Hey everyone! So yes, I know I shouldn't be posting up a whole new story since I have two others that currently need to be worked on, but... I just couldn't help myself! I had this idea when I had to babysit some of my nieces and nephews and cousins the other day. The only thing they all wanted to watch (for the ENTIRE day), was Swan Princess. Now it's not that bad of a movie, but one can only watch it so many times in a row before it becomes dull. So I started to think of the plotline, and if I could fit any of my favorite pairings to it. For some reason, PUPPYSHIPPING was what came to me. The entire story came to life in my head, and I just had to start typing it before that little plot bunny ran away. Anyways, I give unto you, chapter one!
Pairings: Seto/Katsuya; Ryou/Bakura; Marik/Malik; Otogi/Honda; Yugi/Yami
Warnings: There will be Anzu bashing. Sorry! Yes, I can deal with her, but she just fits the part of Rothbart so well in what I saw! Also, there will definitely be OOC. I will try my hardest to keep the characters as close to original as I can, but, let's be real, it ain't always gonna work out that way.
Once upon a time, there was a King named Aki who ruled a large and mighty kingdom called Volk. And yet, he was sad for he was growing old and had no child to inherit the throne. Then, happily, a son was born… A prince. And he was given the name Katsuya. Kings and Queens came from all around to offer their gifts to the child. Among them was the widow Kisara and her young son, Prince Seto. It was then that Aki and Kisara happened upon the same idea. Seto and Katsuya would be brought together each summer in hopes that they would fall in love and join their kingdoms forever. Now most would say that this could not be so, not with two princes. However, the male royalty from Volk, if they so desired it, could bear a child. Just one, such as was the case with the new prince, Katsuya. King Aki and Queen Kisara smiled happily at each other as they watched Prince Seto give the young child a necklace with a small black dragon charm on it.
But unknown to all was another plan, that of the evil enchantress, Anzu. Katsuya's birth was of little concern to her, for she was preparing to take King Aki's kingdom by means of the Forbidden Arts. On the eve of her assault, Aki attacked and Anzu's powers were plunged into darkness. Despite called for her death, the enchantress was only banished.
"I'm not finished with you yet, Little Aki." Anzu sneered. "Someday I'll get my power back. And when I do, everything you own, everything you love, will. Be. Mine!"
Many feared King Aki too kind. But in time the threat was forgotten and all hopes turned to that not-too-distant summer, when Seto and Katsuya would meet.
One of the many servants of Queen Kisara was keeping watch for King Aki's arrival. The two young princes would be about seven and nine by now. This would be their first meeting together. The servant, Mana, started to jump around excitedly from her place high on one of the steeples. "Hehe, here they come!" She exclaimed to herself as she slid down the smooth stone to announce the arrival to the kingdom. However, as she blew on the horn she had ready, no sound came out. Looking down, she saw the horse that King Aki and and his son rode getting closer to the grounds gate. Panicking, she took a deep breath before blowing as hard as she could. A nest shot out of her horn, right towards the Queen!
Kisara thought nothing of the squeal Mana had given as she bowed before Aki who had finally arrived before them. "Dear Kisara! You look as lovely as ever!" The King said. Giving another bow, Kisara finally figured out why her servant had squealed when a nest landed on her head. The King gave a light chuckle at the shock on the Queen's face as a bird came and flew away with its nest. Shaking his head, he looked to the side where a child stood. "And who might this strapping young man be? Young Prince Seto, no doubt?" Aki said with a wink.
Kisara gave him a wink back before bowing graciously to her guests. "Welcome to our fair kingdom, dear Aki. And to you, young Prince." The queen welcomed.
The young blond prince looked up shyly at his father who gently encouraged him forward. He walked up to the middle of the two adults before stopping and waiting for Seto. The brunet, however, was reluctant, having to be told sternly by Kisara to greet the other prince. Seto grudgingly went forward.
"Hello, Prince Katsuya. I'm very pleased to meet you." The boy said in a monotone voice, sarcasm still somehow weaving its way into his words.
