Disclaimer: I do not own Yugioh.

"Talk"

'Thoughts'

Flashback/Dreams

...

Darkness.

It was all around him, gripping him, suffocating him.

He wanted to run away. He wanted to get out. He stretched his arm to find his way in the dark, but was perplexed to be blocked by a solid object. It was straight and hard, like a wall, but very smooth. He retreated his hand and moved to the left, but was confronted with the same problem. Moving to the right or back produced the same outcome.

What was going on?

Was he trapped?

A blinding light illuminated juts above him, momentarily hindering his ability of sight. When his eyes finally adjusted to it, he was able to decipher his surroundings. All around him were transparent walls, encasing him in a glass case. He was elevated in the darkness by an unknown force.

What the hell was this?

He wanted to yell in agitation, but found that he couldn't. He had no voice. He was mute. Before he cold ponder over the absurdity of the situation, something caught his eyes.

A figure stood in front of him, bathed in the very same darkness that engulfed his surroundings. Only the outline of the figure was faintly visible, allowing him to understand that the person was a male, a very tall and lean male.

But who?

He was standing sideways to him, his gaze focused on something in distance, something that was moving.

But what?

It was getting very frustrating for him. He was trapped in a glass case that was impermeable to air, yet he was breathing perfectly. However, he couldn't speak. And with him, in the fortress of darkness, was a man who was staring off in distance.

Weird.

With nothing better to do, he also turned his head in the direction that held the man's gaze, and was surprised to see a ray of light that was moving. Slowly, the ray of light moved closer and closer, and he was able to see that it was actually illuminating someone's path. A girl, he guessed from her figure. She was running towards the man, her path being illuminated by the light. As she neared his prison, he was able to see her face.

It was her.

He couldn't believe it. It really was her.

He watched as she threw herself in the awaiting man's arms, who captured her and held her close. Watching her in that man's arms caused his blood to boil in rage, and heart to wrench in longing. The light now shone upon them, acting like a spotlight. They stayed still, embraced in each others arms until she pulled away to gaze lovingly at him. The light allowed him to see the face of the man and he was utterly shocked to find that it was him. He, Seto Kaiba, was the person holding her so tenderly.

But that was ludicrous.

He was trapped in the glass case. How could he be there as well? It didn't make any sense. But then again, nothing he had seen so far had made sense.

"I love you." His eyes widened as she whispered those words to him, and buried her face in his chest again. What shocked him more was his reaction to it. He watched as he roughly pushed her away. She stared at him in shock. Her hand reached out to touch him, but stopped short.

Another female had appeared beside him. Her hazel eyes shot a triumphant look at her. She retreated away from the duo, pain reflecting in her crystal eyes.

"Why?" She asked him, body threatening to shake with sobs. He only stood there, watching.

"You said you understood." She screamed with accusing eyes. "You lied. You-." Dark figures had erupted from the darkness around them and surrounded her. She retreated, fear overtaking her beautiful face.

"What… what is going on?" She asked in a frightened voice. "What are you all-?" A stone hit her square on the forehead. She screamed in pain, and the figures let out a dark, shrill laugh. He leapt to his feet, trying to reach out to her, trying to help her, trying to protect her. But the glass case prison stopped any actions, and he was left to just stand there and watch. And he did watch. He watched as they threw stones at her, one after another. And he felt every one of them. He felt every blow that she felt, every sting, and every scratch.

"Stop." She screamed. "Stop. It hurts. It hurts." But they didn't. They kept going, hitting her again and again.

"Help me." Her pain-streaked voice pierced his heart, and he banged his fists on the glass walls.

Help her. Someone help her, he wanted to scream. But his voice betrayed him again, refusing to come out. He glared at his clone standing not too far, and just watching. Why wasn't he doing anything? Why? He couldn't be that heartless.

He turned his gaze back to her. Her screams were fading, or maybe he was getting accustomed to hearing them. Soon after, the figures stopped their brutal assault and stepped away, revealing their horrific masterpiece.

Kneeling on the floor, covered in her own blood, she sobbed. Small, red drops trickled down her face and disappeared into the puddle of blood around her.

