"Are you alright?"

Kisara turned to her husband. "I'm fine, Seto. Why do you ask?"

"What happened with Jade earlier and the things she said. I thought you might need -"

"What, a shoulder to cry on? Please, you know me better than that." Her brilliant blue eyes flickered and she sighed. "I wonder what she's like."

"Kisara -"

Kisara shook her head. "I can't believe Teana would choose to reincarnate. Could this Anzu really bare her soul?"

A loud and sudden commotion interrupted her. "What in Isis' name?" Kisara mouthed, as Seto about-faced. "That came from the kitchen."

Curious, the two made their way to the chef's kitchen that was normally unused (as vampires did not generally eat the solid foods consumed by humans). Seto was the first in. "Mokuba!" he exclaimed.

Concerned, Kisara stuck her head in the doorway. "What's going on here?"

The normally pristine and spotless kitchen appeared to have thrown up its contents. Cabinets were open. Bags of flour and sugar sat on the island, while streaks of the white substances littered the granite countertop. Hunched over the island, in a pink ruffled apron, her hair in two pigtails and a determined expression on her face was Rebecca Hopkins. She was armed with a rolling pin and was currently kneading a big lump of dough.

Behind Rebecca, Mokuba was briskly chopping up fresh mushrooms and tomatoes on a cutting board. A pot of simmering water was perched on the stove and Kisara noticed a box of whole-grain pasta next to it. "Just what are you two doing?"

"What does it look like we're doing, sis?"

"We're making dinner and dessert for our guest. I'm making my grandma's famous sugar cookies."

"And I'm making spaghetti," Mokuba grinned. "Shizuka gave me the recipe for her secret sauce."

"And just what," Seto deadpanned, "Prompted this?"

"Well, she is a human right? She's got to have something to eat when she's here, and Jade said we should try to make her feel welcome." Mokuba answered.

"So you thought to make her feel welcome by destroying the kitchen?"

"We didn't destroy it," Hands on her hips, Rebecca peered at Kaiba over the rim of her glasses. "And we will clean it up later."

"Yeah Seto, the drama aside, Anzu is our guest, and hosts don't let their guests go hungry."

"Shizuka's helping us. She and Honda just made a quick run to the market, for breadsticks, salad fixings, and vinaigrette."

Seto pinched his forehead. The mess the two were creating through their goodwill gesture frustrated him, yet he knew he could do nothing detour them, and the girl, especially would need proper nourishment during her stay with them. "Very well, I'm sure both Jade and Anzu will be pleased with your efforts. Just remember to clean this up."

The sound of the kitchen's backdoor opening halted any further conversation. Shizuka and Honda had returned.

"Oh hello," Shizuka greeted Kaiba and Kisara as she placed a bag of fresh produce on the empty countertop space. Honda followed behind her, a bottle of wine in one hand and a plastic grocery bag in the other. "You feel better?"

"I'll be fine. It's just a lot to take in. It's not every day you learn that your sister has been reincarnated as a human." Kisara watched as Honda sat down the grocery and began extracting the contents fresh parmesan-oregano, vinaigrette, a package of frozen breadsticks, cloves of garlic and a block of cream cheese. "It looks good, guys. You've clearly outdone yourselves."

"I just hope she likes it," Shizuka drawled. "The last thing I want to do is make her upset."

"I'm sure she'll love it," Honda assured his wife.

"Of course she will," Jounouchi said, as he entered the kitchen. Jade was at his side. "You make a mean meatball sis."

Jade eyed the trio's spread appreciatively. "Anzu will love it, Shizuka. I'm with Sweetness. You guys have outdone yourselves." The group's anxiety level suddenly skyrocketed upon seeing her. "She's not here yet."

"Mai's out front," Jounouchi explained. "She'll let us know when they arrive."

Kisara eyed Jade. "Shouldn't you be out front when she arrives?"

Why are you here?

"I want to make sure your minds and emotions are under control."

Shizuka snorted. "Afraid your human will read us?"

"Don't underestimate Anzu's abilities. She has already proved her prowess by unwittingly connecting to the strongest mind here."

"You're afraid," Seto stated. "Afraid that we will overwhelm her, that she will remember her previous life."

