YUGIOH

Eternal Darkness

narr: I do not own the rights pertaining to Yugioh. I also do not own any rights pertaining to vampires, werewolves, zombies, Frankenstein, or any other classic monsters out there.

Chapter 9.

'I'm sorry, partner....I'm afraid that Tristan's right. I was really hoping that from what Ishizu said, Kaiba might have the strength to resist the hold that Cavnar has over him. But after what we've seen, I'm afraid we may have lost him.' Yami said to Yugi.

Yugi replied, 'But maybe he still does have the strength. Kaiba has a strange way of reacting to certain situations, at times. Even when he first became a vampire, he seemed to almost boast about how he wanted this. But if that was true, then why was he helping Mokuba? Pharaoh, he gave Mokuba instructions to install a special light at the mansion....a device that could risk his own life! That's got to mean something....'

Yami inwardly sighed, saying, 'I understand that, Yugi. But that may not mean he's trying to help Mokuba. The way he spoke to me of a challenge, it sounds almost like Kaiba sees this as another game, as a way to once again try and defeat me. If that is true, then this light may be nothing more than another tool in part of this twisted competition of his. It doesn't entirely mean he's doing this to help us. Besides, Kaiba was never one to show concern over his own welfare.'

'I don't believe it...I won't believe it. Until we exhaust the possibilities, we have to have faith that he is trying to help us in some way. Kaiba might be a lot of things, but I refuse to accept he would do something to hurt Mokuba.' Yugi stated.

'But aibou....this isn't the first time Kaiba had struck against his own brother...' (1)

'No! I'm not going to go there! Kaiba is not that bad!' Yugi insisted.

Yami gave up, knowing he would be getting nowhere with Yugi. He could only hope that he was right. Because if Yugi was wrong....Yami had no idea how he was going to stop them both.

x-x-x-x-x-x-x

Kaiba looked down at the Kami Game Shop, from the top of a taller building not so far away. As he did, he licked his lips, unable to keep himself from savoring the taste left on them. Cavnar was right....the taste of fresh blood was so much more satisfying.

Showing up at Yugi's place was the most difficult task he had, so far. And not just because of what he did to Joey, but because of the strong scent he had gotten from Yugi. Cavnar was right about that, as well....the stronger-willed ones were the most alluring. Kaiba didn't want to attack Joey, at all. He wanted to attack Yugi, and suck him dry of every ounce he had in him. That would certainly be one way of defeating his opponent once and for all. The only reason he chose Joey was to keep himself from going after the real target.

As he thought about that moment in the game shop, Kaiba's hand moved up covering his mouth, in an unconscious attempt to try and control the hunger that was starting to consume him. He didn't eat yet, either....something he probably should have done first.

Again, he licked his lips as his eyes closed, thinking of the warm addictive taste from the minute drop of blood he received from Joey....then of the rush of blood he still remembered clearly tasting, after that first kill. Funny that his conscious was no longer bothering him anymore, when he murdered that poor girl in the park. Instead, he was simply contemplating on doing it again to someone else.

"Good job, pet....you did well. But, are you all right? You look....hungry."

Kaiba whirled around in surprise. He was so consumed by his own hunger, he didn't even sense Cavnar's approach. "I....yes, I suppose I am."

"Then come with me. We can hunt together tonight, you and I. You wont regret it." Cavnar said.

Cavnar noticed the pause. For the first time he could see the slight inner conflict in Kaiba's eyes. Kaiba had lost enough control from the hunger, that he was having trouble not showing his weakness in front of what he still saw as a potential threat.

Cavnar added, "Don't fight it, my pet. Does the tiger second guess himself when he kills the dear? Does the lion, or the wolf? We are like another carnivore, hunting our prey. It is simply a natural part of our life. There is no reason to feel guilt or remorse....it is normal. It's just what we do."

Why was he trying to fight this? Kaiba could no longer remember. He knew somewhere within the fog of hunger, if he looked hard enough....tried to see through it all, he would find an answer. But it wasn't there, it wasn't in sight....and he was so hungry.

