A/N: I think Gaiden's back on track, but let's make certain it stays that way.
This one is another plot bunny of mine and LazerWulf. This one is set post-Dawn of Chaos.
It's a little fun and interactions at Hikawa Shrine. The Kaibas and Strombergs move into Rei and Cammy's shrine. Seto, Mokuba, and Lyn try adjusting to their new home while a new Kaiba Manor gets built... which will take a while after the Paradais Knights bombed their hub.
All right on with the chapter!
xxxxx
Adaptation: Hikawa Shrine Edition
xxxxx
Azabu-Juuban District/Hikawa Shrine/April 7, 2009
'As I am writing this in my journal, today is April 7th. I'm Lyn Stromberg and it's already been two days since me, my brothers Max & Sam, Seto, and Mokuba moved into the Hikawa Shrine. Tyra was able to find us a place here after much convincing from Rei. Needless to say, it's been quite the transition. Going from a luxurious lifestyle to this shrine life has been one hell of a shift. Though, having grown up living on the streets in Amsterdam with my bros and Tyra, I can deal with it. It's definitely a step up from living on the streets.
Although, it's just me with Seto and Mokuba. My brothers, Max and Sam, left for their second year at Duel Academy the other day. Those two have it made there and Jaden's will be looking out for them. That puts me at ease knowing those two have friends they can depend on.
Actually, take that back. I don't just have Seto and Mokuba. Tyra's living on the shrine with Helena. I do have an old friend I can hang out with and talk to when I'm not back working at Industrial Illusions. Besides, Rei, her sister, and their grandfather have been kind enough to let us stay on their shrine. I promised to help them with the chores. As for what today's plans are... well, I'll just let things play out from here.'
"Lyn, are you in there?" Came Tyra's voice from behind Lyn's door.
Putting away her journal, Lyn turned around and saw Tyra walking in.
"Good morning, Tyra. You're up early."
"Yeah, this is usually the time I wake up to train with Helena."
Lyn blinked and immediately checked her watch. "6:15? That early?"
"Yeah. Is that a problem?" The blonde asked, sitting down next to Lyn. She came dressed in gray gym shorts and a black work-out tank top. "Helena and I have been doing this for about three years now." She adjusted her heart rate device on her right arm.
"Um, since when did you become a health nut, Tyra?"
"Since I've been living here, training with Helena, and became a self defense instructor? She's pretty much disciplined me to train my mind and body rigorously," Tyra said with a straight face.
Lyn shook her head. "Ok, where's Tyra? I mean the real one?"
"I've always been here. It's just that I've changed and for the better," the blonde-haired woman shrugged. "You're the one who's been cooped up in that office and comfortable manor with that rich snob of a boyfriend. No offense."
"Right, none taken..." Lyn sweatdropped, taken aback with Tyra's change in demeanor. She's right. How long has it been since I've been out of the rich and corporate lifestyle?
"You're welcome to come and watch me train, Lyn."
"Um, sure. Let me get dressed first and maybe I can join you?"
"I'll be outside," Tyra smirked as she prepared to walk out the door. Before putting her headphones on, she paused. "It's really good to have you here, Lyn. We can make up after all that lost time."
"Sure, I'd like to. Starting now," Lyn replied. As Tyra walked out, Lyn slipped on a clean pair of white shorts, a navy blue shirt, and tennis shoes. She then tied her hair into a ponytail and headed outside. "I could use a little morning exercise myself."
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(Cue Mnemosyne OST – Mistress of Hermitage)
After running a few laps around the shrine with Tyra and Helena, Lyn sat down near the shrine entrance slightly winded.
"Ugh, man, I really do need to get back in shape," the blue-haired woman panted hard.
While taking a breather, she watched Tyra and Helena practicing some judo. Helena was garbed in a purple tank top, white pants, and tennis shoes. The two had spent 30 minutes, albeit with breaks in between, endlessly sparring while countering and discerning each other's moves. Lyn watched in fascination as her childhood friend took the Brazilian to the limits.
Tyra went for a straight jab that Helena parried to the side. Helena went for a legsweep. Tyra anticipated this and jumped up. She then came down and struck her with an overhead strike across Helena's back, sending her down on her knees. The blonde crouched over to help her up, but the sneaky Brazilian seized Tyra's arm and went for a judo throw. Tyra held onto Helena's arm and pushed her back. Helena spun around and went for a chop. Tyra had the same idea. Their hands collided and they stared one another; both covered in sweat, smiling, and breathing hard.
