Hey guys! Sorry about the wait, the last week or so has been really hectic! Some personal business detained me for awhile, but you'll be happy to know that I plan to make it up to you. Today I'll be uploading two extra-long chapters for your enjoyment!
Special Dedications to my reviewers: alamoon, follow-the-light-review, ruby-knight, I like angst, the one anonymous reviewer, RAY and KATANA, and everyone else that enjoys my work!
DISCLAIMER: Kazuki Takahashi-sensei is the master of the YuGiOh! Universe, all I do is marvel at his work and write fanfics! Any other manga/anime references within this chapter belong to their respective owners.
WARNINGS: Male bonding, scheming, and all around horsing around. . . as usual.
CHAPTER 6: RECRUITING HELP
It has been a few days since Seto and Ishizu reunited at the night of the museum benefit. Although the two haven't seen or spoken to one another, their thoughts are quite another story. When their busy work schedules allowed them a few moments rest, the time was often spent re-living that night.
In fact, Seto Kaiba was indulging himself in one of these rare moments himself. Sitting atop the Domino City High School, the teen is reclined comfortably, relaxing in one of his favorite lunch spots. For once, the CEO is reading a graphic novel instead of a business report like a normal adolescent male. Hearing the familiar click of a metal lock, Seto turns towards the door seeing Marik emerge. The Egyptian is carrying two bottles of green tea and a bag, no doubt holding their lunch.
"Hey Kaiba!" -greets the blonde in a friendly tone.
"Marik . . ."
Making his way over, Marik plops down next to his new "friend" completely ignoring the curious blue gaze upon him. As he gets settled, violet eyes spot the cover of Kaiba's book -Deathnote volume 12. The idea of Seto actually having interest in such a thing as manga sets Marik's mind reeling.
"I didn't know you read manga?!"
"Normally I don't, but Mokuba recommended it." -begins the businessman. "Admittedly, the plot is complex and original while the characters maintain my interest."
"So, is Light your favorite character?"
"You say that more like a fact than a question."
"Well, it is kind of obvious." -rationalizes Marik. "If Light had darker hair and blue eyes you could probably sue Takeshi Obata for copyright infringement or something . . ."
"Comparing me to him is insulting." -interjects Kaiba, confusing the teen next to him. "Light Yagami lost track of his goals and depended too much on the powers of others, namely the shinigami and the Deathnote itself. His mistake was that he believed himself a god when in fact Light was no more human than those he arrogantly sought to manipulate. I assume that flaw will ultimately become his undoing-"
Pausing in his explanation, Seto turns to lock eyes with Marik. His next statement obviously meant to put an end to any delusions the Egyptian may have.
"And it should go without saying, that I would never put my family in danger as carelessly as he did."
The eye contact between the two remains for a few moments, Seto making sure the blonde fully understands his point. Blue eyes then return to gaze out at the city sprawled before them.
"I didn't mean to offend you or anything." -Marik starts to explain. "But, if you feel that way about the main character than why did you keep reading?"
"I enjoyed the battle of wits between Light and L. In my opinion, L is the more interesting one, he had unfaltering determination and was ruthless when he needed to be. He was the true victor of their battle, although I suppose most would argue that."-replies the CEO with a contemplative expression.
"Even though he died, you really think L was the winner?"
"Death is not an indication of a loss, Marik. L may have died first, but he always knew that Light was Kira. He only "won" because Rem killed L before he could hammer the final nail in the coffin by revealing Kira's identity. L outsmarted Light, he was simply killed before he made his final move - Light didn't even have the backbone to kill him with his own bare hands."
Flexing his own fingers, Seto takes a deep breath before continuing. He searches his mind for a way to convey the idea to the lavender-eyed student next to him.
"It would be like if I dueled Yugi and moments before he made the attack that would assure victory I just killed him. Simply because I'm alive doesn't make me the victor."
After that rather graphic yet logical explanation of a manga series, Marik begins to see the CEO in an entirely different light. Violet eyes widen in shock as he realizes that he compared Kaiba to the wrong character.
