Showdown in the Shadows

Prologue

The last night before leaving for a tournament, I lay on my back, trying to figure out what to do. My little brother, Mokuba Kaiba, was sick. I had a new tournament to attend. Plus, to top it all off, I was going to have to share a room with my nemesis, Yugi Mutoh.

I listened to Mokuba struggling to breathe across the hallway. He sounded so horrible, I felt terrible about not taking him to the doctor. But he did say he would be okay, and after all, it was probably just a head cold. And I did have to leave early the next morning for the tournament.

I rolled over onto my side and curled up, praying for his health. The kid had been through enough in his life; he didn't need to be sick!

'Please, God, just make it a head cold…'

My own head started to pound. I sighed, and tumbled out of bed.

As I walked towards the living room, I paused outside Mokuba's door, listening.

There was a little rustling, a short series of forced breaths, but nothing I hadn't heard before. Before I left, I heard a small, soft, sleepy voice call my name.

"Seto?"

I rushed in.

"You okay, Mokuba?"

"I don't feel well."

I sucked in a quick, anxious breath. "Want to go to the hospital? They're still open."

He shook his head.

"No…I'm probably all right. I just need rest, and I don't want you to miss your tournament."

I glanced at his digital alarm clock. It was already after five—I hadn't slept at all, he had to get up, and we both had to leave.

"I hate to tell you this, Mokuba, but it's after five…you have to get up."

His eyes struggled to open. "Okay."

I helped him out of bed, and led him down the hall. In the light, I got a better view of his face.

I knew right then it was way more than a head cold. His eyes were red, his face was ashen, his breathing was shallow and forced, and he looked so tired I thought he would pass out on me right before I helped him sit down on the couch.

I sat next to him, massaging his shoulders.

"Did you pack yet, kiddo?"

Mokuba shook his head.

"All right, I'll go pack for you. If you want to sleep for another ten minutes, you can."

He nodded and I hurried back into his room. I sat on the bed, realizing it was very, very wet with his perspiration. Ignoring it for time being, I threw clothes in a suitcase and ran to my own room, got dressed, and packed for myself.