Finally, I am back! Did you miss me, did you? Did you? DID YOU? LOL! I would like to apologise for the tardy update and I hope this mega-long chapter made up for my shortcomings! Please enjoy...
Dedicated to all those reviewed the last chapter, thank you for you patience and support. I love you all~!
Warning: The usual... Verbal diarrhoea, typos, grammar, blah...
Disclaimer: I do not own Yu-Gi-Oh!
O-o-O-o-O
Arriving back at the studio, Yami was surprised to see Kaiba and company had already returned. The small actor smirked at the punctuality of the aloof man. He wouldn't expect anything less from the great Kaiba-sama, it showed his dedicated commitment—which meant the others in his entourage suffered for it. Well, all except Rebecca-san, she was nowhere to be seen. Shizuka-san was sitting next to revered man who was busy perusing some files. She, herself, was occupied on her cell phone; it was rumoured she had a huge Twitter following.
As if sensing his presence, she looked up and flashed him a welcoming smile. Yami readily smiled back. The other occupants looked his way, but made no attempt to communicate; he acknowledged them with a curt nod of his head.
Choosing a seat that left an empty chair between himself and Shizuka-san, Yami dropped his bag on the floor beside it. Sitting down, he stretched out his legs in front of him and folded his hands over his midriff. The ensuing silence was comfortable and those present were contented to keep it thus. Not a word was uttered to disturb the gratifying quietude.
Despite vowing he'll have little to do with Kaiba, Yami stole a sideway glance at him noting his straight back pose, the man looked effortlessly composed and dignified. Glancing down at himself, Yami became very conscious of his slumped and sprawled form. Compared to the rigid male, he looked hideously uncouth and slouchy. Appreciation stirred Yami to slide his eyes towards Kaiba again...and was caught by Noa. The impertinent youth scowled at his rival with enmity so severe the spying man hastily diverted his gaze. The younger Kaiba, Yami thought wryly, had perfected his death-glare to rival his cousin's. The boy's possessiveness was scary.
Idly, Yami began to wonder what kind of person the seasoned veteran would date. Would it be a person in the same business, he mused, someone elegant and refined? As he pondered, the image of Ishatar-san came to mind; indeed, the successful businesswoman complemented the KCC CEO in looks, mannerism and brains. They were definitely evenly matched.
As if by magic, the thought of one Ishtar had prompted the appearance of the other. A sulky Marik-san, tailgated by Pegasus, walked into the room. All heads turned to their direction. Yami stared at the sullen Egyptian with mixed feelings of relief and pity. He knew his freedom from harassment was at the expense of the restrained man, but it provided him the opportunity to leisurely observe what others were doing as opposed to warding off clingy assaults.
Lost in his thoughts, Yami felt a weighty stare of the person in question. Looking up at the forlorn face, he smiled.
Marik murmured something to his manager and the latter nodded. As if given permission to approach, Marik made his way to Yami, his eyes never leaving the bemused face. Yami could feel all the attention on the approaching man and the small box he held. It was a dainty, red box with a cut out carry handle.
Standing in front of the seated male, Marik thrust the box towards Yami. "Here, I saw these and thought of you," he announced. "It's taiyaki from a shop that is famous for them."
Puzzled, Yami trailed his eyes from the tanned face to the proffered box and then trailed them back to Marik again.
Pegasus-san chuckled. "Take them Yami-kun, he especially went out of his way for it. I had to cut short my lunch to escort him on his errand. His intentions are sincere even if his character is dubious!"
Marik spun around and glared at his agent. "Shut it, Ojii-san*!" he growled. "Calling me 'dubious' is rich coming from a pervert like you!"
Pegasus laughed, "Yes, I suppose it's like 'the eye wax laughing at the snot*', isn't that right, Snot?"
If looks could kill, Yami was sure Pegasus would be convulsing on the floor in a pool of his own blood with Marik's glare-daggers protruding from his body! The former had never seen the other so livid before! From what he was witnessed, his manager was the only one who could make the flighty man so perturbed. If anyone could draw out the villain from Marik, it was definitely this man; they were evenly matched with their crude outspokenness. Yami made a mental note not to upset Pegasus...ever! He wasn't sure who was worse, Mai-san or Pegasus-san...or both?
"Well, I didn't ask you to tag along to buy this, did I?" Marik spat, his tone acidic. "You could have carried on with your lunch and met me back here!"
"What? And have you running amok again?" Pegasus replied, eyes wide and clapping a hand on his chest in mock astonishment. "If I did, I am sure we'll be short of two voice actors for this session. I don't think Ota-san would be very happy with me if I allowed you to stray and kidnap his Osiris! I value my reputation even if you don't. Now, Yami-kun, please take the box off Snot-kun so he can return to his seat here." He patted the empty chair beside him and smiled sweetly.
Marik scowl deepened. "Creepy ol' geezer," he muttered darkly under his breath. Turning his attention to Yami, he extended the box out to the recipient again. "I hope you like them and—" he trailed off unsure how to continue.
Yami knew it was Marik's way of apologising for the boutique incident and was touched by the thought; he smiled at the flustered man and gave his thanks as he took the item from him. The hefty weight of the box surprised him; he must have bought quite a few pastries. Yami's mouth began to water.