"Now that I think about it, you are more like L. Light fit perfectly into the life of the all-star high-school student, he was smart and popular- no one even suspected him. But L, like yourself, was intelligent, antisocial, ruthless-"
"I get the point, Marik." -states Kaiba.
The Egyptian laughs as the brooding teen takes a bite of one of the sandwich rolls handed to him. Calming down, Marik takes a gulp of his own beverage.
"You may be a lot if things Kaiba, but boring definitely isn't one of them."
The observation causes Seto to once again travel to his night spent with the other Ishtar sibling. Remembering the feel of Ishizu's warm hands against his face and the soft smile on her lips, the CEO let's his thoughts wander. Even though it's been a few days, the unsettling intimacy that bloomed so naturally between the couple still had Kaiba's mind reeling.
Lost in his thoughts, he doesn't realize that Marik had resumed talking again. Being the master of deception he is, Kaiba manages to trick his classmate into believing he had his undivided attention all along.
"And then I told her, 'Eww, fake-tan orange is never a good skin color.' . . . Anyway, I heard that you made an appearance at the museum fund-raiser last Saturday."
"And?"-inquires the Japanese teen.
"I'm just curious, what made you want to go?"
"Because I wanted to make a difference in my community." -replies Seto, his voice dripping with sarcasm.
" . . . "
"If you must know, Mokuba challenged me to a game of chess. Since he won, I was forced to attend the event under the pretense of improving my image to the public eye."
"Uh -huh, should I be scared to ask what would've happened if you won?"
"That depends," -begins Kaiba. "If I won, Mokuba was supposed to tell me what the two of you have been up to lately-"
As the words leave the CEO's lips, Marik nearly shoots his drink out of his mouth.
"And I'm fairly sure that Rebecca is involved in your schemes as well."
Taking a few moments to regain his composure, the Egyptian turns to his new friend -finding that Kaiba has maintained his cool as cobalt eyes silently challenge lavender ones.
"So you know that I hang out with your brother and his girlfriend, it's not like it's a crime or anything."
"I have no objection to you spending time with Mokuba or Rebecca. What piques my interest, is that all of you were trying so hard to keep it a secret. That kind of behavior is rather suspicious, don't you think?"
For once, Marik has been rendered completely speechless. A chuckle escapes Seto's throat as he takes amusement in achieving this feat.
"I'm well aware that Mokuba has secrets from me just as I'm sure you keep things from your sister. And although I think you severely underestimate both of us, I don't really care what you all do as long as it's not against the law." -Kaiba states.
"Don't worry about it, I'm not so irresponsible as to get two minors involved in anything illegal. . . but back to what I was trying to ask you-"
"Which was?"
"While you were at that museum thingy, did you happen to see my sister?"
"Yes I did, why do you ask?"
Before he begins to speak, Marik takes a deep breath as a serious expression appears on his face.
"I know better than anyone that Ishizu can take care of herself, but I worry about her sometimes. As you know, my sister is a beautiful woman, and beautiful women tend to attract all kinds of men that drool over them. Basically, I don't want to have an ass for a brother-in-law. You know what I mean?"
"I can understand that. It would be a shame if Ishizu ended up with some degenerate."
As he speaks, Seto grits his teeth together in an attempt to keep the anger out of his tone. The thought of other men drooling over the gorgeous archaeologist causes ice blue eyes to narrow dangerously. For the first time in years, Seto Kaiba- the CEO of Kaiba Corporation and world class duelist, feels jealousy rise within him. Noticing the reaction he earned from his "confession", Marik allows a smirk to cross his face.
'It seems Kaiba doesn't like the idea of Ishizu with other men . . . Good, that means he's definitely into her and I know Ishizu likes him. All I need now is to see them interact with each other and observe their chemistry.'
In the midst of plotting his next move, the blonde teen turns to Seto (his possible future brother-in-law) ready to continue his performance.
"So, did you talk to her at all?"
"We shared a conversation."
