Author's Note: Pan's Labyrinth with a Yugioh twist! What could be better? Rated M for language, violence and character death. Follows the plotline of the movie, with some minor changes and lots more drama. For the story's sake I made Domino a country instead of a city, bear with me. The letter at the beginning is for dramatic effect and NOT told completely from one character's POV. This is for those who love a mature, dark fairy tale. Enjoy! DISCLAIMER: I own neither Pan's Labyrinth or Yugioh.

The Labyrinth


~A long time ago… in the Underground Realm, where there are no lies or pain, there lived a prince who dreamt of the human world. He dreamt of blue skies, soft breezes and sunshine. One day, eluding his keepers, the prince escaped. Once outside of his realm, the bright sun blinded him and erased his memory. He forgot who he was and where he came from. His body suffered cold, sickness and pain.

Eventually, he died.

However, his father, the King, always knew that the Prince's soul would return...perhaps in another body, in another time, at another place. And he would wait for him, until he drew his last breath; until the world stopped turning…~


I cannot wash away the blood… My hands are forever tainted with it. I watched as the light went out of his eyes. If only I had done more..

To understand the end, you must go back to the beginning…

At the end of a vicious civil war, hidden in the mountain range of a long forgotten countryside, armed men and women were still fighting the strict, militaristic regime of the Kaiba Dynasty. Military posts are established to exterminate what's left of the Domino Resistance and usher in a new era of totalitarianism-with Gozaburo Kaiba at the helm.

The following is an account-my account-of the events that took place at Captain Kaiba's headquarters, and his transgressions against the innocent that will not be soon forgotten…

He will never be forgotten.

Signed,

Teá Gardner


One month prior…

A young boy flipped through the pages of his book as the car bumps along the country road. By looking at him, one would expect him to be much younger than his appearance suggests-for he is but a small thing. He is short in stature, with a wild mane of tricolored hair and lightning shaped bangs that frame a delicate face, with creamy skin and large amethyst eyes. Lithe, nimble fingers turn the page of his storybook. His eyes are alight with wonder as scans the words on the page. He loves stories-perfect little universes where he could escape from everyday life. On a rather jostling bump the pile of books next to him threatened to spill over, and he automatically reached over and steadied the pile without looking away from his page. A sigh next to him brings him out of his fantasy. His large jewel-colored eyes look up to meet similar ones-but his brother's eyes are sharper and darker, closer to the color of dark wine than amethyst.

"I don't know why you had to bring so many books, Yugi. We're going to be in the country-the great outdoors. Surely you'll be much too busy running around to have your nose in a book?" His elder brother gave him a wry smile. Like Yugi, he too was of short stature-but taller than his baby brother. His frame was wiry but not without muscle definition. One automatically knew they were related just by their almost identical hairstyles. The most noticeable difference was Yami had more blonde streaks going up into his hair.

"I don't like being outdoors much. I'd much rather read or play games." Yugi pouted. Yami reached over and places a hand on the page.

"And what is this you're reading?" Prying the book away from Yugi, he reads the cover title, "Fairy tales… aren't you a little old to be to be filling your head with such nonsense?" He stifles a chuckle as the young boy snatches the book away, huffing at him and opening it back up to his last page. He's almost completely taken in with his tale when Yami's sudden coughing fit causes him to look up in alarm.

"Yami? Are you okay?"

His brother is paler than normal, and his dingy handkerchief is doing nothing to silence his wretched cough.

"Can you ask him to stop the car a moment, please?" Yami pants out, leaning forward to offset dizziness. Yugi does so and the line of vehicles behind them all come to a halt. Yami exits the car and heaves behind a nearby tree. Yugi climbs out on the other side and runs over to him.

