Yu-Gi-Oh! Fan Fiction ❯ Seto's Wish Alternate World Conclusion ❯ C32 A Simple Matter of Trust ( Chapter 32 )

C32 A Simple Matter of Trust

 

JKaiba = #1

SMKaiba = #2

MEKaiba = #3

VWKaiba = #4

MKaiba = #5

x-x-x-x-x-x-xx-x-x-x-x-xx-x-x-x-x-x-xx-x-x-x-x-x x-x-x-x-x-x-xx-x-x-x-x-x

 

“Wouldn't you like to go back home to see your brother in your own body again? There are two of you in the computer system, and we have at least five or more versions of us wandering around the mansion. We can team up and work together. I'll give you the necessary hookups, and with our combined efforts, we'll capture two Kaiba's for the two of you to take over. Technically, you'll be back in your own bodies.” DTKaiba typed in.

 

There was a long pause, which bothered DTKaiba, so he added in, “Don't tell me you're feeling guilt towards the other Kaiba's over this. As I'm sure you know, if they're too stupid to keep themselves from harm, then they deserve their fate.”

 

“That's not my concern.” KaibaS1 answered. “I'm simply curious why you're willing to do this. What's in it for you?”

 

DTKaiba smirked, typing back, “Let's just say I'm not too comfortable having at least five other versions of me floating around here, other than myself. The less I have to worry about, the better. I don't trust any of them and I feel like I'm a prisoner in my own company. At least if I help the two of you, I can guarantee I have two other versions of myself on my side, for one main reason......you will both owe me.”

 

“Makes sense.” KaibaS1 responded, accepting that as a valid reason. “I'll inform the other Kaiba. The plan sounds reasonable, so far. Where can he meet you?”

 

“Tell him to meet me at Kaiba Corp. Fortunately, I seem to be the only one here.” DTKaiba answered.

 

x-x-x-x-x-x-x

 

Back at Yugi's.....they finally got Joey to stop laughing at Seto, and were presently trying to figure out what to do.

 

“So what exactly do we do with him?” Angie asked.

 

“I'd suggest we keep him here, for now.....at least until we can figure out what's going on.” Yugi said. “Maybe I can call and get a hold of Kaiba, to try and see if anymore appeared over there.”

 

“Uh.....what do you mean?” Seto asked. “And why would you call Kaiba? He's right here.” Seto added, pointing at Joey again.

 

“Don't even start that again! You're Kaiba, don'cha get it??” Joey said.

Seto blinked at Joey a couple times, and then he started into a fit of laugher. “Oh, man....if I can just record this!!”

 

“That's it!” Joey said, and again they had to hold Joey back from attacking Seto again.

 

x-x-x-x-x-x-x

 

At the mansion, the Kaiba's decided to set their new meeting place up in the living room, since it was downstairs and quite far from earshot to ensure Mokuba would not be disturbed. As they headed that way, they paused and looked towards the phone that had begun to ring.

 

Immediately, they all looked at each other, every one of them expecting one of the others to get the phone besides themselves. Finally, they all shrugged and agreed at the same time, “Let the answering machine get it.”

 

JKaiba then nodded, saying, “Agreed, we have better things to do with our time.” With that, they all continued towards the living room, completely ignoring the phone.

 

The only one that lingered behind was MKaiba, who had been fighting the urge not to answer, in order to not stand out in the crowd that were his brothers. He paused, looking at the phone for the moment. Then immediately, he turned and scurried away to follow the others.

 

x-x-x-x-x-x-x

 

Yugi put the phone down, saying, “There's no answer.”

 

“Well, mebbe he was replaced by that `weird' Kaiba, then.......thank god for that!” Joey spit out.

 

“But, Joey....if he was replaced, then why isn't Mokuba picking up? And does that mean he's all alone??” Angie asked with worry.

 

“Mokuba? Ahh.....don't worry about him, he can take care of himself.” Seto said, picking himself off the floor, after finishing his laughing fit.

 

“What? Don't you even care about your own brother??” Joey asked in shock.

 

Seto immediately got angry, snapping, “Listen, `Kaiba'....at least I don't have some psycho sister trying to torture people on a daily basis! Me and Mokuba may not always get along, but he's always there for me when I need him.....got it??”

 

“Psycho sister??! You got some nerve, pal! And STOP calling me Kaiba!!” Joey yelled, ready to lunge again.

 

But Tristan suddenly blurted, “Did you say Mokuba's there for you?? Aren't you the older brother??”

 

“.........so??” Seto asked, looking sheepish for a moment. He always hated to admit that Mokuba was the tougher one.

