Sandstorm Amaterasu Zira: Isono is the original name of Roland; 4kids were the ones that changed his name to Roland. I know, it's a bit confusing sometimes because I do use the American names for everyone else and not Isono, but I kind of feel like Isono is a better name. I just don't like the name Roland, sorry to anyone named that out there. Thanks for the review!

Ash Kaiba: Thanks for the review!

SETO-KAIBA-LIFE: I wonder if anyone did see that coming… anyways, thanks for the review!

MythCreatorWriter: OH! Anxious, ARE WE?? Well, here it is! The last chapter! I know, I love Isono too. Sometimes I think I make him too awesome in my stories and other times I don't think I make him awesome enough. Seto wasn't bleeding at the end, sorry about that. He just kept seeing Gozaburo's blood/slammed his fist into the sidewalk. He isn't much of a crier but in my head, it fit. I'm sorry, but I really can't remember the beginning and I'm way too tired to remember if it sucked or not, but I'll totally take your word for it! You're about to get your ending, BE PREPARED! Thanks for the review!

WhiteAsukalover: Thanks for the review!

SelenaKaiba: DEAD IS WHAT WE AIM FOR. Or some sort of band name like that. Sorry, that was random, I'm really tired. But thank you for the review!

Lace Kyoko: Thank you so much for your review! Hahaha, no need to call him Tomuko-san, just call him Isono!;D (I really can't remember how I came up with that name a billion months ago… I feel like I wrote that chapter in the winter, damn, its been a long time.) Thanks again for the review!

Mirage-musician: Thank you for your review! It's very flattering to hear that you've been trying so hard and devoting so much time to reading my story, I know how hard it is to work a job, but man, having two must really stink!XP(although being a musician, I imagine, is awesome. But selling your stuff can prove to be difficult) I honestly don't know how Seto cheated, and the manga didn't say how, it just did. I really don't know how anyone can cheat at that game unless you're really subtle about it. Don't worry, you're review was awesome enough! Thanks again!

AmePiper: Yes, I am so going to wish you a happy birthday in both of my stories! Hopefully you'll get this soon, but I made a point to publish both of these chapters on your very special day, princess! This is my birthday present to you. Happy birthday!

Twenty-Three

This wasn't the way Seto pictured himself spending his first night as CEO of the company he had dreamed of running for the past six years. This wasn't the kind of picture Seto saw himself in… any time of his life. But yet there he was, running through-out the empty streets of Domino City, unsure of where he was going, and drenched from the shower of rain that had been pouring down on him for the past hour.

Seto was freezing, but he rather liked it that way.

Finally Seto stopped running as he came to the entrance of the Domino City Park. He slowly walked forward, swallowing hard as he pressed on. There was only one place he would dream of going at a time like this. He headed straight for the swing set, feeling no shame whatsoever. It was the only connection Seto felt he had to his childhood, which was saying a lot considering he didn't know who he was anymore.

Seto smiled faintly as he approaching his favorite swing. There was a rather large puddle that had collected in the middle of it, but Seto simply turned around and sat down. When he did, though, he didn't feel the satisfaction he thought he would from sitting down on it. Seto didn't feel the joy he had felt all those years back.

Again, Seto was faced with this large and disturbing feeling of being… nothing, unknown.

The tears began to surface again. This time Seto didn't fight them away, he couldn't and he didn't have the strength. Seto grasped both the chains holding up the swing and leaned completely forward as he cried. He didn't want this. He didn't want any of this. Why wouldn't these feelings go away? Why couldn't he remember who he was?

He was pathetic… that was what Seto thought of himself. What a miserable person he must seem; sitting on a swing set in the middle of the night, crying in the rain. Seto hated himself more and more with the passing minutes. He just wanted everything to stop, he wanted the rain to work its magic and take the last bit of life he had before he wasted another breath.

Seto didn't want Kaiba Corp. anymore. How could he after what it symbolized? After all that it meant? Seto went through such hell… for this, to become a CEO with blood on his hands? No… he couldn't do that. Not to mention everything he put his dear brother through.

Seto's eyes opened when he thought of Mokuba, the tears continuing to fall. He failed him… again. What a sad excuse for a human being, he couldn't even prove himself to his little brother! Mokuba must've known what was going on with him, he must've noticed the changes… and now he had probably found out about Gozaburo's death and… Seto didn't know what his brother would think of him now, especially in this state.

