Danegold: The Viking Brother's Sequel

ChibiMisu here! Sorry I took so long! But here is the next chapter and the last one in the first part. Part two will begin shortly. And I wrote this chapter with such speed that there may be small typing errors. Forgive me.

Enjoy!


Disclaimer: I do not own Yugioh

Danegold: The Viking Brothers


Chapter 13: Lets Get This Party Started!


Yami’s tent:


Hundreds of head peeked out from their tents as the scream traveled through the morning air. Seto was the first to react, running to Yami’s tent in nothing but his pants. Yugi ran behind Marik and Malik who nearly ran into Bakura, who was also hurrying out his tent. Jou was a little slow getting started for such an early morning and joined the others in the tent. Tristan and Duke followed right after, piling into the tent with the rest of them. Yami had fallen to his knees with the broken mirror surrounding him. Yugi gasped and ran over to him, mindful of the glass as he knelt down beside him.

“Yami, are you alright?! Did you hurt yourself on the shards?! I thought Malik was watching you!?” Yugi looked back at Malik.

“He dismissed me!”

“So what happened, Yami?” Marik asked, curious to know.

“Everyone….except Seto….leave.” Yugi took his hand away, surprised and hurt that Yami wouldn’t want him to be here along with Seto.

“Yami-”

“Leave, Yugi. Don’t worry, it has nothing to do with you, but I need to speak to Seto.”

“Alright, you heard him`

“But we-”

“OUT MARIK!”

Yami shouted, sending him into a coughing fit as he did. Yugi wanted to comfort him but Seto put a hand on his shoulder, shaking his head. Yugi frowned and stood up, shaking Seto’s hand off of his shoulder. He pushed pass the others, grabbing Marik by his arm and managed to move him. Malik immediately followed behind them and soon the others did too, emptying out of the tent. Seto waited outside to make sure everyone was gone before he went back in to the tent. Yami was still kneeling on the ground, his face buried in his hands.

“What is this all about, Yami? You’re carrying on like Annar does when he wants to be fed.” Yami still had his back to him, but answered.

“I found a….a gray hair.” He said sadly, wrapping his arms around his shoulders. “Why me? I lay in bed sometimes and ask myself, ‘why me’?”

“Is that all?” Seto slapped a hand to his forehead and rolled his eyes. “Gods above, I got out of bed for this shit? Look Yami, I know what you’re thinking, but finding a gray hair doesn’t mean you’re an old man. I mean, you’re SLIGHTLY up in age, but-” The murderous look Yami cast him from over his shoulder stopped Seto from saying anything more about that. He could actually feel the angry vibes traveling through the air. “But it’s not the only factor that causes a gray hair. I myself have quite a few.” Yami’s eyebrows went up in surprise as he turned around to finally face him.

“Are you serious?” Seto nodded.

“They can come from too much stress. I know this because every time I am stressed, I usually get one. And they are named either Bakura or Marik.”

“So it’s not because I’m-” He cleared his throat. “Well, that’s good news.” He sneezed at least four times before falling back onto his bottom. “Damn it.”

“Are you feeling any better this morning?” Yami shook his head.

“I don’t feel as bad as yesterday, but I’m still ill. Give me some more of that stuff you make.” He told Seto, referring to the medicine. “I know it helped me.”

“I’ll make you some more after I’ve had my breakfast. I must say, Yami, that I am quite angry at you for making such a big scene over something so small. You can be so childish sometimes.”

“Send Yugi in, please. I was shocked at the fact that I woke up to Malik’s face rather than Yugi’s.”

Seto ignored him and walked out of the tent, still annoyed at the reason he was woken up. All that screaming was for something so small as a gray hair. Sometimes he wondered why he even puts up with these people. He could VERY easily pick up and leave, taking Jou with him. But then, he’d doubt Jou would leave his friends behind. Looks like he’ll be stuck with the Bolverk until the day he dies, but wait, it wouldn’t end there. They would all be in Valhalla together, for eternity. He had to make the most of it.

He saw Yugi sitting halfway between Marik’s tent and the outside. His eyebrow went up at the sight of half Yugi’s body sticking out from the tent. The boy had his knees pulled up to his chest and his face buried between them, his arms folded. Seto knew Yugi’s emotional signs well and clearly the boy was upset about something. He remembered the hurt look that Yugi had when Yami told everyone to leave the tent. With a sigh, he kneeled down next to Yugi and placed a hand on his ruffled hair.

“Yugi, I came to tell you that Yami would like you back in his tent.” he said gently, rubbing the boy’s head. Yugi looked at him and sniffled, his eyes red from crying. “Yugi? Why are you crying?” Seto asked in concern, moving closer to him.

“Why has Yami been so cold, Seto? Why couldn’t I stay with him along with you?” His eyes were moist and pleading as he talked. “Is it something secret that I am an not allowed to know? I’m his wife, Seto! I should be able to know everything about him! Why does he want to keep things from me?!”

Seto sighed as he debated on whether he should tell Yugi WHY Yami was upset this morning or face the wrath of Yami for breaking his promise and telling him. Yami was very uptight about some things that Seto knew he felt Yugi didn’t need to know. There are some things that Yami wouldn’t even tell his own brothers, so it’s natural he wouldn’t tell his ’wife’. But how could he explain that to Yugi? He looked at those huge, sad, puppy-like eyes and he couldn’t resist.

“Alright, I’ll tell you what the problem was this morning.” Yugi’s eyes lit up. “However, you can NOT tell Yami that I told you, nor can you let on that you KNOW about it. Okay?” Yugi wiped his nose with his sleeve and nodded. Seto looked around to make sure no one else was listening. “Where’s Marik and Malik?”

