CHAPTER 4

The Kaiba Mansion was imposing, and even if he had been there a couple of times already, Katsuya still felt awry when he approached the monstrous house. After all, he had not so pleasant memories in there, like the time when Mokuba had tried poisoning him and his friends during a sick mind game. If not for the intervention of the other Yugi, they would have been dead meat by now.

A few years and a lot of adventures had passed since then, but even if the Kaiba brothers had mellowed to an extent and Mokuba had befriended them, showing an adorable side that only needed to be encouraged, the blonde could still feel chills run down his spine at the sight of the black iron gate of the manor. He was a man that forgave, yes, but he was not stupid enough as to forget everything that had happened. It was basic survival instinct, and his mind had to force him to reason with it, in order to prevent himself from bolting out and away from this frightening lore. He would not be surprised to find skeletons in a closet, or a damn vampire sleeping in one of the bedrooms – Kaiba excluded, of course.

Isono was sitting next to him, in the brand new company car he had chosen at the garage the day before. His mentor looked straight ahead, firing random questions to check if he had indeed learned his lessons about the elder Kaiba as he drove.

"How does he like his coffee?"

"Strong black, almost only grounded coffee beans and little water, no sugar."

"Yes. Favorite lunch?"

"Aside from nothing at all, he can accept a simple salad and chicken sandwich, or anything easy and quick to eat. Fresh products only, no pre-made shit."

"Right. If someone calls and you have to answer?"

"Generic answer is to tell them Director Kaiba's busy, and take note of their message if any. If they're pestering jerks, I've the right to tell them to fuck off, in nicer words if I want. If it's urgent, like Mokuba-kidnapping urgent, I go off immediately and text Director Kaiba while I'm moving. Concise and to the point."

"Good. Now, a more difficult one: what do you do if Director Kaiba has a late minute appointment or event?"

"I check the itinerary and place of meeting immediately, and I look for arrangements such as transportation, security available on spot and details like clothes, escorts, and so on, according to the requirements of the hosting party. And of course, people's backgrounds checking is a given in any case."

"How do you check backgrounds?"

"I flip through official certificates and papers, curricula, newspapers' archives, and of course I ask for thorough searches from competent agents whenever I feel the need. Number's on my phone under the name Inugami Deku."

"Mh. What kind of escort does he prefer?"

To attend some of the most publicized galas and parties, the young CEO often resorted to escort services so as to appear less of an impotent rock and more sociable to his associates and partners. It was a pain he forced himself to endure for his company's sake, and it was up to his most trusted employee to make sure it was as little painful as possible. In other words, the chicks selected for the hard task of being next to him – but still at a distance, one could only stand so much – had to meet a long list of requirements, before they could set foot on the sacred soil that was Kaiba's circle.

"He accepts only those who shut up and smile when expected to," Katsuya replied with a smirk. Typical Kaiba to ask for mute dolls he could walk and show around while talking business. No doubt the lucky ladies accepted everything with wide, dreamy smiles, and saw it as opportunities to try and get the ice king to melt and marry them. Poor, senseless things. If only they knew.

"Yes. And if the escort steps out of her place?," Isono asked next.

"I'm the one responsible for her, so I'll have to explain to her, with every means available and within the limitations of the law if I can, where she must stand."

That part he had some difficulties to say and had to learn by heart. To him, every and any human, regardless of gender, had to be treated with tact and respect when they had done nothing too reprehensible – unless their names were Yami Marik, Yami Bakura, or Mr Stockholder-ass; those few bastards deserved to rot in the lowest pit of hell. But Seto Kaiba's word was law. Still, he made a mental note to himself not to hurt the chick's feelings, as senseless and venal she could be.

The car rounded the house to the basement door, at the back.

"If a guest tells you nasty stuff?"

"I thank them for their kindness."

"If Director Kaiba allows you to retort?"

"I teach them respect with my brightest smile."

