Chapter 7

Lindsey POV

Death. It was the only logical explanation we could think of for daddy disappearing. He was so loving. He treated my mother and I like royalty. He would never just up and leave. Yet here he is in front of me. Alive and well. Five years later…. But why?

"Daddy."

"Hello Lindsey. I see that card I gave you has gotten you into a bit of trouble." He chuckled. "Now why don't you go on and be a good girl and give the card back to daddy."

"You're a fool if you think she's going to give you back that card, Lance." Everyone looked shocked as Seto snapped at Lindsey's father. "You leave her life for five years and now you just re-appear out of the blue asking for one of the most powerful cards in all of duel monsters back? Tell me, why did you give it to her in the first place?"

"Seto. When did you become such a snarky ass?" Lance said un-amused.

"I believe I asked you a question first Lance."

He sighed. "Very well. The answer is quite simple really. I gave Lindsey that card to protect until the time was right."

Lindsey looked puzzled. "Time was right? What's that supposed to mean?"

Lance chuckled. "Lindsey dear. Far to many people knew I had the card. Master Lucian would be much displeased if I lost it so I gave it to you for safe keeping until I needed it back. I left to protect you."

"Yea. That turned out real well dad. Or have you not noticed the huge bruise on my face? That aside, who is Lucian and why does he need the magician?"

"Lucian is who I work for. He needs the power of the magician to complete the ritual."

Yami gasped. "Ritual? What kind of ritual?"

"All will be known in due time pharaoh." Lindsey gasped, while the rest of the group looked confused.

How does he know about Yami? Something isn't right here…

"Why did he just call Yug a pharaoh? Lindsey, I'm sorry. But your father is nuts!"

Yami looked at Joey. "I'll explain later."

"I'll explain now." Everyone turned to Lance. "The spirit of a 5,000 year old pharaoh lives within your friends puzzle. His purpose here on earth will be revealed in the future, but for now it will remain secret."

"Is everything a secret with you dad?" Lindsey asked in a condescending tone.

Lance chuckled. "I need that magician Lindsey, now."

"I don't have it with me."

Lance's eyes narrowed. "Then where is it?"

"Away."

His frustration became noticeable. "Away where, Lindsey?"

She smirked. "It's a secret."

"You little brat!" He started towards her until Seto stepped in between them.

"I wouldn't touch her if I were you." Seto said through gritted teeth.

Lance looked amused. "You and what army is going to stop me?"

"That would be us." Joey, Duke and Tristan said in unison and they stepped up cracking their knuckles.

Lance barred his teeth until the sound of a boat engine was heard. He turned his head towards it. "Well, looks like my ride is here. So sorry to leave so soon again Lindsey, but I must be going, but don't worry. I will come back. Very, very soon." He gave an evil smile and started towards the dock. As the boat passed the dock he gracefully got in and sped off into the night.

"Not ta be rude or anything Linds, but your father is a class A creep."

"Joey!" Tea elbowed him.

Lindsey shook her head. "That man was a lot of things, but he's not my father. He can't be." She started to tear up. Mokuba walked up to hear and gave her a bear hug.

"Don't worry Linds. Everything will be okay. Seto will protect you. Right big brother?" Seto looked stunned but quickly recollected himself.

"Mokuba, I have better things to do than babysit her." He spat.

"Then explain why you jumped in between her and Lance a moment ago." Mai demanded. "You looked like you were out for blood. Face it Kaiba, you care and there's no way around it." Mokuba smirked.

For once Seto was speechless. "Uh…"

Lindsey interjected quickly. "Anyway guys, its after midnight. We should all be getting home."

"What about the Crystal Magician?" Duke asked. "There is no way you can keep it at your place anymore."

"Good point Duke." Bakura agreed.

Lindsey pondered a moment. "Uh… I'll figure something out. You guys go on home though, it's late." The group nodded. Joey, Tristan, Mai, Bakura, Duke and Tea left but Yami, Seto, and Mokuba stayed behind. "You guys. Seriously. Go. I will be okay."

Yami looked at Lindsey with an eyebrow raised. She patted his arm. "Go. I just need to talk to Seto. I'll call you later." He curtly nodded and left, leaving Lindsey alone with Seto and Mokuba.

"Mokuba go wait in the chopper." Mokuba didn't question him and went to wait in the helicopter. "What do you need to talk about?"

"Two things. One, I really would appreciate it if you hired someone to protect me," He raised an eyebrow. "Two, I need you to keep the Crystal Magician in like a vault of some sort. I know Kaiba Corp has them."

