There was a sudden clash as the brothers had suddenly sped towards each other to meet in the middle. Timaeus was putting his all into pushing his claymore against Yugi's katana that had the younger one shifting back slowly under the pressure.

Yugi slid his katana to the right as he side stepped to the left causing Timaeus to almost fall forward but quickly caught himself to spin around to keep an eye on Yugi. The crowned prince smiled in amusement as they stalked each other in a circle and kept their swords up to guard.

They took a couple of more swipes at each other to ease themselves into the battle and it also showed to the crowd what kind of styles they had. Timaeus had brute strength behind his attacks that would knock any normal human being off their feet with the force behind it. And even though he was blind on one side it didn't mean that he couldn't defend that side and could easily counter attack. He was nimble on his feet just enough to keep up with Yugi's swift footwork.

After one powerful clash, Yugi had managed to back flip into a crouch and spin kick causing Timaeus to jump away to avoid the attack. Yugi snickered as he did a one handed flip back onto his feet but carried on with the momentum that he cart wheeled and twisted back to the edge of the platform. He held his katana in front of his face as he grinned "You good to get started brother!?"

"When you are brother!" Timaeus smirked as he copied Yugi's action as they swept their swords to the sides and ran towards each other once again. Not holding back.

The crowd were cheering as they continued to watch their prince's fight. It was clear to them that if their was ever to be, hopefully not, a war that they would be defended pretty darn well if the soldiers were trained by the 1st commander.

"Wow... I've seen Prince Timaeus fight before and it was exhilarating but the way Prince Yugi is moving around the platform is just amazing" Yami sounded awed as his eyes followed the movements of the battle.

Atem snorted to cover up that he was impressed as he brought his left leg up to his chest and leant his arm across it. "It's mostly for show that kind of style. If he used it while out on the battle field, unless he has an amazing amount of stamina, He wouldn't last long with all that fancy hopping about."

"Don't spoil it for me" The younger groaned as he nudged Atem's shoulder with his own that had the other laughing. Yami shifted as he continued to pay attention to what was going on down below and tilted his head in slight confusion. "What's going on?"

"What's wrong?" Atem looked down to see that Yugi was being forced down to the ground at weird angle. He winced "That's going to hurt in the morning"

Yugi winced as a similar thought was going through his head as he legs were under him as he was bent backwards that his head could touch the ground. He huffed as his sword as well as his brothers was coming closer to his neck and face. He really didn't like the look that Timaeus was giving him. He groaned out "Timaeus..."

"Having some difficulty Yugi?" Timaeus as he smirked and rolled his shoulders to give him more strength to push down on the blade.

Yugi squeaked at the added pressure that he had to quickly kick out and roll away, narrowingly avoiding the blade that dug into the platform where he once was. He grunted as he spun on his shoulder an leaped in the direction of the royal booth. Yugi gripped the handle of his sword tightly and could feel a pout coming on.

The elder brother chuckled under his breath as he scuffed the platform with his foot and did a figure of eight with his blade. Timaeus narrowed his eyes as he took in the slight uneasiness in the way Yugi was looking at him and smirked more.

"Aw... fudge" Yugi bit his lip and frowned.

"Scared?" Timaeus smiled in glee as his mind went to that place of when he's on the battlefield, it wasn't often that he would loose his mind, it just was getting worse over the years.

"Let's end this" Yugi narrowed his eyes and fought back the shiver he got when he heard his brother's deep chuckle. The crowned prince breathed deeply and widened his stance so that he could take off running.

There was one last dash towards each other. The were several clashes of their swords and punches thrown, with an occasional kick here and there. Yugi winced when he felt a cut just under his eye that he knew that he had to end it before any more damage was caused.

When Timaeus went to stab at him, he managed to jump high enough to land on the flat side of the claymore. Without missing a beat he pushed down on the sword and flipped himself backwards to have his foot catch under Timaeus' chin and knocked the Commander backwards. With his brother staggered, Yugi dropped low to take out the others legs from under him with a swift kick. Before the other had the chance to get any purchase, Yugi kicked the claymore away and pinned his brother down. He growled, "Do you yield!?"

