O.O Wow! I can't believe it! –Is in shocked- Thank you each and every one of ya'll for reviewing and enjoying this story. If anyone is reading Satanic Embrace, I will have that, also, updated! Thank you everyone! Gives everyone a Serenity plushie! Thank you reviewers, and you have no idea how much I would love to review each and every one of ya'll. Does anyone know if they are still not letting us review ya'll?

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I like to thank ShaniChan11 for being my beta-reader and her friend KeroChan606 for also, helping ShaniChan11. Thank you so much! I also, like to thank FireFairy032003 for helping me get ideas in which Yu-Gi-Oh! Character plays a role! Her story, Freak and Geek is done and her epilogue is fixed!

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Italics are thoughts

Now on with the story…

Chapter 12- Swan

-Saturday Afternoon-

-Seto-

I picked up my phone and dialed Mai Valentine's number. It didn't take long for me to hack into her privacy over the Internet. I own Domino City, even though I haven't actuallybought it yet. But why would I waste my money over this place? I heard the phone ring over the line. It rang three times until finally I heard click noise.

"This is Mai Valentine and whom may I be speaking to?" she said nicely over the phone.

"Mai Valentine, this isSeto Kaiba," I said over the phone as I opened my laptop and turned it on.

"SETO KAIBA! What do you want!" she yelled. I had to pull my phone away from my precious ear because of how loud that girl screams.

"I need you to do me a favor," I said quickly as I double-clicked the Internet icon.

"What's in it for me?" Mai asked.

"Money," I answered her, persuading her to help.

"No way! I don't want your money," she said as I pulled the phone away from my ear again.

"You know, you're the second person to tell me," I told her coldly.

"On really? Then who was the first?" she asked. I could see her smirking over the phone.

"The girl who you are going to transform tonight for Devlin's party," I said as I typed in my website.

"Duke's party? I heard about that. Hmm… Alright," she said coolly over the phone.

"What do you want in return?" I asked her as I took a look at Kaiba Corporation's stocks.

"I want you to buy me a small, store. I would like to start my own fashion business," she said serenely as I leaned back.

"It's a deal. The girl- -errtomboy's name is Serenity. I'm not sure what her last name is but right now I need you to get her ready for tonight. Her address is--" I quickly told Valentine that information and then turned off my cell and laptop.

-Serenity-

I was lying on my bed and then stretched, feeling very exhausted.

"I need a shower," I told myself and wiped the sweat off my forehead.

ding, dong

"Huh?" I asked myself trying to figure out who would come to my house.

I got up and walked out of my room. I slid down the stair rail since my feet were hurting bad. I need a massage. As soon as I was at the end of the rail, I jumped off landing on my feet like I was a cat. I stood up and dusted my shorts off from the front and back and then walked to the door. I quickly opened it and saw a blond haired, violet-eyed girl.

"Serenity! It's nice to meet you," she squealed happily to me as I put on a very fake smile.

"Nice to meet you, too," I told her as she extended her hand. I quickly took it and shook. After I said "nice to meet you" to the girl, I really wanted to say, "Now who the hell are you?" but refrained myself, wanting to be as polite as possible to her.

I then asked, "And you are…?"

"Oh, I'm sorry! My name is Mai Valentine!"

I looked at her and saw that she was caring a big purple kit in her right hand.

"May I help you?" I asked politely with confusion in my voice.

"I'm here to help you get ready for Duke's party," she said nicely as I gave her a look of shock.

"But I told Seto that I'm not going. I-," I started to say, but she quickly came inside and grabbed my wrist. I then closed the door with my left hand.

"Mai, I have some chores do to," I said truthfully her. I then added, "And I have to study for the finals!"

She stopped walking and turned around.

"Sweetheart, please let me help you. You're going to the party with Kaiba," she said to me as she put her hands together like in prayer.

"But I really don't suit in with the other kids," I said, going upstairs.

She followed behind me and I opened the door to my room. She walked in and looked around. She then walked to my dresserand set the kit on top.

"Sweety, please. Kaiba and I made a deal, and I will do anything to help you. I really want you to look beautiful at the party!" she said not letting go of her hands and bowed her head.

"Well… I'm not sure. How could he make a deal with you that has to do with me when I'm the one that's completely confused?" I said worriedly and thought about it.

"Well, I told him that I didn't want his money but I wanted him to buy me a store so I can sell beauty supplies and such. I really want to make you my assistant manager," she said kindly not picking her head up.

"I appreciate the offer, but I don't want-," I started to say, but her eyes were pleading.

