-On the Prowl-

Sphinx couldn't help but smirk slyly, his pearly canines glistening with feral intensity while his crimson eyes flashed with the thrill at having a good fight. These goons had no clue what they were up against. The puzzle around his neck glowed as he flexed his fingers, the claws glowing from the response of the puzzle. Taking a quick glimpse behind him, he offered the shocked teen a playful wink before turning back, just in time to avoid a smack in the face by a large crowbar.

Yugi blushed at the wink, but yelped at watching the goon swing the crowbar. 'Is he nuts, 3 on one isn't exactly fair!' he mused, curling up closer to the wall while watching as his protector dodged another swing from the crowbar.

"Is that all you've got?" Sphinx taunted, dodging another blow, while maneuvering around in the alley, making sure that all the attention was focused more on him that the little one against the wall. "I've seen little old ladies swing better than that!"

"I'll teach you, Freak!"

Smirking, Sphinx quickly went down into a crouch, letting the crowbar hit the guy that he had sensed sneaking up behind him. Hearing the thud, he turned to see the goon he had slashed earlier lying on the ground out cold.

'Whoa! That was a slick move,' Yugi praised, keeping his eyes on his protector.

Turning his attention back to the goon with the crowbar, Sphinx leaned back, using one of his arms to flip himself back into a back handspring to avoid the kick that the goon had made. Getting back to his feet, he noticed that the other two goons had decided to join in the little game as well.

"You're goin' down!"

"I don't think so," Sphinx replied, watching the three goons closing in on him, since his back was turned toward the fence.

"Ya got no where else to go!"

"Yeah, we got ya cornered!"

Yugi was getting concerned for his scarlet eyed protector. The guy was up against the fence with three armed goons boxing him in. Swallowing the lump in his throat, he tried to get up to help, but found that he couldn't move. 'Wha?' he asked, lifting a finger to feel it poke against some sort of invisible barrier.

"Are you sure about that?" Sphinx asked, leaning against the fence and interlacing his fingers between the slim links. Watching the goons growl and sneer at him, his eyes narrowed playfully, daring them to make their move.

The goons fell for it.

Seeing the charge, Sphinx quickly kicked up his legs while his fingers still locked around the fence, causing his body to go up into a half-flip, the bottom of his boots now resting on the fence.

Watching from his corner, Yugi couldn't help but gasp. 'He moves so fast, and has the agility of a cat,' he mused before a thought caused his jaw to drop. 'Wait! He's the one that I've been keeping tabs on… I can't believe it!'

Chuckling at the expression on the goons' faces, Sphinx bent his legs before springing into a leap from the fence to jump over the goons to land in a handstand then spinning his legs and body into a 180 degree angle to face the goons again. Easing up to stand his full height, he gave the goons a sneaky smirk, "Well I've had enough fun."

Yugi blinked at the quick moves. The way the stranger moved wasn't only cat-like and quick but it seemed to be flow with a hidden beat, almost like a dance of some sort. Racking his memory for the time he had researched different fighting techniques, the bulb finally flashed on. 'Capoeira, that's the fighting style he uses!'

"Playtime is over!"

Cocking his head to the side, Sphinx's smirk never faded. His eyes narrowed further though as heinspected his claws before looking back at the goons. "My thoughts exactly!"

Yugi 'eep'ed as the goon with the crowbar attacked his protector again, but sighed in relief as he noticed his stranger had caught the crowbar with his left hand.

Gripping the crowbar, Sphinx tightened his grip, causing his claws to grind into the weak steal. "Ya gotta try better than that," he smirked before pushing back against the goon, then quickly going down to spin and kick the goon's legs out from under him. Sensing something coming from the right, he quicklyrolled to the side to avoid a whip of chains.

Turning to the other goon, he waited until the other tossed the chains back at him. Not avoiding the strike this time, Sphinx gritted his teeth at the harsh smack before gripping his claws into the links and wrapping the length around his wrist then giving it a hard jerk, bringing the goon to him.

Amethyst eyes widened as Yugi watched his vigilante protector's claws slice through the chain before he attacked the goon with a quick roundhouse kick then a powerful uppercut, knocking the goon out to join the other one on the ground. 'Two down, two to go!'

Dealing with another crowbar, Sphinx had to commend this guy on being able to block his swipes and punches so far. Making a feint punch with his left hand, he quickly brought down his right hand, the claws slicing through the steel like butter. Dodging another punch, he quickly turned around before bringing up his other hand, slicing itacross the goon's cheek.

