Chapter Four-First Encounter

"Father! I know you're here. Come out right now!" Noa exclaimed. He was upset that his father would use an innocent girl just to lure him out. Particularly Ronnie.

"Of cours e I'm here." Gozabouro appeared, with Veronica at his side. The young girl looked drained, and sickly. "I suppose this is what you came for..." He smirked.

"Veronica!" Noa glared at his father. "What have you done to her?!"

"Oh,she's all right. For the time being. But that all depends on you,My boy." He shoved Veronica back, and smirked. "Now see what I have?" He held up the virtual key. "You will convince her to let me out."

"I'll do nothing of the sort!" Noa clenched his fists angrily. This is ridiculous! He thought I'd actually try to convince Veronica of his goodness?! He's worse than I was! "I won't let you escape!"

"Fine." He snapped his fingers, and in an instant, Noa was sent to a glass room. "If you change your mind, pull the lever above you. If you can." For the lever in question was taller than Noa in his former body. "Meanwhile, I'm taking Veronica to meet her new "playmate". "

"NO! Don't you dare hurt her like you did last year!!" Noa banged on the glass in anger. "Ronnie!! Look at me!!"

Veronica barely moved, but she found the source of the somewhat familiar voice. "Oniisan......." She whispered. She swayed, and was caught by Gansley.

"Come on you. Back to your cell." He carted her off.

"Ronnie!!!" Noa was positively furious now. "Let her go, Father! She's got nothing to do with us!"

"Oh,I think not. She's more important than you comprehend." Gozabouro smirked, vanishing. He had wicked plans for Veronica,and was anxious to get them started.

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"Noa! Where are you?!" Mokuba held on to his older brother's hand tightly, as they searched for Noa. "I don't know where they could be."

"I think I know." Seto spoke up now. His eyes narrowed on a structure across the bridge. "There over in that tower base. But I've an idea." He turned them around, and entered Noa's deserted ship. "We're going to play a game with Gozabouro,using one of Nesbitt's tricks." He informed Mokuba, as they ventured into the control room.

"Shouldn't we get Noa and Veronica out first,Nii- sama ?" Mokuba used his favorite nickname for Seto only when he was really worried.

"We're going to. Or rather, they're going to." Seto chuckled to himself now, as he sat down at Noa's console. "They forget. I know virtual reality just as well as they do, if not better." He began to input file codes and numbers into the computer, trying to get access to "Alcatraz". "Bingo! We're in. Okay, Noa. Where are you?"

Mokuba watched his brother work, with a deep sigh. Once again, I'm just here. Some day, I'll be the one to do something great. I know it! "I'm going to watch TV." He mumbled to Seto, before taking his leave. His elder brother merely nodded, intent on his plan. He left the control room, and made his way to the familiar den. Months before Noa's body had finally been ready, Mokuba had found himsel f spending more and more time with him. He truly enjoyed Noa's company now that he wasn't insane and trying to brainwash him anymore. But he knew in his heart that Noa really loved Veronica, and that's why he'd come to help him make sure she was safe. Yet, it was Seto doing the saving, as always. Just once, let me be the hero! That's all I ask. I'm always the bait ,or the victim. When will it be my turn to be the saving grace for someone?! Mokuba clenched his fists angrily and turned on the plasma tv. "Wow. Noa lived the high life. Even without the body." He muttered to himself,as he watched some random show on the screen. Soon enough,he'd have to help Seto, but for now, this was what was best for him.

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Back in the control room, Seto had hacked into Noa's main computer, to access the virtual cloning program. Gozabouro would b e in for a real surprise shortly. His plan was to creat e clones of both Noa and Veronica, and mess with the vile man's head some. While Gozabouro was busy with them, he and Mokuba would get Noa and Veronica out. Someday,Stepfather, you will learn not to mess with my family. Maybe that day will be toda y. He finished typing up the specifications, and prepared for the virtual clones arrival. He typed in the exact coordinates for the location of Gozabouro and his lackeys. "Now. Do your worst, my friends." He stood up, and went to get Mokuba. They had to get over the tower now.

"Come on,Kid. We're going to get Noa and Veronica."

"Why don't you go alone? You're better at rescue than I am." Mokuba spat irritably.

"Mokuba!" Seto walked over, and sat beside him on the couch. "What's wrong? Have I upset you in some way?"

"No. I just don't feel like being bait." The youngest Kaiba scowled. "Just once, Seto. I want to b e the one who saves the day. Not you. Not Noa."

"You don't have to be the bait. You're going to save them. Come on." Seto held out his hand.

"Okay......" He took his hand,and they left the base, heading over to Alcatraz.