Snowflake
A flake of snow, especially a feathery ice crystal, typically displaying delicate sixfold symmetry. Unique up close, but from far away, just another small piece of snow.
The Crow came back; much to Kaiba's surprise and Kisara's frustration. "Ready ta go?"
"Go? Where are you going big brother?" Mokuba's attention darted between the strange man and Kaiba.
Kisara growled. "He is chasing a phantom."
"We are going to the Castle of the Western Kingdom to have a word with the King." Kaiba corrected. "I need to know why Atem left."
"Your place is here." Kisara roared making the three humans cover their ears. "It is time you acted like a King."
Risking his hearing, Kaiba removed his hands from his ears and stood threateningly. "And run? I will not run from her. If you want me to act like a king than I need to defeat the Snow Queen and take my kingdom back. I can't do that here and you know it!"
"I am supposed to keep you safe."
"And I'm..." Kaiba's shoulders relaxed, slumping slightly. "I'm supposed to give you a home, give all of us a kingdom free of danger where we can all thrive and grow. I can't do that here. I need to confront the Snow Queen. Will you fight with me or stay here and hide?"
Kisara's eyes glowed in blue fire and the feeling of pride swelled in his chest when all of the other dragons around bowed their heads. She bowed her head low too, but her voice still held all of her pride. "We will follow you to the depths of hell, My King. You have the same wisdom as your father did."
"Thank you."
Mokuba glanced at the stranger and strode up to him with a warm smile. "My name's Mokuba. What's yours?"
"Well around here I'm known as the Crow."
"But your real name is?"
That crooked smile widened and he crouched down to Mokuba's height. He reached out his hand for a handshake which Mokuba eagerly took. "Joey."
"It's a pleasure to meet you Joey. You better make sure my brother stays safe or you'll have Kisara and me to deal with."
Kaiba smirked at his little brother. Joey burst into laughter and stood, ending their handshake. "I bet you're just as scary as she is. Don't worry. Ya brother is safe with me. Promise."
Mokuba smiled and bounded over to Kisara. "I'm hungry aren't you Kisara?"
The dragon looked down at Mokuba and Kaiba could see the smile in her fiery eyes. "I am, little prince."
Kaiba watched them stomp away, trying to remember what it felt like to have the ground shake under his feet for when he was far from the woods. Far from Mokuba. "Let's go."
The castle was a lot further away than Kaiba expected. Joey was a lot more of a pain in the ass than Kaiba expected. Or should he say 'the Crow'. Which Joey made a point to be a dick about. Apparently his fake name was all he really had to be proud of. A week of traveling through the thick forest and they finally met up with 'Mynx'. She had long blonde hair waving down her back. She looked a little worse off than Joey. Too skinny and very dirty but she was getting better. He knew that because Joey continuously handed her food throughout the day, made sure she slept and insisted she wear better clothes that he had stolen for her. The amount of care he placed in Mai reminded him of how much care he placed in Atem.
They had one more day of travel to reach the castle. The camp they set up on a hill overlooking the town surrounding the castle was meager as usual. Normally Joey wanted out of site but this time he didn't seem to mind. Joey and Mai had left to say their goodbyes at least an hour ago. Kaiba didn't care where they went or what they were doing. As far as he was concerned Joey was free of any loyalty to Kisara. He could see the damn castle even in the forest through the trees. There was no reason for Joey to stay...aside from make his life more of a hell than it already was.
"Hey, Kaiba. I'm back."
Kaiba glanced up to see Joey's even more disheveled hair than normal and poorly arranged clothes. Frowning in disgust, he turned back to the view of the castle through the trees. "Just when I think you can't possibly be more uncivilized, you prove me wrong."
"Says the guy who's traveling all over creation with a dragon and then a thief. When's the last time you've slept in a bed? Have you ever slept in a bed?" Joey chuckled and plopped down in the dirt next to the fire.
"You heard Kisara. I'm a King, obviously I have."
"When."
Kaiba grit his teeth together trying his best not to jump over the fire and beat the shit out of Joey. He was trying...really...hard.
