Official White Knight Summary:
Five years have passed since Yami's victory over Yugi in the Ceremonial Duel, and five years have passed since Seto Kaiba placed himself in seclusion on a hideaway location that only five people in the whole world know about. Retiring from Duel Monsters and allowing his assistant to take over KaibaCorp in his absence, Seto thinks in solitude, pondering over his past, and plagued by dreams about the one known as 'Kisara'. Then one day, Yami appears before him, returning his deck to him and simply says, "It's time." Abruptly brought back into the world, Seto is told that Yami is attempting to bring back the Millennium Court in preparation for a possible new threat. However, he also mentions that it might be possible to bring Kisara back once again, and even with just a chance, Seto's willing to put everything on the line to do it. Blueshipping
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White Knight
Chapter Seven
A Thousand Years
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I have died every day waiting for you,
Darling don't be afraid, I have loved you for a thousand years...
I'll love you for a thousand more...
And all along I believed I would find you,
Time has brought your heart to me,
I have loved you for a thousand years...
I'll love you for a thousand more…
-Christina Perri, A Thousand Years Lyrics
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"We built it all, Then let it all crash down. We had it all, but let it burn to the ground. But maybe we turn around and get back, cause right now I'm off track. I'm looking for a way back to love! I need you now... I'm feenin' for your touch. Come back to love... Come back to love."
Kisara danced around the granite kitchen, immersed in the music. She sang without fear, without holding back. She danced without fear, without holding back. She was herself, without holding back. Her gaze was glazed by the imaginings in her head, her spins and movements graceful, yet childish. She smiled when the instrumental melodies floated through her ears, her favorite part. She let her body be an extension of her soul, laughing all the while. Happy. She was happy.
Adorned in nothing but a nightgown, it was almost akin to what she wore back in Egypt, with baggy sleeves and dresslike figure. It was only much more comfortable, velvety cerulean and the trademark KC insignia on the back. It just felt right.
Like she belonged here. No, she did belong here. This was her home. Seto was her home. She was joyous to an aching degree, belting out notes with a passion unlike anyone before her. By the Gods was she happy.
Headphones boomed in her ears, and music filtered on through. She let time pass her by, repeating the same songs over and over again in memorized fancy.
It was now the day of the Gala. She was going as Seto's date. She would make her Dueling debut. She was going to be introduced into the world. She would be officially entering modern society. Everything started today, and Kisara was positively ecstatic about it. Pretty much from the moment she'd awoken, she'd been in a dizzying euphoria. Already showered and clean, Kisara had brought her music along with her while she entered the kitchens, making the chefs laugh at her wholehearted nature. She'd even gotten them to sing with her on a few songs, much to her pleasure.
Why not be merry? Why not celebrate? Just, why not? She felt like she could shoot for the moon and land safely amongst the stars!
"Kisara?"
Hmm? "Oh! Mokuba! Good morning!" Kisara removed the headphones from her ears, the music still wafting about in softer decibels. "How was your night's sleep?" The chefs had left about ten minutes ago, having orders from Seto to make their meals at specific times to keep them on a practiced schedule, so it was them alone in the kitchen.
The younger Kaiba yawned. Being a Saturday, he'd probably gotten in late from work and slept in until now, almost ten in the morning. "Well, I just got up. I had a bit of a late night at KaibaCorp. In fact, I wouldn't be surprised if Seto's still working after all the Gala preparations. It was hell on Earth at Headquarters last night." He groaned, collapsing into one of the island chairs beside her.
Kisara was about to question the Kaiba brothers' health when Mokuba asked, "By the way, did you have the radio on in here a moment ago, or something?"
She blinked. "No. I just have my headphones in. Why?"
Mokuba shot up in his chair. "That was you then?"
"Huh?"
"The singing?" Mokuba clarified, frantic. "That was you?"
Kisara smiled a little, confused. "Umm, yes?"
For some reason, Mokuba covered his face in his hands and laughed. "Of course, it was," he said to himself, chuckling. "Well, that's kinda perfect then." He faced her, a sly smile on his lips. "Like I said, Headquarters was hell on Earth last night. One of our lead singers for the Gala quit after an argument with Seto about refusing to date her afterwards." He rolled his eyes, exasperated. "She really only sang one song during the course of the evening, but it was supposed to end the night. We were going to just scrap the whole thing and have Seto make a speech, but now, now I think I found an understudy that gets to shine. One that probably deserves it more anyway."
Pushing her gleeful, yet traitorous thoughts away from Seto's refusal to date another girl, Kisara forced herself to think straight. Tentatively, almost disbelievingly, she asked, "You want me to sing at the Gala tonight?"
Mokuba shrugged. "I don't see why not. I mean, it'll get you more publicity, which'll help both KaibaCorp and you. Oh, and since this is such short notice, I'll let you pick the song. You're creative, and I respect that. What do you say?"
"I-I just want to clarify here. Do you really want me to sing?" She was reluctant in the only regard that she didn't want him to regret his choice, nothing more. She didn't want to disappoint him after all he'd done for her….
"Mmmmhhmmm," Mokuba hummed, enunciating the sounds as he nodded once. The decision was final on his end.
