Amme: Hello All! And welcome to Yugioh Mulan 2!
Joey: And her first Yugioh sequel! But most importantly it's her second fanfic staring ME!
Ryou: *sweat drop* That's fantastic Joey.
Amme: I'm hoping everyone will appreciate the first chapter, it was hard to write at one point because I wasn't sure how Seto and Joey should interact now that they had admitted they liked each other, so I've compromised and cut it a little short so that I can give you all your first chapter, and work on how the hell they should act around each other.
Yugi: But this story will have the most romance. But also the most deviations from the proper story.
Amme: Yes! Because, believe it or not, I don't think Mulan 2 was as good as it could have been. For one thing the character of Shang was completely destroyed, and I wasn't sure how they two countries made peace since no princesses married and all that, plus Mushu was a b*tch so that's another downside.
Ryou: And Yo, Ling and Po were idiots as well.
Amme: Yeah, but for all the badmouthing we could do about it, it was a good movie because it's given you guys a sequel and it let Mulan and Shang get together and have lover's spats as we do in reality (as unwanted as they may be).
Joey: So how's it going to end? You're not screwing the storyline again.
Amme: Oh yeah! I'm going to twist it so much it's own creators wouldn't recognise it! Muhahaha! Please enjoy everyone!
A special thanks to Magi Magi Magician Gal for giving me a brilliant idea for the lover's spats and why they happen.
In a secret chamber of the Palace Solomon sat waiting and listening. He appeared alone, but there were guards hidden around corners and two servants and one scribe standing to attention at the sides of the room, pen poised to write the second he was needed.
The chamber had only one exit and entrance, the room was golden decorated with red walls and a large table with some reports splayed all over it. Solomon's brown was knitted with worry as he read the most recent one. The folder held information about the Hun army, which in recent months had been rearming for some reason. Solomon had a hunch over what it was, but knew better than to make an outright assumption before talking it out first, his years had taught the old ruler that caution, as often as it was scoffed at, was the way to lasting peaceful solutions.
There was a low groaning sound as the large doors of the secret chamber opened. The three Princes, Malik, Ryou and Yugi all walked in, escorting another noble and his adviser. Each Prince had a black cape with nothing silver or emblazed, they were as hidden as they could be in plain sight. Only their faces were shown when looking directly at someone their level, otherwise it was their lower face that was revealed to the world.
The said noble they were escorting was King Pegasus of the Hun Empire. He was tall and thin, the total opposite of his son. His face half hidden but his clothes also discreet. He bowed grudgingly towards Emperor Solomon and took his seat when the Princes offered it to him. The three boys went to stand by the servants, who were given secret orders to protect them should things get nasty.
For a moment there was tensed stillness in the room, then Solomon inclined his head "Greetings King Pegasus, welcome to Japan, I hope your journey was without incident?"
Pegasus nodded after a moment. His long silvery hair partly obscuring his face, his tall yet thin structure leaning forwards on the table in an attempt to keep a poker face that the Elderly Emperor couldn't read. "The journey was fine, my old friend. Or should I say ex-friend?" before anyone could comment the King looked around the room airily "I never thought I'd see the inside of your secrets bunker."
Solomon sighed "And I never thought I'd see the day you'd have your son attack us. And now you're arming yourselves again, King Pegasus is there something we have done to offend you? After the war I expected the peace treaty to stand for longer than three months," the Emperor's aged violet eyes were hard, he could not afford to show weakness in this man's presence.
Pegasus glared at once "You had my son killed. My last male heir to my throne," he put a hand to his forehead "My daughter is very capable of ruling, but this is an insult that, especially us Huns, cannot let slip."
Solomon didn't respond for a moment "You could have kept your son if you hadn't of set him on the recent war," he pointed out.
Pegasus raised his head "I did not support my son's decision to go to war. He acted on his own, yet I expected you, the one against violence even more than myself, would detain him and let us punish him. But no. He died."
Solomon glared "I trust you've heard the stories? Our hero had no other choice, and nearly died himself. And you can trust this King Pegasus; if you son was breathing when we found him on the roof, I promise you I would have done everything in my power to keep him alive, at least long enough to see you if not recover. There was nothing that could have been done; the fates were entirely in control of all of us that night."
"Yet you don't punish a hikari for joining your army and being the one who killed my son."
Solomon shook his head "He saved my life, saved many lives and nearly died himself in the process. I overheard that when he took the leap with your son he wasn't planning on surviving, and I do not wish to anger my last general who has become fond of him, it seems fate had and continues to have different ideas over what I can and cannot do for this man."
Pegasus narrowed his only visible eye "You put a lot of trust in fate, Solomon. Do you not believe we are men of our own destinies? Though with your belief system I guess that's a question I already know the answer to. That's why half you population has tattoos, yes? To find their fated one," he glanced at the tattoos of those in the room, some shifted nervously and others stood proud.