Lyn started clapping. "Damn, is this what you two do every morning?!"
"Four or five times a week, yeah," Tyra replied. "Though, we do this much earlier since Helena's got school and classes have been delayed after that whole chaos event." She lightly tapped Helena's shoulder and smiled. "Good job countering there, Hel."
"Same to you," Helena replied, smiling back.
"You two have crazy stamina. I can't even keep up!" Lyn balked at the Kuipers' intense training. "God, how long has it been since I've worked out? Since I'm living here for the long haul, you two can inspire me to get me off my lazy ass."
Tyra and Helena exchanged smiles.
"Sure, you don't need to learn martial arts, but just getting out with us is enough," Helena stated.
"Oh, speaking of working out..." Tyra noticed a certain dark-haired Miko garbed in red running up the stairs and checking her watch. "She gets up much earlier than any of us."
(End theme)
"Rei!" Lyn called over to the Miko, who waved to her. "Well, she's the head priestess of this shrine. Makes sense if she's running the place."
"It's her and Cammy that mostly run the shrine. Their grandfather is still around to tend to things," Helena added.
"He's such a sweet old man," Lyn said.
Throwing a towel around her neck, Rei approached Lyn, Tyra, and Helena.
"Good morning, ladies," Rei addressed them as she grinned. "Getting back to morning training, you two?" She turned to Tyra and Helena first.
"We sure are. Thought we do ours a little later since I think Helena's classes are delayed for another few days," Tyra stated. "Same for Karin, Christina, and Jami."
"Right, I get it," the Miko replied. She then veered over to Lyn and patted her shoulder. "Decided to join them?"
"Just for a run. I left them to their spar sessions. I have to say I'm already getting adjusted living here."
"That's good to hear. Where's Seto and Mokuba?"
"Seto left to Kaiba Corp and Mokuba's still asleep."
"I see. Well, why don't you get Mokuba out of bed? I believe Helena and Cammy will be making us breakfast."
Upon hearing this, Helena nodded. "I was thinking omelets."
"Have you tried Hel's omelets, Lyn? They're to die for," Tyra grinned as she licked her lips and listened to her stomach rumbling. "Hear that? My stomach's carving for those awesome omelets of yours!"
"I'll go get Cammy and we'll cook right away!" Helena stormed off toward the shrine and searched for Cammy.
"You know when Seto's supposed to be back?" Rei asked Lyn.
"Beats me. He'll come when he wants to. I'm sure he'll turn up anytime."
"All right."
Tyra walked by Lyn and tapped her back. "C'mon, let's go wash up."
"Hey, wait up!"
As Lyn and Tyra headed back to the shrine to bathe, Rei stayed behind and undid her ponytail to let loose her long dark hair. While wiping her forehead with her towel, she sensed a familiar demon presence and sighed.
"You been up there the whole time listening?" Rei shook her head, sighing.
"You and the girls constant talking woke me up," came Hiei's voice from a tree near her. He slipped out of hiding and hopped down in front of Rei. "With more people staying here, there'll be less peacetime and not enough tranquility for me to sleep."
"You know if you aren't back in Makai working for Lady Mukuro or training, you're sleeping. At least you're there for our kids, but you could stand to be more productive around here... seriously," the Miko scoffed, rolling her eyes and walking off to the shrine. "You're welcome to join us if you want omelets."
As Hiei followed, the crows, Phobos and Deimos, landed on his shoulders. The cawed to the demon as he seemingly comprehended what they said.
"Indeed, just another morning on Hikawa Shrine."
xxxxx
Once Helena and Cammy finished making the omelets, plates were quickly served to Lyn and Tyra first. Lyn ate her first omelet bite and became awestruck with the taste.
"Whoa, now that's good!" Lyn happily cried out, eating another piece and rubbing her cheek. "Oooh, sooo good!"
"What did I tell ya?" Tyra winked to her and sipped her orange juice.
Helena blushed a bit and bowed. "I'm glad you like it, Lyn."
Cammy added. "Me and Helena can whip up some really awesome dishes! We're planning a surprise dinner tonight after we get from our activities."
"Surprise dinner, huh? I'm curious," Lyn muttered.
Just then, Mokuba walked right into the kitchen and announced his presence by yawning loudly.