"Why?" Her voice was a whisper, laced with pain. "Why did you do this to me?" She slowly lifted her face and he gasped in horror. The drops that had trickled into the puddle of blood hadn't appeared from the wound on her forehead. No, that was just a gash. The blood was from tears.

She was crying blood tears.

"How could you do this to me?" She asked again, more tears leaving red trails on her cheeks. His heart wrenched in pain as he stared helplessly at her beaten form. He glared at his clone again, who had stood silently, watching the barbaric ordeal take place. What was wrong with him? Why had he been so heartless?

"I loved you." She whispered again, more to herself then to him. "And you betrayed me. You hurt me." With accusing eyes, she glared at him. "I… I-." She never got an opportunity to finish. The puddle of blood below her was bubbling. It was swallowing her body. His heartbeat increased dramatically.

What was going on?

She tried to stand up, but she was already sunk up to her waist. She struggled to get out, but some unknown force kept pulling her deeper and deeper. She screamed in fear and struggled desperately.

"Help me. Someone help me. Please." She begged, flaying her arms in futile attempts to help her. Inside his prison, he struggled like a rabid animal, banging his shoulders against the case, trying to break free. He had to get to her. He had to help her. When she realized that her efforts were proving fruitless, she turned to them.

"Please, I beg you, help me." Blood tears were flowing more frequently, covering her whole face in blood. "I am afraid." She admitted, sobbing helplessly. Her body sunk in to her chest. He let out an animalistic growl of frustration and violently kicked and screamed. Moisture formed at the corner of his eyes as he watched her disappear.

No. He thought determinedly. I won't let her disappear. I won't let her. With all his might, he bumped into the glass wall, not caring about the pain. His glass prison shattered in a million pieces, the shards piercing his body everywhere. But he didn't care. He raced towards the puddle of blood, towards her. Maybe if he reached there in time, he could rescue her. Maybe he could pull her out. Leaving bloody trails behind, he ran and ran. But was blocked by the dark figures. They stood in his way, blocking his view of her

"I'm scared." Her defeated voice reached his ears again, and he tried to see past the figures. She was covered up to her shoulders in the pool of blood. He was losing her. He violently pushed them away, not caring who he pushed or where they went. He just wanted to get to her. He went through them, one by one, until only one stood before him.

He himself.

"I don't want to be alone." Her chin was now soaking red with blood, but it wasn't the end. He knew what was coming, and he knew he had to act fast. He glared at the replica of himself blocking his way. He tried to hit him, but he knew himself well and managed to dodge easily.

"I don't want to-." Her words were swallowed by the puddle, as was the last trace of her body. His heart stopped beating. Utter silence conquered the darkness.

"NO." He screamed, his vocal chords straining to produce such a high volume. He stared at the cowardly clone of himself, one who had done nothing to save her. Her disappearing face appeared in his mind, and an unknown power surged through him. With an enraged growl, he punched his clone in the face, knocking him few feet away from him. Then he turned to the puddle of blood. He was shocked to discover that the puddle of blood was disappearing as well, draining, like water in a sink.

"No. I won't let it." He said with determination, not even noticing the fact that he could speak.

Only a few drops remained. He had no time left. He ran towards it, ignoring the pain shooting through his entire body. Just when he was within reach, someone grabbed his leg and tripped him. He fell, face first, just a few inches short of the blood puddle. And right before his eyes, the last drop of blood disappeared, leaving nothing but darkness.

"No." He whispered, tears falling from his eyes. "Please no." He turned to his clone, which now had a smug smile on his face. Very slowly, his replica dissolved into the darkness, leaving him alone in his misery.

"NOOO."

With a gasp, Seto woke up. He carefully analyzed his surroundings. One look revealed that he was in his room. He sighed and ran a sweaty hand through his damp hair.

A nightmare. It was just a nightmare.

The very same nightmare that had plagued his nights for 4 years.

'Damn her.' He cursed and got out of bed. There was no point attempting to sleep now. Even if he tried, he knew he wouldn't be able to shut his eyes without having the horrendous images flashing before his eyes.

'I need a cold shower.' He walked towards his bathroom, not even bothering to spare a glance to the other occupant in the room. After satisfying himself and shaking off his sleep, he came out, dressed and ready for work. That's when his eyes went towards his bed, where a naked figure was sprawled.

