The Viking Brothers

ChibiMisu here! Sorry I took so long in updating! I actually had a bad case of writers block. I mean, I had the whole chapter in my head, but I was having a difficult time putting it into words. But, I finished it! ^_^v I would have had this posted earlier this morning, but I got birthday money in the mail from one of my aunts and went shopping at my favorite store for Vera Bradley purses and accessories. I bet a lot of you don’t know what I’m talking about, but I love to shop, and ESPECIALLY for purses!! ^^ I’m one of those girls who need brand names. ^_~

Damn...I was rambling! I’m SO sorry!!! *bows low* I’m just so happy, hyper, and excited right now!! EEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!!!! *bounces around the room*

*Ahem* anyway, here’s the next chapter. Oh, and the bonus story this time, “The Pineapple Story”, will be in two parts. Since it took me so long to update, I didn’t want to hold it up with the bonus story. I’ll continue it in the next chapter. And there will be a lemon in the next chappie too, I promise!!

Oh, and I have a new email address. Hotmail was being evil, so I had to change. It is now sailors_girl85@yahoo.com

Disclaimer: I do not own Yugioh


Enjoy!!!!

The Viking Brothers

Chapter 36: Hurry! Save Seto!


It was well past dinner, and Seto hadn’t returned home. Jou sat in the courtroom with Yugi, biting his nails nervously. He wondered what was taking Seto so long. Bakura had come home with the hunting party but Seto wasn’t with them. Bakura said that he took off after a fox and that they couldn’t find him. Jou actually felt his heart sink to the bottom of his stomach. Where was Seto? Why was he taking so long? Did he get lost? No, Seto had a great sense of direction, he never gets lost. Did something happen to him? The thought of it made him nauseous.

“Oh God above, please bring Seto home safe. I beg you, please.”

“I’m sure Seto will be okay, Jou.” Yugi said gently, rubbing his back.. “He’s probably skinning the fox now so he can surprise you with it.” Jou sighed.

“God, I hope so. I just want him to come walking through that door so I know he is safe.”

“JOU!!! JOU!!!” Jou jumped at the sound of his name, looking for it’s source. Malik came running into the courtroom, holding a piece of paper in his hand. Malik ran up the dais steps and handed Jou the paper. “You’re not going to like what it says.” Jou’s hands shook as he opened the paper, reading it’s contents.

Jou,
We have Seto. He’s currently occupying my newest dungeon cell. He refused my offer and now he must face the consequences. Don’t wait up for him. Ta ta!
-Yours Truly

Jou dropped the paper from his hands, frozen in shock. His mind just seemed to black out. Malik shook his shoulder, trying to get him to focus. Jou blinked and looked at Malik with teary eyes. Malik had never seen Jou cry, and it was getting him started. He wrapped his arms around Jou’s head and held it close to his chest. Yugi picked up the paper and read it, letting out a gasp.

“This is terrible! Oh Jou...I don’t know what to say...what do we do?”

“I...I don’t...don’t know...Yugi...” Malik noticed he had a faraway look to him. He heard the courtroom doors open and watched as two guards came running inside. One of them had a man with them, who looked battered and torn.

“What’s this all about?” Yugi asked in Jou’s place.

“Lady Yugi, this man came riding to us in this state. He pointed out the archer who had shot the arrow into your window, the one with the letter on it! Some of the men took off to chase down the archer as we speak!” Yugi nodded and then looked at the bleeding man.

“And who is that?”

“He says he came from a castle far outside of the Midgard Forest which was currently attacked my Pegasus and his men! He says they slaughtered their Lord and Lady and took over the castle by force. He also says that Pegasus is planning on using the castle as a base before he attacks us again!”

“Oh no!” Yugi gasped. “What do we do now?! Neither Seto nor Yami are here to organize the army! What can we do!?” Jou stood and spoke next.