"Please Serenity. I promiseyou won't regret it. I open this Monday afternoon, and I would really like a partner," she saidnicely to me.

I smiled at the thought. Maybe I should give it try. It's been four years since I last saw real myself.

"Fine, I'll do it. I'll give it a try," I said happily as she looked up at me. Her eyes were filled with tears of joy.

"Alright! Let's get started!" she exclaimed.

-5 minutes later-

"Is that your natural hair color?" she asked pointing to my blond hair.

"No, it's dyed. My natural hair color is auburn," I said quietly looking at the ground.

"I see. Have your tried wearing contacts?" she asked taking my thick black framesoff.

"M-my glasses are f-fake," I said in shaky voice.

"I see. I suppose your eyes are natural brown," she said as she put my frames on the furniture.

"No, these are fake contacts, also" I told her, as I slipped them out.

"Huh? Honey, I'm confused," she said as she gave me the case for the contacts.

"I don't like to show my true self," I told her as I opened the contacts' case and put them in.

"You have very pretty green eyes, so why would you want to hide yourself? Let's go into the bathroom and take the dye off," she said as she took my wrist and pulled me into my bathroom.

I wrapped a small towel around my neck and pulled my hair away so Mai could apply the dye remover without it getting all over. She quickly turned on the water and touched it to make sure it wasn't too hot or too cold. She then took out some hair dye remover and I laid a towel on the tile floor so that water wouldn't get onto it. She tookout the hair tie in my hair and it fell loosely.

"Wow Serenity. You have really long hair," she said as I kneeled down and hung my head over the tub.

"Thank you," I said happily as she turned the shower knob clockwise and pulled the showerhead down.

I closed my eyes and she pored water onto my head. Then I felt thick goop going onto my head and felt Mai's hand's massaging my scalp. The stench of the hair dye remover was getting to me. I felt nauseated because of that horrid smell so, I held my breath.

"Sweety, I'm done with the hair dye remover," she said as I opened my eyes and squinted.

"Okay. I'm going to go ahead and take a shower. I got a headache from that stuff," I said quickly and stood up,feeling a bit dizzy

"I'll be in your room andpick out some clothes for you to wear," she said putting the showerhead in place.

"Fine," I simply said and heard the door close behind me.

I turned around and locked the door. I quickly stripped down and got into the shower. I then closed pink shower curtain and began to wash my hair with shampoo that smelled like apples.

Hmm…the name "Mai Valentine" sounds familiar. I thought and then it hit me. That's who my brother has a HUGE crush on!

-Mai-

I opened Serenity's closet and saw that she had everything in order. On one side, there were shorts, skirts and pants, while on the other there were blouses and dresses. Mostly all of them were school uniform, but I pushed those away. Maybe she should were a dress, or a pair of blue jeans with a long spaghetti strap blouse, or a skirt with a blouse. Hmm... This is going to be tough.

I looked at all the dresses she had and then one caught my attention. It was royal blue dress with small silver glitter that probably went up to her knees. The straps were an inch think and the breast part was folded in, so if she wears it, her chest will stick out. At the top and center of the breast was a small, thin, royal blue ribbon. I wonder if she's worn this one. It's one of the prettiest dresses I have ever seen. This one will definitely work. Now for some high heel shoes to go with it.

-Serenity-

I wrapped a robe around me and started to blow dry my hair. I then grabbed a comb and put my head down, making my auburn hair fall. I quickly began to comb it, but was careful. I didn't want to damage my hair again, or else I would have many split ends.

-10 Minutes Later-

My hair was fully dried and I threw it back. I slowly opened my door and caught Mai looking at something. I decide not to say anything until I saw a tear fall from her eye. Huh? What happened? I opened the door and walked to her.

"Mai, you okay?" I asked her with concern in my voice.

"Oh, it's nothing," she said putting the picture of Joey and me next to my lamp.

"Are you sure?" I asked sitting down next to her.

"It's just… I think I'm in love with Joey, and this picture looks like-," she started but I knew immediately what she going to say.

"Mai please don't cry. Joey is my big brother, not boyfriend. We aren't together," I said hoping she didn't freak out.

"Oh he is?" She asked with wide eyes but happy look. "Wow! That's right. I remember back in Duelist Kingdom that Joey wanted the prize money for some operation, but I didn't know for whom, until Tea told me about it. So, you're his sister that he kept mentioning."

Mai then got a worried look on her face and said, "Please don't tell Joey that I said I like him!"

"I won't, but he really liked you. Don't tell him I told you that!" I said, happily.