"Damn!"

"Aw, did that hurt?" He taunted, clicking his tongue against the roof of his mouth. "Let me make it feel better." Doing another quick roundhouse kick, Sphinx sent him crashing into the other wall, knocking him unconscious.

There was only one more goon left and he was directly behind Sphinx with a gun in his hands. Sensing him, Sphinx quickly dodged to the right as a bullet streaked by him to hit the wall on the other side. Not wasting anymore time, he quickly done a few back handsprings before kicking the goon in the stomach with both legs before landing in a crouch.

The goon winced and panted while getting ready to aim the gun once again, but as he looked up he was met with an angry crimson glare.

Glaring at the goon, Sphinx gripped the gun in his claws while wrenching it away from the other. Unloading the gun, the goon gasped in surprise as the bullets disappeared in a wave of black smoke coming from the other's hand.

Sensing the sudden fear, Sphinx leaned in closer to the goon until they were nearly nose to nose. "I hope you've learned your lesson," he growled, his usual sultry voice rumbling with the tone. "I would hate to have to deal you and your friends a penalty game."

"A p-p-penalty game?"

Nodding slightly, Sphinx smirked while motioning to the little teen in the corner. "You're lucky that he is here, so I will give you a warning for now, because I would hate for innocence such as that to see what I am truly capable of."

Swallowing the goon began to nervously shake. "What are you going to do to me?"

Narrowing his eyes, Sphinx brought his claws up against the wall to plink them against the brick lightly. "I think its only fair that I give you what you wanted to give him… A new tattoo perhaps."

"N-n-no!"

"You brought this on yourself," Sphinx hissed before using his other hand to grip the goon's face while stationing his legs againstthe others, effectively immobilizing him. Jerking the man's face so that more of the neck was revealed, he brought up his right claws and deeply began to carve an insignia of a stylized cat eye. Releasing the man after his work was done; Sphinx rolled his eyes at finding that he had passed out.

Yugi blinked as he noticed his protector walking toward him. Smiling, he once again tried to get up and found to his surprise that the barrier was gone. Getting up, he quickly picked up his back pack before looking back up at his protector. "Thank you."

"It was my pleasure, little one."

Swallowing and fighting off the blush from the smooth voice, Yugi looked up into those exotic scarlet eyes. "You're the one that's been spotted lately, aren't you?"

Sphinx nodded lightly. "Yup, that's me."

"You're not a thief are you?"

"No," Sphinx smirked.

"So I was right, ha I knew you weren't a thief," Yugi smiled, pleased with being right about the vigilante. "So can you please tell me who you are?"

"If you insist," Sphinx chuckled. "I'm Sphinx."

Smiling at finally having a name to go with his mysterious vigilante, Yugi smiled brightly. "The name suits you," he smiled, biting back a blush.

"Glad you approve," Sphinx smirked, stepping up closer to Yugi.

Yugi couldn't help but blush as Sphinx leaned in closer to him, just like he had done the night before. Feeling the cool metal claws tickling his skin, he looked up into those wild crimson eyes and couldn't help but admire the handsome vigilante.

Sphinx sighed, his mind a whirl of different thoughts as he took in those beautiful soft lips. Tracing his fingers to Yugi's chin, he tilted it up before leaning down to claim those lips. At only inches, he was surprised as Yugi turned his head away from him. "What's the matter, little one?"

"…I don't you, and as much as I would probably enjoy a kiss from you, I can't help but think that I would betray my heart and what it feels for someone else," Yugi sighed, blushing furiously at admitting something so personal to a total stranger that also caused his heart to soar.

Mentally sighing, Sphinx settled for kissing Yugi's cheek before pulling back and taking a step away. "I completely understand, and I am sure the one that your hearts beats for is very lucky." Bowing his head lightly, he quickly scaled up the fence, and crouched at the top –being extra careful of the barbwire- he turned to look back at Yugi. "Take care of yourself, and I'm sure that our paths will cross again."

Watching Sphinx leap from the fence then disappear into another mist of shadows, Yugi cupped a hand over his cheek. "I hope to see you again too, Sphinx."


Driving down the road, Yami yawned lightly. It had been a few days since he had come across Yugi and the goons, and he couldn't help but think of what the little one had said to him.

"… I can't help but think that I would betray my heart and what it feels for someone else."

'Yugi... who does your heart belong to?' he mused, not wanting to hope for too much in assuming that the little one was in love with him. Yami couldn't deny that he had fallen in love with the little one, those amethyst jewels stealing his heart and Yugi's innocent soul making him weak, the little one's beautiful looks were just an added bonus.