"Ugh, morning, y'all," Mokuba addressed everyone in the kitchen while rubbing his eyes.
"Well, good morning to you, sleepy head!" Cammy announced. "We have your breakfast ready. You like omelets?"
"Like? I love 'em!" Mokuba hurried over to get his dish and poured himself some milk. "Man, did I really sleep in?"
"Yes, me and your brother were long awake before you," Lyn chuckled. "But, you do owe Rei chores for sleeping in."
"All right."
After feeding Koori and Ryuuhi, Rei turned to Mokuba and chuckled. "It's good to finally have another gentleman. You've been very helpful and hands-on with shrine chores. Your brother's done his best backing out by going to that office of his."
"I've been trained to multitask. What can I say? I'm used to doing loads of work," Mokuba said. "I do apologize for Seto."
Rei nodded. "You don't need to. Don't worry he isn't skipping out on any chores as long as he's living under this roof. I don't care if he's CEO of a multibillion dollar company, he still has to listen to me."
"Don't worry, I'll step in if he gives you trouble," Lyn offered.
"Thanks, Lyn."
"Speaking of which, I think I'll give him a call..." The blue-haired woman pulled out her cell and dialed Seto's number.
xxxxx
Domino City/Kaiba Corp/Seto's Office
"Hey," the CEO answered his personal cell once Lyn's name came up. "Lyn, what's going on?"
"I didn't get a chance to see you leave this morning, babe. How's the work coming along back at Kaiba Corp?"
"More employees are getting back into their offices and repairs are done to the damaged areas left by those Paradais pricks."
A relieved reply from Lyn was heard on the other line. "That's good to know. Well, we're all sitting together eating breakfast. I just came back from a morning jog with Tyra and Helena. You left awfully early."
"We have a lot of work here and I have to see no one screws up with repairs here. I'll be heading back soon to see you all."
"I can't guarantee there'll be any breakfast leftovers when you get back."
"That's fine. I had something to eat on my way here."
"Ok, I'll see you later, Seto. Love you."
"Likewise," Seto replied, turning off his cell. He set it down and stared at his computer monitor. His eyes settled on a screen saver photo of him, Lyn, Mokuba, Max, and Sam standing together with the old Kaiba Manor in the backdrop. "However long it takes, our new manor will raise from the ashes of the old one and we'll be back in our own home, but in the meantime... we'll make due with the shrine. As long as you, your brothers, and Mokuba are happy." He resumed his work and waited for his secretary to call to inform him on further progress of his building's repairs.
xxxxx
Azabu-Juuban District/Hikawa Shrine
Sometime after noon, Seto left Kaiba Corp and returned to the shrine as promised to check up on things. He sighted Lyn garbed in shrine clothes and helping sweep some steps with Cammy.
"Oh, look, Lyn," Cammy pointed to the CEO's arrival.
"Welcome back!" Lyn stopped sweeping and waved to him. "You're back early. I thought you'd stay in until late."
"Couldn't keep you guys off my mind even while working," Seto shrugged as he walked over and glanced over Lyn's Miko garb. "You're wearing that?"
"I asked Rei if I could wear one. Doesn't it look nice on me?" She showed off her Miko garb. "I'm glad our sizes are near identical so I could fit into this one. Like it?"
"It's different, but you look good in anything," Seto said, shifting his eyes away, which prompted Lyn to grab his collar. "Hey!"
"Why are you looking away? Afraid Rei will find you here?"
"Whatever gave you that idea?"
"Because ever since we moved in, you used the excuse of going to the office early to skip chores. I don't think the head priestess would like that very much!" Lyn yelled out. "Right, Rei?" She looked over Seto's shoulder and saw Rei standing with arms crossed.
Sensing Rei's hot presence, Seto cringed and turned around. He looked down and looked straight into Rei. She stood arms crossed and tapping her foot. Despite his tall stature, he found himself at the dark-haired woman's mercy.
"So, finding ways to skip out on shrine chores? Not on my watch. You want to live here? You earn your keep, Mr. CEO!" Rei barked, pointing and waving a finger in Seto's face. "Your brother didn't even need me to remind him to what needs to be done. And as you can see, Lyn's doing her part. You'd best follow their example if you want to live here on my family shrine!"
Seto recoiled from Rei's heated reprimanding. Even Lyn found herself slightly taken aback by Rei's tough demeanor.
