Chapter 12
WARNING: THIS CHAPTER CONTAINS CHARACTER DEATH.
Moi-Moi: I know what you're thinking in your frantic minds. "WHO'S GOING TO DIE?" Don't worry. You'll find out when you read. As you can probably tell, this chapter won't be very light. Major plot points happening here. Just know that it's all necessary for the cause. Let's get started. Shall we?
~:~
Kagome observed the sleek surroundings that was the Kaiba Corp security level. She floated at Atem's right side while Yugi walked along on his left. Their friends followed quietly (even Jounouchi). Whatever it was that Kaiba had to show them must be important. Without hesitation, Kaiba inputted the passcode on the door lock before entering.
"Kaiba-sama, we've been analyzing the security footage like you asked, but we still haven't found-" the head security started anxiously. Kaiba raised a hand to silence the man before rewinding the security footage from last night. He let it replay once again. Just like last time, the video played seamlessly until static ran across the screen for a short second. When the video returned, an alarm could be heard just before the voices of security guards followed. Kaiba stopped the footage and turned to Atem expectantly.
Jounouchi was the first to speak. "What the hell was that? I thought you were showing us something important!"
Kaiba blatantly ignored Jounouchi as he spoke. "The robbery took place in less than five seconds. No one was spotted going in or out of my vault. The only suspect- and I use the word loosely- I have is this," Kaiba said and stopped the footage on the image of the demon. Atem's eyes widened slightly.
"What is that?" Anzu questioned. Atem didn't have a sure answer, but he let his eyes scan over the creature's details. Even Yugi was puzzled by this turn of events.
"It looks like one of Naraku's demons," Kagome commented.
"What?" Atem questioned her in surprise. Kaiba raised a brow at the shorter man. He hadn't said anything. Kaiba nearly rolled his eyes. He should have known that feeding into this madness was a poor choice on his part.
"Naraku has hordes of weak demons that follow him around and do his bidding. That must be one of them," Kagome explained.
'So, we were right. Naraku is building a deck of his own,' Yugi went on.
"And he's using Kaiba's cards to do it," Atem finished.
"If you're just going to have conversations with yourself, I suggest you take your madness outside," Kaiba sneered dryly.
"Yugi?" Jounouchi prodded.
"Kagome recognizes this creature. It is under the control of Naraku," Atem explained.
"Not so much control as it is a mutual service. They serve Naraku in whatever way he needs and in return he provides them with the souls of his victims," Kagome explained to everyone at once. Why not make herself known? She was among friends here… Well, friends and Kaiba-san. Yugi's eyes widened before looking to the monitor again.
Kaiba's eyes widened at the sudden appearance of a young woman. She stood- no, floated- with her back to him. It was then that what she had said struck a chord within him. This Naraku stole the souls of people to feed his demons? The pale man from his dream had been after a Wish Granter. Was this her? She didn't look very impressive.
"I'll have you know Kaiba-san, my powers are far more impressive than you can imagine," Kagome spoke up, startling Kaiba. Everyone in the room turned curious eyes onto Kaiba and Kagome then. Kaiba hadn't said anything. Turning to face Kaiba fully, Kagome spoke up again. "How do you know me as the Wish Granter?"
Kaiba felt his hackles rise in response. She could read his mind? Were his thoughts no longer private? Kaiba sent the shorter girl a hard look. "Oi! She asked you a question, asshole," Jounouchi exclaimed angrily. Not taking his eyes off Kagome, Kaiba remained silent.
Jounouchi looked ready to fly off the handle if Kagome had not held up a hand to stop him. "Please forgive me for my intrusion, Kaiba-san. But this is for the greater good," Kagome said again. Kaiba was about to question her further, but froze. He could feel a ghostly presence enter his very being, invading his thoughts. Kaiba's eyes widened in surprise as his breath hitched. The pressure in his skull wasn't painful, just uncomfortable. When the tall man hunched slightly, Atem was the first to offer any sort of support. But just as quickly as he had begun to feel any sort of afflictions, they had disappeared.
"Kaiba, are you alright?" Atem questioned seriously. Once their position dawned on the young CEO, Kaiba quickly righted himself from Atem's light embrace. To save face, he adjusted his coat appropriately.
"He's alright. I only searched for the information he was not willing to give. Kaiba-san has met Naraku in a past life," Kagome explained. Where everyone else's eyes widened, Kaiba narrowed in a harsh glare.
