disclaimer: Based off the movie LadyHawke, which I do not own... unless you count owning it on tape. I don't own the YGO characters either. Enjoy!
-Always Together, Eternally Apart-
The morning sun shown brightly over the immense city walls of Makhaud, as a number of guards paced back and forth across the massive watchtowers. One of the Supreme cities of the European reign, it was well known because Aquila stood nestled in its walls. That name alone was enough to strike fear into any criminal, since its captives were shown no mercy and there was no hope for escape. No one had ever escaped Aquila; any that have tried were caught and hung with in moments by order of the Bishop. All in all criminals learned that trying to escape was futile... but there were still a few determined to escape from Aquila's hold.
"Are... you sure... that you... know what you're... doing?"
"Quit your whining and crawl!"
"This is too tight of a squeeze to fit through, Bakura!"
"It's no different than escaping your mother's womb!"
"Oh Gods, What a memory!"
Deep down in the belly of the sewer network underneath Aquila, a hand slowly emerged through a small cavern full of dirt and grim. Another pale hand was soon joined by its twin, helping to push more of the disgusting sewage and earth out of the way as a head of dingy white hair emerged from the small opening.
The figure blinked his cold brown eyes, letting them quickly adjust to the dim light of the sewers before pulling the rest of his body out of the tight opening. Freeing himself from the cavern the figure gasped as he toppled into the water below.
Hearing the splash a head of dingy blond hair suddenly emerged from the cavern gasping for breath. "Bakura?" Honey colored eyes looked around the sewers before looking down just as the white haired teen surfaced from his fall in the water. "You alright?"
"What do you think, you dolt?" Bakura hissed while wading his way over to the rim of the sewer and lifting himself up.
"Joey! Would you hurry up! Looking at your ass all day is not my idea of a good time!"
"Sorry Tristan!" Joey yelled while trying to pull himself out of the hole but having a few difficulties. "Um, I think I'm stuck."
A light smirk graced Bakura's face as he walked over to the blond and grabbed him by the wrists. "Allow me."
"Bakura, don't you even think about--"
In an instant the sewer was flooded with the sound of another loud splash as Joey landed in its depths. Coming up for air the blond spit out the dirty water before shooting the white haired teen a heated glare at the sound of his snickering. "Bastard, that was uncalled for!"
Ignoring the blond, Bakura turned back to the cavern just as the last member of the trio popped his head out. Seeing the flushed features on the others face, Bakura quickly dodged to the side as the chestnut haired teen spit out a mouth full of dirt.
"That... was... disgusting!"
"You all right, Tristan?" Joey asked while making his way over to the rim of the sewers and lifting himself up.
"Depends on what you call all right?" Tristan muttered as he squirmed his way out of the tight opening to face the same fate as his companions, as another splash erupted through the sewers. Quickly surfacing, he made his way over the others and took the hands that were offered to him. "Ok, now what?"
Bakura's brow furrowed as the two teens turned to look at him. "You two can't be serious. I didn't even want you to come with me in the first place, so don't even think that I am going to-"
"We want out of Aquila too, and you are the only one that knows how to get out of here. I mean come on, what were you boasting about all the time in the cell? Saying that you could escape out of anywhere?"
Clenching his fists, Bakura glared at the blond. "I'm an escape artist so it's easy to get myself out of tight spots."
"Well maybe you could tea--"
"… And I don't have the time to teach you or your friend new tricks!"
"Please Bakura… just tell us what to do and we'll follow your orders!" Joey pleaded while biting back a frustrated growl at how unreasonable the other was being.
Rolling his eyes, Bakura sighed. As much as he didn't want company, he figured the sooner he got them out of here the sooner they could part ways. "Fine, just follow me and keep quite. We haven't escaped Aquila yet and we still have a way to go before we can even get out of the city."
Nodding in agreement, Joey and Tristan started after their reluctant leader as he stepped back into the shallow water and waded toward one of the many tunnels.
"Ugh, do you all have any idea what has been through this water? Yuck!" Tristan complained as he shuddered at the unknown substance that floated by.
"Tristan!"
"What?"
"SHUT UP!"
Blinking at the two that had yelled at him, Tristan smiled sheepishly before trudging through the water behind the others. "Sorry guys."
