Author's Notes: Wow I actually waited til the actual day to update! Surprise there. It was hard though trust me. Anyways! I enjoyed writing this chapter and a lot of stuff happens so it's longer than my others. Thanks to all of you who gave me such wonderful reviews! I had never anticipated getting this much positive attention and I thank you all! A special shout out to Candice since you review as anonymous I can't reply to you like I do the others. So I want to thank you for your reviews! You and all my other reviewers get virtual cookies shaped like Mariku and Bakura. Enjoy! Now! Onto the chapter!

Unreal Truths

Chapter 9: Changes

Seto's POV

I wearily dragged myself through KaibaCorp Headquarters towards the main conference room. I felt as though the life had been slowly and painstakingly drained from my body.

I had never felt as tired as I have in these past few weeks. I found that it was near impossible to get out of bed in the mornings and I had a near constant sore throat.

I grumbled and told myself to suck it up, I would be fine.

I walked into the conference room and all eyes turned to me, "Hn let's get this underway." I grumbled and walked to my seat at the head of the table.

The meeting dragged on and on, each member of the board complaining about something or other. I couldn't find it in myself to pay attention at all. My eyes kept threatening to close and I had to pinch myself several times in order to wake up.

"Mr. Kaiba?"

I looked up with a glare, "What?"

The older man flinched under my gaze, "I uh, asked whether or not you thought that was a good idea."

I rubbed my temples, "Sure whatever." Swallowing hard I looked around, "Listen I am going to have to end this meeting early and reschedule it for a later date." I stood and wobbled on my feet.

The men looked at each other in shock; I had never before ended a meeting early.

"Now if you gentlemen will excuse me, I have somewhere else I need to be." I shakily began to walk towards the door. If I could just take an hour long nap I would be fine.

Unfortunately I had overestimated my body's ability to make it to my bedroom.

I was able to take one more step before my legs gave out beneath me and I collapsed to the floor.

I fell hard and the air was violently knocked from my lungs. I gasped as I felt a sharp pain swell in the left side of my abdomen and my vision threatened to black out.

"Mr. Kaiba!" Suddenly I was surrounded by people calling my name and asking if I was alright.

I took in a shaky breath and gasped in pain when my side disagreed with my deep breathing. I began to wave them away and tried to push myself to a sitting position but was embarrassed when my arms gave out and I ended up back where I started.

"Someone call an ambulance!"

I wanted to tell them not to bother but I found I couldn't even find the energy to speak.

"Mr. Kaiba just relax." The gentle voice of my secretary was a soothing tone among the ruckus caused by my male employee's.

I opened my mouth to tell her to not even bother when I violently coughed and my vision blurred as pain shot through me yet again. I gasped for air and that sent me into another coughing fit, this time the pain became too much and my vision went black and I felt myself drift into a peaceful and painless silence.


Marik's POV

We arrived at the airport without too much hassle. It was only when I got inside that I felt the panic set in.

I began to shake really badly. I was terrified of planes and I had begged Bakura the whole way here to reconsider my offer to take the yacht but it was to no avail.

We were now minutes away from boarding the plane and I was trying every calming breathing technique in the book but to no avail.

Bakura was sitting beside me with his arms crossed across his chest, brooding. "Honestly Marik I don't understand what you're problem is."

I hugged myself tighter, "Trapped on a plane, thousands of feet in the air with no other escape than plummeting to your death. That's my problem."

Bakura rolled his eyes, "Honestly Marik you're severely overreacting."

"How would you know? You've never been on an airplane in your life!"

He gave me a look, "Actually Marik I have. My host traveled by plane quite often and I found them convenient forms of travel."

I grumbled, "Yeah well…it's still a flying death trap."

The announcement came on that our flight was boarding and I gave Bakura one last begging look. He merely scowled and roughly pulled me to my feet. "We're going. Now."

I made a whining noise as Bakura dragged me behind him, "I don't wanna!"

"Too bad!" He jerked my arm and we boarded the plane.

"Bakura!" I tried to pull away from him as he slowly tugged me along to our seats. "I am serious! These things crash all the time! I don't know what's worse to crash into, water or land! Regardless we would die either way! I don't want to die Bakuraaaa!"

"Honestly Marik, quit acting like such a child!" He moved to our seats and roughly pushed me in then pulled me down with him as he sat.

I slowly turned to the side and freaked out.

