Chapter 34: A Foreshadowing of a Scandal
It has been about a month since the failed union between a Pegasus and a von Schroeder. To make matters worse for the effeminate character, his mother-in-law passed away; the funeral was held in the U.S. Curiously, while most of the funeral attendees were pained by the loss of a loved one, one certain individual's feelings were the complete opposite.
Those who attended the ceremony (other than the deceased one's family) included familiar faces, such as the Kaibas, Wheelers, Devlin, etc. Due to his slight animosity towards Monte Cristo, Pegasus 'forgot' to invite him; it was convenient as the foreigner was seen participating in a prestigious martial arts tournament at the time.
It wasn't long when rumors began circulating that the Count of Monte Cristo's 'protégé,' Andre Colombo had his eyes set on Serenity Wheeler. As for the young man's 'father,' he decided to treat himself to an early retirement with the money his benefactor provided him.
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Night fell on Domino once again. The time when criminal acts are most active. Since it was still during the summer months of the year, the crime rate in Japan went up.
A hapless lone wanderer—an American—finds herself walking in the dark alleys of Domino City. The reason for this was simply because she is a naïve tourist. It was getting late and the poor woman discovered that the alleys turned out to be a shortcut to her hotel.
But she soon felt uneasy; for she felt as if someone was stalking her. The young woman turned her head slightly back—there was a Japanese stranger behind! Now unnerved by this discovery, she started to run. In turn, the man behind followed suit.
Unfortunately, the woman's high heels gave way. As she was beginning to pick herself back up, the strange man was already next to her. He forcefully grabbed her and threatened her with his gun unless she relinquished her valuables.
Having no other choice but to cooperate, the American was about to hand over her belongings... until another man appeared several feet behind the mugger: a tall, dark man.
"Who are you?" asked the petty criminal, turning around to face the shadowy figure.
In a solemn voice, the enigma replied, "Here in Japan, I am known as Monte Cristo Hakushaku, but criminal sako (garbage) like you probably know me better as... Gankutsuou!"
Upon hearing this, the thug dropped his weapon. "You're the Ruler of Darkness?!" he cried. For the past few years, there was a mysterious individual by that name who put a huge dent in the criminal underground in Asia... and he was now face-to-face with that man!
"So it would seem that even a lowly man like yourself has heard about me," said the count in contempt.
The mugger soon realized that this 'crime-fighter' possessed not even a single weapon on his person. He decided to take on the count right then-and-there. But before he could aim his fire-arm at his target, he needed to grab his fallen weapon. The thug also didn't seem to mind that the Amekou (Japanese slang for American) had already left.
The mugger, all to eager to end the count's life, took a hold of his gun and aimed. But before he could fire, the count was beside him!
At around that same time, the gunman felt an excruciating amount of pain... and it was all over for him as the man before him threw away the gun.
Here's what happened:
By grabbing the gun's barrel quickly, Monte Cristo snapped the hoodlum's trigger-happy finger by pushing down on the man's wrist. Even though the thug was in sufficient pain from this maneuver, the count made sure to break the man's wrist.
For what seemed like forever, the criminal experienced several moments in agony. Seeing that his work was done, Monte Cristo merely gave off a satisfied smirk. No words would be needed to belittle the mugger any further, for he was now a broken man. As for the count, he left the dark alley for his mansion located somewhere on the outskirts of Domino.
Near the alley, a black limousine was waiting nearby for its owner, the Count of Monte Cristo. The count checked his watch—it was 10:47. When he was inside the limo, his valet, Rafael, informed him of Mr. Wheeler's request that his client meet with him tomorrow afternoon in order to disclose certain information.
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The following day, somewhere in the mid-to-late afternoon, Monte Cristo found himself at Wheeler's estate.
Initially, Mai had tried to avoid the count, but to no avail. Remembering that the servants were taking the day off, the blond found herself opening the door for her guest.
Once Mai received the guest, it was clear that there was another visitor in the mansion–the younger Colombo. Ever since the dinner at Monte Cristo's country house, the missus had some trouble hearing the count's name without wincing involuntarily. An announcement of his arrival, however, was a different story.
The host and her visitor were discussing the latest financial troubles that the former's husband's firm has suffered recently. By this time, Wheeler lost nearly half of his entire fortune.
Sounds could be heard from one of the rooms above that Andre was attempting to woo the banker's sister. It was around this same time that Joseph arrived at his estate. He greeted his guest as a host should, and excused himself and Monte Cristo to his private study.
"I'm sorry for making you wait for my arrival, Hakushaku," said the banker.
"Not at all, Mr. Wheeler," replied the count, "In fact, your lovely wife and I were having a delightful conversation."
"Ah, well in that case, I'm pleased to know that. Now on with our business... regarding a certain Seto Kaiba."
"I'm ready when you are."
"My sources have did some digging, and... well, quite frankly, what has come up is quite scandalous-worthy."
