Lalalalalalalalalala. I HAVE FINALLY UPDATED. LALALALALALA. I AM SO SORRY. I HAD A TERRIBLE TERRIBLE WRITERS BLOCK AND I WAS BUSY. I MUST THANK ALL OF YOU WHO...You've been so patient with me...not updating...my suck ass story...really. Thank you so much.
Disclaimer: I don't own yugioh.
It's been two weeks since the dinner at the Kaiba Mansion . For the past two weeks he would try his best to be home before the sun has set and for the past two weeks, he has been more cautious.
I think it's about time I told Malissa the entire story. I've only told her some parts. How will see react to all of this?
"Dear, it's time for dinner.", said Malissa while setting the table. "Seto! Dinner!"
"Coming mom!", the little boy screamed from his room.
The three sat down and ate their dinner. "Yummy! Tempura, miso soup, and egg plant with mayonnaise!", said Seto.
The two adults in the room smiled and chuckled a little bit on their son's excitement.
"So Seto, how was school?", asked Akihito.
"Ohhh, it was okay. I'm getting used to speaking in Japanese. I also made new friends! Though we find it difficult to talk to each other since I'm not that fluent yet, but I'm sure I'll get the hang of it sooner or later!", he said cheerfully.
"That's very nice, Seto.", said Malissa. "How about you dear? How was work?"
"Work was fun. Exhausting, but fun. I'm going on a business trip two days from now. I'll be back after three days."
The little boy looked at his father and said, "Awww, three days. That's a very long time. Where are you going, dad?"
"I'm going to Osaka. It's another city. It's three hours away and don't worry. You can call me anytime if there's an emergency."
"What are you gonna do there, dad?"
"We're going to have a planning session for the next season."
The boy looked at his father. Admiring his father's success.
XXX
Malissa was tucking Seto into bed. It was time for a child his age to go to bed.
"Mommy, can you tell me a story?"
She pulled Seto's blanket and opened the lamp right beside the bed. "Alright, but just one story. Okay?"
The boy nodded and was quietly anticipating his mother's story.
"Once upon a time, there were two little girls named Chiyo and Tsuki. They are sisters who live in a small house deep within the forest. But there was something different with the both of them. These two sisters are not humans but forest gods."
Seto asked his mother "Mom, what's a forest god?"
"A forest god is a special being whose job is to protect the forest."
"Ahhh, so like batman?"
"No no no, special in a sense that they are not humans, but they are gods, creators of life, they may take a form of an animal, a plant, a human, or anything they want to be."
"But they're not aliens, right?", Seto asked with slight worry in his voice.
"No, honey. They're not aliens.", she answered with a smile. "So where was I?"
"Sisters...forest Gods..."
"Ah! So Chiyo and Tsuki are forest Gods. They have to make sure that there was peace and order in the forest that they had to protect. They had to make sure that everyone that inside and near the forest lived in harmony. But one day, the humans started to become greedy. They cut too much trees. Killed many animals. They were killing the forest."
Seto looked at his mother waiting for her to continue. "Since the people were getting so much natural resources from the forest, Chiyo and Tsuki had a huge problem. They had to maintain the balance. They tried to talk to the humans, but they refused to stop cutting trees. They said that they needed more wood to sustain their life. The two sisters tried to reason with the villagers, they said that the animals needed shelter as well."
Malissa looked at Seto to see if he has already fallen asleep, but he was still awake. "What happens next mom?"
"Well, the villagers did not listen to Chiyo and Tsuki. They continued to cut more trees and hunt more animals until there was only one tree left. That tree was the tree of life. It was the biggest tree in the forest and that's the tree that keeps Chiyo and Tsuki alive."
"Uhuh."
"Since the villagers have become very greedy, they started to cut the tree of life. They told the sisters that they needed more wood to survive the winter. The two sisters told them that they have taken most of the trees in the forest. This tree was home to a lot of animals already. If they cut this one down, they will have no more place to stay during the winter and they will die. But the villagers did not listen. They continued to cut until the tree of life was no more."
"And then? And then?"
"Slowly, the animals started to die. Chiyo and Tsuki did everything they can to save the animals, but it was no use. They have lost their strength because the forest was gone. They started to lose their powers and they were sad because they cannot help the animals and they were not able to protect the forest. Chiyo and Tsuki turned human and since it was winter, they got sick, but still they tried their best to help the animals, until they could not help anymore. Chiyo and Tsuki died because of the greed of the villagers. After the cold and harsh winter, the villagers went to the forest to ask for some wood but they were surprised to see that Chiyo and Tsuki were not there anymore. They saw that they killed the two sisters and repented. They planted trees and took care of the animals. They promised to never be greedy ever again."
