Yu-Gi-Oh! Fan Fiction ❯ Seto's Wish Alternate World Conclusion ❯ C38 Let’s Duel ( Chapter 38 )

C38 Let's Duel

 

“Relax, `Philmore'.......the star of our little play will be joining us any minute, now.” DTKaiba said, as he walked in from another doorway. “I'm glad to see you three could make it. It saved me the trouble of having to get a driver to drag you all down here.”

 

DTKaiba's words immediately caused Philmore to turn around, to witness two guards dragging both Mokuba and Angie in, fighting against them the whole time. “Mokuba!” Philmore cried out, as many of the other Kaiba's looked down in concern to see that Mokuba did not escape. Philmore turned back to DTKaiba, and hissed, “Let him go!”

 

“You want him safe? Then I suggest you don't try anything stupid.” DTKaiba smirked.

 

Philmore's eyes narrowed, as he snapped, “You mentioned that I saved you the trouble of getting me back here. But you knew all along that I escaped, didn't you? That's why one of the passwords worked for me. You let us come to you on purpose!”

 

“Hmmm........it does sound like something I would do, doesn't it? Lull you into a feeling of safety; think you have your own freedom as you obviously head straight into my trap. Hahahaha!” DTKaiba cackled.

 

Philmore clenched his jaw in anger, not liking this version of himself one bit.

 

When DTKaiba stopped cackling, he continued, “Well.... part of it is true, anyway. I honestly hadn't expected you to get out at all. And after you had, I realized that additional passwords were created by me, when I became slightly older. But there was no real concern.....you fools were so predictable. I knew you would come here to save that worthless brat. Why any of you would even waste your time with him, I can't imagine. But, no matter....because of your pathetic weakness, you made the game that much easier for me.” DTKaiba said, looking coldly over at poor sick Mokuba surrounded by guards.

 

DTKaiba then added, “It's nice to see you back, Mokuba. I told you that you'd be worthless against me. And your stupidity even lead another version of me right into a trap. How typical.”

 

Philmore snapped, “Enough! What the hell is wrong with you?!! That might not be `your' Mokuba, but it's still Mokuba......no matter what dimension you're from. Your actions are unforgivable! Do your responsibilities mean nothing to you?”

 

DTKaiba's eye twitched from the comment he said, then yelled, “Shut up! I don't need to be told from anyone on my agreements! Every time I look at him, it's a constant reminder thrown in my face!”

 

A moment later, DTKaiba calmed and smirk returned on his face. “I know what you're trying to do. You wont affect me.....I wont let you. Is that why you all cling to him like you do? I'm pleased to know it's not love you think keeps you together.....simply your responsibilities.”

 

Mokuba's eyes widened from hearing those words. `Is he right? But......my brother loves me. Doesn't he??'

 

“Soon enough I learned that Mokuba was a burden I no longer felt the need to hold on to. And just as any good business man does, I cut any losses that were slowing me down.....and Mokuba was my greatest liability.” DTKaiba finished.

 

Philmore replied, “That's not true.”

 

“It isn't?” DTKaiba asked in amusement, before Philmore could say more. “Let's go over the present situation in the game, then.”

 

He then turned to the other hanging Kaiba's, announcing to them, “As you can plainly see, I am here in charge, while all of you are hanging there....helpless! You should have all known better to allow such a weak nobody to slow you down. And because of him, you have all become trapped. Happy? Do you feel proud of your stupidity?? It's the same weakness that you all share that has allowed me to be a step ahead of you at all times. And in a minute....you'll join them, Philmore. Maybe then you'll finally see the truth in my words.”

 

Philmore was tempted to go over and pound this Kaiba to the ground. He wasn't sure what he hated more about him.....the things he said that upset his brother, the fact that he could actually relate to this monster, or the fact that he felt responsible for this, since technically.....DTKaiba was another version of him. But as much as he wanted to pound him to the ground, he couldn't take the chance that attacking him could cause the guards to harm Mokuba.

 

Then suddenly, everyone could hear what sounded like fighting from the same hallway that Philmore came from, and turned to see yet another Kaiba entered the room, looking over the situation. He then smirked, saying, “It looks like you're wrong. Not `all' of us are trapped.....”

 

Mokuba used that moment as a distraction. He kicked one of the guards and ran to new Kaiba, saying, “Seto, is that you??”

 

It was JKaiba, and he gladly accepted Mokuba's embrace, yet never let his eyes leave DTKaiba at the other side of the room. He answered Mokuba, “I'm afraid not, kiddo. It's me, number 1. But don't worry.......either way, I'll make sure that nutcase doesn't hurt you. I also brought a friend. You can come out.”

