Yu-Gi-Oh! Fan Fiction ❯ Seto's Wish ❯ Chapter 25

The limo was taking Kaiba home, yet all he could think about was meeting Angie. His sister also existed in this world.

 

`No! She's not my sister!' Kaiba mentally berated himself for the tenth time. It was too confusing for him. He had literally programmed himself in that other world that she was his sister, that now he was having trouble `not' seeing her as family.

 

He was equally upset with himself that he didn't see this coming. After all, except for minor changes, the other world had all the same people. He should have foreseen that he would eventually run into her in this world, as well. Then again, he had even now been trying to convince himself that it wasn't real; it never happened...it was just some bad dream. Mokuba was never in danger, it was just the flu all along and Kaiba never came close to losing his brother. Denial was an easy thing, but not when someone like Angie showed up, shooting the whole concept apart.

 

Kaiba looked outside at that moment, trying to find some distraction to not think about it. But, as he did, he noticed the strange familiarity of this neighborhood...it was the same place where he walked to his house, the house where his parents lived.

 

Without even a warning, Kaiba suddenly snapped, “Take a left at the corner.”

 

The driver did as ordered, then asked, “Any specific destination, sir?”

 

“No, just drive.”

 

Why was he directing the driver to his other dimensional home? This was not going to help matters any. Perhaps...he was hoping to not see the house there, to prove such an alternate reality could not have happened here, to convince himself once and for all that what he remembered wasn't real and wasn't possible.

 

And yet...there was the house.

 

“Pull over.” Kaiba commanded. The driver had no idea why his boss was giving him these commands, but he did so without question.

 

The limo was parked on the side of the road, and Kaiba looked across the street at a home that looked just like the one he lived in, while in that other reality; even the color was the same. The neighborhood looked almost exactly alike, as well.

 

The whole thing was so strange; it made him wonder for a moment if maybe they weren't in his reality anymore. Maybe his driver somehow pierced the boundaries of reality and they were once again in that other world. He expected to see Angie or his parents come out any minute, and someone at that moment did come out, but it was no one he recognized.

 

Two boys came out, playing ball with each other. The mother stepped out, calling to the kids and warning them about playing ball too close to the house. She had a small shovel for gardening, and was heading to the back. Just then a van pulled up, and the kids dropped their ball, calling to their Dad who stepped out and greeted them. It was a picture perfect family...one he had always hoped to somehow provide for Mokuba. The very thing that convinced Kaiba to go to that other universe in the first place, to help his brother, which didn't seem to help matters for him at all.

 

Mokuba. Why was he here anyway, staring at a house that obviously wasn't his? Kaiba finally understood now, why he even bothered to go to this house. Somewhere in the back of his mind, he actually missed certain aspects of that other world. The challenge of a new game, meeting his parents again, seeing his home again, having...having a sister. And every time the picture of this other Angie came into his head, it was an almost painful reminder that she wasn't really family.

 

Kaiba frantically shook his head. He did not lose a sister - she was `never' a sister to him! The fantasy of that other world was passed, and his world was all that mattered, now.

 

Kaiba turned away, saying, “We can go, now. Take me home.”

 

“Very good, sir.” the man said, and began driving again.

 

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

 

Kaiba got home and checked on Mokuba first thing - he was fine and sleeping soundly. So, Kaiba then gave the sitter her money and asked if she could stay on as his new permanent baby-sitter. But, unfortunately, she couldn't, having a family of her own. She barely had time to watch her friend's kid, let alone another person's...she was forced to decline the offer. After she left, Kaiba went into his office to work.

 

He worked for about an hour. Then at 4:30, Kaiba went upstairs to Mokuba's room to check on him again.

 

In his brother's room, Mokuba had woken up. He was sitting up, still holding onto his Dragon plushy, while reading a book. He looked up immediately as soon as Kaiba opened the door. “Big brother!” he smiled, bright-eyed. He was looking better. “I didn't know you were home. I thought you went to work.”

 

“I'm going to be home a little more, since you're still sick. Besides, we still need to find you a new sitter. So, how are you feeling?” Kaiba asked.

 

“I'm still a little tired, but I'm feeling better.” Mokuba answered. Then looking down, he added, “I'm sorry you're missing work `cause of me.”

