Saving Myself from the Darkness
Rated: PG - 13 for violence, language and abuse
Chapter Created on: June 9, 2005
Finished Chapter on: June 29, 2005
Disclaimer: I don't own Yu-Gi-Oh if I did I'd be a very rich middle school teen living in a beautiful mansion swimming in lots of cash and be Queen of Games.
A/N: Sweatdrops Eh..hello minna-san. Twenty days...dang. Braces self Don't throw tomatoes at me even if I do deserve it. x.x You see...there was this whole week of fun at school Stops toglare at camera just sitting on the table waiting to be developed yeah and I couldn't work on it. Then right after that, I started to get really stuck on one part, I'll tell ya at the end which. Though anyways, this is a 17 page chapter, hope it'll satisfy you. Warning, the beginning is kinda crappy, but I promise you it gets better or what I mean to say, angsty. I also got "Yu-Gi-Oh: The Movie - Hikari no Pyramid" the Japanese version of the "Pyramid of Light". Me so happy, got to see a lot of differences and hear my favorite music. Anyways, without further do, I present to you the long awaited Ch. 18!
'thoughts'
"Speaking"
- - - Scene change, Flashbacks, or Dreams- - -
Full Summery: Abuse and pain was always in the life of two particular teens, one escaped but is still being haunted by the memories and one is still living it. Now this teen is almost enveloped by the darkness that has haunted him everyday of his life, who would save him? No it's not Yuugi nor one of his friends, but a certain brunet with Cerulean eyes. What happens if that teen should be fully enveloped by the darkness? Would he kill himself to take away this pain or experience love in the process of it and be forever with his love? -takes place after Battle City-
--YAOI/SHONEN-AI pairings: Seto/Jou and Yami/Yuugi--
YAOI/SHONEN-AI: Boy/Boy or Male/Male relationships(don't like I suggest you run away and find a straight pairing fic!)
Chapter 18- Mission Start
The scream echoed throughout the whole mansion, Yami and Yuugi sped toward the source wondering what the hell went wrong. Two kicks sent the door flying even though the door wasn't even locked. The two teens panted, it took them about two minutes to get there and now they were pooped out.
"Katsuya.."
Their heads snapped up at the name and gasped to see that their beloved friend was gone. "Jounouchi-kun."
"Mr. Katsuya."
A few more minutes passed like this before Kaiba stood up and strolled over to Yami with a look that said: "You better know how to get him back". "Yami," He started off with annoyance in his voice.
"Yes Kaiba."
"I can't believe I'm saying this," He spoke sighing. "Is there any way we can retrieve Katsuya back from this -Shadow Realm-?"
Yami smiled. 'Finally he believes in magic, well only a bit, but that's alright it's still a believable sense.' The pharaoh thought to himself as he glanced up at Kaiba. "Yes there is, but," He spoke sighing at what he was about to say next. "it's going to have a big affect on you, we can't be with you physically, but in spirit."
"Do you ever quit your spirit speeches or do you love saying them over and over again?" Kaiba rolled his eyes.
"Kaiba. We don't have time for your "I don't believe in magic" speech right now, Mr. Katsuya's in real danger and we're wasting time."
"Well, you preaching about magic and shit is wasting our time."
Yuugi sighed. 'Now I know why I didn't want them to meet each other.' He closed his eyes for a minute, thinking about what had been going on since the first day this whole mess came to exist. It's been more than two weeks since he and his Yami found Jounouchi-kun at their door. Ever since then, it's been hell-especially for Jou. 'Man I feel so helpless, I didn't even do anything to save Jou, I wish I could be like Yami and know what's happening in the world. I can't even get straight A's.'
Suddenly, images, flashbacks, and memories spurred into life in his mind. All from the Battle City tournament. Then it all clicked, he knew why the shadows wanted his best friend. 'So that's why.' He thought as he opened his eyes to glance at the still bickering Yami and Kaiba. "Yami, Kaiba-kun." The two stopped and faced Yuugi.
"What is it aibou?"
"Yeah what is it Mutou?"
Yuugi hesitated, wondering at that moment if his hypothesis was a great one. Though time was running out, who knows what the shadow realm was doing to his best friend at that moment. "I think I know why the shadows chose Jounouchi."
-
A body lay motionless on the ground-if you can even call it a ground(1). If you listened carefully though, a faint heartbeat can be heard pounding ever so softly. The person was still alive, though barely and was unfortunately unconscious. Blonde locks laid upon the person's head, its unusually messy locks were even messier if that was even possible. The skin tone was deathly pale; almost as if that person or male teen was about to shift over to a comatose state-though that wasn't the case.
