Yajirushi: Hello my lovely readers! I'm Back! With a second chapter to Cold Core.

Heba:*Walking into room* Yay... more torture for me.

Yajirushi:*Glares at Heba* It will all work out, sourpuss.

Heba: Yeah, in a million years.

Yajirushi: Hey! I will have you know I'm almost done with the next chapter already.

Heba: Great...

Yajirushi: I'm not talking to you anymore...

Heba:*Rolls eyes* You can't help it.

Yajirushi:*Silently turns back to screen, already typing.

Heba: Great, now she's actually being a she-demon...

Yajirushi: DISCLAIMER!

Disclaimer: What? I was napping.*Pouts*

Yajirushi: I need you to Disclaim

Disclaimer: Yajirushi owns nothing of YuGiOh, stop asking... She does however own all of the Assassins and her version of Heba, so leave them alone, or borrow with permission. Can I go back to sleep now?

Yajirushi: Fine Fine*Pushes Disclaimer out of the room* On with the story!

Frozen Eyes

"What are you doing." Heba asked in a deadly calm voice.

"I-I saw that you were upset." Atem said.

"And you thought it would be a good idea to try talking to me?"

"I guess yeah."

Heba turned and looked at the picture next to his bed. His anger from the last time he had seen any of his so called friends sprang to life. He snatched the picture up off the bedside table and threw it at Atem, who was in his doorway. The picture smashed into the wall and fell to the floor. The glass shattered on the first impact. The commotion caused anybody on the Midnight floor to look out and walk into the hallway.

"Get out." Heba said still deadly calm.

"Heba, please list-" Atem started, while Yami grabbed his arm.

"No." Heba interrupted. "I said for you to get out."

While this was happening, Mokuba, who was watching from across the hall, went back into Realm's room to get her. Realm responded as soon as Mokuba explained the situation. She darted out of her room with a bo staff in her hand. The bo staff appeared in front of Atem and he was nudged with it. Realm moved closer when it became clear Atem was ignoring her.

"Back off." Realm said surprising the group of 13 in the hall.

"Leave me alone, I have work to do." Heba said before he retreated back into his room the door closing behind him.

"Leave now, before you get hurt." Realm said hitting Atem slightly harder with her bo staff.

Yami pulled Atem away and into their shared room, Realm glaring at them the entire way. Once the door closed she turned to Heba's door. She knocked out a sequence hoping to get a response. The door remained closed and she turned away. Gently she pushed Mokuba back into her room and the door closed behind her.

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(Heba POV)

I can't believe the audacity of those jerks! First they break my heart, then they think they can come back into my life like this. I have to forget them for a while. The mission must be my focus. If I can focus on that I will be okay.

I was pacing and I knew it. I had to calm down before my mission tonight. I sighed heavily before walking to the back of my room.

I found the panel that opened my closet and pushed on it gently. Each side had a different set of clothes. On the left side was my large array of clothes used for missions. I pulled a T-shirt off a hanger on the right side where my regular clothes were. Next I grabbed my leather overshirt. My pants were also leather, but they were specially made for speed and movement. All of my clothes for assassinations was black because most of the missions I got were night time missions. I pulled on my knife belts and grabbed all twenty of them. I knew this mission was a short one, but it never hurt to be prepared. My boots were a standard organization issued black. I stuck a boot knife in my right shoe and strapped my pistol holsters to my thighs. My other two pistols were placed on my lower back.

I grabbed my tight fitting jacket and pulled that on over the rest of my clothes. I then moved to the vanity at the back of my closet. On the table was a stack of papers, a hair tie, and traditional Egyptian khol, a gift from Kanashimi. I used a hair tie to pull my once gravity defying hair into a ponytail. The khol I used around my eyes to hide them in shadows. Before I left I pulled my hood up over my head covering my face in shadows.

I took a single breath before grabbing my extendable Bo staff. My staff rested on the inside of my right arm, connected to my bracer. My amethyst eyes were alert and ready, my now silver and blue hair away from my face. My hair was no longer gravity defying though, it now fell to my mid back. I was ready for my mission, even if it was a quick capture mission.

Taking a final breath I walked through the door.

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3rd Person P.O.V.