Growling at the red light, Yami drummed his fingers against the steering wheel. The past few days had been hell since he had tried to get everything ready for his father, who was unfortunately going to be arriving later today. Everything was as it should be… except for one thing, and that one thing had four legs, black fur, and gold eyes.

Pulling out at the green light, Yami made it home in no time as he leaned against the elevator walls, trying to think of a how to tell his companion that she had to leave for a few days. Exiting the elevator and walking down the hall, he opened the door before walking in and shuttingit behind him. "Miw-sher?"

Walking into the living room, Yami smiled lightly as the inky feline jumped onto the back of the couch and looked at him curiously. "You know that father is coming this afternoon, don't you?"

( Yes, I remember that, why? )

"Um… well, he called earlier and he sort of made it clear for you to not be here when he got here," Yami sighed, rubbing his arm.

( I see. )

Watching the feline, Yami couldn't help but feel bad. Miw-sher had always been around him and comforted him, but as far as he could remember his father hated her. He would use the excuse of being allergic to her and everything, which would've been a plausible reason, exceptfor the fact that she wasn't really a feline at all. "You're not mad?"

( No, I know your father doesn't like me, and frankly the feeling is mutual. I ruined enough of his pricy ties to prove my point too. )

Chuckling, Yami shook his head. He remembered a few of the times when his father would come storming into his room, cursing every breath while waving a tattered tie in front of him. "He wanted to skin you alive sometimes," he smirked before leaning over to scratch behind her ears. "I just have to find out who will keep you for a few days."

( I have a suggestion. How about leaving me in the care of Little Light? )

Blinking, Yami looked curiously at the feline. "I guess, you aren't up to something are you?"

( No, its just with your father here, you know that Sphinx will be unavailable and I can keep an eye on him. )

"Mighty Miw-sher to the rescue, ne?" Yami chuckled, earning a light growl from the feline. "Not that I wouldn't be thankful, but how are you going to protect him."

( Well I can unlock my true form by myself now. And he is a duelist. )

"Don't even think about summoning up his monsters," Yami scolded. "You'd give him a heart attack and then I'd have to kill you!"

( Don't worry Prince, I would never case Little Light any harm. )

"Yeah, well I'm just giving you fair warning." Yami sighed before leaning over and picking up the phone and dialing up Yugi's number.

Meanwhile…

Yugi sneezed, inhaling too much dust as his grandfather swatted the blanket of dust off a folder full of various papers. "So you're going… to be… gone for… how… long?" he asked between sneezes.

"A week or two at the most," his grandpa replied, setting the folder on a desk before retrieving another folder full of papers and blowing off the excess dust. "Do you think you can handle everything?"

"No sweat," Yugi smiled before turning his head, hearing the phone ringing. "I'll be back grandpa," he smiled, making his way out of the obstacle course that also served as an attic. Running down the hall, he quickly dashed into the living room and picked up the phone.

"Hello?"

"Yugi, hey it's me."

"Yami… hey, how are you?" Yugi asked, surprised to hear the rich silky baritone voice of his crush on the phone. Smiling, he idly began to twirl the phone cord between his fingers.

"I'm fine. Look Yugi, I know this is sort of sudden and all, but do you think you could do me a huge favor?"

"Sure, what is it?"

"Do you think you could take care of Miw-sher for me? My dad is coming in today and he doesn't wanther anywhere near him…"

Thinking it over, Yugi looked up at the attic, hoping that his grandfather wouldn't mind the feline, but then again the elder would be leaving later that day. "Sure Yami, my grandpa is leaving shortly anyways, so she can keep me company."

"Really? Phew, thanks a lot Yugi. I'll make it up to you."

"No problem Yami, bring her over in about an hour or something." Yugi smiled, happy to be able to help Yami when he needed help.

"Alright Yugi, and thanks again, I really appreciate this."

"No worries Yami, it's my pleasure." Yugi beamed as the two of them said their goodbyes before hanging up the phone. Leaning against the couch, he sighed in bliss at sound of Yami's voice, before hearing a thump and screech coming from upstairs. Running up the steps, he looked inside to see his grandfather standing on a rickety chair holding a bat with a sheepish grin on his face. "Grandpa?"

"I thought I saw a mouse."


