I'm writing this story because I used to love watching Yugioh. I still do! My favorite character is Seto Kaiba and the more I watched, the more I wished Kaiba was friends with Yugi and the gang. I think Kaiba's cool and all, but his stone cold attitude and meanness towards Yugi and Joey makes me sad. Since they've gone on adventures and helped one another with duels and stuff, I think they should finally become friends. Though Kaiba will still come across as a prideful guy, it won't be as bad. In this story, he may change and actually become friends with Yugi. His love for his younger brother will remain as strong as ever. In the first chapter though I'm just getting started. It's gonna focus mainly on Yugi's grief and some moments with the Kaiba brothers. Oh and Seto announcing something big.

This continuation of Yugioh is based on the series and takes places after the show ended. I felt extremely disappointed and sad to have it end with Atem leaving. I really wanted it to continue. So, I decided to continue it to the best of my imagination. Though, keep in mind, some major things will change in my depiction of Yugioh to make it more interesting. It's also gonna gear towards a more mature audience with the story line.

Disclaimer: I do not own Yugioh or the characters. I'm not exactly sure if I need to put this, but figured I did since so many others have it. I do get credit for being a fan though! With that said, enjoy! Please comment if you guys would be so kind! Thank you! Also keep in mind the first chapter is long. The others to follow will probably not be quite as long. Ok, I think that's it. Peace out homies!

Yugi was in his room. He had his pajamas on but wasn't going to bed. He didn't feel like sleeping. In fact, he hardly ever slept. He always dreamed of the Pharaoh when he did. This made him sad because he had come to realize that dreams were much crueler than reality for it showed Yugi what he had lost.

"I miss him so much." Yugi whispered through heavy breathing and sniffing. I didn't want to say good-bye. Without him, I feel scared and alone. He was a part of me, part of my soul. The part of me that was able to fight with courage when I dueled. He taught me what it meant to place my faith in the heart of the cards and in my friends. Though that doesn't matter to me anymore. Yugi thought sadly. Without Yami, I don't have the heart to keep dueling. Yugi walked over to his dresser and pulled out his deck he kept in a purple tin box. He flipped through the cards till he came across his favorite one. The Dark Magician. "Pharaoh!" He cried as tears flowed from his eyes. "Pharaoh, I need you! I can't stop thinking about you. Since you left, I Feel so alone inside. Please pharaoh, come back! I know you saved the world, but now I need you to save me from this world I have found myself in without you." Yugi fell to the floor, his knees, facing the floor. A puddle was starting to grow as more tears fell from his face. "Pharaoh, I miss you so much."

As hard as it was to carry on with life without Yami, Yugi never gave up hoping he would return. Every day, Yugi searched his soul for that voice. His voice. He longed to hear Yami inside of him once more. To look at his confident and loving face. To hear words of wisdom and power whispered into his heart. Sadly, day after day nothing changed. He only felt more and more alone inside. One of his good friends Tea, who was with him now, felt it too. She never admitted it out loud, but Yugi could tell by the way that she acted she missed Yami terribly too.

He's so quiet, like he's deep in thought about something. Wait, It must be the Pharaoh! Tea decided. Tea stopped walking and immediately felt sympathetic towards her short friend. "Yugi." She began, but upon seeing his disappointed face, Tea couldn't bring herself to ask him what was bothering him. I already know. It has to be the Pharaoh. Oh man, I wish he was here too. Why couldn't he just stay? He must have known we would miss him. Especially Yugi. Oh the poor guy. I can't imagine how he must be feeling right now. I gotta get him to think about something else, or I'm gonna lose it too.

"So Yugi, she began, hoping to get Yugi's mind off the Pharaoh, I got accepted to a dance academy in New York. I'm leaving next month." Yugi suddenly stopped walking and turned to his friend.

"What? Oh wow,, that's great Tea. I know how much dancing means to you. Have you told Joey and Tristan yet?"

Tea looked confused. "No, You're the first person I've told Yugi. I"m not sure if I'm going though."

