When Seto Kaiba came to, I don't blame him for nearly freaking out upon seeing ME sitting there next to him. I was probably the last person he expected or wanted to see at that point. I did soundly defeat him in our Psychic Duel. There was a small amount of guilt for beating him as he was the great Seto Kaiba, Master of the Blue Eyes. However, my victory superseded any real feelings of regret. I was the better Psychic Duelist. On a brighter note, he was probably the better card duelist. I had no idea how to really play the actual game, just my version.

We were in his office on the top floor of KaibaCorp. Upon our swift arrival, the driver had skidded to a stop outside the back entrance where we were me by several bodyguards. They brought their boss and CEO to his impressively sized office and placed him on the leather sofa. I followed because it was kind of my fault he was unconscious, and I knew he would be fine. A personal doctor was called for but I reassured against it. I knew that he would wake in a few hours. I have been in his position before, back when I first started. The feelings of strain and fatigue sucked. And he did exhaust a lot of his Energy to summon the dragon—talk about tenacious. He would rather slip into a coma then lose. That's just who Seto is though, over the years I have gotten used to it.

So there we were, Seto and I, in his office. He rested on his elbows doing nothing but giving me the most disbelieving expression. His blue eyes were failing to compute his loss and also trying to devise a way to salvage his dignity.

"How are you feeling?" I asked. "You used a lot of Energy in our Duel. It can make you feel like crap."

I reached out to touch his forehead, but he jerked away. "What the hell are you doing here?"

"Well, after our Duel, you fainted. Your driver and I brought you here. I stayed because I thought you might have some questions about what happened. And I told your bodyguards that if they tried to manhandle me my corporate lawyer father would make them suffer. " I tried to be cordial.

"Get out."

I was not surprised he said it. But by the same token I did not appreciate it. And I was not going to cower like one of his employees. "Hey, don't be pissed at me because you can't support your Duel Spirits. It's not my fault you don't put in the time to control them. It takes a lot of work."

Seto glared at me. He hates being scolded. "You think I can't uphold my Spirits?"

"I know you can't," I retorted. "Otherwise you would be the victor and I'd be where you are."

He exhaled through his nose. "I have the most powerful Duel Spirit to date."

"That's meaningless if you are unable to utilize its full potential. It's actually a waste and a discredit to your dragon. It wants to serve you. You're its Master. It lives to protect you, it wants to make you happy. And it does so by serving as your Duel Spirit. This creature was appointed to you, Seto Kaiba, and no one else in this world. You should do it the honor of training your Energy. Because if you don't, you'll both suffer. Or do you treat all who live for you in the same callous manner?"

"Who the fuck do you think you are? And what the hell are you talking about training my Energy? Just as ridiculous as Yugi's heart of the cards bullshit."

That name again; Yugi. The white-haired man made mention of him too.

"I'm the woman who defeated you in a Psychic Duel. That's who. And don't forget that it was YOU who instigated our Duel, not the other way around. And I was the one who had your driver bring you here. I don't know what 'heart of the cards' means either but what I'm saying is not bullshit. My win is testament to that."

Seto mulled over what I told him, albeit begrudgingly. I could tell that he was not the type of person to take losing lightly. He was a successful businessman, synonymous with winning. Being the CEO he naturally became accustomed to having others kowtow to his every word. Plus, many people automatically listen to whatever a wealthy person says simply because they have that higher financial and social status. It's quite ludicrous really, the whole idolizing the rich. Seto would not find that reaction from me. I tell him the truth, the cold hard truth. And he has respected me for it. During these first interactions though, the two of us were still feeling each other out. He was far from a stupid man. He knew what I was saying was right. His pride just got the better of him.

"Thanks for the information. Now leave."

"What is your problem?" I furrowed my brows at his impetuousness.

"What?"

I rolled my eyes. "You. You take umbrage when someone tries to help you. I'm not trying to tell you how to run your company or live your life. You are a fellow Psychic Duelist, one that has unlimited potential to be amazing and you shun my advice. I'm trying to help you. Psychic Duels are different than card duels. Trust me. You won't last as long because you're using Energy, not Life Points."

Seto continued to glare at me hard. He was being backed into a corner. Here he was, vulnerable in front of a multi-leveled threat (my being a woman, a stranger, being in his private office, and my abilities.)

"What do you want?" He asked eyeing me like I had ulterior motives.

I raised a brow. "What do you mean? I don't want anything. What makes you think that I do?"

He scoffed at that, looking away finally. "Most women want something from me; my money or my body."

I stifled a chuckle. "Well, I can see how they would. But that's not why I'm here. All I wanted to do was help you."

I shrugged and rose. "I gotta get going. I'm missed at home. Whether you take my advice is up to you. But I'll warn you, if you mention what I told you or what I am to anyone I know how to find you and I will hurt you." I winked.

