Yu-Gi-Oh! Fan Fiction ❯ Seto's Wish Alternate World Conclusion ❯ C27 I think we’ve got a problem! ( Chapter 27 )

Mokuba A/N: Sorry for the long delay. But Clarity was sick for a while and now we're finally getting on track. Hope everyone had a nice Holiday. We'll restart back at Thursday starting this week. I meant to this week but it sorta slipped my mind, sorry.

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Mokuba A/N: Okay from here on out it's going to get complicated. So here's a small guide like to help. Remember it, you'll need it!

C11: Joey: JKaiba

C14: Sacrifice: KaibaS1 & MKaiba

C17: Opposites: OSeto

C19: Heart: Kaiba2

C20: Grave: GSeto

C21: DeathT: DTKaiba

C22: Virtual World: VWKaiba

C24: Morality: MEKaiba

C25: SMK: SMKaiba

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C27 I think we've got a problem!

 

“Would someone like to explain what I'm doing here?” JKaiba asked irritably, his focus immediately directed towards Yugi. After all, anytime something strange happened, Yugi always seemed to be the center of it.

 

And Joey, in all his brilliance, decided to ask the most intelligent question ever, as he pointed at JKaiba, saying, “Are you `you'?”

 

JKaiba gave him an `are you really that stupid?' glare, as Tristan muttered, “Oh, yeah.....good question, genius.”

 

“Hey, I'm trying ta figure this out too, okay??” Joey snapped back at Tristan.

 

Angie then turned to Yami, saying, “Yugi, why is his coat different? This isn't the same guy, is it?”

 

“Different?” Tea muttered. “A minute ago.....he didn't even have a coat. He gave it to Mokuba.”

 

“Yeah, but maybe this is the Kaiba that's supposed to be here, right?” Angie asked.

 

Tristan put his hand to his chin in an attempt to look intelligent. “Well, if he was wandering around different worlds like the other Seto guy said, then maybe he got a change of clothes along the way.”

 

“Why do you think I was asking that question in the first place?” Joey exclaimed, still insisting his question wasn't in the least bit dumb.

 

JKaiba had no idea what was going on, and why they were talking about him like there was more than one of him. But he really didn't care at the moment. His brother was mentioned.....and that came first. “Where's Mokuba?” he asked, his focus at the moment was on Joey.

 

“He's right there.” Joey said, pointing behind him.

 

JKaiba turned to see one of his older trench coats draped around his brother, who was sleeping peacefully. But there was something disturbing about it, too. Mokuba's face looked slightly flushed, for some reason.

 

He approached his sleeping brother, and quickly checked his head, noticing it was slightly warm. `He's sick.' JKaiba quickly realized.

 

“Why is he here?” JKaiba asked to anyone who was behind him, growing irritated that his now sick brother was over at Yugi's, and he somehow materialized here, with no explanation about it, yet.

 

“Cause he fell asleep, while you.....or I'm guessing `another' you told his story.” Tea said.

 

JKaiba stood, and turned facing the group, not looking in the least bit pleased. “If this is supposed to be some sort of joke......I'm not amused.”

 

“It's not a joke, Kaiba.” Yugi said, once again taking over for Yami. “There was another you here, and he needed to get back home. Umm.....you don't remember this other you?”

 

JKaiba smirked, amused for the moment. “The only one I know with split personalities, Yugi.....is you.”

 

Joey immediately jumped in front, snapping, “Yugi don't have no split personality! Just cuz yer too dense to get it, don't mean you can pick on my friends! How the hell do ya think you got here, anyway??”

 

The smirk immediately turned into a cold grin, as he snatched Joey and pulled him close, murmuring softly, “Perhaps you'd like to explain to me, mutt.”

 

“Kaiba, leave Joey alone!” Angie exclaimed, assuming Kaiba was simply picking on Joey again. “Haven't you done enough to him?”

 

JKaiba glanced her way, like she was nothing. It was the first time she'd seen Kaiba look at her this coldly before. He hesitated as he looked her over, then finally focused back on Joey, not finding her even worth the attention. “So......you're little groupies have gained another fan member, I see.” JKaiba said to Joey. “Not enough in the friendship cult, yet?”

