Child at Heart
Chapter 5
I know. Maybe I shouldn't. But Yugi and Yami insisted. So who am I to refuse? This is a story about Seto, and whoever is deeply connected to him. And well, I certainly was, and would be more, as time goes on.
In truth, I didn't know why I bothered in the first place. Maybe it was because of Mokuba. He was a sweet child. Or maybe because of Seto. I don't really know. But in any case it happened. And all I can really say is, when I saw the little one, all small and cuddly and cute, he took my heart right away.
Because you see, Seto and I might be different in many ways. But we share one important thing in common. We both lost something dear to us. But Mokuba wasn't what Seto lost. Seto lost his parents. And that's what changed things. We all understand that Mokuba means everything to Seto, but we never bothered finding out why. So this is why, plain and simple. Seto lost his parents, and Mokuba was the only one he has.
Sure. We've all read stories about orphans. We've all seen movies and shows, heard of in newspapers, of other stories, biographies, all those things. But in reality none of us knows what it feels like to lose the only people to care about you. When you are a child, you are helpless. You are downright worthless. The only way people could look at you in the eye, is if you have someone to support you. But when there is no one, everyone turns their back on you, telling you what they really feel about you, and all your small actions and setbacks become simply a source of gossip and scorn.
It's hard for a child.
Actually, he knew perfectly well who I was. He knew I had hurted him somehow. But he didn't know what I did, and gave me a benefit of a doubt. I hope I passed. Afterwards he always called me Max. It was a friendly name, actually, one I haven't heard for a long time. I forgot the days when people called me that. It feels like centuries ago. Did Cecilia call me that? I don't know. But it didn't matter. It never did.
It was some time later, long after Seto regained control of his magic again. I found time that corresponds with his to visit him again, this time with three books instead of two, and also knowing that Yami and Yugi would make their way there as well.
It was as I suspected. This time there was no Joey to bother us, and for a while we waited. But Seto didn't' come to the door, and I sensed magic at work again, maybe because he was trying to hurt himself. I found that he did that a few times, for no reason, and it wasn't a light matter.
Kicking open the door like last time, I went in with more concern. He was fine, really, a little stiff, and it took me a moment to realize he was under some kind of meditation. Waving my hand in front of him and receiving no response, I finally raised my hand and hit him on the head.
Startled, he looked at me, blinking in confusion. I sighed.
" Are you alright?" I asked. " You were a little out of it back there."
" I'm sorry." He answered. It took me a moment to recognize who that voice was. It was Kaiba's.
" What's going on behind there?" I asked, meaning behind that shield.
" Tired." Kaiba answered. I looked into his eyes. Little Seto was sleeping.
" Interesting." I blinked. " Well?"
" Well?" Kaiba answered. " I knew you would come today. I knew Yami would come too. I'm pretty much ready."
" Is that why you hid him?" I asked.
" Perhaps." Was his answer. And it was cold like ice.
Sighing, I sat down. " Look, this is the spell. But these are the words that open the door. We're going to need some help here, and here is..." I squinted, a little puzzled. " Hm, strange. This is some kind of legend. And quite frankly your name is on it."
Looking into his eyes, I saw Seto wake up with a start, blinking his bright blue eyes innocently, and the images of Seto Kaiba flashed back and forth. Little Seto hopped over and climbed to my lap, surprising me a bit. But since I was holding the book,
It was strange. Because this Seto was even younger than the other one.
Not able to read it, Seto hopped off, his form flashing again, and he became a sixteen year old, but he still wasn't Kaiba.
Believe me, I knew what was going on. But I don't think I'll ever get use to it even if I had a chance.
Completely confused, Yami Yugi had no choice but to sit there quietly, watching us. Perhaps Setoboy didn't explain this to them.
" What was that about?" I asked.
" I don't know what you're talking about."
And he didn't.
Sighing in exasperation, partly at the fact that I was the only one who knew what was going on, and partly at the fact that Seto was getting on my nerves, I reverted my attention back to the book.
