Yu-Gi-Oh! Fan Fiction ❯ Return To Paradise ❯ The Sword of Damacles ( Chapter 17 )

[ X - Adult: No readers under 18. Contains Graphic Adult Themes/Extreme violence. ]

[………..]=Aten's memories

The Sword of Damacles

“………………….”< /div>

“Umi? Are you okay?”

Umi's jaw dropped, his eyes widened. “You're…….again?”

Aria's eyes filled up with tears. “Yes….Again.”

A wide smile crossed Umi's face and he cheered. “ALRIGHT!” Umi picked Aria up off her feet and swung her around. “Another baby!”

Aria dropped the pregnancy test and began to sob on Umi's shoulder.

“Mermaid, why the tears?” Umi asked, consolingly.

Aria wrapped her arms around Umi and drenched his clothing with tears. “It wasn't supposed to be this way!”

“What way? Aria, why are you so upset about this? Are you afraid of giving birth again?”

Aria shook her head on Umi's shoulder. “No…that's not it.”

Umi pet Aria's hair. “Aria, this is good news! We'll have three children!”

“Umi, I don't know if we should keep it.”

“Why not?” Umi asked, pulling back and looking Aria in the eyes. “Why do you not want to keep it?”

Aria looked at the floor quietly. `I can't even look him in the eye.'

“Aria? Why don't you want to keep it?”

Aria shrugged. “We would have too much trouble raising three children.”

Umi shook his head. “I can easily provide for three. Our boys have good clothes and they have good fish to eat every day. Another mouth to feed won't put us in the poorhouse.”

“I don't know.”

“Aria, I want to keep this baby. I know things will be tighter, but I can provide for you and the children. We'll still have plenty of food and necessities. I'm amazed you don't want to keep it.”

Aria blew her nose in a tissue and sniffled. “I don't believe this is happening.”

`The prophecy came true,' she thought.

“Aria, we can make things work. I know you are upset now and this is big news. But, let's not do anything hasty. Please think about your decision. I really want to keep the baby. Okay?”

Aria sighed and kept her eyes focused on the floor. “Okay. I'll think about it.”

Umi hugged her again. “I'm happy, Aria. Thank you.” Umi smiled down at her and brushed a lock of white, spiky hair behind her ear. “Why can't you look me in the face?”

Aria raised her head. “I'm……I'm in shock.”

“I know what you mean. I didn't expect this either. At least we have baby stuff.”

“Robbie and Aten have a couple of our things, but they won't need it for long. They should be done with the stuff by the time I have the baby.”

“You gave them some of our baby stuff?”

Aria nodded. “Yeah, they took in a foundling until her mother can be found.” Aria sighed again. “I need to speak to my brother.”

“Okay. Well, maybe we can pay them a visit. Maybe Aten can help you decide what to do.”

“And to see if they plan to keep the stuff I gave them. I'm sure Robbie will understand the situation.”

“We can tell your parents, too. They'll want to know.”

Aria nodded. “Yes, I need to speak to my mother, too.”

“I'll call and let them know we'll be stopping by. They'll be glad to see us,” Umi said, leaving the room.

Aria sighed and ran her fingers through her hair. `Umi is happy. He is a really good father and provider.” Aria looked down and her hands went on her stomach. “If I don't have this baby, Umi will be crushed. But….I don't even know this baby is his! This baby could be Seto's or Umi's. What am I going to do?'

“I should talk to Seto.” Aria left the bathroom and saw Kai looking up at her with large eyes.

“Mommy, are you sick?”

Aria sighed. “No, sweetheart, mommy's not sick. Don't you worry.”

“Okay. I go back to Rhett!” Kai smiled, running up the stairs.

Aria climbed the steps after him and grabbed her sweater. Umi was already dialing the phone. “Umi, I'm going for a walk. I'll be back soon.”

Umi kissed her on the cheek. “A nice walk will clear your mind. See you later, Mermaid.”

Aria hugged him back. “I'll be back soon.”

Aria hugged her children and walked off the houseboat. She walked down the dock, rubbing her eyes. “What am I going to do?”

*************************

Seto leaned back in his chair, glowering at his opponent. “You wouldn't dare.”

Rocher grinned from across the table. “I would. You know I would. I see the Sword of Damacles hovering over your head, Seto Kaiba. It's slowly swinging down, ready to slice you in half.”

