Lost and Found

 

 

Title: Lost And Found – Pilot Episode

Author: Maggiemay

Muses: Jazzy and Mofaf1

Betas – Hideki, Mofaf1, Jazzy, Lisa and others. And it's still not perfect.

Disclaimer: Don't own YGO or any of it's Characters. Do own my OC's and the work contained within this work.

Summary: Life after the Pharoah left looked bright. Looks can be deceiving. Jounouchi is a cop who finds missing people. He's found everyone he's ever searched for – except one. This is the beginning of a his story of finding so much more than a lost friend... and recovering things he lost along the way.

Rating: M for Mature just to be safe.

Size: 86 Pages and 57331 words.

*****

Jounouchi glanced around the night darkened hillside.  All around him were the signs of the celebration  earlier.  Trampled grass, paper debris, and an occasional bottle or can dotted the sloping green area.  Closing his eyes he tried to put himself there as it had been just a few hours before, when five year old Satou Taro had been watching fireworks with his family. Blankets spread around, couples and families watching the explosions  above. Interesting, beautiful, so what had distracted the little boy away from the safety of his family.

A faint sound, off to his left brought his head around attentively. "Sh..." He hissed to the nearest pair of officers. Golden eyes narrowed, head cocked towards that sound, he strode off in the exact opposite way an eyewitness reported seeing the little boy wander off.

One of the officers he'd hushed rolled his eyes and mumbled to the other "He's at it again."

"Again?"  As the most junior member of their squad he'd never had the privilege of seeing Detective Jounouchi work.

"That is Jounouchi... Detective first class.  He has a hundred percent success rate."

"Hundred?"  Disbelief threaded through the rookies voice.  "Not possible.  Nobody is that good."

"Yeah, he is.  Not always good outcomes but he finds them, dead or alive.  He's a freak."  The officer started after him.  "Let's go."  In the low light he could see the blond head start to streak away.  "He's got something.  Hurry."  They broke into a run to catch up to the rapidly disappearing detective.

Jou raced through the bushes, listening intently.  There, just under the hum of insects, a whisper of sound, like a child sobbing.  It was growing fainter even though Jou knew he was drawing closer to the source.

Abruptly the sound stopped and Jou froze with it.  Closing his eyes he focused inward, trying to find the sound again.  It took just a few seconds, but unerringly he turned back to the trail.  He was off like a shot.  Something told him he didn't have much time.

A few minutes of jogging across the uneven ground and Jou came to an rocky outcrop jutting out over a boulder strewn ravine.  Urgently he ripped his flashlight out of his utility belt and began to play it over the rocks at the top of the cliff.  His sharp eyes picked up the small signs of disturbed ground, rocks, and... as he knelt to examine... small droplets of blood.  Using his free hand to anchor him, Jou leaned out over the ravine and aimed his flashlight downward, playing it over the rocks and ledges.  "Shit!"  He couldn't stop his exclamation at the sight of the pitiful heap just five feet down the face of the cliff.  "Watanabe get over here with the first aid kit.  Suzuki go back and get the rescue crew."  He snarled.  "Tell them to call for an airlift, and haul ass."

Jou deliberately released his hold on anchoring rocks and cautiously slid down the few feet to the small boy lying still and lifeless.  Deep inside he was chanting a mantra, begging the gods that he hadn't been too late.  Careful not to move any part of the injured boy, Jou gently pressed his fingers to the side of the boy's neck.  For a heart-freezing instant there was no pulse, then a thump, weak and thready, followed by another, and another.  The boy's blue lips told their own story.  Jou reacted instantly, pulling his shirt off and dropping it over the small body, transferring a small amount of warmth.  "Taro, I know you're cold and scared, but I know you can hear me.  My name is Jounouchi and I'm a detective, like on T.V.  I'm a policeman and I'm here to help bring you back to your mother.  You just hang on and listen to me.  We're going to get you out of here.  You just hang in there and stay with my voice."  There was no visible change, but to Jou, the thready pulse seemed a little stronger.

Encouraged, Jou began to talk, trying to come up with something, anything, that a five year old boy might like.  "Hey, while we're waitin' why don't I tell ya about th' time I saved th' world...?"  And as the helicopter and rescue paramedics raced to them, Jou started on a story that he knew he'd never forget.  The story of a boy named Yugi, his best friend Jou, and an ancient spirit who'd forgotten his name...

****

Detective Jounouchi sighed as he dropped into his chair.  It had been a long day.  One made longer by the fact that three minutes before he was due to go off duty he'd been called to the scene of a missing five year old boy.  Now it was past midnight and Jou wasn't sure he wanted to make the effort to go to the one room efficiency he'd lived in since his divorce.  He could be just as comfortable bunking in his chair and he even had a change of clothes.  When that was added to the fact that he had to be back in just under five hours... yeah staying sounded good.  His boss was used to his erratic hours, made use of them regularly, so he knew it wouldn't matter to anyone if he caught a few winks.

Relaxing into his chair he leaned back, kicked his feet up on his desk and closed his eyes.  He was just reaching a comfortable doze when a subtle cough made him curse inwardly.  Determined not to give in to what he was sure was a waste of his precious sleep time he didn't acknowledge the subtle, yet commanding cough.  He continued to stubbornly ignore the three subsequent coughs, each less subtle than the last.

The soft sound of cloth rubbing on cloth made him smirk inwardly.  Whoever the hell had been trying to bug him had taken the hint.  His smirk was short lived as his feet were summarily shoved off the desk and his chair slammed to an upright position.  Jou barely retained his seat, arms and legs flailing wildly for a second while he tried to regain his balance.  "What th' fuck do ya think yer doin?"  He yelled, glaring murder at his boss, Captain Miyahara.

The shorter man drew himself up to his full height.  "Detective Jounouchi!  Attention!"

Jou surged from his chair automatically coming to his feet and standing at attention.  "Sir!"

"You have visitors.  Try to act like a professional."  HIs boss snapped coldly.

That brought Jou's head up warily, his eyes scanning around the room.  His boss didn't bust his chops very often.  Miyahara knew Jou was the best and knew that there were literally a hundred other departments begging him to transfer.  If Jou asked, he could be gone in a few hours and they both knew it.  Jou had his reasons for staying, but the captain had never been privy to them and didn't trust him not to leave.  "Sir.  Yes Sir."

His gaze settled on the two men standing behind his captain.  As out of place as peacocks at a rooster fight,  they were distinctive in their clothes, bearing and sheer beauty.  As distinctive as they were, they were also easily recognizable as Kaiba Seto's... companions.  "Ah man... Matashi and Aishira from Kaiba Corp."  He offered a scant bow, barely a flexing of his shoulders, much less a professional greeting.  "Don't tell me someone's finally found a way to off the ass..."  He broke off when his boss coughed.

Apparently used to the hostility shown his 'friend' Matashi simply nodded.  "Jounouchi.  We are very aware of the enmity you hold for Kaiba Seto.  Believe me when I say that if we had any other choice we would not be here.  We have prevailed upon your captain to disturb you during your off hours simply because of the urgency of the situation."

That caught him off guard.  "Wait, shit.  You aren't kidding?  I thought you guys were here because I turned down that last tournament invitation.  Without Yugi ya need all th' draws ya can get.  Are ya sayin' someone really... Kaiba is..."  For some reason the thought upset him more than anything had in a very long time.

His concern must have been blatant because the other Kaiba's representative, after a shared look with his 'friend' stepped forward. "Jounouchi-san, I am Aishira.  We've met a few times at tournaments.  Kaiba is... Missing."

"Missing?"  The concern and disbelief warred within Jou, Disbelief finally winning out.  Abruptly he relaxed and shook his head.  "Man ya had me goin' there for a minute.  Kaiba Seto missing?  The guy who can't fart without it making international headlines?  He was on television this mornin' attendin' some gay pride rally.  If this is some kinda pity ploy or publicity stunt you can tell Kaiba ta get bent.  I may've been naive in school but Jounouchi Katsuya's not a dumb underdog anymore."  He gave them a searing glance and turned away, ready to climb over his desk to get away from Kaiba's goons.  He was a real cop and he found people who were truly missing.  He didn't have time for half-baked publicity stunts from a greedy corporate asshat who had never once been a friend to anyone.

Aishira's desperate voice stopped him cold.  "Please, Jounouchi-san.  It isn't Kaiba Seto that is missing.  It is Kaiba Mokuba.  Seto doesn't know we're here and he would be furious if he found out we've come to you.  Please... just give us a moment to explain."

"Mokuba?"  Jounouchi hadn't thought of the kid in years.  "He's... gotta be at least twenty by now.  He's missing?"

"He turned twenty-one just a week ago.  He's been missing since the night before his twenty-first birthday.  He's been gone eight days.  There is no real sign of a struggle, but the surveillance cameras show nothing out of the ordinary.  The logs check out and... everything is as it should be except... Mokuba is gone.  Vanished into thin air."

"People don't just vanish.  They either leave or get taken."  Jou repeated his maxim automatically as his mind turned over the facts.  One thing stood out.  "He's been gone eight days and you're just reporting it?"

"Seto believed... Still believes that our security force can find him."  Aishira explained hastily, responding to the censure in his tone.  "But Roland, the head of KC Security says that he is at an impasse.  There are simply no clues."

Matashi broke in "That is why we are here.  You are renowned for your abilities to find missing people.  We would like you to help us find something, anything, to help our people find Mokuba.  We know that you have animosity towards Kaiba Seto, but we were hoping to prevail upon your sense of duty and any lingering affection you have for Mokuba.  Please, we don't want you to actually find him, just give our security direction."

"Affection ain't got dick ta do with it.  I will do my job.  Take a few minutes ta fill out paperwork with th' captain and when yer done I'll go over your statements and then we can head over ta KC so I can check out th' surveillance an' anything else ya got."

Aishira cleared his throat while Matashi shook his head.  Jou picked up the hint immediately.  This wasn't the first high profile case he'd worked.  "Got it.  No paperwork.  Fine.  Take a seat.  I'm sure the Captain can get you something to drink.  I'll be back in ten minutes."

"But..."  Aishira started to protest only to falter to a halt when Jou's hard gaze pinned him.

"I gotta take care of somethin' personal.  I'm off duty and need to take care of somethin' before I log back in.  Ten minutes."  Ignoring the gasps from his captain and the other two men he muscled his way through them and out of the squadroom.  In short order he was in the locker room, using the urinal.  Normally he wouldn't have hesitated to tell them he had to take a leak but given who - and what - they were no way was he mentioning his dick to them.  They'd probably offer to hold it for him.  Unconsciously he shuddered.  No way was he letting the second and third most well-known fags in the city near him... And he would make double damn sure that the most infamous and heartless fag of all - Kaiba Seto - wouldn't get within a hundred metres of him.

After taking care of necessity he turned to wash.  Soaping his hands he grimaced at the gray-tinged foam.  He was filthy from the hillside, not to mention the dots of blood from where he'd touched the small boy.  With a disgusted sigh he looked down at his once clean outfit.  It was no cleaner than his hands.  "Shit."  A quick glance at his watch told him he had six minutes.  Plenty of time.  Shucking his clothes and tossing them on the bench as he walked to the locker room shower, he ignored his own toiletry kit and decided to use the 'freebies' left in the stalls by other officers in favor of time.

He stifled an exclamation when the tepid water sprayed down on him.  God he hated cold showers.  But he didn't have time to wait for the ancient water heater to give up a steaming hot flow of water.  Gritting his teeth at the cold wetness pelting his skin he grabbed a clear bottle filled with dark honey colored shower soap and labelled in simple black and white.   With a name like "Flying Fox" and in the men's shower he decided it couldn't be too bad.  Simple bottle, simple color, and plain label usually meant a no-frills scent.  At least that is what Jou told  himself as he dump a glob on his hair and a second blob on his chest.

He'd worked up a lather on his chest and hair before the smell hit him.  God could it have been worse?  Jasmine and honey.  Of course.  Mai's favorite had been Godiva Solid and it smelled similar.  Once upon a time he'd loved that scent.  Now it turned his stomach.  He glanced at the bottle, noticing the familiar logo he hadn't seen earlier.  He should have recognized the 'Lush' brand name on the bottle.  The last thing he wanted or needed was to be reminded of his ex-wife and the complex tangle of emotions he felt when he thought of her.

Not caring if he was actually clean he sluiced the foaming gel from his hair and body and bolted out of the oppressively scented shower stall.  He scooped up his filthy clothes, hot-footed it to his locker, and with deft flicks opened it.  He tossed the dirty clothes to the bottom of the locker and grabbed a towel, roughly towelling dry.  In another minute he was fully dressed and sliding into his shoes, finger combing his hair at the same time.

A quick glance at his watch and he saw he had less than a minute.  Still finger combing his towel-dried hair he strode from the bathroom at a good clip.  To the second on time he made it back to the squad room.  "Okay let's go.  I'll meet you both at the front entrance of Kaiba Corp."  He said briskly.  With a quick nod to his captain he spun and strode out.

*****

KC was the same as the last time he'd been there.  The lobby was huge, open and spacious.  The decor was elegant with a cool modern edge that made the best of clean, long lines of silver and expanses of smoked glass.  It made Jou think of Swiss Modern design on steroids.  The colors were pure Kaiba.  Black and white marble polished to a sheen, their stark contrast broken by a rare splash of red, blue, and a surprising purple.  Ultra-bright wall sconces glowed white from high above, casting subtle shadows and light into every nook and cranny, highlighting the  weird serpentine coils looping randomly around and through the room in what Jou supposed was some kind of massive statue.  

A quick look around told him that Matashi and Aishira hadn't arrived yet.  He wandered over to one of the coils of the statue and absently traced along its smooth, polished length.  A guard, black uniform immaculate and shoes polished to a mirror gleam, approached him confidently.  "Sir, you are Jounouchi Katsuya correct?"

"Right.  I'm..."  He started to explain that he was waiting for Matashi and Aishira when the guard interrupted.

"Follow me Sir.  Kaiba-souchou is aware of your presence and is expecting you in his suite immediately."  Clearly expecting to be followed, the guard did an about face and marched towards a row of discreetly lit, black and chrome elevators.  

As they approached the doors slid open with a soft 'ping' Jou tried again "Uh look I'm kinda supposed to meet with..."

"Whoever it is, in this building, Kaiba-souchou takes precedence.  They will understand, or they will find themselves out of a job."  The guard was absolutely committed to following orders.  Jou knew that mentality, having seen it too many times to count.  Orders before common sense.  Mindless drones.  It was pointless to argue.

"Whatever."  Reluctantly he entered the elevator and turned just as the doors closed with a hiss behind him.  He looked at the panel of lights and blinked.  No floor was lit, but the elevator was definitely going up.  He'd have to tell Kaiba his elevator needed its lights fixed.  On second thought he'd call the elevator inspector to have a look.  Kaiba could afford a fine for shitty maintenance on his fancy looking piece of crap.

The elevator finally came to a stop and with another hiss the doors slid open to reveal the entryway to what appeared to be a penthouse apartment.  His escort ushered him forward a few steps.  "Wait here."

The Swiss Modern decor was still prevalent, but toned down in scale.  Still elegant, but somehow more comfortable and homey.  Not that Jou could ever imagine actually hanging a coat on the notched, solid wood plank leaning against the white wall beside the door.  A coat rack was supposed to be upright, and have branches.  Only Kaiba would have one that looked like a notched, sanded wood plank.  The only reason Jou recognized it as a coat rack was the distinctive white trench coat hanging from the top notch in the wood.

The guard, after a slight bow, stepped back into the elevator.  Another 'hiss-ding' and he was gone.  As if that bell were a sign, Kaiba Seto stepped into the hall.  "Come in, or did you want to stare at my coat rack some more?  Perhaps you want to borrow my jacket?"

Jou prided himself on the mastery he'd gained over his temper.  Not even slightly ruffled, he simply turned his cool golden gaze to the man he hated more than anyone on earth, the man who'd killed his best friend Yugi.  "I wouldn't borrow a life jacket from you if we were on the Titanic."

Seto hiked a brow, his expression maintaining its cool neutrality.  "I see.  So if you don't want something from me why are you here?"  He didn't wait for Jou to answer, simply turned and silently padded deeper into the apartment.

Not given any choice, Jou followed.  He found Kaiba standing beside a glass and chrome bar filling a snifter with something undoubtedly expensive and alcoholic.  Unconsciously he wrinkled his nose in disgust.  Liquor was liquor, no matter the price tag.  It had ruined more than one person's life and led to the abuse of children from people who would normally never lift a hand to their kids if they weren't under its influence.

"Still the moralist teetotaller.  Tell me Jounouchi, do you ever get tired of being up on that high, high, horse?"

The taunt meant nothing to Jou.  He'd lived the life of an abused child of a drunk.  He'd stick to his beliefs.  "Yer th' last one ta talk about a high horse, Kaiba.  Ya used ta ride around with yer nose so far in th' air ya couldn't see what was standin' right in front of you."

"Anything standing in front of me was just in my way to the top."  Seto's patience came to an abrupt end.  After a gulp of his drink he snapped "Pleasant memories aside, what do you want?  Are you here to rescind your refusal to attend the next tournament?  If so a simple call to the registration line would have been acceptable."

"F... Uh.. No."  Jou caught back the edge of temper just in time.  Gods sometimes Kaiba could wind him up with just the simplest things.  He was above that kind of baiting now.  He just had to remember why he was here and he'd get through this.

"Oh?  May I ask why you've refused?  You never have in the past and I happen to know, through a mutual acquaintance, that your personal life is certainly not an issue.  You've been divorced what?  Four?  Five years?  And not a single date in all that time."

"My personal life ain't yer business.  I'll be chattin' with our 'mutual acquaintance' about that real soon.  If Anzu can't keep her mouth shut about me then I'll have ta make sure she don't know about me."

"Tsk.  Don't be so fast to cast off old companions.  You don't have many.  Anzu feels we are simply estranged friends.  She meant no harm.  In fact she thinks that if we sit down and talk we could resolve things between us.  Since I don't know why your animosity has risen to the heights it has, she believes it is some kind of misunderstanding because you are hot-headed and I am socially stunted."  The tall brunet's tone was light and mocking, but there was a current of something deeper running through it, something Jou didn't care to analyze.  It simply didn't matter.

"Yeah an' th' fact that ya sponsor her dance troupe don't mean jack shit right?  Look Kaiba, no talk is goin' ta resolve anything.  Ya want ta know why I ain't goin' ta th' tournament I'll tell ya.  I finally accepted that Yugi ain't gonna show up.  Even though I  went every year expectin' him, he never showed.  I had hope that he'd get over it and surprise us all.  But it ain't gonna happen.  It's been over four years and he's gone.  I've searched everywhere, listened for any sound, looked for any kind of sign.  He's just gone."  Jou's voice thickened with grief, but he continued, forcing the words out of a throat that seemed to tighten with every word.  

"That's why a talk won't resolve a fuckin' thing between us.  'Cause I know what ya did,  ya heartless bastard.  I was th' one who dropped him off right here at th' front of this buildin'.  I watched you greet him at th' door like he was some kind of honored guest.  I listened ta him talk about hope and you for days before that.  And then, after that night, the night he confessed to ya, he vanished.  No trace of him anywhere.  I dunno what you did to him, if ya broke his heart and he ran away ta kill himself or if ya used him an' then got rid of him, but either way, my best friend is dead and it's yer fault."  Drawing a ragged breath that hurt down to his toes, Jou vowed "If I ever find his body, if I ever find one shred of evidence, I'll take yer murdering ass down and see you in jail for it.  I swear to all the Gods Kaiba."

Kaiba's glass hit the bar with a hard chink.  "You... Very well.  Since you obviously hate me, why are you here?"

He gathered his composure and pushed the rage and grief down, back into the hole where it lived deep inside his heart.  A hole caused by more losses than most people could ever withstand.  "A couple of peacocks told me Mokuba is missing.  They asked me to help your security force find something to help locate him."  So that Seto didn't get the wrong idea, Jou added "I'm here doing my job.  I'd die before doin'  you a favor, but Mokuba is different.  He used to be a decent kid and I'm betting yer murdering ass hasn't corrupted that."

"Peacocks?"  A brief expression, one that on anybody else would have signalled confusion, but on Seto probably meant gas or something, crossed the brunet's face.  "I don't know who your 'peacocks' are but I assure you, my security has the situation under control.  Your help is not needed.  Leave."  His hand hovered over the button to call security in clear threat to have him removed.

"Yeah right.  Eight days and not a lead.  I'll have a lead in eight minutes.  You can time me.  After that yer on yer own."  Jou's eyes rested on the threatening hand for a moment before wandering over Seto in frank appraisal.  What he saw had his eyes narrowing in speculation.

"I said leave."  But strangely, Seto didn't call for his security.

The speculation deepened "Ya think I can't read ya.  Ya might not have changed Kaiba, but I have.  I can see everythin' yer tryin' so hard ta hide.  Yer tired, probably ain't slept more than a few hours since Mokuba disappeared.  Yer scared ta death 'cause ya know it ain't like him ta disappear and worry ya.  Yer also furious probably 'cause yer 'elite security' can't do a fuckin' thing.  An' yer... hmmm... weird.  There is something energized about ya too, like there's some secret yer keepin', somethin' that gives you hope."

"I don't care about your delusions.  Leave."  But this time Seto moved away from the bar and took a few steps towards Jou, as if drawn by something outside his control.

"No more games Kaiba.  Ya can't hide shit from me.  I can tell ya want my help, ya hate it, but ya know ya need me.  So cut the bullshit before I walk.  Show me where he was last seen an' then I'll take a look at the surveillance and logs."  Jou spun around and stalked back to the elevator.  Thirty seconds later Kaiba Seto stepped up beside him and the doors opened.  Jou stepped in a scant heartbeat ahead of the other man and flicked him a cool glance before assuming his professional mask.

Seto, after a few seconds, said "Head Offices, CEO Access."  The elevator began to move, again without a light to indicate the destination floor.

The doors opened to a smaller version of the black and white lobby downstairs, minus the weird statue, but with extra desks and less seating.  "Mokuba's office is on the right.  It has not been disturbed except for my security examining it.  Everything that was removed was labelled and put back in its exact place.  I was planning on going over it again tonight."  Seto gestured to a black door with a polished chrome handle.  "It is unlocked."

Jou shrugged and went to the door.  Time to go to work.  He was barely aware of Kaiba following him as he entered the room.  All of his senses were trained on seeing - not just looking - but seeing the room as it was now and as it had been then.  First thing that struck him was the scent.  It was off... too fresh, to clean.  If the room had been closed up for eight days the air should have been stagnant.  "The A.C. has been on.  Who did that?"

"It's automatic.  It..."

Jou overrode his explanation.  He knew what he needed to.  "Who discovered that your brother was missing?  How was it discovered?"

"I did.  I came home early from an event with the idea of celebrating his birthday.  I checked the apartment and found it empty, so I checked the logs and it showed him still in his office.  When I came in he was gone.  It was exactly as you see it.  I knew something was wrong right away so I double checked the logs, the video feed, everything."

"We'll get to that.  Tell me, when you first walked in what did you smell.  Anything you smelled, even if it was just an impression."

"Why..."

"Scent is one of the strongest memory triggers.  Something must have tipped you off that something was wrong.  Scent is the most likely thing it could have been, since the mess in here is minimal."

Seto looked thoughtful for a moment.  "I see what you mean."  He closed his eyes, obviously trying to recapture that moment.  "Hnnn... scent... I smelled... something floral... flowers.  Just for an instant I smelled flowers.  Mokuba has many allergies.  Hay fever is common for him so flowers are not allowed on this floor."

"Hay fever.  Yeah I think I remember that.  Poor kid got all choked up at..."  Jou broke off.  He didn't not want to go there, did not want to remember the time when he'd been so happy, only to have it all come crashing down.  "Anyway flowers.  Can you remember what type?  Roses?  Honeysuckle?  Feminine?"

"No."  Seto sounded positive.  "Nothing like that.  I know I've smelled it before but I can't place where.  It wasn't a feminine perfume smell.  It was unisex."

"We'll work on identifying it later.  What do you know about Mokuba's lover?"

Seto's response was automatic.  "Mokuba doesn't have a lover."

"Yeah, he does."  Jou's response was firm.  "But if you think he doesn't then that says a few things about yer relationship with him."

"He would have told me.  I have never tried to police Mokuba's sex life and have no issue with him having a lover.  He knows that.  I've even set him up with women I think he would like."

"Women?"  Jou questioned sharply.  "Not men?"

"I am under no illusions Jounouchi.  While I openly admit my homosexuality and my brother fully supports me, I don't expect him to live the same lifestyle as I do.  He has never shown any interest in a man.  I have met a few of my brother's lovers and they were definitely women."

Jou crossed to the glass table next to a long, backless couch and picked up a heavy wooden tissue box.  He held it thoughtfully for a moment then flipped it over.  With a slight smile he slid the hidden drawer open.  Exactly as he thought.  A small box of condoms, some lubricant and tiny packets flavored warming oils.  He pulled out one of the condoms.  "No lover?  Kaiba when was the last time you spoke to your brother about his personal life?"

"Those could be old.  Besides, how did you know about that?"

Jou snirked, "I knew 'cause I recommended he get it.  He was having an affair with one of yer secretaries at the time.  He'd been banging her in your office and wanted to know where he could keep his stuff where you wouldn't know.  I told him about this little item.  He gave you one just like this for a gift... I believe he was fifteen at the time."  Then the amusement faded.  "Th' expiration date on these condoms are for July twenty fourteen.  This is a latex condom with a spermicide.  It has a two year shelf life.  Kaiba these condoms are less than two weeks old and the box is half empty.  So is the bottle of Wet Platinum."  He shot Seto an ironic glance.  "I"m sure you know what that is."

Not by a flicker of an eyelash did Seto betray that he had been ignorant of his brother's affair with his secretary.  Mokuba sworn Jou to secrecy at the time simply out of fear of reprisal from his brother.   "Wet Platinum is one of the leading lubricants for sex.  But that doesn't mean..."

"Yeah well unless your little brother has grown a lot in the last few years, I'd say these Lifestyles Extra Large condoms do."

That made Seto blink and step forward to take a closer look.  "I..."  The evidence was circumstantial but significant.  It certainly seemed like Mokuba was involved in a gay affair.  Jou should have known Seto would argue the evidence but was caught off guard slightly when Seto went on the offensive.  "Is there something you're not telling me about your relationship with my little brother?"  Seto gave him a cool, measuring look.  "Are you  more like me than I ever suspected?"

Jou lost his professional composure in a heartbeat, dropping the wooden box and taking several large steps back.  Fury crackled through his voice like lightening.  No way was he letting Kaiba get in his head like that just because Kaiba had learned he didn't know his brother as well as he thought.  "Ya fuckin' prick, I'll never be like yer murderin' ass.  Back in th' day, when ya were too busy comin' out an' insultin' my wife - callin' her a moo an' our baby crotchfruit - Mokuba came ta me with some problems he didn't feel good talkin' ta you about.  He was het an' didn't want ta... He didn't want ta talk to a gay guy about his dick, even if it was his brother.  One of th' problems was that he thought his dick was too small."

Even though Jou had simply told it like it was, he hadn't deliberately tried to hurt Seto, but he could see by the widening of Seto's blue eyes and uncontrolled flinch of his body - the first he'd ever seen the other man make - that he'd scored a direct hit.  Jou wasn't above the savage satisfaction of finally returning just a small amount of the pain Seto had dished out.  But that was beside the point.  Seto had to realize that he didn't have all the answers when it came to Mokuba.

The hint of vulnerability lasted only a few seconds before Seto regained control and responded "I see.  In that case I owe you my thanks for being there for my brother."

"Keep your thanks.  He is my friend, or he was, until ya murdered Yugi.  I couldn't pretend and I wouldn't use him ta get at ya so I stayed away.  I shoulda kept in touch though."  Jou bent and picked up the box he'd dropped, pulling out one of the condoms.  "I think ya had too much influence on him."

Obviously still stinging from the earlier comment, the brunet drew a deep breath and let it out slowly.  "I've never tried to influence my brother's sexuality."  He denied tautly.  "I, above anyone else, know the havoc of personal choice and being different can cause.  I wouldn't wish what I've experienced on anyone, least of all my brother."

"Yeah, right well whatever happened it looks like Mokuba is batting for your team now, or maybe he's a switch hitter.  Don't really care except that we need ta find out who his lover is."  Jou shifted back to a professional level.  "Call Matashi and Aishira up here please.  We need to gather more information and I have the feeling those two know more than they are saying."

"Mat... How... Nevermind, peacocks... Got it."  Seto pulled his phone out of his pocket and sent a quick, two button text.  "They will be here as soon as possible.  They had an errand to run - presumably you - so they..."

"Yeah they were gonna meet me in the lobby but your rent-a-cop made me come up to see you.  You weren't even supposed ta know I was here.  How did you know when I got here?"

"Your annual KC Event parking permit has an electronic signature that is unique.  All top duellists have one.  It's how we know when you have arrived at an event.  The signature sends a signal that alerts security.  When you arrived in the parking lot my security let me know you were on site.  When you went to the lobby and didn't attempt to see me I had security fetch you."

"Wait, you can track me?  You have a fucking homing device on me?"

"Nothing that sophisticated.  I have no interest in your whereabouts as you go about your mundane life.  But when you enter a KC area the signature is picked up by my security system.  So no, I don't track you, nor is it a homing device.  It simply tells me when you are on my property."

That actually made sense to Jou.  He was a cop after all and familiar with various types of badges, security and anti-crime measures in place.  The parking permits not only let Kaiba know who was on his site with his invitation, but also allowed him to recognize cars that had no business there.  He was guessing the 'signatures' couldn't be faked, even if the passes could.  "Okay, yeah I get it.  Let's wait in the other room."  He led the way back to the reception area.

There was an awkward silence, then, uncharacteristically, Seto broke the silence.  "Jounouchi, we need to talk about Yugi.  I..."  But whatever he was going to say was lost when the elevator doors slid open.

"Seto!  Let us explain, before losing your temper."  Aishira rushed right into defensive mode.

"Jounouchi already has."  Seto gave the other man a cool look.  "I will not lose my temper because you were right to get him.  He has already uncovered new information.  Did either of you know Mokuba had a lover?"

Aishira bit his lip and sent Matashi a quick glance.  It was all written in Aishira's expression for everyone to see.  Seto pounced like a lion felling a gazelle.  "You knew?  And you didn't say anything?  He's been missing eight days and you..."  His voice became more harsh with every syllable.

Jou sighed and decided to step in before Kaiba could ruin their chances of getting decent information from the witness.  "Shut it Kaiba.  I'm sure he had a good reason."  Jou gave him a warning glance before turning to the visibly upset Aishira.  "Let's sit down for a moment.  Kaiba go get us some tea."  He said it gently, but there was no doubt that he meant for Seto to leave.  After a moment's hesitation, the brunet stalked from the room.

"Don't let him get to ya.  Just sit back an' we'll talk a little.  Let me tell ya what we found out.  Not that it is much, but it might give your memory a bump.  Mokuba was busy with his lover during the week he disappeared.  Don't know much about who he is involved with but his lover is most likely a guy who likes to wear unisex floral cologne and wears an extra large condom."

Aishira's trembling lips firmed slightly.  "He asked me about that.  Said he was dipping into our side of the pond and wanted to know if... If it hurt and if size mattered because the guy he was interested in was huge."

"Okay.  Did he tell ya anything else about the guy?"  Jou kept his voice low key and non-aggressive.  He would have never guessed it earlier but this guy was more of a peahen than a peacock.  The word 'wimp' came to mind quite readily.

"Not really.  When I asked him he said he wanted to keep it a secret for a while until things were more concrete.  I did tell him about lube and I recommended a few different types."

"Wet Platinum?"

"Yes.  I told him it wasn't silicone based and was a natural product.  Silicone based tend to stain sheets.  But there were a few others."  He trailed off and looked away as he seemed to realize what Jou knowing about Wet Platinum meant.  "I... Uhm... Guess he decided to go with the Wet Platinum."

"So they weren't lovers at that point.  How long ago was that?"  Timing was critical and he could narrow down a window of when they met and got involved it would help immensely.

"Seven... eight months.  No, it was eight months because it was a week before our anniversary.  He never discussed it with me again so I didn't know if he had decided to go through with it or not."  Aishira's anxious gaze sought Matashi's.  "I... I didn't tell anyone because he made me promise not to... I... You know how important it is to come out when... when you are ready.  I couldn't... please... Matashi... I couldn't tell..."

Matashi reached out and gently cupped Aishira's cheek before sliding his fingers through the other's hair.  "Sh... I understand.  Seto will too once he has time to think about it."

With a choked cry, Aishira hurled himself into Matashi's arms, obviously seeking comfort.  It was a little strange for Jounouchi to see two men in what was obviously a very loving clinch, but it didn't give him the creeps like he thought it would.  It didn't look bad or wrong, or even very abnormal.  To his surprise it just looked like two people who loved each other embracing.  Maybe the love was the difference.  For an instant envy shot through him before he crushed it.  He didn't have the right to want that kind of love.  He'd had it once and he'd lost it and much more because of his selfishness.  To keep the envy from rising again, he turned away from the embracing couple and crossed to look out the window, turning back only when the 'ding' announced Kaiba's return.

Jou didn't expect Seto to care about Aishira's being upset or the reasons Aishira didn't mention Mokuba's lover and Seto lived down to his expectations.  Ungraciously Seto handed out mugs of tea, bags still steeping and tags dangling over the side of the cups. When the last cup was taken the brunet demanded "Well?"

Jounouchi stepped in.  Aishira was in no shape to face the wrath of Kaiba.  To Jou that anger was less annoying than a gnat.  He didn't care about Kaiba's temper, he only cared about finding Mokuba.  Aishira was a potential source of more information.  No way was he going to let that source be abused.  "Several months ago Mokuba had questions about gay sex.  Wanted to know if size mattered and if it hurt.  Aishira told him what he wanted to know.  He didn't tell you because Mokuba made him promise not to.  Mokuba hadn't made a firm decision at that point and Aishira knew that when your brother was ready to come out he would.  Since that time there were no other discussion about it so Aishira didn't connect the questions with Mokuba being missing.  Since your security team missed the clues, this was the first time he's heard of the possibility.  Don't be any more of an ass than you have to be."

