Yu-Gi-Oh! Fan Fiction ❯ Seto's Wish Alternate World Conclusion ❯ C42 The Long Good-byes ( Chapter 42 )

C42 The Long Good-byes

 

“Enough of this, we need to get everything back to normal by getting back to our own worlds.” JKaiba said.

 

Yugi nodded, “I agree.” and immediately began to mentally converse with his other self in order to try and figure out a way to fix this problem that had occurred.

 

As JKaiba and Yugi conversed, MKaiba walked over to KTristan.

 

KTristan looked away, ashamed at what he'd done and fearful of seeing disappointment in his brother's eyes, yet again.

 

But there was no hint of judgment in MKaiba's eyes. If anything, he placed himself to blame. Like a fool, he had allowed himself to actually believe in his own brother's lies that everything's okay and it's the way he wanted it. After hearing it enough times, he eventually began to convince himself. He even began to eventually see him more as a computer program and less as a brother. If anything, he is the one who's head should hang in shame. How could Seto ever forgive him for his lack of action?

 

But no words could be said from Mokuba to properly express this. And he knew his brother enough to know if he tried, his brother would probably only blame himself more. So there was only one thing left to do. He approached and hugged him for the first time in years.

 

KTristan froze at first from the shock of human contact, not exactly sure what to do. It also confused him, since he automatically believed his brother would condemn him for his crimes. But it didn't last long for him to gladly accept his brother's embrace. It felt so good for him to hold his little brother again, despite what they both looked like.

 

Then again, it felt good to have any human contact. And at the same time, he also felt guilty just for feeling that way, knowing it was wrong.... knowing he had no right to feel anything in a body that wasn't his, in a body he had wrongfully stolen. What kind of lesson was he trying to teach his brother, anyway?

 

Kaiba was never known for words, and had little to say.... but he had to say something. His head still lowered in shame, he gave a weak chuckle *which was directed at himself* and softly muttered out, “I guess I failed you again.” How many times had KTristan mentally marked down the times he failed his brother? From Death-T....he failed him when he tried to kill his own brother, then felt he failed him again as he witnessed another version of himself repeat the same history before his eyes....threatening to kill his brother, kill himself, kill anything that stood in his way without care or fear of consequence. And even though it wasn't him, he still held that failure to himself, as if he was the one standing there, chaining everyone up and laughing like a maniac. After all, he was the one that foolishly joined sides with this evil, and helped him. The other Kaiba that accused him was absolutely right....he knew exactly what he was doing. He just didn't care. Then of course, that fateful day when his Mokuba died, that had to be the biggest failure of them all.... unable to do anything to stop it. Yes, he sacrificed himself.... but did that help? Was his brother happy? Would his brother ever be himself again?

 

And MKaiba could all ready tell.... he had seen the look in his brother's eyes too many times before. No matter how many sacrifices his brother made for him, none of them ever counted for Kaiba, only seeing the loss and failure, instead. So, it was nothing new to see his brother putting himself down, yet again.... MKaiba just wished he wouldn't do it so often. “Seto.... you didn't fail me. You never did.” Mokuba said, wishing his brother would understand, but knowing those words would never sink in. He held him tighter, explaining, “You're not alone in this, Seto. I.... I missed you, too.”

 

MKaiba then buried his face in KTristan's chest, choking out, “I never thought I'd get the chance to hug you again....”

 

KTristan didn't reply to him. He didn't have to. Words were never easy for him to describe how he felt. Just accepting the embrace and offering his own was enough. He just stood there, holding him tightly, as if afraid he would disappear and all this would be nothing but an illusion, created from the madness in his own mind after being stuck in that computer for so long.

 

At that moment, Joey suddenly approached, tapping KTristan on the shoulder. “Excuse me. I don't mean to interrupt any touching reunions here.....but where's my friend, and what did you do ta him?? You got some explaining to do, Kaiba!!”