“You are not going to get away with this, Rocher.”

“I already sent my photos and story to the Domino Times Herald. All I need to do is call them and tell them to “Go.” They will print my story and send your company into a lot of trouble with the Better Business Bureau. So, what is it going to be?”

Seto crossed his arms and tapped his fingers on his arm. “You're playing hardball. Two can play at that game.”

“I have more leverage. I can easily get my hands on that little one you had an affair with. You know? The white-haired one. That won't be too difficult.”

Seto grinned. “You don't have the guts.”

“Watch me, Kaiba,” Rocher said, standing up. “Have a nice day.”

Seto narrowed his eyes at the men leaving. “Hey, Rocher.”

Rocher turned around. “Yes?”

“Be careful driving out there. It's murder.”

Rocher grinned. “Take your own advice, Kaiba.”

Kendall and Jay escorted the men out of Seto's office. Seto sat back in his chair with a sigh. He rubbed his eyes and took a deep breath.

He heard a weak knock on the door. “Come in.”

Joey opened the door and walked into the office holding his stomach. “Seto….”

“Hello, Joey. What's up?”

Joey walked into the office taking miniature steps towards the desk. “I thought you left.”

Seto shook his head. “No, I'm still here,” he said, standing up. “I don't plan on going anywhere today.”

Joey continued to take small steps, dressed in his bathrobe, his blond hair looked disheveled, and his hands wrapped his bathrobe around himself. “I thought you were gone. I didn't think you'd come back.”

“Joey, I never went anywhere,” Seto said, approaching Joey slowly. “I've been here the whole time.” Seto stood by Joey and saw Joey's dirty hands. “Your hands are filthy. Did you take a bath this morning?”

“Bath?”

“Yes, a bath. Did you?”

Joey shook his head. “No.”

“You've been creeping around in your bathrobe, pajamas, and slippers all day?”

Joey nodded. “Yes.”

“Well, when I do a few more things, I'll come help you in the bath.”

“Okay.”

Seto heard a quick knock on the door. “Come in.”

Aria ran into the room. “Seto, I need to talk to you!”

“What's wrong, Aria?” Joey asked her. “Something happen?”

Aria looked at Seto. “Seto, I have something very important to tell you.”

“Which is?”

“Seto….we…………I'm…… ;.I'm pregnant.”

Seto's eyes widened and he bit his lip.

“That's great, Aria!” Joey smiled. “Does Umi know?”

Aria looked at Seto. “Yes, he does know.”

Joey smiled and hugged Aria. “That is wonderful! I'm happy for you!”

Aria shifted her eyes nervously. “It is certainly a surprise.”

“You must be so happy!”

Seto put his hands on Joey's shoulders. “I need to talk to Aria, Joey. I'll meet with you later, okay?” Seto gave Joey's cheek a kiss.

Joey hugged Seto and crept out of the room slowly, closing the door behind him.

“Is he okay?” Aria asked.

Seto returned to his desk and massaged his temples. “I keep harassing Zira about getting a new liver for him. Unfortunately, the only donor available isn't an option right now.”

“Who's the match?”

“Aten.”

Aria sat in one of the seats in front of Seto's desk. “He's the only option?”

Seto nodded. “Yes, unfortunately. I'm seeking other possibilities, but my options are getting slimmer every day.”

“Seto, what are we going to do?”

Seto crossed his arms again. “I found the surveillance cameras of that night you were here.”

“And?”

Seto sighed and nodded. “We did.”

Aria looked down at the floor. “I didn't….I didn't want to….I didn't know what happened to me that night.”

“I didn't believe it, either. I saw the tape.”

“Where is it?”

“I had Jay destroy it. I didn't want anyone getting their hands on it.”

Aria sat back in her chair and looked up at him. “What are we going to do?”

Seto tapped his fingers on his arm. “Are you going to keep the baby?”

“Umi wants me to keep it. He thinks the baby is his.”

“Could it be his?”

Aria nodded. “I had sex with Umi the morning after.”

Seto closed his eyes and leaned his head against the chair. “So? What do you think we should do?”

Aria shrugged. “If the baby is Umi's, I do want to keep it.”

“What if it's mine?”

