The Viking Brothers

The Viking Brothers


Chapter 7: Friend or Foe

Disclaimer: I do not own Yugioh

Bakura’s Tent:


Bakura gulped down his warm ale with vigor. He had just been dumped once again by Yami! He threw the cup across the tent, startling Ryou. He knew there was something fishy with Yami’s sudden interest in his welfare. It was all just a big joke! And on top of that, Ryou told him he never ate an apple when he asked. Not that Bakura couldn’t just take what he wanted from Ryou, he just wanted to see that love potion of Seto’s in action! Damn he was pissed! He waited half the day away in hope to see a sex craved Ryou begging for his touch. What rotten luck! And Ryou even went as far as to forget his breakfast! If you want something done, you have to do it yourself.

Ryou was ord tod to polish Bakura’s sword, which was named Blooddrinker. The name made him cringe, and it DID live up to it’s name. His eyes stung from all the crying he did after he heard Bakura’s abhorrent words. But the things Bakura said to him earlier couldn’t be his real thoughts. Ryou saw the caring spirit last night in Bakura’s eyes. Love and kindness WAS present there, just hidden from view. Bakura wouldn’t let his emotions bruise his ego. Still, the comments hurt.

“Hey sla Ryo Ryou jumped.

“Y-yes?

“You play an instrument?” Ryou shook his head.

“N-no.” Bakura sighed, laying back down on the bed.

“By the gods you are worthless!” Ryou hung his head. “Make yourself somewhat useful and go find Seto. His music and poems always make me feel better. Get going.” Ryou laid the sword on the table and left to find Seto. Wait, who was Seto anyway? The name sounded familiar, he’d heard it somewhere. His eyes caught sight of a large mop of unforgettable hair. All thoughts of Bakura flew from his mind as he saw Yugi, with that Viking leader. He was so happy to see Yugi!

“Yugi!” Yugi saw him and waved excitedly.

“Hey Ryou!!” Ryou ran to him, lifting him up in a bear hug. Yugi giggled happily as he squeezed Ryou’s neck tight. Yami couldn’t help but smile at the adorable sight the two made. “It’s so good to see you! I was so worried!” Ryou placed him back on the ground, a smile plastered on his face.

“I was worriboutbout you too, Yugi. Are you alright? Nothing...” he flushed slightly. “Unusual happened to you, did it?” Yugi just smiled and shook his head.

“No, I’m okay! Yami’s taking good care of me, and I’ve made some new friends! And guess what! I saw Malik last night and he’s okay too! How are you doing?” Ryou couldn’t bare to tell Yugi what was going on with him and Bakura, it would upset him to much. He hid his pain with a fake smile.

“I’m fine, Yugi. There was never anything to worry about.” Yami suddenly interrupted.

“Is Bakura sending you on some mission?” Ryou looked at Yami.

“Yes. I need to find Seto?”

“What does he want to see Seto for?” Yugi asked.

“Something about his music making him feel better?” Yami nodded.

“Of course. Seto’s music has a way of ‘soothing the savage beast’ “ Yami laughed at his own joke, making the others sweatdrop. “But why don’t you and Yugi go find Malik and take a few hours off? I’lnd Snd Seto and handle Bakura, so don’t worry.” Both Ryou and Yugi looked at him with huge puppy eyes.

“REALLY?!” they said in unison. Yami nodded, taking a step back. To much cuteness all in one day.

“Yes, you have my word. And my word overrides Bakura’s, so Ryou, you don’t have fear him. If he does try anything, you can just come to me, and I’ll straiten him out. Okay?” Ryou nodded.

“Thank you so much, sir! This means so much to me!” Yugi gave Yami a hug around the waist.

“I thank you too, Yami! You’re a nice man!” Yami flushed very lightly at the comment.

“Right. Um, I think I saw Malik over by the stables beating the rugs.” Yugi grinned.

“At least he’s not beating Marik!” Yami chuckled.

“I’m sure he’s done that by now. Go find him, and stay inside the camp. Don’t wonder into the woods, for many creatures lurk there, and we might not be around to protect you.” Yugi took his hand in his.