Kaiba's shaking hand finally came up, taking Cavnar's willingly. "Yes....I will come. I want to do this. Show me." Finally in Kaiba's head, Mokuba came to mind. And Kaiba told himself he was doing this for him. It was an act of obedience he had to play, in order to save his brother.

Atleast it made a good excuse, trying to convince himself that he was doing it for Mokuba, and not for himself....not because he wanted to go out in the night and take another victim, not because was giving into his need to kill and feed. The addiction was strong, and at the moment....he couldn't think of a reason not to.

x-x-x-x-x-x-x

The next day, was the beginning of the weekend. Yugi decided to call the mansion, hoping to get Mokuba on the phone. After what Kaiba had said last night, everyone was worried about Kaiba's little brother.

The phone rang, and Mokuba picked it up. "Kaiba residence...."

It was funny. Yugi felt the kid sounded just the same as he did before his brother had gotten vampirism....as if it was just another day.

"Mokuba? Thank god....are you okay?" Yugi asked.

Mokuba said, "Of course I'm okay. Why are you calling? What's going on?"

"Did you know that your brother came to visit us, last night?" Yugi asked.

Mokuba replied, "Really? That's great! What did he have to say?"

He sounded so happy....Yugi felt bad having to break this news to him. But if Yami was right, then Mokuba had to be warned. Yugi sighed. "Mokuba....you're in danger there. You really need to leave, and get out of the house."

"No way, I'm not going anywhere! I'm not going to leave Seto behind to deal with that monster, himself. He needs me!" Mokuba said.

Yugi could only hope Mokuba was right. "Mokuba....last night, Kaiba threatened your life. He told us we have to be over there today by midnight. If we didn't, he said he was going to kill you."

Mokuba was quiet for a moment, and at first said nothing. The younger Kaiba then finally asked, "Yugi, did he actually say those exact words?"

"What? Well....no. He said you'd be killed, but he didn't actually say it in that exact way." Yugi said, not sure where he was going with this question.

Mokuba exhaled, saying, "Then he didn't mean he'd do it. I think you just misunderstood. Seto wouldn't think of harming me. He was probably trying to warn you that I was in danger from Cavnar."

Yugi honestly wanted to believe this was all an act, as much as Mokuba. But after Yami talked to him earlier, he convinced Yugi that he had to atleast call and warn Mokuba, maybe convince him to leave the house. If they could do that, then perhaps they could show up earlier during the day. It was worth a try.

"Mokuba, listen to me....that was not a warning. He was threatening us all, talking about wanting nothing but power, and that he accepted Cavnar as some kind of friend of his!" Yugi explained.

But Mokuba simply rolled his eyes, saying, "Well, that should have been a dead giveaway, then. You know that Seto doesn't believe in friendship."

"But Mokuba....maybe he's not exactly your brother, anymore. Ishizu said that vampirism could change him. He might not be the same person you once knew." Yugi told him, remembering Ishizu's words.

"If that was the case, then I'd see it!" Mokuba replied. "Yugi, I know he's been acting really mean these last couple of days, but I'm telling you....he's not doing it on purpose. He's acting this way for a reason."

"But he attacked Joey!" Yugi blurted out, still feeling hurt after witnessing Kaiba going after his best friend like that.

Mokuba quieted again....that was unexpected to hear. His brother attacked them? "Is Joey okay? What did he do?"

"He....he bit him." Yugi said.

Finally, Mokuba began to worry. Could he have tried to kill Joey? He wished he was there to see it, and know why his brother did what he did. "How is he?"

"Well....he's okay. He didn't take any blood from him. But, Mokuba....we're worried about you. If he started to attack people, and he's threatening your life if we don't show up...."

Mokuba replied, "I'm sorry for what Seto did, Yugi. But I still believe in my brother, and I'm not leaving."

"Mokuba...."