Joey shook his head. "The last time I slept in a bed was 10 years ago. I lived with my sister and mother in the Eastern kingdom. The Snow Queen came through with an army and destroyed our village. My mom, sister and I got away but my dad didn't make it. My mom and sister got sick from the cold. Mom died shortly after, my sister died just before I found Kisara."
Kaiba really wished Joey would just shut up. He didn't want to talk to him, he didn't want to know about his pathetic past. He just wanted to get to the castle. Why was Joey still there?! "If your wanting sympathy from me, you won't find it."
Joey was silent for a moment, a moment Kaiba knew wouldn't last. "Are you really going to try and kill the Snow Queen?"
Kaiba finally looked over at Joey. His eyes glued to him, searching for an answer. Kaiba had never seen him look so serious. "Yes."
Then Joey's eyes narrowed. "Because of your 'friend' or because it's the right thing to do?"
"Does it matter?"
"Yes."
"Both then."
"That's not a good enough answer."
Kaiba glared, arms crossed over his chest. "I don't need to explain myself to you."
"No you don't," Joey began. "But if you want my help or the help of literally ANYONE you're gonna need to."
Since when did animals make sense? Kaiba looked back at the fire, trying to collect his thoughts into one coherent sentence without fuck being every other word. "Would you go after Mai if she left?"
"Yeah. Done it tons of times." Joey quickly responded before smirking wolfishly. "It's hard to tie that girl down."
Kaiba wrinkled his nose in disgust but continued anyway. "Even though she left of her own free will? When she promised to stay?"
"So you're in love with this 'friend' of yours?" Kaiba's eyes narrowed to slits at the quotation gesture Joey did with his hands.
"Why does it matter? He's my friend and I think he's in danger. He wouldn't have just left with her. He knew I'd have left wi-" Kaiba stopped himself. "I'm going to get my kingdom back and save my friend's life, even if I have to set fire to everything."
"Sounds like you're in love to me."
"Are you not listening to anything I'm saying?!" Kaiba screamed and bolted up to tower over Joey.
His typical crooked grin spread across his face and Kaiba wanted nothing more than to tear it apart. "Okay. Okay okay." Joey held up his hands in defeat. "So you are just friends. I got it."
Kaiba turned to walk away; completely fed up and worn out, but Joey's voice from behind him made him stop for some reason completely beyond him. "We'll find him. If he's not at the castle don't give up. I'll keep searching. Like Kisara said, I'm everywhere."
When he turned around Joey had already gotten to his feet and started to put his mask back on. "You aren't going into town with me?"
"This is where I have to leave you. When the sun comes up I have to be halfway to the south, and from what I heard...it's a real bitch traveling through that blizzard."
Kaiba nodded. He should be thanking him or wishing him to be safe while he's traveling but honestly he was to relieved that he was leaving. The crow readjusted his dagger sheaths and made sure his clothes were straightened before he gave Kaiba a final nod with his long crow like beak, before dashing off into the forest. Kaiba sat back down and leaned against a tree near the dying fire. The peace and quiet made it easy to fall asleep and sun made it easy to wake up; piercing through the trees just like the view of the castle had. With no one else to wake up or collect together, Kaiba made his way towards the castle in record time. The pack of berries and shortbread that Joey had left behind for him were a quick easy breakfast for on the go. He was grateful for that, even if Joey was an uncivilized barbarian. The sun was about to set when he stepped through the town square, heading straight for the castle. He still wasn't sure what he was going to say, or if he was just going to bypass all of the proper shit and sneak into the stables. He stopped just outside of the castle to stare up at it. It reminded him of the castle in the south, maybe a little nicer. Why didn't his mother bring them here?
"Your highness...you should be inside."
A soft male voice caught Kaiba's attention, leading him towards the stables. It was easier to get to than it was in the south, he realized that much. He'd stopped when he caught sight of a glamorous ball gown. That must have been the princess. "Please go inside, princess. It's your engagement party...you should be spending it with him."
