Yu-Gi-Oh! Fan Fiction ❯ Seto's Wish Alternate World Conclusion ❯ C51 The Gathering ( Chapter 51 )

C51 The Gathering

 

Yugi looked up and suddenly panicked. “Wait!”

 

Everyone stopped and stared at him.

 

“What's wrong, Yug?” Joey asked.

 

“Well, I know it's still early out...but maybe one of you should wear a disguise.” Yugi said the quickly ran back into his house, and came out with an old hat and sunglasses.

 

Showing them to Kaiba, Yugi said, “Here, Kaiba....put this on. With your outfit, no one would think twice.”

 

“You've got to be kidding me.” Kaiba spat. “I wouldn't be seen dead in that.” He then nodded towards Seto, adding, “Give your grandpa's clothes to the incompetent one. Anything has to be an improvement to what he's wearing, now.”

 

“Hey!” Seto snapped. “What's wrong with my clothes? And why should I wear that, anyway? They're `supposed' to know who I am!”

 

Mokuba smiled, saying, “Compared to the Seto of this world, Yugi....my brother's probably considered disguised, anyway.”

 

“I guess so.” Yugi said, hanging the items on his mailbox, as the others started to walk away.

 

As he joined with the others, Tristan gave Yugi a pat on the back, saying, “Don't worry about it, Yugi....it's the thought that counts. And Mokuba's probably right. In that get-up, Kaiba barely looks like Seto, at all.”

 

Yugi nodded, saying, “I hope your right, Tristan. Otherwise, we could all be in trouble.” Then they too joined the others.

 

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

 

As they walked along, Tea was trying to comfort Seto. “Come on Seto, cheer up. At least you get to see Yami duel.”

 

“Yeah, but its just not the same. I want to do something else. I don't want to just stand around and look stupid!”

 

“Why not? It's what you do best.” Kaiba muttered.

 

Seto glared at him. “I heard that!”

 

Kaiba just shrugged, like he cared, since that was his intention in the first place.

 

“Forget him, Seto.” Tea said.

 

“Yeah, Kaiba's just a jerk, anyway. Just look at it this way....at least now you can finally see Noah challenge a real duelist.” Joey grinned.

 

“Hey! What is that supposed to mean??” Seto asked, feeling offended.

 

Tristan slapped Seto on the shoulder, saying, “Don't worry about it. Just cuz you're not a real duelist, doesn't mean you can't get better, someday!”

 

“He can't get any worst.....” Tea added, causing his friends to snicker around them.

 

“Yeah, well we'll just see who's the real duelist!” Seto snapped. “After Yami, I'm going to be the one to fight Noah, myself!”

 

Kaiba instantly grabbed Seto behind him, slamming him against a nearby tree. “How many times do I have to pound it into your head before you finally get it? You're not dueling Noah. If you duel Noah, you will endanger the Mokuba from this world. If you have any interest in your brother's well being, you'll leave it in the hands of someone who can actually duel!”

 

“Hey.....maybe you were just lucky. That doesn't mean I can't beat Noah. It's not fair, I should be the one to fight for my own brother!” Seto childishly spat.

 

Kaiba's eyes narrowed, hissing, “You know what? You don't deserve the Mokuba from this world. You don't deserve him from any world. Not only am I going to save him, I think I'll take him back home with me. At least, that way I can actually guarantee his safety.”

 

Everyone stopped, shocked from Kaiba's sudden proposal. Mokuba looked up equally surprised from his brother's proclamation. He also felt excited over the idea. If Mokie went home with them, he would feel like he had another brother.....kinda of a twin. It would be fun. He would finally have someone to play with all the time.

 

“You wouldn't do that.” Seto said, also not expecting such a comment.

 

The grin on Kaiba's face only widened more as the thought moved through Kaiba's mind. He liked the idea, too. It was actually a spur of the moment thought to try and shut Seto up, but he really liked this idea. It would guarantee Mokie would be 100% safe from Noah, and he wouldn't have to do anything rash that he was originally considering.

