A/N: Gah! I suck. I am obviously an expert procrastinator. I somehow wrote two chapters worth of stuff for this fic in a day DURING classes. *mind blown* That's 5 chapters in 3 days. I'm on a roll. I will hate myself later for this when my hw deadline comes tomorrow and I haven't finished *cough* started *cough* it. Oh well. This was more fun. Kaiba's fun to write. I can't wait to bring in Yami, Yugi, Marik, and the Bakuras. That'll be fun.

In reply to my reviews by AyameKitsune: Thank you so much for reviewing. You have no idea how much it means to me to have sometime take the time to tell me they like what I'm doin. It's really a boost in confidence and makes me feel better when I'm ashamed of foregoing hw for this. ^^;

For Sorrynoaccount: I'm sorry you don't have an account but thanks so much for reviewing anyway. I'm actually rather surprised by my update speed too. I normally update my favorite fic once a month...ok, once every several months...or longer. *ahem* I blame inspiration, my lovely reviewers including you, Kaiba Seto, and procrastination. Hopefully, you'll like these back-to-back chapter updates. ^_^

IMPORTANT: I change my writing voice depending on who the central character I'm focusing on at that moment it. For instance, my voice for Flash is more casual and down to earth, Kaiba's voice is similar to that of a scientist realizing they have feeling for their subject of study, and J'onn Jonzz is objective, etc. Let me know if anyone notices errors or inconsistencies and I'll try to correct them. Also, the reason I switch the order of Kaiba Seto's name depends on which character's voice I'm using. The Western characters think first name-last name in that order with a stronger emphasis on the first name, while the Eastern characters think last name-first name in that order with a stronger emphasis on the last name. Thus, their thoughts translate onto the page as such.

Music inspirations for this chapter. Listen for both the mood and to get blown away by the shear awesomeness that is Vitas: Il dolce Suono by Vitas

Word Traps and Insinuations

Flash stepped out of the Comm Room with a splitting headache and ringing ears. Superman had not been happy with the news of Luthor leaving Metropolis to say the least. Well, actually that's a lie. He had been glad the business mogul had left but was not happy at his enemy's new location. Not only that, but the fact he had to be told of this new turn of event s did not bode well. It meant Superman's careful watch had a weak link somewhere for him to miss something as significant as Luthor leaving.

And unfortunately, Flash was the bearer of bad news and thus ended up on the wrong end of a very annoyed, very frustrated, and very self-righteous Superman. The Fastest Man Alive winced at the memory. Who knew Superman could reach falsetto?

He shook his head and focused on the matter at hand. He was about to meet J'onn Jonzz in the common room then they would head down to Starling City to meet this Giggle person. Giggle? That was not right. It was not Giggle, was it? No, no, it had to be something else. Who in their right name would name their kid Giggle? Anywho, they would meet this Giggle-or-whatever-his-name-was and check out the latest crime scene.

He sincerely hoped the bodies were not there anymore. He was not sure he could hold in his lunch if they were. That was some serious gore, man. Even horror films could not compare to the real thing.

Sighing in frustration, he stepped through the sliding doors into the common area and was surprised to see Hawkgirl sitting comfortably on one of the benches sipping what he assumed to be hot tea if the tag on a string hanging over the lip of her mug was anything to go by. Wonder Woman sat across from her fixing her coffee the way she liked it while J'onn Jonzz watched her in mild interest.

"Yo," he said simply to his fellow League members and comrades in arms. "I take it you heard?"

Wonder Woman nodded. "I have. I think one of us should go with you."

"Uh, yeah, no can do Di," Flash said, cutting that off early. "Green Arrow barely let me come as it is if I hear right." He glanced at the Martian Manhunter for confirmation and received a quiet nod. "Considering the mood he's in, I doubt he would have the patience to deal with more of us."

Hawkgirl narrowed her sharp eyes in thought. "He certainly can hold a grudge."

"Can you blame him?" J'onn interjected, startling his companions. "He asked for help and most of us turned him down assuming it was a human problem. If such happened to me, I am not sure how I would react."

"I know I would hold a grudge if someone attacked Themyscira and none of you helped me defend it," Princess Diana said, glaring daggers at her coffee. "I see where he's coming from, but he does need help."

"And he'll get it," Hawkgirl said quietly.

"Shayera," Wonder Woman warned.

