Chapter 3: " A friend in need is a friend Indeed"
Author note: "yugioh doesnt belongs to me but to Kazuki Takahashi, the only thing that belongs to me is the plot and my OC's , have fun reading ❤ "
ONE WEEK LATER...
Day: Tuesday Time : 6:00AM
Location :Kaiba Mansion
It was a another beautiful, glorious morning in city of domino. The sun was shining brightly in the navy blue sky, spreading its golden rays everywhere. The bird chirp melodies in the trees and welcome the tranquil morning.
Kaiba woke up sharp 6:00 AM in the morning. He was like a living Swiss watch,always punctual and accurate. He would never let time get the best of him nor waste a single minute in meaningless things. For a businessman time was money in everything and kaiba always used it appropriately with right tactics.
Right now kaiba was currently standing in front of the long elegant mirror after soothing hot shower. He was only dressed in his dark blue pants, his muscular bold chest and sharp six packs were expose in vision. Small pearl like water drops trailed down his chest,caressing his every muscles gently then rolling downwards slowly to his sexy abs, that contracted and relaxed at his steady breathing. After drying his hair, he brought the towel to his wet-socked chest , sighing in pure relief at the sweet scent of peppermint hitting his nostrils. Making relaxed and calm.
"The hot shower beats hell out of coffee. Nothing ,but healthy remedy for my sore head" kaiba mummer-ed himself in satisfaction. Feeling light as a feather and at peace surprisingly. He throw the towel professionally on his luxurious king size bed that was covered in blue silk sheets. He reached his elegant white shirt laying motionlessly on bed, Instantly shoving his muscular arms in the glamours sleeves. His muscles on his body moved in motions of his arms sexily. Quickly being concealed in his aesthetic shirt. He quickly buttoned up his shirt in speed and then wrapped a silk blue tie around his neck perfectly. Finally he wore his white coat and gazed at the mirror with a egoistic smirk on his dashing smile
"I'm not surprise why every woman is after me. I was born handsome ,but better yet a brilliant CEO that old bastard Gozaburo couldn't handle my success." He said coldly and arrogantly, his lips curled into a pompous smirk as he remembered his stepfather devastating defeat...how amusing it was, like becoming the most powerful person on globe. His cold cerulean eyes shine more proudly at the flashback of Gozaburo priceless, pathetic face. How that bastard was horrified at his marvelous victory. A second defeat no less, that old man was a fool to challenge him and his very own ego took the best of him and leading him to a golden opportunity; gaining all 51% shares and becoming the new CEO of kaiba Corp
"That old bastard should have been aware of my abilities from our first encounter, losing the game of chess from a Child of no more than 11. " Kaiba haughtily said with his ego boasting more and more, his soul was on a blazing fire at his tasteful victory against him. He chuckled arrogantly while gazing the pristine mirror infront of him, recalling Gozoburo jumping out of the window at his defeat and committing suicide in a flash, unable to bare his magnificent accomplishments in his game.
"Such a incompetent old fool he was. Challenging someone far superior mind then him. I actually feel pity for him even through the countless ...beating and torture he give me" He said in extremely ice cold voice, with a sadistic smirk on his handsome face. His smirk hold more deep hidden emotions no one ever seen...except for mokuba. He was beyond proud and...more damaged then ever...
"But..." he whispered, yet sternly. His smirk disappearing in a instant and his infamous cold hard face return, his icy stare pierce the mirror, showing the overwhelm hidden emotions that were locked for ages...
"With my victory I also paid a bigger price... A price of becoming what I am today... a person who cant even Express a single hint of sincere emotions and a person who has become intertwined with work... " he said disappointment in his proud voice yet a slice of anger in his words. He narrowed his eyes more , knowing he never gives mokuba any time nor looks after him properly. His entire life was a mess In honest means. Working day and night and musing over the past...like Gozaburo and ... Atem...
