Kaya: Thanks to ShadowVixen and Chi Yagami for reviewing!

Chi Yagami – I'm talking about voting for what fic I should start on next. Go to my account page and look at the fic ideas I have, then pick one you want the most!

So far, the votes have been the following:
Cherry Blossoms and Blood – 2
Seto Ishtar – 0
Mew Counter Force - 0

Sheekin: One of the voters voted over AIM, so that's not a mistype

Kaya: Why isn't anyone reviewing? T.T

Bakura: You're making someone cry, people. REVIEW!

Sheekin: -.- You're supposed to say that after the fic is done, baka

Bakura: Screw you, feathers!

Sheekin: YOU GOTTA PROBLEM WITH MY WINGS?

Bakura: They make me sneeze…

Sheekin: Too bad!

Bakura: Hmmm….'screw you, feathers'….I would, but I'd probably get an allergic reaction from being in you.

Sheekin: O.O EXCUSE ME?

Sanu: -.- Master, you are such a perv…

Kaya: x.x that's just not right…

X X X

Chapter 10 – Enter Seto and Ishizu

A beeping sound filled the air at the harbor.

"Ah, it must be the call I've been waiting for!" Anzu said, her hand plunging into her purse for her cellphone. Joey rolled his eyes. "Honestly, when are you going to tell us what this call is supposed to be? You've been talking about it for hours and we don't even know what's going on!" he said. "Yeah, what's this about?" Yami asked Anzu.

Anzu wasn't paying attention. She answered the phone and said in a clear, firm voice "Hello? Anzu Mazaki speaking. Oh really? You were able to secure it?...That's great! Oh, seven-thirty sounds good enough for me! Thank you!...Of course we'll be there! Thank you, bye!" she said, hanging up.

"What the heck was that about?" Tristan asked Anzu. She walked past her brown-haired friend and up to Bakura. "They said yes," she said, smiling. Bakura's mouth dropped open. "They did? But that place is supposed to be the hottest spot in Domino!" he said, not believing her. "Yeah, well feast your ears on this!" Anzu said, pressing the replay conversation button on her cell and holding it up in the air.

"Hello? Anzu Mazaki speaking?"

"This is Aya's Kappouten. We were able to secure you a table for Thursday night."

"Oh really? You were able to secure it?"

"Yes. Seven-thirty p.m. is the time your table will be ready."

"Oh, seven-thirty sounds good enough for me. Thank you!"

"I assume you and your date will attend, then?"

"Of course we'll be there? Thank you, bye!"

Anzu flipped the phone closed and dropped it back in her bag, smiling. Bakura smiled back. Yami went red. "Wait, they said something about a date!" he cried, looking frustrated. Anzu nodded. "That's right. Bakura and I are going out on a date today," she said. Everyone froze. "You're not serious! You and Bakura?" asked Duke. Anzu smiled brightly. "Yup!" she said. "It pretty much went down like this…"

"Anzu? Do you have a second?" Bakura asked, taking hold of Anzu's arm gently to prevent her from stepping into her classroom and away from him. Anzu looked at him, puzzled, but nodded. "Sure," she said. He led her to a corner, where students looked at them interestingly. Bakura glared at them to send them off, and turned to Anzu. He had wanted to ask her for a little while now, but he had never gathered up the courage…in the end, he pretended that asking her would be like thieving a market, and if he succeeded, all went well. He didn't want to think of what would happen if he didn't succeed.

"I was wondering, you know that one hot restaurant…um…Aya's, right?" he asked. Anzu nodded. "Yeah, that's right. What about it?" she asked. Bakura shifted a bit. "Well, I was wondering if you wanted to, you know, accompany there on Thursday?" he asked.

He was very pleased with Anzu's reaction. Her eyes lit up and she so brightly Bakura thought he'd go blind. "Are you serious? Of course I'll go with you! I've always wanted to go there!" she said. "What time did you reserve?" she asked. Bakura shifted again. "Um…I haven't called them yet," he said. Anzu's smile slid off her face. "What do you mean, you didn't call them? You asked me out, and you're not even sure if you can go to the place you said!" she cried. Bakura felt stupid. "Um…no…" he said. Anzu looked angry for a minute, but her expression immediately softened. "You know what? Its ok, I don't mind. Even if we can't get reservations there, I'll go with you to any other place," she said, smiling. Bakura went red and Anzu laughed kindly.

