A/N: Chapter 14's going to be a bit late...I'm going to rework it a bit this weekend, and hopefully by next Tuesday or Wednesday, I'll have a brand-new chapter 15 up for everyone!

Disclaimer: Yu-Gi-Oh...NOT MINE!

Chapter 13

Atemu paced the floor of the hospital, waiting for the arrival of the others. The nurses had ushered him to a waiting room when he explained whom he was there to see. That was the last he had seen of anyone for the past hour.

So much for getting answers. Hold on Kaiba. Don't give in to the darkness.

The door to the room crashed open with a bang, and Atemu jumped at the sound, spinning around. Mokuba rushed into the room, Yugi and Malik close behind.

"Where is he?" Mokuba asked frantically, grabbing hold of Atemu's shirt. "Where's my brother? What's wrong with him?"

Yugi came up behind the ebony haired youth, placing a comforting hand on his shoulder.

"Mokuba, stay calm, remember?" he said softly. Malik came over and drew the younger Kaiba into his arms, whispering reassuringly into his ear, calming the small boy.

Yugi glanced up at his other half. "Atemu have you heard anything?"

The former pharaoh shook his head. "Nothing, aibou," he said. I have neither heard nor seen anyone until you arrived."

At that moment, a white-coated doctor walked in, fussing with a clipboard held tightly in her hand. "Are you the family of Kaiba Seto?" she asked, glancing up at the four boys.

Malik stepped forward, Mokuba clutching his arm. "We are, yes," he said in a shaky voice. "This is his brother, and the rest of us are his friends."

The doctor looked at him as if trying to determine whether he told the truth or not. Deciding in their favor, she sat on the edge of an overstuffed armchair, lifting a sheet of paper on the clipboard.

"I'm Dr. Mayama," she said. "We've run several tests on Mr. Kaiba, and we've come to a diagnosis. He is in a catatonic state, I'm sorry to say."

The four boys looked at her quizzically. "What does that mean, exactly?" Mokuba asked quietly, his eyes filled with fear.

The doctor sighed, shifting her position on the chair. "Catatonia is a condition characterized by a marked lack of movement, response or expression," she said softly. "It can be brought about for several reasons, including extreme emotional trauma. Your brother is able to breath and sleep on his own, young Mr. Kaiba, but that is about all he can do. It's basically a living coma. I'm sorry."

Mokuba gasped, burying his face in Malik's side, who in turn clutched tightly at the younger boy. Yugi's amethyst eyes filled with tears, and Atemu took his hikari's hand within his own, his own eyes glistening with sorrow.

The doctor placed a hand on Mokuba's ebony head, and the boy looked up at her, tears coursing down his cheeks.

"You may see him if you like," she said gently. "Stay with him as long as you wish. I'm sorry, little one."

Mokuba swallowed heavily and nodded his head. The doctor motioned for them to follow her, and leading them down the hallway, she stopped in front of a room, opening the door and nodding for them to go in. The four boys entered quietly as a group.

Seto lay motionless on the bed, his eyes open and glassy, staring at nothing. His arms lay limp by his side, and the only sign that he was alive was the shallow rise and fall of his chest with each breath. Several beeping monitors surrounded him, and an IV needle was inserted into the back of his right hand.

Mokuba walked cautiously over to the bed and stood next to the silent figure. "Seto?" he whispered. "Big brother?" Seto gave no indication that he heard.

Mokuba lifted his brother's left hand, caressing it gently, before placing a soft kiss on the back of it. "Nii-san?" he whispered again. "Please, Seto."

Seto continued to stare ahead with dead, lifeless eyes, not noticing the now silently weeping figure next to him. Mokuba let go of his brother's hand and it stayed there, hanging in the air, unmoving.

Malik stepped up behind the devastated Mokuba. He reached over and gently lowered Seto's hand back to the bed before placing his own hands on the sobbing boy's shoulders and crouching down to face him.

"I am so sorry, Mokuba," he whispered, his violet eyes filling with tears. "This is all my fault. I'm so sorry."

Atemu and Yugi came over to stand beside the pair. Atemu placed his own hand on Malik's back.

"How can you blame yourself, Malik?" he asked. "You had no control over your darker side's actions. This is his fault, not yours."

