Here we go, Chapter 7 is here! This is gonna be the turning point for Seto and Ishizu's relationship, so it was really fun to plan and write.
DISCLAIMER: If YuGiOh! was a game of monopoly, Kazuki Takahashi would be the banker. He owns and controls everything while collecting taxes and rents from his property. I'd be the cartoon prisoner on the Jail square for I own nothing and if I claimed I did, it would only lengthen my sentence.
WARNING: Beware of eating contests and scumbag bashing.
CHAPTER 7: STAGE III - OBSERVATION IN THE FIELD
In the office of Seto Kaiba, the CEO and archaeologist are found in a rather compromising position by Mokuba and Rebecca. The two teens have blushes on their faces while the older occupants of the room remain cool and collected. In fact, Seto and Ishizu have barely moved, their bodies remaining within millimeters of each other. Breaking the silence, the museum curator turns to greet the young couple.
"Hello, you two."
"Mokuba," -inquires the elder Kaiba. " You and Rebecca have been out rather late, again. Since Ishizu is here and not at the museum, can I safely assume you both were elsewhere?"
At his brother's words, Mokuba turns to Rebecca as he tries to think of a believable excuse. Normally the two would have no problem with it, but their minds were still reeling from what they possibly interrupted and were drawing a blank. Seeing their distress, Ishizu decides to help out.
"Now Seto, it's not polite to interfere in your brother's romantic affairs, especially with his girlfriend present. You're clearly embarrassing both of them."
The calm response causes the couple to stare disbelievingly at Ishizu. Not only did she cover for them, seemingly unaware of what she was covering for, The former tombkeeper was also correcting Seto Kaiba on etiquette. Needless to say, a feat no one did unless they have a death wish. However the real shock comes when Mokuba and Rebecca see that Kaiba is actually listening to her.
"Very well, what do the two of you want? I'm assuming you're here for some reason." -inquires the CEO.
"Seto must ask that to everyone that enters his office" -thinks the Egyptian.
"Well sort of," -begins Mokuba. " Rebecca and I were hanging out with Yugi and the gang, and they were talking about going to this festival in the park on Friday. We were all kind of wondering if you, both of you, wanted to go."
At first, both Kaiba and Ishizu have suspicious looks on their faces. Both pairs of blue eyes scan the teens in front of them, wary of anything that would give away their plans. Fortunately, both Mokuba and Rebecca pass the test.
"Well, I've never been to a Japanese festival before. It could be interesting." -replies the Egyptian.
"I suppose I could clear my schedule that night."-offers the CEO.
"Great! Just so you guys know, the boys are supposed to meet at Yugi's and the girls are meeting at Tea's place." -informs Rebecca.
"And don't worry, we'll take care of everything!" -chimes in Mokuba.
The two teens then hurry out of the office, smiling like a pair of Cheshire cats. Finding themselves alone once again, Seto and Ishizu stare after the odd pair. The desert beauty has a grin on her face as the corporate genius raises an eyebrow in bewilderment.
"I wonder what those two are up to." -Ishizu ponders aloud to the man next to her.
"I'm sure we'll find out soon enough." -replies Kaiba as they both exit his office. The couple then leave the building together, engaged in conversation.
--
The night of the End of Summer festival has come. Tea, Mai, and Serenity are in the bedroom of Tea's small house that she shares with her parents. The girls are waiting for Rebecca and Ishizu to join them so that they can get ready. At the moment, none of the girls are dressed, but they are in various stages of hair and make-up.
"This is so exciting, isn't it?"-squeals Tea excitedly.
"I know! Kaiba-san and Ishizu-san make such a great couple. If everything works out they'll get married and have adorable babies!"-Serenity chimes in.
"Hold on a second you two!" -interrupts Mai. "This is just a first date, let's see how it goes before you two start planning the nuptials."
"Nuptials? Is someone getting married?"
The sound of a voice tinted with an Egyptian accent causes Tea and Serenity to jump in surprise. Turning around, the girls see a confused Ishizu and Rebecca standing in the doorway. The spectacled girl is carrying a shopping bag, wearing a t-shirt and jeans with tennis shoes on her feet. The archaeologist is wearing a lavender dress that flows to her tan calves with sandals on her feet. Seeing that Tea and Serenity are like two deer trapped in the headlights, Mai quickly thinks of a cover.
"The schoolgirls here were gossiping about me and Joey. We've been dating so long it's like we're practically married."
"I see." -replies Ishizu.
"Alright, enough of that, we need to get ready or we'll be late! Everyone into their yukatas!"-demands Rebecca.
