Sacrifice

Sacrifice

Mally-chan and hatochiisai

YAOI WARNING

COMEDY WARNING: This fic is NOT meant to be serious… we’re just being stupid.

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Chapter 1

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It all took place in a remote town out west in Comanche territory, in what would one day be the state of Texas. It was a small town on the Colorado River northwest of what would one day be the city of Austin, state capital.

It was a small enough town that the law enforcement consisted of one sheriff. And that’s it. There was a general store, a saloon and inn, a small bank, a trading outpost, and a livestock yard. More than anything, it was really just a place where people passed through to rest on their way elsewhere.

It was a laid back place, no action whatsoever. The most interesting thing that had happened (other than the everyday annoyance that was the cattle rustler, Bakura, and his drunken brawling uneducated housemate Marik) was the death of an old lady on a ranch about four miles outside of town, that had been bought by two brothers, one of which was a physician and pharmacist, which the little town desperately needed. There were also rumors that they were also a pair of sharp shooters, but this wasn’t confirmed, and most people figured that if there was any truth to the rumor, it applied to the younger brother, and not the elder, who was the physician. They had also bought the saloon, since the previous owner had declared bankruptcy, and then skipped town; Honda had owed a lot of people a lot of money.

Malik didn’t care. Hopefully his new employer would actually pay him regularly… But he still hadn’t met his new employer, the younger brother who went by the name Mikado. Malik made his way into the general store and hopped up onto the counter, looking at Yugi who sat at the register. Yugi’s brother, Yami, was leaning against the wall, chewing on a stick of licorice, his sheriff’s badge gleaming. The pair nodded to Malik.

Yami took a bite out of the licorice, pulling the stick away from his mouth. “Little early for you to be here, Malik, isn’t it?” Yami asked, smirking. “Why the visit? Did you run out of feathers and make-up?”

“Do I look like I’m getting ready to work?” Malik asked, gesturing to himself. He was in dusty tan pants and a dirty white button up shirt, as opposed to his work clothes which would have been a lacy black and lavender dress with high heeled boots and black and lilac feathers in his hair. Yugi giggled.

“Met yer new boss yet?” Yami asked, seriously. “I havent’s seen hide nor hair of either one of the new folk.”

”Nope. Pegasus said they came in to set up accounts.” He said, referring to the banker. “I would have figured that they would have been in here by now. You haven’t seen ‘em, Yugi?”

“I’m afraid not. Business has been kind of slow today. Seems like everyone’s already stocked up for the week.” The wide eyed teen said, shrugging. Yami nodded in agreement.

“Yeah… nothing interesting going on around town.” He said.

Malik snorted, laying back on the counter and propping his feet up on the register. He rolled his head to the side to look at Yami.

”So go off and arrest Bakura. Oh… wait… that’s right. You can’t CATCH Bakura.” He teased.

Yami shrugged. “He ain’t stealin YOUR cattle, is he? Then shut up.”

Yugi giggled at that. ”Bakura’s kind of a touchy subject.”

“I know. That’s why I bring him up.” Malik said, grinning. Yugi shook his head.

“So, um… did you need anything?” He offered, slowly. “I’m having a sale on the licorice, in case you haven’t noticed. New company opened a few towns away and they’re selling it a lot cheaper than what the other guys were.”

“Ah.” Malik said. “And here I thought the HONORABLE sheriff was giving himself a five fingered discount.”

Yami snorted at that and glared. “I’m a lot less likely to give myself a five fingered discount than you. I have a STEADY paycheck.” Malik sat up, glaring.

”Blow me, Yami.” He hissed.

“About that…” Yami said slowly. “You wouldn’t happen to be opening up a SIDE job, would you?” He asked, smirking. “Cuz you KNOW that’s against the law.” Malik grinned.

“We’ll see what you say when you come to… solicit my valuable services…” He purred, sliding off of the counter and slapping his own ass as he headed for the door. “You know where to find me…” Both Yami and Yugi laughed at that.

“sorry Malik but… being the sheriff an’ all, I can’t solicit a whore. Be lucky that I turn the other way. Most other sheriffs would have arrested you five times over by now.”

