Here we go, the home stretch, the second to last chapter of Nothing Ever Changes!
This chapter will be a focus on Marik and Mokuba as they prepare for the final stage of the plan, and they are forced to play their last hand.
DISCLAIMER: I do not own the YuGiOh! Franchise, if I did, there would be another season with more Kaiba and Ishizu interactions and no motorcycling dueling. Kazuki Takahashi-sensei owns all rights and at the moment, I'm not rich enough to buy them from him.
WARNING: Bad impersonations of a Japanese CEO and an Egyptian curator as well as slight mental breakdowns.
CHAPTER 9 - Mission Accomplished!?
Our chapter begins on a brisk weekend afternoon in the heart of Domino City Park. Children play on the jungle gyms and swings as their parents sit on benches, keeping a careful eye on them. Joggers run the trail, their breaths visible as they continue their exercise. Couples of all ages walk hand in hand, sharing intimate conversations as they take in the colorful foliage. One such couple is sitting on a lone bench drinking coffee to keep warm. Two sets of blue eyes watch the tranquil pond before them as swans and other waterfowl paddle in lazy circles on the water's surface.
When a breeze blows by, the Egyptian shivers prompting her Japanese companion to use his arm to bring her closer. His body heat quickly warming up the woman next to him as she rests her head on his shoulder.
"Thank-you."
"Your welcome, although if you plan to stay here, you're going to have to adjust to the climate, Ishizu."
"I know," -replies the desert dweller with a smirk. "So, how has Mokuba been acting lately?"
"Well, he has been making and receiving a lot of phone calls recently, so it's safe to assume he's planning something big. Knowing Mokuba, it's probably another surprise party. . ."
"Surprise party for what?" -asks the archaeologist with a confused look.
"My birthday, it's on the 25th."
"Why didn't you tell me your birthday was coming up?"
"Birthdays are overrated."
"You are so cynical, I'll just have to show you what you're missing."-retorts Ishizu before changing the subject. "So, how did it go with Marik the other day?"
"Great, he really seems to think that you and I had a fight. . ."
It is the day after Seto and Ishizu's dinner date, the young CEO is once again enjoying the solitude of the rooftop of Domino City High School while trying to get some work done. All the sudden, the heavy roof access door is slammed opened and an angry Marik Ishtar stomps over to the businessman.
"What the hell, Kaiba?!"
"Good afternoon to you too, Marik."
"Shut-up!"
Slightly startled by the total lack of disrespect, Kaiba's rising anger almost loses control and breaks his role. With a deep, calming breath blue eyes look up at the teen before him, ready to hear what the Egyptian has to say.
"I left you with my sister, alone, for a total of three hours. When I left the apartment you two were getting along great. When I returned you two were AT EACH OTHERS' THROATS!"
"I have no idea what you mean."
"Really, let me sum -up the important points . . ."
Clearing his throat, Marik begins to talk, his voice clearly imitating Seto Kaiba's (it's not as good as Tristan's impression, but still pretty recognizable)
"I'm Seto Kaiba and I'm an idiot that would rather play with technology or cards than spend time with actual people. And when I finally find someone I have things in common with and can stand being around me, I resort to insulting her culture and beliefs!"
Then, to Kaiba's surprise, Marik switches over to impersonate his sister, which he does surprisingly well. Even going so far as to mimic, her subtle gestures and expressions.
"And I'm Ishizu Ishtar, the best thing to ever come into your life, but hey if you want to be alone for the rest of your life go right ahead."
"Fantastic," - the amateur impressionist starts, going back to his "Kaiba- voice". "Now I have more time to tinker about in my lab and challenge people to duels until I die by myself with nothing to keep me company but my pride and my money. BWAHAHAHAHA!"
The impression of both himself and his girlfriend has left the CEO at a loss for words. Part of him is annoyed by the insulting comments, but the other half is trying not to laugh. Once he is sure no laughter will escape him, the brunette opens his mouth to respond.
"Marik, your sister and I simply had an argument, it's not a sign of the Apocalypse."
"When my sister curses, it might as well be!"
"She cursed?"
"Well, not really and it was in Egyptian, but the point is that she is really mad at you!"
"Maybe I'm mad at her. Even a saint couldn't take her 'holier than thou' attitude all the time and constant judgment of everything I do."
"You are far from being a saint, Mr. 'I don't believe in hocus-pocus magic when I've seen it with my very own eyes on more than one occasion.' If denial was a sport, you'd be it's MVP!"
