Yu-Gi-Oh! Fan Fiction ❯ Seto's Wish ❯ Chapter 13

Back in the real world, Ajin was still trying to break through he force field Aiko had created. During that time, the others were beginning to argue amongst themselves.

 

Yugi stated, “You said you've been in that box all that time. So, how would you not be able to know if the box could talk?”

 

“Listen......it never talked to any of us. Let me help enlighten you about something......being stuck in an object for thousands of years doesn't make me any smarter than you or anyone else.” Aiko snapped at him.

 

Yami scowled at the comment, finding it too close to his own fate.....being trapped in a puzzle for thousands of years. But not exactly sure how to reply against such a comment, he instead ordered, “Do not speak to my light in that tone.”

 

“Oh, and what are you going to do about it.....lock me in another box??” Aiko snarled at him.

 

Yami, glancing over at Ajin who was still trying to break through the barrier, and replied, “At the moment, I have a feeling if I did that I'd be doing you a favor......”

 

“Good point.” Aiko sighed.

 

Yugi then turned to Yami, asking him, “Spirit.....can you tell if the voice was caused from the box?”

 

 

“It's possible. I am sensing a great deal of power coming from it.” Yami mentally replied.

 

Aiko sighed, lowering her head. “I should have never let you two inside. Because I did, I now placed you both in danger from him.”

 

“It's not your fault, Aiko. You didn't know this was going to happen.” Yugi said.

 

But Aiko shook her head. “You're wrong. I know how he can be. He has killed before, I just never dared try to stand and oppose him. I knew letting you in the house could put you in danger.” She turned away from them in shame, stating, “The fact of the matter was.....I didn't care. I looked in your eyes Yugi, and recognized the Pharaoh. I knew Ajin might try something because of who you are.....but I didn't care. Maybe I'm no better than he is.”

 

“If you feel regret for such a decision, then no......you are nothing like him.” Yami told her.

 

Aiko smiled at him, saying, “Thank you. You know......I believe you, now. Though you have the same eyes, the same face......the sheer hate I saw in you in the past is not there. All this time I had felt you were the cause of this. But now, I am finally starting to realize that my anger had been misplaced.”

 

“If you believe him, then you are more stupid than I originally thought!” Ajin spat.

 

Aiko snapped back, “Right now, I'm more inclined to believe them over you!”

 

“You never did fully explain what happened to Kaiba.” Yami stated.

 

Yugi now jumped in, saying, “Yeah. I'm surprised Kaiba actually believed Ajin about the wish-thing, in the first place. And what exactly did he wish for?”

 

“Kaiba's wish was more of an unspoken one. When a person makes a wish in their head, we can sense that, too. Kaiba had wished for his parents to have been alive, and that he lived a normal life.” Aiko explained.

 

Both Yami and Yugi looked at Aiko, strangely. Yami was the one that spoke. “When did Kaiba's parents die?”

 

“You mean you didn't know?” Aiko asked.

 

“No, Kaiba doesn't talk about his life. In fact, he doesn't say much of anything about his personal life.” Yami explained.

 

“Yeah, we only found out yesterday that he had a brother.” Yugi added.

 

“I see. Well I suppose he'd kill me if I told you this, then.....but I will tell you. Their mother died shortly after young Mokuba there was born.” Aiko started.

 

“Wow. How old was Kaiba, at the time?” Yugi asked.

 

“He was 5.” Aiko said.

 

“That must have been horrible to lose your mother so young.” Yugi said, looking sad.

 

“But young Seto's tragedy had just begun, during that time. When he was 8, his father was killed in a car accident. Now so then Seto was alone with no one but his little 3-year-old brother left.” Aiko said.

 

“Wait......so you're saying that they had no relatives left?” Yugi asked.

 

“They had relatives. But the little money their parents had left, the relatives took along with anything else of value, and threw them both into an orphanage.” Aiko said.