Yami waves him off, "I'm fine, just give me a moment. All that bouncing around and dust in the air is making me sick." He gives Yugi a weak smile before having another fit. The soldier driving their car walks over to offer him some water. A placated Yugi wanders the side of the road while Yami calms down-he's seen enough of Yami's fits to know that this one is not too serious. They're surrounded by tall skinny trees and a sea of lush greenery. He takes in this new scenery, eyes following the dancing dust motes that sail gayly through the air. His feet carry him just off the road and up a hill. Not paying attention to where he's stepping, he yelps as his ankle nearly rolls over a large rock. Steadying himself, he looks down and picks up the oddly shaped stone.

"How strange, it looks like an eye…" Indeed it did. The stone appeared to be engraved with an eye on the flat part, while the back seemed to be chucked out of a larger piece of stone. Intrigued, he ventures further up the hill to find a large stone monolith hidden among a close gathering of trees and bushes. There are several smaller boulders just circling the bottom of it. He gasps as he takes in the smooth stone. Etched into its old, cracked surface is a elegantly dressed male bearing a large crown, in one hand he holds a gnarled staff-the other upholding the sun and moon. To the boy's delight he finds that one eye is missing from the structure. Stepping up on one of the round boulders he tippy-toes it and places the missing piece back into the figure's face. It fits snugly. He giggles, happy with his handiwork and jumps down.

"Kuuuuriii!"

Yugi jumps in alarm at the strange sound, looking around for whatever made the noise.

"Hello? Is anyone there?" From the corner of his eye he catches movement just behind the monolith. A tiny blur of brown and green flashes out of sight before he can lock in on it. "What was that?"

"Yugi! Come on, we should go now!" Yami calls from the road. Yugi gives one last look to the stone effigy and runs back to the car.

"Yugi, what were you doing up there?"

"I found an old statue with a missing eye and for a moment I thought I saw something moving.. What if it was a fairy? Come with me and see-" His eyes light up but Yami pays no attention.

"Brother, just look at your shoes! They've gotten all muddy." Sigh. "Come on, we have to go. The Captain does not appreciate tardiness." He drapes an arm around the younger's shoulder and leads him back into the car. "Now, when we get to the mill I want you to be polite and greet the Captain. We should address him as 'Uncle'. I know you're not familiar with our father's brother but he's still family. You've no idea how good he's been to us so please, just be on your best behaviour. Promise me."

"Alright Yami, I promise." He answers glumly. They climb into the back seat and the car rumbles down the dirt lane. Not long after they roll into a large stretch of open farmland. There is a huge farmhouse adjacent to what appears to be a large warehouse-the mill, as Yami had said. Behind that was another smaller barn with uniformed men leading horses in and out of it. Yugi watched with wide eyes as soldiers marched about through rows of tents, there were even a few large tanks littered about the property. The caravan pulls up to the welcoming committee just outside the house. Yugi subconsciously scoots closer to Yami as he eyes the line of stiff-looking soldiers and staff awaiting their arrival.

Yami takes notice and pulls him tight against his side, "It's alright, we're the Captain's nephew's. No one will dare give us a hard time."

"They look mean...I thought only the family and important people were going to be here." Yugi whined, casting a worried glance up at Yami.

"The soldiers are here because Uncle believes the rebels are still planning an attack against his forces. He's temporarily using this area as a base camp-and for the time being it will be our home so we should get used to seeing them here. Not until the Rebellion is squashed will we be completely safe and life go back to the way it was."

"I miss Father.." Yugi whispered, eyes a little wet.

"I do too. But we have each other and our Uncle's family, and he would not want us to be sad about that. Be brave, Yugi." He kisses his brow and the car door pops open. Yami scoots out and stands before a tall young man with brown hair and piercing blue eyes.

"Yami, welcome. Glad you made it safely."

"Thank you Seto, it's been awhile since we've seen one another." He gripped his cousin's hand in a firm handshake.

"Five years. I remember us running around your father's workshop as children. I'm sorry to hear of his sudden passing."

"Thank you, you'll be glad to know it was quick, and he didn't suffer. Let me reintroduce you to my younger brother, since the last time you saw him he was very little." Yugi scrambled out after Yami and hid behind him, peeking up at the tall brunet. "This is Yugi. Yugi? This is our cousin Seto Kaiba, he and I are close in age and we grew up together before they moved away."