"Who do you think I am? You can't just snap your fingers and expect me to do everything for you. I'm already wasting time being here."

Lindsey sighed. "Okay Seto. I am sorry I have been a mega bitch since I got here. I caused a scene at school, I threw up all over you, and I know you don't like me hanging around Yugi yet I do it anyway. Okay? I am sorry. Can you please drop the icicle act now?"

Seto stared at her in silence and finally said, "I'll send a body guard tomorrow morning. Bring the card by after school and we'll lock it in the vault." Lindsey smiled.

"Thank you Seki." She hugged him, and to her surprise he hugged her back.

He rested his chin on top of her head and replied, "Welcome Lissey." She laughed. When he pulled back he noticed she was crying. He raised a brow. "You okay?"

"Yea." She replied while wiping her tears. "It's just been so long since you called me Lissey." She smiled.

"Yea. Well, tell no one." Seto demanded, and she burst out laughing.

"Oh. By the way, can I get a lift home?" She pointed to the helicopter.

Seto rolled his eyes. "Get in." He turned and walked towards the chopper as Lindsey squealed and ran for it.

Lindsey took the seat next to Mokuba and Seto sat across from them. After everyone was safely buckled in, she was finally on her way home.

Everything is finally almost back to normal. Key word almost. I'd be lying if I said I wasn't scared. But Seto will hire nothing less than the best to protect me. So why am I so worried?

"No mom I am not coming home for the summer….. Because I can't… I can't because the science program extends into the summer with an internship at a company….. what company? Um… uh…" Lindsey gestured to her new phone and gave Seto a pleading look. He motioned for her to give him the phone.

"Miss Walsh will have a top of the line internship at Kaiba Corp assisting in the development of a new product set for release in the near future…. Yes… good day." He rolled his eyes and handed the phone back to Lindsey.

"Anyway mom, I would love to chat but I have finals to study for so I'll talk to you later… Love you too… bye!" She let out a sigh of relief. Her mom had been dead set on Lindsey coming home for the summer. After about the third try, she had finally convinced her mom to let her stay. "Well, I'm staying for the summer!" She said happily.

About 3 weeks had passed since the incident at the pier and no signs of Lance had been traced. Seto had given Lindsey a bodyguard named Riker, who stayed very well hidden until needed, and the Crystal Magician was locked in a vault at Kaiba Corp. It was finally the last week of school before summer, the only thing left to do was survive finals then its hello freedom. Lindsey was sitting on top of Seto's desk. It was around noontime. She was spending her last Sunday before finals with Seto, in his office, studying for her Algebra final. Well, it was more like Lindsey reading a textbook and Seto typing furiously on his laptop.

"That's good to hear." He replied dryly.

She hopped off his desk and put her hands on her hips. "You could at least act a little happy." She mumbled, "Grinch."

"Shouldn't you be studying?" Lindsey rolled her eyes.

"Probably. But I cannot stress enough how much I do not care about the Pythagrium Theorem. Am I ever going to use this is life? Nooooo!" He didn't look up. "I'm hungry." He still ignored her. Pissed off she walked to the center of the room and started making furiously loud growling noises. "RAWR! RAWRARWRWRWRAWR!"

Irritated, Seto finally looked up. "What the hell are you doing?" She giggled.

"Imitating my stomach. I'm hungry. You should feed me." She gave an innocent smile.

He let out a long breath of irritation. "I'll have my secretary grab something. What do you want?"

"Yeah. No." She walked over and closed his laptop. "You and I have not hung out together once since I got here. We're going out for Lunch!" She smirked.

"Lindsey, were hanging out now." He said curtly.

"Nooooo, I'm hanging out. You're working. Now lets go!"

"I don't have time for this." He started to re-open his laptop when Lindsey snapped it shut with force.

"Seto Kaiba you are taking me out to lunch now!" She had her eyes narrowed and her electrifying green eyes made her look seriously intimidating.

He gazed straight into her eyes. His fierce cobalt eyes meeting her piercing green. "If I take you out will you shut up and let me work?"

She shrugged. "Probably not, but it's worth a shot." Their gazes were still locked in place.

Giving in Seto finally said, "Were going to Pietros. No arguments. Lets go." She gave a triumphant smile. He got up and exited the room and Lindsey followed.

YES! Italian food! Cheese stuffed raviolis ftw! God I'm a terrible person.

I knew Pietros was fancy, but I don't remember it being this fancy! I am so out of place!