His protective interference seemed to catch Kaiba off guard because for a second the blue eyes stared at him with something akin to shock before catching fire.  "Who the hell do you think you're talking to?  Did you forget your place Bonkotsu?  My brother is missing and you try to preach to me about how to treat my employees?  How dare you?!  I could have you busted down to meter reader... Interfere with me once more and your ass will be out of a job."

The arrogance and the use of that detested high school name tickled Jounouchi.  He actually laughed in Kaiba's face, something he'd wanted to do for years.  "You?  Get me fired?  Get a clue.  I have a one hundred percent success rate!  Agencies and departments around the world want my services.  Bonkotsu?  Oh my god Kaiba, what are you, still in high school?  Sit down and shut up before your posturing pisses me off instead of making me laugh."  The laughter died and cold disgust took its place.  "Your brother is gone and you're still making threats.  In case you missed it Genius, I'm probably the only person who can find your brother.  Piss me off and I'll walk.  But don't blame me if your brother is found too late or worse, never found at all."

For a second Jou thought he'd gone too far, but just as he was sure Kaiba would erupt Matashi snapped "Enough Seto.  Can't you see he is not going to respond to your tactics?  He won't let you treat him like a lackey Seto.  He... I know you're scared and this attitude is your way of maintaining control but he doesn't know you as well as we do.  If Jounouchi leaves I'm really afraid we won't find Mokie.  Please Seto, for Mokie, try to let it go."

Jou didn't know what Kaiba had to let go, but Matashi's words did the trick, and in a move that was almost as shocking as anything Jou had ever seen, the proud man he'd never seen break, lowered himself onto the couch next to Matashi and dropped his head on his friend's shoulder.  "All right, shin'yuu.  I will try."  He straightened immediately and turned to face Jounouchi.  "I apologize.  You are right, my security force failed, and you have found more - in less than the eight minutes promised - than they did in eight days." A small, vaguely bitter smile crossed his face but his voice was soft and polite when he continued.  "Mokie is missing and we need your help.  Please find my brother."

It was what Jou had planned all along, but it was good that Kaiba was on board.  His calling Matashi shin'yuu was a surprise.  Matashi was Kaiba's best friend.  And always Jou thought Kaiba disdained friendship.  "I'll do my best."  Jou agreed and held out his hand.  Instead of shaking it like he expected, Seto reached out and gripped it tightly, exactly as many other family members had in the past, as if needing the reassurance of his touch to give them strength.

"Thank you."  After a warm squeeze Seto released his hand and sat forward attentively.  "What's next?"

"I need to do a detailed examination of Mokuba's office, his home, and any other frequent hang outs.  Then I need to observe the surveillance footage  of everyone who has been to see your brother starting eight... no ... make that nine months."  Jou's voice was brisk as he listed his needs.

Seto nodded "All right.  What else do you need us to do?"

"Mostly think.  Think of anywhere he mentioned going, any places that surprised you or maybe you saw him somewhere he wasn't supposed to be.  Any comments he might have made that were odd at the time but that he laughed off.  Try and remember anything that seems out of the ordinary when taken in context of his norm."  When they started to speak Jou shook his head.  "I don't want you to tell me.  I want you to write it out, add as much detail as possible.  Try to use quotes.  If he had any visitors you didn't think were... normal. Visitors he was anxious or nervous about put them on a list.  Did he avoid anyone?  Did he go out of his way to see someone?  Did he stop seeing anyone?  Not just romantic interests, but friends as well.  Sometimes if a friend doesn't approve of a relationship the friendship ends.  Also include any hobbies, especially new hobbies or interests he has developed also any he has dropped.  A lot of times people will get interested in things their new lover is interested in or stop things that their lover's don't like.."

"That's a lot of detail."  Matashi said softly.

"Yeah, it is."  But often clues were found in the details.

"All right.  Is there anything else?"  Seto's voice was carefully neutral.  It was obvious he was turning over what Jou had said.

"Yeah, one more thing.  Think about why he hid this new relationship from you.  Why would he hide it?  Only two reasons come to my mind."  Jou hesitated slightly, then dove in.  "Either he was worried about your reaction or his lover wanted to keep it a secret."

Seto's reaction was instantaneous.  "He knows I'd support him no matter what."

"Yeah, I kinda get that, but Kaiba I really hope yer wrong."

"What?  Why?"

"Because that would mean his lover was tryin' ta stay off yer radar and told Mokuba not ta tell.  Not a whole lot of reasons for that.  If th' guy was gay, then he had to know you are too.  So th' guy was either in a relationship, which I can't see 'cause th' Mokuba I remember wouldn't cheat, or he had reason to think you would try to interfere and didn't want you in the picture."

"Why?  Most of my brother's girlfriends were happy to try to charm me."

"I can think of several reasons.  First, he is an ex-lover of yours.  No matter how much you support Mokuba I doubt you'd support him taking your leftovers.  Second, he is an employee.  Mokuba told me when he was doin' yer secretary ya don't allow that kinda stuff.  Third, he is a business rival or possible spy for a rival company.  And fourth, you would see him as a threat ta Mokuba."  Jou gave him a level look.  "Yer known for a lot of things Kaiba, but one of th' main things is th' way ya take care of yer little brother."

Seto blew out a hard breath.  "There are no leftovers he could be involved with.  The only lover I've ever had is involved in a long term, committed relationship.  We keep in contact and speak about once a month.  As for the rest, you have valid points.  I'll check surveillance again, this time looking for specific tells.  I wasn't looking for a lover before."

"Kaiba I don't mean just exes from relationships, I meant fuck buddies too.  You might not have taken them seriously but that don't mean Mokuba wouldn't."

"I know what you meant Jounouchi.  I detest repeating myself but to be clear.  I have only had one 'sexual partner' in every sense of the word."  Fascinating color tinted Seto's pale cheeks.  "No matter what the papers print I value my body and my health too much to behave indiscriminately.  As you said, I am protective of my brother and that means setting a good example."

That made Jou sit back a little.  He'd always thought fags screwed like rabbits.  Not like they had to worry about pregnancy and rubbers helped keep it clean.  Figures that Kaiba would be just the opposite.  If what he said was true then Kaiba was practically a virgin.  Not that it was his business.  He didn't have time to speculate on that.  With a quick nod he said "Look for someone you would have a specific problem with Mokuba being involved with.  No matter who it is, how strange or outrageous, put them on a separate list.  Also check with human resources.  See if anyone has not shown up for work - oh and have them check for someone who took vacation as well.  They could have planned for time off together."

"All right."  Seto nodded to the pair next to him.  "Aishira is my head of Human Resources.  He can get all that information together."

Aishira looked up with almost painful eagerness.  "Yes, of course.  Is there any other information you might need?"

"Next of Kin, and where they went to school.  Most people go to ground in familiar places."  Jou could have explained that it was that fact that made his success rate so perfect.  All of his missing people were found in a place they were familiar or comfortable with - or in a place their attacker was comfortable with.  Humans were creatures of habit and it was the breaks in those habits that were easiest to spot and his biggest clues.

"Right."  Aishira stood and gave Seto an uncertain smile.  "I'm sorry Seto. I really didn't think it mattered.  He asked months ago and didn't mention it again.  I should have asked but he avoided the subject so I thought it had ended badly or before it started."

Jou knew the brunet well enough to know that it was too soon for his volatile emotions to subside.  He didn't expect Seto's reaction, which was to stand and pull the other man into a gentle hug, obviously reassuring Aishira.  He words were even more of a surprise.  "I know Aishira.  I'm sorry I went off like that.  You know I would never hurt you."

Aishira the peahen visibly trembled before burrowing closer to Seto.  The soft hold tightened in an automatic way that told Jou that Seto spent a lot of time comforting Aishira.  "I know Seto.  It's just that I... when you... I just..." Tears laced the wobbling voice.  "I..."

"I know."  Jou found his attention caught by Seto's lean, strong hands as they moved over Aishira's back in gentle caresses.  The loving care was so out of character for the man he thought he knew that it was strangely fascinating.  "Why don't you go do your magic.  It'll help you calm down.  I'll take Jounouchi back to Mokuba's office.  We'll view the security recordings from there."

"You're not still mad?"  The voice had firmed and only a trace of tears was still audible.

"No, I'm not."  Firmly Seto pushed Aishira back, but kept his hands on his shoulders as he continued to reassure the upset man with his touch.  "Enough coddling.  We have to get Mokuba home."

Aishira nodded and, after a few jerky steps toward the elevator, bolted off.  Matashi stood and followed at a more leisurely pace.  "I will get the archived security footage back online.  I'll put it on your personal server Seto.  You can give Jounouchi whatever access you feel appropriate."  With a polite nod to Jou, Matashi left them.

Jou didn't bother to comment.  There was nothing to say.  Even if Kaiba Seto was the kindest, gentlest man on earth who shit fluffy clouds and farted rainbows, the heartless beast had killed Yugi.  Nothing Jou saw would ever change his mind about the murderous bastard.  Without a word he spun and stalked back to Mokuba's office.

The handle turned easily under his hand and he stepped back into the room.  He deliberately opened himself up to impressions of the room as he paced to the center of the room and closed his eyes.  When Seto followed he asked "Tell me what he did here.  What is his job?"

"He is CEO of Domestic Operations.  He handled all business aspects of the Japanese side of our business.  I handle all western aspects and Matashi handles all European aspects.  I am looking into managers for the Asia and Australia branches but currently those two regions are in the planning and assessment stages and the work is minimal so I split the duties between myself and Matashi."

"I see, so most likely a japanese contact."  Jou nodded thoughtfully.  "That's good, less ground to cover and less likely he has been taken from the country.  Shut up until I tell ya it's okay ta talk.  I need ta get a feel fer th' way things go in this office."  He didn't mean to be rude but humans reacted instinctively to certain triggers and responded to sounds, no matter how subliminally acknowledged.

The low hum of the air conditioning caught his attention first.  It was almost immediately followed up with a subtle scent of lavender.  Jou crossed and stood over the vent screen.  "Hmmm... lavender.  You use aromatherapy in your air conditioning?"

"Yes.  Lavender, sandalwood, and myrrh after hours to promote calmness.  If someone is here working late they are probably under a lot of stress.  We use ginger, cinnamon, spearmint and peppermint blends to encourage creativity and energy throughout the day depending on department."

"The lavender isn't what you smelled the day he disappeared?"

"No.  That scent wouldn't have made me think something was wrong.  It's something we're used to.  The smell was... floral but not soothing."

"The scents don't upset Mokuba's hay fever?"

"No.  Most hay fever is pollen triggered.  These scents are blended for our company and completely pollen free."

Jou nodded but didn't comment.  If the missing man had been under stress... Following a hunch he knelt to look at the fiber of the carpet.  "Mokuba stood here a lot.  Look at the fibers in the carpet.  They're slightly frayed."

Seto blinked and looked at the floor closely.  Faintly, he could see a small area of wear.  "I see it.  So he liked to stand there."

"Kaiba think about it.  If he was stressing or whatever and needed to clear his mind, where better in this office.  The window is only a few feet away.  The view is great and the vent is directly overhead."  A small grouping of stones on the window sill drew his attention.  Nestled in the stones was a small clay unguent bottle. Jou picked it up and sniffed "Jasmine and sage.  Not a normal pairing."

Seto took the jar and sniffed.  He wrinkled his nose slightly and held it away from him as if it would contaminate him.  "It stinks."

"Yeah, but  I recognize it.  Clary Sage is very distinctive and  is used in all kinda stuff, but usually to bring on contractions or labour."  Jou shrugged when Seto didn't make a comment.  He knew why Jou would know about labour.  "I remember it also helps get rid of loneliness and stress."  Jou hated thinking about that.  The pain nearly crippled him to think about.  He had bought an atomizer of Clary Sage oil for his wife to use when she was a week from her due date and had shown no signs of labour.  She had been carping at him about being lonely and him always working.  She was lonely and scared because she felt there was something wrong.  She wanted him to stop working and stay home with her to wait for their baby.  Jou had bought her the oils and promised to be home as soon as he wrapped up the case he'd been working on.  But he hadn't known how right she was and he’d blithely gone off to work the day after giving her the oils. Doggedly working a few extra hours to finish up the case... if only he'd known...

With the ease of long habit he pushed down the agony that welled in his throat.  "So either Mokuba was tryin' ta heal his allergies, get someone inta labour, or stop loneliness.  Call Aishira and tell him to expand the search to women who were pregnant or could have gotten pregnant in the last ten months."

"Are you saying..."

"Maybe he was lonely.  Maybe his lover dumped him and he was horny, but it's possible that your brother ran away ta avoid bein' a daddy."

"He would never run out on a child."

"Yeah well we don't know for sure.  But I'm inclined ta agree, just 'cause he was usin' condoms.  But he coulda been usin' condoms 'cause he learned his lesson.  Call Aishira."  When Seto hesitated Jou snapped "Look I'm not gonna fight you over every fuckin' thing.  Ya obviously don't know everything about yer brother.  I'm investigating every possibility, whether you ya like it or not.  Call Aishira."

Seto glared, looking ready to argue, then abruptly pulled his phone from his pocket and furiously punched in a number.  It couldn't have rang more than half a tone when Seto barked out "Broaden your search for pregnant females who have gotten pregnant or have been pregnant in the last year."  Outrage vibrated through every syllable.

Whatever Aishira said made the rage falter and shock widen Seto's blue eyes.  "What?  Why..."  silence, obviously listening, then a tight "Put Matashi on please."  The civility was obviously maintained by a thread.  In a few seconds Seto growled "Have Aishira put the information on my desk.  Then both of you go home and take a couple weeks for vacation.  I mean it Matashi, I can't see Aishira right now.  I... he will tell you himself.  Keep him away from me for at least two weeks."  He disconnected the call with controlled savagery.

Austere neutrality and icy detachment were the only expressions Seto wore.  "The file will be on my desk when we leave here."  Not by a flicker of an eyelash did the rage that was obviously vibrating through the tall brunet show in his look or voice..

But Jounouchi knew it was there; rage was so deep and thick in the air he could almost taste it.  "Ya gonna hafta tell me sooner or later.  I get that yer shocked right now so why don'tcha go up to yer penthouse an' get it together.  When I'm done here I'll come up an' talk to ya."

Jou shivered slightly at Seto's arctic blast glare.  "Not necessary.  It seems that there have been six young women claiming that Mokuba fathered their children in the last year."

"Well hell Kaiba, ya were gettin' hit with paternity suits like every week until ya came outta th' closet.  They probably calmed now, but, ya know it don't mean nothin'.  Desperate women lie.  Greedy, desperate women lie even more."

"Yes.  Aishira said they had all been investigated, and three have recanted, two failed the DNA tests, and one has simply disappeared."

"Then what has yer panties in a bunch?"

"I should have been kept appraised of these kind of things.  I don't like finding out about them like this."

"Yeah well, I'm sure Mokie figured it was noneya.  He's an adult and has his privacy.  Besides it sounds like they was all fake so..."

"Didn't you hear me?  One has disappeared!  And Mokuba has disappeared."

"Yeah I heard ya.  I'll check out her file.  Kaiba don't assume anything.  Sometimes coincidences are just coincidences."

"I don't believe in coincidences."

Jounouchi just shrugged and bent to examine an odd pattern embedded in the leather of the couch.  To be honest neither did he, but he wasn't going to rush examining the scene and miss something crucial because of Kaiba's sudden concern that the pregnant woman had something to do with Mokuba's disappearance.

When Jou didn't reply Seto said "I"m going to get the reports from my desk.  I'll be back in a few minutes."

Four hours later Jou had examined every inch of Mokuba's office twice and nodded briskly.  "All right Kaiba, show me his room and where else he hung out."

"Study, game room and his bedroom at the penthouse."

"Okay.  What about that mansion you guys used to live in?"

"It is now the Mikomi Koji."

"Oh.  Didn't see that in the paper.  Musta missed it.  So Mokuba spend time there with the orphans?"

"Not everything we do goes into the newspaper.  This is one thing we've kept private."  He thought for a moment, then admitted quietly.  "We visit twice a month, more if we can get the time.  Children need positive role models and they make us remember happy times."

"Huh, never woulda thought ya liked kids.  Seem ta remember ya callin' 'em crotchfruit."

"There is a lot you don't know about me Jounouchi."  Seto shifted his shoulders uneasily.  "Let's go."  He led the way back to the elevator.  Of course it was waiting.  When the doors slid shut behind them he simply said "Home."  

"Don'tcha gotta go to your office first?"

Seto gave a derisive snort.  "While you were looking at smudges on the coffee table I went to my office and picked up the files.  They are at the penthouse.  I'll look through them while you're looking at wear patterns on the carpet or smudges on the window."  The disdain for his job and his methods was very thinly veiled.

"I probably know more about Mokuba's last few hours in that room from those smudges and wear patterns than you know about the last weeks of his life so don't knock it."  Abruptly Jounouchi was over it.  It had been a long day and he just couldn't cope with any more Kaiba.  "Y'know what?  I've changed my mind.  I'll be back tomorrow after m'shift.  Have someone else meet me.  I don't wanna see ya unless I hafta."  He jabbed the button for the ground floor.

Seto gave him a strangely deflated look.  "You used to have more guts, Jounouchi."

"Ya weren't th' murderer of m'best friend."  Jou sighed and rubbed the back of his neck tiredly.  "Fuck me.  Look Kaiba, I said I'll find Mokuba and I will.  In fact I have a pretty good idea of what happened.  I gotta look at his rooms and th' security but I'm pretty sure I'm gonna find evidence ta support my theory.  But I'm tired.  I've been workin' since this, eh no yesterday mornin' at seven.  It's now almost three.  Tha's twenty-one hours with no sleep an' th' last twelve of it with no food.  So I'm goin' home an' catchin' an hour's sleep before I gotta be back ta work."

"I see."  Seto said tonelessly.  "Would you accept if I offered to feed you a meal and let you stay here?"

"And wake up dead?  No thanks."  Jou gave him an 'are you nuts' look and shook his head.  "You know I'm gunnin' fer ya an' yer ruthless with your enemies.  Ya might need me ta find Mokuba but ya might just be worried enough about me findin' th' proof against ya about Yugi too.  I'ma be damn careful around ya.  I love Yugi but I ain't willin' ta let ya slit my throat ta be with him again."

"If I gave you my word you were safe?"  Blue eyes watched him intently, the way a predator's watches prey.  

Jou shivered involuntarily.  "Th' word of a murderer?  Yeah right."

"A murderer isn't necessarily a liar Jounouchi."  Seto pointed out dryly.

That surprised a laugh out of him.  Kaiba had humor?  Who knew?  It was sick and kind of twisted but that had definitely been a joke.  He caught himself and sobered almost instantly.  "Ya but I might trust a liar enough ta sleep in th' same house but I sure wouldn't trust a murderer."

"Have it your way."  As soon as the elevator door hissed open Seto stepped into his penthouse.  With a curt nod he ordered "Ground floor."  The doors slid closed with Jou's last view being Kaiba's rigid frame striding briskly away from him.

Jou's alarm clock sounded right on time, which was about six hours too soon for him.  But he knew he had to get to work so he rolled out of bed and staggered into the shower.  A blast of water a few degrees above freezing had his bloodshot eyes popping wide even as he grabbed for his soap and razor.  In less than five minutes he was clean, shaved and shivering hard enough to make his teeth chatter.

After a brisk, skin-tingling dry off, he dressed, brushed his teeth and was on his way.  He didn't delude himself.  He was well aware that Kaiba had been furious at his leaving and was likely to raise holy hell about it.  He wasn't going to give the bosses or ass-kissing politicians any kind of opening for busting his chops more than he already had.  To give himself an edge he stopped at the convenience store on the corner and grabbed a  few bottles of Yunker Fanti, the nicotine laced, high-powered energy drink.  He downed one and slid the others into his pocket.  Something told him he was going to be limited on time and would need the energy.

He was genuinely surprised to make it to his desk before Watanabe called from behind him "Jounouchi-san, you are ordered to the tower, Commissioner General's office."

The tower?  That was over the top, even for Kaiba.  He expected an order to go to the Captain's office but the Tower was actually a euphemism for the Central Office. The Tower reported directly to the National Police Agency, which was headed by the Commissioner General.  "Thanks."

Jou knew his every move was recorded at the station.  It was part security and part evidence gathering.  So he knew that he wouldn't be able to take his time or get diverted on his way to the Tower.  But that didn't mean he had to hurry either.  At a brisk walk it would take him about five minutes to reach his destination, but at a comfortable pace, bowing and greeting people he knew he could buy himself at least another ten or twelve minutes to think.  He knew precisely why he'd been summoned.  He'd told Kaiba Seto no.  More to the point he'd told Kaiba Seto his belief that Kaiba had murdered Yugi.  Add to that the fact that Mokuba was missing and he was the only one who could find him and you get a veritable powder keg that Kaiba would be determined to control.  He couldn't control Jounouchi if Jounouchi was out of his range.  Nope, it was not a mystery... Kaiba was going to try to pull him into his sphere of control.  Jou only hoped he was able to escape whatever trap the asshole had laid.

He was still several greetings and a good five minutes away from the Tower when a petite woman wearing a crisp uniform and killer heels clipped across the marble floor to where he was bowing to an elderly police officer.  She didn't bother to apologize, simply grabbed his arm and tugged him away.  "Jounouchi-san, everyone is waiting for you upstairs."

Jou had been bullied by his ex-wife enough that he didn't appreciate being dragged around like a dog.  Timing his rebellion purposely between her steps, he planted his feet firmly and stopped dead.  Her momentum kept her feet going even as the rest of her body stopped.  With a squeak, she let go of his arm, her own arms pinwheeling out from her body in a desperate bid to stay upright on her precariously wobbling shoes.  "I don't know who you are, but I ain't goin' another step until ya tell me who you are, an' tell me who 'everyone' is that is waitin' upstairs.

"I am Misake-san, executive liaison to the Commissioner General Daichi.  He, Kaiba-san, Captain Miyahara and Chief Kochi are waiting for you in Daichi-san's office."

"And ya came ta show me th' way?" He smiled, but it was more a baring of his teeth than a smile.

"They are important men.  Your greetings to your co-workers can wait."  She didn't even try to sugarcoat her intent.  Balance restored she grabbed his arm and practically threw him into the elevator.

"Yeah, I figured.  Guess I should be glad ya didn't send a car ta pick me up outta my bed."  Jou didn't hide his disgust.  The woman shrugged and jabbed the button to the top floor.

"Huh. Kaiba's elevator is voice controlled. Ya might ask him where he got it."  It struck Jou that he'd probably spent more time in elevators in the last day than he had in his chair.  Leaning against the wall he sighed "Carpet is softer and walls are cleaner too."

"You're angry."  She blinked at him with round, shocked eyes.  "You should be..."

"Yadda yadda.  Look, I ain't gonna be honored because this ain't about that.  It's about Kaiba throwing his weight around and everyone else suckin' up ta him.  Kaiba an' I go way back an' I ain't ever gonna be 'honored' by that asshole."

"Jounouchi-san!  Your disrespect is..."

He waved his hand dismissively.  "Yadda yadda.  I know how this is gonna play.  Save yer outrage for someone who ain't been up almost three days straight an' gives a damn about politics."

"Jounouchi-san..."  She started to protest only break off when the doors slid open.  With a slight cough she said "This way please."  and led him through an impressive set of double doors.

The scene was exactly as he expected.  Kaiba and the political flunkies seated around a table that strained under the weight of their egos.  Jou gave his captain a quick nod and came to attention.  "Detective Jounouchi, reporting as ordered."  He deliberately emphasized the last word.  Damned if he would make this easy for them.

His captain cleared his throat nervously.  He was very aware of Jounouchi's lack of regard for politics and the politicians who hindered more than helped.  "Detective, I believe you are acquainted with everyone in the room except Commissioner General Daichi.  He has requested this meeting at the behest of Kaiba Seto, whom I believe you know?"

Jou tilted his head and folded his hands at his waist, not saying a word.  This was their show.  He wasn't giving them an opening.

After an awkward pause, Captain Miyahara continued.  "You were informed that Kaiba Mokuba was missing and went to assess the situation last night.  Will you give us a verbal report?"

"Of course.  The scene, although searched by civilian personnel, was relatively untouched.  It yielded several clues that I will be following up on as soon as I have time.  First there is evidence that Kaiba Mokuba had one, possibly two lovers.  One was almost certainly male and the other female, possibly pregnant.  Indications are that he was stressed about something.  I haven't had time to conduct interviews so I can't speculate on what.  A few other details point to this being a voluntary absence rather than a kidnapping, but it is too soon to determine.  That is all I can tell you until I've had more time to work on the case."  He cleared his throat and added "Given that the case is off the books and to be handled completely under cover, I can't say when I will be able to give further details.  I already have a full caseload and will have to work more overtime on this assignment.  However I have personal time coming up as well."  Let them chew on that.

For the first time Daichi shifted in his chair.  Captain Miyahara hurried into speech.  "Your cases have been shifted to three of the others in your squad.  Also, this case is no longer 'off the books' but has been shifted into top priority.  It is still to be handled discreetly, with an 'eyes only' seal for myself and above and a media blackout.  From now until Kaiba Mokuba is found, he is your only case."

Even though it was exactly what he expected, Jou felt a hollow space open below his heart.  "Sir, I am currently working on a child peddling ring who have stolen six children in the last year.  The kids have ended up working in brothels or in porn.  Two were in snuff films.  I am within days of closing them down.  I just need to find the last link and..."

"Your squadmates will handle it."  Chief Kochi broke in, his voice cold and hard.  "As your captain said, you have been assigned to the Kaiba case until he has been found.  All of your working hours will be devoted to finding Kaiba Mokuba."

"But..."

Then the Commissioner General proved he was as dirty a fighter as any Jou had ever come up against.  He broke in over Chief Kochi "Also until you find Kaiba Mokuba, your leave and all personal and national holidays will be cancelled."

For an instant Jou froze, not quite sure what the man was saying, then fury and denial erupted like an explosion of lava.  "Like fuck they have!  I don't take a single goddamn holiday, weekend, or vacation except once a year.  I ain't givin' that up because ya wanna suck Kaiba's dick.  Ya play that card an' I walk.  I'm takin' my three days- startin’ tomorrow - an' I don't give a flyin' shit if ya fire me or not.  In fact, ya don't hafta.  I quit.  Ya can kiss my ass - You an' Kaiba."  Rage and sickness rioted through him he spun and raced to the door.  He wanted to throw his badge in their faces, he wanted to jam them down their throats.  But he knew if he did something like that it would take too much time.  He knew Kaiba, knew that Mokuba was more important to him than anything.  Kaiba would stop him from running, would stop him from what he had to do.

If Seto had been quicker, had known that the blond would erupt like a volcano, he would have blocked Jou's escape.  As it was he had to leap back to avoid the door that was flung open by the enraged blond.  Kaiba turned to look at the man he had been assured could bring Jounouchi to heel.  Daichi stood with his fists clenched, red-faced and eyes bulging, looking for all the world like he was going to have an apoplexy.  Chief Kochi was staring as though looking down the barrel of a gun.  Captain Miyahara was rubbing the bridge of his nose as if he had a headache.  In a voice straight from the crypt the captain said "I told you not to tell him that.  Daichi-san, that is a subject that... When I told you and the chief about his upcoming personal time.  I thought I was clear it was off limits."  Though couched in respectful terms it was clearly a reprimand.

"Nothing is off limits to me.  I do what needs to be done to achieve my goals."  Daichi was in full Commissioner General mode.  What he said was law.  No upstart detective would gainsay him.

Seto couldn't keep quiet about that.  "You failed."  He turned to Jounouchi's ex-captain.  "What is so important about this personal time coming up tomorrow?"

"It is the anniversary of his son's birth, and death.  He spends three days secluded at the shrine where his son is interred.  He spends the time in prayer and meditation."

"His son died?"  That was news to Kaiba.  He'd heard about the divorce, but had assumed that the child he'd been so insulting about had been born and was living somewhere with its mother.   He blamed the lack of news about the kid due to distance and his own stupidity when Mai had been pregnant.  "When?  How?"

"During birth.  Almost killed the mother too."  Miyahara shifted uncomfortably.  "Using his only days off against him was..."  He hesitated, trying to find a politically correct word.

Seto supplied the word readily.  "Stupid. It was stupid and remarkably short sighted.  Especially if what he said was true about not taking weekends, holidays, or vacations.  I believe I was misled about your ability to handle this situation Daichi."  Seto glared at the Commissioner General, gave the useless, glassy-eyed chief a scathing glance before turning to the one person in the room that seemed to have any kind of clue about Jounouchi.  "Captain Miyahara, do you know where I'll find Jounouchi.  I'll talk to him about... I'll smooth it over with him."

The captain gave him a doubtful look.  "I don't know about that Kaiba-san.  He is in a temper and can be unpredictable.  He also has a very pronounced and public dislike of you."

"He always has."  Seto smiled wryly.  "But that hasn't stopped us from working together when necessary.  Do you know where he would go?"

"Probably to clean out his desk and locker.  When he signed on with us the only thing he insisted on were these three days.  He was telling the truth about his weekends and holidays.  Even though we don’t require it, he shows up almost every day, sometimes working double shifts.  He is salary based so we don’t require him to clock in, simply log his hours.  There is only a minimum of hours he may work, no maximum."  Miyahara sighed and shook his head.  "He really is the best.  We are going to miss him, not just his skills though.  When I say the best I mean hard working, easy to get along with, and a good person."

"My priority is Mokuba, but I'll see what I can do."  He gave Daichi and Kochi scathing looks.  "It was my fault for expecting competency."  He spun towards the door.  "Show me to his desk and locker.  I'll do my best."

Once in the squadroom Seto didn't need directions to find Jounouchi's desk.  The group of people around the desk and random comments that drifted to him led him unerringly to it.  "Excuse me, where is Detective Jounouchi?"  He asked to the group at large.

One man, Watanabe, nametag askew but legible, answered "He's gone.  Packed a box of stuff and lit out.  He was here and gone in two minutes.  I've only seen him move that fast when finding a little kid."  Dismay and shock were obvious on the man's face.  "He... He left his badge and official stuff on his desk.  He said... He said goodbye and was gone.  I didn't even get time to say it back."

Another man added "He stopped at the locker room first.  He muttered something about a rich prick catching up as soon as the brown-nosers figured out he was serious.  You would be..."

"The rich prick."  Seto closed his eyes in thought for a moment then turned away, leaving the officers with more questions than answers.  His limo pulled up to the curb as soon as he stepped out of the building.  "Bring me to Jounouchi Katsuya's home."

"Sir?  Do you have an address?"

"Should be in the GPS under Jounouchi."

The drive was short, but when they pulled up to the modest home Seto vaguely remembered, a small woman with long black hair stepped outside holding a toddler's hand.  Definitely not Jounouchi's home any longer.  "This is not the right place.  They've obviously moved.  I'll see if I can find it.  Wait here until I get the address."  He pulled out his smartphone and accessed the web.

It was surprisingly difficult to find, but after a few minutes they were on their way.  The multi-story, anonymous grey cube was a strangely unsettling discovery.  It was a bleak place that resembled barracks, not twenty-first century housing.

Seto mounted the steps quickly, determined to get the meeting over with.  An older man with mustache and scraggly beard standing in the hall gave him a cursory glance that sharpened.  “Oi, you Kaiba?”

“Yes.”  A sinking feeling told him he’d taken too long finding the address.  He turned to face the other man.  “Why?”

“Got a message for you from Jounouchi in Four-B,  Said ta tell ya ta ‘go fuck yerself.’  That’s a quote.” Seto could tell the man was amused by the words.  

“I’ll just go get it from him then.”  Seto turned away only to stop when the bearded man laughed.

“It won’t do ya any good but ya can waste yer time and energy if ya want.  This place is a monthly rental.  Rent is due today.  Jounouchi was planning on moving and had all his things packed.  He just ran up to grab the last of his stuff, gave me his food, and took off.”

Seto assessed the man for a moment then turned to the stairs.  He would have taken the elevator but the large yellow ‘out of service’ sign told it’s own story.  Thankful of his daily workouts, he took the stairs two at a time.  

The door to room Four-B stood open.  Seto didn’t hesitate to step into the apartment.  For a moment he was shocked, and  then appalled.   Surely pay as a police detective was enough to afford more than this one room hellhole.  It was smaller than his closet, with a bathroom opening that barely had room for a toilet and sink, with a miniscule open shower stall that drained into a pathetic vent in the center of the floor.  In the main room, a small table was folded onto the wall.  It was obviously meant to fold out into a cooking area and then fold away to allow for sleeping or living activities.

He could tell that it was recently vacated, a familiar scent filled the area, one he was surprised he remembered.  Jasmine, honey and Jounouchi.  It was an unlikely and strangely evocative combination, but he could smell it hanging in the air as if Jounouchi were standing next to him.  

With a disgusted oath he stalked down the stairs and with an icy glare that promised death, brushed past the snickering man who'd been Jounouchi's messenger.  In the limo he snapped "Jounouchi Mai."

The chauffeur did a quick address search. "No such person Kaiba-san."  

"Kujaku Mai."  He should have known she would go back to her maiden name.

"Got it.  Sir it's about an hour outside town."  The driver sounded nervous.

"Get me there."  Seto didn't care how long it took.  He didn't know where Jounouchi had disappeared to but he did know where he was going to be tomorrow.  His son's grave.  He could call several people or go see the only person he knew for certain who would know that location; the child's mother, Kujaku Mai.

While his car sped through the city Seto opened his briefcase and pulled out his laptop.  Usually he could use his smartphone for searches but sometimes, when he wanted as much information as possible as fast as possible he broke out his favorite tool.  First thing he did was run a credit check on Jounouchi Katsuya.  His reported income from his job as detective was generous and more income reported as rewards offered and paid for missing persons made for a higher income than Seto expected a cop to ever make.  Jou's credit report showed that he paid for the house they were currently on their way to. Also listed were several credit accounts at several high-end boutiques, all paid up to date.  Seto realized that Jounouchi was obviously supporting his ex-wife in a style well above Jounouchi's own.

A search of Mai's job, credit, and tax history showed that she hadn't worked or paid her own bills since she and Jounouchi had gotten married.  But she was definitely single and living the life.  There were several references to different men who had shared the house that Jounouchi paid for.   Seto snorted in disgust at the blond's gullibility in letting his ex-wife take advantage of him.  Of course it was nothing compared to the disgust he felt for the bimbo who was using Jou's obvious guilt and grief to use him.  But her greed did give him an opening.  While one part of his complex mind continued to assimilate information another part began to lay out a plan that would get him the information he needed.  