"I want to be with you. I've already told him no and my father no. Please don't push me away." Kaiba leaned a little away from the stable wall to see them better. He saw her face quite clearly. She was beautiful. Her dark hair fixed up on her head with flowers and crystals and tears clearly running down her cheeks. "I love you."
She reached out and took the face of the young man in front of her, pulling him into a kiss. That in turn pulled him into Kaiba's view. He felt his stomach plummet when spiky hair blocked his view of her face. Maybe Joey was right...Kaiba shut his eyes and before he realized it, he'd walked up to them and grabbed ahold of Atem's shoulder. Atem jumped in surprise, breaking their kiss and spun around. Both now stared at Kaiba in alarm, and that's when he realized he'd made a mistake. This wasn't Atem.
"Oh...I'm sorry...You looked like a friend of mine." Kaiba felt sick from the pull of relief and disappointment.
The young man with similar hair and eyes to Atem smiled warmly. He looked so much like him...were they related? "Oh that's alright...I don't believe we've met before...You aren't a bandit are you?"
"NO!" Kaiba straighten up, glaring at the young man. "My name is..."
When Kaiba thought about what he'd say to the King, had he went inside the castle, and he'd settled on telling them the truth. He was Seto King of North. Maybe...maybe using his given name was not a good idea. What should he do?
The young man tilted his head slightly, waiting until he realized that this stranger before him was having an identity crisis. He bowed. "My name is Yuugi, Prince of West."
"I am Tea, Princess of East." She curtsied with such grace in that large heavy gown that even Kaiba was impressed. "Well...I was..."
"No. You are." Kaiba stated, finding his footing. "I'm Seto King of North."
Both blinked at him in shock before Yuugi frowned. "The King of North is dead."
"My father is, but my mother sent me to the south to hide me from the Snow Queen. I am the rightful King of North."
Both the prince and princess exchanged a meaningful look before they grabbed ahold of Kaiba's arms, pulling him towards the castle. The prince turned to speak to Kaiba over his shoulder. "Come with us. If you are who you say you are...we have to take you to father."
"But the engagement party..." Tea began only to have Yuugi dismiss it.
"It's going to have to wait." He smiled at her and she looked like he'd given her the world.
Kaiba rolled his eyes. He couldn't help it. They were as bad as Mai and Joey. He thought he'd gotten away, HA. The lovely couple didn't even notice his groan and obvious disgust and pulled him through the castle. Once they pulled him into the throne room however, both lost all happiness. Tea held onto Kaiba's arm in a very formal manner while Yuugi let go of him all together. The large doors opened and allowed them in, Yuugi announced them. "Father. I am sorry for the intrusion, I have a very important guest."
The King rose from the throne and shook his head at them until he laid eyes on Kaiba. "First, Princess. The Prince of South is here to meet you before the engagement party. Go to him in the courtyard. Go child."
The sparkle in Tea's eyes disappeared almost instantly as she made her way towards the king. She curtsied before him and kissed his hand, turning away to head off to the courtyard. Yuugi watched her, stiff and brittle. The room fell quiet and the king motioned for everyone else to leave the room. Yuugi watched them all leave a small amount of fear in his eyes.
"Father I-"
"No. We talked about this. You promised me you would not interfere." The king stated firmly.
Yuugi looked down at the ground and Kaiba watched them intently, wondering if the King even realized he was in the room. "She doesn't want to marry him dad. Why can't she stay?"
The king sighed and walked upto the prince, placing a firm hand on his shoulder. Kaiba felt a pang of loss at the sight. "I know you want what's best for her...and that is to move to the south. The Queen is already at our borders. Princess Tea will be safer to the south where the queen has not tried to enter yet."
Kaiba cleared his throat when Yuugi's shoulders slumped even more. Both quickly looked up at him, obviously having forgotten that he was left in the room. "I just came from the south. The Snow Queen was there a month ago. There is still a blizzard blocking the west from the south as we speak."
The king looked at Yuugi questioningly. "This is Seto, Father. King of North."
"Impossible," the king spat before striding over to him. "Unless...your eyes...I've seen them before."
