Chapter 4

"I still can't believe you did that Joey." Remarked Serenity as she entered the room carrying two bowls of steaming hot rice.

Joey had just finished telling her about the bet from his seat on the couch.

"Give me a break sis. Kaiba's gonna lose for sure! You know Ishizu; she's more…reserved. Besides, no one in their right minds would fall for Kaiba!"

"What about all his fan girls?" Pointed out Serenity as she laid down the two bowls on the coffee table and took a seat on the couch next to her older brother.

"I bet he pays them to follow him around like that," answered Joey, waving a hand as if to dispel the questions. "Trust me. Kaiba's no problem at all."

"Well, I still think its wrong," continued Serenity, turning to look at her brother. "And I don't think you've taken Ishizu's feelings into account either. What if she really does fall for Kaiba? Then what? He's going to drop her after the six weeks are up, and she'll be left with a broken heart."

"Don't worry," said Joey, as he picked up his chopsticks. "Ishizu's a strong person."

"Joey!" Exclaimed Serenity in shock.

"Look, who's to say Ishizu's going to fall for him anyway? As far as I'm concerned, she's not going to be swept off her feet anytime soon. Besides, Kaiba's not a good actor. I'd like to see him even try to pretend he likes someone he so clearly hates and vice versa."

Serenity sighed as she too picked up her chopsticks. "You know, I was never under the impression that Ishizu hated Kaiba. I thought she only disliked him because he always seemed mocked her."

"Hmmm…you've got a point there; sis. But still, Kaiba doesn't like her, and if she doesn't like him…it's perfect I tell you!"

"I guess we'll just have to wait and see then, huh?"

"Yup!" Joey said, beginning to eat. Then, catching the worried look on his sister's face he added confidently, "and don't you worry Serenity, this is one bet Kaiba's gonna lose for sure!"

XXX

A black limo pulled up in front of the museum at exactly ten o'clock that night.

"Wait here," Kaiba said to the driver. "I won't be long."

Stepping out of the limousine, he made his way to the museum doors even though it was already after hours. Pulling on one of them, he found it unlocked.

Giving a superior-like smirk, he stepped inside and left the door unlocked behind him. He wanted this to be over and done with so that he can leave this place as soon as possible, without any petty delays.

Walking down the hallway looking for any signs of life, he found that there were none. Everything was dark and quiet, like a graveyard. The only source of light came from the 'Emergency Exit' sign that hung at the end of the room. Its red lights danced around, casting shadow to many suites of armors that were old and rusted; it reflected against glass cases that held precious finds and artifacts in them, and it caused rare paintings to look grotesque and distorted in the dark.

But none of these interested Kaiba. As he walked among the old and ancient, his footsteps echoing loudly in the eerie silence, he began to grow impatient. How was he supposed to find his way around here in the dark? And most importantly, where was Ishizu?

At last, he spotted a source of light, other than that of the 'Emergency Exit' sign, coming from a hallway at the bottom of a steep stairwell.

Kaiba recognized it as the same stairwell that he had journeyed down many months ago, the first time he had ever heard one of Ishizu's so-called 'Egyptian fairy tales.'

It was also the day Ishizu had handed him Obelisk the Tormentor.

Smirking at the memory, he proceeded down the wide stairs and walked into the brightly lit room.

The same room as last time, he noted without much interest. And indeed, the huge Egyptian stone carvings hanging in their glass cases at the front of the room were unmistakable.

As his eyes traveled over them with scorn, he became aware of the sound of soft footsteps coming from behind him. Turning around, he saw that it was none other than Ishizu herself, clad in the same outfit that she was wearing the day they had both met.

"Good Evening, Seto Kaiba." She greeted in her usual soft voice.

"Ishizu, it's been a while." Kaiba returned the greeting, a mock smile playing on his lips.

"Yes it has." Ishizu agreed quietly, her face revealing no emotion.

"It looks to me like you still haven't given up on all that Egyptian none sense," continued Kaiba, indicating the Egyptian stone tablets on the wall with his hand.

"And it seems you're s t ill denying your heritage," replied Ishizu evenly.

"Tch. Please. The last thing I need is to listen to another one of those fairy tales of yours."

"After all that happened in Battle City and on your Duel Tower, you still deny your past? How sad, really." She answered softly.

"No, what's sad Ishizu, is that you still continue to believe in all that none sense. When will you learn that there's no such thing as fate or destiny?"

"You can't deny it forever Kaiba. One day, you'll have to believe in destiny whether you like it or not. The past is part of who you are, and it will always remain that way no matter how much you choose to ignore it."

"As if." Answered Kaiba haughtily. "Besides, I didn't come here for a lecture about the past. I came here for a different reason."

"And what is that?" Ishizu asked carefully, her eyes narrowing slightly.

This is it, thought Kaiba silently, remembering what he had planned to say. "I came here tonight to ask you to join me for a meeting."

"Meeting?" repeated Ishizu, slightly surprised. Whatever it was she was expecting, this definitely wasn't it.

"Yes. A meeting. Just the two of us."

"And why do you want to meet with me, again ?" She asked, her eyes narrowing further.

Kaiba was silent for a moment. He had been caught unprepared. In truth, he should have expected Ishizu to ask him such a question, but being the arrogant person that he was, he didn't think anyone would dare question what he was doing. Now he had to make up an excuse.

He glanced at Ishizu for a moment. She was calm, waiting patiently for an answer. He found this unnerving for some reason.