 

MKaiba walked out and smiled down at Mokuba, saying, “I'm glad you got away.”

 

Mokuba smiled back. “Yeah.... I was worried you might have gotten caught.”

 

“No, I'm okay.”

 

“Are all the introductions in order, now?” DTKaiba asked impatiently, not liking how for a moment he was not the center of everyone's attention. Then with a fake smiled, he added, “Good. I'm glad to see everyone is finally here.” and snapped his fingers.

 

The other guards immediately drew their guns up at him. “You're the one who must have faked being shot, then escaped afterwards. I commend you. That was very original....even for me. Though I'd also say it was rather cowardly....something which I would not normally do, myself.”

 

“No, you wouldn't......that's why I did it. Fighting you head-on was too predictable.” JKaiba said.

 

DTKaiba retorted, “I must admit, I was impressed to find that you escaped me at all. But, no matter. Since you were so stupid to show up here, you've now corrected the problem for me.” He then looked at the guards, snapping, “Chain the others up.”

 

JKaiba pulled Mokuba behind him, and then MKaiba, as Philmore and Angie came to either side of JKaiba, prepared to try and fight together against the guards, if they had to.

 

DTKaiba smirked, saying, “Isn't that sweet......so protective over Mokuba. Despite all the problems he's caused for you....despite the fact that he's the reason you're losing this game. You still refuse to give him up. It makes me almost feel sorry you.....almost.”

 

“What the hell is wrong with you!!” Joey snapped at him. “How the hell can you think that caring for your own brother is a bad thing? Caring for people aint some kind a weakness.....it's a strength!”

 

DTKaiba refused to even turn to acknowledge Joey, as he muttered, “As if some dead-beat cheerleader of Yugi's is even deserving of acknowledgement.”

 

“Dead-beat??! Why, you lousy tight-assed prick!!” Joey snarled. “Yeah, you're just lucky I'm in these chains, or I'd kick your ass!!”

 

JKaiba was one of the few that glanced Joey's way as he spoke. Even the Joey in this world was in so many ways like his own. The Joey of his world also believed that them being together was a strength, while he still had his doubts.....still ingrained from his stepfather's beliefs. Even though he'd gladly throw his life away for Mokuba, part of him still questioned even now if maybe DTKaiba was right. Maybe it was a liability. His feelings for Mokuba could cost them everything.

 

Yet, Joey believed it was just the opposite. Was it possible? Could his bond with his brother and his feelings for Joey somehow help him to take DTKaiba down? But, how could it??

 

“That's enough Kaiba! You've done enough harm!” Yami then said, as he was brought up into his room from what looked like some kind of elevator in the center of the room that matched with the floor.

 

“Yugi........welcome.” DTKaiba sneered. “I must apologize for these crude accommodations. I would have made sure to come up with something far more impressive to duel in.... but unfortunately, I was limited on time. I'm sure you understand. Either way, I'm pleased to have you as my special guest today, even if it's only for today.” DTKaiba then nodded his head for the guards to drag them over and hold them, instead of shackling them up.

 

The lights that were very dim suddenly came on full force, temporarily blinding them at the moment. DTKaiba had a higher stand set for himself out of sheer ego, simply so that Yami would be forced to look up at him, even more than usual.

 

“Let them go, Kaiba. They have done nothing to you! Why would you want to wage war with other versions of yourself? Can't you see that they are just as displaced in this world as you are?” Yami asked.

 

“That's what makes this so perfect........can't you see that?” DTKaiba asked. “All these fools that cow down to that worthless brat have all paid the price for their failure......failure in defeating you. I'm going to change that, Yugi. I'm going to show them their mistakes they have all made, and smear it in their faces to prove to them that there is only one Seto Kaiba......and that is me! They only live now to witness my victory, before I exterminate them all.”

 

“You're insane!” Yami gasped, eyes widening.

 

From the wall of Kaiba's, VWKaiba suddenly called out, “Yugi......” getting Yami's attention. With an intense look in his eyes, this Kaiba added, “You know what we're dealing with, here. This time, don't go easy on him.”

 

Yami studied the intensity in VWKaiba eyes, knowing his words meant something important. Then suddenly, all at once it finally hit home, causing Yami to realize exactly what version of Kaiba they were dealing with. He couldn't understand it before, why this Kaiba behaved so much more evil than the others. And just to confirm it, Yami turned back towards DTKaiba, to really look at him for the first time. He could now see the similarity of the younger Kaiba he once faced over a year ago, and the same insane look in his eyes.

 

Yami's anger towards him calmed, and he finally nodded, saying to VWKaiba, “Yes, I understand now.” Then speaking to DTKaiba, Yami added, “I can see the pain and suffering in your eyes.”

