The Viking Brothers

ChibiMisu here! I have the next chappie up! YAY!! ^^v I planned to have it up MUCH sooner than this, but I got an allergy attack and was flat outk fok for the last four days. -_- There will be much more excitement in the next chapter, I promise! I will warn you, though. Writing the next chapter will take time since it’s a HUGE fight scene. I’ll try to get it done as fast as I can. There are no bonus stories this time around.

Also, the reviews were not working on aff.net when I posted the last chapter, so I didn’t receive any reviews. I would like to know how everyone liked the Pineapple Story conclusion! I put extra work into that one, as corny as the plot jokes were. >_> So, if you can R&R for both this chapter and the last, I would be very much obliged! They will make me feel better! ^_^v Thanks!!

On with the story!!!

Disclaimer: I do not own Yugioh


The Viking Brothers


Chapter 38: Of Horses and Orbs


They followed the glowing ball to the mouth of the woods where it danced around the trees. The brothers kept a sharp eye on the orb as it led them to a narrow path. The orb suddenly picked up speed and Marik pushed Avaldamon into a trot. The sun was slowly beginning to set and the orb only shown brighter, lighting the path.

“Are you sure we should be following this thing?” Bakura asked.

“Look, what’s the worse that could happen? What if it’s spirit or something!? It could be mother or father leading us to Yami!”

“Do you really believe that?” Marik looked back at him.

“Just shut up and keep an eye on that thing or you’ll find yourself walking back to the castle!” Bakura scowled.

“I can’t see over your fat head!!”

“Then look around me!”

“You’re too fat to even look around!”

“Am not!”

“Are too!”

“Am not!”

“Are too!”

“Not!”

“Too!”

“Not!”

“Too!”

“Not!”

“Not!”

“Too!”

“Not!

“Too!”

“Not!”


“Too!” Marik growled. “Damn it!! You got me again with that!!” Bakura just laughed out loud. The orb turned red and flew over to them, dancing around their heads angrily. Li spa sparks started to fly off of it and the brothers felt a familiar fear filling their hearts from the orb.

“Sorry.” Both men said and the orb turned white again. It flew in front of them and Avaldamon went forward on his own.

Now the sun had set completely and the moon was peeking out from above the trees. The two brothers had been on the same path for almost an hour with no signs of Yami. The path became more narrow, giving way to the ravine. Bakura was getting bored and he started to doze off on Marik’s back. Marik was so bored that he started counting the stars in the sky. The only one who was actually keeping an eye on the orb was Avaldamon. Suddenly, the orb stopped and Avaldamon neighed loudly, alerting the brothers.

“Pineapples!!” Bakura jerked awake. “What happened?!”

“The orb!”

Marik jumped down from his horse, followed by Bakura. The orb started down the ravine ahead of them and stopped at the river. Bakura took his time and walked down sideways, slowly. Marik rushed and he slipped on the wet soil, rolling down the ravine. Bakura rolled his eyes as he made it safely to the narrow bank, stepping over his brother’s twitching body. The orb stopped at one spot in the center of the river, slowly circling the area. The bothers looked at the spot, seeing nothing but a large rock.

“See! I told you that wasn’t a ghost! It’s just some freak thing of nature that led us to a rock!” Bakura scowled at his brother, smacking him behind the head as he stood.

“Wait! Look closer, are you sure that’s a rock?” Bakura squinted.

“No, it’s just a roc- wait, I recognize thop oop of hair anywhere!”

“YAMI!” Both men shouted.

“Go get him, Marik!” Marik jumped into the river, which only came up to his waist. He made his way over to his brother who lay against the rock. He could see the wound from the arrow on Yami’s shoulder. Yami looked like he had tumbled down the river for some time and the arrow was possibly pulled out in the process. His skin had a tint of blue to it, and he trembled slightly.

“Yami?! Yamin yon you hear me?!” He heard a groan.