Malik shook his head violently. "If I hadn't allowed Marik to be, if I had fought him harder, none of this would have happened," he said forcefully. "This is my doing, my fault. I am to blame. I should have stopped him."

Atemu frowned. "That is foolish, Malik," he said, just as forcefully. "How could you have fought that which you could not control? Marik gave you no choice in the matter. He sent you to the Shadow Realm to take his place before you had an opportunity to fight him, or have you forgotten that? This is not your fault, tomb keeper."

Malik opened his mouth to respond, but a small hand on his arm stopped him.

"I don't blame you, Malik," Mokuba whispered. "None of this is your fault. Stop blaming yourself, please. If you want my forgiveness, you have it, but it's not necessary. Please don't blame yourself any more."

Malik felt grateful tears begin to slide down his cheeks. "Thank you, Mokuba," he said softly. "I do not deserve your forgiveness, but I thank you all the same. I will not hold myself at fault."

Mokuba smiled up at the Egyptian boy. "You promised you'd help me make this right," he said quietly. "I need you to keep that promise. You have to help me find my other brother – help me find Jou. Please, Malik, promise me you'll help me."

Malik nodded. "I will help you, Mokuba," he said. "And I promise, we will find Jou, if it's the last thing I ever do."

--

Jou's eyes slowly slid open as he glanced cautiously around him, taking in his surroundings. He winced slightly at the throbbing pain that arced through his shoulder.

Goddamn Marik, he thought angrily. I was hoping it was just a dream, but –

He lifted his hands to the collar clamped tightly around his neck, tugging futilely at the chain attached to it. With a sigh, he dropped his head and stared at the floor.

"Just like a dog," he muttered. "A good for nothing, stupid dog. Maybe it's true. Maybe that is all that I am. Useless and pointless."

His hand curled unconsciously into a fist, his jaw clenched. "It's what I deserve," he whispered, staring at the Millennium Eye symbol now scarred into his palm. "I hurt the only person who mattered to me. I destroyed him – oh, god, what have I done?"

He buried his face in his hands, his body trembling. "I deserve everything for what I've done," he choked. "I hurt Seto, my Seto. I'm such a worthless piece of shit. I'm so stupid! Stupid mutt, stupid Jounouchi. I – Oh Seto, forgive me, please."

The lock clicked loudly in the door, causing him to lift his head and glance warily in that direction. Marik strode in, a crazed grin on his face.

"Good morning, my pet," he said cheerfully. "Sleep well?"

Jou glared at the psychotic yami. "Like you care," he hissed, his eyes narrowing.

Marik laughed, the sound echoing in the room, sending a shiver down Jou's back. "But of course I care, my toy," he said. "I was – concerned – that you would have nightmares about what you did yesterday. You DO recall what happened yesterday, don't you little Jou?"

Jou snarled and leapt at the Egyptian. The collar around his neck pulled him short, stopping him from attacking the platinum haired maniac.

"You made me do it, you bastard!" he shouted. "You forced me! I had no choice, goddamn it! I'm not your toy or your pet either, Marik. You're fucking lucky I'm chained, baka, because if I wasn't, I'd kill you, I swear to god I'd kill you!"

Marik laughed again. "Such fire, little Jounouchi!" he said, his words tinged with amusement. "Have you not yet realized that you are mine? You belong to me, pet. You are mine and mine alone."

He knelt next to the furious Jou, pinning the blonde against the wall in a swift movement. Marik's eyes darkened to a deep purple as they roamed the other boy's body, a smile lifting the corner of his lips.

"You are my toy, Jounouchi," he said huskily, lowering his lips to the other boy's.

Jou's eyes widened as Marik kissed him. He tried to break from the psychotic yami's grasp, but the Egyptian was too strong and merely pressed him harder against the wall. Jou flushed angrily as Marik's tongue pressed against his lower lip, demanding entry. He clamped his lips together tightly, trying to deny the questing probe, but Marik pushed his way in. The platinum haired boy's tongue danced against the blonde's, hot and searing.

Repulsed, Jou bit down hard on the crazed spirit's tongue. With a shout, Marik pulled back, his eyes narrowing dangerously as he stared down at the satisfied blonde.

