Chapter 6

The mansion's windows were lit in several places. From the front, it was impossible to tell if either his brother or Kiseira were still awake. Their windows, and his own, all faced the backyard.

After receiving the Rod from Yugi, Kaiba had taken a circuitous route going back to his home. Those visions had caused plenty of more questions and very few answers. Besides, while he had been gathering enlightenment, the people here were probably growing angrier with every passing second for his careless lack of control.

Now, getting near to eleven o'clock, Kaiba stood before his house with his hands in his pocket, blue coat fluttering in the wind. It was so simple to look into the grounds and believe nothing could go wrong there. Whoever lived there had to have practically everything. Who would believe he was having such a hard time keeping strange images from his mind and staying in good keeping with his younger brother? And, when everything was looked over, was that not what was most important? Kaiba had learned that the hard way. It was just one more reason he was indebted to Yami and how much it helped Kaiba despise him.

The resounding feeling of his shattering heart had never left him, just as the images of his own death by Duel Monsters still, occasionally, crept into his dreams. "Mind Crush" and other appalling experiences were merely more proof of the odd powers from the Millennium Puzzle and the lack of scientific explanations in today's world—at least, his world.

Hopefully, everyone was in bed and trying to sleep. That way, he could do what he needed in privacy and maybe unhindered. It would not help if his brother arrived and yelled at him to do what he was going to do already. Kaiba wanted them all to know he did it of his free will.

His goons easily kept his arrival quiet. He was the master here. Why should he not come and go as he pleased?

Going up to his room and taking some items would be difficult; Mokuba's room was nearby. He fervently wished his brother to be sleeping. Having to see the boy's miserable or angered face would hurt him more than he could stand right then.

He did not turn on any lights. The second floor was mostly dark, so he assumed the others to be in bed. The next thought that came to him was the hope that Metsukiao would not begin crying. She might blow his cover that way.

The Rod Kaiba set on his bed for the time he needed to gather other things. A few books, schoolwork, a pen and pencil, his white coat, some clothes, a comb he almost forgot, his briefcase and bag, and the Rod.

It seemed strange that this was so final when it was hardly anything at all. It must have been the action itself.

There was a small amount of time that he used to look over his dark room. However, that was too dramatic even for him to do long, so he turned around and left. A small padding followed him.

"Seto?"

Great, he had awakened his brother. Counting on his brother to be still half-asleep, Kaiba said quietly, "Go back to sleep, Mokuba. You have school tomorrow." Maybe his brother would not quite recall what had happened and automatically obey.

That was a joke. Mokuba never automatically obeyed anything anymore. He was growing rebellious.

"Where were you? Do you even want to know how Metsukiao is? Or were you hoping to get rid of her?"

"Stop it, Mokuba," he said sharply. "I didn't mean to shake her. Either hers." He quickened his pace, hefting his bag to his shoulder and clasping his briefcase more tightly.

"Don't walk away like you did before! Face it, Seto."

"I'm not walking away, Mokuba. I'm making certain I am not going to endanger anyone again. You won't have to see me anymore if you don't want to."

"Good." The boy was trembling in his body's attempt to release all the pent-up emotion that had been held back for the fact that there had been no reason to let it out without his brother there to yell at. "I don't want to see you ever again."

Kaiba stayed silent, continuing his walking and working on having no reaction. He prided himself, usually, on being able to not make any indicator that something was bothering him. This time, it was growing exceedingly more difficult.

"Did you hear me, Seto? I want you gone!"

Kaiba started going down the steps at an accelerated pace.

"You shouldn't hurt people like that! You said you were going to try, Seto! You said!"

Mokuba was on the verge of the stairs himself. Yet, in the dark, his eyes misjudged and he missed the first step. Promptly, his small body fell forward. Wind-milling his arms did not help, and Mokuba stumbled down the stairs. His feet had made some evident noise, and his brother turned back up toward him. Much to his surprise, Kaiba saw his brother plummeting toward him. Dropping his briefcase, he extended his arms to catch his accident-prone younger sibling.

As soon as Mokuba was stabilized, he started pummeling his brother's midsection. Sobbing, his body finding a way to release all his emotion at last, he soon stopped hitting Seto and clung to him instead.

"Seto, why? Why?'