" Can we just go?" Seto asked impatiently. " I'm not interested in myself now, partly because I don't understand it anyway-"
" Oh really? Your seven-year-old self seemed quite interested."
" I'm talking about me here."
I shook my head. " You better listen, Setoboy. There might be things you should know. After all, I don't think even Yami has ever been to the Shadow Realm of the banned. He's only been to the dueling arena. So sit down and stay put, little one."
Annoyed but helpless, Seto sat down as I bid.
Translation was not my best talent, but this time it was very easy.
" Seto Kaiba, well, at least we know they knew your name. Son of...whoever this man was, reincarnation of someone's name, I think this is Ra." This perked Yami's attention again. " Oh. So we have the famous Ra here in our world. What a pleasure." I added sarcastically. Seto was sitting with a surprised look on his face. " You have the powers of the sun, so you basically can destroy the entire planet if you want to. You have the powers of life and death, or rather, you had-whether or not you still do is not known yet. Well, it says that you're the Master of the Shadow Games. Which explains why you and Yami are evenly matched. Speaking of which, you were the one that created the millennium items in the first place. And you break the line of fates. This is very interesting."
" Interesting indeed. Explain to me exactly why I should listen to this nonsense if we're going to rescue Mokuba."
" Relax, Seto. We have no time limit here." I looked at the poor boy, at the edge of his wits. " Calm down. I'm sure we can have this thing figured out. You don't just venture into the Shadow Realm and get Mokuba out. There are certain procedures. And even then, you might make it out yourself. So in order to secure everything we need time, and unlike most other situations, time we got, and a lot."
Seto leaned back and sighed. He held his forehead in his hand and was silent. I observed him for a minute before turning back.
" Yami." I called. I didn't feel like calling him by his nickname anyway. " Whatever your name is. You mind calling Bakura? Even if it means bringing Joey and Tristan along, maybe Tea-hm, she just went there. In any case, tell them to come over. We're setting off. The spell will be used for later-right now, Bakura's ring is better."
Reluctantly, Yugi and Yami dialed Bakura's number on the phone while I looked over the pages.
" Hm. This describes the place, but doesn't show it. What a bother." I rubbed my temples. Not for the first time I wondered why I was doing this. Maybe because I knew the whole story.
After finishing the pages, which greatly increased my headache, the bell rang, right on time. Bakura came in with a snobby Joey and confused Tristan, followed by a quiet and strangely reserved Tea.
" Guys," Yugi began. " We're going to the Shadow Realm."
I know. I shouldn't have. But what can I do? Mokuba was there. And Seto would go at any lengths to reach him. There are many things one can never understand about the child. Yet the final answer is so terribly simple. So simple, one would feel ridiculed. But unfortunately we humans look for the more complicated answers before looking right in front of us. We take the long way instead of the short cut. Only those that see can know. And only those that know can understand.
After explaining everything, Joey, Tristan and Tea persuaded us to let them come as well. It really wasn't a good idea, but someone like Joey couldn't be swayed. Seto seemed restless and impatient for us to go already. So finally we gave up arguing.
It hasn't gotten any less confusing, for them at least. I will not take time to explain the entire situation now-that will be done so later. For now, the others do not know what is going on, but they do know what to do. And luckily they were willing to do it, for Mokuba's sake and for Seto's. And that was really all we need right now.
We got into a circle, holding hands, with Yami and Bakura the only ones with their eyes open. It was the proper way to transport more than four people into the other world, and we cleansed our minds of all thoughts.
When we opened our eyes again, it was dark. I tightened my grip on Seto's hand so that he wouldn't panic again. He gave me a queer look, and then I noticed that it was no longer Seto, but his shield.
" You certainly protect yourself well." I blinked, amused. But the amusement vanished when the world crushed upon us full weight.
" It's dark." Tea whispered.
" Setoboy," I shivered, still holding his hand, " Mind giving us a little light here?"
Seto let go of Yugi's hand and held a fire ball in his left palm.
" Better?"
" Very much." Tristan answered shakily.
" Where are we?" Seto asked.