Serenity.

During his awakening, he had tossed the sheets off her body as well. With a disgusted look in his eyes, he walked towards her and carelessly threw the sheets on her, covering her form. He had seen enough of her last night, and didn't want to ruin his mood so early in the morning.

He walked downstairs, towards the kitchen. It was early in the morning and most servants were still asleep.

"Good morning Mr. Kaiba." Everyone, except one. Rosa, a 53-year-old woman. Seto nodded to acknowledge her and sat on the chair. Rosa placed his coffee before him, and went back to doing what she was doing.

"Where is my paper?" Seto inquired, looking around the kitchen. Every morning, Rosa placed his newspaper before his seat, but today, it seemed she had forgotten.

"Young master has it." Rosa said, and Seto's eyes widened.

"Mokuba?" Shock was evident in his voice, and Rosa didn't fail to notice it.

"Yes." She said, placing a pancake on a plate before him. "He was up early, even before me, waiting for the paper. And he took it to his room as soon as it arrived."

"Did you ask why?"

"No. I will ask when he comes down for breakfast." As soon as Rosa finished, Mokuba's voice was heard.

"And I say to myself." Their heads turned towards the staircase, where Mokuba was singing and hopping down the stairs. "What a wonderful world." He finished his song with an ungraceful spin and jump on the floor.

"Good morning Rosa." Mokuba said cheerfully, coming in the kitchen. He immediately turned his back to his brother and stood beside Rosa.

"Morning young master." Rosa said with a pleasant smile.

"Pancakes?" Mokuba said, catching a whiff of the delicious aroma. "Today really is perfect."

"Can I ask what's so special about today?" Rosa asked casually.

"Of course." Mokuba said, plopping a piece of pancake in his mouth. "Today, I get to meet a friend of mine after a long time."

"That friend must be very special to bring you such joy." Rosa commented.

"Oh she's special all right." Mokuba said, eating more. Seto, who was listening, raised an eyebrow.

"So the friend is a SHE." Rosa teased. Mokuba smiled sheepishly.

"I said that?" Then shrugged his shoulders. "Well, yeah. It's a she. And she's very special."

"And who is this special female friend of yours?" Seto spoke for the first time. Mokuba's body went erect the moment Seto's voice reached his ears. Rosa sighed and turned towards the stove again.

"Well?" Seto pressed, keeping his voice and facial expression neutral.

"That. Is. None. Of your. Business." Mokuba spat in a venomous tone, causing Rosa to cringe. This was going to get ugly. Before Seto could speak, Mokuba turned and placed his plate on the counter.

"I'm out of here." He said, walking out.

"But master Mokuba, your breakfast?" Rosa called out in concern.

"I'll get something on my way." Mokuba replied stiffly and walked out of the house, slamming the door behind him. Rosa sighed and turned to the older Kaiba.

"Are you alright Mr. Kaiba?" She asked. Seto only glared at her.

"Do your work." He spat. Sipping his coffee, he stood up and walked outside, stepping into his limo. He couldn't stand to be in the same room as her.

Rosa.

She had the kind of relationship with Mokuba that Seto once had. The kind of relationship he had lost. The kind of relationship he wanted, but knew he would never have. And all because of her.

(Flashback)

Mokuba heard the door open and ran downstairs. Seto and Tea were back, and he couldn't wait to see them. Every time Tea went out, she always brought something for him. Whether it was a video game or a piece of candy, something always awaited him. But when he reached the bottom of stairs, he was surprised to see only Seto, and two of their bodyguards.

"Seto, where is Tea?" He asked in a confused voice.

"She's not coming." Seto said calmly.

"But why? She doesn't have any dance practice today. Plus she promised to spend the day with me. And she never breaks a promise to me."

"She won't be coming here anymore." Seto said and motioned the guards to go ahead. The men started walking up stairs, much to Mokuba's confusion.

"Seto, what's going on? Why won't she be coming here?" Just then, Serenity appeared besides Seto.

"Wow, your house is big." She said with amazement.

