Yu-Gi-Oh! Fan Fiction ❯ Seto's Wish Alternate World Conclusion ❯ C46 Seto’s Return! ( Chapter 46 )

C46 Seto's Return!

 

Back in the real world, Seto was standing there....looking around confused.

 

“What happened, Yami? I was at your place, and now I'm…here.”

 

“I'm sorry, Seto. I'm afraid it didn't work.”

 

“Why? What happened? Where am I?”

 

“I don't think any of us really knows the answer to that one.” Tea said.

 

“It's a long story.” Yugi said.

 

They then began to explain to Seto what had happened since their attempt to send him back.

 

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

 

Back in the alternate world, Kaiba was still angry that his Mokuba was now with him in this world. Plus, Tea's annoying questions certainly didn't seem to be helping his mood any.

 

“So? Who is this woman who just popped in and out of here like nothing?” Tea repeated, when Kaiba tried to ignore her.

 

Just to shut her up, he finally replied, “She was Mokuba's temporary baby-sitter. And after she disobeyed my orders, I'm more than satisfied that she has all ready been replaced.” As he said that, his eyes instinctively moved to look at Angie for a split second, before moving back to Mokuba. They didn't need to know whom he chose to be her replacement, which he had no intention on divulging even if they asked.

 

Yami then thought about it for a second, before stating, “She was one of the people trapped in that box.....wasn't she?”

 

Kaiba nodded. “Her name's Aiko. She's the less psychotic of the two. The one called Ajin was trying to kill everyone, when I got back. She actually helped protect Mokuba, while I was away. That's the reason I've trusted her this much.” Kaiba stated.

 

Yami nodded. “She seems like a good friend.”

 

Kaiba immediately glared at him. “I don't have friends.....nor do I want them. She served her purpose. And as soon as she sends me and my brother back home, this temporary truce with her is over.”

 

The comment surprised the group. The next comment caught them off guard even more. “Speaking of those serving a purpose......I'd say by now you have all just about over-stayed your welcome. Everything's now taken care of. So, if you don't mind.....you can all just leave.”

 

“Say, what?? We're not leaving!” Joey said.

 

“I agree. We still have to think of a way to rescue Mokie!” Angie said.

 

“I can handle that on my own.” Kaiba replied. “I don't need anyone's help.”

 

“But, Seto.....” Angie said. “I'm you're sister. You want me to leave, too?”

 

Kaiba inwardly winced from her words, feeling an odd shot of guilt. He wasn't her brother......but it sure as hell felt like it, at times. He glared over at her, and said, “Fine. You're so anxious to stay here and help, then maybe I'll give you a chance to make up for last job you botched up. And this time, you better not blow it. I'll let you stay here and look after Mokuba, while I go and get the other one back. But under no circumstances are you to leave this house....got it?”

 

“What? Wait a minute!” Tea said in protest. “You're not planning on doing this alone, are you? We should all go together to get the other Mokuba!”

 

“Is there something you didn't understand, when I said, `I can handle it on my own'? No one's going anywhere, except me.....especially not Mokuba!” Kaiba snapped.

 

Suddenly, a slight moan was heard, and Kaiba turned to see Mokuba stir in his sleep.

 

Yugi quietly added, “We should probably go downstairs and talk, so Mokuba can sleep.”

 

For once, Kaiba nodded in agreement, and everyone moved downstairs.

 

With everyone now in the kitchen and away from Mokuba, Joey was the first to start spouting, as he snapped, “Look, pal.....you can't do this on your own! You need us!”

 

“And how could any of you possibly help?” Kaiba questioned. “I'm not entirely impressed with the job you've all done, so far. If anything, you losers will only be in the way.”

 

Yami stepped forward, stating, “Even you can't possibly find a way through Noah's security by yourself....not to mention Noah himself, as well as his father. Getting yourself killed is not going to help `either' Mokuba. It's all ready more than apparent that you don't believe in working with other people. But, you've accepted working with us before in the past.....even if only for Mokuba's sake. Are you so determined to take a chance by yourself this time, even if it endangers the other Mokuba's life?”

