A Little Road Trip
Rika was dropped off in front of the Kaiba mansion feeling more then a little nervous. Kaiba, using his power and money had somehow arranged for a little visit to the Digital World. As it was Rika didn't even know how he knew about the Digital World but he'd calmly mentioned it three days ago and asked her to accompany him there as she was familiar with it. Now here she was, coming to collect him so that they could take his private jet to Hypnos. From there they'd head down to the portal between the Digital World and the Real World that they'd found when they were kids after the fight with the D Reaper and he would be the first one to do so that had no connection to a member of Hypnos. Well other then her but she'd had boyfriends before and never taken them there, much less told them about the digimon. It made her mind reel just thinking about it and the possible consequences of it all. Seto was so powerful and what he wanted he got come hell or high water. What did he want with the Digital World and would he see them as more then just data. Would he see them as she did? Sighing Rika rang the doorbell and tried to relax. Let in by Kaiba's butler Rika wasn't kept waiting long as Kaiba came down the stairs moments later, dressed casually in black slacks and a blue shirt that matched his eyes perfectly. Damn but he was gorgeous, Rika thought with an inner sigh even as she tried to remember that looks weren't everything and that she knew plenty of guys just as gorgeous. Okay so maybe none came to mind at that exact moment but she was sure she did. Besides a good looking face didn't mean anything either and shouldn't matter. Though it made looking at him a total pleasure a small voice in her head added slyly. "Ready to go?" Rika asked casually, hoping he wouldn't see her nerves as she tried to ignore everything but the task at hand. Besides she wasn't even really sure she could call him her boyfriend since he hadn't called her his girl and making out with someone didn't mean you were dating or anything. It just meant you were attracted? And damn but she needed to concentrate or she'd end up looking like a complete idiot.
"Quite. You?" Seto asked with a questioning look and when she nodded he smiled slightly and taking her arm led her through the large house and outside where his small jet was waiting for them patiently. Both getting into their seats they were soon up in the air and on their way to Hypnos, a government operation that wasn't even acknowledged as existing. Noticing Rika looked a little nervous Seto raised an eyebrow in surprise. She hadn't mentioned having a fear of flying. If she had he would have arranged for an alternate form of transportation. He still could for that matter though he'd have to call ahead to let Yamaki know that they'd be late. "You aren't afraid of heights, are you? We can travel there another way."
"No." Rika said shortly, shrugging the idea off. She'd been flying off with her mother to exotic destinations for flying to cause her a moment of worry. "Just wondering how you knew about the Digital World. It's not supposed to be common knowledge."
"Ah. Well I'm not the average person, now am I. I have too many ties with the government to count and when it comes to things involving computers, digital design and the unusual I tend to find out as much as possible. Not a lot in general goes on in Japan that I don't know about if its important." Seto said with an arrogant grin on his face. "Are you worried about taking me to the Digital World? It's quite stable and relatively safe from what my sources and Yamaki has told me. Do you disagree?"
"No, that's true but I don't like it that their are people outside of Hypnos that know about it. The digimon may just be data to you but their my friends and I'll kill anyone who tries to hurt them." Rika said defiantly, just daring him to call her foolish or childish to care so much about things that weren't even flesh and blood.
I
"I can understand that. And your secret is safe with me." Kaiba said as he took a sip of his coffee, not at all surprised to see Rika was so passionate about these digimon of hers. She was a very passionate person once you melted through the ice she shot off when she wanted to. He'd gotten the distinct impression that one of the reasons Yamaki had even agreed to let him visit Hypnos was his suggestion that Rika accompany him there. Apparently the director had felt that if Rika was willing to take him in then everything was alright. In other words Yamaki believed Rika cared about the Digital World that she'd never take someone there unless she trusted them. Of course he hadn't mentioned that he hadn't asked Rika yet either. But she had come and that was what was important. "I'm looking forward to seeing them. From what I've gathered they're amazing creations."
"They are. I'm curious as to what Renamon will think of you." Rika said with a hint of a smile and when he raised an eyebrow Rika explained. "Renamon is my digimon and my best friend. You could say that she had a lot to do with the person I grew up to be."
"Then she did a praiseworthy job." Kaiba said as he smiled at her, pleased when she smiled back. Obviously the reason for the tension he'd sensed had been her worries about her digimon and now that she knew they were safe she was fine. As low as it was to admit it..if he had intended to use the digimon for his own gain he would have thrown out the idea for her. "And how is your family doing? I understand Mai is back from Mokuba."