“Is that man able to speak?” The guard nodded. “Okay, you there, did you hear when they were going to attack? Speak up!” The man lifted his head and answered.

“They’re still planning, so it probably won’t be for a couple of days yet. They plan to lay low a bit, and by capturing that man, they know that you won’t be able to organize an attack, much less know what they are planning. I managed to get away, but they did pursue me for quite a ways. I got banged up a bit, but I lost them in the Midgard Forest. I had to come and warn you.” Malik put his hands on his hips.

“How do we know this is not a trick?”

“I know Lord Yami. I played against him in the games four years ago. You have to believe me!”

“I don’t think he’s lying, Malik.” Yugi told him, then turned back to the guards. “Thank you for your information, good sir. Guards, see that he is taken of. Do not leave him alone in the doctor’s room, just in case.” The guard bowed and helped escort the man out of the room. Jou flopped down in his seat, burying his face in his hands.

“Now what do we do? Seto has been captured, Yami isn’t home-“

”We can tell Marik and Bakura.” Malik suggested. “At least they have some military skills that could help.”

“Yeah, but what of Seto?” Yugi asked. “We have to save him!”

“But how?” Jou said in a worried tone. “The only way we can do that is to bust him out, but who do we know who is capable of doing that? We’d have to hire someone and I’m not authorized to touch Yami’s money! I don’t even no how to go about getting it!” Yugi thought for a second, then an idea popped in his head.

“We don’t need to hire anyone!” Jou raised an eyebrow at him.

“We don’t? What do you have in mind, Yugi?”

“I’ll tell you later, Jou. Right now, it’s best that you go find Marik and Bakura and tell them what happeappened.” He turned to Malik and took his hand in his. “Malik, come with me! I’ll explain on the way!”


Tristan and Duke’s room:

“No, I don’t want one!” Duke said to Tristan, crossing his arms.

“But Duke, this way I’ll know you’ll be safe when I’m working!”

“There are enough people here in the castle that I don’t need a watch dog!”

“It would make me feel so much better knowing you’re being looked after! A dog can bark and warn you when someone comes to the door.” Tristan put his hands on his hips. “Can’t you agree with me on one thing and not argue!? I don’t want to be in this room, but I knew it would make you feel better so I went along with it! Would you rather have me not worry?” Duke shook his head.

“No, I don’t want that! I just...I like to keep things tidy and having a dog would just...well, between you and the dog, I’ll have stench from all directions. Besides, they drool and shed.” Tristan rolled his eyes and held his hands up.

“Alright, we drop the thought! I swear, you’re so...so...difficult!” Before Duke could answer, there was a knock at the door. “Who is it?”

“Malik an Yugi” Yugi’s voice came through the door. “Can we come in?” Duke covered himself up more and Tristan called them in. Malik and Yugi hurried in, looking worried.

“What’s wrong?” Tristan asked. “Why do you both look so worried?”

“Seto’s been kidnaped!” Yugi told them. Both men gasped.

“What? When did this happen?!” Tristan asked.

“During the hunt.” Malik said. “He went off after a fox and that’s when it must have happened. Jou just got a letter attached to an arrow saying they’ve got him.”

“Whose got him?” Duke asked.

“We know it’s Pegasus.” Yugi answered him. “Apparently, his men attacked a castle and took it over by force. One of the soldiers made his way here and told us all about Pegasus’s plans to attack. Jou is just heartbroken over the kidnaping of Seto.”

“Poor Jou!” Duke said, worried for his childhood friend. “Well, we need to bust Seto out of there!”

“That’s why we came to you.” Yugi told him. “We thought that, since you’re an outlaw, you could sneak in or something and get him out? Can you do that?”

“I can do it.” Duke answered proudly. “I just need to know where he is.”

“We’ll get the information and directions from that man.” Malik said. “In the meantime, you should get ready Duke. The sooner we do this, the better.” Duke nodded and went to get up, but Tristan stopped him.

