Lost and Found

Title: Lost And Found – Episode 9 - Neverland

Author: Maggiemay



Muses and Betas: Jazzy, mofaf1, Lady Laran, Sprinkles



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 Pharaoh 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 ninth episode in the ongoing 'Lost and Found' saga.  



Rating: M for Mature just to be safe.



Size:   15 pages and 8468 words.



****



The path was just as Jou remembered it - a simple, narrow track that lead off into the distance.  The slope was so gradual that you almost didn't notice that you were ascending during the three kilometer trek.  Over that span, you climbed about a hundred metres up into the mountains.  The scene was right out of a postcard, with lush green grasses, trees heavy with leaves, and flowers swaying in a cooling breeze.  Occasionally the path was broken by ancient stone footbridges crossing a winding, mountain-fed creek.



The path was only wide enough for one person at a time, so Jou lead the way with ease, like he'd been there just yesterday instead of years previous.  He smiled as if greeting an old friend when he saw the sakura tree growing in what had once been the path, and the new path that travellers had formed around it.  Humans could move, the sakura could not.  It made sense that humans would go around because the tree was as welcome as the humans were on the path.



The stairs were ancient, as old as the monastery itself, and built for the smaller humans of that era.  They were guarded at the base by huge grey stone lion statues.  Again, Jou smiled like they were old friends, even patting one as he passed it to start the climb.  Seto and Tatsu shared a look that was part surprise and part eye-roll at the action but followed behind the rapidly ascending blond.



Katsuya fully expected to have to ring the small gong to announce their presence and wait for someone to come to attend them.  He was shocked to see his old friend and mentor waiting at the top of the stairs.  Instantly he  tilted his head down, brought his palms together and touched his fingertips between his eyebrows, "Namaste."  He greeted respectfully. Jou hoped his atypical, non-Japanese greeting made was observed by the men following him.  They were there to ask questions that could be very sensitive.  It would be best if the meeting started out on a positive, respectful note.  The monastery was very, very old and isolated.  The ways of the monastery were a mix of the old and the new, with influences from different sects and regions that had not been accepted or had been forgotten by most modern Japanese Buddhists.



His greeting was returned quietly.  Before he could speak to the elder, Seto and Tatsu were greeting him in turn and receiving their welcome.  The man smiled as he turned to Jou. "Suusou, I dreamed of you just this last week... ah but I must change what I call you Suusou, you are no longer a young one.  You have become Zokusou."



"Thank you, Daisaishi."  Jou bowed to show his honor.  The high priest had just moved him from 'young priest' to 'worldly priest.'  It was an upward move, but Jou wasn't sure how he felt about it.  He wasn't truly a priest, but from the first the leader had called him one.  "You were waiting for me today?"



"As I have every day for the last few days."  He smiled at Jou's surprised expression.  "I knew you would come, and I know why - you have come to restore the imbalance wrought several years ago."



"You know about it?"  Jou was rapidly losing his ability to be surprised by anything this man said or did.



"I only know that it exists.  You will tell me the rest."  The dark eyes, almost obscured by wrinkles and drooping lids, flicked to Tatsu, then settled on Kaiba.  "You are busy, Zokusou.  I wondered when you left if you made the right decision, but now I see that you are needed out there more than with me."



"Thank you, Daisaishi.  I know you weren't in agreement with me leaving, but I always knew it was the right thing to do."  Jou turned to his companions.  "This is Miyahara Tatsu, Captain of the Missing Person's department at Domino police.  This is Kaiba Seto, a businessman and old friend.  I believe I may have mentioned him to you at one time."



"An honor to meet you both.  Please, all of you, follow me.  It is time for the evening meal, and we would be honored if you would join us.  Later I will show you to where you will sleep tonight.  Tomorrow we will talk."  With a courteous inclination of his shaved head, the elder turned and led them into the huge gates that guarded Antaiju.  "Zokusou, I originally didn't want you to leave but now I agree with your decision.  Rest easy, you made the right choice."



As they walked through the first ring of buildings, Seto looked around curiously.  He'd heard places like this existed, but he'd never visited one.  Seto didn't kid himself.  He was a modern man in every sense of the word and this kind of place had no appeal beyond curiosity and maybe a lesson in living history.  Yet, the timelessness of it, the tranquility and lack of modern sounds like cars and cellphones, had a kind of appeal that he could see attracting Jounouchi.  At heart Katsuya was a simple, peace loving man, who liked things as uncomplicated as possible.  Seto couldn't blame him.  There was something very soothing about the quiet.



Tatsu looked around with wary eyes.  The place looked like something out of a time warp or some kind of movie set.  He expected ravening hordes to suddenly come riding out on war horses.  Tatsu had lived in the city all his life and found the bucolic simplicity to be frighteningly alien.  There had never been a time in his life when he hadn't heard the sound of traffic, and he found the silence deafening.  He couldn't understand how Jounouchi could possibly be at ease in this place.



