Chapter Text
Years had passed since the days of Battle City, where the world of dueling had reached its zenith, and I, Seto Kaiba, had faced my ultimate challenge by journeying to the memory realm to duel Atem, the Pharaoh. That experience reshaped my life in ways I never could have anticipated, forcing me to confront my own demons and forge bonds that transcended mere cards.
Once known as the cold and ruthless CEO of KaibaCorp, I found myself navigating a world where I became more supportive and valued bonds more than before, this shift in perspective was not merely a personal decision but also a recommendation from both Mokuba and my psychiatrist, urging me to embrace a more fulfilling life beyond my past pursuits and guiding me towards a path of greater empathy and understanding.
Moved by this realization, I initiated a program called KaibaAid, aimed at aiding legendary duelists in transitioning smoothly into their post-dueling lives, guiding them towards brighter futures. It was a departure from my previous solitary pursuits, a testament to the evolution of my perspective on the power of human building and connection.
The program had proven successful in supporting numerous duelists, facilitating their journeys with care. Presently, Joey Wheeler and Mai Valentine set off on a thrilling adventure across the globe, their names whispered in reverence wherever their duels resounded. Meanwhile, Yugi Muto, the resilient duelist who had bested me time and again, now presided over a game shop—a sanctuary for duelists in search of both competition and companionship. Bakura remained dedicated to his studies, focusing on his major in history, Marik Ishtar had unearthed his true calling in the realm of stunt acting, mesmerizing audiences with his daring performances worldwide. And Odion, resolute in his ambitions, embarked on a quest to become one of the world's foremost athletes, his unwavering determination propelling him towards undeniable greatness.
KaibaAid provided support to numerous individuals, yet there was one notable exception... her.
Ishizu Ishtar, who occupied my thoughts more than I cared to admit lately...
While I had backed the others in their pursuits, Ishizu's path had taken a different turn, leading her beyond the realm of my influence. Surprisingly, she possessed a talent for singing, a fact that didn't astonish me given her naturally melodic voice. What caught me off guard was the abandonment of her historical background with artifacts and museums in favor of an entertainment career. Consequently, an agency in Domino swooped in and claimed her before I had the chance to offer my support, shaping her into something beyond my reach.
It wasn't until fate intervened, weaving our paths together once more, that I realized the depth of her predicament... No, in truth, it was after I listened to one of her songs, that emotions long buried beneath the surface stirred within me. This prompted my decision to reach out to her agency and initiate a collaborative advertising project, Naturally, inviting her to collaborate with KaibaCorp to promote the new duel academy, it felt like the next logical step.
And there she is today… gracing my office with her presence, a vision of beauty that was subtle like a gentle breeze that leaves a lasting impression, captivating in its quiet grace. As I gaze upon her, I feel the stirring of an old, adolescent crush resurfacing, reminding me of the allure she held over me long ago.
She was beautiful in a way that went beyond mere aesthetics, a beauty that emanated from the depth of her character, despite the watchful gaze of her agent, she met my eyes with a steady gaze across the desk, and I found myself utterly captivated by her presence.
She adorned herself in an off-shoulder midi black dress, its elegant silhouette accentuating her figure with understated allure. Completing the ensemble were ankle-strap heels that added a touch of sophistication to her steps. Golden hoop earrings dangled delicately from her ears, catching the light with each subtle movement. Around her neck, a golden choker added a hint of luxury, framing her features with glamour.
Who would have guessed that contemporary attire suited her so perfectly?
Her dark hair freed from the golden rings, cascaded in soft waves around her shoulders, framing a sun-kissed face that bore the faintest hint of weariness beneath its serene facade. Her lips, painted in red, curved into a gentle smile showing kindness and warmth.
But her eyes...
Pools of emerald that shimmered with a depth I couldn't quite fathom that spoke of untold stories and hidden sorrows, their haunted depths a stark contrast to the calm composure she projected.
Though her beauty was undeniable, it was the shadow in her eyes that intrigued me the most. It hinted of sadness and deep emotions, suggesting a soul burdened with secrets.
"Thank you for reaching out to us, Mr. Kaiba," her agent spoke, his voice polished and practiced. He wore formal attire, his long hair pulled back into a tight ponytail. Despite his professional appearance, there was something about him that didn't sit right with me.
I nodded in acknowledgment before turning my attention back to her, she was smiling warmly at me.
"I never expected you to pursue a career in singing, Ishizu, but after hearing your voice... I can see why you chose this path," I admitted, Trying to break the ice.
Her smile widened a delicate flush gracing her cheeks at the unexpected praise. "Thank you, Mr. Kaiba," she replied softly, her gratitude evident in her eyes. "It's my pleasure that you chose me to be the face of your campaign," she said graciously, with her melodic voice.