Several shadows appeared chuckling at their success in capturing the blonde boy that laid before them. Some of the shadows were people from the past that wanted to make the other pay for what he'd done to them and some were from other times such as when Pharaoh Atem ruled Egypt. They gathered around the boy, wondering what they should do next to the other. One shadow poked the teen as a groan escaped his mouth.
"Se...to." The boy spoke in a whisper.
The shadows began to discuss the matters, it wasn't long until the boy would be completely consumed into their hellish place. "What do you think we should do, this boy is our key to defeating those two bastards."
"Well, since this boy seems to attract the reincarnate of the high priest, it seems we could use this to our advantage."
Another nodded. "Yes we should, but anytime now the pharaoh," It spoke with a hiss. "will be sending him here to get back their little friend."
"Oh. What about we make this into a "Shadow Game", you know like old times?"
"Or how about my people attack him with yo-yo's, I'm sure he'll be crying back to this -pharaoh- of yours."
"Those are great ideas, but we need to come up with an even more deadlier idea. Catching this poor excuse of person was easy, but we're dealing with a CEO, plus a high priest."
"Though the reincarnate doesn't believe in magic, but through the Shadow Game with Mariku and Bakura he's starting to believe."
"Something deadly and violent. Wait, I think I got an idea."
"What is it?"
"I'll tell you, but first I got a little idea of how our little toy can be well, not a distraction or a meddler." It pointed a finger at the boy as a dark aura appeared on him. "He'll be experiencing all his toughest and most dramatic memories, ones that would surely tear him apart."
"Interesting, that would surely keep him occupied. Now what did you have in mind for Kaiba Seto?"
"Well," It whispered as it gone on explaining the rules, the stakes, and the situations to the whole group. There were snickers here and there, but otherwise it was a good plan.
Unbeknownst to the group of shadows, a small whimper escaped the boy.
He was in a journey through hell, a journey through truth and false, a journey that he may never escape from even if it meant his life.
-
By now, the three teens sat on the bed Jou rested on just about a couple minutes ago. Yami sat cross-legged on the foot of the right side, Yuugi was on the same side, but laid his head on Yami's lap, and Kaiba sat cross-legged at the middle of the bed. The two-pharaoh and high priest-were waiting for Yuugi's explanation. "Remember in Battle City where Jou overcame Malik's control from the Millennium Rod? Or the time Jou was sent to the Shadow Realm when he collapse from fatigue with the battle against Mariku?"
The two nodded, ushering him to go on.
"Well, I have theory that might be wrong or right."
"Just tell us Mutou, we're wasting enough time as it is."
#Just say the word and I'll send him to the Shadow Realm the hard way.#
/No Yami, he's right. We are wasting time./
"YUUGI!"
"Sorry about that. Well as I was saying, Jounouchi is the only person I've met that has escaped the Shadow Realm four times. You have visited the Shadow Realm three times while Mai only visited once while the gang visited it two times. So my theory is that, the shadows want to get rid of Jounouchi because he has the power to escape through the grip of the shadow realm." Yuugi concluded.
"You're talking bullshit(2). I've never been into this shadow realm." Kaiba spoke up.
Yami sighed. "Kaiba. What does it take you to believe?"
"When pigs fly."
Yuugi groaned. "Will you two stop this dull-witted bickering."
The two ceased.
"If you two continue, Jou may never be saved from hell."
"Aibou's right," Yami said and glanced towards Kaiba. "if we're too late, we may not be able to save him."
"Then why are we still talking? We need to break in and get Katsuya outta there."
Yami nodded. "Exactly. Alright Kaiba stand in the front of the room."
"Why?"
"You do want to rescue Mr. Katsuya do you?"
"Yes."
"Then do as I tell you and stand over there."
Kaiba grumbled and walked over to the spot while crossing his arms. "Now what?"
"Now, you just go rescue him and we'll just sit here and watch."
"Isn't there a way we could go with him Yami?" The shorter teen asked sitting up.
"I'm afraid there isn't, we may be in the way since they might want my head right now."
"I guess that's a good point."
"Will you two stop yakking?" Kaiba growled.
"Sorry Kaiba-kun."
"Alright you ready Kaiba?"
The said teen rolled his eyes. "Yes."