“You’re not going alone.” Tristan said firmly. “I’m going to go with you, and I’m sure Jou is going to want to come too.”

“But if Jou goes, there’s no one to look after the castle.” Malik mentioned to them. “And Yami will be awfully pissed if he comes back and sees Marik or Bakura sitting in his chair.”

“I’ll watch over the castle!” Yugi said proudly. “I’m the Lady of this house, and I’m clearly NOT a woman, so I am authorized to run the castle in my husband’s absence!” Malik pat him on the shoulder with a grin.

“Wow Yugi! You’re finally getting a backbone! Are you sure you can handle it?” Yugi nodded.

“I have no choice. Those silly brothers can’t run a household properly, so I’ll just have to do it.” He turned back to Tristan and Duke. “Hurry and get ready you two. We’ll go inform Jou about our plan.”


The next day...


Duke, Jou, and Tristan set off on their quest to bring back Seto. It was early morning when the trio had left, hoping to reach the castle by nightfall. The man had said the castle was about a days ride, just as long as they didn’t get lost. The trio had to go through the Midgard Forest, which was a maze of long paths and circles, hence the name. It took them about two hours to reach the forest and they wasted no time in entering. It wasn’t long before the three of them got lost.

“We’re going in circles!” Jou said, frustrated. “There’s that damn berry bush again!” Duke took out the map and looked at it, finding it just as confusing as the forest itself.

“Well, we came in this way by the lake,” He said, pointing at the picture on the map. “And somewhere along the line, we turned the wrong way.” Jou growled and clenched his fist.

“We don’t have time to get lost!” He shouted at him. “Seto might in trouble and we have to save him! You’re a woodsman, Duke! Don’t you know about this kind of stuff!?” Duke glared at him while rolling the map up.

“Jou, you need to calm down.” He told him calmly. “Don’t worry, we’ll save Seto. I want to save him as much as you do, but we need to keep a level head.”

“You’re awfully eager to save him.” Jou’s eyes narrowed. “I’ve been noticing you’ve become a little to friendly with my Seto!” Duke’s mouth fell open, surprised at the words Jou threw at him.

“What?! What makes you say that?!”

“You’re always hanging around him, talking about God knows what and laughing together! And you were in our room that night!” Tristan looked at Duke.

“Duke?” Duke glared at his lover.

“Now don’t you start!” He looked back at Jou. “I don’t want your precious Seto!” He told him. “I’ve got him!” Duke pointed over to Tristan who frowned, not appreciating being referred to as “him”.

“And why not!? You saying he’s not good enough for you!”

“That’s right he’s not!” Duke said, knowing the game Jou was playing. “He’s not enough for me!”

“Hey you two!” Tristan interrupted. “Stop this bickering right now!” Both men ignored him.

“What’s there not to like my Seto?!” Jou questioned him with his hands on his hips.

“Look Jou, you’re upset over this whole kidnaping thing! Calm down before you make things worse!”

“Damn right I’m upset, but don’t avoid my question!”

“Come on guys! CHILL!!” Tristan was ignored again.

“He’s too skinny and quiet for my taste! I’m not going to fight over him with you because I have no interest in him! I’m just helping him out because I’m a decent human being and I owe him for helping me through the whole Keith ordeal! I would never try to take him away from you, Jou, and I’m offended that you think I would!” Tristan had had enough of this quarreling and pushed his horse in between Jou’s and Duke’s.

“Alright you two, knock it off! Come now, you’re friends, and friends don’t fight! Got it! Now Jou, we know you’re upset right now, and I’d be too if it was Duke in Seto’s place. But you shouldn’t take your frustrations out on others, Jou. It only makes things worse.” Jou hung his head but nodded.

“You’re right Tristan....sorry Duke, I take back what I said.”

“It’s alright.” Duke forgave him. “Now, back to finding a way out of here?”

“Let’s try strait.” Tristan suggested. “Maybe it will take us to a main road?”