"There is a way to tell for certain, right father?" Yuugi offered, still a little sullen from being shot down.
"Yes. Come, King Seto of North."
He followed both of them into a spiral staircase hidden by a curtain behind the throne. They ascended into a dimly lit room filled with books and a large mirror in the center. The king strode proudly to the mirror while Yuugi stood next to the doorway. He offered Kaiba a reassuring smile and held his hands behind his back. Kaiba continued into the room and stood where the king gestured, in front of the mirror. "This mirror was dipped in dragon blood from before the treaty with the dragons, of course you know that."
"Of course." Kaiba replied sarcastically.
The king didn't seem to notice any sarcasm and continued normally. "Any descendant of the King of Dragons held the blood of the white dragon within them. Making their eyes burn blue and give them the power of a dragon. This mirror will allow a true descendant of the Dragon King to see anything they wish. Tell the mirror what you wish to see and let it make it so."
Kaiba looked from the king back behind him to Yuugi. The king remained expressionless but Yuugi held his head high. He had faith in him even though he was a stranger. Kaiba wasn't sure if it was faltering or worrisome when he turned back to face his own reflection. He took a deep breath and prepared to say the wish he had no hesitation making. "I wish to see my friend. I want to see Atem."
His eyes burned and he had to blink the pooling moisture out, hoping to ease the sting. The heat that started in his eyes now engulfed him entirely. The source? The mirror. Soon it changed and waved to reveal Atem kneeling in front of the Snow Queen's throne. She smirked wickedly down at him while he looked at the icy floor beneath him. He looked like he was fiddling with something on the frost covered floor, but Kaiba couldn't see what it was. Atem was covered in frost as well. His face had the marks of frost and ice clinging to his eyelashes and cheeks, skin pale as the icy room around him. His eyes were dulled but still alive. Atem was still alive. His attention quickly darted to the thick icy chains that held Atem; A shackle at his neck and two on his wrists. Atem was a prisoner...how could he have ever doubted him? Kaiba stared at the image, filled with so much emotion he couldn't stop himself from reaching out to try and touch him. The instant he touched the mirror however, the image went away. Leaving him with a perfect reflection of himself, tears staining his face. The glass was cold, far too cold to be from the night air. Frost spread from the corners, completely covering the mirror. When Kaiba stepped back, he saw Yuugi and the king staring at him with wide eyes.
"You really are...You are the King of the North." The king whispered in awe.
Yuugi stuttered out, his hand covering his mouth in shock. "Atem? You know where he is?"
Yuugi's question caught off guard. "You know him? Did he used to be a servant here too?"
"He's my older brother. He's been missing for four years." Yuugi lowered his head when his father walked by.
"He is a murderer. You are best without him, King of North." The king's sadness was evident in his shaky voice. "Let us meet with the Princess of East and Prince of South. Perhaps their marriage is not best for the future of this land."
Yuugi lifted his head slightly, but he knew better than to hold his breath. Kaiba followed both of them to the staircase, a quick glance back at the mirror confirmed his fears. It was completely encased in ice.
Kaiba sat on a lavish velvet sofa in Princess of East's room with Prince Yuugi eating from a tray of assorted cheeses and crackers. He hadn't had food in at least 10 hours at this point, cheese and crackers sounded delicious. Yuugi and Tea sat together on a chair across from him and held tightly to each other while watching him eat with amusement. Kaiba glanced up at them and scowled. "What's so funny?"
"You eating." Tea giggled. "It's like you haven't eaten in days."
"I haven't eaten since breakfast."
Both of their smiles fell and Tea jumped up from Yuugi's lap. She clapped her hands together once and a servant entered the room. "Please bring us up dinner."
"Three dinners, your highness?"
Tea turned to look at Yuugi. He shook his head no, smiling at her as she turned around. "No just two please."
"Yes, your highness."
"I didn't know you hadn't eaten Tea?" Yuugi raised a curious brow and for a instant Kaiba saw Atem in his face.