None of it seemed worth it, nothing did. If only he could hear his younger brother's sweet and calming voice now… at least before… Seto felt his body get heavier and his eye lids begin to close. The tears flowed smoothly, but Seto was losing all energy in his body. Seto used what little he had left to smile as he began to slip into a sweet slumber…

"Nii-sama!" Seto's eyes shot open once more. Had he been hearing things? What was that? It couldn't be his younger brother… no, it wouldn't be… "Nii-sama! I found you!" Seto lifted his head up when he felt an arm wrapped around his neck. Seto looked down. It was Mokuba whom was hugging him. Seto was surprised.

"Mokuba? What are you doing here?" Mokuba broke away and looked up.

"I came looking for you after I heard what happened…" Seto turned his head, feeling he didn't have the right to even look in Mokuba's direction. Seto sighed.

"I'm sorry… for all this." Mokuba put his hand to his brother's face and turned him back. Mokuba sensed that his brother was weak and on the brink of blacking out. Mokuba didn't know how, but he just knew.

"Nii-sama, it's okay. Please, just come with me back to the car." Seto cocked his head to the side.

"Car? How did you get here?" Mokuba pointed behind him at the man whom was standing outside of the limo out front. Isono was standing outside, patiently waiting for Mokuba's return as he held an umbrella over his head.

"Isono took me. He was the only one I felt like I could trust to ask for help. But that doesn't matter now… we have to get you out of this rain before you get sick," Mokuba went to offer a hand, but Seto shook it away. He pulled away from Mokuba's touch completely, gazing in another direction.

"I… can't, Mokuba, I'm sorry. I can't go back."

"What do you mean you can't go back? You have to go back, you're the president of Kaiba Corp. now, remember?" Seto turned back towards Mokuba.

"Mokuba… Gozaburo killed himself while I was present in the room. I still see his blood all over me whenever I looked down at my body. I can't become president with the story that will follow…"

"Pardon my French, Nii-sama, but why the hell do you care?" Seto seemed shocked by this as well, "You have never cared about what anyone else has thought about you, never. It's not how you are as a person to care. Why do you suddenly feel that way now? It's not like you're the one who killed him, he killed himself." Seto shook his head, Mokuba didn't understand.

"Look… Gozaburo killing himself isn't the only reason I feel like stepping down from ruling the company…" Seto took in a deep breath, "It's what the company symbolizes. I became the one man I never wanted to be, possibly the only man fit for the job. Now I'm not sure who I am anymore and taking the company after all that's happened seems wrong…"

Seto looked up at his brother once more.

"There was once a time where I truly did think that Kaiba Corp. was the company I wanted to rule and the life that would follow was the path I wanted to choose. But now I'm just not sure about anything anymore. And I feel that's the reason I cannot take it…" Mokuba stared at his brother, almost like he was waiting for Seto to say more.

"Is that it?" Mokuba asked, quietly. Seto nodded slowly. "I can't believe you, Nii-sama, YOU'RE SUCH AN IDIOT!" Mokuba slapped Seto across the face. Seto looked back at him in shock.

"Mokuba…!"

"How can you possibly think about stepping down as president?! After all we've been through, after all Gozaburo put us through, you're just going to turn your back and leave?"

"Mokuba, it's because of what he did that I can't-"

"Don't give me that! Nii-sama, you know better than anybody else what kind of hell we went through to get to this point… and I'm sorry for being so angry but…" Mokuba paused, bringing himself back down to a more calm state, "I can't let you do that. It's because of how much we suffered, that I won't let you simply give up everything we've worked for. I know you've changed, that Gozaburo changed you, but I saw and knew that from the beginning, there was no stopping what happened. It couldn't be stopped. But you have to realize, Nii-sama; that you may have become like him, but you're not him."

"…How?"

"Because… you have the one thing Gozaburo didn't have," Mokuba reached out his hand and put it over Seto's heart. Seto looked down at his chest as he did and back up. Mokuba used his other hand and grabbed Seto's palm, placing it over his own heart, "…And you have me too… No matter how dark things may seem, no matter how clouded your sense of reality will be, I will always be the one thing that will make you human again… because you love me. It's the one trait only a human can possess."

Seto was absolutely blown away by his brother's words; he didn't know what to say. Mokuba could already tell, bringing back his hand and putting back Seto's. He helped pull Seto onto his feet as he got up from the swing and smiled.