“They’re with Bakura and Ryou in your tent talking to Jou. I think everyone is in there, actually.”

“Good, then they can’t hear us.” He moved closer to Yugi. “Now, the reason Yami was so upset this morning was because he found a gray hair.” Yugi just stared at him blankly. “You see, Yami is very uptight about his ‘age’ and now that he found a gray hair, he feels like an old man.” Yugi glanced from left to right, unblinking, as he heard Seto’s words.

“You mean he made that big scene over a hair?” Seto nodded, and Yugi suddenly started giggling. Seto smiled at the cheerful sound, liking Yugi much better when he was happy. “He can be such a child sometimes!”

“Yes, that is the truth!” Yugi continued to giggle as Seto just chuckled.

“So Seto, just how old is Yami?” Seto cleared his throat.

“That’s not my business to say I’m afraid. But let me tell you, just as I told him. Having gray hairs doesn’t mean you’re old. It can also come from too much stress. I’ve noticed this because I have some too and I‘m FAR from old.” Yugi giggled. “You find that funny?” Seto said with a smirk.

“I don’t think you should be making fun of Yami since you’re no more older than he is.“ Seto’s features turned dark as he gave Yugi the look of a demon. A look of pure fear crossed Yugi’s features for a split second, but he kept his smile. “Well…you-you can’t be that-that much older than him!?”

“I happen to be much younger than him if it’s any of your business!” Yugi put his hands up.

“Alright Seto, don’t get too upset over this. I was only joking.” Seto narrowed his eyes and Yugi gulped. He shot up from the ground and straitened his tunic. “I think I’ll go to Yami, now.” Seto was still glaring at him and it made him uneasy, so he quickly ran away to Yami’s tent.

Yami was sitting on their bed with his cloak over his head, which was bowed. Yugi smiled gently at him and stood there, waiting for Yami to acknowledge him. Yami didn’t seem to notice him at all. Yugi called out his name softly, but Yami didn’t respond. Now he was worried. Was Yami mad at him for leaving? He bit his lip nervously and twiddled his fingers. He called to him again, a little louder this time.

“Yami?” He heard him sniff and groan before he looked at him. Yami had dark rings under his eyes and his nose was bright red. One of his eyes were puffy and slightly shut with tears leaking out of it. He’s never seen Yami look so pathetic.

“Why weren’t you here when I woke up?” Yugi folded his hands in front of him.

“I was….scared to be alone. I still have memories from my rape and they terrify me to no end. You are sick now and we would both be in trouble if someone tried to attack us. So Malik said he would keep an eye on you and I went to spend the night with Marik.” Yami sat up strait and his eyes widened angrily, but Yugi stopped him before he could blow his top. “N-nothing happened! He guarded me all night, that’s all!” Yami narrowed his good eye at Yugi “Don’t you trust me, Yami?” He asked with a sorrowful tone.

“Of course I trust you. Don’t even ask such a silly question as that. And it’s Marik I don’t trust. What if he had mistaken you for Malik?” Yugi blushed bright red.

“But he didn’t.”

“What if he did?”

“Well, what difference does it make?” Yugi said and walked over to the shattered pieces of mirror. He started picking them up and piling them in the corner of the tent. “I don’t want Annar to step on any shards.”

“Where is the little imp anyway?”

“Malik said he had gotten up early because he was hungry. He’s with Keith right now.” Yami nodded and fell back onto the furs, groaning as he did.

“This is horrible.”

Yugi finished cleaning up the shards and went to sit behind Yami’s head, lifting it up into his lap. Yami smiled up at him as Yugi stroked his slightly damp bangs away from his forehead. The cool air hitting his heated skin gave him some small relief to the fever. Yugi smiled back down at him and moved his hands to rub his temples. Yami gave a little sigh and closed his eyes, basking in the gentle pleasure that was Yugi. But the peaceful moment was broken when loud and very familiar cry echoed in the tent.

“MOMMY! DADDY!!!” Annar came running in and jumped on his father’s chest which sent him into a coughing fit. Yugi gasped and pushed Annar off of Yami and scolded him.

“Annar Bolverk! Don’t you ever do that to your father again! You could have seriously hurt him!” Annar pouted at his mother’s scolding and his father’s furious coughs. Yugi rubbed Yami’s back and tried to soothe the coughing fit.

“Me sorry, mommy! Me just happy to see daddy!”

“The child must die!” Yami wheezed, banging on his chest as he hacked a few more times. When the coughing finally stopped, Yami flopped his head back into Yugi’s lap.

“Is daddy not better yet, mommy?” Yugi shook his head.

“He is getting there, though. We just need to keep him fed, watered, and make sure he’s comfortable.” Yami narrowed his eyes up at his wife.

“What am I? An animal?!” Yugi smiled at that.

“You sure carried on like a gray mule this morning!”

He gasped at what he had just said out loud. He had been thinking that but he didn’t plan on having it actually come out. His hand went up to his mouth and he looked down into Yami’s furious eyes. Yami wanted no one else to know about his gray hair! Now he knows! It was at that moment when Yugi saw Yami’s gray hair and much to his dismay, he started giggling. He couldn’t help it!

“What the fuck is so funny!?” Yami’s words were wheezed as they came out, which only made Yugi begin giggling more. “You know about my gray hair, don’t you!?” Yugi took his hand away from his mouth and smiled. Yami growled. “YOU DO! Seto told you, didn’t he?! That rat bastard!”

“He only told me, Yami, because I’m your wife! I have a right to know these things.” Annar started laughing and clapped his hands merrily.