"You got to be kidding me!" Jounouchi exclaimed. Atem's eyes watched Kaiba critically. Yugi was shooting Kaiba sympathetic, transparent glances.
"I most certainly am not. Kaiba's past life- at that time King Set of Ancient Egypt - met Naraku. Naraku was looking for me, but by then I had already been sealed away. It must have been the large amounts of dark magic in Egypt at the time that drew him to the kingdom," Kagome explained. As Kagome spoke, Kaiba's glare harshened and his frown deepened. The last thing he wanted to be dragged into this nonsense again. "How can you call it nonsense, Kaiba-san? I'm standing right in front of you. Am I not enough proof that there are greater forces at work here?"
Kaiba wanted so badly to tell her off for invading his thoughts. Instead, he settled on a heated glare. Kagome met his glare with a patient stare. Just then, the door to the office slid open. The youngest Kaiba slipped into the room, his eyes scanning over all of its occupants curiously. "Nii-sama, what's going on?" Mokuba asked. "You called Yugi-san after all? Does he know what's going on?" Kaiba chose not to respond.
"Kaiba, I know that you choose not to believe in the truth, despite it being right before your eyes. But I am urging you to believe me. Naraku is dangerous and he must be stopped at all costs," Atem started. Predicting Kaiba's dubious stare, Atem withheld his ire.
"I don't care what nonsense you've gotten yourself into this time, Yugi. I'm getting what's mine my way. I'll go through anyone who tries to stop me," Kaiba promised.
"I wouldn't be so careless if I were you Kaiba-san. You've seen only a small display of Naraku's power. I fear you are challenging a force you couldn't hope to face," Kagome warned.
"Hey! That's my brother you're talking about! He's the best duelist around and he can take on anybody," Mokuba defended hotly.
Kagome stared down at the smaller boy curiously before smiling brightly. With a gentle pat, Kagome tried to soothe Mokuba's irritation with a hand through his wild hair. Mokuba felt his cheeks flame at the sudden contact. "I did not mean any offense, little one. I simply have your brother's best interest in mind," Kagome explained.
In a softer tone, Mokuba muttered a bashful, "Just don't let it happen again."
"If that is all, you're welcome to leave," Kaiba interrupted.
"Come on guys. I think we've wasted enough time here as it is," Jounouchi announced. "Besides, I'm starving."
"I heard that," Honda agreed and they turned to leave together while discussing their meal preferences. Anzu followed them with a sigh after offering Atem a final look.
Once his friends were gone, Atem gave Kaiba another long stare. "Kaiba, I cannot force you to help us, but I must still urge you to be careful. Naraku is no one to take lightly," Atem tried again.
Kaiba gave Atem a veiled look. After several seconds of the two exchanging glances, Kaiba spoke. "I think you're forgetting that I'm no one to take lightly, Yugi. I will find this Naraku and expose him as nothing more than a petty thief," Kaiba smirked. Atem offered Kaiba another look before turning to leave.
"Thanks for stopping by," Mokuba said with a slight blush. He kept his eyes on Yugi but when Kagome offered him a small smile and wave, Mokuba quickly adverted his eyes. He was determined to stare at his shoes until they left and his face cooled.
When he saw that Seto was leaving, Mokuba moved quickly to catch up. "So, who's Naraku, Nii-sama?" Mokuba started.
"No one but a thief, Mokuba," Kaiba barely explained.
"Is this guy really as bad as Yugi-san says that he is? If he is, maybe you should be careful, Nii-sama," Mokuba tried.
"Don't tell me you believe in this nonsense too, Mokuba," Kaiba scoffed.
"I don't know. After all we've seen, don't you think you should have a little more faith in Yugi-san? Maybe he knows what he's talking about?" Mokuba went on. At his older brother's silence, Mokuba sighed softly. It had been a lost cause. Seto was just too stubborn for his own good. Maybe he could help is brother? The only person who could help Seto was Yugi-san. Mokuba smiled softly to himself.
~:~
Atem walked quietly with his friends through the nighttime chill. Jounouchi was retelling one of his easiest victories in a duel loudly for the group. Ever so often, Honda would make small criticisms that left Jounouchi's irritation building. Less often, Anzu would point out flaws in Jounouchi's dueling strategy that left the blonde questioning who the "world-class dueling professional" between them was.
"This is where I say good night," Honda spoke up at an intersection. The lightness they were experiencing dampened to make way for serious tones.
"Watch out for yourself, Honda," Jounouchi warned seriously. Honda nodded once before waving goodnight to them as he took a different turn.