“Ma-r-ik...” Marik gently pried Yami’s arms away from the rock and picked him up. Yami’s head fell limp against his chest and his body began to shake more rapidly. Marik hurried out of the water and onto the bank.

“Is he alright?” Bakura asked.

“We have to get him warm first.” Marik whistled up to Avaldamon, signaling for him to come. Avaldamon carefully walked down the ravine, slipping a few times here and there. When he was on the bank, Bakura got the horse blanket and brought it over. They maneuvered Yami around so they could wrap him in the blanket. “Bakura, you get on Avaldamon and hold Yami.” Bakura shook his head.

“No way in hell! That horse won’t let anybody ride him but you!”

“He’ll let you ride if I’m here. I weigh more than you and it would be harder for him to carry me back up along with Yami. That’s why you need to do it.” Bakura sneered at the horse who snorted back at him.

“He has that look in his eye...”

“Just do it Bakura!! Yami needs help and fast!” Bakura scowled and cautiously climbed up onto Avaldamon. Surprisingly, the horse allowed him to stay on and he took Yami from Marik. “See, I told you so! Avaldamon, up!” Marik started to climb up the ravine when he stopped and looked behind him. “Hey, where did that orb go?”

“Who cares!” Bakura yelled over at him. “Just get up the damn hill so we can go home!”

Avaldamon was taking his sweet time climbing the wet soil, which made Bakura impatient. He didn’t want to say anything in fear of the horse throwing him off. Marik climbed back up without any trouble. He waited patiently for Avaldamon to make it up the ravine. The horse was only half way up though, and looked like he was having a hard time. He let out a sharp neigh as he slid back down to the bank, landing on his rump. Bakura tumbled off his back and went head first into the river. Yami managed to hold on to the mane, so he stayed on.

“STUPID HORSE!!!” Marik threw his head back and laughed. Bakura got up out of the water and ushered Avaldamon up. He climbed on his back again and kicked his sides. “Come on, horse! Get up that ravine to your behemoth of a master!” Marik gave him large, teary eyes.

“That was cruel!”


Back at the castle


Yugi stood out on one of the castle’s watch towers, searching frantically for Yami and his brothers. Davin had told him the horrible news when he came back and it was as if his world came crashing down around him. He wrapped his cloak tighter around his body, shivering from the light chill in the air. But he wouldn’t leave this spot. Not until he saw the brothers coming back with Yami.

What if Yami was...he shook his head clean of that thought. No, Yami would be alright. A few days rest and some warm soup will make him better. Yugi looked up at the sky, saying another silent pray for Yami’s safe return. He didn’t know how he would live without Yami. He didn’t want Annar to grow up without a father! Yugi felt the tears start to well up in his eyes and he wiped them away with his sleeve.

“Please Yami...come back safe.”

“Are you still up here, Yugi?” Yugi turned at the sound of Ryou’s voice.

“Oh, hey Ryou.” Ryou came and stood next to him, staring out over the trees.

“You should come inside, Yugi or you’ll catch a cold.” Ryou told him.

“I can’t. Not until I know Yami is safe at home.”

“I’m sure Yami is fine.” Ryou smiled at his friend and placed a hand on his shoulder. “Yami would never leave this world without yougi.ugi. He’ll keep fighting with all his might so he can return to you. I know he’ll come back, it’s just a matter of time.” Yugi hung his head.

“But what if...”

“Don’t think that way, Yugi. I know Yami will come back to you alive. You’re so fortunate to have Yami feel that way for you, Yugi.” Yugi watched with sad eyes as Ryou leaned over the tower wall, looking at the woods.

“Poor Ryou. You must feel so out of place here with the rest of us. I wish there was something I could do...” Ryou shook his head.

“Don’t worry about it, Yugi.” Yugi stood next to him.

“But I do worry! I feel horrible about all of us finding happiness while you’re left in the back!” Ryou nodded.

