A/N: Hello my lovelies! I'm sorry that I haven't responded to any PM's or reviews, work has been absolutely crazy. We're down two people on two different shifts so everyone's putting in extra hours when they can to help out. Add onto that the fact that my dad is sick and now it looks like I'm sick... This has not been my week LOL.
animagirl: Haha that's exactly what I wanted between the two of them. I wanted Reila and Mokuba to have an affectionate, easy friendship. Reila never had a younger sibling and since Mokuba lost his mother at such a young age, I thought it would be nice for him to have a female role model in his life.
Drachegirl14: Thanks for the review! I didn't realize that I did that with my writing... I suppose it's because that's how my mind works, and I'll try to watch it in the future. Since the story is told mostly from Reila's POV, it might be a little hard to do but I'm always striving to write better so I will seriously try in the future.
I know this chapter is kind of short, and I hope you'll forgive me for it. This chapter is essential to part of the story line later though, so I couldn't just pass over it and get to the main action like I want to. Unfortunately, chapter six is giving me a hard time, so much so that I have to rewrite it entirely T_T But it'll be worth it for the pay off, I hope.
The song referenced in this chapter, "Ain't About the Money" performed by Jussie Smollett and Yazz comes from the show Empire. Empire and the songs from the show are property of the FOX network and I claim no ownership. And, as always:
Disclaimer: I do not Own Yu-Gi-Oh or any characters created by Kazuki Takahashi. I only own my OCs, this fic is purely for entertainment.
Chapter 4
I should have known to keep my damn mouth shut.
After my day spent at the Kaiba estate things had gotten a little – Well really a LOT - hectic. Most people use a party planner to handle the affairs of a corporate function like we were hosting; but I hated leaving things up to someone else. I'm the tiniest bit of a control freak and prefer to do things myself so that I know they're done correctly. So not only was I still trying to snare the mole in the company, but I was also juggling all the party planning and domestic issues that had risen up in the last week. Needless to say, it was a true test of my abilities to get everything running smoothly.
Add onto that the fact that my uncle thought it would be a good idea to have my cousin and I perform a song as a duo, to show that not only can we promote talent but that we ourselves are talented. At first I was against the idea, but Hojo was so eager to perform that I didn't have the heart to keep up the argument against the idea. Hojo rarely asked me for anything and denying him this only little thing seemed cruel to me. Plus the jerk had actually begged me with puppy eyes on at full force and my argument had died out before it could really go anywhere. Thus began the process of choosing a song, practicing and getting a stage area set up. Although we invited some of our better known artists to corporate events, we generally didn't have them perform as they were attending as guests, not entertainment. We had an orchestra and may commission a singer but our artists were not expected to perform.
The problem was choosing the right song. Everything about the song needed to fit the informal theme of the party, so it was crucial that the song make an impact and deliver the right message. The party was two weeks away, and I still hadn't settled on what to perform; nothing I had written recently would do at all. I was sitting on my bed, surrounded by sheet music and practically pulling my hair out in frustration when Hojo came into my room, a magazine in hand.
"I don't know what you did to piss off Royalty, but they've started a slander campaign against us." He said, tossing the magazine onto the bed. There on the cover was a photo that had been taken the day that I had been at Domino City of Kaiji and I talking, and the title promised an "exclusive interview with Arisu Watanabe". I snorted and opened the magazine to the page I needed, scanning it briefly.
"So the best that they can come up with is I'm purposely targeting them to take their artists and that I'm roping Kaiba Corp. into the mix by using him to influence her teachers into giving her bad marks. Oh, and let's not forget her bragging about how much wealthier Royalty Records is." I said, rolling my eyes. "This has to be the most ridiculous thing I've ever read. And I notice that they went to a trashy tabloid magazine instead of a reputable one; no one with half a brain cell believes what they read in these things." I handed the magazine back to him. "As for pissing them off, they probably know that we're watching them closely and this is their idea of trying to strike a blow against us. Amateurs." I frowned as I looked back at the sheet music, because honestly this didn't even register on my "Need to Care" meter.
