Chapter 34: Interlude
Meanwhile, at Kaiba Corp HQ
The communications department was in chaos. There were twice as many calls incoming than people capable of taking them, their inboxes were overflowing with emails, there were still a ton of documents to send to the corresponding departments, and the coffee machine just broke. It the currently present workforce hadn't been doing overtime for the past 48 hours, maybe it would've been fine, but this was not the case.
The department chief was nursing his growing headache while he continued managing their resources. Thankfully he'd been allowed to transfer some of their workload to their other offices, because there was no way they could've done any of that once hell broke loose in Domino City. Sometimes he wondered why Kaiba Corp was always the one cleaning up everything, but then he remembered that the company basically owned and ruled the country, if not more.
When the double doors to their office opened, he dearly hoped that their interns had returned with a load of coffee. But when all noise in the room suddenly stopped, he looked up from his monitor, where hundreds of mails kept flooding in, only to stand up and snap to attention.
"Mister Kaiba, sir." His employees similarly snapped to attention and looked at their CEO.
Seto Kaiba strode forward, his signature silver coat blowing behind him. "What are all of you looking at? I don't pay you to stand around."
Immediately everyone was moving again, even more vigorous to get things done now.
"What's the status?" He asked once he reached the chief's desk.
"Sir! We're slowing getting everything regarding the Domino City Police Department under control." The chief began. "After our initial sweep of them, there were quite a few officers both from Domino and outside that gave their statements on the matter and we're currently compiling everything we've got."
"And the Duel Monsters Association?" Kaiba took a few of the scattered around documents and skimmed over them.
"They're quite furious, sir. Not just because of the massive underground dueling rings we've discovered, but also because of the VIPs associated with them. They want all cities across the land swept for more potential rings and the police departments screened."
Kaiba grunted. "Tell them that I'll be looking into that personally. There will be none left daring to misuse our assets once I'm done."
"Will do, sir." The chief said and waved someone over to get it done right away.
"Any news from Duel Academy?"
At that, the man bristled. "I'm afraid not, sir. Any and all communication from outside doesn't reach its target, nor did we receive anything from inside, despite our emergency protocols. What's even more worrying is that we can neither access the island by sea or air. Our men have reported that they just … suddenly turn around, or something."
"Sounds about right, if stupid." Kaiba said with a click of his tongue and put down the filled-out documents. "Do we have any updates on him? As much as I loath to admit, he's probably the only one able to deal with that."
The chief shook his head. "No sir. Communications with Mister Muto haven't come online ever since he left a few months ago."
"Great. The one time we might actually need him and he's goofing off somewhere." Kaiba grumbled and tapped away on his phone. "Anything else?"
"Just one thing, sir. Miss Moore appears to be waiting for her meeting with you."
"Pah, that woman can wait a while longer. It's not like she didn't wait long enough to inform us already." He waved him off with a hint of anger in his voice.
The chief could only agree. While they may all be thankful for their whistleblower ratting out the underground ring and its associates to them, he was sure she could've done so earlier. He didn't have all the information on her, but from what he knew she's been with the main part of the underground ring for years.
"Other than that, we've received a few complaints about parents not being able to call their children currently in Duel Academy and Mister Pegasus wants to talk with you about something as well. He didn't say anything specific, but made it quite clear it was important."
"I can imagine what he wants. Tell the parents there seem to be technical issues on the island cutting them off from communications, but we have everything under control." That said, Kaiba turned to leave.
"Yes sir!"
The CEO reached the entrance just as the interns came in with loads of coffee, freezing when they saw him. He simply grabbed a cup for himself, took a sip and turned to the room once more. "Keep up the work and we'll be done with this little crisis soon enough. While this little stunt has given us enough work to last until the end of the year, it's only empowered our standing. Needless to say, all of you will be compensated appropriately with doubled overtime pay and a few extra days of paid vacation."
Once Mister Kaiba was gone, and a minute of tense waiting over, everyone cheered, the chief included. Then, he loudly clapped his hands to get everyone's attention. "You heard the boss, folks. Let's get this over and done with!"