The clock ticked as the silence stretched. Kaiba found that he couldn't think up a single excuse that would be plausible. What should I tell her? That this is a bet? Then she'll never agree to this! I have to think of something…

"Because I want to discuss how Kaiba Corp. can affiliate with the museum." He said at last. Now that should stop her questioning, he thought smugly to himself.

His triumph however, was short-lived.

"Wouldn't you want to meet with the director of the museum for that Kaiba?" Ishizu asked him shrewdly.

Darn her! Kaiba thought, a look of great consternation on his face. This was getting him nowhere.

"Yes, that's true." He answered, a bite of impatience his voice. "But I would have to meet with you , since you're the one in charge of the Egyptian Exhibit. That's the part of the museum I want to affiliate with."

"But I thought you hated all that 'Egyptian none sense.'" She mocked.

Kaiba stood dumbfounded. For the first time ever, he couldn't think of a single insult or retort to throw back. She had trapped him in his own words; there was nothing he could say to his own defense. How did this happen? He wondered furiously.

"When you are ready to be honest Kaiba, you'll know where to find me," Ishizu said, turning around and walking away. "Until then, my answer is no."

Does she think she can toy with me like this? Thought Kaiba angrily as he watched her retreating back. I'll show her.

"Ishizu!" He called stopping her in her tracks. After pausing for a few moments he continued. "It seems you aren't that dumb after all."

Ishizu didn't turn around. If Kaiba was trying to stall for time by insulting her, then she didn't really want to hear anything he had to say.

"But as it is," she heard Kaiba saying. "Your wrong. At least partially."

Ishizu turned around to face him. "And how am I wrong Kaiba?" She asked.

Kaiba smirked, glad to see that she was finally interested in what he had to say. "Your wrong about me not being honest. I do want to affiliate with the museum, just not only the Egyptian Exhibit."

"Then that would bring me back to my first question. Why are you speaking to me? Why don't you speak to the director of the museum? He is after all, the one in charge of making these decisions."

Kaiba smirked. "You're a smart person, you figure it out."

With that he turned around and left. As he reached the steps however, he called back to her. "The meeting will begin at Eight o'clock and will be held at my house. I'll have my limo pick you up and bring you over."

"And what if I refuse to join you in this meeting?" Ishizu asked. She did not like being bossed around, nor did she enjoy taking orders from people like Kaiba, who felt like they run the world. If Kaiba wanted her at this meeting, he would have to ask, not order.

Kaiba just stared at her again. Ishizu has some nerve, he thought furiously. Forcing his face into another awful smile, he approached her again. "And why wouldn't you want to join me at this meeting?" He almost hissed.

Ishizu merely smiled. "Your intelligent enough, I'm sure you can figure it out," she mocked again.

Kaiba gaped for a moment. She was mocking him; that was exactly what she was doing. She was mocking him. She was toying with him like he was some sort of doll to be played with, and not taken seriously. I've had just about all I can take from her, he thought furiously. He was just about ready to yell at her, when he remembered the whole reason he was doing this. He smirked, imagining six weeks from now he was going to win this bet, and go on humiliating Wheeler, and at the same time, get rid of Ishizu once and for all.

"Allow me to apologize for my rude behavior earlier," Kaiba said, putting on a courteous act. "Will you please join me for the meeting that will be held tomorrow at my home? I'd very much like for you to be there."

Ishizu looked amused. She wondered for a moment how much effort it took for Kaiba to say those words. "Very well," she said at last. "I'll accept. Though, aren't meetings normally held in the corporation building?"

"Yes, but this time, its going to be held at my home, since we're only discussing it and not saying anything for certain."

"I see."

"My limo will pick you up at eight, of course, dinner will be served as well."
He then turned around, and left as hurriedly as possible. Ishizu watched him the entire time, the bemused ex-pression never leaving her face.

Once outside, Kaiba dropped his courteous act. Getting into his limo, he snapped at the driver to take him back home. After that he leaned back and closed his eyes. What a nightmare! He thought he'd never get Ishizu to agree. Grudgingly, even he had to admit that by choosing Ishizu, Joey had indeed chosen well.

But no matter, I'll get her to fall for me, and when six weeks are up, I'll be able to put her out of my life for good.

To be continued…

A/N:

Sorry everyone for the long wait. Unfortunately, it might be an even longer wait for the next chapter cause I'm going to be busy with another fanfic soon which I hope you guys'll read also

Thank you so much to everyone who reviewed:

Jewel of Egypt: Yes, that's what I love about her too. Heh, she doesn't get fazed which totally rocks!

Tori-Ishtar: Thank You

Isis-Ishtar123: Ah, YamixIshizu. Hm...no, I don't really like that pairing, cause I don't think there's a lot of proof for it. But thank you for reading, trustshipping rocks! D

Belinda Chan: Thank You!

Ayanamiyuy: Thank you! Heh heh, yes, it's a battle between his pride and his asking a girl out on a date. >XD

Decree: Thank you so much for reviewing

LowFlyer1080: ROTF! Yeah, it would be so funny if Kaiba lost and he'd have to lose a duel in front of everyone and would be completely humiliated by Joey! XD Hm...I also hope Ishizu finds out...who knows? Maybe she will o0

Vanessa463: Yes Yes Yes! It does rule! Muwahahahahaha! /cough/

And I think that's everyone. Enjoy this chapter, don't forget to review, and I hope that I won't have to make you guys wait another two, three months until I update again. XD

Just to make one thing clear, I didn't give up on this fic, I never give up on a fic, so if it takes me a long time to update, sorry, but I'm still continuing with this one and will finish it.