Timaeus snarled loud enough to cause Yugi to shove down harshly on his shoulders. The action also caused his head to thud against the platform, just enough to knock some sense into him and clear his thoughts to realise where he was. He gasped "Yugi?"

"Do you yield?" Yugi could see the glint slowly receding from his brothers eyes but he wouldn't chance it just yet. "Do you!?"

"Yes..." Timaeus shook his head to further clear his mind and refocus on his little brother. He brought up his gloved hands to squeeze his brothers that where still on his shoulders. "I yield."

Yugi took a moment to search Timaeus face for any indication to see that he was still out of it. He sighed in relief when it appeared everything was back to normal. He pouted "You really worried me there."

"Sorry" He grunted as he turned his head this way and that to see the crowd just staring at them that he had to laugh. "Well I hope they enjoyed the show!"

Yugi huffed as he rolled off his brother so that he could flip back onto his feet and stroll away with his arms spread and leant forward as he shouted. "Were you entertained!?"

He laughed as he span in a slow circle to take in the cheers that the crowd suddenly erupted into.

Timaeus grunted as he stood with the help of his sword and sighed as he realised at what he and his fellow commanders were needed to do next. Resting sounded like a great idea after being whooped by his little brother.

"With the battle over! It is time for the next event!" Yugi continued on as his brother rubbed at his stomach next to him. "Those that wish to volunteer are welcome to go over to the second booth, where 2nd Commander Critias and 3rd Commander Hermos will take your details and then continue from there!"

The brother's gathered up their swords, raised them to the sky and spoke as one. "For the honour of the fallen and unable; to those we love, we defend! Protect to the bitter end!"

They exited stage left as the crowds roared in agreement and went back to their respective mothers. Timaeus was immediately smothered by Anzu, checking him for injuries while he squawked and attempted to shove her off repeatedly with no luck. Yugi and Mai both laughed as they high-fived and watched Timaeus' misfortune in mild amusement.

While this was going on Atemu and Yami had made their way down from the building they were resting on. They swerved this way and that way between the crowd till they made it to a gap that was near the booth.

"So... Are you nervous?" Atem teased as he walked with Yami gently nudging his shoulder against the other.

"A little" Yami fidgeted with his bracers and flicked the straps that held his leather chest guard over his shoulder. Atem batted Yami's hand away and readjusted the strap to fit proper. Yami faintly blushed and looked away mumbling. "Thank you"

With a grin Atem ruffled the others ponytail with a chuckle. "Don't worry so much, you'll be fine, if not... well. You still got your blacksmith skills to fall back on until you can try again"

Yami shook his head with a smile and patted his friend on the shoulder. "Thanks for giving me my options"

"Here to help" He shrugged and nodded his head towards the booth. "Knock yourself out"

The planned knight to be took a deep breath and slowly eased it out as he walked to the booth to present himself.

"Just play fair and good luck!" The 3rd Commander, Hermos, cheered happily as he waved on the man in the queue to go over to the group of competitors. The burnet beamed brightly as Yami strolled forward. "Hey there! Came to swing swords?"

"Something like that" Yami chuckled as he wrote down his information on the clipboard that was given to him. He glanced to his left to see several men and woman eyeing each other. "Big turn up this time around"

Hermos placed his hands on the table so he could lean over and see past the mats and look at the group. He groaned "As much as I love these try outs and willingness of people, it does get bothersome at times. Auch well, see how the day goes, might be some surprises!"

"Guess i'll just have to try my best to make an impression then" Yami handed back the clipboard and Hermos took it back with a laugh.

"Don't worry," He looked him over and smirked at the build being similar to his first commander and if the hair wasn't in a pony tail, it probably would fan out like his as well. There was also something that seemed off though he wasn't sure. "You already have, now play fair and good luck!"

Yami tilted his head at the comment but smiled as he realised that he was a step closer to one of his life's goal. He nodded his head and waved a thanks as he walked away. "Will do!"

Hermos followed Yami till he was talking with his friend and turned to Critias who had been listening in. "Think he could be a Special?"

Critias raised an eyebrow and looked thoughtful for a moment before running his hand through his blond hair. "Looks can be deceiving but best to keep an eye on him. Just in case."

