Patriot16: Wonder no more, wonderful reviewer of mine! For here is the next chapter! Thanks for the review!

WhiteAsukalover: Ah yes, but considering the situation and the stress he has been put under, it is possibly to condition Seto into thinking he wants to be like Gozaburo. Which you'll see more of in this chapter. And I would like to talk to you! I'm sorry I'm so bad, though, about PMs. I mean, lately I've been so bad about my own stories so PMs seems like such a hassle in and of itself. But possibly we could maybe chat sometime closer to the summer, no doubt :] Thanks for the review!

Lil girl pink: For a second there, I completely thought you were serious about being disappointed in my last chapter!. Hahaha, but I was so happy to know that you actually weren't! Your review made me laugh a lot, you have to be one of the most creative and unpredictable reviewers I ever had! I very much enjoy it. I'm so glad that you did like my chapter in the end, and your review was wonderful! Thanks so much! I hope this chapter doesn't disappoint you(hopefully when I edit it, I won't be disappointed by it either:p) Enjoy!

MythCreatorWriter: Okay, so I actually have something funny to say to begin my review reply to you. So the past couple reviews I read kept having this repeated "Seto punching/smacking/winning over someone" theme to it, and honestly, I couldn't figure out what on earth they were referring to. First I thought that Seto had smacked Gozaburo in the face or something, and then I was like "Oh crap! How in the hell did that work out?!" Cause surely Gozaburo would've retaliated with greater power. And then I kept reading all these comments about pansys and such and thought to myself "Did someone refer to Mokuba as a pansy?" Since people do like to say he looks like a girl and I couldn't think of any other character that would be called that. Finally I read the actual chapter and understood everything. I seriously can't believe it's been THAT long since I've written anything for this story, I'm kind of embarrassed. Anyways, back to your review. Which I don't actually have a lot to say since a lot of your thoughts tended to contradict themselves(such as saying you hate Gozaburo, but you wanted him there, and that Seto's taunts were awesome, but he also annoyed you) Thoughts like that, and I think that's what everyone's reaction to this is cause it's hard to really be on one side or another. And yes, I didn't like that chapter, although lately I have been liking my chapters!(up till last chapter… and this one. I don't like this one either) Hahahaha, I miss Consequences. I usually like those chapters… anyways, I better run cause this is mighty long. Thanks for the review as always!

Lace Kyoko: Thanks for the review! I liked Seto's comebacks too. They just seem to come to me as I write out these scenes and it makes me happy since it makes up for all those times I was in an argument with someone, couldn't come up with anything to say back, and then hours late I think of an awesome come back and get mad at myself for not thinking of it sooner!o So this story kind of makes up for it :D Thanks so much, again, for your review! It made me smile. Enjoy!

KnotofRibbon: Greetings latest reader! Might I say; your review was a delight to receive! It really was, it most certainly made my day. I honestly say I don't know how the hell I do it and my ideas will come from the most random of events(this story was birthed from a scene I came up with late one night during a sleep over during the summer. What's funny is, the scene never made it into the story, although I suppose the general idea of it was modified in some ways) I hate the way people make Gozaburo out to be a rapist or homicidal child abuser. I mean, I could see it, but I don't believe it. You know what's even greater though?(sorry, these general thoughts come to mind as I was reading your wonderful comments in your review) This story's plot has actually changed as I have been writing this story. When I first started writing it, I didn't know what it was supposed to be about since I had taken a document I wrote years back and decided to turn it into a story, then I decided on a theme, and now that theme and general plot line has changed. It's kind of hilarious in a way XP Anyways, sorry for taking so long to update! I hope you enjoy the chapter!

Rena Redhead: TORMENT! Hahahaha, yes, I am updating and I'm sure you hate me for it! But to be fair, I haven't updated in three weeks so… this was a well needed update X.X Can't say I blame you, though, cause sometimes stuff gets complicated and there's nothing you can do to catch up. I can't think of much more to say or respond to your review because I can barely remember what happened in chapter 3, and I want to hurry and edit this chapter so I can post it and feel less bad about myself! I'm sure you understand. Rock on and keep rocking!

AmePiper: The world smiles upon your grace and general being~A message from our sponsor. And a totally random review reply I decided to give you!:D Onward to the chapter! :]

Thirteen

He placed one hand on the side of his face, gently rubbing the softness of his cheek. Looking at himself in the mirror, he observed himself. It seemed he had never really looked at his reflection, at least not in a long time, for he was surprised with what he saw. Long, dark rings had formed under his tired, dulled eyes. The deep pools of blue that once sparkled within his pupils had now turned cold, and solid. They seemed almost… soulless. The skin on his face clung to the rest of his frame, fragile, like it were the face of a man whom had aged twenty years living out a long, and stressful life.

