A Question for Kaiba
Sequel chapter to 'Your Move, Pharaoh'
In that moment, Seto Kaiba found himself asking a question.
Were people trap cards?
Wrapped in a rare wave of unsteadiness, he realised this predicament would need a lot more questions.
If people were trap cards, and life was like Duel Monsters, how had his morning even begun to play out like this?
Eyes still glued on the scene before him, Kaiba decided to sort this out by playing by his strengths.
Meticulously analysing the Duel, or in this case, Life, play by play.
It had started with a clear, calm day over Domino City. The night before had pelted with rain, leaving the steel exterior of the Kaiba Corp tower gleaming in the morning sunrise. Upon arriving at its doorsteps, the company's name sake began barking his first orders.
'I leave for two days and you dogs let the front entrance become covered in mud? I built this business from the ground up to reflect its – and my – excellency, so get this cleared up now!'
'Yes sir, my apologies – arrangements will be made right away!'
Cerulean eyes bore into the suited employee, before flicking straight ahead towards their next goal.
'Make sure it does.'
Kaiba then strode towards the elevator, trench coat billowing out in the wake of his pristine boots as they clacked along the marble floor.
If you weren't too busy marvelling at Kaiba's commanding presence - or running away from it, depending on how much you had angered the business owner - you would notice his shadow, Mokuba. Once, and only once, a new employee likened Mokuba's shaggy hair to that of a Kuriboh. Kaiba overheard this: furious would be an understatement in having his brother compared to the weakest monster in the card game. Mokuba himself restrained Kaiba from inflicting his own 'White Lightning' (as Roland liked to call it) on the quivering employee. Despite his vastly less intimidating appearance, Mokuba was still a Kaiba. His deep blue eyes were identical to Seto's in every way - including holding the stern, steely gaze.
Mokuba gave the employee a firm pep talk about how it wasn't nice to insult others. Especially family members.
'F-family members?' the employee stuttered, wondering if Kaiba's shouting had damaged his hearing.
'Of course!' Mokuba beamed. 'You're part of Kaiba Corp now, and we all look out for each other here,' He had puffed his chest out proudly at the last statement.
Now in the elevator, those same eyes glanced up to look at his brother. Mokuba noted Seto's perpetual frown, the folded arms, his still dominant presence. On first glance, it seemed Seto Kaiba was unchanged after returning from witnessing the Pharaoh's final duel. Even his white trench coat was still immaculate (though Mokuba remembered the difficulty of removing the Egyptian sand).
It takes one to know one - a Kaiba to know a Kaiba.
That morning, only Mokuba saw something amiss in Seto's ocean-like eyes, small, choppy waves of confusion, shock...doubt.
Looks like someone was going to need a pep talk.
For Seto, business had proceeded as usual. Upon reaching his office, he cracked his fingers before switching on his computer.
Responding to emails - check.
A few routine phone calls to monitor production status - check.
Watch the outside security camera to ensure mud is being cleared - check
And so, Kaiba wiled away the morning in his comfort zone, disturbed by nothing but his fingers tapping feverishly on the keyboard. Whilst sipping coffee, his mind wandered to the time when Mokuba was likened to the pathetic presence of a Kuriboh. A Kuriboh! He clenched his coffee mug tighter.
A small sigh escaped Kaiba. He set down his mug, choosing to rest both elbows on the desk and clasp his hands together. He closed his eyes, inhaling slowly.
Mokuba was his source of strength, and a formidable one at that.
If anything, he's more closely resembled to a Blue Eyes.
Not a stupid Kuriboh.
The weakness of the Duel Monster was not the sole reason Kaiba took offence. His mind flashed to Yugi using Kuriboh against him atop Pegasus's castle. The unjust victory that followed, and Kaiba's proclamation to face his rival again in fairer circumstances. Then, the brown puffball appeared alongside him during the double duel against those dratted rare hunters.
However, Yugi wasn't his duelling partner.
It was an ancient Egyptian Pharaoh.
Despite the new tang of crimson confidence that would flare in his rival's eyes, Kaiba never acknowledged the second entity living in the spiky haired teen. He had carved and chiselled his reality with diamond encrusted logic and determination. Physical actions he could see and touch.
Not invisible feelings and other worldly magic. Barely tangible entities.