Solomon snapped his fingers and some wine was poured, he let Pegasus have the choice of cup, just so he didn't get suspicious about poison or anything stupid like that. He sipped his own wine and said "Let's not bring petty arguments such as social norms into this Pegasus. We're here to discuss peace, since you're the one with a grudge what do you demands of us? Or is your desire for revenge so strong that nothing can compromise it?"
The Hun King looked amused for a second "Unless you consider surrender …" he trailed off.
There was a cry of outrage. "Don't insult us! We beat you before, we can do it again!"
Solomon glared "Malik! Enough. If you can't keep your calm you can leave," he said swiftly.
Malik, the eldest and most likely heir to the throne sulked slightly with his arms crossed, only a hint of his tattoos peeking out from under his arm, his disguise slipped a little. Malik has his Mother's blood run strongest as he looked more Egyptian than Japanese, yet his blond hair and hikari tattoos of light violet and blue gave his heritage away.
Pegasus smiled at him in an amused way "You'd make a fine leader," he muttered half sarcastic and half serious.
Solomon shook his head "I cannot agree to surrender, but you already knew that," he returned to the matter at hand.
Pegasus put down his cup and spread his arms in a welcoming yet half patronising manner "Then what do you suggest oh mighty Emperor?" he asked.
Solomon smiled a little "A proposal: we combine our Kingdoms and ensure that neither side can attack without hurting themselves. We may keep our own borders and I'd happily return the land given to me in the treaty which ended the recent war, all I wish is for peace and trade and no grudges between our Kingdoms. Then we cannot add to the bloodshed," he explained quickly and calmly, as if it was the most logical thing in the world.
Pegasus thought about it for a moment and then said "As appealing as that sounds you do realise that pieces of paper won't seal this proposal of yours on its own. We have to combine our Kingdoms in more ways than just boarders and trades, it has to be deeper; like holidays, beliefs, customs, gods … in the end both sides may have to give something up," he ranted a little.
Solomon was silent. Both Kings were silent as they got lost in their own thoughts. Finally Pegasus said "When I was a boy I was told a problem by my Father. He said that once there were two families who hated each other so much they were days away from screaming bloody murder. I was asked what I would do about it," he said, daydreaming a little.
Solomon looked interested "And what did you suggest?"
Pegasus smiled "Two options I suggested, and one that was cease all hate and prevent any family side from hurting the other. One was to separate them, and put each on in a faraway place from the other, but they'd just blame the other for having to move, so it wouldn't last. The better option was to combine the families," he smiled a little "As you know Solomon, Huns take any relationship very seriously, be it family, spouse or friends. I suggested they, or some of 'they', undergo our magical binding ritual to unite these families in all but blood, maybe even a few marriages."
Solomon nodded at last "You wish for a marriage."
Pegasus nodded in confirmation "Some key figure of your social hierarchy must join my family and vice versa. Then we cannot hurt each other without hurting our own families or celebrities," he concluded.
Solomon smiled at the simple brilliance of it "It seems this would back up all treaties and combining. I have some well-respected lords and ladies who'd be honoured to take such a position with your royal family and any other lords or ladies on your side of the Kingdom."
Pegasus nodded "Yet to combine a Kingdom an heir needs to be born with enough tied to here and my side, is there any lord who could stand in place to be Emperor?"
Solomon shook his head at last "But I am sure that these other marriages-"
Pegasus shook his head with a raised hand for silence "The heir needs to be a leader of both sides, you say that you have no heir besides your Grandsons, then perhaps one of them should involve themselves."
Solomon looked shocked then angry "Pegasus, they are hikari's and I know you only marry those of opposite sex, it would be inappropriate for them to do so," he argued.
Pegasus stood up and said "The ritual of mine and all these agreements will be for nothing if the bloodlines aren't binding enough!"
Solomon stood up, but before he could speak a voice said "I volunteer."
Everyone turned to stare at Yugi, the one who spoke, he looked up, only his face showing under his hood "I will be binding enough, I'll marry someone of your Kingdom," he said softly.
Ryou, Yugi's twin brother, took his hand "Yugi …" he saw Yugi's eyes shining with too much moisture and put an arm around him "I'll go too, twice as binding now, and Yugi won't be alone," he looked down at his smaller twin and they exchanged a small smile.
They jumped as Malik put his hands on their shoulders "I'll go," he declared "I'm afraid it would be an insult to me if I let my younger brothers take the place and responsibility of the first born," he straightened his shoulders "Now if I marry your daughter any heirs we have will have equal claims to both thrones, am I right?"
Solomon nodded slowly "But it's hardly right for you Malik, you're a hikari and-"
Yugi held Malik's hand "I said I'd go, you don't have to," he tried to persuade his elder brother otherwise.
Pegasus snorted "Why don't all three of you come while you're at it?"
He meant it as a joke, but all three siblings at once knew they'd agree to it. Solomon saw the look in their eyes, and heard every positive point about their logic, and knew that this was the only way to avoid another war. He sighed "I go against my heart when I say this, but … we have a deal Pegasus."
The scribe at once moved forwards with the deal they had spoken about written down. The Emperor and the King signed the document and shook hands. Pegasus smiled and raised his glass "To no more war, and my future son in law, whichever of you it may be," he toasted quickly before sipping.