 

Kaiba gritted his teeth, hating Yami's holier than thou speeches. Obviously, some things just don't change. And he hated to admit it even more, but Yami was possibly right. It would probably up the odds considerably, having help to rescue Mokuba. He couldn't risk his brother's safety......not even for his pride.

 

Kaiba crossed his harms and looked away in a huff, muttering, “Fine......whatever.”

 

Angie hugged him, saying, “Thank you, big brother!” His eyes twitched from the contact, again hesitant on how to react.

 

She then pulled away, and asked, “So, Seto.....any idea's on how to get Mokie back?”

 

He couldn't make himself tell her not to call him Seto, either. That voice in his head thinking she was his sister was simply too strong to push away. So, he finally gave up on it, and decided to let it slide......at least for her. “I'm working on it.” he answered. “What we need to do is to find a way to distract Noah long enough for me to slip into the mansion and get Mokuba out of there.”

 

“Are you certain you can get in and find him?” Tea asked.

 

Kaiba glared at her. “Have you forgotten who I am? I know that mansion like the back on my hand.”

 

“But things aren't the same in your world. You said so, yourself.....in your world, Noah and Gozaburo are both dead.” Yami said.

 

“It doesn't matter. Things haven't changed that much.” Kaiba said.

 

Yami nodded, “Very well. Then let's come up with a way to distract the guards long enough for you to get in and back out without trouble.”

 

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

 

Back in the real world, Aiko returned to find Seto talking with Yugi and the others.

 

“Aiko, have you found him?” Seto asked.

 

“Yes....as a matter of fact, I did. He wasn't very happy.”

 

“I figured he wouldn't be.....that guy's always angry. It's hard to believe that guy could be me.” Seto said.

 

“Tell me about it!” Joey spouted.

 

Everyone turned and looked at Joey, as he looked at them all, and asked, “What?”

 

Seto turned back to Aiko. “Either way, I still need you to send me back there. I'll have to deal with Kaiba one-way or the other. I might as well get it over with.”

 

“Are you sure?” Aiko asked.

 

“Yeah, she's got a point. I mean, Kaiba gets a little.....you know.” Tristan muttered.

 

Joey quickly added, “Asshole quickly comes to mind!”

 

Seto gave a snicker at that, finding it funny that in his world.....Joey's his best friend. Yet, in this world....from the way Joey behaves, they must be constantly at each other's throats.

 

“Dude.....you gotta stop doing that.” Joey grinned. “Smiling looks so wrong on Kaiba's face.”

 

Seto replied, “Listen.....I really appreciate the concern. But, I have to do this.”

 

“Very, well.” Aiko said.

 

Joey shrugged, saying, “Hey, man.....you're funeral.”

 

Aiko waved her hand, muttering a slight incantation. An instant after, a portal opened up.

 

Everyone watched in awe, as magic materialized before their eyes. Joey just shook his head, saying, “That is just so damn cool. And after all the crap we had to deal with, with those other Kaiba's.....she makes this whole teleporting thing seem like nothing.”

 

Tristan then elbowed him, muttering, “Hey, Joey.....I bet it could make a hell of an adventure, if we jumped through. Wanna try it??”

 

“No way.” Joey said in fear. “Who knows how many more Kaiba's we could run into if we did that!”

 

Not hearing the conversation between them, Aiko then looked over at Seto, saying, “This will take you to where you want to go.”

 

“Thank you.” Seto answered, and stepped through the portal, which closed instantly after he stepped through.

 

After he was gone, Yugi then turned to her nervously. “Aiko.” he said, looking down at his feet. “Uh....when you met Kaiba. Well, uh.....”

 

“What is it?” Aiko asked.

 

“He didn't happen to know that Mokuba disappeared, did he?” Yugi asked.

 

“You know how Mokuba ended up there?” Aiko asked.

 

Yugi waved his hands, “No no, I don't mean the Mokuba from over there....I meant from over here.” He looked down again. “We.....kinda lost him.”

 

Aiko smiled. “I'm well aware of that. Mokuba is presently in the same world that Kaiba is in.”

 

Everyone's eyes suddenly widened at that information.

 

Joey then cheered, “That's great! Then, we didn't lose the kid!”

 

Aiko then cleared her throat to quiet Joey down. She then turned to Yugi, and stated, “Now, I believe it's your turn to explain why you used the Millennium Puzzle to send Mokuba away.”