"Should we warn Timaeus?" Hermos asked concerned.

"Warn me about what?" The Prince placed his hand on his armoured hip. Once his mother had decided that he was fit as a fiddle did she help put on his armour again.

"There's triple the amount than we expected so we're going to split them into three groups to make it easier." Critias managed to butt in before Hermos could answer, he raised from his stool with clip board in hand. Glancing towards his fellow commander he held out his hand, "If you give me yours Hermos, I should be able to sort it out quickly while you two give the speech and rules of the recruitment"

The burnet nodded and handed over his clipboard. He turned to face Timaeus with a slight grin and teasing poke to his commanders nose, "How's your ass man? Looked like it hurt when you fell"

Timaeus swatted the hand away and laughed good naturedly. "Probably not as bad as yours after a night out"

Hermos reddened and covered his face with his hand. "It was one time!"

"As much as I love to hear about asses" Sarcasm laced his voice as Critias rolled his eyes. He hit Hermos over the head with the clipboards as he walked behind him. "I think we should go see to the new recruits, don't you?"

"Right you are" Timaeus snickered at Hermos disbelief at being hit before walking on to catch up with the 2nd commander. He looked back over his shoulder to see Hermos still stuck in place. "You coming?"

"Ah..." Hermos shook his head causing his shaggy hair to whip his face as he did so. He flicked them back and forth with his fingers to fix it as he went to catch up with them. "Coming!"

With the two friends Atem was just giving Yami some tips on keeping his guard up as well as how to use his bracers properly to minimize damage. "Remember sight isn't everything. Do you remember the clap manoeuvre?"

"Yes" Yami groaned the syllables out as he rolled his head. He blinked at his long time friend and smiled reassuringly "I'll be fine, don't worry to much"

"I'm not worried," Atem huffed as his lips scrunched to one side.

"Awe so you don't care about me?" Yami held a hand to his chest in mock hurt but turned when the recruits we called upon. he turned back and missed a look that Atem had sent his way. He patted Atem's shoulder and grinned. "Watch out for me?"

Atem placed his hand over Yami's on his shoulder and squeezed. "Always."

"Thanks! I'll see you in a bit." Yami slipped his hand away from his friends and went to mingle with the other recruits to hear the instructions.

"Idiot" Atem sighed wistfully as he watched his friend walk away from him then turned to go find a nice place to watch the matches. He nearly succeeded in doing so if he hadn't seen The Crowned Prince being followed in to alley way. "Now what's going on here?"

No one else seemed to notice what was going on so he went over and leant against the wall of the entrance to listen in. He glanced around the corner just enough to see what was going on as well.

"Any particular reason you would follow a person into a alley?" Yugi faced his pursuers and looked them over with a critical eye. Two big lugs that looked like they were all brawn no brain and a twiggy man that might have a trick or two up his sleeve. Yugi tilted his whole body so that he was resting more on his right leg and put his hands up the opposite folds of his robe.

"There is many a reason, ours is to take you," The twiggy man held up his hand and clicked his fingers. The two big lugs beside him grinned in a crazy way as they stalked forward trying to appearing threatening. "You don't have your sword and your fancy foot work won't help you here"

Yugi smiled sadly "Do you really think so?"

This froze the thugs for just a moment before continuing onwards as if their momentary scare didn't happen at all. The Crowned Prince was just a small hopping bunny to them, nothing more, nothing less.

The Crowned Prince narrowed his eyes just a fraction as he had hoped that they would back off. Though he was curious as to who would send thugs to retrieve him. He also noticed that someone was watching at the entrance and he wasn't sure if that person was friend or foe or a bystander being nosy. Sighing he thought he would try once more to scare them as he spoke in a nonchalant manner, "Does your boss want you back in one piece or two?"

A timid bunny he was not. Since the thugs didn't seem to take the hint that he was someone not to be trifled with. He widened his stance just enough to bend his knees to give him the chance to jump when the idiots were close enough. One, two, and he jumped when he was between the two of them, high enough to do the splits in the air and hit them in their faces. Once they had stumbled and his feet were back on the ground, he kicked one thug down with his right foot then kicked backwards with the same one to get the other thug. He winced when he heard their heads smack against the walls of the alley. He hadn't realised how close the walls were.

