AN: This is really AU. Every character in this has a different role, but somehow related to the show. Like Atem being a sorta king and stuff like that. But I know some people will hate me for this, but Atem and Yuugi have separate bodies in this fic. It's only possible for me to write this when they... er... aren't sharing bodies. Still with me? Okay... let's get this rolling!
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Warriors At Heart,
Prologue,
By Me!
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Jumping across the larges gaps in between the trees, a blur was cast among the shadows. Anzu Mazaki dressed in black slacks and a loose ceramic shirt; her hair was pulled up into a messy bun on top of her head. Strapped around her waist was a leather cord, and a sheath was attached to it. She had leather boots with laces that wound it's way up to her knees. Blinking in the dusty morning, she looked deeply into the forest towards a valley. Dark smoke was coming up from the little tents built by a group of warriors. Presumably, it was all made of men, with only a few women as laborers. Deciding that they've kept their distance, the huntress swiftly retreated back home.
Landing deftly on the soft soil, she heard a crackling of wood splintering in the fire. Knowing well enough that it was Isis, Anzu walked up to her and gave her morning greetings. "Morning Isis, are the others awake?" The tanned woman who was the leader of their so-called tribe wore a simple garment of a white cloak on top of a white dress. Elegant silver earrings hung at her ears, and a matching skull necklace adorned her small neck. "Good morning Anzu. Yes, the others are awake. But I'm not really sure about Shizuka; she's still weak from the battle. And I suppose that they've not entered our territory, am I correct?" Nodding, Anzu gave the psychic a small smile before she went off again.
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"King Atem, Prince Yuugi, I see that you're awake. Please your highnesses, take a seat, the cook will serve your breakfast shortly." Said General Honda. "Good morning Honda." Yuugi gave a large yawn before settling himself into a wooden chair next to his brother. He wore brown breeches with a black shirt and leather shoes. Atem had on similar clothing, except his were a dark blue shirt and black pants with buckled leather boots. "Have you checked the premises? And is there anything else to report this morning General Jounouchi?" Atem asked when a blond guard entered the large tent. Giving the king a grin, Jounouchi said, "Nothing your highness. Only some animals that's diggin' around this place."
"Hmph. And I supposed that it's you, isn't that right "mutt"?" A rude comment came from the corner of the tent. A tall man about six feet one was dressed in a black shirt and pants with a blue cloak over it. His arms were crossed in front of his chest and he stood still with his brown bangs covering his eyes. There was a smirk portrayed on his sharp face. "Kaiba." Atem said warningly to the top General of the Army. (AN: I know it's bothersome. But I just like to give you the "impression" of what they're wearing, 'kay?) "I'm only pointing out the obvious facts your royalty." A bitter smile pulled at the edge of his mouth. "Why you...!" Jounouchi was struggling in Honda's arm lock around his arms and neck.
"Man, not here in front of the king you idiot." Honda hissed into his comrade's ear. Turning three shades of bright red, Jounouchi stopped and got out of the trap. Clearing his throat, he bowed respectfully at the king and the prince. "I... ah... am sorry for the way I acted. This would never happen again." That is if HE keeps his trap shut! Jou thought venomously. Brushing it off with a wave of his hand, Yuugi said, "It's okay. Why don't we discuss the battle matters right now? Take a seat everyone."
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Entering a lit room made of wood and other of nature's providence, Mai carefully walked over to a sick girl. She was the healer and of course, a warrior to her family. She had a dark purple shirt that exposes her stomach and a matching knee length skirt. Her whip was rolled up and tied around her waist; the white boots were hanging just above her ankles. Carrying a bowl of concoction, she bent down and gently woke the red head up. Shizuka was the youngest of the five remaining forest warrior. Her luscious red hair was braided to keep it out of her way. The fragile mage who was the apprentice of her own mother had been injured during the futile battle between the Wilderness and the Raised. Propping up the young female with one of her hands, Mai said, "Drink this Shizuka. It's a concoction to help your fever."