"You don't need to say anything, Nii-sama; you just need to come home with me and promise to rule Kaiba Corp. If not for yourself, than for me because even though you don't believe in destiny, big brother, I do, and I just know Kaiba Corp. is part of yours," Mokuba wrapped Seto's arm around his neck and led him in the direction of the car where Isono was still outside, waiting for them.

Seto said nothing, letting his brother pull him in any direction he wanted. Mokuba was right. Mokuba was right about everything and always had been. Seto might still be confused and put off by the idea of going back, but if he had his brother by his side, he could do anything. Seto trusted Mokuba with his life, and he knew he always would. But somehow, even the consequences of taking a job such as that came to mind as he walked.

"Hey Mokuba," Seto said, catching Mokuba's attention.

"Yes Nii-sama?"

"You know what this mean, don't you? If I take this job, if I rule Kaiba Corp., one of the richest companies in the world… a lot of things will change for us. Things could get tricky… and with the changes I'm going to make to one of the most powerful companies in the world, it could get dangerous." Mokuba hadn't thought of it that way. But danger was the last thing on his mind, and the last thing he would be afraid of. Not to mention that he had a hunch that the rain was getting to Seto. Mokuba decided he would have some fun with it.

"You don't think I can handle danger?"

"What are you talking about?" Seto asked, raising one eyebrow.

"I can totally handle danger. You see this?" Mokuba lifted one of his free arms towards Seto; Seto wasn't really sure what Mokuba was getting at when he did, "You see that? There's no hair under here, bro."

"What's the significance of that?"

"It makes me more aerodynamic when I fight. I can take danger." Seto laughed, mustering enough strength to ruffle the boy's wet hair.

"Mokuba, the only reason you don't have hair under there is because you haven't hit puberty yet." Seto laughed again.

"Hey, well if I did, I'd be able to run off in any situation," Mokuba was quiet again; "But… I guess what I'm trying to say is, I don't care about the danger, Nii-sama. I'm ready for anything." Seto smiled again. It was good to know that Mokuba was ready to face whatever would come to them in the future. Mokuba slowed down as he approached the car and the man standing by it.

Mokuba pulled Seto over to where Isono was standing. Isono seemed relieved.

"Is he okay?" Isono asked. Mokuba nodded.

"He'll be fine once we get him home." Seto eyed Isono.

"Mokuba, who is this man and why is he here?"

"I told you, he's the one that helped me find you. He's also the guy you fired a couple years back. This is Isono." Isono awkwardly held out his hand.

"Um… nice to see you again, Sir?" Seto glared at him.

"You know, I don't like outside people witnessing emotional events of mine. I'd hate for the public to get the wrong idea if this story ever got out…"

"Oh, well, rest assured Sir that I would never-"

"You're hired."

"Wait… what?"

"You're Kaiba Corp.'s newest right hand man. Instead of letting you off, I'll keep you close by where I can keep an eye on you. For now, get me home." Seto got into the car and closed the door. Isono was shocked, but he was absolutely delighted. Mokuba was happy to hear this too. Mokuba turned to Isono.

"Don't take it personally; it's just how my brother shows appreciation." Isono nodded and gave Mokuba a thumbs up. He got the idea of how Seto worked and would go on playing the part for now. Isono and Mokuba got into the car and Isono started to drive them home.

Mokuba, as he was sitting there, looking out the window with his brother by his side, couldn't help but see the bright future that was awaiting them around the corner. Maybe things didn't look so bright now, but as long as he had his brother by his side, as long as Seto and Mokuba were together, always, they couldn't be stopped.

-S-

After everything that happened, I did end up going back and taking my place as president. Ruling Kaiba Corp. was awkward at first, but I stuck with it through and through because of what Mokuba had said to me that fateful night. I decided that it wouldn't matter what happened, that I would always stand by this company with my heart and soul. Because Kaiba Corp. symbolized many things, but one of the most important ones to me was the bond I had with my brother.

That was one thing Kaiba Corp. would always symbolize for me.

Needless to say, I was able to fall into the role easily and even began making changes to the company early on. I reverted from selling weaponry to selling games. The first thing I marketed was Duel Monsters, the card game that had managed to get me through my childhood. It became a huge hit and brought in a ton of money for my company.

I made sure to destroy anything that was Gozaburo and military related. I changed our image globally shortly after that and brought in more business than I had ever seen before in my life. I began all the projects I had thought of as a child and have been developing them ever since.

