Kio: Hey guys, thanks a lot for all the reviews! I'm loving them, and if you have any song suggestions that are appropriate for this story let me know. By appropriate I mean no Britney Spears for Anzu and no rock for Seya.

Anzu and the Nekos are a rock band and Seya is every example of a pop star bitch.

Dude! Yami to Hikari or Hikari to Yami

Does this dress make me look fat? Anzu singing

No Tohru singing

You look fine Keiko singing

Nice Houmei singing

Girl Power! All

Bold What is happening in the pictures

Disclaimer: Don't remind me!

"…reports of the Sadako Accident are being broadcast all over the country. And channel 10 is the only station with real facts and interviews with people involved in the accident. Now may we present Chiisai Fay, with the real news."

The studio lights dimmed as the cameras focused on a man in his late thirties with sparkling black eyes. "Good evening, earlier tonight; the ever popular band Nekos…"

Behind him on a monitor a picture of the girls come up. The Nekos are all posed and smiling with small kittens in their arms. "…gave its first concert at the Sadako Arena. But after only two songs; at 7:20 things got sticky. Unexpected tremors rocked the stage, injuring guitarists, Honda Tohru and Yukimura Keiko, both are at Serene Hospital with a few broken ribs and a concussion.

"One individual was not so lucky. Let's roll the footage shall we?"

On the monitor a shaky film began to play. It zoomed in on the stage on Houmei as the lighting began to fall down. For a brief second it seemed as it if would impale the girl through the chest.

Out of no where Sanzo's form got in the way and took the metal through the stomach. Just as he began coughing up blood someone bumped into the camera man and the video went dead.

"As we can see, all tremors were targeted to the stage, a very suspicious target indeed. According to several witness accounts, their second row chairs felt little or no tremors. And as you can see, that young man appeared out of now where, in all the chaos it is highly unlikely that he would have been able to shield Ringo-san.

"Adding to the mystery is another name-less individual who was able to protect lead singer Mazaki Anzu from a pile of falling steel. Now the real question is left. Nekos: New singing sensation or public threat? This is Chiisai Kay, signing off." He held his grin until the light on the camera went off. "Where is Miki?" he roared.

"Right here, uncle I mean sir!" The cheery girl exclaimed, running towards him.

"I need more information! This can make our ratings go through the roof!" Kay said, calculating.

Miki frowned, "But, what you just reported wasn't the truth. Channel 10 is supposed to be about real news, not lies." She protested.

He grinned and rested a hand on her shoulder, "That was the truth Miki, do you honestly believe a tremor would target a rock band? It's all a hoax, a brilliant one at that but still a hoax."

"But, he was spitting up blood! Those girls were scared out of their wits! That was no performance, it was real!" she winced as Kay's grip on her shoulder tightened. All the charm in his eyes was gone as he whispered threateningly to her.

"If you don't have more information on this by the end of the week, you're fired." Miki gulped and nodded. He smirked confidently and sauntered off. Miki waited until he was out of sight, "Jimmy, get the car. We're doing some real under-cover work."

Kay watched her leave out of the corner of his eye and smirked again. He reached into his suit pocket and got out his phone and dialed a number on it. Almost instantly he said, "She's going to do it. Everything is going just as you planned."

"What a load of crap!" Jounouchi fumed as he shut of the television in the room with a growl.

He, Honda and Yuugi had arrived in Tohru and Keiko's room, please to see they were better off then they expected. Jou's mode stayed in "Big Brother" Mode until the news came on that is.

Tohru was extremely flustered and tried to get out of her hospital bed, "I have to go and tell them that's not what happened…" she sank back into her pillows when the pain in her ribs came back.

Honda was at his cousin's side in an instant, "Don't worry Tohru, the media is nothing but slime balls anyway. Half of what they say is absolute non-sense." He assured her. Yuugi nodded solemnly, he was sitting on Keiko's bed side where Keiko was reading over Naste's note.

The room was silent for a moment until Keiko growled in frustration and dropped the note in her lap. "What does she mean? "Stay away from Hoshi Incorporated". They're our employers! And we're under contract, we can't just quit!" she threw herself back down when she too felt her ribs aching again.

Yuugi picked up the note and looked it over. "I don't think she wants you guys to quit, just being cautious until she gets back. Like the "dark alley" concept."

Jou slapped Yuugi on the back heartily, "Damn Yuugi, is there a puzzle you can't solve?" Yuugi blushed and stumbled slightly. "Thanks Jou-kun."

"Yuugi-san is very good at puzzles." Tohru said with a smile. At this he blushed even further. "Aw, common guys, stop it."

"Wah!" Tohru immediately began bowing her head repeatedly. "I'm sorry, I didn't mean it like that, I'm really really sorry!"

Yuugi gulped and stared at the apologizing girl with worry.

Mou hitori no boku, a little help would be nice right now. Yuugi begged to the ancient pharaoh.

Help? How can I help with anything? The spirit countered.

Well…girls seem to take you seriously. Can you just assure her that you're not offended?

He thought about it for a moment, But what if she suspects that you and I are no one in the same?

Don't worry about it, she won't.

Yami opened his eyes and blinked for a moment. Tohru was still rambling off on how sorry she was, Honda had long since given up on calming her down and had joined Jou in his quest for decent hospital food, Keiko had fallen back asleep and was turned on her side, towards the window and away from the group.

