Anzu yawned and swung her legs over the side of the bed. The digital alarm clock on the nightstand read 6:24 pm. Oh well, that is what she got for staying up and chatting until dawn with her new roommate. Still, she did feel well-rested.

She rubbed her eyes and ran a hand through her sleep-tousled hair. Careful not to disturb Mana, Anzu stood up and quietly padded across the room. Shizuka and Mai had promised a shopping trip in the city and she needed to make a good impression. The reality of the decision reached during last night's dinner swept over her.

She had become a protectorate of the coven.

The members of the coven were very considerate of her situation. Kisara and Mana had become fast friends and Ishizu was a lot like Sally with her mothering nature. Even Kaiba was friendlier than his reputation made him out to be. Jounouchi and Honda were kind. As were Mahad and Marik (Anzu began to wonder if all male vampires secretly had hearts of gold under their gruff exteriors). Of course, Mokuba and Rebecca were both sweethearts. She fondly recalled their pleased expressions when she thanked them for the delicious dinner.

And then there was Yami Mutou; he had opened up his home to her without hesitation, despite the underlying tension she could sense coming from him. Jade had been equally antsy, Anzu recalled. Although her dhampir companion had smiled and listened patiently as the coven inquired about the life of their new charge, Anzu could sense Jade tense up like a hot coil when she began to relate how she had come to live with the Matushita siblings as a child. Anzu wondered what had caused such a severe reaction in her normally chipper friend, when she noticed the coven had gone completely silent, listening to her recount her first meeting with Jirou. When she had finished her tale, each of the coven members regarded her with solemn eyes, and what she could only assume was respect.

Clothing had been laid out in the room's sole chair for her, in case she woke before the vampires. A simple, yet fashionable sleeveless navy dress from Kisara. The females insisted that she have fresh clothes, and were eager to lend her some, in an effort to take her mind off the loss of her material processions, and home.

Anzu picked up the dress and made her way into the bathroom. It was a double vanity affair with heated floor tiles and a glass-walled shower. She turned on the shower, letting the water reach the desired temperature before she stripped off the nightgown Ishizu had lent her and stepped into the stall. She did not want to take too long, and simply ran the bar of soap all over and rinsed off. There was a towel right outside the stall, so she dried off and then put on her freshly laundered undergarments and the borrowed dress, and left the discarded nightgown on the hamper.

Clean, but with damp hair, Anzu tiptoed silently into the bedroom. Mana lay motionless on the bed, cocooned in the covers and still deep in slumber. Given their impromptu slumber party, the female vampire would probably be sleeping until the sun sank below the horizon, so Anzu slid on her shoes and silently made her way out of the room and headed downstairs.

The sound of the shower running woke Honda from his slumber. He rolled to his side, stretched languidly in his bed and looked to the window. The sun was still out, its golden light peeking through the curtains. The absence of warmth and rumpled bedsheets told him Shizuka was already up and prepping for her outing with Mai and Anzu. He sighed, before swinging his feet to the carpeted floor.

The pulse of music reverberated up through the floor. Obviously, he and his wife were not the only ones awake. Marik had been up at some obscene daylight hour anyway to work out. The Egyptian male had some weird internal clock that would wake him, regardless if it was summer, winter, or a completely different time zone. Honda appreciated a good morning (or evening, depending on how they were operating) workout as much as the next guy, but some evenings were just made for sleeping in.

Honda grabbed a shirt and headed from the room and along the balcony that ringed the large central room of the house that housed the formal dining table and connected living area. He descended the stairs and made his way toward the kitchen.

Upbeat music played softly from the wireless sound system. Next to the stove, Jounouchi hummed along and turned bacon and eggs on the range. "Man, what are you doing?"

"Making breakfast," came the matter of fact reply. "There's blood packs in the fridge."

Honda went to the refrigerator. He rummaged around a bit, noticing that the fridge had been stocked with a healthy supply of donor blood, along with a hodgepodge of food. Blood pack in-hand, he snagged the plate of eggs and bacon on the counter next to Jounouchi, who muttered something along the lines of 'damn dirty thief'. Honda was nonplused and made his way the table. He was surprised to find an assortment of bagels, a mixed fruit tray, drink cups and silverware already spread out on the surface. Clearly, Jounouchi had been a busy bee this afternoon. Mokuba and Rebecca's good hospitality vibe was apparently contagious. Anzu most definitely was not going hungry during her stay with them -

Honda's ears detected the soft footfalls along the balcony and stairs.