The three decided to try it and they did end up on a strait road. Duke looked at the map again and the trio began following the road. They made a few twists and turns, but ended up getting lost again. Duke couldn’t find where they were on the map, and Tristan noticed that they had passed the same marking he had made on a tree a few miles ago. Their ears picked up the familiar sound of hoof beats and a creaking noise.

“Somebody’s coming.” Jou announced. “Should we take cover?”

“I only hear one horse.” Tristan said. “Maybe it’s another traveler?”

“It’s a salesman you guys.” Duke told them as they all saw a horse and wagon coming towards them. “Oh wait, a saleswoman.” The three got out of the way to let the wagon pass, but like a true salesman/woman, she stopped by them. She had short, dark brown hair, hazel eyes, and a frightening, yet charming smile. Next to her on the wagon seat was a dog with long, droopy ears and eyes. Droopy all over actually.

“Good morning, gentlemen!” She said cheerfully. “Isn’t it a lovely day?”

“That it is,” Duke answered. “However, we are not willing to buy anything, so you don’t have to waste your time on us.” Jou threw his arm in front of Duke.

“Wait, maybe she can give us directions!”

“Ah, I should have known, you’re lost!” She said with a chuckle. “Men have no sense of direction.”

“Where do you get off on saying that, lady?!” Tristan questioned her angrily, taking offense to her words.

“Because it’s true! Did you three enter from the south or the north?”

“South.” Duke told her and she let out a laugh.

“Ah, my point stands correct! You’re hopelessly lost!” She chuckled again. “The three of you are hardly through the forest!”

“What do you mean?” Asked Jou “We’ve been riding through these woods for awhile now!”

“Well, you’re going in circles. The spot you came in is right down that way, where I’ll be exiting. You’ve really gotten no where since you’ve entered here!”

“You’re finding enjoyment in this, aren’t you?” Duke said sarcastically. The girl just giggled and started to pet her dog.

“If you buy something from me, I’ll turn back and lead you out of this forest. What do you say, gentlemen?” Jou grinned happily.

“Deal!! I only have 7 gold pieces though.” The girl smiled.

“That’s alright! Seven pieces can buy you either a knife or a belt!” She jumped off the wagon seat, the dog following right behind her. “Which will it be?”

“I’ll take the knife.” The girl took his money and opened a compartment door, taking out a knife. She handed it to Jou.

“Here you are good sir! Thank you very much for your purchase!”

“Now will you lead us out of this forest?” Jou asked.

“A deal’s a deal!” She climbed back up the wagon and her dog sat next to her. She turned her horse and wagon around the other way. “Alrighty boys, just follow me!”

“Wait, we didn’t catch your name.” Tristan said.

“Oh, it’s not important, but I’m known as Bunny Rabbit, or just Bunny if you wish. All my friends call me that because I’m so CUTE!!” Duke leaned over to whisper to Tristan.

“I think we should leave her...she seems a little crazy.”

“But she knows the way out, and she seems nice enough.” Tristan whispered back.

“Don’t you boys know it’s not polite to whisper!” They both sat up strait on their horses. “If you want me to lead you out of here, I demand some respect! I’m a lady after all!” Jou sent them a glared a mouthed ‘Knock it off’.

“I apologize, Bunny Rabbit.” Jou said, hoping she didn’t get too offended, but she just smiled.

“Ah, it’s not a problem! People can say what they want about me, I just laugh it off!” She let out a laugh as she said that and the others just sweatdropped. “Oh, and this beautiful piece of puppy doggie is named Cleo!! She’s my pride and joy!” She took the dog’s face in her hands and rest her forehead against its. “Who’s the most beautiful dog in the world?! Who?! Who is it!?” She said in the same voice a mother would use to talk to their child. The other three just stared at her, confused. “You are so beautiful, yes you are! I just love you!!” She kissed Cleo on the little brown dot on her head before turning back to the others. “All my ex-boyfriends said I treat my dog better than I treat them, and it’s so true!” She giggled happily and kissed Cleo on the cheek. The three men just sat there, utterly confused. “Alrighty boys, lets move out!”