"Heh, yep that's my sis," Cammy chortled, backing away.
I know you've dealt with tough business people, Seto, but I don't see you winning any battle with Rei. Lyn thought, shuddering while thinking of herself in Kaiba's place. I definitely don't want to get on her bad side! Even Tyra's scared of her!
"Now..." Rei pulled out a rag and handed it to Seto. "See those statues over there? I want you to wipe the dust off those. And after that, wash the floors outside the shrine."
Seto gawked upon receiving the rag and looked toward Lyn.
"Sorry, can't help you here," Lyn smiled as she resumed her chores.
"Ehehe, you're on your own," Cammy likewise returned to sweeping.
"Hey, buddy!" Rei turned Seto around and pointed to the statues. "Clean. Now." She bluntly ordered him. "You can join Hiei over there."
The CEO noticed Hiei sweeping near the statues and sensed his own pride being crushed under the weight of Rei's domineering flare.
As Seto walked toward the statues with Hiei, Rei crossed her arms and smiled. She heard the cries of her twins, Ryuuhi and Koori.
"And I have my own responsibilities to return to," the Miko muttered. "Lyn, if you and Seto ever have kids, make sure you just have one."
Upon hearing this, both Seto and Lyn awkwardly turned to one another and sweatdropped together. They definitely weren't expecting such an off-handed comment from Rei.
Cammy clasped her hands and giggled. "Wow, but shouldn't they get married first? Well, then again you and Hiei aren't married."
Lyn and Seto thought along the same lines. Us getting married?
xxxxx
Following an hour of chores, Seto leaned on a chair in the shrine and groaned having been out in the spring heat while wearing his coat. Lyn got behind him and rubbed his shoulders firmly.
"You could've taken off that coat, dummy," Lyn chuckled as she pinched Seto's left shoulder, causing him to cringe a bit. "Doing chores isn't so bad. You'll be making Rei, Cammy, and their grandfather happy helping doing selfless work."
"Ugh, that woman is evil."
"No, she's not. You just needed to show you're going to earn your place living here and quite frankly it's good to work outside in a traditional setting and not in some corporate office. I must admit, it's refreshing."
"If you say so..." Seto sighed deep and leaned his head back. He looked up at Lyn, whose face was hanging over his.
The couple went for a kiss, but then Helena appeared carrying a tray of green tea. They paused halfway through their kiss and watched Helena pretend she didn't see anything.
"Sorry to interrupt, but I made some tea," she offered them. "We all worked hard so far, haven't we?"
"We sure have," Lyn said, taking her tea cup and giving Seto his. "And thanks for the tea, Hel."
Nodding, Seto thanked Helena and started drinking his tea.
"I've learned to make green tea living here. The herbs I've used are all natural."
"Very good," Seto said, placing a palm over his tea cup. "You're a natural at tea making, Helena."
"That means a lot hearing from you," she bowed modestly.
"See, Seto? Us staying here is the best thing that can happen. I know it'll take time, but with me and Tyra spending more time together, I'm catching up with lost time. Moreover, it's never a bad thing to adapt to change. This is best for us. I know you're counting down the days until the new manor is finished, but let's make the most of what we have. Most importantly, we still have each other."
As he turned to his right, Lyn leaned over and kissed his cheek. She sat on his lap and sipped her tea with him.
"Hey, bro! Welcome back!" Mokuba walked in covered with some dirt from the work outside. He stopped watching Seto and Lyn drinking tea together. He smiled genuinely and turned away. Good to see you adjusting to the place, Seto.
xxxxx
Mokuba walked outside the shrine and saw Cammy talking with Yuuichirou. He sat down and beckoned Cammy over.
"Mokuba?"
He whispered to her. "My brother's adjusting just fine here."
Cammy smirked hearing this.
xxxxx
Later, Seto took a seat in the dining table to read his newspaper. Before he went on to read, he noticed Hiei sitting on the opposite end of the table. What came from this interaction was the most interesting conversation ever.
Seto and Hiei stared at one another. Neither said a word. "..."
"Rei's been making you do chores as long as you've lived here, huh?"
Hiei made no response, an obvious hint that Seto was right.
"Hn."
"Hn."
The stoic men stared each other down and not to be deterred by each other's manly prides. Meanwhile, as the men let their silent machismo do the talking, their girlfriends, Rei and Lyn, watched them. Both let out exasperated sighs and shook their heads.