Realm waited for Heba leaning against the wall next to his door. Kanashimi was across the hall waiting as well. Kanashimi, though he had no part of the Ebony Rose, often took computer when he was there, allowing both Heba and Realm to go on missions. Kanashimi had shoulder length black hair that was a pitch black, he has blood red highlights that gave him a darker look that his true personality.

Heba's door slid open and he walked out, his icy calm mask firmly in place. One look at the two occupants of the hall told him everything was good to go. The other doors in the hall opened with a single cue from Heba's hand. Atemu and Yami poked their heads out first. Heba's eyes stayed shadowed and none could find his emotions. The rest of the floor's temporary inhabitants moved into the hall.

"Listen now, and listen well." Heba commanded "I will not repeat this. Your group of thirteen will be moved to the same room as Kanashimi while Realm and I are gone. You are to always stay in the room, and do not think about leaving. If you leave I will know and be extremely displeased."

"I warn you, don't displease Shadow. It will not end well for you." Realm commented.

"Follow us. Realm we need to leave right after, and training is when we return."

"Hai, Shadow."

Heba walked off Realm, Kanashimi, and Mokuba following directly after him. The other twelve followed, though hesitantly, to the elevator. The doors opened with a swipe of Heba's hand and the group filed inside. Heba swiped his card and pushed the button for a security 9 room. He also had to enable temporary access to the rest of the gang for the floor. The elevator moved swiftly and the group landed on floor 48.

Heba strode down the short hall without looking back. His hair swung behind him and Realm was only a step behind him. A door on Heba's right opened with a swish and a light puff of air ruffled his hair. The occupants of the room took a quick glance as the door opened, but soon went back to work.

"Ghost, you know what computer is your, if you have to kick a person off." Heba spoke as Kanashimi moved to the back of the room.

"What about the rest of us?" Seth decided to be brave.

"You are to sit at the table behind Ghost, until we return. When we return you will be at the training hall with us." Heba said, though his voice was soft it held authority.

"Okay, why are we going to the training room though?"

"I want to see what you know in the way of self-defence."

"Hey Shrimp, I want to challenge you first." Bakura spoke up boldly.

Heba shrugged before he turned to Realm. A flash of a hand motion had Realm nodding her head. She held her forearm out to Heba. Heba grasped her arm at about her elbow. A look passed between the two and they broke apart. Heba, followed by Realm, went back to the door. Realm went into the hall before Heba turned back to the room. He walked to a person in front of a computer. The person had long black hair, but that was all that could be seen. He leaned over their shoulder and pointed at an icon on the screen. The person nodded before pulling up a case file.

Heba walked out the door and down the hall. The elevator opened and Realm stood inside waiting for him. He used his card to bring up the floor panel and pressed floor 0. Floor 0 was the small piece of the building that could be seen from outside. The elevator was swift and the two passengers disembarked as soon as they arrived. Heba and Realm left the base and started the trek through the trees. The time was 2:15, and their target was said to be in a city that was seven hours away.

"Shadow to base, I repeat, Shadow to base." Heba, Shadow at the time, opened the comm link.

"I copy Shadow, we are good to go. Make sure Realm can connect as well please."

"Copy." "Realm, copy to Ghost." Heba ordered.

"Realm to base, do you copy?"

"I copy Realm, I'll be here when you need me."

The two entered the garage and found their bikes. Heba swung over his bike and put the key in. Realm followed suit and soon both bikes were flying across the uneven terrain. The air whipped Heba and Realm's hair out behind them as they rode. The sky darkened ever so slowly and it was pitch black by the time they made it to the city. The buildings of Domino's edge surrounded them.

"Realm, follow to a roof at our six. Watch my back, I'm going in." Shadow ordered.

A quick nod from Realm showed she got the order and she broke away from him. Shadow pulled into an alley and parked his bike. He scaled the wall of the building next to him. His target was a drug lord, one who responded to Ivory Covenant, that was bringing illegal drugs into Domino. He laid down on the roof and motioned to Realm, who was only a quarter mile away.

Realm pulled out her sniper and used the heat vision scope.

"Realm, I'm going in. Watch the bodies, I don't need to be hit by surprise."

"I won't let that happen Shadow. Trust me."

"I do trust you Realm." Shadow said before he cut off his comm.

