Update!
Amme: *happy tears* It's finished!
Joey: No way! This is it?!
Amme: *nodding* oh gods I'm so proud of myself! *crying again*
Yugi: *hugs* aww, there there. You did great.
Amme: *nodding* and now onto Mulan 2! YOU GUYS PAYING ATTENTION? Yugioh Mulan 2 is happening! Starring: Puppyshipping, Blindshipping, Tendershipping and Bronzshipping!
Most people: whoop whoop!
Ryou: So enough bugging over if it's happening: It's happening people!
Joey: Yes! More stardom! I'm going to be a main character again! Booya!
Amme: *smiles* ah, and with all that said. Let's review.
Animegirl426, Gus Kinney The Prodigal Son, Misuri Hitchako, dancing elf, Otakugirl41, Iwini - Thank you very much.
Killer-Fangirl - I love that song, glad you got it. Glad you liked the kiss and not Joey's reactions, you think Seto should swoop in and confess? Well we'll see what happens shall we? The chapter title ... that was intentional, I like the Disney and Sarah Someone versions of that song. Thank you for answering all the questions, it's really good feedback.
Leviathan of the Sea - Sorry about yet another cliffie. Hope this makes up for it. Glad you liked the passion and the conflict, and I think you're right about Joey.
dreamer1821 - I hope Seto sees him too. And that's right! 1 reference point!
RAINY-RAIN - I was meant to PM you! I know it took a long time for them to kiss, but it's worth it!
BlackAndrey - No! I'm not dead! Why would you ask me that? Glad you like the announcement, and the romance, and you're right, they need a kick in the caboose!
Animesaki - They danced what? oh I'm so sad I missed that! Glad you liked how Duke was let down, and not the after kiss, though it makes sense doesn't it? I'd be shocked at myself if I just did it. Glad you liked the original, sorry the references were hard, ah sorry no Mokie in this story. Thanks for answering the questions! It's real good feedback!
winged sapphire wolf - SIS! hi. I'm so glad you liked the comic trick, it was hilarious for me to write about too. Sorry about the references, but I tell you later. Ashley! Stop making Joey blush! I need him! *hogging him away from her*
Kaoru-Yuki - My star reviewer right now! Thanks so much! I'm glad you liked so much of it, the kiss, the party, the Duke. I think you've hit the nail on the head with what happens next, but I still must keep them in character you know. (Ah! Can't have romance with these two without making one OCC! It's so infuriating!)
Sakural7865 - don't worry, the references were hard. Glad you liked the kiss, and not the after reaction, though I think anyone would be in shock if it happened to them just like that. Seto ... I think he'll confess awkwardly, hee hee.
Magi Magi Magician Gal - Hey Gal! Glad you liked Joey's tipsy act and not Duke, but Karma is my secret weapon! BTW thanks so much for answering all the questions, it's a big help. Joey fainting in a field of flowers? Ha ha ha! Good one, I can see that. Glad you like the original and I think you're right about Seto's next steps. Sorry, no Mokie. To wonderland we go!
5500jess - 0500 Miss Madness you have a message! Hi it's meee! I love that you loved Joey, he's so fun to write about, he cand say anything clueless and funny and it sounds right! Glad you like the original parts, it's good to know I have those skills! you can have cookies, no one else found Reference 2 either, I wonder why ... A dog has seven ... it'll have to be Cat since I've nearly killed him 9 times, oops. Thanks for answering the questions, it's such good feedback.
Zeladious - You no like kiss? Ah well to each their own, but I think these two are too competitive for sweet kisses, leave that for Puzzle/Blind/ and possibly Tendershipping. You no answer questions either? *depressed*
Mona-san Kaiba sister - Oh hey newcomer! Thanks for answering all the questions, they're big help in feedback. Glad you liked the kiss, and not everyone hitting on Joey, it's not a good idea is it? you want MORE action?! Isn't two battles enough for you? *collapses swirly eyed* ohh ... please enjoy ...
anveena106 - Yes I am, as stated above.
Amme: and that is the last reply to this story.
Joey: I'm going to miss this.
Yugi: But next story we'll all be together.
Ryou: I hear Amme is very excited about writing Lesson number one.
Joey: Wait I still sing?
Amme: Oh yeah!
Joey: Damnit!
Yugi: For those who are interested the references were Tristan Abridged Taylor with "in a few hours the sun will rise" and the second one-
Amme: No one got that, I must have hidden it well. Since no one got it, I'm not saying it.
Ryou: Please enjoy! Amme doesn't own Yugioh or Mulan, please Review and see you later!
Joey's door shut silently as he exited his fine room. The morning was still dark as it was the early dawning hours. Nobles and representatives had gone home during the night, a few of the higher and personally known ones had their own rooms, but apart from that it was rather empty in the Palace, and very quiet.
Red Eyes sat on Joey's shoulder as the human adjusted his shoulder bag made out of his new cape, full of his few belongings and some supplies from the night before. The little dragon looked at tiny scapegoat unsurely, he wasn't happy with how things were going. And by the looks of it neither was tiny scapegoat.
The tiny creature bleated curiously. Red Eyes nodded "Joey? Why are we leaving? This doesn't feel right," the young-adult dragon whispered. He didn't want to make Joey mad so soon after waking.
Joey tip toed down the hall and murmured "We have to get home, I miss everyone," he offered as an excuse. In truth his stomach was in knots and flips, he felt torn in half. Leave or not leave? What do I do?
Red Eyes sighed and jumped onto the floor "Joey. I'll scream the Palace down unless you tell me right now why we're leaving. Exactly the truth," the dragon huffed, glaring determinedly.
Joey stopped moving but didn't speak or turn around.
Stay … Stay … his heart begged. I can't mess up, I have to leave … his head argued. Joey swallowed and then said "I … I can't mess up again." Images of all his slip ups – the matchmaker, the army, his secret, not convincing Seto, getting hurt – flashed before his eyes and reminded him of his fear; the fear of failing, of returning to what he was. "I don't want anyone to see me as I was … they … they won't like me anymore, I'll be alone," he whispered.
Red Eyes tilted his head sympathetically "Are you running away?" he asked.
Joey jumped, he turned and stared at the little dragon with wide honey-brown eyes. His heart jumped to his throat and made it hard for him to speak.
Red Eyes lowered his head. He already knew the answer. "Joey, Seto does care about you. They all do, the real you, just like you always wanted. I was always with him after you fell from the tower, he was always nice when alone with you. He held your hand, spoke to you, he even almost kissed you once."
Joey blushed, touching his lips in shock.
Red Eyes looked up pleadingly "He does care, you can't run away from failing, nobody cares anymore," he reasoned. "You're a hero now and forever, what you've done won't undo itself if you slip up again. Running away won't do anything good. Please believe me, Seto does like you," the dragon finished.
Joey listened silently, then bunched his fists helplessly "I …" he trailed off, not sure how to respond. He cares? His heart felt warm at the thought of someone watching over him, of Seto watching over him. Do they really don't care if I screw up? Would they still want me if I did? Thoughts swam through his mind a mile a minute, then he smiled. "You're right, it doesn't matter."