Kisara grinned. "Then I'll do it. I just have one tinsy, tiny request…"
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"Mr. Kaiba~!" Missey sang, bursting through the study doors and making her grand entrance. "I'm back~!" She giggled a little after the fact, glad to be of service to the legendary Seto Kaiba once again. "And why, now, it's so nice to see you again! The Man in White has finally returned! Haha!" Then she gasped. "And why didn't you tell me that you had a girl? You know I wouldn't have spread a word! She's adorable by the way."
Seto remained silent throughout her tirade of greetings and queries, partially wondering why he'd kept this woman on as his personal designer for all these years. She certainly had a disposition that clashed with his usual employees. Stark. Extroverted. And constantly happy. He would never understand her, not that he wanted to in the first place, but she was weird. Weird stuck in the mind, unwilling to be let go. Perhaps that was why.
There was also that title. The Man in White. It irked him to a point. He had a name, and he preferred it to be used with respect instead of resorting to a title he'd never once clarified on his resume.
Finally, after a pause, he demanded, "What are you doing here, Missey?"
"Why, MoMo didn't tell you?" she gasped. The deliberate use of his brother's nickname made him scowl, but Missey was undeterred. "Miss Kisara bought a dress the other day and I need to get you fitted for your suit for tonight so it'll match. Late, I'm aware, but I'm quick with these things, you know that." Her smile was warm, as always. How annoying.
But her work was worth it. "The design of the dress?"
"A surprise, I'm afraid. I'm under strict orders from Ms. Valentine to keep a tight lip."
"And her orders outweigh mine?" There was a hint of ice that demanded a reevaluation of her statement.
Missey faltered, then smiled sheepishly. "She said, and I quote, 'I want to have that supercilious bastard to lose his marbles for the first time in forever. You are not ruining this for me, or anyone else, least of all Kisara.'"
"Valentine," Seto growled. She'd used Kisara as the safeguard, huh? Whatever. He'd get her back for it later. "Fine," he relented, allowing his lack of power to go unavenged. "Let's just get this done with."
Missey squealed excitedly, miraculously pulling out a sheathed suit from behind her back. The main color, while partially veiled by the transparent protectant, was creamy, almost white. That left Kisara's dress to be something light-colored. How vague. He really wouldn't be able to discern anything with his suit alone. He'd have to wait.
How clever of those women, the lot of them. He scowled.
"Oh, Mr. Kaiba, don't be mad! I'm sure Miss Kisara's looking forward to tonight. At least pretend to be neutral about it. Apathy over antipathy, remember?" She handed over the suit for him to change, smiling reassuringly all throughout, even as he snatched it out of her grasp. She wasn't the least bit ruffled by his attitude. Perhaps that was why he'd kept her. Didn't startle, didn't scare, didn't run away like a raving lunatic amidst adversity.
Seto spared the petite designer a glance. It wasn't quite respect that passed between them, but there was a sense of acknowledgement in Seto's gaze. Missey flashed him a wink, which he indignantly ignored. Annoying.
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As night descended upon the sparkling city of Domino, life seemed to explode from the populous. The city raged with splendor and glory in the nighttime hours, casting out raving duelists and glitzy celebrities to vacate their homes for a Gala they would never soon forget. Media and paparazzi traveled throughout crowds in clamoring numbers, praying for a scoop to unveil itself amid their observations, and pedestrians whispered in awe at the pure hype of it all, wondering if they'd hear about the mysteries behind the excitement within the following days. Everyone was aglow with curiosity, but only a seldom minority knew what would transpire.
No one knew that Seto Kaiba intended on hosting another world-wide tournament. No one knew the story behind the notorious 'bluenette' at his side. No one knew why he'd suddenly returned from a five-year hiatus. And no one knew why he'd decided to throw a Gala in the first place. What was it all about? The world find out in the passing hours because the whole world was watching, waiting for news behind it all. Not a single eye wasn't watching Seto Kaiba, the third greatest duelist in the history of Duel Monsters and the richest man alive.
But Kisara knew.
Currently, Missey was putting on the final touches of her look for the night. The designer was practically radiating glee, grinning from ear to ear as the last of the makeup was cascaded over Kisara's porcelain features. Mai had decided to sit this one out, seeing as she would be needing all the she could get to just appear 'presentable' for the Gala. Alexis had rolled her eyes, but agreed to meet them at the KC Headquarters before the Gala started. Apparently, a number of invite Duelists were supposed to be apart of a certain event that Seto had planned, but the details were discreet and wouldn't be disclosed until they arrived.
"Okay!" Missey squealed, clapping her hands together. "You can open your eyes now, Kisara Dear~!"
One breath in. One breath out. Then she slowly did as instructed, the trifold mirror before her exhibiting an unprecedented sight.