 

Seto then clearly saw it in Kaiba's eyes.....he meant every word. He had to make sure to cut that idea off quick, before he lost Mokie forever. “B-but.....what about Mom? If Mokie vanished like that, Mom and Dad would be so heart-broken.....and so would Angie.”

 

And to help reinforce her brother's words, Angie also came over, grasping Kaiba's arm. “Please, Seto.....don't take my brother away from us!”

 

Kaiba's jaw clenched, knowing after that....he wouldn't be able to do it. Even though he could care less over Seto's problems, Mokie's disappearance would definitely upset Angie and their parents. He couldn't do it to them.

 

Mokuba also felt guilty that he even considered that to be a good idea. He would never want to hurt anyone. But, there were times he felt so lonely.....

 

Finally, Kaiba shoved Seto away, saying, “If you don't want that to happen, then you better not do anything stupid to put him in danger. Don't think I wont do it, if I feel he's better off somewhere else.”

 

Kaiba then turned and continued on his way, Mokuba following behind and soon the others also joining.

 

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

 

Since they still had to walk a bit to reach the Kaiba mansion, Mokuba glanced behind him to see Angie still looking upset. She probably had a lot to be upset about. First, Kaiba told her she meant nothing to him, and then he was threatening to take her new brother away from them.

 

Mokuba then glared at Seto, mentally blaming him. For some reason, Seto had continually been saying things to make his brother angry.....this was all his fault. So, Mokuba decided maybe he could do something about that. He then looked up at Kaiba, and said, “I'm gonna talk to the other Seto for a minute.”

 

Kaiba silently nodded, not sure why Mokuba wanted to talk to him, but trusting his brother, nonetheless.

 

Mokuba moved back to the others, grabbed Seto, saying, “I want to talk to you.” and then continued to let them fall back behind the others, so no one else would hear. It confused the others, but they didn't interfere.

 

“What's up?” Seto asked, smiling down at Mokuba.

 

Mokuba said, “I don't know what this fight between you and my brother is about. But I want you to stop it. You hurt your own sister twice now because of it.”

 

“This isn't my fault! This is Kaiba's fault!” Seto snapped.

 

“You purposely keep pushing his buttons!” Mokuba snapped. “And earlier when you told Angie that Seto didn't care, you had no right to do that to her.”

 

“I was just letting her know the truth.” Seto said.

 

“No you weren't.” Mokuba said. “You knew Seto would lie, and made him say it, anyway. That wasn't nice.”

 

Seto replied, “Hey, I wouldn't talk about lying, if I were you. It doesn't take a business genius like your brother to know you were lying through your teeth earlier about all those other Kaiba's. Whatever danger you were in, you obviously kept most of that out. So, what's up with that?”

 

It was a direct change of subject, something his own brother was very good at doing when he didn't want to be cornered. But it worked like charm. Mokuba paled, after hearing that....not expecting that Seto would figure that out. And if Seto caught it, then no doubt his brother realized it, as well. Mokuba looked down, saying, “It would only make Seto upset, and I didn't want to make him angry.”

 

“What happened over there....for real?” Seto asked.

 

Mokuba hesitated, looking up at Seto, considering if he should hide it from him, as well. But unlike Kaiba, Seto seemed safer. He wouldn't get upset like his brother would. He wouldn't feel personal guilt over something that wasn't his fault. He wouldn't want to get even with the world, because of something that was beyond everyone's control.

 

Mokuba nodded and decided to tell him everything. And after he explained everything to him, it felt so good to get it all off his chest, without fear of what this information could cause.

 

“Wow......that guy sounds even more psycho than your brother.” he joked, but shut up when Mokuba didn't look too happy. “Uh.....it was just a joke.”

 

“No it wasn't.” Mokuba said. “And the worst part about it is that my brother was once like that.”