" I have no clue." Yami answered smugly. " Pegasus, have you memorized the map?"
" Well," I looked up into the air thoughtfully. " We are at the field of voids. If we go any way we should meet the entrance."
" Um, what about...the distance?" Bakura asked.
" The distance?" I blinked.
" The distance?" Yami stared at Bakura. " Oh, right. Well, distance is not a matter in the Shadow Realm. Nor is time. It just is. So, we can go slowly on for miles, or," Yami stepped one large step. We followed in the same fashion.
" We can go one foot." Yugi finished, staring at the main entrance in awe.
" So...how do we get in? What if it's locked?" Seto asked.
" Um, there's an incantation." I wracked my brain. " I'm not sure how to pronounce the words. I'm hoping it goes with every language...
Shadow door, gate of Hades,
Portal to monsters and the banned ones,
Uh...Handle that does not turn,
Wood that does not burn,
Gold that does not melt,
Skin that has not felt,
Let the living pass?"
The door opened quietly. Inside was darkness...and more darkness.
" Pegasus, we salute you." Joey muttered. " You are good at guessing."
" Oh," I blushed. " Why, thank you. But it's pure luck, I would suppose."
" Interesting. Do you have photographic memory?" Seto asked.
" Kind of? Sort of? I think? Does that help?"
" Not really. Let's get going."
The Shadow Realm isn't really a place of evil. It was just dark, and it isn't exactly a place a normal person would want to be in. Other than that, it is very quiet, very silent, dark and still. Peaceful.
For the souls, at least.
" Who are you, living ones? You shall not pass."
It was the Guardian of the Fortress.
" We are the chosen ones." Was Seto's queer answer, and I briefly wondered how that came up.
The Guardian studied Seto carefully. " The chosen ones are immortal." He said doubtfully. " They do not come to the Shadow Realm."
" They do not." I answered. " Unless they are banned. In this case we are not. But one of our loved ones has died and ended up here."
" You are not allowed to remove banned souls unless orders prevail." The guardian answered emotionlessly.
" Orders?" Seto asked confidently. He held out his rod. " We order you to let us pass."
The Guardian seemed a little cowed, but then a monster came.
" Well, if it isn't the little child we've been waiting for." Said a voice. Seto shouted as his shield was stripped away from him. Twelve year old Kaiba stared about him and looked at me fearfully. I understood.
Darn, I thought. Stripping the child of his protection. What to do now?
But the monster was Gaea the Fierce Knight.
" We cannot let you pass." Said the knight, his voice deep and powerful. " Many perils lay ahead."
" Mokuba." Seto whispered softly. He started forward. The horse stepped in his path. Gaea pointed his weapon at the child's throat, forcing him to step back.
" Where's my brother?" The poor boy cried desperately. In answer, an eye appeared out of nowhere, which was probably the way things are in the realm. It was the Eye of Truth. It opened up its huge eyeball, revealing a large golden eye with a dark and massive pupil in the center. From it shot light, and we all nearly fell from the impact.
Mokuba huddled into a small ball in a corner as light flashed about him. We saw a huge monster, hideous and cruel, the dark Kaiba that was never really part of him. Huge, thick lips grinned to present great and white teeth, massive and gnashing. Far away we saw a mop of white hair, and dark brown eyes opened, the face appearing over the stone. The eyes were filled with malice. It was Yami Bakura. Bakura shuddered at the sight as Yami seemed to look straight at us, but he did not advance. He did not see.
There were others. A beautiful woman, with dark black hair and brown, almost black eyes, dark bronze skin, walked by, licking her lips, and glared at the small form. Giving Mokuba a slash with her sword, the young child only cringed, as blood formed.
" How can strong Seto Kaiba have such a weak brother?" Yami Bakura wondered.
" He isn't strong either, wretched ninny." Said the woman. " Just a foolish little boy. Can't believe he use to be Ra, but Ra ain't such a good pharaoh either.
Seto tilted his head.
" What do you mean?" Asked Kaiba. " Sure he's weak, but he did provide some trouble. Could barely manage to get old Motou to come with his Blue Eyes."
