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Precocious	By : PupshitDesu Category: Yu-Gi-Oh > Yaoi - Male/Male Views: 1861 -:- Recommendations : 0 -:- Currently Reading : 0
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Chapter List
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Sitting alone at his desk working on his duel deck, Seto once again felt content. As content as he'd ever be while contemplating a plot to gain the one hundred million dollars Gozaburo required of him. It would be near impossible to achieve that sort of fortune in only a year, but it had to be done. Sitting around brooding over it would not make it happen any faster. At least his cards distracted him a little from the impending challenge that was looming over his head.
Gozaburo always talked about duel monsters and other games being pointless, but Seto ignored his opinions. They were very important. Games of war, they taught him how his opponents thought and they were ruled by logic... Chess was no better than any other battle of wits; curling his lip, Seto flipped one of his cards to reveal Battle Ox. It wasn't an overly powerful card, but it had its purpose.
"How do I make so much money in less than a year," he mused, "Legally?"
There were many ways to do it, if he decided to chance being exposed, but he knew Gozaburo would disapprove. He wouldn't want Seto turning his precious blood money dirty, as it were, and if he did anything unsavory, he'd get into trouble.
"Drugs would be too easy. And I couldn't stomach the other methods..."
Human trafficking. Selling weapons illegally. All sure fire ways of getting money, but not exactly anything he felt like doing, even if to protect his own livelihood. He didn't want to hurt anyone, not really, and the idea of people being even more miserable (or dead) because of him was too much to bear. He couldn't deal with that sort of guilt. Tossing his cards off the table in anger, he got up to stare out his window.
Mokuba was playing outside with the puppy.
At least he seemed to be happy. He was on the outside of Seto's challenge; he was very well separated from the reality of the situation, operating with the belief that he need not worry so long as his big brother was on the job. Seto appreciated his faith, but it was almost annoying that he was as oblivious and stubbornly naive as he was. Not that there was anything to be done about it without burdening Mokuba with rather cold realities.
He saw Mokuba pause in what he was doing, then pick up the dog and walk toward a maid who seemed to have been sent to fetch him. Seto was hardly surprised. Mokuba's time was under a tight schedule. He sat back at his desk to continue brainstorming, but was interrupted a short time later by a knock at his door.
"Come in," he assented, turning in his chair so he faced the door. Isono stepped into the room, bowed, and then spoke.
"I'm to take you out to shoot again, young master."
His expression was no different than any other time, but his tone and mannerisms were off; he seemed somehow strained and reluctant, and it made Seto nervous. He grew wary of Isono, wondering if perhaps the man had some ill intentions for him, but the glances he directed at him occasionally as they walked the halls of the mansion dictated something less sinister. Less sinister, but no less undesired. Seto didn't much abide pity.
When they had made it to the armory, Isono equipped Seto with a rifle and safety equipment. Rather than having him shoot at targets, however, the security guard silently led him back outside to the grounds.
"Where are we going?" Seto asked. "I doubt I'll be able to hunt anything properly."
Isono did not respond for a few seconds, though his step slowed a little and his fingers twitched. He turned his head just a little, as if looking at Seto through the corners of his sunglass-covered eyes.
"Some prey is easier than others."
Seto quirked an eyebrow at this mysterious response, but did not inquire further. The answer would likely reveal itself soon enough. Whatever was ahead was planned by Gozaburo and out of his hands anyway. He preferred the advantage of knowing what was planned, but sometimes it simply wasn't possible. His "father" had the household under his control.
They were deep in the woods, far back behind the house. Seto wasn't completely sure as to where they were going, but he knew nothing much hid in the woods there. And a handgun was too small for shooting deer, or even most birds. Looking around impatiently, he wanted whatever this new "game" was to reveal itself already, but before his anxiety would nag at him anymore, Gozaburo appeared in the clearing.
The puppy was whimpering next to him, leash wrapped in the burly man's hands.
"Seto, Isono tells me you've been practicing with weapons. Have you ever shot anything live before?"