Marik's face broke out in a boyish grin. With Yami's acceptance of his gift, it meant he had been forgiven and it was a relief to him. Having accomplished what he set out to do, he turned and made his way to Pegasus, throwing himself down on the seat next to the one indicated by latter. The loud huff indicated he was peeved with the older man.
Marik desperately wanted to hug Yami—he desperately needed his 'Yami-chan fix'. But since his tardy appearance at the interview due to his little 'diversion', Pegasus had been shadowing him. Equipped with the knowledge the escapade was due to a certain crimson-eyed individual, Pegasus declared any encounters the two may have would be chaperoned by him. Contact would be kept minimal and his behaviour conducted professionally. It would last until he considered Marik trustworthy again.
Marik hoped Pegasus would relent soon, he didn't think he could abstain from Yami-glomping much longer. His lips pursed with frustration.
Pegasus snickered and shrugged his shoulders. Marik's snub and his petulant attitude was the least of his worries.
Yami placed the box on the floor next to his bag and looked up. This time he caught Noa staring at him—or rather at the box. Yami looked away; he didn't want to lock eyes with the teen again, judging by the glare aimed at the gift, the antagonism had increased. It made Yami wonder if he should offer the taiyaki around the group.
"Urgh, I am so full!" Jonouchi's whining could be heard outside, Yami was thankful for the distraction heading their way.
"Well, who told you to eat so much, idiot?" scolded Honda.
"But it was all you can eat! Of course, I have to get my money's worth!" Jonouchi howled indignantly.
"Yeah, but to that extent? You had to undo the top button of your pants 'cos you were ready to burst! Though I have to admit, the food was pretty good. I'd definitely go back again."
"Yeah, not to mention the waitresses were cute!" A snicker, inside and outside the room, followed the compliment. Yami rolled his eyes and shook his head at Marik, who was listening intently with a smirk on his face.
Cute waitresses, huh?
Jonouchi and Honda appeared. The former had his arms crossed behind his head, which forced his T-shirt to ride up his upper torso; it exposed a little of his bloated belly. Like Honda said, the top button of his pants was undone. It didn't go unnoticed by the others, Noa called them, "Scruffy savages!" under his breath. Honda was contentedly walking beside his friend with his hands in his jean's pockets, his good-humour unaffected by Jonouchi's complaints. After giving their greetings, the pair plonked themselves down on the nearest chairs, chatting amicably about their buffet conquest.
Yami took a peek at his watch, there was seven minutes left to two o'clock and Rebecca hadn't returned. He was a little anxious for the tardy blonde and was even contemplating on asking Shizuka-san to call her. He chewed on his lower lip as deliberated over his dilemma; he didn't want the teen to get into trouble with Ota-san...
The sound of running in the corridor outside impelled him to turn his head to the door where the subject of his fretting materialised, a little out of breath, and a paper bag swinging on the crook of her arm. Ignoring all the curious stares aimed her way; she marched into the room and slumped into the seat between Yami and Shizuka.
Shizuka leaned towards her and whispered, "Did you find what you were looking for, Rebecca-chan?"
Rebecca's enthusiastic bobbling of the head indicated her mission was a success and the huge smile she sported spoke of her elation.
Yami was curious.
"I did! Plus, other stuff too!" she gushed, her expression dreamy. "It was why I was late getting back. There was so much to see that I'll probably go back after work and browse some more. Their yaoi section's extensive and awesome!" Rebecca continued her fangirling with zeal, "I looked into their doujinshi section and guess what?"
"What?" Shizuka breathed.
"I found some 'Broken Bonds' doujinshi!"
Yami pricked his ear, he had a sneaky feeling the subject had the attention of all the occupants. Only the girls were oblivious to notice—they were too busy squeeing.
"No! Really?" Shizuka replied, the two words rose in pitch from disbelief. "Which pairing?"
Yami was now shamelessly homed in on their conversation. The words, "yaoi" and "Broken Bonds" filled him with dread and at the same time piqued his curiosity. He held his breath.
Rebecca couldn't contain her excitement any longer. The pairing was announced with exaggerated gusto. "Obelisk and Osiris!"
All eyes stared at the fervent duo. From the corner of his eyes, Yami swore he saw Kaiba smirk.
Jonouchi and Honda simultaneously groaned their disgust.
Marik shook his head and declared, "You have bad taste, Becca-chan. I think Ra and Osiris is the one true pairing!"
Rebecca snorted. "You wish! It's Purple all the way!" she scoffed.
"Orange!" Marik retorted.
"Pur-ple!"
"Oran-ge!"
Confused crimsons shifted between the bickering pair. His puzzlement was evident. Purple? Orange? The pair was arguing about colours? He was completely stumped. Shizuka saw his confusion and pitied him; she leaned towards him and motioned him to do the same towards her.
He complied willingly.
"You must be wondering why they are arguing about colours, right?" she asked, her eyes darting between the squabbling pair.
Yami bobbed his head.
"The colours are the fans' method of shipping couples, it's like colour coding. Obelisk eyes are blue and his spirit form is blue, right?"
Yami hummed an acknowledgement. He was beginning to get what Shizuka-san was trying to tell him.
"Ra's yellow and Osiris's red, right?"
Again, Yami nodded.
"When you combine the colours together, you get the name of the pairing. So mix Obelisk blue and Osiris red, you'll get the colour purple hence the shipping name. Similarly, Obelisk and Kisara is Blueshipping."