"So, I really didn't mind if we wouldn't be able to go there," Anzu said. Bakura grinned. He liked that about Anzu. Yami just stared at Anzu. "Are you sure you've made up your mind about this date?" he said. "You still have time to reconsider…" he said.

Anzu looked at Yami, but her expression was not of madness. It was a sweet smile, and a kind gaze. "Yami, you know, if you want to be a great friend to me, then you'll support this date," she said, her tone soft and gentle. Yami's eyes widened a bit. "I'm…not trying…to be a bad friend…" he said quietly. Anzu pressed on gently. "I know you aren't," she said, "but I wish you would accept Bakura."

Bakura looked amazed. Anzu…in all the time I've known you, you've never asked anyone to accept me…sure, you've yelled at them for calling me names, but still…he thought. Anzu smiled at Bakura. Yami turned away and began to walk away. The others looked at his retreating back, and Yugi called after him. "Where are you going?" he yelled, running after him. Yami didn't quicken or slow his pace. He was staring at the cement sidewalk, lost in thought. Am I…a bad friend?

X X X

Anzu watched Yami leave with worry on her face. "I hope I didn't offend him," she said to the others. Joey shrugged. "Who knows with that guy. He's like Mr. Emotional, anyway," he said. "Well, I think we should leave you two alone," Ryou said, grinning at Anzu and Bakura and starting to walk off. "C'mon guys, let's go leave these two lovebirds alone for a while," he said. The other boys chuckled and chorused goodbyes and then ran after Ryou.

Anzu turned to Bakura. "I'm actually really excited about this date…I've only been on an actual date once, with Yami, but that was way back before Battle City," she said. Bakura nodded. He didn't really feel too angry with the Pharaoh anymore. He had two things tugging on his mind—the date and his dreams about Anzu's probable past self, Téana, and his own past self. Bakura took Anzu by the hand and pulled her into him gently. Her head only came up to her neck, but her warmth spread through the rest of his body. "Bakura, what are you doing?" she asked, giggling slightly. "What, I'm not allowed to embrace my date?" he asked, growling. Anzu giggled again and Bakura stroked her hair, then leaned down, his mouth coming towards Anzu's lips—

"Hey, not in public you two honey-bunnies," said a voice from out of nowhere. Bakura jumped, his mouth centimeters from Anzu's. He turned around. Anzu was blushing, looking surprised. "Ra damnit Marik!" Bakura said, glowering at the blonde Egyptian. Marik grinned, and crossed him arms. "So, what's with the sudden romantic touching, Bakura" he asked, smirking. Bakura looked ready to punch his lights out, but Anzu quickly stopped that. "Um, I think I'll go and get some drinks for Bakura and I. Uh, I'll leave you two alone for a while, ok?" she asked. Maybe Bakura and Marik can stop fighting if they know I'll be coming back soon, Anzu said, rushing off.

"So, I repeat—what's with the romantic stuff Bakura? You turning over a new leaf or something?" Marik asked. Bakura mumbled. "Something like that…" his voice went back to normal again. "I've actually wanted to talk to you about something," he said. Marik blinked. "Fire away, Bakura." "Well," Bakura began, "I've been dreaming about you."

Marik froze and stared at the former thief. "What? Holy crap, you're GAY?" he asked.

"No! Ra, listen to me for once will you?" Bakura asked. He began explaining the dreams he had been having over the past days. When he finished, Marik looked at him in awe. "Wow, you've been having those dreams too? I had one Ra knows how long ago, but you were plotting to attack a town or something!" Marik said. "I these dreams we're having are clips of our past that are somehow reawakening," Bakura said. Marik looked stumped. "Wish I could tell you, buddy," he said.

"I'm back!" Anzu said, returning with a bottled V-8 splash for herself and some coke for Bakura. Bakura took his drink and turned to Marik. "I think we'll discuss—this situation later, tomorrow perhaps? Because I have a date in a few hours," he said. Marik nodded. "Of course. See you then, Bakura. You too, Anzu. Have a fun date," he said, taking off.

