From Love Comes Great Joy, Part 17 : The Gift of the Future

Author’s Notes: Last chapter. I hope everyone enjoyed this fic and I thank you all for reading it and reviewing it. Enjoy!

Review Answering:
Cas: For Apollo, the answer is in this chapter. As for Takuya, I tried looking the name up, but couldn’t find what it means. I ran out of names at the last minute and chose that when I saw an ad on the Internet for the Digimon Frontier movie. Thanks for the review though and sorry I couldn’t answer all of your questions.

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Joey sighed lovingly as she was bathed by Seto, whose hand was gliding a washcloth over his ‘wife’s lovely form. She would soon turn back into a guy again and the brunette wanted to spend as much time with Joey as he can before he had to go back to work at Kaiba Corp. He really didn’t like to skip out of work, considering someone may screw up and he would be out one major corporation, but he loved his family and if it was a choice between Kaiba Corp. and that, Seto would be a former CEO.

“Seto,” Joey moaned, arching up a bit as Seto cupped a tender breast in his hand, “Feels good.”

“I know love,” Seto whispered, gently washing Joey’s chest. He wanted to lay Joey down on their bed and worship her like the goddess she turned out to be, but not tonight. She was too sore after having the twins and last night’s ‘activities’ that left the blue-eyed teen with very fond memories.

“When will we go see da tombstones,” the blond had to ask. His koi had told her once that someone very important to him had died a long time ago and had asked to name one of the twins after him. Joey didn’t mind, considering they were having a hard time picking names for Takuya and Apollo.

“In the spring,” Seto replied, “It’s too cold out to bring the twins with us. Plus, I have a lot to do beforehand.”

“Is it about Kaiba Paradise,” Joey asked, taking the washcloth and bathing her husband.

“I may have to return there in the summer to oversee the new attractions,” the brunette moaned, leaning into the touch, “Maybe start a new tournament for the children.”

“Dat would be nice of ya,” the brown-eyed teen giggled a bit. Seto took the washcloth out of Joey’s hands and began to kiss her, strong arms wrapping around her chest and waist, but not enough to press her tight against him and hurt her sore chest.

Joey moaned into the kiss, tongue dancing along with her husband’s. Seto tangled his fingers into the golden tresses of her hair, pulling Joey’s head closer to his own. The kiss would have continued, but a small cry coming from the bedroom brought both parents out of their love haze.

“I better check on dem,” Joey said, getting out of the shower and putting on a yukuta. Seto followed, turning off the shower and drying off with a towel. Luckily, the nursery was not far from their bedroom, so Joey managed to make it before her children were full-out wailing.

“What da matta my angels,” she called out, walking over to the giant crib in the room. Since neither twin like being separated, Seto had their crib customized to fit them both, so Joey didn’t had to worry about being stuck between cribs. A minute of being in the room and picking up Apollo, the blond suddenly felt quite cold.

“Is the heat on in the nursery Seto,” Joey called out, picking up Takuya.

“It’s suppose to be,” Seto replied, walking in with nothing but a towel, “God, it’s freezing in here!”

“Da babies are cold too,” the blond stated, the brunette checking the ventilation cage.

“No wonder,” he snorted, flicking a switch, “Some idiot didn’t open the air ways. It’s gonna be awhile before the room heats up though.”

“Da babies will have ta stay wit us den,” Joey stated, leaving the cold room and went back to her and Seto’s room. The CEO followed shortly, shivering a bit before going over to his dresser for a pair of boxers and night pants. Joey checked the twin’s diapers to see if they needed changing, then slipped the yukuta off to nurse them.

Seto smiled as he slipped on the pants and a shirt while watching his ‘wife’ feed his sons. Each took a breast and were suckling happily, their mother making sure to have a strong hold on each. Seto laid on the bed carefully and propped himself up to watch head resting on Joey’s shoulder.

Soon, Apollo and Takuya had their fill and were fast asleep on their mother’s chest, both parents sharing a kiss at their wondrous fortune at bringing such life into the world.

* * * *

SPRING

The spring weather was wonderful to the people of Domino. Flowers blooming, birds singing, and the temperature just right for picnics and gardening work. No one could have asked for anything better.

At the Game Shop, Sugoroku was sweeping the steps, a smile literally plastered on his face. He was so proud of his grandsons and granddaughter-in-law and their children as they lived together in their nicely-built home. Kamui and Nashwa were getting so big and were not practicing walking every now and then. Soon, they will be dueling and having fun in no time. At these times, Sugoroku wondered if he should retire soon and pass down the game shop to Yugi. He was getting there in his old age, as much as he hate to admit, and he would like to dedicate his time in teaching the children of the neighborhood how to play Duel Monsters and the Heart of the Cards, just as he taught Yugi and all his friends.

Yugi, Yami, and Nikore were out shopping for more baby supplies and other things, Kamui and Nashwa cooing from their seats in their carriage. After five thousand years of searching and failing to find what they were looking for, the trio were together again and now were able to share the rare gift that Yami and Nikore could not: children of their own. Even more fortunate, there were no more tasks, no more destinies, no more enemies to separate them ever again. All that’s left is to raise their children and be happy.