As promised in the deal, Bunny Rabbit led the three men out of the Midgard Forest without any trouble. The men found out that if you knew your way around there, the forest only took a good hour to get through. They were just relieved to finally be out of there and on their way.

“Thank you very much, Bunny.” Jou said, bowing from his horse. “You’ve been very helpful.” She smiled.

“It was no problem at all. A deal is a deal! By the way, you never told me where you were going?” Duke answered her.

“I don’t mean to be rude, Bunny, but we have to keep our business to ourselves for certain reasons. I hope you understand?” Bunny nodded.

“Oh, I understand! Your business is your own, sorry to priv.” She turned her wagon around. “I hope you guys accomplish whatever it is your doing.”

“Thanks a bunch, take care now.” Jou said, giving a wave.

“Bye, bye boys!” She waved back at them and Cleo barked her goodbye.

“You know,” Duke started “ After meeting her, I can’t help but feel like a puppet.” The others looked at him strangely. “I mean, isn’t it weird that we met up with that crazy girl who knew the EXACT path to get out of the forest? It’s as if we’re characters in someone’s script.” Jou and Duke turned their horses away, but Tristan looked back at the girl and swore he had saw rabbit ears pop up after Duke’s comment.

“Tris, what’s the hold up?” Jou called back, bringing Tristan out of his thoughts.

“Oh, sorry guys.” He looked back one more time before following after his comrades. There was something strange going on here....


As hoped, the trio had made it to the castle by nightfall. It was a large stronghold, but didn’t have a moat surrounding it. They tied the horses to some trees and got their matching black cloaks. Duke had said this would make it easier for them to sneak around. Well, he was going to do most of the sneaking since he’s the experienced one.

When they were completely covered, Duke slipped out into the clearing, crouching down on the ground. Luck must have been on their side for the night had become misty and cloudy without a tint of moonlight. He noticed that the drawbridge was up and two large, bright torches stood on either side. He looked up at the towers and noticed no body was on guard. Jou and Tristan joined him on the ground, crouching low.

“So what’s the plan?” Jou whispered to Duke.

“No one is outside guarding the castle. No guards, no look outs, nothing! It will be easy to sneak across the open with this mist. Remember, stay low to the ground and move slowly. This castle has an English design to it, and if my intentions are correct, there should be a door on the side somewhere leading to the dungeon. I’m know for certain Seto didn’t turn on us, and he’d put up one hell of a fight, so he should be in the dungeon.”

“And if he’s not?” Tristan asked.

“Then we go undercover as Viking guards and look around. Lets hope it doesn’t have to come to that.”

“Well, what are we sitting here for!? Lets get going!” Jou said to Duke.

“Alright, stay behind me and follow my lead.”

The three started to move through the grass and mist, following close behind Duke. Duke kept a watchful eye up at the towers, hoping a guard wouldn’t suddenly appear there. The trio made it to the right side of castle wall, laying back against it. Duke put a finger to his lips and pointed upwards where the others could see a bright light shining through the window. Tristan elbowed Jou lightly in the side and pointed to the right of them where a large door handle could be seen. Jou patted them both on the shoulder and the three snuck over to the door.

Tristan tried the door, pulling at it a few times but it wouldn’t open. Duke shooed him away and told the both them to keep an eye out for guards. He studied the hinges for a few seconds and smirked. The door was big and he couldn’t reach the one at the top, so he tapped Tristan on the shoulder to get his attention.

