Danegold: The Viking Brother's Sequel

ChibiMisu here! ^^ Okay, I just realized something cool! Well, I think its cool…Anyway, many of you would like to know the ages of the characters, those we don’t know already, say for instance, Yami. ^^ Well, I did this without really realizing I did it in the first place. (Did you ever have that happen to you??) From chapters 1-7 of the sequel, I did give away the exact ages! However, you need to piece the parts together. ^^ There are little clues in almost every chapter. It involves math, which I suck at, but I managed to figure it out! WOOT! Look to the bonus stories. That’s for those of you who like a challenge! ^_^ However, I will give you a little clue…look for parts with Avaldamon. ^^ And please, if you do figure them out, please don’t give them away in reviews and what not. (you’re welcomed to email me with your answers.) Some might want to be surprised, for everything will come up eventually. ^_^ But this is for those of you who are anxious to know.


Okay, now that that’s done, continue on with the story!


Read on fellow Vikings!!


I DO NOT OWN YUGIOH

Danegold: The Viking Brother’s Sequel


Chapter 15: Unexpected Alliances

“We’re back.” Yami called to them as they came through the trees. Marik, Bakura, and Keith drew their swords when Berkeley came out behind the three men. “Hold it, he’s with us. Pack up everything, we’re moving.” The group exchanged glances. “We’re moving to stay at an outlaw camp.” He jutted his thumb towards Berkeley. “This is Berkeley, he’s a leader of a band of outlaws and he’s invited us to stay at his camp while we think about what we are going to do.”

“How can we trust him?” Said Bakura suspiciously, pointing his sword at Berkeley. The outlaw just smiled and put his hands up in defense.

“Please, I’m just an outlaw who wishes to serve anyone who is in need. It’s clear that you fine gentleman are starved for some fresh meat and ale!” Bakura and Marik’s eyes lit up at the words “meat” and “ale”.

“Lets go!”

Before anyone else could voice an opinion, Marik and Bakura were moving at lightning speed to pack up their belongings. While they were doing that, Keith held Avaldamon steady and helped Yugi up onto the saddle. He helped Ryou up then Malik. Yami watched his brothers run around and frowned at the idea that the two would do anything for food. The two men didn’t even think this through, maybe through their stomachs. They could have walked right into a trap and not have seen it coming a mile away. They were so worthless sometimes. He looked over at Seto who nodded, reassuring him that this was a good idea. Then he looked to Berkeley who was still smiling in his friendly way. Even Yami felt a bit of suspisoion coming from that smile, but he trusted Seto’s intuition over his. Jou walked up to stand next to his husband and whispered.

“Are you sure this is safe?” Seto just nodded with that arrogant look on his face that Jou knew was saying ‘I’m always right‘.

“Now that everyone is ready,” Seto started and turned to Berkeley. “You may lead the way, Berkeley.”

“Everyone, please follow me, and do keep quiet. You never know who may be watching.”

When they arrived at the outlaw camp, they were shocked to see a whole village made up of huts and tree houses. It was set up like any other village except hiding deep in the forest. There were outlaws sitting high up in the trees, on look out. The men looked down at them suspiciously but said nothing when Berkeley waved up at them.

“This is quite an establishment you have here.” Stated Yami as he gazed at the craftsman ship of the houses.

“Yes, well, we try.” He said with a laugh. “Little by little we keep building. I keep gaining more men and they have families to raise. So they need a house to live in, naturally. I want everyone to be as comfortable as they can here.”

“Are there any free huts for us?” Asked Jou. “We have quite a party here.”

“Can you double up and share one? Or can three of you share?” Berkeley suggested. Seto immediately spoke up.

“We have four couples and the others will have to figure something out for themselves.”

Yugi, Malik, and Jou grabbed a hold of their husbands quickly. Ryou twiddled his fingers nervously, wondering where he was going to end up. Then, Bakura grabbed his wrist, silently telling him that they were going to share a hut together. His heart fluttered and he gave a tiny smile. That only left Tristan, Duke, and Keith.

“Tristan,” Started Duke “You can share with Keith. I’m going to spend my nights outside like the old days.” Tristan gaped at him.