One by one, they all split from the group until it was only Atem and Kagome left walking home. Deciding to take advantage of the solitude, Kagome slipped an arm through Atem's before speaking. Atem was slightly surprised at the gesture, but didn't bother to stop her. "You seem to really care for Kaiba-san."
"Kaiba may consider himself friendless, but I have come to think of him as such. If he does not seem me as a friend, he definitely sees me as his greatest rival," Atem said.
"His greatest rival? Don't you sound modest?" Kagome teased. Atem responded with a smooth chuckle before smirking. Although she was reluctant to admit it out loud, that smooth chuckle left her feeling slightly weak in the knees. Suddenly, Kagome frowned. "I can't help but feel like the number of people fighting for me is becoming unnecessarily large."
"What are you saying?" Atem questioned, his playful mood gone.
"Instead of preparing for a fight against Naraku, you should be searching for a way to destroy me just as Amun said," Kagome started. Sensing Atem's upset, she raised a hand to stop him. "Let me explain. Without me around, Naraku would have no reason to come after you, Yugi-kun, or any of our friends. You all would be safe. After the kindness you both have showed me, dying for you sounds like the least I could do."
"Even if we did find a way to destroy you, Naraku would still be powerful. It is better to deal with him. Then, no one else has to get hurt," Atem argued.
"I'm not so sure about that…" Kagome said softly. Atem was about to question her further when another voice called out to them. Turning quickly, Atem and Kagome paused at the sight of Mokuba running towards them. "Mokuba? What are you doing out so late?"
"I had to see you and Yugi-san again," Mokuba started and hunched over to catch his breath. "I know what my brother said, but I know you guys are right. You have to be. You've never been wrong about this stuff before. If this Naraku person is as bad as you say, then Nii-sama could be in serious danger."
"It's very kind of you to look out for Kaiba-san's best interests, Mokuba," Kagome commended. Mokuba brightened immensely at her praise before rubbing his arm with a small blush.
"But it is not wise to be roaming the streets at night. Naraku could be anywhere," Atem reprimanded him. Mokuba looked put out at Atem's words and was ready to defend himself. However, just then another voice cut through the darkness.
"The ever-lasting guessing game is over. I'm right here," Naraku finally spoke. With a surprised squeak, Kagome turned to face the dark alley where she'd heard the voice. Even after all these years, she hadn't forgotten his voice. With slow, purposeful steps, Naraku emerged from the shadows with a small smile on his face. Seeing Naraku in person set off a new round of panic within Kagome. She quickly took a few steps back to place herself behind Atem and out of sight. "Don't bother, Kagome. I think you've done enough hiding for now. Don't you?"
"Naraku, leave her be!" Atem commanded forcefully.
Naraku watched the former Pharaoh with disinterest. He had been expecting more. Peering down at the child standing off to the side, Naraku raised a brow. Defiantly, the boy raised his chin and stood protectively in front of the girl. "You're going to defend her? Would you really lay down your lives for her? She's nothing more than a servant and a wretched excuse for one at that. You've already found a new master, Kagome?" Naraku said with a growing grin.
Atem's glare hardened at Kagome's small squeak behind him. She was clutching the back of his jacket so tightly, he could feel her entire body shaking. What had Naraku done to her? Atem could feel Yugi wanting to make an appearance from where he resided in his Soul Room, but Atem quickly shut that down with the powers of his Puzzle. The last thing he wanted was for Yugi to be anywhere near Naraku. It was far too dangerous for his aibou.
"Come with me, Kagome. I will give you the chance to repent for your traitorous ways. I will take you back with my full forgiveness. Now, come. We have work to do," Naraku said and offered his hand.
"Never," Atem promised. "If you want her, you'll have to go through me," Atem challenged and brandished his duel disk.
Naraku frowned. For a small thing, he certainly was being a pain. As Naraku's mood darkened, so did the already black sky. Mokuba and Kagome watched as clouds began rolling in with loud, thunderous crashes. Atem kept his fierce eyes on his opponent. It wasn't until the rain started to pour down onto them did Atem bother to look away. While the three of them were being soaked, Naraku stood perfectly dry, his dark essence shielding him from the rain.
"Mokuba, it's time for you to leave," Atem spoke in a tone that left no room for arguments. Mokuba watched Atem with questions in his eyes, but eventually nodded in agreement.
"No. I don't think so," Naraku started. "The only one of you who is leaving here- other than myself- is Kagome. For too long I have been denied what is rightfully mine."
