Yu-Gi-Oh! Fan Fiction ❯ Seto's Wish ❯ Chapter 1

[ P - Pre-Teen ]

Title: Seto's Wish
Author: Kagome Mokuba
Revision editor: Clarity2199
Editor: Sami Ryous Hikari (1-8)
JoeyWheeler05 (15-24)
Disclaimer: We do not and never will own Yu-Gi-Oh or its characters.
We do not and never will own Yugioh. Yu-Gi-Oh! is a popular game, Japanese anime, and manga franchise created by Kazuki Takahashi that mainly involves the card game called Duel Monsters (originally known as Magic & Wizards). The English version of the Yu-Gi-Oh! manga is released in the United States and Canada by VIZ Media in both the Shonen Jump magazine and in individual graphic novels.
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This takes place between Duelist Kingdom and Battle City. The gang did and didn't know about Mokuba before this story. This will be explained in more detail.
 
If you've read it before then you should know that it's been greatly modified. When this as originally written there were no plans for a sequel. Kaiba dude 101 suggested doing one that was a direct sequel to this. So due to the inconsistencies that arose from that, me and Clarity revised it. Clarity is a lot better when it comes to things like Kaiba's attitude so she did a lot of editing to the revisions.
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Clarity did all the duels in this story. Problems, questions comments send them to Clarity, see my profile or her for contact info.
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Aiko is pronounced eye-ko. My friend Heartbroken swears that's her real name and My other friends Cats' real name is Angelee. Why is Angie in this story? When I first mentioned this story to Cat, she told me to write it and she made sure I was writing. So, her reward for that was being a part of the story. Cat is part of Angie's neopets name coolcat123xyz. It's just a habit I have of calling her Cat. I do it with my other neopets friends too.
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Mokuba's illness and the fact that I made the schools next door to each other were slightly inspired by Cardcaptors episode Stormy Weather in English and Sakura's Dizzy Day of Fever in Japanese and yes I've seen both versions.
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Remember please this is my version of the story. It does not fall under the same guidelines as the series. Forget the rules of the series and enjoy the story! Any facts that were in the series may or may not be different. DO NOT FLAME saying this isn't correct this didn't happen yet or they didn't know this person or this person should be dead or should be alive. This story does not connect to the series!
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If you see an error please feel free to report it to me. I'm happy for good reviews and will show them all to Clarity. Even with two of us no ones perfect so we might have made a mistake please feel free to point this out. Even my editor can only do so much.
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Flamers read my profile! DONOT REVIEW! There is an address to where to send your flames too.
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This is strictly non yaoi, Slight Seto/Tea and only in the alternate world.
Aibou means partner
Nii-sama means Respectful big brother
Onee-chan means big sister. (spelling comes from the manga book Fruits Basket.)
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Chapter 1
 
On Thursday morning the alarm went off. Eleven-year-old Mokuba groaned, slowly rolling over and hitting the alarm hard enough for it to fall off the table, yet still missing the ground because of the cord. He just laid there, with his arm and head hanging off the bed. He stayed there until the alarm went off yet again.
 
“I was hoping it'd hit the floor and break.” He muttered. Finally, he slowly turned over and began to sit up. “Why is it so cold in here?” He asked aloud to himself. As he stood, he suddenly fell back down to the edge of the bed. “Oh man, I can't be sick today.... I have that group project due today and the others are counting on me. I'm supposed to give an oral report on it!”
 
He slowly made his way to his dresser, pulled out his school uniform and got himself dressed. After getting dressed, he pulled a blanket around himself to shake the feeling of being quite cold and lay back down. He wanted to just lie there forever, but he knew if he went to sleep it wouldn't be long before Seto or one of the maids would be in there to tell him it was time to get up. So, despite the screaming rage going on inside his head telling him furiously to go back to sleep, he got up. But as he did, he shivered as he took the blanket off. So, Mokuba quickly grabbed a sweater, put it on, and then headed downstairs. As he made his way slowly into the kitchen and sat down at the table, he vaguely noticed his brother wasn't there. The maid set down a plate of bacon and eggs in front of Mokuba; whose hands resting on the table and his head resting on them, eyes closed.
 
