Mamono: Hey! Another good chapter! I got really into this one!

Seto: Wow it is long!

Mokuba: Yeah..........

*gawking*

Mamono: Ooookaaay! I don't own Yu-gi-oh for the sixth time! I'm okay with that now.

Seto: Yeah sure you are.......

Mamono: I am! Really! So I hope you all like this one if ya do, please review!(Oh I'm a poet!)

Seto:..........................

~Brothers' Elegy~

Chapter 6

Insanity is Simply Rational Thinking for the Deranged

A cold sweat dripped down the face of Seto Kaiba. He tossed in his bed, clenching his eyes shut. Memories haunted his sleep, as he tossed in in bed.

"Mother!" a young boy cried, tears stained his face. He watched in horror as flames flickered across his eyes. It was burning, everything was burning. His breath was hot and filled with a thick black smoke as he tried frantically to search for his loved ones. The longer he stayed there, the larger the flames would become. His breath shortened as he scuffled around. The intense heat was more than the child could bear. His eyes became unfocused as he stumbled out into a burning hallway. The brown haired boy fell to his knees, his blue eyes were clouded as he sat there, the flames licking at his back. Ash was tumbling down, nothing was left unscathed by the intense fire. The boy coughed, he could hardly breathe.

"Mother...........," he choked, tears fell from his face and dissolved before they could hit the floor. The boys eyes became lifeless, what hope was there how for him? Even with no strength left the boy staggered to his feet, his will to survive taking over now. He practically fell down a flight of stairs only to be welcomed by more fire. He slowly inched toward a door, on the melting handle a fiery dragon. It's head lifted proudly toward the sky. The boy looked at the dragon, so proud and majestic, even in death. Thoughts of his late father flashed into his head. He had supposedly died in a car crash earlier that year. But the boy didn't believe it, no one that proud, or kind, no one like that suddenly dies in a car crash! After his father had died, his mother, who was so full of life, wilted away like a flower, she lost the glow in her eyes.

She lost the will to live on.

The boy stared fiercely at the dragon. His lips quivering in anger.

"You.....you weren't supposed to die," he shouted, "Not you.....not you, you were so strong...." the boy's eyes fell to the ground. He wanted to cry, but the tears never came.

With a loud crash, the burning door had fell atop the poor boy, the insignia of his late father searing into his back. Everything went black then and his body grew limp. The boy was engulfed by the scorching flames.

_______________________________

Seto awoke with a start. His breath was quick and sweat drenched his face. He rose only to find the room spinning every which way. He took his hand and raised it to his forehead. He let his eyelids close and sighed.

"A fever, that's just what I need......"

Mokuba was at the table happily munching on some cereal when Seto walked in. Mokuba smiled at his brother only to have him turn away.

"Seto?" he started, why was Seto being so distant? Mokuba grew more concerned when he didn't receive an answer. The little boy jumped out of his seat. He raced to his brother stopping right in front of him. He looked up, the elder Kaiba's face was sweaty and flushed.

"Seto!" Mokuba yelped. "You have a fever don't you?"

Seto turned away from his brother, he didn't want Mokuba to ever have to worry about him.

"Don't worry about it, I'm fine." he tried terribly at reassuring his brother.

"Seto! How can you say that!" Mokuba barked, "You look miserable!"

"Mokuba, I'm fine......"

"No Seto! You are not fine!" the boy said worriedly. He raced to his brother and stared straight into his eyes. It was strange, Seto hardly ever got sick, why did he all of a sudden have a fever? Mokuba thought for a minute than instantly froze.

"It...It was because of me, your sick because I pulled you into the water, then without even thinking about it, I let you give me your jacket," tears began to well in the boy's steely blue eyes.

"Mokuba don't cry......it's not your fault." Seto pleaded.

"Yes, it is, you froze the rest the time because of me, Seto.........it was freezing that night!" He stared apologetically into Seto's eyes.

"You have to stay home today!" Mokuba added sternly.

"Mokuba, for the hundredth time, I am all right!" Seto said and started for the door. "Now let's go, we'll be late."

"Seto!"

Seto didn't reply, he couldn't bear to look at his brother. He just continued to wait at the door. Tears ran from Mokuba's eyes. Why did Seto have to be so stubborn. He should stay home, he'll just get worse.

"Are you coming or not?" Seto said blankly at the door.

"Yes," Mokuba walked to his brother. Seto turned around and started walking out the door. He was stopped by a pull at his coat.

"Seto, please! Please stay home, please Seto!"

"..."

"You're not going to stay are you?"

"..."

"I see......Seto then please do me a favor?"

"What is it?"

"Seto, you have to promise me you'll take it easy today, promise me you'll be okay......"

Seto turned around and knelt in front of his brother. He gazed lovingly into his brother's misty eyes.

"I promise Mokuba, you don't have to worry about me, now let's get going, we're going to be late."

___________________________

The cold fall air whipped at Seto's face when he reached school that morning. He had promised Mokuba that he would take care of himself. He sighed and slowly walked toward his class. He was soon stopped by Yugi and Joey, who were chatting quite loudly in the hallway.

