Chapter 14: Enter the Count

In early 2019 (A/N: Seven years have passed), two young men in their mid-twenties, Mokuba Kaiba and Leon von Schroeder, have decided to vacation in China during the Chinese New Year festival(s). Although both friends have arranged engagements to women back at home, they plan to "get laid" in the Asian continent.

At a reputable Chinese opera, both Mokuba and Leon can't help but notice a mysterious figure watching the play from afar. The same man is surrounded by several servants, and beside him, an alluring American woman, who is around the same age as the two friends.

After the opera has ended, the young men return back to their fancy hotel. There, they begin a conversation.

"So, what did you think?" asked Mokuba.

Leon replied, "About what? The opera, or that... enigma of a man?"

"I guess both, then."

"All right. I thought that the opera was okay, but whoever that guy was... he seems vaguely familiar. And so did that beautiful woman who was right beside him."

"Yeah, you're right, Leon. I have some strange vibes about those two. But, perhaps they're lovers?"

"Maybe, but right now, we need to get some, if you know what I mean, eh?"

"Yes, that's right," said Mokuba. "Let's go get laid, my friend."

A few days later, on the day before the conclusion of the Chinese New Year, Mokuba and Leon finally learn more about the mysterious man that's been the talk of China for weeks. However, the scarce information is mostly made up of rumors.

"Well, now we know that this guy's some sort of Count. And that he is known as the Count of Monte Cristo."

"A Hakushaku? In this day and age?" said Mokuba.

"Apparently. There are rumors that this guy's one of the nouveau riche. That he somehow acquired his wealth by methods other than inheritance--"

"Ahem," interrupted Mokuba.

"Oh, sorry. Almost forgot that you're kinda one too..."

"Well, the maître d' here believes that the Count is some kind of demon. Others claim that he's even a vampire, with his inhuman complexion."

"You mean like, deathly pale?"

"Very few have actually seen the color of his skintone. Or, that's at least what I've heard--"

"Please excuse me, gentlemen. But I believe that one of you is a certain Mokuba Kaiba from room 405?" asked a tall & muscular American.

"Rafael? Is that you? I mean, yes, you're speaking to him." said Mokuba.

"Yes. But, now that I've confirmed that you are Mokuba Kaiba. I have come to send you and your friend, a message from my master, the Count of Monte Cristo."

Rafael handed two cards to the young men. "His Excellency wishes that the two of you would be so kind to grace him by accepting these."

After flipping the cards, the friends said, "Invitations?"

"Yes. My master would be honored should these be accepted."

Because they want to know more about the enigmatic man, Mokuba and Leon eagerly accept. Rafael is given a nod of approval and leaves the two.

"The card says the reason for this 'date' is because the Count wishes to establish cordial relations with high-ranking individuals such as us..."

Later that same day, at the appointed time and place... both guests wait for their host in a very luxurious dining room. Everything inside is filled with tasteful decorations and designs. Some of the statues and paintings hail from the Renaissance period.

"So, what do you make of all this, Leon? You've been living in high society for all your life, unlike me."

"Well, the only thing I can make of this is..."

"Is what?"

"That this Count of Monte Cristo has very good taste."

The dining room door suddenly opens, and then...

"His Excellency, The Count of Monte Cristo!" announced Rafael.

A shadowy figure enters the room. While Mokuba stepped out of his seat, his friend stayed steadfastly. No sooner did this stranger reveal himself, that Leon's suspicions were confirmed. This is the same person that he and Mokuba had saw before, albeit for a brief amount of time. Monte Cristo's attire was almost completely black, save for his frilled white shirt. The rumors about this man's complexion was true; he resembled the complete archetype to that of a vampire.

"How do you do, gentlemen? I am your host this evening, the Count of Monte Cristo. The two of you grace me by your humble presence."

Later that evening, the three aristocrats dine together. When the servants arrive at the table, they place several dishes of exotic food and beverages. To name a few, not only is fine wine is served, but rare and exotic delicacies, and very expensive fishes lie on the dining table.

"When people travel to China, they simply must try these dishes, no?" asked the Count.

After swallowing some fish eggs, Mokuba replied, "Oh, yes, Count. Leon and I could not agree more."

"That maybe, Mokuba. But, Count... I've noticed that you've eaten very little compared to me and my friend. It is very distressing."

"Distressing, Leon von Schroeder? Please, you need not concern my eating habits. Like constant travels, meals are very dull while being alone. For me, conversing with gentlemen like you two, is the best meal that I can have. So, please... enjoy yourselves tonight. The two of you have honoured me with your presence here tonight."

"No, it is my friend and I who are honoured tonight, my dear Count." said Mokuba.

"Ah, I see. Please excuse my abrupt curiosity, but have the two of you come here for reasons other than the Chinese New Year? Perhaps to...?"

"Well... Count. The truth is... yes. You see, or perhaps you've heard of this... my friend and I have been arranged a marriage by our families. Mokuba's engaged to Serenity Wheeler, the sister of one of Japan's most powerful bankers, Joseph Wheeler... a nouveau riche. I, on the other hand, am in an engagement with Valentine Pegasus... the adopted daughter of Maximillion Pegasus; the Duel Monsters' creator."

"And the two of you are best friends... and have come here to spend your last days as bachelors before your arranged marriages... I see. Very interesting, gentlemen. But, isn't youth such... a great thing?"

"I guess so," replied both Mokuba & Leon.

"Infinite possibilities, hopes & dreams, and intense passions..."

Mokuba asked, "Count, what your innuendos suggest... have you ever been in love before? Because it would seem so."

Monte Cristo pauses at this. "Yes, I have, Mr. Kaiba."

"What kind of girl, or perhaps... woman was this love of yours?"

The Count replied, "Frankly, I did have intense feelings of passion for a beautiful woman that I once loved--"

The younger Kaiba inquired, "And?"

"And I had dreams to live the rest of my life happily with this certain young woman... However, painful as it was... all those dreams were only dreams. And because of those failed dreams... is the very reason that...Cogito ergo sum (I doubt, therefore I think, therefore I am) like this."

Leon thought, 'Definitely a Renaissance man... it's like he's some sort of god...'

There is a long pause of silence between the host and his guests. The host breaks the silence.

"Gentlemen, I must thank you for coming here tonight."

Mokuba said, Not at all, Count. It is we who are honoured."

"Then... I would like the two of you join me for brunch tomorrow, on the last day of the Chinese New Year festival(s). Tomorrow, there is also a public execution of three notorious criminals as a new tradition for the Holiday this year. The method of this execution is... lethal injection."

"Well, I'd always like to see something as... um... controversial as that, Count."

"Yes, it is something that fascinates mankind, isn't it? It's like we've already become God, or some divine being, no? Then it is settled. My servant, Rafael will inform you when to visit me. I bid the both of you good night."

The Count raises his right hand towards the two young men. While Leon bows with gratitude, Mokuba steps forward and shakes his host's hand.

'My God... how is that possible?!' wondered Kaiba. Afterwards, the guests make their leave. As the two friends walk back to their hotel rooms, Leon notices that the blood had drained from Mokuba's face.

"Is something wrong, Mokuba?"

"No, it's just that..."

"What is it? You can tell me anything, 'cause I've been your best friend for years."

"Well, it's about the Count..."

"Yeah, yeah. I know, he's what... your idol?"

"I guess so, but... that's not it, though."

"Then tell me already!"

Mokuba answered, "It was very cold..."

"What was cold? The fish?"

"No! Not that... it was when I shook the Count's hand. It was as if I touched a hand of... a corpse..."