This one he had no problem with. He had already done it on his first day, and he would gladly do it again given the chance. He was sure Kaiba would be most inclined to create quite a few situations for him, just for the pleasure of seeing him threaten jerks. Twisted bastard.

The two men entered the gigantic basement of the manor, and Katsuya searched for a spot to park correctly. Isono did not instruct a specific space, so he chose one next to a plain white car with KC logos all over it. Maybe it was used by house staff, when they had to run errands for their boss?

"Good. In case of Mokuba-kidnapping emergency?," his mentor continued relentlessly as he parked reversing.

Mokuba getting kidnapped was the most serious case of all. A code red. A call for apocalypse. Ice-king Kaiba going berserk in a matter of seconds, bloody hammer of justice and assault rifle in hand.

"You'll be on the case, of course," he replied easily, "but I'm going as reinforcements. Mokuba's a priority, whatever the cost."

"That's right. Now, the toughest of all: let's say Director Kaiba asks for sex. What do you do?"

"I check for drugs and any sickness, discreetly." That part was obvious. A lecherous Seto Kaiba was not a sight to believe in right away. Seto Kaiba had most likely never looked into sex other than in biology class, if he ever attended it. "Then, once it's made clear he's not out of his mind, I offer him multiple options: one-nighter, escort..."

"And if he asks you specifically?"

Katsuya's first reaction was to choke on his own saliva and splutter profanities, slamming his foot on the brake. The car stopped abruptly and rocked a little, but Isono did not mind. The elder had noticed this particular subject triggered interesting responses from his protege, and he liked to tease him about it.

Besides, when alcohol was involved with their boss, and even though Kaiba was very rarely drunk and had never been to this very critical point when he would blatantly take sexual interest in anyone – Blue-eyes White Dragon not included, as it was humans that were referred to here –, strange things could happen and such a scenario was still possible. It did not hurt to ask young Jonouchi about it.

"Jeez, Isono, it's not even funny anymore!"

"To me, it is."

And I think I could expect similar reactions from Director Kaiba, were I given the occasion to try, the elder thought, although he kept this to himself.

The blonde relented.

"Fine, I'll answer. Let's say he wants to... to... yiikes, whatev'. If we're not all dead because of the sky tearing open and falling on us, I'd say I'd double-check for drugs and illnesses, then try to reason with his fried brain. No way Kaiba would openly ask for me of all people, so maybe he would have some logic left somewhere to stop him from shooting down his pride with a metaphorical bazooka."

"And if not?"

"Er... I knock him down, bring him to bed, make sure he doesn't suffocate in his vomit, tuck him, and go bleach my ears and make myself a monk."

Isono snorted. Count on Jonouchi to get over-dramatic.

"That's not what I call dedication, Katsuya," he teased him with an amused glint in his eyes.

"Dedication?" The blonde gawked at his mentor. "You call whoring myself to my boss dedication?"

"You're right, I'm mistaken." The elder paused, then, "I call it an honor. No one would have succeeded in sparking his interest except you. Director Kaiba's would have been ripe, ready for the..."

"Eeek!"

Had the car been lighter than a few tons, it would have bounced off the floor and flipped onto its roof with the force of Katsuya's jolt. Fortunately, it did not. His seat, however, fell down, and the poor young rookie found himself on his back, a guffawing Isono next to him.

"Isono!," he cried out. "I don't wanna be scarred fer life, ta very much! Ugh, thinkin' I have te begin work soon wit' dat in mind..."

"Well, I think you will need this particular picture in mind, actually, if you want to survive the day. Keep in mind that Director Kaiba can be crafty, even more than , when it comes to make people's lives hell."

"Yeah, yeah," the blonde agreed sitting back up and smoothing his suit, "I know. Speakin' of , whad'ya goin' ta..."

"Language, Katsuya. We're in our workplace, here."

"Alright, alright, jeez. I was saying, what are you going to do with IKaiba, now? You're going to... to...?"