Seto Kaiba made his own future. He didn't acknowledge the nonsensical ramblings of destiny, let alone Egyptian fairytales.
The honest truth was...he couldn't afford to.
Not if he was to protect the new life he built for himself and Mokuba. There was no way he could let an alien reality risk breaking that.
Until of course, the events leading up to the Ceremonial Duel, where he even accepted Yugi Mutou as the King of Games.
Kaiba hadn't realised he was staring at his computer once again, as though trapped by one of the very spells he previously had refused to believe in. Quivering fingertips hovered like puppet strings, paralysed by questions plaguing his mind.
How was I incorrect?
Where do I go from here?
The cursor on the document continued blinking at him, waiting for answers.
Buuzzzz
The sound snapped Kaiba out of his stupor, and he mentally slapped himself for losing focus...almost like that amateur Joey Wheeler. Suppressing a shudder at the thought, he pressed the communicator on his coat collar
'Seto Kaiba' he answered, as though reaffirming himself.
'I need to come see you!'
Seto sighed at the piping voice.
'I'm busy Mokuba - can't you wait until later?'
'This is important!'
He narrowed his eyes, already beginning to tap away at his computer again.
'What is?'
'It's about the Pharaoh - please bro, this is something I need to see you in person for!'
Fingers froze once again.
'Fine.'
Soon both Kaibas sat face to face across the desk.
'Proceed Mokuba - what about the Pharaoh?'
Mokuba smiled sheepishly, slowly scratching his head.
'Um...I suppose it's more about you rather than the Pharaoh,'
Seto had even put his computer away for this conversation - he raised an eyebrow.
'But it's still important!' Mokuba cried, eyes gleaming.
Seto opened his mouth, but before he could reply, Mokuba took a sharp inhale of courage and blurted out the truth.
'It's just - you haven't been the same since the Ceremonial Duel. I know things take time but I just want us to be happy. Especially now that it's over,'
The younger Kaiba gripped his chair, determined to hold Seto's gaze.
'I want you to be happy.' he finalised.
Seto stared at him. He could not lie to Mokuba.
That was set in stone.
His voice became low, eyes drifting in thought.
'This whole time Yugi was right. Ishizu wasn't telling some fantasy. And I never believed any of it.' Seto folded his arms. One finger tapped slowly.
'I guess the whole thing was kind of freaky. We've never been near a Millenium item like Yugi and Ishizu had before Battle City...all this crazy Egyptian God stuff must have been like any other day for them. Magic wasn't exactly something we grew up with.'
Seto flicked his attention back to Mokuba.
'I suppose you have a point.'
Mokuba grinned, winking. 'Don't I always?'
Kaiba huffed. 'I can't believe it took Yugi duelling his Egyptian mummy of a twin for me to realise,'
'Realise what?'
'That miraculously, the dweebs aren't as stupid as they look.'
The taps on his arm became more frequent, unmissed by the younger brother.
'I had to win Battle City. I couldn't let something that may or may not be real get in the way.'
Mokuba slammed his hands on the desk, earning a startled blink from Kaiba.
'That's understandable! You were doing your best to keep us safe and keep our company thriving!'
Seto's next words ached, like stones being pulled from his throat.
'However, when I lost against Yugi – urgh, I mean the Pharaoh – he warned me. About my stubbornness. The lack of belief.' He rubbed his temples, scowling.
'Even you reprimanded me, Mokuba.'
The words seemed to slice the fragile ice between the brothers, stinging the younger brother. He gulped, wondering if this talk really had been a good idea.
Then he realised. This was one of the few times that Seto's pent up thoughts were sprawled before him. Like endless scrolls of writing, waiting to be read.
Desperately needing to be rewritten.
'I think the Pharaoh is overrated,' Mokuba stated airily, as though ignoring his brother's outburst.
'…What.' Seto growled, clearly unamused by the lack of tact.
'He shouldn't have expected you to change instantly. We've spent our whole lives having to fend for ourselves – we couldn't believe in fantasy. Not with our reality,' Mokuba's gaze lowered. 'I guess then I realised how much it changed you,' he uttered.
Seto arms were now limply hanging at his sides. For a heartbeat, his lips parted, before hesitantly closing. For once, Kaiba was at a loss. Mokuba then shook his head , fluffy hair swaying. He clenched his fists, relocking gazes with Kaiba.