Seto's stern expression softened slightly at the young boy's timid stare. The corners of his lips turned up slightly-and Yugi gave him a little wave in greeting.

"It's nice to meet you Yugi, you look very much like your late father. It must be the eyes. If you'll both follow me-" Seto was interrupted by a yell- "Atteeeention!". They all turned to see a small group of soldiers march up with a tall imposing man at the front. His uniform was spotless, creaseless and decorated with polished medals. A thick leather belt held his weapon upright at his side and his shiny black boots stomped up to the little group-everyone scrambled to get out of his way. His dark grey hair was streaked with brown and combed back. Cold brown eyes locked in on the boys and he came to a halt in front of them.

Seto jumped to attention, clearing his throat, "May I introduce my father Captain Gozoburo Kaiba, right hand of the current Prime Minister of our great country and future seat of power of Domino." He fell silent and stood at his father's side-eyes forward.

"Captain Kaiba, Uncle, it is good to see you again. Again, many thanks for graciously taking us in. We are indebted to you." Yami extended a hand and shook the Captain's larger, gloved palm.

"Yes, it is good to see you boys as well. I trust the trip was not overwhelming."

"No Uncle, our escorts were very hospitable."

"And who is this now? I don't believe I've met my youngest nephew." Kaiba's attempt at lightness was lost in the wake of his overbearing fake grin. Yugi was suddenly reminded of a large evil wolf in clothes..or a bear. He shakily extended his little left hand out to this 'Uncle'. Kaiba's eyes narrowed ever so slightly and bent down to eye level. His hand shot forward. Yugi 'Eep!'-ed as his palm was suddenly squeezed in the Captain's grip.

Captain Kaiba leaned in and spoke lowly, "It's the other hand, boy. Men shake with their right hand." Yugi nodded fearfully at his scolding tone and retracted his hand. Yami patted his back, missing the exchange.

"This is Yugi. He looks small but he's very proficient, so you don't need to worry about him getting underfoot. We know you went to a great amount of trouble to bring us here and we shall strive not to be a burden. Please, however I may be of help let me know." Yami stood with his posture strong, making eye contact and not letting his nerves show. Yugi sighed quietly, his brother's bravado was something to be admired.

"Yes, well I understand you have a condition. Your father wrote to me before his untimely passing and explained that you cannot overexert yourself, however, I expect you to pull your weight around here if you want to remain in my good graces. So you will undergo an examination with Dr. Bakura before reporting for duty."

"Surely that's not necessary. I can function perfectly fine, my condition is under control." Yami kept his expression neutral, but Yugi could feel him tense up. He didn't like talking about being sick. Even now, when he still looked pale he carried on as if nothing was wrong.

"I must insist. After all, your father entrusted me with his son's well-being. You both will do well to respect my wishes. The doctor will be here tonight. That should be more than enough time to settle in." He turned to a brunette maid standing a little ways off, "Teá! Bring their luggage in. Show them where they will be staying."

The woman nodded and gave a curt, "Yes, sir." A group of house maids and soldiers quickly unloaded the suitcases and crates from the caravan, hauling them away towards the house.

Captain Kaiba turned to Seto, "Lieutenant, Yami will assist you with your everyday tasks here at base camp. He will be in charge when we are away. We can discuss further details tonight. Now, if you'll excuse me I have matters to attend to before the dinner tomorrow." The battalion saluted him off and Seto relaxed, striking up a conversation with Yami. Yugi watched as his Uncle strode away, feeling a little guilty for not liking him right away. This man shared almost nothing in common with his father..they didn't even look alike! He didn't seem to like children much either. Perhaps he would grow on him?

A scritching noise caught his attention and he wheeled around looking for the source of the noise. No one else seemed to have heard anything if their lack of interest was anything to go by.

"Kuuuriii!"

