Yugi stared at the place where the Pharaoh had just been standing. Sadness was once again overcoming him. He tried to fight it but it was inevitable. Being able see the Pharaoh earlier that day kept replaying through his memory. He had never been good with good byes to begin with, but saying good-bye to someone who never should have left his side had inflicted excruciating pain on Yugi's heart. As time went on, Yugi slowing began loosing hope. Yet, a desire deep within Yugi to be bonded once more with his other spirit still existed. Yugi wanted him to come back and stay forever. He had no interest to go on wanting that or living in a fantasy dream world hoping it would one day happen. No, he was over waiting. Enough was enough. It was time for it to become a reality already. Sadly, reality had proven to be cruel for little Yugi. He was still alone.
Yugi sighed heavily and took a deep breath. I wish he would have stayed to tell me more about how I'm supposed to find the only thing that will bring him back. He left too soon. I didn't even get a chance to tell him how much I miss him. He probably has no idea what I've been feeling since he's been gone. He might think I'm fine, but if he saw my tears then he knows I'm still suffering. Surely he picked up on that whether or not he saw me balling, but it's been so long since he left. Maybe he can't sense what I'm feeling anymore. He knew where to find me though so I don't know. I may be crazy to think a bond still lives on when he and I are separated. Unless it's the type of bond that was meant to last forever.
...
Alright let's get back to the Kaiba brothers.
A bunch of people and several news reporters were standing outside Kaiba Corp waiting to harass the two brothers once they arrived back home. Seto saw them and groaned. "Great. Don't these fools have anything better to do than to sit around waiting to ask me dumb questions I will not comment on?"
Mokuba shook his head. "I guess not Seto." He looked out the window and glanced down towards the people. He scanned the crowd wondering if Pegasus was hiding somewhere close.
Seto noticed with a slight frown upon his face. "Mokuba, I promise you no one will lay a hand on you ever again."
Mokuba nodded but kept staring out the window. "Seto, there are a lot of people down there. It's going to be hard for us to get inside."
Seto tilted his head back. "Not if I can help it kid." He had that infamous pissed off look on his face as he put on his Bluetooth to call Rowland. Rowland answered immediately. He knew not to make Kaiba wait for anything. Kaiba had no tolerance for slow people. "Rowland, clear those people out of here! I'm about to land, and I have no desire to be bothered by a bunch of morons asking me where I've been for the past few days. I'm tired and Mokuba and I want to be left alone. Is that clear?"
"Yes sir. I'm on it."
Seto sighed heavily. He was angry and restless. "Damn Pegasus! He will regret wasting my time! I expected him to know better!" He was furious Pegasus was still on the loose and remained a threat to him and precious Mokuba.
"Yeah, kick his ass! He'll be sorry he ever messed with you, Seto!"
"Oh I plan to Mokuaba. There's no doubt about that. I'll make him regret threatening my family again."
Mokuba knew his brother was serious. Seto didn't joke around about anything.
A couple of moments later, they were on the ground and walking towards the front entrance to the Kaiba mansion. Seto still looked bothered as he avoided giving anyone eye contact. Mokuba tugged on Seto's sleeves. "Don't be mad Seto. We did have fun while we were gone. And even though we're back, things will be ok because we have each other."
Seto wasn't paying attention. He almost ran into someone who was trying to get information on why he had left. Seto put up his hand to the guy's face.
"What's wrong with you people? I could have you all arrested for harassment! Stupid fuckers!"
The person gasped but didn't turn to leave.
Seto stuck his middle finger in his face. "What are you waiting for?! Think I'm joking?! This is my home dammit! See the word's Kaiba Corp?! That's my name! I live here! So move! Get the hell out of my way now!"
Mokuba frowned at the guy but approached him to explain the reason for Seto's behavior. "My brother and I just got back, and we really don't want to deal with anyone now. Can't you see my big brother is upset? It would be best if you all leave." Mokuba felt embarrassed when Seto was blunt and mean to people like that. However, Mokuba realized Seto needed to be that way so people would know he wasn't someone the world could just walk all over.
Seto kept going till he reached the front door. "Don't explain yourself Mokuba. These people don't need to know anything about us. Haven't I taught you to trust no one but yourself and me?"
Mokuba sheepishly looked at the ground. Deep down, Mokuba didn't want him nor his brother to be so distant from everyone. To think, if Seto could actually have some friends. Like Yugi...
Was that even possible?