Red Eyes smiled.
Joey knelt and opened his arms, letting Red Eyes jump into them "But we're still leaving," he added.
Red Eyes squeaked "What? Joey-"
Joey pinched his beak like jaw shut "Listen. I'll come back and explain to them later, but there's something I have to do first, at home. Besides they'll find my note," he smiled, standing up to walk down to corridor.
Red Eyes wriggled free and glared crossly "Jono and the others?" he asked after a while.
Joey nodded "Yep, I haven't seen them in months, and …" he blushed a little "I'm not exactly in a hurry to find Seto and have the … er, discussion, that's bound to happen after … what happened," he finished jerkily, turning another corner and getting lost. "Ah damnit, where's the stables?"
"Over there, and to the right after the wooden staircase," a soft voice answered.
Joey jumped, turning around in horror at the voice. But he breathed a sigh of relief when he saw three hooded strangers standing by a doorway. Joey smiled slightly "Gods … give me a heart attack why don't ya," he gasped.
One of the strangers reached out and flicked the first one's nose "Yeah Ryou, stop scaring people, people will think you're a ghost," the boy giggled.
The tallest snorted "Give it a rest you two, anyway, through that corridor and turn right at the bottom of the wooden steps," the teen said.
Joey nodded after glancing the way they pointed "Thank you, I'm Joey by the way, see ya," he grinned and took up a light jog down the dim corridor. The three teens exchanged a glance and smiled to themselves, each thinking; he's very nice, I hope we meet again.
Mai whinnied loudly as soon as Joey entered the stables, she reared up high to see what she thought she smelt. Her boy was back! And he was alive!
Joey heard her calling and rushed up to her, hands raised to calm her down, his aura working it's magic once again "Mai! Gods I've missed you girl, how's the royal stables?" he asked, letting the mare nuzzle and sniff him all over, before butting him firmly in the chest. Mai nickered happily, her boy was safe now, he smelt happy. He smelt of that other boy, the one who was important to her Joey. She leaned into him and breathed out long and low, content.
Joey scratched her ears and patted her neck, her mane was freshly brushed, her coat washed and cleaner than ever, yet she still smelled of home. The place calling to him "Let's go home Mai," he murmured, slowly opening the cell she was in. Mai whinnied in approval, Red Eyes jumped onto her head.
"Hello horsy!" he chirped.
Mai hummed in greeting, doing the same to tiny scapegoat as he climbed onto her head too.
Joey led Mai over to the saddles and picked one at random "It's not like they're going to be short anytime soon, is it?" he muttered, having seen an entire store behind this one, just for saddles. He also picked new reigns and packed the saddle with soft straw to keep Mai from getting rubbed by the new leather. Mai was patient, content to be with her owner again. The servants were nice, they gave her apples, called her a hero for carrying Joey the hero of Japan, they groomed her, cleaned her. But she wanted Joey, not the servants, Joey did it better, he was her boy.
Joey lead her outside and breathed in the outside air "I thought I'd never see the sun again," he said before he realised. Red Eyes tilted his head up and breathed the dawn too, Mai just pawed the ground restlessly, wanting to be off.
Joey nodded and swung himself up onto her back, he looked up at the sun and then the mountains. "Okay, home is back through the mountains, then East till we get back to the camp, from then on we're just guessing," he laughed and lightly kicked Mai's flanks "Let's go!" he laughed, Mai neighing eagerly and charging the second she was told.
Joey flew through the city, the very early morning risers seeing him fly by, a blur of green and red. They cheered and shouted his name as he passed and only when he left the city walls did Joey wave back, because he was also waving goodbye …
Seto stared at the ceiling blankly as the dawn broke and wove on. The sun edged into his room and he finally got up, he knew the talk had to happen. He just hoped that it would end alright, he hoped Joey felt the same.
Seto wasn't an emotional person naturally, but somehow feeling with Joey, about Joey, felt just fine. His emotions were messy, he's normally just lock them away somewhere inside his head, but with these new feelings; one, they wouldn't stay away, and two, he didn't really want them to. The man dressed whilst thinking of ways to voice his feelings, easier said than done since he was more a man of action and commanding words than anything else, and then moved down the hall to the hikari's room.
He breathed deeply, then knocked "Joey? Are you awake?"
There wasn't an answer, so Seto just entered.
The room was empty. Seto looked around in confusion. Maybe he's in the bathroom. He thought, and entered the room to knock on the bathroom door "Mutt? Hello?" he called, once again there was no answer. And no one there when he checked.
Seto frowned, where is that dumb puppy? He cursed in his head. If he didn't meet him soon all the prep for the 'big talk' would be drained out of him and he'd just blurt out whatever came to mind rather than what he wanted to talk about. Arguments came in their talks so easily, was it because they clashed?
No. It was because they couldn't, and wouldn't, keep their guards down. Both so determined to appear strong that lashing out at each other was the instinctive thing.
Just as Seto was about to head to the kitchen to search for the blond puppy, he spotted a piece of paper wedged into the door.
The brunette took the paper and saw his name written over it in Joey's uncertain yet neat writing. Seto opened the note and read it, a bad feeling settling in his gut.
Dear Seto and anyone else who this applies to. I'm sorry you have to find out this way, but I have to get home, and if I talk to you you'd just find a reason for me to stay one day longer. Don't take that the wrong way, I like spending time with you all, it's just there are things at home I still have to fix before anything else. And Seto, about what happened, I know you want to talk about it, but I'm worried about what we'll say. So I'll be blunt. I don't regret it, however it happened, and it was nice. This isn't goodbye guys, from Joey.
Seto silently reread the note and then blankly stared at the door.
I don't regret it.
The brunette closed his eyes as a hollow feeling fell into his being. Joey had left, without a goodbye and he avoided the issue they really needed to talk about, and for some reason … that hurt. The soft sound of people moving about the Palace finally came back to Seto as his emotions cleared. His hand fisted around the note, his eyes iced over.
The general marched out of the room with a face like thunder and soon appeared outside Duke's office. He rapped the door sharply and before the man could even offer a good morning, he stepped inside and said "I need documents on the Wheeler family, now."
Duke saw his angry expression and knew better than to argue. He began shifting through piles with Seto's sharp eyes following his every movement. Seto crossed his arms and held the note tightly. Joey … it's time to stop running. Both of us.
It's time to face what has happened.
Joey thought to encourage himself as he rode into his village, having travelled a day and a half to get home he was both glad and nervous as hell at the sight of it all. When the people saw him, instead of laughing or sneering, they let him through and Joey could hear the awed whispering behind him. Then again, if he looked at himself he would have done the same to another:
He looked like a hero, cape lose and sword and crest at his side, a mare who walked either extremely proudly or galloped like the four winds, and finally Red Eyes sitting like an Eagle on his shoulder … he made an impression alright. And the village was finally realising that there was worth in him.
Yamis muttered and little and Hikaris of both genders admired one of their own silently, small cheers and bows and greetings happened all around Joey as he made his way home, but he was only partly aware of it all.