Shadow leapt off the roof and shot to the ground. He was halfway down when he launched the grappling hook of his wrist guard. The hook embedded itself into the bricks and mortar of the darkened building. Using his feet to brace the impact Shadow jerked and swung towards the wall. He landed silently and started to climb.

His movements were fluid and he made quick progress of the building. Shadow stopped at a darkened window and he peered in. His sharp amethyst eyes picked up the slightest of movements. Two people, guards by the look of them, stood in the room. Shadow sighed before he pulled out a small sticky bomb he had grabbed right before they left. He stuck the bomb to the glass before climbing slightly higher, sitting in the shadows.

Using a radio slide on his wrist bracer Shadow set the charge to detonate. The charge blew and shattered the blackened glass. The two guards were thrown back and dazed. Using the small distraction Shadow swung down into the room, landing in a crouch, one foot under his body, the other straight to his side. Shadow waited until the guards finally noticed him.

"Oi! Who are you?" The guard shouted.

"Your worst nightmare." Shadow whispered.

"Give us a name." The second guard demanded.

"I would rather not." Shadow said before he virtually disappeared into the shadows.

"Where'd he go?"

Shadow burst out from behind the guards and immediately killed one with a knife through the neck. The second guard turned and started to fire upon Shadow. Shadow ducked and avoided bullets slowly making his way closer to the guard. A click resounded around the room throwing the guard off.

"Damn it!" The guard cursed. "Why did this stupid gun jam now!"

Shadow just kept moving closer to the now distracted guard. The guard finally gave up on the gun and took out a knife. The knife was covered in rust and dried blood from former victims of the guard. Though Shadow was quick, the guard was just barely faster, with surprise on his side. The knife lodged itself into Shadows shoulder, but Shadow still moved and slit the second guard's throat, effectively killing him.

"Shadow, you good?" Realm came over the comm link.

"Fine." Shadow grunted as he pulled the knife out of his shoulder.

He stemmed the blood flow a little with his hand and continued deeper into the building. The knife had ripped into the previous bullet wound, reopening the wound. Shadow tested the range of his shoulder and hissed slightly as the pain awoke when he lifted his arm up. He grabbed one of his pistols and readied himself. Now with one hand, he had to be overly cautious.

Shadows followed the hallway he was in down to one door. The last door on the right had a light shining in the darkness. Shadow pushed the door open and slipped into the shadows of the rooms corners. Peering out from the dark he could see the drug lord, Zenoth Harkenfire, at a desk writing a report.

"Damn Ivory Covenant. I don't want to help them. They forced my hand by taking my wife and child." Zenoth muttered to himself.

"You are truly an innocent lost soul." Shadow spoke causing Zenoth to jump.

"Who are you?" Zenoth asked without turning around.

"I could be your savior, or I could be your doom." Shadow responded. "It is your choice."

"I want to be saved, but my wife and child matter to me more."

"I could get them for you, but you would have to go into hiding after."

"I will accept, but there will be terms."

"State them."

"I want a new life, away from here, my child and wife must be returned, I must get an offshore bank account until I can land a job."

"I will do as you ask, but I will need information on who you answer to, what they want from you, and how I can infiltrate the Domino base of the Ivory Covenant."

"Deal. Now, come out of the shadows and face me like a man, and I will face you."

"As you wish." Shadow spoke as he moved out of the shadows.

Zenoth turned in his chair and faced Shadow. Zenoth wasn't an impressive sight. His overgrown black hair hung in greasy strips. His black eyes were small and beady. His thin body and his slouch spoke of under care and bad health. His suit hung off his now tiny frame and he needed a good cleaning.

"You look horrible." Shadow stated bluntly.

"I would gather. The Covenant doesn't let me out." Zenoth responded as equally blunt.

"You hate them." It was more of a statement than a question.

"They stole my wife and kid, then forced me into this. Of course I hate them."

"Get cleaned up. We will be leaving right after that." Shadow ordered. "You are under my protection now, but first I will need some of your blood."

"Why?"

"I am going to fake your death. That way Ivory thinks you died and might release your family."

"Thank you, whoever you are."

"Call me Shadow."

"Thank you Shadow."

Shadow just cocked his head and moved closer to Zenoth. He gripped the mans thin arm and drew a slightly deep vertical cut from his wrist to his elbow. He then tipped the arm letting the blood spill onto the floor. After there was enough on the floor he gathered some in a cup. Setting the cup of blood to the side Shadow bandaged Zenoth's arm and sent him off to the bathroom to get ready to leave.

