Seeing the past, living the future

by Yuna Yami Mouto

It all started when the Mouto twins moved in with their grandpa in Domino City. Seto was living in hell until the "Demon child" came into his life and changed it for the better. They did not know one another, but a girl who was brave enough to stand up to him and his stepfather was enough to catch his interest. But there's something wrong with the girl, but what? Female Yami

56. Chapter 56 First round

Yuna's POV

I was surprised to see the hateful glares of so many contestants as I entered the big divided tent that the school had provided for us to change and freshen up in. I had helped with making sure that every girl got enough space and all that she could possibly need that she didn't need to bring by herself. But then again, they didn't know that, so it can't be because they thought I was sabotaging them.

So why?

Oh, right. Seto was the one that had insisted on leading me to the tent to make sure no one tried anything. He told me that he once was forced to attend a beauty pageant in America and one girl had food-poisoned half the contestants, most of them were the ones in the lead.

In all honesty, I had expected something like this, but weren't they a bit overreacting? I guess not, seeing as what the prize is. I decided to just ignore them until they do something drastic, if they decided to do so, and so I just went to my part of the tent. I was greeted with everything ready and the ever fateful Mia. She had decided not to enter, since she wasn't interested in changing her lifestyle, despite my urging her that she had the potential to make it to the final ten. She just didn't want to enter. She reassured me that it has nothing to do with me and my friends entering before I could even voice the question and it made me feel a bit better.

''Mia.'' I nodded at her and she bowed in greeting. Another thing she insists on even after years of practically being my PA and close friend. She says she does it out of respect, not because she has to but because she wants to. I guess I will never understand that.

''Yuna-sama.'' She straightens. ''Everything is ready for the preparations to begin.''

I smile at my team and bow my head to them as they bow at the waist. ''I thank you all for making it so quickly at such a short notice.''

Jelly Woods, a tiny woman who looks very young although she is actually much older and works as a beautician and hairdresser, in the world of cosmetics she is known as "the witch" and only close friends are allowed to call her "Ten", steps out in front of her small team, a rarity that they all work together like this, and smiles brightly at her ''darling's'' close friend. She didn't know the girl as well as Kyoko and the others did, but the stories she heard over the years are enough to get her to like her. She bows to Yuna, the only one who had been able to stop Kyoko, Kuon and Sho fighting long enough for them to realize they love each other, as she greets her. ''It is a pleasure to work with you and help you now, Yami-sama. You did a lot for our LME and for that we are thankful.''

Yuna returns the bow. ''I thank you, still. Please take care of me.''

Jelly brightens and stands up. ''Alright, team! We have little time to correspond the colors with the dress! Get ready!'' They all cheer and Mia smiles as she steps aside, letting the beauticians fuss over Yuna.

00000

''Wow! There's a lot of people here!'' Joey commented from his place in the first row of the ''VIP'' seats. Yugi and Tristan were with him on either side, while Duke was at the end of the row due to some of Yugi's friends from before he and Yuna met the group of friends were going to sit there to chat with him. It annoyed the Dice Master until he saw that it was the famous group Tokyo Mew Mew and he got to sit next to Corina. It was all fine until he saw that she was almost as arrogant as Kaiba was.

''You couldn't expect anything less from so many famous names participating as both contestants and judges.'' Elliott commented from standing before his place as a judge of music talents. ''And the prizes are quite eye-catching, if you know what I mean.'' The blond rich kid indicated at the scowling brunet CEO that refused to sit anywhere near the place they had wanted to give him as the special guest.

''Poor Seto.'' Kiki sympathized, knowing how prideful the blue-eyed boy was and now to have to endure this.

''I'm sure he doesn't mind as much as he's showing. I mean, look at this crowd!'' Corina said as she pointed at the crowd that was chanting the scowling man's name. ''It's not like his ego isn't big enough as it is, but I guess that's to be expected. If I'm not wrong, this year is going to be his third as 'The world's sexiest businessman under 25' and he is still the biggest name since he became the world's youngest self-made billionaire.''

''That, and all the publicity this will give his company must be pleasing.'' Bridget added.

Kiki and Zoey snickered. ''And let's not forget who will most definitely win.''