“Don’t worry Yami! We’ll stay in the camp, I promise!” He turned from Yami and gripped Ryou’s wrist, yanking him into a run. “Come on Ryou!” Ryou almost tripped over the ground as Yugi pulled him along.

“Yugi! Slow down!” Yami just watched them push through the others, disappearing from sight.


Meanwhile, in a grove....

“That one looks like a castle!!” Jou said as he, Tristan, and Duke lay next to each other on the ground, looking up at the clouds.

“That’s not a castle Jou.” Tristan said ‘matter of factly’. “That’s Moses riding a hawk.” Jou blinked.

“How the hell did you figure that?!”

“You’re both wrong.” Duke countered. “It’s a duck.”

“No, it’s a castle!” Jou stated. Tristan sat up.

“Is this really necessary to argue over?” Duke sat up then.

“It’s not arguing, it’s merely discussing. But you’re right. We should be catching up with each other.” Duke looked over Tristan to see Jou. “I would never had expected you of all people would go for a guy, Jou.” Tristan nodded.

“I was a little surprised myself! But you should see those two together! It’s actually sickening!” Jou sat up and slapped Tristan in the back of the head.

“You’re just jealous because I’ve found love and you haven’t!”

“No! That’s not why!” Tristan countered.

“I always wanted a “knight in shining armor” to come to me and I’ve finally found one! Even if he ISN’T English, Seto is, and always will be, my knight and champion!” Tristan burst out laughing

“You sound like a woman with all this “knight in shining armor” talk!” Jou fumed.

“I DO NOT!!” Duke just laughed.

“This sure brings me back. I’ve missed all your petty little arguments over the years. I never thought I’d actually enjoy hearing it.” Tristan turned to Duke, ignoring Jou’s anger.

“It sure is nice to you again, Duke. We thought you were gone forever!” Duke chuckled.

“It felt that way for me too. If I didn’t meet up with those outlaws, I’d be laying dead somewhere in the woods.”

“You said they left you behind though, didn’t you?” Duke nodded sadly.

“Yeah, they did. I wasn’t expected it, but I understood why. Living on your own in the woods isn’t the best kind of lifestyle.” Jou smiled.

“You could live here with us! I’m sure Yami wouldn’t mind, and I have Seto to back me up! And you helped Marik out, so he’ll probably vouch for you too!” Duke thought.

“Hm...well, I don’t have any other choice. I defiantly don’t want to live alone anymore. But where would I stay? I doubt I’ll have a tent to myself and I refuse to be a personal servant!”

“You can stay with me if you want.” Tristan offered. “I have a room in the stables big enough for two and I would appreciate the company. Jou just kicked me to the side and ran off with Seto!” Jou pouted.

“You make me sound like such a bad person!” Duke smiled.

“I think I’ll take you up on that offer, Tristan. This will be great! Just like old times, and-“ he stopped in mid sentence, his back straitening. Jou and Tristan looked at him, confused.

“Uh, Duke
“
“Shh! We’re not alone.” Tristan and Jou started looking all over, looking and listening for anything. Duke jumped up and turned his body around, facing the trees. The other two joined him, looking in the same direction. They could all clearly see figures moving around in front of them, coming closer. Not one of them had weapons, so they moved closer together, mostly hiding behind Tristan, who didn’t seem to notice.

A group of men on horseback made their way through the trees, spotting the three boys. They brought their horses to a gallop, headed towards the boys. There was about six of them, and they were dressed much like Yami and the others. The one man in the front held a horned helmet under his arm. They must be Vikings, but nether Jou nor Tristan ever saw them before around the camp. The Vikings stopped their horses in front of them. The man who must be the leader spoke first.

“We’re looking for the Bolverk brothers! Do you know of them?” The man had blonde hair and blue eyes that looked all to threatening.

“Who wants to know?” asked Tristan.

“I’m family you dimwit!” Tristan pouted and Duke laughed. Jou moved out from behind Tristan.

“May I ask how you are related?” The man snorted.