Once inside, Mokuba headed into the spacious family room and collapsed on the couch. He didn't have the strength to make it up to his room. He was tuckered out. Seto came in behind him after slamming the door on a few reporters who had hidden in the bushes. "Damn those idiots are annoying! I wasn't even gone a week, and those people act like I died and came back to life after a few days!" He walked past Mokuba who was already snoring softly and headed up to his headquarters. He had to get back to work. There is no rest for the wicked.
...
Up in his room, Seto couldn't get back in the work zone. He was distracted. So much was on his mind and most of it was centered on him and his brother. Like always. Seto paced back and forth, irritated and worried. Something caught his eye on his desk. It was his phone. He glanced at the blinking light and pushed the button. The voice he heard coming from it, sent shivers racing through his spine.
"Kaiba-Boy! I do hope you made it home safely! Flying can be quite dangerous you know! Though I've always enjoyed it! Probably because I fly first class just like you Kaiba-Boy! Just one of the perks for being rich you know! Anyways, I hope you're not still mad about our little chat earlier. If you ask me, I rather enjoyed it! Sorry, but I'm afraid I can't talk for long. I've got things to do! Say hello to that kid brother of yours for me! Thanks Kaiba-Boy! Ta-Ta, I'll be in touch!"
"Pegasus!" Seto fumed. That was it. Seto was going to snap. With no thought to what he was about to do, Seto took his hand, picked up the phone, turned around, and threw it as hard as he could across the floor and out the window. The glass shattered loudly and fell to the ground. "That bastard! Seto yelled. I wanna kill him!"
Downstairs, Mokuba was awakened from the sound of the glass breaking and Seto screaming. He instantly panicked and feared Seto was in danger. "Oh no! Seto! Hang on I'm coming!" Mokuba wasted no time. He bolted up and took the stairs two at a time. When he entered Seto's room, he didn't see his brother. He looked around the room, but there was no sign of him anywhere. "Seto? Where are you? Are you hurt? I heard a crash."
No response.
Mokuba started to freak out. "Seto?! Please answer me! I'm scared!" Mokuba didn't know what to do if he couldn't find Seto.
"I'm fine, Mokuba."
The voice surprisingly came from outside. Seto was standing on the edge of his deck staring out at the world around him. He had quickly recovered from his anger episode and appeared to be alright. Mokuba ran over to him.
"What are you doing out here Seto?" It was then that Mokuba noticed the glass and the broken phone.
Seto remained silent.
"It was Pegasus again, wasn't it?" Mokuba voice was quiet. He wasn't entirely sure what mood his brother was in. Seto was good at keeping a straight face, but Mokuba knew he was feeling strongly about something. He couldn't remember the last time he had seen Seto out here on his deck.
Seto folded his arms across his chest.
Mokuba approached his brother and tried to unfold his arms. "Stop it Seto. You don't have to pretend that nothing bothers you. I'm your brother. I can tell you're upset. You don't have to feel so alone all the time. We're in this world together. Remember the promise?"
Seto looked away from Mokuba's gaze.
"Don't shut me out Seto. We need each other."
Seto snapped his head back and looked Mokuba dead in the eyes. "Never think for a second I want to shut you out Mokuba. My goal is to keep you safe, and that is what I intend to do. I just want to live our life in peace and not be worried about someone hurting you." Seto pulled Mokuba close to him. "You mean everything to me little Mokie." Mokuba hugged Seto back.
"I don't think that Seto. I just hate seeing you so alone and upset all the time. I want you to be happier."
Seto smiled slightly. "I'm as happy as I'll ever be kid."
"Ok good. You should be. But hey, I'm gonna go back downstairs and get something to eat. You want me to make you anything?"
"No, I'll eat later. I've got too much to do now."
Mokuba went back inside. "Sounds good. Let me know if you need help." Mokuba disappeared from view.
Seto was alone again.
...
Later that day,Yugi was walking by himself through Domino City. It was a beautiful day. The temperature was in the high 80's, and too hot for Yugi to be wearing his jacket. Tea, Joey, and Tristan were at the beach. They had invited Yugi to go with them, but Yugi didn't want to. He needed some time to himself. He was the only one who knew the Pharaoh had come back to speak with him. Yugi wanted to tell the others but didn't have the heart just yet. Instead, he kept going over the brief conversation he had with the Pharaoh before he disappeared.
Yami said I need to find a Millennium Heart. The item that could bring him back for good. The only question is where? It could be anywhere. But if I should find it, then the Pharaoh can come back. What about this evil though? What kind of evil was he talking about?
Yugi scratched his head. He didn't have the slightest idea where he should even begin to look for a Millennium Heart.