'Anyway, Pharaoh…Atem? Yeah, I think that's it,' Mokuba's eyes now shone with childlike earnestly. 'He had flaws. Just like you. Just like me. That's why he met Yugi. And Yugi needed him for the same reasons,'
Seconds passed.
'…what is your point, Mokuba?' Seto pushed quietly.
' We all had flaws Seto – in fact we still do! Eventually, you admitted that it was real, and that Yugi is a true champion! Somehow this experience has helped us become better people,' Mokuba then poked out his tongue. 'Whether you want to believe it was with help from Yugi's gang or not,'
Seto said nothing. His mouth a thin, hard line. Eyes glazed with a steel exterior, much like his building, dangerously silent.
And yet, Mokuba grinned.
Non apologetically, teeth bared, lips spread so wide it's a wonder his skin didn't split. If there was one thing Kaiba taught his brother, it was to laugh in the face of danger.
And the best way to use this lesson is against the person who taught you. Akin to Seto beating Gozaburo at his own game, Mokuba would do the same to Seto.
Like a true Kaiba.
Perhaps Seto also realised this. He sighed and let his shoulders slip from their rigid position.
'Since when did you become so wise? Perhaps all those kidnappings gave you time to think.' And he smiled. The rare, small smile Mokuba knew was for no else but him.
Without hesitation, the younger Kaiba leapt out of his chair, running around the desk and into Seto's arms. He mumbled into Seto's chest.
'Remember bro…even if you did have help, you were the one who did it in the end!'
Seto didn't just hear Mokuba's relieved laugh, he felt it. A warm wave that slowly washed over him. It enveloped him in the memory of the last time he felt this – back in the Kaiba mansion, holding the Blue Eyes card that Mokuba made him.
Despite Kaiba's last comment, it seemed his brother had saved him again.
'So big bro…what will you do next?'
Seto still hadn't answered that question. He realised that no one else could decide that but himself. Turns out it would be sooner rather than later.
The second time Kaiba heard the buzz of a communicator that morning, it was from Mokuba's coat. With a hurried 'Oh!', the younger brother shuffled off from Seto and eagerly pressed his button.
'Mokuba Kaiba!'
'Sir, this is Roland. I suggest you and Mr Kaiba come down immediately…Yugi Mutou is here.'
Seto cleared his throat, rolling his eyes at another example of employee incompetence.
'Tell Roland that any guest – even Yugi - shouldn't arrive without -
'Er…there's someone with him. I'm not sure who.'
Mokuba blinked. Surely Roland would recognise Yugi's friends?
'What do they look like?'
A pause.
'Maybe it's his brother? The hairdo is identical…but his skin is darker, like he's been on holiday,'
Seto stood up, gripping the table.
'Have I seen this fellow duelling Mr Kaiba before? No, no, that can't be right.'
The Kaibas exchanged startled glances. A few heartbeats passed as they searched the other's eyes for an explanation. Deep down, no matter how impossible it seemed, they knew there was only one answer.
Mokuba raised his hand over the answer button of his communicator, looking at Kaiba for permission. Seto nodded curtly.
'Roland…send them to my brother's office immediately.'
Without another word, Kaiba sat up straighter in his chair, his piercing gaze fixated on the doors. Mokuba smoothed out his jacket and perched on the side of the desk, clutching his pendant.
Seto's finger resumed tapping on his arm.
The lifetime of a hundred duels seemed to pass before a knock echoed through the room.
'Enter.'
The door opened gradually. Yugi slowly stepped in, his amethyst eyes instantly latching onto the brothers. He greeted them with his usual gentle smile, offering a small wave.
'Hi Kaiba, Mokuba,'
'Hi Yugi!' chirped Mokuba, waving back.
Seto narrowed his eyes.
'Who is with you, Yugi?'
Yugi clasped his hands together, almost apologetic.
'Sorry to burst in like this, I know you're busy –
'That I am.' Seto snapped. Yugi defensively raised his arms, eyes widening for a moment. Then, he straightened his spine and locked gazes with Kaiba. Kaiba noted the black circles under his rival's eyes, probably engraved by the recent dramatic events in Egypt. What stood out far more sharply, however, was the determined glint in those violet pools, not once breaking eye contact.
