Chapter 1
Misplaced Treasures
Stumbling my way across the dark room, finding my bed seemed like an impossible mission. Soon enough, I crashed fully dressed on my master bed, embracing the silky touch with my face. Every muscle instantaneously fell into sweet, endless slumber. I let my eyelids close slowly, as the possibility of staying awake drifted down to zero within a few seconds. Unconsciousness welcomed.
His cruel laugh rang in my ears, reflected by the walls of the oversized room. "There, there, little child. You wouldn't want daddy to be disappointed now, would you?"
Cold hand. Cold voice. Cold room.
No, I don't want that.
I'm a good child.
"Weak Seto, KaibaCorp won't need someone as weak"
I don't want this.
No! Stop! No!
The black shadow followed me into a maze. Can't stop shaking. I feel his blood thirst. I need to escape! I ran... ran far beyond the capability of my legs. taking a right, then a left, left, then right. Wrong directions. Throbbing heart, can't stop now. Can't! I'll get eaten. Dead end. Mirror walls... I stop to see blooded reflection of my younger self drawn on the mirror canvas. I can see tears staining my reflection's face. I brought my fingers up to my face and touched my cheeks, trying to erase those trails, but the reflection never mimicked. Instead he stared me down, with pain and horror filled blue eyes. "Help me" he mouthed out, touching the surface that held us apart. The younger Seto shifted his gaze ahead past me. Realizing what's happening, I turn around to face the beast.
"No!" I screamed my way back to consciousness. I looked around my room, taking in my whereabouts. It was a dream, again. I held my chest, focusing for a minute on steadying my heart beats. Once it didn't feel like I'll be having a heart attack, I stood up moving away from the bed.
I took a glance at the clock, it was already 7 am, so I needed to take a shower before heading down to KaibaCorp. I loosened my tie, as a yawn escaped my lips. I had an important meeting today, the one with the American company, discussing my new holograms technology. It'll be a huge step in the gaming industry, and if those bastards want to benefit from my technology they'd better give me some tempting offers to bite on. Not allowing my thoughts to dwell on the terrible dream a second too long, I tried to focus on playing out the offers I'll be looking for in deals. I started walking to my private bathroom stripping down on my way. I turned on the water and gave it a minute to get steamy hot. Stepping in the shower, I closed my eyes admiring how amazing the hot water felt against my skin. What was that dream about? It's getting frequent, and it's downright awful. I mean, I'm used to have nightmares all the time, but I thought I was getting better the older I get. Up to few weeks, I have been capable of sleeping peacefully atleast 5 out of 7 days. I turned off the water with a sigh. I guess tolerating with it was the only option, given the fact that sleep is a necessity. Grabbing a towel and wrapping it around my waist, I was getting out of bathroom when I heard a noise from my room and froze instantly. Mokuba and the maids never come in my room without permission, and then it must an intruder. But again, there's no way in hell someone could break in with my security system in the middle of the day. Deciding to go with worst case scenario, I peeked in to find no one there. Carefully, I got out of the bathroom assessing the room around me. No one was there. Wierd. Not taking any chances, I'll call my security team to check it later. I need to get dressed, so I took out my dark blue suit and dark red tie and started putting it on. I blew dry my hair and wore some perfume, taking in my reflection when done. Do I look like walking success? Yes. I smirked at the thought and bend over to the mirror to put all my hair strands in their perfect shape. A flash of blooded young Seto crossed my mind, without warning. It was the moment he was asking for help, I frowned at the thought. No, you're not allowed to keep thinking about useless things. Get yourself together, dammit.
Mokuba was there when I made it down stairs to the kitchen. He was already half way done with his cereal. "What did I say about cutting down on sugar" I said, rubbing Mokuba's head and messing up his dark crazy hair in the process.
"Onii-chan, I love sugar" He was hyperactive as usual, looking at me with those ridiculously big eyes of his.
"I know, that's why I keep restocking those for you" I raised one eyebrow and looked at him, so that he'd know that I didn't like it. "But, seriously try eating those in moderation".
"Fine" digging in his meal again, "You worry too much. I'm fine." I walked across to the kitchen counter to get my coffee ready. "That's why I'm your big brother. Now get ready or you'll be late for school".