"Please to meet you, Prince Seto." Katsuya said in a polite voice as he bowed.
Seto was quick to try to walk away back towards his mother. Kisara, however, was not having that. Shaking her finger, she pointed back to the blond prince. Practically rolling his eyes, Seto turned back around and walked up to Katusya who was waiting for him. Taking a hold of the blond's hand, Seto looked at it in horror, while Katsuya looked at him in disgust. Shaking a little, Seto bowed down and place a quick kiss on the hand before quickly letting go and wiping his mouth.
"Yuck!" Young Seto exclaimed, trying to wipe at his mouth more before crossing his arms in a small pout. 'I can't believe I'm stuck with him all summer!' Seto though as he glanced over at Katsuya who was wiping his hand on his pants. "I'll bet he doesn't even wrestle, hunt, or box!'
Katsuya glared back at the other prince before putting up his fists as if to start a fight. Part of him was happy at the jump Seto made when he did that before he slowly letting his hands fall back to his side. 'He looks conceited,' was the first thought that ran through the blond's mind, 'what a total bummer!' Turning back to his father, he tried to plead his way out of being done with this visit. Seto, doing the exact same. 'If I get lucky, I'll get chicken pox!'
Seto sighed in defeat as he turned back to the other prince, "So happy you could come!" The boy said with a fake smile.
"So happy to be here!" Katsuya replied back, smile just as fake.
Both boys bowed to each other once again, both thinking the exact same thing. 'How I'd like to run! This is not my idea of fun!' Turning their back to each other, they crossed their arms in frustrated defeat.
A month had passed, both princes always fighting each other with small practice swords, or wrestling. Seto had thought that, since he would be the 'man' in any relationship, no matter how unwanted it was, he would be the better fighter. However, Katsuya was currently winning any and all their fights. Seto would often tell the blond, and even to himself, that he lost on purpose.
Aki and Kisara liked to pretend that the fighting was just the way the two boys were "bonding" with each other. "The children seem to get along quite nicely!" Kisara said, ignoring the sounds of a fight in the next room.
"We'll join our lands if this arrangement clicks!" Aki said looking up from a map of his kingdom, and Kisara's Dragocia kingdom. He, too, ignored the sound of the fighting, pretending he was busy with arrangements.
"My dear King Aki, that's my point precisely!" The queen said, taking a hold of the king's arm as they started to walk out to the garden.
"It's such good parenting-" Aki started.
"-And politics!" Kisara added. "So happy we agree!"
"I think we've got a deal!" Aki said with a smile.
"Seto's quite a catch!" Kisara practically sang, even as she heard the sound of fighting heading in their direction.
"This is my idea-" Aki once again tried to say before being interrupted by Kisara.
"-This is my idea-"
"-of a match!" They both finished with a small chuckle. Right then was when their children ran in front of them, fiercely battling each other with wooden swords. Grabbing the child closest to them, they did their best to keep the two boys apart, polite smiles on their faces. 'And such fun!' Kisara thought, hoping this would work out as planned.
A few years had passed, the princes now twelve and fifteen. King Aki was making sure everything was prepared for their trip to the Dragocia Kingdom. Seeing that everything except his son was ready, he looked up to the balcony of his room. Katsuya stood their, arms crossed, looking like he'd go anywhere but their destination. Aki sighed before shouting up to his son.
"Good heavens, child, don't dawdle! We can't keep Seto waiting!"
Katsuya huffed before looking down at his father. "I haven't packed or washed my hair," The blond prince said, shaking his hair, dust coming up from his golden locks. "And father, I get seasick!" Katsuya said, hoping his fake seasick face would be enough to deter the king. Anything to get him out of going to meet with Prince Seto for the summer, the blonde boy would do.
Queen Kisara was having her own problems with her son. Opening the door to his room, she found him lying on his bed with his bow and arrow. "They soon will be arriving."