 

“What?” Seto asked, shocked. Even if Kaiba seemed cruel at times, Mokuba was always the most important thing in his life. It was hard to fathom that Kaiba could do or say anything to hurt Mokuba, like DTKaiba did.

 

“It wasn't his fault.” Mokuba said. “It was Gozaburo's fault. We didn't have Noah in our world. But, Gozaburo was just as bad, if not worst. Even after our stepfather was dead, it was too late for Seto. He had found a way to take just about every part of my brother that was ever nice. It's all Seto knew how to be was mean and uncaring.” Mokuba looked down at the ground in sadness. “It was also my fault. Our mother died because I was born. Our father died because our mother was gone. Seto went through all this, because.....”

 

“Stop it.” Seto snapped. “You can't blame yourself for being born, that your brother became a jerk. So, if he turned into that monster that was trying to take over your world, how did he end up being at least partially human?”

 

Mokuba glared at him for the comment towards his brother, but answered anyway, “Yugi had to shatter his heart with the puzzle. He was in a coma for a few weeks, as he picked up the pieces and started over. He became what you see him like now.....but, it's not fair! Why shouldn't I blame myself for this? I have living proof right in front of me of how my Seto could be like if I was never around! You're happy, you smile a lot, you have friends and family. Maybe it would be better off if we left Mokie in that mansion. It seems no matter what world I'm in, I still end up getting captured and used against you.”

 

Seto put a hand on Mokuba's shoulder, saying, “I don't think you're brother would like you putting yourself down like that. I know I don't like it. We're going to free this other you, not just because you're my new brother......but because you're worth it.”

 

Mokuba looked up at him as he smiled down at Mokuba. “I'm only sorry that I can't be the one to set you free.”

 

“Thanks.” Mokuba said, and smiled back at him. “I guess I needed that.”

 

“Now, go on up before your brother starts to get jealous that you're with me.” Seto said, and watched Mokuba run back loyally to his brother.

 

And as Mokuba ran up, the smile on Seto's face became a frown. Mokie was in that mansion suffering from Noah. And if Mokie was anything like Mokuba, then the kid was blaming himself and wishing he were dead so he wouldn't be a burden to Seto. `You're wrong, Mokie. I'm going to save you. And I'm going to prove to you that you're worth it.'

 

It was in fact a weird understanding that hit Seto, after he and Mokuba had talked. The torment that Mokie was going through......it should have been him. Seto was the one that was tortured in Mokuba's world and because of it, it made him into Kaiba. And what turned Kaiba into a cold-hearted bastard in Kaiba's world, ended up breaking Mokie in his world, turning him into the mute slave they knew today.

 

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

 

Once they got close enough, Kaiba directed them to continue to the mansion. Then he and Mokuba slipped away to the side, totally out of sight.

 

Kaiba made sure both phones worked, and that they were given the right numbers. He then said. “I'll keep the phone on vibrate. Only call if you see someone I don't, or if you're in danger. Otherwise, I should be doing all the calling.”

 

“Don't worry, Seto.....I'll watch your back.” Mokuba said. He then paused, and said, “Uh....but what if I call you inside the mansion and you don't pick up. Should I warn the others?”

 

“No. Under no circumstances are you to involve them in this.” Kaiba said. “If I don't pickup, I'm probably just occupied with something. This phone gives messages on the phone numbers I don't answer. So, I'll simply call back when I can. Keep your phone on vibrate, as well. I don't want the ringer to give you away.”

 

“Okay.” Mokuba said.

 

Mokuba then stayed hidden on high ground as he watched his brother slip down towards the mansion. `Good luck, Seto.' Mokuba thought, realizing he didn't ask his brother if he planned on doing anything else. Whatever it was.....he hoped it wasn't dangerous.

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

 

As the doorbell rang, the security officer answered it and was surprised to see the entire group in front of the mansion door. “You're a bit early.” the guard said. “Master Noah is not expecting anyone until 8:00 sharp.”