"I can skip few classes. I'm way ahead of those silly courses they teach, anyways. It gets dangerously boring sometimes, that I start counting our teacher's grammar mistakes" Mokuba giggled, "She made to twenty three last time. How did she manage to get that many mistakes in one hour is beyond me."
I took a sip of my drink. Oh dear lord, caffeine does wonders to my mood. "That's good, kiddo. I know you're way smarter than everyone, but you're still going to need a diploma. So go get ready and that's final".
Mokuba pouted, "But-"
"No buts, Mokuba. I need to go to work. I'll drive you to school first. You have five minutes"
That caused Moukuba's eyes to widen comically in surprise. "Five minutes?! I still haven't packed the books I need" He practically ran upstairs.
"And wear a hat." I shouted behind him, "We don't have time to deal with your bed-head crises."
"Yeah, okay."
Eleven minutes and forty seconds later, Mokuba was finally ready. We walked over to the garage, and got in to one of my sport cars. Me lecturing Mokuba about time management during the whole ride. Mokuba charming his way out of it. He ended with an allowance raise, and a promise that we will be going to amusement park in the weekend. I still don't know how he does that. Once there, he hugged then got out of the car. I stayed put, until I made sure Mokuba made it to the school ground safely. Then, I drove off heading to KaibaCorp.
My building was the tallest in the city. It stands elegantly there symbolizing my success and everything that I've worked so hard to accomplish. On my way in, I made sure to give everyone that dared to make eye contact with me, the "glare". That alone made those fools stutter and stumble. After all, this is my building, my company. Few those who actually got the privilege to make eye contact with me. I say what goes around here, and what doesn't.
My office was on the top floor. I'd like to think of it as a way to say that no one can get to my level -literally and metaphorically-.
"Good Morning, Mr. Kaiba. Sir, Mr. Jackson said that he might be late for themeeting today, and they might have to reschedule."
"Tell him not to bother" I stepped in to my office, with her on my tail, "Contact him immediately and tell him the deal is off. Hundreds of companies would kill for this. He can go and his pathetic excuse for a business and slack elsewhere. That's not how I do business. I don't 'reschedule'" I was almost shouting now. Those bastards get on my nerves too much. "Get me my coffee and get out."
"Right away, sir." She knew better than to argue with me when I'm mad. She went out as fast as those little skirt and high heels allowed her to, only to stop by the door frame hesitantly. "… Sir?" She turned around to face me half-heartedly.
"What?" I reached the beyond-annoyed level by now.
"Sorry, Sir. I almost forgot you had a package delivered this morning" the woman looked like she was about to take a run for it anytime, "Should… I-I bring it in?"
"No leave it, I'm sure it will do me all the good in the world being there on your desk" I said sarcastically, "Just bring it with my coffee before I get you fired".
"Yes, sir" And off she goes.
I sat at my fancy big chair, behind the dark wooden desk. I let out a sigh. Dealing with unprofessional fools drained the energy right out of me. I am precise, punctual, and did everything by the book and expected everyone to do the same. I started messaging my nose bridge as I felt a wave of migraine threatening to come by.
Five minutes after, the soon-to-be-ex secretary entered with a coffee cup in one hand and mysterious box in the other. "Here you go, sir" She placed both items on my desk, and bowed. "If you excuse m-"
"You're excused" the cup already in my hand, and I took a sip. I have a habit of craving for caffeine in my pre-migraine stages.
More than half way through my cup, I powered my laptop up and got to work.
The day went by like every other, except that we have one more extra vacancy, since the damn secretary decided to interrupt when I was deep in work after I specifically told her not to. That was the last straw. She was making too many mistakes, on one of my bad moods days.
When the office clock chimed the midnight arrival, I started to feel worn, yet there was still much to do. It seems that the work never actually ends. Mokuba must be long asleep by now. He better be. I picked up the phone, dialing the familiar numbers.
"Hello. Kaiba residence."
"Akame, is Mokuba asleep?"
"Yes, dear. Made sure he did an hour ago."
"Good."
