Alright, chapter 02. I really like the way this story is shaping up. Haha. I know you guys are gonna be a little irked by my OCs in here but it's only because I find it so hard to make the Yugioh characters mean. Haha, I'm trying to keep them somewhat IC so we'll see. This is a Seto/Shizuka fic so don't worry, they'll get some more 'screen time', I promise. Oh, I guess I should say this is an A/U and I wasn't sure about the rating. I was thinking about a T rating but this fic has a lot of swearing and fighting so I wasn't sure if it would still be alright.

Well okay, let's get on with the chapter.

A Changed View

Chapter 02:

Connecting-The-Dots

"Are you okay?" The brunet girl asked as she knelt down and handed Shizuka a handkerchief to wipe away her tears. "You didn't get hurt amongst the scuffle, did you?" Her voice was kind and gentle.

Shizuka smiled back and shook her head. "Oh no, I'm fine." The girl stood and outstretched her hand. She took it and brought herself to her feet as well. "I'm so embarrassed. I always cry… Over anything." She mumbled.

The girl laughed lightly. "Don't be. It means you are close with your heart. Don't be ashamed of it."

"Anzu, dear." The two girls caught the voice of Miss Carroway as she shuffled through the mass of other teens. "Would you mind showing Miss Shizuka to her next class? It's Mrs. Kazami's room." The teacher appeared to be still slightly rattled by the whole ordeal. She wasn't used to the rowdy and hectic behavior the two boys could rise to, it seemed.

"Of course, Miss Carroway. I don't mind at all." She replied with a sincere smile. "Let's go, Shizuka."

"R-Right." The two headed down the hallways, it was empty and quiet considering class had already started for every other room. "So, you're… Anzu?" Shizuka asked, hoping she didn't mistake her name.

The girl nodded eagerly, "Yes. I'm Anzu Mazaki. And you're Shizuka Kawaii, right?" She asked.

'She knows who I am?' "Yes. I just moved to the Domino area." The younger replied quietly.

"You're Jounouchi's sister, aren't you?" She asked and turned a bright smile towards her. "We're really good friends. He mentions you a lot." She explained. Shizuka nodded meekly. "I ran into my History teacher, she told us that we were gaining a new student, you, to be exact. When I heard your name, I couldn't believe it." She laughed lightly. The two turned another corner and continued. "I immediately thought of how excited your brother would be."

"So, does Katsuya…" She frowned lightly and threw her gaze to the floor, "Does he always argue and fight with people, like that?"

Anzu giggled at the question. Shizuka gave her a quizzical inquiring look, "Hardly. Your brother is probably the biggest softie I've ever met. He's sweet as can be, just foolish, hard-headed and not the brightest bulb in the box." She mused and shook her head. "He's not normally riotous."

Shizuka sighed softly. "I'm glad Katsuya isn't always like that. I was worried because everyone around seemed so used to the whole scene. I thought maybe my big brother was some sort of troublemaker…" 'Although, my brother would rather me not know, I'm aware that he used to be a part of a gang and used to do bad things… I'd hate to think that he was still living that way. I don't think I could bear it…' She gripped the shoulder straps of her backpack, which amazingly had stayed in place throughout the whole chaos.

"Now that Kaiba fellow, is a real jerk. He tends to insult and press Jounouchi's buttons on purpose just to get him riled up. And he falls for it every time." She added exasperatedly.

"Yeah. That guy is something else alright." The young girl shuddered as she remembered those piercing blue eyes of his. "Is he always that way to everyone? Or does he just choose to be mean to my brother?" She asked. 'And me, apparently.'

Anzu spared a moment to think on the question. It was hard, really, to answer. "Well, he's pretty sour and snide with everyone. He tends to be somewhat civil to Yugi but him and Ryou get along really well - two of our classmates - and he's not really degrading to women if he can help it. Although he can be pretty harsh when they flock about and try to worship the ground he walks on…" She rolled her eyes and shrugged. "But if I had to say, he does seem to especially pick on Jounouchi. I don't really get why but he does."