"What were you talking about?" Anzu asked as they walked down the street together, away from the pavement. "Oh, just about some things," Bakura answered. "Well, I'm really excited about this date," she said, taking a drink from her veggie juice. "Yeah, me too," said Bakura truthfully. Anzu smiled. "I can always, confide in you, Bakura, and that's what makes you the best," she said. Bakura blinked and flushed a bit. "Really?" he asked, flustered. "Yeah, you're not a bad guy," Anzu said. Anzu looked up at him and Bakura down at her. He stared into her eyes and her into hers. He bent down slightly. "Oh, really? How is this?" he asked, drawing closer to her. "Well, for once thing…you're dependable…and you never forget…things…and…" but her next words were silenced as their lips met for the first time ever. They closed their eyes for a minute and continued to kiss, savoring each other's lips.

When they broke off, Bakura was looking triumphant, and Anzu was blushing, smiling. "W-Well, I've g-gotta go!" she said, dashing off before Bakura could say anything. Bakura stared after her, grinning. Anzu, you're a nice kisser.

X X X

Anzu stood right out in front of the packed Aya's, looking magnificent. She was wearing a rose red dress with spaghetti straps and that flowed down to her knees. Her hair, although short, was managed to be put up in a little Chinese bun, with two dark red chopsticks skewering the bun to keep it from unraveling. Her eyes had a small amount of black eye shadow and eyeliner, and a thin layer of cherry lip gloss dressed up her lips. A necklace of small rubies went around her neck, and on her feet were red dress shoes. She looked around, holding her usual purse, feeling nervous, standing there so well dressed with people staring at her as they passed by.

She was nearly dancing in worry when, finally, Bakura arrived. She heard him first, actually.

"Blasted time went by faster than I thought! Anzu, over here!" she heard She turned around, ready to chastise him, when his appearance made her freeze. "Oh my…"

He was wearing a midnight blue shirt that was slightly open in the front, showing a bit of man-cleavage (a bit of muscle). His hair was still as wild as ever, but in a neat way. He was wearing khaki pants. The change of attire was so weird, it was hot. "Wow…" they both said at the same time. "You look…I mean…wow!" They both blushed and, after a minute of silence, Anzu spoke up. "Well, should we go in? They'll be calling our name any minute now," she said. "Oh, right! Well, let's go," he said.

Aya's Kappouten was a very fancy place. It had jazz and swing music playing in the background, and it was a sort of low-light place, with large sitting areas and a lounge for waiting guests. Anzu was staring at the marvels of the place. Bakura, however, was focused on something else. Just look at those…they're so…I never realized how big they are, he thought, staring at Anzu's breasts, which looked like they were on display, because of the V-neck of the dress. Anzu looked at him, puzzled. "What's wrong? Do I have something on me?" she asked. Bakura shook his head slightly. "N-No, of course not, sorry," he said.

"Mazaki, table of two!" called a waiter. "That's us," Anzu said, grabbing Bakura's hand and leading him to the waiter. "We're here," she said. "Ah, hello. I'm Kijo and I'll be you waiter for this evening," he said. "If you'll follow me, I'll lead you to your table," he said. "Our specials for tonight are the Roast Lamb with Curry and the Sesame Chicken, and our Soup of the Day is Tomato," he said. "Oh, sounds good! Wow, I can't wait to see the menus!" Anzu said, excited. "Here is your table," Kijo said. He had led them to one in the corner, which Bakura liked. He handed them two menus and left, bowing before he did so.

"Oh, wow, look at this selection! Amazing…and so expensive," Anzu said, sighing. Bakura felt stupefied with all the fancy names for the dishes. "What in Anubis is Calamari?" he asked. Anzu blinked. "Oh, that's squid," she said. Bakura gagged. "What's Shiokara then?" he asked. "Salted fish guts. They're really good, actually," she said. "I think I'll get that." Bakura felt like throwing up. "Alright, these people are nuts," he said, flipping through the menu. HE spotted something he knew was edible. "Steak, nothing like good old steak. Let's see…nom they don't have any fancy sauces on it. THANK RA!" Bakura said, sighing with relief. Anzu rolled her eyes. "Well, it wouldn't kill you to try something new," she said.