Seto took another shot as his target. Kisara was somewhat appalled that his target was a (horribly) drawn picture of Katsuya. None of the arrows, however, had actually made the mark. "Is that respect you're showing!"
"You make me kiss his hand again, I swear I'm gonna be sick!" Seto blanched as he shot his last arrow.
The ship had finally arrived, King Aki being the first to depart and quickly made his way to Queen Kisara. They immediately started talking to each other.
"One day Prince Seto will be his intended." Aki said, giving a smile to Kisara.
"Splendid!"
Neither parent noticed that Seto stood to the side with his three friends, Lord Bakura, Honda, and Marik. Honda pulled out a small sling shot and handed it to Marik. Bakura grabbed a tomato from one of the carts along the dock, giving it to Marik with a smirk.
Katsuya hadn't paid attention to them either until Marik released his hold on the sling, sending the ripe tomato right at the railing in front of the blond. The tomato burst easily, spattering they boy's face. The four boys laughed at Katsuya's face as he glared at them, remnants of tomato sliding down his face.
Seto and Honda slid down the handrail of one of the long staircases in the castle. Trying to get away from Katsuya. "We've tried all summer but we just can't lose him!" Seto thought as the two boys reached the bottom.
"Hey fellas, wait up!" Katsuya exclaimed, sliding down the rail, also reaching the bottom. As he got off, a rope was pulled tight in front of him, causing him to trip and fall. The laughter of Bakura and Marik came as they followed their friends, yelling to them, "Quick, put on some speed!"
The boys had reached a small tree house they had made. The rope ladder that they used to get up to it was quickly pulled up as Katsuya finally arrived.
"When picking teams," Seto thought, Marik's thought of, "or friends," matching his, "I never choose him." The four boys looked down at the blond who glared up at them with a pout.
Bakura smirked down, speaking to his friends, "You'd think he'd take a hint and learn to read." He pointed to a hand written sign Honda just posted on the outside of the treehouse that said "No Volk-ians!"
"This really isn't fair!" Katsuya yelled up at them, hands now on his hips.
"We really couldn't care!" The four boys said together.
"Boys, it's all or none." Katsuya pouted, kicking at one of the beams holding up the house. As he kicked it, the beam fell, causing any support for the tree house to be lost. Pieces of wood, and all the boys fell down on top of the blond prince. Pained groans floated up from the rubble, as servants came to help.
Katsuya left the next day with his father, arm broken, and several bumps and bruises over his body.
The other four boys were in just as bad a shape, as Kisara waved her guests off. As soon as they were out of sight, she turned a furious eye to the group of boys as she started to scold them, causing them to crash into each other and fall, groans coming from them again.
All five boys thought the exact same thing, "This is not my idea of fun."
Long before they met, Katsuya and Seto were destined to be wedded. However, anyone could see the only point on which they didn't disagree, was that very thought of summertime was DREADED!
Several more years passed, and the princes were now fifteen and seventeen. Aki and Katsuya had arrived at Kisara's castle by carriage. Aki had thought that it wouldn't be very hard to get his son out of an open carriage, however, he was having quite the time trying. Kisara was having a hard time herself. Seto had climbed up high into a tree and just sat there, lazily watching everything.
The two princes groaned when Kisara called them over. The queen held up two outfits for the boys. Seto's was pretty normal, for a King to wear. Katsuya's, however, was a smooth, powder blue silk dress! Kisara looked at the boys expectantly, wanting them to wear them. Katsuya's eyes widened in horror while Seto smirked at the blond's predicament. 'They try to talk me into playing dress-up.' Katsuya thought as he finally became free of Kisara's clutches.
He ran into Honda, who was now Prince Seto's head guard. Honda was talking with a few other guards. With a big grin, Katsuya straightened his clothes, and started talking and joking with all the guards, including Honda. The blond prince often joked with all the guards, seeing as it was both fun, and away from the queen's clutches.
Honda had told Seto about it, and the brunet came to watch. He cocked an eyebrow when he saw how much Katsuya was getting along with the guards. A small twitch of his lips would appear after every time the blond told a joke. 'He's always joking with the castle guards.'
