Disclaimer: I don't own the rights to Yu-Gi-Oh. But if you really want I have all the pennies in my piggy bank free of charge.
A/N: I'm going to keep it short and sweet. For those of you who want to kill Taryn or me for keeping Seto and Anzu apart, the wait will soon be over. As for this chapter, toxic waste may have to be used after all. Enjoy.Italics – Japanese
Regular – English
Chapter Six Monday 9:00amThorten Enterprises. The large words stared down at the group of friends in bold white letters from over top of the main entrance and again some seventy floors above. Made of huge glass windows and shining steal, the company building could rival Kaiba Corp. in intimidating structures.
Mokuba, being quite familiar with such style, entered the main doors without hesitation; a cautious Roland hot on his heals. They needed to find Seto and what better place to start then the company he was proposing business to? It had taken an entire month but the billionaire finally decided to pay a personal visit and what a welcome it was.
"Can we just walk right in?" Taylor asked, still unsure about following the youngest member of their search party.
Jou slapped him on the back in a friendly gesture. "Nothing to it. But if you really need convincing follow my lead." The blonde made a show of squaring his shoulders and puffing out his chest before striding into Thorten Enterprises.
Anzu shook her head at Jou's antics. He always knew just what to do to lighten the mood. Too bad Delaney had a sudden trip to her mothers and didn't get to experience Jou's sense of humor.
"C'mon Taylor, we can't let him run free in there," Anzu said, linking arms with her friend.
They managed to take a few steps forward when two security guards barreled through the front doors. Between them they dragged a complaining Jou by the arms.
"Oi! I have every right to go in there! You can't do this to me! Who gave you the right to kick me out?" His struggling continued once he was free, shaking a fist at their retreating backs. "Hey! Get back here! I wasn't done talkin' to you!"
It would most definitely not due to have Jou causing a scene at the company while they remained in front, attempting to go in. Unfortunately he tended to have a knack for getting himself and his accomplices banned from more places then Anzu liked to remember; the arcade on 25th street, Domino's Recreation Center. Why Jou even managed to get them kicked out of Kaiba Corp. by the head of security, much to Seto's amusement, just one week before she left for university.
Anzu quickly approached her friend in hopes of calming him down. "Jou, I don't think it's a good idea to be yelling at them," she grabbed his raised arm and forced him to look at her. "Please let's just explain to them why it is we've come and clear all first impressions of you."
Jou wasn't about to go down without a fight. "But, Anzu. You saw how they treated me! No respect!"
What was it with guys and their pride? So what if Thorten Enterprises had tight security. Bad mouthing the company wouldn't prove anything. With pleading eyes Anzu shifted her gaze to Taylor.
The redhead took her hint and returned Jou's slap on the back. "Watch how the pro's do it," he said.
Taylor entered Thorten Enterprises without any mishap's only to return not even a minute later and herded the two remaining group members inside. No one bothered to question them or made any attempts to throw Jou out a second time, as surprising as that was.
"How did you do that?" Anzu asked.
"Simple. I told them we were with Mokuba. It doesn't take a genius to tell that kid's powerful."
Jou and Taylor traded grins. "You're thinking like one of us. Welcome to the club," the blonde declared.
"But, Jou, you didn't think of that."
"Shh, Anzu, let's not ruin the moment," Taylor chided.
Jou agreed. "Yeah, what he said."
She didn't bother replying, quite aware of her friend's attempts to cheer her up in the midst of all the trauma. One small smile was all she had managed that morning. Linking her arms threw theirs she let them lead her to where Mokuba was waiting to talk to an older woman at the reception desk.
The woman did a once over of the friends as they approached, before ignoring them. "Yes sir…. Right away sir…. Of course…. Sorry for the interruption." Hanging up the receptionist directed them to a set of doors on her left. "Mr. Thorten requests that you wait for him just threw those doors. He will see you shortly."
"Thank you," Mokuba replied, hurrying to follow her directions.