Bakura and Joey both nodded at the apology before wading further and further through the sewers. Like an intricate web, the entire place was full of twists and turns that made them feel as though they were never going to get out.
"Gods above! Please, I beg of you! Let us get out of here and I will never pick pocket again!" Bakura cried out in pure frustration as he looked up at the grimy ceiling. Biting back a curse, he continued to trudge through the water before coming to a stop as the faint toll of warning bells echoed around them.
"Damn it! They know we're missing now." Joey stated while looking at the others.
"Maybe, but I'd rather be wading around lost in this sewer than hanging from a noose," Tristan countered while rubbing his throat and wincing at the mental thought of having a rope biting into his skin.
"I just want to get the bloody hell out of here." Bakura groused while wading down another tunnel to spot their means of escape. "It's about damn time!"
"What is it?" Joey and Tristan cried as they both barreled around the corner to see the white haired teen staring down a drop off. Walking a bit closer, their eyes widened at the sight of the broken grate which blocked off the underwater passage that led out to the molt that surrounded the outer city walls.
"Halleluiah! Bakura, you're a bloody savior!"
Rolling his eyes at the remark, Bakura waved a hand to dismiss the praise. "Enough! Let's just get the hell out of here." Not wasting anymore time, he jumped from the ledge to land in the deep water below.
Following Bakura's lead, Joey and Tristan both took deep breaths before jumping into the water. Swimming under disgusting water they quickly spotted their white haired companion waiting for them while holding onto a grate, motioning them toward him. Reaching him in mere minutes, the trio began to quickly swim through the underwater tunnel that would lead them to their freedom of Aquila.
Rounding another bend, the three of them could feel their lungs burn from lack of air but they continued to push themselves harder at the thought of their awaiting freedom. With a few more strokes, the trio was gifted with the sight of glorious sunlight drifting down through the depths, revealing that they were finally out of the city walls. Treading through the water, the trio quickly, but quietly surfaced to breathe in the much needed air.
Looking around the area carefully, Bakura noticed that they were right outside the city gates underneath the large bridge that crossed the molt. Getting ready to tread his way over to the bank he was pulled back by Joey and Tristan, as the sound of thundering hooves danced across the bridge.
"THREE PRISONERS HAVE ESCAPED! THE NAME OF THE MAN WHO FINDS CAIGE, WHEELER, AND TAYLOR, WILL BE BROUGHT TO THE PERSONAL ATTENTION OF THE BISHOP! AS WILL THE BODY OF THE MAN WHO LETS THEM GET AWAY!"
"Sounds like the Bishop's loyal lap dog is on to us," Bakura grumbled while clenching his fists at the past memories of the Guard Captain whipping him. Shaking his head, he turned to the others as the heavy hoof beats faded off into the distance. "Let's get out of here as fast as we can, but I warn you now that as soon as we make it to the next village, this trio comes to an end."
"But-" Joey started to object, but stopped at the warning glare he was receiving from Bakura. The white haired thief sure was frightening when he wanted to be. Shaking his head in defeat, Joey sighed. "Alright, whatever you say Bakura."
Satisfied that he was getting his way, Bakura was getting ready to swim behind the others when he stopped at the sight of two drunken guards sitting on a pair of barrels. Smirking at the leather pouch attached to one guard's waist, he silently waded over and with practiced ease pulled the single string that tied the pouch to the guard's belt. Keeping his hand on the pouch, he carefully brought it down to his level before turning to find Joey and Tristan giving him rather confused, yet awed looks. "What?"
"You promised the Gods that if you got out of here that you'd never pick pocket again."
"Maybe, but the Gods and I both know how weak willed of a person I am," Bakura smirked, earning a glare from the blond before taking a deep breath and diving underwater to swim further down from the guards.
"He's impossible," Joey grumbled while shaking his head.
"True, but then again… he's Bakura," Tristan shrugged, offering the other a small smile before diving underwater and following the white haired thief's direction.
Rolling his eyes, Joey quickly followed after his companions while all the while hoping that they would be lucky enough to avoid any run-ins with Captain Raphael.