I went to leave him on his sofa in his high rise office. I did all I could. It was up to him now to follow through with it. I took one step away from him before his hand snatched out to grab my arm. I felt my cheeks flush from the sheer feeling of his hand on me; it was not hard but possessed a child-like anxiety, like keeping a parent from leaving. He quickly realized what he did and let me go. I had twisted around to see his face, the subtle embarrassed knit to the brow, the tightening of lips.

"Yes?" I said sounding aloof.

"About my harshness—I am sorry. I am not used to losing nor having strangers reprimand me. Your forthrightness reminds me of someone I know very well. I guess I was just startled by the similarity."

I blinked and gave a small smile. "Who do I remind you of? Someone good I hope."

Seto acknowledged me again. This time his eyes were softer than before. I felt the strength in my legs leave momentarily.

"My little brother." He still looked at me. Oh my goodness! His entire face now relaxed.

"Wow, that's a change."

"What do you mean?"

"Before you were all icy and distant. Did my little speech break through those walls you put up?" I teased him a bit.

"Don't get ahead of yourself. What you said is right, I do need to put forth more effort."

We were silent. Our Energy snuck their tendrils to comingle again. Mine reached to meet his halfway. Both of us shuddered. I did not know what the hell this was! Our Energy sent me into heights of giggling pleasure. It was insane. I had to get out of there.

"I have to get going." I said forcing my heart to calm down.

"Wait, your Duel Spirit; you merged with it?"

"I did."

"How?" He sat up.

"Practice and lots of training. It was nice meeting you Seto Kaiba."

Without glancing back, I don't think I would have been able to stand it, I left.

That Night:

By the time I stepped through my front door, my Duel Spirits questioned my whereabouts. I couldn't answer them. My mind was too full of the day's events. It was full of Seto's face. I brushed by them all, Lazar, Zef, Rai, Brie, Rae, Von, Jalak. They had all pressured Neo into telling them about the Psychic Duel and about the fabled Blue Eyes White Dragon. Now they pushed on me. I went to my room, dumping my bags on my floor.

"Ugggh! What am I doing?" I said out loud. "Am I crazy? Telling him those things."

Those blue eyes flashed across my memory and I blushed. "Why did it have to be Seto Kaiba?"

A rapping at my door startled me. "Yeah?"

"Mistress, it is I, Von. May I enter?"

"Oh…yeah sure. Come in." I patted my chest, soothing my pounding heart.

My Ancient Elf entered. Von's handsome face was one of concern. "Are you alright? This makes another evening where you retire to your room in a rush."

Yes, I'm fine. I just had a weird day." I said smiling at him.

Von did not believe me. "I know about your Psychic Duel against the Blue Eyes Dragon."

"You and everyone else. How's Neo? He was pretty rattled when I sent him home." I flopped down on my bed.

Von came and sat next to me, my body shifting from his weight on the mattress. "He is fine. But it is Razel who you should be asking about."

"Why?" I shot him a cursory look.

"He's been by himself all afternoon out in that field. He made the newcomers do extra hours of training today."

"What's the matter?" I rolled onto my side. I brought my right leg up onto my bed.

Von tried hard not to glance at my shorts and bare thigh, but he caved once or twice. "He will not say Mistress. You know he is quiet when he is bothered. Did anything untoward happen during or after the Duel?"

"Maybe. My opponent nearly killed himself trying to beat me. He gave the dragon his Energy when he summoned it but his lack of training and inexperience in a real Psychic Duel left him weak. He lost quickly and Razel took the victory. When it was over, my opponent kind of…well…fainted."

"What I would give to see Razel in battle. The Blue Eyes is the leader of the race of dragons in our world. A formidable beast it is. For Razel to have throttled it must mean that your Energy is getting quite strong."

I sighed. "Well…I'm not sure it was that per say but I had a little kick in my Energy."

"Oh? What was it?" Von's brown eyes searched for an answer. His delicate brows were slightly raised in anticipation.

I gave him a grin and sat up. We were now touching shoulders. Von's pale cheeks were tinted pink and he cleared his throat. I did not want to tell him that Seto's hold on my wrists had set me off so I reached up with my left hand to gently and playfully tap his pointed ear.

"Nothing important."

I looked away. I bit my lips. The images of Seto Kaiba would not leave me. I was getting upset with myself. This was stupid! I was acting like I had a high school crush on the guy. It was shaming me, hurting my dignity. Oh, but just him. The way our Energy felt together—it was like magic.

Von sensed my obvious distraction. He hated seeing me disturbed and still does. His feelings for me dared to overtake him at times like this and his protective instinct shined through.

"You know you can tell me anything." He said leaning into me.