Upon finishing her story, Malissa saw that Seto was asleep. She switched the lamp off and left the room for her son to sleep peacefully.
XXX
While preparing to go to bed, Akihito asked his wife a question, "Malissa, is Seto asleep already?"
"Yes, why is that?", she replied. Taking note of the slight changes in her husband's tone. "Is there anything wrong?", she asked.
Akihito took a deep breath and said, "It's about time you knew the entire story, Malissa."
"The whole story?", she asked. "I already know your story, Akihito."
"No Malissa, I left some parts out. Okay, I left a lot of parts out. I never told you everything that happened to me in the past. I think it's about time that I tell you."
XXX
Noaki Kaiba, a fourteen year old boy, is standing right in front of the buffet table. It was a ball made for kings and queens of the business world. Everyone was wearing expensive suits, there was an abundance in jewelry, and designer dresses, bags, and shoes. The businessmen and women, talked business, it was the only thing they ever talked about. Housewives gossiped amongst each other, talking about the lunch they had in the most expensive restaurant or the newest designer items exclusive to only the richest of the rich. The teenagers, well, most of the one's here were as old as his brother. They were around sixteen to seventeen years old, the girls were talking about shoes and parties, while the boys talked about who they got laid and who they want to get laid with. Noaki Kaiba was left out. He had no one to keep him company except the plates and food set right in front of him.
Such a boring party. Everyone's so...old. I can't even talk to anyone.
"Noaki", said Kazuki.
"Yes, father?", replied Noaki.
"I would like to introduce you to someone.", he whispered. "I would want you to become close friends with him. His father's a very important man in the business world."
Aiishhh, I don't really have much of a choice. "Yes, father."
Kazuki Kaiba started to walk towards the crowd and Noaki, had no choice but to follow. Along the way, Noaki was introduced to several people. Teenage girls on the other side were talking to his elder brother, Gozaburo. They were throwing theirselves at him. He's the heir to the Kaiba Corp., duuh. Women just can't get any scarier., Noaki thought.
After being introduced to a few more people, Kazuki tapped his shoulder, signaling him that the person he wanted to introduce was finally there.
"Ahh, Emmerich Von Schroeder. How nice to see you here.", Kazuki said with a smile. Well, one could call it a smile, but unlike smiles, it is not caused by happiness, but by malicious intentions.
Noaki Kaiba observed the man in front of him. He was a tall man, probably in his early 50's, wearing a pink Armani suit that compliments his shoulder length dark purple hair.
"Kazuki Kaiba, it is nice to be graced with your presence. Is that your eldest son?", asked Emmerich.
Kazuki Kaiba gave a small chuckle. "No, no, Mr. Von Schroeder, This is my second born son, Naoki."
This was the signal for Naoki. "Good evening Mr. Von Schroeder, my name is Naoki Kaiba, I am pleased to meet your acquaintance." he said with much respect in his tone while giving a small bow.
"Hmmm...Naoki, is it?", replied the man with purple hair. "I see you are in quite a dilemma Kazuki. It must be very difficult to chose which child will become the main owner of your company. Though this one does show a lot of promise. Well then, Naoki, I would like you to meet my son, Gerold.", said the older Von Schroeder. Naoki looked at the boy in front of him. He was probably the same age as him, give or take a year. He looked a lot like his father only his hair was not dark purple but light pink.
"Pleased to meet your acquaintance, Naoki-san. Ah, Mr. Kaiba, I'm sure business is doing fine as usual. I saw it in the paper this morning. You must be very proud.", said the younger Von Schroeder.
"Ah, it's nothing. The thing that caused my stocks to increase would be Naoki over here. We were having dinner a few days and he just blurted it out of the blue saying 'Why don't you sell some your stocks in the Mizuhashi Company while the prices are so high, and seeing as this other company...Ah! The one with the department store chain nationwide. It's stock prices are going down. You should buy it since the ratio of the price of the Mizuhashi company compared to the department store thing is like 4:2.?' My eldest son looked at Noaki like he was crazy but then I decided to take the risk. Took half of my shares in the Mizuhashi company and placed it in the establishment of the Nishi's. It was my son's achievement actually. I am very proud of him."
Gerold looked at the young boy in front of him. He did not look like much. He looked pretty dense actually, but somehow he felt inclined to talk with the boy and said, "Hey Noaki, would you like to get some food?" Noaki looked at him and nodded and the two ran off.
