Chapter Text
Hey there everyone it’s the Rainwalker here.
While working on Yu-Gi-Oh GM I got an excellent idea for a Christmas story in the Yu-Gi-Oh universe. I make it no secret I’m a Polarshipper. I find the dynamic between Joey and Mai fascinating.
In this story it’s been a few years since the departure of the Pharaoh. Yugi and the gang have gotten on with their lives.
Mai Valentine is the CEO of a growing women’s fashion, jewelry, and perfume company called Mai Girl. Yet for all her success Mai is missing something even as she’s become cold and calculating.
But three ghosts are about to teach Mai the spirit of Christmas and show her where she’s gone wrong. Get ready for Mai’s Christmas Carol coming up.
Disclaimer: Yu-Gi-Oh and all canon characters are strictly the property of Kazuki Takahashi. I’m just using them for a while but will put them away when I’m done. All original characters in this story are strictly my property.
The young woman sat in front of a mirror. She brushed the tangles out of her locks of curly blonde hair. Mai Valentine looked over herself in the mirror. "Looking fabulous as always Mai girl," she said to herself in a smug fashion.
What a life I've come to, the young woman thought to herself.
After the Orichalcos crisis and Paradias Mai had set out to clear her head with some travelling. And who'd have thought in those travels I'd meet so many great fashion designers. Or that I'd find the funds to start my now million-dollar business? she thought, amazed by Mai Girl Incorporated's success.
The woman looked around the bedroom of the upper-class rowhouse she owned in Los Angeles. That's right, this place is mine, all mine! She thought with relish.
Mai sighed and continued to brush her hair dressed only in her nightshirt.
Last night the dreams had come again, dreams of a time, and people, she wanted to forget. There was nothing she could do about that.
She had more important things to worry about now. She was the CEO of a major company and had no time for the past.
Mai got up and walked across the large bedroom to a closet. She opened it up and pressed a button on the wall near the closet. The clothing on the rack started moving forward and around in clockwise fashion.
It took time but Mai finally selected the business attire she wanted to wear today. She slipped on the medium length skirt, boots, blouse and jacket. She went over to another mirror near her bed and looked over herself.
The shapely, wavy blonde-haired woman, now 27, nodded in satisfaction.
Mai heard a knock at the double doors to her room. “Miss Valentine?” a contralto voice called.
Mai sighed in consternation. She wanted to admire herself a little longer. At least before diving into the doldrums of running her company. But the real world waits for no one, Mai reminded herself.
This company allowed her to afford this place and live her globetrotting lifestyle. It may not have been Seto Kaiba big but in two years it was becoming a major player in the fashion industry.
Mai always had had an incredible knack with fashion, jewelry, and perfumes. At first Mai had enjoyed the chance to put her love of her favorite three things in the world to use.
It had been a stroke of pure luck when she’d met the people who had helped her found and make her company a success.
There was another knock at the door. “Miss Valentine?” came the voice of Mai’s assistant.
“Yeah-yeah, I hear you Janice, I’m coming,” she said in mild annoyance.
Mai walked over to the doors and opened them.
Janice Brown was a black woman in her mid-twenties. Her long black hair had been partly dyed with streaks of blonde. She'd tied her hair into braids that fell down past her shoulders behind her.
The black woman was pleasant enough to look at with her brown eyes and business attire. She helped keep the house clean, and also cooked for Mai. So in a sense she was more than a personal assistant she was also the maid and the chef of this house.
Mai paid her a reasonable enough salary. And she was tolerable because she never asked for much. “Good morning Miss Valentine,” Janice said in the most cheerful tone she could muster.
“Good morning, Janice.” Mai commented in a nonchalant tone.
“This morning I’ll be preparing a peach yogurt. I'll be adding wheat muffins with a honey glaze on them, and orange juice.” Janice informed her.
“An acceptable and healthy breakfast. Get on with it Janice.” Mai sighed.
The personal assistant bowed and said, “Yes Miss Valentine.”
Janice turned to leave before a thought came to her. “Oh and Miss Valentine, a reminder. You have a meeting with your company accountant at 3 p.m. today.