”I know… I’m jealous…” Malik smirked, giving Yami a sultry look. “I keep waiting for you to… break out those handcuffs and… search me…” Yami gave Malik a stern look.

“Oh, get your hide out of here before I arrest your for being obnoxious!” Malik grinned and laughed, turning and walking out the door. His voice floated back.

“Oh, hey Ryou. How’s the farm?”

Ryou looked up at Malik, blushing. “Oh, it’s okay I suppose. But with this dry spell I’m not having the best crops I could be.” He toed at the ground, holding one of the baskets that he normally carried to town every week or so full of vegetables that he intended to sell. “How have things been for you?”

“Meh. Okay… I’m having a bit of a dry spell too. Waiting for the new guy to come in and re-open the saloon. Like every other man from twenty miles away.”

Ryou looked a bit pouty at that. “No offense to you, Malik, but I really hate that saloon. It brings in the rowdiest types. And I already have it bad enough with that awful Marik slob living next door half a mile away.” Malik grinned, amused.

”Ah… Marik…” He sighed, shaking his head. “It’s been a while since he’s been into town… I think his stench has actually faded…”

Ryou wrinkled his nose. “If only that were true…” He said, shaking his head. “Even my pigs won’t go outside when he comes around. Not like I blame them, a stench like that IS something to be scared of.”

”You’d think he’d bathe from time to time, what with the river bein so close an all…” Malik pointed out. “Have you met your new neighbors on the OTHER side of you yet? Have you even SEEN them yet? They’re only two miles down the road…”

Ryou smiled and nodded. “Oh, you mean the new people? Yes, I’ve met them! They’re kind of quiet…”

“… A quiet guy is running the saloon? Great…” Malik snorted, rolling his eyes.

Ryou giggled at that. “Quiet, but rich.” He said, grinning. “They remodeled and added to the house they bought. And the décor is top notch!!! You should SEE some of the things they have inside their house!!!”

”Wait… you’ve been IN their house?!” Malik exclaimed, and Yami and Yugi poked their heads out to listen in.

Ryou nodded. “Oh, they’re very hospitable. I took them a welcome basket.” He admitted sheepishly. “The one that’s gonna run the bar is the younger one. He’s a lot more lively than his older brother, but that’s expected from a physician.”

Malik nodded. “Good to hear.” He said, then grinned. “How old are they, and are they cute?!”

Ryou looked throughtful. “Well… I’m not really sure what qualifies as cute since I’m all alone… but I would think they’re around Yami’s age… I suppose they’re relatively attractive, but I don’t know if they’re single.”

”Of course they’re single!!” Malik said. “They came out here all alone, didn’t they?!”

Ryou shrugged. “I suppose so. But like I said, I’m not really a good judge for that kind of thing.”

“Did they say when they’d be coming into town?” Malik asked.

“Ryou nodded. “Oh yes. The younger one, Mikado I think, said he’d be in town this evening. As for the older one, Mikado said he should be in this afternoon to scope out possible office space.”

At that Malik turned and looked at Yami and Yugi. “So… he could be coming in any time…”

Yugi looked eager. “Oh, this is so exciting!!! It’s fun when new people move to town!!!”

“Yeah. Especially since nothing ever happens around here. Besides Bakura. And Malik.” Yami said. Malik stuck his tongue out at Yami. Ryou grinned and looked at Yugi.

“Hi Yugi!! I was just coming to… would you like to buy…” And he held out the basket. Malik looked down.

”Ooh… are those apples, Ryou?” He asked, perking up. Ryou nodded, eagerly.

“Uh-huh! Apples, and strawberries and tomatoes, and cucumbers and carrots and corn.”

“Oooh…” Malik said again, and plucked up a couple of apples. “Can I pay you back? Like… when I get paid?” He asked with a sheepish grin.

Ryou sighed and shook his head, smiling. “As if I could say no.” Malik smiled.

”Thanks Ryou.” He said, hugging his friend. “I owe ya!!!” Yugi giggled and shook his head.

“Ryou, you’re honestly too nice for your own good. You’ll never any money if you keep letting people run off with your products.”