"I simply don't want her mind overtaxed. Remember, she has no idea of her past life. If you all project strongly and come at her at once, she's likely to be overwhelmed." Jade met each of their eyes. "I have no doubt her memories from her previous life will return. I can't stop that, and really, I don't want too. Nevertheless, don't push it."

"My emotions are well in check, thank you very much."

Honda echoed his wife's sentiments. "Yeah spitfire, give us a little credit."

"I wasn't necessarily referring to you two." Jade eyed Seto and Kisara.

Kisara narrowed her eyes. "I'm no basket case, Matushita and if you think I would coerce the girl, then you are mistaken."

"Do you speak for everyone here with a blood tie to Teana when you say that, Kisara?"

"She doesn't have to speak for us," Seto answered. "We are all big boys and girls here, Jade."

"I know that Kaiba. I'm just worried about those with blood ties to my deceased sister. I'm concerned they will assume Anzu is bound by the same ties."

"Hasn't your brother been playing that card since day one?" Rebecca chirped.

"What?"

"You're worried about Yami seeing Anzu as Teana, when in fact Jirou's been doing that since the day he met her," Rebecca gave a disapproving snort. "Awfully hypocritical of you, if you ask me."

Jade opened her mouth. "I – it's not the same."

"How do you figure that?"

"Jirou's never actually tried to coerce Anzu into being Teana."

Rebecca rolled her eyes. "That's a laugh, or did I just imagine your little intimate setup of a family? Had she been another child, Jirou wouldn't have looked twice at her."

"It's still not the same," Jade insisted. "Jirou was just Teana's brother. Not her husband."

"And that automatically makes the pharaoh a threat?"

"Yes!"

"What does it matter, anyway?" This time, it was Mokuba who spoke. "The Pharaoh does miss Ana, but I highly doubt he will coerce Anzu into a duplicate Ana. He isn't stupid. He knows what reincarnation means after all."

Jade shook her head. "You're way too optimistic for your own good…"

"And you're too pessimistic."

A phone chose that moment to beep, effectively ending the argument. Jounouchi reflexively whipped out his cell and flipped it open.

"Hope you're ready hon," Jounouchi read the text from Mai aloud. "A blue mustang just pulled in the main gate."

"That's Otogi."

As if Jade's words triggered an alarm, the sound of doors opening and closing resonated throughout the mansion.

"Is she here?" Mana's voice was excited as she clamored down the main stairwell between the dining and sitting room. "Pharaoh-sama said he could sense her."

"She's on the manor grounds and in route as we speak," Ishizu's pragmatic answer was heard.

"Where are the others?"

"They're in the kitchen making dinner. Although, I suspect we will see them very shortly.

"I suppose that's our exit cue," Seto mused.

In solemn agreement the group – sans Mokuba, Rebecca, who were preparing the meal – adjourned to the foyer where Ishizu, Mana and presumably Ishizu's brother where waiting

Anzu fought down a case of the jitters as Otogi eased his Mustang onto what she could easily say was the driveway of the second-biggest property she had ever seen. Get a grip, Anzu. It's just a manor. You've seen one before. She recalled the time her father took their family on a trip to the Ueno District and showed them the splendor that was the Kaiba Mansion. And that was even bigger than this.

Otogi showed the security guard his gif for clearance. "Nervous?"

"A little bit. Food chain jitters, I think," she added, in a weak attempt at humor.

"None of these vampires would attempt to bleed you, 'Zoo. They prefer to survive off donated blood and don't drink from humans unless necessary." Otogi put the car into drive and continued on.

"I know," she answered. "It's just, Otogi…"

"What?"

"There's something about this place. It feels complete to me – if that makes any sense."

"Well, one of the largest and the oldest vampire covens is currently residing within it. They've probably given it a homey touch."

"Yeah, I suppose you're right," she murmured distractingly.

Ding.

Ding.

There was that annoying and oddly curious bell-sound in her head, again. Within seconds, Anzu felt a slight jolt within her heart. There was a flash pain in her cranium, causing her to moan out loud.

"You okay, Anzu?"

"I'll be fine. I'm just a little hungry."