Aria looked down at the floor. “I don't know. If I don't keep it, Umi will be upset. If I don't keep the baby, he will be upset.”

“I'd be more worried about him suspecting something. If you don't keep this one, but you kept the other two, Umi might suspect something.”

“I don't know if Umi believes the prophecy.”

Seto leaned forward and folded his hands on the desk. “I fought it as hard as I could before the Final Battle against Yami. I fought it with every shred of willpower.”

“This prophecy was bound to come true……eventually. Isis knew about it. She knows all of the teachings.”

Seto's lip curled in a smile. “I thought all of her mumbo-jumbo was a crock.”

“It's not a crock, Seto, it actually happened! We have to do something about this!”

“I would say keep the baby, Aria. Even if it does look like me, we can cross that bridge when we get there. We might have to explain what happened to Umi.”

Seto shrugged. “If he doesn't believe the prophecy, he won't be too happy.”

Aria sighed. “I know. I want to be honest with him, but I don't know if he will really believe me.”

“If he loves you, which I know he does, then he will understand. But with the media watching my every move--.”

“I had someone stop by my place asking me questions a few days ago.”

Seto raised an eyebrow. “What?”

“This woman came by asking questions about my family. I'm not sure who she was or if she really was who she claimed.”

“With the media watching me every move, it's not going to be easy. The media will question.”

Aria shrugged. “Without a DNA test, the public will have no proof that the baby is yours. If it is Umi's, we have nothing to worry about.”

“If it is, though……we will have to plan how we are going to handle it.”

Aria nodded. “I don't want this to ruin your reputation. I don't want Uncle Joey to be hurt, either.”

“I'll handle Joey. You handle Umi. Let's not panic until there is a reason to panic. Okay?”

Aria nodded again. “Umm….can I ask you something?”

“You have but to ask.”

“Did you……..you know?”

Seto shrugged. “I don't know. I turned it off before I could tell. Maybe I did. Maybe I didn't.”

“I don't remember anything, so I don't remember if you did either.”

Seto stood up and walked around to where Aria was sitting. “No matter what, Aria, you will be taken care of. If Umi does find out and doesn't want the baby, I'll keep the baby here with Joey and I.” A small smile crossed Seto's lips. “If it's a boy, I might even call him Hayden.”

“Considering I have Rhett and Kai, I seem to have a good chance of having a boy. But there is always that half-chance that the baby is a girl.”

“Well, Aria, now that this happened, our visions might decrease. Since the prophecy has been fulfilled, they may stop completely. Then again, Isis knows more about this than either of us.”

“Should we call her?”

Seto nodded. “Let me see if her powers are as accurate as she claims.” Seto picked up the phone and dialed the long international call.

/Cairo Royal Museum./

“Isis Ishtar.”

/One moment./

Seto tapped his finger on the desk impatiently as Aria rubbed her stomach.

/Isis Ishtar. Hello, Seto Kaiba./

“How--?”

/I still have my Millennium Necklace./

“Are you busy?”

/I have received a mummy discovered in the desert buried in a royal tomb, but the body looks like it wasn't buried in royal fashion. There's a significant amount of disintegration, especially the foot, which has been eaten away almost completely by infection. The infection is what lead to this boy's death./

“Isis, something has happened….something serious.”

/What has happened, Seto, is nothing compared to what is to come very shortly./

“What do you mean by that? What will happen?”

/You will tell the family that I will be arriving in Domino soon./

“Why?”

/There's no way I could possibly tell you, Seto. There's nothing you can do to stop it. Odion will be with me./

Seto rubbed his forehead. “You're talking in riddles again.”

/I cannot tell you what will happen. All I can say is that Joey will have to hold on for a little while longer./

Seto clutched the phone tightly. “Are you saying Aten has a short time left to live?”

Aria's head perked up, her eyes full of worry.

/Odion and I will be there soon. What is it you wish to talk to me about?/

“Isis, I don't know how to say this….but----.”

/The prophecy has been fulfilled, Kaiba./

Seto stood up, gripping the phone tightly. “I tried to fight it! Why the hell did this have to happen?! This is wrong!”

/There was no way to avert it. Because you have fought the prophecy during the Final Battle with Yami, the prophecy was not defeated, but delayed. You can't fight Fate. You can't fight Destiny. You fought both. That is, attempted to./

“Is this baby mine?”