Speaking of Anzu…

The scent of lavender soap, lilies, and water, filled his nostrils, layered over the overall tang of human, feminine essence. Honda heard the tell-tale beating of a human heart, and the rush of blood circulating through veins outside the kitchen door.

"Good evening, beautiful!" Jounouchi greeted. He turned around to give the new arrival one of his trademark grins. "Did you sleep well?"

"Good evening," Anzu paused long enough to greet both of them, "and yes, I did."

"Good – Are you hungry? Is anything particular tickling your taste buds?"

"Whatever you have over there is fine."

"In that case, how do you like your eggs?"

"Scrambled?"

"You got it."

Honda motioned for Anzu join him at the table, while Jounouchi prepared her a plate. "What would you like to drink? There's coffee, juice, milk, and water. I'm pretty sure Ishizu and Mana also managed to stash some tea blends somewhere in here."

"The second cupboard to my left," Jounouchi motioned with his spatula, "I think they raided the big box store." He grinned cheekily. "Some habits are hard to let go of, even when you've become a vampire. I'm pretty sure they'd share their coveted stash with you though."

Anzu arched an eyebrow. "Obsessive tea drinkers, are they?"

"You have no idea," Honda winced comically, causing Anzu to giggle.

"I can relate. Jirou and Jade are coffee hounds. I'll just have some orange juice, please."

Honda nodded and went to retrieve the pitcher of fresh orange juice he had seen in the fridge earlier. Meanwhile, Jounouchi placed a plate of scrambled eggs and bacon on the table in front of Anzu, before retreating back to the range to fix his own portion.

As Honda poured her juice Anzu asked, "Is anyone else up?"

"Thigh Master is in the basement exercising."

"He means Marik." Honda clarified, sensing Anzu's bewilderment at Jounouchi's reference to the blonde-haired, Egyptian.

"Mai was up earlier, primping or whatever it is you gals do to get ready for a night on the town."

"Shizuka was pretty much doing the same thing when I woke up."

Jounouchi nodded in agreement as he sat down at the table. "Since you came down by yourself, I am guessing Mana's still out?"

Anzu nodded and took a bite of eggs. "I didn't even faze her as I got ready."

"She's suffering jet-lag probably due to the time zone shift, and I am guessing she talked your ear off last night…"

"She did, but it was nice. Especially since Jade and Otogi decided to go crash at his apartment since she has clothes there."

"They haven't moved in together yet?" Marik's voice preempted his arrival into the kitchen. The Egyptian entered wearing his loose-fitting work out attire and went to the fridge. After rummaging around for a bit, he came up with a blood pack and an apple. "That must be brutal for you and Jirou."

Anzu blushed. "They're usually discreet when they, um, need to feed or 'hook up' as Jade calls it. The pheromones don't affect me directly since I am human. I can't speak for Jirou." Here, her face turned thoughtful, "Between the four of us, I think she's waiting for a ring. Jade may have vampire needs, but she's human at heart, if not a touch old-fashioned."

"Makes sense," Marik took the seat beside Jounouchi.

Jounouchi eyed the piece of fruit in Marik's hand. "That will stunt your growth, dude."

Marik made a rude hand gesture, as he took a bite of the apple.

"Oe, jerk! There's a lady present!" Jounouchi snapped.

Honda nearly choked on his breakfast. "Dude," he drawled. "Are you deliberately trying to wake the whole house?"

"Too late," Shizuka sauntered into the kitchen, looking fresh as a daisy. She wore a sleeveless top with an elegant ruffle sown across the front and a knee length purple skirt. The outfit was completed with a belt and dark knee-high boots. "Really, though Katsuya," she stopped long enough to steal a kiss and a piece of bacon from Honda, "Walls have ears."

"Good evening to you too, Miss Sunshine."

Shizuka stuck her tongue out in retaliation as she made her way over to the fridge. "Good evening, Anzu." she addressed their guest while retrieving her blood pack and her plate. "Did you sleep well?"