"Yo moneybags! Lookin' for a fight!" Seto cringed at the volume of Joey's voice. He shut his eyes tightly and walked swiftly by Yugi and Joey.

"Not today Wheeler," he managed to say. He wasn't thinking too clearly due to the fact he had a major headache. Joey just glared and scoffed as Seto sulked in to his class. Yugi had managed to catch the flushed look on Seto's face as he walked past.

"Joey, I don't think Kaiba was feeling all that well," Yugi said trying to calm the over active Joey.

"Whada'ya mean Yug!"

"I mean, I think he's sick, his face was awfully flushed."

"Oh, well than I guess he's off the hook, then," Joey calmed down a bit. "Hey! If he's sick what's he doin' here?!"

"I don't know Joey......I hope he's alright though......" Yugi spoke the last parts to himself. He had never known Kaiba to be the kind of guy who got sick, but I guess everyone does once in a while.......A thought crossed Yugi's mind then. It's because of Mokuba, Kaiba didn't want his brother to worry about him, that's why he came to school. Yugi smiled, he always knew Kaiba would do anything for Mokuba, even if it hurt him. This wasn't right though, Kaiba shouldn't risk getting sicker, Mokuba would be crushed if anything happened to him. Yugi decided to check back on Kaiba after school.

______________________

The rest of the day was one giant blur to Seto, he really didn't remember much that had went on. He started for his bike, he had to pick up Mokuba, soon. He stopped at a tree, he thought he might rest a bit before he went for Mokuba. He sat against a maple tree and rested his eyes. His eyelids softened as he fell into slumber.

________________________

Fire once again filled the boy's world. He lay unconscious on the floor. A young child, only about two or so ran to the boy. Tears filled his eyes, he walked up to the motionless figure. The black haired boy opened his mouth to move, but choked on the smoke and began coughing.

"Seto! Seto please! Wake up!" the child cried. He shook the boy frantically. Hoping for some sign of life. Tears fell rapidly down his cheeks. The fire was growing more intense as time dragged on.

"Seto.......," the child whimpered. "Seto.....you have to wake up.........I'm scared Seto........"

_______________________

"Kaiba! Wake up!" came a voice from the distance.

Seto's eyes fluttered open and were met with a worried glance from his rival, Yugi Moto.

"Kaiba, are you okay?" Yugi stared at Seto with sympathy in his eyes. Seto cringed at the face Yugi was giving him. He hated that look, sympathy. Seto never liked having anyone feel sorry for him. That look made Seto feel inferior. Oh, the little orphan boy has a fever, let's feel sorry for him. They sit there and feel sorry, but that's all they do. They don't really care. People who feel sympathetic to other's are just boosting there own self confidence, they help just to make themselves feel better. But do they really care?

Of course not.

"What is it Yugi?" he said coldly.

"I, just wanted to make sure your okay......that's all......." Yugi sounded hurt by the tone in Seto's voice. He wondered, what did Kaiba have against others' trying to help him? Yugi stood there and watched as Seto staggered to his feet. His breath was quick and his face was red with fever. Yugi walked over to the struggling Kaiba, he grabbed his arm and held it tight.

"Let go, now Yugi," Seto said fiercely.

"No! You don't plan on going anywhere in your condition do you?"

"I have to."

"Where?"

"I'm going to pick up Mokuba, then I have to go to work."

"Your kidding me, you can't seriously expect to get anywhere with a fever."

"..."

"You do, don't you?"

"..."

"Kaiba you can't!"

"I don't want your sympathy Yugi..."

"I don't care! I'm not letting you go!"

"Since when can you tell me what I can and can't do!" Seto turned and glared straight into Yugi's eyes. Yugi fell back and released Seto's arm. His eyes wide in shock. How can Kaiba be walking around? I can see from his face he's miserable. So why does he insist on going?

"Why?" Yugi looked up and stared straight back at those fiercely blue eyes.

"I have to......."

"You don't!" Yugi pleaded with him. "Kaiba, you don't have to do anything if your sick!"

"You don't understand Yugi......." Seto said blankly.

"Kaiba, I understand more than you think! I at least know enough to know Mokuba doesn't want you getting sick over him!"

Seto stared through Yugi, his eyes never blinking. What did he know? Seto continued to stare through the person in front of him. Misty clouds were seen as he let out a deep breath.

"Yugi, would you.....do me a favor?"

Yugi looked up in shock. The expression on Kaiba's face was suddenly softer, more understanding. Yugi only answered with silence.

"Will you pick Mokuba up from school and make sure he gets home safely?" Seto's face remained soft as he stared down at Yugi.

"I think I'm going to go home and get some rest......"

Yugi's lips curled to a smile, he was relieved that Kaiba was going to rest. He skipped in front of the CEO and turned to face him.

"You don't worry about a thing!" He laughed. "I'll get Mokuba home even if it cost me my life!" he cheered. Seto smiled weakly at Yugi.

