Day 18: AU Seto. Plus a (hopefully?) fun cameo. A generic modern setting where Seto is still CEO of KaibaCorp, we just don't talk card games.

Hostage

Mokuba had been kidnapped three times as leverage against KaibaCorp. Seto had devised every means imaginable to prevent a fourth.

He'd never imagined a fourth where Mokuba was not the target at all.

"For the last time," his captor growled from behind a mask. "The password."

And as he had from the start, Seto kept his gaze cold and his voice silent.

"Then I guess it's time to start playing rough."

The torture was pedestrian. At least, that's what he told himself. The more scorn he could muster, the more silence he could maintain.

But the most dangerous thought wormed at the back of his mind:

Whenever Mokuba was taken, Seto had been the one to cross oceans to get him back.

He didn't know if he could muster the same kind of rescue for himself.

"I see the cracks." His captor chuckled. "Just say the word; you're free to go."

"Go to hell," Seto snarled.

But he hadn't meant to speak at all.

"Water torture," the man declared. "I think I'm about to finally see my reward."

His lackeys hooked Seto under the arms and hauled him to his feet. The ever-present handcuffs chafed his already raw wrists and ankles. Every previous time he'd been grabbed, he'd made the attempt to fight back, but he suddenly found he couldn't muster the energy this time.

Was it worth it to hold out?

Was his life's work worth his life?

A loud clang echoed through the dark cell. The men holding Seto stiffened, turned toward the corner the noise had emanated from. Before Seto could utilize the distraction, his captor gave a low, sharp grunt and collapsed.

A red-haired woman stood behind him, smirking in the low light. She seemed much too small to have dropped the burly man with a single blow, but the confidence in her expression was clear.

As was the command in her voice: "Let him go, boys."

The lackeys did so unceremoniously, dumping Seto as they both lunged forward. By the time Seto twisted himself into a half-propped position, they'd both been dispatched as well. Seto gaped. The woman kicked one, seemed satisfied he wouldn't rise, then knelt beside Seto and began working at his handcuffs with a set of picks. Soon enough, his hands were free. Then his legs.

"Who are you?" he finally managed.

"I'm Yori. A bounty hunter. Rescue isn't my normal agenda, but Mokuba Kaiba made a compelling case."

Seto's heart pinched. He'd known Mokuba couldn't save him personally, but he'd been a fool to think his brother wouldn't find someone who could.

"He also promised me a hefty paycheck." The woman smirked once more. "I'm assuming you're the one who signs the checks. He was a little young."

Yet she'd taken the job anyway.

"You'll be compensated," he assured her. There would also be an NDA to keep her from taking the story public. Hopefully she would be cooperative.

She offered him a hand, but he climbed to his feet without it. His legs wobbled, but he stood.

"A stubborn one." She seemed to admire the trait rather than condemn it. She nodded toward the exit. "Let's get you back to your brother."