As Chance rolled into Domino at about six AM, she quickly made a trip over to the Turtle Game Shop. She wasn't in the best form, her eyes were drooping and her posture lacked the crisp energy that she usually carried with her. Looking up, she saw that there were some lights on in one of the rooms above the shop. Taking a chance that the occupant would be there and awake she picked up a couple of small pebbles and lobbed them at the window.
Yugi had been in the middle of getting dressed for school that morning and having a discussion with Yami about what the day would bring when they both turned to the window at the strange tapping noise. Cautiously, Yugi moved over to the window and peeked out. Both he and Yami were surprised to see Chance on the sidewalk below looking like she had just spent the last 36 hours in a marathon. Curious as to what would bring her to his door at this hour of the morning, Yugi threw on his shirt and ran downstairs to let her in.
"Chance, this is a surprise. What are you doing here?" He asked as soon as the young woman stepped into the shop and he had locked the door behind her.
"I'm sorry for intruding like this Yugi, but I passed the interview and I'm supposed to report to Kaiba's office this morning to get the paperwork out of the way. I've been up for almost 24 hours barring the short nap I had before I drove back to Domino and on top of that, I have lost my apartment." Chance wondered at how much information she was giving this kid that she barely knew. Except something told her that she could trust him and that he wouldn't hurt her. Emboldened by this feeling she asked.
"If it isn't too much to ask, I was wondering if you and your grandfather would object to me parking my car here and crashing in it for a couple hours till the office opens up."
By the time Chance had gotten her request out, Yugi's grandpa had come down the stairs and was quietly listening. Yugi turned to him and asked. "Grandpa, it is ok if she sleeps on the couch upstairs for a couple hours? She's going to need a better rest than the seat of her car will give her if she has to spend the day at the Kaiba Corp offices."
"I was just thinking that Yugi. While Kaiba is a nice young man now that he has you and the others for friends, he is still a very intense individual and I fear that it does rub off onto his employees."
Looking up at Chance he smiled gently. "You just come with me and I'll show you where you can take a nap. And I won't take no for an answer Miss Castner." He added the last bit after he saw that she was about to object to their offer.
Chance knew when she was outmatched and she smiled wanly. "I suppose I do need a nap, who knows what Kaiba will put me through. I don't think I can thank you enough for doing this Mister Mutou."
"You just keep young Mokuba safe and that will be thanks enough. Now come with me and I'll get you settled while Yugi finishes getting ready for school." Solomon started up the stairs and Chance followed after she thanked Yugi again. It wasn't 5 minutes after she had laid down on the couch that she was soundly asleep for the two hours that she had told Solomon she needed.
As she went through training and orientation, Chance realized more and more that there should not have been a reason for Kaiba to look outside his own company for a bodyguard for Mokuba. However, she kept her own counsel on that matter and instead, memorized the rules and operating regulations of the company, even though 99 percent of them would not apply to her.
Three O'clock rolled around and with all of the paperwork filed, Tammy handed her the earring and cuff that she had used during her test. "Mister Kaiba would like you to start immediately."
"Oh? And is Mister Kaiba going to house me in his mansion while I'm working for him? For I certainly won't have much time to find a place for myself on my off hours and at the moment I have no money with which to start looking with as my last trip to Domino wiped me out." Chance's tone was laced heavily with sarcasm and distain for her employer's lack of regard for the basics that she would need to get taken care of.
"I will bring the matter to his attention." Tammy said formally, then she smiled gently understanding the huge upheaval the young woman was going through in moving this abruptly and in a much friendlier tone continued. "Don't worry Chance, something will be worked out by the time Mokuba is back on the estate and out of your immediate watch tonight."
There was something about the assurance that Tammy gave off that Chance liked, so she shrugged and headed out the door towards Mokuba's school to pick him up. Starting tomorrow however she would be watching over him all day, starting with when he left the estate for classes.
As before, she met up with Mokuba after his classes let out and make a little light conversation with him to see what he'd planned for the afternoon and evening. Groaning inwardly she found out that he was planning on staying the night at one of his friends' house. She didn't know the person so she knew that she wasn't going to get much sleep for another day or so. She wondered how it was that Seto Kaiba could be so concerned over his little brother; yet let him do things like over nights at friends' houses on school nights. Some things she'd never understand, and right now she wasn't certain she wanted to.