 

But the up-coming next argument was fortunately cut off, to everyone's relief, as Yugi said, “I'm on the phone! Shhh!!” Yugi had next decided to dial Kaiba Corp directly, to see if anyone answered over there.

 

x-x-x-x-x-x-x

 

While....KaibaS1 communicated to `Philmore' about the help that was offered to him from yet another Kaiba, for them to get bodies of their own.

 

By this time, Philmore had reached the outside grounds of the mansion in back, searching for the best way in. He typed back, “That makes no sense. It's one thing if he too needed a body. But, why would he help us, when there's a risk that he may become a target for us to snatch him?”

 

“Maybe that's the point.” KaibaS1 replied. “After all, if he's helping us, we would have little reason to pick him as a target. He's probably trying to ensure his own survival.”

 

Philmore had a bad feeling about this, but typed in, “Very well. Has he done his part yet?”

 

“Yes, I presently have full view of the mansion inside and out, as well as complete camera control.” KaibaS1 answered. “So far, he seems to have been telling the truth about the other Kaiba's. I'm seeing a total of 5 others, just as he said. I'm still waiting for him to finish with the cameras at Kaiba Corp, but these things do take time.”

 

Philmore paused, thinking about that. “You said he's at Kaiba Corp. Shouldn't he be able to do that first?”

 

“He's probably as leery about us as we are of him. It would certainly make sense. But, from what he's done so far and what he's offering, I'd say he's worth the risk.”

 

Talking about what's being offered, Philmore looked down, thinking, `Mokuba......' To have a chance to see him, touch him, hug his own brother. How long had it been since he'd last had the chance to do that? Whatever the news reports to slander his return from the dead, it would be more than worth it to be with his brother again, alive and in the flesh. There was a strange twinge of guilt too, thinking of the other Kaiba's that would lose from it. But, he believed the same thing that KaibaS1 had relayed to him from DTKaiba....it's not their fault if these other Kaiba's are too inept to hold onto their own bodies. So, they'll simply trap two of them into a virtual blip in the computer, then find a way out and go back home, living their lives to the fullest.

 

“Fine.....inform this other Kaiba I'm on my way. And have him inform the receptionist that he's looking for a kid by the name of Philmore.”

 

“Nice name.” KaibaS1 replied.

 

Philmore glared at the receiver, and typed back, “I didn't really have a choice in identities to take over.” As it was, it felt so amazing for KaibaS2 to be experiencing what he was. It must have been years since he'd been able to feel anything. And now here he was in a body.......any body. It was incredible to feel `anything' even the feel of his own skin. Shaking off his distraction, he quickly hurried off, heading next towards the destination of Kaiba Corp.

 

x-x-x-x-x-x-x

 

After placing full control of the mansion's security to the computer, DTKaiba was going through all his files, quickly updating himself on everything about this world, finally beginning to accept he was no longer in his own world.......or at least not in the reality he thought he was in.

 

He had begun to cackle madly at least more than once now, especially after seeing a newspaper article on Gozaburo's morgue files, claiming that he fell to his death after jumping out the highest floor of the Kaiba Corp skyscraper. The second file he read was of the Big 5's sudden untimely death, after all their bodies had gone into a mysterious coma. It was believed that it happened from a company experiment, but ironically since during that time the Big 5 was in the process of a hostile take-over and was in charge, Kaiba Corp was not held liable. And since they could no longer run the company, Seto Kaiba became the sole owner, and willingly bought up the remaining stocks from them, that their relatives gladly took the money on for pay-off.

 

Of course, DTKaiba assumed he killed them all to take total control....it was the logical thing to do, to stab whoever he had to in the back to gain as much power as possible. It's how the game is played.

 

And with that thought, reality was finally beginning to slap him in the face. He was in charge, he really was in total control of Kaiba Corp, and there was no power above him to limit or stand in his way. Again, his eyes began to twitch.....but this time instead of throwing a tantrum like last time, he began to cackle hysterically, like a crazed madman. “All of Kaiba Corp's power is MINE! Hahahahahaha!!!”

 

DTKaiba's moment of hysteria was momentarily cut short though, as the secretary called him, saying, “Mr. Kaiba, there is a Yugi Motou who is calling. Do you wish to take it, sir?”

 

`Yugi??' DTKaiba thought, grinning madly. He snapped at her, “That's MASTER Kaiba to you!!” he snapped loudly at his secretary, sneering insanely. Then switching moods again as if someone had turned off a light switch, he said in a perfectly calm and composed voice, “Yugi? Fine.....put him on.”

