Death of a Leader (#104 Universe Alterations)
Challenge Name/Number: #104--Universe Alterations
Drabble Title: Death of a Leader
Word Count: 574
Warnings: Suicide mention
Pairings: none
Summary: A great man has died, and Domino mourns his loss.
"My father will always be remembered for his generosity," a solemn voice read, a tremble revealing the sorrow the sixteen-year-old felt. "He took Mokuba and myself in as though we were his own children, choosing to adopt us on a tour of our orphanage six years ago. His own son had died, and he chose to give his love and parentage to children most would consider unadoptable due to their age.
"His campaign advocating for the adoption and fostering of older children changed the lives of many, much like our own. Billions of dollars were donated through his foundation while he was alive. Now gone," Seto had to pause here, his quavering voice stopping as he bit back a tear. "Now gone, 50% of his net worth will be transferred to the Foundation as per his wishes.
"Orphans were not the sole beneficiaries of his support. Though his oldest cause, it was not the only one dear to my father's heart. When Noa Kaiba died in an accident six and a half years ago, my father became a fierce advocate for strict enforcement of traffic laws, especially those regarding drunk driving. He funnelled money into alcoholism treatment programs, drug prevention education, and defensive driving courses. A further 30% of his estate is set aside for these issues.
"His intentional overdose surprised everyone who knew him. It is hard to imagine the man that a just week ago laughed at his favorite Charlie Chapman movie, imitating his favorite parts afterward, is gone."
Seto's voice grew quiet and harsh. "It was not until reading the note he left behind that I realized how badly the death of his wife and son affected him. That his healthy appearance was a mask. That is why my brother Mokuba and I have decided to pledge the remaining 20% of his worth, our inheritance, towards demystifying mental illness. To make it easier for those who have suffered a loss to admit they need, and then seek, professional help." Tears welled in his eyes.
"Gozoboro Kaiba was a great man and a role model to--"
The TV switched off as the doorbell rang. Televised on nearly every channel, Gozoboro's memorial service was hard to escape.
"Don't tell me you were watching that rich bastard's funeral," Joey admonished, as Yugi let him into the house. "He still sold weapons to make a living. He wasn't that great of a guy."
Yugi shrugged. "Without him they could never have won Iraq, or killed Bin Ladin."
Joey sighed. "And millions of children were killed or left orphaned because of airstrikes using his bombs."
Yugi couldn't argue with that. It was ironic that orphans were one of his pet causes. But the man seemed human enough, and their classmate was certainly upset enough about his second father-figure's death.
"We should be there for Seto," he replied firmly. "Can you imagine what he must be going through?" Though Joey had never got along with Seto, he could imagine the pressure. Having to deliver a eulogy in front of that many people after your second father died? No thanks. And so Joey sighed. "Alright Yug'. But do we havetah watch it now?"
Yugi shook his head. "You asked to come over and play games, not watch TV," he teased lightheartedly.
Joey grinned. "Sounds great Yug'."
"I solved that puzzle my grandfather gave me..." Yugi began excitedly, leading Joey away from the TV and up to his room.
Drabble Title: Death of a Leader
Word Count: 574
Warnings: Suicide mention
Pairings: none
Summary: A great man has died, and Domino mourns his loss.
"My father will always be remembered for his generosity," a solemn voice read, a tremble revealing the sorrow the sixteen-year-old felt. "He took Mokuba and myself in as though we were his own children, choosing to adopt us on a tour of our orphanage six years ago. His own son had died, and he chose to give his love and parentage to children most would consider unadoptable due to their age.
"His campaign advocating for the adoption and fostering of older children changed the lives of many, much like our own. Billions of dollars were donated through his foundation while he was alive. Now gone," Seto had to pause here, his quavering voice stopping as he bit back a tear. "Now gone, 50% of his net worth will be transferred to the Foundation as per his wishes.
"Orphans were not the sole beneficiaries of his support. Though his oldest cause, it was not the only one dear to my father's heart. When Noa Kaiba died in an accident six and a half years ago, my father became a fierce advocate for strict enforcement of traffic laws, especially those regarding drunk driving. He funnelled money into alcoholism treatment programs, drug prevention education, and defensive driving courses. A further 30% of his estate is set aside for these issues.
"His intentional overdose surprised everyone who knew him. It is hard to imagine the man that a just week ago laughed at his favorite Charlie Chapman movie, imitating his favorite parts afterward, is gone."
Seto's voice grew quiet and harsh. "It was not until reading the note he left behind that I realized how badly the death of his wife and son affected him. That his healthy appearance was a mask. That is why my brother Mokuba and I have decided to pledge the remaining 20% of his worth, our inheritance, towards demystifying mental illness. To make it easier for those who have suffered a loss to admit they need, and then seek, professional help." Tears welled in his eyes.
"Gozoboro Kaiba was a great man and a role model to--"
The TV switched off as the doorbell rang. Televised on nearly every channel, Gozoboro's memorial service was hard to escape.
"Don't tell me you were watching that rich bastard's funeral," Joey admonished, as Yugi let him into the house. "He still sold weapons to make a living. He wasn't that great of a guy."
Yugi shrugged. "Without him they could never have won Iraq, or killed Bin Ladin."
Joey sighed. "And millions of children were killed or left orphaned because of airstrikes using his bombs."
Yugi couldn't argue with that. It was ironic that orphans were one of his pet causes. But the man seemed human enough, and their classmate was certainly upset enough about his second father-figure's death.
"We should be there for Seto," he replied firmly. "Can you imagine what he must be going through?" Though Joey had never got along with Seto, he could imagine the pressure. Having to deliver a eulogy in front of that many people after your second father died? No thanks. And so Joey sighed. "Alright Yug'. But do we havetah watch it now?"
Yugi shook his head. "You asked to come over and play games, not watch TV," he teased lightheartedly.
Joey grinned. "Sounds great Yug'."
"I solved that puzzle my grandfather gave me..." Yugi began excitedly, leading Joey away from the TV and up to his room.