'I understand that Kaiba…and that's why I would not come here if I didn't think it was important to you,' Yugi answered, voice strong and calm. 'You've been with me throughout the time I've had the Millennium Puzzle…the time the Pharaoh was here.' At this, his hand grasped his shirt where said artefact used to be.
'The thing is…Atem is back.' Yugi said simply.
Despite this confirming Kaiba's earlier suspicions, hearing it said out loud from his thoughts was…mind blowing, to say the least.
'Is he here?' whispered Mokuba, trying to peek around Yugi's wild mane.
Yugi chuckled, looking over his shoulder. 'You can come in, you know,' he said softly, stepping to one side.
A slightly taller figure came into view, silhouette almost identical to Yugi. Crimson eyes lit the room as Atem strode next to Yugi's side. Much unlike his usual confidence, Atem seemed to mirror the Kaiba brothers' shocked expressions. Perhaps seeing the Kaibas with his own eyes, and being in their presence with his own body was just as overwhelming to Atem as it was for the Kaibas to see a literal dead Pharoah – well, alive!
'WOW IT REALLY IS YOU!'
Mokuba almost hurdled through the ceiling as he galloped up to Atem, grinning widely. The joyous welcome seemed to calm the Pharaoh, as he chuckled and gently placed a hand on Mokuba's head.
'It's good to see you, Mokuba.' His baritone voice greeted fondly. He then looked up to face the older brother, giving him a small nod.
'Greetings, Kaiba. It's good to see you as well.'
And that's how Kaiba started to think about how Atem was a trap card, and that Life was a master duelist to have sprung such a trick.
'Atem…' Kaiba uttered, tasting the alien name.
What Egyptian fairytale have I landed in this time.
'There had better be an explanation for this.' He sighed, tiredly waving them both to have a seat. Atem gave a hesitant glance at Yugi, who nodded encouragingly.
As they took their seats, Seto considered visiting an optician. To make sure he wasn't seeing double.
Yugi inhaled, stretching his fingers.
'Well, it's a bit of a crazy story with Atem.' He began, rubbing the back of his head.
'What a shocker.' Seto remarked sarcastically. Atem's gaze quickly flickered between Seto and Yugi, his partner…who had already done so much for him. He placed his hand over Yugi's, who blinked.
'Please…let me explain this to Kaiba.' Atem said. Yugi squeezed his hand back.
'Sure thing.'
And so, Atem recounted the events after the Ceremonial Duel, from meeting Mahad, to reappearing in Yugi's room, his eyes drifting between his hands and the desk as he delved deeply into his thoughts.
After finishing, Atem felt his own rapid heartbeat, the faint sheen of sweat on his brow. By Ra, it was going to be while before he was used to these feelings again. He glanced at the brothers.
Mokuba's mouth a perfect round 'O', clearly moved by the story. He simply smiled and whispered 'That's so cool.'
Kaiba's eyes seemed shinier than usual, shoulders slightly slumped. Concerned, Atem cleared his throat, reaching out to Kaiba.
Seto held up a hand to stop him, closing his eyes. Yugi glanced at Atem in worry, wondering if the business owner would lash out. He gripped Atem's hand protectively.
Moments passed, and Kaiba opened his eyes.
'What you decided seems fitting.' He said simply.
Yugi exchanged grins with Atem, relief flooding over them both. They knew this was the biggest amount of approval they could ever hope from their stern rival.
'So what else brings you here?' Seto enquired. Yugi couldn't sit still, restlessly shifting in his seat.
'Well, I'm glad you asked! Since the world is saved and everyone is safe, we thought that maybe…we could challenge you to a duel!' Yugi chirped, pointing a playful finger at Kaiba. 'Of course, it doesn't have to be right now…like I said, I know you're busy,' Yugi reassured, waving his hands apologetically.
The same questions rang in Kaiba's head. A small frown grew on his face.
I failed as a Duelist.
I couldn't beat the King of Games. Or the Pharaoh.
What can I do now?
Where do I go from here?
Picking up on Kaiba's hesitation, Yugi's voice became gentle. 'If you don't want to, that's ok,' he looked down, suddenly bashful. 'It would only be for fun….to spend time together.'
'As much as you may hate it Kaiba, we do consider you a respected friend.' Atem added, voice warm.