The three Princes bowed in respect and were taken away whilst the leaders finalised every little detail of this new deal. Yet the second the Princes arrived at their rooms they each cried. Yugi and Ryou burst into tears and Malik's eyes tore up silently. They all climbed into Malik's bed and held each other sadly, finally realising that they'd just lost their only chance at finding love.
There was no such thing as divorce in Hun laws, or annulments, and the ritual made it impossible to commit adultery. The Princes knew they'd done the right thing, but each was regretting the price that came with it.
Yugi looked outside and Ryou held his hand again. Yugi looked at his brothers with large, teary, amethyst eyes "How cruel is fate …" he looked at his tattoos "We're given these to help find love, and we're the only ones who cannot have it." Their tears continued till the dawn.
Mrs Wheeler hummed contentedly as the latest batch of bread came out of her oven. She placed it on the table top, making sure that her forever hungry boys and their dog Valon weren't nearby, and then moved to place the next load in. She inhaled the smell of fresh bread and then carefully wrapped it up to put it into the cupboard.
The farm was going good. Life was good. She peeked into the living room and saw Serenity sewing up torn clothes, her nimble fingers completely accustomed to repairing things for the family. Her long hair flowing to try and battle the heat of the day, her tight bun made her head pound.
Outside Jono and Joey were lugging sacks of flour to the barn, as well as any vegetables which hadn't survived the heat of the summer. The farm was already fully stocked and it wasn't even the true harvesting season yet. The unexpected heat wave made some crops dry out quickly so they made any dying grain plants into flour instead of waiting for them to fully grow, since would be ruined by the time the autumn got here.
Mrs Wheeler smiled as she heard Valon barking outside, she looked out of the window and saw Joey carrying several large sacks in his arms, whilst trying not to trip over Valon, and Jono was pushing a wheelbarrow full of sacks behind them. "Move it Joey! Valon! Get out of the way!" the yami twin scolded.
Valon just jumped up and licked at Jono's face. Jono exclaimed at the wetness and Joey laughed at him "Wimp! Come on Valon run ahead, move it!" he chased the dog, albeit slightly clumsily since he was carrying at least an extra half his body weight, away from the wheels and from his own feet and turned to stick his tongue out a t Jono. "Who's the man?"
Jono threw a stick at him "Go jump off a tower!" he retorted.
Joey laughed and put the sacks down in the barn "I already did that!" he shot back, making Jono laugh a bit.
After tipping the barrow and putting the sacks onto the right shelves he put an arm around Joey's shoulders "Sure you did, moron," he teased.
Joey grinned back "Idiot."
"Misfit!"
"Pain in the ass!"
"Mutt!"
"Weak!"
"Freak!"
"Wimp!"
"Boys!" Both brothers cringed and partly ducked, they hesitantly looked back at their Mother, who was scowling at them from the window. Even Valon, who had been barking and jumping around them during their playful argument, was cowering. Mrs Wheeler was a strong willed woman, yet her Mother side refused to hurt her children, but she could hurt just as bad with words and consequences, such as no sweet rice for a month …
But finally the red-brown haired woman smiled "I've made bread," she said "Time for lunch," she beaconed to them in through the window and wiped at her forehead with a cloth, it was hot in her kitchen.
"Alright!" the twins exclaimed and high fived and shoved before Jono began to cough because of the dust they'd kicked up.
Joey at once put his hands on Jono's shoulders "You okay?" he asked worriedly, as Jono inhaled through his herb pouch. Jono, though being a yami, was weak and in some ways un-yami-like because he was an acute asthmatic. However he still had his stubborn yami pride, but since Jono was unable to take the bulk of the work, Joey ended up being a bit more yami-like instead. It's what made him a misfit in the first place, everyone expected and wanted a young husband who was meek and obedient, and Joey was clearly not.
Jono cleared his throat and grinned at his worried brother, the same honey coloured brown eyes he had showed all emotions, and his twin was easy to read. "Stop worrying so much!" he chided, slapping Joey on the back "It was just a little tickle," he said to his pouting brother.
Joey crossed his arms "You're so glad you're sick or I'd throw you over the wall," he grumbled as he allowed himself to be pulled along in a headlock. Allowed because, since his days in the army he could have easily broken out of Jono's grip. Just as they neared the door a gong sounded from the shrine.
The twins looked up at the noise and Joey grinned as Valon barked at the grass. "Just as I want to eat, why do you torture me little guy?" he asked, kneeling to put a hand on the floor. A tiny scapegoat with yellow fur, tiny hooves and tiny rounded horns jumped onto his palm and bleated in greeting.
Jono laughed "Training time Hero," he teased. Tiny scapegoat had become a kind of schedule keeper for Joey ever since he got back. Joey had asked him to make sure he spent at least an hour training, because since he was now a hero he could easily be called upon to help the Empire again. Whenever the gong sounded the tiny scapegoat would appear and would keep pestering Joey until he trained.