"Careful Reila, you know as well as I do just how harmful a bad rumor can be." Hojo said, sitting on the edge of the bed. "You work tirelessly to maintain a good public image for our company, I'd hate to see all your hard work thrown down the drain because you're not taking this seriously."
"That's only when there's some basis of truth to the rumor. The most damaging rumors are ones that are half-truths; everything else is just 'he said, she said'. Arisu has no real weight backing her, she's a pretty decoration for the Watanabe family and nothing more." I paused, something clicking into place in my mind. Oh…
OH.
That was it; I knew how to get this damn mole out into the open. Plans began forming quickly, and I felt an evil smirk forming on my face. "That's it!" I jumped up, forgetting the sheet music that fluttered to the ground and grabbed my PDA to take notes on. I began pacing, muttering under my breath and finalizing everything in my mind. It would take some careful work, but if everything worked out the way it should this damn mole would be out in the open within the next two months, tops. "Hojo, you're brilliant." I said, stooping and kissing his cheek before grabbing a spare sheet of paper and quickly jotting down the song I had suddenly remembered from my previous life. I'd thought the song was a brilliant anthem against plagiarism back then, and now it was inspiring me in this life and would serve as an even more public anthem.
"Thanks?" He was clearly puzzled but giving me time before he began to question what I was doing. Finishing up a quick rough draft, I shoved the paper at him and let him read it over. His puzzled look melted to a roguish grin, and once he was finished he looked up at me, his eyes glinting with the same delight I was sure was in mine. "So, I take it this song is part of your plan. It's brilliant really, but we haven't actually been able to pin them with plagiarism yet."
"Let me handle pinning them with the charges, cousin. Besides this song is going to sit on the back burner for now. Something in that article caught my attention; Royalty wants to brag about how they have more money than us? We're going to send them a message; it's not about money, it's about the power you wield." I said, another piece in the puzzle falling into place. I was going to be "borrowing" two songs from my world, but I would be sure to compensate the soon to be writers and artists when they became relevant. The one would be easy enough; signing the band that would write and perform the one and giving them access to the song in the future should make up for it. The other was trickier, but I had time to figure out how to make it up to them. Although I knew what songs would be smash hits, I tended to steer away from those and write my own music, but these two songs were too good and fit this situation too well to pass up using them.
I grabbed another sheet and began jotting down lyrics. "The song we're going to perform will send a message in retaliation; the other song will be used once I have all the pieces in place. So for now, let's go to the studio and start on this one. You up for a little hip hop?"
Hojo grinned, letting me know he was more than ready. Living in Los Angeles he'd fallen in love with hip hop, but it didn't really sell well here in Japan. That was alright, we weren't selling this song but showing that we could incorporate popular music types from other countries would also show our talent. Hojo really was a good artist, he had a smooth pleasing voice and his energy whenever he performed was contagious; but everyone knew that becoming an actual recording artist would be out of the question for him. So he took what little opportunities he could to perform, which led others to respect his decisions and to follow his guidance more than they would if he didn't show off his talent now and again.
Hojo looked over my shoulder, and I could practically feel the excitement rolling off him in waves. "Oh that's beautiful Reila. Royalty would have to be thick in the head to not know that we're calling them out with this."
I grinned over my shoulder, standing and motioning for him to follow me to our private recording studio. "That's the idea. They may have started this battle but we're going to win the war."
The day of the party arrived and I was feeling confident about how the night would play out. Hojo and I had quickly put the song together, the choreography and the dancers had fallen into place easily and when we played the finished product for Uncle Sota he had backed us up all the way. Uncle Sota had full confidence in our abilities, but after so many years around the man I could read the expressions on his face; he had been amazed at the barely veiled attack on Royalty.
Subtlety was an art form, and I was quickly becoming a masterful student in that art.
