Step Closer to the Edge
3: Stop That Time
Disclaimer: Yugioh doesn't belong to me, but Shinjuku does.
The next day, Seto's funeral was held. The sky was clear, with a few fluffy white clouds scattered over it. The sun shone brightly onto the grass and tombstones, giving a strange, uplifting mood that contrasted sharply with the oppressive environment of a graveyard.
Mokuba looked around. The crowd gathered were mostly people Mokuba had never seen before, although, some had claimed to be a distant relative or long-lost friend, or something like that. The only person he did recognize was Chiharu Nonaka, business partner and former classmate of Seto. She gave an acknowledging nod his way as she caught his gaze.
Mokuba tugged at his tie to loosen it a bit. It was really hot today, and his suit wasn't exactly helping it. His shirt was starting to stick to him, and he hated it when that happened.
He sat quietly through the entire funeral, trying to distract himself with his surroundings. However, the words of the priest got to him no matter if he was actually focusing on the ceremony, or on a wilted bouquet of flowers. The man talked about how Seto was so smart, survived through such hardships, was such a successful person and… a truly caring brother. Mokuba's throat felt dry and as if it were tied into a knot. Tears welled up past the barrier of his eyes and streamed down his cheeks. He didn't bother to stop crying; it actually made him feel better, like a load was being lifted off his soul.
A lot of things in his life would change now. Mokuba hadn't exactly thought of them before, but now they came to him as the priest talked on. Memories flooded back: how he and Seto had been orphans, and how his brother had refused to part with him, how their stepfather treated Seto so brutally, but somehow, he managed to endure and rose to being CEO of Kaiba Corp. Mokuba managed a small smile for about a split second. He had always admired his brother for that. And now those were shoes he had to fill. Gone were the days they played and frivoled around. Gone were those days that Mokuba often went bursting into his brother's office or meeting room. Gone were the days that he looked up to him for support. He was now on his own, making his own decisions, and running his own life.
Mokuba's thoughts now faded to regret. He'd never gotten the chance to apologize, for his persistent questioning, the times he'd sneak out, or for the times he'd argued. He started wondering what Seto felt. Did these lay a burden on his soul? Would his ghost stick around until the scales were balanced? Or did he choose to move on into the next world? Or was there nothing at all where his brother used to be?
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Meanwhile, back at Domino High, Shinjuku Nayoyi kept glancing nervously at Mokuba's empty seat. The teacher had said that he was attending a funeral, but whose? Wouldn't Mokuba tell him? Shinjuku felt slightly betrayed. He and Mokuba were the best of friends, ever since they were eleven, and they both knew that they could trust each other with practically anything.
Shinjuku looked at the chalkboard and scribbled down some notes. He was getting distracted. But still, with that sentiment in his mind, he couldn't help drifting back to his worry about Mokuba. He had to call him after school.