"I did. Thank you for asking."

Shizuka gave Anzu a smile and a nod before she slid into the vacant seat on Honda's left. She helped herself to the fresh fruit.

"So, what's on the agenda for this evening for you ladies?" Honda asked his wife.

"Shopping."

Her answer elicited a groan from her brother.

"We discussed this last night, Katsuya. Anzu needs clothes." Shizuka clarified.

"I know." Jounouchi conceded. "Look, just watch it with the spending, okay?" The last time Mai and his sister went shopping together, they had spent a small fortune on accessories and shoes. "You and Mai seem to think money grows on trees."

"Money doesn't grow on trees, moron." Mai breezed into the kitchen with legendary grace and wit. Instead of her usual purple, she was clad in jean shorts and a short-sleeve yellow blouse done up with a black neckline and sleeves. It was rounded out by a pair of black boots in her typical fashion. "If it did, I wouldn't need to bother with the plastic."

Shizuka chirped, "Good evening, Mai."

"Evening, everyone. Jounouchi," she leaned over Jounouchi's head to give him a kiss.

"Hey," he said. "You okay? You're up earlier than usual."

Mai waved him off, intent on procuring her breakfast. She accessed the assortment before her and reached for a fresh croissant that was tucked among the bagels. "Nice spread, Jounouchi." She eyed her husband approvingly. "All that's missing is a chef's hat and a cute apron."

"I aim to please."

"Uh-huh." Mai placed her plate down in the space between Jounouchi and Marik. She then went and selected a blood pack from the fridge and sat down. "And does Anzu here," she gave a gesture to said girl, "approve of your generosity?"

Anzu hummed in approval as she took a drink of her juice. "Four stars," she confirmed. "Although, if you all keep feeding me like this, I am definitely going to need to hit the gym."

"Well, you look amazing hon. Whatever it is you're doing, it works."

"Thanks. Dance mostly. I love classical and modern dancing."

Across from her, Marik's eyes widened. "Really?" he drawled.

"Oh boy. Here we go..."

Anzu, perplexed, looked back and forth between Jounouchi, who made the comment, and Marik who now accessed her with twinkling eyes. His lips were parted to reveal a full-on grin directed toward her. He looked like a kid on Christmas morning.

"You just said the magic word, hon."

"Oh?"

Mai grinned in Marik's direction. "Dance. This one loves to have a good time. He's pretty good at it too."

"I'm decent," the Egyptian answered, in an attempt to be modest. "I'm not academy material mind you, I just enjoy the scene."

"I find that joy and fulfillment are the best reasons to do what you love," said Anzu.

"Hmm," Mai glanced back and forth between Anzu and Marik. "When things settle, we'll have to go out, so the two of you can have a dance-off."

Shizuka beamed. "That's a great idea, Mai!"

"Well, how about it, kids?" Mai took a bite of croissant.

Marik's lips twitched upward and he folded his arms over his chest. "I'm game if Anzu is."

"It sounds fun. I'm in, Marik. You got yourself a challenge."

Marik's eyes danced in happy mischief. His smile turned suave. "It's a date then," he purred silkily.

Both Jounouchi and Honda slanted their eyes in disapproval of the declaration, but they did not comment. Marik was being well, Marik. Mai and Shizuka, who were used to the youngest Ishtar's flirtatious antics, merely rolled their eyes collectively.

The rest of the meal passed in relative calm. Once everyone's plates were polished clean of food and the vampire's blood packs were downed, Mai relayed her intention of taking Anzu and Shizuka out for "real coffee," and "not the black sludge," Jounouchi and the guys seemed to drink with zeal. The women then headed outside to where Mai's Audi was parked in the drive. Moments later, the Audi peeled out of the gate on to the main road.

With the three ladies now absent from the house, Jounouchi, Marik, and Honda began to clear the table and load the dishwasher. Once clean up was finished and the food stored away to prevent spoilage, Marik declared he wanted to check his motorcycle. His bike had been delivered to the premises earlier in the day. He wanted to ensure 'those idiotic goons' of Kaiba's did not damage his precious in any way. Honda agreed that his own motorcycle could use a tune-up and followed the Egyptian outside to the garage were both bikes were being stored. Jounouchi joined them, intent on getting his hands dirty with his own projects.

