"A Brother's Spirit"
purplejasmine92
Summary: In order to get his brother's soul back, Pegasus actually forces Kaiba to duel Mokuba at Duelist Kingdom. And knowing Pegasus there's bound to be some twisted surprises…
Rated T
Disclaimer: I do not own Yu-gi-oh or any of its characters, nor do I intend to make a profit from this story in any way. Beginning dialogue recognized from the show is from episode "Champion Vs. Creator, Part 1".
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Chapter 1
Yugi and the gang weren't exactly sure what to expect. They just made it into Pegasus's castle and already a duel was about to take place. Imagine their surprise when they looked over the balcony and saw none other than Seto Kaiba. Pegasus and Kaiba looked to be negotiating dueling terms or something, and it didn't seem to be going well as Pegasus rolled Kaiba's duel disc like a toy before him. Kaiba looked ready to burst.
"Cut the theatrics." Kaiba was in no mood for games.
"Ooooo Kaiba means business." Pegasus mocked. "Okay then, how about we settle this like business men would? I'll agree to use your system if you agree to a request that I have."
"What?"
"Nothing that would change the game of course. I just want someone else to operate your little device for me," he said with a flash of his millennium eye. "I assure you, I'll still make all the strategic decisions. The game play won't change at all."
"So why the request?" Kaiba was really starting to lose his patience. "Why not fight your own battle for once in your life?"
Pegasus simply smirked in response. He clearly knew something Kaiba didn't and was all too eager to reveal it to him. "Simple minded fool." Pegasus thought to himself. "For all of your titles and technical innovations, you still haven't learned that fighting isn't the only way to inflict damage upon an opponent. A man's spirit can be broken in much easier ways…"
With a clap of his hands the double doors behind Pegasus began to creak open. As the doors revealed what was standing behind them, gasps could be heard from all around the room. Attached to one of Pegasus's henchman with a metal chain, like a slave, was Kaiba's younger brother Mokuba.
"Mokuba!" Kaiba couldn't hide the surprise in his voice. Seeing his brother's battered body, no longer concealed by the darkness of the dungeon, was like punch in the gut.
But Mokuba didn't seem to hear him. In fact he didn't seem to show any emotion at all, almost like he was in a trance of some sort.
"Something's not right." Yugi finally spoke up from the balcony.
"It's like he's been hypnotized." Tea noticed worriedly.
"I apologize if he doesn't seem quite like himself." Pegasus chimed. "But I happen to find that the captives I keep are far easier to manage after I've made an extraction of sorts."
Kaiba was furious. "You monster."
Pegasus just laughed. "Now now Kaiba boy, petty insults aren't the way to get your brother's soul back."
He grinned wickedly as he held up the card with Mokuba's picture on it for everyone to see. Once again gasps could be heard from the balcony. Kaiba just kept his eyes fixed on Pegasus with a menacing growl. Had his brother not been in danger he would have torn Pegasus apart right then and there. But then his eyes once again fell upon the empty shell that his little brother was now reduced to, shackled like an animal. And his self-control became that much harder to maintain.
Pegasus was enjoying every moment of this. He knew how strong the bond was between the Kaiba brothers and he couldn't think of a better way to torment the elder. And he just loved watching Kaiba squirm.
"Okay Pegasus you win. We won't use it." Kaiba said through gritted teeth. "We'll duel on your terms. Just keep my little brother out of this."
But Pegasus was just having too much fun. And to be honest, he could really care less about dueling Kaiba. Yugi was really the only one he was after. So why not have some entertainment in the meantime?
"You know what Kaiba boy, I've had a change of heart." Kaiba looked uneasy. "I no longer wish to duel you for your brother's soul. I want young Mokuba here to duel you for it…"
"The real Mokuba." He said with a sickening grin. And just like that there was a blinding light.
Kaiba had to shield his eyes with his arm. No one could see a thing for the few seconds that it lasted, but they could still hear the distant cry of what sounded to be Mokuba.
As the bright light finally faded Kaiba slowly lowered his arms and tried to blink his vision back to normal. As soon as he did though, his eyes grew wide. No longer was the empty shell of his brother staring back at him. No, instead he saw his little brother kicking and thrashing with all of his might as the goon chained to him held him in a headlock above the ground.
"Let. Me. Go!" Mokuba struggled as his air supply was being slightly crushed.
"Take your hands off of my brother NOW!" Kaiba was ready to charge after them when Pegasus put up a hand to stop him.
"Ah ah ah Kaiba boy. If you value your brother's safety I wouldn't come any closer if I were you."
To prove his point the goon tightened his arm around Mokuba's neck. Mokuba's yelp of pain stopped Kaiba in his tracks.
"S-set-o," Mokuba desperately tried to get out his brother's name.
"I'm right here Mokuba." Kaiba tried to comfort his brother the best he could. "It's going to be okay, just try not to move too much."
"Well isn't this touching?" Pegasus cut back in, reminding them who was still in charge.
"What do you want Pegasus?" Kaiba demanded.
"I already told you. I want you and Mokuba to duel. It's quite simple really. You beat your baby brother in a duel and I will leave his soul where it is, and you two can go on your merry way."
"Just like that?"
"Just like that." Pegasus affirmed. "Although I do have one condition of course."
