"Got any jacks?" Draco asked sardonically. Across from him sat the CEO of Kaiba Corps, Seto Kaiba. The brunette tossed a card on the table.

"Eights?" Seto grumbled and Draco handed over his last card, Seto threw down his last pair. "I win…"

"Again…" the Malfoy said wirily slouching against the table. "Don't you think it's kind of odd? Kaitourei never ignores us this long?"

Seto smirked, "If my memory serves me, she ignored you for a whole year."

Draco rolled his eyes and let his head drop to the table, "You don't think she's forgotten the fic, do you?"

"Unfortunately, no."

Suddenly a shadow detached its self from the wall in Kai's mind. Both occupants turned as the figure stepped forward. It wasn't exactly what either of them had expected. Kaiba raised an eyebrow. Since when did Kai have muses resembling Orlando Bloom with long blonde hair and pointy ears?

"And who, might you be?" Draco asked with a malicious tone. He was obviously bothered because the blonde Orlando looked better than he did. (But luckily the only time Orlando looked good to the authoress was when he was a blonde, sporting pointy, plastic elf ears.)

"I am," the stranger said, "Legolas Greenleaf, prince of Mirkwood."

Draco scoffed, "Prince? Mirkwood?"

"Kaitourei just saw Return of the King," Seto said calmly. "I was worried this might happen. You're her new muse."

Legolas dropped his head and sighed, "Aye, the release picked up another wave of rabid fangirls…"

"Hey, you're series is over," Draco grumbled. "I still have four more movies to go."

Kaiba smirked. There was no need to rub it in. He was animated and eventually Kai would grow out of him… he hoped, atleast.

Notes:

Obviously this fic won't be finished by the end of the year like I planned due to my incurable tendency called procrastination. After my big move, I was having problems with my PC, but they were fixed a little after December 1st. I kind of lost inspiration and imagination for this fic, so I took an unscheduled "vacation" from fanfiction. I've gained back some of that inspiration now… and I'm sorry you've had to wait so long for this chapter. I'm not sure when I'll post anymore, but I'm determined to finish this fic.

The fic itself has gone through some changes. I was reading over it a while back, and I thought "Turmoil" would be such a better title, mainly because that's what the name "Seto" means… although "turmoil" is about the same thing as "Tumult. (I'm one of those authors who should write their work, and then post it so I can make up my mind.)

As for my reviewers: you guys are great! A big thanks to all to you, I hope you had a wonderful Christmas, Kwanzaa (or just winter break) and a great New Year. My best wished for the year to come.

Questions:

How did Kaiba become "The-Boy-Who-Wouldn't-Die"?

Looking back, Kaiba's escaped a lot of tough situations (especially in Duelist Kingdom) that could have left him dead. (So did Harry Potter.) I thought Kaiba deserved a catchy title too.

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Turmoil

By Kaitourei

Chapter Twelve: It's Time To Duel

"I'm not implying that I cannot duel him, or that I'm forfeiting… Perhaps you haven't been told this yet, but Potter has a chance of spontaneously combusting if I were to pull my wand on him. I wouldn't want you to be devastated if Potter were sent to Madame Pomfrey in a matchbox."

- Seto Kaiba

Domino was shrouded in darkness as the two occupants of the Game Shop slipped out of the door. The only visible occupant was a small boy, looking no older than a Junior High student. His tricolor hair glistened in the light provided by streetlights. Occasionally he'd frown and whisper something to the darkness around him, as if someone else where there. Perhaps someone was when the darkness answered him.

The airport was within walking distance from their original location. It was not far from the Domino Museum – which the boy's gaze avoided for the sake of his friend. Like any stereotypical airport, it was large and, in the day, very crowded, but tonight there were few people. Except those milling around waiting for the late flights. Yugi noticed a pale white haired boy waiting near the terminal they were headed for – it was Ryou Bakura.