 

Both Yugi and Yami gasped in shock. Yugi replied, “No wonder Kaiba never wanted to talk about his past.”

 

Yami stated, “I guess that explains a lot, as to why he is the way he is. So Gozaburo Kaiba wasn't even his real father, then.”

 

“No. After 3 years of being in the orphanage, Gozaburo Kaiba came there to donate money as a publicity stunt, to gain more media attention for which he craved. Young Seto challenged him to a chess match in which if Seto won, he must adopt both boys. Seto did win that day, but then.......that's when the real nightmare began.” Aiko told them.

 

Yami was about to ask what she meant by that, but then Yugi spoke. “Uh.....not to be rude or anything, but that doesn't really explain why Kaiba's gone. What's that have to do with him not being here?”

 

“Ajin doesn't have the power to bring back the living or twist time and space itself to make this world the way Kaiba would like it. So instead, he twisted Kaiba's wish into something Ajin could handle casting. He cast Kaiba into another reality, where his parents still lived.” Aiko explained.

 

Yugi's eyes widened. “Oh! So that means Kaiba's........happy.” Yugi looked over at Mokuba, laying there sick. He then added, “But what about Mokuba? Doesn't he realize he would be leaving him behind?”

 

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Back in the alternate world, Kaiba had finished creating his perfect deck and was impressed that even in this world he owned all 3 Blues Eyes White Dragon cards. It seemed he already owned one in his deck, then the one he bought made two. Then of course when Mokuba slipped him those extra cards, it made his deck complete.

 

`Mokuba......' Kaiba thought. He was certain that was `his' brother, not just another aspect of this weird reality. He had noticed there were miniature aspects of everyone that was slightly different from the people he knew from his world. And when they looked at Kaiba and the way he acted, even if they knew him they saw him like a stranger in their eyes. But Mokuba was different. When he was there with him, he felt like he was back home again......like nothing would stand in Kaiba's way to protect him.

 

Pushing his concerns back for his brother, he decided to rest up. In the morning, he would go to this Pegasus Land, if just to see what it was. Not only that, Kaiba didn't trust the others. He already made it more than apparent that he wasn't going to `beg' his way out of this deal. But that didn't mean Yugi's little group wasn't going to go over there and cause problems, and try to talk Noah out of it for `his' sake.

 

Time seemed to move slowly that night for Kaiba. He was so worried about Mokuba; he could barely sleep, knowing his own brother was possibly stuck in that mansion, with Noah doing `who knows' to him. If only he never listened to Ajin and got suckered into this, he could be back home safe with his brother, and not stuck in this strange world.

 

But then again......maybe there was a reason he was sent here.

 

The very thought was scoffed at, and quickly buried. `Yeah, right.....maybe it was fate, as if I'd ever believe in that.'

 

But once again, the thought surfaced against his own will. He quickly realized the reason he felt that way was because the Seto of this world kept failing against Noah to help Mokuba. Perhaps his presence here could succeed where this other world's self could not. Then in this world, they could be together as well. And he had to admit, he liked the idea of being the one to come and save Mokuba, for a change. In his world, somehow it was Yugi that always showed up......and if there's one thing he hated, it was owing someone, especially him.

 

But one thing that also caught Kaiba's curiosity, was why in this world Mokuba and him weren't related? It made no sense. In his world, they were true brothers. How could they look the same, be named the same......and not be related to each other? It wasn't logical. So, since Kaiba couldn't sleep anyway, he decided to get up and satisfy his curiosity. Kaiba began to do some research on the both of them, hacking into the random computer medical files to learn more about it.

 

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After what was said about Kaiba's past and his wish, Yami began to question himself if maybe Kaiba `did' leave Mokuba behind. After all, Mokuba wasn't even mentioned to anyone in the beginning. They never even knew he had a brother. Maybe Kaiba really didn't care about him, as Ajin had stated earlier.

 

Aiko said to them, “Ajin told Kaiba that Mokuba would be there, and would be healthy. It was true, but I'm not positive if Kaiba grasped that it wouldn't be `his' Mokuba, but the Mokuba from that world.”