Tristan and Joey were surprised by Bakura's skill when it came to relieving others of their money or any other valuables. Swimming faster the two of them soon surfaced to find they had reached the very edge of the outer city limits. Looking around they waded over to the bank where Bakura was waiting.
Glancing at the two Bakura smirked while watching as they pulled themselves out of the water. Getting to his feet, he motioned for them to hurry up. "Come on you two. I don't want to stick around here long since the Bishop is after our hide."
"What else is new? So where are we headed to now?" Joey asked while wringing his clothes of the dingy water.
"Eastward. I know of a small farming village there." Bakura smiled while tossing the pouch of coins in the air. The jingling sound of the coins inside was music to his ears. Looking back at the other two to see if they were ready yet, he smirked seeing them ready. "Let's get a move on then, shall we?" Seeing them both nod, he motioned for them to follow him as he started to walk away.
"Where in the seven hells are we? I thought you knew where you were going!" Joey growled while rubbing his arms over one another to create some heat. They had been traveling for well over a week or more and he was convinced that they were completely lost, and to make the experience even better, ever since their escape it had done nothing but frost every morning.
Glaring back at the blond, Bakura sighed. "I know where we're going! The village is right over the horizon."
"That's what you said a week ago!" Joey countered, earning a glare in return. Grumbling a few choice obscenities about their supposed leader, he let out a deep breath to blow on his numbing hands. "It better be over that horizon! I'm freezing!" he groused while quickening his pace before glancing over at Tristan to arch a curious brow. "Aren't you cold?"
Looking back at his friend, Tristan shook his head while giving Joey a reassuring smile. "Not really, I happen to like cold weather."
"I'm in the company of morons, complete and utter morons. Gods have mercy!" Bakura groaned while rubbing his temples. In truth he would never admit it, but he found the others' company surprisingly refreshing, but they were still annoying none the less. "Keep up you two! The Bishop's men could be anywhere."
"Oh joy..." Joey grumbled while continuing to muster up some more warmth. He just hoped there would be a place in the village to eat and get a new change of clothes. Then again, the thought of having no money squashed his momentary thoughts though, causing him to sigh. Even though he knew that Bakura had money, it didn't mean that he was likely to share it with the rest of them. Groaning at the thought, he shook his head, deciding that he would get new clothing, even if he had to steal it.
The trio continued to walk through the valley, each of them complaining about something, but keeping the complaints to themselves as they reached the horizon.
Joey's stomach rumbled earning him amused looks from both of his companions. "Don't give me that look! I'm starving!" What did they expect from him? Measly rabbits weren't exactly a four-course meal, especially when they were split between the three of them.
"Obviously," Bakura stated dryly before heading down the hill cautiously. No sense in announcing his presence, since there was something, like a gut instinct warning him of something. Glancing around, he could see that his companions were both trailing behind him. "You think you can keep your stomach in check?"
Growling at the white haired teen, Joey crossed his arms. "Don't worry about me."
"Didn't plan to."
"Would you both stop your bickering! You two argue like a married couple!" Tristan sighed, rolling his eyes before noticing the glare he was receiving, causing him to inch further away from the fuming duo.
Making their way closer to the village, Bakura came to a stop as he noticed a few horses tied to a post. Looking around, he smirked while watching as Joey and Tristan relieved a clothesline of some garments. Shaking his head, he slowly approached a small outdoor tavern, where drinks and food were available.
Relieved at finding some more comfortable clothing, Joey and Tristan pulled the garments over their old clothing before heading toward Bakura to notice him waiting for them with some drinks and platters of food. "For us?"
Nodding at them, Bakura let a small grin grace his features before taking a bite out of a piece of bread. His main focus though was centered on a group of four men huddled around one of the larger tables. Every instinct in his body was signaling the alert as he scanned over each one of them before his brown eyes settled on the tip of a large sword poking out from underneath one of the men's cloaks. "Damn."
Hearing the profound word, Joey and Tristan turned to look at Bakura curiously, while continuing to stuff their faces. Swallowing Joey was the first one to voice his curiosity.
"What is it Bakura?"
Turning to them both, Bakura sat down at the table and lowered his head so that only Joey and Tristan would be able to hear him. "You see those men over there?" Glancing up to notice them both nod, he sighed. "I think they are some of the Bishop's men. One of them is packing a very large sword."