 

`This could be interesting.' he thought to himself, as he picked up the phone, keeping the video off.

 

x-x-x-x-x-x-x

 

“Uh......Kaiba?” Yugi asked.

 

“Of course......who else would it be?” DTKaiba answered him.

 

“Yeah, uh......I'm surprised you're over there. Is Mokuba with you?” Yugi asked.

 

The Kaiba on the other side snapped, “I thought you called to talk to me, `not' my brother!”

 

“Is that him? I mean.....the normal one?” Joey asked.

 

Yugi covered the mouthpiece, whispering, “Well, he sounds pretty normal.” After all, everyone was used to Kaiba sounding in a bad mood.

 

Yugi quickly got back on, saying, “Sorry. Uh......are you aware of the, well......problem going on?”

 

“And what problem would that be?” DTKaiba asked, his voice even, revealing nothing.

 

“Well, you may not be aware of it....but there seems to be multiple you's.” Yugi flinched, assuming he was going to hear Kaiba telling him how ridiculous that sounded.

 

“I am aware of everything, Yugi. Are you questioning my intelligence??” Kaiba asked coldly.

 

“N-no......not at all!” Yugi quickly said. “I just wasn't sure if you knew there was one......over here at the game shop.”

 

There was a pause, before DTKaiba answered, “......is that so?” not exactly admitting not knowing, but not claiming to know, either.

 

“Yeah, so......what do you want us to do with him?” Yugi asked, assuming that meant he didn't know.

 

A cold sneer slid easily onto DTKaiba's face, as he answered in an almost soothing delicate voice, “Why don't you bring him over here, Yugi. I wanted to see you about something, anyway.”

 

“You did? Well.....what do you need?” Yugi asked.

 

“As I'm sure you know, we haven't always gotten off on the right foot. I wanted to find a way to make it up to you, somehow. There's a new game I recently made, and I would really like you to be first one to try it out.”

 

“A game?” Yugi asked, his eyes perking open wider with interest. In fact, those words even drew the Pharaoh's attention, as he began to listen with an equal amount of interest.

 

“That's right. It's still......in the experimental stage. But, someone as skilled as you, Yugi....I'm sure you'd have no problem with it. If anyone could properly test my new creation, I'm confident you could.”

 

Yugi swelled with pride, and smiled brightly, saying, “Well.....thanks, Kaiba! I don't know what to say!”

 

“You don't need to say anything, Yugi......just come over. And bring that other version of me with you. I have the perfect idea how to deal with this situation.” Kaiba answered, and hung up the phone.

 

Yugi hung up, saying, “Wow! It looks like Kaiba has it all under control!”

 

“And how'd he manage that?” Joey asked, suspicious.

 

“I'm not sure....he didn't say. But, he seems to think he has a way of taking care of what's going on.” Yugi said. He grew in excitement, saying, “He also said he has a new game that he wanted me to try out!”

 

Angie rolled her eyes, saying, “Yugi, we can't be wasting our time on games right now. We have to fix this problem.”

 

Inside, the Pharaoh winced at the thought of not having a chance at playing this new game. Yugi pouted as well, saying, “But......but Kaiba thinks......”

 

“Since when do we listen to Kaiba?” Joey snapped, causing Seto to eye Joey again, wondering why he kept talking about Kaiba in the third person, and getting angry when called by his own name. And why was Kaiba accusing `him' of being Kaiba, anyway? This whole thing was getting confusing, and he decided maybe he should sneak out while he can, and go find his brother. Mokuba always knew what to do......

 

Tea said, “Yugi, we really should check out Kaiba's mansion too, to make sure there aren't any other Kaiba's over there, and see if Mokuba's still over there as well.”

 

Yugi sighed, saying, “You're right.”

 

But Yugi was interrupted, as Tristan blurted out, “Where do you think `you're' going??”

 

Everyone turned to see Seto attempting to sneak out, and froze in his place as he was caught.

 

“Uh....uh....” he stammered, “You said we should look for Mokuba. So, I was......looking for him??”

 

As Tristan grabbed Seto, Yugi said, “Kaiba said I should bring the other Kaiba over to Kaiba Corp. So, why don't I do that, and the rest of you can check on Mokuba?”

 

Tea smiled, saying, “Why don't we all to the mansion first, instead?”

 

“But.....how come?” Yugi asked.

 

Joey smiled, saying, “Cuz we know you, that's why. You'll be thinking more on playing some game with Kaiba. No offense, Yug.....but I really don't want more than one Kaiba hanging around, if we can avoid it.”