Joey sighed, though it wasn't a heavy one since this was something he enjoyed. "Fine fine, just let me grab something to eat first," he chided his tiny spirit friend. The creature bleated happily and landed on Joey's shoulder.
Jono was slightly envious, Joey simply had a way with spirits and guardians that he lacked. Sure the tiny scapegoat was friendly to everyone else, but he always treated Joey differently. The elder twin shrugged it off and opened the door, pulling Valon out as he tried to go for the food on the table "Whoa boy! No, you're food is outside," he scolded, dragging the eager brown haired and blue eyed dog to the yard, and his bowl.
Leah Wheeler laughed at her sons "Hurry, lunch is out," she encouraged, sitting at the head of the table next to her only daughter.
Joey nearly bounced into the room, yet the second he saw the extra guest he frowned "Since when do you sit next to Serenity?" he asked with folded arms.
Tristan smiled a little and shrugged "I just stopped by, I promised I'd help do the copping while you work out," he looked at the Mother Wheeler and she nodded.
"Yes, I invited him to come by anytime, you can never have enough help on a farm," she smiled, pouring the tea and passing around the butter.
Jono entered the room and had the exact same frown as Joey "Tristan …" he growled a little. Joey exchanged a glance with him and they nodded. Jono sat next to him and jabbed him in the side "Just because we're your friends doesn't mean that you can use that as an excuse to flirt with our sister," he reminded.
Joey sat across from him and flicked a pea at him to back up the threat.
Tristan laughed nervously. He had brown hair that was styled into a point and he had brown eyes with a weathered tan. He was a sturdy young man, almost rock like in stubbornness and sometimes hid his emotions with a stony glare, but he was a solid friend once you got to know him. He'd been friends with the Wheelers ever since he was a child, and was one of the few who could tell Jono and Joey apart without the help of their unique tattoos.
Finally the brunette shifted away from the twin's little sister. Serenity grinned at their protectiveness and leaned towards Tristan just to mess with them "Hey Tristan, try this that Mum made it's delicious," she chirped happily.
Tristan leaned back when she tried to feed it to him with her fingertips, the glares he got from the twins was worrying "Ah! Th-thank you Serenity," he stuttered out at last and took the food out of her grip and ate it himself "Very nice," he complemented, only to get hit under the table by Jono.
Leah laughed "Thank you, and stop teasing the boys Serenity, you know what they're like," she smiled.
Serenity nodded "Yes Mum." Her brothers glared at her, overprotective of their younger sibling slightly, but that didn't mean she could flirt just to get a rise out of them.
Lunch continued that way, some arguments and playful fights, the normal debates and conversations about tomorrow or earlier today. Sometimes Serenity and or Tristan would flirt just to get the twins irritated, though they really were flirting because they liked each other too; it was merely the fact that messing with the twins was too funny sometimes.
Joey stood up after eating -and partly because his pantomimic gaging wasn't removing the lovey-dovey look from Serenity and Tristan's faces- and stretched "Okay, I'm going to work out," he told everyone before tugging on his sandals again.
Leah blinked "Before sweet rice?" it wasn't like Joey to leave before the end of the meal, but then she spotted his glare at Tristan and merely chuckled. "Okay then. Remember, if your back or hip hurts in the slightest-"
"I'll tell you," Joey assured her, pausing on his way out to give her a clumsy hug to back "I'm really fine," he stressed as he stood up.
Leah looked him over and then nodded "If you say so, don't overdo it," she added. Joey's recovery wasn't an easy one, although he was reasonably healthy when he got back from the Palace he did have a few relapses. Such as leaning too hard on his hurt side and collapsing, having Jono or Tristan slap him on the back without thinking and causing Joey to drop whatever he was holding and sometimes pass out from the pain. So as a Mother she couldn't help but be concerned, the only ease she had was that he hadn't had an accident directly linked to his injuries for weeks.
Joey nodded "Okay," he agreed evenly.
Serenity waved as he left. Joey's so happy now, he's always smiling. But not that special smile … She stared out of the window for a moment "I wonder if Mr Seto is coming over today," she murmured, having taken a liking to the intimidating man, since she was sure he and Joey loved each other secretly. Joey admitted to liking him, and she was so happy that someone loved him for who he was, she never wanted someone to change him.
Jono snorted "He'd better, or Joey's going to accept one of those marriage proposals just to get the ice-man down here to yell at him," he laughed. Joey had been receiving a lot of fanmail recently, as well as marriage proposals from Lords and other rich families, in an attempt to get him interested in marrying, because a hero for a husband was an achievement and would bring prosperity to whichever family he decided to marry.
That's why Jono, Serenity and Tristan were the ones chasing these messengers away, they were being picky for Joey, only those they liked got past them, but they all knew that Joey only had eyes for ice, in contrast with his fire.
Mrs Wheeler left the room for a moment and the three teens leaned in and Jono brought out a hidden box "Alright, new day, place your bets!" he hissed.
Serenity giggled and pulled out three gold coins "It can't be too long now," she whispered, opening the box and tearing up her last written down bet to scribble on her new one for the new day. "I say in the afternoon, because that's when they talk the most," she giggled, slipping her new coins into the pouch.