Maybe the Pharaoh will come back and tell me. Yugi had to hope for this. But, no matter how much he wanted this to happen, it wasn't happening. Yet. Regardless, Yugi never stopped believing the impossible. He had faith. The Pharaoh had taught him to never lose it. It was the only thing he was holding onto. What else did he have?
Yugi was about to turn around and head back home when loud voices stopped him. Around the corner, he could see a handful of people walking down the road away from Kaiba Corp, evidently upset.
"What an arrogant bastard!"
"He wouldn't even answer a simple question where he's been for the past few days!"
"I can't believe he owns his own company! He's nothing but a spoiled brat!"
"I wish he would die!"
"He almost punched me!"
"That's nothing! He actually flipped me off! Can you believe that?!"
"His brother isn't too bad."
Yugi got a little excited. "They're talking about Kaiba! He and Mokuba must be back!" He started to run in the direction of Kaiba's mansion, but stopped when he heard a familiar voice calling his name.
"Hey Yuge! What are you doing?" It was Joey and the others.
Yugi waved and smiled when he saw them. "Hi everyone. What's up? I thought you guys would still be at the beach."
"We were, but we left early." Joey patted Yugi on the back. "It's just not the same without you being with us Yuge."
"Joey's right, Tea chimed in. We came back to ask you to come with us."
"Yeah the waves are awesome! Tristan added. Joey sucks at surfing though."
"Haha yeah, he kept getting eaten by the waves!" Tea said with a laugh.
"Whatever guys! I may not be a good surfer, but I still made a better sand castle than any of you!"
"A sandcastle that was short lived! Too bad the waves came and destroyed it as soon as you finished it!" Tristan grinned as he smacked Joey where it hurt.
"Tristan, you're a jerk! Besides, it's just sand." Joey turned his attention towards Yugi. "So Yugi where were you going?"
"Uhhh." Yugi gave an anxious look towards Kaiba's place.
"What Yuge? Why are you looking where Kaiba lives? You weren't thinking about going over there were you?" Joey shook his head and shuddered.
"I'm not sure, Yugi stammered. He's back now."
"He is?!" Tristan and Tea both exclaimed.
"Yup, I overheard some people talking about how they were trying to talk to him but Kaiba didn't want to."
"So? Joey shot back. Doesn't mean you have to throw him a welcome home party. You guys aren't exactly what I call pals, Yuge."
"I have a funny feeling he might actually want to talk to me Joey. It's something in his eyes, and the way he looked at me when we last dueled."
"Ha, isn't that sweet?! Hate to break it to you Yuge but he's still the same old Kaiba. He'll never change. He still thinks he's all that. He won't talk to anyone who isn't...oh I don't know. The point is, he's a total nut case, and he doesn't have any friends! So, I don't even know the type of people he would talk to! Unless you count Mokuba. So what, one person?! Not to mention he's the biggest sore loser I know. Remember all the times he threw a big fit about losing to you Yuge? What a whiner. Unbelievable." Joey shook his head again.
"On come on Joey, Yugi said defending Kaiba. He does talk to us. He's just not always in the best mood when he does."
"Yeah right Yuge. He only talks to you but only when he wants to duel you! And he never talks to any of us because he doesn't want to be associated with us! As in, he hates us!"
Tea shot Joey a look. "Oh gosh Joey. Speak for yourself!"
"Yeah, Tristan said. Kaiba mainly despises you Joey! You shouldn't make it sound like he doesn't like any of us."
Joey's jaw dropped. "Say what? I don't see you going over and having playtime with Kaiba, Tristan!"
Tea rolled her eyes. "Oh grow up you two. Stop being so immature."
Yugi was quiet. This was a good opportunity to disappear from his arguing friends. He started to walk away from the gang and closer towards Kaiba Corp.
His presence was missed immediately. "Hey where's Yugi going?" Tristan exclaimed. He started to follow after him. Tea and Joey did the same, wondering why Yugi would leave like that. It wasn't like him at all to just walk away without saying anything. "Hey Yugi, Tristan called out. What are you doing man? I thought you were hanging with us."
Yugi blushed. "You guys go ahead. I'm gonna go for a walk."
"Then we're coming with you Yuge," Joey declared putting his hand around Yugi's shoulder.
"No really Joey. It's alright. I uh, need some time to myself." Yugi swallowed loudly. He felt ashamed telling his best friends he would rather be alone than with them even if there was a reason why he needed to be without their company.
Something inside his soul was telling Yugi the only friend he needed was the Pharaoh. The only one who would truly be his friend forever. As Yugi separated from his friends, he thought about it more and more. However, little did Yugi know, but at this very moment someone was watching him and thinking the same thing about him.
To be continued...