Yu-Gi-Oh! Fan Fiction ❯ Seto's Wish ❯ Chapter 20

“You did it, Niisama! You won!!” Mokie yelled, running over and hugging his new brother tightly as the others came over to congratulate him, too.

 

“I don't believe it, Seto... You really did it. You beat him!” Angie said.

 

“That was totally amazing, Seto!” Yugi said.

 

“Uh, am I hearing things or did Mokuba just talk?” Tristan asked.

 

“Yeah, well if you are...I am too.” Joey said.

 

“I guess you were right, Angie. Mokuba `can' talk!” Yugi said as the others agreed.

 

“See? I told you guys that Seto wasn't nuts and that Mokuba spoke to me last night.” Angie said, sticking her tongue out at them.

 

As Kaiba's `friends' were gossiping about both him and Mokuba, Noah's temper was beginning to boil over from his defeat. Suddenly all at once, Noah blurted out, “You cheated!!”

 

Everyone looked over at him, even the confused crowd. Kaiba raised an eyebrow at that. Even `he' didn't think Noah would say something `that' stupid. “Come again?”

 

“You heard me.....you cheated! I don't know how you did it, but NO ONE can defeat an Exodia deck! That's not possible! And don't think that just because you expertly topped your deck, I'm going to just hand Mokuba over to you. He's MY slave!!” Noah spat.

 

“You can't back out of the deal!” Yugi said.

 

Joey spat, “Yeah! You even signed a contract!”

 

Noah gave an amused smirk, and waved them aside like they were nothing. “Oh, please. No one is going to expect me to just hand my brother over to some stranger...that would be illegal. The whole bet was nothing but a joke. Besides, I wouldn't even have any say in the matter. That would have to be up to the legal guardian - my father. And he's not here.”

 

Yugi's group was horrified to hear this, especially Mokuba. Noah was going to go against his word and keep him!

 

Strangely enough, Kaiba didn't look the least bit upset. If anything, he offered Noah his own smirk at him. “Hmph... At least you got one part right, Noah. You no longer have a say in the matter. Did you think I wouldn't anticipate your double-cross?”

 

“What?” Noah asked in surprise. “You can't do anything to me! There is no way you can force me to hand Mokuba over to you!”

 

“Oh, but I can.” Kaiba explained. “It seems your loving father had no interest in making any real claims to Mokuba. And, because of which, he never bothered to file the adoption papers.”

 

“That's not true!” Noah spat.

 

“Oh, but it is. He saw Mokuba as nothing more than another plaything for you. And, because of what he failed to do, Gozaburo has no legal custody over him, but I do. My parents signed the adoption papers instead, and I already had them filed. So you see, Mokuba is not your brother, he's mine. And he's coming home with me.” Kaiba replied.

 

“But...but, that's not fair!!” Noah spat. He then glared at Mokuba, who was hiding behind Kaiba. “You... You knew about this, didn't you? How could you betray me, after all we've been through?!”

 

With his arms still wrapped around Kaiba and Kaiba's hand on his shoulder, Mokie realized he no longer had to fear Noah and spoke. “Seto told me he had a surprise for me, but didn't tell me. But even if he did say what it was, I wouldn't tell on Seto.”

 

“And since when do you listen to him?” Noah asked.

 

“He's my Niisama now, and he's always been nice to me. He's always treated me like I was someone, like I mattered.” Mokie told him.

 

“And I haven't??” Noah asked. Mokie didn't answer. “But what about all those times I was generous enough to give you time off, and be away from the mansion... Do you remember that? Wait a minute...” Suddenly, that thought clicked in his head, and he realized the truth. “All those times... You were going to see him, weren't you?? All this time you have been betraying me - seeing Seto behind my back!!”

 

Mokie tightened his grip on Kaiba, and he felt Mokie would probably cry soon if this kept up. Instantly, Kaiba made certain to bring Noah's attention back to him and away from his brother. “That's enough, Noah! Who he was hanging out with when he wasn't with you is none of your business. And, since he's coming home with me, you'll just have to deal with it on your own.”