I then smiled at her and she looked at my "transformation".

"Serenity! Wow! You look so- so…well like you! I mean, that blonde hair and those fake contacts and frames weren't youYou're naturally beautiful," she cried joyfully as I stood up and smiled at her.

"Are you still going to help?" I asked her, pleased with the fact that she was happy with how I looked now.

"Yes!" she exclaimed. She then stood up as I walked to the dresser and picked out my undergarments.

"Sweety! You look beautiful. Here, just put on some lip-gloss and you'll look perfect. You really don't need any make-up. You are so beautiful. I'm so jealous," she said handing me a brand new strawberry flavored lip-gloss.

"Thank you Mai," I said, taking it from her and smiled.

I looked into my mirror and was blown away from what I saw! I couldn't believe it. It's been four years since I've seen the real me and I just couldn't help but stare. I quickly closed my mouth and smiled at myself. Then I heard the doorbell ring and looked around. My hair was down, and my eyes were naturally green. I wore the royal blue dress that went up to my knees and small, one-inch, royal blue heels.

"Serenity! Someone's here to pick you up," I heard my father yell from downstairs. My heart started to beat faster at the thought of Seto.

OH MY! He's here!

"Looks like your prince has arrived. I'll call you tomorrow Serenity," she said happily handing me her phone number.

"Mai… Thank you for everything," I said to her and she gave me a warm smile.

"No, Serenity. Thank you," she said in high spirits as she waved goodbye and went downstairs.

I check myself in the mirror again and realized that I was done. I walked to my door and turned off my light. I walked out, closed my door and slowly walked downstairs. My dad and Seto were standing at the bottom of the long stairs. I took a deep breath and continued to walk down slowly. Seto's mouth dropped and eyes widened as he saw me. I guess he likes what he sees, but will he still call me duckling?

I realized I stopped as was a few steps away from the floor. Seto couldn't keep his eyes off of me and my dad was smiling as tears started to form from his eyes.

"Serenity! You look beautiful," my dad cried. I stepped down and then hugged my father.

I then looked at Seto and he was still staring at me. I felt myself blush as I noticed what the tall teen was wearing: a black turtleneck, black leather pants, black boots, and a black trench coat that had royal blue belts around his arms. Wow! He looks…Wow! My dad let go and took my hands.

"Serenity, you be careful. And Mr. Kaiba, take very good care of my daughter. I believe she will be under your protection since her brother isn't here right now," he said giving Seto a serious look.

"Yes sir," Seto complied as I smiled at him.

"I want her home before midnight. Serenity, you have fun okay," he said giving me a kiss on the forehead.

"Yes father," I said happily as my dad walked away.

I stood there as Seto kept looking at me. I could tell that he tried not to, but couldn't resist I slowly walked to him and looked up at him.

"You're beautiful… I guess I can't call you a duckling now," he said trying to keep a straight face, but I saw his eyes glistened in delight.

I smiled at the handsome CEO. He actually admitted that I was beautiful. Maybe everything was going to be okay for once. Maybe my life can be different.

"Are you ready?" I asked him and he nodded.

Maybe he was still in shock. I know I am. Everything turned out alright.

I guess…

-Seto-

I couldn't take my eyes off of her. She's beautiful, sweet, caring, and everything seemed so perfect. Please don't let this be a dream. I fell in love with her personality first. This felt so much like a dream. It has to be a dream if I admit that I love her, but it can't be. I don't want it to be. I just wanted to kiss those soft and warm lips of hers, but…

-Flashback-

She yelled, "Don't fall in love with me!"

-End of Flashback-

I am in love with her. I can't believe I just thought that again, but it's the truth I've been denying so long. Great. I sound like those crappy people who just declare their love. I wish I never agreed to the stupid bet with Devlin. I knew I should have trusted my instincts, but then again, if I never agreed to the bet, I would not have met and got to know my swan.

So, all along, there have been a good side and downfall to this bet. I love you, Serenity, but I'm afraid… afraid of hurting and losing you. We're two different people in this horrid society. We could never get along. And I'm sounding like those crappy corny people again. The duckling --- no, not duckling. She's not a duckling. She's a swan. A swan that changed everything I believed…My swan…

Sorry that it took long. But I think updating two chapters a week is a lot, plus I have to work on Satanic Embrace. Thank you ShaniChan11 and KeroChan606!

Ki Wingz

Sorry no preview. Chapter 13- TheParty

Oh yeah-> I forgot to mention that I have a one-shot story that I just did over the week. It's Seto/Serenity, however, I have not figured out a title for it.