"Oh brother," Rei and Lyn muttered together. Talk about an 'interesting' conversation!
xxxxx
(Cue Samurai Champloo OST – Silver Morning)
Sometime later in the day, Rei, Cammy, Lyn, Tyra, and Helena went out to the food market to pick up essentials for this week's meals. The girls even used whatever free time to hit up a trendy clothing store to check out the latest fashions; although, Tyra was mostly waiting to leave wanting more part in trying what she deemed 'girly' clothes. However, Helena and Lyn both managed to convince her when they found a section for biker lady gear. Being a motorcyclist and owning a motorbike of her own, Tyra was half-convinced to try on black leather wear.
xxxxx
Shibuya District/Okami's Dojo/April 14, 2009
A week later passed. Tyra and Helena invited Lyn to watch the former teach self defense classes. Lyn became intrigued witnessing ladies from various backgrounds coming together to pick up on various disciplines and self defense techniques to fend themselves from attackers.
"I would hear Tyra talk about teaching self defense classes. I didn't think she'd have these many students," Lyn was taken aback by her friend's independent growth. The old you wouldn't even think of doing something this selfless! Helena's influence and being a Sailor Senshi really changed you for the better. I'm proud of you for giving yourself a new meaning in life.
Lyn witnessed Tyra calling on one of her students, Chun, to the front as the pair demonstrated today's lesson. Chun went for a kick, but Tyra seized her foot and tossed her down on the mat.
"She's really grown from being a street brawler."
"I know. And she's grown as a person," Helena smiled proudly, watching Tyra and Chun bowing to one another.
"I owe you a lot for setting Tyra's path to the right direction."
"Not just me. You, me, and the Kuipers all played our part."
Tyra beckoned Lyn over to meet her students. Lyn nodded and walked over to greet Chun first. The Chinese martial artist was thrilled Lyn and introduced herself.
"I'm Tyra-sensei's best student. You can call me Chun, Miss Lyn!"
"Just call me, Lyn. Thanks," the blue-haired woman chuckled awkwardly, feeling Chun's firm grip.
"Let me introduce you to my other students. C'mon."
Nodding, Lyn followed Tyra around the dojo and meet each of the other students.
xxxxx
Azabu-Juuban District/Hikawa Shrine
Back at the shrine, Mokuba carried out some chopped wood to put in a fire pit for the hot bathhouse. Yuuichirou brought more wood and stuffed them in the fire pit.
"Whew, thanks for the help, Mokuba," Yuuichirou said, wiping sweat from his forehead.
"Sure, now we'll have our hot baths now."
"Like living here?"
Mokuba nodded and replied. "Yeah, I like being around nature more. It'll take a few adjustments, but I know everything will be fine. Seto's probably gonna need more to adjust, but as long as he's Lyn, he'll be good."
"You should've seen him and Hiei. Best conversation ever," Yuuichirou spoke of their 'pleasant' conversation in the dining room.
"Oh, boy, must've been eventful."
"Who's gonna bath first?"
"I think my bro's planning to since he'll be coming back from the office."
xxxxx
Upon arriving from the office, Seto prepared to use the bathhouse. He picked out his towel and headed for the bathhouse. The minute he walked right in, Lyn caught him opening the door.
"Wait, Seto-!"
It was too late. Once the Kaiba Corp CEO stepped in, loud cursing was heard and then came a...
Bam!
...a punch heard around the shrine.
Seto was quickly tossed out with relative ease by the butch blonde, who had her body covered in a white towel. She rubbed her fist which had socked Seto a hard punch to his face.
"Asshole! Learn to knock next time!" Tyra snapped and slammed the door behind him.
Now sporting a bruise on his left cheek, Seto gritted and winced. Lyn crouched over and chuckled.
"Didn't you hear me?" Lyn sighed. "C'mon, let's put ice on that." She helped Seto up and escorted him to the kitchen.
(End theme)
xxxxx
By dinner time, everyone gathered to have Cammy and Helena's helping of a Brazilian styles cuisine. Even Hiei was there, but mostly to keep an eye on Ryuuhi and Koori. Seto made sure to sit far away from Tyra as possible, avoiding any further altercations.
"Wow, this looks so delicious!" Mokuba said with mouth watering.