With confidence and grace, he strode over to Tohru and tilted her chin up. She girl stopped talking immediately and looked up with wide, un-blinking blue eyes. "Ano…"

"Tohru, I can assure you that I am not at all offended. What Yuu-…I mean what I meant was that I was flattered when you complimented me."

Tohru blushed again and peered closer at his face. Yami stiffened as she examined his facial features. "You're not Yuugi-san…" she said confused. He gulped.

"Tohru! Yuugi!" a voice from the doorway shouted. They both turned to see Anzu, looking a bit weary but happy. Tohru forgot completely about him and opened her arms as Anzu hugged her gently, minding her ribs.

"Tohru, good to see you too. And you too…Yuugi." She looked up at him with a blush as Tohru released her from her hug. She pulled a chair closer to Tohru's bed side and sat down in it. "What's the damage?" she asked Tohru softly.

Tohru kept her smile, "Nothing that will scar us for life. I have two broken ribs. But poor Keiko has three and a minor concussion. She's okay though, the nice doctors did a great job taking care of her. How is Sanzo-san? And Houmei?"

Anzu shook her head sadly, "I haven't seen them. The nurses wouldn't let me near the E.R. I think it's because they believe I'm traumatized…oh! But don't worry, I was just a bit shocked that's all." She said the last part just when Tohru was just about to fuss.

"Anzu," Yami said, handing her the note. "Yagyu-san left this for you all to read." Her blush faded as she read the note. Her expression changed to worry.

"But, Naste is managing our group. Plus she has her whole family here. Why would Hoshi Inc. send her to America?" she asked. Yami crossed his arms and leaned against the wall, between the two beds and above the phone. "It's not about what Hoshi Incorporated wants, it's what Samui-Kagi wants."

Both girls turned to him. "What do you mean?"

Yami turned his gaze towards the window where the urban area of Domino was framed. "Think of Kaiba, what he wants and what Kaiba Corp. needs are two entirely different things. Often wants over come need. Samui-Kagi wanted Yagyu-san out of the way for some reason."

Tohru thought for a moment, "But why would Naste be in the way?"

Keiko, who had woken up now, joined in. "Think about it. Seiji-san would do anything for Naste right?" All head except Yami nodded. "And if Naste felt threatened by Samui-Kagi then wouldn't she say something to Seiji-san?" Nods again. "And what would the government do if one of Japan's most dignified and refined family turned its back on it?"

Tohru's eyes widened, "The nation would do anything to get them back! Even if it meant finding a way to shut down Hoshi Inc! The Date family is basically one of Japan's examples of living pride and honor! If Naste isn't around then…"

Yami finished for her, "Then Seiji-san has no reason to get involved. And if Seiji knows nothing of it and can't do anything about it. Hoshi Incorporated has nothing to worry about."

"Hey!" A brown haired boy interrupted from the doorway. Tohru recognized him immediately, "Goku-san!"

The boy crossed into the room, to Tohru's beside. "Tohru, where is Sanzo?" he said urgent voice. Anzu frowned and stepped between Tohru and Goku. "Look, you can't just bother her like this kid—"

The boy frowned, "I'm not a little kid lady. I'm older then you Miss High and Mighty." Anzu's face contorted to rage as he moved to talk to Tohru. Behind him, Anzu had picked up a vase and was moving to hit Goku over the head with it. Jou and Honda (who had completed their quest) entered the room to rip the vase from her hands and restrain her from throttling the boy. After a silent struggle the two were able to get her to settle down with a few threats of being force fed grated yams.

Keiko hid a smile, "That would be Son Goku, Sanzo's best friend and cheerful little antagonist."

Goku turned back to them, "Common! None of you guys know where Sanzo or Houmei are? Aw man!"

Anzu stopped her third degree glare on him, "You know Houmei?"

Goku gave her a dumb look, "A dur! Kind of hard not to when you live with her." Once again, Anzu had to be restrained.

"Down kitty down!" Jou shouted through laughter.

"Meow! Kitty got claws—ow!" Honda had been half way through his joke about Anzu when the feline in question delivered a sharp scratch to his face. Jou let her go before she turned on him.

"There's no need to ask for me. I'm already here." a tired voice from the doorway called. Houmei was staring at them all. Her face was grave. She was still in her costume and the blood stain still on her shirt.

Goku was on her in an instant, clucking over her like a mother hen. "Are you alright? I'm sorry I couldn't get here sooner; manager was being a dick…dickens. Is Sanzo okay?"

Houmei bypassed all questions until she got to the chair on the right of Keiko. "He's…stable. He had an emergency surgery to stop the bleeding. He's lucky the metal missed his spine. It would have cracked in two instantly. But he's okay." She was close to a sob. Goku affectionately but his arm around her shoulder, she instantly buried her face in the red colored shirt of his uniform, weeping bitter tears.

The whole room felt a pang in their hearts. Each thinking the same. Those two really care a lot for Sanzo in different ways. Of course a nurse chose this time to ruin it.

"I'm sorry, but you are all going to have to go. Your disturbing everyone on this floor." She hissed.

"But we have a friend in-"

"No."

"But they need-"

"No!" they all stopped their pleading as the nurse left, giving them five minutes to clear out.

"What are we going to do?" Jou asked. "This place is an hour drive from here, I don't think we'll be able to hitch hike again."