"Well, listen....I gotta go. But I'll see you around midnight. Seeya, Yugi!" Mokuba told him, then quickly hung up.

His brother didn't take any blood from him....that's all he needed to hear from Yugi, to know his brother didn't mean it. It was just another act, another game. He would think Yugi'd be used to the way his brother thought, by now. But it didn't matter. After tonight, Mokuba was ready to help take down Cavnar....no matter what. His brother always fought for him, so now it was Mokuba's turn to return the favor.

x-x-x-x-x-x-x

At Yugi's house, Yugi hung the phone up and looked over at his other self. "He hung up."

Yami nodded, replying, "Atleast we tried. Don't worry, aibou....we'll be over there at midnight, and save Mokuba from whatever dangers lurk there."

Yugi looked down at the floor. "Mokuba doesn't believe his brother's a threat. I hope he's right."

"As you suggested, we will continue to show faith in Kaiba. He will not become a target unless we see no other way." Yami told him. Yugi nodded weakly, silently praying that Kaiba could find the strength to fight against what he had become.

Yami also hoped the same, but at the same time he had the weight of his friends to protect. He remembered that day against Kaiba up on the top of Pegasus castle, Kaiba practically daring him to slit his throat, to win the game. And Yami wondered, if this newest game would put them into a similar situation....would he once again be forced to weigh Kaiba's life over the lives of the others he cared for?

x-x-x-x-x-x-x

Midnight had approached quickly enough, and Yugi and the others stood before Kaiba's front gate, which was wide-open. The house gave them a more eerie feeling than ever. Yami was out and staring at Kaiba's home, before looking to the others. He was relieved that Yugi atleast convinced Tea to stay away, despite her friendship speeches. Yugi told her that he was worried about her coming, and didn't want her in danger. Plus the addition of 'needing someone to watch grampa' as cover for them, was enough to convince Tea to stay put.

Both Tristan and Joey had wooden spikes with them, which Joey provided in order to use against Cavnar. Though Joey now understood that the cross was not going to work on them, since Kaiba didn't even flinch from touching it....he still kept it with him. But instead of wearing it around his neck, he kept it in his pocket....just incase. Joey also grabbed some holy water from a church and threw it into a squirt bottle, hoping that just maybe it was blessed by the right priest. One could only hope, after all.

They now approached the house, as Yami boldly moved to the doorbell and rang it.

x-x-x-x-x-x-x

Mokuba was in the office room, trying to type a memo for Kaiba Corp, and was looking pretty tired. During this time, Cavnar had entered the room with Kaiba following behind. Cavnar gently stroked one of his clawed nails across the right side of Mokuba's neck, causing him to freeze. But Mokuba wasn't too surprised from it, and didn't pull away....this wasn't the first time this had happened, after all.

Cavnar then decided to ask him, "Tell me, little one....have you ever considered wanting to join your brother in being a vampire? Think about it, you'd be able to fly with him...." Cavnar enjoyed taunting the human....it was like playing with his food. Of course, he had no real intention on making him a vampire. But he was curious how Mokuba might react to the news.

Mokuba glanced his way, but didn't say anything to him. He then attempted to get back to work. Cavnar couldn't help but feel it reminded him so much of his new slave.

Infact, the reminder caused Cavnar to chuckle, as he looked down at him. "You're right....it would be a waste to give such power to a mere nothing as you. But, you do look awfully tasty tonight. Maybe I should eat you now, instead of later...."

But before Mokuba could say anything, Kaiba snapped coldly, "No, Mokuba is mine! You promised me that I could have him!"

"My, aren't we on edge. Somebody gets grumpy when they don't eat." Cavnar muttered. He then turned to Kaiba, putting his hand on Kaiba's face, as he smiled up at him. "Let's not get greedy, now. Wouldn't you rather have any other human? Mokuba is so small, after all....he'd barely make a decent meal. I'd be doing you a favor."