His comforting hand rested on my forearm. I brought my eyes to his. He was so sweet to me. I returned the kind gesture, taking his hand in mine and laid my head against his shoulder. The scent of his dark hair reminded me of peaceful days relaxing in the sun. I saw him as an endearing older brother, always there for me.

"Thanks Von."

His chin set itself on my head, his jaw pushing on me when he spoke. "Neo was pretty unnerved though, it was quite amusing." He chuckled.

The reverberations from his throat massaged my temple and I laughed lightly too. "Yeah, the look on his face was like 'Holy shit now what!?'"

Von laughed with me. "But you held your own. You should be incredible proud of yourself Mistress. Most Masters are far below your level at this stage. Razel was right in thinking that you are destined to be the Master of us all. I for one am grateful."

"I am proud Von. But the thought of mastering every Spellcaster is daunting. There are times when I second guess if I can really do it. And when/if I do, then what? What happens next?"

Von answered quickly. He always had endless answers to all my inquiries. He was like a dictionary and encyclopedia in one. "It's not that intimidating. There are only roughly two to three hundred of us. And when you master us all, they will see how wonderful you are as a Master and be just as grateful as I am. They will see how fortunate they are to be in the service of one such as you. You are fair and just. You are getting stronger every day. No one in history has assumed the title of Master over an entire Duel Spirit race. You would be the first. The more Spirits you collect, the more…perks you will gain."

"Von, you are too nice. It means a lot to me when you reassure me like this. I hope I can live up to your expectations. What kind of perk?"

"Many. The more Spellcasters you have increases your tie to our world. You would be able to travel back and forth from this world to ours."

"But don't you guys sever your Energy links with your world when I do the Energy Exchange? Aren't I your power source?" I moved to look up at him.

"Yes, this is true. However, we can still return home. Such as when we switch to our Human World card forms. We are not psychically in the cards; we are in the Duel Monster Spirit World. Our link to you remains for when you play us, we are summoned. The same is true when you are not using us in Duels. We have the free will to either remain here with you, or return home. Should you require us to return, we will do so. But if you have no need, then many times it is easier for use to go home. But when you harness more of us, we can serve as your portal to our world."

"So, it's like a job? Like, when I'm done using you…uggg that sounds awful, hahaha…you go home for the night?"

"Essentially yes."

"How interesting. But wait…if Razel is one of the top mages, why can't I see your world through him?"

"You could always do that. That is up to him though."

"But you just said that I can use you guys to visit?" I raised my eyebrow and sat more upright to have a better conversation.

He shifted on my bed to better explain. "You are our Master. By law we have to listen to you. However, we maintain our will and if we believe that the circumstance is too far advanced or dangerous, we can refuse you. Everything we do is tailored for your safety. So if you said you wanted me or Razel to bring you to our world, and there happened to be a war or strife with another race of Spirits, then we won't take you. Any privacy we want, we can only hope is respected by our Master. Some do not and treat their Spirits like rubbish."

So, basically what he was telling me was I had absolute mastery over them and that they hope I will respect their wishes of living normal lives when I was finished with their services. Some Masters do run their Spirits ragged, are cruel and uncaring. One of my Duel Spirits was an unfortunate servant of such a Master. He was abused and treated like utter shit, constantly told he was replaceable and worthless—a means to an end. But more on that later. You will meet him soon.

The only Duel Spirit I have given away I have consulted with first. I am not a tyrant. If one of my Spirits wishes to serve another for their own reasons, I am saddened by the loss and I'll miss them, but I let them go freely. By the same token, I will ask them if they had any reservations assisting one of my friends in a duel or Psychic Duel.

But I digress. I asked Von, "If that's true then why do you stay here? Why don't you go home? I'm sure you have friends or family who miss you?"

"I have no one waiting for me Mistress. I was alone, but by choice. So when I caught wind of you and Razel, I took the chance. Now I live here and I am very happy."

His smile was so adorable that I glommed onto him. "Oh Von! I love you so much! You are too cute sometimes!"

I held onto his head, squeezing it like I would a stuffed animal. My hug toppled us back onto my bed and I laughed when I heard his muffled grunts.

"Mistress! I can't breathe!" He wheezed behind my arms.

"What? I didn't catch that?" I joked.

I did let him go. "Come on Von. I'm hungry. Let's go downstairs. I'll cook for you guys." I grabbed his hand as he tried to inhale deeply.

I pulled him from my bed and dragged him into the kitchen. I did not see his reddened cheeks or his tiny smile, but I knew they were there.

"Boys! Get in here! I'm making dinner but you're going to help!" I shouted.

It was a sight, me, Lazar, Von, Jalak, Zef, Rae, Brie, Rai, and Neo (who emerged bruised and battered from Razel's military training) all working in the kitchen. I made dinner that night with them. It was great bonding time and allowed me to get to know more about them. We were so involved that none of us noticed Razel standing in the living room watching us.