"What did you talk about?"
"You, mostly."
"Really?!"
"No, but it's amusing that you'd actually think so."
With a series of quick movements, Seto has risen to his feet. Marik follows the action, picking up their lunch trash to throw away.
"If you're so intent on knowing what I talked to Ishizu about, why don't you just ask her? She is your sister." -Kaiba replies in an obvious tone.
"I tried, but Ishizu won't tell me anything. She said it's none of my business."
"Gee, imagine that." -replies the CEO sarcastically.
A grumble of annoyance comes from the Egyptian teen as the duo make their way to their classroom. As they walk, the five-minute warning bell rings signaling the end of the lunch period. Seto and Marik arrive at the entrance to the class at the same time Yugi and his friends do.
"Aww, you two back from your lunch date?"-asks Joey with a smirk.
"What, are you jealous or something?" -teases Marik, shutting the other up.
Smirking and trying to cover up chuckles, Yugi, Seto and the others enter the classroom. Out of nowhere, Marik turns around and begins to walk back down the hallway.
"I'll be right back guys, I gotta make a call!"-shouts the laid back teen over his shoulder.
"Don't take too long Marik, or you'll be marked late!" -yells Tea out of the doorway.
"Just tell the teacher I'm at the nurse's office or something!"
Watching him run down the halls, Tea re-enters the classroom. Ignoring the suspicious behavior, the brunette joins the conversation among her friends.
--
A few hours later, around four o'clock in the afternoon, Mokuba Kaiba and Rebecca Hawkins are walking out of their school headed towards the gate. The couple had spent their after-school hours hanging out at the Kendo club meeting. As they pass through the gate, the two see Marik Ishtar waiting for them. Walking up to him, the teens exchange friendly waves.
"Hey guys, thanks for meeting up with me." -greets the high-schooler.
"No problem, so what's up? Your message sounded kinda urgent."-Mokuba inquires with a worried tone.
"We have a problem, I think your brother knows what we're up to."
"Most likely."-Mokuba and Rebecca reply in unison.
"If that's the case, we need a way to divert his attention from the three of us."
"How exactly do you suppose we do that, Marik?" -asks the spectacled girl.
"We need to recruit help. Someone who isn't related to either Ishizu or Kaiba, but can still get them to do what we want."
"I got it!" -exclaims Mokuba. "We should ask Yugi! Neither of them would suspect he would play matchmaker, they both respect him, and no one can say 'no' to him!"
"That's perfect, Mokuba!" -praises Rebecca.
"Yeah, why didn't I think of that?!"-wonders the older teen.
Pulling out his cell phone, Marik quickly dials the number of the spiky-haired teen. Explaining the entire situation to Yugi, the three make their way to the Kame Game shop.
Entering the familiar door of the Kame Game shop, Solomon Moto is seen sitting behind the glass counter cleaning the display case. At the sound of the door bell, he looks up pleased to see Marik, Mokuba, and Rebecca enter the small shop.
"Hello youngsters!"
"Hey Mr.Moto!" -the teens greet in unison.
"If you're here to see my grandson, he's right upstairs."
Thanking the kind old man, the three head up the stairs. Upon reaching the living area, they are surprised to see not only Yugi, but Tea, Joey, Tristan, Ryou, Mai, and Serenity as well. The boys are watching an action flick on the television as the girls are lounging on one of the couches. Seeing the new occupants, they all focus their attention on the entryway. Yugi gets up and ushers them in with his usual kind smile.
"Hey guys, make yourselves at home!"
After Marik, Mokuba, and Rebecca exchange greetings and pleasantries with everyone, they sit down and make themselves comfortable.
"Um Yugi . . .You neglected to mention that you had company." -states Rebecca.
"Yeah, pretty much everyone we know is here."-observes Marik.
"Well, at first it was just me, Joey, Tristan, Tea, and Ryou - we always do our homework together after school. Then right after you called, Mai and Serenity came over to see Joey but they ended up staying and -"
"I get the idea."-interrupts the Egyptian. "I just thought we should discuss our 'project' in private."