 

Joey blinked. “Uh......but, you know Angie, don't you? How can you not remember Angie? She's your new baby-sitter!”

 

JKaiba scowled at Joey, assuming it was insult directed towards him. “The only one that needs baby-sitting, mutt.....is you. But then, I'd simply call the pound.”

 

“He means for Mokuba....” Yugi said, attempting to keep the peace.

 

Again, JKaiba's attention was directed from Joey, now glancing at Yugi.....the expression on his face looked almost confused. “Why, because he's sick? I'd simply hire a nurse's aid for that. Do you think I would insult my brother by hiring someone that cares for infants, to watch over him? I doubt the Vice President of Kaiba Corp needs such dependencies.”

 

Everyone blinked in confusion from JKaiba's comment. Tristan then pointed at Mokuba, saying, “You mean your brother? You made him Vice President? Since when??”

 

That only seemed to get a scowl from JKaiba, for daring to ask such a stupid question.

 

“Will you let go of me, already?” Joey then suddenly snapped at JKaiba, who was still grabbing onto his collar.

 

Angie then said to Joey, “Joey, keep it down.....you're going to wake poor Mokuba!”

 

Too late. Mokuba stirred from the noise, and began to wake up. He opened his eyes seeing JKaiba and smiled. “Big brother.....are you back all ready?”

 

JKaiba finally released Joey, turning his full attention to Mokuba. He was still confused about a few things, especially when his brother became sick. And it certainly didn't help that Yugi's friends were rambling a bunch of nonsense he didn't understand. But that wasn't anything too out of the ordinary. Somehow things that he saw as common sense always seemed off the wall for them and vise versa. They were simply too different, and JKaiba tried to accept it as such.

 

But that didn't explain why Mokuba was sick. Mokuba hadn't been sick, at all. Did this just come on? “How long have you been this way?”

 

Mokuba replied, “I'm not any worst, Seto. I'm just as I was when you saw me. And it's not my fault I'm here! The other Seto brought me here....it's his fault!”

 

Mokuba was automatically assuming his brother was getting ready to chastise him for being at Yugi's. Why else would he ask such a question? But from the strange look on JKaiba's face, the odd sensation in Mokuba that something was wrong finally kicked in. He didn't notice it before, because he was so tired.....but now he understood. This wasn't his brother, either. `Well, that explains why he has that weird coat. But.....where did he come from? What did I miss while I was asleep?'

 

“Mokuba's been sick for the past couple of weeks. Don't you remember?” Tea asked from behind him.

 

“He's hasn't been sick.” JKaiba retorted irritably, as he brought his hand down and brushed his brother's bangs back from his forehead.

 

JKaiba then finally turned back to address the group. His main attention was now on Yugi, as he stated, “Enough of these games....I want to know what's going on. My brother wasn't sick at all, especially not for a few weeks.”

 

JKaiba next approached Yugi, towering over him with his contempt, and seeming to be throwing all the blame on him at the moment. “I want answers Yugi, and I want them now! How did Joey, Mokuba and myself end up instantly over here, after being at our home? And what is this `other me' you seem to be speaking of? Anyone who attempts to toy with me, will pay dearly......even you.”

 

`Uh-oh.' Mokuba thought, beginning to look a little more awake and sensing the rising tension in JKaiba. He knew if someone didn't explain some things to him soon, there was going to be trouble. Even if it wasn't his brother, he wasn't much different from him when he got angry.

 

But before Yugi could even say anything, Joey immediately jumped in front of JKaiba, snapping, “What do you mean `our' home??” totally confused by JKaiba's wording..... which Mokuba also felt was strange, now that it was brought up.

 

JKaiba glanced over at him, curious from Joey's odd behavior. “What do you think I mean?” he simply asked back.

 

“How the hell should I know???” Joey asked back, exasperated.

 

JKaiba now turned to Joey, observing him curiously, as he crossed his arms and smirked, saying, “You should know exactly what I mean......despite your lack of intelligence.”

 

“Um......no, I don't.” Joey answered. Then a heart beat later, he growled, “What do you mean `lack of intelligence'??”