"This dinner we've prepared is to bless everyone living on this shrine," Helena announced. "Including our new roommates." She turned to Lyn, Seto, and Mokuba. "Even though Max and Sam can't be here, when they return, they'll be welcomed with open arms."
"They emailed me and they send their love to us," Lyn spoke up as everyone nodded.
"They'll always have a home here," Cammy smiled as she and Helena started cutting some beef. "Lyn, Seto, Mokuba, you're our guests. Why don't you get yours first?"
"Don't mind if we do!" Mokuba handed his plate to Helena.
"I've tried Brazilian beef. If Helena's cooking stays true to form, it'll be good."
Lyn added. "I believe you. Helena's a great cook."
"Indeed, ever since she and Tyra moved in, Helena has spiced up the kitchen with her recipes," Cammy said. "Even my sister's learning to cook."
"Yeah, we've lad less takeouts and frozen dinners," Rei admitted to her lack of capable cooking. "I can make a few things here and there, but nothing like what Cammy and Helena's made."
After Seto and Lyn got their servings, Rei, Tyra, Yuuichirou, Hiei, and Grandfather Hino got their helpings. Rei looked over seeing Ryuuhi and Koori nibbling on beef bits from Hiei's hand.
"They'll need meat should they want to grow up and become strong like me," Hiei stressed. "It's no demon meat, but it'll do."
"They teethed very early, I can't argue and that's why I stopped breast feeding them," Rei recalled the bite marks near her nipples. "Though they tickled more than hurt."
"Hey, Rei, how come you and Hiei never got married?" Lyn fronted the Miko and the demon with this important question.
"Sis, do you want me to tell?"
"No, it's ok, Cammy," Rei said, pausing from eating a moment to explain. "It's just a decision I came to upon realizing the burden marriage would place on us. I wouldn't want to force Hiei into a tradition he's not comfortable. Too much of a hassle. And have you seen the increasing divorce rates? We don't want to face those kind of headaches. Moreover, I want Hiei to be his own free spirit and do what he wants." She smiled to Hiei, who turned away. "He's free to do what he wants, but I only ask in return that he's there for the kids. Of course, he didn't openly promise anything, but seeing he shows up is good enough for me." She handed Ryuuhi some beef to nibble on. "And I'm happy to see them growing."
Lyn smiled watching Rei feeding the twins. She recalled Rei telling her should having kids cross their minds that they only have one. Taking this recommendation to heart, Lyn wondered when would be the right time for her and Seto to tie the knot at last.
"I'd be all for Seto and Lyn getting married," Cammy said.
"Same here!" Mokuba chimed in happily. "I already consider you my sister-in-law, but it'd be better if it were official."
"You guys..." Lyn blushed hearing the others expressing their support of a wedding down the line.
"And I'd be happy to allow it on our shrine," Grandfather Hino said.
Tyra sat her bowl down and faced Lyn's direction. "We've been friends since we were street urchins, Lyn. To see you shift from a dangerous lifestyle to one filled with luxury and fame, I can't think of a better way than seeing you and the jerk get married."
"Really?"
"Just promise to make him less of a peeping tom and I'm all for it."
Seto nearly spat out his food and choked on it. He grabbed water to wash down the food in his throat.
"Whoa, you ok, Seto?!" Mokuba asked, almost giving him his own glass.
"Peeping tom? How was I supposed to know you were in there?! You left the door unlocked!"
"Ok, so I forgot to lock the door, big whoop. You still saw some steam coming out and should've knocked first!"
(Cue Samurai Champloo OST – Deathwish)
Seto and Tyra quickly got up in each other's faces.
"Don't push me, Vanderbilt."
"Please, I've made guys twice your size cry and tap out with a Fuji armbar submission hold!"
"Enough!" Lyn stepped in between her boyfriend and best friend. After a while cooler heads prevailed, they seated themselves and resumed dinner. "Seto, Tyra, we're all living under the same roof. Let's keep everything in peace, ok? For Rei and her family's sake."
"Oh, don't worry about us!" Cammy reassured her. "This place couldn't be more livelier than before Hiei, Tyra, and Helena showed up!"
"Right..."
As Seto and Tyra sighted the last piece of meat, they dueled over it with their chopsticks. Before either could secure it, Helena slipped in and snatched it.
Helena blinked thrice seeing Tyra and Seto poking with each other's chopsticks.
"Um, whoops," the Brazilian remarked. "Oh well, you snooze, you lose."