"Gods, We're going to be caught!" Tristan paled while gripping his mug of ale.
"Not if we play our cards right," Bakura muttered before casting a glance back over to the group of men. "We just have to be very careful, no mistakes."
Nodding in agreement, both Tristan and Joey decided that they would do as Bakura asked, since he was the more experienced out the bunch. Going back to eating they were suddenly interrupted as a huge hand came crashing down on their table, instantly grabbing everyone's attention.
"SO, YOU'RE THE ONES THAT STOLE MY CLOTHING!"
Joey and Tristan both jumped from their seats as a large man loomed over them.
"... Eh, heh... What clothes?" Joey asked with a sheepish smile that failed to prove of his innocence.
The large man growled before throwing a punch at Joey, who instantly ducked and rolled under the table before getting up from the other side and running away. Unfortunately, his running was cut short as he collided into something causing him to stumble back.
"Well, well, well. Look at what we have here."
Joey gasped as he was pulled harshly back to his feet by the collar of his shirt. His eyes widened as he looked into the blue eyes of none other than one of the Bishop's men that was better known as Keith.
"If it isn't, Joseph Wheeler."
"Look sir, it's the rest of them as well." Stated a shorter man that looked as though he was on the verge of death.
Keith's smile widened at seeing the other two and motioning them over. "Turn yourselves in and I won't harm you."
Bakura snorted. "What's the justice in that? We go with you, we get a noose around our necks."
"Better a noose than a sword rammed through your heart." Keith snapped.
Joey growled while trying to get out Keith's grasp. There was no way that he was going to Aquila again! No way was he going to be accused of something that he didn't even do! No way he was going to hang from a noose, just so the Bishop would be happy! Determined, he jerked his head to the side and bit down on Keith's hand.
Screaming in pain, Keith tossed Joey to the ground and cradled his hand. Swearing at the blond he reached for his sword. "Get them!"
In a flash, the trio scrambled as fast as they could away from the guards. Each one of them knew that their chances of escape were slim, but they were not going down without a fight. Running through a Black Smith's stall, the three came to a halt as a guard blocked them off.
"Damn it!" Bakura cursed before grabbing a rod out of a fiery pot to clash it against the sword that the guard was holding.
Trying to get out, Tristan and Joey turned to go back the way they came, but found another guard waiting for them.
"We're surrounded!" Seeing the other guard raising his sword Joey fell back against the wall. "Gods, we're doomed!" The awaited blow never came though, as he slowly opened one of his eyes to see the tip of an arrow protruding from the man's chest. Blinking in shock, he watched as the man gurgled up blood before lowering his sword and collapsing to the ground.
Jerking his head to look around for his friends, Joey sighed in relief seeing that they were still in one piece. His attention however was quickly gained as a black-gloved hand was put in his line of vision. Taking a look at the offered hand, he hesitated before placing his hand in the other's as he was quickly pulled to his feet. "Thanks."
The cloaked figure nodded before reaching up a hand and pulling back their hood to reveal their hidden features. Sun kissed skin covered an exquisite, chiseled face. Sooty, exotic lashes outlined shimmering ruby eyes. The figure's hair stood out in outrageous spikes that were tri- colored. Bangs of pure gold framed his face while a few of the strands streaked back into obsidian that was thickly trimmed in crimson violet.
The stranger's clothing was a tight fitting tunic that seemed to outline the lithe, but well muscled body perfectly. Tight black pants caressed his shapely legs while black buckled boots adorned his feet. Gold buckled, black belts covered the figure's waist, while another belt of crimson and gold donning an intricately designed scabbard hung loosely around his waist.
Covering the figure's chest was a beautifully crafted piece of armor that was also crimson and gold in color, which stuck out against the rest of his dark clothing. The cloak, which was draped across the man's shoulders, was a rich velvety black which seemed to shine to its own accord while the lining inside the cloak was a silky type of material that matched the color of the figure's eyes.
"You're welcome." The figure spoke in a voice that was guaranteed to make anyone swoon. It was confident, regal, powerful, and very alluring. It was almost as if the figure's voice was pure velvet, smooth and comforting. A baritone none the less in volume, but it was definitely a voice that belonged to someone of command.