Pietros was a fine Italian restaurant. It was one of those dimly lit ones where you could hardly see the menu. Looking around Lindsey could tell the rich business people were taking their lunch break, as they were all dressed in fine work attire. Seto fit right in in his very flattering white tux he usually wore to work. Lindsey was wearing jeans with black stiletto boots, a black leather jacket with a white tee underneath, and a colorful floral scarf to tie it together. Her long brown hair was up in a high ponytail. She was far out of place.

"Seto, I look like a hobo compared to these people." She whispered to him.

"Relax. These people are to engrossed in each other to care about their surroundings."

The waitress came up. "Table for two right this way." Her gaze never left Seto. She was a cute petite girl with long blonde hair and brown eyes, her skin was perfectly tan. They reached their table. "Here we are." Lindsey and Seto sat at their table. "My name is Bridgette and I'll be your server. Can I start you off with anything to drink?" She batted her eyes at Seto.

He never made eye contact with her and shortly said, "Water." She wrote it down and turned to Lindsey with a disgusted look.

"And you?" Lindsey raised a brow and smirked. "Same." The Waitress wrote it down and left.

"What are you smiling about?" Seto asked questioningly.

"Hmm? Oh, nothing. Nothing at all." She smiled wider.

They had both ordered their meals. Lindsey ordered the cheese stuffed raviolis, and Seto ordered the chicken Parmesan.

"So, mind telling me what you've been working so hard on?" Seto met her eyes.

"It's a new invention that will revolutionize the world of duel monsters."

"And that would be…?"

"I'll show you sometime. I don't feel comfortable talking about something so secretive in such a public place." Lindsey nodded, understanding him.

Their food arrived and they ate.

Talk about hitting the spot. That was delicious!

They finished their meal and Bridgette brought their bill. Seto picked it up and got an uncomfortable twisted look on his face.

"What's wrong?" Lindsey asked. "Is it to expensive?"

He scowled. "Don't be ridiculous." He handed the bill to her and she burst out laughing. On top of the bill was Bridgette's cell number with a winky face.

"You should call her sometime. I'm sure she's delightful." Lindsey was highly amused by this event.

Seto rolled his eyes. "I've already got one girl in my life who's a royal pain in the ass, the last thing I need is another one." She kicked him under the table and he winced.

"Hey. I'm not that bad!" Seto didn't reply. When the waitress came around he handed her his credit card without word. "Thank you for lunch. It was lovely and we should do this more often. Well, minus the waitress hitting on you and stuff." She smirked.

"Whatever." The waitress returned with his card, and they left. They stepped into the limo waiting out front.

"Well what now?" Lindsey asked

"I have work to do so you are going home so I can get it done." His tone was serious.

"Geeze. Am I really that unbearable to you?"

He sighed. "No Lindsey that's not it. Everything will be explained later but for now just trust me when I say I need to get things taken care of."

"Alright." She laughed. "Must be pretty important. You planning a duel monsters tournament or something?" He looked forward with no response. Lindsey's eyes widened. "Shut up! You're planning a tournament? Oh my goodness this is going to be amazing! I can't wait!"

"You're not entering."

"This tournament is going to suck. What the hell Seto? Why not?"

"Duel Monsters tournament. Nationally televised. Mother. Put the pieces together." Lindsey looked mortified.

"You're completely right. But mom was never really into duel monsters so she probably won't watch."

"But she will hear your name on the news considering you will more than likely be a finalist."

"Damn." Lindsey thought. "Alter ego?" She smiled at Seto.

"No Lindsey." She crossed her arms and pouted. "I'm sorry but unless you want to risk being sent home, I suggest you stay out of this one." Lindsey silently nodded. "and tell no one. Understood?" She nodded again. The rest of the ride to her apartment was silent.

Stupid non-existent science program. I'm going to miss out on the tournament of the century all because my mom thinks I'm here to study. I hate life…

My hair is a mess, my ass is falling out of my skirt, but I don't even care cause I just dominated my algebra final!

It was a Friday. The last day of the gang's sophomore year. Lindsey had just aced her last final. Now she just had to get through lunch and kickback in leadership, seeing as their final for that class is karaoke and having fun.

She greeted Seto like usual then went to sit with Yugi and the gang. Everyone was now fully aware of Yami and starting addressing him by his name rather than by Yugi. Tea had taken an even larger fascination with him after their visit to the museum together, which really annoyed Lindsey but she pretended not to notice.