“But I don’t want to share with him! I want to share with you.”

“No offense, but I rather stay out here.” Tristan pouted and Marik pat his shoulder.

“So when do we eat?” Marik then asked, beaming with excitement. Berkeley laughed and waved them on into the camp.

“Come, we have enough to feed almost half of the king’s men. So eat until your hearts content.”


2 Hours later….


“Ah, what a good feed!”

Bakura and Marik said together as they sat back to back with hands on their full stomachs. Yami was extremely embarrassed by their behavior, eating away at all the food as if they were starved for days. He was surprised they weren’t roaring drunk yet, but when he saw Marik grab a jug he knew it was going to happen. For the most part, the outlaw band was friendly enough, offering them food and drinks. No one scowled at them or threw things, or flashed the evil eye. Yami wondered if they knew they were from the north. Yami’s men did rape and pillage most of the villages, but if anyone did say something about it, he’d deny it.

As Yami watched the numerous outlaws go about their business, he noticed that another group of people, a very small one, were dressed in rich linens. His breath caught in his throat as he realized they were nobles. If those nobles knew they were Norsemen, then all hell would break loose. But then again, why would they be associating with outlaws if they were nobles? Maybe it was just a disguise and they really were some common thieves. But they carried themselves like nobles. He could tell right away by the way they stood and acted. Or the thieves were very good at playing the role.

“Yami?” Yami turned to Yugi who was standing above him holding a plate of food. “Um…I saw that you weren’t eating anything so I thought I’d bring you some. Is something wrong?” He asked and sat down next to him.

“No Yugi, I’m fine. Just thinking is all, but I guess I am hungry too.” Yugi smiled and handed him the plate with meat and something that looked like mush.

“Yami, are we doing the right thing by being here?” Yugi asked him as Yami began to eat. Yami wasn’t sure what to tell him since he wasn’t really sure either. He’s only trusting Seto’s word on this since the man’s never been wrong before.

“All I know is that Seto has an idea, so we’re just going to have to go with it for now.” He took another bite of the meat and offered some to Yugi. Yugi took a little bite and smiled.

“I do have a good feeling about this, Yami. Everyone here is so friendly and happy. Even though these people don’t have much, they still have high spirits.” Yami smiled at his lover and pinched his cheek.

“You’re so cute, Yugi.”

“EVERYONE!” Shouted an outlaw who jumped up onto the small wooden stage in the center of camp. “We are celebrating tonight in honor of our new Northern guests! Fear not, for they are not here to ransack our homes! They come for business and business only! So lets help this celebration along with some stories!” The man held out his hand towards there guests. “Why don’t you share with us some stories from your country?” The outlaws cheered their agreement from their spots on the ground or in the trees. “Something amusing!” The man suggested. Seto was going to offer to tell a story but Marik volunteered before him.

“I have a story for you!” He said loudly with a hiccup or two.

“A story from a drunk!” Said the outlaw with a smile “Those are the best ones, folks!” Marik ran up to the stage and tripped on the ledge as he tried to jump up. The crowd laughed as he fell but Marik paid it no mind. The man helped him back up and steadied him. “What do you have for us, my friend?”

“It’s a story about my baby brother, Bakura!” Bakura nearly burst into flames at the mention of his name and the threat of telling one of his childhood traumas. “It began at sunrise on a snowy day,” Marik started “Little Bakura, only seven, ran through and played in the snow. After a few hours of running around in the meadows, he comes running back to us, so pale that we thought he had seen a ghost!” The crowd gasped and Bakura had to be held down by Keith and Yami, who kept him from attacking Marik. “He told us that a big, almost silver like thing had come down from the sky, sprouting threads of colored lights and destroying the trees.” The crowd started laughing and Bakura fumed even more.

“But it doesn’t end there, folks!” he said with another hiccup and a sway. “He said that it landed on the ground and little men came wobbling out of it!!” The crowd started laughing again. “And he hid behind some trees and watched them take some snow into their ship, then they flew away!” The crowd went wild with laughter and Bakura managed to break free of his captors.