“Hee hee hee! Daddy’s an old man!” Yami sat up then and glared at his son, who paused in mid clap. They both stared at one another.

“I gave you life, and I can take it away!” Yugi gasped at the threat.

“Yami! Don’t even tease about something like that! He knows not what he speaks!” Annar smiled and nodded.

“Sure me do, mommy! Old men get gray hair, so daddy is an old man!” Yugi mouthed “be quiet” to the boy behind Yami’s shoulder.

“It comes from STRESS!” Yami shouted, his eye twitching and the vein in his head throbbing. Yugi patted his shoulder, hoping to calm him down.

“Now, now, lets not pop out of our skin here, Yami. He is only a child.”

“Yes, only a child. One that I will take my hand to his backside!” Annar ‘eeped’ and covered his bottom with his hands, running away to hide under the blankets of his basket bed. He peeked out from under the covers and said nothing, just staring at his parents.

“Yami, you frighten that poor child.”

“It never hurts for a child to have some fear in its life. They need to be controlled and disciplined somehow.” Yugi brought Yami’s head back down into his lap and continued stroking his forehead.

“Relax Yami, darling. Relax. Go to sleep now…” He said in a soothing tone. “Go to sleep….close your eyes….” Yugi began to hum softly, knowing that music could sooth the savage beast. And it was working like a charm. Yami was already lulling off to sleep under Yugi’s touch. He looked over and even Annar had fallen asleep. The boy always did fall right to sleep when Yugi hummed to him. He smiled at his two most favorite men in the world and for a few moments, he had forgotten about that horrible incident.


Behind their tents, the others gathered around the cauldron waiting for their breakfast soup. It was Duke’s turn to make the soup and Jou was busy slicing the bread. Tristan had gone off to tend to the animals as usual, much to Duke’s dismay. Marik and Malik were making out which made Seto get up to move away from them. Ryou was brushing Bakura’s hair which had a thousand knots in it from days of not grooming. Everyone was looking rather rugged and could use a washing.

“Alright you two!” Seto suddenly shouted at the couple, making Malik and Marik break apart. “You’re making me ill with all that spit you’re trading!” He shook in disgust.

“But we love each other!” said Malik, wrapping his arms tighter around Marik’s neck.

“Then do it when I am not present in the area!” He responded angrily, still grouchy from when Yami had woken him up. Jou came up behind him, put a piece of bread in his mouth and began massaging his shoulders.

“Just relax lover…relax…deep breaths.” Seto’s eyebrow was twitching but he kept silent, focusing his attention on eating the piece of bread.

The soup was finally finished and everyone scooped some out for themselves. Ryou offered to take bowls to Yugi and Yami but before he could, Hrothgar had shown up. Ryou had almost walked into him and flushed a bit when the man smiled down at him.

“Good morning, Ryou.”

“Oh, good morning, Hrothgar. We have some fresh soup made if you’re hungry?” Hrothgar held up his hand.

“No thank you, I just had breakfast. But I was passing by and thought I’d come tell you about the celebration tonight.” Marik and Bakura’s ears opened up when they heard that eleven letter word.

“What celebration?” Asked Marik.

“The king has just announced it this morning. Since the games aren’t quite what we all expected, he decided that we need some fun and excitement. And to top it all off, the ale is free!” Marik immediately threw Malik off of his lap.

“I AM THERE!” Malik gasped at his treatment.

“You brute! I’m beginning to think you love ale more than me!” Marik took his ‘wife’s’ face between his hands.

“Of course I love you more! It’s just that ale is my second love!” Malik smiled.

“So when is this celebration you speak of?” Asked Bakura, slurping his soup loudly.

“After sun down. So don’t be late, Bolverk’s!” He said with a smile.

“Wouldn’t miss it for the world!” Marik said excitedly, gulping down his soup before tossing the bowl to the side.

“I’ll see you there, then.” Hrothgar said with a wave as he left. Jou looked down at Seto who was still munching on the bread.

“Will you be going?” Seto nodded.

“Of course I will be going. You, however, are to remain here.” Jou’s jaw dropped and he moved around Seto to face him angrily.

“And just why can’t I go?!” Seto was unfazed by Jou’s glare and continued nursing on his bread.

“Because I said so, and someone has to watch over Yugi. No doubt Yami will want to attend, sick or not.” Malik looked at Marik with pleading eyes.

“May I go too, lover?” Marik patted his thigh.

“Sorry little mink, but I’m afraid you’ll have to stay here with Jou.”

“Not you too!” Malik whined.

“Ryou is not allowed to go either.”

Bakura said to Ryou’s retreating figure. He had sensed a fight coming on between the group and decided it was best to hurry away. Besides, he had to bring the soup to his friends and tell Yami of the celebration tonight. He knew that Yami would forbid Yugi to go to the gathering, so he would be keeping Yugi company. Along with Malik, Jou, and Duke too. He smiled at the thought of all of them together. He always had fun when he was with his friends. He peeked inside the tent and called out Yugi’s name.

“Yugi?” Yugi jumped at the voice, startling Yami whose head was still in his lap. “Yugi, it’s alright! It’s me, Ryou!”

Ryou entered the tent with the bowls, smiling at the sight before him. Yugi and Yami were so cute together. Even Malik and Marik were adorable together, even if they exposed their closeness a bit more than others. He wished that he had that kind of relationship with Bakura. He wished it more than anything.

“Oh Ryou, you startled me.” Yugi said with a sigh, his peaceful moment now ruined. “What is it?”