Kaiba looked down at Mokuba, and for the first time....Mokuba was afraid of his brother. He could see the look in Kaiba's eyes, as he was considering Cavnar's words, as he was balancing the value of human lives....Mokuba's life, in particular. And Mokuba noticed something else....his brother's eyes had physically changed. From what was originally a deep bluish violet color when Kaiba first transformed, was now a purplish red....almost crimson. If it was any more red, his eyes would match Cavnar's. At that moment, Mokuba began to wonder if Yugi was right....if he really had lost his brother.

Kaiba looked down at Mokuba, and could feel the hunger burning in him. Cavnar would not allow him to leave and hunt for food tonight, as he wanted to. He wanted Kaiba to save his appetite for Yugi's group. Kaiba didn't want to, knowing he may lose any control left if he didn't eat first. But then....maybe it was all ready too late, anyway.

He had willingly killed for the first time last night, while hunting with Cavnar. He drank from his second victim. He didn't realize just how much easier it would be, until he did it. Now humans were starting to seem less....human to him. They were now just another item to be used. And as his outlook on the human race was lessening, his hunger was growing. That need was now even beginning to look at Mokuba as a way to appease his appetite. He turned away, before he did something he'd eternally regret.

Now focusing back on Cavnar, Kaiba said, "We shouldn't be fighting over food. It's not worth it....especially when it's just table scraps. We can always argue over who gets what, after we deal with Yugi's little group. But it would be foolish to take the brat so early, when he is the bait. It wont be long, now....and maybe when it's over, we can finish him off together."

Cavnar laughed, saying, "I suppose you're right. Besides, he would make a lovely little after-meal entrée. He's so....cute that way."

Just then, the doorbell rang. Cavnar smiled, saying, "Ahh....company has arrived. And they were nice enough to even let us know. Why don't you get it, my pet? I need to get ready and look my best for dinner. Don't keep them waiting, now."

Cavnar was then gone. Kaiba took a moment to head to the window, looking out through it into the night. Mokuba approached him, saying, "Seto....are you okay?"

Kaiba answered, "Never better." Finally looking down at him, he grinned evilly. "I know what you're doing. I can see your eyes searching me....looking for the brother you knew. But, I'm afraid he's gone, now."

"No....that's not true!" Mokuba said, as he backed away. He refused to accept what his brother was saying to him, while trying to keep strong for him.

Kaiba disappeared into the air, and reappeared right behind him. In one fluid motion, he brought his hand around Mokuba's neck, holding him securely....but not choking him, as he hissed, "When I'm done with Yugi's group....you're next. It will be a pleasure for me to drain the life out of you....brother."

Mokuba eyes were filled his fear, as he whispered out, "Seto...." His eyes trickled a few tears from them.

"You're mine, Mokuba." Kaiba finished with, as his hand left Mokuba's throat, and it trailed down to Mokuba's pendant.

Gripping Mokuba's pendant tightly as if his existence depended on it, he added, "No one gets to take you but me....no one. You belong to me....don't ever forget that!" The thumb of his hand rubbed the card pendant almost lovingly, as he said those words to Mokuba.

Then after releasing the pendant, Kaiba stood and turned away, saying, "Yugi's group has finally arrived. Make sure that you properly accommodate our guests....understand?"

Mokuba stared at him, as he considered all the small subtle things that were said to him, without saying. For Kaiba, actions were always stronger than words, and that last moment when he gripped Mokuba's pendant....it spoke volumes to him. No....his brother wasn't gone, yet. He was still in there fighting, even now. Even if he was losing, his brother was still there....and that's all that mattered. Mokuba refused to lose faith in him.

Wiping the tears from his eyes, Mokuba nodded, and replied, "Yes, big brother....I got it."

Kaiba vanished in a whiff of smoke, and Mokuba immediately left the room and headed down the hall.

x-x-x-x-x-x-x

After Yami rang the doorbell, the door somehow came ajar and swung open by itself, creaking loudly....but no one else was on the other side.

Yami cautiously entered, along with Tristan and Joey, practically huddled behind him. The Pharaoh cried out, "You're little tricks aren't going to be enough to scare me, Cavnar. Show yourself!"