"No way Tea! You should go for sure! It's what you've been wanting. Besides, it'll take your mind off of things."

Tea stopped and looked at Yugi. "So, you miss him too huh?" Her eyes sparkled with admiration at the thought of the Pharaoh.

"I more than miss him Tea. I feel incomplete without his spirit guiding me." Yugi decided to withhold telling Tea that he no longer wanted to duel anymore. She was always the cheerleader of the bunch and Yugi didn't feel like being cheered up to keep dueling. Not without Yami.

Tea stared at Yugi. "Oh Yugi, why? I know it's not fair to want him to stay, but he left too soon! We need him here with us!"

Yugi knew exactly how Tea felt. "I never wanted him to leave Tea, but every day, I pray he returns to us."

The next day, Yugi is hanging out with his friends. Joey and Tristan both seem happy, talking about some new strategy to use on Kaiba. Yugi isn't paying attention. He's too lost in his own thoughts.

Joey turned and put his hands on Yugi's shoulders. "So Yuge, did you hear? Kaiba wants to duel you. He still hasn't gotten over you beating him yet. Gee, what I wouldn't do to teach that Kaiba boy a thing or two about being a sore loser! Geez!" Tristan and Tea both nodded in agreement. Yugi on the other hand, didn't know how to respond. He'd been so distraught over the Pharoah's departure that he had totally forgotten about Kaiba. In fact, Yugi hadn't seen much of Kaiba lately. Kaiba rarely made his presence known. Which, to Yugi seemed rather strange. Seto Kaiba loved the spotlight.

I wonder how he's doing... Yugi thought to himself. It's not like we're friends, but I feel like maybe Kaiba's capable of changing one day somehow. He's always alone, except for his brother. He must like it, but I can't understand why. Though, that's Kaiba for you. He can be full of mystery sometimes. I don't know, but I have this feeling that he won't keep hating me for beating him. After all, it's just some silly card game. I'm actually kind of surprised it even bothers him. He is the CEO of his own company and definitely has a tough guy attitude, but why does he let losing one stupid game get him so upset? Was it really worth it? Yugi sighed with not knowing the answer. I guess because he's used to being top dog. Yugi looked up at Kaiba Corp, where Kaiba was probably hard at work. "Kaiba, are you ready to be friends now?" Yugi never told any of his friends this, especially not Joey because Joey hated Kaiba, but Yugi really wished Kaiba would stop opposing his friendship. In a way, Yugi felt sorry for the rich boy, but didn't like that he was always mean to him and his friends. Though since Kaiba did have a younger brother whom he loved dearly, Yugi didn't feel Kaiba was all that bad. He just needed to get over always being the best. Though Yugi kept wondering if that was even possible.

...

Meanwhile, Kaiba was sitting at his desk, staring at his computer screen. It was getting late. Kaiba didn't care. There's wasn't too much he did care about. He took off his necklace with the picture of Mokie in it and studied it. My little brother. The only thing I care about. Or the second thing he cared about. The first one would be defeating Yugi and being the world's best duelist again.

"Seto!? Seto?! What are you doing?" Kaiba groaned. It was Mokuba. Usually, he didn't mind when Mokuba came in to interrupt him from his work, but tonight was not a good night for that. He was troubled and focusing hard on finishing up his work. He was exhausted and really just wanted to go to sleep at a normal hour for once.

"I'm working, what did you expect me to be doing? Kaiba snapped. That's all I ever do kid.''

Mokuba pushed the door open and came prancing on in. He was obviously not paying any attention to his brother's coldness. "Big brother! When is your big duel with Yugi? I just know you're gonna beat him this time!" Mokuba approached his brother and stared excitingly at his face. He didn't seem to notice that his brother had just snapped at him. Normally that would be strange because Seto never talked that way to his dear little brother. In fact, Mokuba was the one and only person Kaiba was actually nice to. "You all right, Seto?"

Kaiba didn't take his eyes off his work. "I don't know Mokuba. I'm trying to get my work done. Why aren't you in bed?"