"Yeah, she is." Rika said with a slightly fainter smile, worried about her cousin. They'd got a hone call from a friend of Mai's last night saying that the creepy French guy was tearing up the place looking for her. Mai was afraid that he'd come after her once he figured out where she was and Rika was torn between wanting him to come and not for Mai's sake. But oh how she wanted just ten minutes alone with that guy. When she was done with him his own mother wouldn't recognize him and he'd sure as hell never be able to breed. "Joey's there now with her actually. I think the two of them are starting to patch things up."
I
"Well she could certainly do better but she always has had a soft spot for that idiot." Seto said dryly, having a feeling that there was more to this then meets the eye. "Mokuba said something about Joey wanting to go to France and kill someone..would that be related to the fact that Mai, usually a social person is spending most of her time at home?"
"And how would you know that she hasn't been leaving the house much." Rika wanted to know, her eyes narrowing slightly. She certainly hadn't said anything.
"Because Mokuba overheard Yugi and Tea discussing it and wanted us to send her a fruits basket along with a get well soon card." Seto said with a smirk on his face that slowly went serious as ideas starting to form in his ever busy brain. Thoughts that turned his stomach. He couldn't say he and Mai were even remotely friends but he knew her and liked her for her spunk and spirit. She was also someone who attracted attention whether it was wanted or not. "Did something ..happen to Mai when she was in France? She's tough but there are some situations where even the toughest aren't tough enough." Seto asked slowly.
"She's okay but there was a guy in France..well she was dating him and he got abusive...a lot." Rika said as she turned to look at him, her eyes just showing a small percent of the anger and rage she was feeling. "She left him but I get the feeling..he's not going to just sit around and play dead. Mai pressed charges and well...it's just a feeling." Rika said with a sigh.
"And you think he'll come here?" Seto said just as slowly, his blue eyes darkening as a new thought rolled into his mind. Danger. If this guy was strong enough, powerful enough to taken someone like Mai and put her under his thumb..then what would happen if he came here and tried to get at Mai when Rika would be there? She'd try to stop him and likely try to fight him, to get revenge for Mai. But what if Rika wasn't strong enough? What if..what if he hurt Rika? Hands clenching into fists Seto wasn't even aware that his breathing had gone a little ragged and unsteady, his pulse picking up as he was suddenly caught in a vision..a vision of another time.
I
He was standing in a hallway, his gaze caught in the sight before him as he watched, as in slow motion as Rameses's hand came up and flew down to smash into Ri's face, sending her flying into a pedestal which sent the statue it had been showcasing tumbling to the ground. Running forward, his legs feeling like they were encased in stone Seto watched as Rameses turned to face him, smirking then strolling away with several guards around him, the message clear. But even that was second to Ri. Finally reaching her Seto dropped to his knees and lifted her into his arms, cradling her there as he looked into her pale face, her eyelids struggling to open. "Ri? Ri? Open your eyes. Open them now!"
"Ever notice...that despite the fact that I outrank you..you're always ordering me around?" Came her weak response as her lashes fluttered, her eyes opening to half mast before opening wide, the purple brilliance of them clouded with pain and a struggle to remain conscious.
"Well if you'd...." Seto begin then stopped when he saw her wince in pain, her eyes filled with it. "That bastard..I'm going to kill him for this. To hell with the consequences. I'm taking you to Latoya now." Seto added as he stood up, cradling her against his chest as he walked swiftly down the hallway. Ignoring her weak protests Seto burst into Latoya's room where she stood, about to give Ri's father a drink of water while the Queen Suna watched over.
"Ri!" Suna cried as she stared at her eldest daughter cradled in the arms of the High Priest. "What happened?" She demanded as she rounded her husband's bed, her arms outstretched as she raced to her daughter's side as Seto continued to walk towards a lounge chair near the bed.
"What is the meaning of this, High Priest?" The old pharaoh demanded as he struggled to sit up, ignoring the pain as he tried to get out of the bed to get to his daughter. "What's wrong with her? Did she fall? Ifs she alright? Where are her personal guards."