Yami stood up and started casting a spell. "Two lovers in dire need of assistance as the toll of time ticks. For I, the pharaoh of Egypt, send one to retrieve another. Ra, assist us with your power and help these two escape from the clutches of hell," The room darkened to a shade of black. "in the power invested in me, begone and rescue the one you love!"
It was then, Kaiba Seto disappeared and the room turned back to normal.
"Do you think he'll rescue Jou, Yami?" Yuugi asked glancing at the other.
"Of course aibou, though I hope he'll survive what's in store for him?"
"What's in store for him?"
Yami sighed as he reached into his pocket and grabbed a mirror to keep track of Kaiba. "One word: Memories."
-
Cerulean-blue orbs opened slightly before fully opening them.
"I swear, if Mutou messed things up-" He gasped as he glanced at his ceiling. "What in the hell?" The teen questioned as he sat up and looked at his surroundings-mainly the hallway. "Oh great, I'm still in the house. I knew Mutou was bluffing about the magic stuff." The CEO chuckled and stood up. "Heh. I bet that they're laughing right now-"
"We're not laughing right now Kaiba-kun!" A voice corrected him.
"Heh. Let me guess you're my conscious?"
"KAIBA-KUN!"
"Yuugi give me that. Kaiba, open one of the damn doors, we need to find out what's with the layout design of your mansion."
Kaiba chuckled, but nonetheless opened the door. To his surprise, the door slammed shut behind him; locked. The youth turned around and turned the knob, but it wouldn't bunch, oh what is a CEO supposed to do? "Great it's locked." He said annoyed and turned around to see another surprise; himself and Mokuba when they were just children.
-
"Kaiba! Kaiba!" Yami yelled at the mirror as it just gone black. "Damn it!"
"Yami what happened to Kaiba-kun?"
"I don't know, but I hope he's alright."
-
Laughter filled the whole place, two boys, brothers, laughed along but stayed together like their life depended on it. The two smiled; today was the day they were going to be adopted, it was a happy moment indeed. Mokuba, the youngest of the two, smiled a big bright smile to his brother. "I can't believe we're going away from this place, do you think Uncle Saki will mind?"
Seto, the eldest shook his head 'no' at the other. "Nah, besides, he can look us up and visit us like old times." The cheerful boy knew better though, their uncle had abandoned them, but he didn't want to tell his darling brother that, he just couldn't. He was only protecting him, or that's what he thought.
"Ni-sama?"
"Yes."
"What do you think our new home is like?"
The nine year old scratched his head, pondering. "I don't know Mokie, hopefully it's a nice place like our old home."
"Yeah! Maybe it has horses, ooh and a big room for me to play in, and, and, maybe magic and wizards and, and, and, maybe-"
Seto chuckled. "Slow down there Mokie."
The said boy just blushed.
"Aw..Mokie, I'm glad you're my ni-chan."
"And I'm glad you're my ni-sama."
The two hugged for a second before Mokuba reached into his pocket and gave him a card. "Here Seto, I found this card on the ground. It's called: Um...does it say "Mattle Box?"
The other ruffled Mokuba's black hair gently. "You're close, it's called the "Battle Ox"."
"Yeah, that's what I meant!"
"Seto and Mokuba Kanzani!" A worker from the orphanage called as the two grabbed their briefcases and sprinted over there. "There you are, oh we're going to miss you so much."
"We are too." The two replied in unison.
The worker smiled at them before opening the door to reveal an old male butler. "Good day madam," He spoke and then looked down to see the two young ones. "Ah, you must be Mokuba-chan and Seto-chan." The butler said looking at each one as he said their name.
"That's us." The two said again in unison.
"Well boys come with me." The man said before walking toward a black limo.
The worker waved goodbye vice-versa with the two, they sat together in the limo grinning at the luxury. "Wow, Ni-sama, isn't this fun?"
"Yes Mokie it is."
The drive only took about four minutes when the limo ceased its movement as the two boys stepped out of the vehicle to see Gozaburo Kaiba standing there. The man Seto beat at chess just last week. "Hello." The two greeted their new legal guardian.
Gozaburo didn't smile at the very least, nor did he even try. "Get them separated."
The two brothers gasped as four guards; two for Seto and two for Mokuba, grabbed them both as they struggled, but their short legs couldn't even penetrate the hold the professional guards had on them. "Seto!" Mokuba cried.
"Mokuba!" The said boy struggled and struggled, the strong arms wouldn't even falter.