Although I normally did very little for my appearance, instead letting my natural looks shine through tonight was a big night and I needed to look as impressive as possible. Therefore I was currently subjecting myself to the mercies of a hairstylist, makeup artist, and allowing myself to get a fresh manicure and pedicure. My dress hung by my closet, and I could picture the final outcome in my mind; the dress was a sheathed cocktail dress that would reach mid-thigh, one shouldered with an asymmetrical cutout that was covered in rhinestones, while more rhinestones covered the sheer back down to my waist. It was more glamorous and outgoing than my normal attire, but this was a big night and a "wow" factor would help cement my place in the minds of everyone present. I would be wearing little jewelry and my makeup would be a little more dramatic, but all in all I knew that it would all work together.
Hojo came in, laughing at the sight of my seated at my vanity while the hairstylist and manicurist worked their magic. "Now this is a rare sight; Reila actually putting more than five minutes effort into her appearance!" His teasing was good natured I knew, but it still made me roll my eyes. He had this mindset that a woman should spend at least an hour on her appearance, and although I always looked polished and presentable he always seemed to think I wasn't living up to my potential. Whereas it was simple for him, since his hair was shorter and he mainly wore business suits, with my barely manageable curls, dresses, skirts, and pantsuits it took me a little longer to get ready. Hojo still thought the extra ten minutes I took over him getting ready wasn't enough.
"Hojo, in five minutes I still look better than you do after two hours." My dry comment made the two beauticians laugh, and I grinned at the mock hurt look on Hojo's face. In truth my cousin was an attractive man, or so I'm told. He'd grown up to be tall, with naturally lean muscles that he kept in shape with morning runs and light weight lifting. Since I was in charge of his wardrobe, I made sure that his clothing was stylish and professional, but even his casual looks were more business casual than anything. He turned heads wherever he went, and although he went through girls fairly regularly the breakups were always amicable and never a media fest.
After all we are the Sarota family and we have an image to keep.
Hojo sat on my bed, since it would take him half the time that it would me to get ready. "Tonight we're going to blow them away. That song you wrote is amazing Reila; I think it's one of the best you've ever done. And it's been so long since I've seen you perform that this will be a real treat." He said, practically thrumming with energy. Although he'd grown mellower as he'd grown up, he still had his moments of running around like a crazy man.
"Thank you Hojo. You've done really well with the part I wrote for you; I'm sure that everyone will be singing your praises afterwards." I said, smiling at him. "But don't forget; I don't want to see any girls staying the night here after the party. No hoochies allowed in the home after hours." I said seriously, to which he pouted. Although I'd steadfastly avoided dating at all costs as there were few that could equal me mentally, Hojo liked to play the role of a playboy and was going through his "sow my oats" phase. It didn't bother me, except when I found a strange girl wandering the house after parties or after Hojo had gone to a club for the night. Uncle Sota didn't like it, but he allowed it so long as Hojo didn't have any unplanned children. Or children at all until he was married. An illegitimate heir could be dangerous to a company's CEO.
"I hear you. No girls allowed to stay the night." He said seriously, and I was again thankful that Hojo was so laid back and easygoing. It made things so much simpler in our home life when he was willing to listen to what me and his father asked of him. "I still think I'm going to beat men off you with a stick after they see you in that getup." He said, gesturing my dress on the hanger. "I mean seriously could you have chosen something that doesn't show so much skin?" At my raised eyebrow he sighed. "It's just hard coming to terms with the fact that you're not the little girl who showed up in that cute yellow dress anymore." He said, his eyes becoming a little unfocused as he lost himself in memories.
"Hojo, I can't be a little girl forever." I said gently, reaching out a hand and placing it gently on his. "Someday you'll get married, and I'll get married, and the next thing you know we'll be old and gray talking about how we used to run around without so many aches and pains." My last comment made him chuckle, although I knew what my uncle didn't; marriage terrified Hojo. He'd grown up seeing my uncle never remarry or even date, still too heartbroken over the loss of his wife all those years ago. Hojo and I shared the same fears of loving someone too much, but it was expected of Hojo to marry and produce an heir for the Sarota family. The pressure for me to marry was less since I wasn't in the running for the company, but it was practically a given that I would one day marry someone who would strengthen the Sarota legacy. Hojo and I had only each other to confide our fears to, something that made the bond between us even stronger. He protected me, and I protected him; together we faced the world and guarded each others backs.