We did not acknowledge him until the food was done and being set on the table. "Razel! Where have you been?"

The Chaos Mage exhaled. "Training."

"Well come and sit. Dinner's ready," I said going over to him.

He fixed me with his red pools. "Should we discuss what happened today?"

I expected this. "Yes, but not right now. Come on, come eat with us." I went to take his blue hand. "You know Razel, I did not thank you properly for your help today. I really am grateful that you are with me. So, thank you."

I smiled warmly at him. I knew he was probably put off because I quickly sent him home due to Seto's condition. I don't blame him. What he did for me today, defeat the Blue Eyes White Dragon, merge with me, come to protect me firstly, all mattered.

"We make a great team Razel." I added.

Taking his hand, I turned to lead him to the dining room. He followed me. Quite as always. His fingers slowly encircled mine, but he released them once in the presence of the others.

That night, as my mages occupied themselves with books, movies, and games, Razel and I conversed about the Duel. We were very matter-of-fact and strategic about our discussion. He informed me of the dragon and its representation in his world.

"You know that with this victory you will be known in both worlds."

"I figured. But I'm ready. If I can take down this dragon, we can handle anything." I said confidently.

He assessed me. "You've changed."

"How?"

"There is something different about you. Your Energy is pulsing more vibrantly." He scrutinized me carefully.

My mind raced to Seto. It raced back to when I faced him in battle and my Energy suddenly spiked to new heights, giving Razel the edge over the dragon. Was that what he picked up on?

"You do realize that Seto Kaiba will seek you out after this."

My stomach jumped to my throat. He knew! "You think?"

Be cavalier, noncommittal.

"I know it. You tore him asunder. A man of his standing will not take that lightly. He will search for you. He will likely want to learn your secrets."

"And what should I do if that does happen?" I wanted to hear a feasible resolution from Razel.

"The Blue Eyes White Dragon, luckily, is a neutral creature in our world. It and its fellow race serves Spellcasters, Warriors, Fairies, and Fiends, whoever asks for their assistance. Having the Master of the Blue Eyes close by would be beneficial for you in the future. There are mages who will come to test you, and they will be mighty. The dragon would work in our favor."

"So are you saying I should meet with Seto if he asks?" I was hoping.

Razel gave a shallow nod. "I think you should. I will oversee things if he does. As elites of our kinds, the dragon and I have had dealings in the past. We are the top figures of our races, we have respect for each other."

"So Seto is a Psychic Duelist of dragons?" I asked.

"No. Like another close to him, Seto Kaiba is not a Master of one particular race. That limits his potential, however, his Spirit is mammoth enough to support the legendary Blue Eyes. He will be great with training. But such a Duel Spirit requires massive amounts of Energy and he has not yet performed the Energy Exchange with it. If he had, he would have lasted longer in our Duel as he, like you do with me, would borrow the dragon's Energy. He did not do that. He must first Merge with his Spirit. Until then, he will only be able to Psychic Duel with it in short bursts. That is why he uses it primarily in the card game."

It all made sense now. That's why he said he was undefeated in a Psychic Duel. He used the fear of his opponents against them to win. But I was far more advanced and capable of maintaining my resolve. Not accustomed to that, Seto spent his Energy.

"So…was the fact that we won a fluke? Would Seto have beaten me if he trained like I do?" I asked, my high from victory suddenly crashing down to the harsh reality of earth.

Razel paused for a moment. "It is not impossible. But the fact that he did not, that you were the one to come out in victory speaks volumes. Destiny clearly has larger plans for you. At this rate, Seto Kaiba will become powerful, but he will never be able to touch you. There is only one contender that can be a worthy enough adversary. This one relies on his Energy and ancient magic. There is a source within him that allows him to be victorious in battles. You will cross paths with him. As of right now, he is the only possessor of a Spellcaster elite who chose to fall from grace and relinquished his position. But that mage was never quite the same as the rest of us."

"Meaning what?" Von had said the same thing about this magician.

"He would spout off on ancient human cities, claiming to have dwelt among them as a mortal man. He pronounced his allegiance to one Master and none other. But that was three thousand years ago. He gave up being one of our elite and chose a path of freedom than guardianship."

"Wow, three thousand? How old are you?" I sat amazed. Razel looked like a man in his late twenties.

"We are ageless. But I am far older than he."

"And you've never had another Master before me?"

"I was born to serve my true Master. I did not know when your birth would be."

I put two and two together. "You waited thousands of years for me?"

"It is the duty of Duel Spirits."

I was humbled to my soul. You cannot understand the meaning of this conversation unless you have a Duel Spirit. It was then that I began to really cherish Razel.

"But this magician, you said he reduced himself to the lower ranks in order to be free, right?"

"Yes."

"When was this?"

"Sixteen years ago."