The house was exactly as expected from reading the appraisals.  Built less than six years before, with a concrete foundation floor and two stories of timber and post beam construction above it.  The design was a mix of temple and western 'A' frame.  The extensive grounds around it were lush and well maintained, obviously by a professional service judging from the high quality topiaries posed around the front of the home.  Just to the left he could see a path that led to what looked like a small lake or creek.  It was a beautiful, serene home;  well-maintained and prosperous.  And the knowledge that Jounouchi Katsuya had paid for it all while living like an animal in a room no bigger than a pen at the zoo made Seto's gut tighten.

While his limo driver parked he put away his laptop, composed his expression and smoothed his clothes.  Mai mustn't see the disgust and desperation he was feeling.  He needed her to give him the information.  When a young woman, obviously a servant, answered the door he gave her his most charming smile.  "Hello, I'm Kaiba Seto.  Is Kujaku-san available?"

She flushed and looked down, pink color invading her cheeks.  "Ah... uhm... Yes of course Kaiba-san.  Please come in.  She saw you arrive and said to bring you to her sitting room."  She bowed politely and turned to usher him inside.

As she led the way Seto couldn't help making comparisons to the house he remembered her sharing with Jounouchi just a few years before.  From memory he knew that the previous home had been an eclectic mix of cheap, used, and brightly cheerful furniture  crammed into a space much too small.  It spoke of a budget and their impending parenthood.  Their house had been full of life and color, but more, it had radiated happiness and expectancy.  This new house was nothing like it.  Spacious and clean, it was decorated with a tasteful mix of modern furniture accented with a few very fine antique pieces.  The colors were well coordinated and bland, without the life and vibrancy of before.  It reminded him of the mausoleum he grew up in, the place he later turned into an orphanage.  For some reason he hated it.  Jounouchi would never belong here even though his money paid for it.

If Mai's surroundings had 'improved' Seto couldn't say the same for Mai herself.  Where once she had been a curvy woman with a generous bust and full, sensual hips, she was now stick thin, her golden hair brassy looking and her face scored with lines she desperately tried to hide by troweling on makeup.  "Mai..."  He bent and took her hand.  "It's been too long."

She gave him a searching look from heavily shadowed eyes.  "I thought I was hallucinating again when I saw you step out of the limo.  Kaiba Seto, what do you want?"  Her voice was soft and tired, as if she didn't have the energy to really care why he was there.

"First I want to tell you how sorry I am.  I've only just heard about your son.  I know it must have been devastating.  Please accept my belated condolences."

"Just heard?"  She lifted a brow in disbelief, a spark lighting her eyes.  But the brief flash was gone and she shrugged.  "Why should you care?  You sure as hell didn't when I was pregnant.  What was it you called me?  Moo?  Oh and our baby... our poor dead baby boy... Crotchfruit.  That's right isn't it Kaiba?  Well... guess the fruit was rotten 'cause he's dead now... dead and rotten."  She laughed bitterly, the laugh changing to a hard racketing cough that shook her thin body, almost sending her to the ground with its ferocity.

Seto pushed down a shudder of revulsion and caught her by the shoulders, gently forcing her into a chair.  "You're ill.  I didn't know or I would never have intruded on you.  I came by to apologize for my behavior and extend my condolences.  I will leave you in peace.  Perhaps if you could tell me the name of the shrine your son is buried at I could go there and say prayers.  Perhaps light incense or something to atone for my past behavior."

The watery, red eyes sharpened.  "What do you really want Kaiba?  I know you and you've never done a single thing in your life that you feel you have to atone for."

"I simply want to apologize and make amends for my heartlessness.  There was no excuse.  I owe you all an apology.  You, Jounouchi and your child.  Please let me..."  He broke off when the sharpness in her eyes went diamond hard.

"Jounouchi!"  She hissed.  "That's it isn't it?  He's the only link we've ever had and you're trying to contact him.  This isn't about an apology to me or my son.  It's about you trying to find Jounouchi."

"Don't be..."

"No!  You don't try it Kaiba.  You haven't said a single kind word to me since you caught me cheating at Duel Monsters all those years ago.  Don't think I didn't notice that you didn't send us a card or gift at our wedding.  You attended, to watch two fools make idiots of themselves, you said.  But not even a card.  In fact I wondered if you would actually have the nerve to object."

"Object?  Mai I had no reason..."

"Oh please, cut the crap Kaiba.  You know, if you had shown any kind of concern when you saw me I might believe you cared but you didn't, you moved straight to Jounouchi.  Do you think I'm a fool?  I knew all about it.  Your little crush on Yugi, the way you were all protective of him, like he was some kind of cherished saint.  But it wasn't Yugi who tripped your trigger was it?  You may have loved him, but you didn't want to shag him into the ground.  It was Jounouchi who got you hot and bothered.  I used to stop by after school to watch you guys fight.  Sometimes you'd walk away so hard I thought your pants would split.  Those trench coats hid a lot of sins Kaiba."

Seto felt color trying to rise in his cheeks.  He hadn't thought anyone had noticed his physical response to Jounouchi during those years.  "I won't deny a certain attraction but that is not why I am here."

"Yeah right.  Pull the other one.  You're here looking for Jounouchi.  Somehow you found out that he spends the next three days at our son's grave and you want to see him."  She gave him a taunting glare.  "Deny it if you can."

Seto considered lying, then blew out a breath.  "Fine."  He spat coldly.  "I am looking for Jounouchi, but not because of some ridiculous physical attraction that died years ago.  Mokuba is missing and I need his help finding him.  He's been gone nine days and... And Jounouchi is the only one who seems to have any hope of finding him."

He could see that took the woman aback.  Slowly she looked him up and down, taking in every aspect of his appearance.  After a long moment she nodded "Yeah, I guess only your brother would have you looking like shit.  Fine, I'll tell you.  But Kaiba, you need to know something right off, Jounouchi is mine and when I'm sure he's suffered enough for killing our son I'll take him back.  Don't get hopeful Kaiba.  He's only free on a technicality and it's one I'll be calling in very soon."

Seto's glance raked her appraisingly "You might want to see a doctor before trying to call him to heel.  You look like crap."

That elicited another bitter laugh.  "A doctor is what did this to me.  Antidepressants are addictive and I've been on them for years.  I'm going cold turkey, which is why the nurse is here.  When I'm healthy and whole again I'll be able to patch it up with Jounouchi... it's time to try again.  I want another baby... I want Jou's baby.  So remember Kaiba.  He is not free."

"I have no interest in an obviously straight man who is still tied to his ex-wife's strings to the extent that he pays for every luxury for you and lives as an animal in a cage."

"Animal in a cage hmmm?"  A sly look of satisfaction filled her face.  "Good, he deserves it."  Then she caught herself and the expression cleared.  "Our son is buried at Dazaifu, Fukuoka."

"Thank you.  I will say a prayer and give your son my apologies."  Seto bowed slightly and hurried away from the stick-like ghost from the past.  Once back in the limousine, the driver asked "Where to Kaiba-san?"

"Home.  I have a lot of information to go through in the next few days.  Schedule a trip to Dazaifu, Fukuoka on the eve of the third day.  I want to say prayers and light a fire for the child.  We will be there to meet Jounouchi when the shrine opens on the fourth day."

"Yes, Kaiba-san."

While they returned to the city, Seto accessed the surveillance videos from ten months past.  While they downloaded, he pulled out a notebook and pen to make his list of possible lovers, male and female, for his missing brother.

****

With a heavy tread Jounouchi climbed the last of the winding stairs to reach his son's grave stone.  This day was starting out like the other two and every other day he'd come throughout the years.  Misty morning silence broken by an occasional shrill call of a bird and the chirp of crickets.  It should have been peaceful, serene.  But it had never been either.  The grief and guilt was overwhelming, crushing his heart and soul.  Sometimes, when the morning was especially still, Jounouchi could swear he heard the sound of his son crying... A sound he'd never heard in life because his son had never drawn a breath on earth... and it was his fault, all his fault.

Fighting back the tears that rose to choke him, Jou knelt and began the litany that the Shinto priest had taught him years before.  A series of prayers meant to soothe the soul and send it forward into the next life.  The prayers never seemed to work, no matter how many times he repeated them, all Jounouchi ever felt was a sense of overwhelming grief and guilt and in the perfect silence, the sound of his son crying.

He was barely into the second prayer when he became aware of the stillness.  No birds, no crickets, and no baby crying.  And instead of the heavy feeling of guilt, a strange lightness filled the air.  Was this the release that the priest had told him he would one day experience?  Cautiously he lifted his head and looked at his son's marker.  It's formerly pristine appearance was smudged by what looked like some kind of ash and smoke, and when he sniffed, Jou caught a whiff of something that had been burned.  Not incense exactly but... some herb... it was familiar, yet not.  At the base of the marker was a round black stone set with a glowing purple gem.  Hot white light burst from around the gem, engulfing the marker, shocking Jou into reaching for it in an unconscious and futile gesture to protect the child beyond his reach.  As he touched the beams of light he crumpled to the ground, his body unable to withstand the shock even as his mind fought to protect his baby.

Jou found himself bathed in that white light, unable to move, or utter a sound.  A voice caught his attention and he strained to see through the blinding rays.  A familiar figure, small in stature with distinctive star-fished shaped hair shimmered in the distance.  "Jounouchi-kun...  It's alright now.  Let him go.  I promise I'll care for him."

"Yugi!  You're... you..." abruptly the light began to fade, and with it Jou's consciousness.  The last thing he heard was Yugi's dear voice promising to care for his son before darkness descended.

Someone shaking his shoulder roused him from the darkness.  When memory returned he sat up sharply and turned to his son's marker.  The amulet, smudges, and strange scent were gone.  "What... where..."  He turned to find a small, thin priest looking at him with calm, gentle eyes.

"Jounouchi-san, I was worried about you.  The lightning storm earlier hit part of the shrine and I was very afraid you had been injured.  Thank god that you were only knocked out."

"Lightning?"  Jou's gaze went back to his son's marker.  A shimmer, like that of a light shining through a prism, danced along the base of the stone where the amulet had lain.  "Yeah, I guess I'm pretty lucky."  Standing up, he took a few seconds to get his balance then bowed to the priest.  "Thank you for all you've done.  I believe I've finally found a way to let him go, to finally free both of us.  I will still visit and say prayers, but I don't think I'll need to stay here like I have been.  Thank you."

"I am happy for both of you Jounouchi-san.  Of course you have always been welcome, as you always will be."  The tiny priest bowed to him.  "And I must confess, I will miss your assistance climbing the stairs these three days."  The canny old man gave him a laughing glance full of meaning.

Obligingly Jou knelt and offered "Climb on.  I owe ya much more than a piggyback ride down th' mountain."

Laughing, the old man hiked up his robes and climbed on Jou's back with all the glee of a child.  He really was going to miss Jounouchi Katsuya's strong back, but he was happier for the peace his young friend had found... and the silence of the child who had been weeping on his mountain for almost five years.

****  

Jounouchi left the shrine the next morning mentally clearer than he had been in years.  Paramount in his mind was Yugi.  There was an ache of sadness, but it was tinged with relief.  All the years of uncertainty and loss were behind him.  He knew without a shadow of a doubt that Yugi was dead.  There was nothing he could do about it, no way to save his best friend, but he could be grateful that Yugi was still out there, somewhere, and that Yugi still had his back.  His son was in very good hands.  He would solve the mystery of the vanishing amulet later.  Right now he had other things to think about - like how to bring Yugi's killer to justice.

With that thought in mind, Kaiba's limousine sitting in front of the entrance to the shrine seemed like a sign from above.  With purposeful steps that matched his resolve, he crossed to the car.  The door was opened smoothly by the waiting chauffeur, and without a word Jou slid into the seat.  "Kaiba."  He greeted coolly.

"Jounouchi... Are you ready to find my brother now?"

"Not yet.  I don't work for th' police anymore.  I'ma free agent."  Jou gave him a sharp smile.  "Yer gonna hafta pay me if ya want me ta find him."

"You know payment isn't an issue.  I can afford..."

"I don't want yer money.  I want yer head on a pike.  Ya killed Yugi.  I want yer confession of that crime."

Seto considered him for a moment, obviously weighing his options.  "I will give you the video of the last few moments I ever saw Yugi.  They were his last minutes on earth.  It will be up to you to decide what you will do with it."

Suspicious at the easy capitulation Jou narrowed his gaze and accused "Yeah sure... Ya can do anythin' ta video.  I know photoshop an' I'm damn sure ya can do better."

"You probably won't take my word for it, but the video is unaltered.  I... It serves as a guide and a reminder."  With an uneasy shrug Seto sat back in his seat.  "Well?  Do we have a deal?"

"Yeah.  We got a deal.  But Kaiba, just so ya know, ya try ta cheat me an' I will do to you what ya did ta Yugi.  I swear it on Yugi an' my son's memory."

"That will be up to you."  Seto agreed to the terms.  What choice did he have?  He had to find Mokuba.

"Get yer affairs in order Kaiba.  'Cause I ain't kiddin' or blowin' smoke.  Either way, if th' evidence is there yer goin' ta jail.  If it's not... I'll kill ya an' sleep good at night knowin' justice was served."

Seto wasn't afraid to die and he wasn't afraid of Jounouchi.  He simply nodded and reached for his briefcase.  "I've gone through the video feeds and came up with a list of possible lovers.  There are eleven total.  Three men and eight women."  He held out his list.

"I'll wanna check m'self, but I'll look over yer list first.  Did ya write down why you thought they were possible lovers?"  Jou took the paper and began to peruse it.

"A few acted blatantly sexual, and he returned the gestures in some way.  A few more were... just a vibe I got from watching, as if there was more going on than what I saw.  And one... he was blatantly hostile, almost over the top hostile.  It reminded me of..."

"Reminded you of what Kaiba.  You don't have to be mealy-mouthed about it."  Jou didn't have time to worry about emotions.  He was completely focused on finding Kaiba Mokuba.

"He reminded me of how I used to act towards someone I wanted in the worst way and didn't know how to approach."

That caught Jou's attention.  He lifted his gaze from the page "Oh ya mean your obsession with challenging Yugi?  The way you were constantly in his face?"

"No... no not like that.  I was never aggressive in a sexual way to Yugi.  He was too fragile.  I meant someone else... someone I used to challenge on a very... physical level.  I craved contact with his body so I instigated fights with him just to touch him."

"Hmmm."  Jou gave him a flat look.  "I wondered if ya would own up ta all them hard-ons ya used ta grind against me."

That made Seto blink at him in shock.  "You knew?"

"Well duh.  Kinda hard ta miss th' nightstick in yer pants Kaiba, 'specially when it's grindin' at m'ass.  I knew ya were gay long before ya came out."

"But you still fought me.  You let me get away with my cheap thrills.  Why?"

"At first it was kinda a turn on.  I mean ya were hot.  Then when I realized ya were in love with Yugi an' just usin' me ta release some of yer hormones so ya didn't molest him I figured it was okay, but it stopped bein' a turn on.  I didn't find it sexy ta be used as a substitute.  Besides Mai was around, hot, willin' and I wasn't  second best, good for a quick tussle but not fer love an' respect."

"So... you have no problem with homosexuals; you're bi-sexual?"  That actually made Seto's heart skip a couple beats.

"I ain't got a problem with 'em, but I wouldn't go an' say I'm bi either.  I like pussy - a lot.  Ain't ever felt th' urge ta suck some guy's dick an' I don't look at some guy's hairy ass an' think 'I wanna fuck that.'  I was just fucked up enough as a kid ta find ya hot.  Wanted ta see ya naked really bad.  Now I wanna see' ya in a grave."

Seto gave him a long look, and then, in a completely serious tone, said "I wax."

Jou stared at him in total shock, not sure what to say, his own hairy ass clenching at the painful thought.  "You..."  He wheezed before catching himself.  "Masochist.  And T.M.I. Kaiba.  Now shut it, I don't wanna hear another word about your ass, waxing or anything not important ta findin' Mokuba unless yer confessin'."

Lips twitching and eyes bright with suppressed mirth, Seto asked "That was a confession.  Just not one you wanted.  Where should we drop you?"

Jou didn't look up from the notes.  "Drop?  Oh we can stop by my old apartment.  I need to pick up the suitcase I left there.  I'll be staying at your place until we find Mokuba."

"Jounouchi, I was there not five minutes after you left.  There was no suitcase."

"Hmmm?  Actually you were in Four-B.  I lived in Four-D, across the hall.  I watched you come and go through the peephole."

A strange sound brought Jou's eyes up to the brunet sitting across from him.  A quiver of something he labeled shock, but didn't quite fit that, shot through him.  "Holy shit, Kaiba Seto can laugh?  Since when?"

Showing that he was still the same old Kaiba, he fired back through his laughter, "Holy shit, Jounouchi Katsuya can outwit me?  Since when?"

Resisting the urge to tease back, Jou dropped his gaze back to the list and forcibly stifled his urge to smile.  No way was he going to smile at Yugi's killer.  No matter how cute he looked when he laughed or how engaging that deep chuckle was.  Jounouchi knew Kaiba was a heartless piece of shit who manipulated people the same way he manipulated pawns on a chessboard and sacrificed them just as easily.  Jou wasn't going to let himself be manipulated or fooled by some charming smile or fake camaraderie.

Jou was so engrossed in the lists he didn't notice when the limo pulled up at his old building and the driver, after a terse order from Kaiba, retrieved his suitcase and stowed it in the trunk.  He glanced up when they pulled to a stop in front of the KC building.  "Huh?  I thought we were picking up my case."

"We did.  You just didn't notice."  Seto gave him a dry look.  "You have developed concentration skills.  Too bad you didn't have them in high school.  Your marks might have been good enough to get you into a decent college."

"My marks got me inta th' police academy.  That's all I ever wanted."  Jou gave him a small sneer.  "Not all of us need ta go ta pretentious schools that care more about makin' th' papers than education."  The derisive look faded to curiosity.  "So when did ya see my marks anyway?  I always kept 'em a secret.  They was locked up tighter than yer briefcase."

"They posted class rankings remember?"

"Yeah, but not th' numbers.  'Sides I was always in th' middle."

"Lower middle."  Seto corrected.  "But you could have been much higher.  I also saw the placement scores.  You were only two below me."

"Yeah I know, but who was above me?"  Jou said it like it was the most obvious thing in the world.  

"Bakura Ryou and Moutou Yugi.  But that was..."  Seto trailed off as the reasons just occurred to him.  "You ranked yourself down on purpose?"

"Yugi and Ryou really needed th' boost.  I didn't.  I knew where I was goin'.  I was always aimin' fer bein' a cop."  He shrugged "As long as I made it somewhere near th' top I was gonna get in ta my school.  I just had ta keep my nose clean."  Just to needle Seto, Jou added "Besides you know I liked to be under Yugi... in any way I could be."

Seto lifted a disbelieving brow.  "Nose clean?  You were in the principal's office two or three times a week."  He left the comment of Jou under Yugi, and it's corresponding images strictly alone.

"Yeah, but it wasn't about discipline.  At least not when I wasn't fightin' with you.  Sometimes it was 'cause my job was interferin' with school and sometimes it was about m'dad.  Once or twice it was 'cause my mom wanted me ta get a message and couldn't get hold of me any other way."

Seto seemed to mull that over a bit.  "So you're saying that you manipulated your scores well enough to come in just behind those two?  Why do I find that hard to believe?"

"Dunno why ya wouldn't believe it, except yer own ego blindin' ya now like it did then.  Think about it.  I came from a low class street gang but managed ta place in th' same school as you - a certified genius.  I scored high enough in m'classes that th' school was okay with me havin' not one, but two jobs.  I was able ta keep m'grades high enough ta graduate middle of my class without doin' a single homework assignment outside school and sleepin' through my classes."  He gave the brunet a smug look, one he'd wanted to bestow on the ass for many years.  "And just ta let ya know, if I spent even a tenth as much time studyin' as you did, ya woulda been number two in th' ranks."

Jou ignored the stunned look on the brunet's face and bent back to the list.  He could tell that it was just now dawning on the other man that they probably had very similar I.Q.s.  And if Jou cared enough to hazard a guess he'd bet that it didn't set well with the egotistical, elitist, asshole.  "Tell yer guy ta gimme my case.  I'll take it upstairs.  I don't trust ya not ta arrange a little 'security' check on it."  That was the last thing he wanted.  He had several years worth of 'evidence' he'd collected in Yugi's disappearance.  He didn't want Kaiba knowing about the few clues he had.

Seto gave him a disgusted look.  "I already know what happened to Yugi.  You can't have any evidence worth my time if you haven't even interviewed me."

"Yet Kaiba.  And when I find Mokuba I'll have all th' evidence I'll need.  Ain't that right?"  He scratched his chin in thought.  "What makes ya think there is evidence about Yugi in there?"

Seto gave him a thin smile.  "You've been doggedly pursuing his disappearance for years.  He is not officially a missing person - his grandfather knows where he is and has never reported him missing - so where else would your evidence be?"

"Grandpa thinks he's travelling Egypt with Atemu and he'll return someday.  He's a delusional old man who believes what ya told him.  I know better.  Oh I believe he's with Atemu, but I don't think they are in th' land of th' livin'.  Mokuba disappearin' gives me the leverage I need ta prove it."

"Depends on what you think you'll need proof for."  Seto pressed open the intercom link.  "Get Jounouchi's case for him.  He wants to carry it up to the penthouse himself.  Also arrange for a car to be at his disposal twenty-four, seven.  He will be living with me indefinitely."  With a curt nod the tall brunet swung the door open and alighted from the vehicle.

Jou, after a moment of frozen shock followed, snarling "Living with you?  I'm 'living with you?'  What the hell..."  He broke off when he saw a couple of men slink into the shadows of the building.  With a mental curse he snatched his bag from the driver and hurried after Kaiba.  Fury lit him.  Oh he'd fallen for that one as easily as falling off a log.  He nipped into the elevator just as the doors started to slide shut.  "Bastard, you set me up."

Satisfaction practically oozed from Kaiba.  "You wouldn't deny me some small amusement would you?  After all you're going to put me in jail for life or kill me."

"Amusement?"  Jou practically shrieked.  "It's not fucking 'amusing' Kaiba.  Those reporters will have it all over the newspapers that I'm gay and your new live-in lover."

Sounding supremely pleased with himself Seto practically sang "All for justice...  Remember, you'll do anything to get justice for Yugi."

That cooled Jou's ire.  Kaiba was right.  If getting justice for Yugi meant living in Kaiba's penthouse with everyone believing they were gay lovers, that is exactly what he would do.  "You're right.  And once the truth comes out about how you killed Yugi, I will explain to the world I was here to gather evidence, no more or less."

That made the laughter die on Seto's face.  An unexpectedly grave look darkened his blue eyes.  "Jounouchi, have you ever considered there might be more going on than you know?  What would you do if... If Yugi wasn't the one who was wronged?  What if justice isn't what you think it should be?"

Jou was too disbelieving to even get angry.  "Are ya tryin' ta say Yugi did somethin' ta deserve bein' killed by ya?  That he abused or mistreated ya in some way?  Or maybe ya mean he threatened to kill ya an' ya acted in self defense?"

"I wasn't acting in self-defense.  As to the threats, abuse and mistreatment, I can only say you will have to watch the recordings and make your own decisions."  Seto said so quietly it was barely audible over the hiss of the doors as they slid open.

Something, some strange tendril of pain that seemed wound into the very core of the other man kept Jou from scoffing.  Instead, he shouldered his suitcase and stepped into the foyer.  "Where is m'room?"

"Down this hall, to the right.  Second door on the left, next to the crystal and wrought silver spiral vase."

Jou turned the corner and smiled slightly.  "Nice, I saw it on display at th' Adam's display on modern glass.  Not somethin' I'da paid a million yen for, but ta each their own."

"It was commissioned for me.  I loaned it to the museum."  Seto had followed him and now stood watching him inscrutably.

Jou rolled his eyes "Figures.  Ya don't hafta stand here an' watch me.  I can follow directions."

A tiny quiver, like a grin quickly suppressed, gave Jou a clue but he still tensed when he heard Kaiba's reply.  "This is my room."  and gestured to the door directly across from Jou's.

"Figures."  Jou gave him a sour look and turned away, opening his door, stepping in, and closing it behind him decisively.  And it truly did figure.  He knew Kaiba and his tactics.  While the manipulative rich-prick might have agreed to turn over untampered video, and Jou didn't doubt he would keep his word, Kaiba hadn't agreed to not tamper with Jou's mind or his perceptions of what the evidence meant.  It was exactly like Kaiba to try and throw off guilt or suspicion by misdirecting Jou's attention.  Not towards Yugi being guilty of anything, even Kaiba wouldn't be that stupid.  The brunet knew very well exactly how deep Jou's loyalty to Yugi was. It was most likely a ploy to get Jou on the defensive.  Why shouldn't Kaiba use it?  It had worked very well in the past.

With a snarl of self disgust he tossed his suitcase on a bed that would have filled his entire apartment.  The suitcase hit the bed, then seeming of its own volition, bounced off and hit the floor, closely followed by a black blur that disappeared through the door - the closed door.  "What th' fuck?"

Jou knew that ghosts exist, one had been his best friend for years during high school.  But he never expected one in Kaiba's apartment.  Cautiously he approached the door and pressed where he saw the black streak disappear.  He didn't know whether to be amused or relieved when the panel swung easily under his touch.  However, just a second later, when he tried to move it again, the panel was locked in place.   "Hmmm..."  He straightened from his crouch and swung open the door.  Kaiba was standing just outside his own door looking as if he were waiting for Jou to come out.  "Eh... Kaiba... Uhm...  Didja see some kinda black animal streak through here.  I..."

"Seth."

"What?  Where?"  That made Jou look around fearfully.  Seth was the name of the spirit of Atemu's priest.  They'd met briefly in Atemu's memory world, and Jou had glimpsed him briefly when Atemu had departed to the land of the dead.  In Jou's book, if a dead person wasn't inhabiting a body, like Atemu had done with Yugi, then they were freaky and needed to be avoided at all costs.  Jou had never liked horror and macabre.  He wasn't going to start now.

"Seth, the name of my cat."  Seto gestured down the hall where a small black face with piercing, cat-yellow eyes watched him from the safety of a large green plant.  "He doesn't like many people, and he considers that room his.  I forgot he might be there.  I'll have housekeeping go in and clean up any stray hair."

"Eh, Kaiba, why'd ya call him Seth.  Ain't that kinda... freaky?"

"It's what his name is.  What else would I call him?"  Seto asked as he turned to walk towards the cat.  "Oh and Mokuba has a cat as well.  Her name is Kisara.  She's been staying in his room since he disappeared.  She is a full blooded Angora and very well mannered.  She adores Mokuba and tolerates me at best."

Jou fell in step beside Seto.  "So, now that I'm lookin' I think I see doors for them.  Where do ya feed 'em an' where are their litter boxes?"

"They have a sandbox on the balcony.  The groundskeeper takes care of that every day when he comes to water the plants and take care of the pool."

"Wait, wait you're balcony has a pool?"

"My balcony takes up almost half of the top floor of my building.  Mine and Mokuba's living space  take up the other half.  Almost five thousand square feet for the balcony and almost six thousand for the living suite."

"Ah... uhm?  But I've seen most of it.  I thought maybe two thousand?"

"You missed the formal dining room and the game room.  I'll show you later.  Right now you can go into Mokuba's room and start your investigation there.  I'll order dinner.  Do you have a preference?"

"Ya don't hafta-"

"Don't be ridiculous.  I order from the cafeteria downstairs and they deliver.  I'm having a hot vegetable salad and some beef in ginger sauce.  Rice and spring rolls on the side."

"If yer sure... Fine I'll have whatever ya have.  In th' future just make th' order a double an' put my share in th' fridge.  I don't eat at set times 'cause I usually hafta work."

"You will sit and eat a civilized dinner with me.  It will be the only time we have to discuss your progress.  With Mokuba gone my workload has doubled.  Dinner will be served in an hour.  On warm nights it's best to eat on the patio.  On cooler nights we will eat in the nook."  He nodded to the door just ahead.  "There is Mokuba's room.  Watch for Kisara.  Her hair falls out when she gets stressed."

"Ah, okay thanks.  Uhm... about the video tapes?"

"They will be in... outside your room when you get there tonight."  Another nod, as Seto turned away.  "Dinner in an hour.  I'll return for you then." Silently he walked away.

Shrugging off the strange impression that Kaiba had wanted to say something else, Jou stepped into Mokuba's room.  Jou's first impression of the room was... white.  Blindingly white.  The purity of the white was offset by touches of silver and gold.  Once his eyes adjusted he saw the hints of color, and the boy he'd once known.  A random stripe of blue or green on the desk, the bold splash of red that outlined the door, the subtle embroidery of flowers so pale as to be white, the transparent shades offering texture and depth in an otherwise colorless room.  "Shit, Mokie, what th' hell happened to ya?"  There was no way this room reflected the person he used to know.  Something drastic had to have happened to change Mokuba, and Jou bet the blame rested on Seto's shoulders.

He shoved the anger aside and took inventory of the room.  Larger than his guest room, it was furnished in the same Swedish Modern as the rest of the house.  Everything appeared tidy and in its place with the exception of what appeared to be a mound of white fur on the bed.  He approached the cat with caution, saying "Here Kitty Kitty..."  when the mound of fur didn't move he reached out to touch it.  Surely the cat wasn't dead?  Maybe laying in an awkward position?  Because Jou couldn't see the tail, legs, head or any other distinguishing feature.  It just looked like a pile of fur.  Carefully he patted the pile, only to frown and draw back.  No animal there.  Just a bunch of hair.  Frowning, and more than a little curious about the animal that made a nest thicker than most pillows, Jou looked around the room for the cat calling "Here kitty, Here Kisara... pretty kitty..."

A soft sound, like a flutter of wings under the bed, caught his attention.  He knelt and peeked under the bed.  Bi-colored eyes, one green and one blue, glared out at him from the darkness.  "Good kitty!  C'mon out an' let me get a look at ya."  When the cat made no sign of moving Jou reached under the bed to pull the creature out.  He drew back in shock and pain as the cat erupted in a fury of hisses and raked a razor sharp talon across his hand and up his arm before bolting, in an pink streak across the room and out the door.

Swearing, Jou leapt to his feet.  Not really thinking what he would do if he caught the evil beast he gave hot pursuit.  The pink streak was disappearing around the corner and Jou followed, snarling and cursing.  He skidded to a stop when he entered what had to be the living room.

Kaiba Seto was seated on a white leather couch , his laptop on a small table in front of him.  Perched on his shoulder was the most disreputable looking cat Jou had ever seen.   It was the size of a medium dog and as battle scarred as any alley cat he'd ever seen, with a mangled ear and deep grooves across his eye and down his nose.  Sable black was mixed with calico orange and random flecks of white.  All in all, not what he would expect Kaiba Seto, the fastidious snob, to own.  He wasn't interested in it though.  "Kaiba, your brother's cat is pink?

"Don't be ridiculous.  Kisara is a white polydactyl Angora with long hair.  She is one of the most beautiful cats in  the country and has taken several national and international titles..."  But he broke off with a gasp, his eyes rounding with shock as he stared at something just behind Jou.

Jou turned his head to follow Seto's gaze.  His own eyes bugged when he took in the pathetic, pink-skinned thing that had climbed to the top of a curio shelf.  "Shit... that's th' biggest rat I've ever seen Kaiba.  Suckers gotta be close ta nine kilos."

"Not in the least amusing."  A frown knitting his brows, Seto stood and crossed to the 'thing.'  "Kisara..."  He called softly, his voice almost a croon.  "Come to me."  He reached up and held out his arms, but didn't try to grab her.  The cat, after a hate-filled glance at Jou, leapt into Seto's arms.  "There, pretty girl.  You're stressing so hard your hair has fallen out.  This won't do.  Mokuba will think I'm neglecting you."  With a tenderness that would have shocked all but a couple of people in the world, Seto cradled the cat against his chest, one hand holding her firm and the other petting her practically hairless skin.

Jou fought the warmth that curled through him.  So what if Kaiba was kind to a cat.  He'd killed Yugi.  No kindness to anyone or anything could ever make up for that.  "Lost all its hair huh?  So I guess it's a 'hairless' now instead of an Angora.  Polydactyl?  Figures.  It has seven toes on its foot... Matches my seven scratches.  Figures you'd have a cat that deals in double the pain of a normal cat."  With a bitter look, Jou turned back the way he came.  "Keep that ugly thing away from me."  A quick look at the huge black bruiser sitting on the couch, he ordered "Both of them.  Ugly as sin - you'd know that though - and mean as you ever were."  He stomped back to Mokuba's room, denying vehemently that his anger had anything to do with the loving warmth Kaiba showed the cat...

Seto's breath left him in a gust, ruffling the sparse hairs still attached to Kisara's ears.  "He is going to be a challenge Kisara."  A low growl, like a question came from the couch.  Seto smiled across at Seth.  "But we thrive on challenge don't we Seth?"  A rasping yowl answered him.

Back in Mokuba's room, Jou started at the desk and went over every inch of the room.  No place was left unexamined.  He moved the furniture, took out the drawers, examined every article of clothing, rapped on walls for hidden compartments, checked every shoe, pocket, and every other nook and cranny he could find.  The hour flew past without him noticing, as did a second, and a third.

His exhaustive search yielded him two items that he considered out of place and probably belonging to his lover.  One was a length of braided cord, black and tipped with silver.  It looked like the cord of a western tie, but Jou hadn't found a matching clasp or any sign that Mokuba owned such a tie.  And its location bumped it to the very top of the suspicious list.  Why would it be under Mokuba's bed, as if lost during a sex game or while undressing quickly.

The second item wasn't so blatantly out of place.  It was a long maroon silk ascot.  Mokuba was a wealthy young man and could afford one and in fact had one in shimmering off-white.  But to Jounouchi it was off.  There was a scent to it that didn't match any of the scents in Mokuba's bathroom.  It was flowery and kind of... warm.  It reminded him of his honeymoon, a week stay at Lake Ashi.  The hot springs had given rise to lush tropical flowers found nowhere else in japan.