Dinner was communal and very simple.  Jou enjoyed every bite of the plain, unseasoned food.  Seto, after a few experimental nibbles, cleared his plate.  Tatsu ate with every appearance of pleasure.  During their meal. the head priest kept up a steady stream of questions and comments, sometimes directed at Jou, sometimes at Seto, but strangely never towards Tatsu.  It confused Jou because the other man had never been anything but welcoming to everyone, yet Tatsu was being given a distinctly cold shoulder.



Tatsu didn't notice the lack of welcome by the elder.  He was too busy jumping each time a nightbird called.  He couldn't help it.  The flickering candlelight and strange silence under the sounds of people talking were just too foreign.  He didn't like the place, and he very much wanted to leave.  He'd have to speak to Katsuya and Seto about returning in the morning.  Not that he wanted to trek down the stairs and path again, but he would if it meant a comfortable hotel room and lights that didn't flicker and cast moving shadows along the walls and floors.



After they'd eaten, Jou rose and began to collect their dishes.  After a moments hesitation, Seto and Tatsu rose to help. The head priest went to lead prayers for the residents while the three men washed dishes in water drawn from a hand pump well and heated on the embers of the fire used to cook the meal.  They didn't just do their dishes, but the majority of dishes for the people in the communal dining room.  Everyone else had gone to say prayers.



"Is it all right that we don't go to prayer?"  Seto asked.  He didn't particularly want to go, but he didn't want to upset their host either.  They needed the man's cooperation.



"It's fine.  Prayer is scheduled here and encouraged but not forced.  Sometimes it is best to communicate with the spiritual energy by yourself.  They get that."  Jou smiled slightly.  "We are lay people so they don't have high expectations of us."



"He calls you 'worldly priest,'"  Seto pointed out.



"He used to call me young priest, but I think it was just a joke or something.  He's never explained it, and I've never taken any vows so..."  Jou shrugged.  "I respect him, and I don't find it offensive."



They worked in silence for a few minutes, Jou washing, Seto rinsing, and Tatsu drying.    Tatsu geared up his nerve and cleared his throat.  "Speaking of that.  Would it be too offensive if we declined his offer to stay the night.  I mean... I wouldn't mind spending the night in a comfortable hotel suite instead of a tomb cell.  Also... We left the driver waiting, and I'm sure he'll be worried and put out if we don't return."



Before Jou or Seto could answer, the high priest spoke from behind them.  "You left someone waiting?  I had no idea.  Zokusou, you should have said something."  There was a distinct scold in the older man's voice.



"My employee.  He's paid to wait for me."  Seto explained simply.



"Still, it is rude to leave the man alone and ignorant.  He will pass an uncomfortable night worrying for you all."  The older man gave Tatsu a cool look that contained a hint of displeasure.  "I will have one of the monks guide you back to your path.  You and the driver please stay in town if that is where you are most comfortable.  Please return tomorrow, although morning will be a busy time for us.  The afternoon will be better."



"Ah, oh.  That would be great."  Belatedly "If it wouldn't be too much trouble?"



"No trouble at all.  You will not be the first man to be lead back to the road outside."  The priest gestured to a robed monk standing by the door.  The monk hurried to them.  "You have need of me?"



"Please guide this man," He gestured to Tatsu. "Captain Miyahara of Domino Police, back down to the outer path.  There is someone waiting for him."



Seto would have to be blind to miss the way Jou's head lifted and eyes narrowed at the head priest's words and the way the blond belatedly said. "Good night, Tatsu.  I'll see you tomorrow afternoon."  It was strange and sent a prickle down his spine. He would talk to the blond later about what was wrong.



Jou was vaguely guilty, but he didn't regret his decision to not walk down with Tatsu.  His guilt extended to his brief, restrained farewell.  Homosexuality in the temple was common, and Jou knew he could probably show open affection without censure but he felt oddly constrained.  It simply didn't feel right to put his tentative relationship on display even though Tatsu clearly wanted him to proclaim their closeness.



Jou watched Tatsu leave pensively, then turned to the head priest.  "Daisaishi, we have to speak to you.  I understand you are busy, but may we have a few minutes?"



"I have administrative work I must see to now, however I will relax at the hot springs tonight at midnight.  You and your friend may join me then.  It is the best I can do.  I have neglected my duties while waiting for you."  The elder man deferred.



"Are we in the same room I stayed in before?"  Jou asked softly.



"Yes.  I saw you would have a guest so I arranged for an extra blanket, but you will have to share the futon."  The elder man said, as if it were common to say such things.  It was a monastery, and communal living was the norm.  The shaved eyebrows lifted.  "Is there a problem with that?"



Seto grinned "Not for me."  The playful brunet teased Jou.  "You?"



"Nah, we're good." Jou's tone was easy, but his eyes glinted green and gold shards of frustration.  "We'll see you at midnight then.  I'll show Seto to the room."  He hesitated briefly.  "We didn't come prepared to spend the night.  Our bags are in the car.  I was hoping we could we could borrow robes."



"Of course.  Take whatever you need.  Do you remember where the storeroom is?  Shall I ask someone to show you?"  The priest was almost eager to help.  It was an attitude that had Seto's eyes narrowing with suspicion.  In his experience few people held out a hand unless it was to take or to pull you closer to the knife.