“Well, I do feel that way. All my friends are getting married soon...and I’m still a servant. Oh well, I guess this is the way it is. I’ll just have to learn how to deal with it.” Yugi rest his head on Ryou’s shoulder.

“No Ryou, you can’t just settle for the way things are. I know for you, true happiness would be to have Bakura admit his feelings for you. We all want you to be happy, Ryou. You deserve it too.”

“If I deserved happiness, then I would have found it already. I’m so unlucky.”

“Maybe you should ask Yami to find you a suitor?” Ryou looked at him.

“A suitor? Me? Who would want me after I’ve been with Bakura? They would fear his wrath.”

“I just hate seeing you upset, Ryou. You need to find somebody who can make you happy and I don’t think Bakura is that person.” Ryou sighed.

“Bakura is the only person for me, Yugi, I know he is. Whenever he’s around, my heart flutters and my legs get weak. When he sleeps, I could just stare at him all night, admiring his strong yet gentle features. He completes me, Yugi. I know that’s hard for you to believe, but it’s true.” He chuckled. “You must think I’m crazy.”

“No, not at all.” Yugi stroked his white hair. “You’re speaking like a person in love. There’s nothing crazy about that. I just wish Bakura would return his feelings you.” Ryou nodded sadly.

“Only time will tell, I guess.” Ryou looked up at the woods and gasped. “Hey Yugi! Look over by the trees! I see horses coming this way!” Yugi looked in the direction of Ryou’s finger and saw four figures on horseback. “They’ve come back with Seto!”

“Thank God!” Yugi said in relief. But in the back of his mind, he had wished it was Yami coming back instead.

“I’m going to go down and meet them. Are you going to stay up here?” Yugi nodded.


“I can’t rest until I know Yami is safe at home. After you’re done with them, go to the nursery and check on Annar for me. Beowulf is there too, make sure he is fed. Also, I need you to change our sheets so Yami can have a fresh bed to lie in. Take them to be washed too.” Ryou just gave him a blank look. “What? What’s that look for?” Ryou smiled and then chuckled. “What?”

“You’re so cute, Yugi!” Yugi raised an eyebrow at his friend.

“What does that have to do with anything?”

“You just gave me orders like true “Lady of the House” would do. It’s so cute!” Ryou pinched Yugi’s cheek lightly. “I never thought you would be the type to give orders.” Yugi blushed a bit, rubbing the pinched cheek.

“Well, I need to take control when Yami is absent.” He gasped. “Oh Ryou, I feel horrible now! I’m treating you like an actual servant!”

“No, no, Yugi! It’s okay, I am a servant of this house anyway. It’s your right to give me orders.” Yugi lowered his eyes.

“But, you’re my friend. I don’t want to be bossy to you!” Ryou placed his hands on Yugi’s shoulders.

“Yugi, it’s okay if you boss me around. That is your job. Yami has no trouble barking out orders, and neither does Seto. Seto is head of the servants here, you know that. He’s the one who actually bosses me around.”

“Is Seto mean to you?” Ryou shook his head.

“No, he’s not mean, just particular. He’s very anal about how things are done. They need to be done right or he’ll chew you up and spit you out.” They stopped talking as they heard the draw bridge being lowered. “I better go now, Yugi. I’ll talk to you later, okay?” Yugi nodded.

“Don’t forget what I ordered!” Ryou smiled back at him.

“I won’t!” Yugi watched his friend leave, then turned back to the woods. He pushed his hands into a praying position.

“Yami, where are you? Please come home.”

Downstairs:

Jou and Duke helped carry Seto inside the castle where he was taken to his room. He had refused to go to the doctor, since he was quite capable of taking care of himself. Tristan took the horses back to the stables and decided to tend to some work. Ryou was ahead of them, getting Seto’s bed ready. They placed him gently in his bed and Ryou covered him up.

“So what happened?” Ryou asked the three.

“Duke will tell you.” Jou offered, jutting his thumb to Duke. “I want to have some alone time with Seto. Scadattle.” Ryou nodded.