/The parchment has been damaged. The parchment just reads `the daughter of the Thief King shall bear sons, who shall cause chaos, command the heavens, and lead the Restless Dead to Eternal Peace./

“'Command the heavens?'”

/Commanding the Cosmos is a difficult job./

“That means Aria will have three sons.”

Aria looked back down at her stomach. “Another boy?”

/That cannot be certain, Kaiba. There may be three things mentioned, but that doesn't mean there will be three boys./

“So you don't know if this baby is mine or not?”

/I cannot tell you, Kaiba./

“Will these visions stop now that Aria and I have……you know?”

/That cannot be said with certainty, either./

“Isis, you know something! Tell me!”

/Seto Kaiba, please don't shout./

“I have every right to shout!” Seto growled into the phone, banging his fist on the desk. “I am not getting any answers from you! So you tell me what you know!”

/I cannot tell you if the parchment has been damaged. I cannot read what is not there. I can't guarantee that the visions will stop. If Aria can complete this pregnancy and deliver the child, then it is very possible that the visions will cease./

“Thanks,” Seto said, slamming the phone on the receiver. “Isis said if you have the baby, then there's a god chance that the visions will stop.”

Aria sighed. “I guess I don't have a choice.”

Seto walked around the desk and took her hand. “Aria, we'll get through this.”

“I hope so.”

“We will. For now, let's just focus on having a healthy pregnancy. Later we can do a DNA test to see who is the father.”

Aria nodded. “That would be a good idea.” Aria looked at Seto's eyes. “Will my brother be dead in a few months?”

Seto shrugged. “You know how Isis is. She talks in riddles. She wouldn't give me a straight answer.”

Aria wiped her eyes. “I'm going to see Aten and Robbie tonight.”

“I think that might be a good idea. I've been wanting to pay Aten a visit, but Joey's health has not allowed me to wander far from KaibaCorp. I was ready to ask Aten to come here, but I haven't even seen Ryou in a long time.”

“Maybe have a dinner with everyone?”

Seto rubbed his forehead. “I think you're right. I think that's the only way that we're going to get together. I'll call Ryou and see what he thinks.”

“I'll be visiting my parents tonight, too. I can ask him and see what he says.”

“Sounds like a plan. I don't think your mother will object.”

Aria smiled. “I don't think so, either. Well, Seto, I should get back home.”

Seto nodded. “I'm sorry that I got you into this position, Aria.”

“This baby could be Umi's, too, Seto. We don't know who the father is, but right now, we have to hold on until a test can be performed.”

“I know. Call me if you need anything.”

Aria nodded and opened her arms. “Can I have a hug?”

Seto took a deep breath and walked into her arms, hugging her tightly. “Don't worry, Aria. Things will work out.”

“Thank you, Seto. I hope Uncle Joey feels better. Take good care of him.”

“I always do. Goodbye, Aria.”

Aria walked out of Seto's office, her mind full of thoughts about the baby. Boy or Girl? Umi or Seto? Aten's fate: Live or Die ?

She pushed the button on the elevator and waited for the doors to open. `I miss my brother. I need to see him.'

****************************

Robbie sat at the table, scratching his head. He was sifting through Aten's medical bills. Aten's oxygen machine needed to be ordered and he had to fill out insurance forms. He flipped through Aten's bloodwork bills.

Beside Robbie stood a stack of hospice brochures from Domino Medical Center, Domino Hospitals, and independent hospice providers.

Daniel stepped into the kitchen and watched his son examining the pile of medical forms and insurance paperwork. “Holding up, okay, son?”

Robbie dropped the papers and leaned back in his chair. He wiped his eyes and sighed. “I can't make sense of all this.”

“What's the issue?”

Robbie threw up his hands. “I'm trying to make sure that all of these bills had been paid. Aten misplaced all of these bills and I have to make sure they are paid.”

Daniel casually walked to the table and picked up a hospice brochure. “Considering hospice?”

“I think it might take some of the pressure off of mom and you to take care of Aten.”

“Did you discuss this with Aten?”

Robbie nodded. “Just briefly. We haven't had an in-depth discussion about it yet. I just want some information.”

“I see. That's good thinking.”

Robbie smiled a little. “Yeah, well, we have to plan for anything.”

“Very true.”