 

JKaiba then approached Joey, his hand moving up and gently touching Joey's face, causing everyone to freeze up from JKaiba's odd actions, especially Joey. He rubbed his cheek almost tenderly, stating calmly, “I don't have time right now, pup. If you want to be the one to bring me up to date, then that's fine. But one way or another, I'm going to get answers.”

 

Joey swallowed nervously, not sure how to react to JKaiba from these strange actions. This wasn't the way Kaiba normally treated him. He was used to the fights they had......it was a more comfortable level he could relate to. This weird niceness from JKaiba was simply too strange. Joey nervously answered, “Uh....I - I.....I dunno nutt'n.” his brain too confused from JKaiba to remember what the question even was, anymore.

 

A hint of a smile formed on JKaiba, who seemed to appreciate Joey's nervousness around him. Then before Joey had a chance to react further, he brought his hand up and touched Joey's chin, moving Joey's face up towards his own. JKaiba then leaned in and kissed him.

 

Joey had kissed a couple of girls before, but this was new. He was too much in shock to do anything at first, and before he could come to his full senses, JKaiba had all ready pulled away.

 

JKaiba then calmly said to him, “Then shut up and let me finish.” and turned back to Yugi, as if there was absolutely nothing unusual over what just happened.

 

But Joey had no intention of pretending nothing happened, as he suddenly freaked, backing away from him and yelling, “What the hell did you do that for??? Are you nuts??”

 

“Interesting choice of words.” JKaiba calmly muttered, his attention now too focused on Yugi to care what Joey's problem was. But he noticed Joey wasn't the only one that seemed to be responding to his action. Yugi's mouth was hanging open, like a big fish. In fact.....just about everyone was looking at him that way. The deafening silence from what happened also left a tension in the air that a person could swim in.

 

JKaiba glanced at the others in the room, a frown forming on his face from their reactions. He then finally glanced back at Joey and realized he was dead serious about this. So, JKaiba focused back on Joey and stared him down, silently waiting for an explanation from his boyfriend for this unusual behavior.

 

At the moment both stared at each other in stunned silence, JKaiba waiting and Joey having no idea what to say to the other. JKaiba then began to finally understand Joey had no intention on saying anything, causing his anger to rise. He had no idea why anyone was acting this way. This wasn't any surprise......they've been together for some time, now. Why did it seem like everyone had forgotten?

 

“What is the problem?” JKaiba finally asked Joey, expressing the hint of irritation he felt about this.

 

“What do you mean, `what is the problem'??” Joey asked. “I dunno about you....but as far as I know, it aint normal fer a guy to go around kissing another guy like that!”

 

JKaiba's eyes widened from Joey's declaration. Joey was acting like he was some kind of `gay-phobic', which didn't make sense since they were an official couple. But there was no hint of a joke in Joey's eyes, no spark of warmth. It left JKaiba feeling strangely uncertain and alone in his opinion, with a stab of pain that Joey may have no feelings towards him.

 

“We've been together for nearly a year. We've been sleeping together.” JKaiba stated, his eyes becoming dangerous slits. “Don't you dare claim you don't remember any of this!” he hissed, with a frightening calm to his voice......more like the calm before the storm.

 

“Okay, this is totally weird! If this keeps up, we're going to have to sue Kaiba for the money to see a therapist.” Tea said, not noticing the warning signs. Fortunately, JKaiba was too concerned with Joey to listen or even care about Tea's opinion, at the moment.

 

“I.....wouldn't go that far.” Tristan replied to Tea, attempting to make light of the whole situation and failing miserably.

 

“Well, *I* would!” Joey stupidly blurted out. “The dude just kissed me! How is that `not' a bad thing??” He then snarled at JKaiba, pointing his finger at him. “And you got some nerve trying ta tell my friends we been sleeping together! You take that back! I got a reputation to uphold, after all.....”

 

Obviously, Joey wasn't taking this seriously, either....and also didn't see the dangerous spark in JKaiba's eyes. But Mokuba saw it coming, clearly before anyone else. In a desperate attempt to calm his brother down, he reached his hand out, and was just about to call out and say something to him......but it was too late.