“I brought you and Yami some fresh soup from breakfast. Duke made it just now.” Yami sat up and held his hand out for the bowl. Ryou handed him one and gave the other to Yugi. “Oh, and I was also told to tell you that the king has issued a celebration tonight after sunset.” Yami nearly choked on the spoonful of soup he had in his mouth.

“Celebration?!” He was so excited that he started coughing. Yugi quickly took the bowl out of his hands to keep it from spilling.

“You can’t go to the celebration, Yami! You’re sick and should stay here in bed!”

“The hell I am! I’m feeling much better today and you’re never to sick to celebrate.”

“THere is going to be free ale, too.” Yami grinned and sipped another spoonful of soup.

“Never, ever pass up the opportunity for anything free. I’m going.”

“But Yami-”

“I’m going, Yugi. No ‘buts’ about it.” Yugi didn’t say another thing about it and turned to looked at Ryou, nodding his head in thanks. Annar woke up to the smell of food and crawled out of his basket, wobbling his way over to his father. Yami held the bowl away from him as Annar raised his chubby little arms up for it.

“Me want some, too!”

“You just ate with your uncle, how much more do you need?! Daddy is sick and he doesn’t want you to get sick too!”

Annar pouted and sat with his legs folded, narrowing his eyes at his father. Yami narrowed his eyes right back. “If you keep giving me that look, I’ll slap it right off your face!” His voice was strained as he tried to sound angry and it didn’t phase Annar. The tone in his voice was raspy and Annar only ran away if Yami hollered. The boy hurried over to Yugi and sat in his lap, turning his back to his father. Yugi wrapped his arms around Annar and turned to his husband.

“May we go with you, Yami?” Yami snorted on the soup.

“Of course not! You don’t belong at that kind of social gathering. The best thing for you to do is stay here with Annar. Keith will be with you, so you have no reason to worry.” Yugi’s eyes widened sadly.

“But…but Yami…I’m afraid to be alone! Please don’t make me stay here alone!” Ryou spoke up then.

“You wont’ be alone, Yugi. The rest of us are staying here: Jou, Malik, Duke, and I. Both Jou and Duke are handy with swords and know how to fight. Even Malik knows a few tricks. We can protect you.”

Yugi wanted to say he only felt safe with Yami, but Yami already knew that and he still wanted to leave. After the scene this morning with the gray hair, Yugi figured that Yami felt old and wanted to show himself that he wasn’t. Joining in with a wild party full of wrestling and brawls were just the answer to his problem. Yugi knew he would be safe with his friends, but he wanted to be with Yami. Even if he was acting in a way that Yugi hopes will disappear when he is finally better. This is a side of Yami he didn’t like at all.

“Will you all stay with me in my tent?” He asked Ryou who nodded with a smile.

“Of course. Whatever you feel most comfortable with.” Yugi nodded and held Annar closer to his chest. “I better be getting back to the others. I haven’t finished brushing Bakura’s mop of vines he calls ‘hair’.” They both chuckled. “I’ll see you tonight then, Yugi.”

“Bye Ryou.” After Ryou left, Yugi scooted over to Yami with Annar still in his lap. “Yami, since I’m going to be with my friends tonight, how about you give Keith the option to go to the celebration also?” Yami gave him a look of confusion even with the spoon in his mouth. “He never gets to do anything for himself and like Ryou said, Jou knows how to fight. Please Yami?” Yami didn’t answer him until he finished the soup and placed the bowl next to the bed.

“If that is what you want, then I’ll give Keith the night to join in with the celebration.” Yugi smiled.

“Thank you, Yami.”

Yami laid down and moved over, making a spot for Yugi. Annar jumped into the spot instead, but then moved closer to his father, giving Yugi room. Yugi crawled in next to him, sandwiching Annar between them both. Annar giggled and hid his nose under the furs, exchanging glances at both his parents. Yami smiled but had to turn his head to cough a few times. Yugi kissed Annar on his temple and the boy giggled, snuggling into his mother’s neck. Yami wrapped his arm around Yugi’s waist and pulled them both closer, almost crushing poor Annar. Yugi smiled over their son’s head at Yami and his husband leaned over to kiss the bridge of his nose.

“Ewww!“ Yugi couldn’t help but giggle and snuggled their son tight. “Mommy…daddy...crushing me!” The two ignored him.

Later that evening, Yami and the others gathered outside his tent. Yugi and his friends were kept inside the tent much to their dismay. Jou wouldn’t even look at Seto but just had his back turned to him with his arms crossed. Marik just had his finger in his ear as he took Malik’s verbal abuse. He’s heard it so many times that it doesn’t phase him anymore and instead he just blocks out his voice. Ryou knew better than to say anything to Bakura and Yugi didn’t speak Yami about it either. After a couple of hours sitting in the tent and staring at each other, Malik finally broke the ice.

“I really, really hate this.” Malik said angrily, breaking the silence. “Our men are out at that celebration getting drunk on free ale.” He sighed and looked at Jou, who was the closest. “Do you know what that could mean?!” Jou said nothing, but was laying on his back tossing a small stone into the air and catching it.

“What could that mean?” Yugi asked, bouncing Annar on his lap who happily munched on an apple. Malik rolled his eyes at Yugi’s question.

“You’re so naïve, Yugi. Look, when men get drunk, they act different. You should already know that. But the problem with this celebration is that they are there by themselves, drunk off their asses, and doing only God’s knows what! I have to worry about Marik coupling with some slut in a drunken daze! At least if I’m there, I can keep him contained.”

“I don’t like the fact that we’re stuck here in this tent while they’re out having fun. I don’t have to worry about Seto like you have to about Marik, but I just hate being away from him. And did it strike anyone else as strange that they all said we couldn’t go to this celebration? I wonder if it’s something secret that we’re not suppose to know about?” Malik then stood up.