Otogi continued to watch the asphalt path ahead of them. "Well, I'm sure Jade has made sure everything's been taken care of. These are good people Anzu, they wouldn't let you starve." He turned the wheel and eased the car around the winding path, before bringing it to a stop parallel to the mansion's front doors. "Home sweet, home." He shifted the vehicle into 'park' and killing the engine. "Looks like Jade's already waiting." He gave a nod to where he could see his girlfriend coming down the front path to receive them.

Anzu unfastened her seatbelt and opened her door. "Jade." Her smile was bright as she slung her purse around her shoulder.

Jade admonished Otogi, "I thought you'd never get here!"

Otogi tossed his keys in the air and caught them. "Hey, I got her here in one piece, that's what matters."

Jade snorted and looped her arm through Anzu's. "Come on, they're waiting for us."

Ugh, get a whiff of that. Here comes the human," Shizuka relayed in a sing-song voice.

The group present in the foyer sobered and straightened as Jade and the new arrivals entered. Their attention was quickly drawn to the human female on Jade's arm.

"Anzu Mazaki," Jade related as Otogi came up to stand behind the two of them, "May I present the vampire – err – council."

"It's an honor to meet you all." Anzu found herself bowing for the second time that night to strikingly beautiful vampires. The first had been when she had encountered Jounouchi and Mai in the hospital and just like then, the current vampires seemed intrigued by her presence and oddly enough, they seemed genuinely taken back when she bowed to them in greeting. Anzu brushed it off as nerves. She was a human after all and consequently, their prime food source.

She felt Jade's arm tighten around her own, the same time she sensed Otogi's re-assuring presence behind her. 'No one can make you feel inferior without your consent', she recited to herself. If she could handle Jirou, Duo, Otogi, Jade, Sally, and Hilde, then she could handle this coven. Straightening, she released Jade's arm and favored each of them with curious and accessing eyes. The next move was theirs.

She was around twenty years of age, Seto deduced. She was taller than Shizuka or Mana but stood a few inches below Mai and level with Kisara and Ishizu. Her body was lean but was toned with muscle. Her chocolate brown-hair brushed her shoulders and she wore it in a basic style with bangs dusting her large eyes. Blue eyes – like his in color – studied the group with curiosity and hint of scrutiny. Not that he could blame her. The blatant shock that rolled off the coven when she had bowed to them was noticeable. It wasn't as if they intentionally had planned to react so strongly. They had all been prepared and cautioned, but seeing her bow to them – it was as if Teana was bowing to them (and in a way she was since this girl was her reincarnation). In their collective minds, they were the ones who bowed in reverence to her when it was called for – and not the other way around. Seto could recall a few precious times when Teana had bowed to him, but those where all before his cousin had shown interest in her. I wonder if she is on edge around us.

It's because you're all on edge around her. His cousin snapped.

Seto chuckled inwardly. You are paying attention.

Given the circumstances, it's hard not to.

More headaches and bells, I presume.

He could picture Yami shaking his head. No, it's worse. I can feel her, Seto. All the way up here, I can still feel her. Her presence seeps through the walls like a fine wine through brown earth. It's like someone has lit a spark within me. No one has made me feel this way in three millennia.

Seto frowned. Kisara then elbowed him sharply in the ribs and he heard the distinct clearing of a throat. Snapping to attention, he found Jade and Anzu staring at him expectantly.

"Perhaps some more informal introductions are in order?" The spitfire prompted. She shot him a suspicious glance, before returning her attention to Anzu. "You already know Jounouchi and Mai."

"Glad to meet you officially, Anzu." Jounouchi gave Anzu a debonair smile and a wink that reminded her of Duo.

Mai rolled her eyes. "Nice to see you again, hon - and don't worry. He's all bark and no bite."

Anzu smothered a giggle at the couple's interaction. So like Duo and Hilde.

A petite girl with dark brown hair came forward. Her green eyes danced happily as she introduced herself. "Hi, I'm Mana."

"Hello, Mana. It's nice to meet you."

The girl's face split into a mega-watt grin. "Believe me, miss. The pleasure is mine."

The tall man with the crew cut was next. His deep hazel eyes seemed to study her. "I'm Hiroto Honda."

The beautiful young woman next to him stepped forward. She was petite and shapely, slightly shorter than Anzu with long auburn hair and hazel eyes framed by long lashes. "I'm Shizuka Jounouchi."

