A/N: Yeey! I got back into writing Yu-Gi-Oh! I will probably have to warn you all that Haruto just went through a massive change and will seem a little out of the character I made him into but it'll all be explained.
I based most of this on the Manga rather than the Anime, so Mokuba's reaction isn't OOC but a watered down version of how he was portrait in the Manga.
Chapter 14
Between Light and Dark
He was only vaguely aware that his limbs were shaking. The world around him became as dark as the shadows which only appeared when there was light. This power, this strength which was as comforting as the dark of the shadows surrounding him. This was what he had been forced to accept, forced to understand without really understanding it. He could touch it. It pooled in the palm his hands, a comforting weight as if someone was holding it. His green eyes glowed as he looked at the two wizards, Mr Crawford grinning widely at something only he could See.
"Mr Crawford, creator of Duel Monsters and keeper of the Eye, please allow me to introduce professor's Albus Dumbledore, headmaster of Hogwarts School, and Severus Snape, Potions Master. Wizards and kidnappers much like yourself."
The power building up inside of the room could have made an outsider faint. The air was thick and it made it difficult to breathe.
"As pathetic and theatrical as before I see," professor Snape sneered.
"Severus," Dumbledore called warningly but was interrupted by Mr Crawford who just laughed. "How wonderful! Wizards you say? I've known of them but was never allowed to meet them in person. And you know of them, Haruto?"
The Shadows grew around them, actively seeking out the raven haired child as he drew on their strength. "Aa, I know them. Making promises they don't keep, forcing decisions and ignoring truths. These are the wizards of Britain," Haruto spat, the wounds of their betrayal still fresh.
"Harry, my boy, if you would just return quietly," Dumbledore said, clearly ignoring the way a darker magic attached itself to their Shadows.
"Never!" Haruto cried and with his emotions finding their way out into the world, the Shadows curled and burst into flame. At the same time something forced its way through his body and mind and his mouth seemed to work on its own accord. "I call upon thy Whispers of the Dark, oh Shadows of the World! Bend to my will as thy agreed. Work thy magics as thy agreed. Slaves of long since passed, Creatures of the Realm of Shadows, hear my cry and answer me! Armed Ninja, Aqua Madoor, Dream Clown, Witch of the Black Forest!"
The Shadows swelled, blended together and released four pillars set alight with dark flames before giving way to four Creatures. The first a human-like Ninja dressed in armour not seen for eons. The second figure was cloaked in water and its face masked to reveal nothing but its eyes. This wasn't the only figure covering its face. The third was like something straight out of a fairy tale. Its clothing decorated with stars that twinkled like the real deal, its grin was something quite ominous rather than happy. The last was female, completely cloaked with something like wings coming out of its dark purple hair. Her two eyes were closed, but her third was wide open.
"Wonderful," Crawford cried, spreading his arms wide as if to welcome them. "Beautiful. What a marvellous way of calling forth my Monsters! And you called them by using Souls of the Forgotten."
"As expected of the Creator," Haruto said, already feeling the drain from calling forth so many monsters at once. "There was no need for your Eye to see through this strategy."
Focusing his energy on the Shadows he had summoned Haruto relied his wishes mentally, forcing his need to see the two wizards gone through the connection. All four straightened and nodded at his wishes, zeroing in on the two wizards who had drawn their wands. "Now there is no need for violence my boy," Dumbledore stated calmly, yet his eyes had lost their twinkle. They were hard as glass and the Potions Master looked like he was ready for action as well. "If you just come with us quietly…"
But Haruto ignored him. "Armed Ninja, shatter the Earth and bring back their lives!"
"As you command!" the Shadow answered and melted into the stone floors only to re-appear in front of the two wizards. It was clear that the Potions Master was expecting an attack of some kind and much more prepared. Flashes of yellow and green lit up the room and the Armed Ninja was taken out before it could do much damage to either wizard. The backlash of power made the eleven-year-old stumble but he set his teeth and quickly summoned up the necessary energy.