''Yeah!'' Seira exclaimed so suddenly that all those who were conversing or listening to this particular conversation actually jumped out of their seats. Zoey, being the cults that she is known to be, fell out of her seat and she almost hit the ground if Elliott hadn't caught her just in the last possible second.

''Seira!'' Sara scolded her from her seat as she got comfortable, readying herself to sit for hours in the same place with minimal breaks. ''What did I tell you about behaving.''

Said girl blushed from the reprimand. ''Sorry.''

Kiki waved it off before anyone else could say anything and tugged her to sit beside her. A few moment later, Mokuba ran over to the group and started saying hello to each of the Mew Mews, further stunning the Yugi-tachi and co. Seeing the stunned faces as he made his way over to them with an equally stunned Noah, Seto explained. ''We met them the last month Yuna spent in Japan before going off to finish the Big Three. Don't be stubbed if you see some actors acting familiar with those two,''He pointed at Yugi and Mokuba, ''or me and Yuna. It's quite natural.''

Mokuba and Yugi grinned as they nodded, then took Noah by a hand each as they dragged them among old friends as they introduced him as another kid Yuna took under her wing as a younger brother. Noah was teased and most of the guys around got jealous of all the attention he was getting from such cute girls while Mokuba snickered at how tense the born Kaiba was.

Just then the announcer walked out onto the stage and they realized that the show is starting. Everyone quited down until the spotlight he was under started dancing around, soon joined the others as he started talking.

''Ladies and gentlemen! We welcome you to this year's Japan's Beautiful Flower, beauty pageant!'' The crowd cheered and clapped as all the lights finally stilled, settling on him. ''Tonight, we have a real treat for you! First, let us introduce our judges!''

The lights went over to the judge table as the people there got seated.

''First! Kirari Tsukishima, one of our young idols!'' The light landed on a short girl with long, light brown hair and big light blue-gray eyes. She was dressed in a yellow, baroque-like, formal dress that had a slit on the side, revealing her left leg. She was waving excitedly to the crowd and there were heard shouts of her name as her fans supported her.

''Next! We have Sara Ueba, Indian top model and one of the singers from Princess Mermaids! Give it up for these girls!'' It was only then that Seto noticed the other singers from Sara's band as they and Seira all stood up and waved for the crowd. All eight of the Princess Mermaids were very pretty girls. Lucia Nanami, one of the blonds, had somewhat short hair that was tied up in a French bun and she was dressed in a long, red dress. She was the princess of the Pacific ocean and the Pink Pearl. Next to her was Hanon Hosho, a girl with blue hair and big brown eyes, dressed in a knee-length baby blue dress. She was the princess of the South Atlantic ocean and the Blue Pearl. Rina Toin had green hair and gray eyes. She was by far the more elegant of the younger singers of the group, dressed in a long, light green dress with a big silver bow at her hip. She was the princess of the North Atlantic ocean and the Green Pearl. Next to her were the sisters, Noel Airo and Karen Airo, princesses of the Arctic and the Antarctic respectfully. Noel was a bit older than her twin and she had the Dark Blue Pearl. She was dressed in a white dress with various blue designs all over it. It reached a bit over her knees and she had a big white flower in her light-blue hair. Karen had a bit darker skin tone than Noel and she had purple hair with brown eyes. She was in a long, formfitting purple dress with a shoal around her neck. She was the one that held the Purple pearl. Koko Sinari was Sara's best friend and she had light blond hair with brown eyes. She was the princess of the Yellow Pearl and the South Pacific ocean. She was in a short, yellow dress with brown and orange designs. Seira was in a childish, puffy orange dress and little gloves while Sara was in a long white dress with a black waistband that had orange designs on it. Around Sara's neck was a silk, orange chocker.

''Give it up for Renee Roberts, Elliott Grant and the Tokyo Mew Mew!'' The viewers cheered as the famous girl band that restricted itself to Tokyo stood up and waved at their fans. Renee was in a short, black dress that looked really good on her. Kiki was in a short, Chinese child dress and Bridget was in a light gray, long dress. Corina was in a elegant evening gown that matched her dark blue hair, and Zoey was in a cute pink and red dress that reached to about her knees with a big strawberry on her corset.

''Anubis Light, ladies and gentlemen!'' Said blond man stood up as fans of his works broke the roof when they saw his newest black and white suit. The Pyramid of Light hung around his neck as his long hair swished behind him every time he waved.