"Why don't you all stay at our place?" Goku asked. Houmei had quelled her crying and was gazing at them. "Yes, that would work. Our apartment is a ten minute walk from here. Goku will be able to show you."

"But Houmei, you must be beat, why not come back with us?" Goku asked, frowning. She shook her head and stood, heading for the door. "I'm staying with him. I'll see you guys in the morning." Before anyone could comment she was out and gone. Yami rose to run after her but Goku shook his head.

"Don't bother; she can outrun a cheetah if she felt like it." Goku said with a sigh. "She's going to get herself sick one of these days."

"Yo, Goku. Can we stay at your place?" Jou asked without a trace of modesty. Anzu groaned and brushed back a few blue and brown strands of hair from her eyes.

Goku nodded, "Yeah, we'll have a party!" he and Jou were slapping each other on the back heartily as they made their way out of the room, all worries vanishing until further notice.

Yami switched back to Yuugi and the sweet boy wished both girls well and waited with Zen like patience for the others. Honda nodded to Keiko and hugged his older cousin tenderly and went to join Goku and Jou's merriment.

Anzu hugged Keiko and then Tohru, "Are you guys sure you don't need me to stay?" she asked, worried.

Keiko smiled and patted her on the shoulder, "We're okay, not worry." Tohru nodded, "You don't have to trouble yourself Anzu-chan. We're fine here. Just go and get some rest and visit us soon." Anzu sniffled as they shared a group hug before she exited the room. Closing the door quietly.

Goku led them to their small, two bedroom apartment. If Mai would have been with them she would have fainted from the tackiness. The carpet was purple shag, black cabinets in the kitchen, posters of various fast food restaurants last but not least a hamster running on a wheel on a paper covered center table.

Yuugi whistled, "And I thought Jounouchi-kun's room was a disaster area…"

Goku blushed and rubbed the back of his head wile kicking off his shoes. "It's all Sanzo and Houmei, those two are having a decoration war and it's at a draw currently. Though I must say, she burned him with the carpet."

He led them further into the war zone. A drum set was placed in one corner of the living room; a mean looking dog statue was placed on a chair. Honda sniffed. Hey! Cool, I gotta know who built this. He walked closer to it and stoked its side. The fur rose and a loud growl came from its chest. That's no statue!

"Yikes!" he fell back wards as the monster of a German shepherd jumped off the chair and barked at them in a way that just screamed. You're in my house, bitch! Yuugi and Anzu jumped and hid behind Jou, who was shaking like a maraca at a fiesta.

Goku scowled and shooed the beast away. "Go, Kiba. Move it! That's right…you over grown fur ball, you better run! I'll take the whoop ass on ya!" the dog retreated down the hall and slipped into one of the bedrooms. Blushing Goku turned to the shocked teens. "Sorry about that. Sanzo's dog. He came in right after Houmei brought in Cuddles." He pointed to the hamster that was running on the wheel like pork chop was at the other end.

Honda scrambled to his feet, "I wasn't scared of that mutt. Just a bit shocked." Jou snickered behind him as Yuugi and Anzu stepped out from behind him. "Yea, and that shock almost made ya pee ya pants right?"

"Why you!" Honda lunged at the boy and tackled him. There was an all out battle going out on the shag carpet. Goku grinned and jumped over the two to land on the black couch. He patted the seats next to him. "Hope on the horse, she seats three." Yuugi and Anzu stepped over the two feuding boys to sit next to him. Goku turned on the television on with a remote.

"…Nekos: Band or Banishes?" he scowled and turned the channel, noticing Anzu's pale look. "Harpies! Trying to suck out our children's souls!" Goku threw his hand in the air and clicked it off. "I give up!"

Anzu was glaring knives at the television. "How can people be so damn stupid! Does anyone know that three people we know are in the hospital and one is in bad shape? And here I thought I could trust the news…" she slumped in her seat. Yuugi put a hand on her shoulder.

Jou finally ended up sitting on Honda to finish their battle. "Don't worry about those punks, Anzu. We all know that was a freak tremor. You can't flush a goldfish with out crying, how would you plan a disaster?" Honda made some muffled comment into the carpet but Jou ignored him.

There was silence, except for the squeaking of a hamster on a wheel. Jou got off Honda and sat down next to Yuugi. Honda sat up and leaned against the couch, staring at the black screen.

"What is someone did it one purpose?" Yuugi said quietly.

Jou thought for a moment, "You might be on to something Yuugi. With all the freaky stuff that's been going on, it must have some connection to the…" at this time he realized that Goku was staring at them in wonder and suspicion.

"What weird stuff?" he asked firmly and unusually serious.

Yuugi gulped, "Nothing at all Goku-san."

Anzu nodded, "Just teen talk, you know how it is."

He frowned and leaned closer to Yuugi's face. Yuugi was sweating bullets as Goku examined his large violet eyes. "What are you hiding? Common, you can tell me. Please? Common, spill it."

Jou's jaw dropped. How can he just give up his suspicion like that?

Yuugi coughed, "Well, we mean about what happened during Battle City. I don't know if you heard but some freaky things were happening up there, people fainting all of a sudden, hot flashes. I thought maybe someone could have been causing it at the concert just like in Battle City."

This was enough for Goku, he leaned back. "Who can create tremors like that in less then a few weeks? Ah! Who am I kidding? You can't just cause a tremor or what ever. You guys don't get enough sleep." He yawned loudly. "Speaking of which, I'm gonna go get some myself. You guys can crash out here; I'll see ya in the morning." As he was saying this, he was already stumbling into his room. Loud snoring was heard five seconds later.

