Mokuba went to visit Kaiba in the hospital every day. His grandfather drove him there and would let him sit and talk to his brother for hours. The five executives and the guards were all arrested, but Kaiba had yet to come out of his coma. Mokuba made sure that the older boy's locket was always around his neck. He hoped that it somehow let Kaiba know that he was thinking of him even when he was away.
"Grandpa?" the raven-haired boy asked the older man who was standing at the other end of the hospital room.
"Yes?"
"I thought you should know that I've made my decision. I… I want to stay with Kaiba if he still wants me to. For now, or when he's well enough to let me. To get to know him better."
"I see."
"Are you mad?"
"No, Mokuba. I could never be angry with you for this. And neither could Yugi. It's just that it won't be the same without you. But I know you're making the right decision. I'm proud of you. Yugi actually told me a while ago that he thought this would be your choice. And you know that you can come and stay with us whenever you want. For as long as you want."
"I know," the child smiled and turned back to his brother. "Does it help him? That I'm here with him?"
"The doctors believe so. They think your visits are improving his condition." He watched the child smile as he held his brother's hand for a moment before deciding to leave the room and give them some time alone.
A little while later, as Mokuba was talking to Kaiba, he thought he saw him stir and grabbed his hand to squeeze it.
Kaiba gently squeezed back. "Mokuba?" he mumbled softly.
Mokuba reached across to hug him. "I knew you'd make it back, big brother."
The older boy looked at him weakly. "Are you alright kid? They didn't hurt you?"
"No, I'm fine. I was just so worried about you. I'd better tell the doctor you're awake," he hurried out of the room excitedly.
~`~`~`~`~`~
Mokuba came back as soon as his brother was ready to have a longer visit. "Kaiba?" he started. "I told Grandpa that I made a decision about where to live." He looked away for a moment as if afraid of what the older boy's reaction would be. "I want to stay with you. If you still want me to, that is."
His brother smiled. It was the most genuine smile Mokuba had seen on his face in a long time. "I do want that kid."
Three invisible figures watched the scene. Soon they disappeared.
"They're gone," Mokuba whispered. "They're really gone."
"Yes," Kaiba answered him, understanding what he meant. "But it's okay. We don't need them here anymore." His brother nodded. "We'll be fine. And since there's no longer any need to avoid confusion, I think it's time you started calling me Seto."
The older boy paused for a moment. "When we get home, which will be today if I have any say in this, I'll also tell you what you wanted to know about my life after the orphanage. It's time you found out. But Mokuba, you must understand that the details aren't pleasant. And this is family business. I want it to remain between the two of us."
Mokuba smiled at him, honored that he was being trusted with this information. "I promise it will." He reached over from his chair to hug his older brother. They stayed next to each other for a long time, taking comfort in each other's presence.
~`~`~`~`~`~
In an instant, the three figures arrived back in their own world. Seto sat at his desk while Mokuba and their mother stood by the couch.
"As promised, you are back on the day you left. It is only ten minutes later," the dark haired woman said. "I did this because the two of you must remember just how strong the bond between you is," she went on. "There will be many tests, many dangers ahead of you in Battle City. Both of you have unique strengths that will be needed for the challenges that come."
The woman bent down to look into Mokuba's eyes. "And you must remember to trust Yugi since your brother cannot."
Mokuba thought he heard his brother mumble something but could not make out exactly what it was.
"I know how you feel Seto," their mother told him. "But Yugi is not your enemy. I must go now, but I have one final warning to give you. Beware of Noa."
At that moment, Mokuba felt as if he had just awakened from a dream or been released from a spell. For the first time his mind was completely clear in her presence. He suddenly reached out for his mother's hand and looked into her eyes pleadingly. "Wait! Don't go yet. Please. There's so much I want to ask you. Tell you. Can't you stay with us a little longer?"
"I'm sorry Mokuba, but you know that I cannot." She turned to look at them one last time. "Remember that I love you both." With that, she was gone.
Mokuba ran over to Seto. Now that the whole experience was over, his brother's scientific mind was hard at work trying to come up with a reasonable explanation as to why it could not have happened. Parallel realities did not exist. Besides, no alternate form of himself could be such an idiot. "What do you think she meant big brother? And who is Noa?"
"I don't know," Seto replied. "And I don't care. There is nothing he or anyone else can do to hurt us. I'll protect you from whatever tries to get in our way."
"I know you will." Mokuba's eyes were filled with innocence and trust. Seto was at that moment extremely grateful that he did not have to share him with anyone.
"It's time for you to go to bed," the older boy said. I want you well rested for Battle City."
"Alright. Good night, Seto." Mokuba gave him a hug and headed off for his room. Their hearts were filled with unspoken feelings of love and gratitude. But then, the two brothers never did need to use words to communicate as their hearts always understood each other.
The End
So that's all. Thank you to everyone who read and reviewed this story. It's been a lot of fun.