Using the cup of blood Shadow splattered the walls with some of the blood. Then finding a paintbrush, he proceeded to paint a rose on the wall in blood. The door creaked back open and Shadow swung around, his pistol ready. He breathed a quick sigh as Zenoth stood before him, in clean clothes, his hair already looking less greasy. Zenoth stood waiting as Shadow finished his job and followed him as they left.

Shadow lead Zenoth to his entry point before launching his grapple again. He detached the rope and tied it around Zenoth's waist. Pointing to the window Shadow helped Zenoth out and leveled him to the ground. Shadow leapt out of the window and gripped the bricks and started to free hand down the wall.

Suddenly a shot rang through the night. Shadow sensed the bullet closing in on him and braced for the pain. Another shot was heard and a thud followed soon after. The first bullet had lodged itself in Shadow's back, near his spine, hitting a small vein. Shadow could feel the blood flowing down his back and quickly dropped to the ground. As soon as his feet touched the ground he collapsed onto his knees. Realm appeared from around the corner and rushed forward to her boss.

Realm caught Shadow as soon as he fell forward into oblivious darkness. Realm, having heard the conversation with Zenoth, motioned for said man to help her. Lifting one of Shadow's arms over her shoulder she gripped his petite waist to her side. Zenoth took up his other side and together, with Realm rushing, they made it to the bikes. Realm slid on her bike before positioning Shadow across her back and connecting his chest, so he wouldn't fall. She motioned for Zenoth take get on the other bike, the man silently obeying.

Realm kicked up her kickstand and started the bike. She revved the engine before speeding out of the alleyway and down the road. Zenoth followed soon after. Realm pushed the bike as fast as it would go hoping to save the life of her boss and friend. Using one hand she clicked the comm on and tried to get a connection. After a minute the connection sprang to life.

"This is Ghost, how can I help you Realm." The static voice spoke first.

"Shadow is critically injured, have med team one on standby at the base. I'm going as fast as I can, but he is hurt badly." Realm voiced over the roaring wind.

"I copy Realm. Med team one will be on standby." The comm clicked off when Ghost finished talking.

Realm pushed the bike slightly harder, Zenoth following her lead. Instead of the usual seven hour trip, Realm managed to cut off three and a half hours. Parking the bike in the garage Realm picked up Shadow bridal style. Being stronger than Shadow had its advantages, one of which made it easier to carry him, though, being a few inches shorter was no help. Realm could feel the blood all along Shadow's back and hurried through the forest, using the dawn light as a guide.

The small shack like building of floor 0 rose in the distance. The door to the base slid open with a hiss as Realm approached. Just as Ghost said med team one was waiting just inside a gurney already with them. Ghost stood off to the side waiting. Realm placed Shadow on the gurney on his side and watched, slightly detached, as he was rolled into one of the elevators. Zenoth had followed and now stood before the pair of friends.

Ghost wrapped and arm around Realm and pulled her forward with him. He motioned for Zenoth to follow, and he did. Ghost opened one of the elevators and slid his own card across the pad. He pressed the button for the meeting floor and waited. Realm had been silent and stayed in Ghost's embrace as she processed all the information.

Ghost lead the way to the meeting room, where the first thirteen protectees were waiting. The door opened when Realm and Ghost approached and the group of three walked in. The group of thirteen looked to Realm and Ghost as they walked in. Solomon and Mokuba both noticed Realm's far away and dazed look. The other eleven however were oblivious of the fact.

"Hey! Where's the Shrimp?" Bakura demanded.

Realm didn't notice Bakura talking and Ghost decided to ignore the conversation in favor of comforting Realm.

"Leave it be." Zenoth spoke up from behind Realm.

"Who are you?" Seto asked immediately suspicious.

"That does not concern you." Zenoth responded.

"I have to go. I need to see him, know how he is." Realm spoke to Ghost, but the others heard.

"You know they will get mad at you." Ghost tried to reason with her.

"It is my fault, I have to make sure he will be okay." Realm insisted.

"I will give you ten minutes before I drag you back up here. Got it?" Ghost conceded.

"Thank you Ghost." Realm said before rushing off.