A small brown fluffball roughly the size of a large coin zoomed through the air in front of him before darting away. To anyone not paying attention it resembled a large beetle-but now Yugi had seen it up close. It wasn't a beetle or even a bug. It had fur! The little fuzzy thing swooped and soared through the air-almost taunting him. Yugi abandoned his books on a nearby stack of luggage and gave chase. He swiped at it when it dropped low enough but it kept out of his reach, leading him back behind the large house and into the treeline. No one seemed to mind as the child ran to and fro. He huffed as the cooing brown ball looped-de-looped underneath a stone archway and zoomed out of sight.

"Wait! Come back!" Yugi called, slowing down as he entered the archway. He took a few cautious steps inside what appeared to be a hall with no ceiling. The large uneven pieces of gray stone stood tall and foreboding. Looking down he found there was no grass but smooth, red dirt with patches of weeds here and there. His curiosity was most definitely piqued, and ignoring the little voice that whispered 'beware' at the back of his mind he slowly treaded forward. What was this place? Where did it lead to? Following the path he found the rock walls took a sudden left, but beyond that he couldn't see how far, or even where, it led.

"It's a labyrinth."

Yugi gasped and spun to find the brunette woman- Teá- smiling down at him.

"I didn't mean to startle you. But you should take care around this old pile of rocks. It's been here long since before the mill-still, you could get lost, so it might be best for you not to go in there. Especially alone." Her kind blue eyes twinkled at him as she handed him his stack of books.

"Oh, thank you." Yugi smiled back up at her. "I'm Yugi, it's nice to meet you."

"I'm Teá Gardner. I take care of the Captain and run the property as groundskeeper. Should you need anything at all feel free to ask me." They walked back out of the labyrinth. "So, have you read them all?" She asked, gesturing to his books.

"Um, yes but they are my favorites so I like to re-read the-" He was interrupted as a soldier ran up to them.

"Teá! The Captain is calling for you!"

"Alright, I'm on my way." She replied. The soldier eyed the labyrinth warily before turning on his heel and hustled back to the mill. The kind woman turned back to the boy, "Your uncle is calling me. How about I give you a tour of the house after you get settled in?"

He beamed at her suggestion, "Can we explore the woods too?" She chuckled at his excited expression.

"Perhaps we can after dinner." They chatted all the way back up to the house. Unbeknownst to them a tiny fuzzball watched them go from atop the archway, cooing in its disappointment.


Seto opened the last door of the top floor and chuckled as Yugi bounded inside from underneath his arm. He stopped in the middle of a large rug and turned completely around as he inspected the room. Furniture was sparse-save for a tall wooden armoire, a comfy looking reading chair and the queen-sized bed with a bedside table alongside it. A pile of their belongings sat at the foot of the bed and he placed his books on his trunk. Seto walked in followed by Yami, who looked weary already. Yugi hopped up on the big bed and patted the spot next to him, giving Yami a knowing look. Taking his cue, the elder Mutou obligingly took a seat-to his relief. Yugi smiled up at him and leaned into his side. His brother could be prideful at times and he'd never admit out loud to needing a rest if he could help it. Yugi's cover worked, Seto noticed nothing out of place as he strode over to the hearth and lit a small fire.

"This is where you'll be staying. It's the largest room, second to the master bedroom. There is a private bathroom through that door there for you. I hope you'll find it comfortable. Breakfast is at nine, lunch at one and dinner at eight. Unless you want to eat in the kitchens with the help it's best to be on time. There are no markers for the edges of the property so try not to venture past a mile in any direction. It's not safe. We've been tracking rebels throughout the area-especially the mountains. Other than that you are allowed to go anywhere except the barn. We're expecting Dr. Bakura after dinner. Can I get you anything before I go?"

Yami answered, "No thank you, I think we'll be fine."

"I'll leave you to it then." Seto nodded a farewell and closed the door behind him. Yugi looked up at his brother.

"Are you okay?"

"Yes I'm fine. Just a bit winded from the tour. Could you fetch me a glass of water please?"