"Honest to Ra! What is it now Marik?"

I pointed frantically at the window, "I can't sit by the window! I don't want to see us crashing to our certain death!"

Bakura gave an exasperated sigh and stood up so I could switch with him, "That better?"

I nodded and pulled my knees to my chest and hugged them, "A little bit."

He rubbed his temples, "I am beginning to think that maybe we should have taken your blasted yacht."

"Well it's a little late now Bakura!" I practically shrieked and buried my head against my knees.

I could hear him give an exasperated sigh, "Marik, we are not going to die. Trust me this plane crashing should be the least of your worries."

"And why is that." I looked up at him.

He gave me a cruel smirk, "Your stuck with me remember."

"Gee that's so comforting." I rolled my eyes.

"Think of the bright side Marik. If we do start plummeting to certain damnation, then I will kill you quickly before we crash and save you from a fiery demise." He gave a cheerfully creepy smile and patted me on the back.

I groaned and buried my face again.

It was official; I was on the flight to my death with only a deranged tomb robber to keep me company.

Swell.


Mokuba's POV

I laughed as Yugi grinned goofily after Joey spilled soda all down the front of his shirt.

He made a face and gave us a half-hearted glare, "Aw come on you guys! It's not funny!"

I was thoroughly enjoying my own personal day off. Yugi had called earlier and asked if I wanted to join him and Joey for a day out. I accepted and suggested Kaiba Land since I could get us everything for free.

So that's where we were right now, sitting in the Kaiba Café, watching Joey make a mess out of his clothes.

I shook my head and handed Joey a bunch of napkins, "Here Joey, though I don't know how much help they will be!" I laughed more.

Joey rolled his eyes and took the napkins, "Thanks Mokuba." He began wiping up the mess as best he could.

Yugi smiled at me, "I am glad you could come and join us Mokuba, it's been really great!"

"Well thanks for inviting me Yugi, I really appreciate it. It's been a long time since I really got out and enjoyed myself."

"Well we were glad to have ya along Mokuba! We don't want ya to end up like your brother and work yourself into the grave." Joey grinned and threw away the napkins.

I tried to hide the hurt on my face, but you couldn't hide anything from Yugi.

"Is something wrong Mokuba?" Yugi was looking at me with concern in his eyes.

I sighed, "Not really, it's just -"

I was cut off by my phone ringing. "Oh hold on a second Yugi."

I pulled my phone out and looked at the number. "Huh…I don't recognize this number." I looked at Yugi and he shrugged, "You should probably answer it and see who it could be. Might be a business associate of your brother's."

Yugi was right; I really needed to program all of Seto's business partners into my phone. It would make life so much easier. I clicked the answer button and held the phone to my ear, "Hello?"

"Is this Mr. Mokuba Kaiba?"

"Uh yeah?" I gave Yugi a puzzled look, "This is he speaking. How can I help you?"

"Mr. Kaiba I am calling from Domino hospital to inform you that your brother has just been admitted and we ask that you come down here as soon as possible."

I couldn't believe my ears; I had to be hearing things, "…My brother?"

"Yes sir, Seto Kaiba was just admitted several minutes ago. I was told he collapsed at a business meeting and was brought in by ambulance immediately afterwards."

I swallowed hard, "…Is he okay?"

I glanced up to see that Yugi had gone very still and Joey was looking at me with a look of confusion.

"I don't know his condition as of now sir. I was just told to call and inform you of what happened. His situation seemed pretty dire so I think you should come immediately."

I took in a deep breath and tried not to let my voice betray my immense fear.

"Of course, I'll be right there." I hung the phone up, my eyes beginning to burn with unspent tears even though I fought it hard.

"What's going on Mokuba?"

"I…I have to go Yugi. My brother is in the hospital." I shakily put my phone in my pocket and stood up. The hospital was just a few blocks away and I could get there fast by running.

"I'm coming with you." Yugi stood up and began to follow me and I almost told him not to bother, but I knew how stubborn Yugi could be. So instead I gave him an appreciative smile and nodded.

Joey looked torn about what to do, "I'll uh, take the car home, give me a call when you find anything out okay?"

Yugi gave him a quick nod of his head, "We will."

And with that we broke into a run towards the hospital.

My thoughts raced the whole way there. What could have happened to my brother? The man had said dire. Did that mean this was worse than a simple case of exhaustion?