Ghost heaved a deep sigh turning to the door.

"It's not her fault." Zenoth spoke to Ghost.

"It would be hard to convince her otherwise." Ghost explained.

"What in Ra's name is going on!" Mariku finally shouted.

Ghost whirled around to face him, his face dark.

"I would suggest you don't yell." Ghost spoke in the same deadly calm as Shadow. "As for what is going on, that is classified."

"It's about He- Shadow, isn't it." Yami said softly.

"Classified." Ghost grunted.

"Young man, who are you." Solomon asked Zenoth.

"My name is Zenoth Harkenfire." Zenoth answered.

"That name… you're a drug lord in Domino!" Atem gasped out.

"I'm a former drug lord. I was forced to help the Covenant, but I will be free, and save my wife and kids from those psychotic bastards." Zenoth said darkly.

"The past is the past. Let it go." Ghost advised.

"I have." Zenoth replied. "I'm going to go see him, or get Realm."

"Okay. I'll watch them." Ghost agreed.

Zenoth nodded his head before he left through the door. Ghost sat heavily in a chair at the table with his head in his hands. Mokuba and Solomon, the closest to him, moved closer. Solomon laid a hand on Ghost's shoulder, while Mokuba hugged his arm. Ghost gave no response to the contact other than moving closer to it.

The door swished open a few minutes later and Realm walked in, tear tracks running down her face. She sat next to Ghost. Ghost grabbed her into an embrace, like an older brother would. Realm finally broke and started to sob in Ghost's chest. Ghost rubbed her head, letting Realm cry and let her emotions out. Ghost maneuvered Realm back into a chair and he sat in front of her. The thirteen protectees forgotten for the time being.

"Realm, calm down, he is strong; he will survive. I know it." Ghost soothed her.

"H-He is s-st-stabilized. This is a-all m-my f-fa-fault." Realm stuttered out, her calm exterior dissolving before everyone's eyes.

"You know it's not, he would tell you that shit happens, but you are not to blame." Ghost said forcefully.

"He is being moved to his room as we speak. Only I will have access to it, making me the only one able to let others in."

"You will know what to do. Go. Watch over him." Ghost prompted her. "Tell me when he wakes."

"I will. Thank you Ghost." Realm bowed her head to him before disappearing again.

"I will ask again. What is going on!" Mariku shouted this time.

"I will answer again, that information is classified. Only one person can tell you and he is not here." Ghost answered again.

"I think I will be going to retire." Solomon said formally.

"Of course Mr. Moto. Shadow trusts you. Actually rest will do us all some good." Ghost said before forcing everyone out of the room.

Ghost led the way to the elevator and waited until everyone was inside before he pushed the button for the Midnight Floor. The elevator transported the fourteen people to the Midnight hall swiftly. The door to Shadow's room was open and Realm stood stiffly in the doorway. Her back was turned to the hall and her eyes were tracking movements inside the room. A murmuring of voices could be heard from inside and Realm responded quietly back.

Seto, Seth, and Joey moved closer to their room. Theirs being the closest to Shadow's room. Across the hall from them was Solomon. Next to Solomon was Marik, Mariku, and Malik. Across the hall from those three was Bakura, Afeika, and Ryou. Finally next to Bakura, Afeika, and Ryou was Yami and Atem. That left one empty room, which Zenoth would occupy for his stay at the base.

Realm moved out of the doorway and two people in long white lab coats exited the room. One was a woman with pitch black hair that was pulled into a high ponytail. Her dark blue eyes held years of knowledge and wisdom, but also many scars and much heartache. The man looked like a male copy of her, but his eyes showed many more years of pain that his partners. The two were conversing quietly, but the group picked up a few pieces of the conversation.

"...Why does this always happen to him?" The female finished.

"...will break him eventually." The group heard only the last part.

"...contact any family."

"... wouldn't like that."

"...would be better that way."

"...fine we will…"

The two people finally reached the elevator and stepped inside, cutting off their conversation. The broken pieces heard by the protectees made no sense in their minds. It brought on many questions, ones that they had no answer to. First was, who would break? What family? What always happens to who?