Fading into the background as she had before she was pleased with herself as she recognized the signs of the younger Kaiba relaxing into the company of his friends and forgetting that she was even there. Following them across town to the Kaiba Land Amusement center she was again grateful that she had taken the time to check the place out. She was doubly glad for the after school crowd as it made her movements and vigilance that much less conspicuous.
Keeping a light trace on him and giving a brief, quiet report when Seto demanded them she was kept on her toes as she wanted to act naturally but it was rather hard now that she was in the constraints of a job. One that was rather important. Still she had been pleasantly surprised when there was the note in the company manual from both of the Kaiba brothers that most of what had been written in there would not apply to her as she had a much more public behind the scenes role to play. They trusted her to use her judgment on situations and it spoke much for the elder Kaiba that he personally highlighted the portions that would have to be adhered to.
Her ID was to be kept on her at all times.
Her comlink was not to be closed for whatever reason, but muted was fine.
Her pay schedule had been check marked as well as the pay scale that she had been settled into.
The benefits package that she didn't have to fight for was above and beyond what she would have asked for. Insurance Health, Eye, Dental, Accidental Death and Dismemberment, a discretionary fund for her work related expenses, memberships to the local health club and gun range, plus a rather expansive severance package.
Chance knew that what she had just been handed was a general package that would normally be available only to seasoned veterans of ten years or more. Now more than ever she was aware of just how much Mokuba's safety meant to the Elder Kaiba. Seto wanted to insure that his brother would be taken care of.
Mokuba was a short distance away playing a couple of the games against one of his friends and as she looked around, she noted the potential threats and dismissed them. This place was well guarded, the plain-clothes guards making a better impression on her than the uniformed ones at the Kaiba Corp Central offices. But then, like Mokuba, most of these kids didn't want to have to be worried about safety, or be reminded that they were being watched.
She relaxed, had a soda, came back and found that her charge had moved on to a different game. Not worrying too much, she methodically checked each of the games that were in here immediate viewing area before moving on to a different vantage point to find him.
It didn't take long. Mokuba and his friends were playing another game, this one was a virtual board game that somewhat resembled a cross between Chess and Dual Monsters. Watching, she learned some of the rules and also learned that Mokuba was a very adept teacher when it came to his own forte. Even though she knew that he had been holding back a lot, the game was close at the end and it made for an interesting round of buffeting and general rough housing that came with a loss taken well as rematch challenges were issued.
Seeing Mokuba like this reminded her of her own brother. She wished that he had lived, to see how he would have grown up, and to see what kind of torments they would have put upon each other as siblings often did. Thinking on it. She realized that Mokuba would have been just about a year younger than her brother and the realization startled her and caused her to have to take a moment to get her emotions back in check.
Continuing her vigil she noticed nothing untoward so she dropped a little farther back so the chances of her being noticed were even smaller. When Mokuba turned to the house he was staying at, Chance smiled slightly and took a small break to run to get something to eat. When she returned, feeling better for having had the meal she quickly made a study of the grounds of the small house and yards before picking the large tree by the side of the house. She climbed up into it before settling into one of the branches where she would not be seen readily by those not expecting her to be there, yet she could still keep an eye on things and hopefully prevent anything from happening.
Brief catnaps through the night helped Chance stay alert and as the sun started coming up about six in the morning Chance found that she was becoming a little more alert with the increase of light. Soon enough she was able to hear the sounds of the household waking up to get ready for school.
Stretching as well as she could in the tree she prepared herself for the drop down to the ground to follow her charge. The school was a relatively small one that upheld her theory that Mokuba was a lot smarter than he let on. Preparing to watch him for the day wasn't easy. But she managed to accomplish it by speaking quietly with the principal of the school and getting a uniform that would allow her to pass for a member of the janitorial staff.
Getting down to the boiler room, she grabbed the cleaning supplies she'd need and started on the halls, sweeping and mopping while she kept an eye out for trouble and tried to stay out of Mokuba's direct line of sight. This was a lot easier with the cap she was allowed to wear to keep her hair up and out of the way. The jumpsuit fit easily over her regular clothes so the only thing that would have marked her for who she was, was the ear cuff and earring.
