Original Yu-Gi-Oh Series
Parallel
Chapter 035
Originally Written: Thursday, April 14, 2022 1116PM to Friday, April 15, 2022 1204AM
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A/N: I debated on putting this here, but potential trigger warning for this chapter.
"I hope you all dressed warmly. The Battle City Quarter Finals will take place on that blimp up there." Roland announced, pointing upwards. "Specifically, on the roof. I strongly suggest you all behave yourselves and don't try to throw anyone off. You won't like the repercussions." Roland made sure to lock his eyes firmly on the twelve people in front of him, including Seto for fairness.
"Starting tomorrow morning at 8AM, duels will take place over the course of three rounds. We will start off with a drawing to determine our opponents for the first round. I am Roland. I will be your primary moderator and referee to enforce the rules. In the event that I am unable to moderate, Fuguta on my left will take over. If we both are unable to duel, congratulations, you get a day off to modify your decks. Any questions?" Roland looked around making sure all the rules sunk in. No one asked anything. "Then let's begin. May the best duelist win."
There wasn't much to do except lounge around and get a feel for the Duel Academics blimp and dueling arena for the rest of the evening. All thought it strange that the finals didn't start immediately, but no one asked Seto why that was. For that he was grateful.
Seto wasn't used to people looking at him as though he lost his mind. Though he was starting to get used to it. He wasn't the one to set up this tournament. He was just following the notes Noah demanded he did. Which left him quite concerned and upset.
He stepped into the control room of the blimp, where Duel Academics staff members were performing final checks on the security cameras, and safety equipment. He stood in the doorway and waited. He hadn't needed to wait long, as Roland and Fuguta called out last minute orders.
"Seto." Roland looked at him.
Seto's stomach jumped. Roland almost never called him Seto. The first time he had he was still a child reaching for the shelves of the bookcase, unused to Gozaburo's cruelty. "Roland. Why did you announce the finals? Where is Noah?"
"If you would walk with me, Seto." Roland stopped in front of him.
"Of course." Seto followed him in silence. He just barely heard Yugi and the others chatting as they walked. They sounded happy enough. Of course, every room was fitted as close to a five star hotel as reasonably possible. He passed by Namu. The sandy haired boy paced and mumbled to himself as he fiddled with his hands. Seto didn't comment. He understood the feeling quite well. Why Noah wanted him on a blimp when he didn't like heights boggled his mind. Maybe Noah didn't plan on him making it to the finals?
Roland took him to his designated quarters. He stood by the door.
Seto took out some drinks and glasses from his mini fridge and took a seat at the table. "Please sit with me."
"Very well, Seto." Roland sat across from him at the table, and poured his drink into a glass. Nearly perfectly trained, Seto had given him water, not alcohol, juice or soda.
"Where is Noah?" Seto held his glass of soda in his hands. He stared into the glass.
"It is my utmost regret to inform you that Master Noah is deceased. As is Master Kaiba."
Seto blinked quickly. "Excuse me? Did Noah pay you to say this?"
"Yes and no, Seto, but I assure you this is not a prank or lie." Roland folded his arms against the table. "As you know, under the influence of Ms. Amane Bakura, Master Noah requested a small sum to Duel Academics from Master Kaiba to fund the Battle City Tournament."
"Yes, due to Maximillion Pegasus not only thwarting their takeover of Industrial Illusions, but quickly liquidating much of his assets to decrease the likelihood of them bankrupting him."
"Yes. The tournament has since then gone much over budget. Ms. Amane killed Master Kaiba when he told her and Noah that he would not continue funding Battle City. This greatly despaired and angered Master Noah. I believe that wretch has killed him for seeing reason and plotting against her. Master Noah left this letter for you, Master Seto. You are now the sole owner of Kaiba Corporation and Duel Academics. I beg you, Master Seto. Please keep Master Kaiba and Master Noah's legacies out of her evil hands. I despair to think what she will do with them." Roland reached into his suit pocket and pulled out a letter. He set it on the table between them.
Seto clenched his fists. He blinked quickly. His breathing became short and shallow. "Out." He spat.
"Yes Master Seto." Roland looked at him and stood. A swirl of wind filled the room, brushing Seto's hair and rumbling the glasses. The letter followed Roland as he backtracked.
"Get out!"
"My deepest condolences." Roland left the room.
Seto chucked his glass at the closed door. It shattered, sending glass everywhere. He screamed, tears running down his face. The wind increased in intensity, forming swirls of black and purple in the room. Then it died down. Seto stared at the table. He dropped his head against it, eyes blank and unseeing. "The farmer boy always loses his family when his story starts."