The Real Truth Behind Growing Up
By: SakuraScorpion19
A/N: Here is a story behind the cold, blue eyes of the famed CEO of Kaiba Corp. As said in Kaiba's own Point Of View, this fic contains some truths to growing up and running your own multi-billion dollar company without actually going insane! Do enjoy and review…feedback and constructive criticisms are gladly welcome…
Rated T for language!
Note: I do not own Yu-gi-oh
Chapter 10: Realization of the Tormentor-Part1
He was there, inside my mind, inside my every thought.
It was impossible. All logic proved it to be so…my logic and the world's.
Now, I sat at the edge of my bed. Unable to lie down and bury my irrational mind into the blank pillow.
It was…
"No…I need to focus on something else…something important…necessary." I told myself out loud. I knew if I heard myself say it, it would soon happen.
What did I really need to do?
Perhaps I could look into Kaiba Corp stocks and profits. But that would draw my breaking mind back to the problem I didn't want to confront. I wanted to destroy it from my life. But the best thing right now would be to ignore it.
Ignore the problem. Not a good lesson to teach, but I have no other choice. No other choice. None.
What else could I do? Honestly, I've given up on the whole suicide issue. It wouldn't solve anything. Besides, it hasn't worked so far. Seto Kaiba doesn't usually give up on something, but for this, I'll be making an exception.
I need to keep my mind racing, keep thinking. Ignore the problem. Keep it in check. Ignore.
What can I do? What? What?
Ignore/ Ignore. Remove the problem. Keep it away.
What can I do? Work? No, it won't keep me distracted enough. What? What?
I slowly stood and walked into the bathroom, looking down at the floor as I switched on the lights.
I got in front of the mirror and looked up shamefully at myself.
Who the fuck have I turned into? I'm not the same Seto I used to recognize. My reflection is so pale, ashamed, alone…no wonder Mokuba doesn't know who I am either.
I stood in the light of the bathroom's gleam. I held no real expression. My face held a cold, cruel frown and my once bright, distinct eyes were darkened and slightly, sleepy.
What's wrong with my eye? Oh…yeah…that guy belted me pretty good. What as asshole! He made me look like a wimp.
Wait…that's what I could do! I could go find that woman who took me t the hospital…
Or is that really a good idea? She does deserve a thank you…I guess…it should distract me enough…
I need to ignore my problem, my illogical, menacing issue.
"Seto? You in here?" I heard a familiar voice call out from the doorway.
Should I answer him? I don't deserve to talk to him. I need to apologize to him though. He's been there for me, as I was there for him.
"Yes." I said rather quietly. "I'm in the bathroom."
I heard no response, so I made my way to the bathroom's exit.
As I got there, Mokuba suddenly appeared in my path.
"Mokuba!" I yelled out in surprise.
"Oh…" He almost laughed out at me. "Opps."
"Look…Mokuba…I'm really…"
"Are you?" He questioned me, impatiently.
I sighed. "Yes…I really am."
He looked at me, up and down.
I stepped back in order to end his waning stare.
He kept his glare hard. I could feel my nerves tense up in fear and in depressing shame.
Mokuba looked away for a second, then turned his eyes back on my dark image.
I tried to figure out the expression lingering in his eyes, but it was difficult.
They held hurt and forgiveness and something else I could see he was masking.
Possibly anger, hate, confusion or even a strange combination of worry and bewilderment. However, I had no clue. He was masking it very well.
After what seemed to have been an eternity, Mokuba gave me a visible smile.
"I guess you are…" He stated.
He ran toward me and gave me a big, heavy hug. He was giggling the whole time.
I even let out a few short laughs. Maybe to make the moment seem less weird or maybe it was to make Mokuba feel better, but it did feel like old times.
"You feeling better?" Mokuba questioned, still hanging on me.
"Well…maybe…I think, I hope." I answered.
If the situation was as bad as I thought, I think I'd rather jump off the Kaiba Corp building…wait…suicide thoughts…not good…bad Seto…
Mokuba laughed. "I guess…that's good." He let me go then backed up.
Was he giving me my space or keeping his distance for his own protection?
"Yeah…I think I got it all under control now...there was too much going on in my head…" I said trying to laugh it off.
Mokuba laughed too, possibly to break his silence. "It's good to see my big brother coming back to his old self."
"Yeah…" I stated into the abyss.
"Are you going to get some sleep?" He asked me kindly.
"Uh…yeah…I'll try. I have a chore to get done tomorrow…" I told him with a slightly forced grin.
"Oh…cool…have a good night then…okay?" Mokuba said walking away out of the bathroom.
"Night." I said back.
Now I needed to sleep…somehow…my eyes showed the fact that I required the sleep.
I walked out of the bathroom, shutting off the lights behind me.
I walked over to close my bedroom door and shut out the lights. After I accomplished this task, I took off my clothes, minus my boxers, and climbed into my bed.
I lay there, staring at the white ceiling, trying to keep my mind racing, but at the same time, I needed it to be calmed down. I needed the rest desperately.
I closed my eyes seeing nothing but the blackness caused by my eyelids.