 

Kaiba then moved himself and Mokie back away from Noah, far enough where Mokie would find it a safe distance. Then bending down, Kaiba removed the dog collar from him. He turned and tossed it in Noah's face. “You call this treating him like a brother?? I should have added a section to the rules that would have made you wear that thing!”

 

Joey then suddenly blurted out, “Now it's our turn, Noah! Time to pay up! Seto won this duel fair and square, whether you wanna admit it or not. So hand over my IOU, the deed to Yugi's Grandpa's store, his BEWD card, and any other threats you got dangling over our heads!”

 

“Why should I?” Noah snapped.

 

Yugi replied matter of fact, “Because it was part of the contract.”

 

Noah turned his back on them, answering snidely, “Well, rules are made to be broken...or didn't you know that?”

 

Yet, after saying that, Noah was suddenly shocked when he heard loud boos from the crowd. He opened his eyes and looked around in surprise. His adoring fans were not looking so adoring, suddenly. Noah accidentally began to show his real colors in front of his fans, and he wasn't looking too good.

 

Kaiba sneered, saying, “That's right, Noah. Show everyone what you're really like. It's about time the news got to finally see `the true you'.”

 

One of the reporters moved forward, asking Noah, “Mr. Kaiba, is it true that you never had any intention on keeping your end of the deal?”

 

“Kaiba, is it true that you have been holding blackmail over the heads of other Duelists??” another reporter asked.

 

“Please...please, you misunderstand.” Noah said, quickly faking a more light-hearted look. “Anything that I may have over anyone's heads are merely winnings from a past duel.” Noah then turned to Yugi and the others, saying, “And of course, I plan to honor my side of the deal. I was merely kidding with my friends. What kind of person would I be if I didn't honor my word as a Duelist, after all?”

 

The smile on Noah was obviously forced, and if he had clenched his teeth any tighter, they would have shattered. Joey was hiding his snickering behind Yugi, and Kaiba smiled amusedly at the spot Noah had put himself into. After all, he was the one who made sure to drag in as many reporters as he could so he could see his face all across the news. But now, when Noah saw the TV, he would be reminded every time on how he was defeated.

 

“So, when do we get it all back, Noah?” Yugi asked.

 

“It's at home. I don't bring this stuff with me, of course.” Noah said. “You'll get it in due time.”

 

Mokie looked up at Kaiba, and said, “I know where it is...I'll go get it.”

 

“Absolutely not.” Kaiba protested. “You're not going anywhere near that house alone. Noah has all ready proven he can't be trusted, and I'm not going to risk losing you again.”

 

Mokie looked over at Noah, and could see the anticipation in his eyes, as if he was hoping Mokie would take the bait and do just that. He didn't know why that surprised him, but it did. Even now, Noah was hoping to double-cross them, and take Mokuba back if he could. Mokie then turned back to Kaiba, asking, “Then, will you come with me, Niisama?”

 

Kaiba hated the idea of going anywhere near there, especially with the possibility of having to maybe see Gozaburo again. He quickly weighed in his mind if he thought Gozaburo himself might try something, but decided that wouldn't happen. Knowing Gozaburo, as soon as he heard that Noah lost to a supposed `nobody' in a Duel, he would do nothing to help... Instead, he would probably bash Noah at what a worthless son he was. The only reason Gozaburo ever had interest in Kaiba, after all, was because Kaiba was a winner.

 

“Sure thing kiddo, I'll even help you get a few of your things together.” Kaiba answered. `Then, once I get him settled in at my house, I can see about finally getting home and getting back to my real brother. There's nothing here for me that I want, anyway. I promised I'd come back for you, Mokuba, and that's exactly what I'm going to do.'