He did not want to say 'erase' or 'delete', as to him, it would be as good as killing the AI. He knew quite well that was an artificial being, programmed and all, so not an actual human being, but deep in himself, he could not accept that his mentor would destroy the AI, even though he had been created on computer and did not possess a body. Plus, was an imprint of Seto Kaiba's mind and reactions, so technically he was as human as the CEO could be. And if the blonde was honest, he had to admit he had grown quite fond of his former tormentor, without whom he had not been able to become a member of KC staff.

It was strange, really, that Katsuya found an AI, a digital copy of a man, a better person than the original. Maybe it was because IKaiba had not been at fault for the foul mind of his model, and that it was not him that had made the blonde's high school life a nightmare. Maybe it was because of his help, even if he had been created solely for this purpose. In any case, for Katsuya, IKaiba had a personality and was a person capable of thought, so erasing him was as though murdering a sensible being.

Isono saw where his protege was going, and answered truthfully.

"I don't know. On a practical level, it would be a pity to delete hours of work. On a humanist level, well... I gave him access to KaibaCorp's network and created him using advanced quantum technology, so basically he could avoid destruction should he choose to."

"So you're telling me you gave birth to an intelligent digital being, and that he can choose whether he wants to live or not. He could be his own person."

"Yes, simply speaking. But I programmed him so, so that despite all the upgrades and changes he could apply to himself, he will be forever incapacitated in harming the company and its staff, unless it is for security measures. And then again, I defined what 'security measures' was to mean."

"You gave him your morals, then," Katsuya deduced smirking, which Isono mirrored.

"Pretty much. It wouldn't do to have a wild AI destroying the world, would it? Although I doubt it will ever happen with IKaiba, since he's perfectly capable of seeing where such a scenario could lead, and believe it or not, he has some respect for humankind. Or just for me, which leads to the same result. Also, he asked about you, recently. Stated he wanted to know of your progress after the intensive training he gave you, arguing he didn't want his efforts to be for naught. He sounded pleased to know you succeeded in your first trial, but he wants to observe you. Therefore, I have to ask if you'd agree for him to download on your company phone and replace its OS. Your phone would work as if he wasn't in there, but he would be given the opportunity to keep tabs on you. For professional purposes, obviously. Would you mind?"

Katsuya thought about it. A second, digital Kaiba in his company phone, in addition to the actual one he would be living with almost seventeen hours a day at work? Yeah, why not, as long as he was always alone in his bathroom and bed. Being watched by a digital version of Kaiba while sitting on the toilet or singing in his shower was too disturbing a thought, and he was sure the AI would never try it. He wished, at least. Besides, it was not as if he could get more exposed to Kaibaness, as he tended to put it now, and knowing him, he doubted would seriously consider being refused, anyway.

At this point, the blonde was certain that the contract he had signed was a pact with the devil, and that it had lead to him landing in a parallel dimension where everything gravitated around Seto Kaiba. He would not become a brainwashed pawn if he stayed cautious, but he figured he had concessions to make. Better get used to it, even though the former Yankee in him promised retaliation someday. And as he thought previously, IKaiba was not Kaiba, and he had the slightest hope of getting along with the AI. Maybe. Otherwise, he would have to exorcise his phone.

He opened the car's door, nodding in agreement towards his mentor, and went out of the vehicle. If the AI went all Big Brother on him, he could still get rid of any electronic device in his apartment. Or he could really become a monk on a mountain, far, far away from civilization. There was always a solution.

As if on cue, his company smartphone – a brand new, KC custom version that he got with the car, worth more than his life – bipped and lit with a loading screen.

Didn't miss a beat, Katsuya mused as he watched the loading bar filling up quickly, erasing his former KC operating system. Once the installation got completed, the screen showed his desktop with his apps untouched, in the way he had put them before the AI came in. The only difference was the blueish white stripes adorning the background, and a text message popped up saying,

Thank you for allowing me, mutt. Now you better not ridicule what I've done for you. Will be doing adjustments while you're occupied. We'll talk later.