"Marik, why do you care so much?" - the CEO asks, clearly amused by the teen's outburst.
"I'm just confused, I mean at the festival you two were all over each other and you've been hanging out a lot. Don't you like Ishizu?"
Kaiba runs a hand through his chestnut-brown hair as he searches for an answer. He begins to realize how difficult it is to lie about his feelings for the woman, something he had been able to do flawlessly up to this moment.
"Look, I do like your sister. She's beautiful and very intelligent, but we are very different people. Ishizu looks to the past for answers and I look to the future, I don't see a basis for a romantic relationship there. However, I do respect her and I consider her a friend."
At the admittance, Marik stares at Seto with a look of complete and utter shock. His left eye starts to twitch as the teen before him returns to typing away at his laptop. . .
As Kaiba finishes his story, Ishizu is laughing at the thought of her brother doing his impersonations.
"Marik always had a flair for melodrama. Although I can't believe he actually did that impression of you to your face!"
"It seemed like he has been practicing it."
"Seto, Marik has nothing but the utmost respect for- I'm sorry, I can't even say that with a straight face!"
The CEO has a miffed look on his face as he watches the woman next to him shake with laughter.
"I hope that this isn't a taste of your acting skills."
"Give me some credit, Seto. Besides, with our combined performances, Marik and Mokuba should be freaking out as we speak. I think the two of them made it a personal mission to hook us up."
"It would seem so."
As the two sit together on the bench, enjoying each other's presence, Kaiba glances down at the desert beauty in his arms. The soft smile on her lips as she thinks makes the older woman seem younger, causing the Japanese teen to briefly ponder what she was like in her younger years.
"I hope our joke doesn't distress them too much. After all, we should be thanking them."
"In due time,"-states Seto, coming out of his reverie. "But I think we should make sure they know that we are not to be trifled with."
" . . . Are you going to start cackling maniacally now?"
"Perhaps later."
With an amused roll of her azure eyes, the museum curator chuckles at the CEO's trademark dry humor. The couple watch the pond before them as they share a conversation of a more intimate and personal nature.
Meanwhile, in a small dinner in the more urban area of the city - a popular hangout for the local high school students, another conversation is about to begin. Inside the establishment, Yugi and his friends sit at a particular large booth(starting from the left: Yugi, Tea, Mai, Joey, Serenity, Tristan and Ryou). As the group of teens finish placing their drink order, Marik, Mokuba and Rebecca enter. The newcomers grab a seat on the ends(Mokuba and Rebecca next to Yugi and Marik plops down next to Ryou).
"Hey guys, how're things going?" -asks the tri-color haired duelist.
His seemingly innocent question is met with twin glares from Marik and Mokuba as the spectacled girl clears her throat to explain.
"Things aren't doing so well actually. According to these two, Seto and Ishizu have decided to keep their relationship platonic."
"WHAT?!"-exclaims the other occupants of the booth.
The outburst has startled the other diner patrons, causing the teens to blush in embarrassment and lower their voices to hushed whispers.
"How can that be?"-Tea questions. "At the festival, they could barely keep their hands off each other!"
"Yeah, and Kaiba-san actually smiled!"-interjects Serenity.
"Don't ask me, ask Kaiba." -Marik shouts with an annoyed tone.
"Hey, Seto isn't to blame for all of this!" -Mokuba states defensively.
"Are you trying to say my sister is?!"
"Enough you two," interupts Rebecca. "We didn't ask everyone to come here to watch you guys fight. We all need to put our heads together and come up with another plan."
"What about your plan, Mokuba? I thought you said it was foolproof."-offers Yugi with a hopeful look in his eyes.
"It was, but my plan was to seal the deal not to re-start their relationship."
"Well, tell us anyway. Maybe we can still use it." -Mai suggests.
"Okay, since Seto's birthday is coming up, I've been planning a huge surprise party for him. The press is going to be there, along with some of KaibaCorp's major business partners. Basically it would've been the perfect time for Seto to present Ishizu as his girlfriend. I even pulled some strings to get an orchestra, AN ORCHESTRA! Do you have any idea how hard it is to get an orchestra at the last minute?!"
"Uh . . . no?" - asks Tristan.
"It's VERY HARD." -replies the young Kaiba through clenched teeth.
"Relax Mokuba, I think that we can still use your plan." -states the Egyptian teen as a familiar gleam flashes through his eyes.