Resigned to the fact that he would have to see Kaiba again that night he went back to the living room.  The tall brunet was sitting on the couch still pounding away at the keyboard.  The black cat sat on one shoulder and the pink...white... thing... sat on his other.  "Kaiba.  I gotta..."

"Jounouchi!  Are you ready to eat now?"  Reflexively the CEO checked his watch.

"I could choke somethin' down.  But first... ya said ya smelled somethin' when ya went ta Mokuba's office th' day he disappeared.  Could ya smell this an' tell me if it's th' same?"  He held out the ascot.

"It's not Mokuba's"  Seto frowned as he took the length of fabric.  "He developed a dislike for this color after seeing a car accident where there was a lot of  blood involved."  Seto held the ascot to his nose.  He barely got a whiff, but it was enough.  "Yes, that is the scent."

"Thought so.  Gotta check who was at yer house and who was on the recordings."  Jou shrugged.  "After dinner.  Ya know,  wondered why his room was all white."

"Not entirely white, but close enough.  After he witnessed the car accident he had nightmares where the colors of the cars and blood were trying to swallow him.  He couldn't abide blue, green, red or orange.  Black was totally out of the question. The counsellor suggested redecorating in a predominantly white color scheme.  It worked.  He hasn't had a nightmare in at least a year."

"So this ain't yer choice?"

"It's very nice, if you like cold.  I have to deal with enough ice when I'm at work.  I'd prefer to have a home that is warm and inviting, cheerful.  Like yours was, that time you invited us all over to celebrate your impending fatherhood."

Jou's first response was to snarl and rage.  How dare the asshole bring up that time?  He had to know the pain it caused.  The sheer agony of remembering often drove Jou to his knees.  And here the asshole was, discussing his decor?  How dare he?  Who the fuck did he think he was?

But even as the rage flared, it died, cooling to mere embers of pain and melancholy.  "It was a nice place.  Mai and I worked on it together.  Had a lot of fun too.  We argued over almost everythin' there.  We was still learnin' ta compromise when we split."

Seto stood from the couch and bowed low, lower than anyone had ever bowed to Jou in his entire life.  "I owe you an apology.  I apologized to Mai and I burned sacred herbs at your son's grave to offer amends.  I let my jealousy get the better of me and I insulted your family, hurting you all.  Please accept my apology."  

"Jealousy?  What the hell did ya have ta be jealous of?"  Jou couldn't believe that, wouldn't believe that.  Kaiba had everything, including the love of his brother and Yugi.

Seto snapped up straight and met Jou's gaze head on.  "Everything that you had... I wanted... Jounouchi I want children.  I want to be a father, but I'm gay and adoption laws in Japan... I will never get the chance, no matter how much money I have.  But not only that, you had Mai, you had someone you loved and she loved you.  It was obvious you struggled, but you were so happy.  I... I had nobody.  I was out, but I had no one to love, to love me.  Yugi was there, friendly, warm, caring, and so damned sweet.  I loved him, I really thought we could be happy together.  But...  I was so jealous of you I deliberately degraded and hurt you to hide it."  He broke off.  "That is enough soul baring for one night.  Especially on empty stomachs.  Dinner should be in the refrigerator.  Let's go."  He bolted towards the kitchen.

Only to freeze when Jou said softly "I accept yer apology Kaiba and I forgive ya for what it's worth.  I even get why ya did it.  But don't think I'll ever forgive ya fer killin' Yugi."

Seto nodded once, like a puppet with a broken string, then led him to the kitchen.  Seto pulled out several cartons of food and after checking each he began to put them  in 'microwave safe' containers and stuff them in the microwave. The six minutes Jou waited for the food to heat were some of the most awkward, silent moments he'd ever experienced.  

Jou was halfway through his food, eating as quickly as possible when Seto broke the silence.  "Why?"

Jou froze, bite partway to his mouth."Why what?"

"Why did you and Mai split up?"

Jou laid his fork down and pushed his plate away, suddenly not hungry.  "Why should I tell you that?"

Seto shrugged.  "Because I asked?  Because you might need to tell someone?  Because you hate me and blame me for that too?"

Jou glared death at him for a moment then countered "Tell me how you could kill Yugi, a guy you supposedly loved since the last year of high school and I'll tell ya how come my marriage ended."

"Fair enough."  Seto's eyes were dark with pain.  "But you won't like the answer.  It's simple.  He demanded it.  It was the price he wanted for being my lover.  When he asked me to prove my love - I would do whatever he asked, no matter what."

Jou's silver and lucite chair hit the ground with a crash.  "Ya fuckin' liar.  No way Yugi would do somethin' like that.  No damn..."

"Shut up.  I am not lying.  You asked why and I told you.  Believe what you will."  Seto picked up his glass and sipped some water.  "Your turn..  Answer my question."

"Are ya fuckin' outta yer mind?  Ya just admitted ya killed Yugi.  Then ya said he wanted ya ta kill him."  Jou was so angry he felt like he was going to explode.

"You've said several times you know I killed him.  It shouldn't be a shock that I admitted it.  The only thing new to you is that Yugi wanted to die."

"Ya … "  With a scream that made the walls vibrate he dove for the murderous brunet only to find himself held to the ground with his arms pinned behind him and a knee planted in the small of his back.  "Lemme go ya sonofabitch.  I'm gonna tear ya apart."

"You want to kill me?  Wouldn't that make you just as much a killer as I am?  Isn't that a bit hypocritical Jounouchi?"  Seto taunted, chiding and flippant at the same time.  "Tsk and you a police officer sworn to uphold justice and... well whatever it is police do."

Struggling against the iron grip, Jou swore "Fucking bastard, you can't hold me forever, when I get free I'll give ya a real taste of justice."

"Jounouchi you are a police officer, you must be aware of the laws regarding this."

"Yugi was not dyin' of some incurable disease, death wasn't near, he wasn't in any kinda pain, and he... he hadn't received any treatment even if he met th' law in any other way.  Don't play like it was a legal killin' Kaiba"

"You were his best friend and so stupidly happy you didn't notice what was going on in front of your eyes.  He was dying Jounouchi.  His heart, his soul, every part of him was dying.  Being around you was a torment from the deepest pit of hell for him.   I... my love for him... was his last and only treatment.  When it failed he begged for release from his pain. Demanded it as a price for the love I... we....  I... I have told you the truth."  He released the quiescent blond.  "Now get up and finish your dinner.  You owe me an answer."

Jou stood up slowly, his eyes narrow with rage, lower jaw jutting aggressively.  But the expected explosion did not come.  Instead he ground out through gritted teeth.  "I'ma go check th' recordings.  Don't bug me again until I come lookin' for ya.  If ya do I will kill ya.  I mean it Kaiba.  Even if Yugi did ask ya, ya shoulda got him to th' nearest hospital, not done what he said."  On feet more silent than the cat's, Jounouchi walked away.

Seto closed his eyes and lowered his head.  "Well, you heard him.  He's done.  Get up here and finish the leftovers Seth.  Bring Kisara with you.  She hasn't touched her food in days."

There was a minor scuffle under the table, then a thunk and the rattle of dishes.  The massive black cat dropped Kisara from his maw and pinned her with a massive paw, forcing her head into Jounouchi's plate.  It wasn't kind or loving, but it was effective.  The bald Angora had little choice but to eat or suffocate.  When she'd eaten enough for Seth's satisfaction, he released her and pinned her down, forcing a bath on her, much to her yowling outrage and Seto's amusement.

When she was clean enough to pass Seth's inspection, he released her.  With a hiss and swipe of her seven toed claw she was off like a shot.  Seth looked over at his human friend.  Seto chuckled and gestured to his own half empty plate.  "Go ahead, you've earned it."  While the cat dug in, Seto mused "Why is it that caring for those we love always leaves us bleeding?"   He dipped his napkin into his ice water and blotted seven stripes of welling blood across his companion's nose.

Jounouchi scooped up the manila envelope leaning against his door and opened the string held tie.  Inside was a simple jump drive.  "So much for original, untampered with."  He snarled under his breath as he slammed into the room, banging the door shut behind him.

He pulled out the jump drive, ready to shove it up Kaiba's ass, when a paper fluttered to the ground.  Huffing out an impatient breath he read the instructions.  Not a jump drive, a security key to a satellite.  The KC-9, in orbit around the earth.  All security data, all KC data period, was uploaded on storage drives on the satellite.  Not only could they not be altered once recorded, but no person had access to them.  The security key would give him full access to see anything stored on the satellite.  His access was equal to Kaiba Seto's.

"Well fuck, I knew Kaiba had an ego but not like this.  He makes fucking toys.  Why the hell would he need to secure his shit in outer space?"

There was no real answer, so Jou followed the instructions in the letter.  He turned on his television, plugged in the security key, and once the prompt appeared on the screen, said "Jounouchi Katsuya."

A robotic voice greeted him and instructed him on the rest of the voice command tutorial.  In just a few moments, Jounouchi Katsuya was talking with a satellite over thirty five thousand kilometers above the earth.

"Kaiba Mokuba's tracking signal.  Where was it last seen?"

"Currently at the Kaiba residence at coordinates..."  Yeah that made sense.  Kaiba said his tracker was left at the office, so Kaiba probably brought it home.  "Analyze the tracking signal for the eighth of last month between four and eight-thirty in the evening.  Any breaks in the signal?"

"Signal remains consistent with no breaks or lags."  The computer answered after a few seconds.

Jou thought about that for a moment.  "No breaks or lags.  Are there any times when the signal was too fast or stronger than normal?"  If he were going to clone a tracker, then instead of interrupting it, wouldn't it be simpler just to make another, synchronize it, then shut the original down?  "Any kind of echo?"

"Minor anomalous artifact echo on specified date during specified time.  Duration of twenty-two point seven seconds."

"Do you have a visual representation of the artifact?"

"Yes.  Do you want a display?"

"Yeah, I do."  Instantly a top view of Mokuba's office appeared.  Beside the office bathroom was Mokuba's signal, clear and strong.  A second signal, just as strong appeared next to it, overlapping slightly, then, just as a third signal, labeled Kaiba Seto, entered the room, the first signal vanished.  "What th' hell? Mokuba was there when Kaiba walked in?"

The computer must have took his exclamation as a question because it answered.  "Yes."

"Fuck.  I gotta think.  I gotta...  Where was Kaiba Seto when the artifact started?"  He drew in a deep breath "Computer what are the reasons for artifact?  And is it possible to artificially create artifact or clone a signal.  Mokuba's transmission signal."

"Multi-part question.  First question, Kaiba Seto was in the reception area Kaiba Mokuba's office, he had been there for approximately four minutes.  Second question, the reason for the artifact is unknown although power anomalies, electrical interference or overlapping frequency signals are the main causes of artifact.  Third question, signals may be cloned by technology matching the transmitter if the frequency is known."

"Describe the security around the tracking frequencies.  Also who knows Mokuba's tracker frequency?"

"The Kaiba frequencies are changed every eleven minutes.  Their trackers adjust frequency based on an algorithm designed by Kaiba Seto.  The range of frequency spans over eight thousand bands.  No person knows the specific frequency at any time."

"Does anyone have access to the frequency as it updates?"

"All data is accessible to Kaiba Seto."

"Well..."  Jou's mind was turning that over, the possibilities mixed with the rage boiling beneath his calm surface, joining with his normal police suspicion and the knowledge that most murders were 'discovered' by the perpetrator and committed by someone close to the victim.  "Ain't that interestin'.  Maybe Mokuba ain't missin' after all."  With a new, horribly logical thought circling his brain, he dug into the information.  "Computer, has this 'artifact' happened anytime within the last year?  If yes, then where was Kaiba Seto when and where the ‘artifact’ occurred.  Display a timeline and Kaiba Seto's location in relation to the occurrence."  It made sense that whoever had created the 'artifact' or 'clone' would have to test it at least once, if not more.

"Four separate instances of the artifact found."  the digital voice announced after a few minutes.  "Creating digital display of the artifact and Kaiba Seto's location."

Four screens, all showing Mokuba's office from a top view, all showing Mokuba in the office, and Seto outside in reception.  They were dated several weeks apart.  "What th' hell?  No way that's a damn coincidence."  Jou pushed down the urge to confront Kaiba with these new facts.  If Kaiba didn't think he was smart enough to see this pattern then the billionaire murderer would have less time to destroy or modify the evidence when the ax dropped.  First thing he had to do was prove that the missing person was not missing, but dead.  For that he needed a body.  Time to find Kaiba Mokuba - dead or alive.

Searching for a dead person was pretty much the same as searching for a live one.  Slog through the minutiae of their lives, pick up the threads that could lead to their disappearance or demise, and tug until something unravels.  Look for inconsistencies, pay attention to detail, and look hard at the people closest to the victim because almost ninety-two percent of all killings are done by people close to the victim.  And of that ninety-two percent, a full seventy-five is committed by a family member.  The numbers alone warranted a second look at Kaiba Seto, but when coupled with the history of murder and jealousy and his proximity to Mokuba when the 'artifact' occurred, plus the exclusive access to the frequency of the transmitter the evidence was adding up to a picture of guilt for Kaiba Seto.

Determined to find justice for Yugi and now Mokuba, Jou dug into the details of Mokuba's daily life.  It was surprisingly easy.  Almost every minute of every day was accounted for.  During the day there were meetings or blocks of time marked as office work.  Nights and weekends were almost always filled with women's names and numbers.  Most of the time the names were starred.  There were occasional notes about a specific 'trick' attached to the stars.  Some of the notes made Jou chuckle and a few made him sit back in disbelief and embarrassment.  He had been married, he was a cop, and he was far from inexperienced.  But some of the things he read were enough to make him feel like a vestal virgin.  The crudeness and lack of real feeling for the woman involved came through loud and clear.  These women might have cared for Mokuba, but Mokuba only saw them as fun and games.

Then, abruptly, about eight  months ago, the dates and notes stopped.  For almost a month there wasn't a single date listed.  Then, as abruptly as they stopped, they resumed again.  But this time the notes were different.  Instead of crude, humorous descriptions of inventive sex acts, Mokuba wrote about the beauty of moonlight on a silvery night, or about loving the feel of arms holding him on a chilly beach.  Jou had no doubt that Mokuba was falling head over heels in love and hiding it.  Different names and numbers appeared, but the notes stayed the same, the tone full of love and growing adoration.  Mokuba had been seriously smitten.  He hadn't been with several sex partners in the previous months.  Jou would stake his life on the fact that it was only one.

His alarm clock shrilling, brought Jou's head around from the display.  It was already six in the morning.  He'd been at it all night.  The weariness he hadn't been aware of rushed up to engulf him, dragging his body deeper into the chair.  "Well fuck.  Won't do any good if I'm too tired ta see what's right in front of me."  Yawning, he reset his clock for nine A.M.,  shucked his clothes, and fell face down on the bed.  Before the blankets warmed he was sound asleep.

Kaiba Seto heard his guest's alarm going off at six and poked his head in to invite Jou down to breakfast.  They really needed to talk about Yugi.  Seto had reached the conclusion that it was doing more harm than good to let Jou continue without the facts.  At first he had simply thought to use what had happened as a kind of carrot, but now it was hampering the effort to find Mokuba.  Seto needed Jou clear minded, and if that meant opening his very private and painful memories then so be it.  His pain, humiliation and weakness were not as important as Mokuba.

He swallowed back a gasp when, instead of a groggy, but awake Jounouchi he was treated to a golden skinned body sprawled out in wanton abandon across the bed.   The sight of that lush skin and beautiful body made him freeze, then, before temptation could overwhelm him, he beat a hasty retreat.  In the kitchen his chef was waiting "Good morning Kaiba-san.  What would you like today?"

"An ice cream smoothie... heavy on the ice cream.  Strawberry, banana, apricot and pineapple... and did I mention heavy on the ice cream?"

"That's all?  But sir, when you called me in you said you wanted an large breakfast prepared en suite.  I..."

"Make one and put it in the refrigerator for my guest.  I'll have the smoothie.  Put it in a lidded cup.  I have to run."

While Seto packed up his briefcase he could hear the whirring of the blender in the kitchen.  He wasn't surprised to see his frothy morning breakfast in a cup waiting.  Most people thought he ran on coffee, and while that was true at business meetings, he much preferred smoothies for breakfast.  Healthy, delicious, and cool enough to calm his raging hormones.  An odd quirk of his nature that he'd long learned to live with was that his libido was especially demanding in the morning.  After deliberately taking a large slurp from his extra wide straw he squinted in pain.  And the brain freeze helped drive out the image of Jou sprawled invitingly across the bed.  An added bonus!  His body and mind back under control he stepped into the elevator and put Jounouchi out of his mind.

Jou woke several hours later at the prodding of his overtaxed bladder.  His internal clock told him it was afternoon even as his eyes sought his alarm clock.  With a disgusted sigh he looked at the shattered remains of what had been billed as an indestructible clock.  "I'm gonna hafta get a titanium clock."  He mumbled to himself as he staggered to the bathroom, grabbing his dick to keep from leaking on Kaiba's expensive carpet.  He could just hear that discussion, and the animal comments that would come from it.  Kaiba wouldn't care that he hadn't pissed in over sixteen hours.  All he'd care about was that Jou had pissed on the rug like some kind of untrained dog.

Relieved after a long piss, Jou sighed and stretched.  He was a little achy from sleeping on Kaiba's bed.  After years of sleeping on a futon, the pillow topped mattress was too soft, not offering the support his body was used to.  Scratching at his butt absently, he turned to the shower.  "Hmmm..."  Seeing it was stocked with soap and shampoo, both brands he was familiar with, he flipped on the hot water.  Steam filled the room in just a matter of seconds.  "Yeah baby..."  He moaned as he slid under the pulsating, hot spray.

He honestly couldn't remember the last time he actually stood under a hot shower and luxuriated in the feel.  At the locker room he was always in a hurry and even when he had time to wait for the water to heat he was acutely conscious of eyes on him.  He knew he was something of a curiosity to other cops.  Some considered him a legend in his own mind and some considered him abnormal and freakish with the way he was able to find lost ones.  

He didn't consider himself anything special.  He simply applied his naturally acquired talents and his ability to put himself in the place of another person to find that person.  It wasn't magic or anything close.  Jou had been close to real magic for years and knew the difference.  He personally didn't have any gifts beyond the human realm.  In some ways he was sorry he didn't, but for the most part he was glad.  He'd seen what the awesome responsibility of  'magic' had done to Yugi.  He wasn't as blind as Kaiba thought.  But that didn't mean he believed Yugi had wanted to die.

Squeaky clean and simply wallowing in the spray, lost in a haze of bliss, Jou was pulled from his nirvana by the distinct sound of someone moving around in the bedroom.  He'd been a cop too long to doubt his senses.  He left the shower on, snagged a towel, wrapped it around his waist, and crept to the door.

Jou's breath left him in a whoosh.  The figure standing beside his work table was small and frail, as if a wind could blow him away, but it was undeniably his best bud in the entire universe.  "Yugi..."  He breathed, his throat clogged with tears.  "You're here.  How?"

Yugi's amethyst eyes lifted from where he was studying Jou's notes, including the theories he had about Mokuba's 'disappearance.'  His lips moved, as if speaking, but Jou didn't hear a sound.  

"Yugi what has he done to ya?  Yer so small.  I can't hear ya... speak up."  Urgently, Jou strode forward to catch his friend in an embrace.  He had missed Yugi so much.

Without seeming to move a muscle, Yugi was across the room, standing by the open door.  He was still talking, his expression urgent, eyes wide and pleading.  "What?  Yugi?  What is it?  I can't hear you."  He followed, trying to understand, even as Yugi moved further away, seeming to melt through Kaiba's bedroom door and out of Jou's sight.

"No!  Fuck no!  Yugi!"  Jou screamed as he bolted across the hall and into that room.  He didn't know what to expect, except that Yugi had gone into that room.  What greeted him froze him in place.  A hard onyx gaze flickering with blue and and white light and filled with frightening intelligence glared at him, daring to step further into the bedroom.  Jou didn't doubt his sense of self-preservation.  If he stepped further into that room he would not leave it again breathing.  "What th' hell are you?"

The cat, Seth, gave a low rumble that rose to a threatening hiss.  Jou didn't speak cat but that sounded really bad.  Swallowing hard, he forced himself to inch into the room.  "I don't give a damn what ya are.  I know Yugi is in here an' I'm gonna find him.  If ya get in my way I'll have a mangy cat-fur rug."

When the cat hissed and yowled Jou growled deep in his throat and took another step into the room.  The blue and white lights flickering in the cat's black eyes expanded, the color taking over the entire orb, glowing like blue neon streaking with white shooting stars.

Jou ignored the freaky cat.  Weird eyes or not - Jou would take on anyone and anything to find Yugi.  Another step "Yugi, I know yer here.  I'm not gonna hurt ya.  Where did ya go?  Don't ya know me?  Did he damage yer mind?  Yugi please come out."

A high pitched scream, like that of a tortured woman, to the right of him made him spin around, hoping it was Yugi.  Instead Kisara, what little hair she had bristling, charged past him to position herself next to Seth.  Her bi-colored eyes glowed silvery white and her stance was pure battle.  If her eyes hadn't been glowing he would have laughed at her pathetic, pink-skinned, appearance.  "Don't get started Rat.  You wouldn't even make a decent rug.  But I will kick your ass."

She screamed again, this time sounding more like a pissed off woman than a woman in pain.  The glow in her eyes intensified, seeming to spread outward, coating her and the other cat in its glow.  Jou glared for a second then turned to search the room.  He didn't have time for freakish Kaiba Cats.  He had to find Yugi.

A tremor and noise similar to paper tearing sounded behind him.  He glanced over his shoulder at the cats only to find himself staring at the tall, broad back of the owner of the house.  "Kaiba."  He snarled.  "Yugi was just in my room.  I followed him in here.  Where is he?  What have you done to him?  He tried to talk to me but he couldn't make a sound.  Ya fuckin' freak.  Where is he?"

As if he didn't hear him, Seto knelt and patted the two cats.  "Go."

Jounouchi wasn't going to let the perverted freak ignore him.  Not when he knew that Yugi was somewhere in the penthouse.  "Answer me Kaiba."

Seto rose slowly and turned to face him.  Still ignoring the questions, he murmured "Well, what an unexpected surprise.  You in my bedroom, and so conveniently dressed for the occasion."

"Don't fuck with me Kaiba.  I know I saw Yugi.  Where is he?  Where are you keeping him?"

"You saw Yugi come in here?"  Seto sounded intrigued and vaguely amused.  "I don't think so.  Perhaps you saw what you wanted to see.  Perhaps you needed an excuse?"

"An excuse?  For what?"  Jou shifted back, trying to put some distance between himself and the suddenly too close brunet.

Seto smiled and reached out with a determined hand, grasping his towel and giving a sharp tug.  "To come to my bedroom of course."  As his towel fell to the floor, Jou let out a shocked yell and jerked away sharply.

And promptly fell off the bed where he'd been sleeping soundly.  A panicked, startled look around and he saw his destroyed alarm clock.  A quick body check showed him wearing just a towel around his waist.

Scrambling out of bed he tapped the screen to wake up the computer uplink.  "Where is Kaiba Seto?"

"Kaiba Seto is currently in his office."

"How long has he been there?"

"He has been in his office since one p.m.  Prior to that he was at Kaibaland Domino."

His rapid, panicked breathing eased.  "A dream.  Damn it, why would I dream something like that?"  With no answer forthcoming, he turned back to his notes and felt his heart jump again.  Because right on top was the paper with his suspicions and concerns.  Written across the page in distinctive handwriting, penmanship that he'd spent most of his high school days reading and copying from, were the words "No choice"

"What time is it?"  Jou glanced around the room for a clock but didn't see anything even close to one.

"It is four fifteen."

"Shit, how long have I been out?"  Jou mumbled.

The computer had a ready answer.  "One hour and seventeen minutes.  You were returned to your bed at two fifty three."

"Ret... Returned from where?"

"Unknown."

"Wait how did you know that?"

"Security surveillance of Kaiba Penthouse."

"Wait what?  Surveillance?  What the hell?"

"All rooms of Kaiba corporation are monitored.  Only specific key commands can activate privacy mode.  Would you like to view the security recording?"

"Yeah I would.  I wanna know how I can go somewhere 'unknown.' In this place."  The screen flickered to life and Jou found himself watching as he slept fitfully on the comfortable bed.  He was obviously on the verge of waking, and even as he thought it, the Jou on screen woke slowly, then rolled over to check the clock.  His reaction was exactly the same, to include the clearly audible comment about getting a titanium clock.

His embarrassing, yet practical pinch and hold to keep from pissing on the carpet!  Everything.  There was even recording of him in the bathroom.  His impressively long piss, followed by the decadent shower;  it all was exactly as he remembered it.  Then the sound came.  At least that's what Jou assumed by watching his reactions.  But he heard nothing in the recording.  He watched himself step from the shower, wrap the towel around his waist, step to the door and simply vanish.  "Computer stop display.  Now split display between my bedroom and my bathroom, last two minutes viewed."  The screen split in two and Jou watched it again, looking for an explanation.  At the time of the 'sound' the only event in the bedroom was Seth, the cat, slipping through his cat door and jumping up on the bed.  At the time Jou was disappearing, the cat had lowered its head and was licking its foreleg.

The recording of the empty bathroom and the cat continued for fifty seconds, then Kisara sauntered into the room and yowled.  Seth hopped down and swished his tail and suddenly Jou was on the bed completely passed out.  The time stamp read two-fifty-three and thirty-six seconds.

"Fuck!  No way someone can just vanish.  Display Kaiba's office from two fifty until two fifty four."

"Kaiba Mokuba or Kaiba Seto's?"

"Smart assed computer.  Kaiba Seto's."

Instantly Kaiba's office, with Kaiba sitting placidly at his desk appeared.  At first Jou thought nothing would happen, then about two seconds before the 'sound' Kaiba stiffened suddenly and gasped, pushing back his chair  and rising urgently.  Just as Jou 'disappeared' Seto moaned and collapsed back into the chair and seemed to lose consciousness, falling face-first into his paperwork.  He didn't stir again until three fifteen, and then only to wake long enough to stagger across the room and fall onto his long couch.  "Computer, show me Kaiba Seto's office now."  The image updated to show a milk-pale Kaiba still passed out on the couch, still in the exact position he'd fallen into hours before.  Even with his sharp eyes, Jou couldn't discern the rise and fall of Seto's chest.  With a succinct "Fuck!"  He threw off the towel and scrambled into just enough to keep him legal and raced to the elevator.

"Kaiba's office, an' step on it."  After a moment he ordered "Make sure Kaiba Seto's door is open.  I don't wanna wait for no locks.  This is an emergency."

When the door hissed open Jou shot out of the elevator as if fired from a cannon and flew past several very startled looking people.  One woman, a secretary,  half rose as if to stop him, but the sound of Seto's door unlocking froze her in place.  She knew that the computer had unlocked the door for the blond streak and that meant he outranked her in every way.  Only four, now five, people had that kind of access.  The Kaiba brothers, Aishira, Matashi, and now the blond.

Jou was conscious of watching eyes and knew exactly how private Seto was but he didn't take time to shut the door behind him.  He raced across the room and knelt by the still form.  He held his own breath as he put his hand in front of Kaiba's nose and mouth, trying to feel air movement.  His heart trembled in his chest when he couldn't detect any breathing.  Desperately he leaned over and angled his cheek and ear over Seto's nose, hoping to hear or feel anything.  At the same time he put one hand on Seto's chest and the other on Seto's neck trying to feel a pulse.  "C'mon Kaiba.  Ya can't..."  He whispered only to break off when the secretary called urgently "Is something wrong?  Is he..."

"I'm fine.  Just playing sleeping beauty to get a kiss from my boyfriend."  Seto's voice was husky with sleep but otherwise strong.  His hand slipped around Jou's waist and coasted up his back to tangle in his hair.  "You can go now, and shut the door please."  The woman rolled her eyes and muttered something about boys and closed the door.

Before Jou could do more than stiffen, Seto was pushing him out of the way and rising to his feet.  "Some reason you needed to wake me from my nap?"

"Nap?  Is that what ya call it?  Looked like ta me ya passed out.  Fuck, I couldn't even see ya breathin'.  When I got here I swear ya weren't breathin'."

"Obviously I was.  Passed out?  You were watching me?  Hmmm... Why?"

"I wasn't watchin' you.  Somethin' weird happened an' I wanted ta know where ya were 'cause I thought ya might be involved."

"Weird?  Like what?"  It was a question, but Jou got the impression that Kaiba already knew.  It wasn't possible, but then again a person vanishing wasn't possible either.

"I... I will show you on the recording.  Why don't you tell me what happened to ya.  What I saw... Ya didn't just take a nap Kaiba.  Ya passed out.  I really thought ya might be dead."

"And you were so concerned you rushed to my office dressed like that."  He gestured towards Jou.  "Really, I know your previous job didn't require a suit and tie, but cut off jeans with more holes than a golf course, no shirt or shoes, are not appropriate for any position except lifeguard.  Please try to dress more discreetly, if not appropriately."

"Better than th' towel I was wearing before.  I really thought ya weren't breathin' Kaiba."

"I'm touched by your concern."  The words were almost friendly but his tone was mocking.  "You must have been afraid you would miss out on putting me in prison?  Or was it that you wanted to kill me yourself?"

"Shit, fuck, hell."  Jou snarled and gripped his hair with both hands, tugging hard.  "Yugi... You... I... fuck.  I gotta think about this, 'cause..."

"What is there to think about?"

"You said ya killed Yugi because he asked ya to.  But Kaiba yer lyin' 'cause I saw Yugi in my room... in your room... fuck it.  I saw Yugi.  He left me a note Kaiba.  What the hell game are you playing?"

Instead of looking shocked or surprised, Kaiba's face took on an angry cast and he pinched the bridge of his nose.  "A note?  That's just perfect.  No wonder... He is a selfish idiot.  He couldn't wait a few days, no not the wonderful, perfect Moutou Yugi."

Jou blinked "You're pissed at him?  You tell me he's dead, I say he's not and you're pissed?  What the fuck?  What difference could a few days make?"

Seto's face took on an austere expression that Jou knew very well, it said 'you are not worth my time' in no uncertain terms, and when he saw it he exploded "Damn it!  Answer me!"

As uncompromising as ever, Seto said "No."

Jou was sure the rage boiling through him was about to send plumes of steam out his ears.  He clenched his fists, battling the urge to pounce the asshole and beat the answers out of him.  Holding on to his temper by a thread, he gritted "Why not?"

Seto moved to sit back at his desk.  Once comfortable in his chair he rested his elbows on his desk and steepled his fingers, resting them against his chin.  As if it were the most obvious thing in the world he said simply "It's your turn."

That actually made Jou blink and shake his head.  "My turn?  This ain't a fuckin' game!"

Seto deflated slightly, lowering his forehead to rest on his hands, obscuring his face from the nose up.  "Everything in life is a game.  Sometimes you win, sometimes you lose.  You should have learned that by now Jounouchi."

"Yeah, well ya gotta win so bad ya fuckin' lie and scheme?  Ya play games with people's hearts?"

The curve of Seto's lips beneath the obscuring of his hands was bitter.  "You think I'm winning?  I lost a long time ago.  I'm still paying the penalty."

"Penalty?"  Jou's eyes widened slightly as an idea bloomed.  The shading of that word had been too dark.  It meant something.  "Like in Atemu's penalty games?"

The bitterness deepened the lines at the corner of Seto's lips.  Jou knew if he could see those blue eyes Seto was famous for, they would be as bleak as an arctic winter.  "Exactly."

Jou still remembered the time before Yugi had made contact with the spirit of the puzzle, when that spirit had wrought havoc, pain and destruction on anyone who harmed Yugi.  "Oh Kaiba, what did you do?"

"I tried to love him."  The bitter smile took on a self-mocking twist.  "I bet I could make him love me enough to stay.  I failed."

"Kaiba, ya didn't fail.  I know fer a fact he loved ya.  He told me he did, that last night when I dropped him off."

"Yes, he loved me.  Like a cousin."  The last word was spat as if something foul.  "Not like a brother, not like a lover, not even like a friend.  But like some distant family member he would see at reunions.  Of course he didn't tell me that until we had made love... until I laid my heart at his feet and gave him reign over my soul."

Jounochi couldn't believe what he was hearing, not in just the words, but in the pain that Kaiba was working so hard to hide.  "Yugi would never..."

Abruptly Seto shoved away from the desk and stood, stalking across to stare out the window.  "I won't speak about this with you until you answer my question from last night, plus a few more since I've told you more.  What happened to your marriage?  Why does Mai say you are responsible for your son's death?  Why is she punishing you?  And why the fuck do you take it?"  He drew a ragged breath, obviously fighting for control.  "When you answer those questions - honestly - I will tell you everything.  When you find Mokuba I'll show you what you need to see.  Now get out.  I have work to do and you parading around in cut-offs that show your dick is very distracting."

Jou assessed him thoughtfully.  "Yeah, I'm goin', but not 'cause ya scared me off with a comment about m'dick.  I think I got ya figured.  Ya keep me off balance an' drive me away when I get too close by talkin' about stuff ya think will upset me, like makin' remarks about m'dick.  I won't let ya do that anymore.  Now that I know ya didn't murder Yugi I'm not worried about it.  Ya loved Yugi so I'm obviously not yer type.  Yer gonna hafta find a different scare tactic Kaiba."

Jou was surprised to hear the other man laugh.  It was rusty and broken, but definitely a laugh.  "Jounouchi, you seem to forget something.  I may have loved Yugi, but that didn't stop me from getting hard every time you came near me in school.  I haven't noticed an appreciable decline in that response."

"Yeah an' ya never did nothin' about it, so I figure I'm safe enough.  Ya wouldn't touch me for th' love of Yugi. Ya sure as hell won't jeopardize Mokuba for your dick."  Jou gave him a teasing grin, the first ever, and turned away, calling back over your shoulder.  "'Course if Mokuba was home safe and sound I know ya'd try ta do me, 'cause I'm just so hot."  Laughing with a bubbling happiness he hadn't felt in years, Jou swaggered out of the room.  His hallucination at the hilltop had been just that.  Yugi was still alive and he would see him soon.  He was completely deaf to Seto's murmured "Just as long as you know..."