Her security clearance validated, Jade, eased the Camaro through Mutou Manor's wrought iron gate and made her way up the drive. Jirou's car had been retrieved by one of her boyfriend's 'employees' and brought to his apartment complex the night before. With Otogi working, Jade opted to make the lavish yellow sports car her daily driver. Otogi had offered to switch rides with her, but she declined. While it seemed harmless, the Camaro had been stocked and modified along the lines of James Bond's famous Aston Martin. If someone were to give her trouble between safe zones, well they would be in for a world of hurt. That and Jade really did not want her family's sole surviving possession out of her sight any longer than it already had been.

The sun had begun to set by the time she pulled up to the front of the manor. As she parked the car, the overhead security lights activated. Jade noticed the open garage door when she exited the car. Her keen eyesight picked out the two motorcycles proudly displayed at the entrance, as well as the three males who were each currently shirtless, sweaty and occupied under the hood of what appeared to be a classic American truck.

Jade smirked. She cupped her hands around her mouth, and let out a catcall.

Startled by the sound, Honda, Jounouchi, and Marik whipped their heads up and around. Their eyes flew open like retracted fish reels. Jade cackled in mirth. Clearly, the trio had been too engrossed in their mechanical endeavors to take notice of her arrival. She flicked them a salute before she shut the car door and remotely locked Camaro. The spitfire tucked the keyring into the back pocket of her skinny jeans and curiously made her way toward the garage. As she drew closer, she noticed Honda and Jounouchi each sported a healthy blush on their cheeks. Marik, on the other hand, preened in her direction.

"Like what you see, Matushita?"

Jade waved her hand dismissively, "Eh."

"Oh?" Marik took the opportunity to leer at her, an action that normally would have sent any hot-blooded female within a mile radius swooning.

Jade, however, only smirked and crossed her arms.

"Sorry, Ishtar. I already had my sexual needs fulfilled today," she held up three fingers, "thrice."

"Thrice? By the gods, I didn't know Otogi had it him."

"He's a vampire of many talents..."

"...And spare us the details, Spitfire." Honda snapped. He then turned his annoyed gaze on Marik. "Stop flirting. You are never going to get any."

Marik smirked. "That was never my intention. And there is nothing wrong with paying a gorgeous woman a compliment. Besides," he added slyly, "Anzu didn't seem to mind my attention earlier."

"Oh? Your not the only pretty boy who has tried to charm my sister, Ishtar." Jade grinned. "By the way, how'd that go for you?"

"She took it in stride."

Jade nodded. "Good girl." She hummed in approval. "Mind you, she's had lots of practice. Otogi's Familiar, Jun, has a huge crush on her." She watched all three of their faces fault in concern at her words. Relax," she assured, "it's not reciprocated. Hell, compared to some of the dates she went on when she was younger, Jun is harmless. A puppy dog." Her green eyes scrutinized Marik. "Although, I have to ask Ishtar - if you're not trying to get into her pants - what exactly is your intention toward Anzu?"

Marik's smirk widened and his lavender orbs seemed to laugh at her. "I have my reasons."

"Oh for the love of -" Jounouchi rolled his eyes in Marik's direction, while he addressed Jade, "Aside from him being an annoying prick - he's doing it to screw with Yami."

The dhampir raised an eyebrow. "Really? Now that, I can appreciate, Ishtar."

"I thought you might."

"Of course, you do realize, that Yami is only half of the equation, right? While not as bad as Jounouchi or Kaiba, Jirou is still the atypical overprotective big brother. How do you plan on avoiding him?"

"When he wakes up, he will either be arguing with you, or he'll be distracted by a certain, petite and curvy female magician, who has a taste for his blood and a fondness for wearing miniskirts." Marik grinned. "I am fairly certain I will be the last person on his mind."

Jade laughed outright at his response. "That's probably true." Her eyes appraised Marik. "Remind me never to bet against you, Ishtar."

She then shifted her attention to the truck in the bay that rested just beyond where they currently stood. "Nice. A 55 Chevy. Is it yours?" she asked Jounouchi.

"Is that your Camaro?" He shot back.

"My brother's. And no, you cannot touch it."