XXX
The two went outside the venue to find out that it had a big garden and no one was outside so they brought the food there were able to get to the chairs set right in the middle of the garden.
"Waaaaaaaaaaahh, that place was sooooo boooring.", exclaimed Naoki.
"Tell me about it.", replied Gerold.
"So Gerold, what do you like to do?", asked Naoki.
The pink haired boy though for a moment and said "I like snowboarding."
Awed by Gerold's hobby, Noaki replied, "Whoaaa, that's so awesome. Isn't it scary?"
"Hahaha, no not at all.", he said with a small laugh. "How about you Naoki, what do you like to do?", asked Gerold.
"I like to eat", he said while shoving a "good" amount of food in his mouth.
"Hahaha! Your manners disappeared the moment we got out of the venue!", exclaimed Gerold.
Noaki looked at him and raised an eyebrow. "Oii, I wasn't the one eating with my feet up.", he said with a smirk.
The two looked at the foot placed on top of the table and started laughing hysterically. "So Noaki, is your mother here? Mine's inside. She's talking with other moms. There's no way I'd want to come near her. She'd shove another stupid girl in my face.", said Gerold.
"Ah, my mother's in the hospital. She's been getting really sick lately. No one's telling me anything about her illness.", replied Noaki.
"Ohh, I hope your mother gets better soon. And I also hope she doesn't shove girls to your face.", replied Gerold.
"Ahhh, my mother told me that most of the girls here are weird.", said Noaki. "And I agree with her. Two hundred percent!", he continued.
Gerold laughed at Noaki's remark and said "That was the best thing I've heard so far today! Finally, someone who thinks that these girls are like leeches. Well, except for that one girl..."
"Oiii, Gerold likes a girl. Who is she?", said Naoki with a mischievous smile on his face.
"Alosia Sanchez.", he said with a faint blush.
Noaki took a pen and paper out of nowhere and said, "Operation G and A union has started. Planning of Mission A has officially begun."
Gerold was caught of guard and said, "W-whaat are y-y-you planning" His face turning to a darker shade of red by the minute.
"Note: Target G is a little shy.", Noaki said, while writing it down on his notepad.
XXX
It's been two years since Naoki and Gerold first met. Despite the time and cultural difference, their friendship proved to be a very strong one. There was a celebration in the Kaiba residence. The ballroom was opened, everything was being prepared. It was the birthday of the youngest child of Kazuki Kaiba. Out of all the guests, one was invited to go a hours earlier than the actual celebration. Inside the library, there were two young men stood in front of a glass window, observing the preparations being done outside the mansion. The maids were running around carrying utensils. The caterers were fixing the buffet area. Technicians were fixing the sound system. Security was a lot tighter than usual bringing guard dogs and other additional security measures to the Kaiba residence.
"Neh, Gerold. I wonder if it was a coincidence that we have the same birthday.", said Naoki.
"I really didn't expect that, you know.", he replied with a smile. "Hey Noaki, let's visit your mom. I'd like to see how she's doing."
Noaki Kaiba looked out the window and took a deep breath, "I'd really want her to get better. The doctor told me that her illness is not getting worse, but she is not recovering." Then Noaki Kaiba suddenly remembered "Gerold, what happened between your parents, the divorce. I'm sorry that had to happen."
The pink haired boy replied, "Oh, it's nothing. I'd rather they separate than to fight in front of my younger sister. It's difficult being the eldest, you know. I have to make sure that my sister is safe. Then again, I've known about my mother's affair since I was twelve. I knew it was gonna happen. I just didn't know when." ,he took a sip of the shake placed on the coffee table and said, "We've got better things to talk about...Your mom. I know your worried. I mean I'd always visit you here in Japan and your mom's...the best. I wonder why she married-. I'm sorry, I said too much."
"Why she married my father?", Noaki took a sip of the shake that was placed on the table beside him. "Ha! She's so kind she just wanted that ass to know the feeling of being loved.", replied Noaki.
Gerold looked at the Japanese boy beside him and asked, "So who's going to run the company, you or Gozaburo?"
Noaki started laughing, "Gozaburo wants the position, but my father is hinting to the both of us that I will be the next leader of Kaiba Corp."
The German boy was aware that Noaki Kaiba did not want to be associated to a company that manufactures weapons of destruction. "So, what do you want to do?"
"I don't mind becoming a leader, but I don't want to lead a corporation as dirty as this one.", said Naoki with a tone of disgust.
"What does your mother think?"