He stare at the mirror for few more minutes and then decide to head downstairs, knowing he has numerous load of work in and if he estimated the time, he will most likely return home at midnight. Sighing in deep exasperation as it was futile. He grabbed his sleek ivory suitcase and went downstairs abruptly. His face was stone cold like a fearless leader, his jaw was firm tight in concentration and his dark cerulean blue orbs glowed domimately with sheer arrogance. Looking dashingly intimidating. The maids and butlers stood obediently in columns, bowing their head in respect at their master's presences. The CEO walked across them , his magnificent, expensive trench coat flicker behind his back like a royal Cape of majesty.
The servants remained in bowing state, representing obedience and loyalty towards him, but in reality they feared kaiba's anger and his piercing cold cerulean eyes that send shiver down their spine. It was crystal clear to every individual member of house staff, that their master didn't tolerated any insignificant mistake in task nor disobedience. If one rebelled against his authorities , that so called person would be fired in a instant with disgraceful humiliation that would haunt him or her for eternity...
"Good morning Master Kaiba " they greeted in union to their Master with utter respect... but Kaiba merely ignored them.. showing no hint of acknowledgment, for him they were just mediocre people of low life that desperately need money to continue their inferior lifestyle. They were simply his employees and his main priority for them was ; dealing his mansion obligation appropriately and keeping it in one piece. Other wise, he cared no less from them. Kaiba proceed to trod his long elegant corridor of his splendid mansion, his polished ebony boots echoed proudly at every step he took, embellished with power and superiority! His charismatic appearance was reflected on the crystalline marble pavement he step, displaying his dominance over the mansion like the proud CEO he was.
He continue to walk forth gracefully ,his dark silhouette casting behind his back, caressed every inch of the obstacle intimidating, showing his rightful claim over this mansion. He soon entered his luxurious dining hall, where walls were embellished with royal blue wall paper , the ceiling had over 10 expensive diamond chandeliers and a long resounding dinning table with furnish wooden chairs. Making the entire place look like a royal ball room filled with extravaganza!
Kaiba took his seat and places his suitcase on the floor, finally craving for bitter yet strong caffeine in his mouth. He grabbed the motionless newspaper from the table and saw from his corner of his eyes , the head of maids: Rin Takeo approaching him
"Good morning master Kaiba, I hoping you will have the usual today ?" she inquired monotonously , seeing how her master was yet again in his infamous mood again
"That's correct, but this time serve me black cappuccino. The yesterday coffee was absolutely pathetic" he remarked unsatisfactory with disgust, moving his cold blue eyes to the newspaper Like Rin doesn't exist near his presences.
"It seemed more of low standards beverage from a incompetent hotel" he stressed coldly ,keeping his cold blue cerulean eyes glued to newspaper, skipping over few headlines that failed to capture his interest . Rin raised an eyebrow at her master, giving him a disbelief look. She knows his recent foul mood was cause and to be honest she felt like he was immature child , dealing with his stupid fuss over tiny things and minor mistake his Ego couldn't stand. Demanding everything to be arranged flawlessly filled perfection! . Rin suppressed her sigh and nodded her head powerlessly, knowing nothing can be done, but then again she truly wished someone would teach him a lesson for being such a unbearable asshole!
"I apologize if it wasn't your liking master kaiba, I will assure you it wont happen again" kaiba yet ignored Rin words and continue to flip pages of newspaper to see read something eye catching, something worth his while. Rin watched her master engrossed in the newspaper and decided to return to the kitchen to instruct the chef his masters orders,but she remembered something regarding mokuba... the poor child favour she nearly forsaken and a favour that deal with his elder brother. she took a deep breath to gather her bearing and decided to inform the younger kaiba wishes
"There is also something you should know master kaiba " Kaiba instinctively sense his maid indifferent voice. He notice her voice was filled somber and was in a whisper form as if she has committed a hideous crime. He kept his cold cerulean eyes locked in the newspapers, not responding back but waiting for her continue.
"Master Mokuba is departing to a camp trip today " kaiba heard her, slightly narrowing his eyes as mokuba mention no such subject to him? Making him contemplate himself when did his little brother decided to leave? Has he been to intertwined with his work that he has forgotten about mokuba's well being?...has he been that...neglectful?