Mokuba looked sheepish but then started grinning. "I was doing homework big brother, but then I thought about your duel with Yugi. I wanna help you beat him. I've been thinking about a strategy to improve your chances of winning against him. I know that's super important to you." His smile never left his face as he looked as his handsome brother.

Kaiba didn't look convinced. "I don't need your help Mokuba. I can beat him on my own."

Mokuba kept smiling. He loved his brother and just wanted to see him happy. "Ok big brother. I hope you're right this time."

Kaiba didn't look amused. "Go to bed Mokuba. You and every one else will see that I can beat Yugi.

Mokuba turned wide-eyed. "Yes! Good night big brother! See you in the morning." He gave his brother a big hug and then scurried out of the room. He really did love his brother with all his heart. Deep down, he was hoping that if Seto could beat Yugi, he would have his brother back. The old one. The one he used to have when they were younger. Seto, you used to be so happy and cheerful. I know our stepfather caused you to be this way but it's not who you really are. Mokuba opened up his locket he always wore around his neck. His brother had one too. He smiled at the young Seto. Somehow, the young Kaiba boy knew his brother would change back into the one he missed. He just had to!

Kaiba was left alone with his thoughts of the next big duel. I have to win! He thought. Besides looking after Mokuba, it's the only thing I care about. He glanced at the door his brother had just exited. I love you little brother. I won't let you down. I will beat Yugi so you will always have me to look up to as the world's best duelist. Though Kaiba was beginning to feel something strange coming over him. It was as if he was electing to change somehow, but only if it would be in Mokuba's best interest. However, truthfully he was troubled over his ancient past. He always thought it was some ridiculous hocus pocus fantasy nonsense story, but he believed it now. I was the Pharaoh's friend and cousin. Kaiba thought with trembling hands and eyes. I protected him and fought battles against people who wanted to overthrow him. I wanted to kill anyone who dared to hurt him. Kaiba used to think it was impossible to ever be friends with someone like Yugi but according to his past, he had been one of his most trusted friends.

...

The next day, Yugi was with his friends again at his house. He was still sad. His eyes showed major concern for something.

"You alright Yuge?" Joey asked. His eyes piercing through Yugi's thoughts. He knew Yugi was devastated over the Pharaoh leaving and it pained him to see his best pal so traumatized by it. Poor Yugi. Joey thought. I haven' seen him this distraught since he lost his grandpa's soul to Pegasus. All I know is he's my best friend and I can't stand to see him like this. I just got to find a way to cheer him up. He would do the same for me. In fact, he has on several different occasions.

"Look Yugi, I know things are tough without the Pharaoh, but you got to snap out of it. He had to leave for his own good, ya know?"

Yugi barely heard Joey. He was fixated on his cards. He was thinking about his duel with Kaiba. "When does Kaiba wanna do this?"

This made Tristan, Joey, and Tea all look up in surprise. "Huh?' Tea responded.

"You know you don't have to do this right Yuge?" Joey exclaimed. "Who cares if rich boy wants to duel you. I can't stand the guy. It's not our problem he can't get over the fact that you totally wiped the floor with him. Don't even waste your energy."

"Yeah, he's right man. Tristan chimed in. Don't bother with that sore loser. He'll get over it eventually."

"I couldn't agree more Yugi. Tea added. Just remember how's he's treated you so far. I mean he's not even our friend, nor does he want to be."

Yugi sighed. He knew his friends were right. Still, he really did hope that he and Kaiba could be friends. His younger brother Mokuba is our friend. He thought. He trusts us. So why doesn't Kaiba? Does he really hate me because I'm better than him or is it something else? I bet he would be a really great friend just like Joey is, because of how he treats his younger brother. I know he's capable of being nicer. He's just needs to control his emotions of always having to be better than everyone else. Though, maybe he has his reason for being that way. I know he's had a tough childhood but could that be the reason? What is Mokuba holding onto? His younger brother must see something in him that we can't. After all, he can't seem to hate his brother for anything. He's always so loving and supportive, no matter how cruel Kaiba is.