Katherine leisurely laid back in her chair, waiting for the Kaiba Corp CEO to arrive. It felt good to finally not having to deal with the scum running the underground arenas in Domino, and she expected a high payout for notifying the correct authorities about them. She'd been surprised when Blake had called for operation "fuck the police", but she'd gladly executed it. He hadn't told her why he wanted to do that now, but she didn't care all that much.
After a few minutes of waiting, she picked up her phone and scrolled through the several news articles going on and on about the current situation. How such a thing should've never happened and questioning how anyone could trust the police after this. The masses cried out for justice, control, and a countrywide sweep. The worldwide Duel Monsters Association had also announced to aid in the matter, using their own resources to scan for any illegal tournaments across the world.
With the whole public calling for order, she was sure her boss's plans to seize control over the dueling world could advance even faster. She might have to lay low for a while now, but she could still improve her own position. Which made things even better for her: Less work, no one to look after, and loads of money coming her way. And if the last update from her little pet was anything to go by, she could soon cash in even more by making deals with Umino Enterprises.
Although it irked her that her employer's interest in Blake had increased after he'd become one of the highest-ranking duelists in Central Academy, she didn't feel like worrying at all. If the old man got in over his head, she'd gladly take his place. She doubted any of his duelists could match her pup. She'd made sure Blake had to work his way through the worst they had to offer, after all. None of them could compare.
After what felt like hours, Seto Kaiba finally entered their meeting room, looking as imposing as ever. He didn't sit down, instead simply threw some papers on the table and stood opposite of her.
"Normally I'd apologies for being late, but I'm sure you know what you're putting my company through." He said harshly. "Since that's the case, we'll keep this as short as possible."
"But of course, Mister Kaiba." She replied coyly and leaned forward, careful to present herself as best she could. Nothing about Kaiba's love life was known, if it even existed, but that doesn't mean she wouldn't try shooting her shot when given the chance. "I'm aware you've a lot to deal with right now and I'm sure we can get this settled quickly."
"Then let's skip the pleasantries." Kaiba said and pushed the first set of papers over to her. "Since we both know you didn't notify us out of the goodness of your heart, my accountants have come up with a payment you'll receive. But only if you sign that you've told us everything and can be sued for 200% of said payment if we find evidence saying otherwise."
She slowly read through all the legal nonsense. Those were a lot of zeroes. "That's an awful lot considering you could simply forge evidence and get rid of me without anyone batting an eye, no? Who's to oppose Kaiba Corp, after all."
"All the more reason to unpack what you haven't told us." Kaiba opened a folder and put it down in front of her. "You're closely affiliated with Principal MacKenzie of the Duel Academy's American branch, as well as Professor Thelonious Viper of West Academy." He stated matter-of-factly, the documents and pictures supporting his claims.
"What of it? I was a student at the American branch myself and Professor Viper was a teacher there before switching academies." Katherine admitted, unsurprised they made the connection.
"You've got ties to two other academies, yet still send your ward to neither of them." Kaiba said. "Not only that, but both men are well known for their peculiar ways of teaching, something that very much coincides with what you were willing to put a child through before adopting it."
"You make it sound like I forced Blake to do any of that. He was very much set on improving and paying me back for getting him out of his home."
He laughed at her. "Oh, I'm sure the boy had plenty of options other than the torture you put him through. Surely you weren't one of the people bribing the police to look over his homelife, right? Otherwise, he might've very well been picked up by my company's orphanage support system. Which brings me to your chance to forgo any potential suing and payback."
She read through the next papers he gave her and couldn't help but smirk. "You'll hand me the payment without any strings attached in exchange for Blake's guardianship? That's a rather obvious way of cutting me off, you know. Not I could accept this without the person in question giving his opinion."
"An enticing deal, now that he can't make you any more money dueling underground." Kaiba said and opened another folder. "Given what reports I've received from the infirmary in Central Academy, the boy is struggling with various ailments. Not only that, none of the physical scars and problems seem to have been dealt with. Not to speak about the psychological trauma of going through all of that."