"Yeah… Well let's not dwell on sappy things. Tonight we will be the conquering heroes, spreading the news that Sarota Entertainment is a force to be reckoned with. Enemies beware; you have been weighed, measured, and found wanting." I smiled at Hojo's love for injecting movie quotes into conversations but said nothing. He and I both knew how much was riding on our performance tonight and the pressure was a little staggering. But both of us were more than up to the challenge; we both thrived on pushing the envelope and setting ourselves apart as the best o the best. Conceited perhaps, but we tried to remain as humble as those in our positions could be.
"Go on cousin, go get ready. We have just under three hours before our guests start arriving." I said with a gentle smile, and Hojo ducked under the hairstylists brush to kiss my cheek before leaving me in peace with my thoughts.
Seto sat back against the seat of his limo, arms crossed and eyes closed. In the past few weeks he and Reila had met briefly, mostly when he was picking up Mokuba who made it a habit to visit her at least three times a week. He continued to be impressed with the way that she handled business matters and the way that she presented herself, but he was still leery of calling her a friend again. An acquaintance yes, but friends were something he had little time for.
After initially meeting her again, he had taken a few moments to do some research on her. Although most people praised her for being so dedicated to her family and hardworking, there were rumors that she was the dangerous one of the family. Although nothing could be proved, whispers of Reila being the cause of a big rival in America going bankrupt and losing everything circulated, and those who declared themselves enemies of Sarota Entertainment tended to meet with their dirty laundry being aired from anonymous sources and tips on illegal activities being given to authorities.
If it really was Reila behind these things, he would be doubly impressed. To maintain such a public image but be able to operate in the shadows so effectively was a rare gift indeed. Even if the rumors weren't true, the mere thought that Reila could be so capable of such a carefully constructed mask gave him pause, and had actually made him rethink allowing Mokuba around her. But Mokuba didn't see the questionable side of her, he merely saw what everyone else did; the kind hearted girl that had been in the orphanage with them, the girl who had stopped to give two small boys a word or two of kindness on their first day, the one who had stood up to a boy twice her size and taken a hit that had hurt more than she'd admitted in defense of a little boy she barely knew.
At times Seto saw the girl that Mokuba remembered. She had kept some of her old habits and mannerisms, and although she claimed to not know how to handle kids she was amazingly adept at taking care of Mokuba when Seto wasn't around. Every time Mokuba came home from visiting the Sarota estate he was practically glowing with happiness, and he was full of her praises once again. Reila could do no wrong in his eyes, and the only one whose opinion and approval he wanted more than hers were those of his big brother.
As for himself and Reila, they had fallen into their old companionship whenever they were around each other. Although not acknowledged aloud, both of them knew that Mokuba was the glue that kept the three of them together; without Mokuba in the mix they wouldn't spend as much time together as they did now. He may admire and respect her focus, ambition and intelligence but she was little use to him aside from being an acquaintance and ally. But he was grateful that Mokuba seemed less lonely and happier. That was what had ultimately led him to accept the invitation to this party, although he generally avoided social gatherings of any kind. Given the nature of her family's business she was expected to attend them; he was not.
Mokuba fidgeted beside him, his white tuxedo looking impeccable just as Seto's did. Seto glanced up and saw the Sarota estate glittering with lights and already a line of cars were making their way slowly down the driveway. Paparazzi lined the walkway that led to the house, and Seto inwardly sighed; he hated reporters of any kind, but this was a power play by the Sarota family. And as the genius prodigy of an elite company, his name added onto the guest list made it clear that Sarota was above the competition. He had seen the gleam of satisfaction in her eyes when he told Reila that they would attend, and they both knew what his appearance would do to her main competition; it would make them take notice and put them on the defense. Seto's own reputation would be boosted as well, since the Sarota family was held in such high esteem.