"I have to guys. Yugi explains. Kaiba may be a jerk, but I believe he can change. It's hard to explain, but I feel like he wants to be friends deep down." Yugi stopped and reflected on a couple moments he shared with Kaiba when they had dueled together against common enemies.

"Deep down?! Geez! It must be way deep down with that snobby rich jerk!" Joey protested. "Come on Yuge, wake up and stop always trying to see the good in people. You know, some people just don't have it in them. By that, I mean Mr. Seto Kaiba! And if that guy was here, I'd let him know it too!" Joey clenched his fists in the air to demonstrate his seriousness. Though as much as he disliked the young rick Kaiba, Joey would love to see his face when he got defeated all over again by Yugi. So in a way, he was hoping Yugi would duel him again and hopefully silence his huge ego once and for all.

"Well, apart from all that, Tea says, we'll stand by you no matter what Yugi. We won't abandon you. We're in this together and we're with you to the end!"

Yugi smiled. He knew he could always count on Tea to have that burning flame of encouragement. "Thanks Tea. I know I 'm glad you guys are still here with me. It makes loosing the Pharaoh not seem so bad."

All three of his friends grins just dropped a little. They were all thinking the same thing. So he is still thinking about he Pharaoh leaving. Tea thought. I'm glad I'm not the only one. I miss him so much. I can't imagine how Yugi must feel though. I mean, they were like the same person. Poor Yugi, he must be so lost without him.

"What's wrong Tea? Yugi asked. He had noticed Tea's dreamy, far away look and wondered if she was possibly thinking about the Pharaoh too. You look sad."

"Who me? Nah, I'm great Yugi. I'm just hungry. Hey, can we go downstairs and get something to eat? Otherwise I'm afraid I might just faint from having no food in my stomach."

"Hahaha, Joey grinned. You sound like me, Tea. Though you could use to gain a few pounds. You look as though you have barely any meat on you! Don't you know us guys appreciate a girl with some nice curves?"

"Yeah, well some people can't afford to sit around and waste time pigging out! Oh and there's a difference between having curves and being fat! Tea retorted back. Besides Joey, you know I'm leaving for that dance academy soon. I can't exactly have a monstrous appetite like you and Tristan and eat everything in sight!"

"Say what?!" Joey shot back. Tristan looked guilty. "Oh come on Tea, give a poor guy a break! You know a guy's gotta eat to stay happy, right!? Besides I forgot you were leaving for dance academy."

"No, actually that's just you Joey, and I just told you about me going away just yesterday, remember? Whatever though guys, I'm serious. I gotta eat! I'm so hungry." Tea didn't wait for them to respond. She was already on her way downstairs.

"Hey wait for us!" Joey and Tristan both yelled. There was no way they were passing up an opportunity to chow down on some food.

The four friends starting making their way downstairs when the phone rang. "I'll get it Gramps.'' Yugi called, reaching for the phone.

"Hello Mutou Game shop?" Yugi said into the phone.

"Yugi, get your deck ready. We're dueling tomorrow." Kaiba's cold voiced explained over the line.

"Kaiba? Yugi shot back. Uh sure Kaiba, where?"

"At Kaiba Land Yugi. Where else would we do it? Look, I don't have time to explain but just make sure you're there at 3. Oh, and the less of your geek squad you bring, the better."

Before Yugi had the chance to respond, there was a click of the phone and Kaiba was gone.

Well, Yugi thought. I guess I'm gonna do this. With or without the Pharaoh's help, I'm gonna take on Kaiba. Though, he's not going to be easy. Kaiba may be a jerk, but his dueling skills are one of the best.

...

At the top of Kaiba Corp, Seto was closing his briefcase that contained his cards. He was all set to go with the duel against Yugi.