Malik and Yami Malik were out enjoying the spring weather at the park not far from their home, Kamil giggling as his father lifted him up in the air and back down again. Malik smiled, watching the two, before turning to look at the view in wonder. Before, he thought he would had to pay for the crimes his demon had committed, and live out the rest of his life as a lonely Tomb Keeper. Now, though, he had everything he ever wanted: a loving husband and a happy family. Things couldn’t get any better.

James lead Ryou and Bakura out to the Domino Cemetery, Miyoko giggling in her grandfather’s arms. They stopped at a gravestone that was near a statue of the Holy Virgin Mary, who clutched baby Jesus in her arms with her wings spread out.

Bakura took Miyoko as James and Ryou knelt before a tomb stone and began to pray. The stone read: ‘Sora Bakura: Born April 23rd, 1964, Died June 14th, 1991. May She Rest in Peace.’ Bakura waited, paying his respects through his silence, then turn to see another tombstone next to Sora’s, that read: ‘Amane Bakura: Born May 15th, 1988, Died May 15th, 1988. May God Protect This Little One and Bring Her into His Grace.’

“Ryou,” the former tomb robber spoke up, catching the attention of his husband, “Did you had a little sister?”

“A long time ago,” Ryou replied, scooting over so he can pray at the tomb stone, “She was born too early and didn’t make it. The doctor’s said her lungs weren’t developed enough or something. I don’t really remember.”

“She was born four months early,” James picked up, “There were so many complications. It was already hard enough for Sora to carry one child due to her small size, but she managed well with Ryou. We... just didn’t have the same luck with Amane. At the time, the doctors didn’t have the equipment to keep her alive. They did all they could...but it wasn’t enough.”

Bakura said no more, walking over and laying a kiss on each tombstone. So much was taken from his husband, and much was given in the short time they were together, but nothing can make up for the loss of a loved one. He turned to see Seto and his family walking by and wondered where they were going.

* * * *

It didn’t take Seto and Mokuba long to find the tombstone, fresh flowers sitting peacefully in a pot next to it. The raven-haired pre-teen quickly knelt down before it and began to pray, followed by his older brother, who took a moment before praying as well.

FLASHBACK

“Man, I would never leave my sister hanging like that!”

“What are you talking about Apollo,” a fourteen year-old Seto stated, trying to get the company back in order after the ordeal with Pegasus, “You’re suppose to keep an eye on ne-san while she’s in the hospital, not take a break whenever you feel like it!”

“I’ve been Nikore’s personal guard since she’s been in that hospital thank you very much,” Apollo Spiresky, a tall high-school graduate with long brown hair and stunning light blue/violet eyes retorted. Unlike the other employees, who were afraid of Seto, he treated him like an equal and took no bullshit, especially since it was he who helped the Kaiba Brothers get Nikore to the hospital after she was nearly killed by Gobazaro. “Isn’t about time you go see her? She’s probably wondering where her brothers are after that beat-down by Gobazaro.”

“She knows I am busy right now,” Seto snorted, trying not to remember the scene after the fight, “I’ll see her when I’m done and bring Mokuba with me.”

“You said that last week,” Apollo stated, obviously not getting through the new CEO, “and the week before, and every week I ask in the last four years, going on five next week. I’m starting to feel like I’m her brother, not you. Even Mokuba barely visits at least, and he has a legitimate excuse about not missing school, whereas the city allows you to have as much time as you want as long as you go at least three days a week and have an excuse when you can not make the time. You should be lucky if she hasn’t forgotten about you yet, although I think she won’t even recognize you at all.”

Seto had had enough and was lifted his head to fire Apollo gone. It was true that he hasn’t seen Nikore in awhile, but he had things to do. She would understand. She always have.

So engrossed into his work, that when he finally lifted his head, he saw that his computer clock read 9:38 PM. He cursed himself, for he had school tomorrow, and the Social Services were on his back about being tardy lately. He packed his briefcase, then called a car to go home. On his way there, he saw the hospital that Nikore was staying at, and the guilt began to swell within him.

‘Maybe I should swing by and see if she’s doing alright,’ he thought, ordering his driver to head to the hospital. The nurse greeted him with a shock look, then directed him to which floor his sister was on, considering seto had embarrassingly forgotten.

He heard screaming as he got off the elevator and what sounded like ‘He’s got a knife!’ Patients ran pass him as he quicken his pace and turned the corner, hand flying to his mouth at what he saw.

Apollo hunched over someone in his arms, numerous cuts and slashes decorating his body and drenched in his blood. Hovering over him was another patient, holding a scalpel and licking the blood off it like it was wine, giggling madly. Strands of blond hair peeped from Apollo’s arms and the patient went after them, only catching the guard’s arm and making him cry out in pain.

“Let me at that blond freak,” he giggled, “She’s gonna die anyway. No point in letting her live any longer. Just let her die quickly and painlessly. It’s better than letting her and all those half-breeds live a long, painful life, ya know?”