"What project?" -interjects Tea.
"No offense, but it's not really any of your business."
"Whatever Marik, I was just asking."
"It's not like were trying to be mean or anything," -begins Mokuba, trying to keep the peace.
"Really, Mokuba? It didn't sound that way to me-"
"What's that supposed to mean, Wheeler?!"
"WHY DON'T YOU TELL ME?!"
"I DON'T EVEN KNOW WHAT YOU'RE TALKING ABOUT!"
"Don't worry about it Mokuba, half the time even I don't know what he's talking about." -offers Mai.
"Mai, You're my girlfriend!" -shouts Joey
"MARIK, MOKUBA, AND REBECCA ARE PLAYING MATCHMAKERS WITH SETO AND ISHIZU AND THEY CAME OVER WANTING MY HELP!"
At that outburst, everyone becomes dead silent as they stare at Yugi. The King of Games has become much bolder thanks to the influence of the pharaoh and his new friends. Once he is sure he has their undivided attention, Yugi clears his throat.
"Now that everyone knows about our little 'project', we can start brainstorming. Seto and Ishizu are very close friends of mine, like I consider all of you. They deserve to be happy, and nothing would make me happier than to be a part of that."
"If you really think I'm gonna help money bags get a date, you're crazy. Besides I like Ishizu, hooking her up with Kaiba would just be cruel and unusual." -scoffs Joey.
"Shut-up Wheeler, just because you don't like Seto doesn't mean that everyone feels the same." -replies Mokuba. "Which is strange because usually dogs warm right up to him."
"Why you-"
"Are you guys sure that Kaiba even likes Ishizu?" -Serenity asks timidly, trying to keep the two from fighting again.
"If they aren't, I sure am."
Surprised by Mai's response, the gang all turn to the blonde.
"What do you mean, Mai?" -asks Marik.
"Well last Saturday, I went to that fund-raiser at the Museum and a certain CEO we all know was practically watching Ishizu like a hawk. I also noticed that a certain Egyptologist was keeping her eyes on Kaiba as well."
"Mai, what were you doing at the museum that night?"
"Don't worry about it, Joey."
As Marik thinks over this new information, Mai and Joey have a "heated discussion" in the background. Everyone else's attention is divided between Mai and Joey's impending fight and the new plan Marik's brain has concocted. He breaks the suspense by taking a deep breath before he speaks.
"This proves that they are into each other. However, knowing Kaiba and Ishizu, it'll be a century before either of them makes a move . . .We need to put them in a romantic enviroment-"
"Without them knowing that Marik and I are involved of course."-interjects Mokuba.
For a while, the living room is quiet as the teens think of possible date options. Thankfully, Rebecca comes up with a decent idea.
"How about a festival? It's public enough so it won't feel like a date but the setting can be really romantic too. We could even go and watch them without looking like a bunch of stalkers."
"That sounds good, but festivals are only in the summer and spring, Rebecca." -Tea reminds them.
"I know that, but I heard a couple of girls from school talking about going to the park this Friday. Apparently the city's hosting an end of summer festival there."
"Oh, I heard about that too. It sounded like a lot of fun!"-comments Serenity.
As the girls talk excitedly about the festival, they "ooh" and "ahh" over hair styles and yukata they're looking forward to wearing. Meanwhile, the boys ignore them as they continue their discussion.
"Are you two sure you should be interfering with people's love lives? I mean, I know you mean well, but how do you know that Kaiba and Ishizu will make a good couple?"- Ryou inquires with a doubtful look on his face.
"That's a good point, Ryou." -begins the former tombkeeper. "However, I know my sister. And you guys should've seen Ishizu when she came home after that museum benefit . . ."
The night of the museum fund-raiser. It is around midnight when Ishizu Ishtar walks through the door of the apartment she shares with her younger brother. Taking her shoes off, the desert beauty walks into the den to find Marik on the couch watching television. Ishizu smiles when she realizes he was waiting up for her return.