Kisara was adorned in a sleeveless, elegant, white gown, trimmed in gleaming gold, that descended down to the floor in a waterfall of fabric, swaying with every step she took. An Egyptian-styled dress, but the concept didn't end there. Mid-forearm golden bands hugged her wrists, flat sandals that glittered with gold on her toes, and a single golden choker rested around her neck. Then her hair. While not curled to perfection like she'd had it recently, it was straightened down her back with pieces done up in colorful, metal beads that represented the landscapes of the Nile River Basin. When she finally looked at her face, she found that she was an Egyptian Queen fit to rule. Glittering cerulean eye-shadows were painted from her obsidian lashes up to her brows in an ocean of ancient art, while the signature kohl lines cut from her eyes ending just an inch from the edges of her facial contours.
Kisara sucked in a breath. She… She… The image was utterly… Utterly… Utterly…
… Breathtaking. Emotions swelled in her gut, an ancient remembrance of lost time. A possibility. Kisara didn't care if she stayed in this gown for another second. She'd already memorized every detail, every care, every line, every… Every possibility. That she was given the right to wear the finery of her homeland, she was forever grateful.
A Queen of Egypt.
She'd become a Queen of Egypt.
The idea was almost ludicrous. Almost insanity. It never would've… Would it? She never would've been able… No. She couldn't go there. It never would've happened. Seto would've gotten a wife of noble birth, one worthy 0f him. Not her. Never her.
It never would've been her.
Unbidden, selfish tears sprung to her lids. How awful was she to even think of such an ordeal...
From the corner of her peripheral, the Millennium Scale gleamed. Only a few weeks ago, Yami had somehow cast a spell over the immortal artifact that'd shrunk the size of it down to a mere three inch diameter. She'd later looped it through a necklace, and placed it around her neck. She'd planned on doing just that once she'd finished getting dressed, but now…
Did she deserve its magic? Did she really deserve this fate?
Did she really deserve this happiness?
"Are you moved to tears, dear?" Missey queried softly, reading the situation only a little.
Kisara let out a shuttering sigh, "M—More than you could ever imagine…" It was the complete truth.
Missey's hand drew to her shoulder, giving it a reassuring squeeze. "I'll sent in Mr. Kaiba. I'm sure he'll want to see you."
Their gazes met in the mirror, but the image of the bespeckled woman was blurred by Kisara's tears. "Thank you, Missey."
"I'd do anything for the girl who stole the Man in White's heart," the designer stated adamantly, her very character changing in an instant. "It means you're very special, Kisara. He's a man that will only ever fall in love once, and it means that you're it."
Kisara's reply was a choked on a dry sob, and the designer left the scene as quietly as an assassin. Barely a footfall could be heard, but she wasn't trying to listen. Her thoughts were a swirling mass of deprecation. Maybe she was blasting this out of proportion, but the constant tug warned her not to think otherwise. She was wholeheartedly thankful for everything Seto had done, for freeing her from the void, for caring for her, for giving her a home, for giving her safety, for giving her hope… For giving her, her wish.
To be with him.
Her last and final wish upon death having done them part. To be with him. And as the Blue Eyes she'd been able to remain by his side for an eternity, but what she'd desired both then and now, more than anything else… Was to be with him. As a human. To become old together. To stay by one another's side together. It was all she ever wanted in life.
But now that she had it…
Well, despite everyone's reassurances about how much Seto was in love with her, never had he truly stated as such in words. His actions spoke lengths, but words were written in stone, binding, and impartial to actions. Words spoke time, and she'd waited over five millennia. And she knew that he cared for her… But where did that caring end? To what degree?
And did she really deserve—
"Kisara…"
It was like that time. In a memory not quite real, not quite reality. It was like a picturesque fragment from the past that'd been distorted, yet veiled by clarity. As if from a vivid dream. Seto. This Seto. Seto Kaiba had met her while she'd been desperately searching for Priest Seto… In an alleyway on the streets Memphis… And as she thought about it, it was the technically the first time they'd really met.
When the future came back to greet the past…`
He'd drawled her name in awe. At that time, he'd voiced her name with such astonishment, such shock. He'd known her from a vision, but nothing more; never expecting to come face to face with a woman from beyond this life. That was how he'd addressed her now.
In awe.
Kisara turned to face him, a single tear trailing down her cheek.
Seto's jaw fell agape at first glance, but then he noticed the tear. He almost bolted towards her, this… This… This creature that shined with light and regality and life. A Queen, he realized. A disheartened Queen.
"What happened?" he immediately demanded.
Sapphire orbs widened, then closed in an attempt to eliminate the flow of a sea. That sea didn't fall any further, but pooled precariously at the edges, ready to descend at any moment. "I—I just…" she tried.
"You what?"
"I…" She stopped, straightened, then locked gazes with him. Her brows knit. "Do I deserve this, Seto?"
He was blatantly confounded. "What?"
"Do I deserve this?" She was gesturing wildly, insistent on receiving an answer that he couldn't discern.
"Deserve what?"
Then something in Kisara just snapped.
"I'm not a princess, Seto! I'm not someone who will make a difference in your life! I'm not beautiful! I'm a blue-haired, pale-faced, freak from a life you despised for so many years! I'm a dragon that has nothing to offer you other than my gratitude! What can I ever do to help you? I've been in your debt for over five millennia, Seto! I'm just a useless nobody that loves you—"
A newfound rage built in him, and he backed her into a corner, her exposed shoulders pressing against the glassen trifold. He slammed his hands against the solid mirror thereafter, and all the while he couldn't stand it. "Stop it!" he hissed.