"Dream Clown, defence!" Haruto called as a few curses flew their way.
The Shadow chuckled and called a soft, "as you command!" His stars shone brightly before seemingly twinkling out, disappearing into the shadowed room leaving behind only his laughter. The Shadow struck quick catching the Potions Master by surprise. His staff brought down with a force that knocked the professor down. He would have killed the man too if Dumbledore hadn't gotten in the way. The sheer power the Headmaster wielded would have frightened any man, but Haruto could only feel the backlash of power when the Clown was ripped apart by a curse that drove away the shadows he was cloaked in.
Haruto was panting now but he remained standing, sheer will-power driving him. The need to stay and fight to be free of those wizards greater than the agony and fear which his heart seemed to be frozen with. "Stop this madness child and just return with us," Dumbledore tried again but like a frightened animal Haruto lashed out.
"Aqua Madoor I bid thee, call upon the seas. Freeze them, drown them and wash them away!"
There was only a grunt from the Shadow as he started to glow a pale blue, the masked Monster straightening and raising its arms. Its mumbling filled the room, sounding ominous and threatening. The two wizards continued to cast charm after hex after charm, alternating between defence and attack in an effort to dispel the Shadows which were getting too close for comfort. An impressive wall of water erected between the two opposing parties and with a great burst of power sends it crashing towards the two older men.
Haruto was on his knees by now, panting heavily and sweating. He couldn't see through the attack but when the water cleared – destroying the glass windows in the process – Snape was lying unconscious by Dumbledore's side, blood mixing with the water that pooled around his body. Even the elderly Headmaster appeared out of breath but a strange shield was cast around him that would have stopped the brunt of the attack.
Shaking like a leaf in the wind Haruto's teeth rattled, an exhaustion sweeping through him that threatened to drown him like he had professor Snape. At least Aqua Madoor had disappeared after the attack. The problem now was that the raven head barely had the energy left to stand let alone to have his final Monster attack Dumbledore who was quickly recovering.
"How wonderful! You truly are a Master, Haruto-kun!" Pegasus cried, standing from his chair and walking towards the raven head as if he hadn't just witnessed two wizards fighting against an eleven-year-old. "Such a shame that you're running out of energy or you might have won." Haruto turned wearily towards the man whose Eye glowed in the Shadowed room. "I wonder what will happen if I take control of the Monster you've summoned so well."
Haruto shook his head, collapsing on all fours trying to choke back the sick that was forcing its way towards his mouth. He was too weak to fight back the invading force that was the Eye. It pushed his will aside and took the last bits of his energy to link it to Crawford. But as the older man send Haruto's final Shadow back as a sacrifice for another Creature, green eyes watched dully how Dumbledore was send away together with a bleeding Snape by a Shadow which seemed to be nothing more than a mask. It was crumbling and somehow holding onto what must have been a trap. While Crawford beamed down at Haruto at their victory the Shadows slowly withdrew from the room. The raven head watched as the sun filtered back into the room, chasing the last few wisps of shadow away.
"My, my! How special you are Haruto-kun!" Pegasus exclaimed. "I have never seen anyone shine as brightly as you; it truly is a sight to behold. And to be able to link your energy with mine through the Eye! This is truly wonderful!"
Haruto felt far from wonderful. His head was far too heavy, his heart felt even worse. There was an itch on the bottom of his left foot that he couldn't reach because his arms were stuck to the floor he was lying on. Every breath tore through his body like an electric shock which send his muscles tingling in pain but pleasure as well. Emotions came tormenting through him like a whirlwind of agonizing pain, fear and despair. As he took a deep breath something akin to hope blossomed in the pit of his stomach. He was finally free of the oppressing feeling that came with being inside of the Shadow Realm.