Noaki was in distress. He knew that his mother's life was about to end. He is not ready to lose her. Not yet. "My mother, she told me to be happy.", he said to the pink haired boy beside him. "So, how are you and Alosia going?", he asked Gerold.
"Fine."
"Fine usually means first base going second.", replied Noaki.
Gerold smirked and looked at his companion, "Fine for me usually means home run."
Noaki's eyes widened and he was speechless. He slapped Gerold's arm and said "You sly piece of shit. No way."
With his growing pride knowing that Alosia was truly his he replied to his dumbstruck friend, "Yes, way." Taking a last sip from his shake he told Noaki that it was about time they visited Mrs. Kaiba.
XXX
The two teens walked down the very grand staircase which lead to the main hall. The staircase was made of only the finest marble in the world. The main hall of the mansion was filled with expensive vases, painting made by world renowned artists, sculptures, and other luxury decorations fit for royalty. It was like having a glimpse of the Palace of Versailles. With servants going around the mansion making sure that everything will be perfect for their not so young boochama's birthday celebration, it was truly a busy day for most of the people in the Kaiba mansion. Noaki noticed one of his most trusted friends amongst the servants, Roland, was a boy not so much older than himself. Roland was tasked on taking the job of being Noaki's main bodyguard due to his exceptional abilities. As a child, Roland won in various martial arts competitions. He was skilled in his academics and he is able to think unusually quickly on his feet during times of distress.
"Roland!", screamed Noaki while going down the staircase.
The bodyguard, upon hearing his name, quickly approached the two boys and asked, "Yes, Kaiba-sama?"
The youngest Kaiba cringed upon hearing the name 'Kaiba-sama'. "Oiii, I told you to stop calling me that. Noaki's fine." Noaki looked around his surroundings making sure that no one was going to hear his request "I need you to take me and Gerold to the hospital. We want to see okaasan.", he whispered. Noaki did not want anyone to hear his request because everyone was aware of his attachment to his mother. They would tell him that he should just stay here and relax for the party later. They would say that his mother would rather see him having fun instead of seeing him worrying about her health. Though Roland understood Noaki's intentions. He knew that young master Kaiba would want nothing more than to see his mother smiling. Roland then asked Noaki, "Which car would you want to take?"
"Did my father leave all the car keys with you?", he asked. Roland nodded in reply and then he noticed that the two teens were dancing out of happiness. "We shall take the new red one!", said Naoki.
XXX
The travel to the hospital was not exactly boring. Not when you are inside the newest and most expensive sports car money can buy. With the two teens acting like baboons at the back, Roland was calmly driving around the city. Taking the safest route to the hospital. He noticed the commotion happening at the back by looking at the rear view mirror of the car ,"Noaki-sama, Gerold-sama, please do not play with the cup holder.", he said. The two teens stopped, like two criminals being caught in the act for stealing a diamond in a jewelry shop and sat down properly on their seats. Gerold gave a small cough and Noaki looked out the window, trying to forget that they acted like two very idiotic idiotic baboons just a few moments ago. Gerold broke the silence and said, "It's my first time to see an automated jumbo cup holder you know." The three boys stayed silent for a few seconds and then they started laughing hysterically.
XXX
Etsuko Kaiba, wife of Kazuki Kaiba and mother of Gozaburo and Noaki Kaiba, was suffering from severe hemorrhagic fever. She was somewhat a special case, this disease is supposed to kill a person in ten days if his or her immune system fails, but it has been two and a half years since the illness surfaced. Etsuko took note that even though the disease has been cured, her body was not recovering from the effects. She was aware that her days are numbered and she could feel that life was slowly slipping away from her grasp.
Etsuko would always recall a typical day in the Kaiba residence. She would wake up in the morning and had breakfast with her husband and her two sons. After breakfast, the three would go to work and she would have to go run some errands. She liked doing these things herself because she is not a big fan of idleness. Etsuko made sure that the three boys would not experience any small problems for they have bigger problems to face. Kazuki had to run the company. Gozaburo and Noaki have to learn how to run the company while making sure that they excel in school. The least she can do was to make sure that when they get home they will be able to relax and take it easy. She has to support them in any way she can. Besides, she loves the three men all too much. They were all unique and special in their own little way. Take for example Gozaburo, he may be a little hard-hearted boy who takes everything seriously, he always made sure that he did the things he has to do and as usual, only quality results are acceptable in his book. Noaki on the other hand is unbelievably cunning, and scheming, but he is very kind hearted loyal, and selfless. He wouldn't harm a fly, unless that fly harmed someone close to him. Kazuki Kaiba, the man that stole her heart, is quite misunderstood. On the surface, he's ruthless, unkind, and malicious, but he's really concerned for the well being of others, especially his sons and people who are close to him. He is a dependable man who is willing to do anything for his loved ones.