"If it isn't the Dark Captain, himself." Keith sneered while walking toward the addressed figure. "You know, one of my men told me that you had returned. I had him slain because I thought he was lying... because I was certain that you weren't stupid enough to come back here, apparently I was wrong."
"Killing innocents again, Keith?" The ruby-eyed man shot back calmly while tucking his crossbow into a more comfortable position under his right arm.
Joey yelped as he was grabbed from behind and pulled under a table. "Let me-" he started but was silenced as a hand clamped over his mouth.
"Shh, while they are preoccupied lets get out of here." Bakura whispered, removing his hand quickly with a look of disgust before wiping it against Joey's shirt. "Are you sure you aren't a dog? You drool just like one."
Growling, Joey glared at the white haired thief before glancing back at the handsome stranger that was currently having a glaring contest with Keith. "Guys, maybe we should stay and help. I mean he did help us out."
"Do you have a death wish?" Bakura growled before turning to see a pair of legs belonging to a guard in front of him. "Bloody hell!"
"Hold those prisoners, Men!" Keith barked, watching as his guards drug Bakura, Joey, and Tristan from underneath the table before securing them together with some rope. Satisfied with their work, he turned his attention back to the Dark captain.
"Let them go, Keith!"
"No, I think not. You see, I have direct orders from Captain Raphael and the Bishop, that if I find these three that I am to bring them back to Aquila immediately," Keith smirked, drumming his fingers across the handle of his sword, which was concealed from view by his red cloak. "I wonder what the Bishop would say if I brought you to him as well?"
From the corner of his eyes the ruby-eyed figure could see the rest of the guards closing in around him. A slight smirk graced his face as he narrowed his gaze back to Keith. "You'll never know, because you will never catch me."
Growling at the remark, Keith brought out his sword. "I beg to differ! Guards seize him!" He bellowed as the rest of his men pulled out their swords and charged at the appointed target.
With lightning fast reflexes, the ruby eyed man attacked. Thrusting the end of his crossbow into Keith's gut hard enough to double the other over, he quickly whipped out a hidden dagger from the folds of his cloak before grabbing Keith from behind and holding the blade against the other's neck.
"Ugh- You b-bastard!"
Ignoring the insult, crimson eyes narrowed at the guards as they came to an immediate halt. "Drop your weapons!"
"Don't you dare! Kill him, now!" Feeling the dagger brought close to the point of piercing his skin, Keith growled while glaring at the other from the corner of his eye.
"I don't kill innocents, Keith, but you are far from that- so I would not test my odds right now if I were you."
He could see the promise in those crimson depths and it irked him immensely as he noticed the other smirk, "Drop your weapons... Grr... and do as he says!"
"Release the prisoners, then ride off!" Crimson eyes narrowed at the cluster of guards, watching as they reluctantly put away their weapons and complied with the rest of his request.
"What! You are going to-"Silence was issued at feeling the blade bite into his throat. Keith's blue eyes narrowed as he watched his squad ride away. 'Cowards, pathetic nitwits.' Being shoved to the ground, he growled, immediately bringing a hand to his neck to feel the faint trickle of blood.
"Bastard! I'll kill you!" He shouted, quickly getting to his feet and lunging at the red eyed captain that was currently picking up his crossbow.
"WATCH OUT!!"
Within a few feet of running the other through, Keith was stopped by a fury of feathers and talons. Pain erupted through his body as the avian attacked his face, talons scraping his eyes ad flesh without mercy, sending him spiraling backwards.
"Enough."
At the sound of the captain's regal voice the avian pulled away, allowing Keith's body to try and take in all the pain. Almost blind from the attack, he opened his bloody, unfocused eyes by a fraction to see the red eyed captain looming over him with a beautiful falcon perched on his shoulder. Catching a quick flash, his blurred gaze dropped down to find the captain's sword at his throat. "Go ahead and kill me. When the Bishop finds out, he'll have my head anyways!"
Ruby eyes took a moment to glance over at the three prisoners making sure that they were unharmed and no longer bound. Satisfied with what he saw, he turned back to look down at the injured Keith, who looked as if he were fighting to remain conscious. "You three are free to go now, if you wish. Keith will cause you no more trouble."