"I remember."  Jou smiled easily.  "We will go now."  With a low bow, he murmured. "Thank you for all your help Daisaishi."



"It is my pleasure."  The shrewd old eyes turned to Seto.  "I look forward to seeing you at midnight."



Seto turned to Jou just as the blond turned towards a small cluster of buildings.  "C'mon Seto, let's get our robes, then I'll give you the billion yen tour."



"Billion?  A little pricey for me."  Jou's words were easy, but there was a hint of strain in the blond's smile that hadn't been there before.



"Billion, because I'm leading you around and we're likely to get lost.  Need the money to post the reward for finding us."  Jou chuckled, but the strain remained.



Nobody had ever called Seto a fool, at least nobody but Jounouchi.  The ex-cop had been fine until Tatsu had left.  Now, even though he was trying to hide it, Katsuya was stressing about something.  Seto didn't need to use his super-brain to figure it out.  He and Jou would be alone in a tiny cell with just one sleeping mat.  With the sexual tension between them and Jou's involvement with Tatsu, it was bound to be upsetting.  Seto had a plan form in just a few seconds.  Something sexual, to bring it in the open, but ridiculous, something that would distract the blond from their proximity. "Hmmm, I think that if we got lost your friend, the head priest, would personally mount a search party."  Seto said dryly. "You do know he's planning on jumping us in the pool don't you?"  It was the perfect distraction and bound to be highly entertaining too.  Katsuya was fun when he was frustrated.



Golden-green eyes widened in shock.  "He's not that way!  He's never so much as looked at me funny.  What the hell is wrong with you?  He's a holy man."  



"A holy man who waits on you, ignoring his duties, because of a dream - which I doubt by the way - I think the priest at the shrine told him we were asking about the Thomas family, and he figured we would turn up here.  He is behind on his work but can't spare five more minutes to get to the root of our visit?  He gets rid of your boyfriend?  C'mon Jounouchi, you are not stupid."  That was fuel for the distracting fire and sure to give them some much needed distance.



"No, I'm not.  That's why I'm saying you're wrong."  Katsuya gave him a cutting glare and stomped off, leaving the tall brunet to follow.



Maybe a little too much distance.  Seto hurried to catch up.  "You know him better than I of course, but I'll bet you that he tries something on one or both of us at the pool tonight."  The CEO wasn't adverse to a little competition, even over something patently absurd.



"He won't."  Jou shoved open the wood door and reached for the candle that was on the small table.  A quick strike of a flint and the tallow lit.  "Let's get the robes and get back to the room.  I want to nap before our dip."



"Accept the bet Katsuya.  If you are sure you are right."  A friendly wager to bolster both of their resolves was a perfect mechanism.  They were both competitive, and it would help the awkwardness if they had the bet to fall back on.  Seto patted himself on the back for that little bit of inventive genius.



"Fine!  You're on."  Without more than a cursory glance, he grabbed two robes folded on the middle shelf and shoved them at Kaiba.  "Take these."  Holding the candle high, Jou pushed past the pain in the ass, then after dousing the candle and replacing it on the table, stalked out of the storeroom.



With a small chuckle, the CEO followed at a more leisurely pace.  They had time, there was no need to rush.  Where could Jou go?  The blond was standing by a small rounded door.  With a taunting look, Jou threw the door wide and gestured for Seto to enter.



The room was exactly as Jou described it.  Small, moonlight-gloomy and barren, but Seto also found it at once strangely soothing but full of an energy that danced just on the edge of his awareness, as if something hid in the shadows watching.  There was no feeling of danger, just the feeling of being closely examined mixed with soothing compassion..  The part of him that was priest stirred with knowledge.  Something existed in this cell, something with the power to view objectively all those who entered and the desire to help.  Seto could feel it looking at him as if a giant eye were examining every part of him, body, heart and soul.  He knew to the instant when the eye turned away from him and focused on Jounouchi.



For an instant Seto froze, then instinctively he moved to shield the blond.  His move was unnecessary.  The sense of watching vanished and the power retreated, obviously satisfied with what it had seen.  In its aftermath only the sense of peace remained.



Jou glanced at the brunet when Seto leapt to his side and grabbed his arm.  "Afraid of the dark Kaiba?  There's a candle this time so we won't be in the dark."



"Hnnn... Just light the candle."  Seto refused to tell Jou what he'd felt.  No way in hell would he bring his 'priest' side to the blond's attention.  The less Jou knew about the part of him that was tied to Yugi the better it was for all of them.



Jou chuckled slightly.  "You really are afraid of the dark?"



"Don't be stupid."  Seto snapped.  The CEO wasn't going to explain that it wasn't the dark that caused his unease, it was what was hidden in the dark that sent shivers down his spine.



"Stupid?  You're the one holding my hand."  The blond proved it by shaking off Seto's grip.  "Give me a robe will you?  I'm going to change.  I'm not lighting the candle until I've change.  I don't trust your pervy ass not to peek."