Realm had moved into Shadow's room and now sat beside his bed. He looked wrong, entirely wrong. Shadow looked pale, dangerously so. His hair was fanned out on the pillow. His stunning eyes were closed and blocked from sight. His limp form rested on the bed, the only movement was his breathing. Realm held his hand gently, careful if the needle connected to an IV and blood.

Shadow was lucky he had decided to store extra of his blood at the base. His wound put him at a critical stage, not to mention the knife wound. The doctors had told Realm that Shadow had flatlined twice, but they managed to stabilize him. He was now resting and recovering, put into a medically induced coma. Realm laid her head on Shadow's hand, praying to the gods that would listen, mainly those of Egyptian origin.

Shadow's breath hitched slightly and a wheezing groan left his mouth. The others out in the hall had congregated together and were listening in. Cracks of amethyst opened and Shadow released a quick breath. He shifted, surprising Realm, and groaned again, this time in pain. Realm lifted her head and gasped when she saw Shadow's open eyes. Realm barely stopped herself from gripping Shadow in a tight hug, knowing she would hurt him worse.

"Ghost, he is awake." Realm called into the hall, knowing the others were out there.

Ghost appeared in the doorway before he walked in, closing the door behind him.

"You're supposed to be asleep for a lot longer." Realm told Shadow.

"You know that stuff never works on me." Shadow reminded Realm

"How are you Shadow?" Ghost asked him.

"Could be better. At least I will recover." Shadow answered sarcastically.

"No need for the sarcasm." Ghost scolded him.

"Then don't ask me stupid questions. It won't work out well." Shadow gripped back.

Ghost just rolled his eyes as a chuckle escaped his mouth.

"Realm, help me up will you?" Shadow asked Realm.

"The medics said not to let you move just yet." Realm responded looking down.

"Stop blaming yourself Realm. I'll live, plus I can just heal myself." Shadow told her.

"Fine. Be careful when you heal yourself, for me." Realm pleaded slightly with Shadow.

"I will. Give me about ten minutes alone." Shadow said.

Realm and Ghost nodded before retreating into the hall. The two stood guard at the door to Shadow's room carefully watching the large group of now fourteen. Zenoth stood off to the side of the group and watched with his small black eyes. Yami and Atem stood towards the back of the group, Yami wrapped in Atem's arms. Bakura stood closer to the front waiting for Shadow to come out.

Inside Shadow's Room

3rd Person P.O.V.

Shadow slowly pushed himself up in bed and groaned as the pain assaulted him. His eyes clenched shut and he swayed ever so slightly. He was still very pale, but he knew he would survive the wounds inflicted upon him, as long as he healed them. His amethyst eyes relaxed as he breathed through his nose and mouth. As Shadow relaxed a soft blue glow surrounded him and his breathing hitched again.

The wound in his back closed first, starting with the disappearance of the stitches. The vein then repaired itself and sealed closed. Next the tissue reformed, stronger than before. Finally the skin knit itself back together. The next thing to happen was Shadow's shoulder wound healed itself. First his magic rid the wound of and dirt and grime that was missed. Then the tissues and muscles reformed and sealed over, and the skin shifted and the wound disappeared.

Even though Shadow could heal the wounds they still left scars. Scars covered Shadow from his back all the way to his neck. Often Shadow hid the scars and pains from his past, but around Realm and Ghost he relaxed more. Many of his scars were gained from torture, battle wounds, or his training as a child. Each wound had a story, and Shadow remembered every wound, every injury, and every story.

Sighing Shadow stood and walked to his door. He opened the door from the inside and stayed in the doorway. His internal clock told him it was going on noon. Shadow motioned to Realm and Ghost. Both seeing the motion moved forward and leaned slightly in.

"We will being going to lunch, then training. I healed everything, but added new scars to my already extensive collection. The others will still be joining you and I, Realm. Ghost, I want you to take Zenoth and start getting my promised info out of him." Shadow spoke quickly.

"Hai, Shadow" Ghost and Realm said at the same time when Shadow finished.

The group separated and turned to their protectees. Shadow stood tall at his now 5'11'' height. His hair had grown out some when he used his magic to speed up the healing of his wounds. It was so long that it now reached the top of his thighs. His eyes were bright, but held all the pain he had faced in his past.

"We will be going to lunch then back onto schedule." Shadow started. "Zenoth, you will go with Ghost to impart your… vital intel to him. He will then relay it to me."