 

Aiko then turned to the boy, and sighed. “Poor child. Ajin may be right.......Kaiba may never return to claim him. One can only hope that Ajin's universe is so twisted, that Kaiba might still want to return. Otherwise......we may never see him again.”

 

“You wont see him, you fools!” Ajin spat out. “I gave him his hearts desire....he will never return!” Then with a sneer, he added, “And how convenient that would be. As long as he's gone, we are on permanent hold, never having to grant another wish or be shoved in that cursed box. I will kill you all and finally begin to enjoy my own life......of taking over this world!”

 

Aiko then turned to Ajin, stating, “But I thought you wanted to grant wishes. You always seemed so happy about it, before.”

 

“I was also promised with enough wishes, I could surpass my own greatness and become a Jinx.” Ajin stated.

 

Yami blinked. “A Jinx?” he asked, no idea what that is.

 

“A Jinx is a higher level of magi.” Aiko explained. “If you can become a Jinx, you can supposedly even bring the dead back to life......you're power is limitless.”

 

“And I have a new idea.” Ajin sneered. “Perhaps with the Pharaoh's ancient power added to mine, it will be all I need to achieve the power of the Jinx. Then I can finally stop wasting my time with these pathetic wishes!”

 

“I wont allow it.” Aiko said, with concern in her voice.

 

Yugi the snapped at Ajin, “I think you're bluffing! If you had the power to do that, then you would have gone after Yami back when he was still the pharaoh.”

 

“Ahhh.......but there's something Aiko hasn't told you, young one. The longer one stays in the box, the greater their power grows. I lacked the power to defeat the pharaoh back then. But after 5000 years, now my power is unmatched. Your Pharaoh no longer has a chance against me!” Ajin stated.

 

Yami turned to Aiko, asking, “Is this true? Does your power grow in the box, over time?”

 

But Aiko wasn't paying attention, busy glaring at Ajin. “What do you mean `you lacked the power' then? Are you trying to say.......you attempted to take down the Pharaoh, before the time I was trapped with you?”

 

Ajin grinned, stating, “Let's not get into details right now, Aiko. I'm a bit occupied......I have guests to kill. And as soon as your little shield is down, you are all finished. And personally, I don't see why you struggle so hard for someone who's going to die, anyway.”

 

Aiko turned pale from the comment.

 

“We're not going anywhere, Ajin!” Yami stated.

 

But Yugi studied Aiko, and said, “Spirit......I don't think Ajin's talking about us. What does he mean, Aiko? You're not dying.....are you?”

 

“No.” she said, lowering her head. “Ajin must have overheard what the phone call was about, earlier.” She turned to Mokuba, saying, “The doctor called a little while ago, regarding Mokuba. I'm afraid he has a rare virus, which there is no cure for. He's dying. I'm not sure how I'm going to give Kaiba the news.”

 

Yugi gasped, shocked from this information. “Mokuba's dying? That's terrible! And we just got to know him. There's nothing they can do for him?”

 

“Not in the way of medicine, I'm afraid. As for the way of magic......I cannot say. But I will do all in my power that I can to try and save him.”

 

“Save your breath, Aiko.....you lack the power of helping that brat. And you shouldn't worry about what to tell Kaiba. After all, he's not coming back.....remember?” Ajin mused. “But if out of some miracle he does return, I'll be delighted to give him the news. And you fools won't be around to tell him, anyway......even if he does come back.”

 

They tried to ignore Ajin's taunting for now. Yugi held back his tears trying to stay strong, and Yami approached Mokuba's weak form, putting his hand across Mokuba's forehead.

 

As he did, Aiko approached saying, “There's something more. For some reason, I've been having this strange sensation for the past hour......like a missing factor, if you will.”

 

“What do you mean?” Yugi asked.

 

“I don't know, but it's only in this room. I've not sensed it anywhere else in the house.” Aiko said.