The boy nodded and hopped down, trotting into the bathroom. It was old fashioned, with a commode and a free-standing tub underneath a dingy window, and a sink with a time-worn mirror hanging low. Walking over to the sink he found a glass set there for them. He filled it up and brought it to Yami.

"Thank you. What do you think? Can we make this our new home?" He gave the younger a tired look.

"I'm not sure. Too soon to tell. Yami, do I have to call the Captain Uncle?" Yugi took his spot back on the bed as Yami finished his glass. Yami reclined backwards and gazed up at his baby brother's concerned face.

"Do you not want to? He is our family Yugi."

"He doesn't seem very friendly.."

"He has been hardened by war. I'm sure at one point he was a very kind man...like Father. He can come across as cold but trust me, he means well."

"If you say so."

Yami chuckled and tugged him down to lie next to him, "I know so." Yugi snuggled into his side as Yami pulled a pillow behind his head. "We've got a couple hours before dinner. I'm going to close my eyes for a bit."

"Driving so far did wear you out." Yugi whispered worriedly, only to be playfully shaken into giggles.

"I'm fine, now take a nap with me. We can unpack later."

"Okay." Yugi closed his eyes and relaxed, letting his brother's gentle breathing lull him to sleep.


Later that night…

"The rebels are sticking to the woods and caves at the base of the mountains because it's difficult to track them up there." Gozaburo slammed a hand down on to the table, atop the detailed map that he and his generals were holding a meeting over. "Those bastards...they know the terrain better than any of us!"

All stood silent as the Captain mulled over their next plan of attack. Seto stood next to him, eyes scanning a particular area that had been laid siege to twice-and rewarded nothing. His calm, emotionless features betrayed nothing as Teá came in with a tray of beers and cigars.

Gozaburo plucked one of the tray as she passed and lit it up with a match. Once he had breathed the Cuban into life he breathed smoke out onto the map, moving several gold markers across the paper.

"We'll block all access to the woods and streams nearby. They're in need of supplies… Food. medicine. Things we can easily provide...or withhold. We'll store it all here. Right here in the barn. Soon they'll be forced to come out, and when they do they'll come straight to us." He motioned for them all to come closer as he marked and pointed to various locations. Teá moved about the table, leaving beers and cigars in front of the men and picking up empty tumblers. All the while her eyes would sweep over the placed markers. "We'll set up three new command posts. Here, here and here." The woman made a small mistake as her brow furrowed at the mention of his last station-her eyes lingering a little too long on the valley marker. Gozaburo caught her movements slowing.

"Teá." She flinched and straightened herself as his hand fell on her shoulder. Quickly schooling her features she met his cold gaze head on...as she had done so since the beginning-without fear. He searched her face for a mere second before ordering, "Have Dr. Bakura come up to Yami's room. I'd like him looked at before I put him to work tomorrow."

"Yes sir." The brunette smoothly picked up his glass and swept out of the room. The Captain's small spike of paranoia quelled at her receding submissive figure, and he turned once more to the task at hand.


Yugi watched curiously as the doctor examined his brother. He was surprisingly young, a little older than Yami at most. With kind features and soft-looking snow colored hair that fell to frame large chocolate brown eyes. Ryou Bakura was tall, and wore a clean dark suit that made his hair stand out. He pulled tool after tool out of his worn leather bag and asked many questions-all of which Yami answered from his comfortable spot on the bed.

"How long since you were diagnosed?" He listened to his lungs through his back. Yugi stealthily moved behind him and peered into his big bag of medicine.

"It's been two years. Yugi, get your nose out of there." Bakura paid no mind to the startled child, who scurried away from his instruments shame-faced.

The doctor sighed, "I had advised the Captain to not allow you to travel such a long distance. Your body can only take so much at this stage." At Yami's stern glare he immediately changed his tune, "But, your lungs sound surprisingly clear. You seem to just be suffering from exhaustion. No need to be alarmed at the moment. How have you been sleeping?"