"Oh. I see." Shizuka really felt bad about it. She knew her brother was tough and could handle himself but, even so, having someone so negative putting you down every day can be a strain on anyone. She found herself feeling even worse about the whole situation. 'I hope me coming here won't make things harder for him. I already caused a loud horrid fight between the two, what if that guy starts making comments to Katsuya about me just to get under his skin? That guy… What was his name? Kaiba?… Wait. Kaiba?!' Her eyes widened exceptionally and she halted her step. 'And the teacher… She had called him Seto… Right?!' Anzu stopped as well. "Wait. Kaiba? As in, the Seto Kaiba?" She asked disbelievingly.

"Yes. Of course." The short-haired brunette nodded. "Who else could it be?" She asked not the least bit surprised or worried.

"I shouldn't have been so…" Her cheeks colored a deep shade of red in embarrassment. 'Back there in the hallway when I bumped into him… When I grabbed his arm without thinking… He said he had important business and stuff and I…' "I didn't realize who he was. I thought he was just another student being unusually rude and impolite. I- I should've just left him alone…" She bit her lip nervously. 'If I had just let him go, he and Katsuya wouldn't have gotten into an argument in the first place… Now that I think about it.'

Anzu glared and thumped her on the forehead, affectively grabbing her attention. Shizuka rubbed the spot with confusion on her face. "Don't be ridiculous." She placed her hands on her hips and continued after a huff, "Don't let his celebrity be an excuse for the way he treats you. No one has the right to walk over anyone, and that goes for the 'Great' Seto Kaiba as well." She shrugged and shook her head dramatically. "Honestly, please don't be one of those girls that drools all over him." She pleaded and resumed walking.

Shizuka kept pace with her. "I wouldn't dream to be anywhere near him." The younger insisted. "I just, when you see him, you just don't see a jerk. You know?" She clenched her hands into fists, "And then you accidentally bump into him and he calls you an idiot and stuff." 'He stares at you with those scary eyes and makes you feel so inferior…' "It takes you off guard. I've heard so many things about him, good things. It's surprising." She couldn't help but be disappointed. She actually sort of admired the young CEO.

The brunette draped her arm over her and smiled gently. "Well, I never said he was a complete asshole. - Don't tell your brother I said that word." Shizuka tilted her head to the side. "I'm always getting after him for swearing and stuff, if he heard me right now, he wouldn't let me live it down." Shizuka giggled lightly. Anzu smirked. "Anyway, Kaiba's pretty sweet with kids and I can't say that he's ever done anything demeaning to me. He does call me 'Cheerleader' from time to time simply to aggravate my nerves. But beyond that…" She shrugged. The two stopped in front of a class with a small silver plating with indented lettering, "Mrs. Kazami's Classroom. This is your next class, right?"

Shizuka pulled out a folded sheet of paper out of her pocket and straightened it out. "Mrs. Kazami. Yes, this is it." She felt a little reluctant to part ways with the friendly girl. Her gaze fell to her shuffling feet. "Thank you, Miss Mazaki."

Anzu thumped her again on the head. "Haha!" She looked up. "I told you, I'm friends with your brother. So that makes me friends with you. Call me, Anzu, please." The older girl grinned sincerely.

Shizuka nodded cheerful. "Thank you, Anzu." 'For a while there, I had worried that this school was full of violence and hurtful people. I'm so glad… That there is someone like Anzu to keep my brother out of too much trouble.'

"Now come on. Let me explain the situation to your teacher. Don't want her getting the wrong idea about you." She winked and opened the door.

---

"I wonder if Jounouchi is okay…" Yugi muttered as they headed to their next class. It'd been about an hour since the incident earlier and he hadn't seen hide or hair of his short-tempered friend.

"Aw, don't worry 'bout that nimrod Yugi. He's a big boy and can handle anything Mikame can throw at him." Honda assured. "I'm more worried about the poetry assignment, me and Jounouchi don't know nothing about the concept." He sighed.

Ryou laughed lightly. He and Yugi shared a knowing look and he nodded. "Yugi and I were talking about the assignment earlier. Yugi's coming over to my place after school to work on it, why don't you and Jounouchi come along and we can help each other out?" He suggested.

"Aw. Really guys? That would be great. Jounouchi will definitely appreciate it." He accepted gratefully.