"I wouldn't be the only one peeking."  Seto returned, completely unperturbed by the accusation.  "You just don't want to be tempted by my hot body.  Admit it."  The teasing, the bet, and now complete openness would hopefully defuse what was potentially explosive.



"Yeah, I admit it.  You tempt me.  A lot of things do so I'm learning self control.  Cookies tempt me just as much but I know they're fattening and bad for me so I don't indulge."



That made Seto hike a brow slightly as he teased. "I promise if you indulge I won't make you fat."



"If I was a chick you would.  You probably have super sperm, and I'd be pregnant from just looking at you."  Jou teased back.



"If you were a female, I wouldn't be tempted."  Seto pointed out drolly.



Jou pretended outrage. "I knew it!  You only want me for my dick!"  His anger would have been more believable if he hadn't been laughing.  The laughing blond only laughed harder when a soft robe hit him in the face.



"Get changed!"  Seto's exasperation would have been more believable if his own voice didn't have a hint of mirth.



The rustle of clothing joined the blond's chuckles.  They were both tying their robes before the laughter died.  "Eh, Kaiba, are you finding these robes a little... little?"



"Mine covers my ass but not much more.  I think my dick is hanging past the hem.  It feels like it, anyway."  The brunet sounded pained.  Inside, he was relieved.  If they could be casual about it all, they would not have any problems.  His plan was working.



"Yeah, you're taller than me by a couple inches.  Mine is about two inches down my thighs.  If I reach up, I'll be letting it all hang out."  Jou observed, mortified.  "I must have picked up kid's robes, although I remember last time I was here that is where the medium adult robes were kept.  The kid's robes were kept on the bottom shelf.  Extra-large on top shelf, large on second, medium on third, small on fourth and kids on bottom.  Daisaishi must have forgotten about the change."



"Or he wanted us to wear these."  Seto hesitated for a moment.  All of his good work could literally go up in flame.  Not a good idea.  "Katsuya, don't light the candle.  I... I think it would be best if we... took our nap in the dark."  Unspoken was the thought that seeing the blond in a short, barely there robe, would be a painful temptation.  All teasing aside, they were both attracted and it would be too much - for both of them.  The simple futon mat was going to be an exercise in restraint as it was, no point in adding visuals.



There was a moment when Jou hesitated, then nodded.  "Yeah, gotcha."   Seto almost expected the blond to tease about being irresistible, but he didn't.  That actually made Seto's breath catch slightly because it told him that whatever else Katsuya might be feeling towards him, the blond was also definitely feeling the pull of attraction and that his genius plan of nonsense and teasing had worked, but they were still not out of the woods yet.



To make it easier on them both, Seto took the lead.  "I'll take the wall side.  Back to back is good.  It will conserve some heat and we won't get into any awkward situations."



"Yeah I guess.  Uhm... Do you really feel like a nap Seto?  I do, but I am still trying to catch up from all the sleep I've missed over the years.  It's like I'm constantly fighting the urge to doze off.  Been that way for a couple years."



"Not surprising.  I looked into your hours - I should say Ai did.  She informed me of your self-punishing pace.  I work sixty or more hours a week.  You were putting in eighty or more.  Katsuya, I know you hated me for Yugi, but did you hate yourself more?"  Seto settled on the firm mat, deliberately turning to face the wall.



"Sometimes.  Like I said before, it was a hard road.  I'm through the worst of it, but I'm sure there are still some bumps on the way."  Jou's warm back settled against his.  "You promised to show me the videos of what happened when Yugi died.  You never did, why?"



"Because you knew what you needed to."  Seto closed his eyes against the darkness.  "Because what's on those recordings would probably drive a deeper wedge between us."



"Because you loved him so much and it showed?"  Jou's voice was soft.



"Partly.  Mainly because your image of me is different than what you would see.  You don't know me well enough to... accept the me you would see.  You care for Yugi, and you know him like a brother.  I... I am not so lucky."  It was a monumental admission for Seto.  He only hoped that Jou got the hint.



The brilliant detective not only got the hint but decided to punish the untrusting idiot for being so blind.  To Jou, Yugi was dead.  The only reason he was helping with this mess was because of Kaiba.  Ai's assistance was nice, but he didn't need it.  He'd been finding people without the computer for years.  "Guess you won't know 'til I see the recordings.  I want to watch them when we get this case settled and everyone is safe, hopefully, before the next p-cubed.  I've got a lot to ask 'Yugi' and I want to know everything I can before I see him again."



"You insist?"  Seto's voice was strained and taut.  He couldn't help it.  The normal cool he used in these situations had been blown away.



"Yeah.  Don't worry, you don't have to watch it with me, unless you want to."  Jou sighed and changed the subject.  "Why do you think Daisaishi is stalling?"



