Two weeks was all it took.
Just two weeks after Gozaburo's funeral, Seto sat in the lobby of Industrial Illusions, briefcase in hand, waiting for the man himself to greet him. His Solid Vision technology had been perfected by him and him alone (despite Noah's nagging), but this was his company now, and his technology needed to be at the forefront. Noah would have his place, of course, but as the face of KaibaCorp, he needed to show he knew what he was doing.
"Mister Kaiba? Mister Pegasus is ready for you," Pegasus' secretary said with a polite smile, gesturing for him to follow her.
Sero did so, unclasping his locket to look at the photo of Mokuba inside. Finally, after all of the blood, sweat and (though he would deny it until the day he died) tears, he was finally at Industrial Illusions about to show off his work. He had finally made a name for himself, and that name was only going to grow with Pegasus' help. Finally, he and Mokuba would be able to start building KaibaLand. A little more time was needed, perhaps, so he could make sure the company was fully turned around, but it would happen sooner rather than later. It was a real, tangible thing they could actually accomplish instead of just a childish dream created in a sandbox to ease his brother's sorrows at being in the orphanage.
"Mister Pegasus? Seto Kaiba for you, sir," the secretary said, knocking twice upon the solid oak door. How strange that despite the sleek, modern exterior and lower floors, that the executive offices would be so warm and opulent.
"Thank you Adrianna, send him in," came the clear, though slightly muffled voice of Maximillion Pegasus.
Seto stepped inside when Adrianna opened the door. Looking around, he was struck by how… vintage the office was. While it matched the rest of this floor, the heavy dark woods in the office furniture and elaborately framed paintings that decorated the walls.
Pegasus rose to his feet when he saw him. There was a look of amusement on his face, and Seto wondered if he'd missed a joke. "Ah, welcome Kaiba-boy. Please, have a seat."
"Mister Pegasus, thank you for meeting with me," Seto replied, reaching to shake Pegasus' hand before he did as requested and sat down. He had to be more careful with Pegasus than he'd been with the business owners he'd met with just a couple short weeks ago. Pegasus was not fragile, not weak like them, and it was crucial that he stay on Pegasus' good side, otherwise his plans of truly changing KaibaCorp into a gaming technology business was going to be slower than he wanted.
"I must say I was quite surprised to get your email," Pegasus began, folding his hands on the fine wood of the desk and regarding him curiously. "I'm not quite sure how Industrial Illusions can help a company like KaibaCorp. Gozaburo and I barely ran in the same circles."
There was something unsaid in Pegasus' face, but Seto didn't dare question it.
"My intentions are to shift KaibaCorp away from the darkness and war that my father chose to build," he began. "In fact, I have designed a system of holograms that will take your Duel Monsters game to a new level."
Pegasus raised an eyebrow and leaned forward with interest. "Is that so? And how do you propose these holograms work?"
"Do you have an empty desk or table that we can use? I have a scale model version of what I am planning in my briefcase, but I would not want it to crowd your workspace," he replied smoothly, gesturing to the briefcase at his side.
"Yes, of course, there's a table just there," Pegasus said, gesturing to Seto's left to a small coffee table. Excellent, that would fit his scale model perfectly.
Seto carefully began to unpack the scale model, first the floor of the arena, then watching as it began to unfold by itself, then carefully placed two of Mokuba's Dyna Dude action figures at either end as stand ins for what would be human duelists. The Duel Arena, that was the name he and Mokuba had come up with when they'd been testing it and going over simulations on the computer. He could have just brought those, he knew, but he'd done a lot of research on Pegasus, and Seto knew he'd appreciate being able to get his hands on something tangible, to see that it was possible.
Like him, in a way.
"Color me impressed already, Kaiba-boy. The quality of this scale model is impressive on its own," Pegasus said, his eyes wide like a child spotting something shiny.
But Seto knew this was a businessman. For Pegasus, this would be something to exploit - and Seto wasn't going to let him.
"I'm just getting started, Mister Pegasus," Seto replied, pulling out the miniature Duel Monsters cards Noah had designed. "This is the Duel Arena. Imagine on all sides there is an audience cheering on their favorite duelists. My vision is to implant your Duel Monsters cards with microchips that coordinate to each card. For example, I summon Saggi the Dark Clown in attack mode…" With a pair of tweezers, Seto put the mini card on the mini console, and watched as the Saggi the Dark Clown hologram appeared on the arena floor. "And then the opponent will summon, say, Battle Ox, also in attack mode." And there was the Battle Ox, formed perfectly and looking rather eager to attack. "Now, Battle Ox, attack Saggi the Dark Clown."
Seto watched Pegasus as the Saggi the Dark Clown disappeared in a hail of holographic splinters.