(End theme)
xxxxx
(Cue Samurai Champloo OST – How You Feel)
"We'll clean the dishes, you guys all go rest up!" Cammy offered while she and Helena worked over cleaning dishes and silverware.
After putting the twins to bed, Rei walked outside where Lyn opened her PDA to shoot an email to her brothers. Tyra was also outside making repairs to her motorbike.
"Am I interrupting anything, Lyn?" Rei accidentally prodded, noticing Lyn with her PDA.
"Not at all," she replied, scooting over to give Rei room to sit. "Just sending an email to my brothers. Apparently, they told me there's a couple of transfer students that arrived at Duel Academy with a professor, Professor Thelonius Viper, who Seto is more familiar with than I am. Also according to Max and Sam, they said Jaden made friends with someone who can see Duel Spirits and dueled him using some rare Crystal Beast deck."
"Wow, sounds like a lot of eventful stuff going on," Rei listened with intrigue. "But, I'd tell your brothers to be careful. The Houou and I have had a premonition about a dark source lurking in Duel Academy."
"Thanks for the warning, Rei. I'll be sure to let them know."
"Just because Paradais is gone, that doesn't mean the evils have completely left our world. We can do our best to suppress the dangers that could potentially threaten our livelihoods."
The blue-haired woman concurred with the Miko. "Right, I get that. Hopefully they can respond to me soon."
"They're very independent boys, Lyn. They have friends they can depend on over there. Should anything go beyond their control, that's when we can step in."
"Thanks, Rei."
"Yeah, anytime."
xxxxx
On the other side of the shrine, Seto sat down with his door open and typing away on documents on the Paradais Knights cases. He looked out to the garden and sighted Hiei brandishing his sword. The demon practiced with his sword with Seto as his only audience.
Hiei noticed Seto without facing him. "You can look, but I won't let you use my sword."
"Never had any intentions to," Seto replied with a straight face. "Didn't want anyone to know, but I'm honestly grateful to be here. Not for my sake, but for Mokuba and Lyn. They deserve the break after the crap we all went through."
The demon swordsman put down his sword and sighed. "I can't blame you. I'd do the same for Yukina and my children."
"And Yukina is where?"
"Living with the orange-haired buffoon."
"Kuwabara?" Seto asked. He cracked a smug grin. "Ah, you mean the Wheeler of your group."
"Now that we can agree on," Hiei said, hiding a devious grin. "Stupid as he may be sometimes, I now trust him with Yukina."
"We've both changed quite a lot, but we're too stubborn to say it. We're more transparent to others than we're letting on."
"Can't say I argue."
xxxxx
"Blue-Eyes Ultimate Dragon, take out the rest of his Life Points!" Mokuba declared as he instantly blew away Yuuichirou's warriors.
Despite his defeat, Yuuichirou felt satisfied learning to play Duel Monsters thanks to Mokuba. "Thanks for the duel, Mokuba. I think I'm getting the hang of it." He then shut off his Duel Disk.
"Sure, anytime you wanna duel me, I'm up for it."
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Later that night, everyone had fallen asleep by midnight. At the behest of Lyn, Seto decided to put off his take home work until morning. He lied down on their shared floor bed and put an arm over her.
"Thanks for letting us stay here, Seto."
"Yeah," Seto vaguely smiled.
"Goodnight and love you."
"I know." With that, he shut the lights off.
(End theme)
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Three months later
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Azabu-Juuban District/Hikawa Shrine/July 23, 2009
(Cue Samurai Champloo OST – Here and There)
Following some delay, Max and Sam returned for the summer break from Duel Academy. Once they arrived, they were welcomed by their sister, Tyra, and Mokuba first followed by Rei, Cammy, Helena, and the others.
Lyn pulled them her brothers into a hug. "Oh, so good to see you two!"
"Man, we've missed ya here, guys!" Mokuba high-fived them both. "Just when we moved in, you two came and went fast!"
"Yeah, but we didn't want to keep Jaden and the others waiting," Sam replied with a benevolent grin.
"And our stuff we left behind?" Max asked Cammy.
"They're still in the same place you left them," the young Miko answered. "Helena, this calls for a big feast we have to prepare tonight! We have two more hungry mouths to feed!"
"Yes, and for the next few weeks until after the O-Bon Festival."
"Glad you two are here," Tyra approached the brothers.