"Yukata? Rebecca I'm afraid I don't have-"
"Relax Ishizu, I told you the other day that I'd take care of everything."
As she speaks, Rebecca plops the museum curator into a chair and begins working on her hair as the others get dressed.
--
Meanwhile, at the entrance to Domino city park, citizens of the city enter through the vermillion tori gate. Men, women, and children enter only to be marveled by the park's transformation. Colorful paper lanterns illuminate the walkways and koi kites swim in the cool breeze. The air is thick with laughter and the smells of festival food wafting from the vendors. Standing near the park entrance is a large group of teenage boys that are recognized as Seto and Mokuba Kaiba, Marik Ishtar, Yugi Moto, Joey Wheeler, Tristan Taylor, and Ryou Bakura.
The CEO is wearing a cerulean yukata with a simple white checked pattern on the edges. Over this, he is wearing a deep blue haori jacket that compliments his tall, lean frame. Yugi is wearing a sky blue yukata while Joey's is a deep green and Tristan's is a blue-gray. To compliment his light complexion, Bakura's robe is black with a blue trim - his white hair pulled back with a piece of black cloth. Mokuba's yukata is a deep purple hue and has opted to wear his dark locks in a high ponytail. Marik's robe is a pale teal color with a white koi pattern on the back. The Egyptian's platinum blonde hair is styled in a half-up/half-down fashion. Over all, the boys have cleaned up very nicely, evident by the looks they are getting from passers by.
Waiting patiently for the girls to show up, the boys have found various ways to amuse themselves. Joey and Tristan are horsing around as usual, but no one is bothering to break it up. Marik, Mokuba, and Bakura are talking as they scan the area for their female friends. However, Seto has decided to watch the crowd, amusing himself by mentally criticizing the people passing him. When Yugi approaches him, the King of games raises an eyebrow at the glare present on his friend's face.
"I'm surprised that you joined us, Seto." -Yugi begins.
"That makes two of us. Usually I spend my free time as far from Wheeler as possible." -replies the CEO.
"Speaking of which, I'd appreciate it if you would start anything with Joey."
"If he leaves me alone, I'll leave him alone."
"That shouldn't be a problem. I'm sure that when Mai gets here, Joey will be busy to bother you. Who knows, maybe you'll find yourself occupied as well." -suggests the tri-colored hair duelist.
"What are you implying?"
'Nothing."
Ignoring the skeptical stare of the blue eyes on him, Yugi smiles to himself. He takes a quick look over his shoulder to make sure that the rest of their party is out of earshot before answering his favorite adversary.
"I've known you a long time Seto, and with the exception of Mokuba, there is only one person I've seen that's infiltrated your guard almost effortlessly."
Knowing exactly who Yugi is talking about, Kaiba turns to face the shorter teen, dropping his gaze to look in his violet eyes. An all-knowing smirk is plastered on the face of the master duelist, the uncharacteristic expression throwing Seto off for a second.
"I think you and Ishizu would be good for each other."
"Ishizu and I are just friends, Yugi."
"You say that as if it's something you want to change."
"The only thing I want to change is the topic of this conversation."-replies the businessman in a concluding tone.
Taking the hint, Yugi decides to turn his attention to the crowds once again. Kaiba's eyes drift downward in thought as he contemplates the idea Yugi suggested, a smirk forming on his face. At the same time, the rest of their party is becoming restless.
"I wonder what's taking them so long." -wonders Marik.
"I do hope nothing has happened to them." -Ryou thinks aloud.
"Nah! You know how girls are, they always take forever to get ready." -offers Tristan.
"Tell me about," -begins Joey with a roll of his eyes. "Every time I pick Mai up for a date, she keeps me waiting for at least half an hour before we leave."
"Well if you hate it so much, I'll save my time and money and stop looking good for an idiot like you."
Hearing Mai's voice, Joey and the others turn around to see Mai, Tea, Serenity, and Rebecca standing behind them. The blonde is wearing a pink robe with a red peony print and pale green obi around her waist. Her golden locks have been gathered into a loose bun on her head. Tea's yukata is a dark blue covered in a pattern of yellow butterflies with a red obi. The brunette's short hair has been pulled back, held by a simple clip. Standing next to her friend, Serenity is wearing a white robe with a multicolored pattern of goldfish and a royal blue sash. Long auburn hair is styled into two low pigtails that fall down her front. Rebecca has opted to wear her blonde hair out, held back only by a headband as it trails down her back. Green eyes are brought out by the lavender color of her yukata, patterned with dragonflies and around her waist is a deep magenta obi.