"I belong to Seto, baka," Jou spat. "I'm not your toy, Marik, and I never will – "

His words were cut off suddenly by a vicious slap. He fell to his knees, a hand on his wounded cheek. Tears sparkled in his amber eyes as he looked up at the angry figure towering over him.

Marik growled as he glared at the cowering blonde. He reached down and grabbed a handful of the other boy's shirt, pulling him up. He leaned in, his violet eyes glowing with fury.

"So that's how you want to play, Jounouchi," he said softly, his words dripping with venom. "You need to learn, my pet, that I am in control here. I call the shots, I make the rules, and I do what I wish. You are nothing more than my belonging. You do as I say, when I say, how I desire you to do so. Understood, slave?"

Jou nodded his head carefully, his body tense with fear. Marik smiled.

"No, you do not understand yet," he whispered. "But believe me – you will."

He suddenly cocked back his fist and drove it unmercifully into the blonde's stomach. Jou gasped and doubled over, his world exploding with pain. Marik drew his hand back again, and Jou's head rocked back as Marik punched him again and again. His mouth filled with blood and his vision began to blur.

Marik released hold of Jou's shirt, and Jou crumpled to the ground, his arms instinctively wrapping around his head for protection. Marik laughed menacingly, delivering a vicious kick to Jou's side. He kicked him again, and then again, relishing the whimpers coming from the beaten blonde. Marik kicked him once more before crouching down beside the battered body.

"Do you understand now, my slave?" he grinned, grabbing a handful of golden hair and yanking Jou's head upward.

Jou coughed violently, spitting out the blood that threatened to choke him. He closed his eyes, nodding his head weakly.

"Yes," he rasped, coughing again, his body shaking with pain. "Yes, I understand. I b-beg your forgiveness."

Marik laughed psychotically. "Good," he said simply, releasing his hold and striding across the room. He stepped out, closing the door and locking it.

The soft click of the lock registered across Jou's fading consciousness. He slowly and painfully dragged himself into a sitting position, his knees up against his chest. He wrapped his arms around his knees, tears beginning to stream down his cheeks, and he rocked slowly back and forth, blood trickling slowly from the corner of his mouth.

"Seto – " he whispered. "Forgive me, Set, I'm too weak to fight him. I'm sorry, my love."

Curling into a tight ball, he closed his eyes. A final thought crossed his mind before the darkness came to claim him.

It's hopeless. I give up.

--

Mokuba sighed as he shifted position in the uncomfortable chair. He rubbed his tired eyes and yawned, stretching his arms over his head. The soft creak of the door made him turn his head, and he smiled softly at the entering form of Yugi, returning from a trip to the cafeteria.

"Hi Yugi," he said quietly, motioning for the other boy to join him. "The others still eating?"

Yugi returned the smile and nodded his head, sliding into the chair next to the dark-haired youth.

"How's he doing, Mokuba?" he asked, placing his hand on the younger boy's shoulder.

Mokuba sighed heavily. "Same as he has been," he said in a tired voice. "There's no change."

Yugi clasped Mokuba's hand in his, noticing the tears beginning to well in the younger Kaiba's eyes.

"He'll get better, Mokuba," he said gently. "You know how your brother is – stubborn, headstrong and determined. There's no way he's not going to get better." He smiled reassuringly.

Mokuba tried to smile back, but his eyes suddenly began to crinkle and his mouth trembled. He threw his arms around Yugi's neck and burst into helpless tears.

"He's not going to get better, Yugi," he sobbed. "The doctor was just here, Yugi. She said he's – he's…"

He choked, unable to continue. Hot tears streamed down his cheeks, soaking into Yugi's tri-colored hair. Yugi gently rubbed the boy's back, trying to comfort him the best he could.

"Mokie, shhh, it's ok," he whispered. "Come on, it'll be fine, you just have to believe. He'll get better, I promise."

Mokuba shook his head, lifting it from Yugi's shoulder. "No," he said in a dull voice, his face streaked with tears. "No, Yugi, he won't. The doctor said it's irreversible. He's not coming back, Yugi. He won't be getting better."

Yugi gasped, tears pricking in the corners of his own eyes. How can this be? He thought. How can he…He's not going to get better?

He wrapped his arms around Mokuba, holding him tightly, his own tears beginning to fall. The two boys held each other, each trying to find a shred of comfort in the other, their sorrow all-consuming.