"And what would that be?" Kaiba said, not sure what to expect.
"You both must really give it your all. I don't want either of you to take it easy on the other, I want a duel. If either of you tries to forfeit or hold back, Mokuba's soul goes right back into this little card here." Pegasus held up the now blank card in his hand.
"Of course with your skill level I do not expect young Mokuba to win by any means. But if I am going to be so generous as to make you this offer I at least want it to be somewhat of a battle." Pegasus amended. "It's your choice Kaiba boy. Either duel or your brother's soul stays with me… forever."
Kaiba was facing an internal struggle. There was no way he could duel his own brother. It was out of the question. But on the other hand, what choice did he have? If he didn't Pegasus would just take his soul again. And he would die before he let Mokuba be taken away like that a second time. And it was just a simple duel right? He would try to make it as quick and painless for his brother as possible.
His mind made up he finally spoke his decision. "Alright Pegasus. You leave us no choice." Kaiba looked over into his brother's eyes. "Mokuba, how about you and I have a friendly game of duel monsters?" He smiled slightly to try and reassure his brother.
Seeing his brother smile slowly calmed Mokuba's nerves. He knew that with his big brother there everything was going to be okay. Seto would always get him out of trouble. Mokuba nodded his agreement the best he could and the goon holding the younger Kaiba loosened his grip. Mokuba dropped to the floor on his feet wincing slightly.
"Perfect, then it's settled," Pegasus clapped his hands in delight. "Let's get this show on the road then shall we?"
With another clap of his hands, the bridge they were standing on began to pull away at the center. Both of the Kaiba brothers braced themselves on each end in surprise as the bridge moved beneath them. Above them was a full size dueling arena being lowered down to connect to the remainder of the bridge.
"Since it seems I will no longer be participating, I think I will take a more comfortable seat," Pegasus announced as he turned to make his way to the second balcony on the other side of the room. As he went he leaned next to his henchman next to Mokuba.
"Make sure you chain him to the arena." He ordered before walking away.
Doing as he was told, the goon walked Mokuba over to his side of the arena. He took off the cuff around his own wrist and connected it to a metal handle right next to where Mokuba stood.
Kaiba didn't fail to notice his brother's slight limp as he walked up to the arena. It made his blood run cold to think about what they've been doing to his brother while he's been held captive here. Mokuba didn't deserve this. But he would have to worry about that later. Right now he just wanted to get this duel over with so he could take his brother home. With that in mind he made his way up to his end of the dueling arena.
Up on the balcony Yugi and the gang couldn't quite figure out what Pegasus's new angle was.
"I don't know guys, something still doesn't seem right." Yugi said anxiously.
"Yeah. As much as I'd like to, I can't believe a creep like Pegasus would let them off this easily." Joey mused.
"You ready to do this kiddo?" Kaiba yelled over to his brother.
Mokuba was still a little nervous. He's actually never really dueled his brother before. Or anyone for that matter. Sure Seto has explained everything about the game to him, and Mokuba has seen every one of his brother's duels. But his attempt at challenging Yugi proved he didn't really know what he was doing. And now he was having a real duel with the best duelist in the world, his big brother. This would be interesting. But hey maybe it'll actually be fun. And after everything he's been through, he could use some fun right about now. And this time it was a game he actually wanted to lose.
With a new face of determination Mokuba smiled up at Seto, "Let's do it!"
Kaiba returned the smile back to his brother with a firm nod. Yugi and the gang had never seen this side of Kaiba before. When it comes to Mokuba, Kaiba seems like an entirely different person. It's good to know he at least has a different side.
Pegasus took his seat in his lavish throne upon the smaller balcony overlooking the arena.
"Let the games begin," he said gesturing to both brothers. A mischievous look on his face.
Mokuba drew first. Seto called over to him, "Alright Mokuba, I'll try to make this quick but just do your best okay?"
Mokuba nodded, "Okay."
"I play Krokodilus (1100/1200) in attack mode!" Mokuba puts down the same monster he had used on Yugi. Mokuba forgot he is still using the low-rate deck he had stolen from that kid on the island. So this may actually be a lot quicker than he thought for which he was honestly relieved. Legitimately not having much else to play at the moment, he ends his turn.
"Good move," Seto offers his brother as he draws his own card. Choosing two cards that were already in his hand, he makes his move. "Get ready Mokuba. First I'll play one card face down. Then, I summon Swordstalker (2000/1600) in attack mode."
Pegasus sits up in his chair ever so slightly in anticipation of Kaiba's attack. "Now comes the fun," he mutters to himself with childish excitement.
"Swordstalker, attack his Krokodilus," Kaiba commands as he points to Mokuba's only monster.
Swordstalker slashes at Krokodilus with ease destroying it, as expected. As Mokuba's life points dropped down 900 points, that's when something unexpected happened. As soon as Mokuba's points finish dropping down to 1100, a sound starts coming from the handle Mokuba's chain was connected to.
Without warning, an incredible burst of electricity made its way through the metal chain to the unsuspecting Mokuba attached to it.
Mokuba let out a terrifying cry as his entire body was suddenly being shocked right in front of them.
"Ahhhhhhhhhhh!"
Seto was frozen in place, staring at his brother in absolute horror.
"MOKUBA!"
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Chapter 2 coming soon J