 

“Hmmm.....” Yami muttered, concentrating on Mokuba. “I think I know what it is......”

 

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Back in the alternate world, Kaiba was already up and getting dressed to go to Pegasus Land. He dreaded the idea of having to go here just to see all the people he couldn't stand, but it was the only way he could guarantee Yugi's group didn't mess anything up. Besides......if Noah was there, that would also mean Mokuba was here, or so he hoped. Any chance to see Mokuba again was well worth showing up for.

 

Suddenly, there was a knock on the bedroom door, pulling him back to reality.....or at least `this' reality. Angie called out to him, “Seto, breakfast is ready.”

 

When she was met with silence, she tried again. “Come on, Mom and Dad have already left for work.”

 

There was still no answer, and she checked the time quick, wondering if he was really having that hard a time to wake up. Again she called out at the closed bedroom door, “Come on, Seto! We're supposed to meet the others at 7:30, before going to Pegasus Land.....and it's 7:15!” She was about to knock again, when the door suddenly opened, causing her to immediately real back in surprise. “Oh.....your awake.”

 

Kaiba ignored Angie, and walked on past her. She sighed and was about to turn to follow him, when she noticed a difference......his room was immaculate. What used to be clothes and things thrown everywhere was now perfectly spotless and in its own particular place. `This can't be my brother.' she thought, as she turned and went to follow him.

 

Once she caught up to him, she immediately noticed he was missing something, and said with a start, “Wait a minute! Seto, you forgot your dueling belt!”

 

“My what?”

 

“You know, you're dueling belt.....the thing you keep your deck in, when you go anywhere.” she said. When he still didn't acknowledge any recollection, she added, “It looks kinda like Yugi's belt.”

 

That reminded him, well enough. “Oh, that.” he answered, with a sour look on his face. Turning away, he muttered, “Thanks, but no thanks. Yugi can keep his pathetic clothing style to himself.”

 

“Yugi didn't give you that.” she said sadly. “......I did. It was a birthday present.”

 

He flinched hearing that. The last thing he needed was a guilt speech. He already had a brother to be responsible for......he didn't need any more attachments. After inwardly cursing himself ten times, he attempted to look softer towards her, saying, “Listen......you need to understand something. I don't remember any of this. And I'm sure as soon as those memories return, I'll be happy to be the brother you remember. But there are some things I need to take care of. It would be better off for all of you right now, if you just stay out of my way.”

 

It probably wasn't the best speech in the world, but he wasn't very good at giving pep talks, especially to complete strangers.

 

And it didn't seem to cheer her up much, either. She just drooped her head, saying, “Yeah, I got it.”

 

It was a long silent walk, and Kaiba was following behind Angie since he had never been there, before. But finally, Angie got him to the spot......a park.

 

Kaiba began to scowl, realizing this was definitely not Pegasus Land. It appeared that Angie must have made some arrangements to meet at the park first, before heading to their destination. And Kaiba was now pissed, feeling they had wasted his time dragging him somewhere he didn't want to be.

 

Tea was the first of the group to approach. She went immediately over to Angie, who seemed depressed, and asked her, “Angie, are you ok?”

 

“Uh, yeah......I'm fine.” she lied. She was still depressed that her brother was no longer wearing the belt she had given him for his birthday.....something he hadn't lived without, since she got it for him.

 

Tea didn't know exactly what it was to make Angie depressed. But since she was with Kaiba, who was the background brooding, she could assume he must have said something to set her off again. With a smile, Tea said, “It's Seto again, isn't it? Don't worry about, Angie. Just remember.....he's still not in his right mind.”

 

“I'm trying.” Angie weakly smiled back.

 

“Are we done with our little get together, yet?” Kaiba asked sarcastically, crossing his arms in defiance. “I `would' like to get there sometime today....”

 

Angie just rolled her eyes, looking at Tea, as if she was mentally telling her, `See what I mean?' Tea simply stifled a laugh.