The reality was, today was his birthday and he was only turning fourteen.

Yes, it was a chilly October day. The sun had begun setting earlier and earlier, so the day was already making its shift into the night when Seto looked out the window. The sliding glass door was open, letting in the cool breeze from the outside. A small gust blew in, and papers could be heard rustling in the wind. Seto acted quickly and shut the door, before turning back towards his papers and making sure his homework he had just completed a moment ago was still in the proper place.

As Seto continued neatly re-stacking his homework and papers together, his eyes couldn't help but wander towards another stack of papers, one that was much smaller and obviously more personal. Seto placed his papers back down and walked over to them, picking the pile up. He unfolded one sheet of paper in particular; the most recent of the letters he had received from his younger brother a couple days ago.

"Dear Nii-sama, I thought this might be the pick me up you've been in need of. Remember, they can't take away everything, so please don't let them steal the most important treasure." That was what the letter read in the well thought-out handwriting of a nine year old. The tiny note brought a smile to Seto's face, and brought an even bigger smile when he glanced at the small stack of cards he had stationed next to it. Mokuba had sent them along with the note he had written him, this time he had hidden his message in one of Seto's text books.

The two brothers had reverted to contacting one another through letters, since the time they had spent together had completely diminished to almost no time at all in the last six months. Instead of resisting Gozaburo's training, Seto found himself accepting it. In fact, he even found himself being driven by it. So no longer was it by Gozaburo's hand that he would stay up long hours into the night and way past his own bed time to finish his studies, it was by Seto's. Seto had switched from seeing the training as a punishment to an opportunity of a lifetime.

Seto looked through his stack of cards one more time, this time stopping on one card that had been hand drawn. The Blue-Eyes White Dragon that his brother had drew for him. Seeing the image helped arise the guilt Seto had been harboring for some time now. Because he had been so busy lately with his studies, he hadn't had time to reply to any of Mokuba's letters, and yet they still continued to come. Seto placed the card down, thinking his brother cared so much for him. Seto would return the favor, in time. Soon all his hard work would pay off.

"Master Seto," A raspy voice called, one that Seto recognized as Hobson, "Gozaburo has granted you the night off on account of the occasion. If you wish, you may see your brother." Seto was ecstatic about the idea of seeing his brother again for the first time in many, many weeks. But Seto was unable to show it, partly because he was so tired and sleep deprived, and also because Gozaburo had been able to leave his mark since they had been spending so much time together. It was almost impossible NOT to pick up some of the old man's habits.

Seto turned Hobson's way and walked through the door. As they moved down the hallway, Seto pondered what he would do, what he would say. Seto hadn't seen his brother for ages, and he hadn't been able to reply to any of his messages. Would Mokuba be mad at him? This came as a shock to Seto's mind as he thought about it; What if Mokuba hated him? What if he had disappointed Mokuba without even knowing? Seto found it hard to walk straight as all his worries and fears came to mind.

What was he to expect?

Finally they made their way down the stairway and towards the living room. Without realizing it, Seto was holding his breath in fear of what Mokuba might say. They took their final step into the opening and there he was. Seto stood there in shock. His brother had jumped to his feet upon Seto's arrival. Seto stared at his brother for a long time, without even realizing it. Mokuba looked so… so… grown up.

Of course the nine year old didn't look TOO grown up, but he had definitely gotten taller since the last time Seto had seen him. He couldn't believe it, how long had it been since he had seen his own brother? Seto was so surprised and fascinated by his brother's growth that he didn't even do anything when Mokuba tackle-hugged him to the ground.

"HAPPY BIRTHDAY NII-SAMA!" Seto blinked and snapped back into reality as he got up.

"Thank you," was all Seto was able to muster out. Even his brother's excited facial expression seemed to have matured. Seto continued to notice all these things that had changed in his brother and his appearance, and it made him feel guilty for not being present for his brother more. Seto couldn't get rid of the idea that he was missing out on Mokuba's childhood.

"Nii-sama?" Mokuba asked, after many minutes of silence. Seto forced himself out of the trance he was in and got up.

"Sorry, you just caught me a little off guard. I'm fine," Seto said, getting up from the floor, "But what about you? How have you been?" Mokuba couldn't help but break out into a laugh. Seto, however, was confused by this. "What's so funny?"