They waited a second before sighing in relief. Yuugi shook his head, sending his blond bangs in several directions. "I can't believe I almost let it slip."

Honda closed his eyes, "We have to be more careful. We can't exactly let everyone know there is a 3000 year old spirit inside your puzzle."

Anzu leaned over and thumped him on the head, "Thank you, Point Dexter." She said coolly. Jou chuckled but ceased when Anzu shot him a deadly glare. Yuugi yawned loudly, making everyone realize how tired they were.

"Why don't we all just get some sleep?" He suggested. "We won't be able to visit Tohru-san and Keiko-san if we're half asleep." Honda didn't need any further encouragement, he was curled up on the carpet and was asleep minutes later. Jou leaned against the couch, not sleeping but closing his eyes. Yuugi crawled to the other end of the couch and curled his legs against his chest and was instantly asleep as well.

Anzu leaned back as well, hoping to fall asleep as easily. Alas, the back of the couch didn't do wonders for her back. She tried curling in a ball…and nearly fell off the couch. She glanced at the carpet. Nope. And no way was she going to sleep in Houmei and Sanzo's room and risk Kiba ripping her a new mouth. She took a glance at Jou.

His messy blond bangs covered his eyes, his white vest was crinkled slightly from all the running around and mayhem it had been through. Anzu carefully crawled into her friend's lap and snuggled his stomach until she got comfortable. She felt Jou stiffen for a moment but then relaxed and ran a hand through her brown and blue tresses. Thank you, Jounouchi.

"Damn!" Dartz slammed his hands down on the polished table, his pale blue hair coming out of its neat tie. His eyes glared at the oak doors that separated him from the rest of his office building. He looked down at the pictures from the concert and scowled again.

"He is ruining everything!" he yelled. His voice echoed around the empty conference room and came back to him. Dartz snack back into his chair, pale fingers clutching one photograph in particular.

It showed Amelda leaping from his seat, towards the stage, the Orichalcos stone glowing a bright green that stood out among all the other lights in the picture.

The fool! He will pay for this! His orders were to remain still, regardless of anything else! As these thoughts formulated in his head a small stone appeared, wrapped around his head.

Amelda studied the pictures he had taken from Dartz for what must have been the tenth time that night. After his confrontation with Dartz he had immediately gone to his room and bolted the door, ignoring Varon's question of what was eating him.

Anzu's eyes were cloudy and dimmed over as she spoke to Yuugi and the rest of the group with the exception of Jounouchi, holding out a pair of handcuffs.

A frowned marred his face as he flipped to the next one.

Her eyes were clear now and she gazed in worry at the scene of her best friends dueling each other, where one would perish.

What is happening here? Her eyes don't even look like hers in half of these pictures. He flipped to the next. This one really got him thinking.

Anzu had a golden rod in her hand. She held it out threateningly towards a teen with platinum blonde hair and a deadly smirk. Her eyes were cloudy once more.

What was she thinking? I need more information. This is all far too abnormal to be ignored.

The teenage boy now held the rod and had her backed up to the railing. Her upper body was leaning back as he got closer with a dagger. Her eyes showed no fear.

With a groan of frustration, Amelda threw the pictures to the other end of his room. They met the wall and scattered all around, raining down over everything. One his dresser, his brothers burnt action figure wobbled a bit and threatened to fall.

Amelda slowly walked over to it. He stared at it for a moment before clutching it tightly to his bare chest. Miiruko…I'm so sorry. Wearily he placed it back on the dresser and climbed into his bed, pulling the blankets up to his well chiseled chest and placing his hand behind his head.

I was scared wasn't I? I saw her, I couldn't stop myself. I failed Miiruko, I couldn't fail her. I am a swordsman of Doma, my mission is to purge this world of all humanity. So it can have a clean start, where there will never be war. But I protected the very thing I was supposed to crush.

Honda giggled as something licked his face. "Shizuka…" he mumbled with a grin on his face. The licking continued, this time traveling to his ear. Hot breath panting in his face. Honda cracked open one eye. Above him was Kiba.

Kiba.

The dog.

Licking him.

Licking his face!

Honda sat up abruptly, bumping head with the dog (who growled and climbed back on the couch) and looking around franticly. He heard giggles.

Giggles.

Coming from behind the couch.

Honda pounced on the couch and was met with a horrible sight.

An instant picture of Kiba, licking his mouth. His brown eyes slowly advanced upwards. A hand was holding it. None other then Anzu's hand.

"Hey Honda," Jou said through bursts of laughter, "I think he wants you to call." Honda Hiroto was almost relieved. Jou would have killed him if he knew what he was thinking while getting those licks.

Yuugi grinned from ear to ear from his spot at the small table in the kitchen where he and Goku were seated. Jounouchi had actually done the cooking; they all knew Anzu was the type of person who could burn water with the burner off.

Anzu pocketed the picture as she slid into a seat next to Yuugi. Jounouchi joined her and Honda was left to sit next to Goku, who by this point was only concerned with shoveling rice into his mouth as fast as humanly possible.

"So, after we finish eating, how about we go to the hospital?" Anzu said after swallowing a clump of rice. A series of nods and grunts. She rolled her eyes. Men!