 

That last comment that Joey made seemed to be the thing to break the last piece of controlled patience in JKaiba. As if he had become possessed, he lunged forward grabbing Joey by the shirt and slamming him against the wall across from him. JKaiba yelled at him, “You were the one who convinced me to take this chance on us! You were the one that came onto me! How `dare' you try and throw that back in my face!!”

 

JKaiba then hissed at Joey again dangerously, “And don't you dare lie to me and tell me your remember nothing of our times together.....”

 

Joey struggled to get out of JKaiba's grip, but he was far too strong. But Joey refused to show fear of him, as he snapped back, “Are you crazy?? I never slept with you! I've never slept with anyone!”

 

During this time, Tristan was approaching JKaiba and was ready to grab his arm, in an attempt to forcibly pull JKaiba off of him. But, after Joey blurted that last part out, Tristan suddenly stopped. “So, Joey.....does this mean you're still a virgin?” he asked, rather curious and forgetting that he was attempting to save his best friend.

 

“What? Uh.....did I just say that out loud?”

 

JKaiba slammed him against the wall again, making sure to get Joey's full attention. “You think this is a joke? So, what you're saying is that you don't remember us, and neither does all of your so-called friends.....is that it? I suppose all of Japan has just conveniently forgotten the media frenzy as well, hmm?? Or is it just you and the dweeb group making this up?”

 

“All of Japan??” Joey chuckled. “Geez......I hope not.” But the humor quickly died down in his voice, to see those cold steel eyes of JKaiba glaring right into his own, as if he was looking into Joey's soul. Joey nervously swallowed, then drawing up some courage, he spat out, “Hey....I aint making nothing up, Kaiba!”

 

JKaiba then harshly shoved Joey back into the wall. That instant, his eyes totally iced over, as he said, “Fine......if this is the way you want to be, I have no problem with it. You were nothing but an easy fuck, anyway.” At once, JKaiba turned from him, about to leave.

 

Joey looked totally unsure how to respond to JKaiba. It was definitely insulting and degrading to say the least. The problem was he knew if he opened his mouth to defend himself, he'd probably sound more like he did do something with him. So, for once.....he kept his mouth shut, in an attempt to not incriminate himself. Besides, JKaiba obviously had to be lying, so why should he care what the guy said??

 

JKaiba was on his way out the door, but before he had the chance to go, Mokuba suddenly blurted out, “Stop it!!!”

 

JKaiba froze and looked over at Mokuba, who came running over to him, wearing Kaiba's old trench coat. As tired as Mokuba felt, he also knew he had to say something. He didn't know what happened in this other Kaiba's world, but from the sound of it he and Joey were some kind of item. And he couldn't let JKaiba think that other world's Joey rejected him, because of what was said here. He had to try and clear this up, somehow.

 

“Seto, please......it's not Joey. The problem isn't him, it's you. You're......you're not my real brother.”

 

“What?” JKaiba asked him, now paranoia beginning to kick in, wondering if his own brother was turning against him.

 

Mokuba sighed, knowing that probably didn't sound right, at all. “I didn't mean it in the way it sounded. Listen, the point is.....Joey's not lying. He's not trying to hurt you. But you two were really never together.”

 

JKaiba couldn't believe what he was hearing. “But.....you knew about this.” he said. “You don't believe me, either?”

 

“Of course I do!” Mokuba said. “I know you're not lying. But you don't belong here.....you're not `my' Seto.” Mokuba said. He wish he could get the words right to better explain it to his brother. But he was just so tired, and it was probably time for his medicine again soon.

 

Before JKaiba could say another word, Mokuba heavily leaned on him for support. JKaiba felt hurt and betrayed, and didn't know who to believe. When confused, his instincts were to return to Gozaburo's teachings; meaning.....don't trust anyone. Everyone was against him.....show no weakness, and hurt them back if possible.

 

But at the same time, Mokuba was outside the normal realm of his rules. So, he assumed Mokuba's mysterious illness must be at fault for his strange thinking, and he'd discuss what was going on with his brother later.

 

By now, Yami had once again taken over for Yugi. He stepped forward, stating, “Kaiba......Mokuba is right. You are not from this world. You should stay here with us, until we can get this straightened out.”