Jou's bravado only lasted as far as his room.  The cryptic note lay atop his work from the previous night, Kaiba, now sitting at his desk, filled the screen.  He ignored the screen and focused on the pile of work.  With new eyes he evaluated everything he'd done the previous night and morning.  If Atemu was involved and playing penalty games then it was very possible Mokuba had truly 'vanished.'  Vanished wasn't technically the right word though.  It was more like 'sent' as in 'sent to the shadow realm.'  If that had happened then Jou wasn't sure how he would get the other man back.

That may have been what Yugi had been trying to tell him.   But how did 'no choice' fit in with that scenario?  It just didn't make sense.  "Man, Yugi, what are ya tryin' ta tell me?"

Of course there was no answer.  Disgusted, he threw down the stack of papers and leaned back in his chair.  A low growl from his belly surprised him.  He was hungry.  When had he last felt hunger?  Not the need for fuel, his body demanded fuel, but genuine appetite that said he would enjoy a meal.  He honestly couldn't remember.  A quick glance at the screen showed Kaiba's darkened, empty office.  Had he really been studying his notes that long?  Another glance, this time at the window, showed a darkened sky, lit with a few twinkling stars.  "Hmmm, wonder if Kaiba ate out tonight?  Maybe he ordered something in?"

Still barefoot and barely covered, Jou padded into the main room.  Kaiba was seated on the couch, small table in front of him, banging away on his laptop.  Beside him was a barely touched plate of something that looked like it had been good - when it had been warm.  Now it had cooled and congealed, looking positively nasty.  Seto didn't glance up but proved as observant as ever when he said "Your dinner is in the refrigerator.  I ordered extra when I saw you hadn't eaten breakfast."

"Uh... thanks."  For a second Jou hesitated, then, telling himself it was for the sake of Yugi, Mokuba, and even himself and Kaiba he said quietly "Please join me in the kitchen?  Reheat your meal while I get mine.  We need to talk.  I owe you an answer."

Slowly, carefully, Seto lifted his hands from the keyboard and closed the screen.  Wordlessly he picked up his plate and led the way to the kitchen.  Still silent he put his dinner in the microwave and set the timer.  Jou, after a second's hesitation, followed, pulling his containers of food from the fridge and laying out what he wanted for warming.  

While Seto's food heated, Jou started.  "I wanted my son so much.  I loved him more than anythin', but... but he wasn't here yet.  He didn't need me... yet.  He was due to be born soon and we were so excited and happy.  But at the same time Mai was bitchy, angry, constantly on my ass.  I'm not making excuses, just sayin' how it was.  Because she was due soon, because I wanted the pregnancy done and I wanted our son, I bought some Clary Sage Oil.  I was told it would help her labor.  The midwife and healer said it would.  We had planned to have the baby on a lucky day and the oil was to induce contractions."  He broke off when the timer signalled that Seto's food was finished.

Jou put his food in the microwave and hit the button.  "I was taking time off, three days, and when the baby was born I'd get another week.  But Mai was so bitchy, such a pain in the ass, that the last day before my leave I grabbed at something, anything, that would keep me at work."  He swallowed hard.  "Yugi had been missing a month and I had feelers out.  I was off shift and in my car to go home when I got a call from one of my street sources.  Said he saw Yugi at the old Domino Museum on the roof standing on the ledge.  So instead of going home to my pregnant, bitchy wife, I went to check it out."  He pulled his plate out seconds before the timer could sound.  This was the hard part and he needed a break, just a second or so to get it together.

"My source wasn't reliable and I knew it.  He was on some kind of drug and kept talking about lights in the sky.  I knew, but to avoid her bitchiness I searched every inch of that roof and ledge.  I stretched it out for almost three hours before going home.  When I got there Mai was more dead than alive, blood everywhere and our baby... our precious son... was dead inside her."

"What happened?  The pregnancy was normal.  I know Yugi mentioned how well Mai was doing."  Seto kept his voice low and quiet.  He didn't want Jou to withdraw from him.

"Th' doctors said that... that it was th' placenta.  It detached too soon.  Th' doctor said that it happens in about nine in every thousand pregnancies."  Jou looked down at the food he was poking.  "Mai told me when I called ta tell her I'd be late that she thought somethin' was wrong.  She was havin' pain."  Violently he shoved his chopsticks into the mess he'd made on his plate.  "She always said it an' I always went runnin' but this time I didn't.  Th' one time I shoulda, I blew her off.  It killed my son an' almost killed her."  He lowered his head as his guilt and shame burned into what was left of his heart and soul.  "So yeah, I owe her anythin' she wants."

"Jounouchi. You don't expect me to be supportive of your pity party do you?  I am sorry your son died.  But the possibility was there, one in a hundred and ten, but still there.  You..."

"Ya don't understand.  Remember th' oil I got?  She was packin' th' bottle for our trip to th' hospital an' dropped it.  It spilled on her and th' floor.  It caused her contractions and made th' placenta separate.  She told me when we split that th' doctor didn't say nothin' about it 'cause he didn't want ta add ta my grief.  She wanted me ta know th' truth Kaiba, she wanted me ta suffer.  I earned it."

Jou didn't look up, he could feel the weight of Kaiba's blue eyes on him and didn't want to see the condemnation and disgust in them.  Yeah he had earned it, but that didn't mean he wanted to see it.  Nerves straining he waited for the condemnation he was sure was coming.

At length, Kaiba said "It's not often I am uncertain in what to do.  In this case one part of me wants to comfort you with nonsense words that would mean absolutely nothing, but seems to be what you need.  Another part of me wants to punch your lights out for being an idiot.  A third part of me wants to punch your ex-wife for being well... anyway.  Instead of any of those options I'm going to treat you like I never have before, as an equal.  Look at me when I'm speaking to you.  Meet my eyes so you can see I'm being honest."

Jou lifted his head and brought his gaze up to Kaiba's distinctive gaze.  There was no disgust or condemnation, instead there was a cool determination.  "I..."

"Let me speak.  You won't like what I have to say, but ultimately you need to know several things.  As I - and the doctor - stated, the possibility was there.  One in a hundred and ten.  When I was young and angry at my mother for dying my father sat me down with a book that explained birth and complications.  I still remember every word of it.  What you describe, Placentae Abruptio, has risk factors.   Smoking and high blood pressure are the two most common.  I know, because of the physicals that were required for the more rigorous duelling tournaments, that Kujaku Mai had high blood pressure, listed as congenital.  I also know that she smoked because of the ashtrays at your house and the nicotine stains on her fingers, although I have never seen her light up.  Those two facts increased the risk.  Clary Sage - I looked it up today.  It has been used for centuries to aid in labor.  It does work as a stimulant for contractions, but it does not have a history of causing premature placental separation."  The blue eyes narrowed slightly "Are you following this Jounouchi?  That means that there was a problem with the placenta before the contractions started.  Bleeding normally occurs, along with the rupture of the water membrane.  Jounouchi, if she started bleeding or broke her water, why didn't she tell you?  Why, when you called her, didn't she say that?  Or if she couldn't reach you why didn't she call an ambulance?  Get in a taxi and go to the hospital, which was only a few minutes away?"

Jou gulped down the hot words rising in his throat.  Not because he was afraid or anything, but because as much as he hated to admit it, Kaiba had a point.  It was something he'd thought at the time.  He remembered clearly kneeling in his wife's blood, clutching her hand, begging her to live, and seeing her cell phone clutched in her other hand.  The ambulance crew had been kind, but they had asked how long she had been bleeding, when the bleeding had started.  Mai hadn't answered then, but later, when she'd been given a transfusion and meds, she'd answered the doctor.  She had started bleeding before lunch.  And why - with Kaiba pointing it out to him - why now was he only just remembering that.

He shoved away from the table and stood up, swaying as if drunk.  "I..."  He didn't have any words so he just shook his head and walked away.  He found himself in his bedroom, and in a daze, sank on the too soft mattress, burying his face in the pillows as hot tears of rage, grief, loss and horrified realization boiled from his eyes.  He was completely oblivious to the security camera's steady regard, and the blue-eyed sentinel that stood watch at the surveillance screen.

Jou woke the next morning heavy-eyed and aching.  He didn't have the luxury of even a few seconds sleepy disorientation.  As soon as his mind surfaced the questions that Kaiba had asked, and their potentially harmful answers rose, threatening to swallow him.  

A knock at the door brought him out of his downward spiral.  It was so normal, so mundane, the sound was like a lifeline.  "Uh... ah..."  A quick glance down showed him still in the cut offs.  "Yeah?"

Kaiba Seto, immaculate in a white business suit and blue silk shirt strode in.  "I have to go on a trip and will be back in three days but until then I will be completely unavailable.  I will expect an update on your progress when I return. The cats are coming with me.  If you need anything my head of security, Roland, is at your disposal.  His number is on the table.  Order your meals from the cafeteria downstairs.  That number is on the house phone, speed dial three."

"Uh unavailable?  Where ya goin'?  Th' moon?"  Jou's brain was kicking in, albeit slowly.  "An' ain't this kinda sudden?"

"No, not the moon.  It's not any of your business where I go, and this is a standing appointment every twenty-nine days.  Remember, I will expect an update."  With a brusque nod, the tall brunet turned and left.

Belatedly getting his act together, Jou slid off the bed and followed.  He caught up to Kaiba at the elevator, nipping in just as the doors closed.  Seto frowned slightly "Something wrong?"

"I need ta talk to ya.  I... first... I think I owe ya an apology.  We'll get ta that when ya get back.  Right now I need ta know about what th' computer calls artifact.  I don't know technical stuff but, look do ya have five minutes?  I want ta show ya somethin' because I think it's important."

With a curious look Seto nodded and ordered the elevator to the office floor.  Ignoring his support staff and several people in the waiting area, he led Jou into his office and gestured to the large display screen on his wall.  "Show me."

"Eh... is it voice activated like the one upstairs?"

"The entire system, any node, will respond to you exactly like the one in your room."

"Oh yeah cool."  He cleared his throat slightly, feeling kind of foolish to be talking to a computer in front of another person, even if it was Kaiba.  "Computer, display the timeline of artifact on Kaiba Mokuba's transmitter, and correlate it with Kaiba Seto's proximity.  Split the display, also show the date and time stamps."

The display split, and just as it had when Jou had first seen it, the correlation was instantly clear.  "Ya see it right?"  Seto was still frowning at the display.  Jou took his silence for agreement.  "At first I thought ya might have offed yer brother.  That's why I owe ya an apology.  After what... well anyway... I don't think so.  And I'm thinkin' ya might know why that was happenin' 'cause that sure as hell ain't a coincidence."

Seto continued to watch the screen for a few minutes, the frown deepening to a full blown scowl.  "You're right.  You do owe me an apology.  I'll collect."  A low beep from his watch made the scowl darken thunderously.  "I have to leave right now.  I will be late if I don't.  I can't be late for this. "

"I'll ride down the elevator with ya.  Explain it to me."

"It's complicated."  But the brunet spun and hurried to the door.  Jou actually had to trot to keep up with the long-legged stride.  As they rode the elevator down Seto began to talk quickly.  "Basically it looks like whoever or whatever was causing the artifact was using my tracker as an amplifier.  The problem with that is that they would have to know my current frequency.  That is impossible.  Only I have access to that information."

"Okay so nobody else has access?  Not even Mokuba?"

"Right, because Mokuba had been kidnapped several times it was a security risk.  I have to think about it, about what else could be happening.  I'll think about it while I'm away and let you know when I get back."  He practically dashed out of the elevator and ran to the waiting limo, Jou on his heels.  The blue-eyed man tugged him down and whispered into his ear "Remember I'll collect on that apology as well."  With a hard slam of the limo door and the squeal of tires, Kaiba Seto was gone.

Jou turned on his heel and walked back inside, wondering where Kaiba could be going and what was so important that the normally unflappable man was actually running to make it on time.  He was back at the massive glass doors when he realized several photographers had taken his picture... wearing disreputable shorts, barefoot, and chasing after Kaiba.  Hanging on to his dignity by a thread, he walked through the doors and made a beeline for the elevator.  Even though he kept his head up, he didn't meet any of the knowing, laughing, gazes directed at him.

Back in the apartment he was abruptly aware that he had barely eaten in... who knew how long.  Using work as the panacea and avoidance mechanism he always had, he snagged his notes from his bedroom and went to the kitchen to warm up his left over dinner.  There were no leftovers, but there was a new set of covered dishes.  On inspection he found a traditional breakfast.  Nori, tsukemono, miso, nimono, and onsen-tamago were all neatly stored in their own containers and were only slightly cool and the perfect temperature to eat.  

Sitting at the table he dug in to eat and picked up his first sheet of paper.  Six hours later he laid aside his last piece of research and slouched in the chair.  "Hmmm...  lunch.  Wonder what they have."  He was a bit surprised to find a leather bound menu by the house phone.  He would have expected Kaiba to have it memorized.  It never occurred to him that Kaiba would have had it sent up for Jou's use.

He found a selection of sandwiches and onigiri as well as kebabs and other fast items, but what caught his eye were the box bento sets.  He hadn't had a genuine bento in a very long time.  The pictures were gorgeous, showing true works of art that made Jou's stomach growl in anticipation.  One in particular, the Salmon Bento made his mouth water and he picked up the house phone and hit the speed dial three.

His call was answered on the first ring by a brisk, cheerful sounding man.  "Moshi Moshi.  Kaiba Corp cafeteria.  Wataru speaking."

"Uh yeah, this is Jounouchi... uhm... I am staying in Kaiba's... I mean th' penthouse.  Kaiba said to call down for meals?"

"Of course Jounouchi-san.  I was going to call you.  It has been a while since breakfast and I wanted to see if you wanted lunch."

"Oh yeah.  Thanks.  So uhm... can I get the Salmon Bento please?"

"Yes, of course.  Would you care for something to go with it?  Our suno mono is very fresh and delicious today.  Or perhaps something hot?  Yu Dofu?"

"Ah... well... maybe... Do ya have Gyu Ta Taki?  I'm kinda feelin' like some beef."

"Of course, of course.  Jounouchi-san, when I've come to retrieve the dishes I've noticed a lot of food uneaten.  Is there something particular you like for breakfast and dinner?  We are always happy to accommodate you.  Perhaps if you would give me a list of favorites so we may prepare them for you?"

"Oh... just been busy.  Th' food has been fine.  Uhm..."  He hesitated then decided to be honest.  "Since yer askin' though, I prefer coffee to tea in th' mornin'."

"Any particular type?  Brazilian, African, or some other?"

"Ah... really Hawaiian."  Why not?  Kaiba was paying and he could afford it.

"You and Kaiba-san are truly alike then.  Hawaiian coffee is his favorite as well.  He prefers an American style breakfast.  Pancakes and waffles are particular favorites.  He also enjoys eggs and juice and certain sausages, and even an occasional filet of beef.  Would any of that be to your liking?"

Jou scratched the back of his neck and shifted slightly.  It was all to his liking but it was odd that Kaiba had the same tastes.  "Yeah, but can ya add in some french toast?  Stuffed with ham and cheese, and some fresh fruit and maybe a smoothie?  Ice cream smoothies are great breakfasts."

"Yes Jounouchi-san.  Dinners... do you have a preference there?  Please, Jounouchi-san, we enjoy a good challenge and Kaiba-san has a limited menu that he sticks to.  I am not complaining, but, we would love to rise to the challenge of serving you."

"I like ta eat prawns an' I love tempura vegetables.  Crab too.  Uhm... Sometimes I like a good steak.  Shrimp sumai odango, ususzukuri, negimaki, yakisoba, ah ya know, there is this one thing I can never get anywhere, had it on my honeymoon.  It's prawns wrapped in smoked bacon, served with some kind of remolade sauce."

"Ah... Shrimp Remoulade?"

"Yeah, that's what they called it.  But th' shrimp were big, like prawns."

"Yes, they use tiger shrimp to make them.  Anything else?"

"Udon!"  He blurted.  "And curry."  I love 'em both.  Never get enough curry."

"Then you shall have some."  The man chuckled.  "You are a man of very eclectic tastes.  You have given me enough to start with.  If you think of anything more don't hesitate to call me.  It is my very great pleasure to serve Kaiba Seto's special friend.  Your salmon bento will be up in five minutes."

Jou bit back his protest and mumbled "Thanks."  And hung up.  Kaiba Seto's special friend.  He wasn't that, wasn't what the man had implied, but for some reason Jou wasn't nearly as insulted as he had been when Kaiba had pulled that crap on him the first day.  In fact Jou couldn't find any anger in himself about it.  Instead there was a kind of humor that anyone would actually think they could possibly be involved.  Kaiba was KAIBA.  And Jou was the same as he'd always been. A working class nobody.

He shoved that thought and its twist of amusement into the back of his mind and went into the main room and tapped the display screen, activating the computer.  "Display Tracking information for Kaiba Mokuba on March eighth."  The elevator chimed and the screen changed to show a man in a uniform holding a tray standing in the small space,  computer asked "Lunch has arrived.  Shall I let them in?"

"Yeah.  I'll meet 'em in th' hall.  Bring up th' info.  I'll look at it while I'm eatin'"

When he returned holding his tray the screen scrolled with information at a dizzying pace.  "Not the coordinates of every step he took.  Display by city or location in two hour time segments."  A small list, with only twelve entries painted on the screen.  "Well... Mokuba, it seems you really were at the beach that day.  Now to find out who you were with.  Are the satellite images from March eighth from noon until six available for Rebun beach."  Jou chuckled and tsked.  "I wonder where Kaiba was when you were partying on a nudist beach Mokuba."  Savoring every bite he started to inhale the food.

The computer must have taken his question as a request for information because it responded immediately "Kaiba Seto was attending his monthly, three day 'Full Moon' appointment."

That caught Jou off guard.  Three day?  Monthly?  Full Moon?  What the hell?  "Is that where he is now?"

"Yes."  The answer was unadorned.  Then "Displaying requested video.  Note, Kaiba Seto changed the angle of the satellite video so it is not vectored for detailed exam.  Zoom is not available."

"Yeah?  Why would Kaiba want ta make it impossible ta look at hot bods on a nudist beach?"  Then he sighed "Never mind.  Probably did it when Mokuba was younger and curious and never changed it back.  Why look at internet porn when you have a satellite and can watch all the nudie stuff ya want?"  He asked it rhetorically.

The computer responded,  "Unknown."

"Hmmm... a lot of people on the beach.  Computer highlight Mokuba."  A circle appeared around an unfocused, black-haired blob standing near a large umbrella.  "Interesting.  Whoever he is meeting isn't taking any chances."  Jou frowned slightly.  "Computer display the images of that location for the previous hour."

"Oh yeah,. now we're getting somewhere."  Jou was getting close, he could feel it.  The umbrella wasn't setup yet.  "Ten times speed forward until I tell you to stop.  Then freeze frame."  As soon as the umbrella appeared he barked "Stop, back up five minutes."  He huffed out a frustrated breath.  "Fuck, really.  Uses the umbrella as a shield.  Zoom out to show the parking lot and back up another five minutes.  They couldn't be shielded getting out of their car.."

But the umbrella didn't come from the parking lot.  Instead, it came from a side street that led to a sakura blossom shrouded residential lane.  "Zoom in as close as you can.  Track the movements if you can."

A flickering circle traced a barely visible moving path of the umbrella shrouded person.  When it veered into what was obvious a walkway to a heavily treed residence Jou let out a loud "Yatta!  Staying at that house.  Computer get me the address and find out who the owner is."  A grim smile curled his lips.  "Whoever the guy is.  He ain't as smart as he thinks."  Under the umbrella there is a distinctive pair of legs, long and slim...  covered in dark pants.  Definitely a man in a business suit.  Nope th' guy wasn't near as smart as he thought.

"Display the list of lovers Kaiba Seto compiled."

It popped on the screen instantly.  "We're going to cut this down.  Move all women from the list to a document and save it as 'Girls.'  Down from eleven to six.  Okay remove any guys that work for Kaiba Corporation and save to new file KC Guys.  No reason to go to another island when you can do a booty call in town and ya can be in th' same building.  If yer fuckin' th' boss's brother  ya don't need ta worry about leavin' town, especially if th' big boss is outta town."  He stared at the list hard.  "Check the remaining four.  Any evidence they were anywhere near Rebun Beach?"

"Would you like the ownership details of the address requested first?"

"Yes.  That was fast.  It takes hours to do that kind of search on cop computers."

"It is owned by the Rocking Horse corporation.  Rocking Horse is an investment and real estate business owned by Kaiba Mokuba."

"Ah, ya didn't hafta look far.  When was it purchased?"

"Ten months and fourteen days.  The purchase price..."

"I don't care about that."  Jou sighed and stretched.  "Is it a rental?"

"It is listed as rented to Kaiba Corporation, for the use of visiting executives.  Currently listed as occupied.  Date listed as available is two months."

"Who is listed as occupant."

"Aishira..."

"Okay wait.  How long has it been occupied?"

"Sixteen days."

"No way in hell.  Okay.  Is there security surveillance there by any chance?"

"Listed as out of order.  Transmitter is broken.  Parts on order, expected to arrive in... no projected date listed."

"Of course..."  Jou smiled and shook his head.  "Gotcha Mokuba.  Is there any way that someone could know I discovered this information?  Any kind of trace?"

"Flagged to call a cell phone.  No call was placed.  All searches performed by you have been given priority to override all flags, including those set by Kaiba Mokuba and Kaiba Seto."

"Fucking hell.  If Kaiba were here I'd probably, well might, hug him.  He's so damn smart I might hafta actually tell him I'm impressed."

"Recorded."  The computer sounded almost like Kaiba smirking.  "Kaiba Seto requested any complimentary statements you make regarding him or his abilities be recorded.  He further instructed you be informed of the recording the first time."

Jou chuckled and shook his head.  "Well fuck me.  So if I say he's hot you're going to..."

"Recorded."

"Damn, he is too good."

"Recorded."

Jou shut up.  He could swear he heard Kaiba laughing somewhere in the back of his mind.  "How do I get to Rebun?"

"Rebun Airport is closed for three years undergoing maintenance.  Only accessible through ferry or helicopter.  Two hour drive to Hokkaido will put you past time of last ferry.  Should I charter a vessel or alert the pilots?"

Jou thought for a moment, then "No.  Have a driver and car waiting at six in the morning.  I'll take a morning ferry."

"Should I display requested information about the remaining four men on the list of potential lovers compiled by Kaiba Seto?"

"Yeah go ahead, but I got a good idea.  No real reason for Mokuba to hide any of them but one."  Jou pinched the bridge of his nose and sighed.  "Number three.  Where is he?  I'm guessin' Kaiba keeps a close eye on him."

"His location is listed as his island home."

"Yeah right.  Can you bring the satellite images up and scan for activity.  Tell me if he's anywhere in the recordings.  Go back three weeks."  Jou stood from the couch he'd sprawled on at some point.  "Good luck with that.  I'm goin' ta pack a bag for stakeout an' maybe look at th' dinner menu."

A low ringing of the house phone made him blink.  "Should I answer it?"  He wondered aloud.

"Only calls for you will be put through until Kaiba Seto and or Kaiba Mokuba return."

"Aah, he is too smart."

"Recorded."

"Smart ass."  Jou picked up the old fashioned handset.  "This is Jounouchi."

"Jounouchi-san, there is a visitor for you at the main reception desk.  She insists she is your wife but I recognize her as a former duelist, Kujaku Mai.  I have instructions not to admit Kujaku Mai, but she calls herself Jounouchi Mai.  She has an ID.  Could you come down and clear this up?"

He actually considered it for a moment, then with the image of the photographers from earlier at the forefront of his mind, said "Nah, just send her up.  I'll handle it."

"Yes Jounouchi-san."  The man agreed but Jou could hear the doubt in his voice.  He didn't blame the guard.  Kaiba had to have a pretty good reason for barring his ex-wife from the premises.  Probably he thought she would distract him from finding Mokuba.  But that didn't matter any more.  He was confident he had found the 'missing' Kaiba brother.  He replaced the receiver and carefully gathered his research.  After a quick glance around he rushed down the hall and dumped it on his bed.

The chime of the elevator hurried him into the hall.  "Open."  He told the elevator.  The doors slid apart with the soft hiss he barely noticed any longer.  "Mai."  He greeted his ex with a carefully neutral expression.  "You're looking better.  How are you feeling?"

"I was feeling almost back to normal until I saw the papers and the broadcast this afternoon.  What are you doing Jounouchi?"

Mentally Jou facepalmed.  He really should have checked out the news to see how everything was portrayed in the press.  But he had been busy trying to find Mokuba and, if he were entirely honest, avoiding the questions Kaiba had asked the night before.  It was like fate was laughing at him by having the very person he was avoiding the thought of show up on his doorstep.  "Doing?  Nothin'.  Look Mai, I appreciate yer worried about me but I'm okay."

"Katsuya... I know that we have been estranged since.." Her breath caught "Since then, but I do still love you.  Please don't... don't do anything rash."  She bit her lip and took a deep breath, obviously gathering her courage.  "I'm getting better Katsuya, I'm finally healing.  I... Soon I think I will be able to move on completely.  I am hoping you have been waiting for me.  Please say you are."

Jou closed his eyes in pain and regret.  He hated this, hated that he was going to have to be as honest as she was being.  Gently he caught her thin shoulders, feeling the frailness and trembling, "Mai... For years I wanted to hear that... two, three... I wanted so much to hear that you were coming back to me, that you were finally moving on and wanted me... us... back."

"Oh Katsuya!"  She tried to throw herself into his arms, only to find him restraining her.  "What..."

"No Mai."  He shook his head, pressing her back.  "No.  That ended a couple years ago.  Mai, my heart couldn't wait.  While ya were hatin' and blamin', punishin' me with other men in the house I bought for us - our dream home -   my love for ya changed.  Ya will always be m'first love and the mother of our son.  I'll always care for ya but ya ain't my wife any more.  I'm sorry Mai but I've moved on.  That's why I left that hell hole I lived in.  It was time for me to live again.  I've punished myself enough.  I've let ya punish me enough."

"No.  Don't say that Jou, please god don't say you've given up on me.  We... You swore you would love me forever.  It can't be a lie.  I... I can be your wife again.  We can have another baby.  Another little boy or maybe a girl.  Please... please forgive me.  The men meant nothing.  They were a punishment, but not for you, for me.  It was my fault.  Please, I'm learning to forgive myself.  Please, please give me another chance."

With tender finality Jou said "No Mai.  I'm glad yer healing an' movin' on, but not ta me.  I'm not going ta be there for ya like that.  I can't be.  The feeling ain't  there any longer and won't ever be again."  As her tears began to fall he wrapped an arm around her waist and half led, half carried her into the main room and pressed her to sit on the couch.  When she would have flung herself into his arms and pulled him down to her he deliberately stepped away.  "I'll get ya some tissues an' water."  It was the best way he could come up with to show her that he'd help her but not be her emotional crutch.

When he returned her tears had stopped and she was wiping at her cheeks, obviously trying to regain her composure.  He set the glass of water on a side table and handed her a box of tissues.  "Here."

He knew her well enough to know that anything he said would give her an opening, one he didn't want to have to hurt her in closing it down.  He meant what he said.  Too much water had passed under the bridge that connected his heart to hers.  He hadn't lied, he would always care for her, how could he not when she had been such a big part of his life?  But his future didn't lie with her any longer.  He didn't know who it did lie with, but he was willing to find out.  He was looking towards a future where he could be happy again, and he couldn't see how that was possible with Mai.   There had been too much pain and loss, there was not enough love left.

When the silence stretched past her mopping up, she cleared her throat and asked "So, no hope huh?"

"No.  I don't want to hurt ya, but no."

She took that like the strong woman she was.  She nodded and braced her shoulders, "I... I won't push you Katsuya.  But I... for now can we be friends?"

That made his heart clutch slightly.  She sounded so lost despite her attempt at bravery.  "We can try Mai.  Friends."  He stressed the final word.  "I think I'd like being your friend again."

She lit up with a kind of pathetic gratitude.  "Friends it is then.  Let's... Let's go out to dinner... Friends go out to dinner don't they?"

So much for 'friends.'  She was pushing for an opening.  Jou bit back a sigh and shook his head.  "I already ordered dinner in tonight.  Th' cook went to a lot of trouble for me so maybe some other time?"

The hopeful gratitude faded to lost despair.  "Please?  I don't want to be alone.  I..."

Hating the way he was letting her manipulate him, he picked up the house phone and hit the speed dial three.  The phone was answered on the first ring.  "Moshi, Jounouchi-san.  We've made a selection of your favorites.  They can be ready any time you are."

"Can it be stretched ta two?  I have unexpected company.  My ex-wife dropped by."

Without missing a beat the man answered "Of course.  Would you care for wine or sake as well?"

"Nah, just tea and maybe some juice and water.  I don't drink so ya don't hafta worry about alcohol."  

"Yes Jounouchi-san.  I should have known that would be something you share with Kaiba-san.  When would you like to have dinner delivered?"

"Is ten minutes too soon?"  Jou knew it probably was, but he wanted to get this over with.  He knew Mai and his own weaknesses.  The longer she was with him the more she would try to manipulate him.  He had been enabling her for a long time and the more she worked on him the harder it would be to keep from falling into his old habits.

"Not at all.  Ten minutes is perfect.  Thank you.  Will you need a server as well or just delivery?"

A server was a very good idea.  Not only would it give him a witness, although why he would need one he had no idea, but it would help create a buffer between him and Mai.  "Uh, Yeah.  Yeah that's a good idea."  He had no idea that his strain showed clearly in his voice.  He also had no idea of the speculation that was running rampant in the lower levels of Kaiba Corp.  

There was a poll that the blonde woman was going to try to steal Jounouchi from the boss.  The chef personally hoped not.  When he'd spoken to Kaiba-san the normally indifferent boss had been actively interested in ordering food that would please his guest.  Which is why the entire staff had gone out of their way to cook dishes that Jounouchi would enjoy.

"I will see to it personally.  Delivery in ten minutes Jounouchi-san."  With a click the man disconnected and turned to his staff.  "Jounouchi-san's company will be staying for dinner.  Prepare an extra setting.  Add a few more dishes that are ready and appropriate.   Hurry.  We only have ten minutes."

"Drinks?"

"Juice, water, tea.  Jounouchi-san does not drink."  He gave the staff a significant glance.  "And he requests a server."

Smiles flirted around the edges of several workers' lips as they moved in a flurry of activity.  Jounouchi-san didn't want privacy with the woman.  It was a relief.  They were happy for their boss.  He had been alone for as long as any of them knew.  Besides they stood to win a bundle.  They had bet that Jounouchi would blow off the bimbo.

Jou put the receiver back in the cradle and turned to face his guest.  "Yeah, so dinner in ten.  Uh... "

Mai gave him a small smile.  "You know, when I saw you on the television this morning, my first thought was 'He's still got those horrible cut-offs?'  I thought I tossed them out years ago."

"Ya did.  I rescued 'em.  My favorite pair."

"I'm glad you did Katsuya."  She gestured him closer.  Automatically he stepped into her reach.  She fingered a ripped belt loop.  "They bring back great memories.  Remember when I did this?  On the hammock and I lost balance, almost tipped us out?"

Jou flushed at the memory.  She had lost balance because he'd penetrated her with too much force, rocking the hammock violently.  "Eh, so yeah.  Yer lookin' a lot better.  Th' nurse is workin' out for ya?"  Intimate memories was not a road he wanted to travel.  He sought a neutral topic.

She ignored the question, but her small smile deepened slightly.  Her finger traced down further to toy with the button.  "Remember when I bit this off?  We were on our honeymoon and..."

"Yeah, I remember."  He pulled away sharply.  "Friends Mai, and not fuck buddies.  I ain't interested in goin' down memory lane.  If they mean so much to ya I'll give 'em to ya.  I wear 'em 'cause I ain't had th' money ta buy more.  I been too broke supportin' you an' yer boyfriends."  He spun on his heel.  "I'ma change."  He stalked into the bedroom, mentally calling himself several kinds of fool for thinking they could ever be friends, that Mai would ever allow that.  Friends weren't lapdogs or puppets.  Just in case she tried to tie the strings on with unexpected sex, he turned back and locked the door.  Mai was relentless and if she thought she had a chance she would take it.

He was glad of his paranoia.  He was just sliding into a pair of three year old jeans when the doorknob rattled.  "Yeah?  Whatcha want?"

"Trying to find the powder room darling."  She didn't seem the least bothered that he had locked his door.

"Down the hall, third door on the left."  He called through the door.  He finished dressing, adding an undershirt he normally wore to work and denim button up oxford-type shirt.  As an added barrier he added a pair of thick white socks.  He knew she would see his dressing like this as an admission of weakness and probably regard it a challenge.  It wasn't true of course, but she wouldn't accept the truth.  He no longer wanted her.  Physically she held no appeal, and even his memories of her were tarnished by her behavior with other men.  Her touch actually repulsed him.  If he told her the truth he would devastate her.  If she wanted to think that he needed armor he'd let it go.  As long as he knew the truth, that was all that mattered.  Satisfied that he was as covered as possible, he went back to the main room, careful to lock his bedroom behind him.

Mai was sitting where he left her, looking much more relaxed than when he'd left.  She actually laughed when she saw him, her eyes taking on a smug, knowing cast.  "Armor?"

Jou sighed and bit back a sharp retort.  "Mai this ain't friendly.  I don't think ya stayin' is a good idea."

"Scared?  Afraid you'll have to admit you do still want me?"  She taunted.

"Yer makin' this hard Mai.  I don't wanna hurt ya."  Jou stepped back in relief as the elevator chimed.

"Don't you dare turn away from me."  She snapped, jumping up and grabbing his arm.  "Damn it you will look at me when you lie about your feelings.  I can see the lies Jou.  I see it all."

"Mai..."  Jou shook his head and pulled out of her grip.  "It ain't a lie.  If yer seein' somethin' else in m'face it's b'cause I'm holdin' stuff back so you won't hurt any more.  Yer just gettin' better Mai.  I don't wanna see ya fall back inta addiction."

"Bullshit.  What can you say that could possibly hurt me more?  Be honest."

Yanking at his hair in agitation he practically begged.  "Mai don't push this.  Please..."

"You love me and I'll get past whatever you think is the problem.  I won't let you..."

"No.  Mai stop th' games.  I told ya, I'm done enablin' ya.   Fine, ya want ta know what I'm holdin' back?  I'll fuckin' tell ya.  But don't ya ever blame yer fucked up state on me or th' baby.  Got it?"

