A bit longer this time around, because I have something a little more substantial to present to you. Come to think of it, actually, we're inching up on one of the major plot points for the entire project. As mentioned in the previous chapter, Yami's finished gathering the resources he needs to conduct his ritual, and these next couple of chapters will be bringing everyone together.

I consider each project in the "Paved with Good Intentions" series to be parts of a cohesive whole. "Lean on Your Pride" and "Origin of the Species," the two major story arcs that make up the first story, have laid down the groundwork for this version of the YGO universe.

The snapshots collected in "Blue Eyes, Violet Eyes" add spice and decoration, filling in gaps and catching glimpses of behind-the-scenes stuff that haven't made it into the core story.

This project is a filler arc, if you like, which presents a rather gigantic "what-if" scenario. I suppose you could say that this is a fanfiction piece for my own series. Odd when it's put that way, I know.

In any case, throughout the course of creating these three stories since 2008 (it's been 4 years, folks), I have posted 92 chapters. This one marks the 93rd.

We're inching up on 100, and trust me when I say that something big, something very big, will be happening with that chapter.

Stay tuned, and enjoy the ride.


"Oh. Hi, Mokuba."

Yugi couldn't quite hide the nervousness in his tone. Téa was staying at the shop for the length of her visit, and she'd just stepped out for lunch as the young Kaiba entered.

Yugi wondered if they had crossed paths.

"Hey, Yugi," the black-haired boy gave a little wave and a nervous smile. "How, uh…how's it going?" He looked entirely out of his element, which should have been expected for a normal eleven-year-old boy talking to an adult (even one as unassuming as Yugi). For Mokuba, it was thoroughly bizarre. For all the keynote differences between Mokuba and his brother, he was a Kaiba, and to see him like this seemed almost like a travesty.

Perhaps he's been reprimanded by his beloved Niisama, came Yami's voice from behind Yugi's ears. He looks shamed.

Yugi considered this, and realized after a moment that the king was right. Mokuba looked ashamed of something; the kind of shame that only came from the disapproval of someone whose opinion really mattered to him.

Kaiba seemed the only likely candidate.

"Is, uh…is Téa around?"

"Not right now," Yugi said, offering a smile. "She should be back soon."

"Can I…wait for her?" The boy gestured to the card table and folding chairs set in one corner of the shop.

"Sure," Yugi made a welcoming gesture. His smile widened.

Mokuba sat down, reached around to the backpack slung over his left shoulder, and pulled out a book. Yugi saw what looked like a hieroglyph on the front cover, and felt a shiver of superstition at the coincidence.

Yami chuckled, again behind his ears.

Coincidence is a word that's never entered into my vocabulary, Aibou.

Yugi busied himself by wiping down the counter, sweeping the floors, and answering the phone, leaving Mokuba to his own devices, figuring that talking would only make the boy feel worse. He clearly wasn't engaged in what he was reading; he was using the book as a front to cover the fact that he didn't want to be here.

When Téa stepped into the shop, she was in the middle of talking about the amazing soup she'd had as an appetizer—her entire being froze. Mokuba turned around, closed his book, slipped it into his bag, and stood up. All in slow motion, as if his blood had turned to molasses. He didn't stare at the floor; rather, he looked the dancer in the eye. His eyes were blank, flat, the look of someone awaiting the chopping block.

Téa looked…terrified.

The young Kaiba drew in a deep, steadying breath, and bowed.

"I'm so sorry!"

Stunned silence echoed like a gunshot. Even Yami was quiet. For her part, Téa couldn't come up with a single sound, much less words. Yugi was somewhat surprised to admit that he heard clear sincerity in Mokuba's voice. Unlike most children, who only apologized when forced, and who only seemed ashamed of having been punished for something, Mokuba's remorse was honest.

When he looked up, tentatively at first, the blank façade had left his eyes, showing a shimmer of almost-tears that seemed able to physically wound. Téa flinched. Yami was chuckling again.

He said, Well played, little one.

"I had no right to treat you like that," Mokuba said, softly. His voice was steady, but only barely. "I…forgot that you didn't really…have any reason to…well, believe better. Niisama doesn't care about his reputation. I saw that article and just…lost it. I wasn't angry at you. I was angry at…them." Téa blinked owlishly, and didn't speak. "I mean, I was angry at you, but…" Mokuba wiped his hands on his jeans and took a moment to breathe again. He started over: "I was angry at you, but that didn't give me the right to treat you like a criminal. I…hope you can forgive me."

Kaiba didn't tell him to do this, Yami mused.

Yugi blinked. What?

He would look far guiltier if he'd been put up to this by his brother. No one told him to do this…not directly. He came to this decision himself. An authentic apology can only come from personal reflection.

"But…who?" Yugi murmured under his breath. Neither Téa nor Mokuba heard him. "How? You didn't see him, Yami. He was…livid. If he'd had a weapon…"

If I had to guess, it would have come from a peer. Someone to whom he would listen, but not someone who inspires fear. Kaiba is an authority figure. Kaiba is the authority figure. An apology at Kaiba's order would have been forceful. Direct. He would have bared his neck for the axe without explanation or hesitation. It would have to be someone he isn't intimidated by.

"…Joey?"

No. At Joseph's command, he would have sounded sheepish. Pitiful. Not the slightest bit sincere. Joseph, for all his loyalty, presents a threat. A farfetched threat, but a threat nonetheless. This came from a source that the boy doesn't fear. Only a loved one could have made him reflect like this, but only a particular sort would have been so unassuming as to coax out this level of honesty.

"…Where did this come from? Did you get a degree in psychology while I wasn't looking?"

What do you think I do in here, Aibou? Stare at the wall? I have lived, in one fashion or another, for 4,557 years. Humanity hides no secrets from me.

"You…you really do remember everything…don't you?"

I do.

During this exchange, Mokuba and Téa stared at each other; the smile that eventually rose on Téa's face was one part shame, one part relief, and one part…

Confidence.

"What?"

That Mokuba would do this only proves to her that she was right…partly. A part of her, an admittedly small part, knows that Kaiba would never come to her with an apology for his conduct. Some amount of equilibrium has returned. Mokuba would doubtlessly find this offensive, but he has done her a service. He has proven, in his own way, that his brother remains reprehensible.

"That's…screwed up."

Isn't it?

The spirit sounded thoroughly entertained.

"Of course," Téa said, and Mokuba relaxed. "But only if you can forgive me. I shouldn't have jumped to conclusions like that, and…and after hearing what really happened…I mean…"

All part of the dance.

"You don't think she's being honest, do you?"

Of course not. She never has been honest about her feelings…not to anyone, even herself.

"Did you say something, Yugi?" Téa asked.

Yugi blinked. "What? No. Nothing. Just mumbling to myself, never mind."

"So…do you like New York?" Mokuba asked.

Téa glanced at the boy. His face was open, the beginnings of a smile on his lips, and everything about him said: I'm interested in you. Téa launched into an over-enthusiastic narrative of her travels, and Mokuba's entire being exuded polite, patient attention. Yami didn't just chuckle this time. He threw his head back and howled.

Yugi gave a spasm of surprise that felt like a seizure.

I love this place!