"After breakfast you need to head to where the big Christmas extravaganza is. You have a dress rehearsal today.”
“Yeah-yeah-yeah we need to make sure everything goes nice and smooth. Sure fine, whatever.” Mai said looking around bored.
Janice’s face furrowed. “Miss Valentine, you do realize that if this works out Mai Girl Inc. will become even bigger than it is now?”
“Sure, okay,” Mai responded sounding distant.
The blonde was looking forward to the fashion show.
But her mind was even more intent on the meeting with her accountant. For all the success her company had, there was something that was bothering her.
Now I can get some answers. I know my company should be making more than it is. So why is there such a profit shortfall? She wondered, not for the first time.
Sebastian, that rotund black-haired goof and accountant has said everything is fine. Yet, why do I have this feeling that something isn't right still?
Mai was good with money. But when it came to accounting she was no expert.
Mai saw Janice roll her eyes and sigh in annoyance. “Miss Valentine,” she said trying not to grit her teeth in annoyance.
“All right Janice, anything else I should know about?” Mai asked her mind returning to the present.
Janice thought for a moment. “Oh yes, William wants to see you at the extravaganza location. He needs to talk to you about something important to do with the show. It seems some of the clothing has not shown up.”
“What?” Mai said in annoyance. “Ugh, if it’s not one thing it’s another! Fine, I’ll talk to Charles about it when we get there.”
“Um, Miss Valentine a personal request.” Janice ventured.
“What’s up?” The CEO asked in mild annoyance.
“Well tomorrow is Christmas day. I realize the fashion show is tomorrow. But I would like to take tomorrow night to go out with my family for Christmas dinner.”
Mai sighed in annoyance. Ever since she started making big money everyone wanted something from her. Even her own personal assistant.
Mai thought for a moment. “All right, but you’d better be here in the morning and here for the fashion show understood?” She snapped.
Janice sighed and answered, “Yes ma’am.”
The two women headed into the small but luxurious kitchen. Mai took her seat at the elegant glass dining table she ate at. She saw her paper was there ready to read.
Mai took the paper and opened it up to the business section. Reading the paper was one of the few comforts she had for all her success. It allowed her to tune out reality while keeping in touch with it at arm’s length.
Mai at first thought to ask if she was due for a trip to the gym. Then she remembered she had gone through a particularly intense session yesterday. Mai still wanted to keep her figure so she could be as fabulous as the models that showed off her clothing lines.
Still, it was no secret Mai hated Christmas. It had never been a very happy time for her.
Christmas was a time for family and friends. Mai had some friends, but no family. She couldn’t think about them, she had a company to run.
Her only real joy these days came from going clubbing with her few friends.
But right now, she needed to make money and uphold her growing company's reputation. Mai browsed over who was in and what companies were doing what. Mai found it no surprise KaibaCorp was in the news again.
Mark II Dule disk debuts next week from Kaibacorp. Designed to support the new XYZ monsters coming from Industrial Illusions. Seems you've been busy Kaiba, Mai thought to herself.
“And the world goes on without me,” Mai whispered out loud.
“What was that Miss Valentine?” Janice asked.
“Never mind, get me some breakfast!” The Blonde stated.
Mai heard nothing more from Janice. Somewhere in the back of her mind she thought that she should consider paying Janice more. But Mai dispelled that thought.
With everything going on in my company I can't afford to pay her more than I do. $25.00 an hour is agood enough rate for my personal assistant.
Mai continued to read the paper until breakfast got served. She ate her breakfast without any complaint. She was more concerned with her business and finances than anything else.
Once she finished, Mai set the paper down and wiped her mouth with her napkin. Mai got up and looked herself over. “All right Janice, get my car ready I’m off to the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum.” Mai stated.
Janice nodded and answered, “Yes Miss Valentine.”
Mai walked out the front door and over to the parking garage beside the house. A few minutes later the door opened and Mai’s convertible pulled out with Janice at the wheel. Janice moved over as Mai got into the driver’s seat and took the wheel.
Seat belts got fastened before the two set off into the day.