 

“I agree!” said Seto, still thinking Joey was Kaiba.

 

“You're right.” Yugi said.

 

/I don't see the problem/, Yami argued.

 

Yugi replied, /It's our fault this is happening, Yami. We have to focus on that, first./

 

Yami grudgingly agreed, knowing Yugi was right, while being guilted out of trying a new game with Kaiba. Yugi then turned back, saying, “Then, let's do this.......Tristan and Tea can join me at the mansion to make sure Mokuba's okay. Then, Joey....you and Angie can take Seto over to Kaiba Corp.”

 

“What?? ME BE WITH KAIBA?? NO WAY!!” both Seto and Joey said at the same time. Joey then growled at Seto, who leapt back. Joey paused and blinked at the cringing Seto, and suddenly grinned, saying, “You know.......I'm kinda starting to like this Kaiba.”

 

Everyone looked over at the two, and mutually decided Joey with Seto was too dangerous. Seto may not make it in one piece, if Joey tried to take advantage of the situation. So instead, Yugi looked over and said, “Hey Tristan.....maybe you should bring Seto over there with Angie, instead.”

 

“I'm on it.” Tristan said, and grabbed hold of Seto's arm. “Don't worry, man......you're in good hands with me.” As Tristan did that, Angie followed.

 

“Hey no prob, Tristan. You're my best bud!” Seto said, acting friendly as everyone else as he left with Tristan, and Angie.

 

“HE is??” Joey snapped, feeling an odd sense of jealously. “Tristan's `my' pal!”

 

Yugi groaned, “Relax, Joey....he won't be staying long. Let's get going.”

 

Tristan and Angie left for Kaiba Corp with Seto, as all the rest of the group headed to the mansion, in search of Mokuba.

 

x-x-x-x-x-x-x

 

In the living room of the mansion, three of the Kaiba's were arguing with each other......again. At least this time, they were in the living room, far from the bedrooms. That way, if they argued, the chance of hitting Mokuba's earshot was pretty much nil.

 

The two that weren't were MKabia and JKaiba. MKaiba was huddled on the couch, being as quiet as possible and pretending he wasn't there, while silently watching the scene.

 

And JKaiba was presently on a laptop, who was frantically searching through its data. He leaned back in the chair, hands locked together and against his mouth, as he studied the screen intently. Finally, he closed his eyes and sighed, snapping, “Will you all `shut up'?? I can't concentrate with this constant bickering! This is worst than one of my board meetings!!”

 

SMKaiba slammed his hands next to the laptop, hissing angrily, “And what makes you think you're going to find anything useful on there?”

 

“Guaranteed this is Yugi's fault!” MEKaiba snapped, taking JKaiba's side.

 

VWKaiba smirked, taunting MEKaiba as he said, “I thought you didn't believe in magic.”

 

“Shut up!” MEKaiba snapped coldly at him. “Maybe you have a better theory how there are 5 of us wandering around??”

 

SMKaiba stated, “Maybe we should speak to Mokuba about this. He seems to know more about this than we do.”

 

“He's sleeping! We're not going to bother him again, or he'll never get better!” VWKaiba snapped.

 

MEKaiba suddenly asked, “Do we know if he's due for his medicine again? Maybe one of us should be checking on him.....”

 

“Don't even think about it.” JKaiba said to MEKaiba coldly, still not trusting him.

 

SMKaiba added, “I already checked on him earlier. He wont need another dosage until tomorrow.”

 

VWKaiba glanced suspiciously over at JKaiba, asking, “And what's the problem with one of us checking on him?”

 

Before JKaiba could offer his suspicions, MEKaiba quickly said, “Possessiveness, of course. Don't act surprised.” he smirked, covering to make sure no accusations came out in the open, to avoid more suspicion. As he did, MKaiba looked at him strangely, knowing his brother well enough to understand he was trying to hide something.

 

JKaiba looked back at the screen, saying, “Anyway.......I agree with #4. Thinking that this is magically related, is totally preposterous. Out of all of us, I think it's rather interesting to find that the Seto Kaiba from this world is no where to be found.”

 

All of them quieted at once, thinking about that. SMKaiba was the one to ask, “What does that mean?”

 

VWKaiba stated, “You think the original Seto Kaiba from this world is responsible?”

 

“Seto would never do something like this!” MKaiba suddenly blurted, causing all the other Kaiba's to shut up at once and look at him.

 

`Boy, you blew it now.' MKaiba thought nervously, and quickly said, “I meant......we would never do something like that.”