When their car pulled up to the designated drop off area Seto was the first to exit, and as he expected the general commotion his appearance caused was more than the other guests had warranted. Keeping Mokuba close he ignored the reporters calling his name and made a beeline for the front doors, where Sota Sarota stood greeting his guests. Seto had never met the man himself, and although he looked like an average man his presence made those around him take notice. Reila's uncle was a man whom one did not overlook.
When he spotted the Kaiba brothers Sota's face relaxed into an amiable smile and he held his hand out, first shaking Seto's and then Mokuba's. "Mr. Kaiba it's a pleasure to finally meet you. I've heard so much about you from my niece. And young Mokuba, it's good to see you again."
"Hi Mr. Sota." Mokuba said, smiling at the man and ignoring the shocked look from others at the informal greeting. Mokuba had met him a few times when he'd been visiting Reila, and he had taken a liking to him. Although a powerful business man, Sota still had a pleasant smile and was relatively easy going. Mokuba had been surprised when the man had readily accepted him as a regular to his home and made sure to keep some of Mokuba's favorite snacks stocked for his visits, which earned him a spot on Mokuba's good list right away. He also went out of his way to ensure that he spent time with his family outside of work, something that Mokuba hoped Seto would eventually pick up on.
"Thank you for coming. I know that these sort of events aren't normally what you enjoy, but Reila was thrilled to hear that you would be attending." His way of speaking was easy and laid back, but still respectful and proper. "Our guests are gathering in the gardens out back, and refreshments are available. If there's anything you need let me our one of our staff know and we'll make sure you're taken care of."
"Where's Reila? I thought she would be greeting guests with you." Mokuba said, frowning a little. It was normally the entire family who greeted their guests to parties such as this, and her absence was a little puzzling. For one member of the family to be absent would raise an eyebrow, but both Reila and her cousin Hojo were nowhere to be seen. Mokuba liked Hojo for the most part, he was open and friendly and seemed to take a lot of joy from driving his cousin crazy, but Mokuba had seen them both smile and laughing enough to know that they had a good, deep friendship between them. Mokuba almost envied them the easy friendship they had and the closeness of the entire family.
"Reila is preparing for her performance." Sota said, and his face too on a mischievous look. "She doesn't normally perform on stage, preferring to handle the backstage affairs but I asked her and my son Hojo to put on a small performance for the entertainment of our guests. As soon as everyone has arrived they'll put on their short show and then I'm sure she'll be thrilled to speak with you both."
Seto raised an eyebrow, but held his tongue. With Royalty Records attacking and slandering the Sarota family at every chance they got, it seemed careless for Reila and her uncle to break what many viewed as standard protocol for a party of this magnitude. Either this performance was worth it or they weren't thinking clearly about the threat Royalty posed. He would have to ask her about it when he saw her.
Making their way to the gardens the brothers mainly kept to themselves, a few associates coming forward to speak to Seto briefly and Mokuba more entertained by the sights around him to bother paying attention to his big brother's brief visitors. Both of them knew that Reila had some musical talent, having heard the caretakers at the orphanage praise her budding piano skills and listening patiently to Reila's ideas on music theory. But they'd actually never heard her sing or play any instrument. Seto looked forward to judging her talent for himself; Mokuba just wanted to see her perform regardless of the amount of talent she possessed.
They didn't have to wait long, since they'd been one of the last guests to arrive. Sota mounted the steps to the small stage that had been erected at the back end of the gardens, and once the light applause had died he smiled.
"Welcome guests, colleagues, and partners to the Sarota family's homecoming party." He paused for the applause that followed before holding his hands up for silence. "Now I know that many of you have been questioning where my son and niece are. But before I bring them out I would like to remind everyone what Sarota Entertainment stands for.