“I'm having a hard time concentrating on anything. I don't know what would be the best thing to do.” Robbie rubbed his forehead. “It's so difficult to think.”

“You're under a lot of pressure, son.”

Robbie sighed. “That's an understatement.”

Miranda carried Miracle in her arms. “She's fussy.”

Robbie took the baby girl and put her on his knee, facing him. “Who's daddy's baby girl? Who's daddy' girl?”

The baby drooled over herself. Robbie cleaned her chin and kissed her cheek.

“Messy Girlie,” Robbie smiled at the baby. He took the girl in his arms and hugged her. “Thanks, mom. I'll handle this.”

Miranda picked up a brochure. “Reading material?”

“Yeah, I'm trying to find a good hospice to help me with Aten.”

“Where is he, anyway?”

“Painting in his Studio.”

**************************

Aria stepped out of the car and saw a light coming from the back of the house. “Umi, take the kids inside. I'm going into Aten's Studio.”

“He doesn't like being disturbed while he's painting, you know that.”

“I'm his sister. He'll understand.”

Aria walked around the side of the house and looked inside the Studio. Aten was kneeling in front of his altar decorated with Ra, Osiris, and Isis statues. The candles were lit and their flames were flickering in the room.

Aria watched as Aten bent over, burying his face in his hands, his body shaking. Aria watched her brother closely, seeing tears slip through his fingers. “Aten……”

Aria watched Aten cry into his hands. Aten's hands were thinner than ever. His skin appeared mottled.

She went to the door and knocked lightly. “Aten?”

Aten sniffled and raised his hands hearing a voice. “Who?”

“It's me, Aten! I'm at your door!”

Aten turned and saw her. He rose to his feet slowly and rubbed his teary eyes.

`I've never seen him so thin! His skin looks darker, too. Why isn't he opening the door for me?'

Aten stood at the door and looked at her, his eyes lacking luster.

“Aten, can you let me in?”

Aten watched her quietly.

“Aten? Are you mad at me?”

Aten cocked his head to the side slightly.

Aria reached for the doorknob. “Aten, let me in.”

Aten backed away from the door and stopped.

“Aten? Are you mad at me?”

Aten watched her, his eyes giving a trapped look.

“Aten? It's me. Remember? Aria?”

Aten backed towards the door of his Studio, his body trembling in fear.

Aten's eyes widened. “ROBBIE! HELP!”

Aria jumped back at the bellow of Aten's cry for help.

Aten spun around on his heels and plowed through the door. Robbie turned around after greeting Umi.

“Aten, what's up?”

“There's a girl by my door!”

“Is it Aria?”

Aten wrapped his arms around Robbie, terrified, crushing Miracle between them. “Don't leave me alone!”

“Aten, what is wrong?”

Umi said, “Aria went to knock on Aten's Studio door.”

Robbie heard Miracle start to cry as she was pressed hard between Robbie and Aten's bodies. “Okay, Aten, okay. Umi, can you take Miracle for me? I'll go let her in.”

Aria walked in the front door. “Aten, how come you didn't let me in?”

Aten's eyes widened.

[Dark Mishin, attack my brother, Aten!]

Aten hid behind Aria, shaking. “Don't let her make the Dark Magician attack me!”

Aria narrowed her eyes. “That was years ago! We were kids!”

“Aten, this is Aria. She's not going to hurt you.”

Aten's gaze shifted between Umi and Aria. Robbie pat his hand reassuringly.

“Nobody is going to hurt you.”

Aten looked at Umi and raised his eyebrow. “Your hair……it's not like mine.”

“Well, no, Aten. I'm Aria's husband. I'm only related to you through her.”

Aten looked down at the two babies by Umi's feet. “Babies?”

Aria gestured at the two children. “Rhett and Kai. You know them.”

Miranda stepped beside Robbie. “Aria, can I see you in the kitchen?”

Aria shrugged. She followed Miranda into the kitchen.

“Aria, Aten's been having a hard time recognizing people. The doctor says it's because sufficient oxygen isn't getting to his brain. He didn't even recognize his own parents a few days ago.”

Aria leaned against the counter. “He didn't even recognize mom?”

“He seemed uncomfortable around them at first, but eventually began to remember them. Right now, he doesn't recognize you at all, but give him some time.”