Jono and Tristan copied. Tristan put his in "I say just before dark, they'll argue too much before then," he pointed out, betting was something they did to pass the time, plus it was a way to see who knew their brother/friend the best.
Jono shook his head and put in his "I say evening."
Leah appeared again and frowned "Honestly? Betting on your own brother's proposal? Have you any shame?" she tisked snatching it off of them. She opened the box to see what they were putting.
Jono leaned back "Shame? What's that?" Tristan and Serenity laughed at his response.
Leah gave them the box back and rubbed her temple "Just don't tell your brother about it," she warned, just before a knock on the door. Leah stood up "Who could that be?" she wasn't expecting visitors, and there was a new box by the door for any messages or fanmail …
Serenity smiled "Mr Seto by any chance?"
"Damn that guy moves fast!" Jono exclaimed.
Leah shook her head fondly and opened the door "Oh! Rebecca? What can I help you with?" she smiled at the young girl in her doorway. Rebecca had blond hair and baby blue eyes, she was only eight, she was the daughter of an old friend who lived in the village centre.
The young girl nervously doodled in the dirt with her foot "Is Joey here?" she asked.
Leah smiled "He's down by the fields, doing his training," she told her.
Rebecca's eyes widened "Oh … I'll go watch!" she happily gasped, she turned to skip off before remembering her manners. "Thank you!" she said with a bow, then ran to find the playful blond hikari in the fields.
Leah chuckled to herself "Oh the children do love Joey now," she leaned over and patted Valon on the head "Valon? You go and make sure she doesn't get lost," she told him. The brown dog barked once and took off in Rebecca's direction, making happy whimpers because he loved kids. Mrs Wheeler stepped inside and said "Joey really is popular now, that's the third time this week," she shook her head and returned to the living room.
Tiny scapegoat watched as Joey put himself through his paces, leaping over hay barrels and crawling under suspended longs. He timed Joey carefully, then bounced excitedly when Joey finished the course. Joey panted a little and walked over to tiny scapegoat to get a drink "So? How'd I do?" he asked with a smile, doing any physical work was always fun for him. It was even more enjoyable now since his back didn't explode in pain every time he tried to lift or run.
Tiny scapegoat bleated and added another chalk line to Joey's name. Joey yelled in triumph and punched the air "Alright! Another second down!" he celebrated, laughing loudly. Scapegoat smiled, bouncing a little, he was also happy that Joey was achieving; he was getting better every day.
The blond was getting stronger and fitter, plus he was more determined than a stubborn bull.
Joey picked up his bamboo pole and landed it on his shoulder "Am I done here? That course is boring as hell, I just run around and duck under this every time, and jump over that every time …" he trailed off, thinking about how different it was in a real fight. They don't teach you anything in the army that's useful against someone who wants you dead. He thought to himself, remembering how difficult it was to fight Ushio alone.
That thought alone was enough to make him break out in a cold sweat.
Scapegoat nodded and jumped over to another area of the fence, he knew Joey hated repetitiveness. Joey smiled and saluted at him before moving into the middle of the space and cleared his mind, the wind over the fields and the silence all around him made it easy; then he slowly fell into his forms.
They were well practiced and slow to start with, like a dancers warm up, morphing from one stance to another, until you couldn't tell they were separate moves. His body moved through the steps like a master, his movements fluid and sure. The slow start began to speed up, and soon he was kicking and attacking invisible enemies, moving with both strength and grace, a duo most yami's lacked.
Joey yelled a few times as he launched himself with the pole and kicked high, or when he threw his weight into a hit downwards, his honey eyes were burning gold, showing how exhilarating he found this.
As his grin started to spread across his face he wondered if Tristan would agree to fight him later, not the he was a good fight anyway since Joey was easily stronger and had more experienced since Tristan was too injured to fight during the battles he could of faced, but he needed a partner to practice with. Not just empty air.
"Hi-ya!" Joey shouted as he twisted through another complex set, tiny scapegoat watching with a big smile.
As Joey got more and more absorbed in his exercises he failed to notice the patter of shoes down the field path. Rebecca poked her head out of the bamboo wood and smiled as she finally found the energetic blond, she quickly picked up a stick and tried to copy him.
From behind the young girl many more filtered through, having sent her ahead to ask permission, they were all going to ask Joey to teach them how to be hero's too.
Joey aimed a high kick and shouted again, only for his call to be echoed by many little voices. Joey yelped and fell on his back, he looked 'up' and saw the feet of several children; many of their owners laughing at him.
Joey's face broke into a wide smile, he liked kids, he rolled onto his front and propped himself up with his arms "Hi-ya," he greeted with a large grin. The children all laughed again and Joey pushed himself up "So what's with the sneaking up on me?" he asked playfully.
Rebecca giggled "We were looking for you," she told him.