We finally reached the hospital after what seemed like forever and I ran through the automatic doors and up to the reception desk.

"Seto Kaiba! Where is he?"

The nurse looked up in shock, "Oh Mr. Kaiba!" Her look turned sympathetic and I felt my stomach drop.

"Your brother needs emergency surgery and is being prepped as we speak. I'm sorry."

I began to shake and I felt a comforting hand on my shoulder as Yugi caught up to me.

"I need to see him." I swallowed hard and bit back some of that stubborn pride I inherited from Seto, "Please?"

The nurse seemed to think about it for a moment but then she stood and beckoned me to follow.

I looked to Yugi and he nodded encouragingly, "I will wait for you out here okay? I will get us some coffee."

"Okay Yugi, thank you." I smiled weakly and followed the nurse into the ER.

She walked me into a small room and pointed to the back, "Back there, behind the curtain. Now remember that he is sedated so he may not be very aware."

"Thank you." I swallowed hard as she nodded and left the room.

I squared my shoulders and put on a brave face as I walked through the curtain and up to Seto's bed.

I trembled slightly as he turned his head to look at me. His eyes were dark and ringed with fatigue, and his skin was so pale he looked like a mere phantom of his former self.

"Seto…" I practically gasped his name and gathered his one hand in mine, "Oh Seto…"

Even in such a poor condition he managed to scoff and roll his eyes, "Mokuba, its okay."

I reined in my anger and composed my face, untamed emotions would only make this situation worse, "I sure do hope so Seto…" I bit my cheek to keep my face in check and my fear toned down.

At his exasperated look I gave a stern stare in return, "Nii-sama, this is serious. You're in the hospital!"

"That fact is glaringly obvious…" He winced and gripped the sheets as he fell into a slight coughing fit.

"Please…Seto…just relax okay?" I squeezed his hand tightly, but not too hard. I was afraid of hurting him in this condition, but I would never tell him that of course.

"Mokuba, I am going to be fine." He cleared his throat and winced as he swallowed, "There is no reason to worry."

"No reason…Seto…."I took in a deep breath and decided not to start a fight. A stressful confrontation with me right before a major operation was not going to help him any. "Sorry Nii-Sama. I just got worried is all. I just want you to relax and listen to what the doctors say okay?"

He gave another roll of his eyes but didn't speak. I knew the sedatives had to be taking effect for him not to fight me on that one.

"Thank you Seto." I kissed the top of his hand as he closed his eyes and let out a soft breath.

"I trust you to keep KaibaCorp running while I am here Mokuba." He opened his eyes partly and fixed me with a trusting gaze.

"You can count on me Seto. I promise." I smiled reassuringly and he returned it and nodded before closing his eyes again.

I had to shake my head; Seto still had his company in mind even when he was half-unconscious and pumped full of drugs. I couldn't figure out if that was a good or bad thing.

I heard a knock on the door and looked up to see the nurse leaning against the doorway. I held up a one finger to let her know I would be out in a second and turned back to my brother.

"I have to go now Nii-Sama." I gave his hand a final squeeze before letting go. "Just relax and let the doctors do their job without giving them any hassle okay?"

I saw a small smile grace his lips, "I'll try."

I shook my head smirking, "That's all I can ask for then. I love you Seto. I'll be here when you wake up."

He nodded, "I love you too Mokuba."

I inhaled sharply to keep the tears from coming and walked out quickly.

I could really use some of that coffee Yugi was getting.


Ryou's POV

I sighed as we walked through the door into my now empty house with a cast on my wrist. Mariku pushed past me and plopped down on the couch and began going through his pockets.

I raised my eyebrows, "What are you doing?"

He then began pulling a wide variety of small hospital equipment from the large pockets on his cargo pants, "Look at all these things I found Fluffy." He grinned and pulled out a thermometer, the kind that the nurse puts in your ear to check the temperature. "What do you suppose this is for?"

I found myself instantly horrified, "What the bloody hell do you think you're doing?"

He gave me the look he usually did when I asked him something that should be obvious, "I'm going through my stash."

I took in a deep breath to calm myself, "Mariku, you cannot just help yourself to anything you see!"

"Why not?"

"Because it's wrong!" I threw my hands up in the air and headed to the kitchen, "I'm going to make some tea."