"This company was founded by my grandfather in 1932. At the time we were just a small part of a publishing company, but four years later my grandfather was able to buy out his contract and start fresh under the name Sarota Entertainment. Over the last seventy years we have built, expanded, and worked hard to bring only the highest caliber entertainment and the most talented individuals to our ranks, to help them further their careers and make a name for themselves. My grandfather instilled within the company and our family the ideals that honor, loyalty, and integrity are the foundations to success. And he was right; when my son takes over my position as CEO, we will be one of the few companies who can say that we have four generations of the founding family at the head and leading the company.
"My son Hojo and my niece Reila are that next generation. Hojo is bright, talented, and embodies all that Sarota stands for. Reila is intelligent, talented, and loyal to her family and the business. Their loyalty not only to the company but to each other is inspiring and should give those who would try to bring us down take pause." Murmurs met this last statement, but Sota just kept the same pleasant smile on his face as he looked out over the crowd. "I won't bore you any longer with my speeches; just remember that Sarota stands for honesty, pride, integrity, and loyalty. And now without further delay, I present to you the future of Sarota Entertainment, the two young adults who will take this industry and shake it to its very foundation, Hojo and Reila!"
The lights dimmed and fog began to pour off the stage. Seto watched the performance intently, and knew that Reila was one of the main orchestrators; the song was a not quite subtle rebuke at Royalty's slander campaign. Seto noticed cameras strategically placed to record the performance and wouldn't be surprised if it made one of the entertainment news feeds by the end of the night. Although he himself didn't care much for the style of music, he could appreciate the lyrics and the way that Hojo and Reila worked together to make it clear; Sarota was strongest when they stood united, and nothing could shake these two apart.
"Blood thicker than the champagne.
Power in my pride, power in my last name.
Said if I don't know nothing I know this paper.
Bigger than the world stepping over skyscrapers."
Mokuba watched the performance with wide eyes, seeing Reila how others saw her for the first time. Although he knew that was his friend on the stage, he always received warm smiles and tender affection from her. The Reila on the stage was awe-inspiring, confident and ready to go to war in the blink of an eye. The way she moved and sang made it apparent that she was not someone to be taken lightly because she had the talent to make it big, and her cousin's part made it clear that he had every intention of taking the title "King of Music" for his own. The two of them working together, singing together and showing a united front made him wonder who would be crazy enough to take on Sarota Entertainment.
"Ooo, we making moves
You only doing what my power lets you do.
You see that money isn't everybody's thing
When it come to power can only be one king!"
Mokuba looked up to his brother to judge his reaction, but Seto's gaze was focused intently on Reila while giving nothing away. She did look stunning as always, with her wild curls loose around her face, her makeup darkened but not gaudy, and her dress displaying her figure nicely. But more than her appearance was the sheer determination on her face that made everyone take notice. She was showing everyone the true power of Sarota Entertainment; the family that ran it and who would be taken down by no one. Her words were also a challenge to any and all enemies, that they should think twice before attempting to overtake her family.
"Come on Mokuba." Seto said, leading his brother to the backstage area once the performance was over. Mokuba wanted to congratulate Reila, and he would rather they not be surrounded by a mob. Seto wanted to put his mind at ease; after that performance, he'd come to realize that Reila was hiding her true colors from even him. If she was capable of manipulating those around her to any degree, he had to be sure that she wasn't a threat to his brother, his company, or himself.
The performance went off without a hitch. The backup dancers were thanked heartily by myself and Hojo and sent off for the night, the stagehands rushing out to discreetly take away the few props and machines we had used, and while Hojo made his way to the gathering group who wanted to see and congratulate us, I made my way to the technicians who had been recording the performance.
"Sound came out beautifully Ms. Sarota, and we already have editors working on the video. We'll be able to send it out to whatever television shows you wish within the hour."
I nodded and handed over a list of the entertainment news shows I wanted the video to be distributed to. These shows were the ones that I knew would make it clear we were still number one and that would play the song fairly regularly. Once that was done I went to play hostess but was stopped short by Seto and Mokuba approaching. Smiling at the two I made my way over, Mokuba immediately latching onto me for a hug.