Quietly Anzu and her friends entered the lavishly decorated, extremely masculine room to wait. Hordes and hordes of picture frames holding photos of futuristic looking buildings and blue prints covered the deep maroon walls. In the center sat two of the longest couches she could recall seeing, facing each other with a low glass table as a centerpiece. On the table sat a mini scale replica of a city with towering skyscrapers and all.
Everyone appeared to have the same idea and sat down on the couches provided, Roland shadowing Mokuba on one and Taylor and Jou to either side of Anzu on the other, ready to protect who they thought were the two innocent members of their party, from any harm.
"How long are we suppose to wait?" Jou asked, throwing an arm over the back of the couch. His curiosity filled brown eyes took a sweep of the room landing on the mini city with a growing interest.
"Don't even think of it Jou," Anzu warned. The last thing they needed was more unintentional mishaps a la Jou.
"Huh? I wasn't gonna do anything."
Taylor snickered. "Not do anything? You can barely breath without getting into trouble."
"Hey!" Jou growled in defense, "I can't help being me. Everyone's just attracted to my rugged good looks and dashing personality. It's not my fault I'm cursed with this face."
"Why don't you add vain onto your list of traits," the redhead suggested.
Mokuba quickly joined the conversation grinning. "How about obnoxious, conceited, self-centered, egotistical, arrogant-"
"Oi! Alright! Alright! I get it! You've made your point," a sneaky grin spread across Jou's face, "You're just jealous."
"There's nothing to be jealous of."
"Spoken like a true Kaiba."
All heads swiveled towards the new voice by the doors where a young man was standing. He couldn't have been more then ten years their senior with shaggy blonde hair that framed a set of secretive blue eyes. Though contrary to the time of day his suit was ruffled, the gray jacket thrown over one arm and what appeared to be a tie sticking out of its pocket. Yet it was the yellow file folder he held in his hand that drew everyone's attention.
Anzu couldn't recall even hearing the door being opened. Realizing someone had materialized right beside them, likely overhearing the gist of their conversation was enough to freeze the group in fear and apprehension. They couldn't do anything right.
Mokuba was the first one to recover from the man's sudden appearance, sneaking up on them unawares. "Mr. Thorten!" the young Kaiba addressed him, rising from his seat, "Sorry about bothering you but we need your help. Something has happened to Seto."
The businessman nodded. "It was a smart choice to come here, Mokuba. I am well aware of Mr. Kaiba's predicament and have been monitoring his condition. It wouldn't do to disregard ones newly acquainted business partner."
Although the words were meant to reassure the group, Anzu grew anxious at his attempts. If Mr. Thorten was digging up information on Seto's kidnapping then he had to know all the facts the police were withholding from them; everything that she was becoming desperate to learn herself. Would he keep it from them as well?
"Do you know where Seto is?" Anzu asked the first question.
Mr. Thorten motioned to the couches. "Perhaps it would be best if everyone was seated before we go into the details."
In a rush to find his big brother, Mokuba retook his seat, oozing impatience.
The businessman opened his file folder and began flipping through it. "Regrettably we haven't been able to pin down Mr. Kaiba's whereabouts but that doesn't mean we haven't tried. My men have narrowed down the area he is in to a six-city block radius. It will only be a matter of time."
"Then we should begin searching right away," Jou cut in, clearly wanting to be out hunting rather then sitting still.
Taylor shook his head. "Wouldn't it be better to inform the police and allow them to handle it?"
"They already know." The guys turned to look at Anzu but she was busy staring at Mr. Thorten. "I'm right aren't I? Can you tell us why the police haven't done anything about it?"
He paused in his search threw the file. "I'm sorry. We have yet to be acquainted. You are?"
"Anzu Mazaki. Do you know why?"
"Are you a friend of Mr. Kaiba's?" he by passed her question.
Considering he was willing to help them it was only fair he learned her part in their ploy beside Mokuba Kaiba's tagalong. "I'm Seto's girlfriend." Anzu informed him.
"Nice to meet you," Mr. Thorten replied with a nod, "And you are correct in guessing that the police are aware. It is for Mr. Kaiba's safety they are waiting to proceed."
Mokuba's gray eyes grew wide. "Is Seto alright?"