"Send the brat over to the west wing and send Seto to the east wing," The two couldn't believe what their step-father was saying. "don't, by any circumstances let them contact each other. You got that?"
"Yes sir." The guards replied monotonously.
Then the separation started.
"SETO! NI-SAMA!"
"MOKUBA!"
Though, no one heard their desperate cries of help, they were being separated against their will. It hurt them both knowing that they might never see each other again. Hell was upon them, heaven pitted them, limbo just laughed. Loneliness welcomed the two with outstretched arms, the feeling without the other was breaking them piece by heartbreaking piece.
"NI-SAMA! I'LL WAIT FOR YOU! PLEASE DON'T FORGET ME!"
"I WON'T! I PROMISE MOKUBA!"
-
"Mokuba..." The name trailed off the CEO's lips numbly. He had forgotten about that day ever since he buried it along with his other childhood memories. How was it possible that he watched it as if he was watching a tv show? The youth did not know, but anything's for sure; he needed to get out of there.
As if his requests were being fulfilled, a door appeared.
"Anything to get outta this damn place." He mumbled before walking to the door while opening it as it closed on him again. "Great." The teen glanced forward and winced; the scene before him was another painful scene, this time it was himself and Gozaburo alone.
-
The door closed silently, leaving the twelve year old in a pitch black room. He didn't like where this was going, his stepfather never called him except when he was pissed off at someone or he was below in his studies. 'I wonder what he wants this time.' The cerulean eyed pre-teen asked mentally. 'I hope I'm not below in my studies. Ever since that day I was an hour late(3) after curfew I promised myself to protect Mokuba from this madness.'
It had been two years, two years of hell, Seto never saw his brother-hell he even tried to escape to try and find out where in the west wing the boy stayed at, but security caught him and he got himself a beating from step-father. The youth loathe the said man ever since his separation with Mokuba, he swore that if he dared touch or hurt his little brother he would strangle the man even if he was twice as tall as him. The young boy shook his fists-imagining a day where he would be rid of Gozaburo Kaiba.
"Seto." Came the voice he'd came to hate.
The said boy looked toward the source as a lamp lit up with light to show the darkened face of his father. "Yes step-father?" He asked politely.
Oh would he like to smash that wrinkled face of his.
"I hear your grades are average." Gozaburo spoke. The dark hiding his form ingeniously.
"Hai." Was his response. 'What is he up to?'
"I expect better than this Seto. A CEO doesn't get average, a CEO gets above average. Not C's or B's, but straight A pluses. " Seto cringed at the tone that was starting to form throughout the speech. "Seto. You must earn and achieve to get to where I am today," The sound of his voice gained volume. "You must learn to gain respect and fear in those low-life bitches. So," His voice seemed to be heard clearly to his ear. "no. excuses."
Seto felt a shiver travel down his spine, something wasn't right. He began to ponder on that, but then a great pain overtook his back as he fell to the floor wincing. The boy looked up --being used to the blackness by now-and saw Gozaburo's smirking face looking down at him like a dog huddled in its hind legs. He was helpless, he was at the mercy of his step-father as his back stung like a bee's stinger. The boy resisted to growl or even let out a whimper toward the other, but just laid there; wincing.
"So until you give me straight A's, I'm going to whip you up by your lowest grade." The younger Kaiba's eyes widened as he knew his lowest grade. "Yes, you're darling little C, minus might I add. Seventy percent huh, well that means thirty whips for you to make a perfect A." The elder Kaiba laughed as he raised the said object and threw it down hard like a knife slicing an arm(4) off.
The boy screamed and screamed, threatening not to let his tears run free from their confinement as time and time again the object snapped and snapped and snapped some more. His tears were beyond his control, tears flowed down his painful eyes as the taste of blood filled his mouth with glee. He had long since bit his lip, but nonetheless, still held on with much pain more than comfort.
Snap! Snap! Snap!
Went the whip, only ten more sets left. Seto couldn't feel his back anymore or his lips. They were all numb from the pain, but crimson caught his eyes to look at the floor, it was just like that day when Gozaburo beat him with a ruler, but it was ten times worse with a whip. The youth glanced up feebly at his step-father, the man was laughing evilly, his eyes glinted in amusement, there was no hope for this boy to escape this hell.
