Yugi smiled. "You know, I never thought about how stupid we are."

"How do you mean?" Yami asked, never taking his eyes off the game.

"Well, we actively look for fun things to do, right?"

"Uh-huh."

"And we accept all challenges, right?"

"Yep."

"So how did we get hooked on this one game?" Yugi asked, eyes alight with excitement. He accepted what Yami passed him and spun it once, twice, holding it to his head as it turned.

Yami looked his partner in the eye. "Who knows?"

Yugi pulled the trigger and laughed as it merely clicked. "Oh, seems I survive this time. Your turn," he said, handing it to the person on his right.

They sat in a dim tavern, at a round table with three other people. The barkeeper took no notice of them, nor did any of the others in the room. It could have been just the five of them, and nothing would have changed. Yugi watched with bored eyes as the gun was passed from hand to hand.

Just one more and the game was done. That was no fun. And some of them were playing it safe, letting it settle before shooting.

Suddenly, there was a bang and a scream, and one of the bodies slumped down on the table. Yami and Yugi looked at each other, their faces alive with adrenaline. The other figures around them jumped a little. Then the barkeeper set down the glass he was holding and walked over.

"Alright," he said, counting out the coins they'd given to him beforehand. "Here's your money, earned fair and square." His sarcasm didn't go unnoticed as he handed out their shares. "Now get out of my tavern. You're making my customers jumpy."

Yami laughed a little as he accepted his money. "Aren't we your customers too?" he asked.

The man just looked at him.

The pair stood and walked out of the tavern. Yugi and Yami deftly switched a few bills, then split up without a word. Yugi darted down one way and looked up at the roof. He took in the tiled roof, the space of night sky and starlight, the shadows caused by the faint moonlight.

He closed his eyes and imagined the cobblestone road beneath his boots changing to slanted, unsteady tiles. The walls around him fell away, the cool breeze free to blow over his skin, rustling his hair.

Yugi opened his eyes and moved forward, balancing easily as he crouched across the street, staring down at the tavern entrance. It was lit by a single lantern, and soon one of the players from their game - a woman, with short cropped hair and plain, practical clothing - left, walking down the street.

First one to leave was his. Yugi slunk back, out of view, before hurrying along the rooftops. HIs leather boots barely made a sound as he ran, picking out the footholds less likely to dump him in the street as he went.

Luckily, while there was moonlight, it was faint enough to not have to worry about shadows. He peeked over the edge, keeping track of her progress. He could jump her now, he supposed, but that sort of game was only for foolish and experienced people.

Then again, he wasn't going to get a much better spot to do it.

Yugi swung to the ground, his knees bending to absorb the sound and shock of his landing. Pulling his hood low over his head, he swiftly approached her and slipped his hand into his pocket.

He withdrew his hand hastily. Damn, she had put her money somewhere else. He toyed with the idea of searching her, but dismissed it as too difficult. Instead, he slipped up close and clenched his fist, driving it into her jaw. She slumped down to the ground, making a bit of noise.

Stepping over her body, Yugi riffled through her coat, then her satchel, finding the coins in a pocket sewn in the lining of the bag. He tucked them in his own bag, a little thankful he was usually not the victim when it came to these things.

Yugi melted back into the shadows, closing his eyes and visualizing himself back on the rooftop. It was easier the second time, and he dropped down to the alley, coming face to face with Yami.

"Hey, partner," Yami chuckled. "Let's go."

Yugi nodded, grabbing the edge of Yami's cloak. They hurried through the streets, silent as two shadows. Having already studied the guard patrols earlier, they easily avoided being seen.

As they approached the gate, they came to a stop. There was no way out without passing through the heavy gates, which were closed at night. A sentry was posted every ten feet along the wall, attentive.

"The forest," Yugi murmured, and Yami nodded once.

Yugi closed his eyes.

Where were they? The forest was where they'd been the previous day, when they camped out before coming to this town. Soft dirt with a bit of mulch carpeting the ground, his boots leaving behind tracks whenever he walked. The trees overhead were rustling, always moving and making sound.

Shadows and light played over his closed eyelids, creating patterns. Yugi opened his eyes to see the forest around him.

Yami let loose a low whistle. "Good job," he said absently, moving forward.

Yugi blinked, then beamed. Another success, and no losses to show for it. He followed Yami until they reached their campsite, bedrolls and bag still where they left them. Yugi clambered up into the trees, dropping each one into Yami's waiting arms.

"That's the last one," Yugi said, climbing back down. He grinned as Yami stacked them up. "Why bother?" he asked, sitting down. "Just call Mystic and Magician already."

"Mystic Elf and Dark Magician," Yami corrected, frowning.

Yugi laughed. "I think your names are a little too long. I like mine better." He quieted and watched as Yami let out two short whistles, the signal for their horses to come.

He wished he could whistle. But it was too hard, and took too much time to learn. He preferred to just let his partner do it.

Mystic and Magician - they were both black horses, but Mystic had a star - trotted into the small clearing. They were good horses, trained to respond well to both dangerous situations and specific commands. Yami started pulling out the saddles and bridles, but Yugi spoke up. "Why don't we rest for a bit?"

"We should get away from here as soon as possible," Yami pointed out.

Yugi shrugged. "We've got time. And the gates are sealed - they won't be looking this far, not yet."

"But if by chance they did," Yami started to argue, then blinked as Yugi vanished from sight. The boy's voice came from behind him.

"If by chance they did," Yugi said, "I'll take us out of danger."

Yami turned and raised an eyebrow. "For how long? And how far? Come on, Yugi, just a little more distance than this before we call it a night." He started fixing the saddle to Magician, kicking the horse when he inhaled. "Stop it, you stubborn horse," Yami muttered.

With a sigh, Yugi reluctantly started to saddle Mystic, somewhat pleased when she stood obediently and let him bridle her easily.

Soon they were riding their horses through the woods, keeping the pace slow but steady.