"I'll leave as soon as you kill that murderous dog!"
"Bakura, shut up!" Tristan yelled, not wanting to be in this new turn of events. Sure, he was glad to see Keith get what he deserved, but there was no guarantee that this new figure wouldn't kill them afterwards.
"Just let him do it, Tristan. At least he's calling someone else a dog instead of me."
"Then you'll be staying in vain, since I'm not going to kill him," Crimson locked onto the narrowed brown eyes of the other, clearly sensing the rage waving off him.
"Bloody hell, I'll do it myself then!" Bakura growled, heading over to pluck a sword form the corpse across from him before heading toward the captain and Keith.
"Stand Down! We will leave him here!" Red eyes pinned Bakura with an icy glare. The glare from those eyes was enough to freeze time, which in turn caused Bakura to flinch lightly. The figure's voice was also deep with a tone of demand- a demand that left no room for argument.
"I still think we should kill him and get it over with."
Shaking his head, the tri-colored haired captain cocked his head to the side before letting out a shrill whistle. Looking back at Bakura, he offered the other a lopsided grin, "He will live... for now."
Growling, Bakura was getting ready to retort until the pounding of hoof beats caught his attention as well as the others that turned to look in the direction the sound was coming from.
Around the corner , a galloping horse emerged. It was a majestic steed, leaving everyone in a state of awe or in envy. With a rich onyx black coat that shimmered in the sunlight and long flowing mane and tail composed of silky strands, as well as spectacular feathers decorating its fetlocks, it was a remarkable stallion.
As the horse grew nearer it revealed its powerful build yet flawless elegance. Aside from it's looks, it was tacked in an equally beautiful black leather saddle and bridle, both pieces accented in polished gold buckles. The saddle blanket and breast collar were gold and crimson, revealing the beast to be the captain's steed.
Bakura gaped wide eyed at the stallion as it came to a halt beside its owner. "I haven't seen one of those in years."
"He's beautiful," Joey murmured, stepping up beside Bakura.
"I'm amazed the captain can ride him. I mean look at him, he's not exactly the strongest or tallest looking guy in the world," Tristan mused, joining his friends.
"It's not the size that matters, it's your skill and trust."
Looking at one another, Joey and Tristan snorted lightly.
"And exactly how do you know this?"
"Simple you dolts, my father was a blacksmith!" Bakura growled before turning back to look at the captain to find him tying Keith's arms behind his back. "I still say you should kill him."
"I see that you and I are going to have some problems," the red eyed captain smirked, looking at Bakura and the others carefully, not fully trusting the white haired male with a sword.
"Ah, just ignore Cotton here, he likes to get under every one's skin," Tristan supplied before jumping behind Joey to avoid a punch thrown at him.
"Call me that again, and I will personally cut out your heart!" Bakura growled, glaring harshly at the burnet while shifting the sword in his grasp to prove his point.
Shaking his head, Joey turned to see the captain giving them a rather amused smirk. "I bet you can just feel the love between them, can't you?"
"Love, indeed," The red eyed captain chuckled richly while looking at the glaring contest between Bakura and Tristan. "With love like that, who needs enemies?"
"You'll never get away with this!" Keith shouted, forcing himself to stay focused, even though he was at the brink of passing out from the pain. "Captain Raphael will be coming this way soon..."
"Really, and what makes you think that we'll still be here?" crimson eyes gleamed lightly. "Or that he will be able to do anything to me?" Smiling at the furious expression on the other's marred face; the wild haired captain turned his back to Keith while going over to his horse.
Climbing up onto the saddle, the captain looked over the three escapees that he helped. Feeling something nip his ear, he turned to the falcon perched on his shoulder. The falcon's unusual amethyst eyes had a certain look to them, an almost pleading gleam.
Nodding at the unspoken question, the captain looked back at the others. "I take it that you are the ones responsible for the warning bells of Aquila to be ringing, correct?"
"What gave us away?" Bakura muttered, crossing his arms. "Could it be the fact that Aquila's guards are after us?"
Joey and Tristan both shot pointed glares at their companion before blinking at the sound of a raspy hiss. Turning to look back at the captain, their eyes widened as they spotted the falcon with its wings flared while hissing and glaring over at Bakura.