"I really don't like this, Yami," Yugi mutter as he went toward Bakura, a modest sized suitcase in tow. "Shouldn't we tell ojiisan?"

"I'm sorry Yugi," the spectral Yami said as he floated next to the smaller boy. "This must be kept between just us… You left a note anyway, our friends will understand."

"Understand what?" Yugi said sullenly. "I don't even know what we're doing?"

Yugi pulled out the ticket from his pant pockets. He still had no idea where his Yami had gotten the yen to pay for the flight. He wished Yami would tell him more but the spirit drifted farther away from Yugi by the day.

"I can explain on the plane, Yugi," Yami said reassuringly. "You trust me don't you?"

Yugi nodded, "Of course I do, Yami! I just wish you trusted me, I know this has something to do with Mou hitori no Bakura …"

Yami's eyes widened, "I… I do trust you Yugi. It's just I don't want the matters at hand to worry you Yugi."

Yugi frowned, "What worried me is not knowing what is at hand, Yami."

The darker spirit would have responded but Bakura beat him to it, instead the spirit retreated into his soul room to ponder what his hikari had said.

"Hello Yugi," the white haired hikari said politely. "He said you would be coming."

Yugi blinked, "Bakura… Do you know what's going on?"

"Gomen," the white haired boy shook his head. "My yami just told me to come here. I'm as lost as you are."

"Typical, I suppose," Yugi sighed and leaned his back against the wall. "What will our friends say? What will they think? I haven't been able to talk to Jou or Honda since that day in the park… I wish I could have said goodbye."

"Don't look at it like that," Bakura said with a reassuring smile. "We're coming back aren't we?"

Yugi nodded, "Yeah, you're right about that. Thanks Bakura."

"Sure," Bakura nodded toward Yugi's luggage. "You should have that stowed away, we'll be leaving very soon." They did, and less than a half an hour later they sat in their seats awaiting their take off.

"I wish I got the window," Bakura said with remorse. "There's a group of cheerleaders who keep giving me strange looks."

"Sorry, Yami said he wanted it," Yugi leaned back into the plush seat. It was very comfortable for a plane, he only hoped the food would be good. He sunk farther into the seat, while Bakura buried his face in his hands as one of the cheerleaders approached him.

"Konnichiwa," she said in high voice, her American accent shone through. "*Desu Cindy."

"I'm Bakura Ryou," the white haired boy said out of politeness. "But, just call me Bakura."

"Bakura…" Cindy purred. "I like that name and *suki da yo."

Yugi couldn't help snicker as a red flush appeared on Bakura's cheeks. His friend continued to blush harder as the girl continued to flirt with him, while mutilating the Japanese language. Of course, Yugi thought, Bakura was too polite to tell her how ignorant she sounded.

A shiver ran down the tricolor haired boy as Bakura let out a long uncharacteristic sigh.

"What?" Cindy said in an uncertain voice. "Did I say something wrong?"

The white haired boy raised his now crimson eyes to meat Cindy's. Yami Bakura burst into laughter, loud, maniacal, bouts of laughter. Many of the passengers turned toward the two, this time it was Cindy who blushed red. Yami Bakura rubbed his right eye, as if a tear might have been there. He took a deep breath and turned back toward the cherry red cheerleader.

"You're pathetic," he said in a cool voice. "Get back to you're seat."

Cindy opened her mouth twice, before uttering out, "Well… You're, you're a freak!" She turned on her heal and stomped back to her group of friends[1].

Yami Bakura snorted, "*Patsukin." He turned his red gaze over to Yugi, but the other Yami was already out of his soul room. Yami Bakura smirked, "Mortals make a good source of entertainment, don't they?"

"You're pathetic," Yami said and turned toward the window. Below them crews were beginning to move the luggage and equipment in and off the plane. The darker Yugi couldn't help but think, the plane hadn't even taken off and Yami no Bakura was already starting trouble. It would be a long and mentally painful flight.