“I think we should go to this celebration and see what is so special about it that we couldn’t come!” Jou stood up right after Malik’s words.

“I agree with Malik! Do you two want to come?” Jou asked Yugi and Ryou, who exchanged looks.

“Yami said I was to stay here…but I really want to know what he is doing.” Duke spoke up next.

“The reason is obvious. There is going to be free ale at this celebration, which means that everyone who attends, no doubt, will get drunk as a skunk. And when a large group of drunken barbarians get together…well, things could happen. Your men just want you to be safe.“

“What does Tristan say?“ Duke scoffed.

“Tristan knows better than to think he can tell me what to do. I’m surprised at you, Malik. You’re not one to sit back like the dutiful little wife.“ Malik puffed his cheeks out.

“At least I pretend to listen to him! That’s why we have a relationship and you don’t!“

“Stop it you two!“ Shouted Jou. “The sooner we get going, the sooner we can spy on our men.“

“Do you really want to be surrounded by a group of drunken barbarians?” Asked Duke, crossing his arms.

“That doesn’t bother me!” Said Malik, crossing his arms also and narrowing his eyes at his friend. “I know how to handle a drunken lout! Lets go everyone.”

Ryou looked over at Yugi, silently asking if he was going to go. Yugi wanted to go, but that would mean he had to bring Annar. But he didn’t want to be left alone, and if he was with Jou, he’d be safe. Malik and Duke would stand up for him too if he needed it. He nodded at Ryou and stood up, taking Annar by the hand.

“Where we going, mommy?”

“To find daddy. Are you coming, Duke?”

“Yeah, I’m coming.”

The group left the tent and walked towards the loud sounds of men and music. The celebration was at the end of the camp ground in one of the large fields. There was a large bonfire and hundreds of Vikings waving mugs of ale in the air. Some bodies littered the ground, either passed out or knocked out. There were men wrestling, sword fighting, and all around gambling. There were no women in sight, except for those few serving ale. Everyone else was a Viking warrior.

King Olaf sat up on his dais with some of his men, but Yami wasn’t there with them. That made Yugi nervous because Yami was always with the king at these occasions. The five of them scanned the large crowd for any sight of their men, but with all the rumbles it was hard to pinpoint anyone.

“Oh! I see Seto!” Jou said, pointing far into the crowd where Seto was standing with a mug, talking to Keith and Tristan.

“Maybe he knows where Marik is.” Said Malik. “Lets go see. Duke, you stay with Yugi and Ryou.”

The two left in a run, disappearing into the crowd. Ryou looked around and managed to spot Bakura’s white mane of hair. He was arm wrestling with another Viking, and loosing it seemed. Ryou sighed and decided to go over. If he was smart, he would turn around and go back to the tent. But he didn’t want to be alone and someone had to fetch Bakura his thousands of drinks.

“I see Bakura over there. Maybe I’ll meet up with you later?”

Yugi nodded, trying to keep control of a antsy Annar trying to pull away from him. The boy smelled fresh cooked food and the aroma drove him crazy. If Yugi didn’t take Annar to get something to eat soon the boy would eat his own arm off. He really had to look in to cutting back on Annar’s food intake. Even he could see that the boy was getting a little on the ‘big’ side.

“Alright, I’ll stay with Yugi and Annar.”

“I’m worried about Ryou going with Bakura. What if he tries to hurt him? Or Bakura tries to get him drunk!” Yugi gasped. “You know what a whore Ryou can be when he’s drunk! Lets got get him!” Duke grabbed onto the back of Yugi’s tunic to keep him from running.

“Ryou will be fine, Yugi. I’m sure he knows what to do when he’s with Bakura. He’s been his personal servant for quite some time now.”

“I just don’t want Ryou getting drunk, is all.”

“Mommy! Mommy! Me hungry! Me hungry!”

“Oh honey, you can’t eat here. All these men are eating up the food and they won’t let us get to them.” Annar growled.

“Me can make them give me some!”

Annar pulled away from his mother and took off in a run. Yugi screamed and ran after him, but couldn’t make it pass the men as fast as Annar could. The boy was darting under their legs or weaving in and out them. Yugi quickly lost sight of the boy and he started to panic. Duke came up behind him.

“Did you find him?!”

“No! I lost sight of him! There are so many men around that I can’t see anything! I’ll try to find him and in the meantime, you find Yami!” Before Duke could answer Yugi had already left, pushing through all the people. Now he had Duke worried. Worried about him running off by himself after his rape some days ago. He knew for a fact that Yugi was hysterical over Annar’s sudden disappearance and wasn’t thinking strait. He had to find Yami as soon as possible.



“Seto! Hey Seto!” Jou called out to him, waving his arms in the air. Seto’s eyes widened when he saw Jou running to him.

“What the hell are you doing here?” Seto glared at his husband. “I told you to stay home with the others!” He hiccupped and Jou knew he was tipsy. His normal glare was much more firm and frightening than this one.

“We didn’t want to stay home.” Jou said firmly and stomped his foot. “I want to be with you, Seto!” Seto sighed and took another sip of his ale. Malik sat down next to Keith, taking his mug away as he began to bring it to his mouth.

“Do you know where Marik is?”

“Sorry, haven’t seen him.” Malik gave him back his mug and turned to Seto.

“What about you?” Seto shook his head.

“I haven’t seen him either. He’s probably out humping a tree somewhere.” The three of them burst out laughing.

“There’s probably some tree hollow he’s thrusting into and some poor squirrel is being violated!” Tristan said and sent them all into another fit of laughter. Malik sighed and slammed his head on the table realizing that he was not getting any information out of these three drunks. He should find the others and just go back to the tent.