Groaning, the mage blinked at bit, readjusting her sight. Giving the older girl a weak smile she said thanks and drank the potion. It tasted bitter and smelled sweet, suggesting to Shizuka that is was made from sagewood mixed with some chrysanthemums. Sighing contently, she continued to get her rest. Worry and despair reflected in the healer's purple eyes. Her closest friend's fever had been in place for over two months, always on or off. Placing her cool hand on the red head's forehead, she let out a long breath. When the sunlight from the outside came into the room, she looked at the shadow's owner. Anzu stood at the front of the entrance, one hand pushing the deer skin door and the other on her weapon.
"Did you hear anything just then?" Anzu asked warily. Shaking her head, the older girl said no. "Okay... but remember, if you hear anything, just yell a battle cry." Spinning around, Anzu walked away mumbling something incoherent. "That girl is just too serious. I'm just worried about her as I am for you. Hurry up girl, heal because everyone is waiting for you." Getting up from her place on the floor, Mai took one look at Shizuka before going out.
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"So what you're sayin' is that we're gonna be attacking from the west and the east of the forest? But didn't those... er... females say that they've covered their grounds with some sorta magic thingy?" Jou asked, scratching his from the weird battle tactics. "Listen mutt, if you didn't hear me for the last hour. Then I suggest that you ask one of your maids to give you some lye soap to clean your ears." Kaiba said sarcastically. Rolling his eyes, Atem rubbed his temples from the developing headache. Yuugi just sweated nervously, knowing what would come from his older brother if the high general didn't stop talking.
"Why you little, I oughta beat the..." Jou started to roll up his sleeves before... "This is ENOUGH!" Atem banged his fist onto the map, making everyone and the pieces on the table jump. "I shall not tolerate such childish acts! If you are confused General Jounouchi, then I suppose that you should ask again. General Kaiba. Even though you are superior to your fellow generals, I think that you should treat them with respect. Now, if we are done with that, gentlemen, do you have anything else to say? None? Good, head back to your quarters and tell your men to prepare an attack on the Wilderness tomorrow at dawn." Dusting off his pants, Atem headed back to his tent and Yuugi helped with the clean up of the massive piles of scrolls still on the table.
"I still don't understand why we have to attack the Wilderness. They haven't done anything harmful to us these past weeks. And I doubt that there are many left for either groups. Our men all either dead or severely injured. From the number I collected two days ago, we only have about fifty good men left, including my brother, the generals, and myself. I doubt that would be enough people to even take out three good Wilders." Yuugi looked down to the map and sighed. "Aw. Don't worry man. We're gonna win this and then we're going home. Plus, they are a threat to our villages because of their um... "magical" things." Honda said, throwing one of his arms around his friend's shoulders. "Yea, Honda's right. Stop worrying about them and hope that we'll somehow go home in one piece." Jou chuckled. "I wouldn't be laughing at this time "general". From the looks of it, you're probably going to die from fear before tomorrow morning. And if you would excuse me my prince, I have business to attend to." Leaving as well, the three remaining boys carried the rolls of parchments back to the trunk at the end of the tent.
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Damn it! It's too soon to fight! Shizuka can barely stand, so how can I even expect her to fight at dawn? I've got to stay calm and tell Isis, she's got to know about this quick! Anzu whispered to herself, having to "drop by" and listen to what the Raised are up to. Quietly, she held tightly onto her sword to keep it from making any noise as she ran. The huntress kept her distance when she was near the king's tent. Bending her knees, Anzu jumped over the tents, trying to make her way home quickly. "Geez... sometimes I wished that I had Mai's whip to swing myself to the trees rather than jumping like a rabbit in a cage." She said to herself. Losing concentration, she accidentally tripped on a tent line and made a loud crash.
Holy shit! This is not going to be good. As she panicked in her mind, the huntress heard footsteps scurrying her way. But there was a closer one, this one was nearly silent but Anzu had acute hearing. Running north to the trees, Anzu heard some people shout. "Where did he go?! Wait, I think I see him! Over there, by the trees!" This is not going to be good, I can't lead them home. If I do, then my family... Never mind that, I never run from a fight. Plus this might be great way to exercise. Halting at the foot of the tree's shadows, Anzu waited for the men to catch up.
AN: I know! I'm so sorry! Anzu is out of character really bad. But there's a reason for the way that I made her personality to be! It'll be explained in the coming chapters! So will the "Wilderness" and the "Raised" thingy. For now... just wait and see! Don't forget to review! I don't even care if it's a flame or criticism.