"Your son decided he had the right to hurt her." Seto said, his eyes blazing with barely contained rage as he carefully set her down on the lounging seat, Latoya leaving the pharaoh's side to take a look. "He slapped her across the face and sent her crashing into a statue of Osiris. Apparently he feels that he can do this sort of thing without facing punishment." Seto added in a biting tone, his gaze locking with the pharaoh's as the pharaoh's face lost what color it had under the disgust in Seto's eyes.
I
"Seto? Seto, are you okay?" Rika asked anxiously as she shook his shoulder, the look on his face a million miles away. But his eyes were so angry and his body was so tense..had her words brought back a bad memory of something? "Seto!" Rika tried once more then in desperation for something to snap him out of it Rika grabbed the collar of his shirt with both hands and yanked him over, kissing him until she felt the strain leave his body and his lips kissing her back. Slowly pulling away Rika looked into his eyes and saw that they were aware and with her once more. "Are you okay? You were really out of it there for a moment."
"I'm fine, just a..a..bad memory." Seto said as he raked a hand through his hair then shifted it over to cup her cheek gently. "Sorry about that."
"It's okay. Just don't make a habit out of it." Rika said with a relieved look as she laid her hand on top of his.
"I'll try not to." Seto said with a smile even though inside he doubted that was a promise he was going to be able to keep. These visions were coming more and more often now and even more terrifying was that to him they were real. He wasn't just this High Priest's shadow but the high priest as much as the priest was him. Their hearts and feeling were the same and he didn't know how to separate them again. Or if he could even if he tried. Looking over at Rika though he knew that he had to protect her, to keep her safe like he hadn't in the past. He didn't know why but his gut was saying something bad was going to happen and he had to prevent it. He'd arrange for someone to watch over the house, to watch over Rika and her family in case this guy came to pay them a visit. He'd make sure they stayed safe. They arrived at Hypnos in good time and were soon escorted into the building where they were met by Yamaki who smiled in greeting, his eyes as usual were hidden behind dark shades. "Mr. Kaiba, it's been a while." Yamaki said as he shook Kaiba's hand then nodded in Rika's direction. "Rika. You look well. Your grandmother asked me to remind you that they're expecting you for supper."
"'I haven't forgotten." Rika said with a smile, pleased to be back as Yamaki escorted them in. Kaiba getting the full tour of the place it was soon time for them to head on into the portal. The place was full of people, most of whom Rika knew so there was plenty of his and how are yous being tossed around by the time they made their way to the main room where the portal was kept shielded against anything and anyone who might try to get near it without Yamaki's permission. The Tamers were really the only ones that used it and with good reason.
I
"Rika! Hey, girl." Alice called out and Rika turned to see Alice coming towards them, dressed in her usual solid black with her hair in pigtails. Leaving Seto to talk over some last minute things Rika walked over to greet her friend. "Long time no see. Ready for you and that good looking millionaire to head on in?" Alice asked with a grin after she'd hugged Rika and they'd exchanged hellos.
"You better believe it. I can't believe how much I've missed it." Rika said with a sheepish grin on her face. "So everything is good over here?"
"Yup, everything is go as far as I know. I think you can expect the rest of our friends to descend upon your house around supper time though." Alice said with a chuckle as the two shared a knowing look. "Oh and Henry's still away on vacation but I talked to him today and he sends you his usual greetings of miss you and what not. I don't think he's used to you not being just around the corner whenever he wants to drop in." Alice added as she ribbed Rika good naturedly.
"Well I'll have to call him and tell him I miss him too." Rika said with a smile then nearly shrieked when she felt an arm come protectively, not to mention possessively around her waist. "Hey!"
"Yamaki says it's time for us to head in, Rika." Seto said coolly over her shoulder. Henry hmm? Well Henry was going to have to get used to Rika not being around whenever he wanted to see her. "Hello. I'm Seto Kaiba." Seto added as he held his hand out to the blonde Rika had been talking to, shaking her hand.
"I'm Alice, a friend of Rika's. Nice to meet you." Alice said with a grin as she shook his hand then let go, delighted with this even as she thought about all the reasons this might not be a good thing. It looked like Rika had landed herself not only a gorgeous fish but a loaded one at that. Then again Seto Kaiba had quite the reputation in the business world and some of it was as far from good as you could get. But Rika had good instincts and since Kaiba hadn't had his arm broken for putting it where he had she'd assume that most of what she'd heard was petty gossip from jealous competitors. "Anyway you two should head in. Yamaki is rather anal when it comes to doing things on schedule."