“Lift me up to that top hinge.” Tristan nodded and lifted Duke up by his waist, holding him high above the hinge. Duke motioned with his hand to lower him down a bit and Tristan obeyed. Duke fiddled with the bottom of the hinge for a second, then pulled the little bar out from the hinge. He whispered to Tristan to put him down and handed the bar to him. Duke did the same for the second and third hinge, then ordered Tristan to open the door from the opposite end. Tristan carefully pulled the heavy wooden door open, leaving enough space for all of them to get through.

Duke went in first, looking and listening for anything. There was nothing but a cold hallway with the smell of dampness and mold. No doubt it was the dungeon. He motioned the others to follow him as they tip toed down the steps. When they reached the bottom, Duke threw his arms out to prevent his friends from going any further. The hall was short and the exit had light coming from it. Duke walked up first and took a quick peek around the corners. They had made it to the dungeon, but there were two guards on duty. He cursed under his breath and went back to the others, bringing them into a huddle.

“We’ve got two fucking guards on duty!” Duke told them.

“So now what do we do?” Jou asked.

“Well, the only thing I can think of is a disguise.” Duke suggested. “Tristan, you grab the first guard who passes our way, and be quick and quite about it! I’ll wear the clothes and search up and down for Seto.”

“But how are you going to get the keys?” Tristan asked. “Surely the guards have them.” Duke smirked.

“That’s where my thieving skills come in!” He winked. “Once you see I’ve got the keys, I’ll say or do something to distract the guards, and that’s your oppurnity to jump them. Knock them out flat so we can escape with Seto without being noticed. Plain and simple, people.” Jou nodded.

“Okay, lets do it!”

The three waited silently for a guard to pass them by. Jou heard the sound of boots coming their way and alerted the others. Tristan cracked his knuckles and waited for his chance. When the man took one step in front of them, Tristan placed his hand over his mouth and pulled him back. Jou knocked him out with the hilt of his sword. They quickly stripped the man and helped Duke disguise himself. He took his hair out and put it in a loose ponytail.

“How do I look? Barbaric?” Tristan bit his lip.

“Hardly. Look, be careful out there Duke. This is dangerous and you’ve already been hurt in more ways than one.” He said, pulling him close. “Please, come back to me.”

“Damn Tris,” Jou said. “It’s not like he’s going off to war!” Duke kissed Tristan on the cheek.

“Don’t worry love, I’ll be fine! This is where my specialties lie! I’ve been itchin’ to do some thief work! Now, stand back and watch a pro!”

Duke slipped out from the small hallway and walked with his head up, looking determined. Jou and Tristan peeked out, watching Duke’s actions. Duke passed by the two guards and they paid him no mind. Jou gasped lightly as he saw the keys in Duke’s hand.

“Did you even see him DO anything?!” Jou whispered to Tristan. “He really is a thief! That was amazing!”

“This is our cue!” Tristan said. “Lets go!” Both men dashed out and took a guard each, quickly knocking them out with their swords. They ran to meet Duke who was far up ahead of them.

Duke turned and found the cell Seto was in. He gasped at what he saw. Seto lay across the dirty stone floor, covered in bruises and what looked like slashes from a whip. He was bloodied in a few places and most of his clothes were torn. To Duke, he looked....dead. Duke gulped and quickly fiddled with the keys, trying each one into the lock. Of course, the key was the last one he had chosen. Jou and Tristan finally reached him as he unlocked the door.

“Duke, did you find Seto?!” Duke nodded and held the door open for Jou. Jou looked inside and felt his entire body stiffen. “S-Seto...? Seto....?” Tristan pushed pass the two and kneeled next to Seto, checking for a pulse.

“Thank God, he’s still alive!” Tristan told them. Jou started to cry and ran to his lover, falling next to him.

“Seto!! Seto wake up! It’s me, Jou! Seto!! Please wake up!!”

“SHHH!!” Duke shushed him. “Don’t draw attention to us!” Seto murmured and stirred a little.

“J...Jou?” Jou smiled through his tears in relief.