"But didn't you just say that Ishizu and Kaiba only want to be friends?" -Joey questions as he chugs down his soda.
"Look, I know my sister and, up until their fight, she was definitely falling for Kaiba. Something happened that night, but neither of them are willing to talk about it."
"So you think that they had an argument and just don't know how to make up or something, Marik?" -Tea concludes.
"Yup. But maybe, if we force them to face each other in a romantic setting, they'll realize how ridiculous they've been and make-up."
"I hate to be a wet blanket, but don't you think you are putting all your proverbial eggs in one basket?"-Ryou blatantly points out. "Maybe it's best to just let Kaiba and Ishizu workout their own relationship, after all you two can't keep pulling the strings forever, right?"
"We know that, Ryou."-reassures Mokuba with a smile. "All we are trying to do is give them a push in the right direction."
"And if all goes well,"-interjects Marik. "everything will take off naturally. Then, when they're good and blissfully happy, Mokuba and I will reap the fruit of our labors."
"I should've figured you had an ulterior motive."
"You act surprised by that." -The platinum blonde offers as he flashes the white-haired teen a smirk. "Now, we have some planning to do. Just like at the festival, the girls will handle Ishizu and the guys will take care of Kaiba. The only way we'll be able to get them to attend this shindig is to ambush them both and leave no route of escape."
"Um, Marik . . . I don't think we need all six of us to 'ambush' Kaiba." -Tristan states.
"Word to the wise, the one mistake everyone always makes when dealing with my brother, is underestimating him. Trust me, we're going to need all the help we can get."
At Mokuba's comment, all the teens nod in agreement and get to work planning their exact plan of attack . . .
After weeks of anticipation and planning, as days often do, October 25th has finally arrived in Domino city. The day happens to rest on a Friday which means the student body of Domino High School is practically racing out of the school gate. The exception of course being Seto Kaiba himself, the tall teen strides towards the black limo that is waiting to pick him up. As the businessman walks, his mind thinks about the work he needs to get done while musing over whether or not he should call his girlfriend. A foreign thought for the Japanese man, but decidedly not an unwelcome one. Before he can even reach for his cellphone however, Marik comes up and drapes an arm over his shoulders. The overly-familiar gesture causes Seto to raise an eyebrow in silent question.
"Hey Kaiba, do you mind if I come over your place today?"
"If I say no, will you actually leave me alone, or simply ignore me and invite yourself anyway?"
"Great, let's go!"
"Marik, I have work to do. I don't have the time to entertain you."
"You're not going to get rid of me that easily, birthday boy! You are officially 18 years old and we're going to celebrate."
Before he can protest, the CEO is shoved into the black, KaibaCorp limo that is parked at the curb. Kaiba completely unaware that a similar course of events are happening at the Domino Museum . . .
Inside the large, ornate building, Dr. Ishtar is in one of the display cases, setting up the Egyptian nobility exhibit. Busy dressing the mannequins in historically-accurate clothes, the curator is more than surprised when Mai's feminine hand covers her sapphire-blue eyes.
"Guess who?"
"Mai, what're you doing here?"
"Nothing really, I just thought I'd just surprise you with a visit. You don't have any plans tonight do you?"
"Technically no, but-"
"You should come over to my condo, the girls and I are having a girls' night. It'll be really fun!"-exclaims the tall blonde.
"I'm afraid I'm not exactly familiar with the concept of a 'girls night', Mai."
"Well, it's when girls hang out together and spend the night talking and gossiping - it's a bonding thing. So Ishizu, are you in?"
"I suppose I could use a break from my work."
"Great, let's get going!"
"Now? I have some things to wrap up for the exhibit-"
"You're the curator Ishizu, I'm sure someone else can finish it up for you."
Not waiting for an answer, Mai drags the Egyptologist from her work and into the purple convertible parked outside. Both women make their way towards Mai's condo located in the heart of Domino City. Entering the lavish apartment, the Egyptian is taken aback by the chic décor and the photos of the model along the walls. Upon their arrival, they are greeted by Tea, Serenity, and Rebecca.
"Hey Ishizu, it's so cool that you made it!" -exclaims the brunette.
"Yeah, we finally get a chance to hang out, just us girls!"- chimes in Serenity.
"It's nice to see you all as well, but I feel like there is something you all are keeping from me . . ."
Ishizu's comment makes the three girls look to one another for an answer before they turn to her sympathetically.
"Ishizu, how are things with Kaiba?" -Rebecca asks tentatively.