“I won’t say until you tell me if you know them.” Jou nodded.

“Yeah, we know them. Yami, Marik, and Bakura.” The man smiled.

“Good, you do know them. I’m their cousin, Keith. Son of their mother’s sister.” Tristan turned to Jou.

“I didn’t know they had a cousin?” Jou scoffed.

“There’s a lot we don’t know about them.” Jou turned back to Keith and the other men. “I’ll go inform Yami of your arrival. Please wait here with Duke and Tristan.” Jou ran off to fetch Yami.


Back at the camp, Yami and Marik were playing a game of chess [1] in Bakura’s tent. It wasn’t just Bakura who enjoyed Seto’s music and poems, and Yami saw it as a chance to spend time with his brothers. So far, there has been no major fighting between them, only one little spat. It had to do with Seto’s tunes a little bit off key do to his shoulder wound. Bakura had immediately started bitching about it, while Marik argued that it was Seto’s best work ever. Seto frowned at Marik’s remark. So he wasn’t good ALL the time? An evil look plagued Seto’s face as he continued to play.

Yami grinned in triumph as he watch Marik begin to sweat over his predicament. Yami’s “Bishop” had Marik’s “King’s Advisor” (or known as the “Queen” today. -_-‘ Gender discrimination of the era...) piece on the run, and his King unprotected. Yami had stolen the game set from a wealthy monastery they raided a few years ago. He and his brothers had learned to play the game from an Earl’s son they held prisoner for ransom. And Yami has completely mastered it.

Marik grit his teeth and moved his “Knight”, hoping to block the “Rook’”s move. He grinned and crossed his arms over his chest, puffing it out. Yami made a fake look of concern, then smirked evilly. Yami picked up his “Bishop” and flicked Marik’s “King” off the board with his fingers, replacing it with his piece.

“Checkmate.” Marik gripped the edge of the table and gasped.

“What?! How the hell did you-“ Yami leaned back in his chair and stretched.

“I am the true Game King. You know that!” Marik’s eyebrow twitched as he glared at his brother. Seto got up and stood next to him, playing a low, sad tune in Marik’s defeat. Marik glared daggers at him.

“YOU DON’T HAVE TO RUB IT IN!!” Yami was about to gloat his victory when Jou suddenly entered the tent. Seto stopped in his playing to smile at his lover, who didn’t seem to happy.

“Yami, there’s a man outside the camp grounds claiming to be your cousin, Keith?” Yami looked startled, yet surprised at the same time. Bakura had shot up from bed after hearing Jou’s words.

“Keith is here?” Yami asked in surprise. “Hm. I wonder what brings him here at this time?”

“So you do know him?” Yami nodded.

“Yes, he is family. You may bring him here. Is he alone?” Jou shook his head.

“Nah, he has about five or six men.” Yami looked at Marik.

“Marik, go with him just to be sure.”

Marik got out of the chair with out a word, still angry at his defeat, and pulled Jou out of the tent with him. He had Jou lead the way to where Keith was with Duke and Tristan. When they got there, Marik knew it was there cousin. He was somewhat relieved, for a man wanting to impersonate his cousin must be totally insane! He greeted his cousin with a smile anyway.

“Hello dear cousin. What brings you to England?” Keith smirked.

“Hmph, the usual. Bored at home, nothing to kill, and farm, farm, farm, farm!” Marik let out a laugh.

“Well, you came to the right place. We’re all just hanging out here for awhile. Come make yourself comfortable at our home.”

“Do you have any ale?” Keith asked eagerly. Marik nodded.

“Yeah, we have it. But first, you want to talk to Yami, right?” Keith nodded.

“Right. Lead the way, Marik!”

Keith and his band started to follow Marik with Jou and the others close behind. Jou and Tristan whispered among themselves at the new arrival, while Duke looked at Keith suspiciously. He couldn’t put his finger on it, but there was something peculiar about him. This guy Keith had rubbed him wrong the minute they met. In his opinion, he didn’t trust the guy.

Meanwhile, at the end of camp...