The maid gently woke him. “Master Mokuba, come on.... time to get up. You need to eat or you'll be late for school.” She also found it odd that he was wearing a sweater, since it was suppose to get almost 80 degrees that day.
 
He opened his eyes slightly to look at the food. His stomach was grumbling and the food looked good, but he wasn't sure he had the energy to eat it.
 
The maid, whose name was Marci, noticed his face was flushed when he looked up, and placed her hand on his forehead. “You seem a bit hot today young master. Perhaps you should stay home.”
 
“No,” Mokuba said, sitting up and pulling the plate closer. “I'll be okay. Where's Seto? He's going to be late for school.”
 
“He's not home. He had an early business meeting before school.” Marci said.
 
“Oh.” Was all Mokuba said as he finished his breakfast. After he finished, he then slowly stood up only to fall back down into the chair.
 
Marci walked over and bent down in front of him. “Why don't we call Master Kaiba and have him call you in sick.”
 
“I can't, I have a big group project due today and I can't miss it.” Mokuba said desperately.
 
“Are you certain? I'm sure your group would understand.” Marci softly replied.
 
“I'll be fine, I'm sure.” Mokuba said. Then he got up and went to the front door, checking his backpack to make sure he had everything he needed for the class project. He kneeled down on the floor... then suddenly feeling dizzy, he fell backwards. He caught himself with his hands to keep his back or head from hitting the floor.... then shook his head to drive away the dizziness. Once the spinning of his head had calmed down, he made certain all his things were in order, then pulled his backpack closer and zipped it up. Mokuba then opened the door to see Charlie, the limo driver, waiting for him.
 
“Are you all right Master Mokuba?” Charlie asked, seeming concerned. “You don't look well.”
 
“Yeah I'm fine.” Mokuba replied. Mokuba then climbed into the limo to be taken to school, the limo driver helping him in for a change, since he was still concerned on Mokuba's condition... and because of the way he had felt today, Mokuba didn't argue.
 
Mokuba fell asleep on the ride to school and if it hadn't been for the shoulder strap of his seat belt, he probably would have fallen flat on his face on the sidewalk when the driver opened the door.
 
“Master Mokuba...if I dare say, you are not looking well enough for school. Perhaps we should go next door and see if Master Kaiba is there yet.” Said the driver.
 
“I can't, I have a big project. I can't miss that class.” Insisted Mokuba.
 
“I believe it would be better if you called in sick..... I'm sure your teacher would understand.” Persuaded Charlie.
 
“The teacher might, but seeing as the project requires a speech and I'm suppose to be the one to give it, I don't think the other kid's would. I'll be fine, honestly.” Mokuba urged.
 
“I don't know.... Master Kaiba will be greatly upset when he finds out we didn't do more to make you stay home.” Said Charlie, doubtful.
 
“Don't worry about it. I'll tell Seto that it wasn't your fault, that it was mine.... I promise.” Mokuba said, getting his backpack and starting to leave.
 
“Master Mokuba, do you have your lunch?” asked Charlie suddenly.
 
Mokuba winced, “I knew I was bound to forget something. Oh well, no problem.... I'll do without it.”
 
“Here.” Charlie said, handing him five dollars.
 
“I can't take your money.” Mokuba exclaimed.
 
“I insist. You need to eat.... you can pay me back later.” Said the driver graciously.
 
Mokuba smiled and took the money. “Thanks, Charlie.”
 
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First period was like a blur.... nothing special. He was thankful he had no homework yet, considering he probably wouldn't have remembered it, anyway. He couldn't even be sure that he didn't go to sleep. No one said anything, but the bell woke him. He was trying his best to stay awake during second period, but it wasn't easy. Looking at the blackboard made him feel like he had severe tunnel vision. The last thing he remembered was the teacher saying everything they were going to discuss that day was going to be on their next test..... after that, he seemed to space-out.
 
“Mr. Kaiba, are you feeling all right?” Ms. Honda asked, bending down in front of him.
 
“Huh?” Mokuba blinked once or twice; he hadn't heard a word the teacher had said.
 
Ms. Honda looked at him, as she placed her hand on his forehead. Then she looked at the student next to Mokuba. “Miss. Shido, would you mind helping young Mr. Kaiba to the nurses office?” Ms. Honda asked.
 