It was not signed, but there was no doubt at who it was. The blonde huffed and pocketed his phone back. The AI would make himself at home, and it was like getting a new pet. No, not a pet, more like a dangerous, omniscient roommate with a sharp tongue and an egocentric behavior. Isono came to him, his own phone displaying something for him to read.

"It seems he's content," he commented, "he just told me he installed himself."

"Yeah, I hope I won't regret it."

"I'm sure you won't. Trust me."

"When do I not? But," Katsuya realized suddenly, "does our boss know about him?"

A silence gave him the negative answer he suspected. His mentor sighed.

"I'm afraid I didn't want to risk telling him everything at once. The news of you becoming his bodyguard was a lot to take in, and mentioning an AI with his looks and attitude to train you might have been a little too much. So..."

Was he talking about an adult, or a tantrum child? The rookie groaned.

"Great, now I have to hide things to freaking hawk-eye Kaiba. Walking through a landmine field would have been less dangerous."

Isono chuckled. He could not deny this.

The two men made their way up the stairs to the first floor of the mansion, then separated when they reached the second floor. The elder trotted to Mokuba's bedroom, while Katsuya had to go to Kaiba's door and wait for him outside. The brunette had expressly forbidden him to enter. Maybe he thought, in his doggy fantasy conception of the blonde, that his posh furniture and floor would get sullied by poverty-cursed paws and flying blonde hairs. Or maybe he was prudish and could not imagine being seen in his boxers by a former high school scapegoat. Which was ironical, since Jonouchi knew everything about said boxers. Right now, only a naked, flirtarious Kaiba could affect him.

I'm a professional. I ain't intimidated by no boxers. Even with moneybags inside... Wait, moneybags can't wear boxers. They have no legs.

He snickered despite himself at his poor private joke, almost missing the soft click of the door handle being pushed down, and the murmur of the hinges as they moved.

"What's so funny as to make your barks loud enough to bother me in my shower, mutt?"

Okay, so maybe he's not that prudish.

The CEO had opened the door clad in his bathrobe, hair wet from the shower he had just finished taking. His body radiated warmth, suggesting he had used steamy hot water, but his blue orbs remained as icy as ever and made him shudder. They threw daggers at him, as if his very existence affronted him.

The blonde remembered his manners and bowed low. The gesture conveniently hid his boss's gaze away from his face.

"Forgive me, Kaiba-sama," he apologized as formally as he could.

He had nothing more to say. Justifying himself would not help his case, only worsen things. The irritated snort he received in answer confirmed his boss had woken up on the wrong side of the bed. But then again, when did he not?

"You wait here. I'll be ready in a few minutes."

And with that, Kaiba slammed the door to his face. Sighing, Katsuya took back his position, standing in front of the door, and wondered what the brunette could throw at him today. Insults, yes, but then? Crazy errands? What could they be? He had a feeling he would soon realize how cruel the man could be. He was the perfect target of his whims, and he could only receive them with open arms. He had accepted his doom the day he had signed.

He absently remarked that some weeks ago, he would have popped a vein at the mere thought that Kaiba could insult him. Now, it strangely felt normal. Mundane, even. His everyday life as a KC agent would consist of being insulted and taunted on a daily basis anyway, until a miraculous day came when the CEO tired of them or deemed him worthy of his royal respect. It was not the worst that could happen to him, quite the contrary. Nevertheless, that was a sad prospect, come to think of it. He supposed it could not be otherwise with his boss.

As if summoned by his fatalist thoughts, Kaiba showed up, his trademark coat framing his imposing presence. A gloomy aura surrounded the CEO, as he made his way past Katsuya and down the corridor to the first floor. He did not cast a single glance at his employee and strode ahead, while the blonde rushed to follow him. The endless paneled wall stretched to the landing of the grand staircase, and only the echoing clicks of their shoes on the polished floor could be heard between them. Having a break before the young bodyguard began the day was a relief in itself. Maybe.