"Wow Reila, that was amazing! I didn't know you could sing like that!" He looked up with wide eyes full of admiration and I felt a small blush spread on my cheeks. Although I could perform and my voice was fairly good, I didn't do it often. As I've said, I'm one who likes to stick to the sidelines where I can work more freely.
"Thank you Mokuba." I said simply, stooping and fixing his bow tie. "Between the three of us I was against performing at first."
"Why change your mind?" Seto asked, and I finished with Mokuba's accessory before I stood and fixed my eyes on Seto.
"Royalty declared war. This was an answer to their declaration." I said simply, shrugging. "Besides, Hojo likes performing. If it makes him happy and keeps him from whining then I'll do it. Just not on a permanent basis." I said, leading the two back to where the main party was.
"I was wondering why you would open yourself to rumors of being a bad hostess." Seto said, and I nodded in agreement. The risk of being called a bad hostess in my own home was minimal now, because I'd more than made up for it with wowing and entertaining the crowd. Keeping people entertained was a fundamental part of throwing a successful party, and from what I could hear of the praises that people were throwing around the gamble had paid off. People would be talking about this party for months to come.
The stage had now been cleared from the mini concert and the jazz band we had hired took their place, and soon the bulk of the floor was covered with dancing couples. A cold buffet had been set up, with specialty dishes for those who had allergies and particular tastes had been opened, and people began mingling and milling about. I mostly stuck near either my uncle or Seto, but as one of the stars of the night my presence on the dance floor was requested often. Many requests I couldn't and wouldn't refuse, for they were trusted colleagues, potential business partners or others of notoriety that refusing would reflect badly on me.
During one of these dances I seriously began to regret the attention I'd drawn to myself. Sarota Entertainment was working with a new advertising firm, Sarikawa Advertising, and the third son of the owner had apparently taken it into his head that I was attracted to him. Fuji Sarikawa was not someone whom I would ever give a second glance to, and his treatment of me so far had sunk him even lower in my opinion. His hand kept creeping steadily lower on my back, and he kept bragging about his many "accomplishments". I desperately wanted to say something, but given the newness of our business partnership with them and not wanting to insult his father I was between a rock and a hard place.
"… And you know that our fathers are talking about our business relationships going… Further than we had originally planned." I stilled for a split second at that comment. Was this boy seriously insinuating that my uncle would condone me marrying someone so beneath me? Although Uncle Sota and I had never really talked about it in depth, it was an unspoken understanding that any potential marriage would need to be approved by him as head of the family, and there was no way he would be alright with me marrying this idiot. Fixing my gaze on him I stopped dancing and dropped his hand, barely keeping the disgust off my face.
"First off, if you're going to spout nonsense to me at least make it believable. My uncle would never have me marry a third son of such a newly established firm, let alone someone who can't even get his facts straight. Secondly, your treatment of me so far has led me to believe that you don't understand that I have more sway in this industry than you do, and you insult my intelligence by hinting that such talks between your father and my uncle have taken place. Know this; there is almost nothing that my uncle discusses with others that I don't know about beforehand. Thirdly, if you want to grope someone you'll need to find a new dance partner because I am not a trophy for you to place your paws all over." Throughout my little speech his face had steadily grown redder, and many other dancing partners had stopped to see what was going on. Whispers began running around about what was happening, and out of the corner of my eye I saw Hojo and my uncle both began to move forward with displeased looks on their faces. But their looks were directed to Fuji, not to myself thankfully. Before either of them could reach me, a different savior appeared.
"Reila, the next song is starting. And you owe me a dance." Seto stepped to my side and in a smooth movement had pulled me away from Fuji, and then we were dancing away from the disgraced boy. It came as a mild shock that Seto danced so well, but given that he was a genius it shouldn't have surprised me at all. Without sparing another look behind me I focused on Seto, feeling the tension drain out of my shoulders and I offered him a thankful smile.
"You are officially my hero of the night Seto." I said quietly, low enough so that no one else heard me. "And this is much better than me walking off and leaving him alone."