Their informant hesitated to answer, carefully wording his sentences under Mokuba's pleading eyes. "He is…banged up. But nothing I'm sure he cannot handle."
Anzu tensed at the news. "How bad?"
"We're unable to give you a direct account. I'm sorry."
"Bullshit!" Jou exploded, jumping up from his seat, "Let me see that!" He snatched the file folder from Mr. Thorten's hands, almost tearing it in two before he hurried behind the couch to read it.
"That's classified information," Mr. Thorten warned, making no move to retrieve it, appearing almost pleased with what he could supply them with.
"Not anymore it ain't."
The friends anxiously watched as Jou searched for what they weren't too certain, but in all sense couldn't be very good. He froze, eyes glued to the open file. Definitely not a good sign. In a mad rush the friends quickly surrounded the blonde to see what he had uncovered before he had a chance to close the folder.
In the yellow folder rested a printed picture of Seto. He was slouched in a chair, with something holding his arms behind his back. Seto's head was dropped forward and his captivating eyes were closed, no doubt unconscious. But it was the bruise he sported on his cheek that scared Anzu the most. The purple-blue splash of color highlighted a swollen cheekbone, half shaded by his hair, that made the billionaire appear weak and vulnerable. Two things Anzu could count on her fingers for having never witnessed from Seto.
"How did you get this?" Roland asked, menacingly.
Mr. Thorten let out a sigh. "His attacker posted the picture, among others, on the internet as a warning for all those paying Mr. Kaiba's kidnapping any attention and to give them some space."
"Bastards!" Jou cursed, "Those bastards!" Coming to his senses he smashed the file folder closed and threw it at the far couch, away from prying eyes. Thankfully any and all papers managed to remain in the folder.
Normally Anzu would have scolded him for using such fool language in front of Mokuba, but she was too shaken to notice. Anzu wrapped her arms around herself, fighting to keep the tears at bay. Seto was hurt and alone and she couldn't do a thing to help him. It was eating away at her the more time went by. Where were they to turn to next? Dammit! Seto was vulnerable!
"Anzu, we're going to find him. I promise," Taylor attempted to reassure her, giving her shoulder a squeeze.
The dancer shrugged it off. Of course they were going to find her boyfriend, right before tearing a good one into each and every one of his attackers twice over. No one had said they wouldn't and curse the first person who did.
"Anzu?" a scared Mokuba tried for her attention. The young Kaiba struggled to remain strong in his brother's absence.
Fearful of crying if she talked Anzu welcomed Mokuba into her arms. No one else's comfort would have felt right, for no one knew just how desperate they felt.
Monday 9:00amSeto was the luck recipient privileged to wake up with a pounding headache and aching arms. He cursed inwardly as his vision cleared and he was able to make out his location as the anger inducing room he had been forced to share with Taryn. Second time around, though Seto was slouched in a chair with his hands handcuffed behind him. The cold metal bit into his skin, holding his arms at an uncomfortable angle no amount of shifting could fix.
"Rise and shine Seto-kin's," Taryn addressed him on his left. She gave him a satisfied smile from her sprawled out station on the couch.
The door to the room was propped open with the second chair where the short guard entered to hand Taryn a bottle of water. Upon noticing the billionaire had regained consciousness he hesitated to leave.
"Don't worry about me Tony," the dancer waved him away. "There isn't anything he can do now."
Shit! That cocky bitch! Why hadn't he thought of it before? Here Seto had pushed Taryn to the back of his mind, ignoring her when in all actuality she was the threat. All the facts were sliding into place like a rubix cube. Suddenly his ride in the elevator made a lot more sense.
Steel blue eyes peered at Taryn from behind tousled bangs. "Getting a little desperate Sinclair?" he sneered.
"Just making a point."
"And failing badly."
Taryn gave him a smile, twirling a lock of hair around her finger. "That would be where you are wrong Seto. Someone needs to teach you how to be a good little boy. Beating up my trusted guards is a no-no." The finger she shook in his direction turned Seto's vision red.
"I will make your life a living hell," he growled, "Are you ready for that?"
