. This was perfect. She would set both of them up and then Seto would be happy! Anzu skipped back to the dining hall.
(-)
Anzu found Malik eating in the dining room, chewing his cereal slowly and sipping his milk sleepily.
"Where's my bag?" Anzu demanded, not in a mood to talk to her former friend. Malik looked surprised as he handed over the precious bag.
"Anzu, we need to talk." He began, but Anzu wasn't going to hear it.
"No we don't." she said simply. Malik sighed and took another sip of milk, choking briefly. Anzu tapped him on the shoulder and the ex-maniac coughed slightly as he recovered.
"Darn Cold." He said slightly. He rubbed him nose painfully.
"Go back to sleep then." Anzu commanded. Malik nodded and walked away, holding his head to his hand. Anzu sighed and helped him place his utensils and bowl in the dishwasher.
Her cell phone played a techno beat as she walked away and Anzu dug into her bag and pulled out her cell.
"Hello?" she asked as she flipped it open.
"It's Yugi. Where are you?" Yugi questioned worriedly as he and the gang looked anxiously at the phone. There was silence as Anzu comprehended the sentence.
"OH MY GOODNESS! I'M SO SORRY YUGI, I FORGOT ABOUT OUR MEETING, I'LL HEAD OVER RIGHT NOW!" Anzu shouted as she quickly hung up and sprinted out the door, knowing she was extremely late for the planning of their Christmas party.
"Where are you going?" A deep voice asked as Anzu flew over the hall. Anzu looked up to see Seto and quickly explained that she was late to an important meeting.
"Gotta go Kaiba-kun!" she shouted as she ran towards the door.
"I'll drive you." Seto offered and Anzu stopped abruptly and turned around, smiling a sweet smile.
"That would be nice!" she exclaimed as she waited for Seto to hurry.
End Chapter 3
Authoress Notes: Sorry it was so rushed and all that. I'll make it up to everyone in Chapter four! This was a surprising and revealing chapter. First with the Seto used to like Mai thing (Did you notice something about the diary? hint ) and then with the Malks being dead thingy. If you have any questions feel free to add them into your review or email me.
There were SO MANY CLUES in this chapter and some of the earlier clues were prolonged into this chapter and made more obvious. Don't feel bad if you don't get them, you aren't supposed to until the end!
As usual the annoying (+) short teaser:
"Seto?" Anzu asked as she stepped into the Kaiba mansion.
"Uh huh?" Seto said as he stepped in behind her.
"Do you smell smoke?" Anzu asked worriedly. Seto sniffed the air.
"You're right." Seto verified. The two looked at each other with the same though, 'Uh oh'.
IMPORTANT NOTE: It might take a long time for me to review because my friend's Birthday is coming up and my band (Yes, I am in a band) are going to play. This is one of our first performances and we're going to rehearse for a long time. I might be able to update on Thursday, since I have no school but I'm not sure.
And about that journal thing. I know Kaiba would never write a journal but just bear with me!
Till my fingers heal from their frostbite (I just went snowboarding) Meroki
PS: Alright, there hasn't been a single thornshipper review so unless I get ONE review by next chapter, this
is DEFINITE azureshipping.