Joey tiled his head, then laughed as Valon gave him a long lick over his cheek. "Yuck! Valon!" he scolded, before scratching his ears. The children were nearly in tears, Joey was just too easy to love sometimes, he was so funny to them; so naturally many were trying to be like him. Joey patted his dog's head before asking "So what ya looking for old Joey for?"
Leon stepped forwards next to Rebecca "We wanna be like you Joey!" he said, his eyes lighting up like the sun. He picked up Joey's pole and clumsily swung it around "Hi-ya-whoa!" he yelped as he lost his balance.
The kids all cringed as the top of the pole came towards them. But Joey slid in front of them with the push of a muscled arm and blocked it with his other, it smacked just below his wrist loudly, right on the bone, but he didn't wince, because it didn't hurt. But to the kids it looked like he'd saved them.
Joey smiled at the blushing and embarrassed Leon, taking the pole out of his hands "Well you've got the getting into trouble part of me just right," he muttered as a joke, tiny scapegoat laughed on his shoulder, having jumped over the second he saw trouble. Joey smiled at his spirit friend and said "You know I'm still learning myself," he pointed out, realising they wanted to learn how to fight.
"Please!" Rebecca begged, her eyes going wide and her hands clasped in front of her. Her call was echoed by all the other children. The bakers daughters, the neighbours son, the boy just about to turn thirteen … their puppy dog eyes were wearing Joey down.
Joey exchanged a glance with scapegoat and stood up "Well … er," the spirit final nodded a little, thinking it would be good for him. Joey smiled "I guess I could show you a few moves," he agreed at last.
Leon cheered "Joey's gonna teach us how to kick butt!"
At once all the kids started throwing action pose punches and kicks. Joey glanced around in surprise. He put a hand on his head "Oh boy what have I agreed to?" he muttered, making tiny scapegoat laugh again. "Oh shut up," he hissed, then got the kids' attention "Hey! Whoa, whoa," he playfully chided "What's all this about?"
Rebecca picked up a pole "Fighting?" she offered meekly, her call echoed by a few nods and eager smiles.
Joey chuckled "And I thought you were posing for a painting. It's not just about kicking and punching, if you're just doing this to get into fights then you're never going to be a good warrior," he sat down again "Those soldiers who went off to war, they fought well because they weren't fighting for themselves, they were fighting to keep all you safe," he pointed out.
Leon and Rebecca, Noah and the ten or so other kids all looked at each other in wonder. Joey continued "And it's not just about being strong, you've got to fight however you are. If you're fast, sneaky, brainy, a good jumper, a good kicker, you have to use that; that's why no warrior is the same. Even being gentle or weak can help you fight." Joey was remembering how he'd been the weakest until he'd built it up, but he'd used his hikari gentle-graceful-pacifist-emotional side in his fighting too, which let him defeat Ushio in the end. He'd gotten him distracted, led him on a wild goose chase, exchanged only the blows to neutralise since his own blows wouldn't even have bumped him, and finally Joey had gotten Ushio angry enough to get him careless, which was how he'd managed to win in the end.
But the children only looked confused "Being gentle helps you fight?" asked Rebecca.
Leon shook his head "No it doesn't. You only need to be strong!" he said, posing with his arms.
Joey snorted "If that were true Ushio would have won, not me." The children were silent again. Joey kneeled "Listen, the world is full of opposites, and so is everyone, a warrior can't just be one thing. If you're only fast or strong you could miss something that could help you win if you were slower or gentler, like … you could miss how some guy always limped on one foot or something …" the children just looked confused.
Joey scratched his head a little "Damnit … Seto made it look so easy …" he mumbled. Tiny scapegoat shrugged, he thought Joey was giving it a good attempt if nothing else.
A light bulb went off in Joey's brain "I got it! Let's see if this helps," he smirked and put a hand on the floor. "Earth, Sky, Day, Night," he started, at once the understanding lit up in their eyes.
"Sound and Silence,
Dark and Light," Joey covered a child's eyes as he stood up, making her giggle in delight.
"One alone is not enough,
You need both together,
Winters, Summer, Moon and Sun,
Lesson number one," Joey sang kicking his pole up into his hands and standing in a neutral stance, ready for anything. The children all scrambled for their own, muttering wow's and listening intently as Joey continued.
"Like a rock, ha ha!
You must be hard, ha ha!
Like an oak, Ma!
You must stand firm! Ha!" each exclamation was accompanied with a punch or kick as he slowed down the forms of his training so it would be easy to pick up. Joey suddenly dropped his pole and pulled out his ruby blade.
"Cut quick!" he swung quickly over the children's heads, making a few duck "like my blade."
"Think fast, ha ha", Joey sliced two falling leaves in half as he jumped then landed on his feet, straightening up to finish "unafraid."
Tiny scapegoat bleated and the children took it as their cue to start copying what Joey and just shown them.
"Like a rock, ha ha!
I must be hard, ha ha!
Like an oak, Ma!" Joey walked around them all as they mimicked his actions and occasionally reached down to help them, move their hands to hold their weapon better, force their knees to bend do they'd be faster.
"I must stand firm! Ha!