The day passed, and just before the classes let out, she thanked the Principal and asked for his cooperation in the future. As she had gotten it she knew that it was a win/win situation for both of them. He got help with keeping his school clean and didn't have to pay anything extra for it and Chance was able to stay nearby to keep an eye on Mokuba.
Yugi had been in the middle of getting dressed for school that morning and having a discussion with Yami about what the day would bring when they both turned to the window at the strange tapping noise. Cautiously, Yugi moved over to the window and peeked out. Both he and Yami were surprised to see Chance on the sidewalk below looking like she had just spent the last 36 hours in a marathon. Curious as to what would bring her to his door at this hour of the morning, Yugi threw on his shirt and ran downstairs to let her in.
"Chance, this is a surprise. What are you doing here?" He asked as soon as the young woman stepped into the shop and he had locked the door behind her.
"I'm sorry for intruding like this Yugi, but I passed the interview and I'm supposed to report to Kaiba's office this morning to get the paperwork out of the way. I've been up for almost 24 hours barring the short nap I had before I drove back to Domino and on top of that, I have lost my apartment." Chance wondered at how much information she was giving this kid that she barely knew. Except something told her that she could trust him and that he wouldn't hurt her. Emboldened by this feeling she asked.
"If it isn't too much to ask, I was wondering if you and your grandfather would object to me parking my car here and crashing in it for a couple hours till the office opens up."
By the time Chance had gotten her request out, Yugi's grandpa had come down the stairs and was quietly listening. Yugi turned to him and asked. "Grandpa, it is ok if she sleeps on the couch upstairs for a couple hours? She's going to need a better rest than the seat of her car will give her if she has to spend the day at the Kaiba Corp offices."
"I was just thinking that Yugi. While Kaiba is a nice young man now that he has you and the others for friends, he is still a very intense individual and I fear that it does rub off onto his employees."
Looking up at Chance he smiled gently. "You just come with me and I'll show you where you can take a nap. And I won't take no for an answer Miss Castner." He added the last bit after he saw that she was about to object to their offer.
Chance knew when she was outmatched and she smiled wanly. "I suppose I do need a nap, who knows what Kaiba will put me through. I don't think I can thank you enough for doing this Mister Mutou."
"You just keep young Mokuba safe and that will be thanks enough. Now come with me and I'll get you settled while Yugi finishes getting ready for school." Solomon started up the stairs and Chance followed after she thanked Yugi again. It wasn't 5 minutes after she had laid down on the couch that she was soundly asleep for the two hours that she had told Solomon she needed.
As she went through training and orientation, Chance realized more and more that there should not have been a reason for Kaiba to look outside his own company for a bodyguard for Mokuba. However, she kept her own counsel on that matter and instead, memorized the rules and operating regulations of the company, even though 99 percent of them would not apply to her.
Three O'clock rolled around and with all of the paperwork filed, Tammy handed her the earring and cuff that she had used during her test. "Mister Kaiba would like you to start immediately."
"Oh? And is Mister Kaiba going to house me in his mansion while I'm working for him? For I certainly won't have much time to find a place for myself on my off hours and at the moment I have no money with which to start looking with as my last trip to Domino wiped me out." Chance's tone was laced heavily with sarcasm and distain for her employer's lack of regard for the basics that she would need to get taken care of.
"I will bring the matter to his attention." Tammy said formally, then she smiled gently understanding the huge upheaval the young woman was going through in moving this abruptly and in a much friendlier tone continued. "Don't worry Chance, something will be worked out by the time Mokuba is back on the estate and out of your immediate watch tonight."
There was something about the assurance that Tammy gave off that Chance liked, so she shrugged and headed out the door towards Mokuba's school to pick him up. Starting tomorrow however she would be watching over him all day, starting with when he left the estate for classes.
As before, she met up with Mokuba after his classes let out and make a little light conversation with him to see what he'd planned for the afternoon and evening. Groaning inwardly she found out that he was planning on staying the night at one of his friends' house. She didn't know the person so she knew that she wasn't going to get much sleep for another day or so. She wondered how it was that Seto Kaiba could be so concerned over his little brother; yet let him do things like over nights at friends' houses on school nights. Some things she'd never understand, and right now she wasn't certain she wanted to.