 

Yugi waved defensively. “You don't understand. We weren't trying to do that, at all. It just kinda happened.” He sighed, “Maybe I should explain what happened since you were gone. It's kind of a long story.”

 

“Then, by all means.....please enlighten me.” Aiko said.

 

So, once again....the gang started into the story of everything that happened.

 

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

 

Seto looked around and was thrilled when he found himself in his bedroom. He quickly ran downstairs where his mother was sitting on the couch knitting.

 

“Hey, Mom....do you know where Angie, Mokie, and the others are, right now?”

 

“No....I'm sorry honey, I don't. I haven't seen them since Yugi came by. He said you had to run an errand, that you hadn't returned yet, and then they supposedly left to meet up with you. Why, is something wrong? They're probably looking for you, by now.” his mother said. “There's nothing wrong.....is there?”

 

“No. I just, uh......kind of ran into someone I knew. That's all. You're right, though.....I should probably go and find them.”

 

His mother then put her knitting down and approached him, brushing back some of his hair from his face with her fingers. She smiled, saying, “You have gotten so big, Seto.....you're growing up so quickly. I can't believe all the responsibilities you've put on yourself in such a short time. I don't think I've had the chance to say how proud I've been of you, lately.”

 

Being a typical teenager, Seto was annoyed by her fidgeting with his hair and brushed her hand away. “What do you mean? What did I do?”

 

“You know what you did.....don't be so modest. You finally rescued that poor kid from those terrible Kaiba's. After all these years, you finally did it.” she said.

 

Seto blinked, as that information finally began to set in. `Shit.....he really did do it, didn't he?'

 

“And that business you partnered yourself with. That's amazing!” she said. “I didn't even know you knew that much about electronics!”

 

“Huh?” he blankly asked.

 

She gave a chuckle. “At least you seem to be more yourself, now. Lately, you seemed to be so emotional around me and your father. You've been starting to worry him. I told him it was probably just a phase.”

 

`Emotional???' Seto thought, trying to picture the same person that could scare him 1/2 to death by just glaring at him, getting all weird and emotional around his Mom. `She can't be talking about the same guy.'

 

She turned away, saying, “Well.....you probably want to go and join your friends. I wont keep you.”

 

Seto was curious, now.....after hearing his Mom say that. He brought his finger up to get her attention, mouth open ready to ask about the juicy gossip regarding Kaiba, but stopped himself. He had to focus on his friends first.....and Mokie! Mokie was probably still in danger! And Kaiba had all ready done more than enough while taking over his life. He'd be damned if he let Kaiba take any more credit. `This is my job......I'm going to save Mokie!'

 

He turned away, saying, “You're right......I gotta go. I'll see ya later, Mom!” and ran out the door.

 

“Okay, honey.” she called back. “Be careful, and try not to keep Mokuba out too late. He needs time to get settled in his new home.”

 

“Okay....I will....I promise. Angie or I will call later if something comes up.” he called back and ran out the door.

 

Now outside, he pulled out his cell phone. It was the fastest way to find his friends. Plus, it would be stupid to go running around trying to find someone, if Noah or his security were possibly out kidnapping people. Hopefully, his friends weren't all ready in danger.

 

The first person he dialed, was Angie's number.

 

“Hello?”

 

“Angie, its me!” Seto said happily.

 

“Oh, my god! It's you....it's really you! Where are you, you jerk.....we've been looking everywhere for you!”

 

“It's a long story. It'll be easier if I just tell you when I meet you guys. So, where are you?” he asked.

 

“We're all at Yugi's.”

 

“Good, I'll meet you there.” Seto told her. He then hung up, and quickly b-lined it to Yugi's place.

 

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

 

Seto headed straight to Yugi's, and walked in. He looked around the living room, and called out, “I'm here! Is anyone home??”

 

Instantly, Angie came running in, hugging him tight. “Big brother....it's so good to see you!”

 

The others happily came in, as well......followed by a dark foreboding figure in back.

 

“Seto.....it's great to see you back!” Yugi said.

 

“My man!” Joey happily said. “I knew you'd make it!”