"Not well, the fits seem to be much worse at night." Yami glanced away, as if admitting the fact exposed a vital weakness. Yugi came to stand next to his side of the bed and placed his small hand into Yami's larger one. He smiled at the comfort.

The doctor responded, "As it does, any reclined position could aggravate the coughing." He reached around in his bag and pulled forth a glass vial with a dropper top. Inside, a clear yellowish liquid reflected the fireplace flame. "This will help you sleep at night. Take two drops before bed with a full glass of water. Just two drops. It's very powerful and too much could knock you out for a couple of days." He filled the dropper with a small amount of medicine and dropped it into a glass of water.

Yami chuckled, "And we don't want that."

Bakura smiled and passed him a glass to drink. Yugi scooted forward and inspected the vial. It had no label. Picking it up he brought it to his nose-it didn't even had a very distinctive smell. It seemed rather unhelpful...but if the doctor said it would help he'd take his word for it. Bakura took the now empty glass, plucked the vial from Yugi's hands, and placed them both on the bedside table.

"Just at night. It could make you very groggy if taken during the day. I believe we're finished now. Please don't hesitate to call me if you need anything. Day or night." He packed up his tools and moved towards the door, turning back he finished, "That goes for your nurse as well. Good night." He gave Yugi a teasing smile and exited the room. Yami chuckled and pulled a pouting Yugi close.

"Close the door and turn off the lights, Hikari. Let's get some sleep."

Yugi nodded and turned out the lamps in the room. He threw a glass of water on the fireplace to dim the lighting-the embers giving off a soft glow in place of a night lamp. Walking over to the door he could hear two voices whispering lowly to each other. Placing an ear to the open crack he heard the doctor speaking with a woman-with Teá.

"You have to help us. Come up and see him. The wound is getting worse. His leg isn't getting any better."

"This is all I could get. I'm sorry."

Yugi pulled his ear away and looked out into the hall. On the landing a few feet away, the two spoke lowly and stood close together. He could just make out a small parcel being passed into her hands.

The maid's voice trembled slightly, "The Captain is waiting for you in his office." Bakura nodded and walked past her, muttering another apology under his breath before disappearing downstairs. Teá looked down forlornly at the insignificant package in her hands before looking up-and meeting a pair of confused amethyst eyes. She gasped and stuffed the parcel into the folds of her apron as Yugi quickly closed the door.

Nervous at being caught, he quickly jumped into bed with Yami and wormed deep under the covers. Yami, who had been very close to sleep jerked slightly.

"God Yugi! Your feet are freezing!" He mumbled before moving them into a more comfortable position. They lay there for a few moments in the silence.

CREEAAK.

Yugi whipped his head around on the pillow, looking for the source of the unfamiliar noise. Not finding anything he relaxed and stilled once more.

MMMRRRMM. Pop. Pop

Yugi's heart sped up in fear and he clutched Yami's hand from underneath the covers. "Yami...Yami, what is that?"

His brother sleepily moaned out, "What is what?"

"Those noises."

Yami listened as the suspicious noises continued before asking, "Are you afraid?"

Yugi nodded and whispered, "A little." And he scooted closer to Yami as another ominous creak echoed through the room. Yami turned on his side and encircled him in his arms.

"It's nothing-just the wind Yugi. Nights here are different than the city nights. There, we hear cars and people...the tramway. Here the houses are old. They creak. As if the rooms are speaking to one another." This seemed to calm the boy a bit, if the slower beats of his heart were anything to go by. Yami decided to completely dispel his uncertainty, "Tomorrow I'm going to give you a surprise."

It worked, "A surprise?" All his fears forgotten.

"Yes."

"...Is it a book?"

Yami couldn't help but laugh, "No, something much better."

They lie still for a few moment longer before Yugi whispered out into the dark.

"Why did we have to come here?"

Yami sighed, "You know why. It got too hard to do this alone."

Yugi felt a tremor of sadness at his words, "You have me. You weren't alone. You've never been alone in this." His resentful tone brought a bout of guilt within his elder brother.