"He is leaving today, accompanied by Yugi moto and his friends. He wont be back for two week..." that news zapped kaiba brain extremely tremendously! Making his eyes to be widened in utter shock! Not believing his ears! His brother is going alone on a camping trip with those Runts! His hands firmly grabbed the newspaper, causing his nails to dig deeply within the crippled paper and crumble it ruthlessly,! Rin knew this would send her master anger to an edge, she can clearly see the disapproval expression on his face, looking displeased with unexpected news...
"Why was I not inform beforehand?, why did mokuba didn't discuss it with me?" Kaiba demanded Rin with stone icy voice like daggers slicing through his tongue.
"Believe me master kaiba, he wanted to tell you before he declared this plan, but unfortunately ..."her voice become weaker
"you were busy with work and return late night " Rin replied respectfully yet sadly recalling how mokuba tried so hard to tell this to seto! But never got the chance! Not to mention kaiba give importance to his work too much! Making him so distance from everyone ! Leaving Mokuba isolated in the huge mansion ,with no one to talk,play and be taken care off. Rin shifted her eyes down on the floor , remembering one night mokuba crying in his room sadly...it was truly heartbreaking
"He really tried to inform you sir... he was very enthusiastic to tell you himself but regardless of your work he couldn't..." Kaiba eyes further became concentrated at her words, his broad shoulders turned tensed! His teeth slightly chanted in sheer agitation and his soul was on blazing fire of guilt! Turing his soul into smithereens of anguish ashes... he couldn't comprehend mokuba was struggling..nor those absurd people were going with him,but then again he should have known about it ! He should have been aware of his brother constant strives ! His disruption towards him!... it was his fault! when did he become so irresponsible!
Rin watched her master displeased look, seeing as he was not responding back to her words... she decided she should continue her task, hesitantly walking away towards her destination. She continued to trod towards the corridor
"WAIT!" With an icy cold whisper, Rin halt in her tracks, feeling shiver run down on her spine at such piercing ice baritone, making her slowly turn around to face. To her surprise kaiba was standing up from his respected seat, holding his brief case with an iron fist with his infamous glare portraying his facial features. She blinked amber eyes confusedly not understanding his current posture. she constantly watch how he stood like a statue, feeling nervous as silent continue to rule the dining hall, making her gulp softly and slightly fidget her hands in anticipation, not noticing the spark of guilt plaster on her master face...
kaiba sighed in exasperation after musing and looked at Rin seriously
"Mokuba decision are not my concern , however make sure he is taking his phone with him along KC communicator" kaiba strictly instructed Rin, his words were venomously corrosive like acid that can form craters on pavements with its ferocity.. all because of the fiery guilt inside his cold heart , that was putting him in great shame, feeling disappointed within himself, how his own brother struggle to speak with him
"But master..."
"Also inform Fuguta he will be going along mokuba, I don't want any unnecessary cases of abduction on my brother. Im I clear?" Kaiba demanded with his piercing blue orbs, exaggerating the last line with stress. at least wanting his bodyguard to go and to look after mokuba over his absences , wanting to give him a hint. he still hold him dear inside his heart...
"Yes, I understood " Rin replied obediently bowing her head a little to telltale him she understood his instruction loud and clear. In reality she was surprised they was no arguments over mokuba decision ,which was a indeed rare sight but she sensed a hint of guilt in his tone... she wondered why? She was lost in her contemplation in her mind but soon saw kaiba walking away towards the exit of the mansion. She was silently how he grabbed the polish door knob and before departing he replied sharply
"I wont return before midnight, have mokuba informed this and make sure he has breakfast before he leaves!" He commanded her arrogantly, finally walking out the mansion to his limo as Isono took him . skipping breakfast again and making Rin sighed in sheer somber, knowing her master will never change nor the state of this mansion gloomy system...
3 HOURS LATER
"Now that's what I'll call a good start of summer vacation! Camping trip to country side for 2 weeks! Full of relaxation!"
"Yeah, I cant wait to sock my feet in cold river water and take pictures of humming birds!"
Anzu excitedly replied back to Jonouchi in sheer happiness! Her blue eyes sparkled immensely at the nod of Yugi smile. Agreeing on the idea, this camping trip will be superb!