"Big brother! Seto!" Mokuba was running through the hallway calling out his big brother's name. Kaiba had that look on his face. The look of sheer determination. He had a feeling that his reign as the world's best duelist would begin again. Till then, he wouldn't be satisfied till he obtained his goal.

Mokuba had entered the room. He stopped and gazed at Kaiba's beautiful blue eyes. I really wish Seto would let this whole duel rivalry thing with Yugi go. I love my brother and promised him I would stand by him no matter what, but I see no reason to dislike Yugi and his gang. Besides, I'm pretty sure they like me. I just wish Seto was friends with them. He could use a friend or two, since all he has right now is me. Though I am glad for that, I can't help but feel that my brother longs for companionship with someone other than me. Why can't he see that? Why is he so against being Yugi's friend? Yugi is always nice to my brother too, but I hear how my brother treats him back. Nah, Mokuba thought. My brother is tough! He doesn't need anybody standing in his way! He is the best big brother in the entire world! I might not understand my brother's thinking but one things for sure, I will never abandon him for anything! It sure didn't take much for Mokuba to push every bad, negative thought towards Seto away. He saw no wrongdoing in his big bro, only love. Mokuba approached his brother and gave him a big smile. "Seto, are you excited? I sure am! I just know you're gonna win and be the best again! Right, big brother?" He looked up at his brother with admiration and waited patiently for his answer.

Kaiba stood up and walked over to the window. He stared out across the distance without saying a word back to Mokuba.

"Seto? Are you alright? What's wrong? Mokuba's happy face was now replaced with eyes full of concern for his big brother whom he loved more than anything. Please talk to me big brother. Say something, please. What are you thinking? Are you worried about the duel? Seto, you don't have to. I believe in you. That's all that matters, right?"

Kaiba closed his eyes and lifted his hand to the necklace containing his picture of Mokuba. He opened it and stared at the picture of his little brother. The one who meant the world to him. Mokuba's eyes grew wide with awe as he watched Seto. His eyes sparkling. He stepped closer to his brother till he was inches from him. Kaiba turned from the window and reached down to hug his brother. His expression serious, yet loving. "Mokuba, you know I will keep my promise to always look after you, right? I know sometimes it seems like I'm extremely busy, but that's only because I want to make sure you and I have the best life possible. The life we could never have as kids. I mean that Mokuba." He hugged Mokuba tighter. His little brother hugged tighter too, not showing signs of wanting to let go. "I know Seto. He said. We'll always be together. Just like you promised me. I know you'll never break it. You haven't ever." He started to cry, thinking back to all the times Seto came to his rescue. Seto let go and gave his brother a very serious look. "Mokuba, don't worry. I won't let anyone or anything come between us ever. If someone does, they will pay with everything they've got! Seto turned his head and clenched his fists. If anyone dares to hurt you or me they will suffer! That is a promise!"

"Ok, Seto. Mokuba smiled again. I'm going to bed. I wanna be ready for the big game tomorrow." He said as he started to walk out the room.

"Ha, yeah right, Kaiba smirked. You're not the one dueling kid, but don't worry, it will be a show that will go down in history."

...

Meanwhile in Yugi's room, things were a bit quiet. Except for the endless thinking of Yugi's mind. Any minute now, he expected the Pharaoh to pop out and surprise him. To show him that he wasn't really gone. Each moment that passes is so hard, for it proves I can live without him. Yugi thought. Well, perhaps I can. "No! Yugi yelled, slamming his hands on his desk. I need you here Pharaoh! We're supposed to face this world together, not apart! You need to come back! I'm just not strong enough without you!." I thought I was but I'm wrong! Can you hear me Pharaoh?! He yelled, I am wrong!" Though his friends would argue that is not true. Yugi had proved he was strong enough without the Pharaoh when he dueled him and set his spirit free. It's just not fair! I should have lost the duel, then he would be here with me. Tears began to flow from his soft face faster now. Yugi was trembling and couldn't stop. He was feeling exactly how the Pharaoh had felt when Yugi's soul had been captured by the seal of orichalcos. "I don't want to know what its like to face this world alone."He whispered with each breath. Because I will be broken without him. "Hear me Pharaoh?! I said I am broken without you! Why is that so hard for you to understand? Tear after tear continued to fall from his face, soaking his clothes and forming puddles on the floor. "So you can't be gone! You just can't be."