'Up until now, I still remember the pain I felt when my illness first surfaced. I could recall my body burning, my insides felt like it was being dipped in acid, the blood I lost, but the most painful of all was knowing that both of my sons could see me in such a terrible state.' , she though.
The symptoms of the illness surfaced all of a sudden one afternoon. She was not feeling well, but she made sure that she greeted her sons when they got home.
"Welcome home Gozaburo and Noaki!", she said.
Gozaburo looked at his mother then at Noaki, the two brothers nodded at each other and they tried to make sure that their mother went back to bed. "Mother, you don't look so well", said Gozaburo.
Gozaburo led his mother to the living room and he made her sit on the couch closest to the window, it was Etsuko's favorite seat. Meanwhile, Noaki went to the kitchen to get a glass of water and while asking a servant to get a cold compress for their mother.
"Oh Gozaburo, I'm fine. Just a little flu. I'll go back to bed once I'm done talking to the two of you.", she said.
Noaki entered the living room and gave the glass of water to his mother and said, "Mother, you're all pale and you look really terrible. Like you just came of out a horror movie."
"Oh hush hush you two. I'll be fine. I'll get some rest and maybe by tomorrow I'll be-" Etsuko was cut off. She suddenly felt a horrible burning sensation happening inside her body. She felt like she was swallowing burning wood. It felt like as if there were splinters in her esophagus and suddenly everything was so too hot like she was inside a stove. She fell off the chair and started to vomit blood.
"MOTHER!", screamed Noaki.
Gozaburo ran outside and started screaming, "SOMEONE CALL THE HOSPITAL NOW! ASK THEM TO BRING A HELICOPTER NOW! MOTHER IS IN SERIOUS TROUBLE!"
Upon hearing the command of Gozaburo, the servants in the mansion started to call the hospital and Mr. Kaiba.
"M-m-mother! Hang on. The medics are coming", said Noaki. He was trying his best to stay calm because he would want his mother to worry about him panicking. He ignored the blood on his clothes and he held his mother in his arms. Gozaburo ran to his mother's side and placed the cold compress on his mother's forehead. "Hang in their, Mother. The medics are almost here I just called them."
The two boys were holding their mother's hand telling her to stay strong. But the pain was just too much for Etsuko to handle. Then everything blacked out. Etsuko lost consciousness. The two boys were worried sick. Their mother just lost consciousness.
"FUCK!", said Gozaburo. "Fuck this. Where the hell is the helicopter and the medic?"
The medics suddenly ran into the room as if that line was their queue, bringing a stretcher and other medical gadgets with them.
"Excuse us, but the both of you would have to move away for a few seconds."
The two boys moved away from their mother and watched the medics bring her to the helicopter.
Noaki asked one of the medics if he and his brother could come to the hospital, but the medic did not allow them to board the helicopter. "Orders from Mr. Kazuki Kaiba.", he said.
XXX
Knock knock.
Etsuko looked at the door and said, "Come in."
The nurse peeked in and said, "Mrs. Kaiba, your son Noaki is here. Are you feeling well enough to talk to your son?"
The woman on the hospital bed gave a little laugh "I will always have enough energy to talk to my son.", she said.
The nurse nodded and went to the reception area to fetch Noaki and Gerold. After a few minutes, Etsuko saw her son and his best friend. It's very nice to see Noaki making such good friends with someone as cunning as he his.
"Hi Mother. How are you feeling?", asked Noaki.
"Oh, I'm feeling much much better. I hope I'll be able to leave the hospital in a few weeks.", she replied. "Besides Noaki, no need to worry about me. I've got a lot of people who are looking out for me here in the hospital. I'm the one who's supposed to be worried. You were sent here last week if I'm not mistaken. I was beyond worried. The doctors and the nurses even tried to hide you from me, but I'm sorry I was not able to visit. No one would tell me what happened. Oh dear, do be more careful. Please?"
Noaki scratched the back of his head while grinning. "Well, uhhh, you see about my hospital visit...I was running then I fell...sharp rock...my left arm...a few stitches. Nothing much really."
Etsuko's eyes went wide and she took her son's left arm to really make sure that he was telling the truth, and indeed he was. She saw stitches on Noaki's upper left arm and said, "Noaki! You know better than to run and trip! Goodness. Gravity got the best of you this time.", Etsuko said.