“Sure Ms. Honda.” Jeri Shido said.
 
“No, I'm fine.... I can handle it. I have a group project due next period.” Mokuba protested.
 
“I see. What class is it?” enquired Ms. Honda
 
“History with Ms. Lane.” Mokuba answered.
 
“Does anyone else have history with Ms. Lane, next period?” Ms. Honda asked, glancing around the class.
 
“I am.... and I'm in his group, Ms. Honda.” Jeri said
 
“Good. So Mr. Kaiba, do you have everything ready for this project of yours?” Ms. Honda asked.
 
“Yes, ma'am but…” Mokuba started
 
“No buts, young man. Now give everything on your project to Miss. Shido.... I'll send a note with her to your next period teacher, explaining everything and have it for her when she returns from taking you to the nurses office.” Ms. Honda said.
 
“But…” Mokuba whined in vain.
 
“No arguments. You can barely keep your head up.” Said Ms. Honda, signaling the end of their conversation.
 
Mokuba wanted to argue more, but quickly realized it'd be a waste of energy. He reached into his backpack and dug out what he needed. Then he handed Jeri his speech and everything else he had prepared for the project. She set it all down next to her desk and helped him up. Then the teacher gave them a hall pass, and they proceeded to the nurse's office.
 
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Meanwhile.... next door at the high school, the math teacher was facing the blackboard and talking. Some students took notes, others passed notes, and a few other students, Seto Kaiba among them.... were sleeping.
 
“Now class…” Mr. Hawkins started, but then stopped when he noticed the few of his students were sleeping. He took a ruler and whacked the desk furiously causing everyone, including those that were asleep, to look up. “It seems my lecture is starting to bore some of you students. Mr. Kaiba, why don't you come up and finish these problems on the right side of the blackboard?”
 
Despite being caught sleeping, Kaiba stood and acted just as superior.... as if he owned the entire school.
 
The teacher turned around and began to write on the chalkboard, as Seto Kaiba approached the front of the class. On his way up, Joey was nonchalantly snickering, proving his maturity as usual. And as Kaiba passed, he whacked him right in the back of the head, and kept going.... heading to the front of the class, while smirking.
 
“Hey!” Joey yelled, annoyed.
 
“Problems, Mr. Wheeler?” Mr. Hawkins asked.
 
Before Joey could reply, Kaiba shook his head at Joey very slightly, as if to warn him if he told on him.... he'd wish he never had.
 
Joey gave Kaiba a glare, then giving a smirk at the teacher he said, “Yeah, dare's a problem. Kaiba hit me!” `Dat'll teach the stuck-up jerk!' Joey thought with a smug grin.
 
Mr. Hawkins then raised an eyebrow, asking, “Is that so? Interesting.....I was told by Ms. Wilson you've been making up quite a few stories concerning Mr. Kaiba, lately.”
 
“What?! No way!” Joey spat out, in protest.
 
“Oh, then you don't remember yesterday's antics, when you blamed Seto Kaiba for throwing paper wads at her.” Mr. Hawkins pointed out.
 
At that, Joey leaped up, pointing at Kaiba, as he spat. “But.....but he `did' throw that at her!”
 
“And he mysteriously got your homework notes, with your name on it....in your handwriting?” Hawkins asked.
 
Joey growled, “But.....but.....I was framed!” he cried.
 
Arms crossed, Kaiba looked away with a slight smirk on his face. `I warned the mutt not to speak. Obviously some dogs need to go back to obedience training....' He knew those notes he found lying around Joey's desk would come in handy, and what a perfect way to get the mutt in trouble, by throwing paper wads bearing his name and handwriting. And he knew the teachers were so stupid, they wouldn't see such obvious ploy.
 
But quickly breaking from his train of thought, Kaiba decided it would be best not to just stand there doing nothing, and get in more trouble because of it. So, while Joey continued to argue with the teacher, Kaiba turned to the blackboard, ignoring the whole situation, and proceeded to do the questions that had been asked of him.
 
“Of course you were. Please come up and do the left side of the board for me, while Mr. Kaiba is finishing with his problems.....” Mr. Hawkins said.
 
“WHAT?! Do I have to?” Joey exclaimed.
 