“Seto!! You’re awake!! It’s okay, I’m here now!” Seto groaned and pushed himself up into a sitting position. Jou pulled him into a tight hug, holding Seto’s head to his chest. “My poor Seto...what did they do to you?!

“I’m alright, pup. This is nothing, I’ve been through worse than this.”

“We’re busting you out of here!” Jou told him and held his lover tight.

End Chapter 36

“The Pineapple Story” Part I


Yami, Marik, and Bakura set out to explore an island they had spotted. Their crew stayed back with Seto to rest up a bit from sea travel and prepare any damages to the ship. The island was hot and muggy, full of insects and strange plants. Yami was in the lead, pushing all the plants out of the way. Bakura was in the middle, taking the plants from Yami as he followed. Marik was at the end and Bakura was sending the branches snapping back on purpose to get Marik in the face.

“Hold up, hold up!” The other two stopped and looked back at him. “I haven’t smacked around this much since that tavern whore eleven years ago!” He pulled Bakura behind him by the arm. “You were doing that on purpose, bitch!” Bakura pulled his arm away.

“I was not!!” Yami rubbed his temples.

“Shut up you two!” He shouted. “Let’s try not to lead anything to us! We’re exploring, not playing!”

The three continued their march, looking for anything suspicious. Bakura was getting hungry and he didn’t bring anything along with him to snack on. The heat from the island was starting to get to him. His stomach growled low and he whimpered slightly, dying for something to eat. He looked at Marik in front of him and pictured a giant piece of walking ham. He and Yami had made a pact, should they somehow have to end up eating each other, for whatever reason, Marik would be the first to go. He had the most meat on him anyway. They could live off him for a good two, three days. By Odin’s bones was he hungry! Even Yami was starting to look good, and he’d give him indigestion. That was a small price to pay to have a full belly.

Bakura looked up at all the strange looking trees, hoping to find some source of food. His eyes widened with hope as he saw a grouping of strange fruit up the tree. He pulled on Marik’s battle axe strap to get his attention. Marik turned around and looked at him.

“What’s up?”

“I found food!!” Yami stopped and looked at Bakura.

“Where?” Bakura pointed up.

“Up there!” Both Yami and Marik stuck their tongues out.

“But Bakura, it’s all brown and...and hairy?” Yami pointed out to him.

“Who cares! It’s food! Now lift me up!” Bakura ordered. Marik obliged to it at the mention of food and Yami just had no choice. Marik stood at the base of the tree then crouched down on his haunches. Yami stretched his arms before heading over to his brother. Yami placed one foot on his shoulder and Marik gripped his ankle tight, doing the same with the other one. His legs wobbled as he tried to stay balanced on Marik’s shoulders while crouching down to make room for Bakura. It was quite painful.

Bakura placed one foot on Marik’s knee and lifted himself up with the other. Marik made a groan of protest but Bakura ignored him. Yami took Bakura’s wrists and held tight, trying to balance him. Marik was starting to shake underneath from Bakura’s boots digging into his thighs. Bakura lifted one leg as high as he could and placed it on Yami’s shoulder. He pushed with his other leg and wobbled a bit as he managed to get on both shoulders. Slowly, Marik started to stand up, trying to keep his brother’s balanced. When he was standing completely erect, Yami did the same and slowly lifted Bakura up. Bakura straitened out his legs and stood up on his tip toes to reach the hairy fruit.

“I see we’re gaining a little weight, aren’t we brother dear?” Yami sneered up at Bakura.

“You’re not exactly a string bean yourself, Yami!” Marik stuck his tongue out as he started to sweat.

“Just hurry it up! I’m dyin’ down here!” Bakura grabbed one of the fruits and threw it down. He grabbed and few more and they all came raining down.