Etsuko could hear someone snickering at the other side of the room and she said with a chuckle, "Gerold, Noaki told me that you fell as well." Gerold looked at his best friend's mother and said, "I'm afraid I do not know what you're talking about, Mrs. Kaiba."
"Oh Gerold, instead of a rock making you trip, it was the impact of cupid's arrow on your heart."
Upon hearing this, Gerold's face went to fifteen different shades of red and pink. The mother and son looked at the pink haired boys reaction and started to laugh.
"Oiii, it's alright Gerold. It's just natural for you to like girls in that way.", Noaki said.
Etsuko looked at Gerold and said, "Well, at least you fell in love with a wonderful girl. I've met Alosia before and she's very sweet. Though if I recall things correctly, when Noaki was around nine years old, that girl had taken quite a liking for him. Oh, Noaki would hide behind me just so she wouldn't come near."
Gerold started laughing. "Really, Mrs. Kaiba? What else did he do?"
Noaki's face started to turn white. THIS. ISN'T. HAPPENING.
"Oh! I recall Noaki hiding behind Gozaburo. Alosia was very scared of him."
Gerold was laughing so hard that Noaki slapped his back and said, "Well, It did keep her away. Quite effectively."
Though their little chat was disrupted since they heard a knock on the door. A nurse entered the room and said, "Excuse me, visiting hours are over."
Noaki and Gerold said their goodbyes and left Etsuko.
The two boys went towards the elevator and took their leave.
XXX
The car ride back to the mansion was silent. The drive was so quick it was like as if all the stoplights were green. When they arrived, the two boys were greeted by a group of servants saying that they had to get ready for the celebration that was going to happen in an hour. Two servants led Gerold to the guest room, while the remaining ones asked Noaki to go straight to his room, knowing that he has a tendency to walk around when he's in deep though. On his way to his room, Noaki passed by the study where he could hear a discussion between his elder brother and father, he decided to take a little peek. Kazuki was seated on the chair behind the study table while Gozaburo stood in front of him. Judging by the tensed atmosphere, it has something to do with the word 'heir'.
"Father, I, as the first born son, would like to know who really is the heir to the Kaiba Corporation."
The Kazuki Kaiba looked at the boy in front of him and said, "I told you to wait, son. I will tell the both of you in due time."
"Father, we do not have much time.", Gozaburo said.
Kazuki Kaiba knew that Noaki was just outside the room and said, "Noaki, I suggest you come inside. It seems like you elder brother is getting quite impatient so I will tell the both of you now who is the true heir."
Noaki entered the room, but the moment he stepped in, he wanted to step out.
Kazuki Kaiba stood up from his chair and started to walk around. "Choosing an heir is not an easy task. I have to weigh my options. I need to ask myself the questions 'Who leads? Who follows? Who is the better leader? Who is the better follower?'.", he said. "It was not an easy choice, but the next president of the Kaiba Corporation will be you, Noaki. You are much more suitable for the job of president. You on the other hand, Gozaburo, will work alongside your brother as the vice president of Kaiba Corp. I will not hear any objections and my decision is final. Now go take your leave and get ready for tonights celebration."
Upon hearing this, Gozaburo stormed out the room and Noaki was just left their, standing. "I don't understand, father. Gozaburo wants this more than I do. He's been working all his life to become the president. He's also the first born. I think it would be better if-"
"Silence, Noaki!", said Kazuki. "Birth order does not determine skill. You will have more training this year so as to prepare you for the job that has been assigned to you. You will maintain the good relationship with our 'connections' and other 'important' people. That is your job. Now go get ready."
Noaki was stunned. "I don't want it."
Kazuki looked at his youngest son and laughed. "Don't want it? You don't have a choice, Noaki. You will be president because that is the job given to you. Unlike common people, you do not have a choice on what job you take. That is the price children born into wealthy families pay."
Summoning all the courage he can, Noaki said, "I DON'T WANT A JOB AS DIRTY AS THIS ONE!"
Uncomfortable silence filled the entire room. Kazuki looked at his son and sighed "Well, like I said earlier, you do not have a choice. You will be the president of the Kaiba Corporation and nothing will make me change my mind."
"But father I-"
"End of discussion, Noaki. Now get ready for tonight's celebration. I will not hear another word of protest from you, ever again.", replied the elder Kaiba sternly.