"You made it angry," Joey chuckled.
"Definitely not an animal person, are you Bakura?" Tristan smirked, earning a glare and a snort from the white haired thief.
Shaking his head, the captain carefully stroked the falcon's chest feathers lovingly, instantly calming the ruffled avian. "I must commend you on your escape then," he chuckled, enjoying the gentle cooing emitting from the falcon. "Since no one has ever escaped that stronghold and lived."
"We were lucky you showed up, or else we would have been taken back to Aquila and then hung for the Bishop's amusement," Joey cringed.
Waving it off, the captain offered them all a warm smile. "So where are the three of you headed, if you don't mind my asking?"
"Don't know, don't care as long as it's far away from Aquila," Joey shrugged while crossing his arms and looking back at the strange captain curiously. "Why?"
"How about traveling with me for a few days then? I know my way around these parts pretty well and I can also handle things if any more guards show up," The captain replied before noticing the disbelieving looks he was receiving. "What?"
"Well no offense or anything, but why are you willing to help us in the first place?" Tristan asked curiously. "I mean you know that we escaped from Aquila, and could be murders or something and yet you offer your assistance, why?"
"I offer my assistance because from all that I have seen, you three are not murders," red eyes turned to look at Bakura with an amused stare. "Moody thieves perhaps, but not murders." Hearing a snort from the thief, he chuckled before looking back at Joey and Tristan. "So what do you say?"
"Sure, I'm in," Joey smiled, looking over at his friends. "How about it guys?" Seeing Tristan nod in agreement, he turned to Bakura and earned a snort as well as a muttered affirmative.
"Good, I'm sure Hikari and I will enjoy the company," the captain smiled while stroking the falcon's head as it squawked at the sound of its name. "I suggest the three of you find suitable mounts, the journey could be long and I'm sure you don't want to walk the entire way."
Nodding, the three escapees fanned out around the small village, each one looking for a horse that they could use.
Watching from his horse, the captain sighed lightly before feeling the falcon making its way down his arm. Looking down at the bird, he smiled lightly, before bringing his arm up and letting the falcon take flight. Watching the avian fly across the sky, he turned and motioned for the man standing at the tavern.
"Yes, sir?" The man asked, bowing his head in respect.
Reaching into a saddle pack, the captain retrieved a large black velvet pouch full of precious gold coins. Tossing it over to the man, he smiled lightly. "That is for payment to any beast that my companions come up with," he said and grinned as the man nodded while looking in awe at the amount in the pouch.
Hearing the sound of hoof beats, red eyes turned to see the blond escapee coming around the corner riding a dark bay horse along with his brunet companion coming up behind him on a red roan horse.
"Dammit! Get a move on, you stubborn mule!"
Chuckling at the familiar sound of Bakura's ranting. Joey and Tristan turned to find their companion rounding the corner riding a large flea-bitten mule. Not being able to contain themselves, they both broke out in fits of laughter.
"Knock it off you two!" Bakura snapped, pulling back on the reins to have the mule stubbornly jerk its head to the side and try to snap at his legs. Quickly moving his leg out the way he glared at the animal before looking over at his still laughing companions. "I would have taken Keith's horse, but that bloody beast tried to kick me, leaving me with this stubborn ass."
"An animal after your own heart, eh Bakura?" Joey laughed out, earning a death glare.
"That's enough out of you, Mutt!"
"Well now that you each have a mount, I suggest that we move on." The captain smirked, mentally laughing at the look on Bakura's face as the mule once again tried to bite his leg. Patting his own horse's neck, he gave the stallion a gentle nudge.
"Wait, we don't even know your name," Joey called out, causing the captain to pull gently on the reins of his horse. "I mean shouldn't we introduce ourselves first?" Getting a nod in return, he smiled lightly. "I'm Joey."
"I'm Tristan," the brunet smiled while giving the captain a small wave.
"Bakura," the white haired thief muttered before once again moving his leg away from the mule's mouth. "Would you stop, stupid beast!"
"Nice meeting you all," The captain smiled, bowing his head to each of them. "As for me. I am Captain Yami Amir."
TBC...