"Figures. Spoilsport," he muttered. Then he proudly said, "Yeah, the truck is mine."

Jade made a noise of approval, while she accessed the rest of the garage's contents. She quickly became fixated on the other indoor bay and covered vehicle that currently rested within it. "I'm guessing that's not yours?"

Jounouchi chuckled. "Nope." He flashed her a toothy grin. "She belongs to Yami - and no you cannot touch, Spitfire."

"Party poop," Jade pouted.

Dhampir.

It took all her self-control for Jade to not flinch at the voice that echoed in her skull. Here we go, she thought. She plastered on a smile for her audience's benefit. "Well boys, I'd love to stay and chat some more, but I did come here for a reason. So, I'll leave you to it." She gave Jounouchi, Marik, and Honda a small wave and pivoted on her heels.

She heard their goodbyes as she briskly backtracked her way to the manor's front door. She did not knock or ring the bell. There was no need to when she was clearly expected. She simply let herself in and closed the door behind her. The foyer was brightly lit. Jade also noticed the glow of lights coming from within the Great Room. She heard Ishizu and Mahad conversing in quiet tones and quickly discarded her shoes and headed inside.

Ishizu and Mahad sat on across from each other at the dining room table. A steaming mug before each of them. The smell of rich tea, strong coffee, and blood permeated the air. A chessboard was laid out on the tabletop space between the couple.

"Hello, Jade." Ishizu greeted her amicably. Her keen eyes resumed their intense study of the board. "It's your move," she told Mahad.

"Patience is a virtue," he quipped. He then addressed their visitor, "Good evening, young miss. Have you had breakfast? There is plenty in the kitchen."

"I'm good, thanks."

Upstairs, dhampir.

Jade rolled her eyes at the command. Mahad quirked a half-smile and tipped his head in the direction of the stairwell. Jade gave a sigh, turned and made her way up the stairs to the second-floor landing.

The upper-level hallways were vacant. As were most of the sleeping quarters. Jade recalled that after last night's dinner, the Kaiba brothers and their significant others had returned to their own home.

She heard the shower running in one of the guest rooms. A quick aura check told her that was Mana. Her sister-in-law was no doubt getting ready for the night.

It did not take her long to identify the master suite as the door at the end of the hallway. It was closed most of the way except for a crack. Cautiously, Jade approached the door. She could hear voices on the other side. One was Yami's. The other was coming from what was obviously a video phone and was distinctly female. Jade politely waited for the call to conclude, as she had no intention to eavesdrop. Her good intentions were waylaid when she heard Yami exchange farewells with the individual and the name of his contact was revealed to her.

Jade bristled. Aileen Rao. She had almost forgotten that annoying detail.

Rao was the head of the Greece and Indian territories. She had been the chief wife and consort to Alexander the Great before a mysterious illness had cut the young ruler down some two millennia ago. Nowadays, the Canadian-Indian vampire tended to travel back and forth between her two holdings and the Americas and was quite well known in the art and entertainment circles. Anzu at her young age idolized the famous dancer and model.

Jade snorted. It was ironic that her sister would idolize the 'the other woman'. Curse our kind, and our wretched needs! Still, Jade could not exactly fault Yami. The cravings for physical intimacy and blood - if left unfulfilled - would wreak havoc on a vampire's physical and mental health. Teana had been gone for three thousand years, so she could forgive his dalliance with Rao. Jade knew that with the re-emergence of the queen's soul and her reincarnation now known to him, Yami's focus would be entirely on Anzu.

As his soul's content and mate, her sister had effectively leashed and tamed him. The pharaoh would obey her and follow her the rest of his days (if she allowed it).

When she was sure the call had ended, Jade pushed open the door. Her eyes briefly took the large room.

Yami stood with his back to her in front of the balcony's windows. His eyes seemed to be tracking the sun's decent.

"Close the door."

Jade did as he bid. She then waited.

"You need not fear me, girl." He told her when she failed to move inward. "My grievances are not with you."

"Are you sure about that?"

He turned to face her and scowled, burgundy orbs narrowed. His eyes then flashed amethyst and he remarked, "Your loyalty to your brother is commendable."

"Well, I suppose that's one reason." Jade quipped. "Although, harming me wouldn't exactly endear you to Anzu, would it? Not to mention, Snips would probably go AWOL on you."