But as they walked into the house, the same door now swung closed and slammed shut. Joey jumped ten feet in the air, as Tristan ran to the door to try and open it....it was shut so tight, he could swear it must be jammed.

"Man, this is freaky. Why can't they just show up and attack us, already? I'm shaking in my shoes, here!" Joey whimpered.

"Is the puppy scared?" A teasing voice barely whispered in the air.

They all whirled around to see Kaiba leaning against the post of the bottom stairwell. He smirked, "You should be...."

"Don't do this, Kaiba! We are not after you....we are after Cavnar." Yami stated.

"Oh?" Kaiba asked, using levitation to practically hover around Yami, freaking the other two out even more. "What makes him so much more of a challenge than me? I'm insulted, Yugi. Do you think I'm out of your league? I guess we'll see soon enough."

Joey jumped in front, saying, "We got wood spikes, and we're not afraid to use 'em!"

Kaiba glanced at Joey....annoyed by the Mutt. With a wave of his hand, he launched Joey across the room, effortlessly.

Tristan then charged a heartbeat after, and Kaiba simply put his hand up, stopping him in mid-run.

Yami got angry, and used his powers to blast Kaiba back, slamming him through the stairs. Yami then approached the other two, to make sure they were okay. They all turned to hear Kaiba laughing at them. "Honestly....is that the best you got? I'm not even trying, Yugi. None of you were a challenge to me when I was even human. My speed and strength had now doubled, if not tripled. What makes you think you have a chance, now? Plus, I'm not even the only one you have to face. You have 2 vampires to deal with. And your defense? A couple sticks, and a little trinket your grampa gave you....how pathetic."

"Kaiba....you've got to still be in there, somewhere. I know you can fight this. Don't let that creature control you!" Yami cried out to him.

More laughter, this time from another voice on the other side of the room. Cavnar appeared, slowly clapping his hands. "Such a pretty speech. Haven't I already told you? He wanted to be what he is. He knows power when he sees it....he is no fool, like the rest of you. Seto belongs to me, don't you my pet?"

Kaiba's eye twitched just a bit, totally against playing the submissive servant, especially in front of his opponents. But without hesitation, he bowed slightly, saying, "Of course, master...."

"Say, 'what'??" Joey exclaimed. Was this really Kaiba? The Kaiba 'he' knew would never stoop that low. "I can't believe you're sucking up to this jerk, like that! Jeez, have some dignity, atleast...."

'For Mokuba....' Kaiba reminded himself through the chaotic fog in his mind. If he didn't time it right, he was screwed. But was it for Mokuba, anymore? No....he looked into his heart and could no longer see his brother. True....Mokuba was his, but that was all. He was property, he was his to kill. Now Kaiba's only desire was for freedom. If the head vampire was killed, the chains that bound him would be gone. He would be released....free to roam and kill as he wanted, without restraint.

Kaiba smiled coldly, saying, "Stupid Mutt....I have all that I need." Kaiba then said to Cavnar, "Yugi's mine....let me claim him. You told me he could be mine for the taking."

"Fine....I'll play with these two, for now." Cavnar said.

Yami looked in shock, as Kaiba turned to face him with an evil grin, licking in lips in anticipation, with hunger burning in his eyes.

(1) - This was a reference to Death-T. During that time, Mokuba challenged Yami in a game of Capsule Monsters and lost. When Mokuba lost, Kaiba activated his version of a 'penalty game'. Mokuba was inside this clear chamber that created holographic images of monsters that would come to life. From what I believe was said, the monsters could cause heart attacks in the elderly and those with weak hearts. But if you didn't die from it, then you'd go completely insane after being in there too long. Before any of those things could happen, Yami saved Mokuba from Kaiba. There are many references in this story to Death-T (since I liked this season so much).

