Necropolis demon
Disclaimer: In a place called LA-LA land, I own YuGiOh, but here on Earth? I don't.
Note: Ok…in case there are people out there who don't know what the word 'hors d'oeuvre' means or how to pronounce it…let me give you the pronunciation: awr-durv not hors do overe. Yeah, I had a hard time looking for the spelling of this fancy word; this word is a term that pertains to a small portion of food usually served on a platter to guests to stimulate the appetite…I'm sure you guys have heard it but to those few, like me, who didn't know how to spell the word…well there's the spelling.
Guys, you all know that Kaiba shows up all flashy and stuff right? Like, his image appears on a giant screen monitor or appears out of nowhere from the sky with a jet pack or something…yeah, he's flashy.
The Game Chapter 18 AcceptedSaturday night came and as planned, Yugi and the group arrived early, thereby giving reporters the chance to interview Yugi without interruptions. As agreed, Yugi put in a good word or two about Ryou, of course not letting everyone think that he thought way too highly of Ryou; that would be suspicious if he did.
Not only Yugi was interviewed about the contest and Ryou but also Joey, who was also a notable duelist being the 3rd runner up in the past Battle City. The blond spoke honestly about Ryou, saying good things about him like Yugi did, in fact, the two didn't even need to lie because what they were saying was the truth.
As the other guests and invited contestants arrived, interviewers scattered and so did the good word about Ryou; the damage was starting to repair itself.
Kaiba's place was no doubt a very classy abode, with the mansion and the sheer land area of the estate. The party took place at the backyard where the pool was, though there would be no swimming that night, lucky for Ryou who didn't know how to swim…but Kaiba didn't need to know that. Waiters and such roamed the area, carrying with them platters of hors d'oeuvres for the guests as appetizers as well as trays of tall wine glasses with some expensive champagne that never seemed to run out.
A lot of guests had already arrived but still there was no sign of the host. People began to wonder about this though, but knowing Seto Kaiba, who usually popped up when you least expect him to, the guests expected the CEO to come out of nowhere with a cool entrance like he usually does.
They were right…
One of Kaiba's bodyguards dressed in the usual bodyguard suit with sunglasses came up to the stage, which was set up near the buffet table, to announce Kaiba. "Honored guests, please direct your attention to the balcony" he said through the microphone, as a ray of spotlight was shed towards the dark balcony over looking the backyard, illuminating it, "Everyone, Mr. Seto Kaiba, our gracious host for the night." At this, Kaiba appeared, clad in his white trench coat, making a dramatic entrance.
Upon Kaiba's entrance, everyone clapped their hands together as reporters with cameras took some quick photos of the CEO.
With his usual expression of authority, the brunette spoke high on the balcony, his voice amplified by a small microphone attached to his trench's collar that he switched on, "Ladies and gentlemen, guests and contestants alike, welcome to my home and to my party." He spoke, catching the attention of everyone.
"Though recent events have spurred some controversial bits of rumors, the KaibaCorp contest has done marvelously on it's first week and on the days that followed, drawing in a large number of audiences not only in Japan but globally."
"This party celebrates the end of the first half of the contest, and signals the start of the second portion in which the passing game entries will be rated according to the people's choice." Clapping.
"Demos of the qualified game entries will be available not only via the Internet but also, Kaiba Land will be hosting live trial demos of game entries. We, at KaibaCorp have also decided to release downloadable game demos for your mobile phones. The game which gets the most hits, votes and subscriptions will be the winner." He explained.
"It is my expectation that this contest will be as big of a hit as Battle City and that the winning game entry will be, yet again, another fine addition to the gaming world." A pause to look over the audience intently listening, "I stand here, hosting this social gathering, to celebrate the contest's upcoming success." As if on cue, the guests applauded.
Once more, Kaiba continued, "But I did not simply arrange this party to solely be a celebration for the KaibaCorp contest or to explain the format of the second half of the contest," he stopped for a second while people started wondering about his statement, "I also arranged this party as an opportunity to introduce to all of you…my new apprentice." he finished.
As soon as the CEO said the word 'apprentice', people immediately wondered aloud in hushed voices, 'apprentice? Who could it be?' was their main thought. Everyone in the audience except for Yugi's group was perplexed by this declamation.