Aria sighed. “I didn't realize he'd be that bad.”

Miranda nodded. “He's very touchy right now.”

“I've never seen him this bad. Is it the medicine?”

Miranda shook her head. “We're all trying to do things to make him as comfortable as possible.”

Aria sighed. “I think Isis told me that Aten only has a short time left to live.”

“It's going to be a hectic time, if that is the case.”

“I don't have the heart to tell mom or Father Marik about what Isis said.”

Miranda poured a cup of coffee. “Why did you talk to Isis?”

“I told Isis about my pregnancy.”

Miranda's eyes widened. “You're pregnant? Again?”

“Yes, that's why I came over. I came to see how long Robbie plans on using the baby stuff I gave him. I feel bad asking for it back, but he should be done with it by the time my baby is due.”

Miranda poured Aria a cup of coffee. “I think we're going to end up keeping Miracle. Nobody has come forward to claim the baby.”

Aria took the cup and sat at the kitchen table. “I hope this doesn't inconvenience Robbie at all.”

“Robbie can buy what he needs, Aria. I didn't expect us to keep the baby furniture anyway.”

Kai ran into the kitchen and tugged on Aria's dress. “Mommy, that baby has no leg! Did a shark get to her?”

Aria looked down at her son and pat his head. “No, she was born that way, Kai. Are you playing nice with her?”

“Yes,mommy. Rhett is playing with her now.”

Aria chuckled. “Well, why don't you play with them?”

“Okay!” Kai exclaimed, running into the other room.

Aten walked into the kitchen, his cough sounding dry. “Hi, Aria.”

“Hi, Aten. How are you feeling?”

Aten shrugged. “Confused.”

“What is confusing?” Aria asked.

“I don't know anyone here.”

Miranda looked up at the Egyptian teen. “Aten, nobody here is a stranger to you. Umi is Aria's husband, Rhett and Kai are your nephews. And, you might be interested to know, your sister is pregnant.”

Aten cocked his head to the side. “She's going to have a baby?”

Aria nodded. “Yup.”

“That's nice,” he said as he left the kitchen.

Aria raised an eyebrow. “That was…..strange.”

“He's not himself, Aria. He's here one minute and the next minute, his mind wanders or he stares into empty space. The doctor is saying that the oxygen isn't reaching his brain and that is why he gets into these episodes. We have an oxygen machine for him to use, but he's stubborn. He used it one time today without a complaint and later he refused to use it.”

Aria sipped her coffee. “Mom and Marik came to see him already?”

“Yup, we almost had to kick Marik out he refused to leave Aten. I could tell he was upset.”

“Marik won't say anything if he is upset. It's just how he is. He'll clam up.”

Miranda nodded. “Robbie's the same way. He won't say much. He wants to handle all of the insurance paperwork for Aten himself.”

Robbie walked into the kitchen and poured himself some coffee. “Umi said you're expecting again! Congrats!”

“Yeah, it's not something I expected at all.”

Robbie chuckled. “Expect the unexpected. I didn't expect a baby girl to be dumped on my doorstep.”

“Very true.”

“Robbie, how long do you think you'll keep the stuff I gave you for Miracle?”

Robbie shrugged as he poured sugar into his coffee. “I don't know. I can make sure you have it back soon, though. I think I'm going to keep Miracle. I have to get her covered under my insurance, I have to get her a Social Security number, I have to do a lot of things. I have to get her a birth certificate even.”

“How are you going to do that without a real parent's name?”

Robbie poured some creamer in his coffee. “No problem. I can figure it out. I'm thinking about a name. I'm not sure if I'm going to keep Miracle or name her Heaven Raine Zahra.”

“Would the baby keep your last name?”

Robbie shrugged. “I took Aten's last name when we married, so the baby would take Aten's last name. Miracle is more of a nickname now.”

“That's a nice name.”

“I have a lot of paperwork to do to get that all together. I'll go out and get myself some furniture for the baby and then I will return what you gave me. I really appreciate you letting me borrow some stuff.”

A loud wailing came from the living room. Another cry soon matched it. Robbie put his cup down and ran to Miracle. Miracle was on her back as Rhett was sitting beside her crying.

“What happened, Kai?”

“Rhett was poking her and she began to cry.”

Umi picked up his son and held him in his arms. “Rhett, no need to cry.”