 

“We are not here for Seto, just yet!” Yami cried out dramatically. “If Noah wants to battle Seto, he is first going to have to challenge me!”

 

“That wasn't part of the deal.” the security blandly stated.

 

“Why don't we let that be Noah's decision? Or perhaps your master's afraid to challenge me in a duel?” Yami asked.

 

The security sighed, and replied, “Wait here.” He closed the door to go speak with Noah.

 

As he did, Yami crossed his hands triumphantly with a huge smirk on his face, as if he had just won a duel. His friends eyed him curiously as he stood, patiently waiting. There was something about him that left them hesitant to this plan. Perhaps it was the glint in his eye that made Yami look raring for a fight, or the fact that Yami never questioned Kaiba's change in plans even once about him facing Noah. Or perhaps his voice sounded almost too determined to start this distraction.

 

But, it seemed to them that Yami possibly wanted to do this duel as more than just a mere distraction. Yami was playing to win.

 

`Yami......we are just doing this as a distraction, right?' Yugi asked him.

 

`But, of course, Yugi. And if we happen to win this duel as well, then we can also finally avenge you and your grandfather for all the trouble Noah has caused.' Yami answered.

 

Yugi was suddenly worried. `But, we're just supposed to be a distraction! What if our victory causes more complications with saving Mokuba??'

 

`I don't see that being a problem.' Yami answered. `Besides, even though I have confidence in Kaiba's victory, if there is a chance he fails......Noah will then have one more disgraceful defeat to still content with. He will have to deal with us!'

 

Yugi sighed, hoping this wasn't going to blow up in anyone's faces.

 

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

 

“Master Noah......everyone has arrived, and Yugi Motou demands to fight you first.” the security reported.

 

Noah looked to him, and asked, “Are you sure it's everyone? Is Seto there, too?”

 

“Yes, sir.” the guard answered.

 

“Good......at least they're not trying anything.” Noah said, looking into the mirror and making sure his hair looked perfect. “What insolence. Now, that they don't have my blackmail over their heads, Yugi thinks he can just show up and challenge me? Seto's actions have made them think they can walk all over me. But, it wont be much longer now before I once again put them all back in their place. I'll make them all pay for daring to humiliate me!”

 

“What should we do with them, sir?” the security asked.

 

“Don't worry......I'll play Yugi's little game, if only to remind him who is the grand champion. Then after crushing both him and Seto, I will make them wish they never challenged me in the first place!” Noah snapped.

 

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

 

Kaiba had made it to the secret door to enter the mansion, when his phone vibrated. Instinctly, he whirled to see a guard about to strike and took him out quick and hard. Kaiba then picked up the phone, saying, “Thanks.”

 

“Be careful, Seto! There might be more that I can't see!” Mokuba said.

 

Kaiba had seen the two guards making their pattern rounds. He knocked one out and avoided the other. But, he didn't expect one to come out to let the others know they had company. That's when he was seen. He quickly tied the latest guard up with his own belt and tossed him into a nearby bush. “Don't worry, I'll be fine. I'm going in.”

 

“Okay.” Mokuba replied, hoping his brother would be okay.

 

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

 

“Well well......look what we have here.” Noah said, grinning at the group. He was pleased to see just how anxious they were to challenge him again, that they would actually show up 2 hours early. And here he thought after Seto had beaten him, they would ignore him without offering threats and kidnapping to draw them out.

 

“And what makes you think I'd find anyone else worthy to battle, except Seto?” Noah asked. He looked over at Seto, saying, “So.....since you're here, are you ready to face me, now?”

 

Seto so badly wanted to jump up and accept Noah's challenge. The only thing that kept him from not insisting to battle Noah was Kaiba's threat to forever take his brother away from him, and that angered Seto more than anything. `He has some nerve threatening to kidnap my brother. How can he stand there and claim that he's the better brother, after Mokuba told me that he was once as bad as that other psycho Kaiba?? He didn't give a damn about his brother at one time! We'll see who's unfit....'