Seto took the bait offered.  "I can think of a few reasons.  He knows we are here to talk about the marker.  He is the native speaker of Ainu Itak correct?"  Seto waited for Jou to grunt an affirmative before continuing.  "I know you say there is no modern communication between the shrine and the monastery but they are related so couriers must go back and forth.  We were asking about the Thomases.  The priest at the shrine is aware of your profession, and he is aware of your gift."  When Jou would have protested Seto cut him off.  "Don't bother when we both know that there is more going on with you - us - than your fantastic ability to make keen observations.  It is a simple matter of deduction for him to realize you are looking for the lost family.  He is also probably aware, now even if he didn't know then, that the monastery is involved in some way.  He probably sent a courier to let the head priest at the shrine know you were coming."



"How would he know?  I didn't contact him and..."  There was a thoughtful edge that weakened Katsuya's protest.



"Ai made reservations in town, and it is a small town.  She probably used my name and you introduced me to him, remember?  It is possible he heard from someone at the hotel, or perhaps he has an 'in' spiritually.  We can ask when we see him again."  Seto didn't let him dwell on that too long.  He didn't want to get into some long, drawn out heart to heart that would lead to more pain or frustration.  He slipped from the mat and ruffled through his clothes, fishing out his PDA.



Jou watched for a moment then stiffened as he saw the LCD screen light up..  "Kaiba, I told you that kinda stuff isn't allowed here."



"You said they don't use it.  I don't care what they use and I won't offer it to them.  I need to get some work done since we are at a standstill."  Lit only by the dim display, Seto went back to his spot on the mat and settled into position.



Jou growled and rolled over.  "Kaiba, turn it off and put it away."



"No."  Seto was absolute on that.  "I refuse to waste my time simply for some archaic rules that do not apply to me."



"Kaiba!  You are disrespecting them and their chosen lifestyle.  You can't..."  The infuriated blond growled and sat up angrily.



"They are disrespecting me and how I choose to live by forcing their rules on me."  The CEO was a master of debate and easily turned that argument back on Jou.  He had underestimated the blond's reaction, or maybe he hadn't, maybe he had wanted to provoke Katsuya and wanted the hard slam of his ex-rival wannabe's body on top of his and the hard pinning of his hands and arms as Katsuya wrestled the PDA from his grasp.



Seto, after a brief show of resistance, gave way completely, his eyes meeting Jou's angry gold-green in mute appeal as his long, lean body relaxed and his legs shifted in unmistakable invitation.  "Katsuya..."



Jou's eyes widened as the the anger faded in a heartbeat.  "Oh fuck.  You can't be serious..."  He shoved the PDA back in Kaiba's face and rolled back to his side of the mat, this time keeping a few inches between him and Seto.  "Damn it, do your work."



Seto crushed his disappointment back into the dark spot where it lived and forced a chuckle.  After all his teasing to get Jou to relax, he'd forgotten to safeguard himself.  He might be a genius, but he could be an idiot as well.  Damage control time.  "Worked didn't it?"  It was a salve to his pride, but he didn't want Jou to know just how badly that rejection had stung.  It was a spur of the moment, instinctive invitation, and Seto knew he should be relieved, but that knowledge didn't help the curl of need burning low in his belly or the pain tearing through his heart.  



The few hours until midnight passed in silence that was broken only by Seto's tapping on the PDA.



The small chime of Seto's PDA told them both it was time to go.  Wordlessly, Seto shutdown application he was using but left the little device on enough to light their small room.  He stood, trying to adjust his robe for more coverage while Jou got up and stretched.  With a sigh, the brunet shuffled through his clothes and pulled out his itty-bitty g-string.  It wasn't much but it would hopefully support him enough so that his dick didn't hang out.  Of course the way the blond was stretching and moving, 'hanging' wasn't going to be a problem if the floor show continued for long.  Not that Seto minded, he did enjoy the finer things in life, and there was nothing finer than the bottom of Jou's cute ass and long muscular legs.  The way the transparent white robe molded to the blond's ass was nothing short of miraculous... Then it hit the genius like a brick.  Transparent?  Glancing down at himself in the dim lighting he almost swallowed his tongue.  "Katsuya..."  He rasped thickly.



"Huh?"  Jou glanced at him over his shoulder, his eyes sparkling mysteriously with green and gold.



Desperately he grabbed for something, anything, to get Jou to leave and take temptation with him.  Hoarsely, he choked out,  "The priest..."



"Don't start that again, Seto.  If anyone here is a perv it's you.  Let's go - Leave the gadget here."  The blond was clearly out of patience.  With a huff, he stalked out of the room.



Seto took a few seconds to admire the blond as moonlight turned his robe into little more than cobwebs before chuckling at himself and following at a distance that allowed admiration but didn't encourage touching.  He couldn't wait for the entertainment that was sure to come because he definitely needed the distraction.  For a scheme that was meant to help Katsuya, it was certainly helping Seto as well.  With a slow stride that let him enjoy the view, Seto followed, careful to keep his own assets covered with the blanket he'd snagged from the bed.  If Jou asked nicely - very nicely - Seto might consider letting him borrow half.



The elder priest was already in the hot spring relaxing.  He glanced up at Jou, smiling warmling.  "Welcome.  I see you found the robes."