 

KTristan glared sharply over at Joey for daring to interrupt, as he snapped, “I don't need to explain anything to you, mutt.” KTristan paused from his words, as he said that. Damn, it felt good to be able to say that again to Joey's face, instead of having him be practically the only person left he could rely on to be there and talk with.

 

“Leave him alone!” MKaiba snapped at him, protectively. “He didn't mean anything by it. Tristan's fine.....we'll get him back soon. But don't you talk to my brother that way!”

 

Joey didn't want to fight with any Mokuba, even if he did look like Kaiba. He knew with all these other Kaiba's here, he'd be begging for a quick funeral to even try. So instead, he changed the subject and asked, “Say, how did you end up looking like him, anyway?”

 

“That's none of your business!” KTristan hissed, offering his own protection. After all..... he still had a promise to keep. Unless Mokuba wanted someone to know, it was his full intention for MKaiba to keep his secret safe. It was the least he could do, after all he had done.

 

As usual, Joey immediately glared over at KTristan, growling like the very dog he was accused of being a moment ago. But before he could get another word out, a hand was slapped on Joey's shoulder.

 

Joey froze solid, some knowing it was a Kaiba that made contact and suddenly fearful that maybe even asking that simple question with this Mokuba was crossing the line. And Joey was right.....it was a Kaiba. But the words from this one was unexpected, as this Kaiba coolly stated, “The pup still had a point.... it's time to take back your body. Where was this done, at Kaiba Corp?”

 

Joey glanced up, confused. Did a Kaiba just defend him??

 

JKaiba glanced over at KTristan, and with the hint of a smile, added, “Why don't you and `your' Mokuba drive down and take care of the matter.... then you can head back here.”

 

KTristan blinked, realizing what JKaiba was suggesting.... a little more time with his Mokuba, before going back to what he was, and giving them some privacy in the process. KTristan was so thrilled, he almost smiled.... almost.

 

KTristan turned to MKaiba and nodded up at him, saying, “He's right. We need to get this taken care of.”

 

MKaiba nodded back, unsure if he was happy or upset about the idea. He understood this would give him more time with his brother. But, at the same time, they were going to send his brother back into the computer again..... and that was harder for him to do than any of them could realize. The two of them then turned and headed for the door.

 

A few of the other Kaiba's turned to look at them as they walked out, curious themselves as to how Mokuba would end up looking like them. But none of them asked, perhaps fearful of learning the answer. Besides, they too saw it the same was as JKaiba did.... the pair needed this time together, and none of them would dare interrupt.

 

Joey smiled, watching the two leave. He then muttered, “Yeah, I guess they could use some time alone, huh?” looking up at the Kaiba with his hand still on Joey's shoulder........and suddenly paled, realizing exactly which Kaiba this was.

 

“He's not the only one.” JKaiba muttered, grinning wickedly down at Joey.

 

“Yaaahh!!” Joey yelled out loud, immediately jerking back away from JKaiba in terror, as he backed into a table with a lamp on it, knocking it over and falling over it in the process.

 

Joey's head was spinning, as he thought he was hearing triple. Did he just hear, “stupid mutt” in three Kaiba voices, nearby??

 

As he looked up, he dazedly noticed one looking down at him with a smirk, and offering his hand, muttering, “Get up, all ready. You're acting even more stupid.....if that's possible.”

 

Joey obediently did so, as he was still trying to shake the dizziness from his brain after falling over. JKaiba helped him up, then moved closer to him, causing Joey to instantly freak and back up again. This time JKaiba made sure it would direct him correctly, causing Joey to back up right in the corner of the room.

 

Joey had snapped out of it finally, after JKaiba was quickly advancing on him, and remembered why he tripped over the lamp. It was that `weird' Kaiba, and he just helped him up.....and still had his hand, and oh shit! Where did this corner wall come from??

 

JKaiba was entirely in his way blocking him from running, as his face came closer and purred, “You know puppy... until someone can figure out a way to get me back to my own world, I was thinking that we might have a little fun of our own.” As he said this, JKaiba ran a delicate finger lightly down Joey's chest.