Cut quick, like my blade,
Think fast, ha ha, unafraid." Joey ducked under a clumsy swing of a pole and smiled at the worried child who's been the one swinging. He winked and lowered the tip pointing up at him to the ground where it wouldn't hurt anyone.
"Okay Joey, I'm ready!" Leon shouted, standing firm and strong.
Joey raised an eyebrow "You think so?" he asked, Leon nodded. Joey put his sword into the soil to keep it from cutting anyone and opened his arms "Come at me then," he smirked.
Leon charged, using the same moves he'd just learnt. But Joey just evaded and blocked, ducking and almost flowing around the blows that would have hurt him, almost in no time at all he had Leon's own weapon under his chin in a way of victory without harming anyone. Leon's eyes were wide, as were everyone else's "Wha- how did you do that?" he gasped, ducking out from under his hold as Joey lifted the pole with a grin.
Joey stood up and simply said "You're still out of balance, you're only halfway there," he turned and vaulted up onto a hay barrel and pointed up at the sky "Like a cloud, you are soft,
Like bamboo, you bend in the wind," his hands and arms twisted through some movement which resembled martial arts, only slow and peaceful, as the wind came at him and threatened to unsteady his balance, him simply moved with it, using it's small force on his body to add to his leap down to earth. He landed and rolled, ending on his feet tensed like a cat, only to continue his slow and graceful fighting technique.
"Creeping slow you're at peace because you know,
It's okay to be afraid," Rebecca gasped as Valon sat by her, she feared dogs though she never told anyone. Joey took her hand and held it palm up for Valon to lick and sniff, he instantly gained her trust.
Just as before, the kids mimicked Joey's technique.
"Like a cloud, I am soft,
Like bamboo, I bend in the wind,
Creeping slow I'm a peace because I know,
It's okay to be afraid," They all looked up at Joey who nodded and with a quick call of 'try to keep up' he set off mixing up the two small lessons he had taught, like his fighting forms from before, singing:
"One alone is not enough,
You need both together,
Winter, Summer, Moon and Sun,
Lesson number one." The children all echoed him, at least one move behind and thoroughly enjoying themselves, Valon ran around them happily and tiny scapegoat bounced in joy.
Joey turned to the kids as he finished with the basic forms and was surprised to see them simply start to practice on each other. Joey exchanged a glance with the tiny scapegoat on his shoulder, then laughed, standing back to watch for a moment.
"Like a rock, ha ha, I must be hard, ha ha/Like a cloud, I am soft,
Like an oak, Ma! I must stand firm, ha ha/Like bamboo, I bend in the wind."
Joey saw that those more suited to grace, namly girls and possible future hikari boys, were copying the second half of the lesson. On the other hand the yami like girls and most boys were being tough. Joey jumped into their midst and moved with them all "You can fly!"
"Cut quick, like my blade/Creeping slow I'm a peace because I know,
Think fast, ha ha, unafraid It's okay to be afraid."
Joey turned to them all and ralled them together for a final move "You have begun!"
"Lesson number one!" the kids shouted back and they all aimed a high kick and then full whack of the stick downwards, a mixture of grace and force.
Joey panted with the children as he stood up, he wiped his forehead and laughed at their delighted expressions "You're a bunch of little fighters aren't ya?" he smiled, Valon still barking like crazy, he reached over and pulled him into his side "Calm down Valon, you've done great everyone," he praised, making them all cheer in delight and begin to talk at the tops of their voices.
Joey picked up his sword and admired it for a moment, the blade ruby like the jewel, the hit ebony and the sheath ruby glazed with an ebony centre. This is what the emperor had given him in thanks for saving Japan from Ushio, along with a personal noble's crest of gold. And since it had been done before every representative in all of Japan's districts the entire country now recognised him as hero and noble, and Emperors friend.
Joey put his sword away and began to trek back to the house, tiny scapegoat agreeing that he'd done enough for today. Rebecca saw Joey leaving and ran after him to hold his hand, Joey jumped, then smiled down at her and gently swung the hand she held back and forth as all her other friends followed.
"Thanks for teaching us Joey, can we learn more tomorrow?" she asked, her closest friends also crowding him and begging, tugging on his shirt and arms with their little but unshakeable hands.
Joey lifted his arms and a few hug off them before dragging him back down. Joey fell over and they at once piled on him shouting "Please Joey please!"
Joey laughed, Valon barked and licked, then finally he said "Yes, yes, okay. Just let a guy up, come on now," he groaned, pushing himself free and pushing Valon off of his face. The dog whined and kept butting Joey in the chest. Joey scratched his ears and got back up again "Like my style that much?" he asked the kids, which set of another round of the children explaining how awesome Joey was.
Suddenly Valon stiffened and sniffed the air, poised on his paws, he'd heard a strange horse in the yard.
Joey reached over to lay a hand on his back "What is it boy?" he asked, he knew that some of his fans were obsessive, Valon's teeth had warded off many, but there were a stubborn few. Valon inhaled deeply then his mouth fell open, tongue hanging out and all as he began to bark and run forwards, seemingly happy to see whoever he had heard.