"Fine, why do you ask?"
"Are you sure?" -presses the red-haired Wheeler.
"Yes, although I still have no idea what you all are trying to ask me?"
"What we're trying to ask Ishizu, is - are you okay with just being friends with him? I mean, we were all there at the festival and we saw how inseparable you two were."
For a moment, the archaeologist is genuinely touched by the girls' sincerity. She almost considers forgetting the plan, and telling them the truth, but the thought quickly vanishes from her head. A smile graces her features as she addresses the four girls staring her down.
"It's very sweet that all of you are worried about me, but there's nothing to be concerned about. Now I hope that we aren't going to spend the rest of the night discussing my love life, right?"
"No, we just wanted to make sure everything's okay. After all, we are friends, and friends are supposed to-"
"Alright Tea, we get it." -interrupts Mai. "C'mon girls, we have a party to get ready for!"
"A party? Mai, I have nothing to wear and-"
"Relax, Ishizu. Being a supermodel has it's advantages, I'll just buy you a new dress and put it on the agency's tab. And I don't want to hear any protests, because you need to look good for this party, Trust me."
At the blonde's statement, a look of utter confusion is on the Egyptian's face. An expression that is quickly ignored as she and the other girls head out of the condo and towards the fashion district of the metropolis.
Across town, a young billionaire enters his home followed by his uninvited guest - Marik Ishtar. The businessman is more than annoyed as he crosses the marble foyer and places his coat into the hall closet before turning around to rest a suspicious glare on the teen before him. However, the Egyptian is completely unfazed by it and flashes a broad smile.
"C'mon Kaiba, loosen up a little. It's your birthday, I know you want to do something besides work."
Well, I was planning on spending it alone with your sister . . . -ponders the Japanese teen before responding to the blonde. "I like working, Marik. Too many of our peers have no work ethic and expect things to be given to them."
"Yeah, yeah, Gramps. In case you've forgotten, you're 18 not 80! Don't you want to have just a little bit of fun?"
"Beyond the fun we're having right now?"
"Very funny, Kaiba. I was talking about hanging out, going to parties, you know . . . SOCIALIZING!"
"I socialize plenty."
". . ."
". . ."
"Has anyone ever told you that you are impossible?" -Marik states with narrowed lavender eyes.
"Only about every teacher I've ever had . . . Look, if I agree to 'celebrate' my birthday with you, will you leave me alone?"
"Consider it a deal! Now I just need to call the guys."
"What 'guys'?" -asks the CEO.
"Well as much of a party animal as you are Kaiba, you can't have a 'Guys Night Out', with only two guys!"
"I'm telling you right now, I am not going to some club or a ridiculous karaoke bar with Yugi and his friends."
"Relax, I'm taking you to someplace fancy. We wouldn't want you to stray too far from your comfort zone on your first social outing, now would we?" -replies the Egyptian.
"I'm going to regret this."-the brunette surmises, already dreading the night's events.
"I think you're going to be thanking me. Now go and get dressed, Mokuba said he left your tuxedo on your bed."
"Mokuba's in on this too, . . . why am I not surprised?"
"Ponder that later, it's time for you to get ready!"
Grumbling to himself, the birthday-boy is being reluctantly pushed up the stairs by Marik. However, for a brief instant, an all-knowing smirk flashes on the CEO's face . . .
-TSUDUKU (To be continued)
NINJA-RENKA: Yay, Chapter 9 is finished!, meaning that it's time for me to get started on Chapter 10.
TEA: I can't wait, the anticipation is killing me!
SERENITY: I know, Ishizu and Kaiba-san are such a cute couple, I hope they get back together!
MAI: I don't know if I'd ever use the word "cute" to describe Seto Kaiba, but those two do make a good couple.
REBECCA: Which only further proves how stupid Kaiba is when it comes to women.
MAI: You said it. Personally I wouldn't be surprised if he only made things worse-
TEA & SERENITY: He'd better not!
NINJA-RENKA: Sorry girls, you will have to wait just like everyone else! The next chapter will be the final chapter,(Ch.10 - The Final Reveal) it's sad but every story has it's ending! The final installment will show how this crazy plan will wrap up and the full circle of Seto and Ishizu's relationship. It's gonna be a long one, so it will take longer for me to update, but please stay tuned and later days!
Don't forget to tell me what you think and review- Compliments, Comments, and Creative Criticism are always welcomed!
NINJA-RENKA OUT!