"Belittling an unarmed opponent is a waste of time." Seto said simply, leading me through the dance effortlessly. We both remained quiet for a moment, lost in our own thoughts. I was mostly worried that I had damaged the relationship between ourselves and the Sarikawa firm, but during one of our sweeps of the dance floor I spied Fuji's father whispering fervently, trying to keep his composure in front of so many people, but making it quite clear to those who saw that he was furious at his son.
"That may be true, but for someone like him to dare insinuate that my uncle would propose a relationship between me and him… It's appalling that he would even entertain such an idea." I said, grimacing.
"Already planning your wedding?" Seto asked, and something about his tone made me raise an eyebrow.
"Not at all. My first priority will always be my family; it would take quite the man to shake me out of my comfort zone and agree to a steady relationship, let alone marriage." I said simply, not dwelling too much on it. "Besides I'm not even eighteen yet. Marriage is a long way in the future, and although I plan ahead it seems pointless when there are so many variables that could change the playing field."
Seto seemed to accept this answer and again we lapsed into silence before his questions broke it again. "What are your plans for the retaliation that Royalty will be launching?"
"I have a few plans, don't worry. For all their bark Royalty is surprisingly tame, and when push comes to shove Sarota will always have the upper hand." I said, not wnting to reveal too much of my plan. Too many things could go wrong if anyone knew what I was planning.
"You mean you will." I responded to Seto's statement with a coy smile and again he seemed to accept this as answer enough.
It felt as though he was continually testing me, pushing certain buttons to get a response out of me. But to what purpose I couldn't begin to understand. "Why the round of twenty-one questions Seto?" I finally asked, deciding to stop beating around the bush.
"I need to know if you're a threat or not." He said bluntly, and I almost smiled at the idea of my being a threat to him. "There are rumors that of your family, you're the most dangerous. Seeing as I allow my little brother to be in your presence so much, I need to know if you're trying to use him or not."
If anyone else had made such a comment I would have been deeply offended. Well, maybe I would have; a part of me would have been flattered by the insinuation as well to be honest. But since this was a man who valued very little above his brother and company, I could understand his caution. Mokuba was the chink in Seto's armor, and any threats to his little brother needed to be removed right away.
"I suppose I can understand your concerns. However know this Seto; aside from my family, there are only two people that I value and trust above others and that is you and your brother. I meant what I said all those years ago. You two really are the only real friends I've ever had, and although I have my uncle and cousin now, you and Mokuba are the only other people that I would willingly go to war for." He studied me intently, and I went on without thinking about what I was saying. "Maybe the rumors are true and I am the devious, conniving girl they all whisper that I am. Even if they are, I vow to you that I would never use Mokuba to try and undermine you or your company. Mokuba is far too precious to me to use in such a way, and I will do everything in my power to keep him safe and out of the hands of those who would use him." I studied Seto's face, but he'd mastered the art of keeping his emotions off of his face long ago, probably when he'd been under his step-father's control. I kept my eyes trained on his, not to intimidate but to show my resolve. "You will always have an ally with me and my company. I know you're fully capable of handling things yourself, and I don't doubt your intelligence or power. But if ever you need anything of me, just call and I will answer."
Seto said nothing, but there was the tiniest hint of warmth and respect in his gaze. I returned the look with a small smile of my own as the song finished and we left the dance floor. I felt as though I'd gained a level in his respect for me, but there was a shadow on my mind; in the near future he would face Yugi, and then the true trials would begin. Seto would be tested and tried again and again, and there was little I could do to help. I was still adamant in not wanting to be a central part of the events that would unfold, however I was beginning to wonder how much of it I could avoid. My conscience screamed at me to keep Mokuba and Seto out of harm's way, but the logical part of me knew that I had to let certain things happen, things that went against my desire to shield them both. Seto was too entangled in the main part of the upcoming story, and would bring Mokuba with him. Seto would never accept the truth of what I knew, and I wouldn't have told him anyway. Things must play out as they were meant to, and I could only hope that my friends would be alright.