"She's not yours. You can't have her! You're nothing but a thief," Mokuba challenged. Naraku spared Mokuba a disinterested side glance before ignoring him altogether.
Naraku nearly sighed at how difficult they all were being. All he wanted was her. Once he had Kagome, he could have his life back- his power, his rule… his Kikyou. She'd died millennia ago and he didn't even know where she'd been buried. That was his greatest regret. If he'd only known, then he could have done something about it. But the time for regret had long since passed. Now was the time for action.
"Mokuba!" Kagome exclaimed, finding her voice once again. Atem's eyes widened as he watched Mokuba's body fall to the pavement with a splash before writhing. Kagome was at his side quickly, ready to tend to him.
Atem turned on Naraku. "Release him!" he commanded.
"Then give her to me," Naraku challenged.
Kagome fretted over Mokuba, but when she tried to touch him, she recoiled. Naraku's dark magic was everywhere on the boy. It hurt to touch him. The shocking burn she felt must be nothing compared to what Mokuba was feeling. Suddenly, the small boy let out a scream that knocked Kagome onto her rear with wide, astonished eyes.
"I'm waiting," Naraku chimed.
"Okay! Let him go! Please!" Kagome cried out, tears streaming down her face.
It was then that they heard the sound of a horn honking loudly and a pair of headlights flashed onto them. The dark car that pulled up barely had time to stop before none other than Seto Kaiba exited it. He was over at Mokuba's side in an instant, calling out to his brother. When he made a move to touch him, Kaiba recoiled in pain.
"What are you doing to him!?" Seto demanded as he rounded on Naraku. Seto was shaking. His anger knew no bounds as he glared at Naraku for all he was worth. If looks could kill, even an immortal like Naraku would be buried six feet under.
"Enough!" Atem exclaimed just as a glowing Eye of Horus appeared on his forehead. Naraku's eyes widened in surprise. He had known of the Pharaoh's dark magic, but he hadn't been expecting it to be this strong. Momentarily, Naraku lost control of his own magic just as it collided with the former Pharaoh's. With a cry, Naraku was sent flying backwards into the alley way just as the others were sent flying into the streets. They all fell into puddles with their own splashes. It was Kaiba's frantic cry of "Mokuba!" that drew Atem and Kagome's attention. They both turned to the Kaiba brothers to see Kaiba cradling his brother's motionless body to him. Quickly, Kagome crawled over to them and placed a hand to Mokuba's forehead. The boy wasn't moving.
"He isn't breathing!" Kaiba cried out and placed Mokuba down onto the pavement. Quickly spurring into action, Kaiba began pumping furiously on his brother's ribcage above his small heart.
Kagome sat back in shock. She watched Kaiba pump while keeping count before he brought his mouth down onto his brother's and exhaled. Kagome watched him repeat this before a gasp escaped her. She tried to still the older Kaiba's movements, but he quickly shoved her away without a second glance. "Kaiba-san! You're hurting him! He's bleeding out!" she exclaimed.
Suddenly, Kaiba stopped his movements. It was then that he noticed himself kneeling in a watery puddle of blood. Mokuba was losing color in his face by the second. "Mokuba?" Kaiba asked in a small, broken voice. The bright jacket Mokuba wore was quickly staining red. "How?" Kaiba started before examining his brother's body. Kagome gasped loudly when she saw the amounts of gashes, nicks, and cuts that marred Mokuba's skin. He looked like he'd had a bad run in with a large pile of broken glass.
"Let me help you, Kaiba-san," Kagome spoke up. She placed two hands onto Mokuba's small form before a light blue light gathered on them.
Kaiba watched as Kagome focused whatever magic she had on his brother until she pulled her hands away quietly. The many cuts were slowly closing, the blood no longer draining from him. He waited impatiently for Mokuba to show any signs of life, but he received none. "He's still not moving! I thought you were going to fix him!" Kaiba growled at the girl, his eyes wild.
"She can't," a voice spoke up with a cough. Off to the side, Naraku was leaning on the wall of a building for support looking worse for wear. His high ponytail had been ruffled and he was bleeding out of the corner of his mouth and on his cheek. His fine suit was now wet and dirtied. "Not with the kind of curse I placed on the boy. He's not waking up any time soon- not without a soul at least," Naraku chuckled darkly.
"He's only a boy, Naraku. He's innocent," Kagome cried.