"What is she doing here?" Mokuba was completely lost. Seto hated Wheelers, and Serenity was a Wheeler. Upon hearing a sound behind him, he turned around to find the men carrying various items in their arms. He immediately recognized it as Tea's stuff.

"Hey, where are you taking that?" Mokuba yelled, running back upstairs and trying to get it from their arms. The men struggled to keep it all, and in the struggle, the arm of a ballerina alarm clock broke off, falling into Mokuba's hand.

"Mokuba stop." Seto commanded. "Tea will not be coming here."

"But why?" Mokuba asked again. It was then he noticed Serenity holding Seto's arm. He was young, but not stupid. He knew what was going on.

"You broke up with her?" He said in a shocked tone. "Because of her?" He pointed accusingly at Serenity.

"Yes." Seto said after a short pause.

"I can't believe you." Mokuba said in an angry tone. "Why did you do that?"

"It wasn't working. And I found someone better." Seto said, and Serenity beamed.

"Have you lost your mind?" Mokuba yelled. "Tea is better than any girl you'll ever meet. And Serenity? She is a Wheeler. You hate her." Seto didn't respond. Tears formed in Mokuba's eyes when he realized his brother wasn't going to do anything.

"Tea was my friend… my best friend." He whispered, holding the arm of the crystal ballerina to his chest. "And you hurt her because of that… that bitch." Serenity gasped in horror at Mokuba's choice of words. Even Seto appeared surprised, before his eyes hardened.

"Mokuba." He said in a deadly voice. "Apologize to her right now."

"No." Mokuba said defiantly and took a step back up the stairs. "I won't apologize because that's what she is. A bitch." He turned around and marched upstairs.

"She's a bitch. A bitch. A bitch. A bitch. A bitch." He yelled with every step. When at the top of the staircase, he turned around and glared at them.

"I hate her." He said in a venomous tone. "And I hate you too."

(End flashback)

Since that day, things had changed dramatically between the two brothers. Mokuba had been quite angry that day, and had locked himself in his room. He didn't come out to eat or drink. Seto tried numerous times, but Mokuba didn't budge. For two days, Mokuba remained secluded. When he finally emerged, he refused to even look at his brother, let alone to speak to him. He didn't even remain in the same room as him. He became a complete stranger to Seto.

He knew Mokuba was hurt, and needed a shoulder of support. That's when Rosa came into the picture. Seto hired her so she could be someone Mokuba could talk to, someone Mokuba could turn to, someone who would take care of Mokuba. And Rosa did all that, to an extent that she earned Seto's envy. Now, she was Mokuba's friend, Mokuba's caretaker, and Mokuba's secret keeper. He talked with her, joked with her, and laughed with her, things Seto longed for.

He could just easily fire her and be rid of her. But that was not possible. If he took her away, Mokuba would surely leave the house, as he had threatened before. Plus, Seto needed Rosa to keep him informed of Mokuba's life. She was his only link to knowing what was going on in his little brother's life.

The limo stopped and he stepped out. He had a feeling today was going to be a long day.

He entered the office with a scowl on his face, his coat bellowing behind him, but was utterly shocked to find the receptionist missing. She was always at her desk, ready to greet him. But today, she wasn't there. And that wasn't all. No other employee was in sight either.

"Where is everyone?" Seta said out loud, hoping someone would hear him and come. But no such luck. What the hell was going on here? He heard voices, coming from the main lobby. Scowling, he made his way there, and was shocked to find probably the entire employee population standing before the jumbo screen.

"What the hell is going on here?" He demanded in a commanding tone. Immediately, Roland appeared, sweating at the sight of his angry boss.

"Sir, you have arrived early." He said, fiddling to wipe his forehead.

"Yes." Seto replied through clenched teeth. "Why are you all here, and not working?"

Everyone turned to him, their faces pale with fear. Before Seto could get his answer, someone yelled excitedly.

"There she is. It's her." They all turned to the jumbo screen, excited murmurs filling the air. Seto growled at being ignored and also turned to the screen, wanting to see what the commotion was all about. What he saw caused his toes to curl in shock. Smiling and laughing on the jumbo screen was none there then her.

"Tea Gardner."

...

Thank you for reading. Hope you enjoyed it.