"Ouchies" He said to no one in particular as he accidentally turned his back on the twiggy man to look the thugs over.

Twiggy man had stood paralysed when he saw the Crowned Prince take down his men with ease. The Crowned Prince hadn't even removed his hands from the insides of his robes sleeves. However once the Crowned Prince at turned his back to him he saw it as an opportunity to take out his dagger from his own sleeves to attempt to stab the man in the back.

He didn't take into account that someone had saw the whole incident going and down and him to be snatched from behind. A tanned hand had closed over his mouth and jerked him backwards to land n the ground hard enough from to knock the air out of him.

Yugi turned around at the noise and tilted his head as he recognised the man as being the one from the entrance. A smile graced his face as he bowed towards the stranger that was standing there scowling. "Thank you for the help."

"If you hadn't turned your back. I think you would have been fine on your own" Atem scowl deepened as he booted the twiggy man on the ground to keep him from going anywhere. He gave a side way glance towards the Crowned Prince and felt his face heat up just little.

Now that Atem was closer to the Royal he was stunned by the brightness of the others eyes. He knew that the royalty of this country was well known for their like of gemstones and it seemed to him that someone decided to somehow, magical or otherwise, embedded Amethysts into the Crowned Prince's eyes. They seemed to cast a powerful spell over him that he didn't seem to mind falling into.

Yugi made a non committal noise as he was being studied, something that he had grown used to, and turned his attention to those on the ground. It was going to be a pain if his family got word that there was a planned kidnapping, even a failed one, and possibly other plans that involved his person. Opening his mouth a small amount, pressing his tongue slightly upward, he blew two sharp whistles that had his companion wincing at the sudden noise. He sent the other an apologetic look as he waited for his soldiers to come to his location.

"What was that for?" Atem frowned as he patted his ear with the palm of his hand.

"Just a moment" Yugi murmured as he heard the familiar sound of clinking armour coming towards them. He stepped over twiggy man causing his robe to rub over the mans face as he walked over to greet his men. They stood to attention as they waited for instruction. Yugi nodded his head as he spoke and gestured to the thugs "Take the three laying down to the cells and put them in separate ones at least two away from each other. They are to receive the bare minimum treatment and are not to be spoken too for three days till I am ready to deal with them. Do you understand?"

"Crystal clear!" The men quickly followed the instructions given. Luckily there was six of them so it was two too a thug and the big ones weren't as difficult to carry.

Atem had made sure not to get in the way of the soldiers as they did there work and couldn't help looking back over to the Crowned Prince to study him once more. He could still feel the heat on his face which in turn made him annoyed and his scowl to deepen.

"Don't you smile?"

The question was so soft spoken that Atem didn't hear what was asked of him. That and he was paying attention. "Sorry, what did you say?"

Yugi ducked his head to the side to hide his giggle but it was obvious that he was laughing as his shoulders shook. He turned back to the still stranger and asked a different question instead, "What's your name?"

"It's Atem..." He said as he suddenly felt uneasy.

"You don't care for my title do you Atem?" Yugi remembered earlier that the other hadn't said anything towards his royal status and was curious. As he waited for the answer he also took in the detail of the wrist guards and leather tunic the man wore. "Also who did your leatherwork?"

"Not particularly and I did" Atem wondered if he would get into trouble for his first answer but knew enough that the royal family was pretty lax when it came to titles as long as you were still respectful towards them.

"Excellent. Then you can just call me Yugi" Yugi smiled widely that it brightened up his whole face that it left Atem a bit stunned by the response. He was also taken aback when he suddenly found his arm in between Yugi's surprisingly soft hands and being dragged away. "I wonder if you could do some work for me?"

Atem tried to work his mouth but he just looked like a fish caught out of water. He was trying to work his head around what happened; followed to spy on the Crowned Prince, helped the Crowned Prince though he could have handled himself, Eyeing the Crowned Prince and now being propositioned as well as manhandled by the Crowned Prince. He thought to himself "This is all Yami's fault"