XXX
Gozaburo walked as fast as he can to his room. The walk was a total blur, all of his movements were robotic. He did not notice the servants greeting him along the way or the luxurious state of the mansion. The feeling of rejection clouded all the other things at present. He was in a state of total despondency. The shock and humiliation Gozaburo felt was unbelievable. My younger brother will be the president and I...I have no choice but to..to follow. I the first born child of Kazuki Kaiba will have to take orders from Noaki. That fucking bastard. He took everything I could possibly want. Everything. The only thing I had a fair chance of getting. The only thing I want in this world...He just had to take it away.
Gozaburo arrived at his room and closed the door. He ran to his study table and threw all the things on the floor. All the paintings on the wall, ripped apart and tossed around. The Quianlong vase on the windowsill was thrown on the ground and shattered in to millions of pieces. Rare glass figurines from Venice were thrown to the walls like it was an innocent game of darts. "WHY? WHY? WHY?", Gozaburo screamed. He sat on the floor, not caring if his hands were getting cut from the tiny pieces of glass and porcelain. All the disappointment and pain was starting to sink in. Gozaburo was pulling his hair out of frustration.
"One day Noaki, I will take the thing most precious to you and destroy it."
He will not admit it to himself but he could feel tears falling from his eyes.
XXX
The two Kaiba brothers were getting ready for the party. One was full of rage, the other was filled with numbness. Both were heavily disappointed. If there was one thing the two brothers felt, it was the feeling of never being able to do the thing they want most. They will never be able to pursue their dreams. Gozaburo and Noaki left their rooms fully dressed and ready to entertain guests. The two brothers coincided paths on the main staircase. They both looked at each other. Somehow, their eyes were giving off two different emotions, one was filled with hate and the other, sadness. After that brief conversation-less contact, they both made their way down and wore a mask over their faces to conceal the turmoil within.
XXX
A year and a half has passed since Kazuki Kaiba announced to his two sons the news. It was a year and a half of utter silence in the mansion. There were no conversations during meal times, the three always spent their free time in different places. They only spoke to each other if needed to, but it is at all costs avoided. Sunday brunch is one of the most awkward meal times in the mansion. They three men were not busy with their work or studies. Kazuki Kaiba sat where most of the head of the families sat, with his two sons eating on either sides. The servants placed the food on the table, today they were having toast, bacon, eggs, and fruits. The three men were all minding their own business, it was a silent event, but the silence was broken when the telephone rang. Noaki, being the closest one to the phone, decided to answer it "Hello?"
"Excuse me, this is Nurse Saito speaking, I would like to speak to Mr. Kazuki Kaiba. It is very urgent."
Noaki took a deep breath hoping that the nurse is not the bearer of bad news, "This is Noaki Kaiba speaking, I'm sure I can be the one to tell my father of the news instead."
There was a short pause on the other line "Very well, Mr. Noaki Kaiba. You see, Ms. Etsuko, only has a few hours left. She her organs started to fail and the doctors are trying everything they can do, but-"
Noaki let go of the telephone and ran to the underground parking. Whatever the nurse says, he doesn't care. The only thing important right now is his mother. Seeing his mother is the only thing that matters. Without even getting a driver, Noaki ran to the garage and took the car that would bring him to the hospital the fastest.
When Kazuki and Gozaburo saw Noaki dash that fast, they knew what was going to happen, but they did not care. Kazuki took a bite of his toast and said "Took her long enough to die."
Gozaburo on the other hand smirked, he knew that this would have an effect on his brother. Suddenly the chances of him becoming president are higher once again.
XXX
Noaki droved as fast as he could to the hospital, breaking a few traffic rules along the way, but he did not care. When he got to the hospital, he went to the drive way and he just left the 1937 Bugatti car. He did not even bother to turn of the engine. He just left it and ran to the reception area. He went close to the white table where there were four women answering phones and entertaining questions.
"Excuse me, is Etsuko Kaiba still kept in the same room?", he asked on of them.
"Hold on sir, let me check the database."
Every second was precious, the girl was taking too long, Noaki started to snap. "Can you please hurry up? My mother is about to die. I want to see her before she passes away."
The girl looked stunned and she replied "Sir, Mrs. Kaiba is in a special private unit as of now. It says here that guests are not allowed."
Noaki's expression was inexplainable. It was like a glimpse of hell and a taste of death all at the same time. "Are you telling me that I, Noaki Kaiba, her son cannot even see her?"
"No, sir. We just need your identifica-"
"Here! My fucking drivers license. Now can I see my mother before she passes away?"
The girl in the reception area was stunned and handed Noaki a card "Sir, take the third elevator to your right and swipe the card when you get inside, it will bring you to your mother's room."