Anzu recently return from New York to spend the holiday with her friends. Her dance practice was going smooth and surprising she was already remarkable student in her teachers eyes! While yugi and the others joined Domino Grand college, studying side by side while following their dreams in separate path. Honda was working with dad in the factory ,Jonouchi and Yugi took class together in college but sometimes polished their dueling skills through a friendly match, Otagi opened his own game shop while continuing his studies with others . Shizuka and Mai together opened they own mini salon and gracefully established well in the society.
For now the entire Gang were heading to kaiba mansion. Yugi, Anzu, Jonouchi , Otagi , Honda ,Shizuka and lastly Mai were prepared to start their journey! As soon as they pick mokuba up. Yugi was hoping kaiba will tag along them in their camping trip, it would be nice to have his company. He always consider kaiba his good friend and ally, despite how cold and prideful that person was, but Jonouchi was praying that asshole CEO doesn't come! That bastard always cause his blood to boiled in fury at his mockery dogs jokes! Oh how they would always be a conflict between them! Conflict of mass destruction...
Yugi and his friends soon reached the glorious kaiba mansion that stood tall and proud infront of them. Giving a strong dominant and superiority sensation! Jonouchi ,Otagi and Honda looked at the mansion awely, their jaw dropping at its magnificent exterior
"Oh give it a rest you three, its just a mansion for crying out loud! Dont act like you never seen it before" Mai resorted to them, rolling her eyes at their ridiculous looks
"To hink was enough to show his Ego but his mansion is off the charts, it takes away the entire cake!" Honda said, not taking his eyes off the entire mansion outlooks
"Yeah with cherry on top season with sprinkles!" Otagi added after Honda looking like children who has seen Christmas lights for the first time. Shizuka sweatdropped at those boys , shaking her head in disbelief at their silly words, not believing how grown men like them could be so immature at times.
" Argh! That rich boy doesn't know when to stop being a big showoff!" Jonouchi shouted at top of his lungs! Feeling irritating and jealous of kaiba success!
"One these days I'll kick his ass in the duel and then everyone will call me the new king of games!" Jonouchi shouted in determination! Punching his fist in the thin air to show his might!
"And then kaiba would become the most underrated duelist there is! Leaving me to laugh at his sorry butt!" Jonouchi smirked in victory, looking strange with his creepy chin smile, causing Mai and Anzu to sigh heavily at his words in futile.
Honda and Otagi blinked their eyes at first in confusion and then look eachother for a moment and burst in to fitting laughter! Falling down on the ground with tears running down their cheeks in sheer humour! Their stomach aching as they couldnt handle Jonouchi sentences! Knowing it was absolutely impossible to beat kaiba. Yugi smiled weakly at them, watching how Jonouchi give them a death glare in fury, utterly offended by their laughter
"According to the current skills you have, I say it will take you around 20 or 30 years to take down kaiba jonouchi" Honda mocked him, trying to catch his breath after laughing out loud, but Otagi put a hand on Honda and wipe his own tears away with a giggle.
"More like it would take him eternity to defeat kaiba. Not to mention he needs to beat yugi first inorder to be the "new king of games"
"Then consider it never earning opportunity, but Hey! Jonouchi look at the bright side your existing title of executive under dog remains untou/"
I SHOW YOU UNDERDOG WITH MY FIST! ARGHHHH!" Jonouchi interrupted Honda in ferocity! His anger took the best of him at their morckeries on him! Like a dangerous violent blood hound! He punched them on the faces! Producing a feminine scream from Otagi and Honda to have a wrestling match with Jonouchi on the ground! Looking like two babies fighting over a candy!
Mai and shizuka rushed to stop them, grabbing they arms and pulling them away from eachother from getting harm! Soon the heated fight cooled down with a hard smack by Pissed off Mai on Jonouchi's head and a warm hug by shizuka to Honda, leaving Otagi slightly jealous at Honda's smirk and wiggling of his eye brows, how he has a upper hand on establishing a relationship with her.
Yugi felt pity for his Jonouch and mustered a small smile of encouragement while Anzu pressed the door bell decided to take further action inorder to prevent even more fights.