"My goodness Kaiba-boy! You have far exceeded my expectations! This holographic technology is incredible, and the cries you've chosen for the monsters coordinate well to what they look like!" Pegasus said with a beaming smile and what appeared to be a genuine laugh. "Now, the big question is, where exactly do you see these arenas being built?"
"Any city around the world that wants them. I believe everyone should have a chance to play the game if they so wish."
"A sentiment I echo, Kaiba-boy. I would be more than happy to partner with you to make both of our dreams a reality," Pegasus stood and held out his hand for a shake, which Seto did.
He'd done it. He'd secured a deal with the biggest gaming company in the world, and his designs would finally be used for good instead of evil.
If he hadn't had his emotions beat out of him (almost literally), he would have been elated, perhaps crying. Instead, all he felt was a weight lifted off his chest as he returned to Pegasus' desk to start legal negotiations. A proper contract would be sent to Johnson later, but there were some things Seto wanted to make sure Pegasus heard from him directly.
"I shall have my lawyers send Mr. Johnson the final draft of the contract Kaiba-boy, but I feel like what we have planned is more than generous for both of our companies," Pegasus said with a wide smile. "I am so looking forward to seeing what we can do together."
"As am I, Mister Pegasus."
Pegasus leaned back in his chair. "You know, the American Duel Monsters Championship is tonight. I would like for you to be one of my VIP guests. You can check out your American competition for the Worlds tournament. It might inspire you to refine your own technique." Seto wasn't quite sure how to describe the look on Pegasus' face, but it was a bit unsettling.
But he nodded. Obviously he wanted to watch the finals. It would be great to not only see the American duelists, but he would also be able to put the Kaiba name out there as a gaming company and really show how serious he was about wiping the slate clean of Gozaburo's filth.
"I think we should announce our partnership there as well. It'll be a great way for the public to see how serious you are about turning KaibaCorp around."
What the - how had Pegasus known what he was thinking?
"You are far from the first person to inherit their parent's company and want to change things around," Pegasus said, rapping his knuckles against the dark wood of his desk. "But be careful who you trust, especially if they were attached to your father. Loyalty can be such a fragile thing in the business world."
He tensed. Was Pegasus insinuating he didn't have the loyalty of his employees? Even after he'd gifted them with generous bonuses for staying on and agreeing with the turnover? And giving those who left incredible severance packages? "How dare - "
"Come now Kaiba-boy, don't get so worked up. Go enjoy yourself for the rest of the afternoon. I'll have Adrianna send your guards the information about the finals."
Seto stared at Pegasus for a long moment before nodding and putting the scale model Duel Arena back in his briefcase.
What a strange feeling he felt moving down the back of his neck.
Shaking his head as he clicked the locks closed, Seto left the office, and didn't notice the golden light flashing beneath the curtain of Pegasus' white hair.
"So the Big Five really didn't plan a meet up with you guys?" Yugi asked as he set a bowl of popcorn down on the table in front of them. "I mean, you said KaibaCorp was going to games, right? And this is the end of the American tournament…"
Reika could only shrug. "I don't know what goes on in their heads. Maybe they're still so stuck on focusing on products that improve KaibaCorp instead of products that will be good for everyone that it didn't occur to them. Besides, I'd rather be here watching the finals with you and gramps instead."
That, and Mokuba had let it slip to her that Seto would be showing off the new Duel Arenas tonight and she would much rather see the reactions of her Duel Monsters obsessed family members over the stuffed suits she'd spent hours with already that day.
Yugi shrugged and handed her a soda. "Well, I'm glad you're here. It feels like we haven't been able to hang out in a while."
"I know, sorry. I'm supposed to be seriously looking at universities and working on my piano. Mom and Dad think I've got a really good chance at getting accepted because of my talent, but… I'm still not sure what I want to do after I graduate," she sighed a little. "But this weekend, it's just us and Duel Monsters." Her parents, thankfully, were out of town and she had elected to crash at the game shop. "Next time we duel I'm going to kick your butt though."
"We'll see about that!"
"Yeah we will! Hey gramps, hurry up! It's starting!" Reika called, sliding her phone into her hand and opening her camera. She had promised Mokuba a video of their reactions to the holograms and duel arena and she didn't want to miss a second of it.
Grandpa slid into "his" chair just as the camera panned away from the dueling announcers and focused on the stadium floor.
The crowd was buzzing with excitement, spotlights crossed the American duelists that were lined up on the floor, and then -
The lights went dark, and something roared, causing everyone to jump. A Blue-Eyes White Dragon suddenly erupted from one side of the stadium, standing tall and proud.
"Huh? A Blue-Eyes? But… but how?" Yugi asked, his eyes wide.
Reika grinned. "You're looking at the future of KaibaCorp."