They finished breakfast shortly after, mainly because Goku, Jou and Honda took the liberty of finishing anything that remained on the plates for more then two seconds. After checking on a sleeping Tohru and Keiko the group went in search of Houmei. It was a shame they wasted the last instant photo on Honda.

Houmei was curled to one side of Sanzo with her two small hands holding on of his larger ones. Their noses were touching and their hair clashed together. Anzu and Goku were leaning over the couple with grins on their faces. Yuugi, being the only respectful one currently, waited politely by the door. Jou and Honda came up from behind Goku to stare at the napping couple.

"He looks a lot happier when he's sleeping."

"I'll say, I thought this guy has nothing but grr."

"Sanzo looks like a widdle kiddy." Goku snickered.

In the blink of an eye, a hand shot up and smacked all three on the head in one stroke. Sanzo's breathing had increased, he was awake. "If you idiots are done." One dropping purple eye opened and he slowly sat up, not showing any emotion. Beside him, Houmei stirred and sat up, dangling her legs off the bed.

"Feeling better?" Anzu asked her. Houmei nodded, "Now that I don't have to worry about certain people." She shot Sanzo a mock glare. He ignored it.

Goku rubbed his head tenderly, "Geez! You're in the hospital and you still find the strength to hit me." He whined. Sanzo shot him a one eyed glared before shutting his eye.

"If you were observant," he motioned to the I.V. hocked into his right arm. "Then you would notice that I'm be given pain killers via tube." Goku blinked. "Via?"

Sanzo groaned and fell back on the bed, "Stupid monkey…" he sighed. "Don't touch that." He barked at Jou with out even opening his eyes. Jou blinked and backed away from the switch he was about to press. Honda clicked his tongue. "Damn, you have to teach me how to do that."

Houmei hopped off the bed and looked towards Honda, "He can't teach you. He just has a sixth sense." Sanzo growled and pulled the blankets over his head. Houmei huffed, "Fine, I'll leave you to pout like a child."

When she got no response, she stormed out of the room, pulling Anzu with her. Yuugi wished Sanzo well and followed the two girls, pulling the door quietly shut.

Goku sighed and sank into a chair, "You could be a bit nicer you know? She was worried sick about you." Jou and Honda remained standing a respectful distance away from the two.

"I didn't ask her to. She knows I'm not going to change just because of a life or death situation." He answered from under the blankets. Goku looked to the two and motioned to the door. The two high school students nodded and exited in a less then silent fashion.

"Common Honda, we going to the food court!"

"I don't believe him! He can be such a jerk!" Houmei shouted. People near their table began to talk away hurriedly; some stared at her in shock. Twitching the shy-turned-wild girl twisted in her seat. "You got something to say? Bring it on lady!" The woman looked offended and was about to do just that until Anzu pulled Houmei back in her seat.

"Houmei," she hissed. "Calm down. Do you want to get us kicked out?" Houmei looked ready to snap at Anzu before she sighed and slumped in the booth. Both Anzu and Yuugi stared at her.

"I'm sorry," she said softly. "It's just that it's so hard to get him to show any thing to me. I know, what you're thinking that is. He just saved your life? Are you kidding? I mean, not on a regular basis. Only when I'm in trouble or if he's anger with me. It's never just a daily smile with him."

Anzu stared at the older girl with pity. How sad this it is. Two people in love but one doesn't know how to show it.

"Houmei-san, maybe Sanzo-san just doesn't know exactly how to show his feelings but feels them. Maybe he just doesn't know how to act." Yuugi said kindly.

Both girls looked at him intensely before Houmei's face split into a grin. "Yuugi, I think you might be on to something! Anzu wasn't kidding when she said you were the King of Games."

Yuugi blushed as she leaned over to table to give him a peck on the cheek. Anzu caught herself glaring knives for a moment before scolding herself. Get it together Mazaki. You can get jealous over every girl who shows affection to Yuugi or his darker half. Don't turn into a spiteful fan girl. No fan girl!

Houmei saw her dilemma and reached across the table to hug Anzu. She whispered into her ear, "Don't worry, I got my own. Yours is sweet by I like mine spicy."

Anzu blushed the same color as Yuugi as Houmei leaned back in her seat. Both teens looked at each other and then back to Houmei. "Now, why don't we order something?"

Anzu shook her head, "Houmei, Naste was sent to America."

Houmei froze just as she was about to leave to get food. "Why? When?"

Yuugi spoke up, "Last night, after you left for the hospital. She was talking to us. And then she got a call. She gave Honda a note that asked you guys to stay away from Hoshi Inc. as much as possible."

She frowned, "But Naste is managing us…"

"That's exactly what I said." Anzu confirmed. All three sat in silence.

"Where is she?" Houmei asked finally.

"Somewhere in America on the West Coast. She didn't say when she would be back." Anzu answered.

Houmei groaned. "This is like a bad movie. Popular group of some sort experiences bad luck, group's friends are picked off one by one. And then, the baddy makes his appearance. This is just like what happened with all the Battle City stuff!"

Anzu groaned and let her head flop down on the table. "You make me feel so much safer, Houmei."

None of the occupants at the table noticed a camera flash, or a black tape recorder pulled back from under the napkins.

"What is this?" Chiisai Kay roared as he viewed the photograph and listened to the audio tape. "This isn't what I want! Miki!"

Miki sat patiently in the chair across from her uncle's desk. "It's the truth. They haven't a clue what happened." Inside she was smirking.