The plots were already swimming in his head of how to tear Taryn's beloved world apart at the seams. How dare she believe she could control the Kaiba Seto, CEO of Kaiba Corp. and the richest Japanese man under twenty-five!
Placing her water bottle on the floor, Taryn crossed the short distance between them. "You are going to accept the fact that I am in charge by the end of the night or you will have to be punished. But I don't foresee that happening." She suggestively ran a finger down his bruised cheek.
Seto jerked his head away, instantly regretting the action as pain reared up against his skull. He narrowed his eyes at the dancer. "You self-righteous bitch! Every minute I spend-" His progressing threat came to a screeching halt when Taryn proceeded to straddle his lap.
"Uh-uh. From now on the only language you are allowed to speak is English. Do. You. Understand?" The blonde, clearly letting Seto know she thought he was beneath her, over exaggerated the words in pronunciation.
It took much practiced restraint not to shudder at the uncomfortably close proximity between the two. The young CEO was very protective of his personal space due to past experiences he loathed to recall.
"Get! Off!" Seto spat the words, struggling noisily with the handcuffs behind him.
A slender finger was once again waged in front of his face. "Rule number two. You are never to give me orders. That would be why I am in charge. Do I have to explain?" Seto ground his teeth in anger. "Didn't think so. Now be a good boy and don't talk. There are better ways to pass the time." Blatantly hinting at what those things were Taryn pressed her entire body up against Seto's draping her arms over his shoulders.
The sensation of getting coated in grim overwhelmed Seto and he was unable to hold back a second shudder. Unfortunately Taryn took that as a good sign and progressed to run her fingers through his hair.
"There. Now aren't you enjoying this much more?" she asked.
"Get the hell away from me before I willingly commit murder in cold blood!" The venom filled words made it out of Seto's mouth seconds before his captor slapped him across the face. Bad move if he ever saw one. Too bad, and she didn't have nearly the same swinging arm as Anzu.
Nails dug into his scalp as Taryn grabbed his head forcing him to look at her. "If you so much as say one more word in another language I will slap you so hard any memorizes of your previous existence will be erased." When she was met with silence she continued. "Very good, Seto-kin's. You're learning. For that I do believe you deserve a treat."
The dancer leaned forward to capture his lips in a slow kiss, watching his reaction with commanding eyes. Seto's body went stiff at the contact utterly repulsed by the action and no matter how hard he struggled to pull away Taryn held his head still. When Taryn realized pure hatred was the only emotion she could drag from Seto she bit his bottom lip and pulled away.
She must enjoy racking up such a long list of reasons to seek revenge if Seto ever saw one. Hell all she'd need to do would be to kidnap Mokuba and Taryn would have earned herself a place with Pegasus and the Big Five.
With a look that could bring his biggest rivals to their knees Seto glared at Taryn before turning his head to the side to spit. He would have preferred getting slobbered all over by a dog, allergies be damned, then swap saliva with that bitch. Again he tested the strength of the handcuffs with no luck. He just needed to distract her long enough.
"If your sole intent was to seduce me you're strategy is doomed to fail. I'm not attracted to the desperate and bitchie." He leaned more towards the strong and sarcastic, more like Anzu. Taryn fell into the category of psychotic fangirl.
"Oh but there isn't any reason to seduce you," she replied, "Although that would nice. You have only to realize that you no longer have any power. I've cracked guys a lot tougher then you. The fact that Anzu just so happens to be your girlfriend is of no importance. A wannabe. Absolutely no challenge."
She was baiting him to loose his temper. Seto could read it in her body language, the tone of her voice, and the hope fluttering in her eyes. He was a businessman who had dealt with the worst conartists. Few were able to get past him as the days rolled on.
"What about the money?" Seto asked, remaining perfectly still as Taryn's right hand played with the button's on his shirt.
The dancer leaned closer to whisper in his ear. "My partner in crime asked for it. Personally I preferred to have a hands on approach when it came to you." To enforce her statement, not that she hadn't already, Taryn nuzzled her nose against the side of his neck, undoing the first button of Seto's shirt.
