MythCreatorWriter: Oh my gosh, it feels like it's been an eternity since I've written a review reply!(and pretty much forever since I've written an actual chapter) Gosh… everything is so crazy though. Life is annoying, hopefully Christmas break will allow me to write some more though. But back to you and your lovely review… Happier endings… yeah, those are hard to come by, but Falling Short was somewhat of a success, so we'll soon find out! Unplanned is pretty much more than half my stories, hahaha. Anyways, thanks for your review and enjoy the chapter!

AmePiper: I'm really surprised so many people liked this chapter. I thought no one would like it because nothing really happens in it except for emotions/emotional break downs of sorts. I guess I was wrong then! My parents always tell me my stories are too plot oriented, so maybe I should try more chapters like the last chapter and make them more… emotionally intense. Agreed? Its okay, I'm busy too. I miss having time to write… but now I should have all the time in the world if I am able to socially cut myself off! It sounds sad, but I'm actually pretty excited. Anyway, thanks again for the review! Enjoy the chapter.

Kukki Boo: I think a lot of things up randomly. When I come up with a story, I think of the beginning and the end. Everything else is pretty much the equivalent of bull shitting or great enlightenment. Maybe even an epiphany or two. Hahaha, yeah… not going to lie, I wanna just screw education and get back to what I do best; writing fanfiction. But one more day and its Christmas break which means .WRITE. You know, I actually hate Christmas, but if it gives me a week off from school, I'll take whatever I can get. Thanks for the review and enjoy the chapter!

Chapter 6: Protection From All Anxiety

-M-

I think everyone's felt this way, at least once in their life. That feeling that a person gets after crying what feels like nearly thirty percent of the water in their body. I felt that way. My eyes were puffy, and painfully dry. And my body… well, it was in worse shape. Actually, it was an odd feeling to have. My body was sore, and yet, I was fully aware I hadn't done any sort of exercise. I felt more sore and dehydrated then I ever had in my entire life.

I proceeded to push myself off the ground that appeared as though I had fallen asleep on, and looked around. I felt incredibly weak, a simple task of sitting up proved to be a hard task for me. Everything was quiet, all around. I could the faint sounds of birds chirping in the trees that surrounded me. There was a light breeze to calm my nerves. Then I saw him.

Seto was leaning against a tree not too far off from me. His arms were crossed, but lay limp in his lap. His head was dangling down; his bangs had fallen in such a way that his face was no longer seeable. I got up, shakily. The first time I had, my legs had instantly given out and I fell back onto the ground. But I got right back up again, and this time kept my balance as I walked towards him.

My legs were still shaking incredibly underneath me as I moved closer. What was wrong with me? The fact that my body was in such a terrible condition was a bit worrisome, but I carried on all the same. I was still a few feet away, when I toppled over my feet once more. I let out a grunt of pain, feeling the sudden urge to punch my own two legs for being so weak and unstable.

But I became aware of another presence, and the thoughts had ceased. My head turned up, and my eyes had instantly met with my brother's sitting across from me. His arms were still crossing and his body in a relaxed position, but his eyes remained focused on mine. It was the strangest thing, staring at my brother as I did right then. We were looking at each other directly, but it felt like there was some sort of gap between us. There was something blocking our way.

"Mokuba." Seto straightened himself out and got up. His eyes never left mine. They were almost determined to stay completely focused in a way that made it seem like if his eyes lost site of me, I would disappear. He wasn't willing to risk something like that, so there his gazed remained, fixed on mine.

I attempted to do the same as he did and finally get back on my feet, but still, my body wasn't ready. The moment I had stood up, my body felt weak again and fell forward. I shut my eyes preparing for impact, but instead I was caught and my fall had been refused. I opened my eyes and realized it was Seto whom was holding me up with my body dangling from his arms below.

Never in my life had I ever felt so… helpless. So powerless, to another human being's whim, but also… I felt lighter than a feather. The security in Seto's arms seemed to make me feel better about everything else that was occurring. Still, I wanted to know what was going on. Or better yet, what had happened to me to feel this way.

"Nii-"

"Hold on, Mokuba… I need you to keep quiet for a while, I need you to rest." Seto knelt down, and had changed from holding me above the ground to holding me in a loving hug. It was different, the way he was hugging me, Seto's entire body language was different. A lot of past issues seemed to no longer be relevant and at the moment he was just holding me like a mother would for their child. I kept quiet and let my body rest against him for the moment.