"Hey Yugi!" Yugi stared out ahead and blushed as their brunette friend rushed up to them. Anzu greeted Ryou and Honda and the group headed to their next class. "So you haven't heard about 'em yet I see?" Anzu asked concerned.

"Don't worry, Anzu." Yugi offered comforting.

She smiled. "I'm not, but it's his sister. She's realy bothered by the bitter feud between Jounouchi and Kaiba. I'm pretty sure we're all in Mrs. Hachi's class together. I didn't want her to worry about him, if he doesn't show up." She explained.

Honda clutched his heart in dramatic effect. "It's okay. I'll be there to comfort the poor beautiful Shizuka Kawaii." His eyes lit with imaginary sparkles. "She is such a sweet girl, and Jounouchi is such a moron for making her cry." He further added.

Anzu stopped her step and hit him over the head with her fist, "Don't you go making the moves on Jounouchi's sister, Honda." She warned. "I won't stop him from beating you into the ground." He rubbed his head and pouted. The group continued walking.

Ryou smiled lightly. "I'm sure she'll be fine. We'll just have to work together and keep her spirits up. I'm sure when she gets used to everything, and everyONE, things'll not be so bad." He assured and the group smiled as they entered the class. Until Anzu caught Shizuka chatting it up with a girl named Motoko Kashiwa. Her friends backed away as they could feel flames engulf their female friend. She approached angrily. "Shizuka get away from her." She uttered between gritted teeth.

The younger girl brightened considerably. "Oh Anzu, we're in the same class." She chirped cheerfully and flitted over towards her. "Do you know Motoko? She helped me find this room when I got lost again. She was in Miss Carroway's class too, but I didn't notice her through the whole incident with Katsuya."

"Stay away from Shizuka, Motoko." Anzu glared folding her arms across her chest. The younger eyed the two cautiously. The new girl she'd met was still smiling sweetly but her hazel eyes concealed a vicious glower.

'What the… They don't like each other? Oh man, I've done started another fight haven't I?' Shizuka gulped and stood back a little. Was she a bad luck charm or something? It was just like being at home all over again. She could feel her eyes start to waver. 'Everywhere I go… I just get in the way…' Her eyes shot up as a beautiful boy with long, soft-as-a-cloud white hair gave her shoulder a comforting squeeze. He smiled gently and for some reason, as her eye caught his calm brown eyes, she could tell he hadn't an ounce of malevolence in him.

---

"My, my, my…" Their vice principal, Mr. Maou Flaere, waltzed in, he waved his finger in a 'tsk, tsk, tsk' manner. "Whatever are we to do with you boys? Getting into trouble. What happened this time? You guys were doing so well, haven't seen either of you in here for near two months. I hear from Wrise that you two were fighting in the hallway during class." He sighed in disappointment and leaned against the Principal's desk. His tone was always relaxed, no matter the situation. It countered his superior's attitude completely.

Jounouchi groaned in annoyance. "What's taking so long? That's two classes I've missed already. I don't have time to be-" He pointed at the clock.

"Then you shouldn't have started fighting with Seto." The V.P. nodded in the negative as Jounouchi began to protest that it was the brunet's fault. Kaiba smirked and remained silent. "Don't be so smug, Seto. Everyone knows the two of you banter back and forth like an old married couple," Jounouchi growled at the statement, Kaiba rolled his eyes. "But fighting, loud outbursts that disrupt the school? You two are nearly adults. You need to show some proper respect for both the underclassmen as well as your teachers." He warned as he played with a strand of his jet-black hair.

"That's enough idle chit-chat, Maou." The three eyed the entrance of the Principal, Mr. Wrise Mikame.

"Did that phone call go well, Wrise?" The V.P. asked nonchalantly as he stood straight.

He nodded in response and Mr. Flaere left the office. It was evident the other was well beyond upset with the boys. "What am I supposed to do with the two of you?" He asked begrudgingly. "You two began arguing during class, so we had you two assigned to opposite ends of each classroom. And you started fighting in the cafeteria. So I separated you at completely different tables. You were having altercations outside, so the two of you each have your own exits out of the building… And now this. You start fighting in the hallways?!" He yelled visibly and terribly irritated. "What the Hell do you two have to say for yourselves this time?!" He all but growled some of his long jet-black hair falling from his messy ponytail.