"Hey Iz, how was the party?"
"It was nice, I had fun tonight." -Ishizu answers, a smile on her face.
"Nice? I thought you said it was going to be boring."
"I did say that, but I was proven wrong. After all, it's hard not to be entertained with Seto Kaiba around."
"What exactly is that supposed to mean?!" -demands Marik.
"Goodnight, little brother. . ."
Trailing off her sentence, Ishizu makes her way to her bedroom, her champagne-toned gown flowing behind her. The younger Ishtar simply stares after her, clearly confused by her uncharacteristic actions.
Finishing his story, Marik has a contemplative look on his face. Remembering the smile gracing his older sister's face, the lavender eyed teen muses on his thoughts aloud.
"I've never seen my sister act like that," -begins Marik. "She's always been such a serious workaholic, and never really acted 'girly'. It's really nice to see Ishizu smile more. In my opinion, any guy who has that effect on her is good in my book."
"I know what you mean, Marik. As you are all well aware of, Seto prefers to keep everyone at a distance, even me occasionally. It used to worry me, but recently he's started to open up more and I think Ishizu is a good influence on him."
Thinking both Marik and Mokuba's observations over, Yugi has a smile on his face. He can't help but think back to when he first met Seto Kaiba and Ishizu Ishtar. Lost in thought, the short duelist laughs to himself as he remembers that they had both been too intense and serious for their own good. The fact that the CEO and archaeologist were mellowing out due to the exposure to one another, was welcome news.
"I have to agree with Marik and Mokuba on this one. After all they know their siblings a lot better than we do." -states Yugi, his response earning nods of agreement.
"Well, it seems that everyone else here is with you guys on this,"-begins Joey, folding his arms. "So I guess I'm in too."
"Excellent, So here's what we gotta do-"
As Marik begins to outline the next stage of their plan, the room becomes a buzz with ideas and suggestions to get Seto and Ishizu together. Unaware of the strange coincidence about to happen in another area of Domino city.
--
In the business section of the Japanese city, gleaming skyscrapers reflect the orange and red glow of the setting sun. The streets are full of all kinds of vehicles transporting icons of business and their workers home from a long day of work-all but one that is. Sitting in his office, Seto Kaiba is finishing the last bit of work before he heads back to his mansion. As blue eyes peruse the current state of Kaiba Corp's stock holders, the voice of his secretary is heard on the intercom.
"Mr. Kaiba, you have a visitor."
"You know that I don't take visitors after five o'clock. Tell them to reschedule."
"I did, but I think that you should make an exception today."
"That's presumptuous of you."
"Well, she says her name is Dr. Ishizu Ishtar."
". . . Send her in."
After a few moments, the door opens as Ishizu Ishtar enters Kaiba's office. The Egyptologist is wearing a emerald green tunic with three-quarter sleeves that is tailored to her torso. To offset the deep color, she is wearing a sage-green skirt that flows with her movements and black knee-high boots are on her feet. Around Ishizu is a wide black belt that cinches fabric as well as shows off her narrow waistline. Her ebony hair is styled in a loose braid that trails down the Egyptian's back with locks that frame her face. Walking towards the CEO, Ishizu crosses her arms beneath her breasts, a smile on her lips.
"Tell me Seto, are you always so charming in the workplace?"
"My employees work better when they're afraid of me. Besides, I save all of my charm for you."
"Oh, is that what you call it?" -responds the former tombkeeper, earning a small chuckle from the man in front of her.
"Ishizu, may I ask why you've decided to grace me with your presence this evening?"
"If you must know, I came to thank you for the donation you made to the museum. Shinoda-san was ecstatic to learn of your contribution."
During their exchange of words, Ishizu circles around the sturdy desk and opts to lean against the side of it. Her back is facing Kaiba as she studies the works of art decorating the walls, gifts from clients no doubt. Feeling his gaze on her, Ishizu looks over her shoulder, blue meeting blue as Seto asks her a question.
"I'm sure he was. Did he send you to thank all of the museum's new patrons?"