“BE QUIET!! IT IS A TRUE STORY!!! I REALLY DID SEE THAT STRANGE CREATURE COME FROM THE SKY!! I DID!” [1] The crowd just continued to laugh and Marik motioned his hand to his mouth as if he was drinking. Everyone began to laugh harder at that.

Someone shouted ‘That’s crazy talk’ and Bakura suddenly began to doubt himself. He hadn’t thought of that story for years, and now that he did, it seemed kind of crazy. Was he crazy? He looked down and noticed that the pineapple, the coconut, and now a banana were dancing around a little campfire, making music. It had a catchy tune, Bakura noticed and he started tapping his fingers to the beat. Maybe he was crazy…but it wasn’t his fault.

“HEY BAKURA! COME UP HERE!” Marik shouted over to him and nearly fell off the stage waving to him. The man had to catch him to keep him from falling. Bakura took this as an excuse to get up there and ring his brother’s neck. He ran up there, stepping on the pineapple warrior as he did. He hopped up onto the stage and faced his brother with his hands on his hips. “Got a joke for you, baby brother!”

“I don’t want to hear it!”

“Well, you’re going to! So Bakura,” he started with a hiccup “Did you hear the latest about King Ethelred?” THe crowd clapped over the sound of the king’s name. Bakura just rolled his eyes.

“What about him?”

“I heard he’s sitting up on the roof of the tavern!”

“Why would he be sitting up there?”

“Because he heard someone say the drinks were on the house!” Marik burst out laughing hysterically while everyone else was silent. Bakura just stared at him, not amused by his poor joke. “The drinks are on the house! I kill me!” He said as he laughed his way off the edge of the stage and onto the ground. As soon as he hit the soft soil, he immediately fell asleep with a wide, happy smile plastered on his face. The outlaw cleared his throat and stood beside Bakura.

“Do you have any interesting stories?” Bakura shook his head.

“I don’t, but he does!” He pointed to Seto who looked around, hoping that Bakura wasn’t pointing at him. “Come on up here, Seto!” Jou nudged him forward.

“Yeah, tell them some stories about Thor and his adventures in the giant land!” The crowd cheered him on and even Yami shoved him forward, urging him to go. Seto sighed and stood up, figuring it was a small price to pay for Berkeley offering to let them rest here. So Seto went on to tell about the Norse gods for the rest of the celebration, intriguing everyone with his style for imagery and acting.

Bakura’s hut:


“Damn, I’m stuffed! Those outlaw wives know how to cook!” Bakura said as he plopped himself down on the bed.

“I guess you liked it then.” Ryou said with a little chuckle. “I’ll have to get some lessons from them.” Bakura kicked his boots off and folded his arms behind his head.

“Nah, your cooking’s better.” Ryou felt himself blush at the comment. He knew he had to be smiling stupidly, so he turned his back to Bakura to hide it. He couldn’t help but bring his hands up to his mouth to silence his giggle. “Hey Ryou.” He turned around at the sound of Bakura’s firm voice and his heart sank to his stomach. Had he done something wrong? “Did you eat any dinner?” Ryou blinked at him and thought about the question. He hadn’t eaten anything since this morning.

“No, I guess I haven’t. Why?”

“You look to thin and it’s making me sick to my stomach. You’re not sick again, are you?” Ryou shook his head.

“No, I don’t feel sick at all.” Ryou chuckled. “I just don’t have the same appetite as you, Bakura. I eat food in much smaller portions than you.”

“And that’s why you can’t hold your ale.” Ryou frowned. “Don’t get me wrong, I like you when you’re drunk. But you’re making me sick looking at you. How can I fuck you if you’re going to one day break under me?”

“I’m sorry.” Ryou wasn’t sure how he should react to that comment. Even though Bakura was crude, there was concern in his voice. Well, maybe not in his voice, but in his words. Bakura feared that he could really hurt him during their coupling.

“Well, then I guess I’ll just have to ride you from now on.” Bakura grinned.

“This is a new side of you tonight.” Ryou walked over to the bed and straddled Bakura lap. “Whoa.”

“We haven’t done it since we left the games.”

