Happy Not Happy (Part 3)

DIMENSION: ANIME (The One That Pays to Save the Day)

Game Shop

"It could be that, or it could be something different," Atem said to Masika. "It might mean the Bakuras would lose their two bodies, and we could actually keep ours. There is no telling, not enough hints were left to be sure. All we know is that payment for bodies will be needed. It doesn't mean every body might be needed."

"You are open to fusion or getting your own body back fully," Masika responded. "It could still be something else. I have a bad feeling about it. Choosing is only supposed to be based on mutual feeling of wanting to stay together."

"Which shouldn't . . . be bad," Atem said. "Friendship is often the answer."

She stared at him for a moment, and then looked away. "I don't know about that."

Date Restaurant . . .

"Either way, Atem says we can get through it all together," Yugi promised her. "No matter what it takes? If it comes out of friendship, than we should trust it. And think about it, friendship was the answer for Horakhty."

"Friendship." Téa took Yugi's hand. "The one you feel the most connected to." She smiled. "You're one of my best friends, Yugi." She reached over and hugged him. "Okay. No matter what. We'll take the three whole months to figure it out!"

Game Shop

Atem held his fingers closer together. "A small game? Will not end the world between us."

Masika checked the new watch she just got. Would she be willing to set differences aside for one night? "Which one?"

"Connect Four," he said thoughtfully.

"Didn't you stop playing that because Mokuba teased you about it?"

"Not all games are the same with every player. While it isn't as interesting with say Yugi to play? It is an interesting game with you to play," he answered. He watched as he finally got a nod and went downstairs. Finally, some progress again.

He pulled out Connect Four and watched as Ebonnee tagged along behind her. He should really get closer to the cat too. He set up the board and started.

Yes, Mokuba was right. This time, he was able to concentrate on just her and her reactions, instead of just the cat. He also saw that Mokuba gave her an entire new outfit, complete with a watch. ///Atem: If she's truly a good person like Mokuba believes? She must have really helped Kaiba and Mokuba." They were indeed thank you gifts. Not bribery. "You wield your scarf like a cape."

She picked her glance up from the board, to him. "I didn't wear capes."

Strange. She had a flair for it. "I am sorry if I sounded accusing earlier," he apologized. "I was trying to figure out what Kaiba was up to, it wasn't against you."

She moved the first piece. "You know it's about Serenity."

He held his own piece thoughtfully as he placed it. "I am assuming he had some troubles conveying the truth still?"

"Yes, but I helped out," she answered. "It will make Joey a trifle unhappy, but incredibly thankful in the near future."

Thankful? There was only one thing on Joey's mind right now to make him feel thankful to Kaiba. "You found a way for Kaiba to save Mai?"

"Mm." She placed her piece.

Oh. Joey had been wanting to help Mai for some time, and that want would only increase with a child within her. ///Atem: How would she be able to get Kaiba to help?/// "That's some trick, Masika. Care to share how that happened?"

"Just, putting things in perspective for . . .?" Masika looked odd. "Serenity."

Atem felt a strange feeling next to his leg. He looked down and saw Ebonnee. This wasn't Bastet again, was it? He reached down closer to it, and it backed away some before taking off back toward Masika. She jumped in her lap. No, not Bastet.

-----

God Brew Co.

Bastet looked at the supply of God's Brew. "This will hurt these humans so much." Sekhmet was less caring. "Some payment does feel like punishment, but this is just outright punishment against this dimension."

"They aren't the winners, they are the ones who even it out," Sekhmet reminded her. "It must be done. We can start with the one that is most important to them, giving him some credit in history if you wish? It'll help them each understand that, although we can't force them to give cards, we are serious."

Bastet doubted that it mattered who they started this with. "For the fee. It will also end some friction. Perhaps. Joey will not take it as well."

"Who cares if this dimension's Jounouchi takes it well? It's all the same," Sekhmet insisted. "It must be. Let's just rush it and get it over with. We are so close to the goal, Bastet, Horakhty will grant it soon. So, their friend for honor and understanding, or not?"

Bastet nodded. It had to start.

---

Kaiba's Mansion The Next Day

If only he could see some kind of decent joke out of this mess. Tristan Taylor had come by, as expected. The fool even tried to punch him, but his guards stopped him. Most of them pointing like losers (like that would do anything) and some grabbing him from behind.

That upset Serenity, so he had them release him. He tried to be cordial, but Tristan Taylor wasn't making it easy.

"Tristan," Serenity even called to him. "I think Kaiba understands."

"Well he should," Tristan demanded as he pointed at Kaiba. "Serenity can't be bought. She's my girlfriend, and no matter what you try to do, you'll never be able to tear us apart."

///Seto: I think I might have something happening soon./// Kaiba went ahead and pulled out his agenda to see what he had scheduled that day. ///Seto: Oh, right, a two o' clock./// That left a little while for some downtime before he had to-

"Stop ignoring me!"

Hm? Kaiba looked back toward Tristan Taylor again. He had tuned out his useless declarations of love, blame, shame, or whatever he was talking about.

"Tristan!" Now Serenity was yelling at him. "Just, just stop it already! For the last time, Kaiba isn't anymore responsible than me, stop blaming him, stop trying to tell him you and Joey will beat him up and, just, stop it!" She was upset. "It was some kind of god thing. I know you believe. You've seen the spirits. You know about Mai. It's not Seto Kaiba's fault."

"He made you come over here and live with him. He is dictating everything Serenity," he tried to convince her. "You may have chosen to stay, but that's just to help Joey and . . . and someone not even worth it all," he said softly. "I know Joey is hurt, but . . ." He didn't finish his thought.

Meanwhile? Kaiba checked his schedule again. ///Seto: Hm, I could eat around that time. A three solid hours of free time./// He always tried to add some free time to spend with Mokuba. "Would you like to eat at 6:30 tonight? Italian sounds good, but I can get you something different if you don't want that." He looked up and saw Tristan Taylor, just about ready to want to smack him again.

"6:30 is fine," Serenity agreed.

"Good." He closed his agenda. "Anything of value need to be uttered before I leave?" Tristan started to blame him again, "I mean, anything new you haven't tried to tell me already? Let's get past all the regrets and threats, do I need to hear anything else important?"

"No," Serenity insisted to him.

"Fine, I'll be off then." Kaiba started to leave her area. His place was large enough he was able to give her a more distant area from his. He gave her a tour and had let her pick the area she felt the most comfortable with. At first, she wasn't speaking much until she saw something she preferred.

A tranquil garden with a pond, foliage, and a yelling Tristan. It would be more enjoyable for her when the yelling Tristan left. She would be able to relax which would be better for her, but he held no command over her want of a visitor. If she wanted him out, she would have to tell him to leave, or instruct the guards. Either way, neither was something she would probably do.