Kaiba continued standing there, letting his brother hit him and cry into him as he pleased. Cautiously, he put a hand on his brother's head of hair. Mokuba did not slap it away, so he left it there.

"Seto?" came his voice in a few minutes, very muffled. "Have you found yourself yet?"

He almost smiled. Such an odd question, yet it was so close to what had happened. Perhaps his brother had been talking with Kiseira.

Mokuba let him go and looked up at him. The glistening trail of tears glittered in the darkness. Out on the streets and in a few rooms, some light was on in order to reflect on his face.

"Where are you going? You're not really leaving, are you?" He bit his lip to keep his face steady and keep in any more tears.

"I was just going to move into the basement and never see you until I was certain I could control myself."

Uncertainly, Mokuba asked, "Are you joking?"

"Yes, I'm joking. Or at least, partially."

Mokuba turned his depressed, begging face on him. "But why?"

Kaiba picked up his briefcase. "I should think you would know. You just attacked me because of it."

"Oh, that. I'm sorry. But you can't leave! No one is mad at you. At least," he said hastily, seeing his brother's skeptical glance, "not anymore. I let it out. And Kiseira was never angry. Metsukiao doesn't remember."

Silent, thinking, Kaiba wished he could trust himself as much as Mokuba trusted him. And forgive himself.

"Please? I know you won't do anything like that again. I know you, Seto, even if you don't think you know yourself."

A sudden smile crossed his face, but in the darkness, it was difficult to see. His brother's begging face must have been taking effect. Kaiba readjusted everything he was carrying and moved to the right of his brother. Then, side by side, the Kaiba brothers went back upstairs.

-

Maybe the Rod was still having an effect just by being in his room, but that night, Kaiba's dreams were of more than just the girl and the dragon. This time, the images went in some kind of order, and he began to make sense of things, if there was sense in the belief of reincarnation.

So, if it is true, that is what life was like. That is who I was, Kaiba thought. Even in his head, it sounded foolish.

A sheepish Mokuba was in his room when he awoke. As soon as the boy saw his brother was awake, he ducked out with a silly grin.

"What was that about?" Kaiba asked himself as he sat up. For some reason, his mouth was extremely dry.

Going downstairs for breakfast, he could not understand Mokuba's fit of the giggles. Why was his brother acting so young today?

"So, Seto," he finally said, "did you sleep well last night?" A huge grin swept across his face.

"Yes," he replied cautiously. "Why?"

"What were you dreaming about?"

Kaiba frowned.

Mokuba started laughing again. "I heard you talking in your sleep! And you know what I heard?"

Face whitening, thinking his brother thought he was insane, Kaiba waited.

"I heard Kiseira's name! I know she's staying now!"

"Mokuba!" But the boy had already jumped to his feet and dashed away, chortling hysterically.

Kaiba thought about chasing after him, and, deciding things were back to normal, he got up and followed.

-

"That is the last time I am acting your age. The last time I am acting younger than your age." Kaiba collapsed onto the couch, still catching his breath.

Mokuba was equally tired out, but he was still smiling. "It was good exercise," he said defensively.

Kaiba just looked at him, making his brother start snickering again.

"I have to go to school, and so do you."

The boy groaned, but allowed himself to be hauled to his feet. Then, grumbling he went to ready his bag.

Kaiba went outside when he was ready, waving goodbye to his brother. Far above, where no one saw, another figure waved farewell from a second-story window with one hand. The other was wrapped around a quiet infant.

"Goodbye, Seto."

-

Another trial would await him when he got home. Mokuba had said Kiseira had not cared about what he had done, but he had to apologize. And, after what he had learned from the Rod, nothing would be easy to say in front of her.

First, he took care of the homework they always gave as a nuisance. Sometimes, Kaiba was certain they did it to particularly irk him.

Then, Kiseira was his next homework. If he thought of it that way, he was certain everything would go more smoothly.

She was not in the child's room right then. Hesitating greatly, Kaiba paused in the doorway. Then, he went inside.

Metsukiao was sleeping on her side, small eyes shut. Still, her dark lashes and brows stuck out enough on her chubby face to highlight where they were. It seemed, at least for Metsukiao, sleeping took a lot of concentration. Her face was screwed up tightly.

Chuckling slightly, Kaiba commented, "Yeah, sleeping can sometimes be like that. I know of that from late."