 

The gang went with Kaiba and Mokuba back to Noah's to make sure Noah handed over all the remaining papers. They hoped there wouldn't be a lot of problems in getting Yugi's Grandpa's deed and Joey's IOU.

 

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Noah, Kaiba, Mokuba and Yugi's group all left the arcade, allowing the reporters to wrap it up and for the kids to enjoy the rest of Dance-athon.

 

As they were walking to Noah's house, Mokie kept a tight grip on Kaiba's hand. He wanted to reassure himself that this was real and not just a dream.

 

But, as the group continued walking, curiosity got the best of the others and they started asking Mokuba questions.

 

“Say, Mokuba, we were wondering... Except for Seto, no one has ever heard you talk before. Why haven't you ever spoken to anyone else before this?” Tea asked.

 

Angie answered for Mokie, “He told me last night it was to keep people from caring how Noah treated him.”

 

“Really? Is that the whole story, Mokuba? I mean, that doesn't explain why only Seto knew you could talk.” Tea asked.

 

Kaiba suddenly turned and snapped, “Are you calling my brother a liar? I don't think that's any of your business, Gardner!”

 

“Damn it, Seto, will you stop it?” Angie snapped. “Geez, I thought you were finally starting to be nice to us! I thought you were starting to remember. Tea's your girlfriend, can't you be nice??”

 

Kaiba glared at Angie, reminding himself that she was his sister in this world... He was supposed to show at least tolerance towards her. He then glanced at Tea, who was nearly in tears. A strange pain of guilt shot through him, as he thought that maybe he did owe them for helping with the Arcade. But the Mokuba of this world had been through enough for one lifetime...he didn't need to be reminded of this!

 

“It's okay, Seto.” Mokie said, as if he was sensing what Kaiba was feeling. “I'll talk to them about it...I don't mind.”

 

Kaiba observed Mokuba a moment, making sure he wasn't just saying it just to make everyone else happy, and then silently nodded.

 

Mokie began, saying, “I first met Seto when I was only five. Noah always treated me like I was a dog. He always told me dogs don't speak and that if I spoke, he'd hit me. Seto saw him hit me that day, and he got mad and challenged him to a game of chess. He didn't win, but I was shocked at how hard he was fighting for me, even though he didn't know me...and it showed me for the first time that someone actually cared what happened to me.”

 

`He didn't win!' Kaiba thought.

 

After that, Mokie glanced forward to make sure they were far enough back so that Noah didn't hear any of that. Noah was also walking back home in a huff - though not near them. But, despite their distance apart and his newfound freedom, even now Mokuba was still afraid he would be punished for speaking or telling this to anyone.

 

“So, that's when you talked to Seto?” Joey asked.

 

Mokie shook his head. “No, I didn't actually say anything to him until a year later. I was supposed to meet Noah after one of his lessons at the University, and I was running late. No one ever went with me... Noah said that a dog doesn't deserve an escort. But some strange kids ran into me, and they started to pick on me. I was scared and didn't know what to do...they looked like they wanted to hurt me. That's when Seto showed up. He must have been nearby and saw it, and then defended me from them, protecting me. He...he got hurt pretty bad. I was upset that he got hurt because of me, and...I kinda forgot I wasn't allowed to talk.”

 

The thoughts came to Mokie's mind as clear as day......as if it was just yesterday.

 

(“Are you okay?”

 

“You...you can talk!”

 

“Yeah...I'm sorry you got hurt. Why did you help me?”

 

“I didn't want anything to happen to you.”

 

“Why?”)

 

“I couldn't understand why anyone would care what happened to me. I wasn't used to it. No one else cared, so why should he?” Mokuba said.

 

(“What do you mean `why'? You shouldn't even be on your own. You could get seriously hurt all by yourself. And why haven't you ever talked before?”

 

“I'm sorry! I shouldn't have said anything! I'm not supposed to talk. Now Noah will be really mad at me and punish me.”

 

“Don't be silly. I won't tell anyone...I promise. It'll be our little secret, just the two of us.”