" Ha! He hides behind a shield, don't you see? Too scared to face the world." The lady waved the fat monster off. " Wonder who should do this? Maybe one of the monsters. Dark Magician or Sagi?"
" Sagi? Sagi is good for nothing. Dark Magician is good, but he won't even harm a fly. Been serving that Motou for years."
" Motou? Why serve that guy?"
" Because he's stupid, that's what." Yami Bakura gave Mokuba a kick. Mokuba only whimpered. The eye closed, the visions disappeared.
" We're going back." I heard Yami say forcefully.
" What?" Seto cried, whirling around. " No! I'm not leaving Mokuba here! Did you see what they're going to do to him?"
" I know what I'm doing. I know what they're doing also. I also know that if we stay here any longer, things will turn out for the worst." Yami never did explain what he meant.
" But-"
" Seto, listen to him." I took his hand. " Trust Yami out of all people."
" But I can't leave Mokuba!" Seto began to panic. " I need my brother!"
" You can't do that right now!" Yami snapped, startling the young boy. " You need all seven millennium items! I need to get Shadi and Malik, but in the meantime, we have to let things be."
" Why?" Seto asked.
" Because you can't free Mokuba without all seven items!" Yami answered impatiently.
" I'm not leaving with Mokuba!" Seto was panicking.
" You don't have a choice." Without a word Yami gestured and Joey lifted Seto into his arms.
" You go make sure Mokuba's alright." I ordered. Gaea nodded and kicked at the horse's sides. They disappeared. The Guardian remained where he was as we left. Stepping out of the main entrance Yami murmured a spell and we were back home. When Joey set Seto back down, Seto was crying. But for once we didn't bother with him. There are much more important things.
Because where Mokuba was at, with Kaiba, with Yami Bakura, with the evil woman, it was the chamber of tortures. And that chamber, whoever steps out from within, his soul is immediately extinguished in the most painful way, unless the key is put in. And quite frankly, the keys are the seven millennium items.
Chapter 5
I know. Maybe I shouldn't. But Yugi and Yami insisted. So who am I to refuse? This is a story about Seto, and whoever is deeply connected to him. And well, I certainly was, and would be more, as time goes on.
In truth, I didn't know why I bothered in the first place. Maybe it was because of Mokuba. He was a sweet child. Or maybe because of Seto. I don't really know. But in any case it happened. And all I can really say is, when I saw the little one, all small and cuddly and cute, he took my heart right away.
Because you see, Seto and I might be different in many ways. But we share one important thing in common. We both lost something dear to us. But Mokuba wasn't what Seto lost. Seto lost his parents. And that's what changed things. We all understand that Mokuba means everything to Seto, but we never bothered finding out why. So this is why, plain and simple. Seto lost his parents, and Mokuba was the only one he has.
Sure. We've all read stories about orphans. We've all seen movies and shows, heard of in newspapers, of other stories, biographies, all those things. But in reality none of us knows what it feels like to lose the only people to care about you. When you are a child, you are helpless. You are downright worthless. The only way people could look at you in the eye, is if you have someone to support you. But when there is no one, everyone turns their back on you, telling you what they really feel about you, and all your small actions and setbacks become simply a source of gossip and scorn.
It's hard for a child.
Actually, he knew perfectly well who I was. He knew I had hurted him somehow. But he didn't know what I did, and gave me a benefit of a doubt. I hope I passed. Afterwards he always called me Max. It was a friendly name, actually, one I haven't heard for a long time. I forgot the days when people called me that. It feels like centuries ago. Did Cecilia call me that? I don't know. But it didn't matter. It never did.
It was some time later, long after Seto regained control of his magic again. I found time that corresponds with his to visit him again, this time with three books instead of two, and also knowing that Yami and Yugi would make their way there as well.
It was as I suspected. This time there was no Joey to bother us, and for a while we waited. But Seto didn't' come to the door, and I sensed magic at work again, maybe because he was trying to hurt himself. I found that he did that a few times, for no reason, and it wasn't a light matter.