"I'll keep my distance, but I will help in any way I can. Even if it's something like assisting with communication, I will help." Auburn locks tumbled over Shayera's shoulders as she shifted her wings to a more comfortable position. "But if things get serious, I'll be there no matter the consequences."

Flash groaned. "Whelp, alright if you insist.

"I do."

The speedster sighed gustily. "That was rhetorical. Anywho, J'onn," he called, gaining the sea green alien's attention, "we teleporting or flying down in the transport ship?"

J'onn blinked. "I think teleporting would be best. We do not want to attract more attention than necessary. Green Arrow may have given us permission to enter his city but I doubt he will tolerate us appearing out of nowhere."

"Good point," Diana said thoughtfully, setting down her coffee. "If the media caught wind of it, they would most likely blow things out of proportion."

"Oh, you mean like they usually do?" Flash snarked.

"Barry, concentrate," Wonder Woman chastised. "I'm being serious."

"So was I," Barry Allen countered. "Most Americans know the media just reports what they deem to be 'news' whether it actually is or not," he said, putting air quotes up when he said the word 'news.' "If they see us, they will likely assume something like this Ghost guy being a super and cause more panic with they're 'this is just speculation' nonsense." More air quotes and sarcasm.

Diana chortled. "I'll give you that. So," she turned to J'onn, "when do you leave?"

"When Hawkgirl finishes her tea," he replied calmly.

Shayera stood. "I can take it to-go. By the way, John Stewart checked in."

"Green Lantern?" Barry asked in surprise. "I thought he was in Egypt checking up on that museum robbery."

"He is. Things in Egypt have been put under control. He couldn't find the perpetrator but he's inclined to believe it's a super."

"Why?"

"I'm not sure. He said no fingerprints were found and none of the alarms were tripped. He thinks it may be someone who can walk through walls."

"Or a very clever normal thief with connections," Diana countered. "An inside job maybe?"

"That's what I told John. He's looking into it right now. Unfortunately, the curator of the exhibit which suffered from the robbery in the museum is stonewalling him. I get the feeling she impressed him." Shayera grinned. "Stood up to him and told him in not so many words to keep his nose out of it. Strong woman, I like her."

"Hell yeah," Barry agreed, nodding with a wide, excited grin on his face. "She got a name?"

"Ishizu Ishtar if I heard right," Hawkgirl said after a brief moment of thought. "I could be mispronouncing it, though. And don't bother Barry. John says he wouldn't be surprised if she was married to her exhibit, or her brother."

"Older or younger?" Barry asked hesitantly.

"Who?"

"The brother."

"Younger." She deliberately ignored Barry whoop of joy. "I hear he's just as much an annoyance as his sister is, just with fewer manners. Or so I hear."

"Oh, I want a picture."

"Why Barry," Diana said, eying her compatriot slyly, "I had no idea you were interested in men."

"What?!"

Shayera covered her mouth to hold back her snickers while Diana continued. "You said you wanted a picture of him, didn't you?"

"Of the sister! The sister!"

Diana nodded in mock understanding. "Of course. Whatever you say."

Barry Allen, the Flash, the one and only, the Fastest Man in the World, slapped a hand over his bright red face. "I walked right into that, didn't I?"

"You did," J'onn said gravely.

The press conference and welcome party was being held in the grand ballroom of the Starlight Tower Hotel in downtown. The ballroom was on the top floor and opened up to a rooftop patio. Cameras and chairs were already set up facing the raised platform at the far end of the ballroom. Tables and chairs filled the opposite end closest to the wall of windows and doors that opened out onto the patio. Large, overly ornate and gaudy chandeliers hung from the high ceiling above them. The walls were painted a soft cream with wooden accents.

The patio was long and covered the entire roof that was not taken up by the ballroom. There was a grassy strip that ran down the length of the patio dotted by topiaries artistically trimmed in three dimensional spirals. Wrote iron tables and chairs with cushions dotted the stone slab perimeter surrounding the grass on the patio. Several stone benches sat on the edge of the grass between several topiaries. A single, wide stone walkway crossed the middle of the grass, forming a circle in the center with a classical fountain spilling sparkling water over concentric bowls shaped like stylized shells.