“I know and it’s been driving me crazy. I bet Marik and Malik are waking up their neighbors as we speak.” Ryou smiled and laid down on top of him, resting his head under his chin. “What do you call this?” Ryou didn’t answer him but just laid there. “Are we going to do anything or not because there are young women walking around this camp!”

Whatever happy, content feeling Ryou had had just crumbled. He thought he was making a breakthrough when really he was back at square one. He felt extremely stupid and naïve, thinking that Bakura wanted his company because he liked him. Bakura just needed a servant to tend to his needs and not just the physical ones. Ryou got up off of him and sat at the very end of the bed, turning away from him. Bakura pushed him with his foot, not hard, but he jutted forward a bit.

“What the hell is your problem anymore?”

“You know what it is, so don’t act like you don’t know.” Bakura narrowed his eyes at Ryou’s back but said nothing. “Bakura…I need to know and please be honest. Do you feel anything for me, even in the smallest account?” Bakura answered right away.

“And you know my answer, so why are you bothering to ask?” Ryou hung his head.

“You’re right, I shouldn’t have asked.” Ryou stood up and headed to the reed made door. Bakura asked where he was going and Ryou answered flatly. “Somewhere else.” Before Bakura could respond to that Ryou had already gone through the door.

Ryou wiped the tears from his eyes with his sleeve as he stormed across the camp, ignoring the looks he received. He stopped in the middle of the camp, looking for the huts where his friends were. They all looked alike, so it was hard to pinpoint one. He saw one of Berkeley’s main men and stopped him, asking if he knew where any of his friends were. He pointed to one nearby.

“Is everything alright?” He asked Ryou, noticing his tears. Ryou didn’t respond but thanked him and hurried to the hut. He opened the door and peeked in, seeing just who he wanted to see. Malik. But he and Marik were engaged in a little petting. Marik noticed him in the door and stopped Malik.

“We have a guest.” Malik looked at the door and saw Ryou’s sadden face.

“Ryou, what’s wrong?” He got off of Marik, who grumbled at the lost but said nothing, and gave a hiccup.

“If I’m disturbing you, I’ll go.” Malik stopped him.

“No please, come in.” Marik moved to stand up so Malik and Ryou could have the blankets. They happened to have got the one that had no bed. “Marik, why don’t’ you go wonder around outside for awhile?” Marik nodded but before he left he gave Ryou a little pat on the shoulder. When he left, Ryou rest his head on Malik’s shoulder. “What happened?”

“I’m so foolish, Malik. I asked Bakura if he felt anything for me since he was being nice, but his answer was still the same. As always. I guess I just needed to hear it. He really doesn’t like me, Malik.”

“What a bastard.” Malik growled out, squeezing Ryou’s hand a bit.

“No, don’t say that. If he doesn’t love me, then he doesn’t love me. I can’t change someone’s feeling.”

“Yes, but he doesn’t know what he’s giving up! And I always said you deserved better, Ryou. Maybe when all this is over we’ll have Yami take us to Iceland again and you can see Hrothgar. Now there is a man I approve of for you.” Ryou chuckled.

“Yes, he was good man but I just didn’t feel anything for him. Not like I felt for Bakura….but now….I think I’ve finally given up on him. Maybe I’m saying that because I’m sad and angry-”

“Or you’ve just had enough.” Ryou looked up at him from under his lashes, wet with tears. Malik wrapped his arms around his friend and hugged him. “I’m sorry, Ryou. I want you to be happy like the rest of us are. It hurts me to see that you’re not.” Ryou sighed and just held Malik. “Lets find you someone new.”

“I don’t want to find someone new. I don’t’ want to find anybody at all!” Malik decided not to push the issue.

“Okay, whatever you feel is right for you. Do you want to stay here tonight?” Ryou nodded. “Alright, there is enough room under these blankets for the three of us.” Marik suddenly popped his head in the door.

“Three of us?!” He grinned and Malik nearly screamed at him.

“Were you out there listening to us all along!?” Marik came in and closed the door behind him.

“No.”

“Yes you were, don’t lie. But beside the point, Ryou is sleeping with us tonight.” Marik grinned and sat down between them on the blankets.