Ryou looked down and shook his head. “I can’t help it.”

“I’m not STEALING them!!! I’ll pay!!!” Malik insisted through a mouthful of apple. “I just have to get paid myself!!!”

”And look. That might be your source of money right there.” Yugi said, pointing down the road. Two strangers were riding into town side by side on black horses. They were about the same height, and had the same facial structure and long black hair. In fact, they looked exactly the same other than their eyes. At the corner, one of them turned and rode down another street, while the other rode up to the group outside of the General store. The young man reined his horse to a halt.

”Hi Ryou!!!” He said, a friendly smile on his face.

Ryou smiled and blushed. “Oh, hi Mikado!!!” Ryou said, eagerly. “Would you like to buy anything?” He asked, holding up his basket. Mikado blinked.

“Ooh… are those apples?” He asked, and the group burst out laughing.

”That’s exactly what I said…” Malik told the confused new comer. Mikado blinked, then grinned.

”Ah. I see.” He said, sliding off of his horse and shoving her head away from the basket, which she seemed very interested in.

Ryou smiled and gave the same response to Mikado that he had given to Malik.

“Uh-huh! Apples, and strawberries and tomatoes, and cucumbers and carrots and corn.” At that, Yami burst out laughing.

“You’ll have to excuse Ryou. He’s still a bit young.” He said.

”Only a year or so younger than me.” Mikado said with a shrug, and Malik perked in interest. His employer was about his age, then… He was cute too… hmm… nice ass…

Yami nodded. “Yes, but as you can see, Ryou is very juvenile. His folks were killed not long ago and he’s been running the family farm by himself.” Ryou winced at that of course, and looked down.

“I’d hardly call that juvenile. Taking over the family farm I’m sure is far from easy.” Mikado said.

Yugi grinned. “You should see his livestock!!! It’s the friendliest livestock I’ve ever seen!!! Almost a petting zoo!!!” Mikado blinked, then laughed.

”Sounds good to me!!!” He said. “Anyway… I’m Mikado.” He said, and offered Yugi his hand.

Yugi grinned and accepted it. “Hi. I’m Yugi. And this is my brother, Yami. The sheriff. Don’t worry about him. He’s more bark than bite as long as you don’t break the law.”

”Don’t worry. Me and my brother are law abiding citizens.” Mikado said, offering Yami his hand. “Good to meet you, sir.”

Yugi and Yami exchanged glances before smiling and nodding, Yami shaking Mikado’s hand. “Well, welcome to the town.” Yami said, and Yugi stepped outside of the door.

”Well, since you’re here, is there anything you needed?” He asked.

”Yes, actually.” Mikado said, walking in.

Yugi grinned. “Well, help yourself. I’ve got the widest selection for about forty or fifty miles. We have a sale on licorice, not that I think you’re interested, but I’m polite enough mention it. I also do special orders if there’s anything you need that I don’t got.”

Mikado nodded, smiling. “Sure. I think we can work out a deal where you can supply the saloon? Not just the liquor but food too. But for now, I’m just seeing what you have. Tomorrow I’ll come in with the wagon so me and my brother can stock up our supplies at home.”

Yugi grinned and nodded. “Sure thing! I’m open from sun up to sun down!!!” Mikado nodded and opened his mouth to speak, but a commotion outside cut him off. There was shouting and hollering, and Malik, Yugi, Yami and Ryou all winced and groaned. Mikado blinked.

”What the hell is that?”

Yami sighed and rolled his eyes. “Oh God, not again…” He said, annoyed. “I hate it when they come into town.”

“You only hate it because when they come into town you actually have to work.” He giggled. Mikado raised an eyebrow and followed the others to the doorway, curious.

Two men were walking down the street, bickering loudly. The taller of the pair, a tan blonde, cursed loudly at his companion before bonking him on the head with a banjo.

The shorter of the two, a seemlingly albino, growled and slugged the blonde. “Marik!!! Do that again and I’ll break that God forsaken banjo over your head!!!” He roared. Marik stumbled backwards from the punch and toppled over. Malik sighed and shook his head. “I’m getting out of here before they spot me…” He mumbled, and hurried towards the saloon. Mikado blinked after him, then looked back at the rowdy pair. The one called Marik had climbed to his feet and tackled Bakura, and now the pair were wrestling in the middle of the road.