"I see I'm getting the old cold shoulder, Pharaoh," the tomb robber said with a mock sadness in his voice. "What put you in such a horrible mood today? Yugi getting a bit over emotional about this escapade?"

"I'd rather not talk about it, tomb robber," Yami said, eyes still fixed on the window.

"I see then," Yami Bakura said slowly and turned away. The white haired yami looked over to the cheerleaders, who intern glared back at him. Grinning, the yami gave them the one-fingered salute. They gasped and continued to chatter amongst themselves. Yami Bakura rolled his eyes.

Suddenly the air above the passengers was filled with the voice of the captain, who introduced himself and went over normal procedure. A smiling flight attendant produced a lifejacket and explained the proper usage of the item. Yami wondered if he'd have to use a lifejacket. With Yami Bakura on the plane he might need to.

Once all seat belts were buckled and attendants in place, the plane gave a lurch and headed down the runway. Yami gazed out the window as vague forms of buildings and people near the airstrip past by. There was an upward tug and the plane lifted from the landing strip. Yami subconsciously dug his fingers into the plush armrests, while Yami Bakura smiled wolfishly; obviously enjoying the adrenaline the takeoff provided. 

"You look a little tense, Pharaoh," Yami Bakura sneered. But Yami didn't answer him, instead the former Pharaoh looked back out the window – the network of buildings and roads span out below him. He sighed; it would be a long ride.

---

"The rules are very simple," Malfoy explained briefly with an air of authority. "The first one to be disarmed his opponent and obtain the wand wins. You may try more than disarming spells, but do try not to maim each other. I'd be devastated if one if you needed to go to Madame Pomfrey for more than a nose bleed."

"I'm sure," Harry muttered through gritted teeth loud enough for only Kaiba to hear. The CEO narrowed his eyes.

"I won't duel him," Kaiba said frostily, in his usual cold monotone.

"Won't or can't?" Malfoy replied calmly. "I would be very disappointed if this mysterious, powerful new student were to forfeit. I heard you, Seto Kaiba, have never lost a challenge in your whole life. Perchance, this rumor is false…"

"I'm not implying that I cannot duel him, or that I'm forfeiting," Kaiba said darkly. "Perhaps you haven't been told this yet, but Potter has a chance of spontaneously combusting if I were to pull my wand on him. I wouldn't want you to be devastated if Potter were sent to Madame Pomfrey in a matchbox."

"If there were any dangers, Dumbledore would have informed me," the professor continued, "Now, step back and bow to your opponent…" (They did.) "Good, begin on three… One, two, THREE!"

The first hit knocked the air out of Kaiba's lungs and sent him sprawling to the cold floor. Around him the students gasped and cheered – Kaiba couldn't help notice the majority of the cheering was coming from the Gryfindor side of the room. He heard something amidst the cheering; there was a whizzing sound as another blast came flying toward him. This one Kaiba was able to dodge by rolling to the side.

"Fight back, Kaiba!" the professor urged from the sidelines. "Show no hesitation Potter, your opponent is on his knees! Strike!"

Harry scowled, but complied, "*Stupefy!"

The spell flew toward the CEO, who was now on his feet. Kaiba gritted his teeth as the spell grazed his shoulder, sending splitters of electricity through his body.  He crumpled to the ground against his own will. Panting, Kaiba rested his back against his original desk. A rivulet of sweat ran down Kaiba's cheek, he could see Harry pointing his wand straight at him. A spell came again, this time Kaiba somersaulted forward, back to the center of the isle. There was a flash of silver as he stopped and landed in a crouched position, his robes spilling over his shoulders, concealing his left side. His wand was upside down in his right hand, leaving him defenseless.

"Take 'em, Harry!"

"C'mon, Harry, you're going to win!"

A smirk twisted itself onto Kaiba's lips, "Yes, Potter… you're going to win, aren't you? Finish me!"

