The next chapter in the Downfall saga . . .
"Yes, of course, I understand. But I will call you if I change my mind." Seto turned off the phone before slamming it down on the receiver and leaning back in his chair. The president of Entertaining Technologies, Inc. had personally called him to make an offer for ownership of KaibaCorp. A more than reasonable offer. Seto, of course had refused, but eventually the thriving company would simply buy out more stock than Kaiba could imagine buying back. Duel Monsters just wasn't as popular as it once was, and this simple fact alone was rapidly putting the once-strong company out of business. And Mokuba wanted, no expected, him to keep up with the original KaibaLand schedule. The KaibaCorp accountants were already complaining about the deficit; maybe he was being foolish for not selling. Perhaps some sort of partnership was the best option. . .
Kaiba's long left hand fingers tapped on the arm of his chair while his right hand rubbed his aching forehead. The partnership, or merger, more accurately, would be very clean – no job losses, at least not yet, the corporate structure of the company would remain intact, and as well there would be no direct profit loss except to him. The CEO sighed as he went back through the most recent reports. His greatest consoling thought was that Entertaining Technologies was not Industrial Illusions. Shuddering at the mere idea of handing over ownership of KaibaCorp to Maximillion Pegasus, he became even more determined to do everything in his power to keep that from becoming a reality. Even if it meant having a business partner in the form of Emmett Fraley, who would have upper hand. And Fraley had insinuated that he had in possession additional "persuasion" as he termed it, though Kaiba hardly knew what that could be . . .
Seto suddenly leaned forward so that he was now sitting straight up. What was he thinking? A partner? Working under someone else? Not likely.
"Mokuba, time to get up! We've got school."
Slightly later that day . . .
Yugi and his friends were silent as they came into school that morning. Everyone wanted to say something, ask the question, but no one wanted to be the first to speak. Not surprisingly, Wheeler was the first to break the silence, having grown very uncomfortable at not having opened his mouth for an entire ten minute period.
"Okay, so what in da world is up wid money bags and his brother?" he asked loudly. Fortunately the study hall that they were in was not too crowded, although those who were in the room all turn and stared before returning to their own hushed but excited conversations.
"I dunno, Joey. I'm guessing that Kaiba's not here because of Mokuba," Yugi replied. The mention of the younger Kaiba brought back the disquieting silence. The only thing television newscasters had reported on the entire day was Mokuba's disappearance from Kaiba mansion. "I'm sure he's trying to find him." Joey shook his head.
"If I was Mokuba, I don't think dat I would want to be found."
"Joey!" Tea exclaimed. "You just don't think."
"Wha-at? Mokuba's a nice kid. And Smart Mouth's . . . well, a smart mouth jerk."
"Jerk or not, maybe we should help." Yugi submitted.
"Well, I mean, since it's Mokuba . . ." Tristan was the first respond.
"Yugi's right, there must be something we can do. Mokuba is our friend." Tea added. The rest caught their breath as they prepared for her to launch into one of her infamous "friendship speeches" but instead she just bit her lip in nervousness. "Sure hope he's okay."
"Probably some business thing – kidnapping him for leverage," Duke offered. "The corporate world can be ruthless like that."
"I can't imagine how anyone could do something like that."
"Well, we all know how stubborn Kaiba can be, for started. Seems like the only thing that keeps him human is his brother." No one responded, but they all realized it was the truth. And it brought even worse imaginations to their minds. What if something happened to Mokuba – something terrible, irreversible? What would Kaiba do if he did lose his brother? And the worst of all – what if he already had?
"They wouldn't . . . hurt him . . . would they?" Tea asked.
"We gotta do somethin' now!" Joey blurted out, then looked very embarrassed as
"So are we all in?" Tristan and Duke nodded their assent.
"I'm in."
"Me too. But everyone better listen because Joey Wheeler ain't doin' nothing for Smart Mouth Kaiba – dis is just for Mokuba. Got it?"
Sometime earlier in the morning . . .
The message was simple "Mission accomplished." but it meant so much. Fraley leaned back in his chair, grinning. It was turning out to be an excellent day.
Please, please review. The next chapter is almost ready, but I will be more motivated to finish and post if I get more reviews!
-Hope