Finally the wall of his home came into view on top of the neighbouring hill. He gulped loudly, oh man … what if they don't accept me back? What if something bad happened? What if they hate me? What if-
"Joey?" Red Eyes asked, wondering why Joey had pulled Mai to a stop.
Joey glanced at his friend and forced a smile "Y-Yeah?"
Red Eyes nuzzled him "I'm scared too," he admitted, wondering if the ancestors were going to throttle him for destroying Hermos …
Joey chuckled and scratched his horns gently "You too? I think I'd rather face the Huns all over again," he muttered, would probably be easier and less terrifying!
Red Eyes nodded "That makes two of us … come on Joey, it'll be okay," he stuttered "Your family still love you, I just hope I'll be allowed back in the temple …" he gloomed, thinking about how he destroyed their signature guardian in a fit of frustration.
Joey smiled after a moment "Well if they don't you can come and live in the house with me, Serenity will adore you," he offered.
Red Eyes beamed and then flew up next to the beaming hikari "Best get going then," he said, trying to sound enthusiastic and failing quite splendidly. Joey laughed and then put a hand on Mai's neck to urge her onwards.
Mai nickered happily as she recognised her home, she had nothing to worry about emotionally; give her what she needed and she's be content.
Joey admired it all as he approached, feeling nostalgic and still very nervous, what if this was his last time seeing this place? How could it be fully warm and welcoming when he had ran off leaving his family with only an argument as their last memory of him. Joey's face fell into slight sadness, the horrible tension of their last face to face encounter. The dull ache returned; the one who had been with him since he was born, could hate him, had hurt him that night. Just because you can't fit into your role doesn't mean I have to back out of mine!
Joey sighed, that had hurt so much. But he didn't want that to be his last and only memory of his twin, if he was going to be kicked out or hated he wanted to wish them all well.
Joey shook his head again, they won't do that! Get your head on right!
In the distance the door of the wall opened. And out came his family, all looking stunned. Joey blinked, had they known he was coming? He couldn't see their faces clearly yet, but didn't change Mai's pace. Joey took a deep breath as Red Eyes took flight to go and beg forgiveness from the temple, leaving Joey to do the same with his family.
Please let me in, please still want me, I don't want to be a hero if it means giving up you guys, Joey vowed as he dismounted, several meters away.
Serenity woke up in the early morning as everyone did on a farm, but this time was different, because after breakfast, someone knocked at the door.
Leah looked up, her face hopeful, everyone's were. They were all wishing and hoping though it seemed useless; they wanted Joey home. Jono got up first, followed by Tristan, who had been staying with them ever since he'd been dropped off. He helped with the farming, he wasn't as good as Joey, but he was learning.
The small family group opened the door … only to be disappointed. A young man in a fancy uniform stood in the doorway, he bowed respectfully. "Is this the Wheeler residence?" he asked, his horse grazing behind him.
Serenity suddenly felt a longing for Mai as well; she was like another family member, she gave her sugar-cubes and apples and braided her hair, and in return she heard her worries. Her presence was always warm and accepting.
Leah nodded "Yes that is us," she replied.
The young man opened up a pouch and brought out a scroll.
Serenity looked curiously at it, only to turn her gaze onto her Mother when she sobbed. Leah looked very white as she took the scroll, Jono was white too, looking like he was about to be sick. Tristan didn't seem to be breathing … Serenity wondered but she didn't ask, how was she to know that Leah had received one of these before? How was she to know what the army symbol looked like?
How was she to know … that Leah, Tristan and Jono were all silently begging for the scroll to not contain a death notice.
Leah uncurled it and, through bit lips and silent tears, read the letter. Serenity edged closer and saw over her Mother's shoulder.
Dear Head of the Wheeler Family,
I'm writing to inform you of your son's heroic deeds. I know you would want to hear this from someone who knew him, you son, Joseph Wheeler, has done the impossible and has defeated Ushio, saving my life and the life of the Emperor in the process when an entire army couldn't. I already know about his status as a hikari, and that seems to be the least of his worries at the moment.
I'm sorry to inform you, but during the battle between Ushio and Joey he was very badly hurt and the doctors are doubtful of recovery through his coma. However I disagree along with many of my men, he is stubborn and didn't give up even though he was clearly losing.
He is resting at the Palace with the best care the Emperor can offer, I thought you would like to know before anyone else. Know this though, your son is a hero and is in good hands. I am sure you'll be hearing about his actions through the rumours of the people, as war news spreads fast, and until he has recovered he will be resting and recovering here.
All the best, from Seto Kaiba, General of Japan.
Leah read the notice again and slowly sank to her knees still crying "He's alive!" she gasped in joy, Jono and Tristan sighed in relief and Serenity beamed. Leah held the notice tightly "My son's alive, he's a hero … oh gods and spirits this is …" she put a hand to her face in shock.
The messenger smiled "I saw it myself Mam, he fought that monster on the Palace roof one on one," he told them.
Serenity gasped and Leah looked horrified, Jono and Tristan looked dead impressed. Tristan chuckled "Joey had guts to take him on then, what a dork."
Jono nodded "He's an idiot alright, brave but an idiot," he concluded, mentally hitting his twin for being so reckless.
Serenity giggled nervously "When will he be back?" she asked the messenger.
The man hesitated "Er … hard to say there Miss. See, the fight he had was … pretty brutal, excuse my choice of words, and in the end they both fell to the ground off of a tower and … he's in a Coma, Ushio wasn't so lucky," he explained regretfully.
Jono felt sick to his stomach, Joey's hurt?! "Will he be alright?" he pressed, stepping closer urgently. Oh Gods if he dies and the last thing I said to him was … that … gods and spirits, please no …
The messenger shrugged "I'm just the messenger sir … do you know of an inn around here? It's foolish to travel at night," he asked.
Leah stood up at once "Please stay here, we have a guest room and dinner, and you can tell us about what happened," she said, though the mere thought chilled her.
The messenger bowed "Thank you Mam, it would be an honour."
Serenity had spent one hour of dawn and dusk sitting on top of the wall of her home ever since she had heard that Joey was in a coma. Actually, any spare minute she had she would sneak off and peer around the corner of the house walls to see if he was coming home.
She often caught Jono doing the same thing. Do you miss him too? She wondered, watching him one day. I bet you miss him even more than I do, you two are two halves of a whole. She smiled and sat next to him, silently taking his hand. "I miss him too …"
Jono smiled at Serenity as she took his hand. He'd been caught again, he couldn't help coming to the lane to imagine Joey riding back home. He missed him badly, and kicked himself every day for the last thing he had said to his face. Jono jumped as Serenity spoke "I miss him too …"
Jono smiled at her and gently put an arm around her "Yeah …" he agreed softly. Though no one missed Joey like Jono did. They were twins, they had been through everything together as kids, from swimming to fighting to tying their shoelaces. They were two halves of something, not a whole, since they were each their own person, but … no one missed Joey like Jono did. Twins bonds were strong, Jono didn't believe in physic twin powers, but their bond was there, and they severely missed the other when they were gone.