It was all a game to the CEO; everything was a game of sorts, even life. Kaiba had mastered every great game ever played: chess, duel monsters, and, sometimes, he even thought he might have mastered the game of life. Of course that was all before Yugi Motou had come along, bringing a flood of self-doubt and questions about whom he, Seto Kaiba, really was. Motou was the only person who had ever beaten Kaiba and after the ordeals he had been through with Yugi – Kaiba vowed to never lose again.

"You're insane Kaiba!" Ron Weasly called from his desk. "Finish him Harry!"

"I'm not allowing some prepubescent punk who can't comb his hair to kick my ass with a magic stick," Kaiba swore to low for anyone to hear. He looked back at his hesitant opponent, "You heard your friend, finish me!"

Kaiba could see the doubt rise in Harry's eyes, but the raven-haired boy could see no immediate threat. Harry raised his wand again, "Expelliamus!"

"Your mistake," Kaiba said in a low, audible tone. The jet of crimson light flew toward the CEO, but he was already prepared. A silver laptop immerged from under his cloak. Kaiba pulled the laptop in front of him, causing the oncoming spell to ricochet back toward the raven-haired boy.

Harry hadn't expected the CEO to block and the blast caught him on the shoulder, sending him flying into the wall. His wand went flying from his hand, landing between the opponents. His glasses were askew and his vision blurred. The Slytherin's roared with laughter.

Kaiba went for the wand. His laptop lay forgotten on the floor as the he jetted forward toward his objective. He could see Harry recovering from the blow, as the boy-who-lived adjusted his glasses. Kaiba dove for the wand.

His glasses were back on but his vision was a bit shaky. He could make out the fuzzy form of Seto Kaiba rushing toward something on the ground. Harry pushed himself off the wall, using it to propel forward. He dove, just as the CEO did.

"Got it," Harry muttered as his finger closed around the wood.

"So do I," a low confident voice said. Harry's vision was less hazy now and he could see Kaiba standing in front of him, also in possession of his wand. They locked eyes. Harry gritted his teeth and did the first thing that came to his mind.

"Expelliamus!"

A slow rumbling emitted from the air around them as the air grew cold. Harry quickly release his hold on the wand as it becase as frigid as an ice cube. But the damage was already done as a familiar dark haze appeared around them. Kaiba's eyes widened as indistinct images appeared behind his eyes.

Pain was running through his arm and it was dark. He could make out a face among the crowd of white masked men - a serpentine face, pale and red-eyed with a nose-less smirk. He could see something, something among the masks and tombs. It was what he wanted, it was…

…An eye of pure gold stared down at him. The face attached to it smiled and reached down, as if to pick him up. "My son," the man cooed. "You are…

…Not my son!" the square-faced man bellowed. There was something around the audiences' neck, a collar, a choker. It hurt. The man glared down at him, lifting his chin into his large hand…

…Came flying and the door the closet was closed. Inside the occupant pushed his glasses back up to the ridge of his nose. He leaned back and…

…Laughed. He stood up, walking past the blank faces in suits. Casually, he leaned over the window and stared down at the broken body on the sidewalk. There, below, was the outline of the square-faced man. A cold smirk played across his lips, "I win. [2]"

Harry felt himself hit a familiar wall. This time he could also see Kaiba recovering from his fall. The brunette pulled himself up as if nothing had happened. Kaiba picked up his laptop and placed it back on his desk. Then, he tossed the wand in his hand toward the boy-who-lived. Harry caught it out of instinct and grimaced. Holly wood, eleven inches – it was Harry's wand.

I sense of deja vu ran through Harry as Kaiba smirked and said, "I win."

---

"Sounds an awful like, *Legilimency," Hermione said after Harry explained the flashes of memories he'd seen before he was bashed against the wall. She, Harry, and Ron headed out of the DADA classroom. "I was reading it somewhere… Oh, I can't remember," Hermione clutched her head. "I just can't remember anymore. I can't think… I…"

"Don't stress, 'Mione," Ron said. "What we really need to find out is why Malfoy is here, and why did he set you, Harry, against Kaiba."