“No, Mr. Wheeler I won't force you to do it. You may come in during your lunch period or perhaps detention after school, and do it then.” Replied Mr. Hawkins.
 
“But...but...argh!!” Joey grumbled, going to the left side of the chalkboard. As he approached, he glared over at Kaiba, who was calmly leaning against the wall next to the chalkboard, waiting for the teacher. `He's already done?! No way!' Joey thought, getting even more pissed than he already was. As if it wasn't bad enough that he was up there too, but now he was going to have Kaiba staring at him the whole time as he did the word problems. `Stupid Kaiba, he's doing this on purpose just to piss me off. Well, I'll show him!'
 
Joey pointed at Kaiba again, snapping, “Hey, teach.....Kaiba's not doing nothing!”
 
The teacher glanced over at Kaiba questioningly, who merely shrugged, answering, “It's not my fault that it takes me less time to finish these word problems, than it does for Wheeler to finally shut his trap.”
 
The teacher looked over and sure enough.... Kaiba was not only finished on the board, but they were all correct. “Um, yes very good Mr. Kaiba, you may take your seat.” He concluded.
 
`Hmph, that work was child's play. I had it finished in my head before he even called on me to do it!' Kaiba thought to himself.
 
Joey on the other hand barely had one problem finished by the time Kaiba got back to his seat. There were 20 questions on the board, and Joey had maybe 5 completed when the bell rang.
 
“All right class, do pages 15 & 16 in your math book. Mr. Wheeler, you on the other hand will also sit down and copy the rest of the problems on the board and complete it at home, then bring it back. I'll write you a note for your next class.” Mr. Hawkins said picking up an eraser to erase Kaiba and Joey's answers before the next class began. “Class dismissed.” Everyone piled out and headed for their next class.
 
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At the same time back in the elementary school, Jeri was helping Mokuba to the nurse's office.
 
“I'm fine, Jeri. There isn't any problem with me. I double-checked everything to be sure my half of our project was perfect. I can't go home sick.... you guys need me.” Mokuba told her.
 
“Yeah, well.... as much as I agree with you there, I have to agree with the teacher too. You don't look so good.” Putting her hand on his forehead, she said “And your head's pretty hot, too.”
 
“But, what about the speech? The teacher wanted it memorized, not just written. That was my job.” Mokuba said, concerned, removing Jeri's hand.
 
“Don't worry about it; I'm sure the teacher will understand. You really need to get some rest. Besides, you won't do us any good if you were to pass out in the middle of your speech.” Jeri said, trying to lighten the mood.
 
“Ha ha, very funny. I wouldn't have done that.” Mokuba said rolling his eyes, though he kind of wondered if maybe she was right.
 
“You don't look all that steady on your feet, either.” Jeri pointed out.
 
“I can make it by myself. I don't really need your help, you know. If you'd rather go on back to class you can.” Mokuba said persuasively.
 
“What, and watch you fall flat on your face when I leave you?” Jeri asked giggling. “Besides, this way maybe I'll kill enough time that class will be either over or close to it, by the time I get back.”
 
“Oh, so the real reason comes out.” Mokuba smirked. But they both quickly became quiet, as they came close to the office. Inside, Jeri left Mokuba with the nurse, and headed back to class. As she did, the nurse led Mokuba over to sit down on the bed.
 
“Now young man, what seems to be the problem?” Nurse Jenny asked.
 
“I'm fine... I just woke up with a headache this morning. I don't know why everyone is making such a big deal out of this.” Mokuba said, tired of everyone telling him that he was sick.
 
“I see.” She said taking out a thermometer and placing it in Mokuba's mouth. A minute later, she took it out. “Well little one, it seems you have a 100 degree fever. Why don't you rest for a while? If it gets any worse, I'm going to have to send you home.”
 
Mokuba wanted to argue, but since every time he did it always turned out to be a waste of energy. Besides that, he was sleepy and figured a nap might do him some good. So he just snuggled into the bed, and was asleep the very moment his head hit the pillow.
 
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A couple of hours later at the high school, history had just ended and everyone was getting in line for the lunch food.
 
“I hate history!” Joey exclaimed. “I can't believe I got double homework and dat jerk Kaiba didn't! Man, dat's not fair! He wasn't paying attention in dis class anymore than he was in Math, and did he get any extra homework? Oh no...not Kaiba!”
 