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I awoke as I always did, still tired. It could be from the lack of sleep I had forced upon myself over the last few years, or not.
I climbed out of my bed and stood up straight. Without turning my rigid body, I viewed my room. It was still covered in complete darkness. The shadows consuming every wall and object in it's path.
Curious as to what time it was, I turned my blue eyes toward the red numbers gleaming on the nightstand. 4:29am. It was rather early. However, I had decided that it was time to focus on one of the few things in my life, Kaiba Corp. Over the last couple of days, I've noticed my mind…his voice…drawing me away. Away from my responsibilities.
You can't make me do it again! I'm stronger than you realize! I'm the one in control, not you!
I physically closed my eyes awaiting a harsh reaction to my stern words, but there was none. Was…he…that voice I have hated for years…gone forever? I hoped so. I truly hoped so!
I was finally done getting ready, wearing my normal black attire and white trench coat. I looked back over at the electric device holding the exact time. 5:09am was displayed in bold red numbers.
I left my room and walked down the dark hallway. The different shadows covered the floor and walls, imitating other objects. Perhaps these shadows were trying to place fear within me, but they did not realize who I was.
I am Seto Kaiba! Owner of Kaiba Corp., world's greatest businessman and duelist. World's greatest duelist? Maybe…but that was a long time ago…of course…there was Yugi…the little champion…
No…no…focus on the present, not the past…the past is just that…see your accomplishments…not the failures!
I slowly passed Mokuba's room. I could hear his balanced breathing as he slept comfortably. I let myself smile.
It's over now, Mokuba. If what you want is the "old" me, I'll do my best to become that Seto for you again!
As I entered the kitchen, I decided to search the fridge for something to digest. I was honestly a little hungry.
I opened the metal rectangle and peered inside.
What do I want? Eggs? Eww…no! Tomato juice? Why do we have that crap?
I closed the refrigerator and opened the freezer on top of it. I looked inside.
Hmmm…what looks appealing in here? Oh…blueberry bagels…yes…that's perfect.
I grabbed the bagels and placed the package on the counter. I unwrapped the bag and took out a bagel. I re-tied the plastic container and stuffed it back into the freezer, closing the door behind it.
I walked over to the far-left drawer and took out a butter knife. I carefully cut the bagel in half and stuffed the two slices into the toaster, sitting by the stove.
I ventured my way back to the refrigerator for some butter.
Mmmmm…butter!
I found some and placed it on the counter, near the toaster.
Soon enough, my bagel was cooked and smothered in butter. I quickly ate it with divine pleasure.
The food hitting my tongue set off my salivary glands into an excitable spasm. I wiped away the remaining bagel and butter particles on my mouth with a napkin. I cleaned up my mess and grabbed my car keys.
Yes, I have my car back! I grabbed it when I got out of the hospital. How do you think I got home?
I also grabbed my Kaiba Corp suitcase full of my stock and profit papers. Then, I walked out of the house into the garage.
Back to work. Back to the real Seto Kaiba.
I got into the car and started it.
No more crazy thoughts…he is gone! Banished. Forever. I will not be afraid. He is nothing anymore. Not real. Not logical.
As I put my car in reverse, it suddenly shut itself off.
"What the fuck? What happened now?" I got out of the car. I got in front of the car and pooped the hood.
Knowing my usual luck, I flinched back waiting for hot oil or another substance to squirt itself on me, however, nothing happened.
I moved back toward the car's interior and peered inside. Everything seemed normal. I found myself slowly walking back to the steering wheel.
What is wrong with this thing?
I sat back in the driver's seat and looked around.
Why me? Why is it always me?
I kept looking around the car's controls. I was determined to find out why my car just cut out.
What s up with this piece of complete and utter shit? What the fuck…
I found the problem.
Stupid fucking Seto Kaiba! Why the fuck didn't you notice that before?
The car was completely empty.
No gas! No fucking gas!
I got out of the car and slammed it shut. I fiddled with my keys, trying to find the key to my other car.
I discovered a gas can in my line of sight and grabbed it once I got near it. I threw it in the trunk of my Ford and started it up.
My briefcase.
I walked back over to my Camero and took my Kaiba Corp briefcase out of it. Then…it was off to work…in my shitty Ford.
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"Good morning, Mr. Kaiba."
"Good morning, sir."
"Mr. Kaiba, good morning."
"Mr. Kaiba."
"Mr. Kaiba, morning…"
"Good morning, Mr. Kaiba."
"Good morning, Mr. Kaiba."
That was the usual, annoying greeting I receive when I walk through the doors of my building. It never stops. I hear it over and over and over again. In the lobby, "Good morning, sir." Bright, fake smiles on their overpaid faces. In the elevator, "What a wonderful day it is turning out to be, Mr. Kaiba." With concerned nervous expressions over their eyes and smiles. On the office floor, "Good morning." Good morning, Mr. Kaiba." "Good morning, Mr. Kaiba." "Good Morning, Mr. Kaiba." That is what I hear as I walk into my office.
"Good fucking morning!"
It never ends! Why won't the voices stop? Shut them up!
I walk over to my desk and place my silver case on top of it for its original position on the floor.