"K-kuriboh," Haruto muttered as the feeling of being held under water drowned out any more exclamations of Pegasus Crawford. It was a relief but the stupidity of summoning even someone as small as Kuriboh cost the raven head his last remaining energy. As the fuzz ball began to coo and rub itself against Haruto, the eleven-year-old closed his eyes and fell into a deep – and hopefully restful – sleep.
"Don't sleep for too long Haruto-kun. The tournament only lasts for two more days before your brother will find his way to the castle. And I have a lot of questions I want answering."
…five hours since Tournament start…
Mokuba had escaped the dungeons, first in search for Haruto but then… he would search for Yuugi. He would take revenge for nii-sama. No, not revenge. He had long since discarded that thought since his battle with Yuugi. No he would protect his brother for Kaiba Corp. For the dream that drove them day in, day out. And if he told Yuugi about Haruto… well, they were both brother's after all.
Ignoring his exhaustion and the feeling of hunger which gnawed at his insides, Mokuba lowered his hat to hide his hair and wrapped his scarf around the lower part of his face. With a skill he had developed while living in the Mansion he snuck through the castle and finally found his way outside. The island was large, but the Duelists were a great source for gossip information. He stole the deck of a boy and the star chips too before following the excited calls for more Duels. He didn't need to look much further. Just as he was about to rush into another clearing – this time near the coast – he heard them talking. Jonouchi Katsuya and Mutou Yuugi, but they weren't alone.
Three others – another two boys and a girl – had joined the two Duellists. He had seen two of them before; Mazaki Anzu who had worked for Kaiba Corp during the Death-T project and Honda Hiroto who had accompanied them in the games set up to destroy Mutou Yuugi. Looking back it wasn't a surprise that the plan had backfired on them but still Mokuba believed in his older brother and the path Seto had set out for them. The last boy Mokuba didn't know but there was something which reminded the young Kaiba of Crawford. It made his skin crawl.
"Hey! The kid who got his Star Chips stolen is on the boat too!" Jonouchi called out. "Damn it! That guy in the black suit broke his promise! There go my Star Chips."
Biting his lower lip and checking his mask, Mokuba rushed out of the bushes and into the clearing. It was now or never. Who knew how much longer he had before the guards found him? And if he could beat Yuugi in a game of Duel Monsters… His grip tightened on the stolen deck. He still preferred Capsule Monster Chess, but for Kaiba Corp – for nii-sama – he would do it.
"Yuugi!" he called out, confronting the group of teenagers with his head held high.
The group seemed startled at first but soon realised just who he was. "A bandana!" the brown haired teen cried out.
"It was you who stole the Star Chips!" Jonouchi cried out pointing an accusing finger in Mokuba's direction. But the youngest Kaiba only had eyes for Yuugi who looked just like he remembered him. Dark and imposing but somehow calmer.
"Wait Jonouchi," Yuugi said and his voice send a shiver down Mokuba's spine. "I think it's me he wants. I'm guessing you want to Duel me?"
Mokuba nodded, not trusting his mouth to speak, and gestured for the Duel platform close by. Heart beating fast, Mokuba settled on his side of the platform, gesturing the number of Star Chips he held to show Yuugi he was being serious. The other boy nodded and the lights turned on as the cards were accepted into the holder slot. Playing Man-Eating Plant in the hopes that it would do Yuugi some damage but the older boy brushed the attack aside with a confident expression, summoning Winged Dragon like he had known what card Mokuba would play.
Taken aback by the ruthless attack Mokuba felt a form of despair settle in his stomach as his life points dropped to 1400. His hands shook as he drew another card and with a breath to settle his nerves he attacked again, with Crocodilus.
"You can't beat my monsters with a card like that!" Yuugi called from the other side of the platform and the crocodile warrior was instantly destroyed by the Celtic Guardian. Why, why, why was this happening? This was why he preferred Capsule Monster Chess. At least there he could rule the board, his defeat against Yuugi the one smudge on his otherwise stainless record. "Why don't you give up now?" Yuugi called, his voice hard as steel as he glared at Mokuba. "You can't win this duel with stolen cards!"