Of all the times he'd been unable to combat his wrath, now in this moment, stole whatever first place metal rested in his metal reserves.
Her voice cracked… "But Seto—"
"Do you think it matters to me what you are?" Seto bit out, indignant in his resolve. "To me you are Kisara! That's it. And being who you are is all that matters. And Gods damn it all, you are beautiful. Forget what happened in Egypt. Forget the past. It's over and done and it will never happen again so long as I live. You've been safeguarding me for five millennia, Kisara, and it's about high time I've returned the favor in full. You owe me nothing. I'm the one that has a debt to pay!"
He kissed her right then and there, ending whatever had been on the tip of her tongue, ending whatever emotional rant she'd dared to spill. The kiss was soft and serene, meant to dissuade and compel into silence. A sweet, sensual feeling spread through her chest as all trace of thought—emotional or otherwise—was chucked out the window. All she felt was him, there. There.
Together.
That was something that didn't tag along for a single ride. It wasn't a one time thing. It was a lifelong commitment, and he'd sealed the deal with one touch.
Kisara melted into him without trying, her words lost in an instant as her eyelids fluttered to a close. Nothing else mattered. Nothing, perhaps, ever would.
She was devastating, Seto thought sourly, barely scraping logical thinking in a moment like this. His emotions were on an all-time high. But this girl… She'll surely be the end of me. The idea, honestly, wasn't quite as intolerable as he would've expected, because really, he knew that there wasn't a life after Kisara. Nothing would lead him without her… There wasn't a life after Kisara. He'd accepted that fact long ago…
By the Gods, he should've kissed her months ago…
Soft and warm and flush against him. He suppressed a moan as he forced himself to pull away, leading her into his arms, where she sighed into him.
Seto hadn't realized, having been in the moment, that she'd told him she loved him. He'd only realize that later, when the clock struck twelve and the rain pierced the soft grasses of his garden in a drenching hiss. When he awoke to nightmares about a life he'd already escaped from, and pressed onward into a reality he was content to live.
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She would've been my Queen, Seto thought only an hour later. He watched, ablaze with a lone gaze as she stepped out of the limousine. Roland caught her hand, giving her assistance to which she smiled in thanks. Then that same smile was set in his direction, but there was a grace in it that was meant for him alone. What contentment, she radiated. It was as if he'd answered everything for her in a single moment.
Maybe he had.
She hooked her arm in his as the cerulean carpet below ascended the stairs into KC Headquarters. All about, cameras flashed and the paparazzi attempted to call out to them. The lunatics. They were not getting any information until the press conference started. At his side, Kisara smiled at the crowd, the berating attention seemingly ineffective to her brightness. He mainly kept his cool, features infallibly impassive amidst the chaos despite his inner, less amiable contemplations.
"Stop scowling," Kisara whispered. Any hint of admonishment was lost in translation due to her euphoric aura.
Seto waved off a smirk, the scowl falling from his features.
Incessant questions were fired off in every direction, ranging in details about his hiatus to the 'exotic bluenette' on his arm. The sight was unusual, he'd admit. Five years ago, he never would've predicted this.
He was satisfied.
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A half hour later, Seto stood before a podium centering around a ballroom of press and guests. Kisara, Mokuba, and Roland were behind him as to allow their presence to be acknowledged and displayed for their individual importance to tonight's presentations. Amid the light glaring into his eyes, he spotted the entirety of the Millennium Court and their tag-alongs in the distance. He shared a terse nod with Yami, but otherwise went onto business.
It was like nothing had ever changed.
But really, everything had.
"As you are all well aware," Seto began. "I am Seto Kaiba, CEO of KaibaCorperations and former Duel Monsters Champion." He paused for a moment of deliverance. "For personal reasons I will not disclose the details nor reasons behind my disappearance as it was by my own choice. The seldom few that do know have my personal confidence in mind, but those who dare to follow into my story will deeply regret it, I can assure you." He glared at the TV screen then to the various reporters he knew would go against his wishes.
From Yami's perspective, everyone just sighed. How very like Kaiba to keep his intimidating image ingrained into the Domino City populous immediately upon return…
"All I will tell you is that I have returned in full, and I have now officially reclaimed my position in KaibaCorp. Due to my return, my brother Mokuba, will be brought in as Vice President, and Roland Isono will take over security measures as he did before my departure. That is all I will state for the current positions within KaibaCorp, and no other questions will be answered for this."
"As for the importance of the Gala tonight, created tonight by Mokuba Kaiba." He paused, and mandatory applause filtered throughout the room before he continued.
"Tonight I will announce the start of a new Duel Monsters Tournament. The Grand Master's Tournament. It will be similar to the World Grand Champions five years previous, but will allow for registration all across the globe for anyone, anywhere. Amateur and professional will both be allowed in. It will start within each country, then based upon populations from within each country, a select number will be brought into the 100 Leader Championships, where only 100 Duelists are able to compete. This portion will be held within Domino City, before the final eight will fight in three duels each before deciding the rankings of the top eight in the world. To add, due to the predicted numbers of participants, the tournament is single elimination until the top eight are decided."