He did not know why this was so nerve-wracking,—well, he did know, but he refused to admit it to himself—trying to be physically caring and responsible. He did not want to take a role in Metsukiao's life. But, Kaiba had promised to try, and he would, however difficult it turned out to be.

The baby let out a small sigh, playing with her mouth a little like she was smacking her lips. Glancing up, Kaiba decided to try his chance. He was alone here. How hard could it be to hold a sleeping infant?

Slowly, easing his hands around her soft belly and back, Kaiba slowly started to lift her up. One little arm waved and she looked like she would cry. Instantly, he froze. A crying baby was not something he wanted. What was it Kiseira and Mokuba always did?

"Shhhh," he practically hissed. He sounded idiotic. At least it helped. She turned silently onto her back, so Kaiba merely pulled her up.

From her flopping head, he almost cursed because of something he had forgotten: her neck. How could someone keep it all straight? Don't hold her too tightly, support her head and neck, move slowly, be gentle…the list went on and on. Faintly, in a part of his mind free from the annoyance, he was slightly amused at himself. Seto Kaiba, CEO, young genius and not knowing how to hold a child.

Swiftly, he adjusted his hold, but he was anything but comfortable. A little warm spot was growing in his arms and near his chest, but he could not relax. How did one go about putting a child down?

He bent over the crib realizing that his middle that was supporting Metsukiao could not be lowered with her. Even with his long fingers, he did not seem to have big enough ones. Or, maybe, Kaiba should have a third hand. By transferring her to his two hands, her head took a small dip again before he could grasp it again. She made a slight pouting sound, indicating full-out tears were coming. Swifter than ever, Kaiba put her back down. It was not the lightest of landings.

Cries erupted as her face blotched and reddened. One who could look so peaceful one moment could change so suddenly into another being unattractive at all.

A movement at the front of the room made Kaiba jump back from the crib and try to look unsuspicious. The white figure paused in the doorway a moment, then continued inside.

With an ease and swiftness Kaiba could not fathom, she had the child in her arms, securely nestled. The crying did not stop instantly, but it quieted to hiccups within a matter of minutes.

"Don't look so frightened," she said softly with a small smile. "Neither one of us is angry with you."

Kaiba stayed where he was, though the tenseness of his body slowly was fading. It was best if he got on with the real reason he was here.

"I wanted to apologize for that," he said stiffly. "I—"

"There is nothing to apologize for."

He was astounded. As she never spoke over a quieter-than-normal voice range, it seemed out of character to interrupt.

There was nothing left to say, then. He started to head toward the door.

Her voice followed him. "Why are you still so frightened to touch her, hold her, call her by her name, or whisper some reassurances? You have found yourself, I thought, at last."

Kaiba froze. He opened his mouth and closed it once more. She had no right to ask that.

Then, a quiet voice explained something thoughts feared to put into words.

"I'm-I'm worried I'll be a tyrant like Gozaburo. I thought it would be best if I just stayed out of her way. I already came close to harming her. Twice now." Suddenly he blinked. He had not meant to say that, especially to her. Somehow, her aura of kindness and gentleness practically pulled it out of him.

"A father does not make a son. You, of all people, should know that, Seto."

Somehow, he had never gotten around to adjusting what she called him. Right then, it would seem out of place to do it.

"If Akunadin's actions were not persuasive to you before, I do not see how this Gozaburo would have any more influence."

How did this girl know so much? Even Yami did not know his past. What Kaiba knew came from small recollections from the Millennium Rod. Even if he could put a face to Akunadin's name, even an action, he still did not know all and doubted he would.

"What are you here for?" he whispered.

She gave a gentle smile. "I am here to protect you. That is all I ever wanted."

Kaiba scoffed. "Protect me? From what?" He turned back slightly.

"Anything that threatens you."

"What makes you think you can?"

There was a small flare of blue in her eyes, and that last riddle he had been so haunted with finally made sense. The power of the Blue-Eyes White Dragon had resided within her in Egypt. Did it still do so today?

Those thoughts were too odd to be fathoming in front of a fragile, regular, normal (albeit a bit strange) girl. With one final whirl, Kaiba left.

-

Mokuba bounded inside but four minutes after the last bell at his school had rung. It had to have been his all-time record. Keeping with it, he raced up the stairs, deposited uniform, bag, and satchel in his room and charged back down. He snatched a small apple from the bowl and took a large bite before charging back up the steps.