Walking though the park gates, Ishizu walks up to rest of the group. As beautiful as the other girls look, the Egyptian has managed to maintain her exotic beauty despite being dressed in traditional Japanese clothing. The crimson cloth of her yukata is decorated with a pattern of white flowers blossoming on tree branches. Encircled around her waist is a golden yellow obi that ties behind her back. Long raven hair has been twisted high into a simple ponytail as a single white lily rests above her left ear.
With the arrival of the girls, the party makes their way fully into the festival grounds. The majority of the group talking excitedly about the vendors and stands around them, marveling at the transformation the park has been through. Instantly smelling the yakisoba and takoyaki stands, Joey and Tristan head over, dragging Mai and Serenity with them. Tea walks over to where Yugi and Seto are standing.
"Hey Yugi, we're going over to get something to eat, wanna come?"
Not waiting for an answer, Tea grabs his arm and drags a startled Yugi over to where Joey, Mai, Tristan, and Serentity are waiting. Taking the hint, Marik and Mokuba grab Ryou and Rebecca, heading towards the game booths.
"We're gonna play some games, so we'll catch up with you later!" -shout the teens.
When both groups depart, Seto and Ishizu are left alone. Two pairs of blue eyes stare after the strange display they just witnessed with shared looks of confused suspicion.
"That was rather strange." -comments the Egyptian.
"Even for them." -replies the Japanese teen.
As the two talk, Seto starts to notice the stares of people that begin to recognize him. Sensing the uneasiness, Ishizu starts walking down one of the less populated paths that meander through the park. Looking behind her at the CEO, a playful smirk appears on her face.
"Are you coming?"
"Like I have a choice."
Within a few long strides, Seto has caught up to Ishizu on the lantern-illuminated path. The tall teen watches the Egyptian before him as they walk down the stone walkway in silence. Her tanned skin and sapphire eyes are brought out by the ruby hue of her yukata, despite the atmosphere surrounding them. Noticing the gaze upon her, Ishizu turns to the man next to her.
"Is there something wrong?"
"No, I was simply enjoying the company of a beautiful woman." -responds Kaiba with a teasing tone.
"I appreciate the compliment." -Ishizu starts. "You know, that line actually made you sound like a teenager."
"I am a teenager."
"Yes, but you rarely act like one. I suppose that's one of the things I like about you."
"You're probably the only one that thinks that. Everyone else I know, both our brothers included, have made it their life's mission to tell me to act my age."
"Well, last time I checked, not many in your age group are world class duelists that run top corporations. Besides, if Seto Kaiba acted like a "normal" teenager, no one would take him seriously."
"Perhaps you should explain that to everyone else." -replies the CEO.
"Only if you return the favor."
"And here I thought all Egyptian women were museum curators and members of secret societies that had visions of the future."
Ishizu lets a small laugh escape her lips at his response. Finding that he likes the sound, Seto makes a mental note of it to himself.
"It would seem that we both lead lives that stray from normalcy." -observes the Egyptian.
"Normalcy is overrated."
Smiling at his words, Ishizu chances a look up at the tall teen next to her. His large frame is surprising comforting to his female companion. As the two continue down the path, the lights above them create a warm yellow glow around them. The couple completely oblivious to the four teens following behind them.
"Wow, I didn't know they got along that well" -comments Marik.
"Tell me about it, you should have seen them a couple of days ago."-replies Mokuba.
"What happened a couple of days ago?"
"Well, let's just say that if we waited five minutes, we would have had front row seats to Seto and Ishizu making out."-chimes in Rebecca.
"What?!"- exclaims Marik.
"I thought that's what you wanted," -states Ryou. "You had to know that setting up Kaiba and Ishizu would eventually lead to them kissing."
"Among other things" -Rebecca adds.
At the insinuation, Marik and Mokuba try their best not to visualize the thought as Rebecca and Ryou laugh.
"I'm new to all this okay? This is the first time Ishizu dated anyone, I like Kaiba and all, but I'm not sure how to respond to this."
"I get Marik's point. I mean, Seto's gone out with girls before, but he never showed any serious interest."
As the two schemers seriously ponder the thought of a relationship between their siblings, Rebecca and Ryou watch them with raised eyebrows.
"I'm over it!" -announces Mokuba.
"Me too. Now back to business, we need to find a way to speed up the romance here."
As the two plot some more, both their companions have been shocked into silence by their quick "recoveries". Obviously, Rebecca and Ryou have underestimated the level of commitment the partners in crime have to their plan.