 

But JKaiba no longer believed in anything they had to say. Since none of their explanations made sense, he could only think of his own reasons for Joey turning on him. And any reasoning JKaiba thought up had emerged through fear, pain, and paranoia. He assumed Yugi had all ready used some kind of ancient Egyptian voodoo trick in order to get him, Mokuba, and Joey here. Perhaps this was done just so they could gang up on him and attack him for daring to show feelings towards Joey. He had allowed himself to trust Joey, and now it seemed the mongrel was daring to stab him in the back for the power JKaiba had given him.

 

JKaiba couldn't understand it. If Joey was having problems about them being together, why didn't he approach him about it? Why did he instead decide to play some kind of mind game with him? It was a slap in the face for Joey to insult him by not even being honest with him. It was something he would never be able to forgive him for.

 

But despite the emotions raging through JKaiba, he managed to look down at his brother leaning heavily on him, and focused on him first and foremost. Mokuba was all that mattered.....all that ever mattered. And his brother was so tired and miserable right now, but at the same time was struggling so hard to be awake and be there for him. No, he was not going to sit around worrying about these idiots..... he would concentrate on what was important, what had always been important to him. JKaiba gently picked Mokuba up, blue trench coat and all, saying, “Come on, kiddo......let's get you home and into bed.”

 

Mokuba yawned and put his arms around JKaiba's neck, not in the mood to argue. Though he knew it wasn't his big brother, he still felt safe and secure in his arms.

 

“Kaiba......” Yami said, again demanding JKaiba's attention, and hoping he would listen to what he had said.

 

“Save it, Yugi.” JKaiba snapped, not caring in the least. “If you think for a second that I'm going to stick around and listen to any more of this ridiculous game you losers are playing, you can forget it. I'm taking my little brother and going home. And if you have a problem with that, then that's too bad.....”

 

Refusing to listen to anymore, JKaiba turned and headed out the door. He only paused for a moment to look coldly down at Joey with anger and..... hurt? When there was no sign of apology or guilt in Joey's eyes, JKaiba then continued out the door with Mokuba in his arms, trench coat loudly flapping behind him as he exited the room.

 

“I think we should keep an eye on them.” Yami said, concerned with how JKaiba reacted, as well as this other Kaiba's very appearance into their world. Something was terribly wrong.......he could feel it.

 

“Why..... what could possibly happen? I mean, so maybe we switched one world's Kaiba for another. What's the big deal, already?” Tristan asked.

 

“I don't care who's who, I just don't want that weird one anywhere near me!” Joey said.

 

“Aww, come on, Joey..... I kind of thought you liked that kiss.” Tristan snickered.

 

“What! No way!” Joey spat out.

 

“Now's not the time to be fighting. I have a bad feeling about all of this. Something is wrong.” Yami said.

 

“What could have gone wrong? You probably sent the other guy home.” Tea said.

 

“It's not that..... I think something far worse has happened. I didn't fully understand the magic that sent him here. Though I believe I had indeed succeeded in sending Seto back, the powers that brought him here may have triggered an unexpected chain reaction.”

 

“What kind of reaction? I mean, it can't be all bad......it was simply swapping one for the other.” Joey said.

 

“I can't explain it, Joey. It's just a feeling I have.....as if this is only the beginning!”

 

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Back at the mansion, JKaiba walked in carrying Mokuba, when he froze.

 

“Mokuba.....come on kiddo, I need you to wake up for me.”

 

Mokuba sat up, rubbing his eyes. “What's wrong, Seto?”

 

“What's wrong is someone's been doing some redecorating. The furniture has been moved. I don't even recognize that piece.” he muttered out loud, pointing at a nearby chair. Could this be the act of a thief? But, who would replace a piece of furniture with another?

 

Mokuba was confused and looked around the room. “Everything looks the same to me.” Mokuba then looked at JKaiba and smiled. “Everything's okay, Seto. You're probably just reacting like that, because you're not from this world....remember? You're from an another reality.”

 

JKaiba put Mokuba down. “You've been listening to the dweeb group for far too long over there. Go on upstairs and get to bed. The last thing I need to hear is more nonsense on magic. Alternate realities......give me a break.”

 

“Whatever you say, but the sooner you accept it....the sooner you can work on getting home.” Mokuba said simply, heading to bed without question this time.