Robbie picked up Miracle and rubbed her back. “Come here, baby girl. Shhh…..it's okay. Rhett won't hurt you.”

Daniel winced at the pitch of Miracle's cry. “She's got good lungs on her.”

Robbie rocked Miracle in his arms. “I don't think she's crying because of Rhett.” He carried the baby into the kitchen.

“What happened out there?” Aria asked.

Robbie rubbed the baby girl's back. “Kai said that Rhett was poking Miracle and it made her cry. I don't think that's what happened.”

Aria looked at the baby's missing limb. “Poor thing.”

Robbie held the baby girl in his arms, who began shaking and crying. “It's the withdrawl. These convulsions are becoming less frequent, which is good. If I ever got a hold of the woman who shot this baby up with Cocaine and LSD, I'm going to wring her neck.”

Aria watched as Robbie rubbed the baby's head and whispered words of comfort to the baby. “I've never seen you so angry, Robbie.”

“Well, it does make me angry. This baby could have had a normal leg and she wouldn't have to suffer the pain of withdrawl.”

Aria stood up and walked over to Miracle. She touched the baby girl's head and returned to the living room. She took Rhett into her arms and kissed him. “Don't cry, Rhett.”

Kai walked up to Umi and tugged on his leg. “Daddy, I need to go potty!”

Umi took his hand. “I'll take him. This way, big boy.” Umi held Kai's hand up the steps.

Aten watched Kai follow Umi up the stairs. Kai was climbing the steps one stair at a time. When they disappeared up the steps, Aten looked at Aria holding Rhett.

“Should you let Kai go with Umi?”

Aria nodded. “He's okay, Aten. Umi's a good dad. Kai still needs help in the potty.”

Aten looked up the steps. `I have a bad feeling about this.' Aten climbed the steps slowly and reached the top of the steps. He looked at the bathroom door and took a deep breath.

A flash of light flashed in front of him and he saw the white walls melt into wood. The white door became wood.

The hairs on the back of his neck stood up.

He was back.

[Be a good boy. I'll help you in the potty.]

Aten heard voices talking low in the bathroom.

He looked through the crack in the door and saw Kai sitting on the toilet. Kai jumped off the toilet, his pants falling to his ankles.

“Poopie!” Kai giggled.

“Good job, Little Minnow! Now you have to wipe your stinky booty.”

Kai giggled. “Stinky Booty!”

Umi pulled some toilet paper and handed it to Kai. He turned around. “Wipe your stinky booty, silly boy.”

Aten's eyes widened.

[My grandson is such a…silly boy.]

Kai put the toilet paper in the toilet. “All done!”

Umi turned around and watched Kai pull his pants up. “Wait, Kai, you missed some spots.”

“I did?”

“Here, let me show you. You need to make sure you get all of it.”

Aten watched Umi clean Kai. He backed away from the door and hurried down the stairs. He grabbed onto Aria's arm.

“Kai's in trouble!”

“What?” Aria asked calmly.

“Umi! He's being mean to Kai!”

Robbie watched Aten's breathing quicken and began to shake. “Aten, what's going on?”

“Umi is touching Kai! He's touching his bottom!”

“Aten, Umi wouldn't do that,” Aria said, stepping back from Aten.

“He is! He is!”

Robbie put his hand on Aten's shoulder and saw Aten's eyes glazed over. “Aten, that is not happening. Umi wouldn't do that to his own son.”

“Umi is doing that! He's upstairs touching Kai in a bad way!”

“Aten, you only think that he's doing that, but Kai just needs help in the bathroom.”

Umi descended the stairs with Kai in his arms. “Good job, sweetie boy!”

“Why were you touching Kai?!” Aten growled at Umi, pointing an accusatory finger at him.

Umi stopped at the bottom of the steps, looking nervously at Aten. “What?”

“Why were you touching Kai?! ANSWER ME!”

“Touching him? How?”

Aten narrowed his eyes. “You were trying to touch his naughty parts!”

“Aten, that is disgusting! I've never touched my children like that!” Umi answered angrily.

Daniel stepped beside Aten and put his hand on Aten's arm. “Umi is a good kid, Aten. He wouldn't do that.”

Kai looked at Aten and wrapped his arms around his father. “Daddy doesn't hurt me.”