 

DTKaiba blinked, at first not believing that he had heard that correctly from Yami. “You dare pity me???” DTKaiba then raged. He then practically screamed out at him, “You don't know the meaning of the word suffering! But you will, the instant I'm through crushing you!!”

 

DTKaiba seemed to be quickly losing control, from the sheer hate flowing through him. And Yami did pity him. He couldn't help it, witnessing the person flailing around on his podium. As much hate that this Kaiba was expelling out of him.....he was like a suffering soul, ready to jump into death itself, if just to end it all.

 

DTKaiba then spit out, “Enough of this! Yugi......I challenge you to a duel! And you WILL accept it! After all, the lives of all these other versions of me, as well as your friends and even Mokuba are at stake if you don't agree.......that even includes the two lives stuck in the computer system. With the push of one button, I'll kill both of these innocent lives. But just to prove to you I'm not all `that' bad, I'll give you a chance to hear from them, yourself....allowing them to have a small `goodbye' speech, incase you refuse.” Kaiba typed a couple buttons on his high stand, which activated two speakers that also seemed to be set up for this occasion.

 

One was a kid, yelling, “Help! Somebody get me out of here! I don't like this game, anymore!”

 

Another sounded like Tristan, crying out, “Hey! Is anyone out there?? Some weird Kaiba turned me into a robotic monkey! I want my body back!!”

 

“Tristan?” Yami asked.

 

“Wait a minute!” Joey suddenly blurted out. “If that's Tristan, then......who's that?” he asked, looking over at Tristan, who was presently not making eye contact with any of Yugi's friends.

 

“Good question.” Yami asked, looking at KTristan, as well. “Who are you?”

 

Angie blurted out, “It's another Kaiba, Yugi. He was helping this freako out!”

 

“What?” VWKaiba hissed from where he was chained, glaring over at KTristan.

 

He glared back at VWKaiba, snapping, “How the hell was I supposed to know he was trying to kill us all?”

 

VWaiba then snapped back at him, “Don't pretend to be so naive. You knew perfectly well what he was doing. So, what were `you' supposed to get out of it? I see your little plan didn't work, either way.”

 

“No, it didn't.......” he muttered, glancing down over at MKaiba with guilt written all over his face. Then avoiding his brother's eye contact, he added, “It's a moot point.......it didn't work.”

 

MKaiba looked sadly up at his brother, hanging above them with the others. Somewhere inside him, he had a feeling he knew why his brother was doing this. He didn't want to believe it though, since it would only make himself feel more guilty. `It's my fault Seto doesn't have his body, now.' he thought. But then he glanced at JKaiba, who was also looking at him and gave him a slight nod of reminding. `He's right.' MKaiba thought, looking at JKaiba. `Seto helped me......now, it's my turn to help my brother out.'

 

MKaiba looked back at his brother one more time, `I'm going to save you, Seto. I don't know how, but when we get back......I'm going to free you from that system!'

 

Then glaring over at VWKaiba, MKaiba snapped at him, “Leave him alone! It's not Seto's fault....he was doing it for me!”

 

VWKaiba eyed MKaiba curiously, wondering what he was talking about, and why he was defending him. He remembered walking in on those two hugging each other. But if Tristan was in fact another him, then the reason for them being together like that made no sense. Suddenly his eyes widened, as reality hit him on the situation and what it all meant.

 

All this time, he had felt that there was something wrong, something different about MKaiba. He had a feeling he knew what MKaiba really was.....but his stubbornness refused to let him believe that. Only now had it finally begun to sink in that this MKaiba really wasn't another him at all. He was instead another Mokuba!

 

VWKaiba blankly muttered out, “So then, you are really.......” and sighed, unable to finish. How could he have blinded himself so much that he couldn't recognize his own brother? How could he not see it before? It was obvious that he didn't want to. It would lead to more questions, such as....how did this happen? Why did Mokuba look like him? But he had a bad sinking feeling that he really didn't want to know that answer. Hopefully, it was a similar reason as how his brother ended up looking like Tristan. Besides, now was not the time for such questions, anyway. They had to get out of this, first.

 

Ignoring the side conversations going on around him between the other Kaiba's and Mokuba's, DTKaiba kept his focus on Yami, asking, “So what's it going to be, Yugi?” His eyes seemed to be almost dancing dangerously at the sight of his nemesis......Yugi was his obsession, his only real challenge. DTKaiba was going to beat him that was his greatest interest above all.

 

“What are the stakes, Kaiba?” Yami asked.