''Now, a big treat! Kuon Hizuri, everyone!'' The only man in the country who was taller than Seto Kaiba's impressive 186 cm stood up to his full 190 cm gracefully. The women in the crowds went wild as he sent them his gentleman smile. Seto could clearly read the irritation in his eyes and he saw why when he noticed that Shotaro was one of the guests and that he had an arm draped around Kyoko.

''Juliena Hizuri and her guest, Kuu!'' The Japan screamed as their famous actor smiled for his fans. Kuon shook his head, muttering to his mother that some things never change.

''And last, but certainly not the least, Pegasus J. Crawford!'' Pegasus stood up and waved and all the Duel Monsters fans cheered.

''Now, lets bring in the ladies!'' The man exclaimed in excitement as the lights dimmed and one by one, the girls started walking out. Seto had to admit that many of them were very beautiful or cute, but the biggest reaction was to Cecillia, Mai, Kisara, Iona and, of course, Yuna. Just as one strand of her hair was visible ,the crowd had started cheering like there was no tomorrow. Many had to cower their ears as the Duel Queen stepped out in her first gown, a beautiful red layered dress that almost looked like a rose. It made her eyes stand out and the Millennium Puzzle that was used as a decoration around her waist matched the big gold earrings perfectly. Seto felt captivated by the sight of her and he heard Kuon commenting to Julie how her posture was perfectly mastered. Truly, Yuna resembled a royal more and more every day.

The girls all left the stage as soon they will all be appearing one by one. Then, the announcer read off the list of sponsors and all the other guests, as well as reminding everyone what the prizes are. Seto groaned as he was forced to go up the stage and greet the crowd, but even with his brusque and business-like greeting, his numerous fans screamed for the whole world to hear them.

''Alright! Let the first round start!'' The announcer yelled into the microphone. With that, some flashy music came on that Seto could recognize as ''Hello Kitty'' by Avril Lavigne as the girls and women came out, one by one. They were all in what appeared to be some sort of modern genie themed outfits and Yuna certainly became the wish of every man present. She was wearing all white with only her top a vibrant violate color. It was decorated with little arabesques and low on her hips was the Millennium Puzzle, almost like a purse accessories. Around her neck was her usual black chocker, but her over the knee boots were as white as snow, as were her skirt and handless gloves that reached to her upper arms. It turns out that her top was actually a vest that was as long as a trench coat and it was cascading in waves behind Yuna. Hanging on her chocker was a gold ankh with a ruby in the center and she had big earrings that hung from her earlobes and dangled with her every move. The ''belt'' that held the Puzzle was the same as the chocker, and the only other accessory she had was a single big, gold ring on her left middle finger. However, from the ankh hung two long, silvery, almost transparent white silk kerchiefs and they curled almost seductively around the Duel Queen's delicious form, like two snakes. The only make-up she had on was a little eyeshadow and lipstick that matched her vest.

And although Yuna could have easily stolen the show, the other girls were almost just as beautiful. Mai looked really good in her belly dancing outfit and Tea's costume fit well with her dancer's figure. Kisara looked so innocent in her white and blue outfit that one would have mistaken her for an angel. Serenity in her pink outfit, looked a bit too shy for something like that. The other girls were all trying to show off as best as they could, since none of them had Mai's, Yuna's or Kisara's winning points, although Ishizu's own exotic looks helped her a loot.

As the women on stage stopped in a straight line, the host of the show couldn't help but yell, ''Look at these beauties, world! This is all it's about!'' Seto saw Yuna rolling her eyes at the man, but she said nothing. Soon, one by one, the girls walked around the stage, stopping in the middle of it to introduce themselves. Many of them tried to win more points with some flare, or with a seductive sway of their hips, but they still didn't get a too great reaction.

''I am Ishizu Ishtar, 24 years old. I am from Egypt.'' Ishizu said as she walked up to the center in her cream-colored outfit.

''I am Aileen Rao, 21 years old. Pleased to meet you all.'' A tall, brunet woman with gold eyes walked up behind Ishizu and winked at the crowd with a little air kiss that had every man melting at. She smirked at all the more mature women, knowing that not even Mai's breasts could compete with her own figure. Seto grimaced as she waves at him with obvious intentions in her eyes, but Aileen only smirked at his reaction. The brunet CEO could see this woman was determined to win and he feared the tactics she might use should she have troubles in achieving this.