Gritting his teeth Mokuba as he tried to strengthen his resolve. He had to succeed; for his brother who was always working, always trying to give something back to the world that had already taken everything from them. He couldn't lose! If he couldn't defeat Yuugi in a Duel, then…!
It was as if his body was moving on its own, rushing around the platform and taking the Star Chips from Yuugi before he well and truly realised what he was doing. "Oy, what's he doing!" Jonouchi cried out pointing accusingly at Mokuba who had already turned to dash away. Yuugi was quick, catching his wrist with a reflex like he would his cards. In his shock Mokuba dropped the Star Chips, the cards already forgotten on the other platform. His scarf dropped down, revealing his face which he had tried to keep hidden.
"It's Mokuba!"
"Kaiba!"
There were a few startled cries from Yuugi's friends, but the sadness in those red eyes spoke volumes. It was pity mixed with an understanding that enraged Mokuba. What did Yuugi know about his situation? It was Yuugi's fault that Seto was labelled as a mindless doll, that his big brother was unable to protect all he had worked for. Because Yuugi had beaten Seto in the game that should have protected Kaiba Corp from its takeover by the Big 5. While Mokuba protected the secrets as long as his brother was unable to move, it didn't stop the trading talks between the Big 5 and Industrial Illusions. It was why he was taking in the first place and why he fought with Yuugi even now. Because if Yuugi wins this tournament, Kaiba Corp and all its assets would be lost to Pegasus Crawford.
"Mokuba," Yuugi said softly and suddenly he didn't look like the confident Duelist from before but like the high school student that had come to get his younger brother.
"No!" Mokuba cried out, ripping his wrist free of the weakened grip. "No; I should hate you for what you did to nii-sama. It's because of you that he doesn't remember who he is, that he needs 24-hour care, that everything he's worked so hard to build is being taken away!"
Yuugi looked shocked and pensive while the other's that had known of Death-T watched his minor breakdown with pity and even resentment on their faces. Only the white haired boy remained silent and impassive the whole while, not even flinching at the loud exclamations of his companions.
Mokuba exhaled slowly to calm the raging in his mind and heart. "I didn't come to yell at you," he said softly startling the others. "You probably don't even know why Industrial Illusions organised this tournament, do you? It's so that Crawford can get his hands on Kaiba Corporation."
The stunned expressions made Mokuba smile grimly. "Pegasus wants Kaiba Corp?" Honda asked looking like the whole thing was way over his head. It probably was.
"The Death-T project was supposed to secure our future," Mokuba replied to the unspoken questions and demands for explanations. "It wasn't just to get back at Yuugi for beating nii-sama. Because his reputation was at stake, nii-sama placed a bet on the outcome of the Duel. A large share would go to the managers, the Big 5, who were making trades with Industrial Illusions. Nii-sama was confident that he was going to win and had planned the build for the theme park even before Yuugi came into the picture. It was his promise to me - his genius deception to my weak state – to build a theme park were all orphan children like us would be allowed free entry. It was so that they too could have a place to have fun between the stress of moving from orphanage to foster home. To forget the pain of losing our families for even just a few hours. But after his loss to Yuugi the managers have taken over negotiations, fully intending to sell part of Kaiba Corporation to gain the power they long for as we merge with Industrial Illusions."
"So that's why you're on this island?" Anzu asked, her face softening in a kind smile.
Mokuba shook his head. "No, I wanted to stay with nii-sama so I could look after him and protect Kaiba Corporation but a few nights ago the Big 5 barged in and tried to get the information to seal the deal with Crawford. I will never let them have the key to the safe." He rested his hand on the locket for a moment before he looked up to the group of friends. "I would rather die than betray my brother like that! Anyway, they took me to Crawford as a sign of good will but without the documents they can't really do anything." Mokuba chuckled at his ingenious plan.