"How so?" asked Monte Cristo.
"Well, you see... the methods that Kaiba used in order to possess three Blue-Eyes White Dragons were... hmm... how can I say this? They were... underhanded tactics, so to speak."
"Yet you hesitate to bring this information to light...?"
"It hasn't been confirmed yet, considering that it could've been contrived by some rivals or enemies of Kaiba Corp. You know how it is: competition, revenge..."
"I see. But, may I at least know what these 'underhanded tactics' consist of, Mr. Wheeler?"
"Yes, of course! As you recall, Industrial Illusions produced only four Blue-Eyes White Dragon cards, on the notion that it was considered "too powerful" to continue making such cards. According to my sources, before Kaiba ever got his hands on those cards, they were in possession of an American, a German, and a Hong Konger."
"And what of the fourth card?"
"Last I checked the fourth card disappeared several years ago. I didn't need to find out; I knew the owners years ago. Their names were Professor Arthur Hawkins and Solomon Mutou, however, both passed away back in early 2005. But I digress. Kaiba supposedly used methods that involved bankruptcy, torture, and mafia deals to each owner respectively."
"If we're done here... I would advise you to confirm that information A.S.A.P. I assume that you covered your tracks well, my good sir? I mean, we wouldn't want anyone to follow your trail, would we now?"
"You can put your mind at ease, Hakushaku. Even if this is true, I can always fall back on Colombo."
"Perhaps," replied the count in good humor, "In any case, be on your guard, my friend (in subtle sarcasm). Until we meet again, Mr. Wheeler."
The count took his leave. As soon as the count left in his Lexus LS, the banker contacted his peer, Mr. Kaiba to meet with him later that night.
When Monte Cristo returned to his estate, his number one manservant appeared before him in the main entrance.
"Forgive me for not informing you on your way back home, master, but you have a guest waiting in the parlor."
The count, being the eccentric individual that he is (regarding that his wants & needs be immediately carried out), sternly warns Rafael not to make the same mistake again.
"Tell Mokuba that I shall receive him in a few minutes from now."
"But, I didn't even get to tell you who--"
"You need not to worry about that; I'm already familiar with the make and color of the young man's Suzuki Katana parked over there."
"Very well, master. It won't happen again."
"Good."
A few minutes later, the count entered the parlor to properly receive his special visitor. In zest, he said: "Well, if it isn't my good friend, Mr. Kaiba."
Standing up, the younger man replied, "You know... we don't always have to be so formal when we see each other like this, Hakushaku."
"As you wish, my young friend. Valon!"
The Australian immediately presented himself. "You called for me, Your Excellency?"
"Indeed I have. Make some tea for my guest and me."
Valon dashed to the kitchen and quickly brought out a tray with two cups of tea back to the parlor. This feat was done in less than ten seconds. As he laid the tray with the tea on the table, the servant asked: "Is there anything else your Excellency needs or desires?"
"No, that will be all for now, Valon. You may go." said Monte Cristo.
Mokuba chuckled. "Hakushaku, what amazes me whenever I'm in your presence is not your opulence, because there are a few others who are richer; it's not your wittiness, though it's quite impressive as it is; it is rather the unprecedented service that your servants afford you."
"My dear Mokuba, what you say is partially true. You see, my servants already know my habits since the first day that they were in my employ. For instance, isn't there something that you normally do when you drink tea?"
"Why, yes. I usually watch the latest in the news."
(A/N: Although I've changed much of the characters a bit, I discerned that Mokuba wouldn't ever be a smoker, even if he was in his adulthood.)
Suddenly, Rafael announced: "T.V. on; Channel: NHK General." Mokuba was naturally startled by this, as he did not realize that the muscular blond was awaiting the orders of his master/master's guest(s).
"You never cease to amaze me, Hakushaku."
"I wasn't sure of your political views. So if something like this were to occur, I had made it so that my servants would turn to this news channel for you or any other guest for that matter."
"You truly are the most extraordinary gentlemen that I know!" exclaimed Mokuba, "Wait... I hear something beyond this room... like someone... dueling?"
"Ah, that would be Rebecca. She lives in a separate suite from here. I believe that she's testing out a prototype of something called a 'D-Wheel' (A/N: I'm a bit skeptical on this new concept)."
"I guess that you borrowed it from my brother's company, eh?"
"You could say that... but in any case, would you like to meet Rebecca?"
"Why, yes. If that is all right with her, I mean. But then again, from what I've heard and seen, she is apparently a slave to you."
"Come now, Mokuba, there are no slaves around my person!"
Disconcerted, the young man responded, "Huh? I know you treat her with the best of care, and that she's dressed in the finest of womanly attire..."
"Baka (Idiot)! Why would I treat the granddaughter of the late renown archeology Professor Arthur Hawkins with such disrespect?!"