 

Joey gulped. “Wh-what kind of fun?” having the feeling he didn't want to know the answer.

 

JKaiba leaned in close, nibbled his ear a bit and then whispered something in his ear.

 

Joey's eyes went wide! “I'm out of here!” then he moved past JKaiba only to trip again. Then quickly jumped up and was still freaking out with all these Kaiba's here and said, “I-I think I've gotta get to work!”

 

The girls and even Yugi laughed as Joey ran out of the room. JKaiba smiled. Sure, he knew it was mean.... but he thought it would be funny to torture him more. Besides, he owed him for humiliating him in front of Yugi and the others, when he first arrived. Even though Joey had been telling the truth that they weren't involved all along, that didn't mean he was willing to forgive him for the possible embarrassment he suffered in the process of learning this.

 

“What's got into him?” Tea asked.

 

“I wonder what that Kaiba said to him?” Angie asked.

 

“Whatever it was, Joey didn't look very happy about it....” Yugi blushed.

 

Suddenly, MEKaiba remembered something and turned to see Philmore still standing not too far away. “Wait a minute.” MEKaiba snapped. “Shouldn't you be going to Kaiba Corp, as well?”

 

Philmore looked over, and shrugged. “I suppose.” he said, not seeming to be in too much of a rush to head over there.

 

“Hey, that's right.” Tea said. “You should have went over with Tristan and that other Kaiba......I mean Mokuba.” `Oh, these Kaiba's and Mokuba's are so confusing!' she thought.

 

Philmore looked away, saying, “No, I think they were fine on their own. I'll just take another car.”

 

“No you wont.” SMKaiba muttered. Then with a smirk, he said, “You're not legal to drive at that age. In fact, I don't even think you could reach the petals.”

 

“Funny.” Philmore snapped, not finding it at all amusing. “Don't worry about me.....I'll find a way.” and began to march towards the door defiantly.

 

But JKaiba jumped in the way, muttering, “Don't be stupid. If you ended up getting into an accident due to your stubbornness, I don't think your Mokuba would be very happy to hear how you died.”

 

Philmore glared angrily up at him. He knew JKaiba was saying this only for his Mokuba's sake. But that didn't mean he had to like it. “Well, you're the know it all, here.....so, what are you suggesting?”

 

“Hey, why don't you go back with Angie! She has a license.” Yugi suddenly suggested.

 

“I am NOT going with her!” “I am NOT going with him!” was uttered at the same time from both Angie and Philmore, causing them to stop and look at each other strangely. They then both turned away from each other in a huff.

 

With a loud sigh, VWKaiba said, “Come on, I might as well take you. Its getting boring standing around waiting for something to happen, anyway.”

 

Philmore silently followed, saying nothing....and only taking a moment to give a glare back at Angie before he left, as they threw unseen daggers at each other from their eyes.

 

`I am `never' liking that creep!' Angie insisted. `I don't care how much the Kaiba from this world might like me......I am so not interested!!'

 

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

 

The road trip to Kaiba Corp was a quiet one. KTristan drove, staring intently at the road, with MKaiba sitting next to him, continuously glancing back over at Tristan, before looking ahead.....the silent unspoken words all ready hanging in the air, still not being said and making it thick and tense in the space where they sat so close to each other.

 

MKaiba was the first to have to speak, unable to handle the silence hanging between them. Shaking, he spat out, “It's not fair! You shouldn't have to go back like that!”

 

“Life's not.....” KTristan began to mutter, but MKaiba cut him off.

 

“No, I'm tired of it! I'm not hearing it anymore.” MKaiba spat out. “I've heard you explain `life's not fair to me' ever since.....” MKaiba quieted and turned away. “Even before that, as long ago as when our mother and father died.” MKaiba turned back, snapping, “Why should we always be the ones to get the brunt of what life has to offer us? Why us?”