Honda stood next to Seto and nudged his arm when he smiled at one of Katsuya's jokes. "I think you really sorta like him, fess up!" The Head Guard said teasingly. Seto rolled his eyes. Soon, Lord Bakura and Marik showed up, challenging the blond prince to a poker game. Seto leaned towards Honda and said, "I'd like him better if he'd lose at cards." The two boys nodded as they walked with the three others to start a game of poker.
Honda stood behind Katsuya, and was trying (and failing) to help the other three boys cheat. Marik let out a smirk as he laid his hand down, "Four sevens, and a ten."
Katsuya smiled as he put down a royal flush. "I think I've won again."
Seto, Marik, Bakura, and Honda all groaned in defeat. 'Every time he's won!' The boys thought to themselves. Marik and Bakura grumbled about Katsuya having stupid dumb-luck.
Katsuya just smiled at the boys, taking the small pile of coins they had in the middle of the table. "This is my idea-"
"This isn't my idea-" Seto and his friends grumbled.
"-of fun!"
Seto and Katsuya were being lead in a carriage throughout Seto's village to greet the people. Katsuya actually seemed to be doing his part, waving and smiling at the people as they passed. Seto doing the same. After passing a few more shops, a small smirk crossed Katsuya's lips. Glancing towards Seto, he leaned over, giving the brunette "bunny ears" as they passed a small group of village children. The children all laughed at the sight, causing Seto to look back. Katsuya, however, was quick to move back to his previous position, smiling innocently. Many of the villagers looked on with a soft smile as the two princes teased each other as they continued to ride around.
'We need a royal wedding.' Some of the villagers thought. As they passed some milk maids, the girls couldn't help but speak, "I'd love to be invited!"
Some of the men building a new corral for some of their horses muttered to themselves, "At least we'd get a holiday to rest out ploughs and axes!"
The end of summer had come, and King Aki and Katsuya were boarding the ship to take them back to their kingdom. Kisara was waving to them happily with Seto sulking about having to be brought along. Honda was there too, seeing as Seto dragged him with so they could suffer together. Unbeknownst to Seto, Honda had given the blond his sling shot… Well, technically, he lost it in a poker game, but it was nonetheless, was now in Katsuya's possession. So when Honda saw the younger prince reach into his pocket and pulled out the sling, he did what any sensible person would do… Hide behind his friend. Seto just looked at his guard in confusion before he felt the impact of a ripe tomato hit his shoulder, tomato juices splattering all over him. Kisara glanced at the boys before laughing at the sight. Honda looked on with saddened eyes as he saw the blond casually toss the sling into the water. Many of the villagers that were there didn't notice, they were too busy thinking about an upcoming marriage. 'Someday these two will marry, two land will be united, and with some luck their marriage may result in lower taxes!'
Winter had set over the kingdom of Volk, with its King pacing back and forth in his study. He couldn't help but worry about his and Kisara's plans to join their kingdoms if the boys didn't want to marry. The older the two boys had become, and the more they fought, the more Aki worried. He finally sat down at his desk and started to write about his concerns to Queen Kisara. 'What if Katsuya doesn't go for the merger?'
Kisara had received the long letter the King had written, and glanced at it before rolling her eyes. Taking out one sheet of paper, she wrote just a few lines to be sent back. 'Urge him!'
Two more years had passed, Katsuya had turned seventeen and Seto had turned nineteen. They had grown into handsome young men. Katsuya kept his hair a little shaggy and held a rugged look that made many swoon. Seto kept himself properly trimmed and immaculate making many women, and some men, drool at the sight.
It was just about time for Katsuya to head to Dragocia, and the prince was in his room. He dreaded this day, the first of June. As he sat at the small desk he had in his room, he heard knocking on his door. He could only assume that it was his father, saying they would be leaving soon. Standing up quickly, Katsuya made it to his door just as he father started to open it. He was able to close the door, not letting the King into his private sanctum, locking the door.