"Girls have to watch their figures for dances. Well since our King of North showed up and canceled the formal party, I can eat." Tea curtsied to him, once again after the party was canceled. "Thank you again, truly."
"The Prince of South isn't that bad. I lived in his castle for years." Kaiba sighed. "He can be a little opinionated and foolish though."
"Opinionated and foolish? By the gods...the king was telling the truth."
Kaiba quickly stood and so did Yuugi. The Prince of South stood in the doorway, arms crossed over his chest looking at all of them accusingly. Part of his long purple hair swept over his shoulder. Tea looked down and began to wring her hands when he chuckled. "You have nothing to worry about, Princess. I would have to be blind not to see how much Prince Yuugi cares for you."
"I know that you wanted my sister. Mana was so excited to marry you...This was the least I could do for you...for her...I'm so sorry."
Prince Mahado strode up to Princess Tea and took her hands in his. "Do not cry, princess. What's done is done...I miss her too."
"What happened to Princess Mana?" Kaiba asked, deciding to sit back down as a servant came in with a huge cart full of food.
"Her carriage was attacked by bandits on the way to her wedding in the South Kingdom. They slaughtered everyone and stole everything. Mana was never found but..." Princess Tea trailed off and Prince Yuugi stood to wrap his arms around her for support.
It was Prince Mahado who continued. "Even if she had survived the attack, the Snow Queen attacked the area shortly afterwards, destroying everything. My father couldn't send scouts to find her."
Kaiba nodded, trying to remember etiquette for eating that he'd learned from his mother as a child. Sadly, it was mostly gone but he did remember a few things. The princes and princess fell into a soft conversation of the past, the wedding that never was and the wedding that will never be. Kaiba continued to eat until he felt a soft tap on his shoulder. Looking up, Prince Yuugi smiled softly. "Feeling better, Sire?"
"Much. Thank you."
"If I may...I have a question for you. When you asked the mirror to see Atem, what did you see?"
"Atem? He's alive?" Princess Tea asked hopefully.
"Atem, the servant who stayed with you, right Kaiba?" Prince Mahado picked up a goblet of wine, making himself comfortable on the sofa opposite from Kaiba. "Oh, I mean, King Seto right? Why is he important?"
So many questions, Kaiba decided just to answer what was asked of him first. "I saw him in the North Castle with the Snow Queen."
Yuugi's smile faded, replaced by concern. "The Snow Queen? Is he in danger?"
"She's holding him prisoner...I don't know why she chose him...but I'm here to get him back."
Prince Yuugi glanced over to Prince Mahado. "You had him at your castle?"
"He was a servant. Picked up on one of my travels to the west. He was a hard worker. Good man." Prince Mahado swirled the goblet of wine in his hands. "Why does it matter?"
"Atem is my brother, Prince Atem of West. He was banished from the kingdom by my father after he killed my uncle."
The entire room fell silent but Kaiba had never heard his heart beat louder. He was sure in the silence everyone could hear it too. He killed someone?! Atem killed someone? No that can't be true. "How do you know? I mean...How do you know it was him?"
"Besides his own admission? He ran to me as soon as he did it." Yuugi ran his hands over his arms as if he felt a chill in the air. "He was covered in blood and crying...he made me wake father and tell him."
"Oh Yuugi..." Princess Tea sang soothingly, caressing his back softly.
Kaiba couldn't find the words but was grateful for Prince Mahado's ability to speak. "Why? I do not understand. Atem was an honest, loyal servant. A better man than most. Why would he do such a thing?"
"I don't know...he was rambling about our uncle being king and betraying everyone. It had something to do with the Snow Queen." Prince Yuugi smiled at Princess Tea and took her hand in his.
Kaiba crossed his arms over his chest and scoffed. "It always has something to do with that witch...but that doesn't explain why he would trust her..."
Yuugi turned to look at him, horrified. "He trusted her? So he went with her willingly?"
Kaiba nodded, frowning in thought.
