Notes: What happens to Bakura is not original. I took it from a Nancy Drew book! ^_~
Joey couldn't believe it. "Hey, Bakura, wake up!" he said, grabbing the other boy's shoulder. Bakura didn't respond. Joey gulped. He had thought that Bakura was asleep, but what if . . .?
"Hey, I found Bakura!!" Joey yelled, feeling a bit panicky. "He's asleep in the bed!"
****
Seto stared stonily at the murderous-looking man, his eyes narrowed. "I don't die easily," he said coldly.
"You will this time," the assassin replied. "I'll actually do the job right, unlike that incompetent my boss hired before."
"I don't think so." Seto shoved the chair at the man and dove for the door.
The chair stunned the hitman only briefly and soon he had jumped up and was shooting at the teenager, who dodged behind the globe in the library.
Seto was angry, very angry. He was tired of being shot at, but maybe if he could catch this guy he would find out where Mokuba was. Looking at the globe, he got an idea.
The hitman ran out into the library, looking around angrily for his elusive target. Suddenly Seto appeared out of nowhere, sending the globe rolling towards his attacker like a bowling ball. Before the man could dodge it, he had been knocked to the floor and the gun went spinning out of his hand. Seto grabbed and pointed the revolver at him, glaring him down.
"Now," the boy began, seething inside but outwardly appearing emotionless and cold, "tell me—where is my brother?"
The hitman's eyes narrowed. "What makes you think I know?"
"If you were hired by Del Vinci, you should know," Seto growled at him.
"I wasn't hired by him," the hitman said defiantly. "I was hired by Richard Byrnes."
Seto raised an eyebrow. "Something seems a little fishy. Why are you so eager to tell me it was Byrnes?"
"'Cause you're stickin' that gun in my face!" the hitman shot back.
Seto wasn't sure he bought this. "If you're lying to me, you're going to regret it," he hissed. "And you never did say whether you know where my brother is or not."
"I don't know," the man insisted.
"Tell me someone who does!" Seto ordered, keeping the gun pointed at him.
"The Hydra would know," the man whined.
"And where is the Hydra?" Seto demanded.
"Probably out workin' for Del Vinci," the man told him. "Now, please, will you get that gun away?!"
Before Seto could answer, the real plainclothesmen burst through the doors. "Is everything alright down here?" the first one demanded.
"I caught someone in here trying to kill me," Seto replied angrily. "Have those officers got to Del Vinci's place yet?" he demanded.
"Yes, sir," the policeman answered, "but they haven't found anything or anyone. Del Vinci's cleared out."
Seto's eyes narrowed. "I'm going out there. They might have left some clues to my brother's whereabouts."
"Sir, are you sure that's wise?" the other one asked, pulling the hitman up and handcuffing him.
"Del Vinci took my brother," Seto replied stonily as he headed for the door, "and I won't rest until Mokuba's back with me!" He glared at the hitman. "Did you know Del Vinci was clearing out?" he demanded.
"No," the hitman said, vigorously shaking his head. "He never told me any such thing!"
Seto looked him over, then turned back to the door. "Remember, if you're lying to me, you'll live to regret it."
****
Soon everyone had gathered around the display bed, where Bakura was still soundly sleeping . . . at least Joey *hoped* that Bakura was only asleep.
"Why in the world would Bakura just conk out there?!" Tristan exclaimed. "I was talking to him and he'd discovered something, but then he was just gone! I kinda doubt that he'd suddenly decide to come here for a nap!" the hazel-eyed boy added, folding his arms.
"He wouldn't," Yugi replied grimly, having summoned his Yami.
At that moment, Bakura stirred and sat up. "Oh, hello," he said, blinking at the others.
"Bakura! What the heck were you doin'?!" Joey demanded.
The silver-haired boy looked at his surroundings in utter confusion. "I . . . I don't know," he gasped. He paused, looking upset and sickened suddenly.
"What is it?" Yugi asked worriedly.
Bakura grabbed his neck and rubbed at it. "Someone grabbed me around my neck with the crook of a cane," he exclaimed, "and I'm afraid I fell unconscious."
Joey stared at him in disbelief. "You mean like in the movies when someone sang a song they didn't like and they'd pull 'em offstage?!"
"Why . . . yes," Bakura said in surprise, wincing at the memory of feeling like he was being choked.