Tea was wide awake, unable to sleep. She kept thinking about Yugi's face. I'm scared for him, she realized. I hate to see him like this. I wish I knew how to cheer him up but the truth is, I feel the same way. "Yugi, don't lose heart." She said out loud.

...

"Whoa you guys are here early. Yugi proclaimed upon Joey, Tristan, and Tea's arrival the next day. I guess you guys are as anxious about this duel as I am."

"Anxious ain't the right word Yuge, Joey said, excited is more like it! I can't wait for you to cream Kaiba all over again and send him crying back to his rich world. Oh man, to see the look on his face when he looses! Again!' "Haha" Joey seemed ecstatic at the thought of Kaiba loosing this upcoming duel that he so badly wanted to be the victor of.

"I don't know Joey, Yugi said. Kaiba may just win this time. You're forgetting the Pharaoh isn't with me anymore."

"Oh come on Yugi! Tristan chimed in. Kaiba's gonna lose and you know it!"

"Tristan's right Yugi, Tea added. Kaiba's only good at being a sore loser!"

"Hey good one Tea!" Joey slaps Tea a high-five to congratulate her on choosing those words that Joey thought suited Kaiba so well. "Besides we need Yugi to beat Kaiba so he can finally shut up about how he's still the greatest duelest. I mean come on! How long does rich boy expect people to keep believing that when he always looses to Yugi?!"

"Couldn't have said it better myself buddy." Tristan said with a grin. "Now let's go guys."

...

Meanwhile at the Kaiba mansion, Mokuba was eagerly waiting on his brother to announce he was ready. Mokuba glanced at the clock. "Seto, it's almost 3! We gotta go!" No response. "Seto?" Mokuba wandered into the master bedroom and looked for his brother.

"I'm right here Mokuba." Kaiba said. He was sitting on his bed with his briefcase held tightly to his chest. "I'm almost ready."

Mokuba approached his brother and stared into his eyes. He wasn't sure what he was seeing, but his brother didn't seem to be so wound up about his duel with Yugi anymore. Mokuba opened his mouth to ask his brother what was wrong when Seto announced, "It's time Mokuba. Lets go."

"Yes, let's do this! Right behind you bro!"

...

Yugi and his friends were making their way to Kaiba Land where the duel with Kaiba would take place. The place was crowded as it always was. The gang attempted to make their way through all the people but it wasn't an easy task. "Yugi!" A voice was heard not far off. They all looked up to spot a familiar smiling face running towards them.

"Hey guys!" Mokuba said as he approached them. "I hope you all are as excited as I am for this duel between Yugi and my bro. Though don't expect him to go easy on you Yugi. I still believe my brother is the best and he will prove that by the end of today. So I hope you're prepared!"

Tea, Tristan, and Joey all rolled their eyes, but Yugi looked liked he took that to heart. "I believe you Mokuba. You're brother may have lost to me before, but I have no doubt he still could beat me today."

"What are you saying Yuge?" Joey said, "Don't tell me you think moneybags has a shot at winning. That's just not gonna happen. So don't let it. For if little Mister I'm so wonderful wins, we'll never hear the end of it."

"I thought you weren't coming Wheeler?" Kaiba snickered as he made his presence known. He stood a few yards from them, leaning against one of the pillars. His hands folded across his chest. "Unless you've come to annoy me as you watch Yugi loose. That must be it, right? For I can't possibly think of any other reason why you would be here."

"Oh yeah, Kaiba? You think you're so tough, don't ya? Well I just so happen to be here so I can cheer Yugi on while he beats you!"

Kaiba didn't look convinced. "Ha, whatever you say Wheeler." He walked over to Yugi and stopped right in front of him. "Play you're hardest Yugi. I know you're twin isn't with you but I want you to try. Got it? Now lets start! I don't have all day!"