That Weekend:

As a black BMW sedan pulled up outside my house on Saturday, I was instantly cautious. A man stepped out from the driver's side and walked up to my door. He was dressed in a dark suit and had a nervous disposition. He rang my bell and waited for me to answer. Rai noticed him first and sent word to me upstairs. Unwilling to disappear lest they be seen, my mages remained visible in my house, but kept out of sight. I proceeded carefully. Who was it?

"Can I help you?" I asked through the closed and locked door.

"Are you Miss (y/n)?" The man asked.

"Who wants to know?" I had Rai spy on him from my dining room.

Does he have a gun? I asked via our mental link.

Not that I can tell Mistress.

"My name is Roland. I work for Mr. Kaiba. He sent me to look for a Miss (last name)."

What the?

I unlocked the door and opened it. "Seto Kaiba sent you to find me? How? Why?"

"Oh you are here, that's great. Mr. Kaiba wishes to speak with you. And his network of investigators is large." Roland fixed his sunglasses, his fingers were antsy.

"Show me I.D. that you work for him."

"Of course, um, here." He handed me his corporate I.D.

"So, you say that Seto wants to see me? Where and when?" Inside I was like Oh my god!

"Tonight. At Sebastian's in center city."

"Sebastian's? Isn't that a restaurant?" Was Seto Kaiba…asking me on a date?

"It is. He has reserved a private area so the two of you may conduct business undisturbed. He requests that you be there by seven." Roland swallowed, hoping I would agree.

He's asking to meet me at a restaurant…he reserved a private space for us…he wants to see me again…there had to be a catch.

"Fine. I'll be there. Did he tell you what this was in reference to?" I acted as stoic as I could.

"No miss. I'm just the messenger."

"Thank you, for coming all the way out here." I saw him off before I went back inside. I was to learn that Roland was a highly trusted man in Seto's company, and one of the selected few who knew the Kaiba brothers on a personal level. He and I shared many laughs together over the coming years.

Razel approached me first. "What was that about?"

I chewed my lip. My eyes were burning a hole in my living room rug as I zoned out trying to assimilate that I was invited to have dinner with Seto Kaiba. It was like a dream and I had a stupid smile on my face.

"Mistress?" Von asked.

"Yes! Right. Razel, you are coming with me tonight. Can you assume your card form for me? I've never had you do this but I think its best. You can't be too careful. I was invited to have dinner with Seto Kaiba tonight. I wonder what he wants."

Razel straightened his tall form. Despite telling me to have the Master of the Blue Eyes on my side, personally he did not care for Seto, and he surly did not much care that I was going out with him tonight. He adopted this distant, uncaring gaze and stared slight away from me. His blue eyelids half covered his red eyes, his fine brows arched ever so slightly in a disproving manner. His mouth moved into a line at a glacier's speed. He was irritated.

"He is a petulant child. A boy wielding his father's sword. How he ever came to possess that dragon I will never know. But I will accompany you tonight. And I will listen to your discussions."

"But you did say that it might be a good thing for me to speak with him," I interjected.

"That does not mean I have to favor him."

"No—do you not trust him?"

"Yes."

"Neither do I Razel, but let's see what he wants. What if he asks for you to teach him?"

Razel scoffed. He tossed a long black strand of hair over his shoulder. "He could beg me with his last breath and I would not teach him my ways."

"Good. Don't instruct anyone but me." I said hoping to cheer him a bit.

"Naturally Mistress."

I turned to my Duel Spirits. "Now you all stay here."

That Night:

Sebastian's was a fine restaurant on the upper east side of Domino. Where all of the yuppies ate and shopped. I had to make sure I looked the part. I did my hair in a nice high ponytail, did my nails and carefully applied my make-up. I did not go crazy with it since I never needed more than some light face powder and eye liner. I chose a cute summer dress that I bought the day of our Duel. It was a wrap dress in turquoise, gold, and white. I wore strappy heels and bracelets. Large hoop earrings were the finishing touch.

When I came downstairs, I rolled my eyes as Neo let out a long, low whistle. Yes, my dress was form fitting. I hardly dressed up so it's no wonder that my male Duel Spirits gave once overs. Von almost had an aneurism when he saw me. His face was painted red. I clean up nicely I might add.

"Ok, how do I look?" I asked standing in front of them in my living room. "Do I look fat in this dress? I have time to change?"

Neo all but snorted. "Fat? Mistress you are far from being rotund." He got to his feet and circled me.

Rai quickly glanced away, a reddish blush on his light blue-grey cheeks. Brie and Rae shook their heads 'no.' Lazar cleared his throat and sheepishly rubbed the back of his neck. Jalak and Zef did not know what to do. Jalak kept going from my face, to my breasts, to my legs and back. Zef pretty much tried not to do the same thing.