 

KTristan quietly turned away, trying to hide the pain on his face and silently blaming himself once again for his brother's pain. “It's too late. There's nothing we can do about it.”

 

“......yes there is.” MKaiba answered, with a dark glint in his eyes.

 

KTristan's eyes widened at his brother's words, and glanced over at him. It was frightening to see, his brother acting so much like......like him. With the strange glare in his brother's eyes and in Kaiba's body......he now looked just like him.

 

“Stop it!” KTristan snapped, refusing to see Mokuba act anything like him. “I know what you're thinking, and it's wrong!”

 

“No it's not! You thought of it, too! Why would it be so wrong for you to have a body? Maybe.....maybe it doesn't have to be Tristan. We could send him on his way, and find some other guy and.......Yugi's group would never know. They don't know what body you came in.”

 

KTristan looked away, back towards the road. “Even they aren't `that' stupid. They would know quick enough, and our version would easily figure it out. They'd never let us out of here.”

 

“Then we'll stay.” Mokuba insisted.

 

“Stop it.” KTristan snapped. “Just because I came up such a ridiculous idea, doesn't mean I want you thinking about it. It's not right......it's wrong. No one deserves to be trapped like that. It was my sacrifice to you......I'd do it again.”

 

MKaiba then fell silent, realizing he'd never be able to convince his brother to take another's body. And he also knew his brother was right.....it was wrong to steal someone else's body and trap them in the computer against their will like that. He just wished the others could see that it wasn't his Seto doing the bad things. If anything.....it was his brother that kept him honest. He wasn't the better one. And soon they would go back with the others, having to witness `the looks' from Yugi's group, trying to place judgment on his brother and the other Seto who took sides with DTKaiba. In fact.....even DTKaiba MKaiba felt sorry for, knowing he didn't really mean it. His brother was just like that once. It was their stepfather's fault, not his. His brother tried......he just couldn't hold onto his heart any longer. So much pain......

 

MKaiba then glanced over at KTristan as he drove, wondering how much pain Seto had to deal with on a 24-hour basis in that computer all the time. `I've been trying so much to make the computer bigger and easier for Seto to take over and do things......but now I finally understand. No matter how much I try and give him, it'll never be enough......it'll never be able to replace his humanity. Well, I'll find a way Seto.....I'll help you, somehow.'

 

They made it to Kaiba Corp, and pulled over in front. KTristan then finally faced MKaiba again, as he began to explain, “Remember, I'm Tristan and.....”

 

“.....I know, I'm you.” MKaiba smiled, saying, “I've been playing that role for so long, it would be hard not to remember.”

 

KTristan gave a sad smile at that, and walked out of the car. MKaiba did the same, putting on his `game' face, as he pretended to be Kaiba.

 

“Mr. Kaiba.” the security bowed, hoping to have the right one, this time. MKaiba entered without uttering a word, with Tristan following behind, equally quiet. They entered the elevator, and headed for the floor of the VR experimental work.

 

MKaiba then looked over and went into a bear hug, surprising KTristan. He tried to pull him off, muttering, “Mokuba, we're in an elevator.....it's going to stop any minute!”

 

“Who cares, it's not even our world!” MKaiba protested. “I just want to say.......I'm sorry!!”

 

KTristan quickly hit the emergency stop on the elevator to prevent anyone from seeing this sight. He then held him as well, saying, “Sorry......for what? You have nothing to be sorry for....”

 

“I have everything to be sorry for! You've been there for me all this time, sacrificed so much for me, and what have I been doing? I've been ignoring you and barely been seeing you anymore! Why don't you hate me for that? You gave me your body, your life, and I abandoned you!” MKaiba bawled.

 

“Stop, Mokuba.....stop it!” KTristan said, shaking his brother. “I never asked for anything in return for what I did. The only thing I ever wanted from you was for you to be happy. I can't say I didn't miss you. But, don't think for a moment I ever felt regret for what I did. I......I was glad that I didn't see you.”