The other girls frowned,seeing how the crowd was taken in by the famous model. Aileen was both a model and a famous dancer, and no matter how much Tea respected and loved her as a fan, she didn't like the cocky attitude the woman had either. She just wished to see a crestfallen look on her face when one of the women would take that attention away. But it was futile. Not even Mai or Kisara, or even Iona, could make the men stop staring at Aileen and even the judges were a bit entranced.

''I am Yuna Yami Mouto, 16 and a half years old, born in Egypt.'' The room fell into a hurried hush as soon as the first syllable was spoken, all eyes finally turned away from the model. Yuna was standing confidently in her dueling pose, alerting everyone that she was taking things into her own hands. The smirk on her lips had the crowd cheering the roof off and Aileen stared as not even such a boisterous pose could take away Yuna's natural elegance. Seto smirked at his rival's accomplishment and the judges had to nod amongst themselves at the way the crowd was reacting. Even as Yuna stepped away from the center, the crowd still screamed for the Duel Queen. Aileen had to resist bitting at her nails as she found her toughest competitor.

''Alllllllright, ladies and gentlemen! The first elimination starts now! All those who you love will survive as long as they have enough votes! 30 votes are need for them to go into the next round, so vote now by calling this number or sending an email with the name of your winner as the text!'' The email address and number for all countries watching were showed and the big countdown for the time people had to vote was shown.

Seto took out his phone and quickly sent 30 messages and called three times to vote for Yuna. Sure, he knew his rival had a fan base that could rival more than half the world, but he didn't want to take any chances. Fans were quick to turn from their idols if a new, more interesting one was around. And although there was never going to be anyone more interesting then the Queen of Games, Seto wanted Yuna to win.

All of Japan was quick to vote for their favorite girl and the pageant committee had dollar and yen bills in their eyes as they saw all the money they would be earning from all of this. They knew that the Duel Queen's presence alone would be able to bring them millions, but this was ridiculous! More than half the votes were for the girl alone, closely followed by Ishizu, Kisara, Mai and Aileen. Iona was just behind these girls and Cecillia was next in line. However, a lot of other models were in between Tea, Serenity and Amelda, who had still managed to make it through the next round.

As the results were shown, the crowds all around Japan cheered at the beautiful 50 women left form the 120 that had started. Usually, only a half of them leave this round, but with the Duel Queen's presence, the crowd felt it was far more important to vote for her than those other 10 girls.

''Dear spectators! Get ready for the second phase of the first round! Summer dresses!''

The girls returned after less then ten minutes, all dressed in beautiful dresses of their choosing. Tea was the first of the girls the Yugi-tachi knew and they cheered as she twirled in her baby-blue dress with a big black bow around her waist. Cecillia was next in one of her own sun dresses, but the crowd didn't react much to her. She still smiled at them and Pegasus waved at her to make her feel better. Mana looked great in her white and gold designer summer dress, and she made it look like she was having fun, which was probably the truth. Kaoruko Himekoji, the arrogant Domino High school beauty, was next in a skintight dress that was followed by wolf whistles, but Kisara soon stole her thunder with her white, cream-colored and light and dark blue dress. It was mostly white with blue ribbons and cream lace around her back and waist. Ishizu received a lot of attention with her long summer dress, a nice green color with her right side slit open to reveal a long, tanned leg. Amelda almost received no reaction, if not for the Yugi-tachi being supportive, but it was expected as she had no taste for dresses. Mai was warned that her dress was too short, so she received some penalty points, but the blond wasn't all that worried. Serenity just looked too cute in her pink dress and so a lot of guys cooed at the sight of her. Joey had to be held down by Tristan and Duke, although the two were barely controlling themselves as it was. Aileen was in a nice, purple summer dress that she would wear in India with a white scarf and she had let her hair lose. She, too received a lot of attention and requests to ''marry'' most of the crowd.

Seto's POV

I scowled at all the noise around me. It was irritating and not at all worth the public image this was giving my company. But it was worth seeing Yuna in that light blue summer dress with red and dark violate roses all over it. It was short, but just a bit over the knee, and she had put on a shoal over her shoulders. The Millennium Puzzle was in level with where the dress cut under her breasts and then spreads out. She had no bows or strings or anything. The dress was plain and quite ordinary, but Yuna made it look beautiful none the less.