'Mokuba, I'm glad you're safe.' Was the only thought on his mind as the final five sets reeled in. 'I just hope you don't have to see this from wherever you are, I don't want that innocent smile ripped from your tiny face. I wish I could see you my little brother, I wish you could cheer me up everyday when they sent me back to my room in silence, you always brighten my day Moku-chan. I wish I could brighten yours. I'll never forgive this man if he does hurt you, but I'm just glad your safe.'
The final snap occurred as the beating reached it's end, Gozaburo dropped the whip while strolling over to the door and opened it. The man strolled back to where Seto laid-in his own blood-and with a kick, sent his poor bleeding step-son to the wall. That was when he slammed the door shut leaving a glazed eyed boy to lay and bleed to death. "Mo..ku..ba." Was the last thing the pre-teen spoke before blacking out from fatigue and pain.
-
By the time the memory was over, Kaiba Seto felt all the pain and misery he once felt in one shock. His vision was blurry, obviously from little tears that flowed down his cheeks. The chestnut haired teen forced himself to stand up as another door appeared before him. This time he said nothing in response and only walked in slowly, prolonging whatever was left to torture him.
The door slammed shut to reveal another painful image, an image that he buried to the core. The one, where on the first day he finally got to see Mokuba was the day he also hurt him.
-
Seto was overjoyed to see Mokuba for the first time in three years, his cheerful face, his cheerful smile, his cheerful form. All seemed perfect. Though, guards watched their every move from near and far on video; even Gozaburo Kaiba. "Seto." The sweet voice filled the young cerulean eyed boy in happiness.
Three years. Three long years of hell was finally put to rest for now.
"Mokie.." He spoke smiling a feeble smile at the other.
"Oh Seto. I missed you, I had everything in the world, but you."
The little seven year old tackled the other in a big hug as Seto resisted the urge to wince at the pain it caused. "I missed you too Mokie, I'm glad you're alright."
"Seto?"
"Yes Moku-chan?"
"Well I think I may have been imagining things, but I keep hearing screaming."
The youth flinched at the word 'screaming'. Had he really been that loud to even reach Mokuba's side of the mansion? He decided to play it cool since he didn't want to worry his brother further. "Maybe it's the wind, maybe it's the tv; maybe both, there's a possibility you know." He chuckled ruffling the other's hair like his used to.
"Yeah I guess." The small boy answered and sighed. "So what have you been doing lately?"
"Oh, Science, English, History, and Math." His brother was amazed at what his brother was being taught. "Wow...I'm learning some of those, but we play games."
"We?" The youth raised a brow.
"Oh yes, our step-father and I. He's pretty nice once you get to know him isn't he?" The child chuckled. "This one time I accidently put orange juice in his coffee and he spit it all out; into his cup! It was funny, I can't believe we thought he was bad. You know, he calls me; "Mo-chan", it makes me giggle when he calls me that. He's the best teacher ever!" The small one giggled even more and hugged his brother tightly.
The boy suddenly felt the surge of jealousy and anger rush through his veins. How could Gozaburo treat him like shit while treating Mokuba the opposite? It made no sense! Scenes of constant studying, scenes of continuous beatings, scenes of laying there to fucking die rapidly went through his mind. Then slowly, scenes of Mokuba and Gozaburo laughing at jokes and games flowed into his mind. He couldn't take any more of this! The madness, the pain, the anguish cries of help with no one daring to rescue him, and, his step-father. "All this has to stop." He whispered to himself.
Mokuba glanced up to see his brother's eyes hidden in his bangs unbeknownst to the pain, betrayal, and hell that weld within them. "Big brother?" He asked removing his arms away from the other.
The young boy didn't answer and that made Mokuba worry.
"Big Brother?" He asked again.
Suddenly a fist connect to his cheek as the smaller boy fell and glanced up at his brother with wide eyes. "HOW DARE YOU BETRAY ME(5)!" Seto bellowed at the other.
"Seto I-"
"SHUT UP! WHILE YOU WERE BEING SO NAIVE! I WAS SLAVING DAY AFTER DAY! NIGHT AFTER NIGHT! AND YOU WERE BUSY PLAYING AROUND WITH GOZABURO! YOU FOOL!"
Tears streamed down Mokuba's cheeks as the harsh words of his brother struck him like an arrow to the heart. He cried and then pushed Seto away which in turn made the cerulean eyed boy realize what he had just said out of jealousy and anger. "Mokuba.."
"I hate you!" The other shouted and ran over to a guard. "Take me back to my room."
"Yes sir." Came the monotonous voice of the guard.