"No Father," replied Seto, arching an eyebrow just slightly, "We always practiced inside the shooting range."
"It's time you grow up, then, and make your first kill."
He wasn't sure what exactly Gozaburo meant, but before he could think it over, Isono placed the empty pistol into his hand and the rounds into the other.
"Load the magazine Seto, I thought you knew how to operate a gun," mocked Gozaburo, laughing as the dog tried pulling against his grip, "How can you expect to be a proper President of Kaiba Corporation if you can't even handle a simple .9mm pistol?"
Seto slammed the magazine into the gun, cocking back the slide to make sure it was loaded before checking to make sure the safety was on. Nothing would have given him more pleasure than turning that gun on Gozaburo himself, but that wasn't possible. Not unless he wanted to get charged for murder and watch Mokuba be placed back into the care of the government.
"-Why is that dog here?"
The puppy looked out of place. It was terrified, trying to move away as Gozaburo pulled on his leash, not letting him two feet away from his towering body. Whimpering, it chewed frantically on the nylon, hopelessly trying to rip it apart, but it was no use.
"I'd assumed you would be smart enough to figure that out for yourself," replied Gozaburo, "This is your target."
"I'm going to shoot the dog?" Asked Seto, his face becoming confused, "I can't do that. It's Mokuba's pet."
"Seto, what did I tell you about weakness? You still won't force it out of your system. Until you do, people will always find a way to prey upon you. Why do you think I'm such a powerful businessman? I abandoned compassion and no longer waste my time with it. Not for you. Not for your brother. If slitting both your throats would make me wealthier, I'd do it.
So shoot the dog, boy. I won't ask you again."
"No."
He felt pity for the animal, but more importantly, he gave it to Mokuba. His brother loved it, and if he found out what had happened, Seto was afraid he'd never talk to him again. And that would break him. They had never had pets before, and his brother was so attached. The night before, they had even slept together...
"Seto, if I have to kill that pest myself, I won't be kind about it. Either kill the little beast like I ordered you to, or I'll choke the life out of it."
Seto watched Gozaburo for a moment, his expression changing from wide-eyed disbelief to a glare that would turn water to ice. He knew without a shadow of a doubt that Gozaburo would be willing to kill the dog. He'd be happy to kill the dog, especially if it hurt Seto; which, by his hesitation, it obviously would. And if he didn't kill his brother's pet, then he could only guess at what the repercussions might be. It was a choice between Mokuba's heartbreak and Gozaburo's wrath.
But perhaps he only hesitated out of weakness. After all, the dog was only a dog, and Seto had to look out for himself first. Cruel as it might be, he would have to make the call.
He turned off the safety and raised the gun, taking his stance and aiming as Isono had taught him. The dog, young and innocent as it was, could evidently detect danger and now seemed determined to escape both Gozaburo's presence and Seto's alike. Its collar was not to be escaped, however, and Seto squelched the pity that threatened to overtake him at the sight of the creature. Perhaps it was innocent, but it made no difference...
In spite of himself, and his oh-so-certain decision to kill Mokuba's pet, he hesitated a moment longer before finally detaching himself from his unruly feelings and pulling the trigger. The dog yelped sharply and was cut off, and then it was on the ground bleeding, its struggling brought to a sudden halt. Seto felt strangely dizzy, and his chest was light as if he'd dropped a weight from it. Shouldn't that be a good feeling? Then again, it was hardly a cheery situation. Somehow, though, he felt...aloof. As if he could take it in his stride. And it was relieving to do so.
"Found your stones, did you?" Gozaburo snorted, letting the leash fall to the ground and reaching into his coat pocket. He likely intended to smoke one of his reeking cigars. "Do you know why I made you kill that dog, boy?"
"Because killing things gives you pleasure," answered Seto, narrowing his eyes. A flash of disgust had run through him, enough that his skin crawled from the severity. Disgust with not only Gozaburo, but with himself...