"You, too, Hammer," they called the blonde by her nickname.
Rei and Hiei watched the Stromberg boys interacting with their friends and family.
"Isn't this nice, Hiei?"
"Yeah, and even less peace and quiet for me."
Rei scoffed and pinched his side.
"What was that for?"
"For making snap remarks like that. Be nice. This is their home now, too."
Hiei rolled his eyes. "Whatever, just make sure you put them to chore duty."
"Oh, I intend to, but they won't be doing your work," the Miko said, giving him a fake smile.
"You're ruthless."
"I know."
"Ok, everyone! Who's up for some stories from Duel Academy? Because boy don't we have a lot to tell y'all!" Sam shouted.
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O-Bon Festival/August 7, 2009
The day of the 2009 O-Bon Festival arrived. Unlike last year's disaster involving the Arcadian Cross, the festival went without a hitch. The Hikawa household watched the fireworks pop all over the sky. Rei & the twins, Cammy, Lyn, and Helena, all wearing their yukatas, stood together as Tyra snapped group shots of them. Tyra joined in for group shots.
Hiei, Seto, Mokuba, Max, Sam, and Yuuichirou waited for the ladies to finish their group shots.
"Hey, everyone!" Came Yukina's sweet, lovable voice calling to everyone.
"Yukina!" Rei waved to the kind koorime.
"Hey, Kuwabara!" Max and Sam called to the orange-haired man.
"Good to see ya again, guys!" Kuwabara replied to the boys in his raspy tone.
The group turned around to see Yukina and Kuwabara. Not soon after them, Shingo, Yui & DarkGabumon, Aoshi, Kohana, and Lien arrived to pick up Cammy. Cammy greeted her Neo-Spirit Detective team and left for festival activities. Max and Sam also went with them, leaving their sister to spend time with Seto.
The Spirit Detectives, the Sailor Senshi, and the Kuipers subsequently came one by one to see the Hikawa crew.
"Guys!" Usagi called out to them.
"We're here!" Karin shouted. "Tyra! Helena!"
"I take it you've enjoyed living at the Hikawa Shrine?" Yukina asked Lyn.
"It was a tough transition from our manor, but we've adapted with the changes and we really like living there. Rei, Cammy, and their grandfather have been very good to us."
"What about you, Kaiba?" Kuwabara asked. "How has it been like?"
"When she's not putting us through chores, it's been fine."
"I respect your honesty, Kaiba," Rei added. "You taking on those chores with stride."
"It's been a few months and yet it's gone by so fast," Mokuba said. "I wonder what lies ahead for us, bro."
"Whatever happens happens."
As a big firework show captivated the groups, Lyn took Seto's hand and smiled. "Let's just enjoy however long we need to stay at the shrine. I'm in no hurry whatsoever."
"You know what, Lyn?"
"Yeah?"
"Neither am I," he surprised her.
(End theme)
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A/N: That was fun. I got enjoyment writing the dialogue with the characters. I tried a slew of different character interactions: Lyn and Seto, Lyn and Tyra, Rei and Hiei, Lyn and Rei, Rei and Seto, Seto and Hiei, Tyra and Seto, Tyra and Helena, Helena and Seto, Cammy and Helena, Cammy and Lyn, Mokuba and Cammy, Mokuba and Yuuichirou. However little or major the interactions were, they were a joy to write.
Well, Tyra can brag she socked Seto a good one. Not even Joey could do that.
First inkling of Seto and Lyn possibly tying the knot down the road? Quite possibly. ;)
Also some nice side development for some of the Hikawa crew (unofficial name for them in this Gaiden). The specific stretch of time for this Gaiden starts in the spring (and two days after Dawn of Chaos) and ends in August for the O-Bon Festival. This is the second time the big yearly festival is shown in this series (first being Summer Diaries; a few chapters referencing said event and a whole chapter dedicated to the Arcadian Cross invasion). Man, now I want to re-read Summer Diaries because that was one of my top favorite fics.
For GX fans, Season 3 occurred (or has been occurring) through this stretch of time. Max and Sam would come right back to tell about their experiences of the Dark World, Supreme King, and Yubel. After the summer break, the brothers return to the island just when GX season 4 starts.
All right since I enjoyed writing this, I may consider a part 2 that goes from the post O-Bon Festival starting in the fall and through winter time. Just something to think about it.
Send a review and see you in the next Gaiden installment!