"The rest of us will still be going to the training hall to assess your… defensive… abilities." Realm continued for Shadow.

"I will join you after Zenoth and I finish." Ghost spoke, half to the group, half to Shadow and Realm.

"Good. Bring Zenoth with you, I wish to assess his skills as well." Shadow responded. "Let's get going. Realm, yours, mine, Ghost's, and Mokuba's."

"Sure thing Shadow." Realm nodded, instantly knowing what Shadow was talking about.

The group set off down the hall, Shadow in the lead. After giving Zenoth an access card Shadow set the elevator to go to floor two. The elevator moved swiftly and stopped on floor two after only a few minutes. Those few minutes were spent in tense silence. Shadow stood stock still and only responded to the touches Realm and Ghost imparted on him.

As the doors to the Mess Hall opened the cooks looked up. Their neutral gazes turned ice cold with anger and rage when they spotted Joey. Shadow chuckled before he and Realm went into the kitchen. Shadow moved deftly out of the way of pots and pans going even farther than Realm. Shadow finally stopped at a door with a plaque on it. The plaque read, Head Cook, and Shadow knocked politely on the door.

The door opened and a head of red, orange, and yellow hair popped out. The head was followed by a small body. The person had bright amber eyes that lit up at the sight of Shadow. The person motioned Shadow into the room quickly and the door closed soon after he entered. Shadow stood rigidly as the person who greeted him scanned his frame.

"Not good. Not good at all." The person muttered.

"Marz, if you would please stop examining me, I have business to talk with you." Shadow ground out stiffly.

"Oh fine, fine. You are still too skinny. I must tell Realm to feed you more." The woman, Marz, finally stopped scanning Shadow.

"I can tell you have… met… our current guests." Shadow started.

"I don't like them. The blond one makes my cooks work much too hard." Marz stated bluntly.

"I could tell. Actually that is why I came to you." Shadow returned the blunt speak.

"What is it you need, other than more fattening." Marz asked.

Shadow glared at Marz for her comment.

"I want you and the cooks to give all our guests, except the little boy and the older man, normal recruit rations." Shadow ordered.

"They will complain." Marz commented.

"Let them. They don't get a say in this matter." Shadow said.

"Very well." Marz smiled at Shadow. "Now, pop on out to the others. I'm sure Realm will be done soon."

"Yes Marz." Shadow meekly spoke before obeying the sometimes scary woman.

"Visit again soon." Marz singsonged out after Shadow.

Shadow shivered before leaving the kitchen area and going to sit with the others. Ghost saw Shadow's expression and he burst into laughter. Shadow just glared as he got closer. When he got close enough he quickly shot his hand out. Ghost, too busy with laughing, didn't see the hand coming towards his head. Shadow's hand connected harshly with the back of Ghost's head.

"Fuck! OW!" Ghost shouted. "What was that for?"

"Laughing." Shadow said bluntly.

"It was funny." Ghost pouted. "Let me guess, Marz got to you again."

"No, I went to her." Shadow said with a shiver.

"Oh, even better." Ghost had to smother his laugh.

"Yes. Laugh it up now. Just wait until she gets her claws in you." Shadow said, cutting off Ghost's laughter.

"Who is Marz?" Solomon asked politely.

"Head Cook." Shadow responded.

"When will we get food?" Joey whined.

"I told you Ghost. He even whines like a mutt." Shadow said to Ghost, ignoring Joey.

"Hey!" Joey's shout sounded.

"You did tell me. I guess I owe you twenty now." Ghost responded back, also ignoring Joey.

"Stop ignoring us!" Seth cried.

"Don't ignore Joey!" Seto shouted.

"Come on Ghost; cough it up." Shadow help out his open palm to Ghost.

"How about I give you twenty miles instead?" Ghost tried to bargain.

"Make it forty." Shadow demanded.

"We're talking to you!" Bakura's voice joined in the shouting.

"Why forty?" Ghost questioned.

"We have questions!" Marik added.

"You need to shape up. Civil life has made your reflexes soft." Shadow explained.

"What's going on!" Afeika cried.

"I am fine, but I will do it just to amuse you." Ghost agreed.

"We need to talk to you!" Mariku screamed.