On the other side of the large body of water, the same thing was happening with Seto and his mother. They both let out a sigh as their parents reminded them about what would be happening that day.
'For as long as I remember, we've been told we'd someday wed.' Katsuya thought as he glanced over to his window. You could see the vast sea which they needed to travel across to get to Queen Kisara's kingdom, and see Seto.
Seto, having effectively locked his mother out of his room walked over to a calendar he kept, that day's square circled in red. All the other days after it were also circled in red as Seto flipped through them, his eyes landing on the end of September. "Every June until September." The Prince grumbled, wondering what this summer would turn out like.
The door to his room soon opened itself, a smirking Marik and Honda standing there with a lock pick. "Come on, Princy, gotta hurry and get you changed and ready for Katsuya." Marik teased, wiggling his eyebrows. Honda made his way to Seto's wardrobe in order to pick out his best outfit.
Seto rolled his eyes. 'All their pushing and annoying hints.'
Katsuya finally arrived by carriage to the front of the castle. He was reluctant to get out of his seat, his father trying to pry him from it. Lord Bakura soon came to greet the two and saw the struggle. With a smirk, the white haired lord went to the other side of the carriage. Katsuya, thinking that Bakura would try to push him from that side, braced himself against the side where his father stood, keeping his eyes on the King. Bakura took that as his chance. Nodding his head in his own direction, Bakura wrapped his arms around Katsuya and pulled the Prince in his direction, Aki pushing. The shift in direction through the blond off, causing him to exit the carriage. Bakura threw the younger teen over his shoulder and started walking up the stairs of the castle. Katsuya tried to get out of the lord's grip, but Bakura only tightened his hold with every struggle the blond made. 'I've got bruises with their fingerprints.' Katsuya thought glumly, knowing he couldn't escape and any attempt to do so would only end up with bruises.
Seto grumbled as he was being lead to the grand ballroom where he would meet with Katsuya that day. Marik and Honda never once left his side, wanting to make sure he met with the other Prince instead of running off. "I can do much better, I am sure." Seto grumbled as his two friends pushed him into the ballroom.
Katsuya glared at Bakura as he was being lead to the ballroom. Luckily, Bakura finally set the blonde down so he could walk with, at least, a little of his dignity still intact. As soon as they reached the room, Katsuya wanted to make a run for it. However, Bakura was quick on shoving the Prince into the room. Growling softly, it reminded Katsuya of how Seto and his friends would act when they all hung around each other. 'He's so immature!' Katsuya thought as he remembered Seto's younger self.
As the two princes turned towards each other, they were both captivated by each other. Katsuya stared in awe as he saw a smile grace Seto's lips. He knew that smile was pure and genuine. 'I see him smiling and my knees start buckling.' He knew Seto rarely smiled like that around others, and to see it directed solely to him right now filled him with warmth. 'I see inside him and my doubts are gone.'
Seto couldn't stop looking at how gorgeous the blonde teen had become. He had been gangly and clumsy for a while, but has now filled in nicely and walked gracefully. 'He started out as such an ugly duckling, and somehow suddenly became a swan.'
The two prince's walked towards each other as if in a trance. Bowing to each other once they were close enough, Katsuya couldn't help but think, 'So happy to be here.'
'Til now I never knew,' Seto started to think as he stepped forward, wanting to close the distance between them.
'It is you I've been dreaming of!' The two thought together as they now stood a foot apart from each other.
'This is my idea,' Seto thought as he stared into Katsuya's molten brown eyes.
'This is my idea,' Katsuya thought as he stared back into ocean blue eyes.
Aki and Kisara who had been peeking through one of the doors immediately burst out, faces filled with elation. "What a good idea, such a charming and romantic notion!"
Soon, the ballroom began to fill up with servants as they started preparations for a small ball.
This is my idea, this is my idea.
Bouquets of Katsuya and Seto's favorite flowers were being placed all over the room.
Such a good idea, such a good idea.
