Disclaimer: No I do not own Yu-Gi-Oh or any of its characters. Must you remind me!?


APRICOT SUNDAE


Clammy hands absently caressed the gold trinket dangling securely from the silver chain wounded around his neck.

I'm worried, Yami. Yuugi breathed heavily, the words reaching the Pharaoh in a mesh of shaky syllables.

About? Yami's answer reached him in a cool collective tone, relaxing the small body as he slacked in his chair, blankly aware of the students rushing out of the classroom around him.

Anzu. She didn't show up to school today. Violet eyes wandered to the empty seat, a sense of dread weighing the boy's shoulders till he sunk in his seat completely, ignoring his two friends approaching.

" Yug? Watta ya doin? Da' bell rang." The blonde announced, hands dipped into the small cups of pockets angled on each thigh.

Honda threw his arm freely over Jou's shoulders, leaning on his shorter height of five ten with a lower of brown eyes, eyeing his short companion.

" You okay, man?" Honda asked, ignoring Jou's complaints; the weight of his arm stooping deeper in the comforts of the blondes shoulder blades.

Yuugi shook his head, violet eyes dulling with the sudden realization of Anzu's absence. With a start, he looked up at the two towering boys eyeing him patiently.

" I'm worried---"

" Ya gotta ease up, man. She's probably just sick or something," Honda interrupted.

" What if something happened to her?" Yuugi prodded, unconvinced.

Jou slugged Honda, shaking off his arm, before slipping backwards in the seat affront Yuugi, facing him.

" I'm sure Anz is fine. She's probably doin dat lame project wit Ryou,"

" Ryou's not here either?" Honda asked, scanning the room briefly before looking back to the two seated boys with a sling of his book bag over a right shoulder.

Yuugi sighed, eyes lowering in his lap where his hands lay. " Do you think we should go see her? It'd only be right,"

Jou's response was a goofy grin, a knowing grin that made the tri-colored duelist blush in embarrassment.

Honda merely shrugged, the unbuckled blue blazer slung on broad shoulders added a sense of nonchalance to his lanky figure.

" As long as we get to eat. I skipped lunch," Honda exclaimed, lips lifted in a smirk.

Jou's eyes glittered, the mention of food flushing his face with an excited glow; food always seemed to brighten his day, even in the foulest of moods.

" 'Den let's eat!"

" First we go to Anzu's. Then we can eat." Yuugi stated, standing and collecting the items from his desk and shoveling them in his book bag neatly.

Jou groaned. " Aww. But I'm starvin'! One more hour and I dink I'm gonna pass out!"

" Right. You've gone without food longer than that," Honda muttered, glaring playful at the blonde with a hint of agitation.

" Yeah, whateva," Jou mumbled, rocking back against the seat as he hitched his legs up Indian style.

" Ready?" Yuugi asked.

Both boys nodded, before they retreated from the empty room and down the halls.


Anzu stalked down the sidewalk.

The plan was simple: Bump into Yuugi 'accidentally', then snatch the Millennium Puzzle. After succeeding in that, she would challenge him to a duel to repossess his item.

If only it were that easy. Anzu thought, sighing. If Yami loses, he loses everything: his Puzzle andEgyptian God card.

Don't forget, little Anzu. If you're able to retrieve the Millennium Puzzle for me I'll release you and your mind.

But if not, the penalty is simple: I destroy your mind and memories and you stay with me.

Anzu sucked in a sharp breath, registering Marik's words. Simple enough.

Don't underestimate the Pharaoh and what he's willing to do to save you, even if it risks losing the Puzzle. Marik added, snarling the words; her calm demeanor was intimidating his nerves.

I know. Anzu huffed back. Yami's my friend; I know what he's capable of!

Then do as I say and get me what I want! Marik snapped, squeezing the Millennium Rod in his hand; his strength over her mind was beginning to regress.

The last of my worries is that pathetic Pharaoh detecting my presence within the girl.

Marik rose from his throne and exited the caverns toward the warehouse he'd instructed Anzu to lure the Pharaoh and his friends.

Those fools won't know what's coming till it's too late! He laughed, bangs whisking over glowing eyes of bold purple.

Prepare to lose everything precious to you, Pharaoh! It'll be the last time you see your puzzle and Egyptian God card! All which will soon be mine for the taking!