Just then, amidst the hushed inquiries, the sound of an approaching chopper could be heard. The guests looked towards the direction of the sound of rotating blades, and there above in the night sky, coming towards the mansion's balcony, was a company helicopter. Collective gasps from the audience were enticed as another ray of spotlight was directed towards the chopper above and the figure that was being delivered to the balcony by a rope ladder.
Yugi's group gasped though they knew who was climbing down the rope ladder…but seriously, a cool helicopter entrance?
They were right on who the figure was; it was none other than Ryou with his hair blowing in the gust of wind all cool-like! When the spectators realized who the new apprentice was, cameras were immediately pointed towards the teenager climbing down the rope ladder.
Another wave of shock hit the guests though, when they caught sight of what the new apprentice was wearing; it was a KC trench coat, the same as Seto Kaiba's trench coat from color to design! Though its tail was shorter and only reached above the knees.
Continuous clicks and flashes could be heard and seen from every corner as cameras sought out to get perfect angled pictures of Ryou. Kaiba smirked as everything was going smoothly.
Ryou stopped descending and halted in the middle of climbing down, he was already halfway down the ladder when he paused for a second…then, to everyone's third shock…he jumped!
He jumped, coat flaring out stylishly behind him as a background of gasps and cheers filled the atmosphere. Expertly, Ryou landed on the balcony though inwardly he sighed in relief that he didn't end up injuring himself, he stood beside Kaiba who smirked at him for an entrance well done.
Yeah…tonight, Ryou had gathered up all the confidence he could muster and ended up with an image; the cool and dashing apprentice of Seto Kaiba who could match the CEO when it came to cool appearances.
As the chopper left, Ryou stepped forward, his smiling expression dashing, confident but still holding that original essence innocence. "Greetings" he said simply through the microphone attached to his trench and smiled at the female teenage guests who were no doubt swooning over him.
The brunette continued to speak, "I'm quite sure that all of you who've read the paper or listened to the news know him, but nevertheless allow me to formally introduce you to my apprentice."
"To all, this is Mr. Ryou Bakura, a duelist classmate of mine and game designer, my new apprentice." said Kaiba as people applauded, "I'm aware of the fact that he is also a contestant in KaibaCorp's contest but let me assure you that Ryou here has been given absolutely no special treatment." Stated Kaiba…now that Kaiba openly stated it, people believed him…they believed because it was Kaiba's word as well as the word of Yugi the 'King of Games', Joey the 3rd runner up of Battle City and a few others who actually met Ryou from the yacht party; Ryou DID make some good wealthy and powerful friends during the yacht party. "Ryou, a few words for our guests?" the CEO added.
The apprentice smiled at Kaiba then turned his gaze towards the many listeners, "My, I would just like to say that I'm quite thrilled to be given this chance to mingle with all you…fine people" another innocent smile, "I do hope I don't embarrass myself by accidentally spilling champagne on someone's suit" he joked and laughed a bit, everyone laughed in return at the jest, nodding their heads in approval to Kaiba's choice for an assistant.
"I'm quite honored to be amongst you all, and before anyone asks, No, I did not secretly 'borrow' this trench coat from Mr. Kaiba." The white blond gestured to his trench coat with another cheerful smile, eliciting another wave of chuckles from the rich guests; the joke wasn't that funny but it was crucial that Ryou get the approval of the people in this party, it was just an ice breaker to show everyone that he was an ok person.
Now that the mood lightened and the people's trust was getting won over, Ryou proceeded to a more serious speech, "Now then, I would like to say that I look forward to being better acquainted with all of you later after this short speech of mine and I do hope that everyone will accept me as I am a bit…nervous in the presence of such an audience," he smiled at the girls who blushed; Kaiba, who noticed how the girls seemed to really want Ryou, inwardly gritted his teeth…his possessiveness of Ryou making him uncomfortable.
"Also, I am deeply and truly honored to have been chosen to be the apprentice of the great and respected Mr. Seto Kaiba, I thank him." Ryou added proudly, glancing at Kaiba who he noticed was glaring heatedly at the blushing fan girls. The brunette, upon hearing the mention of his name, regained his composure and smirked back at Ryou as everyone applauded.