''And now our lovely competitors will demonstrate some of their skills!'' I heard and instantly stopped staring at Yuna as if I wanted to just take her off the stage and drag her to the nearest bedroom. It not that I didn't want to, but it's best that I not think about it lest I really do it. ''Some of them might require help from the audience or the judges, so all those who wish to help out are free to raise their hands when they ask for a volunteers!'' The crowds answer with cheers and clapping hands.

The first that was up was Amelda and she asked of Valon to help her demonstrate the fighting skills she had acquired over the years. All in all, she wasn't all that bad, except she looked absolutely silly doing it in the dress she had chosen. Cecillia sang and Iona recited something. Kisara was a rather good belly dancer, but I knew better than to look too long. She still thought that she could make me change my mind about who I prefer, her or Yuna, despite me constantly telling her that I would never chose her over Yuna. Tea danced, big surprise there, and Serenity also sang like many other girls did. Mai demonstrated an illusion of predicting the future, apparently something she used to do to cheat against unworthy opponents (I mocked Wheeler when I heard he was the one to experienced it) until Ishizu really did it! I remember how I laughed at the crowd and judges looking like they had just seen someone grow two more heads and five more limbs and I want to laugh all over again. It was sort of funny. Aileen danced, of course, and that bitch from our school, Himekoji, acted out a scene from her favorite movie. Kuon didn't look all too impressed. Elliott was thus far unamused and looked rather bored. Pegasus was the always happy judge and Sara and Julie were more focused on how the competitors presented themselves. Renee was trying to look uninterested and I swear I heard Anubis snore despite his eyes still being open.

''Mana, ladies and gentleman!'' The host said and I looked up. I saw her holding her wand and instantly knew that this was extremely bad news. Mahad, who was sitting between Marik and Odion, started praying to Isis, the goddess of magic, so that his apprentice doesn't bur down the building. At least Elliott started looking alive and Renee and Anubis actually started paying attention, if only to be able to save themselves before a catastrophe.

Mana smiled cutely at the crowd as she waved at them.

''So, Mana-chan, what will you be doing for us tonight?'' The host asked her as he stood next to her.

''Magic, of course!'' She chirped.

''Magic? Oh, you mean magic tricks, right?'' The host asked in confusion and I saw Mahad praying with more earnest than before.

She smiled mysteriously. ''You'll see in a couple of seconds, right?''

Getting the hidden hint, the man nodded with a bemused smile. ''I'll just stand over there so I don't get caught up in the fire.''

''Futile effort.'' Marik muttered, but I heard him.

A catchy pop song started before I could ask and Mana started twirling her wand. I swear I saw the tip starting to glow as, out of nowhere, appeared a small river floating in front of her. The crowd ''oooh''-ed and ''ahhh''-ed and many of them had their jaws on the floor. Mana smiled and out of the water five fish jumped out, the smallest eating the slightly bigger one, then eating the next one and that way until it was the only one left. Twirling her wand, the fish froze and slowly, incredibly unbelievably, started becoming transparent before it turned to ice.

The room thundered with applause!

And she deserved it!

The fish of ice suddenly started spinning what seemed out of control, but it then dived back into the water. Mana winked at her crowd as she gestured for the river to extend. As it did, it started changing colors and turned into a rainbow that had everyone gasping at how pretty it looked. It was rather impressive. The judges were already on their feet, clapping alone with the crowd.

But Mahad still seemed tense. ''This is it.'' He whispered and I turned to look at him. ''If she can concentrated for just this much longer, she will do the whole routine perfectly.''

''You helped hr put this together?'' I guessed, but he just shook his head.

''I just observed while she practiced and gave hr tips on how to improve her technique.'' I could hear the pride in his voice and I sort of understood. After all, which older sibling wouldn't be proud when their younger one accomplishes something this amazing.

Just as the music starts getting tense and heated, Mana once again raises her wand into the air and the rainbow curls in on itself into a giant ball of light. At the final note, Mana tossed her wand into the air, hitting the orb of light and it burst and the air around us started glittering like stars were falling. But on the stage with Mana was a very familiar puppy. The crowd cheered and cooed over Seth's small but strong bark and his wagging tail, the silver and sapphire collar I had bought for Yuna and him glinting just like his blue eyes did. Yuna had hugged the very life of me when i gave it to her last week and had spent two hours gushing about it. Even better was that we had been alone at the time with only Seth.