Annar poked his head out from under the food table, scanning the crowd for his mother. He had just filled his belly on chicken, beef, deer and fruit. There was only ale present and no water for him to drink. He let out a little burp before crawling out from the table. Everyone was talking loudly and drinking like they were starved. Annar had never seen anything like it in his life. Why his father wanted him and his mother to stay home was beyond him.

So he ventured out into the crowd of drunkards, nearly getting stepped on by a few of them. One man fell from his chair right in front of him and was snoring loudly. Annar hopped over the man and continued on his search for his mother. After a bit of walking, he was starting to get nervous. He couldn’t find his mother anywhere, or any of his aunts. He gave up trying to look for his uncles, guessing that they were just as drunk as the rest of these men. He really wanted his mother right now, more than anything. All the noise and laughter was starting to upset him and he felt tears welling up in his eyes. He was scared and began crying out for his mother.



“Annar?!” Yugi called through the crowd, ignoring the looks he got from the men. “Annar where are you?! ANNAR!!”

He couldn’t believe he had lost his son from here to there. The boy was nearly impossible to find amongst all these warriors and Yugi felt like he was going in circles. He kept coming up to the food table and hoped that Annar would be there. This time around he checked under the table and gasped when he saw the clean chicken bones littering the ground. There were even apple cores and pieces of torn fat from the meat. That was how Annar ate his beef, by picking off the fat and throwing it to the ground. His son was here and now was probably out looking for him.

Yugi’s heart sank to his stomach, worried for his son being around all these drunken Vikings. The boy was so small that he could be stepped on or tripped over. If Yami finds out that he had lost Annar, he honestly believed that his husband would beat him. Annar was his only son and heir to the family name. Not only did he loose his son, but lost him because of his defiance. Yami had given strict orders that he was not allowed to leave the tent tonight, and he disobeyed him. There’s nothing Yami hated more than those who go against his command, and Yugi did just that. He wanted to fall to the ground and pray for his son’s safety.

“What’s a pretty little thing like you doing out here?” Came an unfamiliar, drunken voice from behind. Yugi quickly turned around and backed up against the table. It was a Viking warrior with a missing eye and scared lip. His hair was long and red, covered in grim and knots. He reeked of ale and dirt that it was beginning to make Yugi sick to his stomach.

“Please excuse me, but I’m looking for my son.” He tried to walk around the man but his beefy, scared arm blocked him from leaving. It pushed him back roughly against the table and a small pain shot through his lower back.

“You’re not going anyway, small one!” The man grabbed his chin in his large hand and twisting Yugi’s face up at a painful angle. Yugi tried to struggle but he was just as helpless as he was when Sveyn had taken advantage of him. Memories of that night were being to flood his mind and he started to panic, thrashing around in the man’s grip.

“Let me go! Please!”

“Not a chance! I want something sweet tonight!” The man’s face suddenly changed to that of Sveyn’s and Yugi screamed, kicking the man in groin. The Viking let out a groan and stumbled back, giving Yugi a chance to escape. He ran from the man as quick as he could and hid behind a tree, falling to his knees. His body was trembling in fear and all he could think about was Sveyn’s actions. His mind kept replaying that dreadful night and all thoughts of Annar were gone.

Annar had given up looking for his parents and was now crying on the ground. He was hoping someone would see him and take him to his parents, but everyone was walking right by him. Someone had spilt ale all over him and another had tripped over him. The man who tripped over him had yelled and kicked him, telling him to get out of the way. His arm still hurt from the man’s heavy deer hide boot.

“Me want mommy!” He whined and cried in to his hands. “Where’s my mommy!?”

“Are you lost, Annar?” The boy’s eyes widened and he gasped, looking up at the sound of his name. It was a man with red hair and green eyes that he recognized. It was one of the men his daddy didn’t like and that brown haired woman who had talked to him before.

“Me can’t find my mommy! Do you know where he is?” The two looked at each other with similar smiles.

“Of course we do.” Said Tea, kneeling down in front of him. “I know where your mommy and daddy are.” HIs eyes lit up.

“You do? Please take me to them!” He reached his arms up and Tea picked him up in her arms.

“Don’t worry, Annar, we’ll take you right to them.” Said Ludmund, wrapping his arm around Tea’s waist, leading them away.


Marik stumbling out from the brushes, burping loudly as he did. He had just threw up all his free ale and it pissed him off. He tripped over some branches given his blurred vision. And he wasn’t even drunk! Not completely drunk anyway. He hoped he wasn’t coming down with something. Marik never gets sick, and if he did, he would ignore it no matter what. If he had caught something from Yami, then he was going to kill the man when he got the chance. But the sound of sobbing caught his attention and he looked around for the source. He saw a small figure with hair like Yami’s kneeling on the ground. It was Yugi! Marik stumbling over to him, having to steady himself against the tree Yugi was leaning on.

“Yugi? What’s happened? Why aren’t you at the tent with the others?” Yugi sniffed and looked up at Marik, recognizing his voice.

“Oh Marik, it’s horrible! I disobeyed Yami and went with the others to find all of you! I took Annar with me and he ran off! Now I can’t find him and I was threatened by a beastly man!” He leapt up and wrapped his arms around Marik’s waist. “I can’t find my darling little boy and Yami is going to be so angry at me!! Oh Marik, what can I do!? I’m so scared!” Marik was a little confused himself, wrapping one arm around Yugi’s back. He wasn’t much for comfort but he didn’t know what else to do.