“Okay, let me know if you need anything.” Duke took his hand.

“Come on Ryou, I’ll tell you all about it over a nice hot bowl of soup.”

The two left the room, shutting the door silently behind them. Jou watched the door close before turning back to his lover, who was almost asleep. Jou smiled and stroked his forehead gently, hearing a delighted moan from his lover. Seto opened his eyes and smiled up at him, taking Jou’s wrist in his hand.

“Lay with me.” That was a demand, but Jou didn’t care. He liked it when Seto was domineering. Jou undressed quickly, leaving only his tunic top on and crawled into bed. Seto rolled on top of him, pushing his body down into the mattress. “Thank you for saving me, pup.” He nuzzled his neck lovingly. Jou chuckled and wrapped his arms around Seto’s neck.


“I’d do anything for you, Seto. Just as you would for me, right?”

“Of course, pup. I’d fight the Midgard Serpent for you.” Seto started kissing and nipping Jou’s neck.

“Shouldn’t you be resting? You’re hurt.” Seto didn’t listen.

“I told you I’m fine.” He moved his mouth up to Jou’s lips, gently kissing him. Jou moaned in delight but then turned his head away from Seto.

“What’s wrong?” Jou flushed sadly, burying his face in the pillow.

“I…I can’t do this Seto…it’s too soon. Bad memories.” Seto sighed and rolled off of him.

“I’m sorry, Jou. I was so caught up in the moment that I forget all about it.”

“I’m the one who should be sorry, Seto. How are you going to get off if I’m too scared to do it?” Seto put his arms behind his head, looking up at the ceiling.

“I’ll figure out something, pup. I can wait until you are ready again.” Jou cuddled up to him.

“You won’t go looking elsewhere, will you?”


“Of course not!” Seto scolded him. “I would never stoop that low!” Jou laughed and pulled himself closer to Seto.

“I know that. How silly of me to think otherwise.” He yawned slightly. “Boy am I tired.” Seto closed his eyes.

“Then lets sleep, pup. You must be tired from all this excitement.” Jou nodded and slowly fell asleep with Seto following after.

Yugi still stood at the top of the watch tower, waiting for Yami’s return. Now that Seto was here, Yugi could leave the castle up to him so he could focus only on Yami. He kept asking himself “Where are they?” He hoped to God that nothing had happened to the three of them. If they weren’t back by daylight, then he’d send out a search party to find them.

That thought completely disintegrated in his mind as he caught sight of something coming from the woods. He leaned out over the stone wall and his breath caught in his throat. There on the dirt path leading to the castle walked a large horse with two men on it’s back and another man walking beside it. Yugi’s eyes widened with tears of joy as he knew who it was. Yami had come back! Yami was home!! Yugi squealed in delight and quickly left the watch tower to greet his lover. He also alerted the castle about Yami’s return on the way.

Yugi ordered the drawbridge to be lowered so he could meet up with Yami. The drawbridge hadn’t even touched the ground before Yugi ran over it. Yugi ran as fast as his small legs could carry him, calling out his lover’s name.

“Yami!” He yelled “Yami!!” There was no doubt about it, that’s Avaldamon! And Marik was walking alongside of him! “YAMI!!!”

“Well, well, look who it is.” Bakura said as he watched Yugi come running. “You’re wife’s here to see you, Yami. Wake up!” Yami groaned and cracked an eye open, pulling his head away from Bakura’s chest.

“Wha-?”

“Your wiman!man! Yugi!!” Both of Yami’s eyes shot open.

“YUGI!” Yami looked over Avaldamon’s head and saw Yugi running to him, waving his arms happily.

“Slow down, tiger.” Bakura told him as Yami tried to get down from the large horse. “Yugi will come to us.” Yugi finally reached the horse and clung to Yami’s legs.

“Oh Yami!! You’re alive!!”

