Yes, the chapter is done. To be honest, I had a couple of ideas for the layout of this chapter, but I like what I picked. I hope no one becomes confused.
Disclaimer: I don't own Yu-Gi-Oh!
Chapter Two
The Cairo International Airport was abuzz with activity. Security guards watched with intense eyes. Travelers grasped their belongings as the shouted to the check-in attendants. Families sobbed and hugged as young flyers came off the planes and into their arms. A crackling voice came over the public announcement system trying to overshadow all noises within the vicinity.
Atemu tipped his head back, closing his eyes so he could focus. The constant clashes between people drowned together as he strained to hear the voice on the radio. It mentioned something about a flight. Which flight was it? Was it arriving or departing? Was it delayed or cancelled? The vital information escaped with the din amongst the building, making the Egyptian grumble.
His eyelids rose to allow the fluorescent lights to enter his eyes. Travelers continued to walk by him as he stood. He flipped over his wrist, twitching his arm to slide the watch. Taking note of the time, he dropped his arm. The flight did not leave for another hour, unless that announcement was for their flight.
Atemu shifted his brown carry-on in his other hand. Security was tight. As he passed through the check point, two of the guards forced him to discard two bottles of sun block, claiming it could be explosives. It was either throw the bottles away or go back to luggage and pack it, delaying his departure. His cousin would not like that. He gritted his teeth and obeyed, tossing the nearly empty bottle and newly bottle of sun block.
He tapped his foot lightly on the ground. How long do girls need to use the restroom?
"Atemu!"
He turned his head towards the voice. The feminine voice came from a girl around the same height as he. He watched her brown hair bob with her movement, her green eyes sparkled with happiness. He completed his turn, facing the girl full front, giving her a small frown.
"Done Mana?" he spoke with slight exasperation in his voice.
"Look," she snapped, waving a finger at him, "I don't want to have to use the toilet on the plane if I don't have to. You wouldn't want me to complain and whine for the next twelve hours."
"Knowing you, you just might anyway. You will most likely be bored after two hours." He joked, a smile emerging on his lips.
Mana stood for a moment in silence. Her face dropped before flashing a smile. "I know. You know me too well Atemu."
She kissed him on the cheek, causing him to smile bigger as they stood in the airport. Mana pulled away, gripping her handbag. Tension built in her hand.
"Atemu," she began, her voice low, "I have never flown before. It is scary?"
He chuckled, wrapping an arm around her. "No. It might be a little…startling the first time, but I think you will like it." He kissed her cheek chastely, in an effort to comfort her. A nod came from her. With Mana's worries pushed to the side, Atemu led them to their gate.
He had been to this airport many times. His desire to travel and see the world through his own eyes rather than through books had driven him to this destination over and over again. It had almost become his second home. The smell of the air, the mixing of different cultures and tongues, and the rushed atmosphere always excited him. In all the places he had been, Japan was the place he visited most often.
Japan was known for its history and heritage, and some of its bars and clubs. Atemu wanted to explore the rumors himself and would visit the country often to get a taste of the local cuisine, culture and art. Every so often he would go and have a party overseas, taking in the sights, sounds and smells of a land far from his own. Yet this visit he was going for a different reason.
His cousin was getting married.
The announcement came as a shock. The strong, stoic Seto Kaiba, owner and president of the prestigious Kaiba Corporation, was going to be married; someone Atemu never thought had an interest in marriage, let alone love. It was a surprise when the Egyptian heard his cousin had a girlfriend. It was even more bizarre when he met Kisara for the first time; a quiet yet passionate girl whose silvery blue hair and matching soft baby blue eyes was the perfect contrast to the cobalt blue eyes and brunette president. Perhaps his younger brother convinced him to change his mind, or perhaps it was the woman who was to become Mrs. Kaiba. Either way, Seto was getting hitched in a week.
True to Kaiba's nature, it was going to be a big event; a week of celebration and grandeur before the actual event. Parties, dinners, even a bachelor and bachelorette party, which Atemu mused as being Mokuba's idea, were the highlights before the wedding ceremony. Seto Kaiba was a prestigious man, and he needed the world to know.
Atemu had always supported his cousin. From the moment he talked about his dream of expanding his business to the building of a theme park for children, the Egyptian would listen and give guidance to the best of his ability. Then again, he was never in the office aspect of business; Atemu specialized in promoting ideas and products. His smooth talking and charming personality always aided him in sealing the deal. It was one of the ways he wooed his girlfriend.
Mana was a recent graduate of University, earning two degrees, one in mathematics and the other in psychology. How the two went together Atemu had not a clue, but Mana always found a way to connect them. Her green eyes lit up as she compared the study of numbers to the aspect of human behavior and thought, explaining her dream to find out how human wonder and curiosity shaped the mathematical science as it is known today.
The sounds of the PA systems reverberated once again through the airport, gaining the attention of the couple.
"Flight 1265 to Tokyo, Japan will be boarding in ten minutes. All passengers should have their tickets ready. Again, flight 1265 to Tokyo, Japan will be boarding in ten minutes."