"I honestly need more female friends..." Anzu mummered to herself in disbelief . After few moments the door slowly creaked open, making Yugi and the other attentive, dropping their laughter. Rin opened the door gradually widely, smiling at them in politeness.
"Welcome, Master mokuba has been expecting you. Please come in." She smiled, giving them warm welcome to her master guests. She gestured them with her flick of her hand to enter and soon they stepped inside the splendid mansion. Otagi and Honda eyes popped out of their sockets at the luxurious exterior, roaming their eyes every expensive obstacle, from sparking chandeliers, caramel wall paper to polish pristine marble pavement and splendid vastness of the mansion. Mai and shizuka were paralyzed at such exquisite-ness , no one comprehended it could be so grand. however , Yugi cubical amethyst eyes flickered at the cold ,gloomy atmosphere of the mansion... it was like he entered a haunted house...
"Yugi, what do you think happened here? I dont recall kaiba's house looking so dead inside? its like we entered a haunted house" Otagi whispered to him carefully so that Rin doesn't hear them. Yugi shifted his amethyst eyes to him, not knowing the answer to the question to himself , but he agreed with him at such disturbing environment of kaiba brothers remembered coming to mokuba birthday last year and remembered how it was so lively and bright! filled with pride just like Kaiba personality but this... it was like dark endless maze With no purpose ...what the hell happen it here?
"I have no clue, but something tells me something happened here. Maybe mokuba will know the reason behind it" yugi replied after musing over his thoughts
"If you ask me, I Think that Rich boy got ditched by his fangirls. he properly jealous of ya stealing his fan club and fussing over to duel you again" Joey remarked tauntedly with sarcasm dripping over his words , making Anzu and Otagi to give jonouchi a bored look as they were not humored by it while Mai gritted her teeth in sheer annoyances at her boyfriend stupidity, cant believe he can be such a idiot at times! wasting no time she swiftly raised her hand and smack his head hard!
" you cant keep your mouth shut for 10 minutes cant you! Kaiba's servant will hear you pup and ain't planning to cause trouble here" Mai scold him with disapproval , shaking her head at her obnoxious boyfriend negatively
"OUCH! Mai what was that for!" He protested! looking at her with pouted lips like a child who has been scolded. He rubbed his throbbing head childishly ,growling as Mai rolled her eyes on him, only causing cluster of laughter to be evoken by Honda , Otagi and Anzu . Yugi sweat dropped at his friend's action and chuckled weakly at him...somethings will never change...
Suddenly a faint chuckled caught everyone attention, making everyone to blink their eyes and look ahead, only to discover Rin was giggling in humor. They all blinked their eyes in confusion, wondering her sudden action? Rin halt her chuckled and gaze back at the gang with happiness in her amber eye
"I dont mean to cause any disrespect or any eavesdropping , but Master Kaiba does not have such "fangirls and "fanclub" you speak of" rin replied, chuckling at thought of a girl holding kaiba's hand, finding it very comical as the man never seemed like a person to hold such relationships. He was so cold like frosty snow , always so serious and formal with his obligations revolving around him like a planet. A relationship of girl with him was just absurd thought! A impossible Philosophy and utter fantasy dream.
Though it would be interesting if he ever made a "close connection" with a female " Rin told them with a sincere smile , giggling at their bewildered faces at the unexpected answer from her ,but especially how she caught them Red- handed with the whispering about her master behind her back. Jonouchi eyes were popped opened like sauce pans , few drops of sweat fall down his face in shock. looking dumb-started as he did not saw this coming at all... he soon saw how the others face him with glared plastered on their faces at clumsiness while Yugi face palmed himself.
"Yeah... I get it. dont open my big mouth so much" He replied in embarrassment with red cheeks. His rubbed his head at Mai's furious look and continue to walk forth quietly in shame.
Soon the gang arrived at the magnificent dining hall and saw the younger kaiba siting on the cuisine full table and having his breakfast...ALL ALONE...
Mokuba notice unexpected footsteps in the dining hall and immediately raised his head to investigate, only to smile extremely brightly at the sight of his old friends! that send his heart to flutter like butterfly in sheer happiness! casting a bright Glow on his somber face like magic!