A stunned silence passed only for a few seconds before press began firing off their queries. Seto quietly them instantly, "Questions will not be permitted until I am done speaking." That lethal regality poured through his voice, and no one went against him.
"To commemorate the start of the Grand Master's Tournament, I have invited a number of famous duelists from across the globe to attend tonight's Gala, and to squash any rumors wafting through Domino about myself and Kisara."
Everyone's attention snapped to the bluenette behind him, who smiled and waved politely. Seto held out his hand to her, which she took, standing in front of the podium and before the glitzy crowd below.
"My name is Kisara Ryuu," Kisara announced proudly, and a murmur of intrigue spilled from the guests. "Recently I have been asked to be KaibaCorp's sponsor duelist for the GMT, which I have happily accepted. I'm relatively unknown within the dueling community, but my talents were noticed by Seto awhile back. We—" she stopped, throwing Seto a blushing grin. Everyone was on the tips of their toes once she spoke his first name. No one referred to Seto Kaiba by his first name. No one. To do so meant great importance in Seto Kaiba's personal life. "We are also in a relationship," Kisara finally finished, and the crowd went absolutely ballistic.
Who was this girl?
How did they meet?
When did they meet?
Where did she come from?
No one went without curiosity.
"I—I am twenty years old," Kisara answered. "I'm from Tokyo, but I'm also an orphan. Seto and I met in Japan actually, before his ascension as CEO. That was about ten years ago, but it's a rather sad story on my end, so I won't really get into that right now." She smiled ruefully, then moved on. "I've been dueling since I was a child, when the great Maximillion Pegasus invented the game. It's what I love, and I hope you get to see me and have high expectations for me to do well. I'm really happy to be here." Definitely not the whole truth, but what else could her story be? Then, without warning, she pointed into the crowd, exacting her gaze towards the King of Games himself. "And be ready, Yami Muto. We both have unfinished business from the past to clean up!"
In the distance, Yami gave her his signature thumbs up. The respect between them caught the attention of the whole crowd.
Just who was this girl? Challenging the King of Games right then and there! Seto smirked vilely too, which augmented the spirit of the both the duelists and spectators.
"Wait, then—Mr. Kaiba!" one reporter interjected. "Since you have a sponsor duelist, does this mean that you won't be participating in the GMT?"
"That's exactly what it means."
"Is there a reason behind this?" the same reporter asked, now at the forefront of the questioning.
There was no reason not to admit this fact. "I don't duel anymore," Seto admitted flatly.
The whole room all but exploded in shock. Everyone gawked at him. Seto Kaiba didn't duel anymore?! Since when—
"I have no further comment on my dueling profession. However, I will say this. Kisara Ryuu, out of everyone here, has the best odds of competing against Yami Muto. That is all. Let the Gala begin."
With that, the chandeliers from high above the Grand Ballroom flickered off, engulfing the area in utter blackness other than the city lights beyond the glassen windows outside. The crowd shouted in dismay, startled at the abrupt loss of illumination. Then a single spotlight was thrown on a section of the floor, centering on two individuals in particular. A King and Queen in their own right, they mesmerized onlookers with their natural demeanor of regality. Seto Kaiba and Kisara Ryuu.
Guests backed away in an attempt to leave them in the spotlight, where they glowed with preternatural grace and refinement. The Gala had begun, and with it, Seto's second obligation of the night.
Soft, sensual enrapturement of the heart was easy for Kisara when it came to Seto, but the classical melodies that slowly ascended into the air around her, created a scene only heard of in fairytales. In that moment she was a Queen, Seto's rightful Queen, and she felt it down to her very bones. This. This was right. It was perfect.
They waltzed. Kisara was smiling unlike ever before, giggling as the reality of it all took hold on her and forced her to acknowledge that she was living dreams. She was consumed by joy. Nothing could ever replace this feeling of unadulterated elation.
Euphoria.
They spindled and spiraled around the marble flooring beneath their feet, orbs locked in an embrace that collided with every shade of blue across the planet. This was theirs, forgone in a detention all their own, as it should've been a long ago. And when she twirled, time slowed as a waterfall of electric white flourished around her, everything augmented, everything moved, everything… Just everything.
Never in history had a love story been so real, so true.
It was also the first of two times in Seto's life that he would dance before a crowd. The second of which was three years later, on the evening of that'd been predated by destiny for many millennia.
.
"Do you seen the way he looks at her?" Tea whispered excitedly from inside the crowd. The Millennium Court and its various tag-alongs were all watching the proceedings with an eye of contentment. They knew the story being portrayed across the ballroom floor. "It's like she's the only girl in the room!"
Mai smirked. "More like the only girl in the world. Kisara's clearly the only girl for him."
Yami smiled a little at the display before him, leaning against a stone pillar at the edges of the ballroom, and pretended to be a wallflower. He bore witness to a happy ending. It was a calm, natural feeling in his chest, but a twinge of wistfulness whispered in his ancient soul. If only… The image of a bronze beauty with laughing emerald eyes twinkled in his mind. How different things were from then. When he'd been pharaoh, and when she'd been alive.