 

“Really?”)

 

“Seto was the nicest person I ever met. That day, he gave me his cell phone number so that anytime I needed to go anywhere, he would come with me to make sure I didn't get hurt or in danger. Then later, when I had free time once in awhile...I would visit him without telling Noah.” Mokuba explained. “He was always like a brother to me, even back then. So I always called him my Niisama, even before he became my official brother.”

 

As Mokuba told the tale, Kaiba was silently stewing over the fact that the `other' Seto supposedly got his ass kicked by a bunch of punk kids. `What a loser...' he thought, but said nothing.

 

They finally made it to the mansion. It was the same it ever looked on the outside, whether Gozaburo owned it or him. But Kaiba knew there was a big difference. Somewhere inside was the stepfather who, in his world, went sailing to his death from the 50th floor of Kaiba Corp. tower. `Too bad that didn't happen here.' he thought.

 

Noah strutted up to the door, opening it and walking inside as the others approached to follow him in. A maid came to greet Noah as he roughly tossed his suitcase at her, snapping, “Take this! I'm going to my room.”

 

She grabbed it, barely able to keep her balance as her boss stormed past, totally confused by Noah's terrible mood. She then noticed Mokie among the group of visitors and said, “Oh, Mokuba... Where is your collar?”

 

“He doesn't need it anymore.” Kaiba answered. “Noah and I dueled for custody over Mokuba, and he lost. My parents have signed the adoption papers and now have total custody.”

 

“Yeah, and Noah owes us all those papers he's been using to hold over our heads, too!” Joey made sure to add.

 

“Shut up, all of you!” Noah suddenly snapped, now on the top staircase. “You are talking to one of our maids. She doesn't need to know `any' of this...she is not important!”

 

“You don't seem to think of anyone as important!” Yami butted in. “Obviously, you still haven't learned, even after losing Mokuba.”

 

“Mind your own business, Yugi. I'll do what I want. Don't think this little setback is enough to stop me, either. This isn't over yet, for any of you!” Noah snapped back at him. He then turned to the maid, who still had the heavy suitcase in her hand, and ordered her, “Send them to the lounge to sit and wait for me. I'll be back down soon enough.” Noah then stormed away, finally away from the rest of the group.

 

“Please, come this way.” she said, leading them to the lounge.

 

Mokie, knowing the maids name, said, “Thanks, Nancy.” as they took their seats to wait.

 

As Mokie spoke, she put her hand over his lips, saying, “You know the rules about speaking here.”

 

Mokie looked sad at that, and instantly quieted, since he was so used to listening to those rules in this household. Kaiba immediately became angry and took Mokie's hand as he snarled to the maid, “Those are Noah's rules, not mine! He can speak anytime he feels like it - got it??”

 

The maid blinked in surprise from a stranger snapping at her like that. She was more used to Noah in his strange moods, but definitely not some kids. She simply assumed he was obviously some poor slob who had no manners.

 

Mokie looked up at Kaiba, brightly asking, “Really, Niisama?”

 

“How could you even ask that? Of course!” Kaiba replied softly, his tone now totally different from the angry tone he originally gave the maid.

 

Now, Angie bent down in front of him and started to stroke Mokie's hair, also answering, “You're our little brother now, Mokuba, and in our family you can talk anytime you want. And if anyone has a problem with that, then they have to deal with both Seto and me. Okay?”

 

This seemed to make Mokie extremely happy; he grabbed her hand and started pulling her towards the upstairs. “I still have to pack up my room. Will you help me?”

 

“Sure. After all, I am your big sister now.” Angie said.

 

Mokie smiled brightly. “This way, Onee-chan!” he announced, and then dragged her away.

 

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A/N: My editor had Onee-chan changed to Oni-chan. I got the spelling Onee-chan directly from the book fruits basket. So I don't know which is really correct but I'm keeping it at onee because that's how the book spelled it.