“Let’s feast!” Bakura said and jumped down, landing cat-like in the sand. Yami jumped off next and Marik let out a sigh of relief, rubbing his shoulders. Bakura took one of the fruits and licked his lips, his eyes sparkling with the thought of eating. He bit down hard on the fruit, only to have it feel like a rock in his mouth. He could have sworn his teeth had just gone back up into his gums. He took his mouth away and made a sound of disgust. “That tastes HORRIBLE!” He threw it behind him and succeeded in hitting Marik square in the head.

“OW!! HEY, WATCH WHERE YOU THROW THOSE THINGS! They hurt...” Marik whimpered, rubbing the noticeable bump on his forehead. Bakura picked up another one and started banging it on a rock, hoping their was something inside. Yami took one and shook it, hearing something like liquid inside.

“Hm, I wonder what that could be...?”

“UGH!! It looks like milk?!” Bakura sneered as he had succeeded in opening the fruit, only to have the substance pour all over him and down the rock. “I don’t want milk! GODS BE DAMNED, I’M HUNGRY!”

Bakura noticed something up ahead of him and he wondered through so tall grass to see what it was. Yami and Marik quickly followed him, curious to know where he was going. Bakura’s mouth watered as he saw another piece of fruit laying on the ground. It was a dull yellow in color with grass sticking up from the top. He hurried over to it and plopped down on the ground. He felt the slightly pointy skin, but knew it was soft to cut. He took out his knife and started peeling the skin off, licking his lips at the sweet smell.

“Yummy...food!” Bakura said and drooled. Marik and Yami heard the word “food” and plopped down next to him.

“Share the wealth!” Yami said, poking his arm.

“Yeah, we’re hungry too!” Marik pleaded with big chibi eyes. Bakura rolled his eyes and sliced off a piece for his brothers, then some for him. The three bit into the sweet fruit, marveling at it’s unique taste. Suddenly, they heard a loud “clunk!” as something came up from underneath them, trapping them.

“WHAT THE HELL IS THIS?!” Marik questioned angrily. “A NET?!”

“Looks like an animal trap!” Yami answered for him. “Bakura, get your ass out of my face!”

“I would if I could get mine out of Marik’s crotch!” Bakura shouted back, his words slightly mumbled.

“Bakura, I just don’t feel that way about you!” Shouts of an unfamiliar language reached their ears and they became silent. A group of men wearing loin cloths and painted pictures on their skin surrounded the three brothers in the net. One spoke to some of the others, but the brother’s couldn’t understand them.

“Yami, say something to them!” Bakura whispered harshly, turning his face from Marik’s crotch.

“Um...we are friends!” Yami shouted, hoping they understood. “Me friend!” He pointed to himself. “Them friends too! We no hurt you!”

“I don’t think they’re listening!” Marik said.

“HALT!” Someone said from the group of men. He was wearing a big hat and the brother’s figured he was the leader. “You friends?” All three nodded with big chibi smiles. The man smiled back at them. “Friends good to eat!” The three brothers froze and turned blue in the face, their eyes wide.

“No, no!!” Bakura shouted. “You can’t eat me!! I’m too little!! Eat him!” He pointed at Marik. “He has more meat!” Marik pointed at Yami.

“Eat Yami! He’s the oldest and most tender!!” Yami gasped and pointed to Bakura.

“But he’s the baby!!! Eat him! They have more fat!!” Bakura pointed back at Marik.

“Look at his skin! Marik’s hickory smoked, damn it! Eat him!!” Yami nodded.

“Yeah, he can feed a family of four for three days!” Marik growled.

“Oh, you’re both going down for that one!” The leader spoke next.

“You two be good food!” He pointed at Yami and Marik, making Bakura laugh out loud. “And you make fine wife for King!” Bakura’s grin turned into a shocked frown at the news. Yami and Marik both laughed at him mockingly.

“ALL HAIL QUEEN BAKURA!”


End Part I of “The Pineapple Story” (Most of this is based on a crazy dream I had years ago. O.o Word to the wise: Don’t eat dark chocolate and drink flavored tea before bed!!! >_<)