 

JKaiba then noticed something move on the couch, and cried out, “Mokuba, wait!”

 

Mokuba quickly turned and followed JKaiba's line of sight. Both calmed immediately, seeing it was only a cat. Mokuba smiled, saying, “Oh, it's just Tipper. How did you get out of your room? The pantry door must have stuck again when I was closing it. Sorry, Seto. But, can she sleep in my room, tonight?”

 

“Tipper?” JKaiba asked, glaring down at him. “You brought a cat into my house, even named it, and didn't bother to ask me for approval?”

 

Mokuba groaned, shaking his head. “I already told you, you're not from this world! `My' Seto said I could keep her. Joey gave her to me as a `get well soon' gift, when I got sick.”

 

JKaiba glared down at Mokuba, snapping, “I will not let you use Yugi's stupid excuse as some sort of imaginary friend of yours that lets you do what you want! I will not allow that thing in my house!”

 

“It's not an excuse, it's the truth!” Mokuba yelled back, defying his brother. It quieted JKaiba, not sure how to react. Mokuba was never this hell bent on opposing him, unless JKaiba was in fact going against something he had said. “You're not taking my cat away!”

 

That cat only made JKaiba feel more pain as well, since Mokuba stated that was a gift from Joey......the person who dared to reject him, and pretend everything they went through never happened. He turned away, and snapped, “Then just throw that thing back in the pantry. We'll discuss it later. I better not see it again.”

 

Mokuba sighed, and nodded his head.....giving up on bringing her to bed with him. He was obviously upset by Joey's actions towards him today, and Mokuba could tell his brother was hurting. There was no sense to try and make it worst, by pushing the issue.

 

“Okay, Seto.....” he said, taking the cat and heading downstairs to put it back where it was supposed to stay.

 

JKaiba then stormed to his office room. He took a moment to turn on a security monitor, watching Mokuba put the cat down and leave the room......staring hatefully at the cat that he now saw as a symbol of Joey.

 

`He's wrong.' JKaiba thought, as Mokuba went to his room.

 

Despite all that was happening around him, every piece of this house that looked different to him, he still refused to believe it. `Maybe I've simply been working too hard. Joey has been complaining that the three of us should take a vacation together.'

 

JKaiba then sighed at the stabbing memory that those thoughts brought up. `Joey......' Thoughts of them together, enjoying themselves.....making him for once experience what true happiness was again. But then the pain he felt, as Joey's cold behavior towards him turned everyone against him, pretending nothing ever happened between them.

 

JKaiba again looked at the playful cat in the monitor. `I only wish it was another world.' he thought sadly for a moment, but then shook the thoughts from his mind. JKaiba was a realist and didn't believe in fantasizing in such nonsense. He knew this relationship with Joey would come back to bite him later. No one shows acts of niceness without a reason. How could he have been stupid enough to believe otherwise? The only thing he could do now is close his heart up and forget about it all......like it never happened, just like Joey said.

 

So, JKaiba turned off the security monitor and powered up his laptop, ready to go through the work that needed to be done.

 

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Meanwhile.....Mokuba had fallen asleep almost the minute his head hit the pillow. Twenty minutes later, a light appeared and another Kaiba appeared in the room.

 

`What happened? I was just…I where am I?' Then as he scanned the room, he heard whimpering.

 

He looked over and was surprised to see Mokuba curled up on the bed, after he had kicked most of the covers off.

 

He smiled, walked over and covered the small boy back up, beginning to lightly rub his arm to chase away his nightmare. That's when a dark computer monitor caught his attention from the shine of the moonlight coming in.

 

SMKaiba blinked, looking at the object. `That's strange......when did he get a monitor in his room? Gozaburo never allowed him to have a computer. Could it be a gift from him?' SMKaiba's eyes then narrowed, thinking, `If you think you can buy my little brother enough to make him side with you, you're sorely mistaken! Once SMK is stable and on it's own feet, I'll take your company next, old man. I refuse to let your weapon's industry taint my company's name and reputation! Someday, Mokie.....SMK will be ours free and clear of Gozaburo. We'll be allowed to run the company the way we see fit, and not him!'