Arriving back at the main fairground, Seto and Ishizu walk looking at the various booths and tables. Children run past them wearing colorful masks and laughing as they trail kites behind them. Looking towards the food vendors, the couple see Yugi and the others as they watch Joey and Tristan have some sort of eating contest. The spectacle has caused a small crowd to cheer on the teen boys. Suddenly, Mokuba runs up to them, tugging on Seto's arm as he catches his breath.
"Seto, you have to come see this!"
"See what?" -inquires the elder brother.
"Just c'mon!"
Sighing, Seto turns to Ishizu who is trying not to laugh at the rather cute brotherly scene.
"I'll be right back, excuse me."
"Of course."
Watching the two Kaiba brothers leave, Ishizu turns to see the outcome of the impromptu eating contest. A smile comes to her face as she watches Joey rub his stomach victoriously as Tristan sighs defeated. However, his frown is quickly gone when Serenity comforts him. Tea and Yugi congratulate both gastronomic combatants as Mai rolls her eyes at Joey's immaturity. Busy watching her friends, Ishizu doesn't notice the approach of the shady figure behind her.
"Hey beautiful."
Hearing the strange voice, the Egyptian turns around to see a man with brown eyes and shaggy black hair wearing a simple orange yukata. He could be considered a good-looking man if it weren't for the lecherous look in his eyes -the type of look that all females recognize when a creep is imagining them naked. The very thought of it, sends a shiver of disgust down Ishizu's back.
"Hello." -responds the curator, trying not to be rude.
"I saw you earlier with that tall guy, earlier."
Trying not to roll her eyes at the pathetic attempt at a conversation, the blue-eyed woman quickly moves to walk away.
"Yes I was, so if you'd excuse me I have to go find him. Now."
Taking a step in the direction that Kaiba disappeared to, Ishizu is stopped as the man grabs a hold of her arm tightly. Her fingers work to remove the offending hand from her wrist.
"Please, let go of my arm." -the museum curator trying her best to remain calm.
"That guy was Seto Kaiba, right? Men like him make me sick; they think that just because they have money they can get whatever, or whoever, they want."
At the insinuation, blue eyes narrow dangerously rivaling the coldest glare of their male counterparts. All patience faded, the former tomb keeper wretches her arm from his grip.
"If you are implying that I am in Seto's company simply because of his wealth, you are greatly mistaken. I am not that type of woman."
As she speaks, all warmth has vanished from the Egyptian's voice. The drastic change has unnerved the man before her, causing him to take a step back in surprise.
"I choose to around him because unlike you," continues Ishizu, spitting out the last word like a curse, "he can hold my attention with intelligent conversation. A feat you could never hope to achieve even if you were the last life form in existence."
With that, Ishizu turns on her heel, intent on getting as far as possible from the man. However, with renewed anger, he grabs her arm gripping it with excessive force. Unfortunately for him, Ishizu's arm is freed by Seto Kaiba this time. Turning his head to deal with whoever dared to interfere, the stranger's eyes widen to see the famous CEO standing there. Frozen to the spot by a glare that no human should be able to create, the dark-haired man looks at Ishizu. The decision was obviously a wrong one as Seto's grip on the offender's wrist gets tighter. A sickening crack of bone is heard as the man groans in pain, daring to look Kaiba in the eye once more.
"Touch her again and you'll be limping away with more than a broken wrist."
"I-I'll sue you for this!"-threatens the man.
A dark laugh emanates from the businessman's throat, reminiscent of his former self, as he releases the broken wrist. Taking the opportunity to flee, the stranger runs past Ishizu and disappears into the crowd. Seto walks over and takes a seat on a nearby bench, massaging the bridge of his nose. His aura of anger and ill-temperament stave off the people walking by. Noticing this, the Egyptian woman approaches the bench and sits down next to Kaiba, a worried expression on her face.
"Are you alright?"
"I'm fine."
"Give me some credit Seto, It's obvious that you're not fine."
Sighing in defeat, he opens his eyes and stares up into the dark sky above them.
"Lately, I find myself getting angry whenever ideas of a certain nature enter my mind." -admits the CEO.
"What kind of ideas? If you don't mind me asking."
"The kind of ideas that involve you with other men."
Hearing the admission, blue eyes widen before the museum curator smiles. One of her warm hands travel to the knot of muscles in his upper back, gently massaging away the tension there. Achieving the desired effect, Kaiba's eyes drift shut again as he relaxes.
"It sounds like you're frustrated by this."
" . . ."
Smiling at his choice of silence, Ishizu continues to talk, knowing that he's still listening.
"This reminds me of a condition that happens quite often in nature." -begins the archaeologist. "Dominant males are easily enraged when their female is threatened by another male. They become aggressively possessive and prone to violence at the slightest provocation. In most cases, the offending male is killed in such encounters."