Yugi, Ryou, and Malik laughed happily as they played a game of blindfold tag, and Yugi was “it”. They were so delighted to see each other and share their experiences with one another. They have yet to share their stories, and Ryou was trying desperately to either think of a fake story fast, or make the others avoid the subject. But it looks like that’s not going to work, seeing as Yugi removed the blindfold.

“Let’s take a rest for a bit!” Malik agreed and plopped himself on the ground, sighing deeply. Ryou and Yugi joined him, sitting on either side. Malik was the first to ask.

“So, how are your Viking “masters”?” Yugi answered first.

“Yami is great! He’s such a misunderstood person! What about you, Ryou?” Ryou flushed.

“Um...Bakura is rather...um..demanding...” Malik raised an eyebrow.

“Why are you blushing?” Ryou blushed more and Malik smiled. “Ahh, I get it now!” He slapped Ryou on the back. “Way to go Ryou! I always knew you had it in you!” All the color drained from Ryou’s face.

“Had what in you?” Yugi asked innocently. Malik just grinned and pulled Ryou closer to him.

“A sex drive! Our little Ryou has grown up and become a man!” Yugi blinked in confusion, then smiled brightly.

“Oh! I understand! Then I’ve become a man too!” Malik and Ryou turned white as snow, staring blankly at Yugi. “What’s wrong?” No answer, just staring. “Hello?” Yugi waved his hand in front of their faces. Malik blinked and shook his head. He looked at Yugi with wide eyes.

“Do you understand “WHAT” you did?” Yugi nodded.

“Yeah! Yami explained it to me! He said that you guys were doing it, so I should follow!” Ryou was still in a trance and Malik sweatdropped. “He says I’m not allowed to do it with anyone else but him! That shouts ‘love’, doesn’t it?!” Malik cleared his throat.

“Well...I wouldn’t call it ‘love’ just yet, Yugi.” Yugi cocked his head to the side. “It sounds more like “possession” then “love”. And “possession” is something these Vikings take to heart. Do you understand what I’m saying?” Yugi frowned, his brows falling to a glare.

“Hmph! You don’t know Malik because you weren’t there! Believe me, I know what happened between us was something special and rare!” Malik backed a few inches away from Yugi.

“Yugi, don’t get mad at me! I was just giving you advise!” Yugi nodded and smiled.

“You’re right, Malik. You were just trying to help, it’s okay, I’m sorry.” Malik patted him on the head.

“It’s okay, Yugi.” Malik turned to Ryou. “What about you, Ryou?” Ryou broke from his trance, looking at his two friends.

“What?” He asked, confused.

“Tell us more about Bakura.” Ryou pouted.

“Why?” Yugi smiled.

“We’re curious!” Ryou looked away shyly.

“Um...well...”

“Is it big?” Malik asked calmly. Ryou shrieked and flushed down to his roots.

“OH, MALIK! I’M NOT SAYING ANYTHING ABOUT....ABOUT....that...” He looked down at the grass. Yugi tugged on Malik’s sleeve.

“What’s big?” Malik giggled.

“Never mind.” Yugi pouted.

“What?! Tell me!! Pleaaaaasssseeee!” Malik shook his head.

“It’s not important, I’m just picking on Ryou!” Ryou glared at him.

“Traitor!”


Yami’s tent:

Yami sat at his table with Keith on the opposite side of him. Marik and Bakura sat at the ends, Bakura wrapped tightly in a fur blanket. The men who traveled with Keith had to either stand, or sit on the ground. Seto stood next to Yami, ready to settle any scrimmages. Jou, Tristan, and Duke stood behind Bakura, wanting to be a part of this too.

“So cousin,” Started Yami. “What brings you here?” Keith leaned back in his chair.

“Just coming for a visit. I can’t remember the last time I saw you guys.” Yami raised a brow.

“You just came to visit? That’s all?” Keith frowned.

“What? I need a reason to come and see my cousins? We’re family!”

“Much to our dismay.” Bakura muttered under his breath and Yami kicked him under the table, silencing him.

“What news do you bring from home?” Yami asked.