Jono comforted Serenity as she sighed gloomily, but he knew that he missed Joey the most. Twins weren't half and half, he wasn't a Yin or a Yang, but his brother, his twin brother, did leave a hollow spot when he vanished. Jono hated himself for what he had said, felt so guilty, he hardly felt deserving of a twin like Joey. Who was kind and brave and foolish and so open it was ridicules.
The yami twin cursed his pride every day for staying stubborn and insisting that he joined the army like the rest. Since then he had mellowed some and had tried to pull his weight, his herbs helped, but he was unable to pull up the slack on his own, or even with his sister and Mother.
They never really realised what a big part of the family Joey was, he looked after the animals, the fields, Jono's health and Serenity when she needed help, and yet still found time for his own things. Jono smiled to himself and nodded, Joey is one in a million, how lucky was I to have him as my brother? And how much of an idiot for letting him go?
Jono looked out onto the road and sighed once again "Do you think he hates me Serenity?" he asked, he wondered how hard it was for his family to look at him. He had Joey's face, his accent, even some of his unconscious twitches, was if painful to see him and see another too?
Serenity shook her head at once "No … he's too good for that," she assured him "Do you hate him?" she worried, her large eyes teary.
Jono lightly messed her hair "Of course not. He's a selfless, babbling idiot. But I don't hate him," he laughed, soothing her worries.
The little sister giggled "Joey has always been silly, I wonder why he plays the fool?" she asked, knowing he could be very smart, Leah had taught them all how to read and write and a few other finer skills too; not to mention his bullying experiences and fighting life had made him a fast thinker.
Jono shrugged "Don't look at me I can't read minds." They just laughed.
"Hey guys!"
Serenity and Jono looked down from their roof perch "Hello Tristan," Serenity called.
Jono nodded "Hey … having trouble?" he laughed, seeing Tristan covered in feathers, the geese really didn't like him for some reason …
Tristan spat out a few more "Whatever, you Mum told me to tell you that dinner's ready," he said. Tristan had been staying with the Wheelers ever since he'd been dropped off. There was no way he'd catch up with the troops once he had recovered, and insisted on earning his keep by working the fields in Joey's place. Jono saw Serenity smile brighter with him around. True it had always been the boys who were closer friends as children, but it appeared that Tristan had caught Serenity's eye.
Jono glared at Tristan and made a few 'Don't get fresh with my sister' gestures before dropping down to the ground. "Dinner already? She's definitely got something on her mind," he commented, letting Serenity hold his shoulders and arms while she dropped herself.
Tristan nodded, knowing that Leah Wheeler overcooked when she was thinking hard, but on the other hand it always meant good meals. Jono inhaled his herbs from his pouch and sighed as his lungs and throat relaxed, the drop had left him winded. "Let's go help then, maybe we could convince her to garden tomorrow rather than cook again," he suggested, glaring a little as Tristan offered Serenity an arm and made her blush. "Keep your distance pal!" he growled.
Serenity just giggled "It's only Tristan, Jono," she assured him, allowing him to be her escort.
Jono just grumbled all the way to the table.
Leah picked at another tiny weed as the day wove on. She looked up and saw the teenagers sitting on the roof, talking and watching, their work done for the morning. She sighed, missing the sight of her second eldest child who acted like the firstborn half the time. She missed his loudness, his humour, his playfulness and his outwards, careless charms.
The letter she had received from the general had given her hope that her son would return, but had been honest too, she had written a reply at once and sent the messenger boy back with it. Then she had prayed all day after it had gone, to plead with the powers that be to let her son come back to her.
There had been no word since. But rumours spread like a disease, and soon she had heard every side to the story of her son's deeds, from the avalanche to the rooftop. Her smile was full of pride when she heard the stories; her son, a hero.
No longer a hated misfit: a beloved hero.
She smiled again and knew that his troubles would be over as soon as he woke, the people of the village had completely changed their tunes about him, they spoke of him kindly, admired his strengths, though Vivian was insistent in his unworthiness, her word hardly mattered against a thousand.
Visitors from other villages stopped to see where he grew up, people asked for news on him with concerned expressions and brought flowers for their shrine. Leah wiped and eye and moved to the next, already flawless, flower-patch. Joey would be so happy if he knew … but Leah didn't need any of that, her son in her arms once more, would be all she needed for her world to be perfect.
"Mother! Mother!"
Leah looked up as Serenity ran into the gardens. Her smile was patient as she watched her little girl pant for breath, maybe the boys were bickering again and she had to sort an argument.
Serenity grabbed her arm and nodded frantically "He's here! He's here! Joey's come home!" she gushed out, happy tears on her face as she tugged on her arm.
Leah felt the world shake around her, her herb cradle was dropped and she at once ran, all dignity forgotten, to the lane in front of the house. True enough, her boy was there, riding down the lane towards her, looking like someone god sent.
Leah's heart got stuck in her throat and her eyes began to water. Joey … my boy.
Joey dismounted and stared at those he called family for a long time.
Leah, his Mother, looked about to burst into tears, her clothes slightly dusty from working in the garden and fields. Serenity was glowing, her smile so wide and yet she panted. Jono looked relieved, as if he'd pass out any second from it all. Tristan just flashed thumbs up and stayed back, knowing it was a family moment.
Joey stared longingly at them all, it was like a spell had settled over them all; no one could move or speak, just stare.
Joey felt a sting in his chest, he'd wanted to see them for so long, and had thought he'd lost his chance to ever see them again many times, yet here he was … and he couldn't think of a single thing to say to them. He could only drink in the sight of their faces … a sight he'd never realised could be so precious.
Serenity was the first to break the spell, "It is you …" she whispered, first having pinched herself twice to make sure it wasn't a dream.
Joey nodded with a smile "It's me, miss me?" he asked half teasingly half nervously.
Serenity didn't answer. She moved; her first hesitant step forwards was followed by another, until she was running to him. Joey moved forwards and opened his arms as his little sister ran into him.
The younger clung at him with arm and nail and sobbed into his shoulder "Joey! Oh gods Joey, you're back," she hiccupped into his shirt.
Joey rubbed her back, feeling a bit thick in the throat too, "I'm back … please don't cry," he murmured.
Serenity shook her head "I can't, you idiot! I'm so happy to see you!" she gasped.
Joey squeezed her gently "Me too Serenity, me too." He rested his head on top of hers and simply stood there as she cried happy tears and held him nearly painfully tight.
The blond looked up as a warm hand rested on his shoulder, he opened his eyes and smiled at once when he saw his Mother smiling tearfully at him. "Hey Mum," he croaked, feeling himself crack up with all the emotion in the air.
Leah cupped his cheek and smiled so wide her eyes crinkled and her tears found their ways down her face. She gathered up Joey and Serenity both and held them tightly "Ah Joey … my little hero," she partly cooed and sobbed.
Joey cringed "Mum!" he whined, sounding so much like his childish, playful self that they just laughed. Joey grinned and relaxed, feeling their family aura and acceptance surround him. After a while they calmed down and Joey looked up at the only family not joining in the big sappy reunion.