Atemu felt the twenty-seven-year-old shiver slightly in his hand. He smiled, wiping away the initial shock, and turned to her, his crimson eyes shining.
"Calm down Mana. We're not even on the plane yet."
"Easy for you to say, you have flown many times."
"Now has anything happened while I have flown?"
"No," she said before quickly adding, "but I haven't, so therein lays the difference."
He let out a chuck, releasing her hand. He took two envelopes from his front pocket. He handed one to Mana, who took it gently before opening it. Inside was a white slip of thick paper with writing. The writing, upon closer inspection, consisted of her name, airline and seat number.
It was becoming real for Mana; her first plane ride. The fear was beginning to emerge once again. Her lips frowned as her face slightly paled. She jumped as she felt a gentle pressure on her shoulders. Twisting her head she caught the sight of her boyfriend, smiling at her.
"I'm right next to you." Atemu said.
She nodded with a slight look of dread in her eyes. She felt him kiss her cheek, feeling the warmth of his own body. The dread began to vanish as she relished the touch. He knew how to comfort her, even as the next announcement came upon the PA system once again.
"Flight 1265 is now boarding for Tokyo, Japan. All passengers please proceed to the gate. Flight 1265 is now boarding for Tokyo, Japan."
Atemu leaned in close to her ear, his hot breath bounced of her skin. "I will be right here." Without another word, Atemu led her through the gate and entered the tunnel towards the plane.
The flight was anything but peaceful for Atemu. The beginning started with him by comforting and reassuring his girlfriend without laughing at her panicky state. Once in the air, he entertained Mana by talking about Japan, the sights and sounds of the city, watching as the fear ebbed away from her green eyes. When Mana finally calmed down, he listened to her cloud amusements, depicting shapes within the white blobs. As the plane neared its destination, a baby had awoken and begun a wailing protest of its current position, breaking any silence the man may have had.
The aircraft landed without so much as a bump, although Mana's hand was gripped tightly onto Atemu's larger one. He chuckled at her nerves, only to receive a nasty glare and a pink tongue his way. He accepted the actions, smiling before kissing her cheek and breathing in her ear, only to be swatting lightly on the hand. Once the vehicle stopped, Atemu, releasing Mana's hand, stood and grabbed his luggage from the overhead compartments.
Upon exiting the gate, Atemu caught sight of a tall man held a sign near his chest which bore the name "Massri." Atemu nudged Mana, gaining her attention, and tilted his head towards the sign. He received a nod in affirmation before walking, heading to the man, with Mana keeping with steps. He greeted the suited man with a wave. In return, the greeter acknowledged the couple with a bow.
"Welcome to Japan." The man spoke with a thick accent, his voice higher than anyone would expect for someone his size. "I will be taking you to the villa where Kaiba-sama and his bride-to-be will be waiting."
Atemu bowed once the man rose to his original standing position. "Thank you. How long will the ride take?"
"About one hour. We will be traveling by helicopter."
"More flying?"
Atemu laughed before shutting his mouth when receiving another glare from his girlfriend.
"Mana, you survived once. Besides," he leaned in, stroking his hand across her cheek, "I will be right there to hold you tight." He felt her shiver for a brief second before relaxing under his touch.
With Mana calmed from her shock, the couple followed the man, exiting the airport. The Tokyo International airport was just as crowded as Cairo's, with tongues of other lands filing the air. Atemu smiled at the change. It was comforting hearing the Japanese language surrounding him, despite being so far from home.
"Can you understand them?"
He twisted his head to Mana, who stared back at him quizzically. He leaned in, keeping his pace as they continued to follow the man.
"Yes, I had to learn Japanese for my family's sake."
Atemu saw Mana only nod in an attempt to hide a small frown. He forced her chin upwards, making sure to look into her sad eyes.
"Don't worry. Many people at the wedding will speak Arabic. Just as I had to learn Japanese, Seto had to learn Arabic. And if all else fails, I will be your interpreter."
He watched her nod again, but no longer holding a frown. The rest of the walk was silent. Soon, the three came upon a short black limousine. The man opened the door, allowing the couple to enter the vehicle, before climbing in himself. Once seated, the chauffer began their journey to the helicopter.
The helicopter ride was more peaceful than the twelve hour flight from Cairo. The flight only lasted one hour, where Atemu only held onto Mana's hand as she stared out the window. He heard her gasp and gape at the sights below, passing major cities and small rice fields. The setting sun only added to the beauty of the foreign land.
"We have arrived." The man, whom Atemu found out, was Mamoru, stated as the pilot began the descent. The couple peeked out the window, watching the world become closer. Lush greenery surrounded the cement landing pad. A small building stood erect near the cement square. Next to the building were two men, dressed in long black suits, eyes covered by thick sunglasses.