 

Kaiba continued to glare, watching Angie hug him tightly, as Seto hugged her back. He didn't know why that bothered him. He also didn't know why the nerd groupies surrounding Seto in admiration bothered him, as well. Perhaps it was because he was the one that did all the work, and yet this `other' version of him was the one they all ran to.

 

Reminding himself once again that he didn't believe in friendship and that Angie was `not' his sister, he turned away pretending not to care.

 

Tea now moved over to him, wrapping her arms around Seto and kissed him passionately.....which he gladly returned.

 

......now Kaiba thought he was going to be ill.

 

“God, I missed you so!” Tea said. “I knew that other one wasn't you.....I just knew it!”

 

“What?” Seto suddenly asked, as a jealous streak suddenly shot through him. `What did she mean by that? Exactly how close was she getting with this other guy, anyway?' Seto then looked over at Kaiba, in response to her comment.

 

Kaiba had caught it too, as he evilly smirked back at Seto and brought his hand up to wipe at part of his face, as if he had just finished making out with her and was trying to hide it. And it worked like a charm, and he absolutely enjoyed the look of anger on Seto's face.

 

`How's it feel to be with your friends now, loser?' Kaiba deviously thought, feeling satisfaction from Seto's possible angst.

 

Tristan now spoke up, bringing Seto's attention away from Kaiba....allowing him to calm down. “Dude, it's great to have you back again. Now, the whole gang is finally back together!”

 

Seto smiled, saying, “It's great to be back.”

 

“Now that everyone else has had their moment with him......I think it's my turn.”

 

The comment caused Seto to look over at Kaiba who had spoken, and was now approaching. His little mind-fuck a moment ago with Seto was amusing and all, but he still had some choice words to give him. Before anyone knew it, Kaiba grabbed Seto harshly by the collar and shoved him hard against the wall. “So, what the hell are you doing here??”

 

“Seto.....leave him alone!” Angie said.

 

“I'm not Seto......remember?” Kaiba snapped coldly down at her, still for some reason feeling emotionally angry for her running to him. “The name is Kaiba. It would be best that you remembered that.”

 

Why did he always push the people away he didn't want to push away, anyway? Maybe it was second nature for him. But, he didn't care......he was too angry to care. And anger came so naturally for him.

 

She stood there speechless, as he turned back to Seto, hissing, “I believe you had a job to do. One simple job, and you couldn't even handle that.....could you??”

 

“I had to save Mokie!” Seto cried.

 

“You couldn't even baby-sit my brother! What the hell makes you think you could save yours!!” Kaiba yelled.

 

“God damn it, Kaiba.....cut it the out!” Joey yelled at him, grabbing Kaiba's free arm and trying to pull him away. Tristan came and joined him, when Kaiba took that free arm, and used it to violently push them both away.

 

Only when Mokuba came running out of nowhere did Kaiba finally start to hesitate. Now, Mokuba was the one grabbing his free arm and trying to pull him away, as he cried, “Seto, stop it! Please don't be mad.....he was just trying to get home!”

 

Kaiba hesitated, and finally released him. The hold was so tight on Seto that he had lifted him partially off the ground, and it was beginning to cut off airflow. It took a few moments for Seto to recover as he gasped for air.

 

Kaiba turned away from him, and glared down at Mokuba. “You're supposed to be in bed.”

 

“I know.” Mokuba said. “But it started getting really noisy down here, suddenly.”

 

“You're not Mokie. You're.....” Seto panted. “....the other one. How did you get here?” He was now starting to understand exactly why Kaiba was so angry. Why didn't Aiko warn him about this part, before she sent him back here, anyway?

 

“It's kind of a long story.” Mokuba said, smiling back at Seto. “Are you okay?”

 

“I'll live. How are you feeling?” Seto asked, now beginning to stand, once again.

 

“A lot better now.” Mokuba said. That rest did wonders for him. He couldn't believe how much Yugi's puzzle drained him from concentrating on those other Kaiba's.

 

“So, how did you know it wasn't Mokie?” Angie asked, moving over to Seto, once again. “It took us forever to figure it out.”

 

“His sweater.” Seto said. “He was wearing it in that other world. Kaiba said it was his.”

 

“Don't even pretend you give a damn.” Kaiba snapped. “The first chance I turn my back, and you left him sick and by himself. You don't deserve to be anyone's brother!”