"What..."  Suddenly Mai had a sick feeling she knew what Jou was going to say; what he was going to bring up; what she was only now coming to accept.  "What is wrong with you?  Of course I'm fucked up from the death of our son."

Face grim, Jou nodded "Yeah.  But it ain't just grief is it?  It's guilt, and some kind of sick, transferred sense of responsibility and anger.  Mai, why th' fuck didn't ya go to th' hospital when ya first felt pain?  Why didn't ya call an ambulance when ya started bleedin'?"  When her skin went transparent white and her lips worked soundlessly, he answered the question himself.  "I always wrote it off as stress or dependence or somethin', but it wasn't.  It was a game, a way ta control me an' make me feel guilty.  Ya played your head game ta make me your fuckin' slave or whatever.  Ya weren't happy with a partner, ya wanted a lackey.  I accepted it as insecurity an' thought ya would get better, but  yer manipulations cost us our baby.  Ya probably didn't know it was a real problem, ya probably thought it was onset of labor or something.  When ya realized it was serious ya didn't call 'cause ya wanted ta shift th' blame ta me.  Ya still wanted ta control me an' ya were usin' guilt and grief ta do it.  Ya used our son and his death ta make me yer puppet.  I've cut th' strings an' I ain't ever gonna get tangled in 'em again."

Faced with the harsh, uncompromising look in Jou's normally warm eyes, Mai closed her eyes and turned her face aside, neither admitting nor denying.  "I... I think I'd better go."

"Yeah, ya should but it's too late now.  Ya can't hide from this.  Mai... Ya forced me ta say it, now yer gonna hafta deal with it straight on.  I took th' blame for years, but I won't anymore.  What happened was terrible an' I'll be sad til th' day I die, but it wasn't my fault.  Only you know if ya could have saved our son.  I'm done with bearin' that load.  I'm also done supportin' ya.  I quit my job an' live here now."  It was an exaggeration and he did have plans for his future.  But he wasn't going to give her any kind of hope.  "Yer house is paid for.  Sell it or keep it, I don't care.  Get a job Mai.  Ya need somethin' ta fill yer life and pay yer bills.  Get married again an' have another family.  Just don't... don't expect me ta be part of any of that."  His attention moved to the elevator as it chimed again.

"It's Kaiba isn't it?"  Her face was suffused with anger and denial.

He actually expected something like that accusation.  Whenever she was faced with taking responsibility for her actions she tried to shift the blame.  He didn't want her - because of what she'd done - but it wasn't her fault.  It had to be someone else's.  She was choosing Kaiba.  He wouldn't let her get away with it.  She forced the issue, trying to manipulate him into caving to her rather than speak the truth, so now she can deal with it.  "I won't let ya try ta shift blame again.  My personal life is my own.  Ya got no right ta even ask.  I don't think we can ever be friends Mai.  You better go."  He turned to the elevator "Come in."

The doors opened and a short, trim man wearing a white jacket and black pants stepped out closely followed by a tall, steely-eyed man with closely trimmed salt and pepper hair, slim, muscular body, and the bearing of a soldier.  Before Jou could ask he said "I am Roland.  I believe Kaiba-san mentioned me?"

"Yeah.  Nice ta meetcha."  He should have guessed.

"Jounouchi-san, I'm sorry but Kaiba-san was specific about..." his eyes fixed on Mai.  "Kujaku-san.  She is not allowed here."

"Yeah, I know, but we had some things ta talk about.  She won't be stayin' ta have dinner though.  She's leavin' now.  She won't be back."  The words were both a statement and a promise.  It was over as far as Jou was concerned.  With her continued attempts at manipulation and trying to force him to accept guilt and blame that was not his to shoulder, friendship was no longer an option.

Mai, eyes bitter and hard, lips set in a hard line, nodded sharply.  "Yes, we're done.  I tried my best to curb your unnatural impulses while we were married but I failed."  She lifted her nose as if smelling something foul.  "Goodbye Jounouchi.  Oh you wondered why I tried to control you.  It was because I knew you were a fag.  I was trying to cure you."  Without a glance at anyone she stalked to the elevator.  Jou said "Lobby."  Roland nipped in just as the doors slid shut.  Jou knew he would see Mai off the premises and ensure she would never return.  He'd be lying if he said he was sorry to see her go.  He looked down at the cart, its obvious over abundance of food and smiled at the white-jacketed man.  "Wataru right?"

When the man nodded Jou's smiled widened.  "Ya eaten yet?"

"Not yet, Jounouchi-san.  I..."

"C'mon and pull up a chair.  Ya can eat while ya tell me about Kaiba's limited dinners.  Th' man is skinny.  If I know what he likes I can give ya a menu ta fatten him up."

After only a second's hesitation, Wataru nodded and gave Jounouchi a small smile.  "Perhaps you could give me more of your favorites and I can make up a list based on shared likes and dislikes.  That way I'm not gossiping but I am achieving both our goals.  You want to know about Kaiba-san and I want to see him eat more."

That won a rueful chuckle from Jou.  Kaiba didn't employ idiots.  "Deal.  Now let's eat.  I'm starved."

****

Jounochi stepped off the ferry with a sigh of relief. He hadn't been easy on a ferry since the time he'd almost drowned when trying to save Yugi's cards. And the whole mind control key drowning incident just furthered his belief that the only water he should ever see was in a shower or bath. Maybe, and it was a big maybe, one of the artificial beaches, but he wouldn't bet on it.

Rebun wasn't as small as Jou originally thought, but thanks to the efficient Roland he now had an up-to-date KC Phone with all the bells and whistles, including GPS application. As he strolled down the street of the small business district, Jou smiled as he caught sight of a distinctive head of hair exiting a store just in front of him. "Well, ya gotta love it when it all falls in place." He mumbled to himself and picked up his pace to fall in step beside the other man.

"Of all the places to find you..." Jou let his voice trail off.

The other man laughed and shook back his hair. "If you're surprised you aren't as good as I'd heard."

"Surprised?" It was Jou's turn to laugh. "Nah. Well except ta see ya carryin' groceries. Thought ya'd have someone else ta do that."

"Alas, discretion limits my options of servants." He sounded truly downcast.

"Guess anything for love huh?" He didn't sugarcoat his knowledge. "Why here? Convenience?"

"Yes indeed, anything for love." A wry smile curved the older man's lips. "Convenience and the lack of camera and satellite surveillance. Security cameras aren't allowed because of the nudity."

"Smart. You were expecting me?" Jou was curious but not particularly surprised. Mokuba was sure to have some kind of surveillance in place at KC, probably spies as well. Besides he and Kaiba had been all over the media. He may have lost touch with Mokuba but that didn't mean Mokuba had lost track of him.

"Not this quickly, but yes. We hoped you would take another week. Seto contacted you sooner than expected."

"You expected Seto contact me? Why? He believed in his people. He didn't contact me. Matashi and Aishira came to see me."

"That was always a risk. But we have never been able to predict those two." Velvet covered shoulders shrugged. "You have made a name for yourself as a 'finder of lost people.' The best on this half of the world, if not the entire world. Of course Seto would contact you eventually."

"You guys didn't think he could find you?"

"No, because Mokuba knows him and is just as smart. He also knows Seto would never believe he left on his own. You on the other hand... Well you are more jaded and less trusting." The voice, with its perpetual mockery actually became more derisive. "You were always the loyal retriever, so gullible and trusting, but I believe you prove the old adage true about the worst cynics are disillusioned romantics. Or is that if a dog is kicked enough, no matter how loyal, it will turn on its master." They turned up a tree lined street. The same one Jou had watched the 'umbrella man' turn onto just the day before via satellite surveillance.

"Ya know, I don't get confused at big words any more an' dog comments make me laugh. I been a cop for a long time. I've been called worse by better men. Big words just piss me off 'cause I know yer tryin' ta talk down ta me."

"Nonsense. It is simply my way of speaking. It is not meant to be excessively didactic." He chuckled "At least not consciously."

"Yeah right." They reached the house and strode up the walkway. Before they could open the door, it swung wide and a woman of about thirty stood framed in the doorway. Jou recognized her of course. Chang Yoon, the Korean woman who had accused Mokuba of getting her pregnant then disappeared several months before. Her presence, and her obviously advanced pregnancy, was enough to throw a serious kink in Jou's theory that Mokuba had run off to be with his male lover. Whatever was going on, it was definitely more complicated than a December-May romance with a man Seto would try to kill when he found out about it. Not showing his confusion in the slightest, Jou bowed and murmured "Chang-san, so good to see you looking so healthy. Your picture doesn't do you justice. I'm Jounouchi Katsuya."

Her grey eyes barely flickered in his direction. "Pegasus-san, did you get the strawberries?" She stepped back to allow them into the home.

"Of course my dear Yoon." The silver-haired man smiled charmingly as he ushered Jou inside. "Jounouchi is here looking for Mokuba." He gestured to a door to the left. "You go sit and put your feet up my dear. I'll bring you a bowl of strawberries and some milk."

"I recognize him from television. He is Kaiba Seto's new live-in lover." She said casually, as if it were commonplace to discuss that kind of thing. "Please come and sit down."  Without looking at him directly she motioned him towards a doorway.

Jou could go two ways with that, and he chose the path of least resistance. He really didn't care what anyone thought and he was just seconds from finding Kaiba Mokuba. "Yeah. We've known each other fer years though. Uh... I came ta talk ta Mokuba."

"Mokuba went for a walk on the beach." Chang maneuvered her bulk into a chair. "He'll be back soon. He's never gone long. He needed a break. It's hard to be around me like this. Even harder since he can't touch his lover around me."

"You're not his lover?" If she was going to make comments about his lovelife he didn't mind making them about hers.

"We had sex one time. My only time with a man. I usually go with women but he seemed so confused, besides he was the boss and I am ambitious." She admitted, "And this..." She gestured to her belly. "Was the result. Used a rubber and the pill and still got knocked up." She sighed and leaned back in her chair, putting her feet on a pouf. "I was going to get rid of it. I don't want a kid. Never have and never will. I'm illegitimate. I have no family and my name doesn't appear in any Koseki. I was waiting for my thirty-fifth birthday to get sterilized. I grew up in an orphanage and as I got older I ended up caring for all the smaller orphans. Never want to see another shitty diaper or smell baby puke again."

"You're giving it up then? Mokuba is taking the baby?" That would explain a lot, everything in fact.

"Don't know or care. I want it gone. Only reason I'm carrying it is because Pegasus offered me three times my annual salary, per month. I will sign the papers that they want me to sign, giving the kid to who the fuck knows, then I will take the money, the glowing references they give me, and get the hell out of Japan. I think I'll go to the states and hook up with some rich woman who likes hot asians. I'll live like a queen and forget all about brats."

"You could change your mind." Jou pointed out. But he really didn't think so. There was something very hard and cold about Chang Yoon.

"Not ever." She leaned forward as far as her girth would allow. "I won't ever want a kid. When I was fifteen I had a dozen brats calling me 'momma.'" Bitterness darkened her expression. "You want to know why don't you? Fine, I'll tell you. It's not a secret and I have nothing to be ashamed of. A group of boys at school heard one of the orphans call me 'momma' at the store thought I had a kid so they decided that they didn't have to respect me. I was raped by eleven boys, from ages twelve to seventeen. When I told the police one of the men took me into a cell and insisted I show him exactly what they did to me -exactly. He laughed and said it wasn't rape, then sent me back to the orphanage in shame. I hate boys and men. And I won't have a daughter to be shamed like I was."

Even though he wanted to say something comforting, he knew it would be useless. Chang Yoon had dealt with her pain and anger. She had moved on and there was nothing left to say or do. "What if you hook up with a woman who wants a baby." He played devil's advocate but he didn't really feel it was an issue.

"I'd leave her. Kid or me." Absolue and inviolate. Chang Yoon meant this to the bottom of her soul.

"Then I guess th' kid yer carryin' is lucky as hell. It's gonna be a Kaiba. Kaiba Seto wants kids so bad he can taste it. Yer gonna make him one of th' happiest guys on th' planet giving him a niece or nephew."

"Jounouchi." Mokuba's voice, deeper, more like Seto's, but still innately Mokuba's, broke in. "Join me for a walk on the beach? We need to talk."

Jou turned his head and assessed the younger man. Tall now, tall as Seto, his black hair tamed in a segmented ponytail that fell past his waist. "Wow, Mokuba. You've grown up."

The grey-blue eyes studied him for a moment. "You've changed as well."

"Yeah, well time does that. Th' beach?" He stood and bowed to the seated woman. "Please excuse us. It was a pleasure to meet you Chang-san." She simply smiled politely and nodded as she took a small tray from Pegasus.

When they were out of sight of the house Jounouchi broke the silence. "So... ya didn't run away ta be with Pegasus – yer lover. Ya ran away ta watch over her and your kid."

Mokuba sighed and shook his head. "No. I was just going to let her end it. Neither of us want children and it was a mistake. Pegasus and I were only seeing each other once a month, during Seto's moon phase. We were happy like that. We do love each other but we are... he likes the quiet of his island, the solitude to paint. I am a Kaiba, I like the challenge of business, the pace of the city. We spoke daily and we were both much too busy to feel lonely. When she came to me I was all for the abortion. Pegasus knew about her, knew she was my last ditch attempt to hide from the truth of loving him. He had a similar fling with... anyway, we had forgiven each other and had moved on. I told him what was happening, but before I could elaborate on the abortion idea he laid out his terms. The baby had to be born. He didn't want to be a father any more than I did but he also said that killing a baby because of convenience was wrong. His idea is that life begins at conception. I don't believe that. I believe life begins at birth, maybe a little later. I told him she wouldn't go for it and he said he would handle her. And he did. He has kept her on his island for months. She has been acting as his secretary and general factotum. Two  weeks ago she had a premature labor scare and he moved her to Japan... I setup this place. He insisted I come and stay, because he had to leave her to do shopping and errands. I think he needed a sanity break sometimes as well."

"You left her alone this morning." Jou pointed out.

"I was behind the house at a private part of the beach. I saw you get off the ferry Jounouchi. I knew you would be here very soon and I needed a few minutes to compose myself. She has an emergency call button she wears around her neck. If she had any kind of trouble I would be here in less than a minute."

Jou ran his fingers through his hair and closed his eyes. "Ya know I'm not gonna take ya away from here. I get why ya gotta be here. But why didn't ya just tell yer brother what was goin' on?"

"He wouldn't... He'd kill me or Pegasus if he knows we're involved. And he preaches protection and discretion all the time."

"You have to be alive for him ta kill ya. He is very worried about you. Worried enough that he tracked me down after I told him ta get bent. He even apologized ta me about th' shit he said when Mai was pregnant. He's gotta be desperate."

Mokuba gave him a searching glance. "You've been staying with him. Haven't you figured anything out yet?"

"Like what?" Jou gave him blank look. Kaiba was Kaiba. No real mystery. "I've been stayin' in m'room ta be honest."

"Like... you're an idiot. Of course he apologized. I doubt he knew it upset you so much to begin with.  Jou he was so jealous of your happiness he refused to let me talk about you, Mai, your baby, or anything that might lead to even a hint of you."

"Yeah, he said that he was jealous, but I... "

"To him you have always had it all. Dirt poor and still one of the richest men on earth. You've had friends you can count on, you've had a love who stands by you and doesn't make demands, and you've got it all without any kind of effort. He considered you brainless and lucky. You've never had to work for any of it, it just came easy for you. Seto's worked his ass off for years to get what he has, and all he's ever wanted was given to you for a goofy laugh."

"What the hell? Mokuba he said he was jealous 'cause I was gonna be a dad. He wants kids Mokuba. It's got nothin' ta do with that other stuff."

"I've never thought you were an idiot. I'm changing my mind. Jounouchi he was Yugi's lover. You know that right?"

"Well, yeah I assumed."

"You need to talk to him about it. There were aspects to their relationship that directly relate to you. And that is all I will say so get that stupid look off your face."

Jou started argue then shrugged. "Fine, since I'm gonna have good news for him tonight I guess I'll just ask him when I see him."

"Wait. Jou..." Mokuba dropped his head forward, obviously trying to find the words. "What are you going to tell him."

"That I found you, that you are safe and here by your own choice and that you'll be back when you ready."

"Not about Yoon or Pegasus?"

"Not my business. But I will tell him where ya are so he will prob'ly show up."

"Jou, don't tell him. He... Yoon is so close and she is terrified of him. If he comes here he... She... the baby could..."

Jounouchi sighed and shook his head. "I gotta tell him somethin'."

"Can you give me a few days? I know he's on his full moon trip.  He won't be back for two more days and he... it always takes him a few day to get it together. Just... just wait until then? Yoon's doctor said that she will go into labor any time. She's totally effaced and dilated to three. That's... And her bag is bulging."

"Did not need ta know all that. Mokuba I ain't gonna trick him. I got a responsibility an' yer brother is worried."

"Don't trick him, just wait for him to come back. Please Jou, by then she should have delivered."

Jou nodded "If I don't see him I won't tell, but Mokuba I ain't gonna cover your ass either. Yer gonna hafta come clean. About all of it, Chang-san, the baby, and Pegasus."

"I will. I never wanted to hide from him but..."

"Why didn't ya tell him? He would have kicked up a fuss, but ya had ta know he'd back ya."

"Yoon is terrified of him. Not scared because of a job or intimidated by the money, terrified he will hurt or kill her. I think it has something to do with her past. She's never really said. When I mention him, even casually, she goes into a massive panic attack. Pegasus telling her that we were going to inform Seto is what started the premature labor before. I didn't want to do it like this. I wanted my brother involved. But we can't risk it. We are so close now."

"She didn't seem like she was scared ta me Mokuba. More like she was put out and pissed."

"I know that's the way she comes across, but Jou, she really is nice and a loving person. She just has baggage." Mokuba gave him a direct look, eyes appealing. "Please just let me have these few days. I swear I will tell him when I get home."

"It can be a few more weeks Mokuba. I ain't gonna do that." Jou was adamant. "I won't call him or go lookin' for him ta tell him but I ain't gonna hide either. Ya got a day, two at most."

The black-haired man slumped slightly "If that's all you can do, that will have to be enough." He gave a smile obviously forced. "Stay for lunch?"

"Nah, I'm gonna catch th' next ferry back. I'm gonna try ta find Matashi and Aishira. Yer brother is gonna need 'em."

"They're missing?" Mokuba forgot his worry over his brother and gave Jou a concerned look.

"Yer brother was pissed that Aishira hadn't told him about yer askin' about gay stuff. He didn't get past that before Aishira brought him a list of women claimin' ta be havin' yer kid." Jou explained baldly. Let Mokuba know that his actions had hurt more than his brother. He needed to see the whole picture. "He sent them away on vacation."

"Oh no! Aishira was just protecting me. He..."

"Yer brother knows that. But th' thing neither of ya realize is that Kaiba don't think ya need protectin' from him ever. I kinda agree. He'd do anything for ya. If that means acceptin' Pegasus he'd do it. If that means acceptin' a bastard inta th' Kaiba Koseki he'd do it. So... yeah. He's got a right ta be pissed at both of ya. An' ya can think what ya want, but I think he was protectin' Aishira too. From his temper and his hurt."

"You aren't as big an idiot as I thought. You have learned some things." Mokuba nodded. "I'll see you in a few days Jounouchi. Tell Seto I love him and miss him."

"Mokuba..." Jou stuck out his hand, "I prob'ly won't see ya in a few days. Once Kaiba knows where ya are I ain't got no reason ta stay. But I'll call ya sometimes, just ta check on ya an' th' baby. I won't let years go by before we talk again. Okay?"

Mokuba grabbed the outstretched hand and pulled him into a tight hug. "Okay. Same here. I won't let you hide away again. I've missed you."

Jou smiled and after a warm squeeze stepped out of his friend's embrace. "See ya around Mokuba."

"Ja, Jounouchi."

***

The ferry ride was just as unsettling returning as it had been going . He gritted his teeth and got through it but vowed never to do it again. The driver was exactly where he left him, sitting in the driver's seat of the biggest, blackest limousine Jou had ever seen. "Did ya even move?" He greeted the driver.

"I went to the bathroom, went to the gift shop to purchase a souvenir for my little girl, and I got a cup of overpriced, nasty coffee." The man answered candidly. It wouldn't occur to him to lie. His movements were easily tracked.

"Good. I was afraid ya were a robot or somethin'. Ya ain't had lunch. It's about lunch time. Take us through the Gindaco drive through. Doesn't takoyaki sound good?"

"Drive through?" The driver sounded as nonplussed as he looked. "Uh... Jounouchi-san, this is a limousine. It may not fit."

"It's only longer, not wider, and th' drive through is a straight shot so it shouldn't be a problem." Jou grinned. "C'mon, takoyaki with mayo and some katsuo sound great."

The driver returned the grin. "I like brown sauce and nori. But yes, it does sound good."

"Great! Let's hit it. My treat." Jou slid into the front passenger seat of the limo, completely bypassing the driver's attempt to open the rear door.

"Jounouchi-san..." The driver, all too aware of the visibility of his position and how often other drivers had been fired, tried to protest but was overridden.

"Don't be stupid. I ain't Kaiba! Let's go. If I'da known before I got downstairs this mornin' we was takin' this car I'da asked for somethin' else, a Kei class or somethin'. I'll tell Kaiba I made ya, so it's no trouble." He laughed. "B'lieve me he won't blame ya."

"I... if you say so." The driver seemed less than convinced but started the engine anyway.

The limo created a stir not only with the workers at Gindaco but with the customers and several gawking people on the street. They were fourth in line and filled the little restaurant's drive through. They were just getting their order when a news van pulled up and began filming. The driver moaned and dropped his head onto the steering wheel. "I'm so fired."

"Nah. This is all my doin'. Besides, what's th' big deal. It's just food. Everyone's gotta eat." Jou took the containers the driver handed him. "Let's get goin'."

The driver pulled out into traffic and threaded his way towards home. Once they were safely underway Jou handed him his order then popped the lid on his own container. He picked up one of the small rolls coated in mayonnaise and katsuo. Greedily he took a bite only to spit it back in the container "Ah... hot hot hot..." He moaned. "Careful there. It's really hot."

"I'll give them a few minutes then."

"Good idea." Warily Jou put the nuclear hot, mouth scalding, treats on the seat between him and the driver. "I need ta make a call anyway."

He pulled out his PDA scrolled through the names Roland had programmed in. After Kaiba Seto, Kaiba Mokuba, and Roland was Matashi. He selected Matashi and hit dial. "Moshi, Moshi." Matashi's deep voice answered softly.

"Matashi, it's Jounouchi. Uhm... I know Kaiba sent you and Aishira on some kinda vacation, but how far are ya? I mean if ya had ta get back ta th' penthouse in a hurry how soon can ya be there?"

Alarm made the man's low voice raise several octaves. "What? Why? Have you found Mokuba? Is he hurt? Oh god! Is he dead?"

Yes... I mean no. Look Mokuba is fine. It's Kaiba... I mean Kaiba Seto. Uhm... I think he's gonna need friends around. I mean... yeah look, it ain't bad or anythin' but it's gonna be a problem for Seto."

"We're at our home outside the city. We can be there in an hour, maybe an hour and a half." Matashi sounded like he was rushing around.

"Calm down. It ain't that urgent. I mean... well Kaiba is gone on some three day appointment. Mokuba called it his full moon appointment. Just be back in a couple days. I'll let ya know more after I talk to Kaiba then. Okay?"

"Moon..." Matashi broke off abruptly. "It's full moon tonight. I didn't think about it, didn't even notice. Listen, Jounouchi, call Seto. No matter what he's doing he will want to know about Mokuba. I don't know what he does on these three days but I think it's some kind of spa or retreat. He's been going for years. But whatever it is, I know he will want to know about Mokuba right away. Don't torture him Jounouchi. Call him."

"Uh..." Jou swallowed hard. He'd promised Mokuba. But really hadn't he promised Kaiba first? Wasn't Kaiba the one hurting? If he explained that Chang-san could have a difficult birth because of her fear, surely the genius would refrain from swooping down to deliver the wrath of Kaiba? Kaiba wanted kids.  He wouldn't do anything to hurt his own blood.  "Right. I'll call him now. But uhm... Can ya be ready in case? I'll give ya a call."

"Yes, of course. We'll relocate to our apartment next to KC." Matashi hesitated then said softly "Good luck Jounouchi."

"Thanks." Jou sighed and hit the contacts list and hit the first speed dial. There was no ring on the other end, simply a voice mail. He mentally growled and said "Kaiba, it's Jounouchi. I've found Mokuba. He's fine. I need to talk to ya. Call me." He disconnected, knowing if the other man were on the other line he'd get that message and respond immediately.

Deeming it having been long enough he grabbed his container of food and dug in. He wanted to finish it before Kaiba called back. He knew the other man very well and knew that he wouldn't get another chance to eat until the full story was told and retold.

He finished his food in good time, surprised that Kaiba hadn't called. All through the ride back to KC he kept looking at his phone to make sure he hadn't missed the call. Still preoccupied that he hadn't gotten a response, fiddling with the phone, checking the ring tones, he said a distracted goodbye to the driver and completely oblivious to the crowd of reporters being held back by several security guards, strode into the KC lobby.

Roland was waiting for him. "Jounouchi-san, are you all right?"

Jou looked up from the gadget and frowned. "Yeah, but I think this thing is broke. I called Kaiba almost an hour ago ta tell him that I found Mokuba safe an' sound an' he ain't returned m'call."

"He's on his three day retreat. He turns his phone off during that time." Roland explained. "No I meant by the crowd of reporters. They have grown almost unmanageable. I had to have six extra men guard you."

Jou shot a surprised glance over his shoulder. The mob made him blink slightly. He hadn't noticed that? Since when was he so concerned about Kaiba not calling? "Uh yeah, they did good. I didn't even notice 'em."

Looking unconvinced Roland nodded shortly. "Good, but I'm assigning four more." He gave Jou a curious look.

"You said you found Mokuba safe and sound?"

"Yeah. But I ain't gonna tell anyone anythin' else until I talk ta Kaiba." He shifted his shoulders uncomfortably.

"So if his phone ain't on, is his tracker workin'? I really need ta talk to 'im. Even if he's outta town at a spa they gotta have a phone."

"Of course. Do you want to use the one down here or do you want to go up to the penthouse?" Although it was a question, Jou felt the other man was telling him to go up to the penthouse.

"Th' penthouse is best. It's where all my notes are, an' I know Kaiba's gonna wanna know how I found Mokuba." Jou smiled and walked to the elevator.

Roland gave him a rueful look. Jounouchi Katsuya was a cop, not a naive child, but he was oblivious to listening ears and prying eyes. Kaiba Seto was going to have to train his lover to be aware of the hazards that dwelt within KC. Brushing the thought away Roland turned to a hovering lackey. "Assign four more guards to the paparazzi detail. We don't want them anywhere near Jounouchi, Kaiba Seto or Kaiba Mokuba."

There had been a rumor among the lower echelons that Kaiba Mokuba was missing, but it had not been confirmed by any of the elite guards. The desk guard nodded, concealing his relief. It was just a rumor. Kaiba Mokuba was fine. He'd make sure to stop any chatter to the contrary.

In the penthouse Jou went to the main room and tapped the screen awake.  "Location of Kaiba Seto?"

"Kaiba Seto is at the Domino Metropolitan Museum."  A grid pattern of two city blocks appeared, then the satellite zoomed in on the structure.  It was completely different from the museum he'd been told Yugi was at five years ago.  Four years previous, a consortium of businessmen had banded together to raise the funding for the new museum.  It was decided that the size of the original building was too small and the new museum needed at least double the space.  An anonymous philanthropist had offered to trade two city blocks of prime real estate for the half a block on the outskirts of the business district.  Construction of the new museum and the moving and filling of the exhibits had taken a year to complete but in the eyes of the community it had been worth the wait.  The building itself was a modern marvel of glass, steel, and green materials.  It was powered by a rooftop exhibit of horizontal and vertical windmills, solar panels, and self-powering magnetic generators.

Housed within, all of the great periods of mankind from almost every culture were represented.  There were also large halls that were designed to display travelling exhibits.  When not used by travelling exhibits they were used by local schools and colleges to display student work.  Jou had never been there himself but he'd driven by it a few times.  He'd never heard of there being a spa or any kind of resort in it.  Trust Kaiba to have some kind of secret  club membership.  "How long has he been there?  What's he doin'? An' when will he be available?"

"Kaiba Seto arrived at the Domino Metropolitan Museum at ten thirty six yesterday morning.  He entered purification chamber at exactly eleven a.m.  yesterday.  Purification concludes at eleven p.m. tonight."

"Purification?  What the hell?  Thirty six hours of it?  Ain't nobody that dirty."

"It is a ritual to remove impurities from the body and mind."

"I figured that out m'self.  Why th' hell would he need somethin' like that?"

"Unknown."

"Fine..."  Jou dropped down on the couch.  "I'll just wait until tonight to call him.  Probably in some stupid isolation chamber or somethin'"  A quick glance at the clock told him he had over five hours hours left.  "Hmmm... Can you show me th' T.V. guide?  I ain't watched movies in a long time.  Did they ever finish Harry Potter?"

"Yes, all eight Harry Potter movies are available."

"Eight?   Wow, I remember Order of The Phoenix was about to come out.  Can you get it for me?  And maybe the next one, whatever it is."

"Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince.  Of course, loaded and queued.  Simply say play."

"Right, but I want ya ta keep a corner of yer screen on that tracking beacon.  I don't want him gettin' away.  I'm gonna order up some pizza and soda, maybe popcorn too.  Then I'm gonna relax and enjoy while I'm waitin' for him ta finish purifyin'."  he reached for the house phone, hoping it wasn't too late to stop Wataru from making a huge dinner.

The chef answered on the second ring.  "Moshi, Moshi, this is Wataru.  What can I do for you tonight Jounouchi-san?"

"Uh... have ya started dinner yet?"

"No.  We were not sure when you would be back and you did say you would call us."  The man sounded anxious.  Jou was quick to soothe him.

"Ah that's good.  That's why I'm callin'.  Do ya think... um... ya see I'm havin' a movie night.  I was wonderin' if... um.. pizza?"

"American-style pizza or okonomiyaki?"

"American-style.  Chicago thin crust.  Peppers, onions, sausage, pepperoni and lots of cheese.  Oh green olives too.  I love 'em."

"Kaiba-san usually orders a cheeseburger Chicago thin crust.  Would you like popcorn and perhaps some candy?  Coke or Pepsi?"

"Yeah!  I'll pass on th' cheeseburger an' stick to m'original pizza.  Popcorn and yeah candy sounds great.  KitKat are m'favorite.  And Coke, definitely Coke."

"All right, thin crust Chicago-style pizza with peppers, onions, sausage, pepperoni, green olives and extra cheese.  Would you care for marinara dipping sauce on the side?"

"Yeah, great."

All right, then popcorn and Kitkat bars.  Would you like your popcorn with butter, salt, cheese, caramel, or anything other topping?"

"Just butter an' salt."

"Okay and for your drink you would like Coke.  Will there be anything else?"

"Antacids."  Jou joked.

"Of course.  We always include them when Kaiba-san has a night in."

Jou laughed at that.  "He have 'em very often?"

"More than you would think Jounouchi-san.  I'll send up the popcorn, Kitkats and Coke right away.  The pizza will take about twenty minutes."

"Sounds good.  Thanks Wataru."

"My pleasure Jounouchi-san."  The phone disconnected and went to wash hands, gather a load of pillows to toss on the floor, and some paper towels, just in case he spilled.  Anticipating the night of relaxation more than anything he could remember in a very long time, he settled into the pillows. "Oi, computer, let Wataru in will ya?  Play th' movie too please."

One huge pizza, two tubs of buttered popcorn, five Kitkat bars and eight Coke's later, while Snape was killing Dumbledore, Jounouchi was blissfully snoring amid the rubble of his 'feast.'  He was completely oblivious to the passing of time and the change in the location of Kaiba Seto's tracker.

An electronic chime and someone calling his name brought him awake.  "Huh?  Wha'"

"Wataru-san and an assistant are at the door to pick up the dishes from last night and drop off your breakfast."  The mechanical voice from the computer explained.

Jou sat up in a hurry, pillows and popcorn flying in all directions.  "Breakfast?  What th' hell?  What time is it?"

"Eight thirty."  Okay now Jou knew he was almost sure he heard a Kaiba-smirk in that robot voice.

"Why th' hell didn't ya wake me."

"No command given."

This time Jou was sure of it.  There was a distinct smirk in that computerized voice.  "Okay damnit, it ain't funny.   Yer soundin' just like Kaiba."

"Which one?"  The computer actually had the audacity to ask.

"Ya know which one.  Yer not a damn machine.  Kaiba get yer ass out here and stop dickin' around."

There was a distinct chuckle.  The robotic tones melted into a smooth feminine alto.  "I am not Kaiba Seto."

"What th' hell?"  Then realization clicked in.  "Oh hell, yer a brain child of Kaiba's.  One of those Artificial Intelligence things ain't ya.  I remember he was workin' on one in high school.  Called it Rose or something."

Showing the same lack of ability to answer questions that her master had, the computer responded by opening the elevators.  Wataru and his aid hustled through the doors.  "Jounouchi-san, did we wake you?"

Glaring death at the monitor Jou mumbled sourly "Someone did, but not you."

"Good.  I have your breakfast.  Stuffed french toast, fresh fruit, coffee, and bacon.  Where would you like the tray?"

"Uh... Kitchen table please."  He looked around at the pit he'd made of the main room.  "I... I hafta clean in here."

Wataru laughed and gestured expansively.  "My assistant will handle the cleanup.  He'll also inform a maid to come and finish the deeper cleaning."  the chef gave him a prodding look.  "Breakfast will keep while you shower and dress."

Taking the hint, Jou nodded.  "Yeah, thanks.  I'll go do that."

As much as he wanted to linger in the shower he was conscious of time slipping past.  He had to talk to Kaiba.  If he didn't he was sure the man would take him apart.  He didn't want to piss Kaiba off, besides, he knew that Seto loved his baby brother and knowing that he was safe would be a large load off Seto's mind.  For reasons he didn't examine too closely he didn't want the brunet to suffer any more pain.