Jono looked sad and wasn't meeting Joey's eyes for more than a moment, yet couldn't seem to stop staring either. He looked very conflicted; probably what Joey had looked like in every conflict on his adventure. Joey smiled at him and gently untangled himself from his Mother and Sister to approach him.
Jono met Joey's eyes, they were the same height, but he did seem to be looking up. Joey smiled sadly "Hey …" he greeted awkwardly.
Jono smiled a little too "Hey … er, you're alright then," he said equally awkwardly.
Joey looked to a side and scratched the back of his head "Y-yeah … sorry to disappoint," he teased.
Jono blinked "I'm not-" then he saw the look in Joey's eyes and rolled his own "Right … Ah screw it!" he suddenly shouted and grabbed his twin, pulling him into a tight bear hug. Joey gasped as Jono's strong arms crushed him close. Jono's head was buried into his shoulder, he seemed to be grinding his teeth.
Joey's eyes tore up as he realised what happened and crushed him back, though not as tight as he didn't want to set off an asthma attack. Joey felt a little dampness on his shoulder "Jono? What's-"
"I'm so sorry, Joey," Jono gasped out through tears, hardly believing that his brother was finally back. "I didn't mean what I said, you're the best ever, if you don't fit in it's because everyone else is not treating you right," he gushed out, sounding rather emotional, but controlled too.
Joey relaxed and nodded "I know, I'm sorry too … but you're still a stubborn jackass," he said with a poke to his ribs.
Jono snorted but showed no signs of letting Joey go yet. "Whatever Mr hero misfit."
Joey cringed a little, a little embarrassed that his family were taking such notice of that. He blushed a bit and scratched his nose bashfully "Well … I guess I'm honorary for our family now I'm a hero, instead of a-"
Jono pulled back and glared at him sharply "Don't say it." he commanded.
Joey frowned "But it's true, I've always been a burden … I guess these gifts do make up for a bit of it though," he said looking down at the gold and ruby.
Jono didn't even glance at the expensive and impressive presents "Joey," he smiled and put a hand on his shoulder warmly "The greatest gift and honour is having you as my brother," he assured him with a proud smile.
Joey looked up, hardly believing it all … then smiled, it was exactly what he needed to hear, "Thanks Jono," he mumbled, rubbing at his eyes with the back of his hand, unable to keep it together. He'd been really touched by Jono's promise.
Jono laughed and pulled him into a noogie "Don't get any ideas about slacking off around here, I'm still the family favourite," he teased.
Joey yelped and playfully struggled in his hold, though with his training he could have easily gotten out, he enjoyed the familiar routine.
Serenity and Leah laughed, seeing the boys acting like they always had been. Serenity giggled as Joey finally got out and returned the favour, the hikari then held out his hand for her and she happily took it and cuddled into his side, refusing to let go for a while. She squeezed his arm and gasped "Wha- Where did you get these?" his biceps were like rocks!
Joey flexed them playfully "Yami training camp, idiot general put me through my paces even more than the rest because I was 'the worst recruit he'd ever had'," he mimicked Seto's stern stare and pose and made Leah and Serenity giggle.
Jono pulled out his arm and flexed his muscles too, but Joey's were still easily bigger and more toned, Joey sniggered at his attempts "That's nothing," he pulled a hulk pose and laughed when Jono's jaw dropped. "Who's the man!" Joey growled.
Tristan snorted, having wandered off to get Mai, who was grazing in the middle of the lane "Clearly not you," he chuckled.
Joey straightened up and looked at him, only just noticing him "Hey Tristan, what's up?"
Tristan shrugged "Nothing much, been picking up your slack here around the farm," he teased, leading Mai into the courtyard. Mai was fine with Tristan, she knew him when he was a child.
Leah nodded and lightly smacked Joey's head "Yes, that's for leaving in the middle of the night, gods and spirits, don't ever be so reckless again!" she scolded. Joey shrank down a little and offered a sheepish smile as an apology. But then his Mother just smiled "I'm glad your back," she murmured and kissed his forehead.
Joey rubbed it off at once "I'm not a baby Mum," he whined.
Leah hugged him at once, seeming to insist on babying him, "But of course you are! My little hero!" she cooed, making everyone laugh and Joey complain while trying to get out of her arms and failing. "Don't run from your Mother Joseph," she warned as she let him go.
Joey pulled a face "What Mother? I don't see one here-"
Serenity poked him and giggled "Oh stop it," she protested good naturedly.
Tristan smirked as he untacked Mai "Hey I heard you took on Ushio on the Palace roof, but they say you summoned a god to fight with you or something, so what really happened?" he asked eagerly.
Joey smirked and tapped his chin "I did had a little help," he admitted as they led him inside, he glanced back and saw Red Eyes running along the roof of the barn. "Thanks buddy," he grinned and shut the door tightly.
The Wheelers and Tristan were a good audience.
Joey told them about baby Red Eyes, the camp and the friends he had made, about what an ass Seto was and also what a good teacher he was too. He told them about the 'Wet blanket', finding Tristan and how he ended up coming here, the village in the mountains, how the hikari's found him attractive- which prompted lots of laughs from his family when they realised his predicament.
He told them about finding Seto's dead brother and about honouring the village, Serenity was very upset when he admitted that no one got out of there, not a hen or a child or a soldier. Tristan blew out his cheeks in a relieved sigh, thankful he decided to volunteer as messenger when he did.
Jono and Tristan were really impressed and on the edge of their seats when Joey told them about the battle in the mountains, how hopeless it all seemed until he'd gotten the crazy-mad idea to start an avalanche. Leah and Serenity both gasped as Joey described the daring escape, and his injury-
"What?" Leah gasped.
Joey blinked "Yeah, the guy got me across the back. According to Red Eyes it nearly killed me …" he trailed off, Valon whimpering from under the table, having licked Joey silly when he'd seen him earlier, Joey scratched his ears, Valon rolled over with a happy doggy grin.
Serenity paled, but Tristan snorted "You're making that up," he claimed.
Joey glared and stood up to pull his shirt off "Am I now?" he challenged, turning his back to them to show off the impressive and barely fully healed scar. Serenity squeaked and Leah looked rather pale at the thought.
Tristan leaned back in shock "Whoa … that's huge! Did it hurt?"
Joey shot him a flat look "No Tristan … not at all, I can give you one if you'd like? We could be a matching
pair," he teased, pulling his shirt back on again.
Tristan raised his hands and waved them in a 'back off' kind of way "I'm good," he said quickly.
Jono winced as Joey sat down again "Gods and spirits … sorry I put you through that," he said, sounding ashamed.
Joey slapped him on the back, "Will you give it a rest? It's all in the past, and I survived didn't I?" he pointed out with his goofy grin.
Leah embarrassingly hugged Joey again "Oh my baby!"
Joey pouted and shrank in his seat "Mum! Stop it! I'm not a kid!" he protested as she looked at the scar again.