"Interesting choice of words," replied the CEO, gesturing for a waiter carrying a tray of champagne-filled wine glasses to come towards him and Ryou.
Kaiba took two glasses, handed one to Ryou then dismissed the waiter, "Everyone, let us give a toast to a prosperous competition," said Kaiba, he then glanced at the white blond, "and to an excellent apprentice." He added. Obliging, people raised their wine glasses and toasted.
After the toast, the duo proceeded to the party below them, shaking hands with a few people. Ryou eventually caught sight of Yugi, his friends and Mokuba while Kaiba was busy talking with someone. "Ryou!" came the voices of Yugi's group, all heading towards the white blond.
"Man, the helicopter and trench coat an' all that!" Joey started, "that was AWESOME!" he exclaimed.
"Yeah man, you were great up there!" Tristan added.
"Big brother didn't tell me you were getting a trench coat!" came Mokuba.
"And you were so cool Ryou!" came Tea's voice, "You look great in that trench coat, I can't believe Kaiba let you wear that!" she said
"You guys don't look so bad yourselves," replied the flattered teen. Yugi was in a black suit with a white button up top underneath, Tea was in a sparkly black dress that reached a little above the knees, Tristan was clad in mocha brown, Mokuba was simply dressed in what he wore during Battle City which was a striped top, blue pants and a yellow vest, the vest was sort of like Mokuba's uniform like Kaiba's trench, while Joey was in an outfit similar to Yugi's, the only difference was that he had a black bowtie around his neck…which made him look a bit silly.
"Yeah, I look good huh? Check it out! I borrowed it from ma' Uncle!" Joey started, gesturing at his suit and taking the jacket off to dramatically pose.
The group giggled a bit at their friend's different poses, and at a part where Joey was posing like a macho man, Kaiba entered the scene, "Wheeler, quit your childish modeling and put your jacket back on," said the brunette, standing by Ryou's side, "You look like a waiter," he added, smirking mockingly at the blond.
"What! Just when I thought ya' could at least be a bit nicer ta' us coz you invited us here-" Joey started, "Seriously guys! Ya'll saw it; I didn't do anythin' to him! And HE starts a fight!"
Yugi spoke, trying to muffle his giggles, "Um…Joey…err, Kaiba's right you know."
"What? You're siding with HIM Yugi?" retorted the blond, eyes wide at the thought of being betrayed by Yugi.
Yugi couldn't help it and burst out laughing, pointing at something behind Joey, the others followed his finger and soon started laughing hysterically as well, "Whatta?" Joey turned his head and saw to his horror and embarrassment…Waiters wearing EXACTLY what he was wearing; a white button down top with a black bowtie around the neck and a pair of black pants.
Crud…no wonder they were laughing at him, he DID look like a waiter without his black jacket on.
As Kaiba smirked at being right, Ryou politely muffled his own laughter by covering his mouth with his hand, inwardly wincing at the thought that he himself had once opted to wear what Joey was wearing; it was back at the yacht party when was picking out some clothes to wear for the occasion and there WAS one ensemble similar to Joey's that he had tried out, that outfit that he dubbed as 'James Bond' wanna be… it would've been embarrassing if that WAS what he wore to the party, and if Kaiba made fun of him…fortunately he never wore the thing.
Blushing, Joey quickly put his jacket back on and ripped the bowtie off his neck as Tristan continued torturing him.
Everything went according to plan, the bad gossip had been replaced with good and any negative views of Ryou had been altered into positive. The KC duo had already prepared a story and answers to the media regarding Ryou's employment and his records; the story was that Kaiba had been contemplating on the idea of hiring Ryou ever since he watched the teen duel in Battle City, it took Kaiba a while to actually present Ryou with the offer and when he did, he didn't realize that Ryou had already joined the KC contest. Ryou had accepted the job and had even tried to pull out his entry from the competition to avoid any controversy but it was too late and his entry had been officially processed and accepted.
