A/N: Sorry for the delay. Long story short, I finally finished my summer class with an A, my two jobs got intense, then I accidentally deleted this chapter as well as chapters for 2 other stories. I was so depressed, I literally refused to think about the other two and spent my time rewriting this chapter. Hope it's good.

Chapter Summary: In which the Shadow Court and Justice League finalize their plans for the assault on Olympus, Mai finds someone else who enjoys the flirtation game, and Arawn shows a bit of trust.

Finalizing Plans

"Like hell you're leaving me behind," Marik hissed.

"As I said quite clearly if you actually bothered to listen every once in a while, anyone who is capable and wants to come can," Kaiba said.

"I was paying attention," Marik snapped. "And because I was paying attention, I noticed the way you deliberately snubbed my presence."

"Not unusual," Kaiba replied with a thoughtless shrug which only served to rile Marik's ire all the more.

"Boys!" Mai snapped. "Behave or I will spank both of you."

Kaiba glared at his Sorceress but she merely crossed her arms over her ample breasts and met him with a glare of her own accompanied by a sassy sway of her hips. Jounouchi snorted into his hand and was instantly the butt of Kaiba's infamous glare.

"Control your puppy, Sorceress," Kaiba ordered. "It's yapping again."

"Oi!" The Knight exclaimed in a burst of fury. "I am not a dog!"

"And this Unseelie," Yugi said, cutting off the rant before it could gain enough traction to be self-sustaining. "What's his name?"

Kaiba glanced at the Justice League standing nearby significantly and did not answer. Yugi nodded in understanding. "You said the Tsukuyomi was there as well?" he asked instead. "What's he like?"

"Quiet," Kaiba said after a moment. "But powerful."

"I couldn't move as long as he looked at me," Arrow admitted. "And he held the Unseelie King back with just a grab of his wrist."

"He said we should have the support of the Susanoo no Mikoto but Amaterasu Omikami coming herself is iffy at best," Kaiba admitted. "But we can at least guarantee the Oak King and Holly King will be there with the Tsukuyomi and Susanoo."

"That's quite the firepower," an unexpected voice said with interest. The group turned to see Bakura standing tall in the doorway, his eyes narrowed in barely contained fury. He grinned and looped an arm around Ryou's shoulders.

"Bakura? Ryou?" Marik gasped, hurrying over to the Tomb Robber who glanced at him but made no other move of acknowledgement. He simply stared directly at the Pharaoh with eyes that craved revenge.

"I'd like to meet this Unseelie," Bakura said. "We may just get along."

"Like a house on fire, I'm sure," Ryou sighed.

"So," Honda said suddenly. "Final count. Who's going?" He raised his hand as did everyone else in the Court. "Good. Now that that's decided, I'll give Anzu a call and get her over here too."

"We're in space, genius," Marik said. "You can't get signal up here."

"Oh right," Honda said, blinking in surprise. "I forgot."

"The throbbing headache and the planet Earth hanging in space out the window over there weren't clear enough reminders?" the Priest jabbed in mild annoyance.

"I'm sure Superman wouldn't mind bringing her," Arrow said, turning to the metahuman in question. "It's his city after all."

"I would rather not, actually," Superman replied.

"Oh, no, you misunderstood," Arrow said. "I wasn't suggesting. If you won't go get her, I'll have Flash beam me down there."

"I could contact her in Court," Yugi offered. "Give her some heads up."

"No," Ishizu said suddenly from her place on the nearby couch. Her injured leg was bandaged and propped up on the cushions next to a dozing Mokuba. "You must conserve your strength in case we end up fighting."

"The Priestess speaks truly," Shaadi said, placing a gentle hand on Ishizu's shoulder. "We must all save our strength. With help or without this may not be as easy as we hope. How do you intend to deal with them?"

"We'll be doing this face-to-face," Kaiba said curtly.

"What?!" Yugi gasped, voicing everyone's surprise.

"You can't be serious Kaiba," Yami said. "We know very little about them. We're not equipped for something like that."

"It's already been decided," the Regent said firmly, crossing his arms over his chest. "We'll go in as if we're about to hold a Formal Court session. Tsukuyomi, Susanoo, the Fae, and Selene will be with us."

"What about us?" Green Lantern demanded.

"You're the backup plan," Kaiba said.

Both the Pharaoh's and King's eyes grew large in realization before narrowing, analyzing the situation. "I see," Yami said slowly. "They will be getting Helios out of Tartarus in case the original plan fails."

"And what is this original plan?" Shayera asked.