As the company started making more money, I used it to search the entire world for the only four Blue-Eyes White Dragon cards that existed. Aside from my company, the Blue-Eyes White Dragon was also a symbol of my accomplishments and yet another tool that connected my brother and me together since Mokuba was the one that drew me the picture that caused me to pursue them. As well as my company, the Blue-Eyes White Dragon was more than just a card to me and it was yet another symbol of everything I had accomplished. Obtaining the cards was somewhat like a ritual for me, a rite of passage, in a way. It only took me a couple weeks to find three of them, but one was still out of my reach. I needed to find it.

But a couple months later, however, the fall came, and I didn't have time for searching for cards because that was around the same time Mokuba insisted that I go to high school to get a diploma. I had protested my heart out, but Mokuba wouldn't budge. He felt that even though the education I had received under Gozaburo's rule was enough to get me through even the toughest college courses out there, he believed I still thought a high school diploma was essential for being a well-regarded business man that it would help me some day.

Despite the fact that I didn't understand how a diploma would ever help me since I knew I would be running Kaiba Corp. for the rest of my life, I followed my brother's orders and enrolled in school. It wasn't any special school, just a normal public school, and the closest one I could find to the Kaiba Mansion. That school was Domino High School.

The school was filled with all sorts of people, most of them annoying, but I found that if I kept to myself, everyone usually ignored me. It was the way I liked it. Maybe that wasn't what Mokuba had wanted for me, but I didn't see myself needing a social life anyway. It seemed that all I would have to do to get through high school was lived through six hours of schooling every day, five days a week, for four years and then I would be done for good.

But then one day… I overheard something that caught my attention.

"…Maybe we could go over to my Grandpa's Game Shop so he could show us this super rare card he's got!" Rare card? Somehow I had a feeling it was the card I had been searching for.

I had to have it.

-M-

He was gone. Before I knew it, my brother had left with little to no explanation. He said very few things before he had left, all of which I couldn't quite understand. Seto said he needed to find himself; that he didn't know who he was anymore, that his duel with Yugi had messed him up. But how did it mess him up? Why did he feel the need to leave? I didn't understand any of this. What I didn't understand the most was why he had to leave me.

I would've gladly gone with him. Assisted him in whatever he needed, followed him to the ends of the earth until he had truly found what he was looking for. But he was gone before I had even known I had lost him. Before I could run after him and keep him from leaving me.

He was gone.

A/N: You guessed it, you guys; this is a prequel to my other story "Captivity," making my other story Consequences the final book to a trilogy! Isn't that exciting?! Now I have to admit, writing the ending to both the first and the last book to a trilogy was REALLY hard to do at the same time. Because I really did do them… at the same time(I still have the last chapter of Consequences opened in another Word document) And I really tried my best to try and finish both these stories before I left which involved some late night writing, which might've mixed some endings up, but all and all, I finished them both and I'm very happy about it! Although some of you might be like "WHAT?!" and some of you might be excited(for some reason I imagine some of you guys being mad at me for this) But yeah. I will admit, when I first started writing this story, I didn't know it was going to be a prequel, it literally came to me as I came to the middle of my story but if you guys followed my past author's notes, you probably also noted that I didn't know where I was going at all with my story. Which is the truth, this was one of the only stories I've ever written where I honestly didn't know what I was doing with it and what I wanted it to be about. But somehow I pressed on, moved forward, and now I'm finished with it! Granted, I do feel strange having this be the prequel to both Captivity and Consequences since both those stories don't reference this one, but I felt like it would fit as a prequel since both those other stories do what I did with this story; cover an area of the Kaiba Brothers' lives and try to fill in the blank spots. Which I like to say, and I think my readers would agree, I did just as well with those stories/arcs that I covered as I did with this one. So if you're bored and you want more, read Captivity and Consequences! Sure the format is a bit different, but I'm sure you guys won't mind. But yeah… I'm going to stop talking now because this is getting to be long. Thank you everyone for reading, reviewing, and generally being awesome! Check out the next two stories and keep rocking out to the sound of your own music!

P.S: Hell yes there's a P.S. in this! Happy birthday (again) AmePiper! I love you!

P.S.S: I'm wondering if anyone caught the Pineapple Express reference in there. Which I find funny because Pineapple Express is such a funny movie to even reference in a silly story like this and I can't believe I found a situation to reference it in for YGO in the first place! Hahaha, anyways, that was me having fun. Peace!