 

Kaiba frazzled his hair. “Don't worry about it. To see you, it's worth the trade.”

 

Mokuba smiled at that.

 

Kaiba checked his temperature, and saw it was now down to 101. He gave him some Tylenol, and then took away all the other medicines that they had prescribed for him. “Well, you better get something else to wear besides pajamas...you have company coming over soon.”

 

“Huh? Company?” Mokuba asked, assuming at first it was work-related. “Who is it?”

 

“Yugi and the others.”

 

“Really?” Mokuba asked, not sure if he'd heard right.

 

Kaiba shrugged with disinterest. “I thought you should be warned. They seem to want to bribe you with gifts, and probably do their sickening friendship chant.”

 

Mokuba giggled at that. Only Seto could find that as a bad thing. “I'm surprised you're letting them come by.”

 

“They did help out somewhat in that other world. I suppose it's the least I could do...” Kaiba muttered.

 

At that, Mokuba blinked at him. “Huh? What other world? Seto...what do you mean?”

 

Kaiba immediately turned towards him, surprised by Mokuba's question. He didn't remember? Or maybe...maybe there was nothing to remember. Maybe it really was all a dream. But that still didn't explain how Angie really existed, if she was nothing more than someone he thought up in his dreams.

 

He turned away immediately, answering, “Never mind...it's not important.” Kaiba was then out of Mokuba's room before he could ask any more questions.

 

Mokuba was used to his brother being that way, to avoid saying something he didn't want to. But, if his brother took off that fast just to avoid being questioned, it was obviously something that bothered him. He wished his brother would be more open to him sometimes, but knew it was because of Gozaburo that made him that way - show no weakness.

 

Mokuba sighed. Maybe Yugi had something to do with it...Yugi was one of the few that could get under his brother's skin. Maybe Yugi unintentionally guilted his brother into letting the group see him. But then, what was all that talk about another world? `Well, maybe he'll talk about it when he's ready.' Mokuba thought, and started getting dressed.

 

Kaiba was all the way down in the kitchen by this time, head-aching over his brother's reaction to that information. He was all ready trying to reason away why he would have met a person he never saw before. `She had to sign up to go to Domino High. Perhaps, I was passing by and saw her during that time. That had to be it...I subconsciously saw her, and simply didn't realize it. So, maybe my creating her as a sister in my dream was simply due to a subconscious remembrance of her. None of it happened...it was all a dream. If Mokuba doesn't remember it, then that proves it didn't happen!'

 

And while Kaiba was working himself into permanent denial, the doorbell rang.

 

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

 

Just outside the Kaiba mansion, Yugi, Joey, Tea and Angie made their way to the front gates, where they were allowed to enter and were making their way to the front door.

 

“Hey Joey, how come Tristan didn't come?” Tea asked.

 

“Oh, well he promised his sister that he'd baby-sit for his nephew Johji.” Joey said

 

Tea rolled her eyes at that. “Johji...ugh! Better him than me.” (1)

 

“Why would you say that Tea?” Angie asked.

 

“You've never met his nephew, and believe me...you wouldn't want to. He may look like an innocent baby, but he's a total pervert!”

 

Angie shrugged, deciding any more information on the matter wasn't worth it, and changed the subject. She looked over at Joey, asking, “So, Joey...what do you have in the sack?”

 

Joey opened the sack to reveal a baby kitten.

 

“Oh, he's so cute!” Tea beamed.

 

“A kitten?” Yugi asked. None of them even knew if Kaiba would allow pets. “No offense, Joey, but why a kitten?”

 

Joey gave a grin, saying, “It's a shot at Kaiba. He's always calling me a dog, so I thought I'd get `im one.”

 

Everyone stared at him. Yugi said slowly, “But, Joey...that's a kitten, not exactly a dog.”

 

“Yeah, I know!” Joey said. “I couldn't really afford to get a dog...they didn't have any free pups in the paper. The kitten was free, so I got that, instead. It's close enough, right??”

 

There were sweat drops on everyone listening, and they decided to avoid the entire thing. Sometimes Joey's mentality was even beyond them.

 

But Angie then smiled, saying, “It's kinda funny. Sounds more like you're giving this present to Kaiba, instead of his brother.”