Yami sighed in annoyance and shook his head once more. “Duty calls…” He sighed, before wandering out to the fighting pair. “Hey hey!!!” He shouted loudly. “You know the law!!! No public brawling!!! Or wrastlin, as you morons call it!!! So cool it!!!”

Marik whacked Yami over the head with his banjo.

Mikado blinked, then covered his mouth, trying to hide his amused smile, and Malik could be heard in the empty saloon, laughing his ass off.

Yami however snatched said banjo and clubbed Marik in the ass with it. "I'm confiscating this damn banjo until you get your ass out of town!" he roared giving Marik a warning look and holding the banjo strings threateningly. "And if you give me a lick of trouble, I'll break the strings."

"WHAT?! HOW DARE YOU!?" Marik roared, and this time tackled Yami, punching him in the head. Bakura blinked and watched a moment as the pair scuffled, cursing and flailing the banjo at one another (as it kept changing hands), and then Bakura just grinned and jumped into fray.

"Um... Is... Is this... normal?" Mikado asked, looking mortified, shocked, delighted and amused all at once.

Yugi nodded sighing. "It happens at least once a week. Prolly gonna happen more now that you're re-opening the saloon. But don’t sell Marik any high end liquor, the man's dead broke." he advised.

Mikado nodded. "Right. No liquor for Marik unless he pays up front. He's the blonde one?"

Yugi nodded again. "He's well..." he looked for the appropriate word. "A Hick."

Mikado blinked. "Ahhhhh..." He said, nodding. "Gotcha."

The three were squaring off, Bakura, Marik and Yami. The banjo lay forgotten. It looked like it was gonna be an all out every man for himself battle... But just as they leapt forward, the sharp crack of a gun shot ripped through the town and a puff of dust blossomed between the three men at the point where they would have clashed once more as a bullet struck the ground. Everyone froze, staring at the fresh dirt that had been tossed up by the bullet. Then, they all turned. Mikado just smiled.

"Perfect timing. As always..." He muttered. His brother was sitting on his horse, holding a rifle in his right hand, pointed at the three fighting men, his other hands on the reins. He looked them over, and his eyes settled on Yami's badge. He looked up into the sheriff's eyes and stared at him for a moment, before giving him a nod and raising the rifle, resting it back on his shoulder.

"Good afternoon." He said in a cool tone. His voice was soft, but it carried all the way down the street.

Yami stared at Ahmose blankly, Yugi's face however slowly curled into a wide grin. "Ohhhh...." he said knowingly.

Ryou smiled waving from the doorway of the general store. "Ahmose!" he called eagerly. "Hi! I'm so glad you came too!"

Ahmose turned and looked at Ryou, then nodded to him.

"Ryou." He said in a simple greeting, swinging the rifle off of his shoulder and sliding it back into its saddle holster. His horst snorted, tossing his head and stomping a hoof. Ahmose guided the stallion down the street towards everyone, eyes on Marik and Bakura, giving them warning glares.

"Who the hell is that?" Marik snorted, annoyed.

"The hottest man on earth..." Yami mumbled softly still staring.

Yugi laughed behind his hand, knowing what Yami had said, even though it was inaudible to anyone but the three in the street. "That's Mikado's brother!" Yugi called grinning. "And since he's got a gun, perhaps you should escort yourselves out of town!"

Marik growled and headed towards Ahmose, stumbling a bit. Ah... that would explain alot... he was drunk. Again. Ahmose narrowed his eyes when Marik pulled a knife. In a flash, Marik suddenly found the barrel of the rifle pressed into his forehead.

"I do beleive you have been asked to leave." He said calmly. Marik blinked, confused.

Yugi laughed again as Yami stood and picked up the banjo. "You heard him Marik." He said thrusting the wretched instrument into Marik's hands. "Now get on out of here the both of you."

Bakura stood and dusted himself off. "Gods." he growled. "Guy cant even come into town half drunk anymore without sherif and his bitch all over 'im." he hissed, storming off. He'd make up for this embarrassment....someone was going to lose some cattle.