Seto and Pegasus appeared through a trapdoor, onto the stadium floor. Pegasus was posturing to the screaming crowds, while Seto looked stoic as always as he scanned for the cameras. Still, there was something in his eyes that told her he was, in fact, feeling something. Joy? Relief? It was hard to say.
"Good afternoon one and all! I am Maximillion Pegasus, and I am absolutely delighted to introduce you to Seto Kaiba, an up and coming Duel Monsters champion from Japan. He is also the president of the Kaiba Corporation. The hologram you saw just now was designed by him. Industrial Illusions will be entering into a partnership with KaibaCorp to bring dueling to the next level."
The crowd roared with cheers and applause before Seto spoke.
"Going forward, Duel Monsters cards will be microchipped to create holograms like the one you just saw. They will appear for every card type. We also plan to build Duel Arena around the globe - specialized areas where Duelists can gather and challenge each other. This will help make the game more fun and accessible to people of all ages," Seto explained. "When I took KaibaCorp over from my father, I vowed that I would make it a company for good instead of evil, and I am intent on keeping that promise."
Once again, the roar of the crowd deafened the Mutou living room, and Reika smiled softly in relief.
Her grandfather was grinning. "What an incredible idea! I can't wait to get my hands on some of those holographic cards. I wonder if I can get one of those microchips put into my Blue-Eyes card."
Reika frowned. "Gramps, you don't even like dueling with that card. You said so yourself."
"Yes, but I think it would be nice to see the monster Arthur gave me. Maybe I will start dueling with it…"
Reika shrugged. "I can find out for you, if you can get the chard chipped. I'll text Seto now."
Seto, as it appeared, had gone to the VIP seating on the stadium floor while Pegasus explained the rules of the game and the brackets of the first round.
She set her phone down on the table after messaging both Seto and Mokuba, then grabbed a handful of popcorn. Relaxing like this felt odd, but it was nice at the same time. She felt like she could actually breathe instead of worrying about reputations or her future in life. Sitting here, watching dueling with family was something she missed. Before Gozaburo's death, she felt like she had little time to keep up with her schoolwork, let alone being able to just hang out and relax. She hoped this feeling would become more frequent now that he was gone and Seto was in charge.
Her phone pinged a few minutes later, as the duels finally began.
Your grandfather is welcome to bring whatever cards he wants to get chipped to KaibaCorp. Your cousin too, especially if he's serious about becoming a duelist. We'll do an early chipping event for employees and their family members.
Cool! Thanks a ton!
Pegasus is also insisting on KaibaCorp hosting a gala to celebrate our new partnership. Still working out the details but will likely be in a few weeks.
Fine. Just let us know when.
Reika rolled her eyes and set the phone back down on the table with a small sigh. "You guys can bring your cards in to be microchipped soon," she said, looking at grandpa and Yugi. "And I need to go dress hunting again. There's going to be a gala for the partnership. Pegasus is going to be there."
"What?! You're going to be able to meet Pegasus in person? Can you get me his autograph?" Yugi begged. "Please? I'll even let you win our next duel!"
"I was going to win that anyway but fine, yeah, I'll see if I can get you an autograph."
Settling back, Reika relaxed and forced her mind to do the same for the rest of the night.
The Kaiba ballroom was flooded with the Japanese elites, eagerly chatting with each other, the air buzzing with anticipation of Pegasus' arrival. Alcohol flowed for the adults and sparkling cider for the younger crowd. There were musicians on the small raised stage, playing jaunty dance music for anyone inclined to start dancing before the guest of honor appeared.
"This is really exciting isn't it?" her father whispered with a grin. "Meeting the man who created your favorite game?"
"Dad, I'm already nervous enough!" she laughed, tucking a stray piece of wavy hair behind her ear. "I just hope I can make good on my promise to Yugi and get him that autograph."
Her father shrugged. "I've heard Pegasus is supposed to be a generous man. I'm sure you will. Now, go on, it looks like Noah needs you guys over there."
Reika glanced over at Noah, who was indeed waving for the Young Five, and moved in his direction, her high heels clicking against the marble floor. "Everything alright?"
"Having a gala without my father feels a bit odd," he admitted when the five of them reached him. "Good, but odd. It makes me smile thinking how angry he would be to see this. I managed to sell one of my scopes to a medical company. They're planning to use it to find abnormalities in people's blood… and I'm going to be working on a smaller version to use on animals."
"That's great news! It really shows that you and Seto have turned away from the sort of person Gozaburo was," Mei said.
"We will be announcing it tonight, but of course the majority of the evening is about Seto's deal with Pegasus. Those Duel Arenas were a project between all three of us… Seto said we're all going to get credit for it, but…"
"There's a part of you that still doesn't trust him," Hideo said.