"Kiddo…" Seto said in a soft voice after a few moments. I believe my mind had drifted a bit, and I had fallen asleep at least for a little while. None of that matter though, since when I had awaken I was still in my brother's arms and the feel safety and security kept me from thinking any bad thoughts. "We have to keep moving. You ready to go?"

This was weird, hearing my brother talk in such a way. In these situations, Seto would take the role of leader and hold it like it was his honor, even if no one had wanted him to. He would take much pleasure in leading the pack, even if that meant going a little off course once and a while and getting blamed for it. But now… he was asking for my opinion. Me. He wanted to know how I felt. It was nice.

I gently pulled away.

"I'm ready," I stated. Seto helped me to my feet and it was a surprise to find that I could stand on my own again, maybe it was knowing that my brother would really stand by my side that helped my strength return, or just receiving those general actions that let me know that my brother really cared about me. I followed him as he led me back onto the same road we had traveled on through the forest.

"We have to stick together, Mokuba. It's the only way we can survive." Then, just like that, something clicked in my head. And I found myself confused and looking to my brother for answers to these questions coming to mind.

"What happened to me?" I asked, "And how did I end up falling asleep on the ground in such a crappy condition?" Seto didn't answer me, and suddenly all the magical and happy feelings that I had felt disappeared. Seto said nothing, he said absolutely nothing. And I had a feeling I knew why, I had a hunch that it was one of those things that it was something that would never be discussed and never brought up again. Much like how I felt about Duelist Kingdom and what had happened…

Then I froze. It must've been that. When I kept having those memories, I had that break down. I… I wasn't able to even think. I was just overcome by everything. I can't even remember anything past when the memories had first started coming. I must've become crazy.

"Where did Joan go?" I asked without warning or previous thought. With the return of my break down memories, I had also remembered what had sparked them. Joan was trying to leave. Or had she already left? Seto said nothing, and I felt the air grow thin with forbidden secrets. I swallowed hard and carried on; I didn't want to spark any sort of clash between us. We still had to get out of this place, and more important things to worry about at the time.

But it was still a weird thing to mull over as we continued walking together. It was almost like we both had secrets of our own, topics we wished to never discuss again. For me, it would always be the period of time I spent at Duelist Kingdom. And now, I suppose, it would be Joan leaving. Or maybe it was the break down that had occurred afterwards.

Either way, it was enough to make my stomach twist and turn with anxiety. It was going to be a long journey out of this place. I had a feeling it was going to get a lot worse before it would get any better.

-S-

Things went back to being awkward between us again. I hated it. I hated the idea that things would even get awkward between us; I was his brother for God's sake. But… it was just the way things were, the way things had to be. It was never supposed to be this way, but obviously I have failed him, failed my own little brother in more ways than one.

After the… incident, as I feel I must address it now in my mind, I realized how dangerous this place was. Maybe it hadn't been the virtual world that had messed with my brother's mind, but either way, I had to keep my guard up. Seeing him react in such a dramatic fashion, to crash so quickly mentally and emotionally, it scared me like I had never been scared before. Never had I seen Mokuba so overcome by anger and sorrow.

I had to do everything I can to protect. Yes, I had to get out of the virtual world, but it had become clear to me that protecting Mokuba would have to come first. I still didn't know who this Noah guy was, and still wasn't able to get my mind around him, but whoever he was, he was trying to tear my brother and I apart. That had become clear since the moment Joan came onto the scene.

My senses had become five times more alert. All I could think about was the look on Mokuba's face, and how much I desperately needed to get him out of this place. I didn't want to lose him. I really didn't want anything to come down to that. I would risk anything to make sure he would be okay at all costs.

"Look Nii-sama! Another door!" Mokuba called, running towards the door. I sprinted ahead of him and stopped him.

"Hold on Mokuba, we're not going to just rush in there and open the door. Maybe we should just keep walking."

"Keep walking? No way, since when did you become afraid of going through the portal?" I winced at the question being asked. I couldn't tell him why, I didn't want to. Mokuba was the only other human being that came close to truly understand who I really am, but in moments like these, it made me realize he was just a kid. Mokuba was just an innocent little kid.