 

“Wh-what??” Mokuba asked, not understanding the last comment.

 

KTristan gave a weak smile. “It meant you moved on and found a life in the body you're in, now. If you continued to see me all the time and cling to me, it would mean I failed......that despite the sacrifice, you were still not happy. I couldn't save all of you....and because of that it cost you your childhood. But, at least you had one body to keep, that allowed you to feel and live on. Please, Mokuba.....don't ever regret what I did for you.”

 

Tears came down MKaiba's face, as he hugged him tight, saying, “I wont, Seto. Thank you.....I never regretted it. I.....I just wish.....”

 

“.....don't wish for what you can't have. That was my mistake.” KTristan said. He gently moved MKaiba away and hit the button to resume the elevator's movement.

 

As they got to the room, KTristan quickly made preparations. He had to......if he hesitated, he might start to consider what Mokuba said earlier and try and keep a body, after all.

 

Once the preparations were made, KTristan said, “It's ready. Time for me to take a seat. You know the controls, Mokuba.”

 

MKaiba then stepped in front, saying, “You know, you don't have to. I can do this, instead. You can finally have your own body back.”

 

KTristan turned away sharply, saying, “Don't ever say that again.”

 

Mokuba nodded sadly, then held him again, as KTristan gladly held him tight.......it might be the last time they ever got a chance to.

 

It was KTristan that forced the embrace to end, pulling himself away before temptation could strike him again. He walked over to the machine, at sat down in the chair. Then looking over at his brother, he said, “Don't think about it.......just do it.”

 

Looking down at the machine, MKaiba sniffed, rubbing his eyes from the tears escaping. He found the real Tristan in the computer system, then activated the machine......forcing his brother's consciousness back into the VR system.

 

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

 

“Let me out of here!” Tristan cried, still looking like a metal monkey. Suddenly Kaiba was standing beside him, shocking Tristan. “It.....it's you! Ooo-ooo!! Let me out of this place!!”

 

“Don't worry......I'm sending you back. But, I want you to know something before I do. When you come out of it, you'll be greeted by someone who looks like me. Just keep in mind the one helping you back to normal is not the one that sent you here. And you better be nice to him, if you know what's good for you.......or you might just end up back here!” Kaiba snapped coldly at him.

 

“Uh.....yeah, okay. I don't care who's helping me, I just want out! I'll be nice to whoever you want me to, okay??” Tristan whined.

 

“Fine.”

 

“Yaaahhh!!” Tristan cried out, as the world against seemed to spin around him. When he woke up, he was himself again, and felt so sick he was sure he was going to vomit. As he looked around finally, he noticed sure enough another Kaiba looking down at him. In fact, this Kaiba didn't look happy either, as if Tristan just pissed on his Wheaties.

 

Tristan swallowed, remembering what the other one said to him. `Be nice, be nice.....I don't wanna go back!' Putting on the brightest and fakest grin he could, he cried out, “Uh, hi. Nice to meet you!!” holding out a hand to him.

 

MKaiba blinked a couple times, definitely not expecting that for a response, after what Tristan had gone through. “Uh.....yeah. Well, come on.....we need to head back to the mansion. Yugi and the others are waiting there.”

 

“Hold on.” A kid suddenly called out from behind them.

 

They both turned to see Philmore standing there, not looking very happy, either. He sighed, saying, “I guess you have one more to also transfer over.”

 

MKaiba's heart sunk even further......this was just not his day. So, he had 2 versions of his brother to send back to that personal hell. Could the day get any better?

 

“Relax......I'll take care of it.” VWKaiba stated, also stepping into the room. “Why don't you two head back to the car. This should only take a minute.”

 

MKaiba gave a sigh of relief, nodding to VWKaiba. Before they walked away, he gave VWKaiba a grateful hug. Tristan looked oddly at the sight of two Kaiba's hugging each other. VWKaiba caught the look and glared, snapping, “What are you looking at?”