Shatter.
Yami blinked, and turned around. Had something fallen? It sounded like a vase—His thoughts halted, and the beat of his heart accelerated. No, he reminded himself. It wouldn't be possible. But laid out before him was a single vase, shattered beyond compare and at his side, his duel box shined. He knew exactly which card was emitting that light, and he couldn't help the ruefulness that spread throughout his heart at the sight. Undoubtedly, it was Mana.
.
All throughout the night, Kisara smile remained intact, infallible to the negatives in life. It shined and soared to those around her, painting the atmosphere with jovial hues that no one could ever blacken. The mood was serene, if not a little excited. Kisara ignited cheer and curiosity by her very appearance, both physically and emotionally. No one had ever expected Seto Kaiba to fall in love, let alone with someone that radiated compassion and understanding. People adored her instantly, including the press.
Once her waltz with Seto was complete, he set off in another direction, conversing with other CEOs and invite duelists. Every few minutes she'd see him and wink, and there were even times when he specifically called upon her presence, consulting her opinions and possibilities for the tournament with the guests.
One minute she would be speaking to a gaming president and the next, one of her friends would be asking her to dance. She'd danced with nearly every male member of their group, including Pegasus and Mr. Muto. She'd laughed and smiled every second, especially when Joey and Jaden made the most random jokes.
Yami had even danced with her, much to her inner pleasure. The Pharaoh was a quiet soul when the world was at rest, and that he cared to partake in a dance with her was gratifying. They spoke of dueling and Seto's past, and eventually made it towards less solid ground. Where sand encompassed the terrain and monsters roamed in the darkness. They spoke of Ancient Egypt, of their lives, and of what they'd hoped would've come out of it. He told her about his own ending, where'd he'd separated from the woman who'd unknowingly stole his heart. And whose own soul was trapped inside a tablet within their home kingdom. She felt a certain connection with Yami Muto after that, and was pleased to find that they would continue on as close companions. Their lives would always entangle with Ancient Egypt. It was the way destiny had been spun.
Even later into the night, Seto arranged for several non-tournament duels between a few of the invite duelists, which caused quite the hype. Yami softly declined the offer, preferring to stick on the sidelines and observe the skirmishes. Jaden participated in several duels, much to the exasperation of his girlfriend, who wanted some alone time with him for at least a little while.
However, the biggest surprise came when Joey formally declared to duel Mai. It came out of nowhere, startling those nearby, but Mai accepted the duel with a sly grin. It was in the moments after Joey won that it happened. The duel area was cleared save for the two of them, and Mai just rolled her eyes, undeterred by the loss.
"You big trickster," Mai sighed, grinning. "Those luck cards are always there for you, aren't they?"
But Joey was silent, his gaze serious. Her brows furrowed. What kind of expression was that? Off to the side, Yugi and Yami smiled knowingly, as did a few of the other girls, who knew the situation, whereas Seto watched the scene silently, ever the knight beside Kisara.
"They're not the only thing that's always there for me, Mai," Joey told her, uncharacteristically intense.
"Oh? And what else is there?"
Joey closed the distance between them. It was akin to five years ago during the Battle City Tournament, where they'd been so close, where the feelings had really started to shine through. His touch was gentle on her cheeks, their foreheads pressed together. Mai's eyes widened. This behavior…
"You," he answered. "Isn't it obvious, Mai? I mean, come on. It's always been ya."
"Joey—"
Before she could do anything else, he descended to a single knee, one hand softly enclosing her left, and the other held a shimmering ring. Was he really…
"I realize I'm not the most glamorous guy ya've known," he began, tentative. "I never will be either, but I do love ya, Mai. Maybe I always hav'. I dunno… I mean—"
"Just ask me, Joey." Serenity was in her voice, sweet, sweet serenity. Nothing could've been more peaceful than the words she'd said. Content. Happy.
That familiar, dumb grin formed on his lips. "I always knew ya'd say yes."
Then Mai got cold. "If you just assume I'll say yes, than I'll leave here in less than ten seconds, Wheeler! Just ask already." But there was a warmth in her chastisement that echoed between them.
Joey sweatdropped, knowing his mistake. Then…
"Mai Valentine," he breathed. "Will ya be my wife?"
"Well…" She cocked her head, sizing him up. "I mean, I wouldn't mind—"
"Jus' say yes, already," Joey complained, reverting back to himself. "I can already feel the rage comin' off Kaiba for taking this long. I'm probably gonna to get it later—"
Mai kissed him without warning, and everyone clapped at the newfound engagement. The Millennium Court whooped, and many were shouting out compliments. When they parted, Joey grinned widely before before bellowing out for the world to hear, "Aw, yeah! I'm gettin' married!" Many laughed, and the night was at its height.
.