At his lack of response I assumed that he had otherwise entertained himself, which was fine by me. As long as he wasn't wreaking havoc on my house then he could do whatever he pleased with his stolen goods.

"What is this contraption used for? Is it some sort of torture device?"

I took in a deep breath and let it out very slowly and turned around, "Oh you have got to be kidding me!"

Mariku was looking curiously at a blood pressure cuff, "This could be useful in amputating limbs." He grinned up at me, "What do you think Fluff? Shall we try it out later?"

I clenched my hands into fists, "It's used for taking people's blood pressure! And no you cannot use it to help amputate limbs!" I threw my hands up in the air, "Why can't you steal pens like everyone else?"

He gave me a sly grin, "I got those too." He reached into a back pocket and pulled out a handful of pens, "Want some?"

"NO! I don't want any bloody pens! Argh!" I turned and went back into the kitchen, "I thought I just had to handle Bakura stealing random things, not you too!" I groaned and put the water on to boil.

I watched the water intently, trying to let my mind wander and escape from this place for just a little while.

Mariku evidently had other plans for me.

I felt something hit me on the back of the head and I heard the item fall and bounce onto the floor. I turned slowly and looking down I saw one of the hospital pens. I turned to look into the living room and Mariku was grinning devilishly at me, armed with several more pens in his hand.

"Don't you even think about it!"

I squeaked as another pen hit me square on the forehead.

Okay, I was really realllly starting to get fed up with Marik's deranged alter-ego.

"You act just like a petulant child you know!" I ducked as another pen went soaring in my direction.

Mariku laughed, "And you make such funny sounds!" He twirled another pen and launched it at me.

I reached up and grabbed a frying pan off the rack and used it as a shield to block the pen, "Stop it!"

Mariku answered me by moving further into the kitchen and tossing another pen at me.

This time I was ready for it and I swung the pan and sent the pen flying back at him.

Mariku's eyes widened and he ducked and rolled behind the kitchen's island just in time to miss a pen to the eye.

I crouched low and held the pan over my shoulder like a baseball bat, "Seriously? Can you not act normal for, oh I don't know, one day?"

My answer was in the form of another pen soaring over the island and hitting me on the top of the head.

Okay, that did it.

"ARGH!" I ran and jumped up onto the island and prepared to give Mariku the beating of a lifetime.

I blinked in surprise as I noticed Mariku wasn't where he was supposed to be.

I squealed as I was collided into from behind and both Mariku and I went crashing to the floor.

My left wrist flared in pain and I growled swinging the pan at Mariku's head.

Mariku rolled to the side and grabbed my good wrist, effectively stopping my assault. I yanked my hand back but he held firm and pulled me towards him.

I let myself go limp as I fell into him, becoming dead weight. Mariku didn't anticipate this and fell backwards and we ended up in the exact same awkward position as we had earlier.

"Don't you even think about grabbing my ass again!" I scrambled to my feet before he could touch me in any provocative way.

Mariku just stared up at me with a wicked grin on his face. Bastard was enjoying this way too much.

"I just want to sit down and enjoy my tea in relative silence. You think you could let me have that much?"

Mariku rolled to his feet and walked over to me.

I picked up the steaming tea pot and held it semi-threateningly, "Don't come any closer! I mean it!"

He surprised me by pausing, crossing his arms, and cocking an eyebrow.

"Just let me drink me tea in peace okay? Is that really so much to ask?"

Mariku smirked, "I suppose not."

I watched his every movement as I poured the water into a cup, "Would you like some?" Maybe I would get lucky and the stimulant in the tea would react with whatever part in his brain was hyperactive and short it out. And really, he was already beyond annoying, it couldn't get any worse.

Mariku stared at the water then at me, "Okay."

I nodded and prepared two cups of tea, "It's hot so don't burn yourself. Actually on second thought, I take that back, I don't care what you do just don't spill it."

I walked into the living room with the hyperactive Yami in tow and I sat down on the couch.

Mariku walked to his recliner and perched in it like some sort of predatory bird clutching his tea like fresh caught prey.

I tried to ignore him and took a small sip of my tea after blowing on it to cool down.

I jumped in surprised as I heard glass clink together and turned to see Mariku licking his lips and setting the empty tea cup down.

I swallowed hard as he gave me a sadistic grin.

I was about to learn that giving Marik's psychotic dark half tea and sugar was an extremely bad idea.