Duelist Kingdom reference - Obviously everyone probably knows the part where Kaiba balanced himself on the ledge of the castle, though it wasn't explained that well in the dubbing. In the manga and I believe in the unedited version, Kaiba was playing his own penalty game for failing to save his brother. He took 500 damage from Celtic Guardian, and took 5 steps back for it, leaving him suspended on the ledge. Attacking him wouldn't make the holograms blast him backwards, but if he lost anymore life points Kaiba was going to take another step back, willingly killing himself to pay for not saving his brother. And in the manga, he actually did dare Yugi to "slit his throat with his card", which Yami was prepared to do just that.

Well, here we are, folks....this chapter is the beginning of the main battle. We're not too far from the end, now. There's only a few chapters left. I was actually quite surprised with how many more replies I got last chapter......I think it doubled. Must be from the excitement, now that it's getting towards the end.

Jasmine Reinier: Well, you wont have to wait too much longer to see what happens. The ending is coming quickly. Yes, that's one good thing about Ishizu.....if you need a character that basically tells you everything that's going on, she's perfect for the job.

xXxKikokenxXx: So, where's my Serenity Diaries? Heh....that's okay, I sent this out later than expected, too. But I'm afraid I can't answer that question without possibly giving too much away. So you're going to have to just keep reading and find out. Sorry..... ;)

Daricio: Yeah.....you're right. I guess I just don't like the Ishizu character that much. I find her annoying. But for any possible Ishizu fans out there, they don't have to worry since I don't believe in bashing the character, or making her act stupid or ooc, just to make fun of her. That's not my style. I'll still try and make the characters play to the closest I can to their character......even the characters I don't like too much. But, yeah....e-mailing to 'Ishizu' too much Cavnar might notice. Besides, you also have to remember we're talking about Kaiba. Would he really care what they think? But, I couldn't resist on the Joey thing. And yes, Yami always has that special way of wording things. What I think is funny about Yami is atleast in the series.....even a simple question or comment from him can sometimes sound so dramatic.

Doma Yuset: Heh.....okay, you got me on the werewolf thing. I'm going to say now that this story really doesn't have anything to do with werewolves. And yes, for some reason that was put in, anyway. I'm not entirely sure why I decided to add the werewolf info into the story. It's not normal for me to add information into a story unless it goes somewhere. Maybe unconsciously I was thinking of a potential sequel regarding werewolves, but I can't promise that. So......just ignore the werewolf thing, it's really not part of the plot. But do you actually play the game? Yeah, that card has a very good effect to it. There's a light dragon that has the same effect, which I use a lot. Anyway, the story pretty much explains why Kaiba is behaving the way he is. Just keep reading, and maybe it'll soon become more clear. But I think Kaiba normally tends to be the type of character that you can't always tell which side he's on. His life tends to be walking that thin line between good and bad.

Nenya: Kaiba? Enjoying himself? You must be mistaken. Thank you, yes....that was what I was trying to do. And it's kind of funny that you use the reference about him playing dice with his soul. The very person who swears that he doesn't believe in gambling and chances when he's dueling....only in strategy, and yet takes chances with himself without a second thought. But as long as it's not with his dragons, I guess gambling with his own life is okay. Yeah, I'm not one normally for doing suspense. But if I basically had the whole story already spelled out for everyone, it probably wouldn't have been as exciting to read. Funny thing is....I hate suspense. I can't stand waiting for what's about to happen. I dislike it about as much as I do with angst, and here I am writing both. But yeah, he warned the group in his own interesting way. Plus being who Kaiba is, he's doesn't like it when someone doesn't believe him or listen to him about something. And what a perfect way to get the group's attention on what he has to say, by going after Joey. Bet that got their attention. ;)

cantdueldontaskme: It does seem to be Joey all the time that's used as the tool for Kaiba to step on whenever he can, doesn't it? Poor Joey.....Kaiba can't help but to pick on him. What's funny is that there's a lot of people that were surprised by Kaiba's attack, yet none of them were surprised that it was Joey. I guess that tells you something. But thanks.....yeah, that's what I'm trying to do.