"Guys! your here! Its been ages since i seen you!" Mokuba exclaimed hysterically! jumping off his chair in overwhelming excitement! dashing to them in a speed of sound and immediately receiving a tight , warmful embrace by Yugi and the others
"Hey mokuba are how ya kiddo! " Yugi spoke in joy hugging mokuba tightly
"Yeah buddy,Look how tall you are! you hair is even longer than mine!" Otagi added after Yugi, petting Mokuba head like sweet precious child he was. Even Though mokuba has turned 13 year old, he was still that same old adorable child to them, however many changes were apparent on his face which cant be deny. His almond sharp onyx eyes were abit resembling his elder brother, he has develop a soft jaw line and he was almost taller than yugi. mokuba pulled away from the embrace and eyed Otagi with a proud smile at the praise by him.
"Oh nothing special. I once grew my hair till my lower back, but Seto said I should keep them at stable level" Mokuba replied softly ,
"he said I would Look Feminine with my hair this long so that why i have to keep them to my shoulder blade length" he said with a blush on his petite cheeks, knowing deep down his brother only means well for him. Anzu and shizuka Smiled in understanding to him, but glad to meet the younger kaiba after the Diva incident. Joey approach mokuba with a obnoxious smile and said
"Speaking of that moneybags!" jonouchi roamed their eyes there and there in search of kaiba
"where is he? dont tell me he's working his butt off at again?' Joey inquired mokuba about the CEO whereabouts, realizing he hasnt seen him around the mansion, not that he had any expectation to meet that bastard, but asked him out of nowhere
"Yeah mokuba is kaiba tagging along? I was hoping he would be joining us" Yugi asked mokuba with his trademark smile but soon his eyes amethyst eyes widen at mokuba sudden Slience...and mood of change... shizuka and Anzu notice the sheer sombre and grief in his eyes, watching how he shifted his eyes down on the ground helplessly ,his lips curled into a frown. It made the gang to blinked their eyes at the troubled young kaiba and wondered what was wrong.
"Hey mokuba, sorry if I said something offensive" Jonouchi apologised feeling guilty at the thought he upset him.
"I didnt meant da hurt your feelings dude" he said placing his supportive hand on his tiny shoulder to sympathize
"No Joey...its not your fault... and you didnt do anything..." mokuba assured Jonouchi in a whisper , his voice full of despair and his eyes further saddened at seto's recent foul behaviour, how he has been so much indulge in WORK...how he has become so different...
"Mokuba what happened? You can tell us" yugi encouraged, bending down on his knees to meet mokuba eyes that were gazing on the floor. He gently rubbed his one arm to comfort him, noticing how the young kaiba was shivering a little. Anuz and Shizuka gather around mokuba to comfort him, knowing the sweet hyperactive younger kaiba was never so negative.
"Its..." mokuba took a deep breath to control the sobs vibrating his throat in sadness, feeling so vulnerable that he couldn't help his older brother to overcome his distrutping thoughts and anger after diva incident
"Its seto... Seto isnt the same anymore... he quit playing duel monsters...and he never spend time with me nor smile" mokuba with heavy heart told yugi and the others, only to cause everyone to be shocked at such unexpected news... Honda and Otagi looked at eachother in shock while Jounouchi nd Anuz were speechless as if they were paralysed by his words.
Yugi own eyes were widen at this, never comprehend in his skillful mind ,Kaiba would stop dueling duel monsters! And neglect mokuba!? But why?! What was the cause of it?! What was the reason for this explanation! Yugi snapped himself to reality and gently placed his hands on mokuba shoulders , trying to stay focus at mokuba because he looked like he would breakdown in tears
"But why mokuba, what cause kaiba to take such a huge drastic step! To end his career as duelist! " he asked , desperately wanting to know the source of it.