Just then Tea came running in. "Hey, I thought I saw you guys in here!" she declared. "What's up? I came over because I saw the police come in here. . . ." She stopped short. "Why are you up in that bed, Bakura?!" she exclaimed.
Bakura explained again, and Tea was horrified. Then it was her turn to tell about what had happened with her and Mai, and the other girl's deduction on the plushies' eyes.
"Diamonds, huh?" Gabrielle mused. "I'll go check it out."
Bakura climbed out of the bed. "Let's all go," he suggested. "There's not much point in staying here, and I think I've had quite enough of this store," he added.
Some of the police officers stayed behind to continue looking for clues, but the teens started walking, promising to come back if the officers found anything or anyone who might need to be identified.
"What was it you found on the floor, Bakura?" Tristan asked.
Bakura paused, trying to remember. "It . . . it seemed to be a cameo pin, like the one Maureen wore," he said at last. "I went to pick it up when I was . . . pulled away," he finished finally, looking down. Tea laid a hand on his shoulder gently.
"I wonder what that means," the girl mused. "Is Maureen guilty or is she a innocent victim?"
That was something no one could answer.
****
Mokuba gasped, his little body racked with painful coughs. He could hardly breathe now, and he knew that he wasn't likely to make it. How would Seto even find him? He had heard that man talking to his henchmen, and now the boy knew that this wasn't that man's home; it was the home of his associate, Richard Byrnes—whoever that was.
"Seto," he choked, "please come, big brother!" He knew nothing would stop Seto from finding him if he possibly could, but Mokuba was running out of time . . . fast.
****
Seto was driving the limo himself and speeding through the city. He had an extreme sense of foreboding and knew that he had to find Mokuba immediately. He knew that it wasn't likely that Mokuba was somewhere in Del Vinci's house—at least not anymore—but maybe he would find something or someone there who could tell him. Surely if Mokuba was in the house, the police would've found him . . . wouldn't they?
Suddenly Seto had to swerve the limo wildly to the left to avoid hitting a reindeer. Before he could stop it, the limo slammed into a tree and he was thrown forward against the wheel.
Yugi, across the street at the toy store, looked out the window and gasped. "Isn't that Kaiba's limo?!" he cried.
Joey and Tristan, who were listening to Gabrielle's confirming that the plushie eyes were diamonds and examining the stuffed toys in disbelief, looked up. "Huh?"
"The limo that just crashed—it's Kaiba's!" Yugi exclaimed.
"Oh my!" Bakura was alarmed.
Quickly the teens rushed outside and over to the limo. "Kaiba?" Yugi called, banging on the window. Not getting an answer, Yugi yanked the door open and grabbed Seto's body. "Kaiba! Wake up!" He pulled the other boy's limp form out of the limo. "Kaiba, you must wake up," Yugi told him.
"Is he hurt bad?" Tea asked worriedly.
Yugi shook his head. "I don't know."
****
Seto heard their voices vaguely, but he couldn't seem to make himself come back. He found himself on his hands and knees with darkness all around him. "Mokuba! Where are you?" he called frantically.
"Your brother is not here," a soft voice replied.
Seto looked up. "Kasumi?"
The little angel appeared and nodded. Her expression was kind, as always, but there was an underlying sadness in her eyes and smile.
"Where is my brother?" Seto demanded, standing up.
Kasumi paused. "He is in a dark, gloomy prison and he does not have much time or air left," she told him.
Seto paled. "Why aren't you with him?" he cried. "He needs someone with him until I can find him!"
"But someone is with him," Kasumi said softly. "No one is alone."
"Can't you tell me where he is?" Seto pleaded.
"He is not far," Kasumi replied, reaching up to touch the boy's shoulders gently. "Now, Seto, you must go back. God will help you on your quest." Was it Seto's imagination, or had he seen a tear slip down the girl's cheek?
He had no time to ponder on that, however, because then he found himself starting to regain consciousness.
"Kaiba, are you alright?" he heard Yugi ask.
When Seto opened his eyes he discovered that he was laying on the couch in Mr. Thorton's office. "What am I doing here?" he demanded.
"You crashed your limo, man," Joey said, shaking his head. "You should've let your chauffeur drive."
"Are you insinuating that I don't know how to drive, Wheeler?" Seto sat up, rubbing his forehead. He had been driving perfectly fine; there wasn't anything else he could have done in the situation.
"Are you really alright, Kaiba?" Tea asked.