Joey stared at the family pet as if it had gone barmy, then someone walked out from the house and he gasped a little. Valon bounded up to the figure joyfully, jumping like a kangaroo instead of a dog, the figure leaned away slightly from the animal's enthusiasm, but patted him friendlily enough.
Rebecca gasped "It's general Seto!" she pointed, the other kids all gasped and ran forwards a little to meet him. Joey hung back and kept walking at his own pace, an unconscious smile spreading across his face.
Seto stood up tall, one of the tallest you'd ever meet, with brown hair and blue eyes like ice. He could be ice cold and almost cruel at times, but for those lucky enough to gain his approval he was a loyal friend, if not just a possessive one. He and Joey often got into fights because they had learnt from childhood to put up barriers and distance themselves, and often lash out at those who seemed immune to their defences, yet when those were removed they were perfect for each other.
Joey felt a rosy blush cover his cheeks for a moment before shaking such thoughts off, he was worried that the man would scare of his new friends. Seto was a hard man to get close to at the best of times.
Seto took off his helmet and cape as the children approached, and, to Joey's amazement, a small smile lit up his face, making the intimidating man of ice seem friendly and warm. This general who on a bad day showed less emotion than a rock, and who could face armies without a trace of fear, suddenly seemed as threatening and approachable as Valon.
Seto smiled as the kids surrounded him "Hello little soldiers," he greeted, reaching down to ruffle one's hair and accepted the hand that quickly held his.
Seto approached Joey, surrounded by the kids and Joey watched with loosely folded arms. They met eyes for a moment and then Joey closed his with a small laugh "Nice outfit fancy-pants," he grinned, unable to resist poking fun; they hadn't seen each other for a while.
Seto smirked and quickly glanced down at his new 'outfit' as Joey called it. It was merely finer clothes and a new helmet, cape and shirt, but he supposed that to a farm boy it would seem fancy. He met Joey's eyes, the golden-honey-brown held that fire he'd quickly become fond of, and said "A compliment? I thought you didn't know what those were the way you insult me."
Joey snorted, the sun catch his dirty-blond locks and making them gold for a moment "Just because you don't know one when you hear one," the kids giggled at their conversation.
Seto indicated his head a little "Good to see you Joey, think we can talk?"
Joey pretended to think about it then nodded "Sure why not, okay guys lessons over, scram," he teased a little, asking them to leave in his own jokey way. They kids at once whined and latched onto him, shouting things like 'let us stay' in an attempted to stay that much longer.
Seto shook his head "Rule number one soldiers," he said in his army rallying voice, making each person at once look to him. Seto smiled at Joey before addressing the kids again "Always obey your superior officer and teacher," he instructed.
Joey nodded "Couldn't have said it better myself," he mock bowed.
Seto smirked "Which includes you Wheeler, I'm your commanding officer," he said, with the intent of making the playful fire burn just that little bit brighter.
Joey glared heatedly "Damn you," he muttered "For the last time rich-boy I was kicked out of your punch throwing club!" he growled "I have no superior and if I do it's not you," he poked the man's chest to give it extra enforcement.
Seto caught his hand and smirked "Stop barking Mutt, you're a bad example," he said lowly, making Joey go red from anger as well as proximity.
The blond sighed and stepped back before bidding the kids goodbye "Soldiers, fall out! See you around," he gave a few a push and they reluctantly waved goodbye and wandered back. Joey smiled at them "They do grow on you," he sighed softly.
Seto waited until they were out of sight and then slipped his cooler, longer fingered hand into Joey's. Joey looked up silently with a smile and curled his fingers around his, holding back. "I missed you," the blond admitted softly, letting his hidden side come out.
Seto smiled and ran a thumb lightly over Joey's knuckles, noting that they were worn from fighting and a lifetime of work on his farm, but at the same time the skin wasn't bad to the touch. Seto lightly pulled on Joey's hand "So did I puppy," he confessed back. "I'm never staying away that long again," he promised.
Joey smiled and then tugged on his hand, leading him towards the gardens and the shrine. Trying to at least down tone the happy flush and bounce in his step which had come in response to that promise, but Seto still saw the sparkle in his eyes and was happy he'd made Joey happy.
Joey stepped through the arch into the gardens and turned to the icy yami, he'd been gone for a month, they had a lot to talk about.
Amme: Ta-da! Your first look at the Yugioh Mulan 2 world!
Yugi: Looks good so far.
Ryou: So me and Yugi are twins?
Amme: Yep, Yugi took more after his Grandpa and Ryou you took more after your father while Malik was like his Mother. I'll explain better later in the story okay?
Joey: That's cool.
Yugi: You just want more attention on you.
Joey: You wound me ...
Amme: Time to ask the obvious questions!
1) Fav part?
2) Least fav part?
3) How was the singing scene? (Joey: You did not just ask that! Amme: On yea I did!)
4) Do you think all the characters are in character?
5) What do you think of the Puppyshipping so far?
6) What would you like to see in the next chapter?
7) Any Questions?