"Well. He could have been bewitched. I have heard stories of men going into the blizzards and getting ice in their eyes. Like sleet in a way. When they return home, if at all, they act strange and have a desire to go back into the storm. It is a spell of sorts to manipulate others to do her will." Prince Mahado explained before taking a sip of wine. "I take it he was the one responsible for that huge storm in the South Kingdom not long ago."
"Yes. She was there...I think she was there specifically for him."
"Well the storm moved north. When I left, most of the south had thawed." Prince Mahado chewed his bottom lip and looked into his cup. "I spoke with the King about what he wishes to do, Prince Yuugi. I do not think you will like his solution."
"What is that?"
"He wishes us to send the king away to do his quest on his own and continue with the engagement so that I can take Princess Tea to the South where he feels it safe, but you and I know that it is only a matter of time before the south falls to her magic."
Prince Yuugi patted Princess Tea's hand and gestured for her to sit on the chair. Now Kaiba was interested. "You have an alternate proposal?"
"Kaiba. If all that I'm hearing is true. You are the only one who can stop her. I believe as you do that there is a reason she came all the way to the South Kingdom to collect Atem. He is important. Perhaps she is the reason for the crime he had committed. We will not know until we speak with him."
"We?" Kaiba frowned, his caution evident in his voice.
"Yes. Prince Yuugi and I will accompany you to the North Kingdom to ensure you make it safely."
"What of our engagement?" Princess Tea eyed Mahado with similar cautious curiosity.
"Your safety, Princess, is our top priority. I'm not sure where else you would be safe if a battle broke out."
Kaiba hummed in thought. There was only one safe place he knew of. "The dragons."
"Excuse me?" Princess Tea placed her hand delicately on her chest.
"The dragons. They are alive and I know where they are. My little brother is with them now. They can protect you while we take back the North Kingdom."
Prince Yuugi grinned with determination. "It is settled then? When should we leave?"
"Tomorrow morning, before the king wakes would be best." Prince Mahado stood and finished the rest of his wine. "That being said, I must retire."
"Meet here tomorrow morning then?" The princess beamed and lead Prince Mahado to the door.
Kaiba watched both of them leave before he realized Prince Yuugi had offered his hand. "We should be in our beds as well. Come with me, Sire. I'll take you to your room."
Kaiba took his hand and frowned seeing Atem's face again. He let Yuugi help him up and lead him out of the room but only because he couldn't focus with seeing Atem's face in Yuugi again. When they reached the guest chambers for him, Prince Yuugi lead him inside and gestured around. "Here we are. I hope that you sleep well tonight. We have a long journey ahead of us."
Nodding absentmindedly while looking around the room, Kaiba realized Yuugi was still standing at the doorway. Trying to keep himself from seeing Atem in Yuugi's face again, he continued to look around the room while he spoke. "Is there something you need of me Prince?"
At first Yuugi didn't respond and Kaiba feared he'd have to turn and face him. "You speak highly of my brother. Both you and Prince Mahado...but you are risking your life for him. You spent a sole wish on him...Just how important is he to you?"
"Everyone keeps asking me that question."
Kaiba could hear the smirk in Yuugi's voice. "Maybe you should make it more clear then."
Sitting down on the bed, Kaiba began to take his boots off. "He is my friend."
"I'm so happy to hear he has a friend. One as good as you. He's always had a hard time making friends."
Kaiba sighed and looked up at the prince. "I'm going to get him back. You'll see him again."
"I know you will." Prince Yuugi smiled, bowing his head quickly in goodbye before shutting the door behind him.
Kaiba sat on the bed staring at the door longer than he wanted to admit. He missed Atem so much. He was miles and miles away, cold, probably in pain, alone...and there was nothing he could do about it. No matter what, he couldn't make all of that stop right now for him. He couldn't swoop in and make him all better with a snide remark or a game. The image of Atem kneeling on the frozen floor of an icy palace, staring down with little or no hope was burned into his mind. Falling back against the pillows, Kaiba let out a shaky breath as a far more frightening thought pulled to the front of his mind. Barely above a whisper, Kaiba muttered to himself. "Damn it...I'm in love with him."