Lunch had gone great and now the real fun began. Two hours of American idol wannabees singing their hearts out. Joey took the mic first. "I'd like to dedicate dis song to all da ladies out there. This ones for you." Mai blushed as Joey pointed straight at her. A few seconds later Baby Got Back by Sir Mix A lot started playing and Joey happily sang along. Mai and Tea looked mortified and Lindsey face palmed.

"I'm so done with everything right now." Lindsey said aloud as she shook her head.

"I don't understand what Joey is singing." Lindsey turned towards the familiar voice.

"Yami! Hey. I didn't even know you and Yugi switched. And to answer your question, its best if you don't know." She gave a small giggle.

"Alright then. Truth be told we switched so I could talk to you a little." She blushed. "Everything is okay I presume? Meaning no sign of your father yet and the magician is safe?" He had deep concern in his violet eyes.

"Yea everything is okay. Don't' worry. Okay?" He nodded. "Now why don't you enjoy the fine education we so kindly pay to receive." She pointed to Tristan and Duke wailing at the top of their lungs into the microphone. They were singing Skywalker by Project Dirty. Yami couldn't help but laugh.

"They sound ridiculous."

"Its karaoke. If you sound good, its no fun at all." She laughed with him.

Tristan and Duke finished their song. "Thank you guys. Thank you very much." Duke said.

Tristan added on, "Yea! Well be here… well for the next ten minutes cause that when school is out! Whoo!" The class cheered. "Now I think we should end the school year with a memorable performance."

"Tristan. If ya wanted me to perform again, all ya had ta do was ask!"

"Sit down Joey!" Just about the entire class said this in unison. Seto sitting alone in the corner reading slightly smirked.

"I meant Mr. Wren." The teacher looked up. He was a tall Asian man with dark eyes and fantastic jet-black hair. He was quite handsome. He looked flattered to be called up to the stage. "Alright now we're picking your song so just go with it." Mr. Wren nodded. A moment later Like a Virgin by Madonna started playing and Mr. Wren and the class laughed. Mr. Wren was singing at the top of his lungs and was dancing like an idiot. Students were recording his performance. The final bell had rang and students were crying from laughter and cheering because they were finally free. Seto immediately left, and the gang congregated outside the school.

Tea spoke first. "Alright guys. I say we celebrate the start of summer by taking a small vacation. We all could use one."

"Nothing too far though. I'd say a days trip to Domino beach would be great!" Mai suggested. The gang looked excited and agreed with the idea. Tea smiled.

"Domino beach it is! Can't wait!"

"Everyone meet at mine and Lindsey's apartments at 11 tomorrow. We'll all head down together."

"Sounds good Mai! See ya!" Everyone parted ways except Yami, Lindsey, Joey and Mai.

"Hey Yami. What do ya say you and I go back to da game shop and duel a little? Practice couldn't hurt."

"Uh sure Joey, but what about the girls." He gestured to Mai and Lindsey.

"Don't worry about us. We have bathing suit shopping to do." Lindsey groaned.

I HATE SHOPPING!

"Mai I love you, but I really hate shopping." Mai rolled her eyes.

"We'll be an hour at max. Suck it up."

Yami looked at her apologetically.

"Guess I'm going shopping." She said unenthusiastically. "I guess I'll see you tomorrow." Yami nodded and pulled her into a long embrace. Joey and Mai just stood there awkwardly as they hugged.

After waiting what felt like forever, Joey broke them apart and dragged Yami to the game shop. Mai Just looked at Lindsey with an amused look.

"Don't say a word."

Mai held up her hands defensively. "I didn't say anything."

"Uh-huh. Lets just go and get this shopping thing done." Lindsey started walking towards Domino mall when a thought occurred to her. "Hey Mai? Do you think the others would mind if I invited Seto and Mokuba?"

"I doubt they'd come, but I don't see why not." Lindsey nodded and smiled.

"Sounds good!" She pulled out her phone and sent off a message to Seto.

Seto POV

'Domino Beach day tomorrow! Everyone is meeting at mine and Mai's apartment complex at 11 so we can head down together. You can meet us at the beach though if you want to. Mokuba is invited as well! Hope you can make it Seki! Xoxo – Lissey'

Well that was positively the most annoying text I've ever received. Why the hell would I want to spend the day at the beach with the nerd herd. I have a tournament to prepare for. I don't have time for such childish activities. Humph. As if I would ever go…

'We'll be there.'

AN: You may be wondering how 15/16 year olds are able to live alone, drive nice ass cars and own a billion dollar company. The answer is... I don't know. Just go with it. -GM