The villa in Kyoto was breathtaking. It stood three stories tall, each story topped with a swooping golden roof that gave a sparkling sheen with the last rays of the sun. Large, round windows were placed symmetrically with the entrance, which was marked by two dancing dragons, one white and one blue. Walls made of wood and pearl-tinted paper made the structure of the lone home.
The flora among the villa was the only thing to overshadow the building.
"The rest of the guests are waiting in the reception hall. Dinner will be served in the main dining hall in a half hour. Someone will come and escort you when it is time."
Atemu nodded and bowed, receiving the same in return. Mamoru left without another word, excusing himself silently.
Mana blinked after looking around. "Atemu, do you know where we are supposed to go?"
"Yes, my dear," he responded, now holding her hand. "Follow me."
The hallway was short, just as Atemu remembered the last time he was here. Mokuba had graduated from high school and this was the location of the celebration. The boy always liked the serenity of the villa, which was only an hour from the bamboo forest. It was something he and Kisara shared, the beauty and the peacefulness of the area. This time, it was the location of the wedding celebration, with the actually ceremony in the bamboo forest.
The first person to catch Atemu's eye when the couple entered the reception hall was Marik, a "mischievous" youth at heart. The platinum blonde carried a smirk on his lips, his eyes glued to the woman beside him. The woman had hair similar to the hue as Marik's but longer and straighter, the locks lying limp on her shoulders. She seemed to ignore Marik's staring and the arm around her waist as she spoke with another woman. Atemu could only guess that thus woman was Malik Ishtar, the girl Marik always commented about during their conversations.
"Hey Marik!"
The man named dropped the smirk and turned towards the voice. His eyes lit up as his lips curled back, revealing his teeth. He began to stroll towards the couple as he spoke.
"Atemu! 'Bout time you got here. It's been dull." He slapped Atemu's back, a wide grin on his face.
"When did you get here?"
"Thirty minutes ago. Why?"
"No reason." Atemu waved a hand in dismissal before turning to Mana.
"Do you remember Marik?"
"Yes," the woman replied, eying the man with scrutiny.
"Of course she remembers me! I put a snail down her shirt as an initiation." He laughed, recalling the look on Mana's face as she screamed from the slimy sensation.
"That wasn't funny Marik." Atemu stated, lowering his brow.
"Didn't steer her away." He retorted, waving an index finger between the couple.
"Just because I didn't run doesn't mean it was welcomed." Mana explained, hands on her hips.
"Still funny." Marik murmured. He turned away from the couple, back to where be once stood. "Malik, come here."
The girl with equally blonde hair turned to face the trio. In stiff movements, she waltzed across the room. Her skirt swirled contradictory tot her body motions. Her eyes faced forward, as if concentration on something. In five short steps, she stopped next to Marik, her skirt halting a moment later.
"Atemu, I want you to meet Malik Ishtar. Malik, this is Atemu and his girlfriend Mana."
Malik nodded and shook the couple's hands. "It is nice to finally meet you."
Mana smiled. "Same to you. How long have you been together?"
"Three months." Malik and Marik replied in unison, followed by a giggle from Malik. Marik ignored the laughter and wrapped his arm once again around her waist, squeezing it tightly. "And you?"
"Two years." Mana replied with a smile.
"Wow!"
"Yeah, he is hard to let go." Mana leaned in, using Atemu for support. He responded by grabbing her waist, pulling her closer to him.
"Will the next wedding bells be for you Temy?"
"Who knows Marik," Atemu spoke, squeezing Mana tightly, "who knows."
Footsteps were heard in the back of the room. The loud clicks of the solid heels echoed in the reception hall. The four turned towards the sound, as it demanded their attention. A man wearing the same outfit as Mamoru, black suit and dark sunglasses, approached the group. His hands were placed behind his back, unorthodox to a standard butler. Rigid movement defined his stride, even the strands of his bangs moved as it they were iced over. The intruder bowed deeply.
"The rest of the guests have arrived and dinner is served. Please follow me to the dining hall."
The man arose and turned like a rusted dial. Without a word the four, along with the other couple that was in the room, followed the butler down the hall. The smell of food entered the nostrils of the guests as they traveled down the cold hallway, warming them with anticipation. Miso soup and rice seasoned with ginger sauce mixed with Kobe beef and Black Porgy fish. The smell was confirmed as the group entered the dining hall. Colorful dishes with delicious-looking meals sat on a long table surrounded by a dozen chairs. The tablecloth was white splattered with tiny plum blossoms. China plates painted with simple strokes of black and pink. In the center was a lavish candlestick chandelier, providing light for the dinner.
Yet Atemu failed to notice the décor.
His crimson eyes were focused beyond the table, passed the food and the sake. They fell upon a woman that stood near the other entrance of the room. Her hair was longer than he remembered, yet the colors were the same, black, blonde and violet. Her body had not changed, having the same slight hour glass shape as it did three years ago. He watched as her lips moved as she talked to another, a smile gracing them from time to time. Not in a million years did he expect to see her ever again, let alone in his cousin's villa. The sight caused him to whisper a name he never thought he would say again.
"Yugi."