 

“I didn't leave him all alone!” Seto snapped back. “I took him over to Yugi's.”

 

All the while Seto was saying that, Mokuba was desperately crossing his hand across his neck, trying to quietly tell him to shut up and knowing the guy was just digging himself into a deeper hole.

 

“Yugi's?? You took him to Yugi's??” Kaiba yelled, as he once again began to approach Seto, looking like he was going to kill the guy. Quickly, Mokuba grabbed hold of the back of his shirt, as Joey and Tristan jumped in front in hopes to keep him from doing anything crazy.

 

“And what the hell made you think Yugi and his loser friends would want to care for him?” Kaiba snapped.

 

“Hey! Chill on the `loser' part, there!” Joey snapped. “You're talking about us too, you know.”

 

“Language, Seto.” Mokuba reminded, as Kaiba clenched his jaw from the comment, but said nothing in response to it.

 

Seto looked down in guilt, feeling bad over what happened. He didn't think his actions could possibly cause Mokuba to end up in this world. Kaiba was right. His selfish actions to be the hero for Mokie might have only resulted in placing Mokuba in danger, as well. “You're right.....I'm sorry. I realize now I shouldn't have done it. I....I didn't think.....”

 

“You're right, you didn't!” Kaiba snapped. “You never seem to think about anything that's truly important! That's why you'll always be a loser!”

 

Seto flinched from the harsh words, that were hurting him worst that what Kaiba could possibly do to him, physically. And Kaiba wasn't done yet, either, as he continued to snap at him, “Why don't you just admit it to yourself? Your attitude is the very reason you could never free Mokuba. You never listen, and you never learn!”

 

“Stop talking to my brother that way!” Angie snapped.

 

Kaiba glared down at her, also stating, “Maybe you should open your eyes for once, and see what kind of person you're defending. One of these days, your brother's irresponsibility is going to put you in danger as well, if he keeps going on the same road he is now.”

 

“Get out of the way!” Seto suddenly announced.

 

Joey and Tristan were both surprised to see Seto step through them, where they were shielding him from Kaiba. He stood right next to Kaiba, saying, “You have every right to be angry with me. I'm not going to hide or run away.....not anymore. If you want to get back at me for what I did......then go ahead and do your worst. I deserve it.”

 

“No! Seto, stop it!” Angie cried to her brother.

 

“Seto.....please don't hurt him!” Mokuba begged.

 

Kaiba glared coldly into Seto's eyes, who was trying with all his might to be strong facing this other version of him. But even now, Kaiba could see the fear in his eyes. But, he had to admit.....at least for once he was standing up and ready to accept the penalty game for his crimes.

 

Kaiba turned away, not seeming to do anything.....as Seto released the breath he was holding, grateful to see Kaiba wasn't going to do anything. He didn't expect it to be a fake-out, as Kaiba whirled back and punched him square in the face.

 

“Seto!!” Mokuba cried to his brother in surprise. “Seto!” Angie cried, as she got down onto the floor to support her wounded brother.

 

Tea turned and snapped at Kaiba, “You're nothing but a big bully!!”

 

Kaiba ignored them all, as he said to Seto, “Let that be a lesson to you. Next time, I wont be so easy on you.” He then turned and moved away from the crowd of people, as Mokuba followed beside him.

 

Kaiba looked down at his brother, saying, “You need to go back to sleep.”

 

“Can I get a drink, first?” Mokuba asked. He had to admit.....he actually felt the other Seto got off pretty easy. His brother was so angry, he originally thought he was going to kill him.

 

Angie then got up, as Tea stayed with Seto to support him. She moved to Mokuba, saying, “I can get him a drink. I need to get a cold cloth for Seto, anyway. You want some grape juice, Mokie?”

 

“It's Mokuba.” Kaiba reminded her. “And he's allergic to grapes.”

 

“We have some apple juice in the fridge.” Yugi said.

 

Mokuba scrunched his nose at that. “I don't like apple juice.”

 

“You don't like apples?” Angie asked. The comments from Mokuba made her wonder about Mokie. Were they the same? Would Mokie have the same allergies and tastes? If that was the case, they would have to make sure to better stock up their own fridge.