"We all want Ares to pay," Arrow said, speaking up. "Our demands have weight, particularly Kaiba's and the Tsukuyomi's. The added pressure of the Holly King, the Oak King, and both of their Courts should sway Zeus to at least consider surrendering Ares."

"But if you decide to trade instead," Yugi said, warming up to the idea, "then he'll more readily give up Helios instead of Ares."

"Which leaves Ares to me and the League," Arrow said smugly. "He'll pay for hurting my people."

"Seth may have a say in that as well," Kaiba said with a smirk, "but that is the general plan."

"And you want us there to enforce Arrow's demand," Diana said , stepping forwards. "I'll be going with you. I have Artemis's favor and protection. She will listen to me at least." Her sky blue eyes hardened. "And I don't like the idea of Helios in Tartarus."

"Neither do I which is why I'm going too," Hawkgirl said holding her feathered mask thoughtfully. "My mace may be of use to block any magic based attacks."

"Count me in," Green Lantern said. "I got thrown into this and I don't like leaving messes behind."

"I will go as well," J'onn said glancing at Arrow. "I did not know Helios well but I consider him a companion nonetheless."

"Yes," Kaiba said nodding. "Artemis will at least hear you out, Amazon. However, I want the pet bird, Lantern, and J'onn to go into Tartarus and make sure Helios gets out of there. Even I know Zeus has a habit of going back on his word or only meeting the bare minimum required to keep it." His eyes narrowed. "Helios is strong, but I doubt he's doing well in a place designed solely to imprison his race."

"Agreed," Wonder Woman said.

"Alright," Jounouchi said, turning to the unusually quiet Superman. "Any input from the peanut gallery?"

"Batman can't come," Superman said slowly. "The Joker's made a comeback in Gotham keeping him busy. But I'll-"

"Don't even bother finishing that sentence," Kaiba said coldly, glaring at the Kryptonian. "You won't be coming."

Superman shook his head. "I understand your dislike for me but-"

"No you don't," Yami said abruptly. "Kaiba's correct. It would be best if you didn't come."

"Not because we don't like you," Yugi said quickly. "But because you're too Light."

The Pharaoh nodded. "As a Dark, your presence bothers me," he said. "I am able to control my Shadows better than my Triad, but having someone as Light as you could disrupt my concentration." He nodded to Kaiba. "It's bad enough your presence bothers the Balance."

"You aren't human," Yugi said. "That's a big part of it. But more importantly the Shadows hate you. If we tried to use the Shadows at the levels we intend to with you present, they could very easily use the opportunity to try to get rid of you."

"Get rid of me?" Superman demanded.

"They reject you," Shaadi said slowly, drawing the Kryptonian's gaze.

"Would it kill my gods?" the Amazoness asked suspiciously.

Both the Pharaoh and the King shook their heads. "I highly doubt it," Yami answered. "It will definitely make them uncomfortable and likely diminish their power but that's the point. If this little misadventure of ours does not last long then everything should be fine."

"And if it does last long?" J'onn asked cautiously.

Yami narrowed his eyes. "We won't let it," he said firmly.

"I can't believe I'm saying this," Green Lantern sighed, "but why not just play a Shadow Game and deal with it that way? There wouldn't be a need to worry about anyone breaking the rules of the Game."

"We could but there would be many limitations on both sides," Yugi said reluctantly.

"Then why not transport them entirely to the Shadow Realm?" Bakura suggested casually.

"Go to the Shadow Realm?" Lantern murmured in shock.

"We need the home field advantage," Bakura insisted with a shrug.
"I am afraid that would not work," Shaadi said reluctantly. "Those of us who are not as powerful with the Shadows, those with no Shadows, and the non-humans with us would be unable to cope with the strain."

Bakura scoffed. "Fine. Then what if Ryou and I could cast Sanctuary in the Sky?" he offered instead. "That could easily become a controlled environment, limit the damage, and still give us an advantage."

"If you think you can hold the Field Spell that long, then you're welcome to do as you please," the Pharaoh said nodding.

"Sanctuary in the Sky?" Arrow asked curiously.

"A Field Spell similar to Kaiba's Mountain but this one was designed to resemble Olympus," Honda explained. "It benefits Fairy-Type Monsters and anyone who controls them. During a battle involving that Fairy-Type Monster, and damage to the player who controls that Monster is negated."

"Well," Mai said slyly. "This Holly King is an Unseelie and both Unseelie and Seelie are technically faeries so we could trick the Shadows into viewing both Courts as Faery-Type Monsters. It worked when I saved Wonder Woman and Hawkgirl. They weren't Monsters but the Shadows still viewed Diana as an Amazoness and Shayera as a Harpie."