The Princes' favorite foods were made and prepared to serve all the guests who were invited.
What a good idea, such a powerful and magic potion.
The small band of musicians set themselves up and began to play music for the Princes' to dance to, with Lord Bakura directing them. Marik and Honda kept an eye on all who were attending. The three friends smiled as they watched Seto and Katsuya dance, seemingly ignoring everything around them.
This is exactly my idea of love.
The two Prince danced, staring deeply into each other's eyes.
This is my idea,
This is my idea,
Slowly they began to stop. Leaning towards each other, their thoughts mirrored the other's. 'This is my idea of love.' And with that final thought, the two boys shared their first kiss.
Breaking apart, the two smiled at each other. Seto turned to where he knew the Queen and King stood, watching. "Arrange the marriage!"
Kisara jumped for joy, hugging Aki who looked just as happy. Cheers and applause echoed throughout the room. Bakura started the band up again, playing upbeat music. Marik and Honda, who had, during the dancing, made it over to where Bakura was, exchanged smiles. Though they grumbled a bit when Bakura spoke quietly to them about receiving their bet money. They had apparently bet on when that summer the marriage would be arranged.
Katsuya looked around at everyone's happiness, but couldn't stop the small seed of doubt creep up. "Wait!"
All motion came to a screeching halt at the younger Prince's voice. Seto looked to him a little confused, but with the still lingering sensation from before. "What?" He asked. "You're all I ever wanted. You're stunning!"
"Thank you," Katsuya acknowledged, "but what else?"
Seto looked taken aback. "What else?"
"Are looks all that matter to you?"
Aki cleared his throat as he looked at his son, shaking his head. Katsuya caught the look, but stood his ground.
Kisara nervously watched as her son looked baffled. "Seto… What else?"
Seto looked back and forth between Katsuya, their parents, and his friends. Of course there were things that he wanted to say, but his brain was starting to shut down in panic. "I, uh…" He stumbled out. His eyes met Katsuya's and all thought left him. "What else is there?" He knew he had said that wrong when he heard his mother start to whimper pitifully, and Bakura made a sound much like a buzzer. The pained look Katsuya gave him was enough to hold the brunette's tongue.
The next day, everything that King Aki and Prince Katsuya had arrived with was packed and ready to go. After last night's events, they thought it best that they leave as soon as they could. The departure of Aki and Katsuya left the kingdom, and all its inhabitants down cast.
Kisara, and Seto stood at the edge of the castle gates. Aki sat atop his horse facing them. "We tried, Kisara. No one can say we didn't try." Aki tried to comfort the sobbing Queen. Seto stood next to her, looking down and away from everyone.
Katsuya rode his horse past the two royals, not looking in their direction.
"Say goodbye, Katsuya." Aki said, his face sour.
"Goodbye." Katsuka said quickly, glancing at Seto for a second who was still looking away.
"Goodbye…?"
"Prince Seto." Katsuya finished, his voice cracking a little at the end.
Kisara elbowed her son when she saw he wasn't going to bid them farewell.
"Mother." Seto tried to protest.
"Seto!" She whispered insistently.
"Goodbye, Prince Katsuya." Seto muttered through clenched teeth just loud enough to be heard.
With that final goodbye, King Aki and Prince Katsuya started to ride off, back towards their home.
As they started off, Seto stared at Katsuya, wanting to do nothing more than stop him, and apologize. His pride, however, would not allow it. Instead, he just stared longingly.
Katsuya felt like he was being watched. Turning his head, he saw Seto staring at him, but the brunette quickly looked away, a glare forming on his face. Hurt flashed across Katsuya's face as he turned back around.
Kisara through her hands up in frustration as she watched the two ride away. "All these years of planning… Wasted!"
So? What do you all think? Should I continue, or scrap it because it's horrible and you need brain bleach now? Please, let me know!
Also, if there are any spelling or grammar errors, please let me know. It is currently 3:00am and I'm tired and have to wake up in 3 hours for work.
Thank you!