"Tea thought we should call an ambulance," Yugi told him.
"It's good that you didn't." Seto stood up and headed for the door. "I don't have time for such nonsense. Mokuba's life is at stake!"
"But how're you even gonna find him?" Joey asked.
"I have a lead." Seto turned to go, still puzzling over Kasumi's words in his mind. A dark, gloomy prison without much air. . . . His gaze fell on the vault in the corner and he gasped. Would someone really be so wicked as to . . .
Yes, they would, Seto realized grimly. He didn't have any time to waste. If Mokuba was locked in a vault, he had probably been there for hours already. What if his brother was . . . No! No, he couldn't think like that. He couldn't!
Wild thoughts swirled through his mind and suddenly the boy strode to the safe and pulled on the door. It was unlocked, and it swung open easily.
"What the heck are you doin'?!" Joey asked, completely baffled.
Seto ignored him, staring into the vault. He hadn't *really* thought that Mokuba would be in there, but he felt that he would have to check in every walk-in safe he found. Finding nothing, he turned and walked silently out the door.
"That was kinda freaky," Joey said loudly, breaking the ensuing silence.
"We have to help him find Mokuba," Tea declared.
"Yeah, but how?" Tristan shook his head. "I'm sure he has a better idea of where to look than we do."
Yugi stared ahead thoughtfully. "We need to find Maureen," he said at last. "I sense that she can tell us much."
Suddenly a loud crash came from the storage room. Someone was in there, and it wasn't the police.
****
Mokuba was fading now. The only thing he could think of was curling up for a nice nap. It was so warm and cozy. . . . Surely it wouldn't hurt if he just closed his eyes.
"You must stay awake, little Mokuba."
Mokuba blinked. Who had spoken?
Gentle arms enfolded and held him close. "Your brother will come," the soft voice whispered.
Mokuba snuggled up next to this person. His mind was so fogged at this point that he didn't even stop to wonder how anyone had gotten in. Perhaps she was another prisoner that he hadn't noticed before. "Seto," he said softly.
"Yes, Mokuba," the voice told him. "Seto will come."
Mokuba's eyes felt heavy, but he tried to keep them open. He could barely breathe. Kasumi knew that the little boy couldn't last much longer.
Joey couldn't believe it. "Hey, Bakura, wake up!" he said, grabbing the other boy's shoulder. Bakura didn't respond. Joey gulped. He had thought that Bakura was asleep, but what if . . .?
"Hey, I found Bakura!!" Joey yelled, feeling a bit panicky. "He's asleep in the bed!"
****
Seto stared stonily at the murderous-looking man, his eyes narrowed. "I don't die easily," he said coldly.
"You will this time," the assassin replied. "I'll actually do the job right, unlike that incompetent my boss hired before."
"I don't think so." Seto shoved the chair at the man and dove for the door.
The chair stunned the hitman only briefly and soon he had jumped up and was shooting at the teenager, who dodged behind the globe in the library.
Seto was angry, very angry. He was tired of being shot at, but maybe if he could catch this guy he would find out where Mokuba was. Looking at the globe, he got an idea.
The hitman ran out into the library, looking around angrily for his elusive target. Suddenly Seto appeared out of nowhere, sending the globe rolling towards his attacker like a bowling ball. Before the man could dodge it, he had been knocked to the floor and the gun went spinning out of his hand. Seto grabbed and pointed the revolver at him, glaring him down.
"Now," the boy began, seething inside but outwardly appearing emotionless and cold, "tell me—where is my brother?"
The hitman's eyes narrowed. "What makes you think I know?"
"If you were hired by Del Vinci, you should know," Seto growled at him.
"I wasn't hired by him," the hitman said defiantly. "I was hired by Richard Byrnes."
Seto raised an eyebrow. "Something seems a little fishy. Why are you so eager to tell me it was Byrnes?"
"'Cause you're stickin' that gun in my face!" the hitman shot back.
Seto wasn't sure he bought this. "If you're lying to me, you're going to regret it," he hissed. "And you never did say whether you know where my brother is or not."
"I don't know," the man insisted.
"Tell me someone who does!" Seto ordered, keeping the gun pointed at him.
"The Hydra would know," the man whined.
"And where is the Hydra?" Seto demanded.
"Probably out workin' for Del Vinci," the man told him. "Now, please, will you get that gun away?!"