Jou returned the smile, but glanced down, his breath leaving in a whoosh as he realized that he could clearly see his body through the thin fabric.  Scarlet from ears to toes, he mumbled. "Thank you.  I hope you got your work done.  I think I got the wrong size though.  And I think I got the summer weight."



"Those robes only come in one size and weight.  One of our political refugees learned traditional silk weaving as a child and has brought it to us.  He is teaching several others.  Those robes are woven from silk from the silkworms here at the monastery."  The older man frowned slightly.  "As much as I hate to admit it, we are going to have to start exporting some of our goods.  The upkeep of the monastery has gotten very steep in cost and very few people are giving.  It is not their fault of course, the times are tough for everyone and we do not wish to be a burden.  We are hoping that the robes and a few other items might be sold at the shrine, or perhaps a stand outside the shrine."  The priest's serene mask slipped back into place.  "You are not here to discuss my troubles.  You have your own.  Come join me.  We will talk of your troubles, and I will help you as much as I am able."



Jou started to obey, but was distracted by Seto dropping his robe, his sheer robe, to stand wearing only what looked like a patch of midnight sky over his groin.  "What th' hell are you wearing Kaiba?"



Seto grinned, his teeth flashing white in the moonlight.  "It's called a g-string.  Quite comfortable and convenient since I didn't want to flash my penis at just anyone watching."



"You... You weren't wearing that in the room."  Jou burst out, only to burn an even darker red.  The normally controlled ex-cop couldn't believe he'd just admitted that he'd felt Kaiba's … When they had... Oh hell no.  



While Jou was paddling up the river of denial, Seto was sliding into the steaming water of the hot spring.  The brunet wasn't going to dignify that with an answer.  Let the idiot flounder for a bit.  Why should Seto be the only one to be discomfited by the robes?  It would give the ego crushing blond a taste of the humiliation and pain Seto had felt at the heartless rejection.



"The water is wonderful.  Join us, Zokusou.  It will ease your mind and body."  The bald priest invited again.  The blond just stared blankly at the water.



Seto sighed and shook his head.  Trust Jounouchi to go into meltdown over a little dick-tickle.  "Katsuya, get your ass in the water.  Stop being a drama queen.  We have more important things to worry about than your outraged modesty."



The starlit blond glared at Seto for a moment then huffed.  "Jerk."  Defiantly, he threw his robe on the rocks and stalked into the hot spring.  He was unaware of the dark gaze of the priest fixed on him with an intensity that put lie to his invitation to relax.  His gold-green gaze was caught and held spellbound by the blue-green eyes staring at him in bold challenge.  As he sank down on one of the rock benches, he snarked. "Fine, happy now?"



"Not really, but I'm satisfied."  Seto turned to look at the priest.  "Daisaishu, from your accent I believe you are from northern Hokkaido.  Do you speak Ainu Itak?"



Wariness chased away the intent look in the priest's dark eyes.  "I know it."  The elder allowed cautiously.



"Does anyone else here speak the language?"  Seto pursued relentlessly.



"Not that I am aware of.  Why do you ask after such an obscure thing?"



"Ainu Itak is used on an inscription on a burial stone next to a tree not far from here.  It says 'Mother and Children' and has other prayers, and a date.  The date is the same as a kidnapping of a mother and her children.  We believe they were kidnapped from the shrine across the valley."  Seto's eyes became cold, focused, demanding the truth.  "Tell us about them, the people you mark by that tree."



For a moment, the priest looked defiant, angry, something Jou would have never thought possible.  Then, as if wiped away by an unseen hand, the look disappeared and sadness took it's place.  "I gave my word that if ever asked I would by one who understood, I would speak of it, but only to one who understood what I wrote.  It was a test, a challenge for the gods.  Defiance and ego but it has served me well.  So be it, I honor my word."  He drew a deep breath.  "That day, I remember so well.  I and the Daisaishu of the time were out for a walk looking at flowers and enjoying the peace of the day.  He was due to retire from the active running of the monastery and wanted to experience it all with me - his replacement.  We were sitting quietly on an overlook that gave us a view of all the lands, when suddenly he stood up and, even though aged and ill, he ran down to that tree.  I followed, calling to him, but he didn't slow or stop, just ran and ran, so fast it was as if he were young again."



The priest swallowed hard and leaned his head back to look up at the moon.  "When I arrived, he was reaching down to pull a gaijin woman from the ravine.  She was broken and bloody, sobbing about her children, her husband, and needing a place to hide her children to keep them safe.  She said he would kill them."



"You speak English?"  Seto questioned sharply.  The idea that her husband could have hired a hit rather than a kidnapping had never occurred to anyone.



"Not well, and the older priest not any better, but we understood, she was asking for sanctuary from her husband.  Sanctuary for her and her children.  As she lay on the ground, her life's blood spilling from her, I prayed and Daisaishu gave her his word to protect them."



Tears slipped from the dark eyes, leaving silvery paths down his lined cheeks.  "I climbed down to the car, what else could I do?  The children were inside crying for their mother.  I was able to wedge an opening, and they crawled through.  I led them to where their mother lay and tried to comfort them.  It was of no use.  They were inconsolable, but more, they were injured.  They were not big children, although they were not small either.  I and Daisaishi carried them back to our home and cared for them.  The mother's ashes are buried under the marker.  We have kept our word and kept them safe.  A few times they tried to run away but always they returned, led they said, by their mother.  They live within the walls of the sanctuary."