Kicking open the door like last time, I went in with more concern. He was fine, really, a little stiff, and it took me a moment to realize he was under some kind of meditation. Waving my hand in front of him and receiving no response, I finally raised my hand and hit him on the head.
Startled, he looked at me, blinking in confusion. I sighed.
" Are you alright?" I asked. " You were a little out of it back there."
" I'm sorry." He answered. It took me a moment to recognize who that voice was. It was Kaiba's.
" What's going on behind there?" I asked, meaning behind that shield.
" Tired." Kaiba answered. I looked into his eyes. Little Seto was sleeping.
" Interesting." I blinked. " Well?"
" Well?" Kaiba answered. " I knew you would come today. I knew Yami would come too. I'm pretty much ready."
" Is that why you hid him?" I asked.
" Perhaps." Was his answer. And it was cold like ice.
Sighing, I sat down. " Look, this is the spell. But these are the words that open the door. We're going to need some help here, and here is..." I squinted, a little puzzled. " Hm, strange. This is some kind of legend. And quite frankly your name is on it."
Looking into his eyes, I saw Seto wake up with a start, blinking his bright blue eyes innocently, and the images of Seto Kaiba flashed back and forth. Little Seto hopped over and climbed to my lap, surprising me a bit. But since I was holding the book,
It was strange. Because this Seto was even younger than the other one.
Not able to read it, Seto hopped off, his form flashing again, and he became a sixteen year old, but he still wasn't Kaiba.
Believe me, I knew what was going on. But I don't think I'll ever get use to it even if I had a chance.
Completely confused, Yami Yugi had no choice but to sit there quietly, watching us. Perhaps Setoboy didn't explain this to them.
" What was that about?" I asked.
" I don't know what you're talking about."
And he didn't.
Sighing in exasperation, partly at the fact that I was the only one who knew what was going on, and partly at the fact that Seto was getting on my nerves, I reverted my attention back to the book.
" Can we just go?" Seto asked impatiently. " I'm not interested in myself now, partly because I don't understand it anyway-"
" Oh really? Your seven-year-old self seemed quite interested."
" I'm talking about me here."
I shook my head. " You better listen, Setoboy. There might be things you should know. After all, I don't think even Yami has ever been to the Shadow Realm of the banned. He's only been to the dueling arena. So sit down and stay put, little one."
Annoyed but helpless, Seto sat down as I bid.
Translation was not my best talent, but this time it was very easy.
" Seto Kaiba, well, at least we know they knew your name. Son of...whoever this man was, reincarnation of someone's name, I think this is Ra." This perked Yami's attention again. " Oh. So we have the famous Ra here in our world. What a pleasure." I added sarcastically. Seto was sitting with a surprised look on his face. " You have the powers of the sun, so you basically can destroy the entire planet if you want to. You have the powers of life and death, or rather, you had-whether or not you still do is not known yet. Well, it says that you're the Master of the Shadow Games. Which explains why you and Yami are evenly matched. Speaking of which, you were the one that created the millennium items in the first place. And you break the line of fates. This is very interesting."
" Interesting indeed. Explain to me exactly why I should listen to this nonsense if we're going to rescue Mokuba."
" Relax, Seto. We have no time limit here." I looked at the poor boy, at the edge of his wits. " Calm down. I'm sure we can have this thing figured out. You don't just venture into the Shadow Realm and get Mokuba out. There are certain procedures. And even then, you might make it out yourself. So in order to secure everything we need time, and unlike most other situations, time we got, and a lot."
Seto leaned back and sighed. He held his forehead in his hand and was silent. I observed him for a minute before turning back.
" Yami." I called. I didn't feel like calling him by his nickname anyway. " Whatever your name is. You mind calling Bakura? Even if it means bringing Joey and Tristan along, maybe Tea-hm, she just went there. In any case, tell them to come over. We're setting off. The spell will be used for later-right now, Bakura's ring is better."
Reluctantly, Yugi and Yami dialed Bakura's number on the phone while I looked over the pages.