X X X
It took a couple of hours to reach the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. L.A. traffic as always was a mess.
Was putting my business headquarters in L.A. a good idea? Mai wondered not for the first time.
She tossed that thought aside. There was no other place to put it where she could garner attention. Mai and Janice finally pulled up to the parking lot of the Coliseum.
A security guard recognized them and tipped his hat. “Good morning, Miss Valentine,” he said in genuine respect.
Mai felt a certain sense of satisfaction. One of the perks of being a CEO of a company was men and women both looked on her with awe and respect. And it wasn’t like she didn’t deserve it.
She’d worked hard to turn this company into what it was. And if this Christmas extravaganza went off without any issue it would be set for years to come.
All the major fashion magazines and critics were coming to judge her new lines. All would receive gifts of her new perfume.
Mai felt her stomach churn the way it did at a dueling event. She wanted this to work above all else.
Mai brought herself back to reality as she said, “Good morning.”
The car pulled into the parking lot and soon found her space. Mai and Janice got out. Janice covered the car before Mai activated the alarm system.
The two entered the coliseum and made their way onto the main field. The stage was being worked on by the various engineers and mechanics. as were the lights and the various pyrotechnics that were being used in this.
A bald-headed man ran up to her.. He wore a white button-up shirt with the top unbuttoned. He also wore beige slacks, black leather shoes, and a set of thick glasses on his face.
The man also had some measuring tape around his neck. This man was Charles Hennessey.
Mai and the fashion designer had met in Paris shortly after she’d left Valon to go on her world tour to clear her mind. Charles was one of the founders of Mai Girl Inc.
He was in charge of turning Mai’s designs into actual pieces of clothing. He had a deep understanding of fabrics and matching up clothing with the right attire.
Mai also knew that he was in a happy monogamous relationship with his boyfriend of 5 years. She knew the boyfriend was an executive for a major financial firm. That firm had its headquarters in L.A.
“Oh, Mai, there you are,” he said in a tone of consternation.
Mai asked, “What is it Charles?”
“What is it?” the man sighed and rubbed his hand over his face. “What isn’t it would be the more appropriate term!”
“What’s the problem Charles?” Mai asked trying to keep calm.
Charles explained, “Some of the dresses I’ve been working on are missing along with some of the fabrics we use. Worse still the van with some of the dresses is stuck in traffic.
"And according to the techs one of the main strobes is malfunctioning again. What’s worse is they checked it last night and it was working fine.”
Mai rolled her eyes and snapped, “Oh dear God, if it’s not one thing it’s another!”
She calmed herself before she continued. “All right I’ll get someone to take care of it. You see to the models, and where’s Clarice?”
“She’s here and she’s been ready for some time along with Angelica.” Charles explained.
“Well, that’s a couple things that are going right at least.” Mai muttered to herself.
Mai looked around very perturbed. "Come on Janice, I swear when I find out what’s going on here somebody is going to get their ass canned!”
She walked over towards the backstage area. The scene there was one of controlled chaos. The models were busy getting measured for the various pieces of clothing.
With today being the dress rehearsal Mai was on edge. Her mind raced with fear and frustration. Running this big company was becoming harder and harder.
As much as she wanted to bring in some more help, she didn’t know who to trust to run Mai Girl. “Damn it,” Mai swore not for the first time.
Then Mai spotted a woman in a corner. She had caramel skin, brown eyes, and a delicate looking face. She also had a very petite looking nose, and long curly black hair.
This was Clarice Johnson, Mai’s top model. She’d been one of Mai Girl Inc’s top girls since the company's founding.
Mai noted a blonde girl with alabaster skin dressed in a gold gown getting measured by one of the tailors. This was Angelica Norton, another of Mai’s models.
What separated Angelica from Candice was the blonde had stayed after most of the models left. she would be up on the stage honing her catwalk technique. Candice was something of a party girl.
Mai had another conundrum with those two. On the one hand Clarice had become the face of Mai Girl fashions. But Angelica had a work ethic that was incredible.
So many difficulties involving money and the company, Mai thought.