“I like apples.....just not the juice.” Mokuba smiled. His pickiness always pissed off the cooks at the mansion, too. And they couldn't dare say a word about it, either......Kaiba wouldn't stand for it.

 

“Well.....why don't come with me then. We can look together and see if there's anything you like in there. Okay?” she asked. And as she asked this, she automatically looked up at Kaiba to see if he approved.

 

Kaiba gave a nod so slight you could barely see it....but she noticed and was happy to see him accept her to do that much with his own brother.

 

“Okay.” Mokuba smiled. He put his brother's trench coat back down on the couch, as he got up and followed Angie to the kitchen.

 

“He's not to have any pop.” Kaiba added as they walked to the other room.

 

Tea watched them leave and suddenly had a feeling it was going to take an even longer time than she had hoped, before they came back with that rag. “Maybe I'll just go in the bathroom and get a cloth for you.”

 

She stood and pointed her finger at Kaiba, saying, “And you better not hurt him again!”

 

He simply glared as she marched away. But it pleased him to see a more colder and distant Tea, now. Finally.....she seemed to begin to understand the difference. Maybe now she would no longer paw all over him, like she was before. It was actually quite refreshing to have the nerd group at arms length once again.

 

“Kaiba.....”

 

Kaiba glared down at Seto, who had tissue on his nose since the punch in the face caused it to bleed. “You got your brother to take care of. I'll go with my friends to save Mokie. And together we'll free him from Noah.”

 

“Hmph.....you still haven't learned a damn thing.” Kaiba muttered. “So, how do you plan on saving him, hero? Unlike myself, you have no clue how to get in or out of that place. Once again, you're only thinking about running out and doing it, without a plan or a care in the world of the consequences behind it. Did you even consider what could happen to Mokuba, after you botch the job up?”

 

Seto hesitated, not sure what to say to that. He had all ready screwed up so much......maybe Kaiba was right. “So.....what do you suggest?”

 

“Any ideas I have to help him don't include you. You're just a liability. You'll do more harm than good.” Kaiba answered.

 

“Hey!” Joey snapped. “Don't be talking about my friend that way! Seto might not be some badass like you. But did you ever think that might be a good thing?? At least he don't treat his friends like crap, like you do!”

 

“Yeah, ya stuck up prick!” Tristan also snapped at him.

 

“Cut it out, guys.” Seto said, surprising them once again. Seto stood and approached Kaiba, just as did just before the punch in the face. He wasn't exactly sure why he didn't want his friends to defend him.....but he had a feeling that they would only make Kaiba madder, by letting them. Somehow.....he had a feeling that maybe he was starting to understand this weird version of him a little more. He had a feeling if he fought his battle with Kaiba by himself.....the guy might respect him more. And since he might be the only one that could save Mokie.....it would be good to stay as much on this guy's good side as possible.

 

Again he tried to stare at Kaiba with confidence, saying, “I made a mistake by not listening to you before. Will you let me help if I agree to listen to you this time?”

 

“How do I know I can trust you?” Kaiba asked.

 

Seto answered, “Because Mokie's life is on the line. And I don't want to risk something happening to him, like you said. Just tell me what I gotta do.”

 

Kaiba continued to stare at him, as Tea returned and took the Kleenex away, replacing it with a cold rag. She also purposely positioned herself in front to block Seto, just incase this stare-down was possibly going to cause Kaiba to punch her boyfriend a second time.

 

“All right.” Kaiba said. “If you really want to prove yourself......I'll give you one more chance. I have an idea.”

 

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

 

Kaiba had sat down on the couch, hands crossed against his chin......and he wasn't looking very happy.

 

At this moment, Angie came back in with Mokuba who was drinking a glass of hot chocolate. As they moved back in, Mokuba noticed a strange look his brother suddenly gave him as he looked towards him.....there was an odd stressful look in his eyes. Something was up.

 

Mokuba blinked, then immediately sat down to listen in on what his brother was about to say, knowing somehow that whatever it was.....he was involved.