Fading into the background as she had before she was pleased with herself as she recognized the signs of the younger Kaiba relaxing into the company of his friends and forgetting that she was even there. Following them across town to the Kaiba Land Amusement center she was again grateful that she had taken the time to check the place out. She was doubly glad for the after school crowd as it made her movements and vigilance that much less conspicuous.
Keeping a light trace on him and giving a brief, quiet report when Seto demanded them she was kept on her toes as she wanted to act naturally but it was rather hard now that she was in the constraints of a job. One that was rather important. Still she had been pleasantly surprised when there was the note in the company manual from both of the Kaiba brothers that most of what had been written in there would not apply to her as she had a much more public behind the scenes role to play. They trusted her to use her judgment on situations and it spoke much for the elder Kaiba that he personally highlighted the portions that would have to be adhered to.
Her ID was to be kept on her at all times.
Her comlink was not to be closed for whatever reason, but muted was fine.
Her pay schedule had been check marked as well as the pay scale that she had been settled into.
The benefits package that she didn't have to fight for was above and beyond what she would have asked for. Insurance Health, Eye, Dental, Accidental Death and Dismemberment, a discretionary fund for her work related expenses, memberships to the local health club and gun range, plus a rather expansive severance package.
Chance knew that what she had just been handed was a general package that would normally be available only to seasoned veterans of ten years or more. Now more than ever she was aware of just how much Mokuba's safety meant to the Elder Kaiba. Seto wanted to insure that his brother would be taken care of.
Mokuba was a short distance away playing a couple of the games against one of his friends and as she looked around, she noted the potential threats and dismissed them. This place was well guarded, the plain-clothes guards making a better impression on her than the uniformed ones at the Kaiba Corp Central offices. But then, like Mokuba, most of these kids didn't want to have to be worried about safety, or be reminded that they were being watched.
She relaxed, had a soda, came back and found that her charge had moved on to a different game. Not worrying too much, she methodically checked each of the games that were in here immediate viewing area before moving on to a different vantage point to find him.
It didn't take long. Mokuba and his friends were playing another game, this one was a virtual board game that somewhat resembled a cross between Chess and Dual Monsters. Watching, she learned some of the rules and also learned that Mokuba was a very adept teacher when it came to his own forte. Even though she knew that he had been holding back a lot, the game was close at the end and it made for an interesting round of buffeting and general rough housing that came with a loss taken well as rematch challenges were issued.
Seeing Mokuba like this reminded her of her own brother. She wished that he had lived, to see how he would have grown up, and to see what kind of torments they would have put upon each other as siblings often did. Thinking on it. She realized that Mokuba would have been just about a year younger than her brother and the realization startled her and caused her to have to take a moment to get her emotions back in check.
Continuing her vigil she noticed nothing untoward so she dropped a little farther back so the chances of her being noticed were even smaller. When Mokuba turned to the house he was staying at, Chance smiled slightly and took a small break to run to get something to eat. When she returned, feeling better for having had the meal she quickly made a study of the grounds of the small house and yards before picking the large tree by the side of the house. She climbed up into it before settling into one of the branches where she would not be seen readily by those not expecting her to be there, yet she could still keep an eye on things and hopefully prevent anything from happening.
Brief catnaps through the night helped Chance stay alert and as the sun started coming up about six in the morning Chance found that she was becoming a little more alert with the increase of light. Soon enough she was able to hear the sounds of the household waking up to get ready for school.
Stretching as well as she could in the tree she prepared herself for the drop down to the ground to follow her charge. The school was a relatively small one that upheld her theory that Mokuba was a lot smarter than he let on. Preparing to watch him for the day wasn't easy. But she managed to accomplish it by speaking quietly with the principal of the school and getting a uniform that would allow her to pass for a member of the janitorial staff.
Getting down to the boiler room, she grabbed the cleaning supplies she'd need and started on the halls, sweeping and mopping while she kept an eye out for trouble and tried to stay out of Mokuba's direct line of sight. This was a lot easier with the cap she was allowed to wear to keep her hair up and out of the way. The jumpsuit fit easily over her regular clothes so the only thing that would have marked her for who she was, was the ear cuff and earring.
The day passed, and just before the classes let out, she thanked the Principal and asked for his cooperation in the future. As she had gotten it she knew that it was a win/win situation for both of them. He got help with keeping his school clean and didn't have to pay anything extra for it and Chance was able to stay nearby to keep an eye on Mokuba.