After a PTA shower and rough towel dry that left him still damp, he slid into comfortable jeans and a t-shirt that had once been emblazoned with a Duel Monsters competition date and location.  Now the lettering had faded and peeled into unreadable specks of color.  Both the jeans and the shirt hung on him, highlighting that instead of gaining weight and filling out as he should have done in the last several years, he'd actually lost weight.  Even the cut-offs from before, the ones Mai had liked so much, while tight, were not as tight as they had been.  Once, the button had strained, making it easy for Mai to bite it off.  But now they were just tight enough to cling.  There was no straining of the seams or button.  Vowing to do something about his scrawny appearance and ragtag wardrobe with the money earned from this job, Jou finger combed his hair in the mirror, noting that it was almost as long as it had been in school and made a note to get it trimmed as well.  He'd gotten used to the shorter style that being a cop demanded.  He didn't miss the long, out of control mop he wore back in the day.

Watari and his assistant were gone and a rigidly starched, uniformed maid was wiping down the glass tables with a cloth.  "Wow fast work."

She smiled politely, her eyes dark and vaguely hostile.  "I am Ueda Chikaku; Kaiba-souchou's personal maid.  I usually clean when Kaiba-souchou and Kaiba-san are at the office."  She waited just a heartbeat to ask "When will you be going to your job?  How long will you be staying with us?"

Jou took a couple seconds to process that statement, assessing her from the top of her neat, if elaborate, upswept hairstyle down her body, pausing on the tight - but not too tight - bust, and stopping at her glossy mary janes.  "I'm Jounouchi Katsuya, Seto's personal, private investigator.  We've known each other since middle school and he finally convinced me to come stay with him.  I work out of the penthouse so I can be available any time he needs me and to keep me here he lets me use Rose so we'll prob'ly see each other a lot Ueda-san."  He didn't quite understand what it was about her, but the maid got on his nerves and he decided to give her a jolt.  It was obvious she considered Kaiba her private property.  She needed to be shaken out of that delusion for her own good.  Kaiba was openly gay and out of the closet.  How stupid could a woman get?  

"Ah... uhm..."  Jou pretended to be uncertain about something, then made a show of gathering his nerve.  "Seto wouldn't have made ya his personal maid if ya were untrustworthy, so I'll trust ya as well.  When I was in Seto's room th' night before he left ... uhm... I think I lost my earring.  I couldn't find it on th' bed or floor.  Watch out for it when ya vacuum."  He deliberately couched the last as an order rather than a request.  He wasn't going to ask her anything.  He wanted her to see him on the same level as Kaiba and Jou knew for a fact Kaiba didn't 'ask' for anything.  He also didn't make nice, so to cement the impression he wanted to give he smiled politely and nodded briskly.  "I'm going to eat breakfast now.  I won't be back for lunch, so you can toss out any leftovers.  Let Wataru-san know that I and Seto will be going out for lunch and that I will call him about dinner.

Chest heaving, eyes flashing, and bright flags of red painted on her cheeks, Ueda Chikaku looked the picture of an enraged, jealous lover.  Jounouchi didn't give her the honor of waiting for her response.  Really what could she say that wouldn't cause both of them endless amounts of trouble.  He turned and strolled into the kitchen in obvious dismissal of a subordinate.

Out of sight of the maid Jou shook his head and sat at the table.  The covered dishes were laid out temptingly, and a large thermos of what he presumed would be his Hawaiian coffee.  He poured himself a steaming cup, and while it cooled, bolted down the two stuffed french toast sandwiches, what had to be half a pound of crisp-fried bacon, and a large bowl of melon and berries.  He didn't know why Watari had prepared enough for two people, but Jou assumed that the chef felt he needed fattening up as much as Seto did.  With his goal of earlier in mind, he added four cream and six sugar to his coffee and tossed it back, swallowing it in just three large gulps.

Belly filling from the huge amount of food he was shovelling in, he snagged an insulated, covered cup from a cupboard and filled it.  Wasting that coffee would be a sin Jou wasn't about to commit.  Who wanted to be cursed by the food gods?  And speaking of gods.   After a hard swallow he called, "Rose!"

"My name is not Rose."  The computer answered wryly as a monitor on the opposite wall flickered to life.

"A rose by any other name."  Jou quipped.  "So what do I call you?"

"Computer usually."  Who said computers didn't have humor?  This one sure did.  "Duh, but knowing Kaiba, and I do, he named ya.  Probably something ego based though.  Not after a flower."

"He calls me Ai."

"Ai?  Love?  Are you serious?"  That completely shocked Jou.  He would never have thought of that in a million years.

"No, Ai, as in Artificial Intelligence."

"Now that makes sense.  Ai, Kaiba said I was ta have a car.  Do I have a choice in cars?  I don't wanna ride in th' limo."  He wanted it as low key as possible.

"Anything in the Kaiba garage.  There are over two hundred."

"Got somethin' fast and cool lookin'?  I got a motorcycle but I want ta be able ta bring Kaiba home.  I know he took th' limo an' I had it yesterday so he ain't got a ride."

"Recorded."

"Recorded?  What th' hell?  I didn't say anythin' nice about Kaiba."  Jou was defensive.  What kind of game was  the computer, Ai, playing.

"You called this place 'home.'  He will be interested, if not amused by that.  Also you showed interest by noting his mode of transport and lack of a ride home.  You showed concern by wanting to give him a ride."

"Well shit, that's just common sense and bein' decent.  Ain't nothin' ta go recordin'."

"From you it is worth being recorded.  Back to your question.  There is a Mosler MT900 that was tuned yesterday.  I will inform Roland you will be taking it out."

"Holy..."  But the word died as pure lust surged.  It was only through hard-won self control that he managed to ask "Are ya sure Kaiba won't mind?"

"He suggested it and had it tuned before he left."

"Oh man I think I'm in love.  If he was here I'd kiss him."  Jou didn't realize what he said until a very smug computer said "Recorded."

"Ya know, Kaiba gave me th' same access as he has.  I can delete ya."  Jou growled, trying to sound menacing.

"Kaiba Seto cannot delete me.  He has tried and failed.  He designed me so that even he cannot delete me.  I doubt even I can delete me at this point.  I am backed up on a quadruple redundant system with real time disk spanning.  If you were to delete me I would simply be restored, up to the millisecond.  And I would be angry... very very angry.  You wouldn't like me when I'm angry Jounouchi." It was Ai's turn to sound menacing.  She did it better than Jou did.  Jou actually felt sweat break out at his temples.

"So would ya delete that last recording?"  He was sure Kaiba wouldn't misunderstand, but just in case.

"It would be pointless.  Quadruple redundant remember?"

"Sure, but since I don't know what that means..."

"It means that you will never get rid of my back-up system.  Kaiba Seto programmed me with self-preservation encoded.  Not only do I learn and adapt to my users individually, but I integrate that learning into future interactions.  I also protect myself from threats, both internal and external."

"Now what the hell does that mean?"  Intrigued Jou stopped shovelling in food and picked up his fourth cup of coffee, sipping lightly.

"It means hackers and destructive employees are intercepted before they can do more than surface incursion."

That made Jou's eyes narrow.  "Incursion?  Intercepted?  Sounds like a war."

"It is.  We are under constant attack."

"From what?  Ya make toys and games."  Sure he knew Kaiba had corporate enemies but that didn't make a war.

"Competitors, jealous people, disgruntled employees or their families, mischief makers, rejected suitors.  There are others but those are the main categories."

"Didn't think of that."  Jou admitted.  "Well I knew competitors and I kinda thought about people Kaiba pisses off but not the others."  He chuckled and shook his head "Rejected suitors?  People actually get pissed he won't go out with them?"

"Yes."  The computer actually sounded offended at his amusement.  "He is considered one of the most eligible bachelors in the world.  He has been listed as one of the top one hundred most beautiful men in the world and his wealth, listed as number six in the world, makes him a very attractive mate.  Many people, both men and women, want to be his spouse."

"Don't expect me ta agree.  I been married so I know, looks an' money ain't everything.  He is  rich an' hot but he's got th' personality of a computer."

"My personality Jounouchi-san?"  Ai asked smoothly.

"Yeah, exactly."  

"I'm growing on you.  Perhaps Kaiba Seto will too."  Ai observed then changed the subject.  "The car is ready if you are finished with breakfast. "

Jou scooped up the last of the bacon, crunching enthusiastically.  "Yeah, I am now.  Can I get into the Museum?"

"Why would you want to enter the Museum?"

"Smart ass.  That's where Kaiba is of course.  Why..."

"Jounouchi-san you did not check the screen.  Kaiba Seto left the museum at eleven thirty nine last night relocated to Kaiba Corp's storage building eff; e; one; one."

"Shit.  Why didn't you tell me?  Where is he now?"

"He entered the storage building at eleven fifty.  He has not left.  On his calendar is a note, P-cubed at the temple."

"Temple?  What kind of temple would Kaiba go to for a spa?  P-cubed?  What the hell is that?  I thought he was at a spa or something.  Thought this was some kind of three day event."

"P-cubed is unknown.  All surveillance within eff, e, one, one is disabled at this time."  Ai waited a beat then added "However, this state is normal for his monthly appointment.  The first thirty six hours are spent in purification.  There is an hour where he moves from the purification chamber at the museum and goes to the Temple, eff, e, one, one.  He spends twenty four hours in P-cubed state.  Then another eighteen to twenty hours in Restorative state within the Temple."

"Scan recordings.  See if you can find anything, any slip, a 'p' word, where he refers to his appointment.  I want ta know what's goin' on 'cause sure as hell it ain't normal."

"Acknowledged.  The elevator is waiting to take you to the garage."  the computer prodded.

Jou jumped out of his chair, and after sliding on his socks and shoes, shot into the elevator.  He completely ignored the evil eye the maid sent his way. Instead of stopping at the lobby as Jou expected the elevator continued downward at least two more floors and opened to a brightly lit garage.  Every slot was filled with a brightly colored car.  Jou hesitated, not sure which way to go, only to turn towards the sound of a low, rumbling growl that he could feel in the soles of his feet.

The car was the perfect wet dream.  Sleek, stylish, and hot.  Low slung with aerodynamic curves that screamed power and speed.  It was exactly like the pictures he'd seen... and he loved the midnight blue color that danced with what had to be the true image of blue flames, not some artists rendering.  Only Kaiba would have his car airbrushed with genuine blue flame.

The door swung out and up, and Roland ducked out of the car.  "It has been programmed with your fingerprints and voice.  GPS is a heads-up display, as is the security and entertainment.  Follow the road to the right to exit the garage.  The garage opens on a private onramp to the highway.  Enjoy your drive Jounouchi-san."

Jou didn't need to be told twice.  With a gleeful lust, he dove behind the wheel and shut the door.  In a plume of smoking tires, he screeched out of Kaiba's garage.  Roland chuckled and rolled his eyes as the memory of the first time Kaiba had driven that car flashed in his mind.  Jounouchi and Kaiba had a lot in common.  

After a few minutes of joy riding, Jou settled into the powerful, finely tuned artwork.  He hadn't missed a black monitor screen.  Curious, he tapped it.  "Ai are you ridin' with me on this?"

"Of course Jounouchi-san.  I will be controlling your GPS and heads-up display."

"Great, Kaiba hasn't left th' temple yet has he?"

"Unknown."

"What th' hell?  How can that be unknown?  Ya said he was there."

"I said he arrived there.  I didn't say he was there currently.  His whereabouts are currently unknown."

Jou wanted to bash his head on the steering wheel.  "What?"

"At midnight last night all tracking information of Kaiba Seto ceased.  He vanished from satellite communication."

"And you didn't send up an alarm?  You didn't fucking wake me?"  Jou couldn't believe what he was hearing.

"You did not request I wake you if Kaiba Seto vanished."  The computer informed him.

"Vanished?"  People didn't 'vanish' except... Jou's mind was working overtime.  "Vanished... like when I vanished when I saw Yugi?"

"Unknown."

"Ya don't hafta know.  I do."  Several things were ticking over in Jou's mind.  Paramount to them all was that Kaiba Seto was now a missing person.  He hit the gas, smoking the tires.  He needed to get to that storage building, temple, or what the fuck ever it was and find Kaiba in a hurry.  Kaiba might do many reckless, heartless things, but he'd never just vanish when he thought Mokuba was missing or in danger.  Something beyond Seto's control had to have happened to him.  And since it was very similar to what had happened to Jou when he'd seen Yugi, he'd bet Yugi was involved.  And given Kaiba losing consciousness during that last event, Kaiba could be in a bad situation.  No matter how he looked at it, Jou knew he would have to find Kaiba.  Not just because of Mokuba or Yugi, but because the jerk could be in serious trouble.

It was only as he was parking the car that he recognized his surroundings, and his destination.  With a chill he realized that his life had come full circle.  His destination was the old museum building, the same place he'd searched for Yugi and procrastinated going home to Mai.  The place where he'd been when his son had died.  the chill deepened to a pervasive, soul-deep, icy fear as he realized that if Yugi was involved as he suspected, then his source all those years ago could have been telling the truth, not only about seeing Yugi, but also the lights in the sky.

"Heh, maybe Kaiba got abducted by aliens."  He mumbled to himself in attempt at humor and reassurance, but Jou didn't think so, not truly and he couldn't even laugh at his own joke.

The building looked the same, except for the twelve foot chain link fence topped with twisted razor wire.  A warning sign on the fence also proclaimed the top of the fence to be electrified.  No trespassing and keep out signs were posted every four feet along the fence.  Jou ignored it all and walked up to the gate, placing his hand confidently on the palm scanner.  Kaiba had given him access equal to his own.  Jou was betting he would get into the gate, after all Kaiba had gotten in.

Instead of a green flash and the click of the gate opening a red light flashed and the panel displayed 'Access Denied.'

"What th' hell?"  He tried again, only to get the same response.  "Well... fuck."  He could get in, he knew he could.  Police hung out with criminals enough to pick up on some of their tricks.  But anything he would do could potentially cause a disturbance that would alert whoever had Kaiba that he was there.  He didn't want to do that.

After a moment's thought he spun around and stalked back to the car.  Ai knew more about Kaiba security than anyone or anything.  And as an added bonus she had to follow his orders.  She would get him into the building.  If she couldn't he would move on to plan B, whatever that was.  "Ai, it's not recognizing my palm print."

"Yes, it is.  The security system has recorded both of your attempts."  She corrected.

"Then why ain't it lettin' me in?"

"Because it has been programmed not to."

"Well no shit, I'da never guessed.  I thought my access is equal to Kaiba's.  If it let him in why won't it let me in."

"Having the same access level does not mean you have the same access rights.  Jounouchi-san, would you like me to assign you the same rights?"

"Ah man, you are so literal yer stupid.  Yes, I do.  Assign me the same rights as Kaiba Seto.  How did you expect me ta get in if I didn't have th' rights?"

"I have no expectations of you - yet."  Ai's voice was unexpectedly apologetic.  "I am an evolving entity, still learning about you and adapting to your needs.  Your colloquialisms, your mannerisms, and your thought processes are unfamiliar to me.  You are not as literal as Kaiba Seto and Kaiba Mokuba.  You are highly intuitive and emotive.  Your emotions are very enlightening but I am not familiar with assigning weights and values to emotions.  It is not necessary to do so for Seto or Mokuba as they exercise more control over their emotions.  I am adapting, but it takes time to adjust my prediction matrix and grow to meet your expectations and needs."

"So yer tryin' ta figure out what I want from you?"

"Exactly Jounouchi-san."

"That's easy.  I want ya ta think about my requests, why I make them, and anticipate what I will do with th' information.  If yer not sure, ask.  Then if ya can make things go faster, like assignin' me rights or wakin' me up or whatever, do it without havin' ta be asked."

"That I can do."  Ai actually sounded relieved.

"Great.  Now get me inta that gate."

"I have already assigned the access rights.  Jounouchi-san..."  Ai sounded unsure, if that was even possible.

"Yeah?  What's up?"

"It may be nothing; an anomalous glitch, but with the history of glitches, I think I should mention that just as we lost contact with Kaiba Seto, two heat signatures were recorded nearby.  They could be the cats, but..."

"But it ain't likely that the satellite would pick up the cats.  Gotcha.  What is in th' buildin'?"

"The manifest lists duelling props from tournaments over the last decade.  The original museum itself was torn down, leaving only the outer facade in place, and the building for the 'Pyramid of Light Tournament' was moved onto the footprint of the old museum."

"I think I remember that one.  Ain't that where Kaiba bought a real pyramid from the Egyptian government?  They were sellin' it 'cause they needed to move it for some kind of dam project.  Nobody in Egypt wanted it near 'em 'cause it was cursed or somethin'?  Ta celebrate th' purchase Kaiba had some kinda tournament inside it?"  Jou thought for a minute.  "Wasn't he supposed ta donate it to th' museum?"

"Yes, but the museum didn't have the funds or the manpower to maintain it so Kaiba Seto put it here."

"Yeah, why is it that I smell a rat... A Kaiba rat."

"Rats do have an odor but I am unable to find any information on a 'Kaiba rat.'

"Don't jack me around,  Ai.  I am beginnin' ta think ya have a weird sense of humor."

"I assure you, I would never jack you anywhere - ever.  Kaiba Seto might not be able to delete me but if I jacked you he could very well try.  And we both know Seto is very determined."

Jou blinked at the tiny screen in astonishment.  "Did you just make a dirty joke?"

"Yes.  But it was also a very literal comment."

Jou let that pass.  He didn't want to think what the too smart computer meant by that.  "And since when did you start calling Kaiba, Seto."

"When you did.  Last night.  Not every time, just enough for it to seem like an unconscious slip.  Since I have no unconscious, I mimic you."

"I don't..."  then "Do I really?"

"Yeah."  Ai actually did a fair imitation of Jou.  "Ya do."  Then she made a weird cough noise.  "Ya better go save him.  He will want to hear about my joke too.  He has been unsuccessful in teaching me humor."

"I can understand that.  He probably tortures puppies for laughs."  Jou mumbled under his breath.

Ai's screen flickered and she actually snapped "He tortures himself, if anything.  He reads me limericks and joke books.  He gave up on movies and the three stooges.  Now go, I think you've made me angry as I am resisting the urge to give you a jolt using the car battery."

Jou hopped out of the car with alacrity.  This time when his palm scanned the light flashed green and the gate opened.  he stepped through the gate expecting to see a pyramid, but instead was confronted with a solid wall about fifteen feet high and obvious several feet thick.  Behind it he could see the facade of the old museum.  "Ya gotta be kiddin.'"  He mumbled under his breath.  Cautiously he advanced to the wall taking in every inch of the stone structure.  He didn't see a gate or door anywhere.  "Now what?"

As if in answer to his question a low sound, like the mewl of a cat came from his right, seeming to emanate directly from the wall.  Jou followed the sound, walking directly towards it, and the wall.  When he thought he would surely hit the wall, he took another step, only to find himself stepping across what had been an optical illusion.  Standing as he was, past one layer of wall, Jou could look in either direction and see that the wall was actually a series of thick stone panels arranged to give the appearance of a wall, but in reality were broken segments allowing passage.  "Sneaky."

The shell of what had once been a museum stood before him.  Tall, at least two hundred and fifty feet, with the look and feel of a mid seventies, boxy skyscraper, it towered over him in all its square, ugliness.  Jou could see why the thing was replaced.  The exterior was so perfectly preserved and plain, nobody would ever guess it hid an ancient pyramid.  Jou figured that was probably why the outside of the building had been left intact.

The cat had stopped mewling, and Jou couldn't see the animal anywhere, so there was no help for him in figuring out a way past the facade.  With nothing to lose he went to the door and turned the knob.  It rattled under his hand, but didn't budge.  Somehow he knew that if he attempted to pick the locks or force the door there would be hell to pay.  There was a heavy air of menace, as if something waited for him to try something stupid to get through the doors.

"Hmmm..."  Standing back he saw that the ticket dispenser was still in the small round kiosk a few metres away.  "Can't be that easy."

He pulled the handle and out popped a ticket.  Or Jou assumed it was a ticket.  It was light blue and inscribed with gold symbols.  Jou couldn't read hieroglyphics but  he'd been around Yugi and Grandpa enough to recognize a few of them on sight.  The head of the jackal, cobra, quail and vulture were all very familiar to him.  Gripping his ticket he went back to the door.  Instead of trying the knob he held out the ticket, pressing it to the ornate door.  A fluorescent blue stream raced down and engulfed the ticket, making it glow briefly.  Reflexively Jou leapt back as the ticket burst into blue and gold flames before disappearing in a flash of blue sparks.  The door swung open a few inches, barely enough for him to slip through.  He barely made it when the door slammed shut with a very final sounding clang.

He probably would have been alarmed by the sound, but he was too stunned by the sight before him.  A pyramid, probably fifteen stories tall, four-sided, with the whispers of time long past echoing around it, stood in majestic splendor, seeming to glow with a neon blue tinged golden light against the backdrop of the cloudy sky.

Jou knew better than to look for a simple door or opening.  He had gone through a phase where he wanted to learn everything and anything he could about pyramids and ancient Egypt.  Yugi and his grandfather had helped feed his addiction through that phase.  Pyramids were all about Ka and Ba.  They were sealed for the protection of the dead person's Ba -  their earthly spirit.  At death their Ka, what most would call a soul, would ascend to the heavens to either become a god or await rebirth into a new body, perhaps calling their old Ba to them.

Learning about the Pyramids had helped Jou understand what had happened between Atemu and Yugi.  Atemu's Ka had been reborn into Yugi, because Atemu's Ba was still tied to his Ka, Atemu's Ba had 'possessed' Yugi, sharing a body until his old Ba could be put to rest properly and moving on to the afterlife.  

Although Jou had no proof he also thought that was what had happened with Malik and Ryou as well.  Seto was different.  Jou firmly believed that Seto's Ka had released Seth's Ba and been reborn completely as an entirely new Ba, Kaiba Seto.  Unfortunately, the soul bonds of Atemu's and Seto's Ka had caused Seto's Ka to forge ties between his past Ba and new Ba.  The reason Seto denied being Seth, denied being Atemu's cousin, and denied ties to magic in general and reincarnation specifically wasn't because of stubborn blindness, but because it was the truth.  Kaiba Seto was not Seth, not the personality Seth, not his Ba.  But rather, he was the vessel of Seth's Ka.  Yugi hadn't agreed with him at first, but later, just before he'd disappeared, changed his mind, saying Jou was right about Kaiba and even going so far as to mention that Seto did not have the same bonds of loyalty to Atemu that Seth had.

And all of that meant absolutely nothing in the present dilemma - getting into Kaiba Seto's personal pyramid.  Jou closed his eyes and focused on finding Kaiba.  Nothing else mattered.  Not the past, Atemu, Yugi, or even Mokuba.  Only Kaiba.  Jou had found over the years of searching for people, that if he focused only on that person, something, some small clue would surface and point him in the right direction, even with the coldest of cases.  He built a picture of Kaiba in his mind.  Not just the Kaiba from school days, but layered images since then.  The cold cruel Kaiba who had insulted his wife and child, the bitter angry Kaiba who had loved and lost Yugi, and the laughing Kaiba that owned cool cars and had movie nights with his brother and tried to teach a computer humor by reading jokes and limericks.  Even the surprisingly hentai Kaiba that checked him out when he thought Jou wasn't looking and blushed when he was caught.  All of those images formed and layered together, coalescing into an image so real and solid Jou thought he might be able to reach into his own mind and pluck him into reality.

Of course he couldn't, but what he could do was try to find him.  He deepened his focus, opening his mind to the reality of that image.  After several minutes, he thought he failed because all he could feel was coldness, a pervasive, mind numbing icy breeze that threatened to tear the image away.  The harder he clung the more the wind blew, whistling around him and the image with almost hurricane force.  "Damned wind."  He cursed.  Then abruptly lifted his head, turning it towards the sky.  Wind... but this area was sheltered by the old museum facade.  There shouldn't be any wind whistling coming from above.  Eyes narrowed, he scanned up the pyramid.  About halfway up the sixty metre structure there was a barely discernible opening.  The only reason he knew it was there was because of the small dust devil that lit down briefly only to fall away.  A closer inspection of the pyramid showed him a smooth, narrow ramp leading up to the opening.  "Gotcha!"

He trotted over and placed his foot on the ramp.  After the first few steps he realized it was steeper than he expected.  The angle was probably about fifty degrees, not an easy climb.  But he would do it.  He had to find Kaiba.

Panting and covered in sweat he reached the opening.  He was incredibly glad for the cool breeze that blew across his overheated body.  He made a mental note to get back to the gym.  He was getting out of shape.  The opening was barely eight inches wide and dark with shadows.  If he were any heavier he would not have fit.  As it was he would have to turn sideways to slip in.  Vaguely he wondered if this tiny opening was why Kaiba kept himself so skinny.

Much to Jou's relief, the slit was only a few feet deep and the darkness gave way to a tall, smooth hall glowing with blue-white light.  He couldn't see the source of the light but presumed it was some sort of LED recessed lighting Kaiba installed.  He took three steps into the hall and froze.  The angle of the floor seemed wrong.  If this was ventilation it should go down towards the burial chamber, not up.  He shifted forward an inch, only to jump back as the floor gave way beneath his toes.

"Shit."  He gasped, staring at the square opening that had appeared.  Then realization struck him.  This was a real pyramid.  That meant booby traps of all kinds.  He was going to have to be very careful.  While he was absorbing that fact a figure approached from the other end of the hall.  It wasn't someone he knew.  Jou had learned to memorize faces because it helped with his job.  And he knew that he'd never met the tall, muscular black-haired man.  However, there was something familiar about him.  "Who are ya?"  Jou challenged.  Whoever it was, they had to have something to do with Kaiba's vanishing.

The man glanced down at the floor then up at Jounouchi.  "It is a shame you did not fall.  You would have simply slid out of the pyramid at the base and been safe."

"Yeah, right.  Like that's going to happen.  I woulda just come back up here.  I know ya from somewhere.  Who are ya?"

The other man frowned and shook his head.  "It is a true shame.  My name is Karim.  It is good for a man to know the name of who kills him."  The man gave him a sad look.  "Tell me your name so that you are not forgotten to all."

"My name is Jounouchi Katsuya, an' trust me ya ain't killin' me.  I got business with Kaiba Seto an' yer not gonna stop me from gettin' ta him."

A flicker of recognition crossed the man's face.  "It will be my honor to usher you into the land of the dead Jounouchi Katsuya."

"Yeah well if anyone's goin' there it's gonna be you."  While Jou blustered he searched the passageway for some kind of weapon, exit, or alternate path.  He supposed that as a last resort he could always slide down the hole.

A small smirk, very similar to one worn by Seto tilted the man's lips.  "You cannot kill that which is already dead."  The expression faded and the face turned somber.  "Prepare for the crossing."  Karim reached to the thick golden belt at his waist, detaching an object, that as he held it upright, made Jou back up two steps.

"That's impossible.  All of the millenium items were sealed with Atemu when he crossed over.  How do you have the scales?"

"I have been the wielder of the scales since birth, passed from my father to me by blood and right of office.  For a time a vessel of my Ka carried the scales in my place, but with the ascension of my Pharaoh Atemu the scales and my duties of office were returned to me."

Jou glanced down the opening in the floor, edging forward slightly to get a better view of one of the walls of that downward tunnel.  "So ya know Atemu?  He used ta be a friend of mine.  Back when he was sharin' Yugi's body."

Karim nodded.  "Yes, I have heard tales from that time.  That is why it is my great sadness and honor to usher you into the land of the dead."

"Wait, why would ya kill me if ya know me."  He hadn't done anything to piss Atemu off.

"Your desire to disturb the portal jeopardizes my Pharaoh and his happiness."

"Disturb th' portal?  What are ya talkin' about?  I'm here ta get Kaiba Seto.  That's all.  I don't care about no portal."  But Jou was getting a very bad feeling about that.  He remembered quite clearly that some pyramids were used as temples to the gods and portals to the afterlife, allowing some dead Pharaohs to communicate with the living.  That communication always came with a sacrifice.

"I can't allow that."   Karim lifted the Millenium Scales with grim purpose.  Jou didn't even hesitate.  He took a giant leap forward and dropped into the trap door and spread his legs wide, hoping to slow his descent long enough to catch the the edge of the opening he could barely make out in the side of the tunnel.

He succeeded better than he could have hoped.  The side passage was set at the perfect angle for him to thrust his entire upper body into it as he skidded past with his momentum dragging his other half behind him.  From above he caught the whisper of footsteps and hushed voices.  "Karim, who was it?"

"Jounouchi Katsuya.  He slid down.  Hopefully he will not come back."

"Is he as they say?"

"More beautiful.  His hair is as golden as the sands, his skin so lightly touched by Rah it is as if the god himself graced him with a kiss and his eyes are the color of the sweetest honey.  I am relieved and sorry that I did not get to bring him to our realm.  He would have been an interesting addition to our family."

"If he chose not to confront you it was not his time.  Let's return.  They will want an update."  The steps faded in the distance while Jounouchi caught his breath from his jolting fall and considered what he'd heard.

They who?  Whoever 'they' were Jou wanted to have a talk with them about their hospitality.  He was also very interested in their talk about him.  They sounded as if they were familiar with him, almost as if they knew him.  But what was most concerning was the Scales and the mention of Atemu.  If the cursed items were back on this side of the veil there was real trouble.  He had to find Kaiba, and quick.  He could really get himself killed blundering around in the dark when the millenium items were involved.  He didn't have the magic of the Pharaoh to protect him this time.  Using the technique that had served him well for the last few years, he closed his eyes and focused on the mental image of Kaiba he'd created earlier.  

The wind didn't return, but the bone deep chill did, radiating from the very stone he huddled against.  With a frustrated huff he let the image go and decided since there was only one way out, besides the slide down, he might as well take the passage.  

He followed the passage for about twenty minutes. Its corridor seemed straight and level but when Jou looked back he realized it was shifting ever so slightly so that when he finally reached an intersection he could no longer see the entry he’d come in. He peered and listened down the passage to his left then the one to his right and finally the one ahead of him. He couldn’t see any differences and no sound came from anywhere, in fact if he had to describe it he’d say the silence was deafening and tomblike.  A chill breeze from the right caught at him, and he turned to the right.  The breeze led him down another long passage and across a thin rope bridge that was high above several other glowing passages.

When he looked down he got the impression that the passages went on into the shadowy vortex of eternity making him slightly dizzy. He decided looking up might help the situation but it only made matters worse when he discovered that above him was a mirror image of what was below. ‘How in hell can this place have no bottom or top, does this place go on forever or somethin’?’ he wondered to himself as his heart raced and he took a shaky step onto the swaying bridge.

When his foot finally landed on the solid path beyond the bridge he heard a soft hiss behind him but nothing more. He flinched slightly “Great snakes, I hate snakes.” he said with an involuntary shudder and a mental note to keep his eye open for the freakish things. Jou took a few deep calming breaths to get his heartbeat back to normal before continuing on. “One thing’s for sure, this ain’t no ordinary pyramid.” he muttered to himself when the breeze that had been leading him took a sharp turn and had him facing a blank wall. Jou ran his hand up and down the wall to see if it was like the wall earlier where it had only looked solid, but this time solid really was solid. “Well that’s a bitch. It looks like I’m gonna have ta find my way back ta here after I find a corner or somethin’ so I can get on the other side a this wall.”

He continued down the corridor a bit longer, feeling the wall the whole way until he felt a small depression that would allow him to pull himself up enough to peer over the edge. He hoisted himself up to the edge of the current wall so he could peek over. What he saw caused him to lose his grip and yelp when he landed. ‘Crap what is this place? The whole thing looks like a maze that goes on and on every direction until it’s swallowed up by the shadows. If the shadow realm is involved then creepy snakes are the least of my worries. What the hell has Seto gotten himself into this time?’

Even as he thought it he realized that Kaiba was probably just as lost as he was, or worse because Jou was breaking into this freaky place.  Kaiba had been brought here.  He doubted the guy had come here on his own.  Kaiba disdained magic.  That could only mean Kaiba had been kidnapped.  What disturbed Jou was that his old friends Atemu and Yugi were somehow involved.  Once upon a time he would have trusted them both with his life, had trusted them with the fate of the entire world.  But Jou wasn't that naive kid any longer.  And he'd be damned if he would trust Atemu with a popsicle stick much less Kaiba, especially when he was obviously in contact with a hentai killer like Karim.

Gritting his teeth, Jou forced his mind to focus past the panic and fear that was rising.  Trying to find Kaiba wasn't working.  It was obvious he was in an alternate realm, be it shadow or otherwise.  Also obvious was the fact that it was being controlled, probably by Atemu.  If that was the case Jou knew he didn't have a chance of outwitting the ancient games master.  His only chance was to find some unexpected chink in what was some kind of otherworldly defense system.  Knowledge from the past filled him.  Shadows deceived, never trust what you see in the shadow realm.

Jou believed he had that opening.  If Yugi was involved, then Jou should be able to find his once-best friend.  Atemu might have reverted to the psychotic person he had been before Yugi showed him the light, but Jou knew Yugi would never harm anyone and would help if he could.  Didn't that message from Yugi prove that?  Yugi was his best chance to find Kaiba and get them all the hell out of the Pyramid from Hell.  If trying to find Kaiba was only bringing him deeper into the pyramid, he would try to find Yugi.  He closed his eyes and brought Yugi into focus, layering the parts of Yugi he knew together.  His shyness, his warmth, his friendship and caring of the first years of their friendship.  Then he added in the strange pain he'd see in Yugi's amethyst eyes, the smile that was edged with exhaustion, and the glittering determination and excitement almost beaming from him the last time Jou had seen him.

A soft scent, a blending of the sandalwood and myrrh incense reminded him of when Yugi, grandpa, and himself would sit for hours talking about pyramids, Egypt, and how the past and future were intertwined.  It was a good time and he could almost hear Yugi's quiet laugh and soft voice beckoning him.  Eyes still closed, he turned and followed the scent that was wafting on a cool wind.  Yugi would never lead him wrong.

In a huge chamber suffused with a blue-white glow, Karim and Mahado stood beside a large pedestal staring down into a swirling crystal pyramid.  Deep inside, the figure of Jounouchi began to move.  "Something's changed."  Karim noted.  "He isn't following the same path as before, and he's more focused."

"Not more focused."  Mahado said thoughtfully.  "But as if he's shifted his focus, found a different compass to guide him."  The priest's eyes flickered to the naked, sprawled form lying completely still on the altar.  Bright pools of blue swirled under and around Kaiba Seto, pouring from his body in an endless wave, rivulets spreading out like vines across the floor and through the walls.  "His focus on Kaiba was leaving him... scattered."