“Fine with me!” Malik rolled his eyes and Ryou flushed lightly. Marik took the other fur blanket and brought it up over their laps. “So, we ready for sleep?” Malik ignored him and laid down, waiting for Marik to do the same. Ryou was still sitting up, a little wary about laying down next to Marik.

“Lay down, Ryou, you’re letting all the cold air in.”

Ryou nodded and laid under the covers, trying not to make any contact with Marik. Malik curled up into his husband and Marik wiggled his hand around his waist. Ryou wanted to ignore their closeness but he just couldn’t. He was so envious of their relationship. But then, he felt a hand slip under his lower back and wrap around his waist pulling him close. He turned bright red at the feel of Marik hand, bigger than Bakura’s and even more rough touch his waist. The man really did have a strong grip and Ryou feared he would bruise. He couldn’t have broken away if he tried, so he had no choice but to go with it.

“Don’t be afraid to cuddle up with him, Ryou.” Malik suggested with a smile.

“B-but-”

“You heard the man.” Marik enforced and Ryou found himself doing just that, cuddling up to Marik. He was so starved for comfort that he chose to sleep next to Marik, someone he thought he would NEVER be sharing a bed with. Ryou rest his head on Marik’s chest just as Malik was doing and his friend gave him a smile. Ryou smiled back at him before closing his eyes and falling asleep.


Yami’s tent:


The next morning, Yami had decided to sleep in a bit later from all the scouting he had to do yesterday. It was hard to sleep, though, with the happy sounds of children and laughs of the villagers. He had already sent Yugi out to have breakfast and to bring some back for him. When he sat up to stretch, he heard his bones creak a bit. His body was sore from the poor bedding, and some bugs had to have bitten him. Damn straw. Then, there came a knock at the rotted wooden door.

“Come in.” Yami said with a yawn, and in walked Berkeley.

“Yami, I have good news for you.” Yami looked up to see Berkeley standing in front of him with one of the noblewomen he’d seen earlier. She was an attractive woman with long red hair and dark blue eyes, slim in stature. Yami wondered what Berkeley wanted with him and why she was here. “This is Lady Amberlyn of castle Brynwald and she has heard about your troubles and would like to help.” Yami raised a brow.

“I like how my business is being spread around the camp, Berkeley.” Berkeley put his hands up in defense.

“She was eavesdropping on our conversation. But you have nothing to fear. She is my dear cousin’s wife and a loyal friend.” He bowed to her and stepped back so she could have the floor with Yami. She folded her small hands in front of her.

“I’m sorry to hear about your son, Lord Bolverk.”

“Thank you, my lady. Now, what can you do to help me?”

“When I heard about your son being taken from you and your…um…wife, I was shocked to hear such a thing. And after I heard the conversation, I was thinking about ways I can help, as one parent to another. You see, we lost our daughter when she was still very young and I know the pain one feels for a child that is no longer by their side. I couldn’t save my little girl, but I can hopefully help save another.

I am very popular with nobles and if anyone knows about your son, they will. Noblemen and women are nothing but gossipers and if they hear something like that, it will be whispered across every castle in the land. My husband and I will be your spies in the noble world looking for your son. The way I see it, they must know someone powerful here because there would be no other reason to run away to England.” Yami nodded.

“My men and I agree with your notion, my lady.” Yami stood up then. “And I thank you for you offer to help. It will be greatly appreciated by my family and I.” Amberlyn took his hand in both of hers and smiled.

“I will do my best to be your eyes, Lord Bolverk. My husband and I must leave this evening for our home, but we will be back once we have found some information about your son. What is the boy’s name again?”

“Annar. He’s a bit on the chucky side and has brown hair and eyes. He looks just like his mother, I think.”

“I’m glad you have allowed my husband and I to help.” She curtsied and turned back to Berkeley. “Good day, my friend.” He bowed.

“Good day, my lady.”

“Good day, Lord Bolverk.” When she had left the hut, Berkeley came and sat down next to Yami.

“Your friend Seto came and talked to me not too long ago.” Yami looked at him. “He asked me if one of my men or myself would help guide you through the English forest.”