Yami gained a clearer understanding with the explanation given to him. "Thank you for enlightening me, Shizuka-san," he said gratefully. She responded with a generous smile. Reclining back into his seat, his thoughts turned to the cause of the quarrel...the doujinshi; fan-made comic books of pairings from a preferred fandom, he wondered what they would be like. It wasn't something sold at the convenient store nor did it interest him—until now. His eyes flickered over to the bag by Rebecca's feet and noted the name of the bookstore, maybe one day, whilst on lunch he could check it out.
"Great to see everyone's here and all fired up for some work!" Ota-san interposed, smiling broadly. Marik and Rebecca immediately hushed up. "Then let's get started." He headed towards the sound room, with a few technicians in tow. After settling down, his voice was heard again. "Right, we will go to scene 83 with Ra and Kisara. In this scene Ra's proposal to Kisara and was shot down by our heroine. Needless to say, our rejected suitor is not pleased. Marik-sensei and Shizuka-san please watch the visual first and commence whenever you are ready."
Marik and Shizuka got up and took their places in front of the microphones. The room was shrouded in an eerie silence as the film began to play. Yami watched with fascination. The anguish, the muted characters revealed, had him entranced. The abundance of expressions coming from Ra was particularly intriguing, he could only watch wide-eyed as the drama played out in silence. The torment the pair was going through in that clip was exhibited in the body language and their pained looks, he wondered how Marik was going to express it. Yami turned his eyes towards the actor, it was the first time he was free to watch Marik voice and he was very excited. He wanted to see a different side of the frivolous man...the serious side of him...just as he was eager to see a jovial side of the Ice Prince.
Marik cleared his throat and the playback of the animation began again.
"So you are adamant on your refusal, Kisara?" Ra hissed through his suppressed rage. "Am I not worth your consideration, at least a 'I will think about it,' answer?"
Kisara looked away from the speaker, she could detect the pain hidden beneath his anger and it was hard for her to bear. She could not look him in the eyes. "I am sorry, Ra," she replied sorrowfully, "but I can not return your feelings, it would be wrong to prolong the response if it were to be the same now or later. Please forgive me."
Ra laughed aloud. The sound made Kisara flinch in response, she trembled slightly in her chair, as Ra circled around her, like a predator to a captured prey. "You reject my advance, yet you accept Obelisk's, is that right?" he sneered, the accusation dripped with contempt as he hurled it at her. "I, who is the better candidate in social status, in strength and in academic success. I, who love you no less—lose to that inferior buffoon? I will not accept it, nor will I forgive this slight."
With those words, Ra stormed towards the door, his ire apparent in the elegant gait.
Kisara looked up at the sound of his footsteps and called out to the retreating man, the effects were instantaneous; the fair male paused with his hand on the handle of the door. Spinning around, Ra looked at the princess with a quizzical gaze; a raised brow and an upturn corner of his lips betrayed the hopefulness in his detainment.
"I am sorry," Kisara, sobbed, "I am truly sorry."
The smile stiffened and froze on the pale face, then with a sweeping bow, the jilted suitor uttered, "Farewell for now, my 'Gift-Bearer' and fear not for I shall return for you soon enough."
With those imparting words, Ra turned, opened the door and left...
Yami sighed, the scene was too short, what he witnessed wasn't enough to satiate the gnawing hunger it evoked. He felt oddly discontented. Watching Marik act was a joy. His expression and his voice matched that of Ra perfectly, they synched as one. The slight curl of his lips as he criticised the Princess for her choice—to the bitter words as he withdrew. Ra's pitiful figure evoked Yami's sympathy. Maybe it was the way Marik played him, but he could detect something simmering beneath the cold exterior...like molten lava beneath a frozen volcano...like a glimpse of warmth beneath an icy exterior belonging to...
Yami shook his head as if to clear his thoughts. Was he seriously likening Ra to another haughty man, one with piercing, glacial blue eyes? Yami hid a smile behind a raised hand at his absurdity. Little did he know, those same piercing, glacial blue eyes were watching him intently.
"Well done! Shizuka-san, thank you for your hard work; you may return to your seat. Marik-sensei, please remain where you are and we will have Yami-kun to the front now. We will be acting scene 129."
The request startled Yami. Was he really going to do a scene with Marik, he thought? He felt his whole being tingle with excitement, as he got up, conscious of the eyes on him. Jonouchi and Honda gave him the thumbs-up and mouthed, "Good Luck" and the girls smiled their support. He gave a nervous smile back, but avoided eye contact with Kaiba though. For some reason, he didn't want to look at him until he had accomplished his task.
"Okay gentlemen, please refer to scene 129. It is a Ra and Osiris confrontation. Ra has just informed the Council he will be resigning his duties and leaving Metahtes. After breaking the news, he leaves the room with Osiris pursing him. The prince is hoping to persuade Ra to reconsider his resignation. Yami-kun, be mindful of this scene, there is an upheaval of emotions that requires you to show and respond. Take a quick look at the script and then watch the visual. Interpret it accordingly and we will start when you are ready, okay?"
Yami responded with a nod, something he's been doing that a lot today!
Butterflies fluttered restlessly in his belly and he inhaled deeply. He could do it, he told himself. He definitely could do it!