Fay groaned and tugged at his hair. "B-but this isn't interesting!" Seya is going to dismember me! "Miki, please! We need news! Fresh! Hip!" he stared desperately to his niece.

Miki observed her nails. "Well, they seem rather suspicious of Hoshi Incorporated. Jimmy and I can go undercover there and get the scoop in a month at the most." Kay paled but regained his composer and straightened his tie. "Forget it. Just keep me in check with what that group is doing." He said and waved dismissively.

After Miki shut the door to the lounge, Kay nervously made a call. His eyes darted too and from around the room. "We have a problem. I've done all that I can. You'll have to do it."

"I'll have to won't I?" a soft voice purred over the line.

Six Month's Later

"Amelda!" Anzu yelled as she spotted the red haired youth making his way to them. She ran off to meet him. Yuugi, Tohru and Keiko were reading over Naste's latest letter.

Nekos and Co:

I'm working on a deal with a research company here. It's not very interesting. In fact, they don't even need me! It's all a matter of offering the right services and befits to these people.

My warning still stands. Keep your distance from Samui-Kagi as much as possible. I still don't know what his true intent is. Eyes like that hold no innocence…

Anzu's mother was busy shooing Jou, Honda and Goku away from the food. Her father had left to get Sanzo and Houmei. "You can't throw a celebration if miracle isn't around to enjoy it."

Otogi was not present, he was in America for a major deal with Dungeon Dice Monsters. He did however lecture her about being more cautious. He made it seem as if SHE ran under the steel with a sign that said, Hit me, I'm a woman!

Lastly, Shizuka and Nikolai, a shy boy from Greece that did the art work for the Nekos and lived at the Hoshi Inc. Building, were chatting quietly. Nikolai made Tohru seem loud and impulsive. Not to Anzu's surprise, Shizuka only managed to pry a few words out of him. The only reason Honda and Jou were not hounding the poor boy was because they were convinced he didn't like her in that way.

Amelda slightly opened his arms as Anzu greeted him with a hug, only slightly did he hug back. She pulled away from him and gazed up with large blue eyes. So clear…

"You came!"

He raised a brow, "I never break my promises…" Except…

She glared at him, "You know what I mean. Aside from escorting me places, you never want to do anything fun." He returned the glare. "I'm not your little boyfriend. You can't expect me to be at your beck and call when I'm off the clock." He looked down at her expression of sadness as a wave of guilt spread over him. "But I can be for today."

Anzu squealed happily and dragged him to the rest of the party. Anzu's mother was on him in an instant. Amelda stiffened as the short woman circled him like a hawk. Once she got to his shirt she frowned. "So this is the infamous Amelda, you're the one who saved my Zu Zu's life?" Anzu blushed horribly at the nickname.

He could only nod as she continued her inspection. Before anyone could stop her she grabbed a hunk of Amelda's red locks and pulled him down to her level. He looked at her in surprise.

Everyone had different reactions to the tall man being pulled down.

Jou and Honda were shaking their heads sadly, they still remembered when Anzu's mother met them.

Goku and Yuugi were laughing hysterically.

Keiko and Tohru covered their mouths in shock. They didn't know better. Mazaki Rei only did this with boys with the exception of "Sweet little Yuugi"

Shizuka and Nikolai were blushing for the poor man.

Anzu's eyes widened ten-fold and her mouth dropped in horror.

"What are you doing? Walking around in a shirt like that! Honestly, what is up with children these days? First it was that ridiculous Magic Wonton Game-" her mouth yelled in his ear.

"Magic and Wizards!" Yuugi, Anzu, Jou and Honda yelled, taking great pride in the game.

"-And now you have the nerve to dress like that! In a short shirt that doesn't even cover all of the body, and in black buckles and gloves! With a black trench coat none the less! You don't fool me Mister! I see right through your act! Now!" she paused.

Anzu placed a hand on Amelda's arm, preparing to yank him out of her mother's vice grip. Amelda was twitching uncontrollably, for a moment it looked like he was about to strangle her mother.

"Now take good care of my Zu Zu for me. Ah, I remember when I was young. My mother gave Seta the exact same talk…" Anzu's mother's tone changed from the voice of some war goddess to a sugary sweet one. She let his hair free and backed up, winking at the two. "Well, I'll have to meet your family now…so much planning."

Anzu watched her mother walk away with a twitch, she was brought back when she noticed that Amelda was not reacting to her mother's actions. "Amelda?"

He chuckled and shook his head, turning to face her. "Your mother, she reminds me of mine. Embarrassing their child every chance they got." He laughed again bitterly.

She frowned. "You mother, is she…"

He bowed his head, shielding the anger in his eyes. "She died, in a war." He heard her gasp and the warmth from her hand left him. "I…"

He looked up, bitterness still in his eyes, "Save you pity. It happened along time ago."

They stood there, spellbound by each other.

"Head's up!" Jou yelled as a black and white ball propelled towards them. Anzu shirked and made a sloppy dive to the ground, brown and blue hair messed in ever direction possible.

Anzu looked up when she didn't hear Amelda snarling or her friends trying to apologize. What she did she was Amelda bouncing the soccer ball on his knee like it was nothing at all.

She got to her feet and stared at him. They all stared at him.

"What are you doing?" Jou asked, dumbfounded. All Japanese teens nodded, Anzu's mother hated sports of any sort with an undying passion and had gone back to the food. Nikolai giggled uncharacteristically.