Leah bit her lip "It nearly killed you … oh gods we nearly lost you and didn't even know it!" she gasped, sounding upset, she wrapped her arms around him again "Are you alright? Does it hurt at all?" she pestered lovingly.
Joey rolled his eyes and patted her arm "I'm fine Mum, the doctors and healers patched me up real good," he flexed his back "See? All it'll leave is an ugly scar," he glanced over his shoulder "And man is it hideous," he groaned. What yami, even the stuck up nobles at the party, would want someone with that on his back?
Serenity shook her head "No, it makes you look brave," she insisted.
Tristan smirked "It's badass, you'd have to travel quite a bit to fine one to compete with that one."
Jono laughed "People will think twice about messing with you if you stood up to Ushio," he grinned, thankful that Joey would now no longer be picked on, challenged perhaps, but no more bullying.
Joey thought about it, the cogs in his head slowly turning. "I guess it's kinda boss," he admitted after a few moments of thought.
Serenity smiled "What happened then?"
Joey mumbled "Where was I? Ushio, back, avalanche … oh yeah! I was being looked after by a doctor one of the guys ran off to get and that's when they found out I was hikari-"
Leah gasped "No!"
Joey cringed "Calm down Mum, it's okay, Seto dropped the sword at the last second. Said because I saved his life he'd spare mine, and then they just left."
Leah breathed a few times before collapsing back into her seat "Thank heaven …"
Joey continued to describe how he'd nearly gone home but then the Huns appeared again and were going to attack the city. He told them about his reckless ride down to catch up with Seto and the others, and how he wasn't believed at first, then about Ushio's appearance and his plan, with Red Eye's help, to save the day.
He told them about facing the Huns, skimming over the part when he nearly got assaulted, and how the group had gotten Solomon to safety. He told them how he decided to stay with Seto and how he ended up running for his life through the Palace with a baby dragon that was passing out on him.
He smirked at Serenity "That scapegoat spirit you gave to me on the matchmaker day saved my life Serenity, he used his powers to protect me once and gave me a way up to the roof when Ushio was about to kill me," he covered her hand fondly "So you were right, scapegoats are lucky."
Serenity beamed, her patience and love for her brother had paid off when summoning a spirit that day, though it took forever and nearly made her give up because it was so frustratingly difficult to get him to come out.
Joey told them about how weak he was since his back wound had opened, how Ushio had him cornered and then, by a miracle and a half, Red Eyes grew up or evolved into a massive fighting dragon. Joey had them on the edges of their seats as he described how Red Eyes fought Ushio's monster and how he had to take on Ushio alone again.
Serenity and Leah gasped when Joey told them how Ushio beat him up on the top of the tower, Jono was holding his breath and feeling a horrible tightening on his chest that had nothing to do with the asthma.
Jono let out his own cry of denial as Joey told them how Ushio was going to drop him onto the tower spikes, and then shook Joey's shoulders angrily when Joey admitted that he jumped and took Ushio with him. "What the hell was wrong with you? Why'd you jump?" Jono raged, angry that Joey had nearly thrown himself away, literally.
Joey shoved him off of him, easily because he was the stronger one by miles now "I thought I was gonna die, so I took the bastard with me, apparently he hit me on the way down and I hit the ground instead while he went squelch on the tower spikes."
Serenity went green.
Jono sat up and glared at Joey "You went to save my life not throw away your own, reckless idiot," he muttered.
Joey pulled a face "Well if I didn't do it I wouldn't be here, so there." He crossed his arms childishly.
Leah saw how green Serenity was and sighed "Enough boys, you two are acting like three year olds."
Joey and Jono looked at her and grinned "Who us? Never," they laughed as they spoke at the same time, enjoying the games they used to play as children. Tristan and Serenity began to laugh too, the old atmosphere was still there and the same.
Leah stood up "I'll go put the teapot on, be nice while I'm gone," she warned.
Jono and Joey smiled innocently "We will," they said, but the second she was gone they both brought out the crossed fingers.
Serenity shook her head "You two … where did you get this Joey?" she asked, tapping his golden crest.
Tristan nodded "Yeah you look like one of those stuck up nobles now," he snickered.
Joey snorted and took it off for Serenity to admire "Well at least I don't talk or act like one, Seto made a point that I couldn't compose myself for an Emperor's feast, said I was embarrassing," he sneered slightly, pouting at the tease the other had made.
Serenity smiled as she saw a tiny scapegoat on the back of the seal, then looked up "You speak about Mr Seto a lot, were you close in the army?" she asked.
Joey blushed and looked away "Er, no not really," he muttered quickly.
Jono and Tristan smirked "You're blushing Joey," Jono teased. "Did little brother find a crush in that yami camp?" he snickered, poking Joey's shoulder annoyingly.
Joey shoved him over "No I did not!" he denied, going redder than ever.
Tristan laughed "You're lying Wheeler, you're so red you're bleeding out of your face," he said pulling him into a noogie.
Joey crossed his arms "Fine, I like the guy, though he's an ice cold bastard with an ego the size of east Texas and I basically can't have a decent talk with him without it ending in an argument," he grumbled as the others beamed at him.
Serenity positively glowed in joy "You found someone? I knew that matchmaker was no good! I'm so happy for you Joey!" she cried, hugging him and batting Tristan off his neck at the same time.
Joey smiled a little and patted her back "Yeah … I guess it's kinda good … shows that there are people out there who accept me," he blushed slightly.
Jono smirked "So … did you get anywhere with the snowman?"
Joey rolled his eyes "Abominable snowman more like …" he saw Jono and Tristan's suggestive smirks. "What? Oh come on the worst thing I've done is complement him … and perhaps pass out in his lap, but that's all-"
Tristan and Jono put their arms around his shoulders "We don't believe you," they taunted. "Come on spill the beans," Jono pleaded, jabbing Joey in the ribs. "You wouldn't be this shy about it if you didn't have something to hide, tell us!" he grinned.
Joey ducked out from under their grips "Knock it off …" he saw their expectant gazes and groaned "Alright, I kissed the guy, but that's it-"
"Kissed him!" they all exclaimed.
Serenity blushed in pleasure "Oh I'm so happy for you!"
Jono "Nice one, didn't think you'd have it in ya to go out on a limb like that."
Joey blushed and looked away "Um … he kissed me, I think."
Tristan gawfed and put an arm around him "Well he must be into you then, maybe we should invite the guy over and make sure he'd good enough for you," he grinned, having lots of fun at Joey's expense.
Joey flipped him over his head "Knock it off!" he shouted. Tristan stared up in shock, very winded now, he was shocked that he had been flipped so easily! Joey turned his back on them all "It was just a spur of the moment thing, and I bet I won't even see him again after that. Besides it happened in the middle of throwing insults so I bet it was only to shove me down," he explained, feeling a bit sad at his own conclusions. Valon whimpered and leaned on Joey's leg, pawing at him until he was scratched again.
Serenity smiled and held Joey's hand "You shouldn't put yourself down so much, you're handsome and brave, and I bet he was impressed at how strong and clever you were in all the fights," she pointed out.