Glancing at his partner, he found Marik smiling encouragingly at him. Yami could not help but smile back, his amusement increasing when the Egyptian gave him a playful wink. With a small sigh, he began to examine the script and watched the clip thereafter, his brows knitted together in concentration as he closely observed Osiris's expressions and body language. In his mind, he attempted to match the script with the actions, it allowed him to simulate the emotions required to add depth and meaning to what was being said and done.
When the animation finished, he looked at Marik again. The latter cocked a slender brow, his eyes exuding warmth, which Yami found heartening. "Are you ready?" he murmured.
Yami inhaled, exhaled and nodded. He could do it!
"Ra!" Osiris stormed after the retiring Overseer, his eyes trained on tall figure with the ramrod back and the head of short, gold curls. His steps echoed loudly in the expanse of the empty corridor, supplementing the sound of the other's footsteps. Osiris called out again. "Ra! Wait!"
Ra stopped and slowly turned around, his lips stretched thinly across his face. The tightness around his mouth spoke of the anger he was trying to stifle. The hostility in his eyes was still present, burning bright like the summer's sun.
The prince knew this man's silent fury was lethally dangerous. He never, unlike the others, underestimated Ra.
Osiris slowed down as he approached the still man and stopped an arm's length away. Garnet eyes searched for signs of calmness he could appeal to...and found none. Ra was very angry.
"Will you not reconsider, Ra?" he asked softly. "Will you not reconsider staying? Must you leave Metahtes?"
Ra snorted at the absurdity of the questions barraged at him, the audacity irked him further. "What is there to reconsider?" he retorted. "Do you expect me to stay and watch the woman I love be with another? I cannot do it, Osiris!"
"If you love her, then surely you should remain to protect her?" Osiris reasoned. "Will you not be contented with the knowledge that she is well and happy?"
Ra glared angrily at the speaker. "No, I cannot be contented! Neither can I forgive the snub or forget the humiliation of Kisara rejecting me," he declared. "Why should I continue to protect her if she belongs to something that is beneath my contempt? I am not that noble...or foolish."
Osiris stiffened with anger. "My sister is not a possession, Ra! She is not a prize to be vied for," he spat. "She is free to chose whomever she wishes. Even our Royal Parents would not force her into a marriage she does not wish. They gave her the freedom to choose and they will respect her choice. Besides, what right have you to belittle Obelisk? Is he not an Overseer, a Protector and a military commander like you?"
Ra sniffed and crossed his arms over his chest. "Do not compare me with the likes of him!" he countered scornfully. "His social status is low, his breeding is inferior, and his birth, questionable. The match is altogether degrading!"
Osiris took a step closer to Ra, his eyes burning with rage. "But nee-sama chose him over you!"
"And she will be made to see the errors of her choice. I swear it," the rejected man replied coolly.
Osiris looked desperate. "It doesn't have to be this way, Ra!" he cried with exasperation. Ra's composed stubbornness was so infuriating.
"How do you expect me to respond, Osiris?" Ra asked, a hint of frustration seeped from his voice. "I've loved her since we were children—it was her and her only, I have wanted no other. I was sure she would, one day, be mine."
Osiris placed a hand on his companion's shoulder and lightly squeezed it. "Surely there are others," he assured. "I am sure you'll be able to find another to love—one who'll reciprocate your feelings. Don't be disheartened, Ra."
The reply was a guffaw from the consoled male. A look of disdain flashed briefly in those light amber eyes and then was gone. "Let me ask you this, my Prince," Ra asked, his airy tone failed to disguise the solemnity of the words uttered. "How would you feel if your father yielded the throne to a nobody? Would you sit back idly and allow another to take what you see is rightfully yours? Would you not feel upset and frustrated about it?" The tawny gazed fixed on Osiris, vexation radiated off of it making the young royal sympathetic to his plight. "That is how I see my predicament."
Osiris shook his head and began to remonstrate, "If the crown went to someone I deem worthy then I would not object—"
He stopped.
Tensing up, Osiris realised he had just fallen into Ra's trap. The curl on the latter's lips told him he was well aware of it. A pout formed on the prince's face and a little of the brat from five years ago resurfaced. He withdrew his hand.
Ra leaned forward, his voice dropped to a mere whisper, "Then I deem no one is worthy of her except me."
Osiris shook his head and sighed in defeat. Ra's pride made him obstinate, it would be hard to reason with him, let alone persuade him when he believes he'd been wronged. "So, you will not reconsider then?" he asked, sadness unmistakeable in the timbre. They may not have always seen eye-to-eye, but they were still friends. He didn't want to see them separated and bitterly alienated.
Gold eyes stared into the garnet ones and silence beset the two for a brief moment. It was Ra who broke the silence. "Come with me, Osiris," he coaxed, "Only I can equal that intellect of yours, only I can satisfy that insatiable mind. Together, we could be one big, happy family: you, me and Kisara."
Ra reached out and brushed a stray tendril of silvery hair from the other's face. Osiris's hair, like his sister's, grew to the waist; his long, straight tresses were loosely secured with a coloured ribbon that matched his eyes. Fine wisps of hair, too short to be tied back would softly frame that pale, beautiful face. No matter how many times Osiris pushed them behind his ears, the hair would always escape, just as it did now.
Hypnotised, Osiris stared into the warm, golden gaze as he allowed the words to lure him. It was true, only Ra could stimulate his mind like no other, only when he's pitted with him could he maximise his full potential. Did their rivalry not enable his growth and maturity? Secretly, he would have gladly done what was ask of him because he respected that brilliant mind—a mind that was, unfortunately, also devoid of compassion. Osiris could not help, but compare Ra with Obelisk and found the latter wanting. He understood why nee-sama chose Obelisk.