“Nothing new. Same old same old.” Keith smirked. “But it’s nice to see you guys living like everyone else! In tents and rags!” Jou turned to Yami.

“What does that mean, Yami?” Bakura spoke with an evil grin.

“He’s just jealous because we were born to a wealthy family and he was born a farmer!” Bakura said the last word in a sing song voice, making Keith growl. Yami kicked him under the table again.

“Don’t be rude, Bakura.” Bakura grunted. “Anyway, I’ll have Seto find some tents for you and your men to stay in. Tristan will take care of your horses, so you can leave them with him. I have some business to attend to right now. So we’ll talk more at dinner.” Yami turned to Seto. “Have some tents prepared, and Jou, you help him.” He looked at Duke. “And you are you again?” Tristan answered for him.

“His name’s Duke! Jou, me, and Duke were friends back home!” He wrapped an around Duke’s shoulder.

“Where are you staying?”

“With me in the stables.” Tristan answered, pointing to himself. Yami nodded.

“Very well then. He can help you escort the men’s horses.” He clapped his hands once. “Get moving everyone!”

Back at the end of camp...

“But Malik, I just don’t know what to do. I do LIKE what he does, but I just don’t like the way he forces me to. Do you understand me?” Malik smiled and wrapped his arm around Ryou’s shoulder.

“Sure I do! I figured this all out already!” Yugi pouted and crossed his arms.

“I sure wish someone would tell me!” Malik ignored him.

“Look, I see how this guy operates. Basically, he likes to cause others pain. And when YOU came into the picture, an innocent little Virgin Mary, he saw you as fresh meat. That’s what t Vik Vikings like to do, rape and plunder. You were an easy target, and he had his way with you. But, I know a little trick that will turn the tables on HIM.” Malik winked.

“Really?!” Asked Ryou in disbelief. “How? Malik chuckled.

“Well, it requires a lot of work on your part. You see, he WANTS you to suffer, and by raping you, he’s doing a good job of it. BUT, what you need to do is a little acting.” Ryou raised a brow.

“Acting?” Yugi was still pouting.

“Why won’t you guys tell me?!” He was ignored once again.

“Yes, acting. You need to start MAKING yourself enjoy it, or at least fake it. That way, he can’t get ANY satisfaction out of hurting you, because you “like it”. Are you following me?” Ryou nodded slowly.

“I think. So, if I ACT like I enjoy what he does, he’ll give up on it?” Malik nodded.

“Yup!”

“But,” Ryou blushed and hung his head. “I...I don’t want him to stop...” Now Malik was confused. “I-I just want him to ask me nicely. I don’t want what he does to stop.” Malik thought for a second, then nodded.

“Okay then. This changes my plan a bit. To make this work, not only do you have to act, but be TEMPTING as well.” Ryou flushed brighter.

“But I...I can’t be ‘tempting’! I wouldn’t even know how!”

“Don’t worry, I’ll teach you.” Yugi whined.

“Teach me too! I want to impress Yami!” For the third time, he was ignored.

“here’s what you do...” He began whispering to Ryou, making sure Yugi couldn’t hear. Yugi starting throwing a hissy fit as he tired many attempts to hear what they were saying. He just gave up after seeing he was forgotten and ran off to find Yami.


Later that night, long after dinner, Malik and Marik were laying side by side on the bed, cuddled up in the soft furs. Malik lay in his lovers arms, tracing little circles on Marik’s chest. The two laid in silence, just enjoying each other’s company. But the silence would soon be broken by Marik.

“Malik, I have something to ask you.” Malik laid his head on Marik’s chest.

“What is it, lover?” Malik could feel Marik’s heartbeat begin to race faster.

“I’ve been doing some thinking, and I’ve finally made a decision.”

“About what?” Marik took a deep breath, causing Malik to look up at him.

“Malik, will you marry me, and be mine forever?” Malik just stared at him, shocked beyond words. Marik waiting impatiently for an answer. Malik didn’t seem to happy.

“Marik...I...I don’t know what to say. This is quite a shock.”

“I know. But will you consider it?” Malik laid his head back on Marik’s chest.