He clenched the gold trinket in his hand. " And then I'll be crowned rightful Pharaoh as it should have been from the start!"

And that foolish tomb robber and girl will do my work for me!


Bakura leant off the wall, disgruntled; Marik had blocked his thoughts.

What's he up to? I don't trust him; he wouldn't help me unless there was something in it for him.

And he had a feeling Anzu wasn't the only thing Marik had come back for.

Doesn't matter. If he betray his word I'll send him back to the Shadow realm.

" Only this time," He muttered. " I'll make sure he stays there permanently,"


Anzu shivered, rubbing her arms to supply warmth. It was late and the chilly air was beginning to grow to a light storm.

Please don't let it rain. Please don't let it rain. She prayed, strolling down the sidewalk at a quicker pace; she wanted to avoid the storm as soon as possible.

With a start, she noticed the silhouette of a tall body approaching. It definitely wasn't Yuugi, but it was male.

Maybe its one of the guys. She hoped. As long as it's not Marik or Bakura. It can't get much worse than that.

A frown settled on her face when the boy stepped under a light post, illuminating his figure.

Then again I could be wrong.

Turning her head to the side to find the houses passing by a rather entertaining view, she intended to whisk past him and hope he'd ignore her as always and continue on his own way, when a hand fiercely gripped her wrist and sealed her to the ground.

Please let it be my imagination. Please! She begged, weakly cracking open both set of eyes to stare up at the towering boy glaring down at her.

" We need to talk," He muttered, steering past her and dragging her behind him.

" L-Let me go right now!" Anzu shouted, jerking her wrist in his steel grip.

" Let.Me.Go. Kaiba!" She shouted, shrilling the words in the process.

With a brief glance in her direction, the CEO ignored her cries and continued down the street toward his Mansion.

Anzu frantically struggled against him. Of all times why now!? What could he possibly want at a time like this?

" Where are you taking me!?" She demanded. With a startled yelp, she felt herself being hurled into his chest, her hair flaring around her.

What's he doing!? She thought worriedly, eyes expanding in fright.

" Quit making a scene, Mazaki," He spat, glaring vehemently.

Anzu flushed indignantly. Making a scene!? What's he expect! We're not exactly on the best of terms!

" I'm not here to play your childish games," He added, tone clipped and terse.

With a snap of her head up in his direction, she studied his murky expression.

Childish games!? Did he forget he was the one who practically attacked me!?

" You're the one being childish, Kaiba," She responded, prying her wrist from his hand that had lessened in its deathly grip.

With an annoyed tint settling in her eyes and pursed lips, she dusted her outfit.

" What's this all about?"

" You have a lot of explaining to do, and don't pretend you don't know what I'm talking about," He snapped, tone challenging; she'd be stupid to deny.

" But I--" The sharp glare he sent her silenced any further words from escaping her throat that constricted in a tight squeeze.

" And what did I do?" She asked, tone airy, arms crossed.

" You know what you did. Don't act stupid,"

Her jaw clenched. " If I knew I wouldn't be asking!"

His eyes fell on her, capturing her once again in the icicle pools of blue. " You're coming with me,"

Her jaw dropped, before she caught herself and steadied her legs wobbling in the weary after affect his eyes had drawn out.

" I-I have things to do you know," She replied.

" I could care less; you're coming with me and that's final," He reached for her wrist, but she had darted back to fend off the slender digits extended toward her.

With a screech, she tripped from the hasty scatter back resulting in a frail of arms, but her attempts failed and she fell to the ground.

Kaiba watched her fall, steering his eyes down to follow her clumsy actions; he had not bothered to catch her, in doing so he'd look as if he cared.

And Kaiba never cared. Especially for a friend of Yuugi's.

" Get up," He commanded.

With a glare, she scrambled up.

Thanks for nothing. She muttered inwardly, glaring at him beneath rivets of brown bangs.What a jerk. Should've guessed he'd be the type to not bother helping me up! Some gentlemen he is.

Playing games, little-Anzu?

Anzu froze from her ascend up, recognizing the hoarse masculine voice lingering in her mind.

M-Marik? She asked, swallowing the shaky tint in her voice; she didn't want him to know she was afraid of him.

Who else? He spat. Now get to work! Remember our little deal. Unless you would rather give up and hand over your life to me.