“I know where Yami is. I’ll take you to him, but I haven’t seen Annar. Maybe we’ll find him on the way. Come.” Yugi followed Marik, clinging to his arm for dear life. Marik guided him through the masses of men and to a table where Yami was sitting with another Viking. “Look what I found.” Yami looked up from his mug and even though he was drunk, he recognized Yugi right away.

“What the fuck are you doing here?! Get back to the tent right now!” Yugi whimpered and hid behind Marik, gripping onto his tunic bottom.

“We’ve got trouble, Yami. Apparently our darling little wives wandered out of the tent to find us. And now Yugi has lost Annar.” Yami was silent for a few seconds, then lifted his mug and slammed it down onto the table. He stood up from the table, knocking his chair to the ground. Yugi let out a cry and hid his face in Marik’s back, fearing Yami’s drunken rage.

“What do you mean you lost Annar?!” Yugi couldn’t speak but just trembled behind Marik.

“Yugi said he wandered off to find food and lost sight of him. Also, some man tried to rape Yugi and he panicked. I found him cowering behind a tree in tears.”

“I’m so sorry, Yami! I’m so sorry!!”

“And you should be!!” Yami hollered at him. “I told you to stay inside the tent and you’ve disobeyed me! Now look what happened! You’ve lost Annar and only the gods know where he is!! Do you have any idea what you’ve done?!” His yelling sent him into another coughing fit. Once he was done he gave his orders. “Marik, take Yugi back to the tent! I’ll tell the king about what has happened and a search party will be sent for Annar. Those who aren’t roaring drunk of course.”

“But Yami, I want to look for him too.” Yugi said timidly, peeking out from behind Marik.

“You’ve done enough already, Yugi! You’ve lost our son! Get him back to the tent!!” Yami stomped off to alert the king of what has happened. Marik had taken Yugi back to the tent like Yami said and stayed with him for the remainder of the night.


By the next morning, there was still no sign of Annar. No evidence of the boy was found at the celebration sight. King Olaf had the whole camp out looking for the boy. The only one who wasn’t searching was Yugi, who was now alone in the tent. Marik had left to join in the search for his nephew and Yugi didn’t dare leave the tent again. He was more worried about Annar than he was about his husband’s anger. Annar was the first priority.

He heard footsteps approaching the tent and Yami burst through the flap. His husband looked rugged and sickly, probably from the ale. He was breathing out of his mouth and his breaths were wheezy. His eyes were bloodshot bright red and his lips were chapped. And to top it all off, he looked as if he had the Devil in him. He cast such a glare of anger that froze his blood and even his bones. He couldn’t move! Yami looked as if he were ready to murder him.

“I should slap you right now for you disobedience.” he said sternly.

“Then do it, Yami. I deserve it.” Yami said nothing, but leaned over the side of his desk, planting his hands firmly against the wood. “Any sign of him?”

“No, nothing. Not one single clue, and no one had seen him last night. But they were all drunk and don’t recall anything from last night.” He sighed. “I don’t know what else to do.” Yugi got up slowly and walked over to him, cautiously wrapping his arms around Yami’s waist. Yami didn’t pull away, but didn’t move to return the embrace either. Yugi blinked back his tears but continued to hold him. They shared a long moment of silence before a voice called from outside their tent.

“Yami? Yami are you in there?” Yami pushed Yugi away and went to the flap, stepping out to meet the man.

“What is it?”

“It’s about you son.”

“Do you know anything?!”

“Does he have brown hair and eyes? He’s a little chubby? Was wearing a green tunic and brown leggings?”

“yes! Yes that’s him! Where is he?!”

“I saw him in the arms of Tea Oddvar. She was walking with her husband and they went off into the woods. Also, I can’t find head nor tail of the other Oddvar siblings. It’s like they just took off.” Yami’s eyes narrowed, but he thanked the man and sent him on his way. He went back inside the tent where Yugi was standing by the desk, his eyes wide with fear. Yugi had heard about Annar and now he feared for his life.

“Yami…?” Yami ignored him, just standing in the middle of the tent and staring past him. Yugi cautiously walked up to Yami, tears beginning to fall. “Yam-” His words were cut off by the back of Yami’s hand meeting his cheek.

He stumbled to the side but kept his balance, placing his hand to his aching cheek. He looked up at Yami with pained eyes but they were met with the back of his fist this time. Yugi fell onto his stomach, tasting blood on his tongue and lip. His blood dripped from his mouth and onto the ground under him. He tired to get up on his own but Yami had gripped the back of tunic and did it for him. Yugi choked at the tight feel of the fabric pushing into his jugular.

“Yam-!” He was cut off again by Yami spinning him around and gripping his arms tightly, digging his nails into Yugi’s skin. Yugi let out a cry and tried to pull away.

“DO YOU SEE WHAT YOU‘VE DONE?! YOU‘VE JUST LED MY SON INTO THE ARMS OF MY ENEMY!”

He threw Yugi to the ground and he landed with a loud cry. Yugi got up and tried to run away but tripped over Annar’s basket bed. He began to crawl this time but Yami grabbed him by the back of the hair. Yugi screamed then, struggling to get away. Yami held firm but Yugi kept pulling until he felt some of his hair pulled out by the roots. He spun around and slammed his fist into Yami’s cheek just as he had done earlier. Yugi was shocked by his own actions and knew he had really crossed the line.

“YOU LITTLE BITCH!“ He slapped Yugi again and he fell into the wood pile they kept for the fire. He felt a few pinches in his back and guessed they were splinters. His mouth was filling up with blood and his lip was beginning to swell. Even his right eye was becoming swollen. “HOW DARE YOU RAISE A HAND TO ME!!”