They stopped in the kitchen, where a stack of newspapers awaited Kaiba. He sat down on a bar stool, picked up the first paper and opened it. Katsuya immediately set off to prepare a pot of coffee. He assumed that the absence of anything to eat or drink was a first test, and he preferred being scolded for preparing something, than being fired for doing nothing. It was likely he would be asked to do every and any chore available.

The blonde began maneuvering among the facilities and tools to brew a fresh pot of hot black coffee, exactly as his boss liked it. Isono had conveniently given him a map of the house and indications about where everything could be in every room, and he had learned them by heart to prevent making a dork of himself when he looked for the grinder and spoons. He felt more or less at ease here, since he had worked in various places as cook and waiter, and he moved quickly and silently. Concentrated, he failed to notice the brief glares Seto sent his way, observing him.

At the same time, he retrieved a frying pan from a cupboard, two eggs and bacon in the fridge, and began making a continental breakfast. Kaiba would surely not touch any of what he prepared, but he did not see anything made for Mokuba, and no doubt the teen would soon barge in hungry and thirsty. It was up to him to feed the boy, he guessed.

Only a few minutes later, indeed, the younger Kaiba came down the stairs with Isono, chatting happily while the other hummed and nodded from time to time. His brother greeted him and took a second paper, concentrated on whatever he was reading. Katsuya turned to him and bowed his head with a quick but respectful greeting, and soon two plates were ready, along with freshly pressed juice and steaming coffee. Mokuba shone with joy and bounced on his stool as he took his plate.

"Woah, Jonouchi, I'm so happy to see you! I'm glad Nii-sama agreed to keep you. It will be a lot livelier with you around. No offense, Isono."

The elder bodyguard bowed curtly.

"No offense taken, Mister Kaiba. I agree that Jonouchi's youthful character can appeal to you more than old me would."

"Huh? Since when you're old? No, Jonouchi's my friend, and I'm super glad he'd be working by me. It'll be so much fun!"

As the blonde served Seto coffee, the latter sniffed contemptuously.

"While I'm concerned that you consider a bunch of nerds and street rats your friends, I'll overlook it for now. But I'd like to remind you I still haven't approved of him yet. He's still here, yes, and heavens forbid it's a miracle, but his protecting you will depend whether he's truly competent or not. And he'll have to prove that with time. I wouldn't get my hopes up, though. One cannot consider a trained monkey to be human, until it proves its skills go further than licking my ass and holding a rifle."

Well I hope you won't get literal with the ass-licking, Katsuya thought while he straightened and took a step back, God know Isono wouldn't let me rest with this.

Instead, he added, "Director Kaiba is right, Mister Kaiba. I'll have to prove my worth and proficiency, for protecting you is the highest task I could be trusted with. I'm ready to put everything on the line to keep you safe, and that's exactly what I'm expected to show Director Kaiba. Until then, I'm afraid I cannot allow myself to get familiar nor lax in your presence, not until Director Kaiba tells me I can. I deeply apologize for the inconvenience it might cause you."

Mokuba gaped for a second, taken aback by the blonde's polished way of speaking that was so different from what he had been used to hear. The elder Kaiba, for his part, toook his mug and took in the scent of the beverage he had been served, then took a tentative sip. Satisfied with the taste, he took a mouthful and let the bitter flavor of his personal nectar fill his taste buds.

He'd put everything on the line, he said, the CEO thought, an idea forming in his mind, well then, I'd happily see that for myself.

The top of KC tower shone in the late afternoon light, and Kaiba was typing away frantically on his computer. It as almost seven, but the CEO would not go home before long. He had too much work to do. Nevertheless, he occasionally glanced at the digital watch displayed in the bottom right-hand corner of his screen, checking the passing of time with minute precision.

Ten minutes left.

He was alone in his office, which was dead silent aside from his typing. The bustling of the city did not reach his work sanctuary, and he was grateful for the studious peace he was blessed with. No phone calls from irritating leeches, no technical problems, no idiots running about. He was alone. It was great.