"That's not what I meant. Here we are safe, and we don't have to worry about money or food or not getting schooling. Please trust me Yugi, you'll understand when you're older." He coughed a few times before settling down. "Tell me one of your stories?"

Yugi was quiet for a few moments before nodding his head. Before Father had passed-before he was killed- he would tell exciting tales to the boys before they went to bed. It was their routine for a long time...and then Father was gone. After he passed the bedtime stories stopped all-together-something that had greatly saddened Yugi. It wasn't until Yami became ill that reading aloud became a habit again. On nights Yami couldn't sleep, Yugi would read to him or make up silly stories to ease his troubled mind until he was able to rest. It helped, to an extent. It brought them closer, out of their grief...and thinking on it now it had been awhile since they had done this. He leaned up until their foreheads were touching and spoke softly.

"Many, many years ago...is a sad far away land there was an enormous mountain made of rough black stone. At sunset, on the top of that mountain, there grew an enchanted rose that bloomed every night. And whoever plucked it would be granted immortal life...But no one dared to go near it because its thorns were full of poison. Men talked about the rose, about their fear of death and pain, but never the promise of eternal life. And every day the rose wilted unable to give it's gift to anyone...forgotten and lost at the top of that cold, dark mountain. Forever alone….until the end of time."

Yami had fallen asleep before Yugi had finished. His deep, even breaths only disturbed by the groaning of the house. Yugi's eyes fluttered closed and soon he too, fell into a peaceful sleep.


Bakura stood silent as the Captain finished signing various letters. Captain Kaiba paid the doe-eyed man no attention as he folded, packaged and stamped each official order and stacked them neatly in a pile on the edge of his desk. Once he was satisfied with his worked he looked up and leaned back in his chair.

"How is he?"

"Very weak. Though he does not show it. He needs rest."

Gozaburo sighed, "Then he shall have it. Should I move the boy downstairs?"

Bakura jumped at the question, "No! I mean, no, I don't think that would be necessary. In fact, it might be detrimental to his well-being. They are very close."

"Fine. I had hoped he would be of some use to me but it seems that was wishful thinking."

"Captain, with all due respect, he should not have traveled at such a late stage in his illness. I've said this before." Ryou tried hard not to sweat at the Captain's cold, unfeeling look.

"Is that your opinion?" He asked, snidely.

"My professional opinion, yes."

"Hmph." Gozaburo stood and walked over to a liquor cabinet. He poured himself a tumbler of dark whiskey. "They were my brother's sons. Since he is no longer here to care for them, they should be where their caretaker is. That is all." He made no effort to offer the doctor a drink. For as long as Bakura had known the man, he'd never extended so much as a hospitable thought.

"Tell me doctor, how long does he have?"

"Pardon me?" They were interrupted as two soldiers came marching through the door.

"Captain, excuse us for interrupting-!" They halted as Gozaburo stopped them with one raised hand. He turned his attention back to the other male. "I said, how long does he have?"

Bakura hesitated before answering, "I've taken a look at his medical history, but I don't have enough information to be sure. It could be months...could be years. If I were able to transport him to my practice I would know more."

Gozaburo mulled over his answer before nodding, and throwing back his whiskey. He put on his General's cap and swept past the doctor and towards the soldiers.

Bakura mustered up some courage and blurted out, "Captain, one more thing. Would it be possible to grant me access to the medicine in the barn? I'd be much more adept to care for Yami as well as the wounded soldiers." It was a long shot, he knew, but if there was even a shred of hope for that leg…

Gozaburo turned and gave him a cruel smile, "Access to the barn? Hehe, don't fuck with me doctor. Dismissed."

He left, leaving the good doctor standing aghast at his reaction-and in a huff of righteous anger.

"That man will die if I do not get him what he needs…" He sadly picked up his bag and headed out of the house, spirits low. He was never one for violence, but at that moment we wished horrible things on Gozaburo Kaiba.