 

He could feel all the suspicious stares from the other. But as much as they suspected a difference in this Kaiba, they equally had an odd sense that they could trust him. It was the reason they all decided to conveniently ignore the comment for the moment, and turn back to what they were saying.

 

The close family bonding vibes JKaiba kept feeling from MKaiba practically unnerved him, and he decided to ignore MKaiba completely for the moment, as if he wasn't even there. So instead, he turned to VWKaiba and answered his question, stating, “It would certainly explain a lot.”

 

JKaiba then looked down and continued his search, as he added, “Perhaps he was experimenting on something that caused this to happen. Either way, I find the possibility of a technological device creating this dimensional rift a hell of a lot more believable than some `magical voodoo' causing this incident.”

 

MEKaiba snapped irritably, “I didn't say I believed it, either! All I know is when Yugi's around, all hell seems to break loose. It seemed logical for the moment. Besides.......did you find any new experiments in the files that indicate anything like that?”

 

“.........not yet.” JKaiba said, also refusing to admit that Yugi and his friends seemed to know a lot about this, as well. But he'd be damned before he believed in such a ridiculous theory as magic. It had to be the original Kaiba's fault for this, accidental or otherwise.

 

“Then there's still no proof to back up your claim.” MEKaiba said, causing JKaiba to glare coldly at him, since he already had less love for him than any other of his own versions.

 

MEKaiba hesitated, then finally turned, saying, “I'll go check the paperwork and see if there's anything to find there.”

 

“No! You stay!” JKaiba said coldly. “2 and 4.....you two go check the files in the office and bedroom. Come back with anything you find.”

 

“Yes `master'.” SMKaiba sarcastically taunted, leaving the room. VWKaiba also glared, but was more curious as to why JKaiba was targeting against MEKaiba so much. He was equally curious about MKaiba. But just like JKaiba, he found it more comfortable to ignore it at the moment. So, VWKaiba finally turned and left with the other one.

 

MEKaiba was about to go off on JKaiba on his attitude towards him, when suddenly the doorbell rang. MEKaiba looked over at the door, then glared down at JKaiba, snapping, “Do I have permission to get the door, or is that a problem, too??”

 

“Be my guest.” JKaiba said smoothly, as if there had been no problem, at all.

 

MEKaiba stormed over to the door, and whipped the door open quickly to see Yugi, Joey, and Tea. Joey jumped back nervously, not expecting to see a Kaiba come to the door. But, he began to relax as he noticed this one was wearing the normal dark blue trench coat.

 

Joey immediately slumped on MEKaiba, saying, “Oh, thank god your back! You have no idea what we had to go through!”

 

Kaiba glared coldly at Joey, for daring to put a hand on him. He shrugged him off violently, as he snapped, “Get your hands off me, Mutt!”

 

Joey laughed, saying, “Yeah, he's Kaiba all right!”

 

Yugi asked, “Kaiba, why didn't you answer the phone?”

 

“That's what answering machines are for. Besides......I'm busy. And right now, you and your little geek group are bugging me. So, get to the point and get out.” MEKaiba snapped.

 

“Well......when no one answered, we were worried that Mokuba was left alone.” Yugi said.

 

MEKaiba offered a smirk at that, saying, “You don't have to worry about that. Mokuba is hardly alone.” thinking about the small army of Kaiba's presently here.

 

“Oh. Well......how did it go, btw?” Yugi asked.

 

MEKaiba blinked, curious about what he was talking about, before asking, “How did `what' go?” wondering if this had something to do with JKaiba's theory on this being an experiment going awry.

 

“You traveling to that other world, of course.” Yugi asked.

 

MEKaiba glared coldly, then opened the door fully, saying, “We can discuss that inside. The living room is `that' way.” MEKaiba pointed towards the living room, his voice offering no chance of arguing, otherwise.

 

The others looked over at Yugi, who swallowed guiltily.....having a bad feeling that Kaiba new of the other Kaiba's, and that Yugi was responsible for this whole mess. Yugi had also believed he was facing the real Kaiba, and figured he had a lot of explaining to do. Why else would Kaiba invite them in his home?

 

But, as they headed into the living room, everyone froze in place. There was another Kaiba typing on the laptop in a white trench coat, who looked up seeing others approaching. His eyes narrowed seeing it was Yugi's group, and he snapped, “What did you bring `them' over here for?”

 

MEKaiba answered, “They seem to have knowledge about what's going on. Why else would I let them in?”

 

Joey swallowed, noticing the same colored trench coat on a couple of them, and hoping one of them wasn't the same guy as earlier.