Kisara clutched the Millennium Scale hanging low on her collarbone, and a familiar warmth spread through the pads of her fingertips. Earlier that evening, after her first kiss with Seto, he'd also read that her troubles dealt with her ability to wield a Millennium Item. He'd practically snatched it up from the table before clasping it around her neck. Apparently, their faith in one another was far greater than their faith in themselves. Seto's pride surrounded his everyday passions, but his doubt and sorrow of the past drew his lack of faith, whereas she had the opposite effect. She was wholeheartedly invested in her past life, but she lacked self-confidence.
How perfect was it that their imperfections contrasted so greatly? In a way, it was their saving grace. They were each-other's saving grace. One could no longer live without the other. It was the way destiny would have it.
They'd found their other half.
Long after the sun had set, and the engagement of the two blonde duelists, Seto had taken Kisara back up to his office for some silence. Her lover could only handle the public for a short while before retreating to a more secluded place. For someone who'd waged war for most of his life, he certainly had a disdain for the boisterous, she thought wryly.
Walking in, he didn't turn on the lights, but the city's illuminations reflected through the glass of his office windows.
Seto sighed, "Finally out of there."
Kisara giggled, shutting out the world behind them. "You say that as if the Gala's over."
"Might as well be. All that's left is some random singer's performance in twenty minutes, and its not like I need be there for it."
Kisara turned her head curiously. "You don't want to hear it?"
Seto just looked at her. "I'd rather watch Wheeler duel again."
She winced. Ouch. Apparently, he wasn't very keen on watching the performance. It was only too bad he didn't know who was actually singing~! She stifled a laugh. He would care then!
She placed herself at the edge of the windows. Only a hairsbreadth of glass separated her from the lower domain. Then she moved onto a more relevant topic. "So, how'd I do tonight? I mean really?"
The act of Kisara Ryuu, a Japanese orphan with a secret connection to him as a child and a unknown history of dueling. Also the official girlfriend of one Seto Kaiba. To add, she had the appearance of an exotic Queen of Egypt, so…
Seto pulled at his tie, removing it from his person. Half-distracted, he answered, "Perfect, actually."
"I probably shouldn't have challenged Yami like that though," she said sheepishly, remembering how the whole room had exploded into chaos.
"Really," Seto scoffed, disregarding her doubt. "I thought it was brilliant idea."
"I-I suppose," Kisara agreed quietly. Her gaze flickered from his to the floor and back, a blush forming. "A-Also, I would like to thank you for your confidence in me before. You know, about me being the one person who'd be able to challenge Yami…"
"It's basic logic," he stated offhandedly.
She straightened. "What do you mean?"
"Unlike five years ago, I have a knowledge of my past. It created a situation in this timeline that connects to ancient civilizations, which in turn caused Yami and I to become rivals whether we liked it or not. And with your origins, you have the best chance of beating him at his own game, like I did."
Seto was staring outside, obviously not home. Usually, he'd wave off or reluctantly acknowledge his past, but to truly admit to it was unreal. Unbidden, a giggle escaped her lips. Eventually, it became uncontrollable and she threw her head back in laughter. How hilariously ironic.
Seto tisked, growling under his breath. He didn't enjoy being laughed at, and had it been anyone else, he would've bit their head off. But this was Kisara. She had her privileges.
"I-I'm sorry," Kisara attempted, breathing heavily and still giggling a little. "That was rude of me—"
Seto glared at her, silently insisting that it had, in fact, been very rude. And Kisara fell back into a another bout of uncontrollable laughter. His expression utterly priceless. This time, Seto's lips thinned and he almost walked away just so he wouldn't have to hear her laugh at his own expense, but the sound struck a chord in him that allowed for whatever sullen pride of his to soften. Fine, he thought, irate, let her have her fun. She'd done more good than he could ever hope to repay just by being alive. He crossed his arms and looked away, impatiently waiting for her to be done laughing in his face.
A solid minute passed where nothing but Kisara's giggles could be heard from the inside of Seto's office.
When she finally settled down, a warm quiet settled upon their shoulders. Well, at least, she was done—
Without warning, she wrapped herself around him, nestling herself into his chest. Absently, he stared at her, refusing to unravel his already crossed arms in some attempt to oppose her mirth towards him, but she continued on in her assault, humming to herself and on the verge of giggles. Apparently, he must've been hilarious in nature, and the idea caused his scowl to deepen on his features.
Vividly annoyed by this point, Seto took a step back. Here he was, verbally accepting his past life, and she was rubbing it into his face as if to say, 'I told you so~!'. Seto was not happy, maneuvering himself away from her advances in an ironically childish fashion. How she'd ruined him so.
"Kisara," he growled.
"Oh, fine, you big bear!" she giggled. Her sapphires were shining with light and life. "Or would you prefer 'dragon'?"
Seto started, his stance bolt upright. Now that, that caught him, and suddenly primal instincts kicked in. He found himself backing her to the windows, the only thing separating her from the outside a cold plane of glass pressing against her skin.
"See? Very draconian, don't you think?" Kisara grinned, seeminly comfortable in their decidedly intimate position. Jokingly, she made up a face of mock-aggression and used her hands as claws. "Rawr!"
As much as Seto would never admit it aloud, the act was positively adorable. Embarrassed rage marred his normally impassive features.
"That's not funny, Kisara."