Anzu took note of the girl's shared surname with Jounouchi Katsuya. She never would have guessed the two to be siblings. Like Jirou and Jade, there were no physical resemblances to clue that they were biologically related.

The female with the near translucent skin followed the younger Jounouchi's example. "I am called Kisara." She was as tall as Anzu but built shapely like Shizuka with pale blonde hair and brilliant, almost crystal-like blue eyes.

Her companion was a tall man in his twenties. He had piercing blue eyes that peered out from under thick brown hair and was wearing an expensive suit and a long black duster that looked like it would swirl dramatically behind him if he were to turn. "I know who you are Seto Kaiba. My father used to work for you."

His lips twitched in a contemplative smile. "I hope that is a good thing, Miss Mazaki."

"It is. Father always spoke highly of you and your associates." Her eyes took in the rest of the coven for good measure.

A loud clatter ensued from somewhere beyond the assembled group. "Come on, Mokuba – move it!" Rebecca's tart voice exclaimed. Moments later, she and a semi-frazzled Mokuba zipped into the room. In the lead, Rebecca – apron and all – made a beeline for Anzu. She pushed past Seto and stopped just short of the newcomer's personal space. "Hi!"

"Sorry, she's a little excited, if you can't tell." Mokuba rolled his eyes in Rebecca's direction.

"Mokuba," Rebecca whined. She flicked his elbow. "I wasn't finished."

He snickered. "Sorry, Becky."

Rebecca scoffed and gave Anzu an apologetic look. "The rude one is my boyfriend, Mokuba Kaiba. I'm Rebecca Hopkins. Sorry about that, it just been a while since we've had someone new in the house and well…"

"We're a bit psyched." Mokuba finished. He moved in front of Rebecca to get a better look at Anzu. "Oh hey, you're not pretty – you're gorgeous!"

"You're a funny boy," Anzu replied. "How old are you?"

He gave her a Look. "I'm twenty-one." Then he grinned, showing his Crest commercial smile. "But that's in vampire years. Physically and by human standards, I suppose I'm sixteen or so."

Anzu took note of his sharpened canines. "So I see. I didn't mean to offend you, I only…"

Mokuba cut her off. "It's alright. My theory is that you're as young as you feel. As my big brother is constantly reminding me – 'I don't act my age'". He glanced back at Seto, and Anzu committed family tie to memory.

"Are you hungry, Miss Mazaki?" The ever practical Ishizu took hold of the crook of Anzu's arm. "Mokuba and Rebecca have prepared a fine meal in honor of your visit."

"I err, yes. I am actually a little hungry," Anzu admitted, "Miss uh…"

"Forgive me," she apologized. "We haven't been properly introduced. I'm Ishizu Ishtar, and this," she gestured to the male behind her, "Is my brother Marik."

"You'll have to excuse my sister," Marik mused. "I am afraid she suffers from the Sight."

Anzu's eyes widened a fraction as she turned from Marik and took in Ishizu again. "You're a Seer."

The priestess gave a nod, her black hair moving as she did so. "And you're one of the Gifted, Miss Mazaki. Therefore, I propose a truce. Don't try and read me and my fellow vampires and we will show you the same courtesy."

"Fair enough, but I ensure you that you have anything to worry about, Miss Ishtar. Living with two members of your species has taught me a valuable respect for privacy," Anzu threw an amused glance over her shoulder at Jade, "No offense."

"Just promise me you'll give Jirou that same spiel too, 'Zoo, when he wakes up."

Anzu smiled, but her expression quickly faltered under a deep, shaky breath.

"You okay, 'Zoo? You got a little flushed looking there all of sudden." Jade was at her vacant side in an instant.

"I'm fine," she placed a hand over her heart, "Just a bit overwhelmed."

"Perhaps, we should go into the dining room," Ishizu suggested. She shared a look with Jade and Otogi. "You must be famished." Her fingers tightened around Anzu's arm. Enough, the poor girl's on edge as it is. Must you torture both of your souls? I know you can feel her.

Yes, and it would seem that the feeling is mutual…

Ishizu resisted the urge to roll her eyes. I should have Mahad drag you down here.