"It wasn't exactly my choice. Any question that might've come up by sending him to a doctor would've gotten us the underground arena's goons at our throats." She lied smoothly. Oh, she could've fixed that limp in Blake's leg and maybe gotten rid of the scars, but she hadn't seen any need to. More importantly, it made him more reliant on her.
"Which is a pretty strong case for child abuse and neglect, through which you'd not only lose a lot of money, but also your guardianship." Kaiba put the threat clear in the room.
She couldn't help but sneer as she made her case. "I made sure to get him a check-up regularly. He never once complained that something bothered him, which I took his word for. After what he'd to endure before I took him in, I simply gave him the freedom and safety he never had." She slapped the papers on the table. "And even if you tried that, you'd need Blake to agree to leaving. There are laws even you can't break, and I know for a fact he'd never leave."
Kaiba chuckled, though his eyes stared coldly at her. "Which is a shame, although I'm certain that'll chance soon enough. You know, there's a scientific term for his behavior when it comes to you; it's called Stockholm Syndrome."
She narrowed her eyes at him. "Call it what you will, there's no way I'll sign either of these."
"Lucky for you, this whole affair helped me to get rid of some people who've been a thorn in my side for way too long. Which is why I have one final offer. One you'll have no choice but to accept." Kaiba smirked and held it out to her.
She ripped it out of his hand and studied it. "And here people call politicians evil. They have no idea what you can do, do they?"
Domino City, Saio Residence
"Now that is unexpected."
"What is it, Sartorius?"
"It appears fate has changed once more. And in such a way that I'm not sure whether it's for better or worse."
"Do you think it has anything to do with what's going on in the city? I heard a large underground duelist ring was busted and no one can reach Central Academy."
"I don't believe it's gotten anything to do with that ring, although the changes also affect the one who'd once ruled it."
"As much as I appreciate you telling me about your readings, I must ask you to hurry. I'm afraid the plane to America won't wait for me."
"Of course, Aster. Let me tell you what I've seen.
The Fool is surrounded by the other Arcana as before, but now the Jester and Hierophant are part of that as well. Whereas before, the Hierophant opposed the Fool. More importantly, the Fool now points towards the World. It seems whatever ailed the Fool has begun to clear. What laid dormant has awoken. It stands stronger than ever before, surrounded by those of power. I'm afraid none of the readings about the Fool I have done before will stay the same. If things continue to change this drastically, the Fool might as well be replaced by the World before long.
The Jester, otherwise known as the fake Fool, had a drastic change. Before, it was always connected to the Death, and only Death. But that has changed. Like almost all the other Arcana, it now also surrounds the Fool. Next to it lay the Magician and the Tower, whom the Jester seems to have made bonds with, tempering him. Connected only to the Jester lies the Empress, while he now points at the Devil.
The former has never showed up in any of my readings before. It shows what appears to be a mutual support, and perhaps more. Though I doubt her inclusion has much impact on the situation as a whole.
The later has appeared in several different positions up until now, as it did with my own fate in the past. While the Devil covets anyone that seems to hold power, it appears it has found a new favorite. I dearly hope it'll change, as only the Fool has ever been shown to be capable of defeating it. But with the Fool potentially changing, there'd be no one left to do so.
Aside from that, the Tower has also begun to change. Your victory against it in the future might not be as certain as it was before. For if it gets replaced with the Emperor, as it appears likely to be, that victory will become a loss. A loss that might very well spiral and change your position as a whole."
"… what could've caused such a massive change?"
"I am uncertain, old friend. Now more than ever, you should look out and identify the enemies of the Light so we might eliminate them. Only if we can destroy the Darkness, the Light can prevail. And only then, we are safe from Chaos."