"Seto!" he shouted. "You'd better not have forgotten about it!"

The CEO put a finger to his lips and sat there thinking as his brother burst in.

"Are you ready?"

"For what?" Kaiba's feigned look of surprise completely broke the boy.

"You don't remember? You don't remember. I can't believe it. How could you forget about the concert? We're going to be late!"

Kaiba smiled. "Of course I remembered. I'm ready to go, see?" Now that Mokuba could see without panic-stricken eyes, he did see his brother was wearing a nice dark blue shirt and black pants.

New panic replaced Mokuba's former fear. "I forgot all about asking Kiseira to come! She might be disappointed." He turned big eyes on his brother.

Oh, great, Kaiba thought, here comes a big request.

"Seto, since no one really expects you to be nice, would—"

"If you put it that way, no."

"Pleeeeease, Seto?" He stuck out his lower lip ever so slightly. "I can't tell her myself; I am already so embarrassed for forgetting. And you're the best for such jobs. You're a natural diplomat."

"I'm not sure that way is any better."

"Please, Seto?"

Kaiba stood up. "Fine. I'll go. Get ready or we will be late."

"Thanks!" Mokuba dashed off to his room to finish putting on his suit jacket and tie. He would be looking for his brother again soon enough. He still did not know how to tie a tie.

The nursery was empty of Kiseira again. Somehow, having to knock on her bedroom door made him feel unnaturally nervous. That was something he would not allow. She was a nanny here, that was all! Anything she might have been long ago in the past was not pertinent here.

He rapped smartly on the door and called, "Kiseira? We're going to be gone for the evening at a concert of…" In a quieter voice since the door was open, he finished, "Mokuba's."

She nodded. "I hope you enjoy yourselves."

He nodded in return. Then, because protocol seemed to demand it, he added, "I'm sorry, but we forgot to ask if you wanted to attend."

"I must stay and take care of Metsukiao. Do not worry about me."

Kaiba walked partially down the hall before he remembered something. He did not turn, but he knew the door was still open. "Oh, in case you were wondering, my search for a different nanny has ended. You can stay."

She might have answered, but a desperate call from down the hall silenced her. "Setooooo!" Mokuba must have gotten fed up trying to do the tie.

Within five minutes, they were headed back out the door. Since winter was coming, the days were getting shorter. It would not be long until the sun was down.

The chauffeur had the car waiting for them, and as they drove away, Kaiba noticed the young gang members standing with their bikes watching them leave. One raised a fist in a threat and another mouthed something bad. Fortunately, Mokuba was on the other side of the car. Kaiba would have to make certain to be watching for them and that his brother always had an accompaniment with him on the way to and from school. There was no telling what bored, vindictive teenagers would do.

-

His brother's instrumental concert was all right, which was to be expected. Kaiba knew his brother's band and orchestra could not compare to Vivaldi or Mozart, so it was not disappointing. And it was for his brother, so he even enjoyed it somewhat. At least, he enjoyed the pieces Mokuba played.

As everyone was standing and clapping the students, the person a few seats down from him (fortunately, no one had been insane enough to sit directly next to him) started walking away. What was odd was that he went Kaiba's way instead of the other way. While there was room to pass, the other direction, to the left, housed the exits.

The person left, but not before first dropping something at Kaiba's feet. He was tempted to pick it up and throw it at him, for it was obvious the drop had been intentional. He did pick it up, but the stained lettering on it made him open it first. His name had been on the outside.

Kaiba, it went, you won't get away from us again. No one can miss your house. BEWARE!

If this was supposed to intimidate him, those bullies could think again. He had plenty of staff on his grounds capable of handling them. Still, a little precaution, at least for Mokuba and the others, could not hurt.

Mokuba was as antsy as if he had an entire package of sugar, which, Kaiba admitted, could have happened. In a room full of other kids, he had no idea what his brother was doing when he was not playing.

"Did you like it?" he asked numerous times as they went out to the car, despite his brother's attempts at reassuring him.

The CEO was keeping a sharp eye out for any of the bullies. Fortunately, in this crowd of parents, it seemed they had been overlooked. Still, he did not put it past the crazy adolescents to know his vehicle.

Mokuba settled into the car happily, finally assured of the concert's success. He hummed a few lines all the way home.

Of the note, Kaiba said nothing.