"So Kaiba, go home and get plenty of rest." Yugi said becoming more serious. He watched as Seto turned and started to walk away.

"Kaiba!" Yugi shouted. Seto turned and looked back at Yugi, his eyebrows arched in exasperation.

"What is it now Yugi?"

"You aren't planning on walking home are you?"

"Would you rather me drive?"

"No, but I could call a cab for you?"

"No, I fine Yugi, just go pick up Mokuba." He turned quickly and continued to proceed home.

"Kaiba, you know......... you're insane..." Yugi sighed. There was no changing Kaiba's mind. Seto paused and looked to the sky, a cool wind caressed his face, cooling it down. His eyelids fell across their frozen masters as he spoke.

" Insanity is simply rational thinking for the deranged......"

A gust of wind blew as Seto walked out of sight. Yugi looked after him, Seto sure was hard to figure out. Misty clouds of breath escaped into the air as Yugi ran off for Domino Elementary. A young black haired boy was standing by the front doors of the school. He paced back and forth, his steely blue eyes filled with concern. He saw Yugi run up to him, he weakly smiled at Yugi and turned away lost in his own thoughts. Yugi only smiled. Those two brothers, they mean the world to one another. Yugi chuckled at his own thoughts.

"Mokuba, I've come to take you home." he said in a comforting voice. This only made Mokuba jump with fear, he quickly faced Yugi and stared worriedly into his eyes.

"Seto! Where is he!? Is he alright! He isn't hurt is he! Yugi please tell me IS SETO ALRIGHT!!!" Mokuba shouted at Yugi and nearly knocked him over. Yugi only laughed at the boy.

"Yugi!!!"

"Mokuba, you don't have to worry, your brother is fine, he went home to get some rest. He asked me to come and bring you home for him."

"Oh.....so he's alright?"

"Yes."

Mokuba's face instantly loosened. He was happy that Seto was home resting. He pulled Yugi's arm and led him all the way home. When they reached the Kaiba estate, Yugi gasped at the sheer size of the house.

"Mokuba! Your house, it's huge!"

"Yeah, it's cool isn't it!"

"Uh huh........"

Mokuba led Yugi to the door and pushed it open. He motioned Yugi to come in. Yugi just stood there in awe at the architecture of the Kaiba's home.

"Wait here Yugi, I want to make sure Seto got home okay." Mokuba ran around the corner. His footsteps were heard running up the steps. Little thumps were then heard overhead. Yugi leaned against the wall. He looked around, the house was so well kept, but there didn't seem to be any sign of maids or butlers anywhere. He was sure someone as rich as Kaiba would have hundreds of servants in his home. I wonder who does the cooking then? Yugi laughed at the sight of Mokuba and Kaiba trying to cook something.

___________________

Seto was sleeping in his bed, he had gotten there about an hour ago. He instantly fell asleep when he got there. He felt a cool sensation on his forehead as he stirred.

A single tear fell on to his face. He opened his foggy blue eyes. His hand barely supported him as he sat up.

"Seto!" A black haired boy cried. He fell into Seto's arms. Tears began staining Seto's shirt.

"Mokuba," Seto coughed out, "you're here....why?"

"Seto I was so scared, I thought I lost you!"

"I'm alright," Seto winced in pain as the little black haired boy hugged him. The heat was sickening. He stood up and grabbed the boy's hand. Then he led the boy out toward a door. Seto ran as fast as he could, he had to escape the heat, he had to save his brother. The flames became more intense, they searched frantically for an exit. He spied a pure light ahead, he dashed toward it, leading his brother by the hand.

He collapsed as they reached the outside. His breath was quick and shaky. Tears began to flow out of his eyes when he saw the blue sky. They had escaped. The black haired child clung to him and they both tumbled over. Seto hugged his brother tightly, as tears ran down both their faces. The small boy looked up to his brother, his eyes hazy with tears.

"Seto, I'm so glad your okay, big brother."

Mokuba took his hand from Seto's forehead, where he left the washcloth. He smiled as his brother's eyes relaxed and returned to a peaceful sleep.

_________________________

Yugi stood waiting at the door when Mokuba came back into view.

"How is he?" Yugi asked curiously. Mokuba smiled.

"Seto's gonna' be fine!"

With that Yugi smiled and started for the door.

"Yugi!" Yugi turned back to Mokuba who was smiling.

"I want to thank you."

"I didn't do anything Mokuba."

"Yes you did, you convinced Seto to come home and you also brought me home, so thank you Yugi."

"Mokuba, your welcome. Take care of your brother."

Mokuba smiled and waved as Yugi started for his home. Mokuba sighed and thought to himself about what Yugi had said. He went back inside and shut the door. He walked over to the living room and collapsed on the couch.

"Don't worry Seto, I'll make sure you get better."

_______________________

Mamono: Oh yeah long chapter! It's so good!

Seto:.......................*snores*.................

Mokuba: Seto! You can't sleep! That's not polite!!

Mamono: I'll let it slide for now, it was a long chapter.

Mokuba: Please review this one! We're all sleepy!

All:..................*snores*.................