On the one hand Mai wanted to give Angelica a shot at being in the spotlight. But with her company being in the position it was Mai wasn’t certain that having two top models would be such a good idea. When it boiled down to it Mai liked having the kind of wealth she did.
Money and her company had become a big part of her life. And unfortunately, that left no room for much of anything else. Mai walked over and called out, “Clarice?”
The mixed-race supermodel turned to Mai. “Miss Valentine, come to have a once over of everything?” She asked.
The CEO nodded and answered, “You’d better believe it! Now Clarice this is going to be an important event. If this works the attention the company gets will ensure you have a job for years to come.
"So, I want you to get out there and work it!”
Clarice flashed a cocky smirk. “Come on Miss Valentine I’m the face of Mai Girl, why would I screw up now?”
Mai nodded and said, “That’s good to hear.”
Mai then walked over to the other blonde, and called out, “Angelica?”
The woman who had her long blonde hair tied up in a bun turned to Mai and said, “Oh hello Miss Valentine.”
“Angelica, you’ve been one of my best models for Mai Girl fashion. I expect you to get out there and work it. This is important because the company has a lot riding on this,” Mai explained to her.
While Angelica looked nervous she nodded. “I’ll get out there and I’ll work it. I’ll show I can be the very best you got.”
Mai turned away. “Good, I’ll be holding you to that hon,” she stated.
Mai walked away and soon found some technicians. After getting screamed at by Mai they got to work on the lights that had been malfunctioning.
The rest of the time Mai spent at the Coliseum had the usual dull drivel. Mai watched the girls time and time again do their routines on the stage. Mai felt boredom start to overtake her.
She liked making money. But the daily routine and preparing for this event wore at even her nerves.
Mai wondered if there was something she had missed. Mai shook her head. She had money, she had a home in one of the more reputable neighborhoods here in Los Angeles, what more was there for her?
Mai’s mind started to drift and she immediately clamped down on it.
She couldn’t afford to let her mind go like that! It would make Mai think of him. And Mai didn’t want to think about that, it brought up too many awful memories.
What mattered was her company, the money and attention from the fashion extravaganza. Mai turned herself back to the present as she watched the fashion show rehearsals. Mai realized she hadn’t prepared a speech for when she was up on stage.
But then again Mai wasn’t much for written speeches. She’d known people in her life who’d been like that. They’d always driven her crazy because they’d been so fake and full of themselves.
“Miss Valentine are you all right?” Janice asked from Mai’s left.
Mai turned to see Janice staring at her with genuine concern. “Yes Janice, I’m fine.” She assured.
“No disrespect ma’am, but you seemed distracted there for a moment.”
“It’s nothing Janice!” The CEO stated in slight irritation.
Janice nodded and said, “Reminder ma’am, you have a meeting with your bookkeeper later on today.”
Mai waved it off and said, “Yeah- yeah-yeah I haven't forgotten.”
And that was the last thing of note for Mai until a few hours later.
Mai and Janice arrived at the downtown Mai Girl Inc office.
They pulled into the parking lot. Unfortunately the garage elevator to the main floor was out at the moment. So, that meant Mai was going to have to take the long way around to get into the company offices.
Mai walked out of the parking lot, Janice right on her heels. As they passed by, they heard someone ring a bell and call out, “Merry Christmas, Merry Christmas!”
Mai sighed in consternation. No doubt it was some homeless person wanting a handout.
To her surprise instead it was a chubby looking man in a Santa Claus suit. And he wore a rather elegant looking top hat. The man’s face was a shining beacon of merriment that made Mai want to go home to brush her teeth.
This guy's merry attitude is likely to give people cavities, Mai thought in annoyance.
She also recognized the man. He was Clyde Bettsworth, he was the head of the Los Angeles chapter of the Salvation Army. Mai knew him because every year he went around the business district of Los Angeles.
He always asked for people to donate to the Salvation Army. Over the years Mai had seen the bell ringers at the various malls throughout California. But the most annoying thing was this man had a way of getting to people’s soft spots.
Mai never wanted to let anyone get that close to her again…and with good reason.