Kaiba's mind flashed to when he was first defeated by Yugi. The waves of confusion, the self doubt. How he pulled himself together and got back up again. Against his father, Pegasus, running his company.
Again.
And again.
And again.
Mokuba's talk earlier had planted seeds, which finally bloomed into a single thought.
He was Seto Kaiba.
And that meant growing, and allowing change, in order to keep reaching his goals.
In that instant, Kaiba felt like he fit his shoes once more.
'I accept your challenge, Yugi.' he smirked. Upon seeing his brother's sneer, Mokuba grinned.
'Wow Kaiba, really? I uh…thank you!' Yugi cried.
'Don't get excited just yet…I have conditions. You,' Seto barked, pointing at the Pharaoh, who blinked. 'I'll face Atem first, to prove I can face Yugi…the King of Games.' Yugi squealed. Seto rolled his eyes, instantly regretting calling the tiny teen by the title.
Atem nodded, folding his arms. 'As you wish, Kaiba.' he accepted smoothly.
Seto stood up, pressing his communicator.
'Roland. Prepare my personal duelling arena immediately.'
'Of course sir – but what about your scheduled meetings?'
'Move them. They're not important.'
Mokuba grabbed Atem's hand, dragging him towards the door. 'Let me show you our range of Duel disks! You can pick your favourite design – done by yours truly!' he chuffed, pulling the startled Pharaoh out of the room.
Yugi fondly stared after them, one hand placed on his heart as he heaved a satisfied sigh. Seto had to stifle a cringe.
'Yugi, I won't allow you to ruin Kaiba Corp tower by acting like a married couple with your Egyptian twin.' he said bluntly.
Without hesitation, he began to stride out of the room. Yugi gasped, bumbling words of protest as he stumbled after Kaiba. As they marched down the corridor, Kaiba cast a suspicious glance at Yugi. 'Are the rest of your dweebs here?'
'Aha…about that. I told them to wait outside?' Yugi smiled sheepishly. Seto pressed his collar again.
'Roland, send the nerd herd up to the arena – yes, even Wheeler. Yes, I'm sure.'
Yugi looked up at Seto, waves of affection washing over him for his old rival – no, friend.
'Kaiba?'
The taller duelist sighed for the hundredth time that morning.
'What now.'
'Thank you for everything. Really.'
Kaiba looked away, unable to meet Yugi's kind gaze.
'Whatever. Just don't push your luck.'
Yugi hummed in acceptance, a newfound skip in his step.
They soon stepped out onto the rooftop duelling arena. Yugi let out a quiet 'Wow,' at the sight, igniting a surge of pride in Kaiba. A certain mutt interrupted the moment from the spectator's area.
'Hey rich boy!' Joey shouted, waving manically. 'Atem is already one step ahead of ya!'
Kaiba looked away from Yugi, watching Atem elegantly striding to the far end of the arena, before beginning to climb onto his platform.
Ugh, royalty? More like royal show off.
'I look forward to our rematch, Yugi.' Kaiba said, giving him a small nod. Not waiting for an answer, he stepped up onto the arena.
With one swift movement, Kaiba equipped his Duel disk, the familiar Ber-Beep of the system easing him into his forte. His cold cerulean eyes flicked up to clash with Atem's confident crimson ones.
Seto idly wondered if Yugi still acknowledged him as a challenging opponent. He didn't think Yugi would get on a high horse after the Ceremonial Duel victory. Unlike a certain Pharaoh, who was now grinning impishly.
Ha.
What did it matter. After crushing him in the upcoming rematch, he would ensure Yugi knew that Seto Kaiba was, and always will be, his greatest rival and force to be reckoned with.
On the side-lines, Joey and Tristan screamed 'support' for Atem, whilst Tea shook her head in defeat, having given up on restraining the pair. At least Mai, Duke and Serenity were acting more dignified. Among them, Mokuba waved, eyes alight with joy that once seemed so buried away in the past.
'Ready to duel, Kaiba?' teased Atem, smirking.
Head blooming like a purple flower amongst his friends, Yugi watched Kaiba come into his own. He drank in the merciless laugh at Atem's taunt, the determined gleam of Kaiba's eyes. His gaze swept over the proud, ever intimidating stance.
A small smile tugged at his lips.
'And I look forward to duelling you, Seto Kaiba.'
