Random talk: Shorter then I hoped it would be. Oh well.

I felt guilty about not posting sooner, so here you go!

"Speak" person B talking to person A (same people as past chapters).


Chapter 3

Suspicions and Knowing

"Hey, Quat! It's time for lunch!" Duo chirped, poking his head into Quatre's study. "Heero made pizza!"

"Duo!" Quatre exclaimed looking up from the computer. "Perfect! I wanted to talk to you alone. Come in and lock the door after you."

Duo gave Quatre an odd look, but still did as the blond said. After locking the door, Quatre motioned Duo over and looked at the computer screen again.

"There was a letter that came with the blueprints last week," Quatre said. "Where did Heero go again?"

"Japan. What about it?"

"Did you notice where the Duel Monster merchandise Heero got you came from?"

"Kame Game Shop. Wait, isn't that in Neo Domino City?"

"Correct. The letter also came from there as well. Heero's trip and the postmark on the letter are in the same timeframe. So, I decided to run the handwriting across my database."

"Let me guess, it matches Heero's, right?"

"Yes and no. Yes, it matches Heero's handwriting, but not every document. For some odd reason, his handwriting is different on several documents after the war. I understand it could be a reflex, but there are two distinct different styles."

"Look, I don't know what's going on, but Heero has to have a reason if he is behind this. I'll respect Heero's privacy. If things get too dangerous, which might happen considering we are talking about Heero, I will step in."

"I wasn't asking you to do anything. It's just, Heero knows more then he let us believe. Things that would not make sense for him to know."

"Drop it. Just forget about it for now. Right now, the pizza is getting cold!" All Quatre could do was laugh in response.


Later that night, Quatre decided to play his violin. It had been a few weeks since he last played due to his job and Duo dragging them to nearby Duel Monsters tournaments. It also gave him some alone time without any worries.

Trowa was over at Wufei and Zechs' place for a mission Lady Une had requested his help with. Duo was dueling Heero for what must be the tenth time that night, determined to win against the Asian. He wasn't expecting any calls, and there was nothing urgent to attend to. Of course, this peace couldn't last.

A knock came from the door, interrupting Quatre's current song. The blond sighed and placed his violin down. He was slightly annoyed that someone interrupted him, but knew it had to have been important.

"I'm sorry, sir," one of his numerous maids said as she walked into the room. "There is a call from Industrial Illusions regarding something you wished to talk about. It seemed important, so…"

"Thank you, Claire," Quatre said, smiling. "I'll take it in my office."

The maid named Claire bowed and walked away. Quatre sighed once more as he put his violin back into its case. He wondered why it took so long for a response from the company, seeing as he called them the same day as the tournament a week ago. The only thing that could cause the delay was Neo Battle City, which was four months away.

There was a light flashing on the phone on the desk, alerting Quatre of a waiting call. Quatre pressed the flashing button and turned towards the computer. A blond man in his thirties appeared on the screen. His hair was slightly messy, yet neat at the same time. His brown eyes radiated warmth and kindness that was reflected by his smile.

"Quatre Rabbera Winner, am I correct?" the man asked, at which he received a nod in response. It was obvious that the man was Japanese and might have grown up in the streets instead of in coming from a high-class family with his accent, yet his English was still flawless. "I'm calling on behalf of Industrial Illusions. My name is Joseph Wheeler. Sorry for the delay in response for your call last week."

"It is understandable," Quatre said with a smile. "I'm sure you received a copy of some documents that were sent to me recently."

"We received it three days ago, which was one of the reasons for the delay of this call since we wanted to review them. None of us expected blue prints for the Duel Disk to appear out of nowhere. I understand you have control over everything related to Kaiba Industries, including Kaiba Corp."

"Yes. I am hoping to have enough disks for those participating in Neo Battle City before it starts. I believe it would be an excellent time to release them. Don't you agree, Mr. Wheeler?"

"That is what the president was hoping. He also wants to meet you in person, if that is okay with you."

Quatre froze for a second at that. The mysterious president of Industrial Illusions was offering to meet in person. Duo would absolutely flip over that.

"It would be an honor!" Quatre said with enthusiasm, making the Joseph laugh a little. "When and where?"

"How about a week from today? You could come out here to Neo Domino or he could arrange it so he would be there. You can even bring some guests, of course not to the meeting. The president is a little wary about letting others see him."

"Of course! I'll be there in a week."

"Excellent! You can call me back later to inform me on who will be coming or if will you make your own travel plans."


"I see your conversation with Mr. Winner went well, Mr. Wheeler," Ishtar said from the door way.

"He should be here in a week, maybe with some friends," Joseph said, looking up from his computer. "Remember what you have to do."

"I know. Look into anyone Mr. Winner brings with him. That might be hard considering they may be Gundam Pilots. If what Lady Une says about them is true, I won't be able to trail them without getting their attention."

"Which is what I'm hoping for. I need the best for security on this. If the Rare Hunters of today are anything like the ones I dealt with, they will do anything to get the prize once we release what it is."

"Which reminds me, what is the prize?"

"Something only one person can use to their full potential. Someone who I know will win. Not to mention his pride as a duelist will be on the line."


Duo stared at Quatre in disbelief while Heero's face was as neutral as ever. Quatre just smiled back innocently. The blond had explained his conversation with Joseph from last night. He already confirmed Trowa, Wufei, and Zechs would be able to make it. All that was left were the two in front of him.

"You get to meet the president of Industrial Illusion?" Duo yelled. "No fair! What's the point of going to Neo Domino if Heero and I are left out?"

"There's always Kaiba Land," (1) Quatre pointed out. "I heard that if you duel machines at certain levels, you can get Duel Points. Not to mention there's Kaiba Manor that acts as a museum for Duel Monsters."

"Fine," Duo sighed. "What about you, Hee-chan?"

"Hn…"

"Great!" Quatre chirped. "I'll contact Mr. Wheeler and let him know what is going on. Maybe we could leave early to explore the city. I'm sure Heero could give us a tour."

Heero gave Quatre a look of puzzlement. In return, Quatre smiled sweetly. Duo didn't miss this exchange nor Quatre's silent words that came with his expression.

I know you're hiding something.


"Quatre knows."

"Not completely .You and I both know it is only a suspicion. If anything, he thinks we're involved in all of this somehow. Maybe about me, but that's it."

"That letter was too risky."

"There was a reason why I hand wrote that letter. We can't keep this hidden from everyone. They would think we're crazy if we tell them straight out. If Quatre figures it out, he would help convince the others. You trust them. No one would believe this but I trust them as well."

"Hn…"

"I promise not to do any thing risky like I've been told I do on a regular basis. Remember I promised you I wouldn't let harm come to you if I could. I won't let harm come to people I care about."

"And I would do the same for you. No one hurts my family."

"Heh… It's amazing we are two different people, yet we are the same."

"A reflection that is both real and not."

The two boys looked at one another in the mirror. Identical smirks appeared on both faces. They open their mouths to speak what is on their minds. Three words were said.

"A mirror image."


TBC

(1) Kaiba Land is kinda like Disney Land only for Duel Monsters. Obviously, Kaiba built it.

Random talk: Gah! Once more I end in an OOC line. Oh, if you know both Yu-Gi-Oh dub and sub names, you have a better understanding on what is going on.

Rubi-chan, over and out!