Here it comes…the routine headache! Fucking employees!
"Mr. Kaiba?" A voice shoots through my splitting head.
"What?" I snap back.
"I'm…I'm…sorrrry, sir…" The man stutters.
"Yes?" I ask again, still very irritated.
"You, you…you have…have a…visitor…" He continued, his fear was obvious.
"I see…who is it?"
"I'm…I'm…uh, not sure, Mr. Kaiba, sir." He answered.
"And how does this help me?" I questioned him.
Honestly, this is the most fun I've had in a long time. I love messing with my retarded employees' fragile minds.
"I…uh…." He began.
"Well?" I questioned again, anger in my tone, but secretly laughing on the inside.
"I'll…will…uh…go and…find, find, find out…" He stated running out of the doorway.
Who could this be? I have to scheduled appointments and the present time. Who would be calling on me at 7 o'clock in the morning?
Oh, and if you're confused about the time difference…I've been here since 5:45am, but I couldn't really concentrate, so I decided for an early morning walk. I just returned, as you heard. And at the most inopportune time, when all my employees had showed up.
"Mr. Kaiba…" The voice was back.
"Yes?"
"He…he…uh…said his name…was Kaiba." The man stated.
"What?" I questioned. I was desperately trying to hold back my fear. Kaiba. Who else had that name besides Mokuba and me? No one that is alive…and can attest to that!
"Well…let him in." I said.
The man left my office and I positioned myself parallel with my desk and the window facing my back.
I am not afraid, just…curious…to say the least.
I looked straight at the opening of my office. Waiting.
The footsteps were coming, getting closer as they glided across the tile. I could even feel my heartbeat increase underneath my chest. Faster and faster. My face even held a slight uncomfortable appearance of being flushed.
Hurry up!
I could barely take the suspense, which I normally can.
The crashing steps upon the tile had ceased. My vision seemed to be blurred as my eyes would not focus on the image standing at the doorway.
"Seto, it's been some time…" The figure spoke.
The voice made the image clear. Very clear. My heart continued its un-natural pace.
"But…you…I thought…"
"Thought I was dead? Seto, the truth can be…illogical to say the least." The image smiled.
"You…you were…" I tried to say, but the answer merely squeaked itself out of me.
"May I have a seat?" He questioned me.
"Uh…" I said in a tiny whisper.
"Well," He chuckled a bit. "I'll take that as a 'yes'." The person closed the door behind him and gracefully found a seat in front of my desk.
I remained standing in shock. "You…"
"Yes?" He smiled.
"He…you…you're dead." I stated still confused as to how I could be talking to a deceased man, or better yet, a boy.
"Seto…virtual reality does not constitute it as reality." He smirked.
My shock began to descend at this comment.
Was he trying to make me look stupid? Unintelligent?
"Look, let's get to the point then…" I stated in my more 'usual' tone, "Why are you here?"
"More or less because I received a call from your brother."
"Mokuba? Mokuba called you? He knew you were…"
He rudely cut me off. "Yes and yes, he's worried about you. And quite frankly, after what he has told me, so am I."
"You are worried about me? How so?"
This answer should be good…
"Mokuba has told me you have been talking to yourself…that you have been very strange and stressed in the passed few months…"
"I see…and you are here…why?"
"Honestly, I have no real justification to that. I'm just here for Mokuba's sake; he is my brother."
"Your brother?" I yelled. "Just because we were brought into the family doesn't make him your brother!"
"Your attitude sounds about the same…" Noah stated.
"Get out!" I screamed.
"Seto, I seriously think you need to consider taking a break from all this…stress…Kaiba Corp is an important responsibility, but you are taking it head on all alone."
"Oh, I suppose you have a brilliant solution to that, right, brother?" I ended in disgust.
"Possibly a vacation, or something that will get your mind away from Kaiba Corp."
"You sound like a doctor, better yet, a shrink…" I laughed.
"Seto, if you haven't noticed, I have grown up, I have aged as you have, I have lived the life you are living…"
I stopped him, "No Noah, you haven't lived the life I have…I know perfectly well what I'm doing!" I yelled at him.
Noah remained quiet. He continued to keep his attention on me.
I sat down in my 'big' chair and closed my eyes.
He hasn't dealt with half of the shit I have. He doesn't understand; he never will.
I opened my eyes to find Noah still staring at me.
Was he waiting for something?
The silence waned on.
I could just kick him out…I have work to do. However, if that is my choice of action, Mokuba will end up hating me.
"Seto?"
I looked over at Noah. His smiled had changed into a deep frown.
"Seto…" He stood up. "if you change your mind…" He handed me a card; it appeared to be a business card. "…give me a call."
Noah walked out of the room and closed the door. I sat there, still in a state of anger, shock and confusion.
I looked at the business card still placed between my fingers. I placed it on the flat surface of my desk in order for the ability to read it clearly.
'Noah Kaiba. P.H.D. Psychology.'
I smirked and let out a distinct laugh, "What do you know, he is a shrink…"
Plz review...I'll try to update sooner:)
Thanks for reading...Sakurascorpion19