"Nothing Nii-sama, it's just… you're acting so weird and awkward! Like meeting up with an old classmate you used to be friends with or something." Seto shrugged and looked away. Now he felt embarrassed. Was Seto really that awkward with people? The last couple of months he didn't really have the chance to associate with anyone that wasn't related to his studies or training.

"Nii-sama, you're spacing out on me again," Mokuba pointed out, playfully poking Seto in the side. Seto shook his head and broke out of his thoughts once and for all. Tonight he was going to focus on his brother. Nothing else would matter and he was going to make an effort to stay out of his head.

"Sorry Mokuba, it's been a long week. But don't worry, I promise tonight we'll have a bunch of fun to make up for that," Seto said with a hint of excitement. Mokuba bounced up and down with happiness.

"Yeah, you're right! So what should we do first, Nii-sama? What do you want to do?"

"Oh, I don't know, what would you like to do? I know! Maybe we could go to that park you use to love?" Mokuba frowned.

"Nii-sama, it's your birthday, we should do what you want to do! And that park was your favorite place to go when we were kids."

"Oh, right…" Seto scratched his head with embarrassment. He hadn't the slightest clue what he desired to do. He had honestly been so wrapped up with his own studies that he might've actually forgotten what he loved doing. Seto had to come up with something soon, though, before Mokuba began to lose faith in him. Seto started to think long and hard about all his past interests, until finally it came to him; his first true passion.

"How about we play a game of chess?" Seto suggested. Mokuba's face brightened.

"Yeah! That sounds like fun!" Seto smiled and led Mokuba out of the living room to his bed room to get the game. Mokuba hadn't been in Seto's room in a while, so he was interested to see what it looked like now. Mokuba wasn't surprised to find a seemingly dull room, which nothing much in it except books and papers. But Mokuba's eyes did spot something that caught his interest in the corner.

"What's that over there?" Mokuba asked; walking over to pick up the object he saw on Seto's desk. Seto had walked over to the other end of the room, looking through the wooden cabinet in search for his chess board. He turned his head for a moment to see what Mokuba was referring to then went back to his searching.

"Oh, I got that from Gozaburo yesterday." Mokuba picked up and held back an urge to laugh. It was a calculator. Although Mokuba would admit, it looked like a technologically advanced calculator, with a wide screen and graphing abilities, but it was still… a calculator. He couldn't help but think how terrible Gozaburo was for giving this to Seto as a present for his birthday.

"Wow, a calculator… what a cool guy," Mokuba said sarcastically, picking it up from Seto's desk and staring at it.

"It's not just any calculator, it's a TI-84, shipped from America," Seto said with his back turned to Mokuba. He was still busy looking for that chess board. Seto couldn't believe it was this difficult to find it. Had Gozaburo taken it out of his room at some point? Gozaburo had taken away all his toys and games as punishment for a C or two he had gotten in some of his classes a couple weeks ago, but he was still hopeful Gozaburo had at least left his chess behind. Seto continued looking.

"Wow, a TI-84 from America, what a great gift," Mokuba said with continued sarcasm. Then Mokuba remembered and pulled out a small, wrapped package of his own from his pocket and placed it on Seto's desk. "Oh yeah, I almost forgot. Here, I got you something for your birthday too."

"Oh really? Thanks Mokuba," Seto said, a bit distracted. He let out a relieved sigh when he finally spotted the chess board at the very top of the cabinet. Seto reached up and grabbed it, carefully sliding it down and catching it with his other hand. Seto smiled with pride and looked down at himself. He hadn't realized how tall he had gotten in the past couple months. It made retrieving the chess board even more of a victory. Seto closed the cabinet as Mokuba fiddled with the calculator in his hands.

"How do you even open this thing?" Mokuba asked, having a hard time trying to figure out how to pry it out of its case. Seto walked over to him.

"It's not that hard, you just have to-" Mokuba got a little frustrated with it and forcefully pulled it out from under its cover.

"I got it!" Mokuba said with triumph, the body of the calculator slid out from under the case. Mokuba tried to grab it as it did, but it fell too fast and much too quickly for his hands to grab it in time. The object fell to the floor with a loud bang and Seto dropped the chess board to the ground at the same time. "Oops…" Mokuba said in a quiet voice, looking down at the calculator as it lay face down on the floor now. The crash it made when it fell did not sound good.