Turning to face the woman next to him, Kaiba has a bemused look on his face. The smirk on Ishizu's face silently teasting him.
"Are you suggesting that I'm jealous, Ishizu?"
"I was only making an observation, Seto. But since you brought it up, are you?"
"Should I be?"
"No, although I do appreciate you protecting me."
Stopping her ministrations, Ishizu stands up, slightly wincing. Seeing this, the CEO stands up and gingerly takes the tanned wrist in his hand. Pushing up the cotton sleeve of her yukata, Seto discovers a large bruise forming on her forearm.
"It looks worse than it is. I'm fine."
The Egyptian covers the bruise as she avoids eye contact with the man staring down at her. She is surprised when his long fingers turn her face so that her azure eyes lock with his cobalt blues ones. A smirk tugging at his lips.
"Give me some credit, It's obvious that you're not fine."
Smiling, Ishizu takes the return of his sarcasm and quick wit as a good sign.
"Well, what are you going to do about it? Kiss it all better-"
The former prophetess is cut off when Seto's lips press against hers. Her eyes widen at the realization of what's happening, but close when she begins to kiss him back. Tilting her head to the side, she parts her lips slightly deepening the kiss. Taking the initiative, strong arms encircle her waist, bringing the archaeologist closer to the CEO. Savoring the moment, the couple's fist kiss remains exploratory, neither one ready to give into their emotions completely. Despite the overpowering temptation, they break for air as Ishizu's arms encircle Kaiba's neck. Blue eyes remain closed as the desert beauty leans her forehead against his, her hands running through soft chestnut-brown hair.
"Feeling better, Ishizu?"
"You are so arrogant."
"Probably."
"Ahem! Are we interrupting something?"
Recognizing Marik's voice, Seto peers over Ishizu's head as she turns around. The couple is surprised to see Mokuba, Rebecca, and Ryou along with the Egyptian teen.
Ishizu can feel a blush rise to her face as she remembers what she was just doing with the man standing behind her.
"Actually you were" -replies the CEO.
"I'm assuming you're here for a reason little brother." -states the archaeologist.
"Yeah, if Kaiba can keep his lips of you long enough, we wanted to know if you two wanted to watch the fireworks display."
"Everyone else is already there saving spots for us." -chimes in Mokuba.
Admittedly, Marik and Mokuba are doing an amazing job hiding their happiness at the success of their plan. Meanwhile, Rebecca and Bakura have gained a new found respect for duo's acting abilities.
"That's fine, we'll be right behind you." -asks Ishizu.
"That's cool, c'mon you guys."
Rebecca drags the teens with her back to the open field of grass in the center of the park, where the rest of the gang is waiting. Left alone once again, Kaiba and Ishizu look at one another, a masculine arm still wrapped around a feminine waist. Instead of analyzing the kiss, the two decide to just accept what happened as the result of the attraction between them. Walking side by side the couple make their way through the park, the fireworks already beginning to illuminate the sky.
-TSUDUKU!(To be continued)
NINJA-RENKA: There you go, chapter 7 is done. It had a festival date, jealousy, and finally a Seto/Isis kiss! There were even fireworks! What else could you want in a chapter!
MARIK: Yes, all in all a job well done.
MOKUBA: Yup, we might have even outdone ourselves.
NINJA-RENKA: What are you two talking about?
MOKUBA: Our plan of course, it was a success. Seto and Ishizu are dating now!
REBECCA: I hate to break it to you two, but one kiss doesn't mean they're dating all of the sudden.
MARIK: Of course it does! I mean all that planning and scheming couldn't be just for one ,measly date! It wasn't even a REAL date!
RYOU: Relax, Marik. All Rebecca is saying is that it takes time to build up a relationship. I'm sure your plan got them on the right track.
NINJA-RENKA: Yeah, sure it did. The fact that both Seto and Ishizu are perfect for each other had nothing to do with it.
MARIK: Why do you insist on doing that?
NINJA-RENKA: I dunno, I've probably been hanging around you too much. Anyway, somebody introduce the next chapter.
RYOU: The next installment will most likely be the last chapter, it's called YetEverything is Completely Different, Seto and Ishizu get closer to one another and they start to put clues together. Will they find out the plot to get them together? Can this budding relationship survive the truth?
NINJA-RENKA: Nice job with the suspenseful build-up Ryou! Anyway, I hope everyone enjoyed this chapter. And once again sorry for the long wait but as promised I will finish this story, Later days!
- NINJA-RENKA OUT!