"Sweet heavens above, who knew our Mistress was such a swan!" Neo said taking my hand and giving me a twirl. "I should be the one taking you into the city. We'd turn heads left and right," he spun me into the crook of his right arm and dipped me back. "Don't you think?" He was right, we would. Neo was that handsome.

I giggled as his blond hair tickled my exposed chest. "Hell yeah we would. But Neo stop! This is serious. Razel is going with me."

"How is he going to go? If you had not noticed, he's blue." Neo whispered that last part for fear of Razel overhearing.

"He's going as his card form." I answered.

Neo's green eyes glittered. "That's good. Can't you take me? Here look," He let me go and materialized his house wear (a tunic shirt and brown trousers) into a slick dark grey suit. His hair was tied back, his shirt collar open. I felt my heart give a skip. My mouth went dry for a second.

"Ah—Neo."

The sexiest smirk I ever saw on him caressed his lips and he swaggered over to me again. His height caused me to tilt my head up. His right arm came around my waist as his left hand gently held my chin.

In a low, seductive voice he asked, "We make a fantastic couple. Don't you agree?"

My breath hitched in my throat. My face was painfully burning at that point. Seto was handsome, yes. But Neo is, holy crap, Neo is on a totally different level.

Out of my peripheral vision I saw a pale hand grip Neo's wrist and remove it from my chin. The grip was slight but threatening. It was Von. His warm, brown eyes were stony and hard as they stared down Neo.

"That's enough foolishness Neo. Our Mistress has a mission to do. And she can't very well do it with you draping all over her like a piece of gutter trash."

His voice was stern and icy. Von was clearly pissed and did not hide it from us. Neo, being the zealous Spirit he is, took the challenge and puffed out his chest. Men will be men.

"Thanks elf, now you can let go."

Von tightened his grip on Neo's wrist. I saw Neo's neck tense. "As your Senior, I am kindly telling you to let her go."

"And as your Superior, I tell you that is enough." Razel entered the room, his tone absolute.

Both Von and Neo backed away. Once able to see me, Razel scanned my form. The corner of his mouth twitched. "That's what you're wearing?"

"I knew it! I do look fat," I said laughing.

"No. It's nice."

"…Really?" I said surprised that he complimented me.

I guess he realized what he said because he blinked and abruptly turned on his heel. "Are you ready?"

"Yeah. Ok, here we go. Magician of Black Chaos, Revert and Return." My Energy glowed around me as I had him turn into his card form.

Razel's body vanished in a great blue light and shot over to me. I held out my hand and he materialized on my open palm. His card form was blue, just like he was (Yes, I used his Ritual version instead of his Effect because that's how he appeared in the show when I was a kid ). From the waist up, he stared out at me, his mouth in a serious frown.

"Wow…you're so portable." I joked.

This not the time for jest. We have to go.

You can still speak through our mind link?

Of course.

I opened my evening bag and carefully put him inside. My heels clicked along my wooden floors as I made to leave.

Razel…you said I looked nice. Do you honestly think so? I asked him. Compliments did not come easily to Razel, he was usually standoffish. Rarely did he say anything nice outside of my doing well in training. Was he finally opening up to me? I wondered. I hoped so.

Razel?

He remained silent. Could it be that he was embarrassed?

You do. Now let's be off.

Ok. Let's go. I hid my grin from the others as I left with Razel safely tucked away in my purse.

Sebastian's:

I arrived at Sebastian's at seven o' five. The restaurant was filling up quickly with its evening patrons, women and men of status and prestige. The interior was very upscale with crystal light fixtures and elegant décor. I told the maîtres'd who I was meeting and he picked up the restaurant phone. Dialing the private space Seto occupied, he confirmed my identity. Apologizing for the procedure, he escorted me through the main dining room and up a flight of stairs. The upper dining room was completely booked by Seto. There he sat, alone at a table near one of the floor to ceiling windows. He sported a smart black suit and white shirt. The ambiance of the flickering candle atop the white clothed table highlighted his chestnut hair and sparkled in his eyes. He was gorgeous.

"So you did come. I was beginning to think you might stand me up." He said rising to greet me.

Oh! His shoulders were so broad and his custom tailored jacket tapered nicely around his waist, the lines accentuating his physic. I was careful not to let my blush show. Cripes! I'm blushing so much tonight that my head might fall of. I have to snap out of it!

"I keep my promises Seto. But I must say, I am surprised that you wanted to meet here of all places." I let the nearby waiter pull out my chair for me. "So much for being inconspicuous."

Seto smirked as he sat opposite me. "This was the best neutral ground. We can talk at leisure about…our business." He corrected himself before he blurted out Psychic Duel.

He remembered my warning, good.

"Ah yes that. How should we start then?"

"Tell me more about this training." He broke a roll with his fingers and popped pieces of it into his mouth.