Closing his eyes to that expectant gaze, Osiris took a deep breath and expelled it wearily; he wished it would rid him of the hurt he felt within, he could only imagine how his sister felt when she was faced with the same situation.
"I am sorry, Ra," he replied, "I cannot go with you. Did you think if I went with you, nee-sama would meekly follow? Did you think I could abandon my responsibility to satisfy your trampled pride? Nee-sama's happiness is paramount to me—that and the well being of my people. I cannot go against what fate has ordained and neither should you. My advice to you is: learn to accept my sister's decision, be happy for them, and move on."
"Oh?" Ra responded cockily, his head tilted to one side in a mocking manner. "And what will you do if I told you your decision today will cause the suffering of the many later?"
The royal tensed up, the remark triggering his anger. "Are you threatening me?" he seethed, his infamous cool demeanour conceding to his, equally, infamous heated temper. Curled fists were forcibly secured to his side; it was through sheer willpower that he didn't hurl them at the conceited man.
Ra's cackle rang brashly surrounded them. The sound was spine chilling. "No, I am not threatening you, my dear Osiris, I am merely informing you. You had the power to tip the balance in my favour today, but you chose not to. Now your people will pay!"
Osiris was taken aback with the callousness. Disbelief plainly displayed on his face for the other to see. "But they are your kith and kin too, Ra!" he claimed. "Have you no empathy for others than yourself?"
"Why should I?" the older male sneered. "Kisara rejected me, you rejected me! No one else is worthy of my affection or my respect. All others are insignificant!"
"Ra!" growled Osiris.
"So be it, Osiris," Ra declared. "From this day forth, I will challenge and tax your able mind in another way. Let the future battlefield be the arena where we will fight for victory and recognition. I will ensure you will pay for your callous dismissal with the lives of those you hold dear. Protect them well!"
The regal youth narrowed his eyes to the other's declaration. "I will not lose to you, Ra," he vowed. "I swear I will defeat you!"
Ra threw his head back and laughed heartily, the remark entertained him immensely. "Then let this new-found rivalry be the milestone to a new relationship, one that I'll look forward to eagerly. I will remember your words, Osiris so do not forget mine. Now if you'll excuse me, I have matters to attend to before my departure."
With a bow, Ra turned around and began walking away...
"You will never win, I swear on my life!" Osiris yelled after him.
Osiris's resolution stopped Ra in his tracks. Turning his face slightly, he graced the irate youth with its profile.
"I have always said you'd either be a worthy ally or an admirable opponent, Osiris. Since I have so much faith in you, you had better not disappoint me. Failure to take me seriously will result in the deaths of subjects, family and friends. Heed my warning, my Prince!"
Peals of laughter resounded around them, the sound lingered in Osiris's ears long after the retreating footsteps became silent. The lonely figure stood stock-still, his vivid gaze staring into the distance.
"Ra," he whispered.
Yami expelled his relief with a lengthy breath. He did it! Okay, it took several takes, but he did it! He grinned sheepishly at Marik who beamed at him. The rookie was grateful for the latter's guidance.
Working with Marik gave off a different vibe, the feeling was different to the one he had when he was paired with Kaiba. He felt more relaxed with Marik than he did with the latter. Marik, too, led the scene, it was in the nature of the character he was playing to dominate and he did it perfectly. The anger was so real, the threat, formidable. Furthermore, there was a trace of sadness underlining that rage, which Marik hinted. It made Yami feel sorry for Ra, which was then reflected in his Osiris. Admittedly, he was drawn to that stoic and frigid character, just as he was drawn another being with similar attributes.
Having worked with the two most sought after voice actors in the dubbing world, Yami could safely say they both lived up to their reputation. Partnering with Marik was pleasant; he was patient and accommodating, in comparison with the Ice Prince. Back then, the tension with Kaiba was overwhelming, but the challenge was no less enjoyable than it was now, and he hankered to repeat the experience again. He feverishly hoped he would be given the chance again today.
Marik, on the other hand, had other plans awaiting him. The director left his refuge and sought him out.
"Thank you for your hard work, Marik-sensei," said Ota-san. "I know you have another appointment to attend and since all your scenes are done for now, you may go if you wish. Pegasus-san, has already expressed his desire to have you at your next engagement as soon as possible."
On hearing the news, Marik twisted his head around and scowled at the man with an aura of boredom around him. Pegasus jerked his head and a thumb in the direction of the door. Time to leave, it said.
Accepting his fate, Marik bowed to Ota-san and gave a weak smile to Yami, patting his arm gently. "Well done, Yami-chan," he said, brushing aside a blond bang just as Ra did to Osiris. "I am so proud of you."
Yami's eyes rounded at the action and the praise. After the last scene, he rued to see Marik go. The man's acting skills were, without a doubt, remarkable. He breathed life into his characters, allowing the audience to see the hidden side of his villains. Yami could understand why the antagonists he voiced were so popular. He made them his own.
Watching the dejected figure, Yami felt a pang of regret...which lasted for a few seconds!
Passing Rebecca, he muttered, "Orange!" and laughed. The deceptively strong Pegasus hauled him out of the room in record time, before he disrupt things further, leaving a fuming Rebecca pouting for not having the last word.