Seto fell to his knees and picked up the calculator from the ground slowly and carefully. Mokuba remained silent as Seto twisted it around and saw that the screen had completely shattered on impact. There was a large, spider-like crack that was shown across the screen. Mokuba cringed from the damage his slip had done to Seto's calculator and the look on his brother's face. Seto looked absolutely shocked by this.

"Nii-sama, I am SO sorry, I didn't know it was going to-"

"IDIOT!" Mokuba jumped back in shock. Seto had never yelled at him in his entire life nor had he ever seen him so angry because of something Mokuba had done.

"W-What?" Seto looked up from the calculator at Mokuba.

"You shouldn't mess with other people's stuff if you're going to break it!" Seto yelled. Mokuba took a couple steps back. "What am I going to do now? Gozaburo gave that to me for my birthday!"

Mokuba moved closer to try and observe the calculator. "I don't know, maybe we could fix it…?"

"Fix it? No way! We can't fix it! We don't know how to do that, and we probably don't have the equipment. It's far from having the ability to be fixed anyway. You broke the screen!" Seto threw down the calculator in anger. Another loud slam echoed through-out the room and scared the living day lights out of Mokuba. Mokuba took a couple more steps away from his brother, Mokuba was scared now.

"I'm just going to have to clean this up. I don't even know what I'm going to tell Gozaburo," Seto muttered in rage as he looked down at the mess that lay at his feet in the middle of the floor. Mokuba looked up at his brother, hopeful that his brother would forgive him and move on.

"Nii-sama, it was just an accident… I didn't mean to-"

"There are no accidents!" Seto exploded.

Mokuba didn't feel that all too familiar feeling of a lump in his throat, he instead felt his throat close up entirely. All feeling in his legs seemed to vanish, like his body has cut off all blow flow to his legs. Mokuba saw that in Seto's eyes, his brother was entirely serious and didn't intend on taking back what he had said. This scared Mokuba even more than anything else that had gone on in that room in the past ten minutes.

"Why… would you say something like that?" Mokuba asked; horror in his voice. Seto looked up from the ground at Mokuba for a split second before looking away.

"Just get out of here." Mokuba wanted to, at this point, run out of that room as quick as possible, return to his own room and cry his heart out. But somehow, he couldn't simply do that. He couldn't just runaway. Mokuba wanted nothing more than to protect himself from any further hurtful words from his brother, but Mokuba also wanted his brother back or at least some way of still knowing his brother was still there, somehow.

Without even thinking, Mokuba ran forward and hugged his brother tightly.

"Nii-sama…" Mokuba said in a very subtle voice, "I love you." Mokuba expected or at least hoped that Seto would do the same and hug him in return. But he didn't. Instead, Seto shoved the boy off of him and out of his grasp.

"I said GO AWAY." That was Mokuba's cue to get out of there and he did. Without turning his head and looking back, Mokuba ran as fast as he could away from his brother and out of Seto's room. Seto was left to stand there and ponder how he wanted to clean up the ruined calculator pieces on the floor.

Beyond the boy's knowledge, a new presence had appeared near the doorway to Seto's room. A man with a watchful eye was looking into the scene, staring at the boy standing over the rubble on the floor. Although it didn't please him to see the object that had been shattered, the scene that had arisen from the incident did bring a smile to the old man's face that was visible even in the darkness of the hallway.

Seto's transformation was going better than expected, much better. Gozaburo disappeared into the darkness once more with a grin on his face with thoughts of what was to come.

A/N: And I'll miss your laugh… your smile. I'll admit I'm wrong, if you tell me… I'm so sick, of fights, I hate them. Let's start this, again, for real… And that was some random Blink-182 coming your way! I suppose that's my way of saying "Sorry for not updating in about a bazillion days!" and partially because those lyrics came to mind while I was writing that last scene between Mokuba and Seto. So you're all probably wondering where I was or who killed me or something like that. Sometimes I wonder that too :] It's been a weird couple weeks. It's been stressful and strange, but now I feel like I might be getting back into my groove. Hopefully I'll update little miss Consequences soon too, cause I kind of miss writing that epic of mine. And I miss hearing from you guys too! Also, with regard to my story… I really didn't like this chapter. I mean, I liked the first part but not the second part, which made me feel bad that after about three weeks or so of nothing from me I come back with this, but I think the next chapter will be much better. And hopefully with some editing, this chapter will be much more enjoyable too!:D Thanks for your patience guys; you encourage me to be alive!

P.S: Proof-reading has become less painful! Awesome!