"If I tell you this, how do I know that you won't reveal who I am?" I dipped a shred of roll in the herbed olive oil our waiter placed between us.

"You don't. I suppose you'll have to trust me."

"Fair enough. And you'll have to trust that what I am telling you will work. And it's not a load of bull." I leaned back in my chair.

"It seems that you and I are in the same boat," he smirked at me.

"Yes it does." We studied each other for several seconds. Like two generals plotting war, Seto and I did not back down.

We visually challenged each other. Like when we Dueled, our eyes fixed together in a show of superiority. He was master of his company, no one doubted his fortitude with running a multi-billion dollar industry. I was Master of Psychic Duels—a feat that bothered him immensely. Money symbolized physical prowess and skill; the ability to supersede nearly ninety-nine percent of the population. But Psychic Dueling meant much more. It represented complete mastery of mind, body, and Spirit. It stood for limitless potential. Money was a temporary thing, one day you have it…the next it could be lost. Psychic power was stationary. This was what Seto feared. He may have vast wealth, but I could upend his entire life with just a wave of my arm. It was at that moment that I surmised what Razel said to be true; likewise to my plans, Seto regarded me as a possible dangerous threat and you know what they say…keep your enemies closer.

Now, Seto and aren't enemies. Far from it. But in those early days, we had no idea what was to come from our meeting. So we played defense.

"Look, in order to make this work you and I are going to have to agree on a few things." He said.

"Like?"

"I will not tell anyone about what you can do. I will keep your secret. But I want you to tell me what it is you do to have such formidable firepower."

"Why are you so power hungry? You have an arch nemesis you want to kill?" I asked with a sarcastic tone.

"I do not want to kill him, just crush him to the point where his will is too feeble to carry him through life. I suffered a humiliating defeat by his hands and I want nothing more than to break him. Your power is what I need." Seto grew intent and driven as he spoke. Clearly, whoever this guy was really bothered him.

"I thought you said you were undefeated when you Dueled me?" I recalled.

"I was. Until that day no one beat me in a Psychic Duel."

"Ah. So you mean the card game. Do you play frequently?"

Seto made a face, not knowing if I was screwing with him. "It is my life. Don't tell me you've never played Duel Monsters before."

"Nope. Just Psychic Duels." I shrugged.

"That's ridiculous!" He scoffed taking a drink.

"It's the truth. With my Spirits I never had the need to play with cards. So I never learned." I placed my napkin on my lap as the waiter approached ready for our orders.

"I'll have the beef Wellington. And a cheese platter with assorted olives and roasted red peppers for the table to start." Seto folded the menu and slid it to the waiter.

"And I will have the coconut grouper stuffed with crab, please." I handed the man my menu.

"Be right back with your appetizers."

The waiter left us. Seto pressed on with our conversation.

"Now that you know my reason for bringing you hear, will you tell me?"

I gave pause to eye him. What do you think Razel? Should I? Do you think he is being sincere?

He seems to be telling the truth. I can sense in his soul that this trouncing he endured hurt him greatly and has clouded his judgment. He is distracted in his duels and that has rolled over into his Psychic Dueling abilities. If it gives you pleasure to know, he is asking you out of desperation.

Hmmm, that does feel better. Fine.

"I will. Now you need to Merge with your dragon and the only way to do that is through an Energy Exchange." I sipped from my filled drink glass.

"What is that?"

And so began the long explanation about the basics of Psychic Dueling. For as smart as Seto is, he is unwilling to acknowledge the metaphysical. I had to go over with him the intricacies of Energy Exchange, how to prepare, how to pull back from it, more times than I predicted. Gradually, Seto opened his analytical mind. Abd by that time our entrees arrived.

"It all takes lots of time and patience," I said swallowing my fish and crab. "It's not going to be easy."

"When I want something, I'll stop at nothing to get it."

"Good for you then. I guess that's how you became so successful." I smiled lightly.

"Hard work and determination."

"The same applies." I said. "So, tell me. What is it like running your own multinational company? It must be exciting."

"It's my life. I work and duel." He was reluctant to talk about it.

"That's it? That makes for an uneventful existence," I retorted.

"What did you say?" Seto's voice had a caustic undertone.

"Look, Seto, unless we know each other I will not divulge more of my hard learned secrets to you. And in all honesty, who the hell am I going to tell? I'm not so petty as to blab to the media. I could care less. I have my own privacy to protect too."

We ate in silence. Then after a few minutes Seto said, "It's exhausting."

"What is?"

"My work. I'm there from 6 in the morning till midnight some days. And when I get home, I spend another hour or two preparing for the next day."

"That's awful. What about vacations? To get away."

"Those are few and far between. I don't have time for them. My brother insists that I take a break but I don't trust anyone else to run the company for an extended period." Seto cut into his dish.

"Your brother is right. You don't have any V.P. that can watch things for you?"