 

“Nothing!” he called out in a panic, hoping his stare wasn't going to cause the two Kaiba's to send him back again, and quickly rushed into the hallway.

 

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

 

MKaiba finally returned, with VWKaiba and Tristan walking barely behind. “How did it go?” MEKaiba asked.

 

VWKaiba simply answered, “Fine.”

 

MKaiba added, “Philmore got his body back, and finally headed back home. I just hope there won't be any lawsuits from that.”

 

“There won't be.” VWKaiba answered. “I erased that part of his mind.......he wont remember a thing.” he smirked.

 

Most of the Kaiba's actually nodded in approval of this, but Yugi's gang all looked shocked and horrified.

 

Joey snapped, “Hey, you can't just go erasing people's brains like that?? What the hell is wrong with you!”

 

“Hey, he probably did that kid a favor!” Tristan said, actually seeming to defend him. “What I remember of being there, I wish I hadn't. It's a nightmare being trapped in a Virtual World!”

 

MKaiba flinched and looked away, trying not hear that part. `I'll save you, Seto......I'll save you like you saved me. Somehow......I'll do it.'

 

But, he wasn't the only one that reacted. VWKaiba seemed to hesitate for a moment as well, before he quickly put on his familiar look if disinterest. It was true that not he nor Mokuba had such a problem back in his world, and he wasn't anymore sympathetic over MKaiba's situation than any other version of Kaiba was. But, there `was' one person in his world having to live in that same situation that he never brought up to anyone here.....Noah. True, VWKaiba never allowed himself to feel anything for the kid Mokuba kept insisting was their stepbrother.....but the fact of the matter what, his brother cared. He hated the feeling of having to possibly share Mokuba's love with someone who tried to take his very brother away from him. But, it also made him think of what Noah was going through. Maybe Mokuba had a point, and the kid was like that because of the virtual world he was thrown into. It was strange feeling bad for someone that wasn't Mokuba.....but the feeling was there.

 

“Well, I'm glad to see everyone's back.” Yami stated. “I believe I discovered a way to send everyone back to where they belong,” Then looking down at Mokuba, he said, “....but I'm going to need Mokuba's help to do this.”

 

JKaiba nodded, walked over and smiled down at Mokuba. The little boy was sound asleep on a desk with MKaiba's coat wrapped around him like a blanket. JKaiba gently took the coat off, and seeing the boy shiver, he almost wished he hadn't.

 

“Here, Mokuba, I believe this is yours.” JKaiba said, handing MKaiba his coat back.

 

MKaiba took it and smiled. “Yeah, thanks Seto.”

 

`He looks so peaceful, I hate to wake him up.' JKaiba thought looking down at Mokuba. But he knew he had to. “Mokuba, come on kiddo.... time to get up.” JKaiba said, gently waking the boy.

 

“Seto....? What's going on?” Mokuba asked, still half asleep.

 

JKaiba answered, “Yugi said he needs you to help return us home. Are you up for it?”

 

Mokuba smiled, and nodded. “Yeah, I'm okay.”

 

“Hold on.” VWKaiba said. He turned to Yami, stating, “This isn't going to hurt him, is it?”

 

“No.” Yami answered.

 

“What are the risks involved for him?” VWKaiba then asked.

 

“There should be none.” Yami stated.

 

That was enough to ease JKaiba mind for now, as he turned back to Mokuba and offered him a smile, saying, “Well, if this works.....then I guess this is going to be good-bye.”

 

As Mokuba sat up rubbing his eyes, JKaiba bent down and gave the boy a hug. He then leaned back and said, “I don't understand it, but I know now you were right all along. This isn't my world. I hope you feel better soon.” He then kissed his forehead, before backing away to let him get up.

 

Mokuba smiled. “Thanks.” Mokuba still wasn't sure how he could tell the differences between these other versions of his brother. But, they were there, and he could tell every Kaiba apart without them even speaking. Some of them actually had some subtle differences apart, but not all of them. But for Mokuba, he didn't need to know those differences to tell.