"If you are implying that the museum owner is using my looks to accumulate more funds, you'd be wrong. Shinoda-san doesn't have a conniving bone in his body. Consider yourself lucky that you are the only patron that I made time to thank in person."
" Really, a personal thank you from the new curator? You must want something from me."
"I think you've been spending too much time with my brother," -begins Ishizu. "If I wanted something from you I would have asked you already, not waste your time with empty compliments."
"Now I'm even more suspicious. What is it you want, Ishizu?"
"Nothing, I just wanted to see you."
"Ishizu."
"Seto."
Sighing in defeat, Seto notices a victorious smirk tugging at the curator's lips. When he finishes packing up his briefcase, Kaiba stands up-his tall figure towering over Ishizu. Normally this action alone would intimidate most people, so the CEO is impressed when the archaeologist shows no sign of cowering to him. Realizing this, the tall business man decides to push his luck, determined to get Ishizu's cool demeanor to falter.
"There are times I think that you actually enjoy getting under my skin."
"I'm just returning the favor."
As they talk, Kaiba moves closer to the woman beside him. Standing face to face to each other, no more than a foot apart, their eyes meet. Her sapphire orbs gazing into his cobalt blue ones, silently challenging each other once again.
"This coming from the woman that endlessly berated me about fate and destiny during the Battle City tournament?"
"If my memory serves correctly, you made it a point to insult me, my family, and culture every time we met. Although, I understand why you would."
"Enlighten me."
"People tend to initially dislike others that are so like themselves. By observing a person so similar to yourself, you are able to see your own flaws from an outside perspective. The case is no different between the two of us."
Trading witty remarks, the couple have moved closer together. Their bodies are mere inches apart from one another as they continue their fun. Both the CEO and museum curator know the unspoken rules of the game, the object of it however remains elusive.
"Do you still dislike me, Ishizu?"
"That is dependent on too many factors to make a general statement."
Smirking at the skillful avoidance of his question, Kaiba's stare intensifies as he studies the gorgeous woman before him. The CEO is surprised when he catches the soft scent of her hair, igniting his pulse into a steady rhythm. Trying to maintain her own breathing, Ishizu keeps her eyes locked on the ones staring down at her. The two can feel each other's breath on their faces as they both stave off the urge to touch one another. A losing battle, however neither of them wants to surrender control first. Unfortunately their game is interrupted with the sudden entrance of Mokuba and Rebecca. The young eyes widened with shock at the sight before them.
"Umm . . . hey guys."
- TSUDUKU! (To be continued)
NINJA-RENKA: Sorry for the long wait everyone, like I said before I had a lot of personal stuff going on these past couple weeks, and I didn't get around to typing this. I hope you enjoyed this extra long chapter, I had fun writing it. My favorite part was actually Seto's and Marik's discussion about Deathnote. I figured that Kaiba would like this series, but I didn't think he'd identify with Light.
MARIK: Well, my favorite part was all the gay implications in this chapter . . . NOT!
NINJA-RENKA: Relax, would you? I only put them in there for kicks and giggles, no one thinks you're gay.
REBECCA:(raises her hand) I do.
MARIK: WHAT?!
MOKUBA: Well think about it. You don't have a girl friend and you spend your free time playing matchmaker. Not to mention that you are pretty vain.
NINJA-RENKA: Now that I think about, it makes some sense. After all, you were the one that picked out Ishizu's dress . . .
MARIK: Oh my god!, Am I a closet homo?
MOKUBA: You guys think we're going too far with this joke?
NINJA-RENKA: Nope. Hey you two, you mind telling the patient folks about the next chapter?
MOKUBA: It'll be our pleasure. The next chapter called Stage III - Field Observation, we all go out for some fun at the end of summer festival.
REBECCA: There's going to be a lot of action between Seto and Ishizu so be sure to read the next chapter!
NINJA-RENKA: Thanks guys. I love all the great reviews I've been getting, so please keep them coming, Later days!
-NINJA -RENKA OUT!