“Marik, we just met yesterday morning, and I know a lot has happened since then. But, we haven’t known each other for long, and shouldn’t jump into something like marriage so soon!” Marik frowned.

“So you won’t marry me?”

“I’m not saying I WON’T marry you. I’m saying it’s just to early in our relationship to be making that kind of commitment. I’m just saying that I’m not ready to marry yet. Can you understand that?”

Marik thought about it, and Malik’s words were right. It was a little fast to ask for marriage, but he wanted Malik all to himself,d, bd, body, and soul. He always was the more possessive one of the family! But Malik said he WOULD marry him, just not yet. He could accept that. As long as Malik only loves and sleeps with him, that would be enough. At least he didn’t say no.

“Yes, I understand. And you’re right, it was to early to ask you for marriage.” Marik kissed the top of his head. “How about we go to sleep instead?” Malik yawned and nuzzled his head under Marik’s chin.

“That I can do!”


In the stables...


“Tristan, that BETTER be your hand on my leg!” Duke said with anger in his voice. Not only did he have to SHARE a bed, but he had to deal with the smell! All he could smell was old hay and horses! And Tristan didn’t smell like a bed of roses either. At least there was a tiny scent of manure, that much was tolerable. Still, the hay and the horses! How did Tristan do this everyday? And WHAT the hell was on his leg!?

“My hand are over here, Duke.” Duke flipped out and threw the covers off the covered hay bed, looking at his leg. He was caught between a scream of fright and a scream of rage. A large rat lay nuzzled up against his thigh, taking little breaths.

“AIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!!” Tristan and the rat almost jumped ten feet out of the bed. The rat slipped away silently, leaving Tristan to deal with Duke, who wasn’t to happy.

“It’s just a rat! His ’s S’s Smoky, and he’s very nice!” Duke just glared at him, eyebrow twitching.

“It’s not just the rat! It’s the smell! All these horses and hay, YUCK!” Tristan crossed his arms.

“Quite being such a baby, Duke. It’s not THAT bad, and you know it! You’re just giving me trouble, so knock it off!” Duke’s eyes burned with imaginary flames as he twisted the cover his his hands tightly.

The next thing Tristan knew, he was thrown out of his room, landing in one of the horse’s pen. Everything happened so fast that he didn’t see the pillow, spare blanket, and small hay bail come flying at him. He managed to catch the pillow and blanket in time, but let the bail of hay fly over his head.

“If you like these damn animals so much, then you can sleep with them! I can’t stand laying next to you because you reek of God knows what! The horses are noisy, and there are flies buzzing all around! And fucking RATS! You can’t expect me to live here, can you?!” Tristan clutched his stuff more tightly.

“Hey, I invited you to stay with me! You didn’t have to accept!” Duke stomped his foot.

“I didn’t know it was going to be like this!”

“Remember, this is MY place, so MY rules! That’s MY bed you just threw me out of, and I can take it back!” Duke crossed his arms and hmphed.

“I’m a guest, so I get the best of everything! We’ll discuss something about this...whatever this place is,” He looked around in disgust. “Good day and good night.” Duke slammed the wooden door to Tristan’s room and threw the large latch down. He heard Tristan pound on the door.

“Hey Duke! Let me in, damn it!”

“If we’re going to live together, then I will have some say around here! I get the bed tonight, so enjoy sleeping next to your horses! Good night!”

Tristan growled and stormed away from the door. How could he have been thrown out of his OWN room!? He should break the door down and throw Duke out! But then, he’d have to fix the door, and that would be extra work he didn’t need. Sighing in defeat, he plopped down next to a mare and her colt, pushing the colt over so he could rest against the warm body of the horse. The horse and colt made no commotion, and Tristan soon fell to sleep, thinking of ways to get back at Duke.


End chapter 7


[1] The game of chess came to Europe around 700 and 900 A.D. Since this story takes place between the years 987 and 1002 A.D., I thought it be an appropriate game for them to play. Plus, I like chess a lot! Even though I suck HORRIBLY at it! ^^’