"You may be a brat but I admire your courage," Jonouchi said, nodding at the youngest Kaiba who preened at the praise.
Anzu nodded. "We all admire the faith you have in your brother, but Mokuba-kun, will you have faith in Yuugi as well?"
Mokuba blinked owlishly, wondering just what she meant and he turned to face Yuugi who was looking at him expectantly. "Will you give me my Star Chips back?" he asked quietly but there was something in his eyes – which turned back from that purplish blue to crimson red – that made Mokuba want to believe in the older boy. "I promise you Mokuba that I will do everything I can to keep Kaiba Corporation safe!"
His heart was beating in his ears as he slowly bends down to pick up the Star Chips and he stared at them in morbid fascination for a few seconds. Could he really do it? Could he trust Yuugi with nii-sama' fate, and with it the entire Kaiba Corp? His hand with the Star Chips was inching closer to Yuugi's outstretched hand. "I guess he really did know what he was talking about when he said he believed in you," Mokuba mumbled, watching as Yuugi's eyes widened in realisation and just as he made up his mind one of the guards found them.
"Hold it right there!" the man called and Mokuba felt a shiver of fear. "Exchanging Star Chips outside of a Duel is against the rules and will see you disqualified!"
"You can't do that!" Honda cried out accusingly.
"Yeah, they were Yuug's way before Mokuba stole them!" Jonouchi added.
The guard sneered at the teenagers before grabbing hold of Mokuba's wrist which was bruising from all the abuse. The Star Chips dug into his hand, but the pain only caused him to fight harder against the strong grip of the guard. "I've been looking for you, Mokuba-kun," the guard said with a sneer. "You gave us quite a bit of trouble with your running away, but Mr Crawford will be pleased to see you returned."
"Don't make me laugh!" Mokuba shouted, struggling against the older man's grip. "Crawford only wants the key but he won't get it. I won't let him have it for anything!"
"Maybe we should propose a trade then?" the guard growled, his eyes flashing dangerously behind his sunglasses. "The key for your friend's release."
The group was stunned into silence. Mutou Haruto for the key to Kaiba Corp? Was this man serious? "But I can't…" Mokuba muttered, finally giving up the fight against the stronger man. how would he be able to trade the key to everything Seto had worked for a boy who he had just met and yet was just as innocent – if even a bit more – as him in this three-way battle? It wasn't fair. How could he make a decision like that?
"It's all right, Mokuba," Yuugi said calmly, his deep blue eyes shining with as much sadness as there was determination. As soon as they made eye contact Yuugi changed before his eyes, becoming taller and more confident, his eyes a glowing crimson. This was the Yuugi which had cursed him, breaking the seals on his mind and defeating him twice at his own game. This was the Yuugi nii-sama hated enough to build Death-T, the Yuugi who had beat Seto and send him into a coma. This was the Yuugi he hated with a passion for hurting his brother and damaging Kaiba Corporation by meddling. "I have a wager for you. Duel me and if I win you will release Mokuba and Haruto."
Something warm beat away inside Mokuba's chest. This feeling… someone fighting for his freedom… it almost felt like having nii-sama back!
"I'm afraid I can't play your games," the guard said as a twisted smile nearly split his face in two. He turned to gesture towards the Duelling platform where another man had taken Mokuba's former place.
Mokuba's eyes widened. "Nii-sama!" he cried out but quickly realised it wasn't true. This wasn't his brother but a poppet held by the other man. He was life-like and it made Mokuba's heart beat that much faster. "That's not Seto!"
"Ah, but you're wrong there Mokuba-kun," the puppet master said with a wide smile and he watched with greedy eyes as Yuugi took his place at the opposite side of the platform. "I'm a puppet master and this puppet is indeed very special. Everything Kaiba Seto ever has been is now inside of this puppet, ready to be brought to life. By me!"