 

“As I told Yugi earlier, we need a distraction that would allow me to get in there, get Mokuba, and get him back out. The problem is that Noah is probably expecting us to attempt to cause some kind of distraction in order to save him. We need to be one step ahead of him.....we need to do something that Noah wouldn't expect, to shake him up and throw him off balance. If anyone goes over there and starts pounding on doors to get his attention, all that will do is cause Noah to order reinforcements in guarding over Mokuba. That's why we have to do something totally different. And if this works out correctly, my plan will cause him to do exactly the opposite.” Kaiba stated, once again glancing at Mokuba with almost concern.

 

Mokuba's eyes widened, as he began to understand what his brother was saying, and gave a subtle nod to him to let him understand that he was okay with it.

 

“So, what is this plan?” Seto asked.

 

Kaiba now glared coldly over at Seto, replying, “This plan involves you.....and my brother. Understand right now that in order for this plan to work, it will be forcing me to trust you in not only carrying out my orders without question, but that you will also be doing all in your power to protect my brother.....placing his life even before your own. And I swear, if you botch this up......I `will' make you pay for it!”

 

Seto's eyes widened in fear from Kaiba's threat, and nervously swallowed.

 

“I don't get it.” Joey stupidly said. “How does Seto and Mokuba here fit in the whole thing?”

 

Yami then emerged and nodded in understanding. “I see. So, what you plan on doing is to have Seto pass by the mansion with Mokuba, leaving Noah to believe that the other Mokuba is no longer being held by force.”

 

“That's right.” Kaiba smirked. “Hmph.....maybe you're not a total waste in this world, after all. Seto's job is actually quite simple. As long as he listens to me.....even he can't screw it up. All he has to do is walk by and be certain that a security guard sees him. That guard will undoubtedly report to Noah on his findings. And from what I've seen on Noah's behavior.....I guarantee you he'll start ordering his guards on a man hunt to find him before he even considers looking where he originally kept him. Then it's a simple matter of finding him and getting him out.”

 

Angie looked concerned, stating, “Don't you think that's a bit of a gamble? I mean.....what if Noah doesn't take the bait?”

 

“It's a moot point.” Kaiba answered. “Even if for some reason Noah doesn't react the way I expect, at the very least it'll cause him to go to the room where he's keeping Mokuba and make sure he's still there. By that time, I'm expected to all ready be in the mansion. It might cause more difficulty to get through the guards and get him out....but as an advantage, their concern will lead me straight to him. I'll still have surprise on my side. No one will expect anyone inside the building.....especially not me, after Seto had all ready passed by.”

 

Tea then said, “That still sounds a bit risky.” leading Seto to look over in jealousy over her possible note of concern towards him. “But, let's say Noah does send a bunch of guards after Seto and Mokuba. What's going to keep them from kidnapping your brother?”

 

Kaiba answered, “That's where the rest of you come in. Yugi.....you're going to be in charge over your little fan group to set up a distraction and stall them from the main target. I don't care if you plan to duel them, or chant your little friendship speeches.....just do whatever you have to, to make sure they are delayed. That should give Seto more than enough time to get Mokuba back here to Yugi's.”

 

Kaiba next turned to Seto, saying, “Don't screw this up. Go straight here, and hide. When everyone's done with their task, we will meet at Yugi's....so you have no other reason to go anywhere else.” He then turned to Mokuba, saying, “When it comes to hiding, listen to my brother. Believe me....when it comes to finding a way to disappear, you can't find anyone better than him.”

 

Mokuba smiled proudly at the compliment.

 

“Any questions?” Kaiba asked.

 

Seto stood, saying, “First of all.....that was Yami you were talking to, not Yugi. Secondly.....I don't agree.”

 

Kaiba narrowed his eyes at him, as Tea asked, “What's wrong, Seto? You don't think it's a good plan?”

 

“Actually.....the plan is fine. But, I'm going to be the one to save Mokie.” Seto stated.

 

Kaiba shook his head, feeling a headache coming on. “Not this again. For once in your life, can you perhaps `try' not to be so stupid??”

 

“Don't you see that makes more sense?” Seto asked. “This way, you're with your brother, and I'm saving mine.”

 

“Great idea, genius......except for one minor problem.” Kaiba sarcastically replied. “You know absolutely nothing about the lay-out of the mansion, inside or out.”

 

“That's okay.” Seto said. “All you have to do is tell me how to get through it.”