That's really not necessary, Ishizu.

Then come downstairs. The girl is human, my Pharaoh. Not the plague.

I'm disappointed. Your skills are diminishing, priestess.

What are you on about? As if to answer her internal question, Ishizu felt Anzu's body tense like a live wire. Anzu's attention was no longer focused on the tile beneath their feet, rather at the staircase, or more specifically the two individuals poised at the top.

"You're late, dhampir."

Mahad waited until he was two steps ahead before following.

Jade felt Anzu's body tense seconds before the comment left his mouth. Nevertheless, she took Yami's words in stride. "Traffic was a bitch," she glanced at her boyfriend for confirmation, "Right, dear?"

"That and I thought Anzu would benefit from the scenic route. It's her first trip to the Ueno District since she was a young girl."

"Anzu," Jade's fingers curled tighter around her sister's arm. She noted that Ishizu had released her own hold on Anzu and had opted to join Mahad. The two of them now stood behind Yami. The perfect Sentinels. "This is -"

"Yami Mutou," her reincarnated sister finished.

Score one for our little human. Otogi's face was straight, but Jade could since the mirth hidden behind his otherwise stoic features. Anzu two – vampire elite zip.

Jade felt inclined to agree as she felt the subtle onslaught of shock emitting from the Coven. Anzu had just managed to deal another surprise to the already blind-sided group, by calling the estranged vampire king by his moniker. She moved to reprimand Anzu, thinking the girl had managed to somehow catch a glimpse into Yami's thoughts.

Don't jump to conclusions. The process of elimination, remember? Otogi interrupted. She's already met two of the big three on this little jaunt, prior to his entrance. Besides, the guy practically exudes 'royalty'.

But still –

Teana would have called him 'pharaoh' or by his real name. She doesn't need this right now, Jade.

Anzu suddenly found herself under a microscope. Yami Mutou's gaze made her feel exposed. The moment her eyes met his, it was if the gods had taken a hammer and split her wide open, baring her soul for all to see. A sense of déjà vu washed over her, and for a split second, Anzu thought she was in the back of the ambulance with Jirou's trusting face smiling at her and his asking of how she came by her surprising blue eyes. A sense of familiarity washed over her. As with Jirou, something about this vampire called to her, but it was a different kind of call. When she met Jirou, the feeling had been unconditional; almost natural. Yami, on the other hand, was stirring something completely different within her, if the butterflies in her stomach were any indication.

"You know who I am?" His voice betrayed surprise and a touch of hope?

Anzu took a deep breath, her throat suddenly very dry. "My bro — guardian has told me of you and the others," she glanced back at Jounouchi and Seto for a moment, "Plus, it is common knowledge. You three are considered the saviors of the vampire order." Why on earth had she almost called Jirou her brother in front of the coven, she had no idea.

"I see." The strange light in his eyes diminished, as quickly as it had come and was replaced by something akin to acceptance. His lips twitched in a half-smile. "Your sister is lovely, Jade."

Anzu's cheeks flushed, while Jade raised an eyebrow.

A soft, audible ding broke through the semi-tension. "Breadsticks are done," Rebecca said before she dashed back into the kitchen.

"We're making Italian for you, Anzu," Mokuba said.

The smell of garlic and oregano filtered into the foyer from the kitchen. Anzu felt her stomach give a little growl at the savory aromas.

"Yes, you should eat, 'Zoo," Jade admonished. "Especially since my boyfriend forgot to offer you anything." She gave Otogi a playful jab in the ribs.

"For your information, Jun was in the middle of prepping a meal for the two of them to dine on at my place when this whole fiasco occurred."

Jade gave Anzu a sympathetic wince. "Thank God Mokuba and Becky had the foresight to prepare a meal then. I'd hate for you to be stuck eating whatever concoction that boy came up with."

"His cooking's not that bad." Otogi defended Jun.

Jade snorted. "Anyway's, my human side is feeling a bit ravenous at the moment, so I could definitely use some solid food. I'm sure Anzu would agree with me, ne?"

"Un," Anzu murmured. She was still somewhat floored by Yami's presence. He had not taken his eyes off of her since their introduction to one another. She found it unnerving, yet oddly comforting at the same time.

To be continued…