Overall, it was gaudy and probably cost too much. The only relief Kaiba felt upon seeing the ballroom for the first time was the knowledge that he was not paying for it. That so-called privilege was held by the Queens, the family well known for Queen Consolidated. Speaking of which, Moira Queen, the matriarch of the family, stood on the opposite side of the platform speaking to several people. A tall, bald black man who could only be her fiance Walter Steele stood nearby speaking to a Hispanic man who was packing at least two pistols, a bodyguard then. A young woman with long, wavy brown hair and blonde highlights stood leaning on one hip and obviously not enjoying being here. That would be Thea Queen, the heiress. Which left the fourth and final member of the group currently speaking to Moira.

Close cute ash blonde hair reminiscent of a military cut topped a suntanned and well toned body. The face was sculpted by hardship and experience and had no baby fat whatsoever. Even if Kaiba had not had sufficient evidence suggesting Oliver Queen was the infamous Arrow, formerly called The Hood, the young man's appearance would have given him away to those who knew what to look for. Oliver Queen was a man Kaiba recognized as a man older than his apparent age; someone who had seen and experienced more than most humans saw or experienced in a lifetime and emerged nowhere near whole, but stronger. This was man Kaiba could respect.

The KaibaCorp CEO turned to Fuguta standing loyally by his left shoulder and spoke in soft, rapid Japanese in case there was an interpreter nearby. "Stay three feet behind me when I go on stage. Keep an eye on the Oliver Queen. I want to know the moment he leaves or if anything happens. Understood?"

"Yes sir," came the curt reply.

Kaiba nodded and moved to stand by the steps leading up to the platform waiting for things to start. It was then he noticed the light shift on the walls and glanced at the back of the ballroom. He fought down the urge to grimace when Lex Luthor stepped in from the patio drawing the attention of a couple reporters and sycophants. Kaiba could hear the American's voice from here.

"-would have stayed out longer but it started raining," the businessman said laughing.

Kaiba glanced out the window and raised an eyebrow. It was not raining, just sprinkling. If the man couldn't take a few sprinkles from a sun-shower, than he was not worth Kaiba's time. Fortunately, that was when the matriarch of Queen Consolidated and her family stepped up onto the platform. Walter Steele stationed himself to the right and behind his fiancè while the heirs took a seat in two of the chairs placed on the right of the platform facing the audience. Two bodyguards stood conspicuously nearby.

Kaiba deliberately remained where he was, his men obeying his silent order. They would not move until he did. Blue eyes watched Moira stand behind the podium and speak into the microphone. The reporters quieted and cameras began rolling and bulbs began flashing and the press conference began.

"Good afternoon ladies and gentlemen," she began, her voice calm and self-assured. "It is with great pleasure that I and Queen Consolidated would like to introduce a fellow businessman and entrepreneur in the field of technological industry. His advances in holographic technology have ignited the imaginations of many casual observers as well as professional scientists. His devices have been called 'innovative and ingenious,' on par with Macintosh products, and have been utilized in many professional fields and agencies such a National Aeronautics and Space Association, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Association, and U.S. Geological Survey as well as the entire gaming industry. Please give a warm welcome to Seto Kaiba, the CEO of Kaiba Corporation."

She smiled and stepped aside with a hand raised in Kaiba's direction inviting him to join her on the platform as the applause filled the room. He hesitated just long enough to still be considered polite before taking the first step and climbing up to the platform. Fuguta obediently trailed exactly three feet behind him on his left and stood quiet and stern awaiting further orders. Kaiba stopped short of the podium and turned to face the audience. He had no need for notes or a microphone. As the former champion of Duel Monsters and the youngest CEO in KaibaCorp history, he knew how to project his voice. He placed his hands symmetrically on his thighs and bowed respectfully to his viewers. Whispers floated up into the room from his unusual behavior. Honestly, were reporters these days so unfamiliar with traditions from outside their own country?

Straightening, Kaiba looped his arms behind him, grasping his left wrist with his right and evened out his stance so his feet were perfectly aligned with his shoulders. Sharp blue eyes studied his audience silently before settling on a point in the middle of the gaggle of flashing lights, cameras, and people.

"Good afternoon," he said, face stern and voice steady. "Kaiba Corporation would like to extend its thanks to the people of Starling City for allowing us the come and accommodating us as such." He bowed in the same manner as before, but more deeply this time. He returned to his relaxed military stance once more upon straightening. "I will take any questions you have for the time being. However," blue eyes hardened sternly, "any and all questions regarding my family or personal affairs will be duly disregarded. If anyone continues to ask questions along those lines, they will receive a warning. If they proceed to ask another question along the same lines after the warning, they will be escorted out and their cameras, recorders, and notes will be confiscated as was agreed upon when you signed the papers allowing you entry into this conference."