 

MEKaiba also wanted to say good-bye to Mokuba in that way, but he was afraid to. Getting near him caused JKaiba to glare at him almost every single. And.....it was starting to get to him. He knew if he tried to distance himself from his own Mokuba, it would only cause them to fight again and hurt his brother. But being around these other versions of himself only made him feel more and more wrong for what he had been doing. Maybe he was wrong.....surely incest was illegal for a reason.

 

But that didn't mean he wouldn't atleast say good-bye to Mokuba, either. MEKaiba finally approached, despite the warning glare from JKaiba. But he didn't hug him, either. He gave a careful pat on Mokuba's head, ruffling his hair, and said, “Get-well soon, kiddo.” MEKaiba then quickly backed away.

 

SMKaiba was next, offering him a hug, as he added, “Same here. Get well soon. It's been nice knowing you.” He then kissed the side of his head and released him.

 

VWKaiba then walked over. He gave a slight hesitation, not sure if he should just hug him or offer a simple good-bye. But Mokuba helped him out there, as he brought his arms up expectantly. VWKaiba couldn't say no, and accepted the embrace. He then pulled away, saying, “You better make sure to get some rest. If your brother sees you still sick, he's not going to be happy.”

 

“I know.” Mokuba nodded.

 

Then MKaiba came forward. He awkwardly leaned down and silently hugged him....not sure what to say to his other self. But as Mokuba hugged back, he could hear him sniffing. MKaiba pulled away to see Mokuba rub his eyes, trying to mask that he was now crying.

 

MKaiba asked, “What's wrong? Did I do something?”

 

“I'm just......I'm sorry!” Mokuba said. “I know who you are, now. I don't know why I could never see it before. Maybe I didn't want to. Maybe I didn't want to think about......why.”

 

“Oh.” MKaiba said. “I'm sorry. That's why I didn't want to tell you.”

 

Mokuba shook his head. “I understand.”

 

After the duel, Mokuba had woken for a small amount of time. It was enough time to hear that MKaiba was another `him.' and KTristan was his actual brother. Maybe he knew it all along. But when he heard that, he wished he didn't. It was the harsh reality of just how extreme his brother was willing to go in order to protect him. And seeing how sick he had been for awhile, it could have just as easily ended up the way it did with MKaiba.

 

“What happened? Why did you have to end up in Seto's body?” Mokuba asked. A part of him said forget it, you're better off not knowing. But then he felt he had to know.

 

“I was dying and Seto did this in order to save me.” MKaiba said.

 

“Save you from what?” Mokuba asked.

 

MKaiba assumed he all ready knew this much, there was no sense hiding anything else. With a sigh, he answered, “I was sick and dying. Seto couldn't save me.....so he gave me his body instead, and put himself inside the computer. It was the only way he knew how to help me.....”

 

All the other Kaiba's that didn't know this paled.....they were right, they didn't want to know it, either.

 

GSeto was probably one of the few who felt no remorse at all for what was done. If anything.....those words put him in complete awe. `If only I could be that way.' he thought. If he could only be Mokuba's hero like he wanted to be. He had failed so many times. `But, what could I do?' At one time, GSeto was ready to cop out and do whatever he could to try and stay in this world. But, now he understood that giving up and running away was never the answer. Even if he did fail Mokuba in the past, running away certainly wouldn't help his brother now. He had to go back, and find some way to fix what he screwed up. Back home, there had to be some kind of answer to all of this. He simply have to find it.

 

“Oh.” Mokuba said, looking down. It took him a minute to get through the shock of it, as another odd question formed in his head. “I....I wonder…”

 

“Wonder what?” MKaiba asked.

 

“I wonder if that would have happened to me.”

 

“That's preposterous.” SMKaiba stated. “This Mokuba had a fatal illness. It has nothing to do with you.”

