100 Puppies and Dragons

Author's Note: I apologize ahead of time for using this song (Angel, by Sarah McLachlan, changed a fraction to suit my purposes) and perhaps driving some of you to tears as you recall faces of sad and abused animals. Hopefully the puppyshipping will make it better?

Heart Song

Spend all your time waiting

For that second chance

For a break that would make it okay

There's always some reason

To feel not good enough

And it's hard at the end of the day

Seto turned to look up at the top of the tower sharply, eyes widening in disbelief. He recognized that voice. But, the slavers had sworn through sobs of pain that the blond had died during transport.

I need some distraction

Oh beautiful release

Memories seep from my veins

Let me be empty

Oh and weightless and maybe

I'll find some peace tonight

Eyes finally catching sight of gold glinting in the sunlight, the brunet gasped quietly. 'Joey. You're here. You're alive. –AND SOMEONE HAS STOLEN YOU FROM ME.'

Joey seemed to have spotted him as well, directing his powerful song down at him instead of to the air.

In the arms of the angel

Fly away from here

From this dark, cold cell room

And the endlessness that you fear

Seto tensed, feeling livid at the thought that the monsters that had bought him had locked him up in a cell, then turned and began toward the gates.

You were pulled from the wreckage

Of your silent reverie

You're in the arms of the angel

May you find some comfort here

Seto paused, then looked up at the tower again. He was a powerful summoner, and he could probably wipe out the entire castle staff, but suddenly, flying up to the window and breaking him free would be so much easier. He sighed, then cleared his throat. "Joey."

His voice was as soft as a whisper, but the name traveled up the height of the tower. He saw the blond startle slightly, then look down at him as if just seeing him—and he probably was. His song had only been directed at him as a stranger, not as a former lover, because he'd been so lonely.

The blond's reply was just as soft but still carried the musical lilt he'd fallen in love with originally. "Seto?"

"I've been looking for you. Are you alright? Have they hurt you?"

"No, they've taken good care of me. They bring me out at their balls and have me sing to their guests. I just wish I'd be let out once in a while. Would you… would you help me? I wouldn't want to put you out, of course. Just… could you do something? Even convincing them to just let me have a little freedom, I—"

Seto scowled. "No. Joey, once it gets dark out, I'll come and get you, and I'll take you away from here. You'll be mine forever. I'll protect you." He paused, then added, "Please let me protect you."

The voice that replied was bashful and so sweet that Seto could have sworn that Joey's voice was made of honey. "I'll let you protect me always, Seto. I never want to leave your side. I'll put the guards to sleep tonight so you can break in without too much trouble."

Seto smiled, even though he knew Joey couldn't see it. "Alright. Thanks. Midnight."

"I can't wait, Seto. I've missed you so much."

"I've missed you too," the brunet began, only to hear someone calling out to him. Turning, he saw some guards with spears approaching him and scowled, then looked back up again. "I've got to go now. I'll be back tonight." He turned and began walking away, feeling terrible for leaving him behind, but the pain ebbed a little when he thought about how he'd rescue the blond later that night.

He was comforted further when he heard the blond begin singing again.

In the arms of the angel

Fly away from here

From this cold dark cell room

And that endlessness you fear…