"Mutual, Ms. Ishtar," I replied, slightly puzzled by the sudden formality. Since when did she refer to me as "Mr. Kaiba"? Then it dawned on me: perhaps it was the presence of her agent that prompted this change in demeanor.
Well, I guess it's time to start the meeting for now.
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As the meeting progressed, it became evident that a partnership between Ishizu Ishtar and KaibaCorp was on the horizon. We discussed the terms of the contract, ensuring that both parties were satisfied with the agreement.
"We believe your involvement will greatly benefit our campaign." I began, leaning forward slightly.
"It's my pleasure, Mr. Kaiba," she replied. "I'm excited to be a part of this project."
Her agent interjected, his tone businesslike. "We've reviewed the terms outlined in the contract, and they seem satisfactory to us."
I nodded, acknowledging his statement.
"Excellent".
"Now, I need to sit with Ms. Ishtar alone to discuss some terms in the contract before sealing the deal," I announced, my tone leaving no room for negotiation.
Takoma, her agent, blinked in surprise, clearly caught off guard. "But we've already gone over everything, Mr. Kaiba," he protested, his voice tinged with uncertainty.
I met his objection with a firm gaze. "Listen, Takoma," I reiterated, emphasizing each word, "I don't like to repeat myself. You must understand this before we proceed with the business. It's either this or risk losing a million-dollar contract."
Takoma's expression wavered, torn between his desire to assert control and the undeniable gravity of the situation. "Okay," he relented, his tone resigned. "Can I at least confirm with my manager?"
I fixed him with a steely glare, silently conveying my impatience. "No need," he replied curtly. "I can wait outside the office."
As Takoma reluctantly made his exit, I turned my attention back to Ms. Ishtar, noting the confused expression etched across her features.
"What are your thoughts on Duel Academy, Ishizu?" I inquired.
"I believe it's a commendable initiative," she responded warmly. "It's truly heartening to see you spearheading such a worthwhile program."
"Great..." I replied a hint of pride lingered in my tone.
"Did you review the agreement?" I inquired, sliding the contract across the table towards her.
She took the document, her eyes scanning its contents briefly before nodding in approval.
"Then sign both copies," I instructed, watching as she complied without hesitation.
"Now, we will consider it official," I remarked, leaning back in my chair and observing her closely. She averted her gaze from mine, a mixture of puzzlement and nervousness danced in her eyes, hinting at an underlying unease.
"How is life, Ishizu? Are you enjoying fame?" I attempted to break the tension with casual conversation.
Her gaze darkened, and she began to fiddle with a tissue in her hand. "All... is well... Kaiba," she replied, her tone strained.
"You can call me Seto, as you used to," I offered, attempting to ease her discomfort.
"Seto..." she trailed off.
"Your songs... they carry a certain sadness at times," I remarked, my tone gentle yet observant, acknowledging the emotional depth of her music. I had noticed the intricate lyrics, sometimes incorporating ancient Egyptian language, a layer of meaning I suspected many overlooked.
But not me.
She looked shocked, her gaze meeting mine briefly before she averted her eyes.
"You know that I can understand that dead language, Ishizu," I stated quietly, breaking the tense silence that hung between us.
"Hmm," she murmured. "I know that you are way too smart Seto.." her eyes darting around the room as if searching for an escape. "You do have a nice office... you know that," she remarked suddenly, her tone lighter as she attempted to steer the conversation away from the weighty topic at hand.
"Hmmm..." I replied, sensing her hesitation. As she stood and moved closer to the window, her gaze lingered on the bustling street below.
"Your building is so high... I wonder... if," she murmured, her voice trailing off.
"You know, Ishizu, the last person who complimented the building's height ended up taking their own life," I interjected, my tone grave.
She fell silent, a sad smile playing at the corners of her lips as she looked back at me before returning her gaze to the street below.
"That's it," I declared, abruptly rising from my seat and grasping her arm firmly to draw her attention.
"Ms. Ishtar, if you're finished, we need to leave at this moment," he stated briskly, his eyes meeting mine.
I bristled at his interruption, ready to unleash my anger, but Ishizu squeezed my hand as if to calm me.
"Mr. Kaiba, I'm looking forward to working with you... truly. Let's make this event a happening," she said, her smile tinged with sadness as she gathered her contract copy and bag, preparing to depart.
She left swiftly, leaving behind a sense of unease that lingered in the air. I glanced down at my hand, finding a paper tissue tightly clutched within it. A logo of a hotel was clear in the corner, along with a date and time scrawled in ink—a silent invitation that spoke volumes about the gravity of her situation.