"And you didn't tell anyone?"  Jou couldn't believe it.  How could anyone be so... so... well there wasn't a word for it besides stupid.



"We believed them, and now they are political refugees hiding from someone who wants them dead.  Why would we advertise their location?"



"They are not Japanese.  How could you grant asylum to people not..."  Jou broke off with a sigh.  "You know that is a huge mistake, don't you?"



"No.  Neither do you.  I only know there is an imbalance that comes from that grave beside the tree.  Prove that their father does not want them dead and they may leave.  Until you prove that, they are dead to the world - including you."  For the first time, Jou saw the command and iron core of the priest he'd thought too light hearted and easy going to head the monastery.  It was disconcerting to find he'd been very wrong about his friend.



When Jou would have argued further, Seto snapped. "Enough.  You were the one talking to me about respect.  He just drew a hard line, and we will respect it.  He has been protecting the children for years and since we have not investigated Thomas's possible involvement, we owe the Daisaishi the respect he deserves  as their protector and we owe him reassurance that they will be safe.  If Thomas was involved, the priests most likely saved the lives of those children."



Jou glared at Seto with white-lipped fury, but the elder priest stood and bowed to the tall brunet as low as the waters would allow.  "Thank you.  I know that we as Buddhists are taught detachment, but I love them as if they were my own children.  And like their mother, I will give my life's blood to ensure their safety."  With all the dignity of his years and station, the elder high priest left the water and donned his robe and walked silently into the night.



"Well shit."  Jou moaned as he sank to his chin in the steaming water.



"I second that."  Seto allowed his body to relax into the water.  "Our ride won't be here until late.  Do you think he will let us speak to the kids?  Get their side of the story?"



"Nah, he won't.  You heard him.  They are dead to everyone, including us, until we can prove they are safe."  Jou mumbled moodily, blowing the words into the bubbles on the surface of the water like a sulky five year old.



"We could go back to the grave and try your focus-pocus again, maybe pick up what she actually said to them before she died."  Seto offered casually, as if he offered to get burned and electrocuted all the time.



Jou's eyes glinted coldly.  "Fuck that.  We'll do this without turning you into yakitori.  I've told you before, I've been finding lost people for a long time without your help.  I won't put you on a grill just because it's easier."



"Are you sure?  I don't..."



"Shut up before I hit you."  Jou stood and grabbed his robe.  "I'm heading back to the room.  When you get back, tell Ai to have the car pick us up first light.  We're heading back right away.  It's time to meet Roland's friend."  Jou shrugged into the transparent silk robe, ignoring the way it clung to him, then picked up the blanket Seto had brought.  "I put on a show coming out, you can damn well put one on going back in."  Grumbling under his breath, Jou stomped off into the night.



Seto relaxed and sighed as he sank neck deep in the water.  A nude woman, boyishly slim, deceptively young looking, with eyes that appeared silver in the moonlight stepped into the pool directly in front of him.  Seto gave her an aggravated glance.  "You can leave, I'm not in need of compassion or healing."



A tiny smile curved her lips.  "You know me then.  I thought, in the chamber, you might have felt me.  Very impressive but then I'd expect no less."  Absently she adjusted the white lotus blossom fixed to her boyishly short hair.



"You know a lot, Tarani.  Do you know what I'm going to say next?"  The brunet snarked.



The smile on her lips widened and laughter danced in her silver eyes, making them twinkle like stars..  "Leave?"



Seto's eyes gleamed with silver-blue fire in the moonlight.  "Not all knowing after all.  Thank you, for saving him back then."



"Ah only genuine gratitude would make you say such a thing, as it pains you so much.  Such sacrifice does not go unrewarded.  I will be equally honest and say it was entirely my pleasure."  The teasing smile faded, and the silver eyes darkened to pools of night.  "He almost succeeded.  It was very close.  When the time comes to choose, remember that he will mourn you more than he mourns the lost innocent and his previous partner combined.  Choose wisely."  A sudden geyser of steam shot up, and bubbles frothed to the surface.  When the steam and bubbles cleared the woman was gone, leaving only a white lotus blossom floating in the water.



Seto gave the thing a disgusted look and left the steaming water.  He was grateful for Tarani's intervention in the past, but the coy smile and the way she said helping Katsuya was her pleasure made him suspicious.  He wouldn't put it past her, or any of those creatures to try to take advantage.  He slid his g-string on, adjusting it for maximum support and shrugged into his robe.  With a mental sneer at possible watchers, the still-damp brunet ignored the robe's clinging transparency and stalked back to the room.  Seto had a call to make and didn't need to be wasting time in a hot spring anyway - that's what he told himself anyway...