Mai rolled her eyes in mild displeasure. “Merry Christmas Mr. Bettsworth,” Mai said trying to sound friendly.
The man raised an eyebrow. “My word, someone’s in a bit of a mood Miss Valentine. Come now show the Christmas spirit.”
Mai was starting to grow impatient. “Bah humbug! Now what do you want Bettsworth, I’m kind of busy!” She snapped.
The man explained, “Miss Valentine would you care to donate to the holiday fund? There are so many people cold and hungry out on the streets.”
Ain’t that the way it always goes, Mai thought, her cynicism boiling over.
Mai took a long breath before she began. “Bettsworth I'm busy running a major company here. I've also got a major fashion extravaganza coming up!"
“But you could afford to give a little something to the Salvation Army Christmas fund. 100% of the money I can assure you goes to those we seek to help.”
Mai felt herself becoming more and more agitated. This guy was beginning to annoy her half to death.
“I have more important things to do with my time at the moment. I’ve got a company to run, if you’ll excuse me!" Mai snapped.
Before the man could say anything else Mai slipped by him and headed into the office building. Mai was feeling very uncomfortable at that moment.
Why should she help people who were too lazy to help themselves? She had problems of her own with her company not making as much money as it should. Why should she contribute to anything when her company had financial difficulties?
Mai muttered to herself, “Chump,” as she walked down the main aisle.
Various sales representatives of Mai Girl fashions greeted her. Over the loudspeakers Mai heard the merry sound of Jingle Bell Rock as sung by Bobby Helms. But the music didn’t do much for Mai’s sour mood.
Janice as always was keeping up, her notation book open and a pen in hand. That was one of the few eccentricities that Mai appreciated. Janice was a competent employee who made sure Mai kept her schedule on track.
Mai reached the set of elevator doors and pressed a button. A minute later the center elevator doors opened. Mai stepped in Janice right behind her.
Mai turned around and faced the room she was in as the elevator doors closed.
Mai muttered to herself, “What is wrong with people? Asking me for money when I’m not even sure of how much I’m making!”
Janice for her part remained completely silent.
On the left side of the elevator digital numbers read which level they were on. Mai pushed a button for the 40th floor. That was her executive suite, she knew Sebastian Fulheimer would be waiting there.
Sebastian was competent enough and had been since he’d applied for the company. The man was good at his job yet something about the way he smiled put Mai off a bit. Almost as if he knew something she didn’t.
Mai hated those smug types of people, they annoyed her to no end. Finally, the elevator stopped at the 40th floor. “Here we go.” Mai sighed.
The elevator bell rang and the doors opened. Mai stepped into the lobby outside her office. Her private secretary an older woman with graying blonde hair was typing on her computer.
The woman looked up at Mai's approach. “Good afternoon, Miss Valentine, Mr. Fulheimer is waiting for you in your office.” She informed the CEO.
Mai nodded and said, “Thank you Gracie, I’ll take it from here.”
“Yes ma’am,” the woman answered in acknowledgment.
Mai and Janice walked across the very trendy peach-colored tiles which matched the walls. When this office was being designed, Mai had wanted it to be as trendy and as color coordinated as her clothing.
Mai walked up to the set of oak double doors painted a soft and inviting brown color. On the door big bold letters read 'Mai Valentine - Mai Girl Inc. CEO’. No matter how many times Mai saw those letters on the door she always felt that sense of smug pride in herself.
Mai opened the doors, and before her was a rich velvet blue carpet and an oak executive desk. The desk had paperwork, a penholder, computer, and a very elegant looking leather chair.
Had anyone looked closer they would’ve seen the harpies carved into the wood of the chair. This chair had been custom made for Mai.
In her leftmost drawer Mai kept her harpy deck which she had never gotten rid of. They're more sentimental keepsakes these days. I've got no time for dueling, she thought.
Behind the desk were a set of glass windows that stared out on Los Angeles. The view of the skyline seemed to stretch forever.
In front of the desk were a couple sets of chairs. A smaller less elegant desk with a couple chairs was nearby. Mai kept this desk for in case she had to access her company systems for one reason or another.