Kijo came back with a basket of fresh bread. He placed it down on the table and took out a small notepad. "Alright, what are your orders for this evening, my fine Miss and Mister?" he asked. "I'll have the Shiokara with a side of salad, and iced tea please," she said. Kijo scribbled down the order on his pad and turned to Bakura. "And you, Mister?" "Steak. With fries and beer," Bakura said. Anzu sighed. How…fancy. "Beer? Well, may I see your license please?" Kijo asked. Bakura took it out and flashed it to the waiter. "Bakura Yami…born April fifteenth nineteen eighty-four…oh, I'm sorry. I'll be right back with your order later," Kijo said, whisking the menus off the table and leaving. Anzu looked at Bakura. "You were born twenty-one years ago?" Anzu asked, an eyebrow raised. Bakura grinned. "Of course I was."

X X X

"I must say, this Shiokara is fantastic!" Anzu said, cutting a piece of the gut off and depositing it in her mouth. Bakura's nose wrinkled. "That stuff smells horrid," he said, taking a big, unmannerly bite out of his steak. Anzu giggled. "You know, you look really silly eating it without a fork," Anzu said, her eyes darting around to the people watching them. Bakura blinked and groaned, putting the steak down onto the plate and licking off his fingers. "These people…they never know how to have fun," he said, picking up a knife and beginning to cut his steak into bitable pieces.

Anzu plopped another piece of Shiokara in her mouth and watched Bakura. Sure, e may not be the most mannered man on the planet, but he's still a lot of fun to hang out with. I must admit, I never liked him before, but lately he's been changing. I wonder why? It just seems too odd for Bakura to ask me, of all people, to a fancy restaurant. I know he has feelings for me…but when did they arise? And when did MY feelings for HIM arise? Well, there's no point in complaining now. If we are on a date, does that mean we're an item? Anzu watched Bakura try and cut through a bone in the steak. If we are, that'll probably make Yami totally jealous…speaking of him, why did he rush off so suddenly? Was it something I said? I know I might have been a little harsh, but I was right, if he really wanted to be a true friend then he'd support me and Bakura, no matter what.

"Blasted…steak…" Bakura said, grinding the knife through the bone and nearly splattering Anzu with blood from steak. Anzu sighed. Well, if I did get anything on me, it'd match my dress…

X X X

"Here is your escargot salad," said Kijo, putting down a bowl of the salad down behind the laptop. Seto Kaiba nodded and shooed Kijo away, taking a fork and placing the bowl next to him. He typed while he ate. The stock shares for Kaiba Corp. were growing, and Kaiba had to make sure it didn't go too high. If it did, his company would go Great Depression on him and be paying more than the company is worth.

He was wearing the usual—a silver trench coat, with black pants and a black shirt underneath. Mokuba was eating his dinner at home, while Kaiba was at his favorite restaurant. He began to type a letter for another company, declining their offer, when an instant message appeared on the screen.

Pantheon Sphinx: SetoKaibaBEWD. You have no imagination at all, my friend.

Who the hell is this? Kaiba thought, annoyed, and he quickly typed back a response.

SetoKaibaBEWD: Who the hell are you?
Pantheon Sphinx: This is Ishizu Ishtar

Ishizu? What does she want with me?

SetoKaibaBEWD: What do you want? I'm busy. And what's with YOUR screen name?
Pantheon Sphinx: If you picked up a book on Egyptology, then you would know. It's better than yours, but I am not going to start a fight over screen names
SetoKaibaBEWD: Yeah, whatever. I'm busy
Pantheon Sphinx: I must talk to you about a recent discovery I have found
SetoKaibaBEWD: I don't care! I'm busy!
Pantheon Sphinx: My excavation crew found it hidden within an ancient building in the desert! A building all the way out in the desert, it was extraordinary!
SetoKaibaBEWD: …..that's nice. Not really
Pantheon Sphinx: In it, I found many interesting items. I was just going to ask if you would be willing to participate in helping me interpret these artifacts?
SetoKaibaBEWD: No, why should I care about some dumb things you found in the desert?
Pantheon Sphinx: Well, your advanced technology you have at your company could help me in the matter, Seto
SetoKaibaBEWD: I…don't…care….NO!
Pantheon Sphinx: Well, I'm afraid you have no choice in that matter, Seto