“Yugi...” Yami smiled down at his lover. “Come sit with me. I need to hold you.” Marik placed his hands on Yugi’s waist and lifted him up with ease, sitting him on Yami’s lap. Since Yami was riding side saddled he had to keep a firm hold on Yugi and put his trust in Bakura. He just hoped his brother won’t let go of the reigns and let them fall. Yugi wrapped his arms around Yami’s neck, squeezing him tight.

“I was so worried about you, Yami! I waited up on the watch tower all day hoping for your safe return!!”

“Aww! How devoted!!” Marik said sweetly while Bakura made a look of disgust. Yami leaned back onto Bakura’s arm, cradling Yugi close to him.

“Hey! What do I look like? A lounging chair?! I have the right mind to let you both fall-OW!” Marik pinched his leg and glared, warning him that he better not do it.

“Yugi,” Yami started “I’m alright...I just need to rest...”

“Of course!” He turned to Marik. “Hurry to the castle, Marik!”

“Avaldamon, ride away!” Marik told his horse and Avaldamon obeyed, riding towards the castle.

Once inside, Bakura jumped off the horse and first helped Yugi down before Yami. Yami was a bit too heavy for him and he stumbled backwards a bit. Yugi shrieked and caught Bakura’s shirt, keeping him from injuring Yami more than he already was. Marik came up behind them and took Yami from Bakura. He carried him up to his room with Yugi running far ahead of them. He held the door open so Marik could carry Yami inside. Yugi noticed that their bed wasn’t changed nor made, even after he had told Ryou to do it. He’d deal with him after he took care of Yami. Marik laid him gently in the bed and rolled him over on his stomach.

“What are you doing?” Yugi asked.

“I don’t want him to lay on his arrow wound.” Marik told him. “I’m going to go get the doctor, so I’ll be right back, okay? Don’t let Yami fall asleep.” Yugi nodded and crawled onto the bed, kneeling nextYamiYami. He saw the dark, dried blood through the material of the blanket and he covered his mouth. He hated the sight of blood, and having it be Yami’s blood makes it ten times worse. But he had to be strong for Yami.

“Yugi...?”

“I’m right here, Yami. What is it?”

“Are you alright?”

“Yami, I’m fine! You’re the one that’s hurt! I want you to worry about yourself right now.” Yami turned his head and looked at him.

“I don’t like leaving you here alone.”

“I’m not alone, Yami! I have the castle guards and servants around.”

“I know, but Bakura told me that after Seto was taken you took control of the castle. That’s a big job Yugi,” He smiled. “I’m proud of you.” Yugi giggled and flushed slightly.

“Well, that’s my job when you are not here, Yami. Seee cae castle is still standing under my command. Although I have to have a word with Ryou about following my orders. I don’t think he knows I was actually serious earlier.” Yami raised a brow.

“Serious about what?”

“I gave him orders to have our bed changed and made for when you came home. I find that the old ones are still here.” Yami chuckled.

“You have to be firm when you give orders, Yugi. It’s all in the tone of voice.”

“Still...” Yami placed his hand on Yugi’s knee.

“Yugi, don’t upset Ryou about this. He has enough problems already with Bakura. Knowing he upset you by not following your orders will make the poor boy feel like shit. Just let it go, Yugi.”

“But I want people to take me seriously! Just because I’m short and have big eyes doesn’t mean I can’t be threatening!” Yami smirked.

“Threatening? You? I don’t think so, Yugi. That’s not in your nature. You’re the merciful one of the Bolverk family, Yugi. I want you to stay that way.” Yugi pouted, but nodded.

“Okay Yami.” They turned to the doorway as they heard someone come in. It was the doctor and Marik.

“Yugi,” Marik started “Lets leave doctor to do his work. You don’t have the stomach to see what he has to do.” Yugi puffed his cheeks out.

“Yes I do!!”

“Yugi...” Yami said his name with a tone in his voice.

“Okay Yami.” Yugi answered without any argument and followed Marik out of the room. Yugi tugged on Marik’s tunic sleeve to get his attention. “Marik, will Yami be okay?” Marik smiled at him.