"Oh, come on, Seto!" She poked his cheek. "I think everyone knows that you have a Blue Eyes White Dragon fetish~!"
Characteristically, he was scowling. Uncharacteristically, however, there was a soft tint on his cheeks. "I do not," he bit out.
But she wasn't listening. She was singing, "And it's all because of me!" She threw her head back laughing, clearly finding his discomfort a leisure activity that she heavily enjoyed. When she regained her composure, she smiled at him. It was a warm smile, one that meant the world to him. How many times had he wished to see it in this lifetime? Too many times to count.
So he stole that smile, stole her lips, and in a torrential downfall that left them both breathless afterward.
He really loved that smile.
.
When the clock struck ten, Kisara had drug Seto from his office and back to the ballroom. She'd simply told him that she had something to do, which perplexed him to a certain extent. What could she possibly be doing at this hour? He'd already finished his work for the evening, and had every intention of spending the rest of his time with Kisara. What could she have going on?
Then she left him standing on the sidelines with the promise of her return, but no clue as to where she was going. Not even a hint on her part, which Seto found more than a little troubling. Begrudgingly, he relented and let her walk away.
It was a terrifying sight for him to witness.
Kisara. Walking away.
He nearly grabbed her hand and forced her to stay, but went with his better judgement and stood still as stone. He watched her disappear in the crowd, her baby blue locks lost amongst the gowns and feet of the ballroom. His gaze was cold on any who dared so much as glance at him wrong, eyes also flickering between bodies of people, and waited for tints of blue to appear in his line of vision.
Then, something strange happened.
The entire ballroom went silent, and the chandeliers dropped their illuminations. The hall darkened save for the single spotlight on the stage. A lustrous grand piano, painted pure white glimmered in the azureus hues was there, and so was Kisara in all her glory. A Queen of Egypt.
His Queen.
What the hell was she doing?
He raised a brow.
At first, a few stray notes fluttered into the air, akin to the motion of raindrops from the sky. They were soft and warm, blessed by her hand in single beats. Almost a heartbeat. But then, a waterfall of music spilled from her mouth, "Heart, beats, fast… Colors and promises… How to be brave? How can I love when I'm afraid to fall? But watching you stand alone, all of my doubt… Suddenly goes away somehow."
"One step closer…"
A twinkling of piano keys encompassed the area, her voice angelic in the dark night. The chorus filtered on through, the melodies keeping the universe at bay and staying time.
"I have died every day waiting for you, darling, don't be afraid, I have loved you
For a thousand years… I'll love you for a thousand more…"
Vaguely, Seto realized that this was for him. This story… It was theirs. A bittersweet, yet wholly arrogant smirk tugged at his lips.
He listened on.
"And all along I believed I would find you… Time has brought your heart to me, I have loved you for a thousand years… I'll love you for a thousand more…"
The memories of him in Egypt flashed through his mind, always adamant to remind him that it was really quite real. That Kisara had sworn her eternal allegiance to him as the Blue Eyes White Dragon. Five thousand years had passed since then, and unknowingly, they'd both been waiting for each other.
Hoping.
Believing.
Searching throughout time and space and realms of spirits.
Destiny…
He really despised how it'd torn them apart for so long.
Then…
Rebirth.
Fate had finally done them a favor, not that he didn't pave his own path, but those inevitable powers from beyond this life did have their damnable influences whether he wanted them there or not.
To whatever Gods cared to acknowledge his change of heart, Seto cast his attention to the starlit sky above. His eyes narrowed. He shouldn't be able to see stars in the middle of Domino City. He wanted to scoff at the pure ridiculousness of it. Maybe destiny favored him to some degree, not that he liked it, but…
"I'll love you for a thousand more…"
With Kisara, he was more than willing to accept whatever the world threw at him.
.
.
.
White Knight
Author's Note:
And end of part one~!
Honestly, of all the songs I've used and will use of this story, 'A Thousand Years' really portrays their relationship. I mean really. Only 'Shades of Blue' rivals it. It's beautifully romantic and transcends time, which is exactly how they lived. It's extraordinary.
Next chapter will explain how Seto became so willing to believe in the supernatural side of his life.
Attention readers: I've recently decided that due to another story I really want to write, I'm going to finish this story at the end of the GMC tournament, instead of continuing it to see the whole war against darkness arc. I've almost been considering White Knight as a kind of a ton of one-shots connected through a similar backstory, instead of an actual story with a problem all throughout the story. I mean, they'll really get together in the middle of the next chapter, so… Yeah. It's not much of as story, just fluff, and I want to write a story where there's actually plot and action and emotional romance… The story I'm considering is called King of Dragons a sequel/spin off story of Queen of Dragons, which is currently in the works, as seen on my profile (I would humbly appreciate it, if you read that too! I've started it, it's only about 5,000 words in, but it's online) Both stories will be extremely long, I can assure you. The plot is huge and there are so many problems. Blueshipping all the way~!
The song at the beginning was 'Back to Love' by DJ Pauly D feat. Jay Sean
Inform me of errors please.
And review, lovely readers! Constructive criticism is happily read by yours truly.
Have a lovely day~!
-CassandraRoyal