He is a beyond talented duelist! He shouldn't throw away his dueling passion like this!" Yugi softly tighten his hold on mokuba fragile shoulders, wanting to know the reason!? He couldnt help but feel worry for him
"Did kaiba hit his head or something? Not playing duel monster is like the end of the world!" Jonouchi shouted hysterically! Making Mai and Otagi to sweatdropped at Blonde's over dramatic behaviour, looking like a child who cant live without its action figures
"Oh man! I cant picture my life without duel monsters! I will go nuts! Like cuckoo nuts!" He added panicky, pacing Back and forth like a waddling duck, making Mai to get annoyed by his boyfriend actions! Feeling like she will burst in flames , but Honda approach Jonouchi and wrapped his arm around his neck and give him a tight smack on his head
Hey stop acting so stupid man, we are discussing over mokuba problems, not yours wise Guy!" Honda pointed out, putting some sense in his mind as mokuba was the main core of the subject !. Jonouchi growled at Honda but then notice mokuba still disturbed sad face. He nodded his head and honda soon let go, happy no arguments broke like few minutes ago.
Yugi sighed deeply at this in deeply at Joey clumsiness and shooked his head. After a moment he looked at mokuba, wanting for his answer as the commotion was piped down. Everyone was now focused on mokuba but soon, he spoke further, with his head still bowed down
"Seto quited dueling because of his constant failing attempts to Duel atem " he replied his voice weaker in saddness than ever
"But I thought kaiba was through dueling atem, he even admitted that Atem went away after defeating diva and saving all of us!" Yugi respond, trying to understand kaiba's action, he remembered crystal clear, how they both shake eachother hands with a smile and went on their spread paths after the tournament? He himself knew atem will never return and remember himself how the millennium puzzle vanished in the thin air with atem, leaving golden glittering dust behind as a reminder he was here...
"No yugi...I'm afarid seto didnt drop the revenge to duel against atem. " mokuba said, his eyes filled with unshed tears as he looked directly in yugi's eyes.
"Seto pretended he was fine because of his he was more damaged than ever... After the tournament ended big brother founded another way to duel atem" mokuba revealed the bitter sceret of his elder brother, making yugi to be stunned at his words while the gang to become speechless... another way?
"Another way to duel...atem?" Anzu said in confusion, looking at mokuba for any sign of explanation
"Yes, he took Diva's Quantum Cube and discovered its hidden teleportation power. A power that could take seto afterlife where Atem is"
"AFTERLIFE!" all of them shouted in sheer astonishment! Looking at mokuba as if he had said something gibberish! Something illogical that defy the fabric of time and space!
"But, how come a mortal enter the afterlife!? That's just impossible !?" Otagi protest, having hard time to believe kaiba actually made the Impossible, the possible outcome.
"He invected a machine known as Duel dimension machine, it's a technology that was designed accordance to the Cube power. Seto worked on the machine day and night, not caring about his health" mokuba continue, roaming his eyes to Otagi and then back to yugi while recalling how he was so obsessed to Do this...not even concern of the high dangerous risks that could do to him. Oh how he remembered the countless convincing arguments he had with him, how he was desperate to stop him.
"After the development of the machine seto successfully travelled afterlife but the heavy pressure on the machine cause its engine to malfunction, causing seto to stay there for 5 minutes and then... return him back ... with the cube turned Into dust" his voice turned even more sorrowful and agonizing, remembering his brother huge shout of anguish in his room after falling to duel atem again...its was so painful... for him to bear seeing his brothers in such broken state. His dark blue cerulean eyes no more hold brightness and his warm smile towards him disappear for good.
His oxyn eyes soon welled up with salty tears and fell down his cheeks like steam of river, caressing his pale cheeks in sheer sadness
"And after that..." mokuba took deep breath ,as his sobs broke his sentences, making Anzu and Shizuka to place they hands behind his back in support, frowning at his tears... truly a heart breaking sight...
"Seto lost his will to play duel monsters and started to act even colder than before... he no longer spend time with me anymore... nothing been the same..." he said with a trembling voice, sobbing as he felt so lonely and helpless than ever before... he felt he lost the real seto he knew and once loved, he no longer felt that warm fatherly and brotherly affection... everything changed so fast, as if the time was reversed back to the era when gozaburo used to tortured them, when he was so distance and apart from seto...
Yugi and the gang eyes soften in sorrow for mokuba...he looked a like child that was left abandoned with no one to love. Now they all understood why mokuba planned a camping trip. He felt isolated and wanted to spend time.