"I'm a very busy man, Mr. Mikame, sir. I can't help if a snarling Mutt finds it necessary to bark at me on a daily business." Kaiba replied calmly, folding his hands neatly on top of his crossed legs. He was leaning back in his seat.

"I'm not a damn Mutt. And you're the one always startin' the fights, you fuckin' liar!" He growled.

"That's enough!"

Jounouchi glared and stood up. "No! It's not enough." He retorted angrily. "This asshole can come and go as he pleases without any back talk? He can call me a worthless canine or stupid barb, whatever the Hell he comes up with and nobody does a damned thing about it?" He was shaking with irritation. "And he has the audacity to talk 'bout my sister and the teacher just lets him say whatever?! I don't give a damn about the idiotic prick-worthy crap you wanna send my way, but I ain't gonna let this jerk pick on my sister." He warned heatedly.

Kaiba stood as well. "Using words like 'audacity' and 'idiotic' Mutt? I'm impressed. You've actually expanded your vocabulary beyond the gutter-trash nonsense you speak through that lower-class mouth of yours." He remarked venomously.

Jounouchi leaned forward, ready to start round two of their fight, but then Mr. Mikame stepped between and shoved them both in each their own seat. "That is enough." He hissed. "You two are the most arrogant and ego-centric in this entire school. And it seems attempting to keep you away from one another is NOT working." Kaiba eyed him warily, he didn't like how this was sounding. His eyes flitted to the clock on the wall and frowned. They'd been here over an hour. "I need you to listen." His words forced Kaiba back to him. "I've arranged for the two of you to undergo meetings with the school counselor. You will meet with her together after school for a month. Twice a week together, and once on separate days alone."

Jounouchi's eyes widened. "That's ridiculous." He stated.

"Hn. I don't have the time to be held here after school." Kaiba glowered.

Mr. Mikame clenched the bridge of his nose in attempt to calm his bordering nerves. "And I'm too tired to deal with it in any other manner. We have a new counselor, and she has been made aware of the two of you." He folded his arms across his chest. "She would like to introduce herself now." He walked over to the door.

Kaiba stood to his feet, expression a disinterested scowl. "I don't have time for some woman to prattle on about getting along, Mr. Mikame - sir." He uttered 'neath his breath.

The principal stopped and gave the brunet his full attention. His expression lightened into amusement for a few seconds, "None whatsoever? And yet you have just enough to ridicule your fellow students and instigate needlessly?" He prodded, Kaiba's eyes narrowed.

Jounouchi smirked and laughed aloud. "Haha, he told you something. 'Bout time someone knocked that overconfident smug look off your face." He sneered throwing his hands behind his head as he settled into his seat. "Maybe you should make time for a woman, Seto, then maybe you wouldn't be such a -"

"Katsuya, you are not that different from him." He began, "You're just as disruptive. You're too eager and sensitive." Kaiba grinned darkly at the statement. The other pouted. "And you," He pointed at the CEO of Kaiba Corporation. "You're more a child than Jounouchi is, in my opinion." The expressions on the two students remained, though in reverse. "But I'm not you're counselor." He reached for the door again and opened it up.

In stepped a woman not too much older than them, it seemed, of tanned skin and dark ebony hair. Her eyes were a stunning aquamarine. Both boys, despite, their reservations moments before, fell quiet. "I leave them to you. And good luck." The principal murmured in sincerity.

"Thank you." He left the room and she quietly surveyed the two. Her disposition was refined, she seemed well put together and had a strong determination in her eyes. 'Damn. Look at her body - it's perfect!' Jounouchi gushed mentally, blushing broadly. She was well-endowed in all the right places, from those voluptuous breasts to the thin waist and sinful curves. The blond told himself not to start drooling. Kaiba folded his arms across his chest and remained unfazed. "It's nice to meet the both of you." She smiled politely. Her eyes flitted across the standing brunet male and she bowed slightly "You are Seto Kaiba, I presume." The CEO 'hn' in response and sat down in his seat. Apparently they weren't allowed to leave just yet. She grinned softly at the other blond-haired boy, "Katsuya Jounouchi?" The called nodded all too eager. "My name is Ishizu Ishtar. I will be your counselor." She smiled, once more, politely.