Kaiba stared at the screen and took another bite of his salad. Is she threatening me or something? What a woman…

SetoKaibaBEWD: And I do not because why?
Pantheon Sphinx: Because I hacked into your company's bank account and withdrew enough money for an Egypt-Japan-and-back trip.

Kaiba's mouth dropped open. SHE DID WHAT?

SetoKaibaBEWD: How the hell did you accomplish that? GIVE ME BACK THAT MONEY BITCH!
Pantheon Sphinx: I am not a female dog, so that statement does not insult me. Honestly, though, I would have thought you wouldn't be silly enough to put down Blue Eyes White Dragon as your password.
SetoKaibaBEWD: ….
Pantheon Sphinx: Well, what do you say now?
SetoKaibaBEWD: GIVE ME BACK MY MONEY!
Pantheon Sphinx: I'll be happy to repay you back when the time comes. If you help me, that is. If you don't, I guess I'll just have to spend a few weeks at a suite and examine the artifacts myself.
SetoKaibaBEWD: What? Why?
Pantheon Sphinx: I'm on the plane going to Domino Airport right now. I expect to be there in a few hours.

Kaiba's eyes grew wide.

SetoKaibaBEWD: ….WHAT!
Pantheon Sphinx: I expect my room to be ready by then, Seto. Oh, and perhaps a limo should be waiting for me. Also, if you see my brother, be sure to tell him I'll be at your mansion for the time being. Ma'a Elsalama.

Pantheon Sphinx has signed off at 7:45:31 pm.

"……...ISSSSHHHHIIIZZZUUUUU!"

X X X

Anzu nearly dropped her purse when she heard someone scream. Bakura wiped off some bread crumbs from his shirt. He dropped some money on the table and a tip. "Who in all of Necropolis was that?" Bakura asked, looking up. "I don't know…but did he say Ishizu?" Anzu asked.

Seto Kaiba thundered past their table, holding his fancy suitcase, his trench coat billowing out behind him like a cape. He was muttering under his breath. "….gotta stay up for this…can't believe she did that…" he growled, not even noticing he had almost run into Bakura. He threw open the doors of the restaurant and stormed out.

"Ow! Damn Kaiba, he pushed me into the table," Bakura said, growling and rubbing his arm painfully. "Oh, are you ok?" Anzu asked, running up to Bakura and pulling up his sleeve. There was a red mark on his elbow, but nothing else. "Does it hurt wittle Bakura? Does wittle Bakura want me to kiss it?" Anzu teased. Bakura pulled his hand away. "Maybe, but why don't you aim a bit…upward?" he asked, grinning and pulling her into him. Anzu giggled and kissed him, right on the lips. Bakura did the same. They broke off. "You know, we should do this more often," Bakura said, winking.

Anzu grinned and grabbed he purse, walking out of the restaurant with Bakura's arm around her.

X X X

Kaya: There's the fic! Sorry if it was so long.

Sheekin: We need more people reviewing here!

Sanu: Here are some Egyptian lessons for the day!

Pantheon – an Egyptian term meaning all of the gods and goddesses
Sphinx – an Egyptian creature with the body of a lion and the head of a human, hawk, or a ram
Ma'a Elsalama – Is actually an Arabic term meaning "Goodbye." The main language spoke in Egypt is Arabic.

Sanu: Also, here's an interesting fact

Ishtar, Ishizu and Marik's last name, is actually the name of a Babylonian goddess. She is the goddess of love and fertility. She is very sexual, but she usually killed her lovers or maimed them.

Bakura: (stares at Ishizu and Marik) is there something you aren't telling us?

Marik: Yay now I have a reason for being sexual!

Ishizu: -.- brother…

Sheekin: Well, keep on voting for the fic you want Kaya to write next!

Kaya: See you next chapter!