“He’ll be fine, don’t worry. He just has a little boo-boo on his shoulder, nothing to get upset about. Tumbling down the river is what got him the most. He should be back on his feet very soon.”

“Thank you for bringing him home safe, Marik.”

“Well, he’s my brother. I wasn’t about to leave him to die somewhere out in the woods. If it wasn’t for that orb, we would have never found him.”

“Orb? What orb?” Marik rolled his eyes.

“Yon’t n’t believe me if I told you. So lets leave it at that. Oh, where’s Malik? I want to get a bath.”

“Malik’s busy in the kitchen. Since Duke went to go save Seto, someone needed to take charge in the kitchen. I figured Malik was perfect for that.” Marik thought, then smirked.

“Then you ready my bath, Yugi!!” Yugi blushed bright red.

“Wh-what!? ME?!” Marik nodded with a huge Cheshire cat grin.

“I can’t wash my back all by myself!” Yugi’s whole head turned the color of a ripe tomato.

“Um...I-I don’t think Ya-Yami would li-like that!”

“Why don’t you want to help me? Are you scared of me?” Marik said as he stood strait and tall, puffing his chest out.

“Yes!” Yugi squeaked out. “But-but Malik should be done with the potato’s by now!! I’ll go ask him!” Before Yugi could run, Marik grabbed the back of his shirt.

“But I’m enjoying our time together, Yugi! Malik’s too rough on me sometimes, but I know you have a gentle touch. Pwease? Pwetty pwease?” He batted his eye lashes in a way that chilled Yugi’s blood. He wasn’t sure if was scared or freaked out. “If you don’t, I’ll eat you!” Yugi ‘eeped’.

“Please don’t eat me!” Yugi begged. Marik patted his stomach and licked his lips.

“Ah yes, I can see you now! Big red apple in your mouth, laying on a silver tray, surrounded by assorted vegetables and drenched in a sweet meat sauce. Finger lickin’ good!” Yugi paled and gulped.

“But-but I’m not a pig ready to go to roast!” Yugi shouted up at Marik. “I have rights!” Marik just grinned and started pinching Yugi’s cheeks.

“But you’re so chubby! Just like a little piglet! Oink, oink!” Yugi cried out as his cheeks were being pinched with more force than before.

“OWIE!!! STOP!! LET ME GO!!”

“Marik, what are you doing to that poor child?” A calm, cool voice stopped Marik in his actions.

“Seto? What are you doing up?” He asked. “Shouldn’t you be in bed?” Yugi escaped from Marik’s clutches and ran to hide behind Seto, clinging to one of his long legs.

“I should, but I have important matters to speak with Yami about. I heard that he was back and what had happened. I just went to bed to please the pup. Is Yami in his room?”

“Yeah, the doctor is looking at him.” Marik told him.

“Thanks.” He looked down at Yugi. “You can let go of my leg now, Yugi. You’re cutting off my circulation.” Yugi was still clinging to Seto’s leg, shaking in fear.

“Can’t leave...Marik will eat me! Can’t leave...Marik will eat me!” Seto gave Marik an annoyed look but he just whistled innocently.

“What? I didn’t do anything!”

“Thanks to your stupid antics, I have a Yugi attached to my leg.” Seto started shaking his leg, hoping Yugi would fall off.

“Can’t leave...Marik will eat me! Can’t leave...Marik will eat me!” Marik grinned and pushed past Seto, leaving him to deal with Yugi. Seto growled low in his throat and once again proceeded to shake Yugi off of his leg. “Can’t leave...Marik will eat me!”


Seto saw that his attempts at freeing himself were not working, so he drug Yugi along with him. Literally. He found it highly annoying to walk with a person attached to your leg, even one as small as Yugi. When he reached Yami’s door, he glared down at .

.

“WILL YOU PLEASE GET OFF OF ME!?” He shouted, shaking his leg frantically.