At that point Realm and the cooks came out with the food. Everyone was shouting except the Lights, Mokuba, Solomon, Yami, Atem, and Zenoth. Realm shook her head before motioning to the cooks to wait in the kitchen for her. The cooks, out of respect, obeyed and put all the food under heat lamps. Realm set the food she was holding down and went to get Marz. She smirked evilly as she told Marz the problem. Marz stormed out of the kitchen with Realm following her.

"HEBA YUKAIA ISTANU, WHAT HAVE I TOLD YOU ABOUT YELLING IN MY MESS HALL!" Marz roared over everyone else.

Shadow paled and hid behind Ghost, hoping to escape Marz's wrath. Ghost paled as well and sat stiffly. Shadow looked out from behind Ghost and saw Realm trying to smother her laughter with her hand.

"Betrayer!" Shadow called to Realm.

"It stopped the yelling, didn't it?" Realm asked innocently.

"I wasn't even yelling. It was Markiu, Marki, Bakura, Afeika, Joey, Seth, and Seto." Shadow pointed out.

"But you didn't stop it." Realm countered

"Alright, alright, I lose I get it. Marz, can I please not get the scolding of a lifetime?" Shadow pleaded.

"This once Mister. It happens again and I will have your head." Marz scolded.

"Yes Marz." Shadow remarked from behind Ghost.

"Hello Kanashimi." Marz turned her attention to Ghost now.

"Hello Marz." Ghost answered in a small voice.

"Have you been eating the right food dear?" Marz asked sweetly.

"Yes." "No." Shadow and Ghost said at the same time.

"Which is it you two?" Marz sternly asked them.

"It's no." Shadow started. "Ghost has become flabby. Plus his reflexes are not as sharp as they once were."

"Kanashimi, I told you to eat well or I would get you when you came back." Marz reminded Ghost. "Realm, dear, would you please get the lunches?"

"Yes Marz." Realm answered snickering slightly.

Realm turned away from the group and helped the cooks gather the food. As they were about to go into the dining area of the Mess Hall they heard nine consecutive "OW!"'s. Realm snickered again, identifying two of the voices as Shadow and Ghost. The cooks set a tray of food down in front of each person. Realm carried the food she had over to Mokuba, Ghost, and Shadow, the latter two rubbing their heads.

Mokuba got Realm's homemade dinosaur chicken nuggets with Mac n' Cheese, honey glazed carrots, and handmade lemonade. Solomon, though he didn't get Realms cooking, had a fresh greens salad with grilled chicken, and all the toppings, and hot tea to drink. The fourteen protectees all had the same meal. It consisted of a single chicken breast, a small garden salad, cinnamon apples, and water.

Shadow had his usual lunch of stir fried vegetables, fruit salad without dressing, grilled herb chicken, water, and a green food protein shake. Ghost got the same lunch a Shadow. Realm made herself a garden salad with strawberries, walnuts, grilled chicken, and the same drinks as Shadow and Ghost.

"Enjoy." Was all Realm said.

Joey dug into his food, while everyone else ate at a slower, calmer, pace. After all the food was eaten Ghost motioned for Zenoth. The two stood at the same time and Ghost led the way out of the Mess Hall. Shadow finished his food and sat back to watch the others. Realm looked at him with a question in her eyes.

"I'm fine Realm. No damage done." Shadow answered without turning.

"What about when we get training?" Realm pursued her first silent question.

"I solved the problem." Shadow responded.

"Fine, I'm still worried about you." Realm relented.

"Trust me. Please." Shadow pleaded slightly.

"Can I get a second helping please?" Joey called out.

"No." Shadow said sharply.

"Why?" Joey complained.

"Because we are protecting you, not waiting on you hand and foot." Realm snapped quickly.

Shadow's hand on her arm stopped any further words. He moved his arm and stood from his seat, motioning the others to follow. Realm followed, her long hair swishing the air behind her. Mokuba and Solomon followed soon after, Mokuba practically skipping along. Upon reaching Realm, Mokuba grabbed her hand and held on to it softly. Seth, Seto, and Joey seethed silently at seeing the display of trust Mokuba had in total strangers.

The group entered the elevator and rode in silence, except for Realm and Shadow. The two were bent together talking quickly and quietly. When the elevator stopped the group stepped out of the elevator and a collective gasp resounded throughout them all.

I hope you enjoyed! R&R!