Yami clapped a hand over his face and shook his head, he was trying to stifle a snicker. Marik was incorrigible.
"Okay then, I would like all the male actors contributing in the next scene please," Ota-san was back in the sound room again, broadcasting his instructions over the speakers. "Honda-kun, my apologies for not being able to use your talent today, however, we will not squander the opportunity to have you apply your voice in other roles. It would be a pity not to utilise your voice for other characters, I hope you don't mind."
Honda laughed, "Old farts, young studs, you name it, I can voice it, so bring it on!" he assured the director. "If I can be of use, I don't mind."
Ota-san nodded and continued. "We are tackling scene 225. Jou-kun as Exodia, Osiris, Duo and Obelisk are also present. Honda-kun, you will voice Lord Bastet and other Overseers so we require you to alternate between various voices. Take a good look at the visual and adjust your voice according to the age and character. And Noa-kun, remember, Duo is sixteen now. All set? Good, begin!"
"He did what?" Exodia's disbelief mirrored that of the occupants in the room. Overseers of different ranks and ages were gathered around the circular table. The news of Ra had prompted the hasty meeting.
"Our intelligence confirmed he'd already conquered the Lower Realms," the Prince relayed. "Duo has seen their occupation with his own eyes. It is undoubtedly Ra's doing. Duo, you may proceed with the briefing."
Duo got up and began informing the Council of his findings. "Ra's might grow stronger with each victory. He's coerced the smaller states to join his campaign, enabling him to boost his numbers. His second-in-command, a capable and resourceful diplomat called Magus, managed to persuade the weaker nations to their cause. His methods of persuasion are unconventional, but effective, those not swayed by diplomacy are subsequently crushed by Ra himself. No one dare oppose him any more."
The disclosure appalled the occupants and a wave of outrage reverberated loudly around the room. Unable to continue, Duo looked nervously the prince.
"Gentlemen!" Osiris's voice rang out clear and authoritative above the rowdy din. With his hands resting on the armrest of his chair and his fingers steepled together, the prince looked cool and composed. The room immediately hushed as all eyes turned towards the speaker.
The King of Metahtes watched on silently, pleased his son was able to gain control of the meeting with a single command.
"Duo, continue please."
"Yes, Your Highness," Duo replied with a slight bow, before returning his attention to the others around him. "Without serious opposition against him, Ra has captured most of the Lower Kingdom territories and unified them under his rule—it is that, which gives him strength and the nerve to challenge us."
An overseer gave a snort; the idea Ra posing a challenge to the Kingdom of Metahtes was ridiculous. "And how does he propose to do that?" Lord Bastet asked, a trace of amusement colouring his voice.
Osiris looked around the table; his lips pursed into a grim line, his expression stony and unreadable. Claret-hued eyes sought the sapphire ones and held it in a steadfast gaze. "He sent us an ultimatum," he replied.
"What? Who does he think he is to threaten us like some insignificant state?" fumed an elderly Overseer. "What makes him think he can even demand anything from us, let alone threaten us!"
"What is he demanding?" snapped Obelisk tersely, dismissing all else, noise and people alike.
The red gaze did not waver as it bore into blue. "Her Royal Highness, Princess Kisara."
The tension after that scene was thick. The effects of the declaration lingered heavily in the air. Yami could understand why the scene was being used—it was dramatic and spellbinding, and it sent a chill down his spine as a result. He shivered involuntarily.
Kaiba observed him closely; a playful smirk adorned his face as he watched the delicate shudder ripple through the slender body. He enjoyed witnessing the impact the scenes had on the kouhai, it was refreshing to see the awe in his eyes and his reactions were humble and honest. The naivety was welcoming too. It urged him to impress that arid mind, it made him want to monopolise his admiration—to have those crimson eyes worshipping him. It was foolish of him to desire it. After all, was he not adored and idolised to the extent it irked him? So what was it that drew this 'nobody' towards him?
Why him?
Ota-san's next words abruptly severed his train of thoughts.
"Fantastic work, everybody! That scene was perfect! The atmosphere created was perfect! You all did very well!" The praise given was generous; it meant the director was pleased. "Finally, we will conclude with scene 359. Rebecca-kun and Shizuka-san, please come forward and Honda-kun may return to your seat." The exchange of cast was done swiftly and efficiently amidst the flipping of pages to find the said scene. "Good! Right we have Rebecca-san's Mana in this scene as well as Obelisk, Osiris, Exodia and Duo. Shizuka-san, you will voice Isis; she will have a deep and full voice, which will be modified to give it a more computerised effect during the editing stage, so don't worry if you can't pull it off."
"I will do my best," replied Shizuka with determination.
Ota-san chuckled. "Super! Rebecca-san, please have a look at the script. In this scene, you'll be undergoing an influx of emotions, it is a tough call, but I have faith you'll be able to pull it off. If need be, take a moment to adapt. We will begin the visual whenever you are ready."
Rebecca opened her script to the required page and began scanning it. Light blue eyes poured over the words skilfully. Yami could feel her concentration as she absorbed the words, he was amazed to see her so solemn and focused. When she was done, she looked up and nodded. She was ready!