 

“I ain't getting anything for that stuck-up prick!!” Joey growled. “It's just pay-back, that's all!”

 

Tea rolled her eyes. “But, Joey, this is supposed to be a present for Mokuba!”

 

Joey then grinned, saying, “What? You don't think the little kid would like this? Look at him...isn't he cute??”

 

“...until Kaiba tosses the poor thing on the street.” Tea muttered.

 

Angie looked wide-eyed at that. “You don't think he'd do that, do you?” No one answered that question, not even Yugi. “Well, I don't think anyone would be so mean.” she insisted. Angie then turned to Joey, asking, “Joey, why are you so hard up for money, anyway?”

 

“It's a long story.” Joey muttered, looking away.

 

Yugi then said, “Joey needs the money for his sister's eye operation. He was supposed to get the winnings from Pegasus at Duelist Kingdom, but after Pegasus was defeated...they had no money to offer.”

 

“Lousy two-timing jerk!” Joey muttered.

 

“Why not?” Angie asked. “Isn't that illegal? Can't something be done about that?”

 

Yugi explained, “From what we could tell, Pegasus never had any money ready since he never expected to lose. And Industrial Illusions is a very big and powerful company, plus they're not even in this country. There's no way Joey could ever touch them.”

 

Angie then turned to Joey, saying, “Well, you guys are friends with Kaiba. Joey, can't you just ask Kaiba for a job?”

 

“What are you crazy?? Kaiba's nothing but a jerk! There's no way he'd ever give me a job!” Joey said.

 

Angie replied, “Well, from what I saw from Kaiba, he doesn't seem that bad. Maybe you guys are just misjudging him. And Joey, he'll never give you a job, if you never ask. Isn't it worth it for your sister?”

 

Joey looked down, and grumbled at that. Yugi then smiled, saying, “I think Angie's right. That's a great idea, Joey! You should ask him. It's worth a try...”

 

Tea smiled. “Yeah, Joey, try swallowing your pride for a change. Maybe he won't be so bad.”

 

“Yeah, right...and maybe lightning will strike him.” Joey muttered gloomily.

 

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

 

They got to the door and rang the bell. After a moment the door opened, and everyone looked up to see Kaiba standing there. He glared down at them, as his eyes swept over every person that came to visit. His eyes then stopped at Angie, which seemed to actually turn a shade warmer as he saw her.

 

He then quickly looked away from her.

 

Angie noticed the strange difference in the look he gave her compared to anyone else, but she didn't have much time to wonder about it as he spoke. “Well, it's about time. Understand that, while you're in my house, you will touch `nothing'. Especially you, Wheeler.”

 

“Don't worry, jerk, I wouldn't wanna touch anything of yours, anyway!” Joey snapped, muttering afterwards, “Probably get Kaiba cooties from it, if I did.”

 

Angie rolled her eyes and nudged him. “Joey...be `nice'.” she said, hinting on their idea. He looked down, grumbling under his breath again.

 

Kaiba opened the door fully, letting them in...his eyes moving back to look at Angie again, as they entered.

 

“So, Kaiba, where's your personal assistant?” Joey asked, bringing Kaiba's attention back to him once again.

 

Kaiba closed the door. “I don't have a personal assist, Mutt.”

 

“I ain't a dog!!” Joey snapped.

 

Kaiba ignored him, saying, “Let's go.” as he moved ahead of them.

 

Joey stayed behind the crowd for a minute as they headed up stairs. Then 1/2 way down the 2nd floor hallway, he suddenly rushed in front of them all, and blurted, “Kaiba, wait!”

 

Kaiba snapped in annoyance at him, “What?”

 

“I...uh...well...”

 

“I don't have time for this. If you're going to be an annoyance, you can wait downstairs.” Kaiba replied.

 

“CAN I HAVE A JOB???”

 

Everyone froze, including Kaiba. No one really expected Joey to just blurt it out like that. After a long moment of staring, Kaiba crossed his arms, asking, “Do you need a job, Wheeler?”

 

Joey pitifully nodded.

 

“Why?”

 

“I...I need the money. I really need it. I'll do anything...please?” Joey asked.

 

Kaiba seemed to dwell on the question for a moment. “Actually, now I think of it...one of my corporate heads has recently retired. We need someone to fill the gap. His wage starts at roughly $30 per hour plus benefits. Would that be acceptable to you?”