And stretched out motionless and silent on the bed, Seto Kaiba began to dream.

--

The warm summer sun beat down upon the flower-filled field, warming the boy who sat in the center of the meadow, staring up at the indescribably beautiful blue sky. A gentle breeze ruffled chocolate-drenched locks, as eyes the color of the sky itself glanced lazily at the surroundings. A contented sigh escaped Seto's lips as he watched the clouds float by slowly.

'Almost perfect,' he thought dreamily, a small smile playing at the corners of his mouth. 'But something is – missing. What?'

As he mused, he suddenly felt a strong and welcome arm slip around his waist. He twisted around and there, standing behind him with the familiar grin spreading across his face, was his Jounouchi. His amber eyes were glittering with happiness, and he held a hand out to the brunette, drawing Seto to his feet.

With a wide smile, Seto wrapped his arms around the blonde's waist, lifting him high and twirling him around in his arms. Jou placed his hands on Seto's shoulders and tossed his head back, laughing joyously. The musical sound echoed in Seto's ears, as he laughed along with his puppy.

'This is what I was missing,' Seto thought, his heart swelling with happiness. 'This is all that I need. Just him. Nothing more.'

He put the blonde down slowly, and lifting the smaller boy's chin, kissed him passionately. Jou moaned softly, wrapping his arms tightly around the brunette's neck and pulled him closer, drawing Seto in. For a time, the world ceased to be for the young lovers, time seeming to stand still, nothing existing except for the two of them.

Seto finally broke the kiss and with a breathless sigh pulled Jou close, holding him tightly.

"I missed you, my angel," he whispered. "God, how I missed you. I love you so much, Katsuya."

Jou smiled and nuzzled his head into Seto's chest. "Oh dragon, how I've missed you too," he said softly. "I love you too. I can't imagine anywhere else I would rather be."

He slowly lifted his head and tilted it back, staring into the glowing blue eyes that smiled down upon him. An expression of utter sorrow flitted across the blonde's face as he closed his own eyes and pulled away from the brunette.

"Seto – " his voice broke as a single tear trickled down his face. Seto looked at him in alarm, his brow furrowing as he reached a hand out to the other boy.

"Katsuya, what is it?" he said worriedly. "Why are you crying? What's wrong?"

Jou lowered his head, taking a single step backward. "Set, I – I can't stay," he said in a thick voice.

Seto stared at him in puzzlement. Stepping forward, he placed his hands on the blonde's shoulders.

"What do you mean, you can't stay?" he said nervously. "Jou, what are you saying? You can't go."

Jou shook his head, as a second tear traced its way down his other cheek. "Set, this is a dream," he said, lifting his head, his golden eyes drowning in sorrow. "Only a dream, dragon. I – I need you to wake up, Seto."

He started to flicker and fade, becoming transparent. Seto clutched at him frantically, his arms passing through the blonde's body.

"Jou, no!" he shouted. "Don't leave! I can't lose you again, I can't! I need you here, with me. Please don't leave me again, Katsuya, don't leave me!"

Jou reached a smoky, translucent hand out to the panicking brunette. "Please, dragon, wake up, and we'll be together again, I promise," he said, his voice barely audible. "I'll be waiting for you, Seto. I'll always be waiting for you. I love you," he said, as he disappeared.

"NO!" Seto howled, as he fell to his knees, reaching to the spot where the blonde had stood. "Jou! No! Dear god, no!"

He closed his eyes. I have to wake up, he thought in a panic. Wake up, Seto. Wake up, for god's sake, wake up!

--

Mokuba sat morosely next to the bed, his eyes drooping tiredly. Yugi sat next to the younger boy, his arms wrapped around Mokuba's shoulders, his own eyes rimmed red with sorrow and exhaustion. Mokuba's head suddenly dropped onto Yugi's shoulder, and with a sigh, he slipped into a much-needed sleep. Yugi yawned widely and lay his head on top of Mokuba's, soon joining him in slumber.

The monitors beeped softly, the only noise to break the tomb-like silence. Seto slept on, the rise and fall of his chest with each breath his only movement.

When suddenly, his hand began to twitch…

A/N: So, what did you think? It's longer than the last few chapters, and I like it! So please read and review! 