Whispers rose once more but Kaiba was used to such reactions and forged onwards. "If that is all clearly understood, let us begin. He glanced around the room and nodded to a female reporter with wavy blonde hair, red lipstick that was entirely the wrong shade for her skin tone, and a matching bright red dress suit. She held her recorder out in front of her and asked loudly, "First of all, thank you for speaking to us," she began politely.

Kaiba nodded politely in return and she continued. "Last time you visited the United States, you introduced the world's first entirely Virtual Reality Game pods to KaibaLand in Pennsylvania. Is the new virtual reality technology you're introducing today similar or different in some way?"

"They will not be introduced today," Kaiba said, meeting the reporter's eyes evenly. "They will be fully unveiled at a later date. However, they are different from the original. This model is more mobile and will allow the user to start a game as a single player or in group. They are then be given the choice to either attempt the game as the only player character or join the online version of the game with other users from all over the world in a virtual reality MMORPG if you will."

"MMORPG?" she asked.

"Massive Multiplayer Online Role Playing Game. Your World of Warcraft would be a sufficient example," the CEO clarified.

The woman looked down to take hurried notes while Kaiba nodded to another reporter. This one was a harried looking man with an overly eager photographer standing behind him. "You said users could join this MMORPG," he stuttered over the acronym, "through these new virtual reality devices, correct?" Kaiba nodded silently. "How exactly would that work? I believe there any many books, movies, and TV shows about what happens in similar situations. 'Tron,' 'Jumanji,' and 'Sword Art Online' to name a few."

"Your familiarity with anime is commendable, however your facts are sadly lacking. This virtual reality is purely optional and the user remains aware of the real world as well as the virtual one. It will be like a light sleep. A strange sound, loud voice, or physical contact will 'wake' the user easily. I can confirm that personally."

"You've used the device?"

A thin brown eyebrow arched. "I designed it and built the prototype myself."

"And if the user is 'woken up' during a battle, will the game be saved?"

"The game automatically saves the user's progress temporarily much like Microsoft Word autosaves documents when a computer crashes for later retrieval. However, for a permanent save, the user must reach and utilize the appointed Save Points like any other game."

Kaiba turned his attention to another reporter who held out a microphone connected to a television camera nearby. He nodded for the reporter to speak.

"You are still currently the second place holder of the International Duel Monsters Battle City 2013, correct?" the reporter asked.

"I am."

"And is Yuugi Motou still the champion?"

"I believe a simple Google search will answer that question," replied in mild annoyance.

"And you are the original creator and designer of the Duel Disks used to play Duel Monsters and the holograph technology incorporated into the game?"

"Again, another answer that can easily be found through a simple Google search. Unless you have anything to ask that does not involve commonly known facts, I suggest we move on." Kaiba glared at the reported who swallowed but continued anyway.

"And have any military branches, American or otherwise, approached you for acquiring this technology?" Immediately, the tension in the room increased as cameras flashed more frequently and film cameras zoomed into the CEO's face.

Kaiba smirked. "Of course. The American, Japanese, Russian, Iranian, European Union, Turkish, and Canadian military branches among several others have inquired after my technology."

Instantly, the room exploded in voices and questions drowned out by the television reporter who maintained a professional facade as he asked the question everyone wanted answered. "And will KaibaCorp return to military deals like in the past?"

Kaiba waited for the noise to die down before answering. When he deemed it sufficiently quiet, he spoke. "I will only say this once. So long as I, my brother, or anyone who values their livelihood controls or is involved with KaibaCorp, we will never sell our technology to any military or government branch domestic or otherwise. We are firmly a private company owned and operated by myself and my brother with the input from our fellow shareholders. While it is true we have and will most likely continue to work side-be-aside with the military and government in certain situations such as the furthering of scientific innovation or a terrorist attack on or involving my company including any and all those involved with my company," he glanced at the Queens briefly before returning his attention to the reporters and cameras, "the technology is always operated solely by myself, my brother, or another hand picked KaibaCorp employee. The military or government never has nor ever will have direct access to our technology."