Hurried footfalls mingled with rapid breathing were heard. Its haste dictated the pace, the breathless gulps of air spoke of its urgency. Mana's lungs were ready to burst as she ran to the prince's residence in the east wing of the palace, her voluminous uniform billowing around her. The maid knew His Highness was having a meeting with his advisors, which meant he would be in his office; it was there she was heading.
Arriving at her destination, she eyed the room with apprehension. Although fearful, her anxiety made her brave, providing her with the much-needed strength for the confrontation. Without proper ceremony, she threw open the large wooden double doors and ran inside. Faint from the exertion, she sunk to her knees, a hand clutching tightly to her chest. Obelisk, Osiris, Exodia and Duo stared silently at her; their faces etched with surprise.
"Y-your H-highness," she gasped. "T-the P-Prince...the P-Princess..."
The figure that was perched casually on the edge of Osiris's desk immediately got up and marched towards her. Obelisk's face looked thunderous as he grabbed the maid by the arm and roughly pulled her up. "What happened to the Princess?" he demanded.
The grip provoked a cry of pain from the female and an angry protest from the Prince and company.
"Obelisk!" Osiris barked. With a wave of his hand, he sent the other two males rushing towards the enraged assailant.
Gently grabbing Obelisk by the shoulders, the two youths pried their colleague and friend away from the frightened girl. Obelisk released his hold on her and retreated a few steps back. His glare did not lessen. "Tell me! What's happened to the Princess?"
"Gone..." the girl mumbled timidly, too afraid to continue.
Obelisk was about to yell something, but Exodia's grip on his shoulder tightened forcing the man to remain silent.
"Where, Mana?" Exodia asked gently. "Where has the Princess gone?"
Mana covered her face with her hands and shook her head, "I don't know," she sobbed. "We were in the garden when Her Highness complained she felt cold, so I went indoors to fetch her a shawl, when I returned she was nowhere to be found!"
The fraught girl began crying again, the tears spilled out between the cracks of her fingers. "I searched everywhere; inside the palace, in the palace grounds, everywhere..."
Osiris sprung into action. "Isis, activate the tracking system," he ordered.
Immediately, the room was bathed in a luminous glow and a warm female voice responded. "Tracking device activated. What is your command, Master?"
"Locate Princess Kisara," he instructed brusquely.
"Locating now..."
Obelisk shrugged off the hands restraining him and stormed up to Osiris. His face was contorted with rage as he slammed a fist onto the wooden desk, "Have you forgotten all the Protectors have knowledge about the tracking chip in her amulet... Ra included?"
As if to confirm the statement, Isis quipped, "Tracking device K1 has been deactivated."
Obelisk scowled at Osiris, "I told you so—"
"Locating again..."
Obelisk's eyes widened as Isis began her search again. Was there another, he dared ask himself?
"Confirmed. Tracking device K2 located. Presenting information on screen." A large image of a map appeared in the middle of the room, a small red light blinked steadily in the middle of it.
"Name location," the master ordered.
A hush descended over the room as everyone held their breath, even Mana's weeping stopped, her grief temporarily forgotten as hope bled through the tension.
"Location is...Section 9264, Upper Province, Lower Realm."
The male occupants gasped aloud, the location confirmed was a stronghold of their latest threat. It affirmed what they suspected—the immaculate and precise execution of the kidnapping was a dead giveaway—they could only think of one person capable of carrying out such a feat.
Obelisk's expression spelt murder. "Ra!" he snarled. "I am going to kill you!"
With that he stormed out of the room...
All eyes were on the director sitting snugly inside his room with his headphones over his tousled hair and looking completely immersed. The actors waited for the verdict with bated breath! Ota-san looked up and grinned, giving a thumbs-up to the cast. A cheer broke out as the girls clung to one another, jumping up and down. Honda and Jonouchi were slightly more subdue in their celebrations, they high-fived each other with goofy grins on their faces. The jubilance indicated the session was finally over and it was time to go home.
Yami looked at his elated co-stars and felt a little deflated. For him, the session was over too quickly. Casting his eyes in Kaiba's direction, he saw the older man looking at him. Transfixed, Yami could not look away...he felt the other had something to say.
Kaiba gave him a smirk and a slow dip of his head. Yami's eyes widened.
Was that a sign of approval?
It would probably be the closest he'll get in way of praise or recognition from the lofty man. Yami grinned back, hoping he was now accepted and acknowledged to be more than just a 'nobody' or a yaoi artist.
He hoped he had proved his worth.
Blue eyes rested on him a little longer and then turned to Noa. After murmuring something to his cousin, he made his way towards the sound room. Yami's eyes followed the handsome figure; in turn he was watched by Noa's hostile ones.
The rest of the cast were gathering their belongings and chatting excitedly. "Hey, shall we do something after the press conference?" Honda asked. It triggered a chorus of "Yes" from his colleagues.
Yami listened half-heartedly to the discussion, unsure if the invitation included him or not. Leaning over to pick up his bag and the box, his vision swam and he felt a wave of dizziness assault him. He reached out to clutch the back of the chair to steady himself and blinked several times, willing the sensation to pass. He hoped the momentary relapse had gone unnoticed.
He wasn't so lucky.
Rebecca sidled up to him and laid a hand on his arm. "Are you alright, Yami?" she asked, her face full of concern.
Yami gave a nervous laugh and tried to dismiss it. "I'm fine, just a little tired now the session is over. It's nothing to worry about."
The teen did not look convince at all. "But you seem unsteady on your feet and your face is all pale."