"No, although it doesn't bother me in the least. It was only a dog, and I'm trying to teach you a lesson. That dog was weak. And weakness, no matter what form or shape it takes, must be snuffed out. Mokuba's attachment to it was irrelevant. Equally irrelevant is how he'll hate you for killing it.
And you will tell him what happened, son. When we have dinner this evening, you will tell him why his dear puppy is missing, and you will be clear as to why it had to be put down. You will inform him weakness will not be tolerated. Understand me?"
"Yes, Father."
"Good. I'll see you at dinner. Now go put that gun away, I don't want you getting any stupid ideas..."
Flicking the ashes off his cigar, Gozaburo sneered at the puppy's carcass before walking away, heading toward what Seto could only assume was the house. He didn't like how the dog just lay there, soaked in its own blood, and sighing once his stepfather was out of sight, he made sure the gun was safe before handing it to Isono.
"Where can I find a shovel?"
He didn't know what he was doing. His back hurt after a while, and he got caked in dirt; he knew he'd have to take a shower before showing his face at the dinner table. There was shit stuck under his nails, his hands felt raw, and although the sun wasn't beating down on him thanks to the trees, he felt so hot. The midday temperature hadn't broken, and wiping the sweat off his face, he stopped when there was a sizable hole in front of him.
Glancing at the dog, he figured the grave he made would just have to do. He was too tired to dig anymore, and if he kept going, his hands would blister and bleed. A puppy everyone would eventually forget about was not worth the pain. Setting the shovel down, Seto closed his eyes and opened them before picking up the bloody carcass.
It was heavy. And wet.
"I'm sorry this happened to you," mumbled Seto, "But it couldn't be avoided."
Setting it down, he stared at the animal's face. The eyes were open, and he bent down to close them, as if it were a dead person. And not breaking his gaze, he touched the fur a few times, avoiding the top where the bullet had traveled through into its brain. There the hair was all matted from brain matter, and lifting himself up, Seto went to grab his shovel.
It was easy covering the body with dirt. Using the tip, he pushed all the earth into the hole until the animal had disappeared, beating it down once it was completely filled. Now that his crime was below him and out of sight, Seto took a deep breath and felt better.
There wasn't anything that could be done about the dog now.
He made his way back to the house. It seemed like a long walk, and while the sprawling grounds certainly weren't a short distance to cross, it did feel as if time was passing differently. When he did make it inside, he made his way immediately to his room, ignoring the odd looks from the staff. He knew he was messy and disheveled, so he wasn't overly surprised when he saw his hair and clothes in his bathroom mirror. There was blood and dirt on his clothing, and some on his face. He wasn't sure exactly how it got there...
It was relieving to get under the shower water. He could feel dried sweat and dirt washing away, the musk of the outside fading quickly from his skin. He had extra time before dinner, and followed an inclination to stay longer. Somehow, even after doing a basic rinse, he still didn't quite feel clean.
When he left the shower, he promptly dried and dressed himself for dinner, and headed downstairs. Gozaburo was just sitting down at the table, a distraught-looking Mokuba across from him. Seto took his own seat and placed his napkin in his lap. He could feel Gozaburo's eyes on him; he was responsible for telling Mokuba where his dog was. Likely, his brother had already asked their guardian what had happened to his pet.
Seto sat silently, trying to force himself to speak, but something kept his jaw shut. The very thought of delivering the news was a little hard to bear, and the act of actually following through was something he didn't look forward to. Mokuba looked so worried...
"Nii-sama?"
His thoughts were interrupted when his brother spoke. Seto looked at him, a little surprised. Mostly because he had been lost in his thoughts.
"Yes?"
"Have you...seen my dog?" Mokuba queried hesitantly, his expression concerned but his eyes shrewd. Seto knew that his brother was perceptive; it was probable that he'd noticed something off in Seto's mannerisms or response. "Father says that you were with him last."
Resisting the urge to glare at the smug bastard across the table, Seto took a deep breath, meeting his brother's eyes.