The re-emergence of crimson within his irises told Jade that she had stumbled upon a vein of truth. "I have decided to reinstate you." He told her, effectively changing the subject. "You will be able to continue the investigation into Siegfried's death without any interference."

He was going to publically acknowledge she was a member of the coven. That would go along way toward smoothing things over with her informants. They would be more willing to talk. "I have full authority to act on your behalf?"

A single nod of confirmation was her answer.

"What about Jirou?"

"Kaiba has arranged for Doctor Po to have access to all of Kaiba Corp's medical resources to help assist in finding a cure for Jirou's condition. He has also assigned a guard rotation to the hospital room. For protection."

What the hell? First, he gave her the power to act in his name. Now, he was protecting and aiding her brother? Is he serious?

Yami apparently sensed her doubt, because he sent her a look that broke no room for an argument. Jade was astonished. She expected a lecture or some type of ancient torture for her actions. Instead, Yami was being kind, if not generous. Kindness was not something she generally associated with the pharaoh. Especially, when it came to those who wronged him.

Clearly, being at odds with both his childhood friend and his reincarnated consort did not sit well with him. As Teana's blood kin and Mana's chosen mate, Jirou - in his comatose state - was currently the catalyst to both relationships.

"And Anzu?" Jade asked. "I have your personal guarantee that she'll be safe?"

Yami's eyes flashed, and he hissed. "No harm will come to her," he declared.

Outside, the sun had vanished completely from the horizon, and Jade felt the trundles of his power surge forth. She felt her human side go dormant and her vampire blood hummed in her veins, as she too was invigorated by the darkness. She crossed her arms and casually leaned against the closed door. "Never figured you to be the chivalrous type." Her lips tilted in a half-way smile. "I appreciate the team player attitude, your highness, but it doesn't address the elephant in the room." Jade cut to the chase. "Do you intend to pursue her?"

"Would you try and stop me if I did?"

"That depends," A pause and then, "Will Rao be a problem?"

"No. Aileen understands. This has affirmed her hope that her own soul's content might one day return to this world."

"So, no crazy, jilted ex-lover of yours will be harassing my sister in this lifetime. That's good to know." At his perplexed expression, she explained, "Jirou has a selection of colorful words for the "crazy bitch" who was your favorite before Teana shacked up with you." Unwavering, she met his gaze. "What about you? Any lingering attachment?"

This time, it was not a hiss, but a full-on growl that escaped his throat. "You're bold to assume I would give my heart to another who is not my soul's content."

"Forgive me. As one who is the result of such an attachment, I had to ask."

His posture turned less aggressive as he suddenly recalled her background. "So you are." He smirked. "You need not to worry, child. Aileen was a means to end. A kindred spirit, if you'd like. Nothing more."

"I'll take your word for it, your highness. I understand why blood-whores and companions are needed."

"Then you understand - that with Hayati here - I no longer desire them."

"Anzu may have Teana's soul, but that does not mean she is yours."

"You're right."

Jade was gob-smacked by his words. "I-I am what? You would let her go?"

"If that is what she desired, then yes. The thing is Dhampir, it is her decision. Be assured, she will know of my love for her."

"What about your history together?"

"It's just that - history. Jirou has not explicitly revealed his own relationship to her -"

"So, you're not going to reveal your relationship either?" Jade gave an exasperated sigh. "Ugh, I am so sick of this toeing the line bullshit! Anzu deserves the truth - the whole truth - and nothing but the truth from now on."

"I thought you did not want her mind overtaxed?"

Jade huffed and rolled her eyes. "I said that so the coven wouldn't come on to her all at once. Besides, only you or Jirou can fully awaken her memories of that life." She scowled. "Since my brother wants to keep the status quo, you're my only hope at making things right. And," she paused and swallowed the last of her reservations, "You have given me reason trust you."

"Oh?"

"Un. I thought you a brute, but you proved me wrong. You are willing to put Anzu's happiness above your own, and that makes you more than worthy of her affections."

"You're giving me permission to court her?"

"Yeah, I guess I am."

"It will put you at further odds with Jirou."

Jade's smile was thin. "Let me worry about that."

To be continued...