"It's worth a try," Jounouchi said.

"I agree," J'onn said.

"Alright. Looks like the entire Court 'ill be there plus a few friends," Jounouchi said with a grin at Arrow. "I'm not gonna say no t' that."

"But we'll have to plan it carefully," Shayera said, shifting her stance easily. "They are gods after all."

"Yes," Yugi said.

"How do we get to Tartarus in the first place?" Lantern asked. "I certainly don't know the way."

"I can take you to the entrance," Diana said. "Unfortunately, you'd be on your own from there."

"You know," Mai said slowly, "I think it would be better if you stayed with the League going to Tartarus and Lantern came with us."

"I agree," Ishizu said calmly surprising the Court.

The Regent narrowed his eyes. "Why?" he demanded.

Hardly intimidated, the Priestess hummed thoughtfully. "Wonder Woman is the only one who knows the way to Tartarus," she said. "And I believe she would be of more use that way than with us."

Kaiba stared at Ishizu carefully for a moment before nodding reluctantly. "Fine," he said. "Amazon, make sure the League gets into Tartarus." His eyes gleamed. "I want Helios back no matter what."

Diana nodded. "So when do we start?"

Kaiba grinned. "As soon as the Emissary is contacted," he said. "In the meantime, I want my Court sent back to my house."

"That would be unwise," J'onn said, stepping away from the wall and approaching the group. "We cannot protect you as well there."

"Kaiba's right," Yugi said. "We need the Shadows to restore us as best they can and the only place to do that is on Earth."

"Besides," Mai said propping a fist on her hip, "we need to look presentable. If we plan on appearing as we do in Formal Court, then we will need at least an hour or so to get ready."

Marik glanced at the monarchy curiously. "Should we summon the Millennium Items?" he asked, a dark gleam in his eye.

"Ah, yes," Bakura purred. "The million dollar question."

"Not until the last possible moment," Yami said firmly. "Their power could attract unwanted attention. You both know that better than most," he added.

"Then let's get this over with," Kaiba said gruffly.

"Yes," the Pharaoh said. "Send us back to the surface so we can take care of everything. When you get a hold of Anzu, send her to us. We'll contact you when we're ready and go to Olympus from there."

"Sounds like a plan," Flash said.

"This is a crazy plan," Arrow said once they reappeared on solid ground.

"Life is crazy," came a voice from a nearby tree. "But you have to admit, it's also amusing."

"Get down if you want to talk, faerie," Kaiba said curtly, deliberately walking past the tree without looking up to the guest. Mokuba's weight draped comfortably over his back as his little brother continued to sleep soundly.

"But that's so predictable," the person continued, the smug smile audible in his voice. "I would never live it down."

"Who's your friend?" Yugi asked curiously, staring up at the tree. Unfortunately, it was too dark to make out anything distinct. Then a shadow moved, falling from the canopy to land lightly on the grassy lawn by the trunk.

"He's not my friend," Kaiba said. "He's a nuisance."

"Aw, don't be like that," the white haired person said with a cheeky grin. He placed a pale hand over his chest and gave a mocking bow to the group. "So glad you finally got here," he said, placing both hands on his hips, "took too long getting here. I was so bored."

"Tough," Kaiba said.

The Holly King sighed dramatically. "Is there no sympathy in that chaotic heart of yours?" he asked in mock sadness. "And to think, I waited this whole time for you to come back here before going into your house."

"You wouldn't dare," the Regent growled, glaring at the Unseelie.

The glare was met by an equally vicious grin from the faerie. "Oh believe me," he purred, "I would dare."

"Well aren't you handsome," Mai said suddenly.

Caught by the surprise, the Unseelie blinked and turned to the Sorceress. He studied her with interest before shrugging and adopting an easy smile. "I try," he said. "Although it's always nice to hear such words in the dulcet tones of a fair maiden such as yourself."

"Well," Mai said, placing a hand over her chest in pleasure. "Someone knows the art of flattery."

"I've had years of study, fair lady," the Unseelie said with a graceful bow. "All of which I place humbly at your feet."

"In that case," the Sorceress said, holding out her hand in a very lady-like manner, "I'm Mai, the Sorceress of the Shadow Court."

"Arawn of Annwn," the Unseelie King said, taking her hand placing a feather-light kiss on her knuckles. "Holly King and lord of the Unseelie Court, at your service fair lady."

"Hey! Git yer hands off her," Jounouchi exclaimed, leaping next to Mai and taking a swipe at the Holly King who nimbly dodged out of the way.

"Well, well," Arawn said chuckling. "It appears the lady is taken."