Sitting in one of the chairs in front of the main desk was a robust looking man. He wore a white button-up shirt, black and grey tie, a grey vest, grey slacks, and black shoes. The man also wore a set of round wire rimmed glasses.
The chubby man was plain looking and nothing to write home about. A crooked smile flashed across the man’s face and Mai for a moment felt her blood boiling. A quick look at Janice and she saw the black woman giving Sebastian Fulheimer a cold stare.
Mai knew that Sebastian and Janice didn’t like each other. They put on professional faces, but the CEO had heard them arguing in private. And some of the things the two had spewed at each other made it clear sooner or later one of them was going to go.
Mai needed everyone in her company to get along. She put on her most pleasant smile and said, “Hello Sebastian.”
The man got up and smiled, “Ah Miss Valentine right on schedule, marvelous.”
Mai walked over to her desk and took her seat. Mai put her hands on her desk and braced herself for an hour of complete and utter boredom. “All right Sebastian you know the assignment I gave you. What have you been able to uncover?” She asked.
“I’ve gone over the books with a fine tooth comb Miss Valentine. I can assure you that everything is in order. All the books are up to date and everyone has received their proper pay.”
The man then smiled and said, “Although if you ask me you need a new personal assistant.”
Janice started to speak but then held silen as Mai saw the man smirk. What are you doing Sebastian? Mai wondered, slightly annoyed.
“Go on,” Mai stated.
“According to the books you pay her way too much. I wouldn’t ask for such an exorbitant amount of pay as I already get a fine stipend as your book keeper and accountant.”
Mai had to admit that Janice did earn quite a bit for an executive assistant. And Mai was looking for ways to increase the profits of her company.
“If the fashion extravaganza is successful, I expect a 110% increase in our profits. It will likely start early next year.” Sebastian explained.
“So, you think that my nagging feelings are my imagination and things should clear up for us by next year?” she asked.
Sebastian smiled and said, “Yes, that’s it exactly.”
“And you’re certain that there’s no shortage in company profits?” Mai asked.
“I’m positive miss Valentine, you can trust me on this.” Sebastian assured.
“Yeah right,” Mai heard Janice mutter under breath. Mai gave the woman a warning glare. Janice shut up.
Mai sighed and commented, “All right, is there anything else I should know of?
The rest of the meeting went by without any events. When it was finally done Mai got up and left the office. She glared at Janice. “What the hell is the matter with you Brown?” she snapped.
“Miss Valentine you know I’m loyal to you. I’m telling you for your own sake, you shouldn’t trust Sebastian Fulheimer! There's something about that man that reminds me of a weasel.
"The guy is up to something. I know schemers like him, and I know how they look at their intended prey.”
Mai guffawed and said, “Sebastian is an accountant with no imagination. There’s no way he’d ever be plotting against me!”
“Ma’am, you know my grandmother and mom marched in the civil rights movement of the sixties. They raised me on how to judge people based on content of character. And I’m telling you there’s something conniving about Fulheimer,” Janice stated.
“That’s enough Janice! One more word and I’ll fire you here on the spot!” Mai snapped.
Janice took a step back, then sighed and answered, “Yes Miss Valentine.”
“There’ll be no more talk about Sebastian, he’s a competent accountant and that’s final!” Mai stated in a tone that brooked no argument.
Janice said nothing as Mai marched off to the elevator.
Since there's no important paperwork at the moment, I'll drop off Janice at the house. Then I'll take a drive around town before dressing up. Tonight, I go to meet a friend at the club Dance Le Fab.
What Mai didn’t know was that very soon she would have an experience unlike any other.
I apologize if the first chapter is slow. Things will pick up in the next chapter I can assure you.
Well since the Orichalcos incident it seems Mai has come up in the world. But Mai's caught up in matters of money and her company. So much so she can’t see that there may be dirty dealings going on around her.
But all that is about to change. Get ready because in the next chapter the supernatural starts to kick in.
Come back next time for another chapter of Mai’s Christmas Carol. See you soon Yu-Gi-Oh fans.