''Brilliant!'' The host said as he walked back towards Mana. ''Magnificent!'' The judges nodded as they finally sat down, the crowd still cheering. Mana blushed and Seth cocked his head to the side, making the crowd go ''aaawww!''. ''And who is this little fella?''

Seth barked and Mana giggled. ''This is Seth, Yuna's little puppy.''

''Yuna-chan's?'' Julie asked in confusion.

''Yeah. He used to be a stray dog, but she found him and he wouldn't stop following her around so she took him in. Isn't he just the cutest thing you have ever seen?'' She gushed and Seth whined when she hugged him tighter. The crowd cheered even more for the puppy, agreeing with Mana and I saw Yuna chuckling from the edge of the stage. I grin at her and she just smiles.

''Well, as much as we would all want little Seth to stay, we unfortunately have a schedule we must fulfill.'' Mana nodded and bowed, leaving the stage with Seth. A few more women were after Mana and I was getting bored when Yuna's name was shouted on the stage. I looked up to see that the host had lost it and was now fan-boying at Yuna as she smiled and waved to the crowd chanting her name and titles. ''I am your biggest fan!''

'You and the rest of the world.' I thought with a roll of my eyes.

''Thank you, but I must say I don't really see why. I'm just like the rest of you. We share the same red blood in our veins.'' Yuna modestly said and most of the crowd cooed over the answer for some reason or another.

''I'm sure, I'm sure!'' The host said, although he was still eying the girl as if she were a goddess in disguise. ''So, what will you be doing for us today?''

I saw Yuna indicate for someone backstage to bring something out and was surprised to see an empty canvas and a pencil. ''I thought of doing something I have never done before. I will draw a sketch of whatever someone from the crow wants, so may I please get a volunteer?'' Almost everyone raised their hands, but the host had to disappoint everyone.

''I'm sorry, but you wouldn't have time to finish it. You have 5 minutes, tops!''

Yuna winked at him and selected a little kid from the crowd. ''You just leave that to me. Five minutes is more than I need.'' She turned her attention to the boy, who was no older than seven and had a starstruck expression on his face. ''Yes?''She asked him gently.

The boy flushed in embarrassment and stuttered out one word. ''Lions!''

Yuna smiled at him sweetly and nodded her head. ''Lions it is.'' With that, Yuna told the judges to start the time and turned back to the canvas. No more than four minutes later, the crowd was gapping at the very detailed, finished sketch and the judges, mostly those who knew her better, were the first to break out of their stupor and started clapping. I was probably the first to follow and Yuna smiled at me as the crowd soon roared their approval of her skill. My rival, after the host boomed how amazing she was and the judges complimented her work, walked over to the boy who had requested lions and gave him the sketch.

I think I have never seen a better imitation of Yuna's blood-red eyes before seeing this boy blush.

''And now! Ladies and Gentlemen, it is time for us to decide the winer of this round and who will leave the show! So please, remember that every vote counts and make sure your favorite competitor stays in the game!'' The host yelled as he dramatically raised a fist into the air. ''Let the voting begin!''

It was a good thing I always wrote so many emails because it gave me the advantage of sending far more votes than anyone else. Mokuba and Noah seemed to be doing well enough and Yuna's other friends were trying to be as quick as possible. The whole place was so quiet I could only hear the tapping of keys and screens as the crowd voted for their favorite. With Yuna in the show, I don't doubt that the ratings are off the hook or that the production will be getting millions for this.

Not long after everyone in the whole of Japan voted, Yuna emerged as the winer of the first round, which didn't really surprise anyone, with Kisara in the second, Mana third and Mai and Ishizu in the fifth. Aileen got the forth spot and she was seething so much I was willing to bet even a snake would be scared of her. What worried me were the dark looks she was sending poor Mana, who was far too focused on glaring at the sulking Kisara, and I felt dread pilling up in my stomach. I may not be as close to Mana as I am to Yuna, which was impossible to achieve, but she was still both Yuna and my friend from our truly carefree days.

I wasn't sure what tomorrow brings, but the second round won't be as gentle and as smooth as the first!