At the same time,̵̡̯̮̱̅̒̾͝͠ ̶̼͙̹̎̿C̷̢̹͎͚̘̥̙̻͑̈́̃̚ḧ̵̤̜̮̝̲̈́̑̈́͝͝a̸̡̼̭̳̱̭̲̽̏͗͗͐͗̏o̶͖̲̲̮͉̾̓̆̂́̓̔̈́͜s̶̡̞̹̞̗̲̗̮̈́͋̀̓̀̅̽͘͜͜͝ ̴̡̛͚̜̿̉̿̍͊̈́͑͌̕F̵̨̰͙͓̭̞̃̅ŕ̷̢͗̎̓͆̿͝ö̴̧̧̗̤͚̙̭́̀̀̍͆̓n̶͙̬̞̗̅́̓͜͜ţ̴̛̩̣̪̫̀͗̚͝ ̸͔͎̳̉̽̋͗̅̕-̵̛̙̥̬̦̰̥̤̉̈́̃͑̓̍̑͘͠ ̵̨͓͚͎̺̟̅͐̅͒͆̉͠S̷̢̬͎̑͆͌͆͆̚p̵̛͍͈̻̙͈͓̘̙͚̤̉̇́̈̒̈́̄͠i̵̟͓͙̔̓̿̈́̐̈́̏͛̄͝ŗ̵̫̣̥̣͛̕ͅî̶̢͔͚̙̦̺̝̳͖̼ẗ̴̛̜͙́͋̕͘͝ ̴͖̮͔̩̠̻̉̆̇̏W̵̛̮̘̭͓̱͓͇̥͗̆͌̾̔̄̋̈̽o̷̪̼̯̱̙̗͉͛̋̋̀̄̂̔͑r̶̡̠̦͉̀̍͊̾͂́͒͋̚l̷͎̆̑d̴̗͊̀̉̇̑
The day had begun like every other. The same struggle, the same enemy, the same outcome. But before long, something had changed. While the war had slowly changed to their favor, their progress was too slow. Many factions were interested in not only their own survival, but power. More enemies, more fighting, less success.
A sudden surge of energy had won them the battle today. The power didn't vanish either, it continued to empower them. More specifically her. A power she knew only too well. It arrived not only as a way to win them one battle, but the war. That she was sure off. A reassurance for their way to be the right one. A message from their savior. A sign that their King had begun his awakening.
With renewed fervor, they would through themselves into battle to pave the way for their leader to return. So that he might once more become the Supreme King that shall defeat the Light and cloak the realm with his Darkness, to bring peace and prosperity to all.
"Don't worry, my liege. Once we've dealt with these infidels, I shall finally return to your side. Neither the agents of the destructive Light, the fake Darkness, nor the incarnation of hatred shall stand a chance against you. For I am your destined guardian, and guard you I shall."
With that, Yubel spread her wings and flew down from the hilltop towards the burning battleground below.
And there you have it. Shit's going down everywhere else too. Kaiba's stressed but ultimately happy, especially if he gets the deal he wants. A bit of insight on Katherine and her allegiances, as well as her relationship to Blake. A surprise appearance by Aster and Sartorius; he see's the future, so why not show that before he shows up properly? And lastly, a somewhat sane (?) Yubel. She felt Jaden accessing his power – and yeah, I'll call her a she here – and is quite happy about it. Perhaps I'll do the "what if"-chapter next anniversary :D
By the way, the card reading by Sartorius doesn't follow any specific or real way to lay those cards. I simply used it in a way that suited my needs best, but the interpretations and meanings of the cards are the correct ones. Can you guess who all the Major Arcana he talked about are connected to?
Thank you Raidentensho for reminding me of Sartorius' existence, hope you don't mind me getting him in early!
Thank you MacyWacyLacy both for giving me inspiration for the story's new cover and giving me a steady supply of whacky ideas and cards to use!
Thank you D2268 for raising attention regarding feedback! Do the rest of you feel similar? Should I look into setting up a discord? Let me know!
And lastly thank you everyone for reading and staying around, because this story certainly isn't everyone's cup of tea. It helps immensely in deciding some uncertain parts, tweak others with your ideas, and keeps me at it!