"On the contrary," Mai said with a playful wink as she held up her ringless left hand. "This lady is still free as a bird."

Arawn threw his head back and laughed heartily. "In that case, let us speak more."

"You bet sweetie," the Sorceress teased ignoring the despairing look cast at her by Jounouchi. If Jounouchi was jealous, let him be jealous. It was his fault for not proposing yet, slowpoke.

"Arawn of what?" Yugi asked.

Arawn turned to the short King curiously and grinned. "Annwn," he answered. "It's a long way from here and not important at the moment." He turned back to Kaiba with sharp eyes and asked, "You plan on standing out here all night or are you eventually going indoors?"

"None of your business," Kaiba said.

"On the contrary," Arawn shot back. "We need to talk about something that is very much my business."

Kaiba glared at Arawn, hating the way the Unseelie managed to completely ignore it. "Fine," he huffed eventually. "Follow me. The rest of you," he said to the rest of his Court, "go inside and get ready."

"I'd ask but I'm sure I want to know," Honda admitted, rubbing his neck as he walked past the Regent with Jounouchi.

"Don't worry," Yugi called back to Kaiba. "We'll be ready." Then he and the rest of the Court hurried into Kaiba's house. Ishizu leaned heavily on Shaadi's shoulders. Ryou grimaced as he leaned on Marik's shoulder and followed behind.

"Do you want me to stay?" Arrow asked softly casting a significant glance at both Arawn and Mokuba.

Kaiba hesitated, reluctant to be separated from Mokuba, but nodded and let Arrow take Mokuba and carry him inside after the Courtiers. Arawn waited until Kaiba was alone before speaking.

"You haven't eaten it yet," he said seriously. "Once picked, golden apples rot quickly."

Kaiba pulled the palm-sized apple from his pants pocket and studied it. "You said its affects only last a few hours at most," he said. "I'm saving it until right before the confrontation."

"Fool."

"What did you say?" Kaiba hissed.

"You don't intimidate me Set," Arawn said. "I may not be privy to what happened here tonight and the Tsukuyomi is being traditionally tight-lipped about the whole thing, but I'm not blind. Something happened and you're a mess. I wouldn't let the lowliest of my Court out onto the battlefield if they were even remotely in the same state as you."

The Regent's eyes narrowed dangerously. "What are you implying?"

"I'm not implying anything," Arawn replied. "I'm telling you you look horrible. Eat the apple. It takes about an hour before the full affects become obvious and you clearly need it to kick in sooner rather than later. They may not have told you," Arawn said, nodding towards the direction the Shadow Court had gone, "but I will." Crimson eyes gleamed coldly. "You look like death."

Kaiba flinched.

"I won't flatter myself," Arawn continued. "I'm very well aware I don't know much about your pantheon or you personally but I am a warrior and am intimately familiar with death. By the very nature of my position as Holly King I have experienced a type of death may times and shall continue to do so until I either Fade from existence or pass my throne on to another."

"I thought you were immortal and invulnerable," the Regent said warily.

"I am," Arawn confirmed. "If I wasn't, then I would not be standing here in front of you."

"And yet you've experienced death."

"Yes. I simply revive," Arawn replied. "Eventually," he added with a smirk. The smirk faded just as quickly as it appeared as if it had been part of a private joke whose punchline only Arawn knew.

Kaiba refused to rise to the bait. "Where's the Tsukuyomi?" he asked instead.

"Keeping watch," Arawn replied, lifting his eyes to the moon far above. Somewhere in the trees surrounding the Kaiba Mansion a howl rose up raising the hackles on the back of Kaiba's neck and bringing a soft smile to the Unseelie's lips.

"I'm serious," Arawn said finally, lowering his eyes back to the Regent's. "Eat the apple. It will rot if you don't."

Kaiba tsked and turned away. "Don't tell me what to do," he said, walking away from the faerie towards his house.

Arawn huffed a laugh. "After this, I'd like you to come to my Court. Specifically, I'd like you to come on September 23."

"Why?"

Arawn smiled. "It's the Autumnal Equinox," he said. "It's important to my people. And if your Court is interested, I'm inviting the lot of you for Samhain."

Kaiba glanced over his shoulder. "Everyone?"

Arawn nodded. "I believe most people celebrate it as Halloween," he said. "It's a celebration enjoyed by many and held sacred by my pantheon. But," he said, holding up a single finger, "only you are allowed to come to the even on the Equinox. That is traditionally overly viewed by those of my pantheon." He shrugged. "Consider it a sign of trust between us."

After a moment, the Regent turned away and continued walking. "I'll consider it," he called back.