Waiting at the airport terminal, Yami leaned against one of the large windows. He had left Yugi's about an hour ago and Miw-sher seemed to make herself right at home on Yugi's bed. Grinning at the memory, he could help but think of how lucky that damn feline was going to be for the next 3 days. She would be all a lone with the little one and if knowing Miw-sher she would also be keeping him company at night by either sleeping on his pillow, at the foot of the bed, or cuddled up on his chest… 'I envy that cat!'

Hearing about the desired flight arrival, Yami pushed away from the window and headed to where the arrivals entered the building. Crossing his arms, he watched as a horde of people entered the building, none of any concern to him until his crimson eyes fell onto a head of dark obsidian with faint traces of dark maroon highlights.

Narrowing his eyes slightly, Yami bit his tongue as a slender figure walked up to him. Crimson locked onto harsh cinnamon as the two regarded each other carefully. "Hello father."

"Hello Atemu."


Working on a report, Yugi couldn't help but smile as he noticed the inky black feline lounging on the desk, watching him work while swaying the tip of her tail from side to side. It was actually a little comforting to have her around since it was usually so lonely when his grandpa left to go on a trip to meet with an old friend and discuss new finds and what not.

Reaching over to scratch behind the feline's ears, he smiled at hearing the rumbling purr. "You know, you're a very lucky feline," he chuckled as she cocked her head to the side and blinked her eyes. "Seriously, you live with Yami and get to… well you get to cuddle up with him all you want."

"I would give anything to be able to do that," Yugi blushed, feeling a bit odd telling the feline his feelings, but at least the cat would never be able to tell Yami. "I really like Yami… I like him so much that I don't think it can be considered as 'liking' him anymore."

Hearing something between a coo and a purr, Yugi took it as a sign that the cat was urging him to tell her everything. "He's just so perfect, I mean he's absolutely gorgeous, sexy," his blush intensified as he cleared his throat lightly from the lump that had settled there.

Feeling the feline rubbing her head against his hand, Yugi chuckled lightly. "I'm just a bit confused, because I think I also have a crush on Sphinx… um… he's sort of this vigilante that I have been keeping an eye on lately," he sighed, scratching the feline's chin. "He's an eye catcher too, with cat-like crimson eyes and…"

Miw-sher meowed lightly, causing Yugi to look down into those intelligent gold eyes. "I just don't know what to think of anymore," he sighed. "I think I might actually be in love with two people… I am so screwed."

Shaking his head, Yugi saved his progress before turning off the computer and heading over to his bed. He had taken a shower earlier and was ready for bed, since he had to open shop in the morning. Pulling back the covers, he crawled into the bed and was surprised as Miw-sher jumped up onto the pillow beside of his and curled up into a comfortable ball. "Goodnight Miw-sher."

Two Hours Later…

Gold eyes glowed in the moonlight as Miw-sher pawed at the deck of cards on the desk. Taking a look over at the youth sleeping on the bed, she couldn't help but purr lightly. The little one truly was a little light and reminded of someone from her past. A past that she still had yet to reveal to anyone.

Turning back to the cards, she blinked at feeling a distinct source of power coming from the cards. This aura of power was completely different from the aura of darkness that she and Yami's deck had. Twitching her whiskers, her senses tingled at a distinct and familiar signature weave of the magic.

Blinking her gold eyes, her mind went back to the time of her creator, and the magic that he had used. It was exactly the same. Purring even louder, Miw-sher knew that she had definitely bestowed a worthy name for Yugi, for he truly was one of the Light.

Going back to pawing the cards, one of the cards turned face up, revealing a small brown hairball with big eyes and green arms and legs. Blinking at the card, Miw-sher jumped as the card glowed before disappearing, leaving the creature in its place.

( Oh no! Get back in your card! )

The creature cooed happily as it bounced around on top of the desk before turning to look at the frazzled feline. Cooing at the cat, it bowed its head in greeting and respect, knowing from the signature of shadows who she was, but after finishing its bow, he bounced off the table.

Hissing, Miw-sher followed after the creature, trying to catch it, while using some of her magic to keep the creature from blowing up on contact with other things. If that were to happen, she was sure that Yami would have her hide. Growling, she made another leap, but the creature dodged, causing her to slam right into closet door.

Hearing the noise, Yugi's eyes snapped open. "Wha?" he asked looking around before noticing Miw-sher slowly getting to her feet and shaking her head. "What happened, girl?" he chuckled noticing the frazzled and dazed walk the feline was doing. However, at hearing a happy coo, he quickly turned and gasped at what had just jumped on his bed. 'I must be dreaming… there is no possible way that it's a real…'

"Kuriboh?"