This time they turned to him. He blushed and stopped. "He's playing soccer!" he exclaimed before going completely mute again and running behind Anzu's mother.

The group turned back to Amelda, who was still bouncing the ball. "You guys don't play soccer?"

Jou and Honda tugged at their collars. "We uh…thought you were supposed to throw it! It didn't go right though…"

Goku shook his head, "You play a game with that? I thought it was a rice ball…"

Keiko and Tohru were following the ball's every movement, transfixed.

Yuugi, Anzu and Shizuka blushed.

Amelda glared at all of them. "Well, the best way to master an art is to practice." He let the ball drop and placed his foot on top of it.

"I thought soccer was a sport." Honda mumbled.

Amelda kicked the ball at him suddenly. It hit him in the chest and Honda was knocked flat. The ball rolled back to Amelda. "Soccer is an art.Not just any sport." He said firmly. From the ground Honda whimpered.

Amelda straightened and looked the rest of the teens over. "Now, anyone who's ready to learn step foreword. Anzu and Jounouchi did with out hesitation. Keiko and Tohru shook their heads while dragging Honda back to the safety of the park tables. Yuugi bit his lip before backing up. Shizuka shyly stepped foreword.

Amelda nodded. "Now, soccer is an intense combination of a game and art. It requires stamina and speed. Strength is nothing, skill is everything." As he was speaking, Amelda was kicking the ball foreword moving in and out of invisible cones.

"Now, in soccer, you don't want to kick the ball head on with your shoe. Use the instep. This way you have absolute control over the ball. If someone where to try and get in from me I can do this." He stopped abruptly and rolled the ball back swiftly with his shoe.

Amelda flipped his hair back and looked at the three, "Now. Discard any weighted clothing and high heeled shoes. And that includes you, Anzu. I don't think seeing you trip in those clown shoes will make a good headline." Anzu huffed, but kicked off her blue platform shoes.

Shizuka was giggling beside her, removing her pink sandals and white sports vest. It was a nice July day and the grass was dry but not soaking. Anzu grinned and took off her white jacket, leaving her yellow and black shirt in plain view. On her wrists all fifty of Honda's gifts were settled, it took a half hour to put each one on and she was not about to go through with taking them off.

They met Jou and Honda in the middle of the field. Amelda had only discarded his jacket while Jou had taken off everything above the waist.

Anzu looked Jou over, "Jou, Mai's not around. You can stop trying to blind me." Jou snorted. "We'll see about that. According to Amelda here, some of the best soccer players are men!"

Amelda shook his head, "It's 50-50 for the battle of the sexes."

Shizuka gained a competitive edge. "Why don't we make it 49-51?" Anzu grinned and nodded.

Jou looked at his sister and friend for a moment, "So Amelda, should we send these girls home crying?" Amelda shrugged and nudged the ball towards Anzu. "Ladies first."

Anzu glared at him and bent down to pick up the ball with her hands. "No! Soccer is played with everything except your arms." Amelda scolded her. She growled and straightened and began rolling the ball back with her foot slowly. Both men howled in laughter.

"Shut up!" Anzu roared, kicking the ball straight for Jou's mouth. Jou blocked it with his head and it dropped in front of his foot. "Thanks Anzu. Your not gunna get it back now!" Anzu's face turned red as Jou kicked the ball past her. She remained twitching, but Shizuka gave chase to her brother and soon had the ball back, running in the opposite direction.

The smiled on the young girls face widened when Amelda tried to get the ball from her, "Anzu!" she side kicked the ball to the right, away from Amelda.

Anzu wasted little time in getting back in the game she ran with the ball, kicking it ahead. She hold hear Shizuka cheering and Jou cursing. She looked back, Amelda was hot on her tail. Now or never! She kicked it.

Shazam! That puppy went straight through the two trash cans and rolled behind some trees. "Score!"

Shizuka ran up to her and jumped on her back. The two girls were screaming and cheering. Keiko, Tohru and Anzu's mom were smiling widely. Yuugi and Honda made a face and urged their fellow man to step it up.

Jou frowned, "Laugh it up ladies. Go get the ball Anzu." Amelda came up beside him and chuckled.

Shizuka sighed and got off Anzu's back. Anzu glared at the two before jogging off to get the ball.

Anzu looked around the forest. "If I were a ball where would I be."

"If you were a brat you would be right in front of me." A rich voice sneered from behind. Anzu whirled around. In front of her was Simamura Seya, the pop star of Japan.

Anzu glared, "You have a lot of nerve lady. Can I help you?" she grounded out venomously.

Seya advanced on her, long ebony hair swaying back and forth. She stopped in front of Anzu and looked down on her. With out warning she grabbed a chunk of Anzu's hair and pulled (hard) upwards.

Anzu stifled a cry and met Seya's glare head on. The woman suddenly smacked her cheek roughly. Anzu's head was tilted painfully. She felt tears gather in her eyes as Seya began to speak.

"I don't know what you game is, little girl." She hissed. "But if you try to steal Amelda from me, I will make you suffer in ways you never imagined.

Anzu bared her teeth in a beast like way. "Rule number one. Never mess with a Mazaki!" With years of experience in dance, Anzu twisted her leg to the side and delivered a kick of 100 power to her stomach. Seya cried out and released her as she fell down. Anzu took a moment to compose herself before turning her glare to the sniveling diva on the ground. Her make up was smeared and her eyes were puffy.