“Waa! But Seto, you need to protect me when Yami is hurt! Marik’s trying to eat me!”

“Well just...just go stay with Jou, or something! I need to talk to Yami privately! Now get off!” Yugi whimpered and let go of Seto’s leg. Seto cleared his throat, calming himself down. “That’s better. Now then, go and stay in our bed tonight. I won’t be in tonight because I have too much work to do. Jou Jou company for me, okay?” Yugi sniffled as he stood up.

“O-okay Seto...I’ll go stay with Jou.”

Yugi ran off to go to their room. Seto watched him turn the corner before knocking on the door. He heard the doctor’s voice ask who it was and Seto told him. He was given the okay to enter into the room. Yami was on his stomach as the doctor was cleaning out his wound. Seto stood next to the bed.

“That will be all for now, doctor. I’ll take care of him from here.” The doctor looked up at him.

“Are you sure? You’re in bad shape yourself and should be in bed.” Seto shook his head.

“I’m fine. I have important matters to discuss with Yami, so please excuse yourself for the night. I’ll finish up with him.” The doctor nodded, obeying Seto’s orders. He left all his medical supplies for Seto to use before he left. Seto sat down in the same chair the doctor was using and fumbled through his medical box. “Now how did you manage this, Yami?” He heard Yami groan.

“Shut up.” He said flatly. Seto finished cleaning the wound and looked around for the sewing thread.

“Is Herrick going to join with our army?” He asked as he found the spool.

“Yes. His army should be here sometime tomorrow. They left a day after Davin and I.” Seto thread the needle, measuring it’s length.

“That’s good news. But due to my escape and Duke’s actions, Pegasus should be rallying his army as we speak. I’m afraid Herrick’s men will only get a day’s rest before going into battle.” He started sewing Yami’s wound.

“What did Duke do?” Yami hissed a bit as the needle met with his skin.

“He went into outlaw mode and stole some of the jewels Pegasus had. But it doesn’t matter. Once they found out I was gone, they would have readied their army anyway, so we can place the blame on no one. Stop moving!”

“What’s your plan?”

“Well, I’m trying to think like Pegasus would. He may be on his way here now to attack with his army. However, he may be planning the opposite. He could be waiting for us to come to him. They could have planned my capture as a way for you to rally your army in revenge and come for me. My reasoning for this theory, and I’m thinking like Pegasus mind you, that without me your battle strategies would be weak. It would make you open for an attack.” Yami mumbled into his pillow.

“But what Pegasus doesn’t understand is that I’m a master strategist myself. I just need you as an adviser to make it more effective. Ow...” Seto pulled the thread tight, then started sewing the opposite way.

“You’ll need a few more stitches, Yami, so just bare with me. It’s true that your battle strategies are as good as mine, but Pegasus was hoping to get a plan out of me for an attack. As you can see, I put up a fight and told that traitor nothing.”

“So that’s why you look like a mummy?” Seto gave him the evil eye.

“Be wary, I am holding a sewing needle in my hand.” Yami gulped slightly. “We’ll wait until Herrick’s army arrives and then go from there.”

“I guess. Ow!” Seto pulled the thread tight. “Damn it, that hurt!”

“I have to pull your skin together somehow! Now just lie there and take it like a man!”

“OW! Now you did that on purpose!”

“I did not!”

“You did too!”

“I did not!”

“You did-AHHH!!!” Seto smirked evilly.

“Now THAT, I did on purpose!”

“Seto...you’re evil!!”


Seto’s room:


Yugi quietly crawled into Seto’s bed, trying not to wake Jou. He pulled his half of the covers up over himself, snuggling into it’s warmth. Standing up on that watch tower gave him a chill. But now that Yami was back safe, he felt all warm and cozy inside. Seto’s bed was really comfortable. The material was strangely exotic...he had to tell Yami to buy him some. Next to him, he felt Jou’s weight shift in the bed as he turned onto his other side, facing Yugi. He was still asleep though. Yugi wondered how Jou would react waking up to find him instead of Seto.