With that, the duel began. It was definitely a challenge for both opponents. Neither one was playing easy on the other. No, they were both giving this duel everything they had. Kaiba had his ultimate blue eyes white dragon in play. Yugi was looking at his hand and shaking. He had a card to take down Kaiba's dragon, but he didn't think he could do it. He was having flashbacks of the last duel he had with the Pharaoh. The one in which would separate him from Yugi forever. Yugi shyly looked up at Kaiba who was waiting on Yugi to make his move. "Yugi, what is the problem? Are you trying to tell me by not playing a card that you don't have one that can beat my ultimate dragon?" "Ha, why am I not surprised?'

"Shut up Kaiba!" Joey yelled from the sidelines angrily. "Come on Yuge! Pick a card and prove to Kaiba once again that you are still the king of games!"

"Yeah!" Chimed in Tea and Tristan in agreement. Mokuba didn't say anything. Instead, he felt the picture of his brother he wore around his neck.

"I can't do this." Yugi said barely loud enough for anyone to hear. He was staring at Kaiba as he said it. Kaiba looked back with a look Yugi hadn't seen before. Yugi gasped. "Pharaoh?" It wasn't him but for some strange reason, Kaiba reminded him of the Pharaoh. The Pharaoh that would still be here if he hadn't beaten him.

I'm placing this card face down and I'm ending my turn." Yugi announced bravely.

Everyone seemed stunned that he didn't try to take down Kaiba's powerful monster. "Yugi, what are you doing? Kaiba's gonna win now. What are you thinking?"

"It's ok, Joey." Yugi said. "Go ahead Kaiba. It's your move."

"All right! Go bro! You've got this!" Mokuba's voice showed absolute confidence in his brother.

Seto wasted no time in making his move. "Blue Eyes, attack! End this now!"

Kaiba's mighty dragon opened its mouth and unleashed a wave of defeat that sent Yugi's life points to zero.

"No!" Three screams erupted into the air as Yugi fell to his knees.

Kaiba had won. He had finally taken down the infamous king of games, but for someone who's sole purpose ever since he had been beaten was to seek revenge, Kaiba certainly didn't show a lot of enthusiasm. It was strange. Strange to Kaiba too. He felt freedom. Freedom from his anguish.

"Wahoo! Way to go bro!" Mokuba was sure happy. He knew what this victory meant to his brothder. His glowing face soon turned to shock when he turned to look at his brother.

"Seto?" Mokuba gasped as he realized his brother remained completely motionless as he just stared at the fallen Yugi. It's over, Kaiba thought.

Yugi was fighting back tears but managed to look up at Kaiba. "Congratulation Kaiba. You beat me."

Kaiba surprised everyone by just remaining where he was as he stared at the fallen king of games. Looking at his dark haired brother's adoring face as he approached made Kaiba realize defeating Yugi meant absolutely nothing to him. "Seto, you won!" Mokuba came running up and wrapped his arms around his brother in a big hug. Kaiba had been confident for so long that this victory against Yugi would make him feel good and help chase the emptiness away that blinded him inside for so long. Kaiba just found out he had been wrong. Instead, all he felt was numbness.

"Hey, wait a second!" Joey yelled. Apparently, not everyone was happy with Kaiba's victory. "It's not over you big slimeball!" Joey was furious! He couldn't believe Yugi had just lost and to Seto Kaiba at that. Joey couldn't stand it anymore. "I hate you Kaiba!" He yelled as he came running up and plunged himself at Kaiba's body. "Joey no, don't!" Yugi called, but it was too late. Joey was about to sock Kaiba right in his pretty little face. Suddenly, Mokuba stepped in front of Kaiba protecting him from Joey's fists just in the nick of time. "No!" Kaiba shrieked. "Mokuba!" "Wheeler, what the hell is wrong with you?!" Kaiba watched in horror as his brave little brother took the punch that sent him flying down to the ground. The picture he had of his brother which was always worn around his neck in a locket had been in Mokuba's hand. As Mokuba fell to the ground, he dropped the locket. "Wheeler, I'm gonna kill you! Kaiba growled. How dare you touch my brother!" He launched himself at Joey but stopped when he heard his brother calling out to him.

