Here we have one of the most pivotal moments in the Kaibas' lives. We all know about it, and if you're anything like me, you've thought about how it went quite a lot. You've wondered why Gozaburo accepted Seto's challenge, why he agreed to keep his word after losing. You might have wondered whether Gozaburo let him win, because it wasn't about the game itself.

It was about something else entirely.

Which is to say, it was all foretold beforehand.

I think Seto would hate that.

.

"This one here is called the King's Pawn," the older boy was saying, "because it's right in front of the King. See? You remember, don't you? This is the King. What's this one here, next to it, called? Do you remember what this piece's name is?"

The younger boy, barely out of diapers from the look of him, studied the board in front of him. Eventually, he declared: "Ween!"

The older boy grinned and clapped his hands. "That's right! Good job, Mokie! This is the Queen. So, what's this piece called? This one here is the King's Pawn, because it's in front of the King. So, this one in front of the Queen, is . . . ?"

"Ween Prawn!"

"That's right! The Queen's Pawn!" The older boy reached out and ruffled the younger's messy black hair. The younger boy, quite thoroughly pleased with himself and giggling like a madman, looked around to see if there was anyone else around who might want to celebrate with him; so it was that he was the first to notice Amaya standing there, watching.

"Hello! Hi!"

Amaya offered a little smile and nodded her head. "Good morning," she said. She inclined her head next to the older boy when he looked up at her. "Teaching the King's Game to the next generation, I see. A noble pursuit."

This one seemed to be studying her; there was a light in the older boy's eyes that Amaya couldn't help but notice. He stood up from the table, rose to his full height, and bowed at the waist. "Good morning, Missus Kaiba," he said, controlling the tone of his voice. "My name is Seto. This is my brother Mokuba."

So named, Mokuba snapped to attention and mimicked his brother. Except he forewent any kind of solemnity or ceremony, replacing it with enthusiasm; when he bowed, his long hair flopped forward and very nearly threw him off balance. Seto caught his brother by the shirt and helped him straighten up.

Amaya covered her widening smile with one hand. "I see my husband's reputation precedes me," she said. "It is a pleasure to meet you, Seto, Mokuba." She frowned. "I do not believe that I've seen you before. Are you new arrivals?" Seto nodded. "I am sorry for the circumstances that landed you here. I hope the good director is taking good care of you."

It was a test. Amaya didn't know it was a test, not consciously, but she knew quite well that this boy—with his grim face, and his bright eyes, and his clothes that didn't fit him anymore—had no love for Gregory Kelvin. She wondered, then: would Seto lie, because it was the expected thing to be polite? Would he tell the truth, despite it being considered rude?

Seto looked Amaya in the eye, braver than most grown men she'd ever met, and said: "The director is occupied with his own business. I can take care of myself, and my brother. I'm used to it. We're fine."

Neither, then.

Amaya smirked; her eyes flashed. "Quite careful with your words, aren't you, Seto? Perhaps you do not wish to burden me with the whole truth, and so you've told me just enough that I might be assured nothing need be done on your behalf." Seto flinched, but he schooled his expression quickly; he'd been caught. Amaya bowed her head. "Pray forgive me. I mean not to pry. I thank you for being candid with me, Seto. Please, do not permit me to keep you from your business."

Seto watched Amaya for a moment longer, still studying her. He sat back down. "Thank you, Missus Kaiba."

"Tank yew!" cried Mokuba.

.

Amaya took up her position at her husband's right hand, doing her best not to listen to Director Kelvin's longwinded spiel about all the wonderful things they would be doing with the Kaibas' generous donations, and how the fates of Domino's less fortunate would most assuredly be much brighter thanks to their ministrations.

How much, Amaya wondered idly, would actually be going to the children?

Judging by the way everything looked—the state of their dress, the state of their playground, the fact that there hadn't been much of any meaningful change to the place since last year—she found herself quite convinced that the answer was: as little as possible.

When the time came for Amaya to offer some sort of platitude, as part of the dance, she offered a dazzling smile and said: "I am quite sure you will do a much better job keeping this place up to snuff this year. I'm sorry there seems to have been so many pitfalls lately."

Kelvin looked like he wasn't sure whether he should be afraid or insulted.

". . . Of course, Madam," he said. "You have my word."

"We will return tomorrow morning to further assist your work," Gozaburo cut in, before Kelvin had a chance to decide whether he wanted to say something else. "My wife and I wish you and your staff every good fortune. Your work is invaluable to this city."

He turned on a heel. Amaya fell into step behind him.

They were back in the courtyard before Amaya spoke again: "He's a witless sycophant. Someone else is doing the real work managing this place. That person ought to be sitting in his chair."

"You," said Gozaburo lightly, "put more energy and faith into the idea of meritocracy than anyone else I've ever met. I think you are the only person I know who isn't lying through their teeth when they claim to want the best and brightest, the worthiest, in charge."

"You married me for a reason," Amaya said shortly.

Gozaburo laughed.

They watched, idly, as Director Kelvin and two of his attendants came scrambling into the yard behind them. Amaya heard him hissing reproachful commands long before she fully realized what was happening: then she saw little Seto, striding up to them with burning embers in place of his eyes.

"What's this, then?" Gozaburo wondered.

"I'm not sure," said Amaya, "but I think it's going to prove very interesting."

Seto's brother, Mokuba, was scampering up behind his brother, giggling madly; evidently, he thought the grown-ups were playing a game of tag with them. Seto, meanwhile, wore a soldier's face; he had a mission, and Amaya thought she knew what that mission was.

She found herself so impressed by the boy's sheer nerve that she was grinning by the time he reached them.

"I'm so sorry, Master Kaiba," said Kelvin, simpering, bowing over and over. "Please, be about your business. Yagami! Come here."

"Don't be ridiculous," Amaya said, and Kelvin went pale as a sheet. "Hello again. Dearest, this is Seto and Mokuba. I had the pleasure of meeting with them earlier today."

Gozaburo watched them carefully. "What can I do for you boys?" he asked quietly.

"I have a challenge for you, Mister Kaiba," said Seto, sharply. "That is, if you have the courage to accept it."