 

DTKaiba sneered madly, pleased with Yami's response. “The most extreme stakes, of course.” DTKaiba explained. “Whoever loses......loses their life.”

 

“No one's losing anything! At least.....not yet.” JKaiba suddenly interrupted.

 

DTKaiba glared down at him. “Don't tell me what I can't have in my own personal tournament!”

 

“But you can't have the prize, until you first win the game......wouldn't you agree?” JKaiba smirked. “Before you get to challenge Yugi, you're going to first have to battle me.”

 

“Yugi is the only one worthy of this challenge, not you!!” DTKaiba snapped.

 

“Wrong” JKaiba replied. “At this moment, there's two Kaiba's worthy of the final match. You said yourself, this is a game.....right? Well, I was supposed to be captured, but I out-smarted you. You never saw it coming.”

 

JKaiba then pointed at him, stating, “In order for you to win, you have to take us all down....and you have yet to defeat me.” He then crossed his arms, looking all cocky. “I thought you were supposed to be superior to us all. But, so far....I'm not impressed.”

 

JKaiba's words were causing an inner tantrum in the younger Kaiba, barely able to keep his temper in check. JKaiba continued on, “Obviously from your efforts here, you wanted to make sure everyone knew that you were the head Kaiba in charge. So, then....prove it. Before you deserve the right to duel Yugi, you have to earn it! Beat me first.....and prove you're worthy that challenge!”

 

“I don't have to prove anything to you! I `am' superior!!” DTKaiba roared, all control presently lost. “The guards already have you now, so why should I care? I will only challenge Yugi!!”

 

“What are you saying......are you refusing a challenge?” JKaiba asked. “Are you afraid of proving to your guards that maybe you aren't the real Seto Kaiba?” JKaiba smirked, “You realize they are fully aware that the real Seto Kaiba would never be afraid and back down from a challenge, especially one who so easily trampled over your plans once. So, go ahead and cower on that high pedestal of yours. So much for you superiority.....”

 

DTKaiba's eye was twitching, as he glared with hate down at JKaiba, and gave only the most subtle glance at the guards, who indeed began to show signs of uncertainty. He didn't want to challenge himself though.....only Yugi was worthy to battle him!

 

He then forced his anger down, keeping his rage in check, as he muttered, “If you do, you will still have to accept the penalty game for failure. Are you ready to accept death?”

 

Yami looked concerned at JKaiba, who didn't even look phased. “Do you really need to ask? I do have one stipulation, though. If you fail, you will surrender yourself to me, until we can get everyone back to where they belong....including yourself.”

 

Again, DTKaiba looked like he was going to explode, as he snapped at JKaiba, “That makes no sense! What do you care if I die or not? Don't tell me my death matters to you! What am I to you, your future self?”

 

“I couldn't say for sure.....I'm guessing not. But even if you were, I already told you it's not about me.” JKaiba closed his eyes, explaining, “I'm doing this for Mokuba.”

 

“Again with Mokuba! Anything between me and Mokuba is in the past! There is no such thing as brotherly `love' in business!!” spitting the word love out, like it was poison.

 

“Kaiba!” Yami said to JKaiba in concern. “If you face him, you'll not simply be facing another opponent in a duel....you'll be facing yourself. If you lose, you will be killed! If this other Kaiba wants to battle me, then let.....”

 

“No!” JKaiba snapped, still staring at DTKaiba. “This battle is mine. Besides, I have no intention on losing.” He then turned to Yugi, saying, “There's another Yugi in his world ready to face him. If he learns the way you play, he'll have an advantage over you.....and you may not win. I have to ensure that Mokuba will be safe in both worlds.....not just this one.”

 

“I understand.” Yami said, now realizing the real reason JKaiba decided he didn't want DTKaiba facing him. All the other Kaiba's felt it made sense too, including GSeto who had woke up when they were finding out that MKaiba was Mokuba and KTristan was another Kaiba. It's always best to stay silent to find things out around him and not be noticed doing so.

 

But this recent event shamed GSeto, hearing this from another version of him. This Kaiba wasn't just fighting for the Mokuba's here.....he was doing it even for DTKaiba's Mokuba back home. Every single version of Mokuba that JKaiba could protect, he was jumping in the line of fire for.

 

.....and he had left his own Mokuba at the orphanage, while fighting to stay in this world and take the cowards way out. `Mokuba......I don't deserve you.' GSeto thought. And yet, all these other Kaiba's were version of what he could be, right? He could become an evil and sadistic Kaiba that cares for no one but himself, obsessed with winning all the time. He could become like one of the computer versions of himself, ready to stab anyone in the back to get what he wants.....and probably fail his brother. Or, he could be a hero, like this Kaiba was being, ready to do whatever he had to in order to protect his brother, no matter what the danger to his own life. `I want to be like him.' GSeto thought, opening his eyes and looking down at him from his hanging position.