"Seto!"

"Mokuba! Are you alright?"

"Yeah, I'm fine."

Kaiba turned his attention from Joey and kneeled down to his brother. He picked up the locket and opened it to see if the picture had broken. He gasped at what he saw. "Mokuba." He said through shaky teeth. He couldn't find the words to say anything more.

The picture was not broken. The reason Seto became speechless was because the picture was not of a young Seto but how Seto looked now. His face was revealing all the anger and frustration Seto was filled with. This surprised Seto or rather horrified him because the picture his brother was supposed to have was Seto as a child, not him being older. Seto had one of Mokuba when he was young too. "Mokuba, he started again. What is this?"

"It's you Seto. Mokuba explained. I threw the old one of you away. He's gone. That picture is you Seto. The brother I have now.

"What?" Kaiba was fighting back tears. He didn't understand. He had just defeated someone he had wanted to for so long, yet the victory of it was bittersweet. He felt no joy, no triumph, no cause for celebration. He looked at his dear brother and felt something he hadn't felt in a long time. Who am I? What kind of brother have I become to the only family I have? Mokuba loves me and just protected me, yet he's watched me turn into the person I once despised.

A few feet away, Yugi was getting up and looking at Kaiba. He saw Kaiba's face and almost didn't recognize him. Kaiba's demeanor had dramatically changed and Yugi wasn't exactly sure how.

"Mokuba, Kaiba finally said. Never again will I duel. I'm done with this! This game is over for me!"

"Wwwhatt?!" Mokuba stuttered. "What are you talking about Seto? You just won!"

Several gasps were heard and became louder as everyone watched what Kaiba would do next.

Kaiba picked up his briefcase filled with all his cards and then pulled out a round device from his jacket that looked very much like a bomb. "Watch out!" He yelled as he threw the briefcase on the floor next to the others. "I'm blowing them up!" He dropped the bomb like object on the case and it exploded, no doubt destroying all of Seto's cards. The blast wasn't dangerous, but it was enough firepower to light the cards on fire. Everyone stared in amazement.

Kaiba turned to face Yugi. The look on his face showed hope. Hope that things might change between him and his greatest rival in the future. "Yugi, I'm done dueling. I'm done letting this whole thing between us stand in the way of what should matter the most to me. I succeeded in defeating you Yugi, but I feel no joy in reigning victorious. All that matters to me now is my brother." Kaiba turned to look his brother in the eyes. "Mokuba, forgive me." I got carried away in something that seems so foolish. I know you've been holding on to me returning to that big brother you always looked up to."

"Seto, Mokuba said quietly. I've always looked up to you. You're my big brother. That hasn't changed and never will. I just want you to be happy. Don't stop doing what you're good at."

"No Mokuba. I can't do this anymore. I'm finished."

A few feet away, Yugi and his friends were watching and listening with astonishment. "Is that really Kaiba I'm hearing? Joey asked. What is going on? Is he actually being human for once? I can't believe it."

"Seto!" Mokaba wrapped his arms around his big brother. Kaiba gladly did the same but looked around and remembered he had an audience that was still staring in shock at the Kaiba brothers.

"Come on Mokuba. We're going home." Kaiba was feeling particularly vulnerable at the moment and didn't feel comfortable having people he didn't exactly consider "friends" to watch.

Kaiba approached Yugi and said. "Yugi, we'll talk later. I've got to get back home."

"Yeah, sure Kaiba." Yugi said back. He was still in shock as he watched Kaiba walking away. What is up with Kaiba? He just won and he's acting like he doesn't even care. What happened to him? Is it his little brother? Is he really done dueling? Does he want to be friends now?...

To be continued...