 

Mokuba sighed, “I didn't have a cold. I had a rare virus that was going to kill me.”

 

All Kaiba's froze in fear. “You said `was'.” VWKaiba quickly pointed out. “Last I knew, fatal illnesses you don't simply `get better' from.”

 

“I can't explain it. All I know is I woke up and Seto said I was going to be okay.” Mokuba said, wiping his tears away. “I think it had something to do with Aiko. She has some kind of magic.... I think she healed me. Seto once said something about going to an alternate world. I never really learned all the details on it, Seto wouldn't tell me. All I know is another Seto showed up who claimed to be from an alternate world, and that's why `my' Seto left. Someone had to find the world he came from and so `my' Seto went in search of it.”

 

“Well, I suppose that slightly explains why the Seto Kaiba of this world was no where to be found.” VWKaiba said.

 

JKaiba snapped, “It explains nothing.....there's no such thing as magic. If Mokuba's better, he healed on his own, despite this ridiculous voodoo woman that obviously brainwashed Mokuba into thinking she cast some spell on him. That has to be the stupidest thing I ever heard!”

 

Yugi and his friends just smiled, knowingly.....even Mokuba smiled from that, reminding him of his own brother. And JKaiba wasn't the only Kaiba agreeing to this theory, despite the obvious that was right in their faces. But they remained silent, assuming JKaiba had basically said what was all ready on their minds.

 

GSeto was simply confused by this. Life never offered him or his brother some kind of `cheat code' to life's miseries. So, how could it have happened to Mokuba here? But, from what he has seen, a lot of these mysteries seem to rotate around the strange short guy with the rainbow colored hair. `I need to remember to look him up sometime when I get back. Maybe he might have the key to solving my problems.' GSeto thought.

 

While, JKaiba had been sending his protest about magic, MKaiba thought, `I'm glad that woman helped him, but I wish she could have helped me to. Now I'm almost glad my Seto wasn't right here to hear this. I know he's been feeling bad enough to put me in his body......he would have felt terrible if he heard one Mokuba was saved from this, and not me.'

 

“We should probably start getting everyone back, now.” Tea suddenly decided to remind everyone.

 

At Tea's comment, Angie asked, “Well, everyone's all together, right? We didn't miss anyone, did we?”

 

They all looked around, making sure everyone was accounted for.

 

“Wait a minute......I think we are missing one.” Yugi then said.

 

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

 

The guards had released all but OSeto. There were so many different Kaiba's, the guards were spooked and fearful of losing their jobs. Though they didn't mean to, they had still accidentally overlooked him. “Can someone get me down!”

 

Tristan didn't see the harm in it, so he went over and released him.

 

The moment OSeto was released he looked around. “That's it! I'm out of here!” OSeto was out of the room before anyone could stop him.

 

“Why don't you two go get him.” JKaiba stated to Kaiba's 2 and 4. “We're going to need to send him back soon, as well.” JKaiba said, still not wanting to believe that hippie-looking guy could possibly be another version of them, but he didn't want to chance it till they knew for sure.

 

“What for?” VWKaiba asked, who was number 4. “You don't honestly think he's one of us.....do you?”

 

“It's a moot point.” JKaiba stated. “He's not from here. Whoever he is, he still needs to go back.” Then with an evil sneer, he added, “Besides.....whatever way is used to get us back, we'll send him as the patsy first.”

 

Both VWKaiba and SMKaiba grinned in unison from JKaiba's suggestion.... VWKaiba even laughed. For probably the first time since they've been there, they seemed to be in agreement. Both then turned and casually left to drag him back.

 

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

Mokuba A/N: We're getting questions on what was the fate of the real Kaiba. Patients people, one plot line at a time here. I'll let you in a small spoiler to satisfy your curiosity. You will learn what happened with the real Kaiba and Noah along with any other question you may have after this story line ends. This will happen in chapter 44. This story on our end is completed. But we torture you by only doing one chapter a week. In total there will be 63 chapters.