Jono nodded "Yeah, why would he kiss you if you didn't impress him? And if he didn't mean it I'm sure he wouldn't have you blushing from it," he smirked, laughing as Joey glared at him.
Tristan shook his head and sat down again, "With all that aside, you're going to love life here now, everyone thinks you're awesome, even some of the guys you've put on their asses are showing off saying: I fought Joey the hero," he informed, finding it funny that guys who had once been so embarrassed about being beaten by a hikari in the past were practically showing it off now.
Joey blinked "No way!" he challenged.
Jono nodded "Yeah way, ask Mum, they've been dropping by from all over to see where you grew up and the temple is full of little flowers for you," he added.
Joey blushed and scratched the back of his head "Huh, well what do ya know, being a hero has its perks," he admitted, making Serenity giggle.
Valon's head suddenly perked up and he growled slightly.
Tristan and Jono sighed "Another passer-by?"
Valon began to bark, scratching at the door and panting a little, he liked company.
Leah looked around the corner and sighed "Joey, you see them off, if they see you they might just leave right away, ask them to come by another day would you?" she said, holding a teapot and the smell of rice and cooking following her as she came from the kitchen.
Joey inhaled "I've missed your cooking Mum," he said absently, making her smile pleasantly. Joey opened the door and held Valon back by his collar "I'll see who's standing outside, save some for me!" he cheered as Valon nearly dragged him down the hall to the front door. "Easy boy, it'll only be some dork or other," he soothed him, pausing to scratch his ears.
Valon leaned into Joey and rumbled in pleasure, whining when the person knocked on the outer door. He wanted to see who it was!
Joey tied him up on a post and patted his head before he jogged across the courtyard, my fans huh? Makes me sound like some kind of celebrity. Joey snickered as he unlatched the door "Hey, what can I- Seto?!" he gasped.
Seto blinked, standing in the doorway looking as professional as he always did, but also a little uneasy. He wore black trousers, blue cape with white stitching and a wine coloured top, his sword and crest positioned just like Joey's. Seto met Joey's eyes for only a second and then looked slightly away with his eyes, arms crossed and facing Joey but not looking at him. "You never said goodbye," he stated, trying to sound cool but there was an element of nerves there too.
Joey blushed a little and looked away too "Y-yeah … sorry …"
There was an awkward silence.
Seto cleared his throat a little and said "Did you mean what you said?"
Joey jumped "Huh?"
Seto held up Joey's note. "You don't regret what happened?" he pressed, making sure that Joey wouldn't be able to dodge the issue anymore. He didn't follow him all the way home to be messed around.
Joey blushed and dropped his gaze "Er … yes. I mean it," he muttered, wishing the ground would swallow him up. He didn't feel ready to face this yet, even though he had made up with his family and twin, he felt so embarrassed and his heart jumped and ached whenever he saw the guy.
Seto smiled a little "Me neither," he said lowly.
Joey gasped and met his eyes. They were still icy, but a hint of the warm thaw that had sparkled in them after their romantic moment yesterday was there. Joey stared in awe … then smiled back, his relaxed and peaceful smile making him look very hikari, warm and light, like an evening sun.
Seto unconsciously reached out and cupped Joey's cheek gently, not wanting to push boundaries or spark an argument. Joey's eyes widened but he didn't pull away, he leaned into the touch slightly "I guess you can be warm ice-man," he commented with a small smile.
Seto smiled too "Only to a special few," he agreed. Then he frowned "I'm not very good with feelings … or being warm, but …"
Joey covered his hand and smiled "You're warm enough for me," he assured him.
Seto blinked then nodded. "I'll be honest with you Joey, I want to know why you left, was a goodbye that hard for you?" he asked.
Joey dropped his gaze ashamed. He was quiet for a moment then said "I couldn't mess up again … before you met me I was always a screw up, more than normal … I didn't want to push my luck, if you saw me like that … I didn't want to be alone again," he admitted, looking very sad.
Seto sighed "Idiot."
Joey jumped "What-" then gasped as strong arms wrapped around him, holding him comfortingly. Joey gasped slightly, hardly believing it, Seto was … holding him? "S-Seto?"
Seto sighed "We're not going to abandon you puppy, you've grown on me and the men, even the counsel and everyone who's ever met you I bet," Seto felt a blush raising for his out of character sensitivity, but pressed on anyway "You're stuck with us Mutt, like it or not."
Joey relaxed and laughed a little, holding him back warmly "Very warm," he complemented. "Thanks, I needed that, sorry for leaving." They leaned back enough to see each other's faces and smiled.
"Joey?"
Both teens jumped and pulled back from contact as Leah called him. Joey looked over his shoulder "Mum! Er …" he flustered for an excuse quickly, but Leah was already by his side.
"Who is this?" she asked politely, her eyes flicking to the crest and to his sapphire sword, just like Joey's though this man appeared to have been a noble or hero for longer than Joey had judging from his posture and rich appearance.
Joey cleared his throat and said "Er, Mum this is Seto Kaiba the General I told you about, Seto this is my Mother," he introduced quickly, feeling nervous, what if his Mum didn't like him?
Leah's eyes lit up "Oh, you're that General who wrote to us," she recalled. She extended a hand "Nice to officially meet you, I'm Leah Wheeler," she smiled, liking the look of this yami at once.
Seto smiled and took her hand "Nice to meet you too, Mrs Leah," he greeted like a gentleman, making Joey supress a laugh or two.
Then he registered what his Mother said "Wha- you wrote to them?" he demanded at Seto.
Seto shrugged "I thought they'd like to know that you were in a coma and you were a hero, you seemed unable to write at the time," he said coolly, making Joey's fiery side spark at once.
He growled "Why you-"
"Joey!" Leah snapped at him, making him shut up, cross his arms and sulk a little. She shook her head and sighed "Mr Kaiba we were just about to have dinner, would you like to join us? I'm sure you've had a long journey," she said kindly, spotting his horse grazing in the background.
Seto smiled "Thank you very much, I'd like that," he glanced at Joey as Leah went to get his horse "Is that alright?" he asked, not that Joey had a choice since his Mother invited and he'd already accepted the invitation.
Joey looked at Seto in surprise "Trying to be nice?" he asked.
Seto shrugged "I'd like to get to know you better Joey, the real you this time," he smiled as Joey met his eyes with a smile.
"It's fine …" he looked shyly away "I guess I'd like to know you too, outside the professional stuff," he added.
Seto nodded, already liking this new shy side of Joey, Leah lead his horse inside and tied him beside Mai, who promptly ignored him with a flick of her tail. Joey chuckled at her antics and scratched her forelock as he passed, she nickered in pleasure and even gave Seto a friendly nudge before returning to blanking the horse determined to get her attention.
Red Eyes watched from the rooftop as Joey lead Seto inside, the two pleasantly talking for once, having a good time without the arguing, though they did still call each other names. The dragon could only conclude that whatever barrier that made them resort to arguing had been dissolved and now let them speak openly, or perhaps they were putting on a good show for Joey's family. Red Eyes hoped it was the former.