 

Joey's jaw dropped. “Uh...duh, duh, duh...30???”

 

Kaiba stared down at him for a long moment. And then the corner of his mouth began to curl upward...he could no longer hold back a straight face. Kaiba then laughed mockingly down at Joey. “Did you honestly think I'd give such an important position to a loser Bonkatsu like you???” (2)

 

Joey furrowed in rage. “PRICK!! I should have known you'd be lying about a job! I told you guys this was a stupid idea! Kaiba would never be nice enough to do something like that!”

 

Angie looked genuinely shocked. It's one thing to say no...Another to be downright cruel.

 

Yugi pleaded, “Please, Kaiba?? Joey really needs the money. Can't you help him?”

 

Kaiba glared at Yugi. “Kaiba Corp is not a charity organization, Yugi. I only hire the best for my industry, and a straight `F' student definitely doesn't cut it.”

 

“That doesn't mean you have to throw it in his face like that!” Angie snapped at him. “How can be so mean to him? Joey's your friend!”

 

Kaiba's head snapped over to Angie, as her words went ringing in his head. `They're your friends, can't you be nice to them?' The same question seemed to come up over and over from Angie in that other world, and it was perhaps finally beginning to sink in. He should respect his sister...she's family, too.

 

“You should apologize to him.” she said, pointing at Joey, who was presently looking like a beaten dog.

 

He glared over at Joey, and then muttered, “I'm s-...” Kaiba caught himself quickly. No! She was not his sister, this was not that other word, and they were `not' his friends!!

 

And on top of it, everyone was already staring strangely at him from the almost apology he began to give Joey. Was Kaiba actually about to say, `I'm sorry???'

 

That thought only made Kaiba angrier, as he turned back to Angie, directing his anger at her. He was going to fight this, and stop this madness in his head once and for all. Somehow, it was her fault that he was getting messed up like this, and he was not going to let her affect him anymore. “Why should I be giving Wheeler anything?! Let him find his own low-end job at some burger world!”

 

“Because he can't, Kaiba!” Angie said to him. “You know the rules of Domino High, as well as we do. He's not allowed to work without the school's permission. And with his grades, there's no way they'd let him. I thought at least with a friend giving him a job, Joey's job could be kept under the table or something...”

 

“Well, maybe he should be concentrating more on his school work, than trying to get money. He never had a need for it before...what's so important about it, now??” Kaiba asked.

 

“Because now he's trying to afford getting his sister an eye operation, that's why! You have a brother, Kaiba - you should understand what Joey's going through. And family is important...isn't it to you?” Angie asked.

 

Kaiba's eye twitched, as she made that remark. Family is important. Angie was asking him to give Joey a job...couldn't he do that for her? `She's not my sister!' But somewhere inside, somewhere...he liked having Angie as his sister. And besides...in that other world she was nice to him, and he was too focused on Mokuba to show anything back towards her. He owed her for his lack of attention, and favoritism for his brother...even if it wasn't the same Angie.

 

Kaiba clenched his jaw, knowing he was losing this battle. “Fine.” he finally said, giving in. “I'll try and find him...something.” He then turned to Joey. “And you'd better earn every dime that's given to you. If you work for me, you're going to be professional about this. Understand??”

 

“Yeah, I got it! I got it!” Joey said. He then looked away, muttering, “Uh...thanks.”

 

Kaiba ignored the thank you, and pushed by him.

 

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

 

Clarity Author notes:

 

- Johji was the character from the Yu-gi-oh! Manga books in the Japanese season 1. He is an annoying baby whose sole interest lies in focusing on Tea's breasts. He was also a big Kaiba fan, until Kaiba threatened his life in his dangerous Death-T game. Tristan's sister was never seen in the Anime, not even the Japanese version as far as I know. In the unseen 1st season Anime, he was replaced by a purple-haired girl that Tristan had a crush on, for awhile (I believe her name was Miho Nosaka).

 

- Bonkatsu is a Japanese word I had learned from reading so many other fanfics, regarding Kaiba and Joey in some way. From what I heard, this word means `mediocrity'. I was in fact told that it was one of Kaiba's favorite words that he uses to describe Joey, since it's not a word that Joey could possibly use back at him.