Ahmose snorted, watching Bakura and Marik turn and head off down the road. After it was obvious that they weren't gonna change their minds and try something, he reholstered the rifle and looked down at Yami.

"Sheriff." He said with a nod.

Yami grinned. "Good to meet you." he said giving Ahmose a slight bow. "So now the two new members of our little dusty town are met." he turned to Yugi. "Well now there's nothing to look forward to anymore." he chuckled. "Action's all over."

Ahmose snorted. "With those two ruffians running around? Seems to me like there would be constant action." Mikado sighed.

"Ahmose, this isYami. And this is Yugi, he runs the general store. And of course you know Ryou." The younger brother said.

Ahmose nodded. "Yes, good to meet you, Yugi. And a pleasure to see you again, Ryou." He smiled. "Your vegetables were excellent."

Ryou blushed and smiled, clutching his little basket. "Th-thank you...I was just trying to sell some." he said softly.

Yugi giggled a bit. "Good t'see ya." he said giving Ahmose a nod. "I hope you two'll like it here. It really is a calm place. Most action we get is the cattle rustling Bakura does...but no one can catch him so Yami cant arrest."

Yami snorted. "Not a single person, homesteader or victim has EVER caught sight of him in the act. We only know it's him because he's mysteriously rich not long after the 'incident'."

Ahmose snorted and smirked. "Good thing we don’t have cattle then." He said, and Mikado grinned.

"Amen to that." He said, patting his horse's neck. "And he won't be able to handle THESE beauties..." He kissed his horse on the nose and Ahmose smiled, giving his own mount an affectionate slap on the shoulder.

"So, what exactly brings you around these parts?" Yami asked after a moment. "Surely not the nightlife."

Ahmose snorted. "You need a physician and pharmacist. Mikado and I didn't like life in the big city. Made our way down here and heard of a ranch for sale. It was a small town who needed someone of my profession. It was a good deal. We took it."

Yugi grinned and snickered softly. "I'll say."

Ahmose blinked and raised an eyebrow at Yugi.

Yugi merely grinned innocently.

"So..." Yami said after a moment. "Anything Yugi or I can assist you with?"

Ahmose shook his head. "I'm fine." He said, and looked at his brother.

"I'm gonna check out the saloon." Mikado said with a smile.

Ryou smiled at Ahmose and Mikado once more. "Well...I should get back to my business with Yugi before it gets too late. It's a long walk home."

Yugi pouted. "Ryou you really should invest in a pony." Ryou sighed. "You know I cant afford a luxury like that. Especially with my weak harvest this year..."

Mikado smiled. "If you will wait, I'll take you home, Ryou." He said.

Ryou perked up a bit. "Y-you'd do that for me? Isn't my home a bit out of the way though....I don’t want to trouble you."

Mikado laughed. "No, Ryou. It's on the way."

Yami grinned. "Right neighborly of ya." He chuckled looking Ahmose over once more. Oh yeah....he was hot.

Ahmose didn't notice, he was watching the exchange between Ryou and Mikado. Mikado then turned to his brother.

"Did you find what you were looking for?" He asked.

Ahmose nodded. "Yes. Pegasus has leased me a property to do business out of." He said. "When we come in to town tomorrow to stock up on supplies, I want to bring in my equipment."

"Sure thing." Mikado said with a smile.

Ryou smiled. "Ohhh...if you need any help..." he offered brightly.

Yugi nodded. "Really, Anything at all."

"We're all friendly around these parts." Yami said shrugging. "Just ask, and half this old town would hop up to help you."

Mikado smiled. "Thank you, but I think we can manage. And Ahmose is picky when it comes to his supplies, he'll only let me touch them. And that's only when he's in a generous mood." Ahmose snorted.

Yami snickered slightly and Yugi gave his brother a warning look.
"You have to be careful what you say infront of my brother." He said after a moment. "He's got this disease you see..."

Ahmose blinked and turned. "Disease?" He asked.

Yugi nodded. "Yes. Completly incurable. Trust me."