"I used to. I fired them all."

"Oh," I raised my brows. "Bet you had your reasons."

Seto flashed me a knowing look.

"I did."

"See, opening up isn't so bad is it?" I asked winking at him.

He brought his eyes to mine. "Mokuba is always telling me to do that."

"Who's Mokuba?"

"My little brother."

"How old is he?"

"Twelve. He's always pushing for me to take it easier with work. In some ways you remind me of him."

"I do?" I laughed. "That's good!"

"Do you have siblings?" Seto asked.

"No. It's just me. My parents are away for the summer on vacation. So I'm by myself. Well—I have my Duel Spirits."

"It is just me and Mokuba too," he said. Then, in a lower, softer tone as if he wanted to keep it between us he said, "You know I can teach you how to play the game."

My heart jumped. "Duel Monsters? You would?"

"It's only fair. That way I can soundly defeat you in my tournament."

"Tournament?"

He nodded. "Yes."

"When is it?"

"It's an idea I've been mulling over. I'd like it to be next year. When I do throw it, be there."

Half of my mouth turned up in a smirk. "An eye for an eye huh? So these niceties were a ruse to get me to join in on your little hypothetical competition?"

"I would teach you on my newest Duel system technologies. It's an offer that does not happen and you would be an idiot to pass it up." Seto finished his beef and moved on to picking at what was left of our appetizer.

"Why do I get the feeling that there is a catch to all of this?"

"I guess you'll just have to find out."

I knew he couldn't be trusted. Razel's voice startled me and I jumped in my chair.

"What's the matter?" Seto asked of me.

I shook my head. "Nothing, just got a chill."

Hold on Razel, this is deeper than he's making it seem. This theoretical tournament is all an effort to draw out and cripple the guy he hates.

"This tournament idea, why tell me? Why is the great Seto Kaiba—elusive and feared, being so open? In the span of this dinner you have told me about your past, your brother, and your plans for a tournament. If you are trying to butter me up and trick me into being unsuspecting of whatever it is you're trying to pull, I'll get you for it." I pointed my finger accusingly at his chest. He was handsome, but not so much that I didn't see through his act.

In the candle light I thought I saw a flash of hurt in his blue eyes. I would later come to learn that I did hurt him.

"It is true. I'm not welcoming of others. Perhaps it is your similarity to Mokuba, but there is something about you that I feel I can trust. I do not give that out lightly."

I have to admit, I was touched. Seto spoke with a careful honesty that betrayed his vulnerable inner-self. I've tried very diligently to not break that bond we have.

After he said that, I released my Energy. The tendrils seeped out to coerce his into action and in seconds they responded. Our two Energies mingled and our breathing hitched. I searched his Energy for truth—I wanted to make sure what he was telling me was fact. I wanted to know if this Mokuba fluff was indeed coming from a source of truth as well. I met his past pains, his darkness, his innocence lost. My Energy pushed past it all like a vehicle through a barricade; I sensed and unearthed his deepest secret—his desperate desire for friends. Seto was the most complex person I met. I felt his wanting for companionship. A happy childhood that was ripped away when his parents died, and then again when he was adopted. I felt the endless hours of cruel torturous study, the witheld toys and meals if his answers were incorrect. Gozaburo Kaiba, his adoptive father, despised his two "sons" and ensured their daily suffering. All of this I retained from his Energy.

Under normal circumstances I would not be able to detect this but with my advanced state, I saw it clearly. His pain and resulting steelly exterior caused my eyes to burn with unshed tears. He did trust me, with an almost child-like hope. Seto trusted me and it was because of our Psychic Duel.

"I believe you."

I couldn't help the happy smile that formed. In the short time we knew each other, Seto felt at ease with me enough to mention his family. You see, Seto is misunderstood. He truly is. Yes he is cold and distant, ruthless at times and acerbic. But when you hear of his life as a child, the struggles he and his brother went through at the hands of his step-father Gozaburo, you begin to reshape your perceptions. The reason he has no time for friends, outings, and is short with everyone is because you would be too if you operated an international Fortune 500 corporation. You just don't have the time. That is something Yugi and his friends did not comprehend. Their lives were simple. Seto Kaiba's was not. Plus he had his brother to care for. He was both businessman and father 24/7. His responsibilities were endless.

Over the years, Seto has confided in me numerous times. Our relationship did evolve to become quite close in fact. That night at Sebastian's he concluded that I was not out to get him. I did not want his money. I was curious about his brother and his life. I asked him real questions, not scripted for interviews. I joked with him and found that he had a very witty sense of humor. I saw the kind child in him that only one other did. Seto is very considerate and sweet underneath his exterior. They say that the most cantankerous are the most sensitive; that's why they need to build walls to protect themselves.

Our connection actually made him smile. And boy, was it the most endearing smile.