"I don't even know you anymore and you certainly forgot about me after you said you wouldn't! Well guess what! Goodbye SETO KAIBA!"
Then the door closed with a slam as Seto got down on his knees and cried. The tears of loneliness flowed down his cheeks. "MOKUBA!" He yelled. "MOKUBA COME BACK!" Despite his cries nothing came through that hallway. "I DIDN'T MEAN IT! PLEASE COME BACK!"
-
"MOKUBA!" The CEO yelled as the memory died down. You now know why he wanted that memory to rot in hell. Tears rapidly fell from his eyes once again, the red puffiness started to show on his face and he knew it. Seto didn't care, he didn't.
Another door appeared as the teen just punched it open, but it once again closed shut on him. Tears came a lot faster at the memory that was being shown. Another one of him and Mokuba, this time it was worse.
-
Slam!
The door slammed shut, the commotion could be heard throughout the mansion, but the brunet didn't care, no he was in a killer mood to take his anger out on someone. Something had gone horribly wrong in the corporation and he had to do all the work while the workers just fooled around like jesters. His blue coat flapped as he strolled onto the steps of the stairs thinking of what he should do to make the workers take him seriously and not clown around. He soon stepped onto the second level of the mansion and turned left; the sound of his footsteps echoing ever so slightly.
The youth stopped at a particular opened door to glance at glass that littered the stained red floor that used to be Gozaburo's office. A draft blew in while his jacket flapped as the now CEO of Kaiba Corp stared into the office where he killed Gozaburo Kaiba.
-
"Seto..you disappoint me." The elder man spoke placing his whip away after the ten slashes he deliberately gave to his step-son. "You continue to study and fail, what does it take for you to shape up." Gozaburo glanced down at his bloodstained son who in turn was gazing at him with dazed cerulean eyes. "Seto. Seto. Seto." He repeated. "You have much to learn or is it because something or "someone's" holding you back."
Those dazed cerulean eyes blinked just once to confirm he was still alive and kicking.
Gozaburo smirked. "Perhaps, your darling little brother."
The youth's eyes widened.
"Ah, so I got your attention," The man started. "Your little brother's bright. He's in fourth grade level and still going up."
The boy on the floor was getting anxious to what the man was planning. He wondered if it had anything to do with Mokuba. No, he couldn't think that. Mokuba's playing around in his room; safe from the dark side of the child's "perfect teacher". Or at least, that's what he thought.
"Maybe I should have trained him instead of you."
If his eyes widened once more, the youth could have been a face with two flying saucers for eyes. 'Mokuba.' He thought worriedly. What if he'd gone through this instead of he, that would have been brutal, he was too innocent to be in the hands of this bastard. 'Please don't hurt him.'
"He's probably been your weakness and holding you back am I right?" The younger Kaiba didn't reply, even if he could, it would come out in a bloody mess. "Maybe I should kill him. It should let you reach your full potential."
That was what made him finally crack. Energy suddenly rushed and flowed into him, his anger to Gozaburo was just about to its boiling point. Seto was so mad, his anger blinded him for what happened next. The youth didn't care to hear the next few words the bastard spat at him, that last line was the last straw. His newly acquired strength helped him get rid of him, by the only thing that was sticking out in his mind.
Seto pushed the man out the window; ridding him from his and Mokuba's life forever.
-
The youth shivered at what he remembered after that. He blacked out only to be woken up to Mokie and police officers gathering around him. The boy learned that Gozaburo Kaiba was dead and made a suicidal attempt to fall from the window to the ground once he got finished whipping him. Seto knew better. He was the one that killed Gozaburo and pushed him out the window. Though, he kept quiet and never told Mokuba of the real story of the "suicide".
A chime alerted the teen to reality; Gozaburo was gone and he was now a legal guardian.
The chestnut haired boy turned around and strolled toward the direction of his brother's room, which was two doors away from his. The teen opened the door with a strained smile to see Mokuba reading a book. "Konbanwa Mokuba." The youth greeted as Mokuba's ears perked up to the sound of his voice and in turn, placed the book down on his bed and smiled.
"Konbanwa ni-sama."
The said person walked into the room and sat next to the other as he gave him a soft, loving hug. "How was your day?" Seto asked. His day wasn't great that's for sure.
"It was good. I read "Tom Sawyer", "Flipped", and some of "The Magic Tree House" series(6). They were interesting, tolerable, and dramatic books, like in Tom Sawyer: Tom Sawyer and his crush, "Becky Thatcher" risked their lives as they were chased down by the evil "Injun Joe"."