Before Seto could answer, the real plainclothesmen burst through the doors. "Is everything alright down here?" the first one demanded.
"I caught someone in here trying to kill me," Seto replied angrily. "Have those officers got to Del Vinci's place yet?" he demanded.
"Yes, sir," the policeman answered, "but they haven't found anything or anyone. Del Vinci's cleared out."
Seto's eyes narrowed. "I'm going out there. They might have left some clues to my brother's whereabouts."
"Sir, are you sure that's wise?" the other one asked, pulling the hitman up and handcuffing him.
"Del Vinci took my brother," Seto replied stonily as he headed for the door, "and I won't rest until Mokuba's back with me!" He glared at the hitman. "Did you know Del Vinci was clearing out?" he demanded.
"No," the hitman said, vigorously shaking his head. "He never told me any such thing!"
Seto looked him over, then turned back to the door. "Remember, if you're lying to me, you'll live to regret it."
****
Soon everyone had gathered around the display bed, where Bakura was still soundly sleeping . . . at least Joey *hoped* that Bakura was only asleep.
"Why in the world would Bakura just conk out there?!" Tristan exclaimed. "I was talking to him and he'd discovered something, but then he was just gone! I kinda doubt that he'd suddenly decide to come here for a nap!" the hazel-eyed boy added, folding his arms.
"He wouldn't," Yugi replied grimly, having summoned his Yami.
At that moment, Bakura stirred and sat up. "Oh, hello," he said, blinking at the others.
"Bakura! What the heck were you doin'?!" Joey demanded.
The silver-haired boy looked at his surroundings in utter confusion. "I . . . I don't know," he gasped. He paused, looking upset and sickened suddenly.
"What is it?" Yugi asked worriedly.
Bakura grabbed his neck and rubbed at it. "Someone grabbed me around my neck with the crook of a cane," he exclaimed, "and I'm afraid I fell unconscious."
Joey stared at him in disbelief. "You mean like in the movies when someone sang a song they didn't like and they'd pull 'em offstage?!"
"Why . . . yes," Bakura said in surprise, wincing at the memory of feeling like he was being choked.
Just then Tea came running in. "Hey, I thought I saw you guys in here!" she declared. "What's up? I came over because I saw the police come in here. . . ." She stopped short. "Why are you up in that bed, Bakura?!" she exclaimed.
Bakura explained again, and Tea was horrified. Then it was her turn to tell about what had happened with her and Mai, and the other girl's deduction on the plushies' eyes.
"Diamonds, huh?" Gabrielle mused. "I'll go check it out."
Bakura climbed out of the bed. "Let's all go," he suggested. "There's not much point in staying here, and I think I've had quite enough of this store," he added.
Some of the police officers stayed behind to continue looking for clues, but the teens started walking, promising to come back if the officers found anything or anyone who might need to be identified.
"What was it you found on the floor, Bakura?" Tristan asked.
Bakura paused, trying to remember. "It . . . it seemed to be a cameo pin, like the one Maureen wore," he said at last. "I went to pick it up when I was . . . pulled away," he finished finally, looking down. Tea laid a hand on his shoulder gently.
"I wonder what that means," the girl mused. "Is Maureen guilty or is she a innocent victim?"
That was something no one could answer.
****
Mokuba gasped, his little body racked with painful coughs. He could hardly breathe now, and he knew that he wasn't likely to make it. How would Seto even find him? He had heard that man talking to his henchmen, and now the boy knew that this wasn't that man's home; it was the home of his associate, Richard Byrnes—whoever that was.
"Seto," he choked, "please come, big brother!" He knew nothing would stop Seto from finding him if he possibly could, but Mokuba was running out of time . . . fast.
****
Seto was driving the limo himself and speeding through the city. He had an extreme sense of foreboding and knew that he had to find Mokuba immediately. He knew that it wasn't likely that Mokuba was somewhere in Del Vinci's house—at least not anymore—but maybe he would find something or someone there who could tell him. Surely if Mokuba was in the house, the police would've found him . . . wouldn't they?
Suddenly Seto had to swerve the limo wildly to the left to avoid hitting a reindeer. Before he could stop it, the limo slammed into a tree and he was thrown forward against the wheel.
Yugi, across the street at the toy store, looked out the window and gasped. "Isn't that Kaiba's limo?!" he cried.