As people asked the two more about their partnership, tensions lightened, images were repaired and new allies were made. Even throughout dinner, good things about Ryou had been spoken, those who were lining up by the buffet table were talking about Ryou, those who were sitting at their table were talking about Ryou, those who were just standing around holding glasses of wine were talking about Ryou…and all in a good way.
For Kaiba, the night's main mission was accomplished and all he needed to do now was parade Ryou around so the teen could get acquainted with investors. Things were going so well, Ryou even had a friendly conversation with his fellow contestants who all ended up liking him and didn't actually think him to be the kind of person who would cheat in a contest or get in favor with Kaiba…so yeah, even the other contestants' views on Ryou were cleaned up.
The party progressed well throughout the night, pictures were taken, interviews had been approved and so on and so forth. When at last the festivities were over and the caterers had packed up and left, having cleaned up everything and such, Ryou was exhausted and immediately slipped into his pajamas to slumber in his new bedroom.
Kaiba was exhausted as well but he inwardly had a triumphant smirk on, everything went perfectly according to plan and everyone liked Ryou, no one thought of his employment as an advertisement for his game entry; there was zero malice now.
The brunette walked through the hallway headed towards his bedroom, but as he walked he noticed a small string of light coming from one of the rooms he passed. It was from Ryou's room, 'So he picked the bedroom closest to Mokuba's and mine.' Thought Kaiba as he passed his assistant's room.
But as he was nearing the door, he paused to peer inside. There he saw Ryou sleeping comfortably on the bed, probably exhausted from the night's festivities. Kaiba didn't know what possessed him to creep into Ryou's room but he did anyway, cautiously entering the lampshade lit room as quietly as possible.
The white blond looked so serene asleep, with his eyes closed and his lips parted to breath peacefully as he dreamt; the image would have made anyone smile…but Kaiba didn't, instead he frowned disapprovingly, thinking about how Ryou could possibly look so content when he had been under such miserable pressures in life…at least those pressures were dissipating.
Nevertheless…it was nice seeing Ryou so calmed and relaxed.
It was tempting to touch the slumbering angel…but Kaiba couldn't bring himself to do it in fear of having another repeat of that night at Ryou's place, in which he was put in an awkward position when Ryou accidentally kissed him…the kiss was pleasant though.
The brunette was about move away from the sleeping teen but then he noticed the picture frame on Ryou's nightstand.
It was a normal picture frame with a simple plastic frame that imitated the look of dark polished wood and it held a simple enough photo as well.
There was Ryou, dressed simply in his blue school uniform; he probably just arrived from school that day. The place was familiarly Ryou's apartment, at the living room area Kaiba guessed…and there standing beside Ryou was a man who looked like he was in his forty's, dressed in what seemed to be a traveling coat.
Kaiba's expression hardened, the man was Ryou's father though it wasn't apparent; the stranger had bluish hair, way different from Ryou's white blond mane, and he looked healthy enough for his age. He also had a slightly tanned complexion, probably from being under the sun for too long because of his job of being an archeologist. By the man's feet were traveling bags…ah, the man must've been leaving and Ryou managed to get a last minute photo before his father left to another country…again.
The two were smiling…but Ryou seemed to have been inwardly weeping, his eyes seemed saddened and his smile…seemed forced and pained.
Poor Ryou…having lived all alone in his apartment, cherishing those days in which his father was there with him…and dreading those days in which his father would leave him. Dreading those days…of being left alone in that apartment.
Kaiba placed the frame back to its original position; Ryou had gone through enough turmoil…he didn't deserve such loneliness in life. The brunette exited the room, quietly closing the door behind him and then heading towards his own bedroom to make a few calls.
Necro: This was totally and utterly…what's the word I'm looking for? Hmmm…I can't recall…anyways, I was sitting in a café, staring blankly at a book (I think it was called 'how to park your broomstick' or something, lent to me by someone) when all of a sudden…a certain nosy friend started shaking me by the shoulders! Thank goodness my friend (guy who posts my fics) shook me into writing this thing…and lucky that we were near his house, I was immediately able to complete and post this chap in a day!
To be sung in the tune of: Row, Row, Row my BoatReview…Review…Review my fic, swiftly as I plead.
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Say 'this rules!' p-lease…
DORKY and HOPELESS? Yeah…I thought so too…
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