" Hm. This describes the place, but doesn't show it. What a bother." I rubbed my temples. Not for the first time I wondered why I was doing this. Maybe because I knew the whole story.
After finishing the pages, which greatly increased my headache, the bell rang, right on time. Bakura came in with a snobby Joey and confused Tristan, followed by a quiet and strangely reserved Tea.
" Guys," Yugi began. " We're going to the Shadow Realm."
I know. I shouldn't have. But what can I do? Mokuba was there. And Seto would go at any lengths to reach him. There are many things one can never understand about the child. Yet the final answer is so terribly simple. So simple, one would feel ridiculed. But unfortunately we humans look for the more complicated answers before looking right in front of us. We take the long way instead of the short cut. Only those that see can know. And only those that know can understand.
After explaining everything, Joey, Tristan and Tea persuaded us to let them come as well. It really wasn't a good idea, but someone like Joey couldn't be swayed. Seto seemed restless and impatient for us to go already. So finally we gave up arguing.
It hasn't gotten any less confusing, for them at least. I will not take time to explain the entire situation now-that will be done so later. For now, the others do not know what is going on, but they do know what to do. And luckily they were willing to do it, for Mokuba's sake and for Seto's. And that was really all we need right now.
We got into a circle, holding hands, with Yami and Bakura the only ones with their eyes open. It was the proper way to transport more than four people into the other world, and we cleansed our minds of all thoughts.
When we opened our eyes again, it was dark. I tightened my grip on Seto's hand so that he wouldn't panic again. He gave me a queer look, and then I noticed that it was no longer Seto, but his shield.
" You certainly protect yourself well." I blinked, amused. But the amusement vanished when the world crushed upon us full weight.
" It's dark." Tea whispered.
" Setoboy," I shivered, still holding his hand, " Mind giving us a little light here?"
Seto let go of Yugi's hand and held a fire ball in his left palm.
" Better?"
" Very much." Tristan answered shakily.
" Where are we?" Seto asked.
" I have no clue." Yami answered smugly. " Pegasus, have you memorized the map?"
" Well," I looked up into the air thoughtfully. " We are at the field of voids. If we go any way we should meet the entrance."
" Um, what about...the distance?" Bakura asked.
" The distance?" I blinked.
" The distance?" Yami stared at Bakura. " Oh, right. Well, distance is not a matter in the Shadow Realm. Nor is time. It just is. So, we can go slowly on for miles, or," Yami stepped one large step. We followed in the same fashion.
" We can go one foot." Yugi finished, staring at the main entrance in awe.
" So...how do we get in? What if it's locked?" Seto asked.
" Um, there's an incantation." I wracked my brain. " I'm not sure how to pronounce the words. I'm hoping it goes with every language...
Shadow door, gate of Hades,
Portal to monsters and the banned ones,
Uh...Handle that does not turn,
Wood that does not burn,
Gold that does not melt,
Skin that has not felt,
Let the living pass?"
The door opened quietly. Inside was darkness...and more darkness.
" Pegasus, we salute you." Joey muttered. " You are good at guessing."
" Oh," I blushed. " Why, thank you. But it's pure luck, I would suppose."
" Interesting. Do you have photographic memory?" Seto asked.
" Kind of? Sort of? I think? Does that help?"
" Not really. Let's get going."
The Shadow Realm isn't really a place of evil. It was just dark, and it isn't exactly a place a normal person would want to be in. Other than that, it is very quiet, very silent, dark and still. Peaceful.
For the souls, at least.
" Who are you, living ones? You shall not pass."
It was the Guardian of the Fortress.
" We are the chosen ones." Was Seto's queer answer, and I briefly wondered how that came up.
The Guardian studied Seto carefully. " The chosen ones are immortal." He said doubtfully. " They do not come to the Shadow Realm."
" They do not." I answered. " Unless they are banned. In this case we are not. But one of our loved ones has died and ended up here."
" You are not allowed to remove banned souls unless orders prevail." The guardian answered emotionlessly.