"Have faith Mokuba-kun," Yuugi called, his gaze still fixed on the puppet Seto. "I will win this Duel and free you and your brother's soul. All he needs to do then is wake up."
Mokuba swallowed thickly and finally nodded. He would believe in Yuugi like Haruto did. The believe that his brother would be freed and that Yuugi would be able to help. Yuugi nodded, an almost smile directed at Mokuba before he focused back on the puppet master. The puppet master laughed eerily and puppet Seto cackled along, its wooden mouth opening and closing with clicking sounds that seemed to mock them.
The match that followed was painful to watch and would haunt Mokuba's dreams for many days to come. Not only had the puppet master use over Seto's soul through the puppet, Seto's deck was responsive to the puppet like it was indeed being used by the CEO of Kaiba Corp himself. It frightened Mokuba and made him feel very much alone.
But Yuugi battled on, ignoring the puppet master's taunts and the way he bend the rules to get the cards he wanted. When the first Blue-Eyes White Dragon appeared Mokuba had to fight down the fear that his brother's soul was indeed lost to the puppet master. That was the one card Mokuba was sure would only obey Seto. "Be careful Yuugi!" the young Kaiba cried. "They were able to steal my brother's cards."
"Calm down Yuug!" Jonouchi called from the side lines looking quite determined. Yuugi looked at his friend, his crimson eyes strangely wide. "You know this deck, you've beaten it before!"
But Yuugi was distracted as much as Mokuba was. He made a move that would have seemed like a beginner's mistake and with horrified fascination the young Kaiba watched as the Blue-Eyes directly attacked Yuugi. It broke Yuugi, his eyes flickering from crimson to frightened blue and he looked frozen on the spot.
The guard laughed. "I bet Kaiba's happy," he said tauntingly. "He must be watching from heaven!"
Mokuba's eyes widened, tears burning away as he fought against the truth. No, this could not be true. No, no, no! His brother was still alive. "Nii-sama is still alive!" Mokuba cried, his voice tearing through the tense atmosphere which had settled after the direct attack. Yuugi turned to look at him. "I… I believed in you Yuugi! You said he was still alive, you said he's not dead! I've waited and waited for him!"
It was like a new resolve blossomed inside of the Duelist and the young Kaiba watch through his tears as Yuugi fought back. Again and again Yuugi would surprise him, this time with the Magical Hats that successfully trapped the Blue-Eyes and destroyed it. Seto's strongest card!
But it wasn't to last…
A second Blue-Eyes took its place before anyone could even register what happened, destroying the Dark Magician and with it any hope to win the Duel. This was it, this was the end. Mokuba looked on, any hope of getting free from Crawford disappearing with the image of Dark Magician. He wanted to look away, to close this chapter of the story so he could wake up in the manor with his brother by his side.
His brother…
The newly summoned Blue-Eyes seemed to cry out at them, its echoing cry ringing through the clearing awakening a warmth Mokuba had thought he had lost.
"M-my attack!" the puppet master cried. "Why isn't it working?"
The image flickered until it faded once again. Staring in confusion as the card fell from the platform, the puppet fell with it. This time dead to the world as it should be. Mouth open, eyes rolled back, limbs tangled. Mokuba's heart started to beat properly again and a hopeful grin spread across his face. "You did it Yuugi!"
"It can't be," the guard muttered. "The platform must be faulty."
"Dream on idiot," Mokuba said, feeling a little smug. "These are Kaiba Corp platforms. These don't break. Nii-sama' cards can't be used by just anyone."
Of course it raised everyone's spirits but it didn't turn the Duel to Yuugi's favour. Mokuba wasn't able to watch the end of it though. Before the next set of life points was taken Mokuba's world turned black. At least he knew that his brother was alive and awake. Mr Crawford had better look out because Kaiba Seto would be on its way to save his brother.
A/N: OMG… pfft.