"That's good, see, when you get into the third grade next month, you'll blow away the teachers for reading these high level books." The cerulean eyed boy ruffled those black locks playfully. It seemed to calm him down from all the stress he'd gone through that day.
Mokuba chuckled in response. "Oh Seto. I wish we were in the same grade."
"Then we would be twins." He responded with a dry chuckle.
"Seto?" The boy asked hugging him.
"Yes Mokuba."
"Well, I was wondering if we could go the states, you know for a vacation of some sort. I've always wanted to go there, you know that." Mokuba twiddled with his fingers hoping the other would say yes.
Seto took a deep breath. The youth knew he wanted to go ever since they were first adopted. "I'm sorry Mokuba. We just can't, the company, our time-"
"What about our time?" The boy asked. Mokuba couldn't believe what his brother was saying. His brother had been tortured-no, abused-by their step-father and he didn't want to leave. It was just, just, he didn't know what to say.
"Mokuba," Seto started sighing as he combed his hair with his hand. "I know I've had some hard times-"
"Some? Ni-sama, our step-father abused you, you should still be in the hospital."
"Mokuba, let's not start this again."
"Seto! You need a break, you've been at it for a whole week without sleep. You need sleep to continue on in life." Mokuba said with shaking fists as he told himself not to cry. "Seto. Look at yourself. You have scars, bruises, possibly everything a boy your age shouldn't be involved in."
"I know Mokuba, but-"
"Ni-sama, please. Let's get out of Japan, just for two weeks. We'll be together and we'll catch up on everything from the last four years."
"Mokuba." The youth spoke grabbing the boy into a hug as he rubbed his back. "I'm doing all this for you and I, I want for us to live a healthy life instead of in that orphanage again."
Mokuba sniffed. "But Seto, you come home late every night looking like a mess, you stare at your laptop every night, you never have time for anything. What happened to you big bro, we did stuff together, why aren't we now?"
"I'm sorry kid. We can't go."
Suddenly a fist struck his cheek as he placed a hand on it surprised to his brother punched him. His brother, of all people, but this, it was like deja vu. But instead of him punching Mokuba, it was Mokuba punching him. "I worry about you everyday, I ask for you to take a vacation for what happened two weeks ago. I want you to lighten up Seto! I don't want you to feel the scars for two whole weeks and you still refuse. How could you ni-sama?" Mokuba was now in tears while Seto just sat there looking like a fish.
The youth didn't know what to say, he couldn't say anything.
"How could I worry about you?" Mokuba asked. "I want you back the way you used to be. The caring brother I know and love, where is he?"
Seto didn't have a chance to say anything as the other sped out of the room. "Mokuba wait!" The CEO yelled sprinting out through the door to hear a slam from the said object.
The youth growled and mentally punched himself. "Damn it." He spoke under his breath as he jumped from the second floor to the first. He winced, but didn't care if it hurt. All he cared about was finding Mokuba. The boy ran, opening and closing the door in the process. "MOKUBA!" Seto yelled as he stepped into the rain. "MOKUBA WHERE ARE YOU!"
Mokuba left him in the rain like before with the exception of the rain.
"MOKUBA!"
Seto didn't want to lose him again. He just couldn't bear it. The teen's face was filled with tears, but were hidden as the rain fell upon him.
"MOKUBA! COME BACK!"
-
"Come back. Come back." The CEO repeated over and over as the memory slowly faded away. He was lost in his memories, lost in the cries of the little boy he used to be. "Mokuba." Cerulean eyes gazed upon nothing with a look of despair, the great Seto Kaiba was in the hands of defeat for the first time in two years.
A flicker.
Then the maddened face of young Mokuba appeared in front of the CEO, but he didn't care, he didn't care anymore. "Seto." The screen spoke.
No response.
"Ni-sama."
The saddened red face turned to the face as the tears stopped flowing; he couldn't produce another drop.
"What are you still doing here?"
"Mokuba I-"
"Don't worry about the past, it's been done and dealt with, don't be fooled. You're being tricked, you're being distracted."
Seto blinked. "Distracted? From what?"
Virtual Mokuba sighed. "Your mission to save your puppy."
"My puppy?"
"Yes! Jounouchi Katsuya."
"Katsuya.." Seto trailed off.
"You must get to him! As we speak, they're draining his life force and gaining power. Seto! You must hurry, before it's too late to save him."