"Come on Mokuba, let's just go," I said, moving around the door and expecting him to follow me.

"No way, we should go in." I turned around and saw him reaching out for the door. I shook my head and ran back towards him.

"Mokuba! No!" Mokuba opened the door and the flash of light came and took us through the portal. My hands had fallen onto Mokuba's shoulder, but my eyes were shut. At least I still had Mokuba with me; that was definitely a good thing. The brightness faded and we were allowed to open our eyes once more.

"Woah… what is this place?" I heard Mokuba asked. I straightened up and looked around. We were standing on the ledge of some sort of cliff, and down below, was rows and rows of trees as far as the eye could see. We were standing at the top of some sort of mountain, and I wasn't going to hold back; it was a beautiful sight. The wind was whipping against me, but it didn't seem to hurt.

The trees would rustle in the wind; their bright green leaves would give off an echo of rustling to be heard from below. Looking from side to side, other mountains could be seen, and patches of snow as well. I breathed in deeply the air surrounding us, it seemed so pure and clean. I looked down at my brother, who looked just as fascinated with the scene.

"Enjoying the sight, Kaiba brothers?" A voice said from behind us. I instantly twisted around. What stood before us appeared to be another duel monster. But this one wasn't Joan. No, this one was in the form of a Robotic Knight. My eyes narrowed.

"Who are you?"

"Oh, I think you know who I am." The sound of his voice had clicked something in my head and it all became clear to me.

"Nesbitt, I knew you were the only one that would ever consider picking the Robotic Knight as your monster." Nesbitt gave a low chuckle.

"Silly Kaiba, if only your words could protect you from what is to come." I put myself into a defensive position. If it was a fight he wanted, it was a fight he was going to get. I was ready.

"Give me all you've got, Nesbitt, you don't scare me."

"Oh, I know that much, Kaiba. That's why I've chosen another opponent." His head shifted and turned more towards my side. I looked over and saw he was staring right back at Mokuba. Mokuba looked confused, and unsure as to what was being said. Before I could react, a duel disk appeared on his arm and Mokuba nearly fell over.

"What the-?" Mokuba was able to catch himself before he fell to the ground. He stood back up and looked down at his arm; it was obvious he was having a little trouble holding it up. "Man, this thing is heavy! How were you able to walk all around Battle City with this thing on?" I twisted back around towards Nesbitt without giving Mokuba an answer.

"Nesbitt! What is the meaning of this?? If you're going to fight anyone, it's going to be me!" Nesbitt shook his finger at me, scolding me as if I was a child. I growled with annoyance. I hated being looked down upon.

"I don't think so Kaiba, the rules say I'm allowed to pick any opponent I want, I have decided to choose Mokuba."

"But, I don't even duel. That's not fair!" Mokuba stated. It had become obvious that Nesbitt didn't care. That lowly snake of a being, the only reason he was choosing Mokuba as an opponent was because he knew he would be an easy win. But I wasn't going to just stand by and watch him destroy my brother in a duel.

"Fine then; if he's dueling, I'M dueling," I said, stepping forward.

"You can't do that!" Nesbitt replied.

"Oh really?" A duel disk appeared on my own arm and I flipped it open into place. "I'm guessing there was a little rule you decided to over look." Mokuba looked over at me as if to confirm I was serious. I was; and I was going to beat Nesbitt too, hopefully quick enough to insure that Mokuba wouldn't get too involved. Nesbitt flipped out his own duel disk.

"Alright then, let's do it. The Kaiba brothers against myself, now this is a real treat! I'll be sure to have fun with this one, Kaiba." He was talking in one of those voices that gave you the idea that he had something up his sleeve. I had a couple things up my sleeve too, and if all went accordingly, Mokuba would be out of harm's way in no time.

For right now, we would have to duel our way out of this one.

A/N: Hello my beloved readers! I'm so sorry that this had taken so long to get out. You'd be surprised how much school will make you want to-never mind, I'm sure you all know, actually. I didn't feel too strongly about the second half of this chapter, but I thought the first half was pretty snazzy. Not really sure though… anyways, I hope you enjoyed the chapter, and that you're excited!(I mean, now that something is actually happening) Let's get ready to rumble!