Not wasting another second, Noaki left.
A few seconds later, the security guard ran to the reception area and asked "Hey, did you see a Kaiba just now? He left this really expensive sports car outside...still running."
The girl that Noaki just spoke to said, "He ran up to the special unit area. And he left his wallet too."
The guard rolled his eyes and said, "Bah, rich people."
XXX
This seemed like the longest elevator ride Noaki has ever had. It felt like ages until he reached his mother's floor. When the doors of the elevator opened, Noaki ran to the room straight ahead. The all white color scheme of the hospital still scared him. Upon reaching the door, he read the name of the patient making sure that it is his mother's room.
Etsuko Kaiba. This is the one Noaki.
Noaki opened the door and he saw his mother all pale with machines supporting her. She was conscious and she had years in her eyes.
"Noaki", she said with a smile despite the pain she felt. "Did you already eat breakfast?"
Noaki could not contain his emotions anymore and sat on the chair beside his mother's bed. "Yes, mom. I already ate breakfast.", he said with tears flowing.
"Shhh, Noaki. It's going to be alright.", she said as she slowly lifted her hand to dry the tears on her son's face. "I'm sorry, Noaki. I worried you too much for the past how many years. I'm so so sorry."
Noaki held his mother's hand "Mom, it's okay. Y-y-ou are s-s-stro-ong. I-I'm sure yo-you-you'll m-make it th-thr-through."
Etsuko ran her fingers through her son's hair and she sang the song that would always put Noaki to sleep.
yuuyake koyake de higakurete
The day ends with a fiery sunset
yama no oterano kaneganaru
The mountain temple's bell rings
otetetsunaide minakaero
Let everyone go home, hand in hand
karasu to isshoni kaerimashou
The crows go home together too.
kodomo ga kaetta atokaraha
After the children returned home
marui ookina otsukisama
Appeared the big, round moon.
kotori ga yume wo mirukoroha
While the baby birds dream,
sora ni ha kirakira kinnohoshi
In the skythe golden stars twinkle.
"Yuuyake Koyake.", Noaki said.
"Mmmhmm. I still remember you as a little child asking me to sing that to you. I'd sing it four or five times then you'd be asleep.", Etsuko said weakly.
"Yeah, I remember when you left the country with dad, all the servants had to sing that in my room just so I could go to sleep."
The two laughed a little. The mood lightened up a bit, at least. Noaki was still crying though, knowing that this could be one of his last moments with his mother.
"Noaki"
"Yes, mother?"
"Please take care of yourself. I won't be able to watch you anymore. I am also aware that you want to do something else. Just remember this...I'll be happy as long as you're happy."
Noaki kissed his mother's forehead and said "Thank you, mother for understanding. Thank you so much."
Etsuko held her son's hand tighter. It's almost time. "I'm sorry, Noaki. I won't be here to see you get married. I will never meet my grandchildren. I'm sorry. I wish I could, but I cannot anymore."
Noaki couldn't take it all it. "M-m-mom. Please d-d-don't go. D-don't leave me."
Etsuko placed her hand on Noaki's cheek and said, "Naoki, promise me...you'll be brave. Always do the right thing. Make me proud."
And with that said, Etsuko Kaiba has left the world of the living.
XXX
"So a few weeks after you turned eighteen, you left home and studied abroad with a new name. Then after a few months, I met you. You were working your ass off in the grocery. Fixing the canned goods.", said Marissa.
"Yeap, that's when my life started to have purpose again.", replied Noaki with a coy smile.
Marissa playfully slapped her husbands arm and said, "Oh, you are just too cheesy, but I'm just so used to saying Akihito, I doubt I'll be able to call you Naoki anytime."
"I prefer Akihito anyways, and besides, the man you fell in love with is Akihito, not Noaki.", he said.
Marissa smiled and kissed her husbands cheek. "True. But Akihito, you better go to sleep now. You've got a long day ahead of you tomorrow. You need to be well rested."
WHOA. Was the wait worth it? I didn't check the stuff anymore. When I was done I was like...MUST UPDATE STORY. FIX LATER. Sooo, what do you think? It's so funny because the story is about to be Seto and Serenity and here I am talking about his father's past...well, his past affected Seto's future...which has Serenity in it. BLAH. Thank you for reading! Please review and tell me what you think. I promise I'll talk about Seto's soon. You see, for you to understand Gozaburo's character and Kazuki's as well...I had to put that. It clears a lot of this up. Oh, I also noticed my writing style kinda changed. Okay. Hahahahahahaha.
THANK YOU FOR READING!