Yugi softly wrapped his arms around mokuba, pulling him closer , rubbing his back to comfort him and calm him down, he gazed the others who were still speechless at what mokuba said, having hard time to believe kaiba went even beyond the borders of limitation...just to duel atem...forgetting mokuba wellbeing and his own... Jonouchi was about to open his mouth to say something to mokuba but Mai placed her hand on his shoulders to prevent it knowing, now was not the best time.
Mokuba sniffed ,hugging Yugi's back as he was broken inside his heart and soul, crumbled into dust as he didnt know what to do and how to overcome his older brother vigorous anger and sensation of lost!. The girls powerlessly looked mokuba, not knowing what to do... as kaiba was a very... difficult person to have a conversation, knowing him, he will burst into flames and would immediately walk away like a stubborn mule he is. Yugi was contemplating himself right now, he know he has to talk with kaiba and sort this out, going to afterlife and risking his life like this was a foolish act and deep down he has a hunch Atem must have send kaiba back to their realm because even he saw that the CEO was destroying himself beyond imaginations. He took a deep breath and gently pulled mokuba away from him, in order to make eyes contact with him. He flashed a warm smile and softly wiped his tears away with his thumbs and said
"Dont worry mokuba, everything will be fine." Yugi assured him determinedly, feeling nostalgic and deja vu, how Atem used to comfort him when things were not so bright. He remembered his counterpart warm wiseful words that enlighten his mind , smiling at the wonderful memories and said
"When I used to be stuck in a bad situation, Atem used to guide me with his words, that where is darkness, there is also a light. A light so strong that can penetrate our lives and bring brightness!" Mokuba listened to yugi attentively, blinking his eyes like a cute puppy at his words of wisdom, making his heart to relax at this
"And I know deep down, kaiba will break soon free from his dark path and gain his motivation!" Yugi further stress! His own eyes shining in pure brightness! And in pure believe! Anzuand Otagi nodded his head, feeling their head to burn in devotion and determination
"Yeah! Ditto! I believe kaiba will be just fine! That man is a cold hearted person, but he will soon get out of that dark shell like he always does!" Anzu exclaimed in response! Punching her hand in the air as she agrees with yugi!
"Me too, kaiba can do! He has us, even though he has hard time calling us his amigos! We are still there for him!" Otagi added feeling determined than ever like old times
"If you need help knocking some sense in that moneybags head, you can ask ya old pal katsuya jonouchi here!" Jonouchi chirped in, pointing his thumbs at him in confidence with a smirk.
"Cause this guys knows the tricks to motivate people through fist fights " he said with his obnoxious face making everyone to giggled at him feeling his words lighten up the atmosphere
"The only thing you can do is being an executive underdog and eat over 16 hotdogs in 10 minutes!" Honda mocked him with taunting smile making everyone to burst into laughter in humor! But resulted Jonouchi pouncing on Honda and beating his ass up once while Otagi struggled to stop them
Mokuba watch them, giggling like a precious child with a smile on his face,happy how everyone was with him and believed strongly seto will be fine. His eyes softened at such great people he has as friends and couldnt be more grateful. He smiled brightly, feeling all the tension to blew away from his brain and have a strong belief, seto will be just alright.
After the few roughhouse between Honda and jonouchi and earning few black eye and bruises, the gangs went to the spare limo waiting outside for them, mokuba was surprise Fuguta was coming along! But even more stun when Rin told kaiba told him to watch over him! Not mention giving a KC communicator to stay in touch with seto! It made mokuba to smile in boundless happiness! overjoyed to know his elder did care about him! The other couldn't be more jubilant for the younger kaiba and knew it was sign of kaiba's love towards mokuba.
Soon Fuguta place their luggage behind the limo storage and let everyone buckled up and drive straight to the country side of Japan. With excitement embellished in everyone hearts! And hoping for the best in the future.
Rin watched how mokuba went away with his friends, smiling as she knows a bright future will surely arrived at their door step, that would change bring, great revolution to everyone lives, especially seto kaiba's Frost cold heart and his purposeless soul.
To be continue...