Eight minutes left.

With a smirk, he resumed his programming. Jonouchi would not make it, and Seto relished in his defeat in advance. In eight minutes, he would be able to show he stupid mutt just how inferior he was, and what big a mistake he had done when enrolling into the staff of KaibaCorp. It would be fun to watch this.

Six minutes left.

All of a sudden, a door clicked loudly not far away, on the other side of his office's door. Someone was entering his secretary's office, but she was not here at present. Kaiba had given her some time off while he gave his new bodyguard all the redirected calls and current tasks, in addition to the urgent errand he had given him an hour ago. It meant that the blonde was back earlier than expected.

Forfeiting already?

A knock echoed in the silence. Kaiba hid his triumphant smirk and called, "Enter."

He lost all wish to smile though, when Jonouchi entered with a huge paper bag in one hand, and a stack of neatly arranged papers in the other.

"Director Kaiba," he said evenly, "here is your order."

He placed the bag on the far corner of Seto's desk, then put the stack closer to his computer.

"The Financial Department just communicated the results of last month's promotional sales. I asked them for their report as regards the upcoming Kaiba Land festival, with the updated budget. They promised it for tomorrow afternoon."

"It'll be too late," Kaiba grunted absently.

Jonouchi nodded.

"I agree, that's why I demanded it be delivered to your office first thing in the morning. I advised them early, so they should be on time."

The brunette did not acknowledge his employee's reply. He should have been pleased to see that the mutt finally showed usefulness at something, but he was more interested in how the blonde had managed to get what was inside the bag.

It was a plain black paper bag with a cradboard bottom, but inside he found a carefully presented meal covered by a metal dome. A paper tag showed the elegant name of the most popular French restaurant of Domino, La Fleur de Lys. Only big hats went there, and reservations had to be made a year in advance. Not to mention they never made go-away meals.

Seto had ordered the most expensive four-course they could offer, including a plate of French cheese matured in ancestral Roquefort caves before being sent over to Japan in special containers. This alone had a three-digit price, and made the reputation of the establishment. He had sent his employee and demanded the task to be completed in an hour, without any indication as to how it would be paid for or if it was even obtainable, and he was certain it would be impossible to achieve in the end.

Yet here he was, with a delicious-smelling meal sitting on his desk. It had been like that all day. Seto had thrown every possible demand, some stranger than others, but all extremely time and energy-consuming, and so far the rookie had done quite well. It got frustrating, really, and Seto found himself dead set on making the blonde blow a fuse. Presently, he wanted to ask how that poor street rat had managed to even step foot into La Fleur de Lys. But he did not. He had to push farther and farther, and he had another plan he would put into motion now.

He hummed noncommittally and waved dismissively at Jonouchi.

"I expect no less from them. Now, I need coffee. I finished the last pot a while ago."

He caught a glimpse of the blonde hesitating for a second, and his lips turned cruelly upwards.

"What? Thinking you'd go home so soon? It would be inconvenient to leave me alone and undefended while you sleep, wouldn't it."

His employee froze, then nodded.

"Yes, Kaiba-sama."

"And you're more professional than that, I hope."

"Yes, Kaiba-sama."

"I thought so." A pause, then, "So you'll stay with me until I decide to go home. You can go stand somewhere there," he gestured behind him. "Don't speak unless asked to, don't do anything that I don't allow beforehand, and don't go anywhere unless I give you permission to. Now stop bothering me, I've got work to do."

He did not wait for his answer and returned to his coding. From the corner of his eye, he watched the form of the blonde going to the kitchenette to make coffee, and soon forgot about him in the succession of lines he was revising.

He did not touch the meal. For Katsuya, this tempting piece of edible heaven that his boss had carelessly overlooked would become the symbol of forty torturous hours.

Hello all :D

I'm sorry for the wait. I hope you enjoyed this new chapter, and I'll do my best to post the next soon.

Cheers!