Oliver Queen was not slow by any means. He caught Seto Kaiba's insinuation that the people of Starling City and not the Queens and by extension Queen Consolidated were responsible for hosting this event; the exact opposite of what his mother Moira Queen had said. He was not sure how to take that subtle insult. Also, he noticed the subtle glance Seto shot him and his family and knew exactly what it was. Seto was warning them away from messing with him. He could tell the first time he saw Seto across the ballroom that this young man was hardened by something,world wise in a way no one his age should be. Perhaps taking the reins of a struggling company at such a young age, single-handedly wrangling it back into the fiercely competitive world of technology, and now all but ruling the technological world had something to do with it. But something told him there was more to it than that.

The way Seto held himself was almost militaristic in nature. He was stern and arrogant but honest. The way the bodyguard standing conspicuously to the left of the young CEO was evidence enough of Seto's power and influence. He demanded loyalty and, if his words could be trusted and Oliver was inclined to believe they were, then he would return that loyalty tenfold. That was a sign of a good leader. It meant the chances of corrupting KaibaCorp employees was slim to none. That could be good for Seto, but if the CEO got involved with Lex Luthor, it could prove be troublesome for Arrow and the Justice League.

A rhythmic vibration from his pocket jolted Oliver put of his thoughts and he pulled out his cell phone. The text was from Diggle and informed him of the arrival of J'onn Jonzz and the Flash. His friend would alert him if anything significant came up but otherwise update him after the events at the Verdant tonight. Pocketing his phone, he noticed Walter staring at him significantly. He smiled apologetically and returned his attention to Seto.

The CEO was obviously wrapping up and the bow signaled the end of the questions. Without preamble, Seto Kaiba turned on his heel and walked off the platform. Oliver watched the man's movements closely and took note of the way the other young man interacted with others. He had a grace that practically screamed deadly much like how Arrow or, he hesitated to admit it, the Batman moved. Even J'onn Jonzz with his strange, alien grace could did not give out such an obvious warning as Seto's body language did. None of the reporters dared to approach the KaibaCorp mogul once Seto touched the carpeted floor of the ballroom. Of course, the stern bodyguard shadowing Seto's steps could very well have played a significant part in that.

"Oliver!"

Oliver jumped back to the present, whirling to Walter who had placed a hand on his shoulder and was giving him a look of fatherly concern. Oliver smiled sheepishly and shrugged. He would have to be careful about appearances. He could not loose himself in thought like that out in the open.

"Sorry." He glanced back at Seto. "I was just..."

"Yes, I know," Walter finished in understanding. "He is a fascinating young man. Older than his face would make him appear, I would guess."

Oliver glanced at his stepfather-to-be in surprise. He had forgotten how perceptive Walter could be. It was no wonder Felicity Smoak, his resident IT expert and girlfriend, respected him so much. Even the ever suspicious ex-army Ranger John Diggle, Oliver's closest friend and sometimes Arrow stand-in, had suggested they bring Walter in on their little secret. But always Oliver refused for two reasons. One, it would put Walter in danger, something everyone involved with Arrow were very aware was already the case. And two, Oliver did not trust Moira. He could not trust his own mother, and given her closeness to Walter, that distrust bled over to Walter by association. Not necessarily fair but realistic.

"Yeah, I was thinking that too," Oliver conceded. He felt Walter's concerned eyes on him but was glad when the man did not question him. Instead, they both watched Seto make a beeline for the doors leading out to the patio. Sometime during the conference, hotel personnel had erected white tents to prevent the guests from getting soaked by the now full on rain shower. Curiously, Seto did not make for the tents but walked directly between them through the pouring rain to the far stone railing surrounding the patio.

"He's sexy," a new voice chimed in drawing the surprised attention of both men.

"Sexy?" Walter asked incredulously.

Thea Queen nodded with a sly wink. "Ooh, yeah. Did you see those legs? Miles long. Definitely sexy. And seriously, he obviously has money and last I checked, no girl. Free game in open season."

Oliver chuckled and Walter was caught between alarm and amusement when Moira joined their little family group. "What are we all looking at, hm?"

Oliver answered when Thea deliberately ignored her mother and walked away to join the few brave souls who dared venture out to the tents on the patio. "Seto Kaiba. I was admiring his ability to hand public speaking. I've heard of him but this is the first time I've ever actually seen him in person."

"Indeed," Walter agreed. "He's a interesting individual."

Oliver noticed Luthor in the corner of his eye trying the escape the reporters to head outside and decided now was the perfect time to join the CEO in the rain. A little water never hurt anyone, most anyone.

"Excuse me," he said, stepping into the crowd and leaving him mother and future stepfather to fend off the few reporters interested in speaking to them.