The CEO stood up, wiping his cheeks of the salty substance. "Where can I find him?"
"Here," Mokuba started and pointed to a spot where a door suddenly appeared. "You must run through that door and continue until you've encounter the murky place that is the "Shadow Realm"."
"Thank you." Seto sped right through the door just as it opened. 'Katsuya. I'm coming, don't wither up and die you dog.'
In the shadows, some of the figures snapped their fingers in defeat. "Damn. I guess our last hope is the last stage." One said as they disappeared back to where they held Jou. "Soon, his life force will be ours and we'll be able to take down the high priest and the pharaoh with his lover."
End of Chapter 18
Next Chapter: Mission Reached: Jounouchi Found
A/N: You all want to know why I prolonged this chapter huh? Well the part with the "Shadows" was the toughest to do, the rest was pretty much easy, though I didn't expect it to run to page 17 in 12 font. In all, the story's 166 pages long in 12 font, man that's long. I haven't had the time to watch my downloaded anime episodes, so that's how loyal I am to you guys! What will happen to Jounouchi in the next chapter? Stay tune and find out on the next chapter of this story, which I hope won't take me twenty days to do. Sweatdrops again Well notes and review replies comin' up!
NOTES FOR CHAPTER 18
1) Think about the YGO - Duel Monsters Movie. When Yuugi and Yami were talking about Kaiba wanting the god cards in that blue room. Think that, but black.
2) Yeah baby! An actual quote from the Japanese version of YGO - Duel Monsters the movie! Too bad it wasn't Kaiba who said it, it was Honda when Jou and Honda were thinking about that crowd that ran over them.
3) Sound familiar? Remember chapter 3?
4) Don't know why, but Dragon Ball Z popped into my mind at that time. Remember that movie: The History of Trunks, where Bulma cut Gohan's arm off? I was thinking about that. Poor Gohan..
5) Hehe! Actual dub quote! Remember during the Noa Arc where there was the memory of Seto and Mokuba, where Seto pushed him to the wall?
6) I've read those books, they're good. The order goes from present to past.
REVIEW REPLIES FOR CHAPTER 17
Red Eyes White Dragon
I didn't even expect it and I'm the author. Yay! No cliffy, err at least I think it isn't a cliffy. Correct me if I'm wrong..my head hurts. gives out plushies
Sakusha Saelbu
Dang, how do you keep up with those languages. I can barely speak spanish and tagalog even if those two are kind of the same since the Spanish conquered the Philippines at one time and I'm rambling so I'll stop. The only language I know fluently is English since that is my first language. gives Japanese copy of Yu-Gi-Oh the movie
Anime-Blade
It's the shadows fault I tell you! It's their fault! gives Yu-Gi-Oh Duelist Manga's
Saikki- Dono
Whoo a new reviewer! I know pooor Jou, but that's how the story goes. And believe me, Seto willll save him from hell. gives Yu-Gi-Oh sound duel soundtracks
marikandcloe
Heyyy! You're back. Where were you, but that doesn't really matter since you're back and ok I'll stop. Well Jou and the green haired Kaiba shudders were speaking to one another in thought form. Yeah well, I hate the green haired Kaiba so he doesn't get Jounouchi. Hehe. Sorry, but Ryou's not in the story. I might put him in another story, but that depends if I even start it. gives green haired Kaiba plushies
mandapandabug
Well Marik and Bakura are somewhere, but they're not going to be in the story anymore.
Mariku + Bakura - WHY!
Your time on the screen's finished and I don't like you guys. You guys almost killed Yuugi and Jou-Jou-chan!
Both - Jou-Jou-chan?
Hey it's a new nickname, so buzz off!
Both - grumbles and then disappears
I remember that part! I loved that one too, but bad Mokie for poisoning Jou! Mokie ate one of the poisoned foods since he played a game with Yami no Yuugi. Really, that was your favorite chapter? You sound like my English teacher. Mew.. Aw..hope you feel better. gives loads of Yu-Gi-Oh Manga even the Shonen jump releases.
Poofeh
Yay! Another new person! Whoo. Poor Seto-kun in this chapter, had to go through that stress. Oooh! Where do you get Eric Stuart's CD, me wanna get it! I want to hear: "Staring you in the face", I heard it was good. He's a really good singer! gives Slayers series since Eric Stuart voices as Gourry in it
Well thanks for reading Chapter 18 minna! Ja ne! And thank you readers who have yet to review my story. runs to do chapter 19