Yami snorted and rolled his eyes. "God you're dramatic."

Ahmose raised an eyebrow. "Is there a name for this... disease?"

Ryou giggled at that. "Oh yes." Yugi giggled a bit too.

Mikado blinked and looked around, suspicious. Ahmose looked even more suspicious than Mikado.

"Will you two knock it off." Yami scolded. "Go on, get!" he shooed them back into the general store, both younger teens giggling at Yami.

"Don’t mind them...they think they're clever."

Mikado smiled. "They're nice. I'm gonna go check out the saloon!" He announced, turning and walking away. Ahmose watched his brother go, then looked at Yami.

"Well, since we're all alone you do need to register some paperwork." Yami said after a moment. "Just some legal verification of your Medical liscenses and identification."

Ahmose blinked, then nodded. "Very well. Lead the way." He said.

Yami nodded and turned, leading Ahmose to his office. It was a small building, with a mere two jail cells, both of which were empty. "Welcome to my office." Yami said in a bored tone. "Most action you'll see I'm sure."

Ahmose raised an eyebrow. "I see. Sounds like your job is relatively easy." He said, setting his saddle bag down on the desk and opening, pulling out some official paperwork.

"Boring as hell you mean." He began looking over the paperwork and pulling out some of his own, writing some things down. "Married?"

Ahmose blinked. "No." He said.

Yami marked again. "Just checkin." he snickered. "Why not? A young successful doctor like you surely has a few glances." he continued writing, not looking up.

"I don’t pay attention." Ahmose said calmly, leaning back in his chair.

Yami gave Ahmose a sly look. "Oh? Dont...'swing' that way hmm?"

Ahmose blinked and looked up, startled. "Excuse me?!"

Yami chuckled at that. "Oh don’t mind it. This county is particularly accepting of that sort of activity. Cowboys get lonesome on their drives." He shrugged snickering.

Ahmose just stared, mouth hanging open.

Yami looked up before blinking and laughing more. "Close your mouth, it's not that shocking. That showgirl in Mikado's saloon is a whore. Also a HE."

Ahmose blinked. "Oh, Malik? Yes, I know. But my brother is running that saloon. I have nothing to do with it."

"So you're saying you're not homosexual then?" Yami said giving Ahmose a look.

Ahmose blinked. "Is this on the questionairre?" He asked, eyeing Yami. "Why are you so interested?"

"Malik was curious about the persuasion of you and your brother." Yami shrugged snickering.

Ahmose blinked, then snorted. "I have no interest in showgirls... be they male or female." He said, staring Yami down.

"That wasn't the question I asked." Yami said smirking. "Are you homosexual or not?"

Ahmose narrowed his eyes and continued staring Yami down, obviously not happy with this conversation.

However Yami wasn't phased a bit. "Don’t make me resort to underhanded tactics to find out." Yami said after a moment, smirking knowingly. "Because I can assure you, you'll not like it."

"I fail to see why it's any of your business." Ahmose said. "If there isn't anything else..." He began gathering his papers.

Yami leaned back in his chair shrugging. "Yeah." he handed a paper to Ahmose. "You will need this liscense to practice in this county." he said smiling. "Be sure you ALWAYS have it on you, or I'll be forced to arrest you." He added with a sly smirk.

Ahmose raised an eyebrow. "Why can't I just keep it at my place of business?"

Yami leaned back once more. "Do what you want, but if I catch you without it...." he let the sentance hang, looking amused.

Ahmose stared at Yami. "... You really have nothing better to do in this town?" He asked, not sounding amused.

"Nope." Yami replied grinning. "I've got PLEANTY of spare time."

"Obviously." Ahmose said, standing. "Well, if you don’t need anything else from me, I'll be going."

"Alrighty." Yami said pulling a deck of cards from the drawer and beginning to toss them into a hat. "Seeya tomorrow." he added offhandishly.

Ahmose stared at Yami for a moment, then snorted and left.

Yami smirked after Ahmose left. Oh he'd be seeing him tomorrow....and every SINGLE day afterward until he'd seduced that one. It was love at first sight (or possibly lust.) and he didn't intend to let the good doctor get away.