“Mm...Seto...” Jou smiled in his sleep, making Yugi giggle. He froze when Jou started to cuddle up to him, burying his nose in his wild hair. “Mm...Se-huh?” Jou’s eyes opened suddenly, now wide awake. “Who-?”


“Um...hi Jou.” Yugi said meekly. Jou sat up in the, sh, shrieking as he did.

“What are you doing here, Yugi!? And where’s Seto?!” Yugi sat up.

“He’s talking business with Yami. He told me to come and keep you company tonight since he has so much work to do.” Jou sighed and rubbed his eyes with his hand.

“Damn that Seto! I want him to get some rest! The castle work can wait a day!”

“You know how Seto is about his work. You’ll never talk him out of it.”

“I know that...but still...”

“Say Jou, when are you and Seto planning to get married?” Jou gave him a look of surprise.

“What brought that on?” Yugi shrugged his shoulders.

“I was just curious.” Jou smiled and puffed his chest out proudly.

“After all this is over with Pegasus, getting married will be the first thing we do!” Yugi squealed.

“I’m so excited Jou! Getting married is such a wonderful experience!” Jou nodded.

“I know it is! Then I’ll have full claim to Seto and no one can take him from me! He’s mine!”

“What do you plan to wear, Jou?” Yugi asked.

“I might have Ryou make me a new tunic. I can get money from Seto to buy the fabric. I want matching pants too and a flower veil!”

“Ryou makes beautiful clothes! You’ve made a good choice in tailors! He’s good at making flower crowns too!” Yugi gasped as he realized what he was saying. “Oh dear...”

“What’s wrong?” Yugi’s eyes drooped down to the bed sheets.

“Ryou would make the outfit for you with no problem, but it would make his heart ache with every minute and stitch he puts int.” J.” Jou raised a confused brow at him.

“I’m not followin’ ya, Yug.” Yugi frowned.

“Surely you know how much Ryou loves Bakura?” Jou nodded.

“Of course I do. Ryou makes it quite clear to the whole castle! No one would put up with Bakura’s shit if they didn’t love him.”

“Poor Ryou feels left out when we all talk about our weddings and lovers. We all have somebody and he doesn’t.” Jou sighed.

“I know how you fell, Yug. But remember who Ryou fell in love with: Bakura Bolverk, the not so friendly and over barring brother. You should ask Ryou what made him fall in love with Bakura.”

“I don’t think Ryou knows himself. All he knows is that whenever he sees or is with Bakura, he is happy. No matter how Bakura treats him, Ryou is just grateful he has a chance to be near him.”

“I think Ryou is a little cooky in the head.” Jou tapped at his head. “A person must be crazy to fall in love with Bakura! Ryou puts up with so much shit from him but it seems like he doesn’t even care! What person would just sit back and watch as their crush banged a bunch of servants?! No normal person would stand for that, Yugi.”

“He is troubled by it, Jou!” Yugi argued. “He doesn’t like to see Bakura leaving their bed after screwing to go and do it with someone else! I think he just fears Bakura’s wrath if he were to sayethiething to him about it. He’s afraid that Bakura would release him from his services then he couldn’t be near him. Bakura knows how Ryou feels about him Jou, but he’s just being a stubborn jackass!”

“Look Yug, I want to help Ryou too. But we’re tangling with Bakura! He’s stubborn in general. I think we should keep our noses out of it for it might make things worse for Ryou. Situations have a certain way of working themselves out sometimes.” Yugi sighed and flopped down on the bed.

“I just feel so helpless, Jou. I want to help him, but what you said makes sense.” He rolled over and covered himself with the blanket. “This is pulling at my heartstrings too much. I’m going to sleep.” Jou laid down next to him, pulling the covers up to his chin.

“Night Yug.”

“Goodnight Jou.”


End chapter 38