"… Staying late today too, dear ?" the woman had a hint of concern in her voice. Akame has been working in the mansion long before I came along. She's been loyal to the family for ages. I have my doubts that she knew about the things Gazaburo did to me… No, no, don't proceed with that trail of thoughts. Never good.
"Yes. Still have some work to do. Make sure that Mokuba is safe" shit. I forgot about talking with Roland about the morning incident that happened. "Bye" I hung up, not waiting for the bye on Akame's end.
First ring… Second ring… "Sir?"
"Roland, I need to check the surveillance cameras and see if anything catches your attention."
"Everything's okay, sir?"
"Yes. Just being careful" I hung up.
I let my eyes wander around the room too tired to look at the screen for now. The box caught my attention; it lay at the far end of the desk for hours. I reached for it and started to open it.
The box had a… a letter? Who would put a letter in a box? I turned the box upside down to make sure it's totally empty when something fell to the floor and the room echoed with the sound of metal hitting the wooden surface.
I picked up the silver object. It was a key of some kind. I examined it for few moments. 'Well, this must be the high peek of my day', I thought sarcastically to myself. I just hope that this isn't someone's idea of a joke or something. I placed it aside, to pick up and open the letter. As soon as I pulled out the paper, the phone interrupted.
"Yes?" I said harshly through the phone.
"Sir, it's Roland."
"Yes?"
"Sir, I don't want to alert you but-"
"Spill it, Roland"
"Sir, I don't know how to tell you this, but I just checked the video tapes as you instructed and found something rather upsetting." I was silently waiting for him to continue, while I stared at the piece of paper in hand not really making out the words.
"Sir, I saw a strange man sneaking in to the mansion during the early hours of the day an-"
"WHAT? HOW?"
"I don't know, sir. I don't know how that is possible. It seems like the man knew the cameras were there. He waved.."
"What the fuck are you talking about? And how you just now knew about this bullshit? Why aren't you doing your fucking job?"
"Sir, I assure you this is the first time I see this and I've been in front of the surveillance screen 24/7. The man just showed up out of nowhere"
"Nonsense, Roland. Get to the bottom of this fucking situation right now." This whole thing didn't make sense. How? A lot of people are getting fired today.
"Yes, sir" call ended.
The bad day got worse.
I recalled the noise I heard in my room this morning. I can't believe that someone was in my room. I can't really wrap my head around this absurdity. My security team was the best, and the system I had on is flawless. I made sure it was. There must be something wrong. I can't tolerate with 'wrong'.
My eyes refocused on the piece of paper in my hand. I tried to make sense of the words. I needed to go back and fix this. I needed to make sure Mokuba is always safe. The paper read "Always protect your treasure".
My heart beats accelerated instantly. My brain shut down. My palms got all sweaty. I had to remind myself to calm down several times. That maybe I shouldn't relate the two weird things together. Maybe the stranger didn't have anything to do with the eerie letter. Maybe this wasn't what I think it is. This isn't threat. Treasure? I needed to protect it? My treasure needed to be protected? MOKUBA?
Re-picking the phone again. Roland. I need to call him to check on my baby brother. My hands were shaking too much. They couldn't do a simple task as dialing a number. I threw the phone across the room in frustration. It crashed with the wall and scattered into several pieces. Forget the damn phone. I need to get to my baby brother right now. I raced to my car like a mad man. After ignoring what seemed like hundreds of driving laws, I finally got home.
Roland met me half way through the entrance.
"ROLAND. MOKUBA" Roland's face showed both surprise and confusion. It didn't matter. We both ran up to Mokuba's room. Akame saw us running and thus followed us, totally ignorant of what's going on.
"Sir? Mokuba is fine. He's sleeping" she was trying to keep up with my pace.
I had to see his face right now.
I walked into the room with swift and big strides. There was a big lump under the covers. I had a bad feeling about this. I had an awful feeling. And I'm never wrong. I took a handful of the comforter, and pulled the whole thing off the bed. I had to see Mokuba. I had to see him.
I heard Akame's gasp behind me. I think I heard Roland swear. Nothing registered in my head for a while. I felt like my brain was off for too long. Mokuba's bed wasn't occupied with my lovely brother. No. It wasn't Mokuba. Instead a lifeless skeleton lay there in his place. After what felt like hours, the horrific scene made it through my nervous system. I remembered where I am. And what just happened. A strong wave of nausea flooded my senses, and I heaved out everything in my stomach. Roland was already on a call with who seemed like the security team.