"And Anzu?"
She ceased her actions to look at the billionaire. "Anzu? She's stupid enough to think I ever wanted to be her friend. I bet she's crying her pretty little eyes out, thinking you stood her up. The only right thing she managed to do was to bring you here."
Unbeknownst to Taryn she had answered a few questions Seto never asked. One, they had yet to realize the money was gone and two, Anzu was safe. Which was more then could be said for the blonde still sitting on his lap.
Working to control the burning anger coiled inside him, Seto took a moment to close his eyes before looking at Taryn. "This is all a game to you, isn't it?"
"Checkmate," she smiled.
Monday 10:17amAnzu and her group of friends were back at the police station waiting to talk with Detective Paul Jones when Delaney managed to catch up with them. She was refreshed and ready to drag Anzu back out into the streets. Screw the cops hunting around for clues; the punk dancer had a lead of her own.
"Why can't we all go?" Mokuba protested for the dozenth time in the past five minutes.
Jou frowned at the girls, growing angrier by the minute. "I don't care what she says, it ain't safe for girls to be running around alone. You guys and Mokuba should stay here and let the rest of us check it out." That had been the stubborn idiot's suggestion for the past twenty minutes and it was starting to grate on Anzu's nerves.
"What can I do, Jou?" she asked, trying to reason with him, "I'm the only one the kidnappers will let in to see Seto. You know I want to bring you along but if I do we don't know what could hap-" What could happen to Seto. Anzu cut herself off when she saw Mokuba's eyes riveted to her, full of hope and desperation.
Roland hurried to fill in her pause. "The police constable told us it would be best to leave Kaiba-san's kidnapping to them. And right now that is our safest bet."
Gah! They were wasting valuable time debating the matter. Couldn't anyone understand were she was coming from? "Since when have you listened to anyone other then Seto, Roland? This is all for his sake, And Jou, you've broken every rule handed to you," Anzu took a deep breath to calm her nerves, "I have my cell with me if you need to contact us, but there is no way I'm staying here. Not anymore."
The blonde studied her face, unable to hide the hurt he felt. "Kaiba will kill me if anything happens to you."
"Nothing will dude, get used to it," Delaney locked arms with Anzu, "Let's go."
"Just promise to contact us once you get there."
The girls quickly agreed to Taylor's one demand. At least someone was willing to cave a little, or attempting to. The redhead seemed to want to add more, but bit his tongue and gave them a half-hearted smile.
"Don't worry Mokuba, we'll bring Seto back soon," Anzu threw the reassuring words over her shoulder as Delaney pulled her out into the street, where a cab was already waiting.
The dancer allowed her friend to take the front seat and direct their driver to Seto's location. After turning down more streets then Anzu could recognize, not to mention running a few red lights, they finally arrived at their destination. Delaney gave Anzu no time to take note of her surroundings, although it would have been little help. Her thoughts were full of finding Seto.
The girls made it around the back of the old stone building where a heavily built man stood guard over a door in the shadows. He looked none too pleased to see anyone approaching.
"About time you got here," he snarled at Delaney.
She waved him out of her way. "I brought her didn't I?"
Grunting in agreement the guard opened the door to a set of window lit stairs.
"Delaney, who was that?" Anzu asked.
"No one important."
"But you just-"
"It doesn't matter. Don't you want to see your boyfriend?" Delaney gripped her arm as they turned at the top of the stair. "He'll probably be surprised to see you."
That was the understatement of the century. "You have no idea," she muttered.
Stopping in front of a paint chipped steal door halfway down the hall her friend gave it two hard raps. A muffled 'come in' was heard from the other side. For some peculiar reason Anzu had the sudden urge to turn around and high tail it from the building. Jou wasn't going to be very happy with her. She already knew that much.
"What are you waiting for? Hurry up and go in." Delaney nudged her on the shoulder.
With hidden apprehension she slowly turned the doorknob and opened the door half expecting to see her injured boyfriend. Instead Anzu came face to face with a satisfied Taryn Sinclair.
to be continued…………..