Anzu touched her cheek and winced. That's going to leave a mark.

"Listen, I'm not trying to steal anyone. Amelda isn't stupid, I think he would know if I was. Now take your spoiled self home and stay out of my life." Anzu walked around her to go back to the group. She felt hands on her shoulder, suddenly she was pushed to the ground with someone's foot pressing down on her back.

Anzu groaned as the figure placed more pressure on her spine. She strained her eyes upwards and saw Seya, smirking above her. "Rule number two, little kittens should never try to fight a tiger." She said mockingly.

The foot pressed even deeper into her back. Anzu cried out loudly. Seya gave her hair one last yank before snapping her fingers. "Taylor, let's go. We don't want to waste anymore time here."

With a final twist on her back, Taylor lifted her foot. Anzu scrambled back, gasping and watching as the Seya and the dark Taylor retreated into the forest. She breathed in relief and fell backwards. Anzu winced at the pain in her back and cheek and closed her eyes.

"What are you doing?" Anzu opened one eye to see Amelda leaning against a near bye tree with his calm gray eyes fixed on her.

Anzu blushed and closed the eye quickly. "Finding Nirvana." She answered, mentally rolling her eyes.

She heard him scoff and come closer. "You look like you got in a fight." Anzu opened her eyes and stared at him. "I feel like it too." Amelda slowly helped her sit up. She nearly fell backwards before he pulled her with little effort into his lap.

Anzu blushed as Amelda rested his chin atop of her head out of the corner of her eyes she could see a few ill mannered ruby locks sway in the breeze. "Who did you get in a brawl with." It wasn't a question. It was a tell me now statement.

Anzu leaned back against him. Over the seven months of knowing him, she and Amelda had grown close. She could cry to him, tell him all her fears. And he listened! "Just some girl, a disagreement."

He grunted and remained silent. "Amelda?"

"What?" he asked shortly.

She ignored his normal tone. "What do you do, when someone does something bad to you? Do you fight them, or do you try to reason with them?"

He thought for a moment, "You have to decide if it's worth it. Is revenge going to help. Some cases it will, in others that pain will only get worse." His heart bled at the moment for his brother.

Anzu nodded and sighed. "I think I can hear my mother…"

Amelda stood abruptly, making Anzu fall back. "Will you get up? The loud girl and her baggy eyed man are here. Your mother threatened to rip ever hair out of my head if I didn't bring you back." Anzu scowled at him and stood on her own.

"Well! I wouldn't want that to happen." She stormed off before back tracking and picking up the ball and walking back, blushing. Amelda rolled his eyes and walked after her.

The moment they walked back into the clearing where the entire group was gobbling down the pizza, Anzu's shoes were thrown at her. By none other then her mother. She ducked to avoid getting hit in the head. Amelda was not so lucky.

Anzu placed a hand on Amelda's back, rubbing it. "It's okay…No you can still have children…yes I know she's crazy."

Her jacket suddenly came down over her head. "Anzu! Where were you?" Her mother screamed.

Anzu pulled the jacket off her head as her mother continued to rant. "I sent him in there to get you five minutes ago, and it has been six! What were you two doing in there?" Gasp! "Where did you get that mark on your cheek? Did you hit my daughter? You son of a-"

Both Anzu and Amelda were saved by her father from her mother. "Now, I'm sure Anzu has an explanation for this don't you?" Her father's blue eyes regarded both of them. Amelda straightened instantly. "I give you my word that I did not strike Anzu." He said solemnly.

Anzu nodded, "I just ran into something. That branch came out of no where." Both her parents looked at her for a moment before nodding. "Alright you two, go eat."

Both managed to get to their seats with out any more obstacles. Anzu seated herself next to Shizuka, with Amelda across from her with Jounouchi, who was busy inhaling a pepperoni pizza sandwich.

"So Shizuka, what made your brother decide to get his shirt back on? Old ladies checking him out?" Anzu asked to the younger girl.

Shizuka grinned, "Actually it was an old man." Both girls shared a giggle. Jou blushed and began to eat faster. Amelda cocked a brow at the two before helping himself to a small slice of pizza.

On her other side, Yuugi grinned. "Jounouchi-kun was too busy showing off at the time to notice."

The entire party shared a well earned laugh out of everyone (except Amelda). Jou did his best to ignore them but the blonde haired duelist was as red as a cherry.

Amelda watched them for a moment. A feeling throbbed inside his heart. It was all too soon replaced by darkness. Murders will flock together to murder more. His eyes narrowed and trained on his plate. Stained red from the pizza. Just like the hands of every human on the planet.

Kio: Squee! An update! Now for review responses for the last chapter. I'll do this from now on, so feel free to leave suggestions or shout outs. Remember to vote!

Sailor Tiamat Oh don't worry. Dartz has more evil, less obvious plans up the wazu. Mokuba's comment will influence some things later with the media. I'll add more Yuugi/Anzu fluff in later chapters. ;)

Bubble Wheel By all means, give me suggestions. I love reading your comments. I would also like to thank you for reading the story even if you're not an Anzu fan. More Seto/Anzu fluff in later chapters coming up soon!

Fifilafemme Oh, he'll snap soon enough. I think he's crushing on her too. Update your stories woman! I'm dieing here! Your story influenced me to write this!

Slifer02 mutated reptiles away!

Review!