"Mr. Kaiba-" the voice was tones out. I think my brain did it. Couldn't really focus on what she was saying. She's looking at me. I think. It seems like she's talking to me. "-okay-"
No. Not okay. Where's baby brother? "-Seto dear-"
"-not Mokuba-" Mokuba? Slap.
I blinked several times. I noticed for the first time that Akame's face was so close to mine. My cheek stung a little.
"I'm so sorry, sir. But you need to snap out of it a little. Mokuba needs your full awareness."
Not Mokuba? I was kneeling beside the bed with Akame intruding my personal space. I straightened up and took another look at the skeleton. Of course it's not Mokuba. I just saw Mokuba this morning. Besides, even if someone used some kind of chemical to degenerate the corpse, this one is too big to be my baby's. Not Mokuba. I was trying to turn on the logic in my brain again. My baby brother was missing. He was alive. And some sort of a maniac placed a fucking skeleton on his bed. I took another glance of the skeleton. Giving it some examination. It had something on its neck. I decreased the distance and got closer to the cursed thing. It had... a locket? Mokuba's... That was fucking it. I was seeing bright red by now. Is it anger? Or is it fear? I'm sure I was high on both. I ripped off the locket off the damn thing and started wiping it with my sleeves. It's my baby's. I felt a hand on my shoulder, but I shoved off. I didn't like being touched. Didn't like being comforted. I will get my brother back. That bastard will be dead and I want his blood on my hands. I want him to die the worst death there is. Whoever did this.
"Roland. Find out the culprit. And get him to me" I stood up, dusting off my suit. I wore baby's locket. I'll hold on to it for now. I have no doubt on my mind that he'll need it back.
"Yes, sir"
A phone rang. I looked around, searching for the source of the noise. Mokuba's phone rang on his desk. I walked over to it and noticed it was a strange number.
I picked up. Silence for a while.
"Long time no see, priest" the familiar voice broke the silence. It was one of the geek group. Ryou Bakura.
"I don't have time for your shit.. How did you know that I'll be picking up Mokuba's phone?"
A cruel laugh stimulated another wave of sickness.
"Well. You don't get to see the great Seto Kaiba freaked out of his mind every day. Oh and let me tell you, you look so cute in a bath towel" another laugh on his end.
Don't get sick. Take control of the conversation. "Where is he?"
Roland was on what's going on. He was already working on tracing the call.
"Aw I just complimented you. You don't have anything to say to that?"
"You little creep. You better answer my question before I put you in your place. It's not pretty when I get angry"
Another laugh. My stomach churned.
"If it isn't the priest being the priest. Love, I think I've proved what I'm capable of. Don't act all high and mighty with me"
"Put him on. I want to hear his voice"
"I'll do that for a compliment"
"What do you want?"
"I'm kind of hungry, honestly. All the fun got me starving"
"Cut the shit"
"Aw language, love"
"What do you want?" I insisted. I was getting really tired of this.
"You're all business and stuff," he chuckled "What I want is the millennium puzzle. Get me that and Mokuba is free" his voice never lacking the amused tone. "Oh and priest, do me a favour and don't get any unnecessary people involved. We wouldn't want to see cute little Mokuba get hurt-"
"If you touch a single hair-"
"Yeah yeah, you'll get angry and decapitate me. Hold on to the key. You might need it" call ended.
I looked at Roland, and he shook his head in defeat. This was too frustrating. My grip tightened around the phone, and my knuckles turned white. It could snap any moment. And so could I.
"I want every corner of the city searched. I want every warehouse scanned" I instructed, "And tell me whose body is that" I pointed at the thing on Mokuba's bed and I headed out of the room. "He knew when to call, which means he's not far from here" I couldn't bear it anymore in here. Not without Mokuba in here. I have so much work to do. Hang in there, Mokie.
End of chapter
I had so much fun writing this chapter. I hope you enjoyed it as well. I already have this story planed, but I might change my mind about few things. I will be updating within a week. :3