****



Shizuka stood alone on the private beach attached to the safe house and stared up at the night sky.  She had never appreciated the beauty of the night.  She loved sunlight, and its golden warmth raining down on her.  The young woman knew why.  Shizuka was not blind to her own nature and had spent much of her time considering who she was, who she wanted to be, and what she could do to reach that goal.  The night held no appeal because it shut her away from warmth and life.  Too many of her short days on earth had been shut away, either in the hospital or confined to a bed.  Her need for more, to live to the fullest had burned brighter, fueling her dreams and igniting her desire to do more, be more.  



Most of her goals had been attained.  She'd attended college, she'd danced, she'd had a boyfriend, and most importantly she had spent time with her brother.  Only one thing eluded her, and she knew with certainty that her final goal will never be reached.



Shizuka mourned the loss of her ultimate goal, to find a true love and have a family, to leave a lasting legacy of love behind her, with all her heart.  There was no time for her to reach it.  With the latest in her long list of physical issues, her timeline was too limited.  With a sigh, the red-haired woman tilted her head back and looked up at the stars.  She had never believed wishing on them would bring her what she wished for, but she could appreciate the mystique and beauty that made some people believe.



"That was a large sigh for such a tiny girl."  A voice rumbled behind her.  "But I understand that you have a heavy burden and very important decision to make."



Shizuka turned to look at the huge masculine form looming behind her.  Gleaming feline-yellow eyes stared at her with knowledge and faint hunger.  She should have been afraid, or at least startled, but instead she was relieved.  While she did not believe in wishes on stars, she did believe in prayer and preparation to receive the answers to those prayers.  "Thank you for coming."  She knelt and lowered her head to the sand in a show of absolute respect.



"A cat's curiosity would have brought me if nothing else.  It is not often I receive such a petition, and even more rare is to receive it in such a unique way."  The man sounded amused and intrigued.  "You clearly understand our ways, yet you are not a priestess.  You believe but are not a worshipper.  I am not sure what to make of you because I have never seen your kind before.  Why did you choose to petition me?"



"Does that matter to you?  If it does and by giving you those answers you are inclined to grant my request, then I will answer your every question until you are satisfied."  The frail woman answered calmly.



"Even if my questions last into your next life?  Do you promise that, little girl with the large improbable request?"



"I will not leave your side until you are satisfied, even for the next life."  She bargained, knowing full well that he could keep her with him forever and her soul would never be free of it's current Ba, never be reborn.



"It is so important that you not only give up this Ba, but all future Ba as well?  You intrigue me more and more.  I have granted your request and that sacrifice is unnecessary and unwanted.  I carry what you asked for within me.  However, there is another you must acknowledge.  I am the protector of the innocent and he who stands next to justice, but I do not have the ability to go where this was held.  Jizo, the one you petitioned to come to me, had to cross into a realm closed to me and retrieve it."  A small smile, barely a flash of white, but it was enough to show a flash of fang.  "Greet him and thank him properly, then we will make our bargain."



Shizuka nodded and began to chant a Buddhist prayer of thanksgiving and love.  When the stanza was complete her throat was dry and burning, her voice a mere thread, but she didn't hesitate to stand and meet the predatory gaze of the one she'd summoned head on.  "I have proposed my bargain.  In exchange for what you carry inside, I have promised you the feast of my Ba, one that is lighter than the feather and completely free of guilt; a meal you have never had before.  What more would you have of me?"



"You must bide with me until all of my questions are answered, and I am completely satisfied.  Then, and only then, will your Ka be released and your Ba be devoured.  For that, I will grant what you ask, and because of my additional demand I will add this one thing, a guarantee that your life here will last long enough for you to see the results of what you have wrought with your bargain."



Shizuka didn't doubt his word.  Although gods were prone to deceiving humans, this particular god, son of Ra and Bast, companion to Ma'at, was an arbiter of justice.  She knew he would not lie to her and didn't need to think twice.  "I accept your bargain."  Her voice may have only been a husky thread, but her conviction rang through, loud and clear.



Maahes reached down to the small human and traced his lion's claws down her throat drawing a small bead of blood.  Bending low, he lapped at the crimson trickle.  "The bargain is made."  He whispered into her neck.  An instant later the claws began to rend and tear.  Shizuka had a moment of fear before the world spun away in a haze of fire, pleasure, pain, and blood.



When the spinning stopped, the sun was rising and Shizuka found herself laying amid the shredded remnants of what had once been her white ceremonial robe.  Rising, she stared out at the sun and smiled slightly.  She might not reach her ultimate goal personally, but she would live to see it's beginning.



****



Here ends Lost and Found Episode 9 - Neverland

Stay tuned next week, same bat time, same bat channel.

 

 

 

****

At the request of a friend at Little Dragon I've added a small scorecard for this segment.  Sometimes it's a GOOD thing I post there first.  :)

 

Maahes, Son of Ra and Bast, devourer of guilty souls, protector of innocents,

and Companion to Ma'at.

Jizu, Buddhist protector of many things including travellers, pregnant mothers,

and, in particular, very young children who have died prematurely. He is said

to travel the realms rescuing innocent souls.

 

Tarani, Buddhist entity of compassion and healing.