 

Kaiba put a finger up, stating, “First of all.....you're too incompetent to even follow the simplest of directions. What makes you think you could memorize a complicated map outline?” Kaiba then drew his second finger, each point he made against Seto added another finger, to point out just how dumb he was being. “Secondly, even I don't know the exact location of where Mokuba is presently being held. I have educated guesses based on my own experience, which I'm confident will lead me there. But someone like you with the instincts of a plant would never be able to find the right area.”

 

“Hey!” Seto snapped.

 

A third finger came up, as Kaiba continued, “Third reason this wont work is because the mansion is loaded with alarms and security doors, both inside and outside of this building. I don't even think you can handle memorizing the maps to get through. There's absolutely no chance you can figure out both the directions and the security clearances at the same time. You would undoubtedly set one of them off and destroy the whole plan, when you end up getting captured along with him. Then we'd be back to square one to rescue both Mokuba `and' a moron. And I'll tell you this now.....if you get captured, don't think for an instant that I plan on helping you get back out.”

 

“Gee, thanks.” Seto pouted, as Mokuba started to hide his mouth so know one would notice he looked like he was about to laugh. His brother was just so good at ripping people apart......even himself.

 

A forth finger was added. “You lack the experience, you lack the instincts, you have no concept of what you're dealing with, and you're as pathetic and stupid as that stray dog over there.”

 

“What??” Joey snapped. “Hey, who are you calling a dog?!?”

 

“So......are you finally going to stop insisting on being the one to save him? Or are you going to continue to show just how dumb your really are? All you're doing is wasting everyone's time.” Kaiba said.

 

By this time, Seto was looking at his shoes feeling absolutely miserable. It's one thing to have faults. It's totally another to have them shoved right into your face, like that.

 

Mokuba really felt bad for him. But, at the same time.....he knew his brother was right. Mokuba stood and walked over to him, grasping onto his hand. “Seto......my brother's right. Back in our world, the mansion has a whole bunch of secret doors and passages and stuff. I had to use them not too long ago to escape from this other crazy version of Seto. And if I didn't know them as well as I did.....it could have caused some real problems. Even a map wouldn't help much with that. So, you see.....”

 

“Hold on.”

 

Mokuba stopped his explanation, then turned hearing his brother interrupt him. Kaiba was eyeing him strangely, and asked, “Why don't you back that up a bit, and explain to me what you're talking about. Why did you need to use the secret passages back home?”

 

Suddenly, Mokuba paled....realizing what he had said in front of his brother. “Oh, uh.....it's nothing.”

 

“You're going to tell me......right now.”

 

Mokuba lowered his head, asking, “Can I tell you later....please? If I tell you now, it's only going to upset you.”

 

“That wasn't a request.” Kaiba added, reinforcing his command on Mokuba.

 

“Okay.....” Mokuba pouted. “But don't say I didn't warn you.”

 

Mokuba sat down, saying, “Actually......I slept through most of what was going on. After Seto here left, another one of you showed up in his place. He took me home and let me sleep. But.....something went wrong with Yugi's Puzzle, I guess. Cuz then, a whole bunch of Seto's started to show up.”

 

Mokuba paused, as Kaiba urged, “Go on.....”

 

Mokuba looked away, muttering, “Uh, well.....then the crazy one started capturing everyone. Then another Seto that looked like a little kid came and got me. We snuck in the passageway, and.....found that they had gotten Yugi and his friends! So, then they were dueling for control. And......while they did that, we freed the others. Then after that.....Yugi came up with a plan, and sent everyone home.”

 

Kaiba eyed him skeptical, as Mokuba nodded vigorously with a big grin on his face. “Yep.....that's what happened. That's it.”

 

Kaiba knew damn well there had to be more that happened than that. Mokuba was acting `way' too guilty, and pausing too much in his explanation.....as if he was making things up.

 

But there was no sense pushing the issue further......they had another Mokuba to save. Besides.....there was no sense spouting their personal laundry for the rest of Yugi's group to hear, anyway.

 

.....strangely, the vague things Mokuba did describe sounded coincidentally like some of the worlds he ended up in. Could those other versions of him have somehow ended up in his world, causing trouble while he was in theirs?