“Uh, Joey...” Tristan said trying to get his friend to stop, seeing that Kaiba had just a moment ago also gotten in line, and was standing right behind Joey.
 
“Ya know, sometimes I think Kaiba either owns this school or is paying everyone off. Why else would he be such a teachers pet all the time!” Joey ranted on.
 
“The answer is quite simple, Wheeler.... something a dog like you could never understand.” Joey whirled around to see Kaiba standing right behind him. “I'm a genius, I don't need to pay anyone off. The teachers only target losers. So really, the reason they target you is pretty obvious.” Kaiba replied, smirking.
 
At that, Joey began to snarl. “Oh yeah?! Well if you're such a genius, why are you even in this school? Aint brainiacs suppose ta be like grade levels ahead of everyone else and graduating early and everything?!” he snapped.
 
Kaiba glared at Joey, grabbing the one thing in the lunch line he found worth getting...a milk. “Because, unlike you losers, I have something called a life. I suppose I could have taken the accelerated programs, but that would've taken up time...time that I don't have.” Kaiba turned away now, with a sour look on his face. “This whole damn school is a waste of time. I'm 1/2 tempted to take the GED exam and just get out, so I don't have to waste my time being near Yugi's little geek squad anymore than I have to.”
 
“Yeah, well that's just great, cuz we don't want you around neither! So why don't you just do that then...take the exam and get the hell out?” Joey asked, hopeful.
 
“Because unlike a street dog like you, I prefer to play the better role model... I'm not a quitter. There's no such thing as taking the easy way out of anything, without a price behind it.” Kaiba stated. `And some prices are just too great.' Kaiba thought, afterwards. As the older brother, Kaiba had to prove to be a good example to his little brother. If he dropped out, then what would there be to keep Mokuba from doing the same? Though the accelerate classes would prove more of a challenge between school and Kaiba Corp. he wouldn't get to spend anytime at all with Mokuba. Not that he gets to do much of that anyhow.
 
“Huh? And what kind of price would that be?” Joey asked, having no clue of anything bad happening from doing that. `Well, yeah....it probably don't look as good on paper. But we're talking about Kaiba, here. What does he have to worry about? He already owns Kaiba Corp.....it aint like someone can just come and kick `em out cuz he don't look good enough on paper!'
 
Kaiba glared down at Joey, and snapped, “Mind your own business, mutt! And get out of my way!” As Kaiba snapped at him, he shoved through both Joey and Tristan, to get to the register.
 
“Hey!” Tristan cried out.
 
“You jerk!” Joey snarled. “Man, I hate that guy! I wish he would take some test and get out of school, finally getting out of our lives once and for all!”
 
“Yeah, wishful thinking.” Tristan muttered.
 
“Yeah, moneybags probably enjoys being the teachers pet!” Joey sneered, making sure what he said was loud enough for Kaiba to turn in Joey's direction, as Kaiba was paying for his one milk and preparing to walk away.
 
Kaiba glared at Joey, but simply muttered, “Hmph.” and looked away from Joey, walking to his table, not wanting to acknowledge Joey's answer. Normally, Kaiba could actually enjoy `playing with the puppy' at times, but today Kaiba was simply too exhausted. It was the reason he had slept during some of his classes.....that early meeting just took too much out of him. Lately balancing school, work, and taking care of Mokuba had been starting to take a toll on him.
 
Besides...sometimes ignoring Joey could get an even better response than acknowledging him. Sure enough, Joey looked pissed as he snapped, “Yeah that's right, moneybags...you just keep walking! Jerk!”
 
“Joey, just calm down!” Tristan said, holding onto his friend's collar just incase Joey did anything stupid.
 
“Can you believe that stuck-up prick, thinking he's too good ta talk ta me? He's just lucky he ran away from me. I'll show him a street dog!” Joey snapped, as Tristan dragged Joey to their table.
 
“Yeah Joey, I'm sure ya would.” Tristan said sarcastically, sitting down next to him.
 
Yugi was already sitting at the table, and then suddenly he asked, “I wonder what Kaiba meant by a bad example.” Yugi had amazingly seemed to have caught the whole conversation that had taken place.
 