“YOU TRIED TO TOUCH HIM IN A BAD WAY!”

Umi held Kai tightly against him. “I'm leaving.”

Aria stepped beside Aten. “Aten, Umi would never touch him that way! I would not be with Umi if he ever did that to my children. Goodnight, Aten. Goodbye, Miranda, Robbie, and Daniel.”

Aria left with Rhett in her arms.

Aten watched the family leave and walked up the stairs.

Robbie sighed, holding Miracle in his arms. “I know he had a flashback.”

“I thought Aten was gonna punch Umi right in the mouth,” Daniel said.

Miranda nodded. “He would have if he was deep enough in his flashback. I think it was more of a hallucination than anything.”

Robbie climbed the steps and put Miracle in her crib. “I'll be back in a few minutes, baby girl. Then daddy will get you a bottle and get you ready for beddie-bye.”

Miracle looked up at Robbie and kicked her leg.

Robbie left the baby's room and went into his bedroom. Aten was sitting on the bed in tears.

“Aten, what did you see?”

Aten sobbed into his hands. “I saw something bad.”

Robbie walked to the bed and sat beside Aten. “Aten, Umi was trying to help Kai in the bathroom. He's still a kid and needs help in there. Kids have to be shown that stuff sometimes.”

“I saw……”

Robbie put his hand on Aten's thigh. “What did you see?”

“I saw…..a boy and an older man touching the boy badly.”

Robbie shifted closer to Aten. “You thought you saw that, Aten. Umi was helping Kai in the potty. What you saw was bad, of course, but Umi would never do that to his own son. Most people do not do that to their own kids.”

Aten sniffled. “Why did I see that awful scene?”

Robbie put his arm around Aten. “I know, Aten. The oxygen is not getting to your brain. That is why you thought you saw him do that and why you didn't recognize Aria.”

“She probably hates me now.”

Robbie shook his head. “No, your sister doesn't hate you. She understands. This is hard on her, too, Aten. Aria loves you a lot, but she also loves Umi and her kids.”

Aten turned and hugged Robbie. “I'm sorry.”

Robbie hugged him back. “I love you, Aten. I'm not mad at you. I want to help you as much as I can.”

Aten yawned. “I didn't mean to get angry.”

Robbie pat Aten's back. “You should lay down and get some rest.”

“Will you be in bed soon?”

“I will be here soon. I have to get Miracle her bottle and get her changed. When I put her to bed, I'll be back here.”

Aten nodded. “I'll be here.”

“Good. I'll be back soon. You rest here.”

Robbie gave Aten a kiss and left the room. He returned to Miracle's room and sighed.

He picked her up and carried her downstairs.

“Is he okay?” Miranda asked.

“Yeah, he's resting now. I'm gonna get Miracle her bottle and get her something to sleep in. Can you give her a bath down in the sink here, mom? If I told Aten that I needed to give Miracle a bath, I didn't want him getting worked up again.”

Miranda nodded. “I can do that. Just get me a clean diaper and a sleeper.”

Robbie hugged her with the other arm. “Thanks , mom.”

Miranda pat his cheek and smiled. “Sure thing,” she said giving him a peck on the cheek.

“You're a good boy, Robbie.”

Robbie blushed. “I try.”

******************************

Rocher sat behind his desk with a satisfied grin on his face. Three men in black suits stood in front of him.

“Do you think Seto Kaiba will call your bluff, sir?” one man asked.

“He can call my bluff if he wants, but it won't do him any good. I have proof that Seto Kaiba is not the ethical businessman that he appears to be. If he wants to keep his reputation intact, he will leap at my offer. If not, he will be singing for his supper…..literally.”

Rocher and the men laughed.

“You know where he lives. I want you to grab this kid,” Rocher said, throwing the tabloid with Seto's picture with Ryou on the cover. “Grab that white-haired kid. Bring him to my home. We'll hold him as collateral there. Don't hurt the kid when you get your hands on him, but don't let him get away.”

“What if he should run away from us?”

Rocher grinned. “Chase him. Grab him. Bring him to my house in Glenside. He is not to be killed.”

“Yes, sir.”

“Get going….I want this kid alive.”

The men bowed to Rocher and left his office. Rocher sat back in his chair. “Checkmate.”

Updates: 10/31