Anzu shook her head frantically, ignoring the CEO's left brow quirked in curiosity.

Had she gone crazy? It was as if she was having an inner battle with herself.

It was an accident! Anzu replied frantically. I didn't intend on bumping into Kaiba of all people.

Then get me the Pharaoh's puzzle and do as I told you!

Anzu absently brushed a stray hair from her cheek. I will once I get Kaiba to leave me alone.

Leave him to me. I will handle Kaiba. Now do your job and get me those items!

Kaiba, annoyed and perplexed by her silence, called her name gruffly to get her attention, but his beckoning failed as she seemingly turned away, racing down the sidewalk and away from him.

Why that little--! Enraged he fled after her, his long legs adding an advantage as he swiftly caught up to her till they were separated by a hair's length.

Anzu shut her eyes briefly. Don't fail me now legs! Not when I need you most!

If she didn't know any better, she'd of guessed Kaiba to be on track or something. Nobody was that fast by sheer luck.

" Get back here, Mazaki!" What the hell is she running for!?

All he wanted was some simple questions answered, and he'd willingly leave her alone.

It wasn't like he wanted to talk to her in the first place. He was sane after all.

Suddenly, Anzu's figure began to disappear from sight, becoming smaller to his eyes. Only then did he realize he'd been painfully pinned to the ground by a group of cloaked men.

Kaiba's eyes narrowed dangerously. Rare Hunters. What the hell are they doing here?

He had a feeling all of this had something to do with Anzu. And Kaiba was never wrong.


Anzu stumbled when she looked back to see Kaiba assaulted to the ground by four of Marik's rare hunters.

You didn't have to go to that extent. Anzu frowned, bothered by the scene as she looked away and stopped once she'd turned the corner.

Don't worry about, Kaiba. He can handle himself fine. What you should be concerned with is getting me the Millennium Puzzle and Egyptian God card!

Anzu chewed her lip. If only she'd asked Kaiba for help.

But then what could he have done? He most likely would have brushed her off. After all, her affairs and problems had nothing to do with him.

Especially if he found out he'd be helping Yuugi in all this. Anzu heaved a shaky breath.

Now do as I say and follow my instructions. Little Yuugi and his friends won't be long.

Jou and Honda are with him?! Anzu couldn't bear to think what they'd think of her the moment they found out she was helping Marik do his dirty work.

But if I don't. She squeezed her eyes shut, fighting back tears. Yuugi and the others will be hurt.

I wish I could do something! Something to help Yuugi and the guys get out of this mess!

Fresh tears prickled her eyes, distorting her vision.

But I can't do anything. I don't have an item. I don't have the knowledge of a Pharaoh. I don't have anything!

And the dreadful thought of Yami losing purposely to free her from Marik's binds frightened and both angered her.

I won't let them. I got myself into this. Not Yami or Yuugi. It's my fault. I should have been stronger. I should have known better!

" Anzu….?"

With a gasp, Anzu snapped open her eyes to stare into the stern eyes of Yami staring back. " Y-Yami,"


Kaiba cursed, coughing when one rare hunter drove his foot into his side, knocking him into delirium.

" B-Bastards," He snarled, eyes fluttering as he strained himself to stare up at the towering men cloaked in purple robes and hoods.

" What do you want with me?" He demanded, sputtering the words.

His chest and stomach felt tight from the beatings of the rare hunters, his entire body felt like hell, but he wouldn't lower himself to tell the bunch of pansies that.

Four against one. You can't get anymore pathetic than that.

Kaiba smirked weakly. " You're all a bunch of weak deploys Marik uses like some damn toys. You're nothing without him,"

A shrewd cough caught in his throat, coming out as a chocked inhale of air as another rare hunter proceeded to dig the heel of his shoe into the side of Kaiba's face.

" Be quiet!" He bellowed, crushing the fragile bones of Kaiba's face till he was forced to grit his teeth and shut his eyes to block the unbearable pain.

" No-one talks about Master Marik like that!" Another added in an angry shout, kicking Kaiba in the gut and sending him onto his right side with his back facing them.

Enough you buffoons! Marik shouted in their minds. Kaiba is not my concern. I will deal with him when the time comes. For now leave him be.

" But Master Marik--" A hunter began to protest.