 

Fortunately, Seto's stewing allowed Yami the time to answer first for him. He immediately brought his arm up to keep Seto from speaking, as he announced, “I have all ready said if you want to fight Seto, you have to challenge me, first.”

 

“Is that a threat?” Noah asked. “You dare threaten me? Maybe you have forgotten who you are facing, Yugi!”

 

“I know exactly who I am facing!” Yami boomed. “I am facing a coward who was so afraid to fight me before, he had to blackmail my grandfather to keep me silenced. Well, no more, Noah! I am going to battle to return his honor you have stolen from him!”

 

Angie nudged Seto at the moment, snapping him out of his pouting fit, as she whispered, “Wow.....I didn't know Yami could act that well. He makes his challenge sound so real.”

 

Seto whispered back, “I don't think he's acting, Angie.”

 

Angie then looked back over at the two arguing, suddenly concerned.

 

“How dare you call me a coward! Fine, you want to know the real reason I blackmailed you, Yugi? It's because I was sick of you nobodies always bothering me with these pathetic nothing challenges. You and your sad little group are nothing to me, and I was tired of you people wasting my time!” Noah spat.

 

But, Yami simply responded with a smirk, as he replied, “Well, obviously we weren't too much of a waste of time, since Seto had successfully defeated you, all ready. Perhaps my challenging you wont take as long to gain a victory as it did for Seto.”

 

Noah scowled at that. “Fine, you want to challenge me, then I'll accept your pathetic challenge. Just because Seto got lucky does not mean any nobody can simply take me down. Maybe after defeating you, Seto will finally understand just how hopeless his next duel with me will be!”

 

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

 

Kaiba had made it in the building. After knocking out another guard, slipping through more security alarms and making it to the right hall, he was now in view of his destination.

 

There were just some things, even in another universe, that didn't change. His stepfather's master room was one of them.

 

Kaiba picked up the cell phone and dialed his brother back. “It's me.” he whispered.

 

“Seto, why did it take so long for you to call back? Did you get the other me, yet?” Mokuba asked.

 

“Not yet.” Kaiba said. “There's been a change of plans.” he added, even though for him it was never a change. He intended on doing this all along. “I'm going to find Gozaburo first and have a heart to heart talk with him. I'll get the other you out, as soon as I'm done.”

 

“What? You can't do that!” Mokuba protested. “What are you thinking! If you face Gozaburo, you're going to let people know you're in there!”

 

“If I don't see Gozaburo, then any deal I make in our duel will have no meaning. Noah has all ready made a point that he doesn't keep his agreements, and Gozaburo has more to lose for going back on a deal than his son does. I might not be able to convince his brat kid to keep a deal......but I know I can convince him. The other Mokuba has to be kept safe after I'm gone, somehow.....this is the only way. I'll get him out when I'm done.” Kaiba said.

 

Mokuba stated, “You planned on doing this all along, didn't you?” When Kaiba didn't answer, Mokuba added, “But, Seto......you wont have enough time. Yami can only stall for so long, and we only have till 8. If you're not out before then, then Seto will have to battle for you.”

 

“Don't worry.....I'll be out before they're done.”

 

Kaiba hung up and once again faced Gozaburo's door. He hated to do this, but he feared if he didn't get out in time, he would have to leave Mokie there until after the duel. Making the deal become more important. This deal could ensure that the other Mokuba would not only be let free, but this time stay free. He was certain Yugi's group would have never gone along with this plan, since this meant not saving Mokie. And when he's done with everything, they would probably all look at him like he was selling out his brother for a game or a business deal. But, that's why he was the only one that could do it. He had to accept this rationally and see it through.

 

Besides......it's not like it would be the first time he had committed crimes against his brother.

 

Kaiba now marched towards his stepfather's office, once again prepared to bargain with the man.