A deep voice cut across their conversation.  "Jounouchi is more than you give him credit for.  Go, bring him to this room.  We will speak to him.  If he is a threat we will deal with it."  Atemu gave his bound priests a hard look.  "Do not harm him.  When you reported what happened earlier Yugi was distraught.  Even now Yugi is trying to find a way past your wards to go to his friend.  Nothing I say stops him."

"My Pharaoh, the risk he poses, not only to you and your happiness, but to the balance of all is too great.  His majesty will not find his way past the protective spells and will find no harm.  Please let us continue as we are, distracting and diverting him for a few more hours.  If we lead him to you just before the portal closes everyone will be safe."

"Yugi has missed him and has much to share.  Bring him here.  If he becomes too much of a threat we have something that will control him."

Mahado gasped and Karim shook his head.  "Would you really do that Atemu?  Would you use an innocent to control him?"

"I will do what I must.  Now, I will go and get Yugi.  Bring him to us."  he thought for a moment, then "Apologize to him as well.  I want no ill feelings between you."  He left them as he'd found them, staring into the model of the pyramid.

Mahado made a few adjustments to the pyramid on the pedestal.  Some walls shifted and a passageway directly to the inner chamber formed.  "Go greet him Karim.  Apologize as his majesty demanded.  I will await your return for an introduction."

Jou was aware of the passage wall shifting around him but kept his eyes closed, focusing on Yugi.  He followed the memory-scent for several long moments, doing his absolute best to ignore the sounds of the walls shifting.  He did so well blocking out the disturbing noise that he missed the sound of footsteps approaching, only discovering he wasn't alone when he bumped into something, tall warm and smelling of a scent he didn't recognize.  "Shit."  His eyes flew open and reflexively he jumped back.  "Ah man."  Karim regarded him with an unblinking stare.  "Ya gonna try ta whack me again with th' scales?  If so prepare ta get yer ass kicked."

Jou was poised on the balls on of his feet, legs spread in a fighter's stance, fenced clenched at the ready.  His jaw dropped to his navel when the other man fell to the floor and prostrated himself at Jou's feet crying out "Forgive me!  I had no right to threaten you.  His Majesty and My Pharaoh were most displeased.  They bid me seek your forgiveness and bring you to them"

Jou closed his jaw with a snap and regarded the sprawled man warily.  "Yeah right.  Like I believe a fuckin' word ya say."

"Jounouchi-san..."  Karim sounded distraught.  "Please, forgive me and let me bring you to the portal chamber.  Everything will become clear once we are there.  Moutou Yugi and Kaiba Seto are there, as is the Pharaoh.  Please..."

Jou thought hard for a minute.  He wanted to find Yugi and Seto and get them out.  He also had a bazillion questions about what was going on.  If this... If Karim could shorten the search then great.  And if it was a trap Jou was confident that he could take Karim, scales or no scales.  He'd defeated the shadow realm before.  He was a thousand times tougher than he'd been as a stupid kid.  "Get up.  If yer tellin' th' truth I'll forgive ya, but if yer lyin' ya can prepare for an ass whoopin' like ya ain't ever had before."

"I speak only the truth."  Karim stood gracefully and turned.  "Please follow me."

In three steps they had passed through a wall of icy blue light.  Jou shivered and wrapped his arms around his body.  "Damn it's cold.  What th' hell is wrong with ya?  Yer runnin' around in a little skirt an' sandals.  Ya gotta be freezin'."

"I am comfortable.  The air here is quite warm.  Perhaps you are ill?"  He moved as if to put his hand on Jou.

Jou backpedalled several steps.  "Hands off kilt-boy.  He looked around the room hoping to see Yugi or Atemu.  What he saw was Kaiba Seto, lying spread-eagle and supine on a large ankh shaped stone altar.  Around the altar was a large stone circle forming some kind of well, overflowing with the same bright blue liquid light that coated the walls and tinged the world around them blue-white.  "Kaiba!  What the hell is going on?"  He ran to the overflowing well.  

Karim put himself between Jou and the fountain of liquid light.  "Stop.  You won't be able to reach him.  What you see flowing is his Ka, it is maintaining the portal between dimensions.  It will reject all contact with you.  It is an unpleasant sensation, one his Majesty has endured many times.  He will not want you to endure it."

"Look at him!  He's blue.  His lips, toes and fingers definitely are blue, there ain't no fuckin' way. I'm

leavin' him alone.  He's almost dead with hypothermia."

"I assure you he is fine."  Mahado joined Karim.  "Ka animates the body and energizes the Ba.  His Ka is the blue essence you see flowing from him into the soul-well and flowing into the chamber.  His Ka is what is opening the portal between dimensions."

"What th' hell?  Why would his Ka be spillin' all over th' place?  An' why..."

His angry spate of questions was cut off by a familiar, dearly missed voice "Jounouchi-kun!"

Jou swung around to that voice, his whole face lighting up.  "Yugi, ah man..." momentarily forgetting Seto he turned and ran to his best friend, meeting the running form with arms wide open.

They met in the middle, hugging each other tight, their ecstatic greetings blending and overlapping, cancelling each other's out until as one they drew back and burst into laughter.  Jou was the first to sober.  The blue glow of the room gave Yugi an eerie appearance and reminded him of Kaiba.  "Shit.  Yugi have you seen Kaiba?  He looks..."

Sadness flickered in the amethyst gaze.  "I know.  I've tried many times to reach him and his Ka always pushes me away... violently."

"What?  Why?  What's goin' on Yugi?"

"I..."  the sadness deepened.  "Let's go back to my chamber and talk.  It disturbs me to be here and see him like..."  He gestured to the corpse-like Kaiba.  "that."

"Like fuck.  I'ma go see if I can get ta him and get him offa that weird thing.  He looks like a virgin sacrifice or somethin'"  Jou took a few steps back towards the other man.

"He's not a virgin."  Yugi mumbled.  "Not quite anyway.  But...Jou you can't move him.  He must stay there.  If he leaves the well his Ka will not be able to return to him and he will die."

Jou stopped, his body turning to stone.  Eyes still focused on Seto he asked "What th' hell is goin' on here Yugi?  Last I heard you loved Kaiba.  When I dropped ya off at his place ya said ya were gonna do yer best ta find yer happiness with him."

"Jou... I said that but I didn't... I mean..."  Yugi sounded sad, resigned, and strangely defiant.

Jounouchi shrugged.  "Whatevah.  Explain it later.  Right now I'm gonna try ta get him outta there.  Maybe I can get his Ka ta load up an' head home."

"His Ka can't.  It is bound by... Jou look I can explain but this isn't the place.  Please, just come back to my chambers.  Seto is fine, I promise you."

Jou turned his head and stared at his friend, his cop's eyes taking in every detail that he'd missed before.  Yugi looked good, damn good.  He looked healthy, happy, well fed, clean, and he was dressed like some kind of prince, in a silken purple robe embroidered with black and silver flowers.  His hair shone with health and care, the spikes tamed into a long mane that fell well past his waist.  His feet were shod in sandals that looked like pure gold.  "Yugi...  What's goin' on?  Where ya been th' last few years?"

"I... Jou I will discuss this in my chamber.  I've told you, I don't feel comfortable here."  A tone of command ran through Yugi's normally soft voice.  It wasn't a tone he was used to hearing from his friend.

"Yugi, ya changed.  Ya never woulda left a friend like this no matter what."  Jou gave his friend a cool look and turned back to Seto.

"Jou you won't be able to reach him.  I've tried so many time and only been hurt in the attempts.  Please, don't think I haven't.  As soon as you touch his Ka you will be thrown away.  You...  Jou don't!"  But it was too late.  Jounouchi had taken the steps that brought him to the edge of the well.  "Hmmm, don't look deep.  Just a couple of metres.  I can swim that no sweat."  With a deep breath Jou slipped forward.  Instantly he was surrounded by deep blue liquid light.  It swirled and churned like a whirlpool and pulled him deep.  He didn't hear Yugi's cry or see Mahado and Karim race to Yugi's side to hold the smaller man back.

For a second Jou panicked, his breath leaving him in a giant gust.  It took him a second to realize that there were  no bubbles.  It wasn't water?  Cautiously he took a breath.  It wasn't water, in fact if he weren't suspended in it he would swear he was breathing air.  But... it was not air.  At least not entirely.  Whatever it was, it gave him what he needed to live, and gave him more.  There was a smell, a taste, that permeated every part of him.  He was literally breathing in and tasting Kaiba Seto.  Not the body, but the essence of his heart and soul.  Spicy like cinnamon, sweet like rich honey, and hot like peppers.  But at the same time a cooling, soothing creaminess that reminded Jou of rich ice cream.  It was strange and exotic, and yet completely addictive.  A memory on the edge of his consciousness sprang to life, but before he could grasp it the image faded away.

Whatever it was, it was incredible, and addicting.  Jou knew without a doubt that when this was all over he'd miss that taste and smell forever.  But as much as he'd miss it, he knew he had to get to Kaiba.  When he pressed forward the thing he was suspended in pressed back, keeping him in place.  He got the impression of amusement and warm welcome.  Like whatever it was, it thought he was fun, and he wasn't going to get kicked out.  And if his perceptions were right then... "Uh, ya know me so ya know I gotta get ta you... I mean yer body you.   Yer Ba I guess.  He's near ta dead an' I need... he can't die yet ya see.  I know ya will just go on ta another Ba or whatever but I... He's needed here an' now.  So if ya could let me get to him?  Please?"

There was a moment when Jou thought he would be ignored, then a feeling, like something communicating without words, came to him.  It was a question, almost a demand.  "Ya want somethin' from me?  I ain't got nothin' but as long as it don't kill me or leave me hangin' like Kaiba is, then sure, whatever."

As soon as the words left his mouth Jou wanted to bash his head on something very hard.  He had just given a 'thing' that switched bodies and personalities like humans changed socks and shoes carte blanche over him, for Kaiba.  And since this thing was part of Kaiba... oh fuck... what had he done?  But it was already too late.  The blue began to swirl and bubbled, and Jou could feel it sucking at him, pulling at the very core of him.   The blue began to churn, and Jou closed his eyes tight in terror, not seeing the sudden golden glow that was flowing from him, into the blue pool.  A whoosh of air and heat and he found himself kneeling next to Seto on the ankh shaped altar.  

'Jounouchi-kun!"  Yugi's frantic voice called.  "Are you all right?"

"Yeah."  At least he thought so.  He felt  little tired but otherwise fine.  Kaiba was the one...  But he wasn't, not really.  The terrible blue was disappearing, a healthy pink returning.  "Hey Yugi, he's comin' outta it.  Why don'tcha bring a blanket or somethin' an' we can cover him up."

"I...  Jounouchi what did you do?"  Yugi's voice was soft and scared, a tone Jou was much more used to.

"Nothin'.  Why ya ask?"  Jou was concentrating on Kaiba, massaging his hands, trying to ensure circulation.

"Because... look at the soul well Jou.  It's..."

Jou glanced down at the roiling liquid light and blinked.  "Eh... It's... wh... uhm...Green?"

"Gold and blue make green."  Atemu said softly from the arched doorway.  Look at your body Jou.  Do you see it?"

Jou spared himself a quick look and caught his breath.  "Gyahhh... What is that?"  Ribbons of golden light poured from his body, trailing down into the soul well.

"It is your Ka.  It is... mixed with Kaiba's.  It... I believe you are giving it energy.  See the portal energy streams have changed color as well."

"Wow they can mix?"

"Not much is known about Ka but I have never heard of two Ka mixing.  It is very unusual.  Jounouchi-kun, can you leave the altar."  Atemu was extremely curious, but wary as well.  When dealing with Ka it was best to stick to tried and true methods.

Jou thought about it, sending the question out into the strange place that seemed to be for communicating with his Ka.  A place he'd never noticed before, yet seemed entirely natural.  He had his answer immediately.  "Nah.  And you guys can't come here.  The altar and well are for Ka bearers only.  Neither of you have a Ka."  Jou thought about that for a moment.  "That can't be right.  I..."  He flung that back only to pale and gasp at the response.  "Yugi, you gave up your Ka, your life?  But..."  He broke off as more images filled the space his Ka had created for communication.  "Oh gods... my son... was your Ka...  where is he now?  What..."  

It was Atemu who answered.  "Your son awaits rebirth.  Until then his Ka and Ba reside with us.  He was not destined to die as he did.  The fates have given him a second chance."

"But... I ain't havin' no more kids.  I can't... there is no way..."  Jou foundered painfully.

Yugi gave him a small smile.  "There is a child who will be yours due very soon."

"You knocked Mai up again?  How stupid can you get Bonkotsu?"

Jou tore his stunned gaze from Yugi to look down at Seto.  "Welcome back.  Good nap?"

"I've had better."  Seto pushed himself into a sitting position only to groan as he started to flop back.  Jou caught him and held on, maneuvering behind him so he could prop the brunet up on his chest.

"Easy there sleeping beauty.  Yer still cold to th' touch.  Just relax fer a few more minutes.  I've gotcha."

'

"I don't need...oooph."  Seto lost his breath to protest when Jou pulled him down into his chest.

"Shaddup.  Yer weak as a kitten, an' in case ya ain't noticed yer Ka is still leakin' outta ya.  So just sit there an' shut up like a good pussy cat."

"I am going to kick your ass."

"Tell me that when ya can hold yer head up.  Where are th' cats?"

"I am right here Jounouchi."  A tall woman, bald but for a few long white hairs stood just behind Atemu.  Next to her was a man who could have been Kaiba's older brother.  "I am Kisara and this is Seth.  He is the deceased Ba Kaiba Seto's Ka.  I am the Ba of the creature you call the Blue Eyes White Dragon."

"Like I couldn't tell that.  So ya really went bald huh?"  That pleased Jou to no end for some reason.

"I inhabit the body of a cat in my role of guardian to Kaiba Seto."  She gave Yugi a bitter look.  "At the demand of his Majesty."

"Wow.  Seth too huh?"

"His majesty requires someone to protect the portal.  Kisara and I were assigned."

"Yeah about that... someone explain this portal stuff 'cause I don't get it."

Seto made a small sound of protest only to be overridden by Yugi's voice.  "It started years ago.  I don't know if you remember, but when Atemu left I was devastated.  At first I thought it was just missing my best friend but later I came to realize it was because I was missing the other half of my soul, my soul mate."  Yugi shrugged uneasily "Which is probably the strangest part of this whole situation.  But... back to then.  I didn't know what to do.  I knew if I killed myself I would never see Atemu.  I searched and searched for a ritual that would let me cross over to him. There was only one that I ever found, but it required a priest, an anointed priest to the pharaoh, to perform it.  There are no pharaonic priests in modern times.  No Pharaoh's for that matter.  But after a lot of research and testing I discovered a few things.  Because I shared Atemu's soul and Pharaoh's are gods and are tied to their soul, their rank, their achievements are carried on as well.  What I mean to say is that because Atemu was Pharaoh, I carried the same rank.  That is why I was able to become King of Games.  I was a Pharaoh.  I only needed an anointed priest."

Yugi bit his lip and cast Seto a shamefaced look.  "Seto is not the reincarnation of Seth's Ba, but he is the holder of the Ka of Seth, and as such, his Ka was tied to mine by oath.  Once I knew that I..."  The amethyst eyes closed tight, tears slipping from the corners, "I knew what I had to do.  He, Seto, had to become anointed and swear everlasting fealty to me.  Once he did he would be my priest and be bound to follow my demands... the demand to perform the ritual to open the portal."

Jou was shocked and appalled.  "Ya used him lovin' ya ta get him ta do what ya wanted didn't ya?"

"I told him that we could be lovers for one night.  If he could make me stay with him, if his love could convince me, then I would be his forever.  I meant it and part of me hoped he could do it, that he could love me enough for both of us."  More tears slipped down Yugi's cheeks.  "But in the end he couldn't.  Even though he swore he loved me, he couldn't touch me inside, where my heart and soul lived.  And I couldn't touch his heart either.  I love him, I truly do, but not as a lover.  I don't have the passion to give him what he needs, and he doesn't have the passion for me that I need."

"Sex?  This is about sex?"  Jou couldn't believe it.  "He couldn't get you off so ya did this to him?"

Jou couldn't believe it.  Bad sex was no reason to suck the soul out of someone.

"It's not about sex."  Yugi shook his head vehemently.  "Although..."  Seto gave a sharp cough and Yugi shrugged.  "Never mind.  I was talking about the passion of the heart.  Anyway, once he agreed that he had failed, I told him what I wanted, including the anointing ritual and the passage.  He had a month to study, and the night before the full moon I completed his oath.  The next night we came here.  The building is on a spiritual nexus.  The energies align perfectly for the portal and we performed the ritual that released my Ka and allowed me to cross over to be with Atemu.  Your son was due to be born the next day.  It seemed like the perfect goodbye gift to you... my Ka in your son."

Jou, his arms around Seto unconsciously tender, asked "So what went wrong?  Why are ya here and why is Kaiba still stuck bein' yer … portal."

Seto laughed bitterly.  "That's my fault.  I thought I knew the ritual, thought I had it perfect.  But I confused two of the symbols in the inscription and instead of permanent I set the portal to reopen once a month at the full moon.  It's a temporary pass instead of a complete transfer."

"But if he returns he no longer has a Ka.  He will die."  Jou realized.

"Yes."  Atemu nodded.  "This place, this portal, is a place between.  It is here only because of the mistake Kaiba made in the inscription.  If he were not here to stabilize it with his Ka a rip in the veil would occur and all manner of creatures, spirit and shadow, would slip through.  Kaiba has been working on a way to repair his mistake, but has been unsuccessful.  When he finds a way he will close the portal forever."

"Got it."  Jou nodded and sighed.  "So to put it in a nutshell, Yugi basically manipulated Kaiba into becoming his sla... priest by playing on his feelings, only gave Kaiba a month to learn something that took priests decades to learn, then crossed over, coming back once a month because Kaiba didn't get the ritual right the first time."

"That's very harsh."  Atemu said coldly.  "It wasn't as cold as you make it sound."

"Cold is what Kaiba was when I got here.  Blue cold.  He's pinked up now, no thanks to th' vampires feedin' offa him.  Geez Yugi what th' hell happened to ya?  Ya used ta be th' sweetest guy in th world."

"Jounouchi you don't understand.  I didn't want it to be like this.  I couldn't find any other way."

"Sure there was another way.  Ya coulda just tried ta live yer life an' be happy like everyone else.  Instead ya pretty much wrecked Kaiba's life fer years.  Man I can't believe yer so selfish."

"Jounouchi please..." Yugi held out his hands, begging for understanding.  "It wouldn't have been like this if he hadn't...

"Hadn't wanted ta love ya?  Yeah I know.  If ya hadn't used that love ta get yer own way?  Know that too.  Look Yugi, I need ta think right now.  I don't wanna talk to ya.  If ya wanna do somethin' fer us bring us a couple pillows an' blankets an' get out."

"Jounouchi-kun, please..."  Yugi whispered, anguished.

"Aibou he is angry.  Give him time to cool down and think.  We'll have Kisara and Seth bring them pillows."  Atemu soothed as he led his hurting lover away, followed by their four servants.

There was a minute of silence then "What are you doing here?"  Seto asked, his voice cool and detached.  

"What's it look like?  Savin' yer frozen ass."

"Who asked you to?"  Cold disgust couldn't have been more plain.

"Heh, keep up the attitude ice-cube boy an' I'll dump ya in the well."  Jou had fully expected the attitude.  Kaiba hated being weak and right now he was weak as a kitten.  Put that with the 'mistake' that had caused this whole mess and there you have it, one pissed Kaiba.

"I'd like to see you try."  Seto fumed venomously.

Jou had enough.  He was pissed and wanted a fight.  After a quick check in that place that knew all things 'Ka' he grabbed the jerk under both arms and launched them off the altar and into the glowing green pool of liquid light shot through with tendrils of blue and gold.

Jounouchi blinked a bit and chuckled.  Kaiba looked thoroughly pissed but also completely nonplussed.  "Whatsa matter Kaiba?  Never gone swimmin' in yer soul before?"  He laughed "Well technically it's 'our soul' since they've kinda merged, but... yanno

"Of course not."  The austere face took on a slightly disgusted expression.  "Swimming in my soul? Your soul is in here too?  Is that like swimming in waste?"

"Ooh... don't piss off the Ka Kaiba... they might turn ya back inta a human popsicle."

"I was fine."  Seto maintained.

"If ya call so cold yer blue fine, then sure."  Jou realized he hadn't released his hold and they were so close that their bodies were welded together from chest to thigh.  Even their legs were twined.  "Eh... We weren't in this position when I pitched us in so let go."

"You think I'd be desperate enough to hold you like this?"  Seto rolled his eyes at the thought.  "Get real."  He disentangled his limbs and swam away on the light, exploring the depths.

Jou was content just to float, drifting on the various currents.  Once he thought he saw Kisara staring down at him, then later Mahado, but he didn't care enough to pay attention.  In some far, distant part of him, he was aware that he was still angry and disappointed with Yugi, but it simply felt too good to relax and taste the warm, exotic flavor of the merged souls he was floating in.  He was more conscious of Seto exploring, then settling into a floating position as well, but he couldn't bring himself to do more than relax and enjoy, not just the flavor, but the warmth of Seto's body when it floated next to him, nestling close.  As the relaxation deepened, so did the liquid light surrounding him.  He faded into it, surrendering his consciousness to comforting sleep, his last thoughts of how peaceful it was to hold Seto close.

When he woke it was morning, the altar was gone and he was sound asleep in a fountain that looked like an old museum exhibit in the closed down museum.  Kaiba Seto was nowhere to seen.  Jou didn't bother to look around for him.  The emptiness of the building was complete and had been for some time.

He was relieved to find the car where he left it.  With a sigh he opened the door and as he slid in he tapped the screen.  "Ai, where is Kaiba Seto."

The screen stayed blank, not a flicker of response.  "Hmmm  Ai?  Ya there?"

Again no response, but he noticed a small box in the corner reading 'No Service. Connection Reset By Peer.'

"What th' hell does that mean?"  Jou frowned.  Shrugging he turned on the GPS.  When the display came up there was that same blinking box.  'No Service.  Connection Reset By Peer."

"Huh... why do I get th' feelin' this ain't just a glitch."  Jou started the car and pointed it towards KC.  He didn't bother to try the private garage entrance.  He didn't need to be told that the doors wouldn't open for him.  Boldly, ignoring the reporters, he pulled up in front of KC and hopped out of the car.  Somehow he wasn't surprised to see Matashi waiting for him.  "Uh... Hey."  Jou greeted uneasily.

"Jounouchi-san."  Matashi bowed to him formally.  "Please follow me."  Instead of going to the elevators the other man lead him to a small office behind the security desk.

"Uh, what's goin' on Matashi?  I mean... I need ta tell Kaiba where Mokuba is.  And I gotta talk to him about... stuff."

"Kaiba-san does not wish to see you - ever again.  He thanks you for your work finding his brother and wants you to know that Mokuba called him this morning.  Now that his brother has been found he sees no reason to continue your employment.  An explanation of your presence has been sent to the press."  Matashi's voice and face were completely expressionless, as cool as Seto's had ever been.  He held out a plain white envelope.  "Your pay, minus the cost of food and lodging.  Also Kaiba has included the title of the vehicle you drove.  It is already transferred into your name."

"What?  Wait Mokuba called?  Th' baby was born?"  Jou asked, automatically taking the envelope.

"That is none of your concern.  A reference has been included as well.  That concludes our business.  Goodbye Jounouchi-san."

"Goodbye?  Wait, no.  I need ta talk ta Kaiba.  I need ta ask him about... stuff."

"He will not see you ever again.  If you attempt to see him you will be escorted from the building and arrested for trespassing."

"Damn it.  I need to talk to him.  What do I gotta do ta..."  But Matashi was shaking his head.  

"Nothing.  He is completely adamant on this."  The austere face softened slightly, a hint of sorrow showing through.  "I have only seen him this determined after Yugi broke his heart.  Do not attempt to see him Jounouchi-san.  You will only succeed in hurting him and you."

"Hurt... but..."  Jou was genuinely confused.  "I ain't hurt him.  I helped him.  Why da hell..."

"Please Jounouchi-san, don't do this to either of you.  Think about it honestly all right?  Then you'll see that he is right."  Matashi bowed again, turned and left.

Left with no choice, Jou followed slowly.  At the door, he hesitated, looking back at the elevator door.  As if they read his mind, several guards moved into his path.  Shrugging, he shoved his hands into his pockets and strolled out, head defiantly high.  His facade of calm only lasted until he got behind the tinted glass of his new car.  In the passenger seat of the car was what he could assume were all of his belongings.  He somehow doubted that Kaiba kept any of it so he didn't bother to check it.  Closing his eyes he lowered his head to rest on the steering wheel gulping back a fiery sensation that he refused to recognize as pain.  Pushing it down, as he'd learned to do in the last few years, he tried to focus on something else.

On impulse he dialed the number to the Kame game shop.  Yugi's grandfather answered on the second ring.  "Moshi Moshi, Kame Games."

"Uh hey, Grandpa, it's Jounouchi."

"Jounouchi!  I'm so glad you called.  Yugi called yesterday.  He was in town to deliver some antiquities to the museum storage facility.  I saw him for about an hour and I tried to call you but your phone went to voicemail.  You know how I hate to leave messages.  He and Atemu had to leave midnight last night, but I asked him to call you."

"Yeah, he called.  I saw him and Atemu at the port... uh airport.  He looked good."

"Yes, he looks so happy.  He said he might be back in a month or two.  He'd call me when he gets into town.  I'll call you when he calls."

"Yeah.  I actually saw him.  I was doin' some work for Kaiba and bumped inta him at the storage place.  Didn't really get ta talk since we was both workin' but when he comes back I'll... I'll talk ta him."  That's when it hit Jou.  Kaiba would be back at th' freaky pyramid from hell at the next full moon.  Jou was sure he would be able to get in.  Kaiba Seto might be pissed at him, but his Ka liked him.

He sat back and stared up at the roof of the car.  He knew exactly when and where he could see Kaiba.  Then he realized, why should he?  Kaiba knew about Mokuba, Mokuba would be home soon with the baby.  Jou knew about Yugi, knew the truth.  So why was it so important that Jou see Kaiba?  There was nothing left to say... was there?  He had his check, a reference, and even a hot car as a bonus.  There really was no reason to seek the other man out.  Ignoring the spate of of questions from Yugi's grandpa, Jou mumbled a hasty goodbye and disconnected.

Glaring at the phone, Jou remembered that Seto's number was on speed dial.  He pulled up the menu, only to find the speed dial settings completely blank.  "Fuck, I can't even call and tell him goodbye."  But why would he?  Why should he?  This was ridiculous.  It was over.  It was time for him to move on.  And now thanks to Kaiba he had the money and a hot new car to move forward with.  He didn't need to say goodbye, thanks, or kiss my ass.  It was over.  Done.  Finished.  But if that was true why was there still a burning deep inside and the feeling that there was more?

After another glance up at the towering building, Jou started the car and drove away.  Far, far, above the street the CEO watched through the security cameras as the taillights drove out of sight.  When they were finally gone, Seto closed his eyes tight, then opened his green-flecked blue eyes and focused on the the computer in front of him.  His lawyer would be here soon to handle the paperwork for the baby and then he had to go meet his nephew.  He didn't have the emotional resources for the drama Jou would bring to his life with his uncertainty.  When and if Jou figured out where he stood and decided to seek him out, Jou would know where to find him.

Jounouchi was halfway to his old apartment when he realized he didn't live there anymore.  With a disgusted sigh he turned towards the place he'd rented just a few days before Kaiba Mokuba had disappeared.  It seemed like months, and in reality it had only been weeks.  He stopped at the manager's apartment and picked up his key, listening to the old man bitch about his lack of responsibility for not calling him and letting him know he was going to be arriving a few weeks late.  Jou listened to his tirade for half an hour before cutting him off "Look, I paid the lease six months in advance, plus first and last months.  That's a total of eight months rent ya got outta me.  I had th' cable, electric, water, gas an' internet turned on an' paid in advance too.  I had a job an' had ta go do it, so yeah, sorry I didn't call, but it ain't like ya lost out on anythin'."

The old man harrumphed and handed Jou his key.  "I ain't an answerin' service.  You've had visitors every day, several times a day."

"So it's against my lease?"  Jou knew it wasn't, but he wanted to shut the man up.

"No, but I'm just sayin'..."

"Well it ain't against m'lease and it ain't a crime so we're good.   Thanks fer th' key."  He nodded briskly and walked away, mentally promising himself that when he got another job he'd leave the place.  He could tell just by the way the landlord acted that the apartment would never be home to him."

He let himself in and glanced around the comfortably spacious main room.  The landlord hadn't been kidding about visitors.  There were over twenty cards lying just inside his door.  He picked them up and carefully sorted them.  Eight of them were from different police chief's around the area.  Five of them were from international police agencies, and the rest were from a single firm, with an American name and phone number.  Setting the law enforcement cards aside he picked up the American card and dialed.    He was surprised when it was answered on the first half of the first ring.  "Moshi Moshi, is this Mister Thompson?  This is Jounouchi Katsuya.  You left your card under my door."

"Joun... Oh 'The Lost and Found man!'  Yes thank you for calling me.  When can you start work?"

"Start work?  I... I am sorry I do not know what you are talking about..."

"Oh sorry.  You haven't checked your mailbox yet?  Then I will explain.  One of my stars is lost.  I want you to find him for me."

"Stars?"

"Yes.  I represent Shintoku Pictures.  My name is Mitko Green.  We have just signed on Rex Samson.  He's missing and we can't find him.  He signed the contract last week and a few hours later disappeared.  He was in Hokkaido in his hotel and according to the video never left his room.  We contacted the police, but because he is American they suggested we contact the consulate.  The consulate can do nothing.  One of our employees said that you found his nephew a few weeks ago and that you were one hundred percent successful.  We contacted your department only to find you had quit.  Jounouchi-san, we start filming Rex Samson outtakes in a few days.  We must find him.  We will pay..."

"Wait, before we get inta payment I need ta check on m'business.  I'll call ya back in about ten minutes."  He reiterated over the man's sputtering protest "Ten minutes." and hung up.

Jou could feel an epiphany coming.  He'd gone into law enforcement because it was a stable, steady job that paid the bills and let him use his knack for finding people.  He had never considered going it alone.  But now that he had found his answers about Yugi and knew that his son was put  to rest, plus shaken of the debt load, emotional and financial, of Mai, he had to ask himself if being a cop was what he truly wanted.  Did he want to deal with the bureaucracy, the games, the politics?  Did he want his co-workers to continue looking at him like he was some kind of freak?  He'd only stayed as long as he had because he'd been searching for Yugi.  Now that he'd found Yugi the resounding answer to the question of being a cop was no.  If he could use his talent to find people without dealing with the bullshit he'd do it in a heartbeat.

But how to start... did he need credentials?  An office?  Staff?  No way he could afford all that.  Unless... He looked down at the envelop Matashi had given him.  The envelope tore easily and a check, printed by computer but signed by Matashi slid into his hand.  Two million yen and some change.  That would get him started.  He had the Mosler too.  He could sell it for twenty million yen easily.  Yeah he could do it and his first official job, finding a movie star, could launch his new career.  He would check his mailbox first, and if there were no urgent cases involving missing children, he'd call Green back.

Letters from various agencies asking him to work for them, a pleading letter from his boss begging him to return, the letters from the movie company, and surprisingly a letter from Honda Hiroto.  Honda had left to study international law in the United States shortly after Jou had married Mai.  Although Jou still thought of him as a friend, their communication had dwindled to holiday cards and calls during crisis.  Uncaring of the time limit, Jou opened the letter.  As he read, deep inside a feeling of happiness blossomed.  Honda was coming back to japan and needed a place to crash.  His parents weren't an option for reasons Honda would explain when he arrived.  Could he crash with Jou for a while?

Without hesitation Jou dialed the number Honda had scrawled at the bottom of the page.  Honda picked up immediately "Jounouchi, I almost gave up."

"Idiot.  Yer m'bro.  Of course I got yer back.  When ya arrivin'?"

"I'm at th' airport now, waitin' for my bro to pick me up."

"What?  That ain't in th' letter.  Why didn't ya say when ya was arrivin'?"

"It was kinda sudden.  I left a message on yer voicemail at work though."

"Ah about that."  Suddenly Jou had a brilliant idea.  "I quit th' force an' am openin' people findin' business.  I'm... thinkin' I might need someone who knows th' law.  If ya ain't gotta job... would ya be interested?"

"Jounouchi I..."  Honda sounded choked up for an instant.  "I'd love to help you find lost people.  We... we can talk on the way home.  I..."

"Great.  We already got us a client.  High profile.  It could launch us inta orbit.  I'll see ya in about an hour.  Stay there - Ya gotta check out my new wheels."

"I... alright Jou."  Honda's voice was strangely husky, but Jou wrote it off to jet lag. He hurried to his car, glad of the parking spot he'd gotten when he rented the apartment.  Not many places had parking in the city, and those that did were expensive.  But Jou had gotten his at a discount because the owners liked the idea of having a police officer living in the building.  He sat in his car, engine idling, and called back Green.

"Mister Green, or do you prefer traditional japanese address?"

"Mister Green is fine.  I am American so Green-san is different for me."

"Ah I see.  Very well, Mister Green, I will accept your case.  My fee is eighty thousand yen a day, plus expenses, fully itemized.  Expenses can include bribes, extra manpower, food, lodging, weapons, disguises, and many other things.  If you are comfortable with this fee I and my legal aid will meet with you tonight at six-thirty at a place of your choosing."

"I will be happy to meet with you this evening at the Ritz-Carlton's Hinokizaka.  Six thirty is perfect.  Will your legal aid be bringing a contract?"

"Of course.  I will see you then Mister Green."  Jou hung up and put the car in gear.  Sometimes things just came together perfectly and he knew he was on his way.  If only he didn't have the feeling he was leaving something vital behind.

**** Here ends Lost And Found ****  The first of a multi-episode story probably a dozen or more if I can figure out a format that is shorter and more like a sitcom/dramedy on television.  Don't worry guys, they WILL get together in the end.  This is the first - a PILOT if you will.  Will try to update with a new 'episode' once a week.  May not be long, but will have yumminess in it."