 

Joey then approached, hands wide open in greetings, as he said, “Hey, Seto......wussup? You don't look like you slept much.” He was about to give Kaiba a friendly slap on the back, but from the death glare he was giving him, Joey considered otherwise.

 

“I don't recall my sleeping habits being any of your business, mutt.” Kaiba snapped coldly. “I would have assumed that after the direct approach yesterday, informing everyone that I had no interest in this pathetic group, that you would have all gotten the hint by now. But I suppose that's my fault......I shouldn't expect so much from everyone. I'd be surprised if the combined intellect of the geek squad could equal the capacity of a gnat.”

 

“Seto that wasn't very nice.” Angie said, turning angrily towards her brother. “Joey's just worried about you, like we all are. He's your best friend....you should be a little nicer to him.” Angie said.

 

“A little?” Tristan asked, slightly offended since Kaiba was basically insulting everyone in that one little speech.

 

Kaiba glared down at her, then turned away, saying, “You're starting to sound like a bad recording. We've already been through this. Fine, you want to insist he's my best friend......then so be it. Can we go, now?”

 

“Seto's right. We need to get going, before the line to get in gets too long.” Yugi said in Kaiba's defense. With that said, the group finally headed towards Pegasus Land, Kaiba trailing behind far enough to not be acknowledged as one of them......yet near enough to over hear anything they might say to each other.

 

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They all headed over to Pegasus Land. As they arrived, Kaiba realized that this place was in the exact same location as his Kaiba Land from his world. He scowled thinking, `I should have seen this coming.' If he had known, he wouldn't have needed Yugi's group to get here in the first place, and could have headed over separately.

 

And just to put insult to injury, where he had constructed the glorious Blue Eyes White Dragons statues were now the hideous statues of that annoying rabbit. What did he call it again? Funny Bunny, or something? He didn't know.....he didn't want to know. All he knew was that he hated it. He hated this place. He had to remind himself that he had to be here to make sure Yugi's group didn't do anything stupid, and to see his little brother again. But if he had to see Mokuba with a leash and collar again, he didn't know if he could handle witnessing that a second time. Blaming himself again for Mokuba's condition he waited in line with the others to get in.

 

Inside Pegasus Land, the similarities were equally frightening. The rides and games were practically the same, but with different duel monsters as the symbols of that ride. Everything had something to do with a toon. Even to get into the arcade, you had to walk through some sort of stupid cartoon castle, calling it Toon Arcade.

 

Their first stop was the dueling arenas. Kaiba immediately noticed the difference......there were no holograms. All of it was table play. Without Kaiba's technology, it seemed no one was there to fill the gap and duplicate it. Pegasus could only do so much, but even the game creator couldn't fill Kaiba's shoes when it came to bringing the monsters to life. Kaiba was pleased to see this.....it portrayed the importance of his existence in life.

 

Where people dueled at the tables, they also had multiple big screen TVs, showing the duel that took place. As they checked the various tables, it wasn't long before they found Noah playing against a challenger of his own. It wasn't difficult to find him, since he drew the biggest audience.

 

But Kaiba paid little attention to the duel, more focused on the TV screens. The screens showed more than just the two people dueling at the table. When a person placed a monster card, some graphics also appeared on the TV to portray the monster coming to life. But it images of the monsters were laughable. It looked more like a cartoon than witnessing the monsters actually coming to life. The voices were all wrong.....and unlike a virtual image, it felt nothing like the monster was right there battling by your side. It was almost insulting just to watch it. He actually felt sorry for the duel monsters, the way they were portrayed.

 

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A/N: Was the last Chapter that bad? One review. If you spot any errors I missed, please tell me. We lost our editor several chapters back due to the fact she lost custody of her computer (long story). I still do it once a week so that it gives Clarity more time to complete work on the chapter she's working on. I know good reviews only help her get it done faster! And the more reviews the earlier in the week you get the next chapter.