Atem was on his feet in a second, ready to defend his friends. "There's no need for that, Pharaoh. I'll be taking my leave for tonight. But know this, Kagome. I gave you the chance to return to me and you refused." From where she sat in the bloody rain water, Kagome shook her head in denial, her eyes brimming with tears. "You'll pay for your insubordination. I'll kill everyone in this pathetic city if I have to. But, you will know pain. It will be like nothing you have ever experienced before," Naraku promised.
With renewed anger, Kaiba rose to his feet. In an instant, he was charging for Naraku with a fist drawn. With a simple flick of his wrist, a wave of dark energy sped towards the anguished brother and collided with his torso. Kaiba froze in his place before falling to his knees. His teary, red eyes bulged as he clenched his gut and fell forward onto the concrete. Naraku straightened himself then and cracked his neck idly. "How many more will suffer at your hands, Kagome? How many more will feel the harsh sting of your dark nature- of the darkness within you?" Naraku asked with a dark chuckle.
Sitting next to Mokuba's lifeless body, Kagome looked absolutely broken. Naraku grinned widely. Before her Pharaoh could do any more damage, Naraku quickly vanished with the aid of his demon companions. Atem let out a frustrated curse before moving towards Kagome's still form. He kneeled next to her before resting a hand to her shoulder. The slight touch had Kagome jumping out of her skin with a startled gasp. Atem bit back another curse at the frightened look in her eyes. Before he could say anything to try to soother her, Kagome launched herself at his soaked form and latched onto him as if he were her very own life preserver. Looking around at the Kaiba brothers, Atem frowned deeply. Naraku would not get away with his misdeeds.
~:~
With a loud gasp, Naraku nearly collapsed onto the floors of his home as he landed. His demons pulled away quickly before retreating to the corners of the dark room. Naraku let out a racking cough before straightening himself. That hadn't gone exactly as planned. With a growl, Naraku grabbed a bottle of his strongest liqueur.
He hadn't meant to steal the boy's soul. But she forced his hand. Why did she have to be so disobedient? He had given her the chance to return to him, but she'd chosen the Pharaoh. Why? Had he not been a good master to her?
Naraku let out a frustrated noise when he emptied the bottle. With a shout, he chucked the bottle clear across the room at the wall before grabbing another. "I need her back," Naraku groaned.
Without Kagome's help, he wouldn't be able to find Kikyou. He'd tried for centuries to find the body of his beloved, but he'd failed time and time again. Surely, Kagome would know where Kikyou had been buried? After all, the two had disappeared around the same time. He never did discover who had stolen Kagome away from him… Whoever it was, must have killed Kikyou as well. Killed the only woman he loved and disposed of her body at who knows where. Naraku took another drink.
Naraku could still remember a time when he was as powerless as he felt now. It was a long time ago, back when he was nothing more than a petty thief. He'd only rob those travelling defenselessly along the dirt roads. It wasn't until he got the idea in mind to rob a wealthy nobleman did his luck change.
Naraku scoffed. His luck changed from bad to worse. He'd robbed the castle of the nobleman and had almost made it. Almost. But then there were the shouts of men and fire. Naraku could still remember the heat of the flames if he closed his eyes. The nobleman had been feuding with another powerful noble. As an act of warfare, he'd sent his army to attack and burn the castle to the ground. Yes. The night he'd decided to rob a rich nobleman was the same night another thought it was best to burn the castle to the ground.
Naraku supposed that he was lucky to have made it out alive. Barely alive, burned, and beaten, Naraku had collapsed in a small cave underground. It was there that he felt the most despair. He would have died in that hole had it not been for her. She had been like an angel. She found him lying on the brink of death and had nursed him back to near perfect health- his Kikyou.
He had to repay her for her efforts. So he had set out in the search for riches and power. It was by chance that he'd heard tales of a Wish Granter. That's where it all began. He'd slit the throat of her previous owner, taken control of Kagome's powers, and changed his life for the better. He'd had money, influence, power, and Kikyou at his side. Immortality was just something he'd wished for on a whim.
Then, suddenly, he lost it all. Kikyou had been taken from him. Her life stolen from him and her while Kagome's power was taken as well. He'd searched for both of them relentlessly for nearly a century, before giving up in despair. But now, he'd been given a second chance. "I'm sorry, Kikyou. I failed you, but it won't happen again," Naraku promised.
~:~
Moi-Moi: Um. Okay. I… I have nothing to say about this. Review please?
Edited: 5/16/15