“I guess that was Seto’s plan from the beginning. I wondered why he wanted us to come here. Are you willing to guide us? We do not have that much money back at our ship to pay you with-” Berkeley just waved his hand.

“Nah, don’t worry about having to pay. Your son was stolen from you and I can’t charge for that. A little boy needs help and in a situation like this, money should mean nothing.”

“Thank you.” Berkeley laughed.

“It’s not a problem at all. I’m a father myself, you know. I have five, though.” Yami’s brows went up. “Yes, five children. Three sons and two daughters. I’m surprised you haven’t seen them yet. They’re such trouble makers. By the way, are those other men your family by any chance?”

“Marik, the tall tanned one is my brother along with the Bakura, the one with white hair. Well, they’re my half brothers really.” Berkeley nodded.

“Ah yes, brothers. You only have two?” Yami nodded. “I used to have seven brothers believe it or not. And one sister.” Yami gaped at him.

“Seven?! I can hardly handle two! Are they here at the camp?” Berkeley shook his head.

“No, only two of us are left now.”

“Oh, I’m sorry for loss.” Berkeley smiled sadly.

“Thank you for your sympathy. I’m guessing you and your brothers don’t get along very well.” Yami scoffed.

“You’re dead right. I’m the oldest and they’re always driving me crazy. Even when we were younger they still made me want to pull my hair out. I used to lay in bed at night and wish my father hadn’t sired them. My life would have been so much easier if it wasn’t for those two bumbling idiots!”

“Watch what you say, Yami Bolverk, for your wish may one day come true when you are unprepared for it.” Yami looked at him with a brow raised. “I’m the eldest of my siblings too, and like you, I wished they would all just go away at times. Don’t get me wrong, I loved each and every one of them but I didn’t know it at the time. I was always having to stop their fights or pranks, or patch them up when they got hurt, or train them with weapons. A lot lay on my shoulders since my father had died and I was considered the man around the house. Like you, I would lie in bed, listening to them fight and wished I didn’t have any brothers. Well, I got my wish, and I regret that I had ever thought of it.

My brothers were taken away from me when I was off at the market with mother and my sister trying to buy food not knowing what was happening back home. Apparently, my brothers had done something that was against the law and what they did I still do not know. All I know is that they were punished for it, and they paid with their lives. I lost all seven brothers in one day. I had never known true sadness and guilt. Guilt for ever having thought I never wanted to see them again. I would have rather stopped their fights than dig their graves.” Yami didn’t know what to say.

“I’m sorry.”

“What I’m trying to say is, you don’t know what your missing until you don’t have it. Its better to make new memories than live with only the ones you have. Were there any times where you felt proud to be a big brother?” Yami thought then nodded.

“A few. The one I can really remember in detail was the night mother had died, and Bakura, the youngest, had come to me for comfort. That was the first time brotherly instinct ever came to me. I just held him and let him cry. Marik, the middle child, could always handle himself but that night he needed me too. I guess I’ve had more to worry about with Bakura than Marik. Bakura was always getting beat up by bigger kids and I would beat those boys into the ground for touching him. But he’s still a brat.” Berkeley chuckled.

“But you still love them.” Yami smirked.

“Yes, I believe I do. You’re right, I should stop thinking such horrible thoughts about them. But it’s hard some times.”

“I understand.” He slapped his thighs and gave a sigh. “I’m sorry for dumping on you like that. I just don’t want anyone to make the same mistake as I did.”

“It’s quite alright. Thank you for sharing, it turned my feelings around a bit.”

“I’m glad my words have an impact on somebody.” He stood up. “Well, now that we’ve had that little chat, and got sidetracked, I have to get back to the wife. She’s sickly and I don’t like to leave her long. Lets wait to see what Amberlyn comes up with at court and we’ll move from there.”

“I agree.”

“Oh, and by midday a few of us will be going out to see how the current solider issue is. I suggest coming with us so you know what to look and watch out for.” Yami nodded.

“I’ll be there.” Berkeley smiled.

“Alright, take care. And remember what I said.” He winked at him and left the hut, leaving Yami alone with his words.

End Chapter 15