“He said that? Who in the world could look up to Kaiba as a role model?” Tea asked.
 
“Eh...give me a break, Tea. You know Kaiba...he's probably all worried about his `public image' again. Someone outta put Mr. `Rod Up His Ass' in his place!” Joey pouted, grabbing a huge pile of the cafeteria food he ordered and shoved it in his face.
 
“Yeah, like who Joey...you?” Tristan joked.
 
Joey slammed his fork back down upon his plate, glaring at Tristan. “Yeah, me! What you don't think I can do it?! Fine, then maybe I'll show ya!”
 
“Just don't do anything crazy, Joey!” Yugi said, as he began to calm Joey down.
 
“Yeah, Joey......don't do anything stupid `again'!” Tristan said, which only made Joey madder.
 
Joey leaped up, yelling across the cafeteria, “Hey, moneybags! Get over here...I dare ya!”
 
Kaiba glanced up at Joey, but then with a smirk, ignored him and continued to type.
 
If there's one thing Joey hated more than anything in the world, it was being ignored. “Hey, what's the matter, `SETO', are you afraid of me?!”
 
This time Kaiba looked over, not looking very happy. Yugi suddenly swallowed, saying, “Uh, Joe...you didn't just call him what I think you just called him, did you?”
 
“What did you just call me?!” Kaiba snapped, as he stood up, looking rather hostile.
 
“Yeah...he did.” said Tea, with a sweat drop.
 
“Joey, you know it's not smart to call him...” Yugi began to say.
 
But as usual Joey didn't listen, saying, “You heard me, SETO. What are you gonna do about it? Seto, Seto, Seto, Seto...”
 
The whole time Joey continued to shout out the CEO's first name, Kaiba had began to walk angrily to Joey's table. Everyone was getting up anxiously, waiting to see the big fight.
 
“...Seto, Seto, Seto...” Joey shut up the instant he was face to face with Kaiba, just waiting to see if Kaiba would make the first move. Though Kaiba was frightening, starting a fight was not something he would normally do. Of course, he never had a problem with finishing the fight.
 
Kaiba hissed dangerously, “I'm going to give you one chance to apologize to me. No low class loser as yourself `deserves' the right to utter my name...” Then with a smirk, he added, “...and admit I am by far your superior.”
 
“Bite me!” Joey snapped, daring Kaiba to even try.
 
“Hmph...you're the dog, here. Did you already forget your place? Someone ought to put a leash on you.....and maybe a muzzle, just for safe measures.” Kaiba calmly stated.
 
“Grrr...I'll show you who the dog is!!” Joey snarled.
 
“Yep...he will.” Tristan muttered.
 
There's the wind-up, and pitch. Joey makes an attempt at contacting Kaiba square in the face with his fist. Kaiba easily dodged his blows, as it was strike one...strike two...
 
Kaiba grabbed his hand on the third punch and twisted. Strike three, you're out!
 
And indeed, the instant Seto had caught Joey's fist, he swiped at Joey's legs unexpectedly, causing Joey to fall face-first to the ground, letting go of Joey's fist on the way down. As Joey saw the floor quickly coming towards him, his collar was snatched up by a very fast-moving hand. Joey choked when his front collar was pulled to the front of his neck suddenly, but his face was mercifully saved from the fall.
 
Kaiba looked down at Joey's angle, his hand tightly gripping Joey's collar as he smirked, watching the bug-eyed look on Joey's face as he looked in fear at the floor a good inch from his face. Then at once, Kaiba let go, letting that floor finally reach contact with Joey's nose.
 
“OWW!!” Joey cried out, leaping up and clutching his sore nose, little tear spots on either side of his eyes as he took a moment for the pain to subside. The whole time, Kaiba calmly walked away, parting through the disappointed crowd back to his table, who had hoped futilely to see more blood and gore involved.
 
Joey looked Kaiba's way and began to growl yet again, as if he was prepared to follow and attack, but the others got up and pulled Joey back down into his seat.
 
“Joey, will you leave it alone, already?” Tea snapped.
 
“Yeah Joey, Tea's right. Besides, you were lucky...it looked like Kaiba must been in a good mood.” Yugi said.
 