“Leave them alone,” Seto commanded, ramming his briefcase into the assailant’s head. The patient was stunned, but recovered quickly and caught the elder Kaiba in the arm, Seto crying out and catching Apollo’s attention.

“Seto-sama,” he shouted.

“You die now,” the patient screamed as he aimed the scalpel at Seto’s heart. Time seemed to slow down for the CEO, as he tried to dodge the blade coming to end his life. However, a blur planted itself before the teen and his assailant, blood shooting out of his mouth like a geyser as the scalpel sunk into his backside. It took Seto a second to realize who it was that saved his life before he slumped into his arms, causing him to fall to his knees.

“APOLLO!!”

The patient laughed as he looked at what he done, then fell to the ground unconscious as someone slammed the nearby fire extinguisher into his head. Seto looked up to see who it was that his guard was protecting.

“Asshole,” the blond-haired girl spat, coughing as the unclean air went into her lungs. She had been out of her isolated room for far too long.

“Ms. Nikore,” Dr. Gate cried out, lifting the girl into his arms and running off somewhere. Other doctors came and lifted Apollo onto a stretcher and fled to God knows where, leaving Seto alone. Dr. Mikameru saw Seto and lead him to a waiting room, informing the still-shocked teen that he will be back with news later. It was two hours later that Seto was allowed to see his sister while Apollo was still in surgery, the doctors trying to stop some internal bleeding and a few severed arteries.

“Ne-san,” Seto called out as he went into the room. Then room Nikore was in only had a TV with a DVD/VCR player, a couple educational books, tons of graphic novels, and a simple Playstation. The blond was lying in her bed, an oxygen mask on her face and hooked up to several IVs and machines. The blond looked up from her bed at the new person in her room, eyes full of curiosity.

“Who are you,” she asked.

“It me,” Seto was shocked, “Seto. Your oni-chan, remember?”

“Not really,” Nikore answered honestly, “I haven’t seen him in so many years. Ototo tells me what he was doing, but never what he looks like right now.”

END FLASHBACK

It took many days before Seto finally convinced Nikore that he really was her brother. He was so close to losing her because of his damned negligence to his other sibling. Apollo wasn’t so lucky. He died the next morning after the attack from too much blood loss and internal bleeding that they missed. The doctors were too late to save him.

“It wasn’t your fault ni-sama,” Mokuba spoke, seeing his older brother blaming himself, “Apollo gave his life so you and Nicki can live, and you both had made sure not to waste his sacrifice.”

“Since when you became so wise Mokey,” Joey joked, although he appreciated the words his brother-in-law had spoken.

“Since I learned I had to keep most of this family sane,” the raven-haired teen grinned, the yelped as Seto grabbed him in a headlock.

“Is that so,” Seto grinned, “Let’s see you talk your way out of this.”

Mokuba cried out for mercy, but was laughing. He was so happy that his older brother was happy like this, content and with something very precious to him other than himself: Joey and their children.

Apollo made himself known with a loud coo, wanting the attention of his parents, who were too happy to oblige. Not to be outdone, Takuya began cooing too, making them look so cute and adorable.

* * * *

Yugi, Yami, and Nikore returned home from their shopping and placed the items they bought away before going off to doing other things. Yugi went to see how his grandfather was doing, Yami headed to the computer to make orders for the game shop, and Nikore was left to watch the children.

She went upstairs with Kamui and Nashwa to their room, sitting down as her children dozed off in their mother’s protective hold. Nikore sighed; there was a secret she had been keeping from Yugi and Yami and she had yet to talk to them about it.

As a reploid, she can outlive any human being, including her husbands, her brothers, and her children. That was the main downside of becoming a reploid that she accepted and now feared. She didn’t want to outlive the ones she loved, especially her children. She would have nightmares where she was standing before their graves, the only one left alive. The blond didn’t know what she would do when it came to such a situation. She hated being alone; the loneliness cutting through her like a burning beam saber.

Should she leave? Go somewhere and never return, wean the feeling she have for her human family out of her? No, she would never, ever, do that, not to Kamui and Nashwa. Looking down at their cherubic faces, she knew deep in her heart that she could never leave. Still, she needed to ease her fears somehow, but who should she talk to?

“Daijoubu,” Nikore looked up to see Yami in the doorway, concerned.

“I just been thinking,” the blond smiled gently, her husband walking over and standing behind the chair, head resting in the nest of goldent strands, “There’s something I need to talk about.”

THE END

Author’s Notes: That’s it folks! THE END!!!! Sorry I took so long and there are no lemons in this chapter, but I really need to get my butt in gear for my school projects. If you want a sequel, let me know, although it will be awhile (and I do mean a LONG while) before I put it up because I want to put up a new fic while I work on Angel and Demon: ALTERNATE VERSION. The sneak peek is on my journal, so go check it out if you want. I want to thank everyone for reading and reviewing this story and please read my other ones and have a nice day!