Do not disobey me rare hunter! Or I'll be forced to destroy your mind to nothingness! Is that understood!? He roared.

" Y-Yes sir," The rare hunter bowed his head while the others remained silent for further instructions.

You may all return back to me as of now. I don't need you meddling in my plans! Have I made myself clear?!

The rare hunters shook their heads. " Yes Master Marik!" They shot in unison, before scattering from the scene.

Kaiba wearily opened his eyes to watch the cloaked men flee down the sidewalk and turn the corner.

With a grunt, he propped himself up into a seated position, right leg drawn out while the other rested to his stomach and chest.

Leaning his head back against the wall, he caressed the bruise forming on his right cheek where the bones had been damaged.

He could care less if he looked like a wreck. As long as he made it back to Mokuba.

I'd never forgive myself for leaving Mokuba.

His eyes slanted.Why am I not surprised Mazaki has something to do with this. But why would she be involved with Marik's rare hunters?

" Unless……" His eyes narrowed. " Marik's back,"

And that meant only one thing. He was back for what he'd wanted from the start. And one of those things happened to be his Egyptian God card: Obelisk the Tormentor.


What are you waiting for!? Don't force me to control your mind again!

Anzu jumped at the voice, before drawing in a nervous breath.

" I heard you," She couldn't help but answer with a snappy tint to her voice.

Oh? What's this? Does little-Anzu have a little bold side to her?

Anzu tensed, she could almost feel the smirk on his face.

Don't forget. I do this and you leave Yuugi and my friends alone. Or else you can get those items on your own.


Marik sat in his throne, surrounded by the Rare Hunters kneeling around him in a circle.

His smirk ceased to fade. " Do not worry Anzu. I plan to use you well to get what I want. And I intend to take you with me,"

His obsession for the girl had not outweighed his desire to become Pharaoh and possess all four Egyptian God cards.

But the beauty had haunted his thoughts in the Shadow Realm, and he was tempted to take her as his own.

Once I obtain rightful throne as Pharaoh, Anzu will be mine forever!

" Win or lose, Anzu. You've belonged to me from the start,"

And nothing stops me from getting what I want!


With discomfort settling in his expression, Bakura eyed the dueling arena extended out in the wan space of the warehouse separate from Marik's quarters down the hall.

The platform was illuminated with horizontal and vertical blue lights where the duel monsters would be evaporated from the cards and transported on the arena in holographic forms.

He'd only witnessed several battles with such an exclusive build and wide span of fifty feet. But the idea of the Pharaoh going against his own friend would portray as quite the entertaining battle yet.

Let's see if the Pharaoh can stick to his word and protect his friend without giving up his precious Millennium Puzzle.

An eerie grin spread the corners of his lips.

Who will you give up Pharaoh? The girl? Or your Puzzle and Egyptian God card?

In the end, one would be lost forever.


A/N: I know! No fluff! But as least Anzu and Kaiba were in the same area and talking! But poor Kaiba! ;; Stupid rare hunters! They're all just jealous of his masculine beauty. Lol. Well at least now we know what the plan is and what Anzu has to do.

But the question is will she be able to? Will Kaiba figure it out and stop her? Will he even care!?

Fine out next time!! Wooo!!

And here is the poll as it stands. These are the FINAL results!

Seto/ Anzu/ Ryou: 5

Bakura/ Anzu/ Ryou: 12

Seto/ Anzu/ Bakura: 5

Anzu/ Seto: 46

Anzu/ Ryou: 41

Anzu/ Bakura: 12

Seto/ Anzu/ Ryou: 6


Alternate Ending: 12

2nd Runner up ( Being Ryou/ Anzu) : 13

Lol. Well it looks like my next fic shall be a Ryou/ Anzu fic! Woot! I wanted to do that one. Heh.

Oh and another thing. I feel bad for all those other pairings that didn't win, so once I finish this one (Kaiba/ Anzu) and my next one ( Ryou/ Anzu) I'll do a fic for all those other pairings in order of votes.

That way no-one is sad! Lol. Well thanks for all your votes! Each was counted and I hope you're all happy with the results!

Don't worry, this fic still has a ways till its done. --. Kaiba isn't the easiest guy to loosen up. Especially to Anzu. Lol.

And Remember…..READ AND REVIEW!!