" Orders?" Seto asked confidently. He held out his rod. " We order you to let us pass."
The Guardian seemed a little cowed, but then a monster came.
" Well, if it isn't the little child we've been waiting for." Said a voice. Seto shouted as his shield was stripped away from him. Twelve year old Kaiba stared about him and looked at me fearfully. I understood.
Darn, I thought. Stripping the child of his protection. What to do now?
But the monster was Gaea the Fierce Knight.
" We cannot let you pass." Said the knight, his voice deep and powerful. " Many perils lay ahead."
" Mokuba." Seto whispered softly. He started forward. The horse stepped in his path. Gaea pointed his weapon at the child's throat, forcing him to step back.
" Where's my brother?" The poor boy cried desperately. In answer, an eye appeared out of nowhere, which was probably the way things are in the realm. It was the Eye of Truth. It opened up its huge eyeball, revealing a large golden eye with a dark and massive pupil in the center. From it shot light, and we all nearly fell from the impact.
Mokuba huddled into a small ball in a corner as light flashed about him. We saw a huge monster, hideous and cruel, the dark Kaiba that was never really part of him. Huge, thick lips grinned to present great and white teeth, massive and gnashing. Far away we saw a mop of white hair, and dark brown eyes opened, the face appearing over the stone. The eyes were filled with malice. It was Yami Bakura. Bakura shuddered at the sight as Yami seemed to look straight at us, but he did not advance. He did not see.
There were others. A beautiful woman, with dark black hair and brown, almost black eyes, dark bronze skin, walked by, licking her lips, and glared at the small form. Giving Mokuba a slash with her sword, the young child only cringed, as blood formed.
" How can strong Seto Kaiba have such a weak brother?" Yami Bakura wondered.
" He isn't strong either, wretched ninny." Said the woman. " Just a foolish little boy. Can't believe he use to be Ra, but Ra ain't such a good pharaoh either.
Seto tilted his head.
" What do you mean?" Asked Kaiba. " Sure he's weak, but he did provide some trouble. Could barely manage to get old Motou to come with his Blue Eyes."
" Ha! He hides behind a shield, don't you see? Too scared to face the world." The lady waved the fat monster off. " Wonder who should do this? Maybe one of the monsters. Dark Magician or Sagi?"
" Sagi? Sagi is good for nothing. Dark Magician is good, but he won't even harm a fly. Been serving that Motou for years."
" Motou? Why serve that guy?"
" Because he's stupid, that's what." Yami Bakura gave Mokuba a kick. Mokuba only whimpered. The eye closed, the visions disappeared.
" We're going back." I heard Yami say forcefully.
" What?" Seto cried, whirling around. " No! I'm not leaving Mokuba here! Did you see what they're going to do to him?"
" I know what I'm doing. I know what they're doing also. I also know that if we stay here any longer, things will turn out for the worst." Yami never did explain what he meant.
" But-"
" Seto, listen to him." I took his hand. " Trust Yami out of all people."
" But I can't leave Mokuba!" Seto began to panic. " I need my brother!"
" You can't do that right now!" Yami snapped, startling the young boy. " You need all seven millennium items! I need to get Shadi and Malik, but in the meantime, we have to let things be."
" Why?" Seto asked.
" Because you can't free Mokuba without all seven items!" Yami answered impatiently.
" I'm not leaving with Mokuba!" Seto was panicking.
" You don't have a choice." Without a word Yami gestured and Joey lifted Seto into his arms.
" You go make sure Mokuba's alright." I ordered. Gaea nodded and kicked at the horse's sides. They disappeared. The Guardian remained where he was as we left. Stepping out of the main entrance Yami murmured a spell and we were back home. When Joey set Seto back down, Seto was crying. But for once we didn't bother with him. There are much more important things.
Because where Mokuba was at, with Kaiba, with Yami Bakura, with the evil woman, it was the chamber of tortures. And that chamber, whoever steps out from within, his soul is immediately extinguished in the most painful way, unless the key is put in. And quite frankly, the keys are the seven millennium items.