"He was testing you," Hermione said nervously. "He set you against Kaiba to see who was better, and I think you failed, Harry."

"Failed?" Harry asked. "I don't even know what happened, Kaiba disarmed me" ("Underhanded sleaze bag," Ron muttered.) "And then we both got to my wand and I tried to cast a spell but something messed up."

"You guys stood there for a second and that purple haze started to appear," Ron narrated. "Then you went flying back. Why did you let go, Harry? You had it won!"

The raven-haired boy shook his head, "I thought I did too. But I could barely hold on, it was like my wand was turned to ice… Probably has to do with that purple mist, did you notice how it sucked the heat out of the room in Charms – almost like a Dementor?"

"I said before," Hermione tutted. "Kaiba's more than an average student. Magic reacts differently around him, even if it's not him commanding that magic."

Harry's eyes widened, "Do you think You-Know-Who wants Kaiba because of that – what I mean is, if the magic does what you say it does, wouldn't Kaiba be able to live through the Unforgivable? Or more importantly Avada Kadavra?"

Hermione inhaled sharply, "It's never been heard of, but it's not impossible…"

"And with all those marital arts – is that what you call them? – he wouldn't have to use magic himself," Ron added. "You saw how he dodged all your spells Harry!"

"It's 'martial arts', Ron," Hermione said rolling her eyes. "But you have a point… I think."

The trio rounded a corridor, heading for the great hall, but found their path blocked. Students from all houses stood, looking down the hall. There was some kind of translucent barrier, a magical barrier. Blurred shapes could be seen on the other side, but what they did was uncertain. The three exchanged wary glances.

Neville Longbottom came rushing forward, through the crowd. His face was flushed and there were tears waiting to erupt from his eyes. "Harry! Ron! Hermione! You won't believe it! It was terrible, a massacre!"

"Massacre?" Hermione breathed.

"A group of Aurors were attacked, and they were killed! Killed!" Neville inhaled sharply. "You won't guess who they've arrested!"

"Who?" the three asked in suspense.

"Fred and George!" Neville gasped. "Fred and George are being taken to Dumbledore right now, but they weren't the only ones, Kaiba was taken too! Snape pulled him right out of the crowd!"

Ron paled, "Kaiba I can understand, but Fred and George? Blood hell, Mum will have a field day with this! What if they're expelled!"

Realization dawned on Harry as he glanced down the corridor. "Hermione, Ron, isn't this the boy's laboratory with that secret corridor in it? The one Fred and George found?"

Ron raised an eyebrow, "Yeah, so?"

Harry grimaced, "What if they weren't the only ones who knew about it? I mean besides us, what if someone else was using it?"

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*Desu = Japanese, "My name is…" (I'm a bit uncertain about this one. Correct me if I'm wrong.)

*Suki da yo = Japanese, "I like you."

*Patsukin = Japanese, literally "dumb blond".

*Stupefy = stunning spell

*Expelliarmus = spell the causes an opponent's wand to fly out of their hand

OotP Spoiler! *Legilimency = The ability to extract emotions and memories from another person's mind.

[1] You won't believe how man girls will throw themselves at guys these days. It's pathetic, as Yami Bakura said. I just had to make "Cindy" - a character to represent the bimbos I'm forced to share air with - and bash her/them. (I'm glad that's out of my system.)

[2] In the manga, Gozaburo Kaiba threw himself out of a window after losing his company to Seto. (Although I prefer the version in which Seto kills him…)

Next Chapter: The Second Encounter

More revelations about the Auror massacre are revealed and Kaiba spends some quality time with our favorite mind reading headmaster. In the air, will Yami and Yami Bakura feel the wrath of Cindy and the cheerleaders or perhaps the hikaris will save the day. (And why does this sound like a cheep television TBC?)