"I'll be alright. I just need to go home and get some rest, so please don't fret." Yami implored.
Rebecca looked at him thoughtfully. "I think you should rest here before going home," she advised cautiously. "It'll be a problem if you collapsed on the way, especially with the production under way, jeopardising it because one of its lead is incapacitated is not a good start."
Yami grimaced at the barefaced truth. Rebecca had a point. He couldn't risk the opportunity because of his carelessness. Grudgingly, he conceded to the suggestion. "Fine," he said.
"Good," Rebecca replied. "Let's go the lounge."
"The lounge?" Yami asked as he carefully lowered himself to pick up his things.
"Yes, it's a room that is used primarily for interviews. I am taking you there because it has a couch you can lie on." She began to make her way to the exit, stopping to have a brief word with the boys and Shizuka. His co-stars each gave him a smile and a wave, which he returned.
Resisting the temptation to give a backward glance towards the sound room, Yami left with Rebecca.
O-o-O-o-O
Luckily for Yami, the lounge was on the same floor so they did not have a long way to go. Rebecca babbled happily about the upcoming post-conference event, informing him that it usually consisted of dinner and karaoke. Yami listened in silence, his uncertainty returning.
"Yami, you're free, right?" Rebecca's question dispelled his reservations.
Yami nodded, "Yes, I took time off from my night job for that day so I'm free."
"You have a night job?"
"Yes, it is at a convenient store near my home," Yami replied. One look at Rebecca's baffled expression, Yami sighed and offered reluctantly. "It supplements my income. I don't make all that much with the voice acting job and the hours suit me."
"Oh I see," came the reply. Rebecca understood Yami's plight.
Stopping outside the 'lounge' Rebecca peered through the glass window on the door; satisfied it was empty they went inside. Turning on the lights, Yami had a good look around him. Bright with neutral colours and spacious, it had a large couch on one side of the room with a large table in front of it and two large comfy armchairs in front of that.
Rebecca motioned him to the couch, watching him as he placed his things on the table. She spied the box. "Ah, so the taiyaki was for you!' she exclaimed. "I wondered who Kaiba-senpai bought it for, I mean, he certainly didn't look like a person with a sweet tooth, right?" She giggled, "And there's Noa, insisting he'd carry it, thinking it was his! Ha, I bet he was in for a rude awakening when he found out the truth!" Rebecca cackled evilly as she openly gloated at Noa's expense.
Yami was about to refute the claim, when Rebecca announced she was leaving. "Oh, here's my card with my phone number and email address on it," she placed it on the table and slid it towards him. "Send me yours when you get the chance, okay?" Adrift in Rebecca's furious pace, Yami could only nod his response. Sometimes, it was hard to keep up with her. "Good, I'll be off now as I have a date with the bookstore. Rest properly before setting out. I'll let security know you're here so you'll not be disturbed." She waved a farewell and made her way to the door, her bag rattling noisily as she walked.
Waving back, Yami watched the girl leave; the room seemed quieter without her lively presence. With a sigh, Yami's eyes strayed over to the clock on the wall—it read six in the evening. Minus the adrenalin that supported him throughout the day, fatigue attacked him with a vengeance. Sitting down on the couch, he pulled his bag off the table and placed it to one side. If he snoozed for an hour, he'd be well enough to make his way home, he thought as he laid his head atop of it.
Pulling up his legs, he curled into a ball and was instantly fast asleep.
O-o-O-o-o
The sound of the door opening and then closing was followed by the sound of light footfalls as it made its way towards the couch and the sleeper.
There it halted.
Wistful eyes rested on the slumbering male and glided along the huddled form, it was contented to watch...until desire drove the observer to lean over and cup a cheek in a hand. A thumb caressed the silky flesh with light, tender strokes.
Oblivious to the attention lavished on him, the subject continued sleeping, prompting bolder actions from the intruder. A finger trailed slowly from the side of the face to the plump lips where it gently traced the outline of its blushing curves.
Soft, warm lips pressed against a cool cheek and then on the other's still mouth. Heated breath feathered over the skin and hovered seductively over a delicate ear, expelling a whisper with utmost gentleness.
"Sleep well, my sweet Osiris."
Yami moaned in his sleep and stirred slightly, a frown marred his face fleetingly and then was gone.
"Obelisk," he sighed...
~TBC~
O-o-O-o-O
A/N: This is turned out to be a ginormous chappy again—one I had to chop down again due to my chronic verbosity! I am not entirely happy with it, as it didn't end where it originally intended to, but if I have gone on, it really would be horrendously long and I'll have a hard time proofing it. I have severed it around the 80% mark, which means so far, the next chapter is very, very short! **Facepalm** I pray I'll be able to flesh out enough to make a decent chapter on the next update.
Special thanks to: Secret Moon Princess, whose rather unique way of demanding an update had me pissing with laughter. I hope you are contented now. And also, I would like to thank Aku-Ichigo who did a R&R marathon on it—I am pleased to know I'm not the only one to fall asleep reading it! LMAO!
Anyway, enough with my waffling, instead I hope to hear yours. As always, your comments and thoughts are eagerly anticipated and much loved. Please continue to indulge me.
O-o-O-o-O
Ojii-san – Uncle.
"Eye wax laughing at snot" – Japanese equivalent of "Pot calling Kettle black."
Metahtes - ATEM and SETH together spelt backwards~.