"Aha! So she is Rebecca Hawkins... the same one I knew many years ago."
"You knew her?" asked Monte Cristo innocently.
"Yeah, practically a lifetime ago. But may we go see Rebecca now, regardless of whatever you consider her to be?"
"By all means. Just give me your word that you will not disclose anything that happens when you see her."
"I promise."
"Do you?"
"I promise!"
"Very well. Now that we are in agreement, follow me."
The two men went over to the American woman's luxury suite. Sounds inside seem as if its main occupant was panting due to the stress of the holograms' shock-effect. After she manages to win against her opponent, a duel computer, Rebecca finds herself in for quite a surprise when her former master and a familiar face appear before her.
Mokuba couldn't lay his eyes off the female duelist. What caught the young man's attention was not only the fully developed features on the American's person, but the sleek bikeresque outfit she was sporting; especially since it revealed more of her womanly curves.
Sitting on a nearby divan, the female asked (in French) the count, "Why have you brought Mokuba Kaiba in here?"
"He simply wished to see and to converse with you," answered the count (also in French).
"And do you wish for me to speak with your guest in Japanese tongue?"
Turning to the younger man, Monte Cristo asked, "Do you understand and/or speak French?"
"Sadly, no. I'm afraid that I couldn't learn such a language, Hakushaku. However, I can understand and speak fluently in English."
"Speak in your native tongue, then, Rebecca," said Monte Cristo, "I pity you, Mokuba; for you see, French is among Rebecca's favorite languages..."
"It doesn't bother me at all. English will do just fine anyway," replied Mokuba, "Now, Rebecca... do you remember me?"
Hawkins replied, "Of course. I do remember you, Mokuba."
"Where have you been all this time? It's been like fifteen years since we last met each other."
"I've been around..." answered the young woman with slight emotion.
"And how long have you been living with the Count of Monte Cristo?"
"For nearly seven years."
"Wait a minute, then what exactly have you been doing in the seven years before that?"
Monte Cristo secretly warned Rebecca not to reveal Seto Kaiba's name. Noticing this, she replied, "It pains me to remember the terrible misfortunes that I endured in the seven years before I met the Count of Monte Cristo."
"You suffered... how so?"
"Well, it all began about fourteen years ago..."
It happened a few months after my grandfather was killed by an unknown group of people... I was on my way back home when another tragedy happened.
My house was burned down along with my parents inside. Police said that it was the work of some arsonists, but I had a feeling that it wasn't that simple. Since then, I was left to fend for myself. I took a internship at a local Private Investigation agency, so that I can discover more about the arson. When I had a lead, I tracked down a suspicious series of delivery trucks.
"Excuse me, Rebecca, but why were these delivery trucks suspicious?" asked the Japanese.
"I was getting to that..."
They were suspicious because while they went all over town, they never made even a single delivery at all. I thought that I was being careful, but, they found me. My captors apparently looked surprised once they got a good look at me. I remember that one of them said that 'the other Hawkins' somehow survived. The other said that their boss's associate wouldn't like this, since that Mr.--
Monte Cristo quickly gestured her not to mention that name.
Unaware of his host's secret maneuver, Mokuba implored: "Mr...?"
Rebecca shook her head. "I'm sorry, but I can't seem to remember the name, but..."
Upon hearing those words, I was filled with hatred and anger. The arson incident, it had to be them! And what was worse was that I heard that there were others like me. Except those who never saw the light of day again.
My captors were about to have me killed, but one of them had 'better' plans. Instead, I was...
Mokuba noticed bits of tears streaming down the young woman's eyes. He was about to say something but instantly found himself once he heard such horrifying words.
...forced into child prostitution. It was so disgusting! The clientèle I serviced were among the most filthiest lot of swine I have ever known in my life. The way they treated me... it was as if I was in hell on Earth.
When I turned finally turned eighteen, I was sent away to a brothel. I tried many times to escape, but I failed every single time.
The story teller continued, "This went on for about another two years, until... the day that I met the Count of Monte Cristo. He paid for my freedom. Ever since then, I have remained with him in absolute bliss."
She then reminisces about the way her former master kissed her hand on the 'first' day they met.
Dumbfounded by this, Mokuba (practically) begs: "I'm sorry, Rebecca. I had no intention of having you to bring up such terrible memories."
"Don't be, for I have long since gotten over it," replied the female, knowing full well of the events to come.
Monte Cristo started, "My young friend, I see that you are still shaken by this story. Permit me the honor of giving you a ride home. I shall have one of my servants return your motor vehicle back to your estate along the way."
"I accept your generous offer, Hakushaku."
And with that, the two gentleman bid the American their adieus and took their leave.
A/N: I sincerely apologize for the hiatus, folks. For those of you that went to my profile page, I'll be finishing this story up in a few months. I assure you all that I plan to update in the near future.
-BatmanGenesis