Yami straddled Yugi’s waist and held him still while his hands wrapped around the slim neck. Yugi gasped and threw his head back, trying to relieve some of the pressure. The blood from his lip and mouth was rolling back into his throat, making him choked.

“MY SON IS GONE NOW THANKS TO YOU!! GONE! RIGHT INTO THE HANDS OF HIS REAL MOTHER!” He slammed Yugi’s head into the ground. “YOU’VE LOST MY SON TO THE ENEMY!” He let go of Yugi’s throat but still held one hand there. The other hand he used to slap Yugi again. The slap made Yugi see stars and he gasped from lack of air. He couldn’t even feel the next slap that met his cheek, his skin having already gone numb from pain. “IT’S ALL YOUR FAULT!” Yugi’s vision started to fade but he heard some distant voices and shadowed figures entering their tent. He felt Yami’s weight lifted off of him before his sight went completely black and fell into unconsciousness.

When he awoke again, he saw that he wasn’t in his own tent. The smell of herbs and toxins told him that he was in Seto’s tent. He groaned at the aching feel of his body, which was almost completely stiff. Tears rolled down his cheeks as he remembered the events that led up to his unbearable pain. Yami had beaten him. Beaten him black and blue…but he deserved it. He deserved the punishment which Yami gave him. He had left the tent when he wasn’t suppose to and now their son was in the hands of the Oddvars.

But he knew that Annar would safe with them. Tea was, after all, Annar’s true mother who had carried him and birthed him. For what reasons she ran off and left her son in the first place was still a mystery to him. But if she didn’t want him, then why would she want to take him back? Did Yami do something to drive her away? He knew Yami disliked, no, LOATHED his wife so maybe that’s why she ran off? But still, why would she leave her son? His head began to hurt from all this thinking and he gave up on it. A familiar face appeared in his line of vision above him.

“Welcome back, Yugi.” Ryou said in his usual, soft spoken voice. He also was sporting a black eye.

“Ryou? What happened?”

“Seto, Duke, and I heard your cries as we were looking for Annar and went to see what was happening. When we saw Yami beating you, Duke and I lunged at him. Yami got angry and punched me, but Duke managed to get you away from him. Seto restrained him and calmed him down. The two got into a small fight themselves, but Yami had finally backed down. So we took you to Seto’s tent and he fixed you up.”

“Where’s Yami?”

“He went into another coughing fit and passed out. Everything has just been to much for him and being sick doesn’t help either. But it’s best that you stay here until things calm down.” Ryou frowned sadly. “I heard about Annar.” Yugi turned his head away, tears welling in his eyes. “Everyone knows.”

“I can’t believe this happened. Why did I decide to leave the tent, Ryou? Why?” Ryou hung his head.

“We’re all to blame, Yugi. We all went against our men’s wishes and left the tent. This is our punishment for disobeying them. They kept us there for a purpose, to keep us safe. We should have listened to Duke and stayed where we were. Malik is extremely upset over this whole thing. He blames himself for talking us into going with him. The poor boy has been heartbroken ever since he heard about the disappearance of Annar.” Yugi sighed and covered his eyes with his arm.

“If it’s anyone’s fault, Ryou, it’s mine. I could have stayed in the tent and let you guys go. Duke would have stayed with me and Annar would be safe. This is all may fault…I only hope Yami can forgive me.”

Ryou saw the tears pouring down Yugi’s bruised cheeks and felt his own begin to dribble. He crawled into the bed with Yugi and held him, trying to give him comfort. Yugi turned into his friend’s chest and sobbed openly, desperate for any kind of comfort he could get. Ryou began to cry along with his friend, wishing there was something he could do for him. The sound of many footsteps could be heard outside the tent and two men burst through the flap, starling them both. Once the two Vikings were on either side of the flap, King Olaf entered the tent. Ryou immediately got up and stood at attention. Yugi didn’t have the strength.

“Lady Bolverk, I’ve heard of your misfortune.” Yugi sat up with a pained whine, but bowed his head to the king. “Forget all that. Listen, I have news on your son’s whereabouts.” Yugi’s head shot up.

“You do?! Oh please tell me!” He put his hands together in a prayer.

“I heard from a source that the Oddvar’s had taken off in their ship for England. For what reason, the person did not know. But he had overheard them talking about going there. It gives reason as to why they all took off and left everything here. They should already be sailing by now. If you leave as soon as possible, you may be able to catch up with them on water.”

“Does Yami know about this?” Yugi asked.

“Yes, and he’s gathering up his things and his men as we speak. I lent him by longship which is a hundred times stronger than yours. It will get you to England in record time.” Yugi smiled, even though it hurt his swollen lip.

“I can’t thank you enough, your majesty. This means the world to me.” Olaf nodded.

“I also see that Yami lost his temper with you. That is expected, being his only son and heir has been taken. Do you know why they’ve been trying to get Annar back?” Yugi shook his head and Olaf smirked. “It’s because Ludmund’s….how should I put this…little warriors aren’t charging.” He and his men broke out into laughter but Yugi was confused. He looked to Ryou who was equally confused.

“Whatever do you mean, your majesty?” Asked Yugi. His question made the men burst out laughing again. King Olaf managed to control his after a few seconds.

“He is unable to get Tea with child. He’s tried numerous times with many women but failed. He is unable to produce an heir, so Tea’s is the closest to an heir he can get since Annar rightfully came from Tea. Annar can still qualify for the Oddvar heir.”

“So that’s why they wanted him back.” Yugi threw the blankets off of him and stood up, a look of pure determination on his face. “Take me to my husband.”


END PART ONE


*Part Two will start up next chapter!