Noah frowned. "How did you guess?"
Katsuo laughed. "We've known you since we were babies. You get used to what your faces mean. Especially when your dad was around and we had to pretend we weren't rolling our eyes at him on a near daily basis."
Sora nodded in agreement. "We all have that sort of face. Or we did. Hopefully now that Gozaburo is gone, we won't have to make those faces anymore."
"Pegasus has just pulled up, Noah," Seto suddenly said, coming up behind them and glancing from Noah to the Young Five. "Can we trust you to be right behind us?"
"Of course, as we always are," Reika said with a shrug. "And the Big Five - "
"Them as well, naturally, but tonight we are focused on the future, and that is the Young Five."
Right, the future. Reika just hoped Seto and Noah would keep their word to the Big Five. There were a lot of secrets that their now-former competitors would love to get their hands on and they all knew it. Seto and Noah would have to be very careful if this turnover was going to be a lasting thing.
And she could see the same look of hidden concern on the Young Five. They had their own faces that had always been kept from the adults.
The Big Five approached, and the masks of the Young Five were placed firmly over their faces, kind, placid smiles as they gazed at their mentors and moved to the door, behind the Kaiba brothers.
"Mister Pegasus, welcome to Kaiba Manor," Seto said. "These are my brothers, Noah, and Mokuba."
Pegasus was grinning even as the Big and Young Fives dipped into bows. "My goodness Kaiba-boy, I wasn't expecting you to roll out the red carpet for little old me."
"Why wouldn't we, Mister Pegasus?" Noah asked. "There is much to celebrate, is there not? And behind us we have the Big Five and the Young Five, our closest confidants and directors leading us into the future."
Pegasus chuckled under his breath. "It is wonderful to meet you all. And don't worry, if anyone wants an autograph I will be more than happy to hand them out."
Reika smiled softly in relief as she shook his hand, glad he'd said something so she didn't have to ask him awkwardly. "Thank you, Mister Pegasus. My cousin is a huge fan of yours and he's thrilled that you're here."
"Ah yes, so I've heard! Yugi, right? An up and coming duelist in his own right?" Pegasus asked as the group dispersed and conversation and music filled the ballroom again.
She blinked in surprise. "I - yes, that's right. How did you know?" Yugi hadn't had any public duels yet, just ones against her or schoolyard games when he had a break between lessons.
"I've been reading up on the Japanese duel circuit since Kaiba-boy and I made our deal. Yugi hasn't had any public duels, has he? Yet the name is already out there."
This was… strange, but Pegasus was a multi-billionaire with access to whatever he wanted, and there was the fact that the Mutou name wasn't exactly an unknown one in certain circles of the world.
"You might recognize the name Mutou because of our grandfather, sir. He's a former archeologist who specialized in Egyptology," she explained.
"Solomon, yes, that's right. The man who discovered the Nameless Pharaoh's tomb. I read all about his adventure. Or, what little adventure he'd speak about."
Reika smiled weakly. "Yes, he's kept his secrets to himself. I'm sure he just wants to make sure his family doesn't follow in his footsteps of being reckless."
Pegasus' grin seemed to grow wider. "I'm sure reckless isn't in your vocabulary given you are a member of the Young FIve though, is it Reika-girl? I can't imagine that would be good for business… or future university prospects."
A nervous chuckle escaped her. "That's very true, Mister Pegasus. But I really don't plan on being reckless, and I doubt Yugi does either."
"That's smart of you. Come now, let's get you that autograph so you can enjoy the rest of the gala, hmm?"
Reika nodded and led him to the private room set aside for the KaibaCorp elites to put their belongings and take a moment to breathe if needed. There, she handed him the wall scroll Yugi had given her to be signed.
"There you are, Miss Mutou," Pegasus said, his name signed with a flourish and pen given back to her before she really had time to process what was happening. "One autograph. And I must say, I can't wait to see what your cousin gets up to when he starts his duel career officially."
"Thank you again, Mister Pegasus. I'll tell Yugi what you said. I know he'll be thrilled."
With a flourish of his hand, Pegasus left the room, and Reika realized only when she was alone that her hands had been shaking.
She let out a heavy breath, then took a slow one to try and calm her racing heart and shaking hands just as Hideo entered the room.
"Reika, come on! Noah's about to make his speech. Hey - you alright?"
Another deep exhale escaped her. "Yeah, I'm fine. Just had a weird vibe from Pegasus, that's all."
"You felt it too then, huh? The rest of us were thinking the same. I think we're going to have to keep an eye on Pegasus, make sure he's on the up and up."
Reika nodded. "We should keep our suspicions close. Just between us."
"For the good of KaibaCorp."
She nodded. "For the good of KaibaCorp."
She followed Hideo out of the room, letting the door click shut behind her.