“What?! You call THAT a good mood?” Joey asked.
 
“Well yeah... considering when he kicked your legs out from under you, he could have easily let you fall instead of grabbing a hold of you at the last second.” Tristan stated as Joey just sighed and crossed his arms in frustration.
 
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During lunch, Kaiba was so disgusted with the food that he had chosen not to get any. It wasn't the first and probably not the last time he'd skipped lunch. Instead, he got out his laptop and started working. He could have brought lunch, but he had to leave so early for that meeting that morning that he didn't have time.... besides, he was used to it by now. He started working, when abrupt yelling and screaming suddenly distracted him. Kaiba turned around to see it was only Yugi and his groupies again. It appeared that Tristan had obviously said or did something to cause Joey to start chasing him. Then again from Kaiba's perspective, anything you say or do could set the mutt off. He was surprised this didn't happen more often. The others of course were laughing, obviously finding the whole thing exceedingly amusing. Kaiba just sighed, thinking about how immature they were. Kaiba could have actually found the scene somewhat amusing himself on any other time, but this was not the day...he was too tired to watch the dogs antics today. Instead, he turned back to his computer, intending to go back to work. But as he did, his lack of sleep was once again catching up with him. He soon closed his eyes and rested his head on his hands, finding his mind drifting back to watch Joey go in circles after Tristan, as if he was chasing his own tail.
 
`There are days like this that makes me wish our parents had lived. I've often wished I could live a carefree life like that, free from stress and the public. Free to be normal.' Hearing loud laughing and yelling he opened his eyes and casually looked over to see Joey trying to strangle Tristan, with Tea and Yugi trying to stop him. `Well maybe not that normal.' He sighed before starting back to work on his computer.
 
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“Aw, come on Joey... don't get so defensive! I only asked if Serenity had a boyfriend.” Tristan pointed out.
 
“I already told ya, Tristan, I don't know!” Joey blurted, as he thought, `But she betta not!'
 
“Guys that's enough!” Tea said, trying to break them up.
 
“Hey, is it my fault Joey's sister is hot?” Tristan asked.
 
“Why I oughtta!” Joey started, as he grabbed Tristan furiously, threatening to punch him again.
 
Tea grabbed Joey and pulled on his shirt, snapping, “Joey, will you please calm down? I mean, honestly...sometimes you can be as bad as Kaiba!”
 
“Say, what?! Now that's just low!” Joey snapped at Tea. `She's just lucky she's a girl.' Joey thought, grumbling a bit.
 
Yugi smiled, saying, “Come on, guys, Kaiba's not that bad.”
 
“Yugi, why do ya keep on defending that creep?! We all know what a lousy jerk Kaiba is!” Joey spat, waving his hands about.
 
Yugi tilted his head, as if in deep thought, muttering, “I know he's done some bad things in the past, but he's not that bad, now. And I can remember a few things he's done that actually seemed kind of...nice.”
 
“Nice?!” Tristan asked in shock.
 
“Nice?!” Joey repeated, and then began to laugh.
 
Tea sweat-dropped, thinking, `Well, at least Joey stopped thinking about Serenity for now.'
 
“Well...do you guys remember that assistant Kaiba used to have, the one that Pegasus threatened? Kaiba endangered his own life to save him.” Yugi stated, trying to convince them.
 
“Talk about loyalty to your employees...” Tristan chuckled.
 
“Huh?” Joey asked, thinking about that. “Oh, you mean the midget!”
 
At that, Yugi scowled. “He wasn't that small...he was my size.” he pouted cutely.
 
Pretending he didn't hear Yugi, Joey continued to say, “You know...I didn't get that. I mean, his own worker turned against him and was working for Pegasus, ready to battle against Kaiba, and he was still trying to defend him. That was kinda weird. It ain't normal for Kaiba to put up with that crap.”
 
“I just wish we could have seen the battle...those goons kicked us out, right after Yugi started telling Kaiba about the heart of the cards, and warning him about that dragon capture jar.” Tristan replied.
 
“Well...at least everything worked out in the end, that's all that matters.” Yugi smiled, as he looked over at the spirit of the puzzle smiling beside him.
 
Then Tea put her 2 cents in, as she muttered, “I wonder if that guy still works for Kaiba...”