 

“You're all ready too late.” DTKaiba sneered. “Yugi will never be able to defeat me! My next plan is flawless!”

 

“Then let's find out.” JKaiba said, putting his deck into his duel disk.

 

DTKaiba also pulled out a duel disk and set it up himself, stating, “You realize I now know your plans. If I wanted to, I could simply ignore you and challenge Yugi first, as I originally planned.”

 

“I suppose you could.” JKaiba said, approaching where Yami was, who backed away and play the spectator instead of the fighter. “But, that's not your intention.”

 

DTKaiba replied, “I will show Yugi that I'm the only one worthy of battling him. I will crush you like the pathetic fool that you are. And as soon as your life points hit zero, I'm ordering my guard to execute you on the spot.”

 

As they took their positions ready to battle, Joey just then had the sudden urge to speak up. He wasn't positive if it was actual concern for the guy or not that caused him to do so.... but before he had a chance to think about it or stop himself, Joey suddenly blurted out, “Dammit, Kaiba.....this is crazy! You can't battle yourself! Let Yugi do this!”

 

JKaiba looked up at Joey, as he lightly commented, “Is that concern for me, pup? You better be careful, or people are going to start wondering about you.”

 

DTKaiba had no idea what he meant by that, and assumed it was probably some future way of insulting Yugi's friends.

 

Joey swallowed. Only then did he realize the same Kaiba battling was the same one that kept hitting on him. There were so many of them, he had trouble-keeping track, anymore.

 

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

 

During this time, OSeto had finally begun to wake up. He was originally sucked into the VR computer, but was thrown back to his body soon after, then beat over the head by the guards. `Where the hell am I?' he thought to himself, finding he was chained on a wall. What he found even more confusing was that he was chained along with a whole bunch of others that looked like that crazy guy who told him to sit in that chair in the first place. `Geez, is this like octuplets, or something?'

 

He glanced around, overhearing some of the conversation, and noticed Mokuba was down there. `Hey, that's my bro! He'll save me!' He wanted to wave, but his arms were chained up, making him unable to do so. `He don't look so good.....in fact, he looks pretty crappy. I guess he `is' sick.'

 

And then he heard his brother call the other Kaiba down there `Seto'. `Huh? Wait a minute, but `I'm' Seto!' Suddenly, everything finally clicked together in this Seto's mind, which happened to run much slower than possible than any other Kaiba. Everyone had been calling him Kaiba the entire time, which he simply couldn't figure out. Kaiba was a cold-blooded psycho. And yet, that very psycho they were now calling Joey and acting like he was best friends with him. In fact, if anything.....Joey Kaiba now seems to act more like him. But, did that mean.....in this world, he really was K-.....K-......??

 

“No fucking way!!” OSeto suddenly blurted out, surprising everyone. “This has got to be a freaking nightmare! Someone just shoot me!!”

 

DTKaiba growled, “If you don't shut up, I'll do just that!”

 

“Quiet” SMKaiba muttered to him. “They're trying to have a duel down there.”

 

“I heard what they're doing!” OSeto blurted, reminding them of the way Joey had a tendency to act. “I ain't stupid, you know! They got some kind of freaky death battle going on down there.....and personally, I think both of them are nuts! Fighting to the death? Yami and all the others gotta be crazy in thinking you guys are supposed ta be me. There's just no way you're like me, at all! I mean.....what kind of fruit loops are you, anyway? Don't your lives mean anything to you??”

 

“Shut up!” MEKaiba spat, all ready sick of hearing himself sound so stupid. “You're right......we `are' nothing alike. Personally, I don't understand why you don't see the logic in it. I agree entirely on his reasoning.....it makes perfect sense.”

 

Philmore nodded, “As do I. If he fails, then he deserves to die.”

 

“Don't say that!!” Mokuba snapped at him.

 

Philmore looked over, and smiled at poor sick Mokuba. “Have faith, Mokuba. He won't lose. He has the advantage, anyway.......he beats him in experience alone.”

 

“Don't be so sure.” DTKaiba sneered back at Philmore, overhearing the last comment. “I've gone through all the battle records earlier, to keep up to date. My deck has also been updated from the card vault, so don't think for a minute he has any advantage over me.” He looked to JKaiba, saying, “I hope you're prepared to see your own Dragons facing against you. After all, I have three Blue Eyes, as well......”

 

“Hmph. It won't be the first time I've seen them turned against me.” JKaiba said, then they both cried out, “Let's duel!”