"I shot it," he stated bluntly, realizing that sugar-coating would get him nowhere. The facts remained the same. Mokuba looked disbelieving, but they knew each other well, and Seto could see in his eyes that he knew it was the truth. Not to say that he wouldn't try to deny it for the sake of his feelings.
"W-what?"
"It was weak," Seto continued to meet Mokuba's gaze, his eyes unblinking, "So I killed it."
"But why?" Mokuba demanded, his eyes beginning to water. He looked as heartbroken as Seto had expected, but his expression was almost angry. He still seemed baffled, as if he wasn't quite sure he had heard correctly.
"Mokuba, I know you were fond of it, but..." Seto resisted the urge to apologize. Gozaburo was watching him very closely, and he'd likely staged things this way for just that advantage. "But it was a weakness. We can't afford to harbor such things."
"It was a baby! It couldn't help being weak!" Mokuba protested, standing. His hands were curled into fists, tears running down his cheeks as he spoke. His expression was nearly pleading, as if convincing Seto it was wrong to shoot the dog would somehow bring it back. "It would have grown into a dog, and then it would have been strong. You can't just kill something because it's weaker than you!"
Seto sighed, looking at the silverware that was at his table setting. What could he say to that? Mokuba wouldn't understand, and with Gozaburo right in the room, he could hardly explain that he hadn't had much choice in the matter.
"Perhaps not, but when it's a decision between yourself and a weaker creature, you do what you must."
He looked back at Mokuba, who appeared completely defeated. And confused. Seto could hardly blame him. His face was schooled, and his cold delivery likely disturbed his brother even more. What was he to do? Seeing Mokuba so hurt made his heart ache, but if he expressed remorse in front of Gozaburo, then he'd be failing. Fleetingly, he wished that Mokuba possessed the fortitude not to be so broken up about such things.
The room was silent for several seconds as Mokuba gaped at him.
"Really Mokuba, it wasn't even yours. Don't look at me like I did something to you. It was my gift, and the dog was an annoyance. As unpleasant as it was, it had to be done, and it was my responsibility to see it through."
He hoped his brother would become wise to what he said and just drop the argument, but instead Mokuba just said nothing at all. Picking at his food, he cried silently at the table as Gozaburo frowned at them both, pulling out another cigar before lighting it at the table to smoke.
"There are too many expensive things in this house for keeping a dog anyways," mused the man, cutting the tip before sticking it into his mouth.
Glancing at Mokuba and suddenly feeling very sick of his pitiful behavior, Seto started eating quickly. He wasn't even paying attention as the different array of sushi went into his mouth, he was feeling so frustrated. His brother wouldn't look at him, and feeling that onset of immediate guilt made him angry. It was hard enough burying the dog, but the disapproving looks made everything worse.
"Mokuba, eat your dinner," said Seto finally, flashing him a cold glare as he brought his chopsticks to his mouth, "You won't be getting anything else if you get hungry later."
Gozaburo never allowed them snacks.
"I'm not hungry."
"You're lying."
There wasn't much he could do about that though. Not with Gozaburo watching. He had to keep himself under control, so not taking Mokuba's bait, he continued eating, slowing down some. The food was just going down his throat now without much care to the taste, and staring at his plate, Seto wished the meal would just end soon. He wanted to be excused, but Gozaburo wouldn't allow them that freedom until he was completely finished with his plate himself.
Mokuba was being a brat. Now he was just picking at everything, and Seto knew hours later he'd beg him to go steal something to eat from the kitchens. He never thought his actions through, just reacting and having no control over his emotions... How could he not have grown up since being adopted? Did he not realize that Gozaburo didn't care if he starved or not?
But what could he do? Mokuba was going to be stubborn, and once Gozaburo finally finished and excused them both from the table, Seto stormed off into his room, shutting the door. He would have locked it if he could, but since he wasn't allowed any sort of privacy, he didn't. Instead, he sat by his window and brooded, watching the street that stood far away past the main gates as the sun went down and night surrounded them.
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Precocious