Joey and Tristan, who were listening to Gabrielle's confirming that the plushie eyes were diamonds and examining the stuffed toys in disbelief, looked up. "Huh?"
"The limo that just crashed—it's Kaiba's!" Yugi exclaimed.
"Oh my!" Bakura was alarmed.
Quickly the teens rushed outside and over to the limo. "Kaiba?" Yugi called, banging on the window. Not getting an answer, Yugi yanked the door open and grabbed Seto's body. "Kaiba! Wake up!" He pulled the other boy's limp form out of the limo. "Kaiba, you must wake up," Yugi told him.
"Is he hurt bad?" Tea asked worriedly.
Yugi shook his head. "I don't know."
****
Seto heard their voices vaguely, but he couldn't seem to make himself come back. He found himself on his hands and knees with darkness all around him. "Mokuba! Where are you?" he called frantically.
"Your brother is not here," a soft voice replied.
Seto looked up. "Kasumi?"
The little angel appeared and nodded. Her expression was kind, as always, but there was an underlying sadness in her eyes and smile.
"Where is my brother?" Seto demanded, standing up.
Kasumi paused. "He is in a dark, gloomy prison and he does not have much time or air left," she told him.
Seto paled. "Why aren't you with him?" he cried. "He needs someone with him until I can find him!"
"But someone is with him," Kasumi said softly. "No one is alone."
"Can't you tell me where he is?" Seto pleaded.
"He is not far," Kasumi replied, reaching up to touch the boy's shoulders gently. "Now, Seto, you must go back. God will help you on your quest." Was it Seto's imagination, or had he seen a tear slip down the girl's cheek?
He had no time to ponder on that, however, because then he found himself starting to regain consciousness.
"Kaiba, are you alright?" he heard Yugi ask.
When Seto opened his eyes he discovered that he was laying on the couch in Mr. Thorton's office. "What am I doing here?" he demanded.
"You crashed your limo, man," Joey said, shaking his head. "You should've let your chauffeur drive."
"Are you insinuating that I don't know how to drive, Wheeler?" Seto sat up, rubbing his forehead. He had been driving perfectly fine; there wasn't anything else he could have done in the situation.
"Are you really alright, Kaiba?" Tea asked.
"Tea thought we should call an ambulance," Yugi told him.
"It's good that you didn't." Seto stood up and headed for the door. "I don't have time for such nonsense. Mokuba's life is at stake!"
"But how're you even gonna find him?" Joey asked.
"I have a lead." Seto turned to go, still puzzling over Kasumi's words in his mind. A dark, gloomy prison without much air. . . . His gaze fell on the vault in the corner and he gasped. Would someone really be so wicked as to . . .
Yes, they would, Seto realized grimly. He didn't have any time to waste. If Mokuba was locked in a vault, he had probably been there for hours already. What if his brother was . . . No! No, he couldn't think like that. He couldn't!
Wild thoughts swirled through his mind and suddenly the boy strode to the safe and pulled on the door. It was unlocked, and it swung open easily.
"What the heck are you doin'?!" Joey asked, completely baffled.
Seto ignored him, staring into the vault. He hadn't *really* thought that Mokuba would be in there, but he felt that he would have to check in every walk-in safe he found. Finding nothing, he turned and walked silently out the door.
"That was kinda freaky," Joey said loudly, breaking the ensuing silence.
"We have to help him find Mokuba," Tea declared.
"Yeah, but how?" Tristan shook his head. "I'm sure he has a better idea of where to look than we do."
Yugi stared ahead thoughtfully. "We need to find Maureen," he said at last. "I sense that she can tell us much."
Suddenly a loud crash came from the storage room. Someone was in there, and it wasn't the police.
****
Mokuba was fading now. The only thing he could think of was curling up for a nice nap. It was so warm and cozy. . . . Surely it wouldn't hurt if he just closed his eyes.
"You must stay awake, little Mokuba."
Mokuba blinked. Who had spoken?
Gentle arms enfolded and held him close. "Your brother will come," the soft voice whispered.
Mokuba snuggled up next to this person. His mind was so fogged at this point that he didn't even stop to wonder how anyone had gotten in. Perhaps she was another prisoner that he hadn't noticed before. "Seto," he said softly.
"Yes, Mokuba," the voice told him. "Seto will come."
Mokuba's eyes felt heavy, but he tried to keep them open. He could barely breathe. Kasumi knew that the little boy couldn't last much longer.