"They're perfect for each other aren't they?" he asked tiny scapegoat, who bleated happily, pleased with how things turned out. It was better than he could have hoped for.
Red Eyes nodded in agreement "They must have admitted that they like each other, so now they don't have to keep their barriers up," he thought aloud. Tiny scapegoat chuckled and then turned to the temple, bleating his own encouragements now.
Red Eyes sighed, he looked at his temple, it looked so weird now Hermos wasn't guarding it, his home was different, but he was different too. He wasn't the infant dragon who ran away in fear and shame; he was a young adult guardian dragon who had matured through and through much like his master. So now it was time to put his pride aside and just accept or take whatever the ancestors would give him.
Red Eyes puffed out a large breath and nodded "Let's go," he said evenly, he crouched and then glanced at his little friend "Together?" he asked timidly, his nerves getting to him and finding their way into his voice. The small fluff ball smiled and nodded, he would not abandon his friend so close to the end.
Red Eyes smiled toothily and let the smaller spirit climb onto his head before he glided over the lawn to the roughly circular temple.
Red Eyes glanced up at his old bell and was surprised to see it empty, he thought it would have been occupied by now, he thought he'd be replaced. Tiny scapegoat bleated his comment about the bell, which made Red Eyes laugh. "As if they'd get rid of it, Mrs Wheeler would notice," he pointed out, she rang it every day.
"Well it makes announcing my return a little easier," he giggled and took flight to hit the bell, making it toll the familiar tone that woke up the ancestors.
The graves and plaques shivered and from the ever burning incense the ghostly figures immerged. Red Eyes watched, his small stomach in knots, as the members of the family stretched and settled on their seats, finally the oldest Wheeler Lord appeared and completed the family.
Red Eyes glanced around at them all. A few were glaring, but many were smiling, others looked indifferent or curious. Taking courage from the happy ones Red Eyes pulled himself up to his full height and said "Hello everyone, I've returned."
Lord inclined his head in welcome "Indeed you have, and you have grown," he complemented evenly, a kind smile on his face.
Red Eyes stretched his wings proudly "Yes sir … I fought another guardian and protected Joey as much as I could, he won the war," he explained.
Lord and others nodded "Yes we've heard!" an aunt exclaimed "And to think that you all wished him ill."
Those accused shifted uneasily.
Lord chuckled "Yet even those who did know had not acknowledged his full potential, it seems we were wrong to attempt to drag him back," there were murmurs of agreement. Lord looked down at the dragon again and said "However, you did disobey us and went in Hermos' place, never mind how it turned out, you, by all rights and powers, should not have gone," he said sternly.
Red Eyes squeaked indignantly "It wasn't my fault! If I hadn't gone Joey wouldn't have had a guardian at all! Hermos didn't wake up when I asked him too! I Even hit his gong! Then I … er … I kinda blew him up, sorry!" he squeaked, cowering as the ghosts stared at him in disbelief.
"You blew up our best guardian!" shrieked an old woman.
Red Eyes glared "He wasn't going anywhere, and still won't be by the look of him," he thought of the pile of rubble that was behind the temple … he guessed Mrs Wheeler had tidied it up, must have thought that lightning struck it or something freakish. "He's hardly a so called great guardian if he won't get off his pedestal to help Joey! Hell even Lord was wake in this crisis!" he raged.
Tiny scapegoat bleated his own comments and arguments, and for a while the ghosts just muttered amongst themselves. Hermos should have woken up, he always did, this twist was worrying. Finally Lord spoke "You have been very foolish young dragon," he said with a stern glare "You and Joseph could have died many times on this journey alone."
Almost did about nine times and counting. Red Eyes thought sarcastically.
"You ignored your duty, ran away from your mistakes, and yet you still find it in you to answer back," Lord sighed. Red Eyes smirked a little, Joey's rubbing off on me. The ghost then smiled "Yet you have matured well, and I expect Joseph has too, by the satisfied feelings coming from you even if I were to scream insults at you, you wouldn't care." Red Eyes nodded slightly.
"You have shown loyalty, initiative, bravery, but the loyalty is the most admirable. For that, I can only award you," the ghost smiled, most gasping in shock and lots smiling in agreement afterwards. "All in favour of making this young dragon a guardian?" nearly all raised their hands.
Red Eyes blinked in surprise then smiled "I don't really need anything. Joey's happy and that's all I want; we're friends now, and if he's happy I'll be," he explained, feeling the loyalty they spoke of and found himself blushing because of it.
Lord chuckled and leaned down to pat the dragon's head "That's the answer I was hoping for. All I think you deserve is none other than Hermos' old spot on the roof, it seems only fitting that a guardian hero should have the best spot available."
Red Eyes trembled in joy then cheered, jumping off of the ground and squealing while hovering "Oh Yes! Yes please! Oh gods I'm a guardian! A real guardian!" he cheered, making the ghosts laugh.
The irritable old woman huffed "He hardly acts like one."
Her husband nodded.
An aunt shook her head fondly "Just like Joey doesn't act hikari. They're perfect for each other, and for us," she clapped in his honour with the others.
Red Eyes beamed and flopped back to earth with a toothy grin "Thank you so much," he bowed. But as he stood up he paused "But what about my friend?" He nudged scapegoat forwards and said "He helped Joey too, he should get a reward too," he reasoned. Tiny scapegoat on the other hand was trying to hide and bleating in embarrassment.
Lord chuckled "Why of course … it seems we need a new bell ringer, would you be willing Scapegoat?" he asked kindly. Tiny scapegoat thought about it for a moment then nodded with a bleat of approval.
Lord sat back "And we have said all that needs to be said except; Welcome home, and thank you," and they ghosts vanished.
Red Eyes looked at tiny scapegoat and grinned widely. The tiny animal smiled back. After a moment they were both jumping around the temple cheering and shouting and roaring and bleating like the world was perfect!
Red Eyes flew up onto the roof with tiny scapegoat and took his place "Gosh, I never thought I'd be here," he sighed settling his wings into a proud and yet protective position, his statue had to look right!
Scapegoat nodded, jumping around and offering tips and hints, then finally going down to his new bell and attaching himself to it, becoming bronze and waiting for the next opportunity to serve his family and friends. Red Eyes took a breath and let himself glow, he grew in size until he was in full fighting mode, then just as slowly turned to stone; he became the new and proud statue of the Wheeler family, their most powerful and trusted guardian, for his loyalty.
Joey looked out the window as Leah came around with yet more tea, their dinner out and steaming, and as Joey looked away he glanced back.
The temple had a different statue.
Joey blinked again, then smiled at the sight of his old friend, now his signature guardian. Well done buddy, you deserve it. He praised in his mind, he swore he heard a dragon laughing. Seto smiled at Joey absently, following his eyes to the new statue and smirking as he recognised the guardian atop it: Joey's guardian.
How fitting. Seto thought while supressing the urge to laugh. He looked around at the Wheelers and the Taylor, and felt a little bemused at how comfortable he felt. Though he was still reserved, he didn't feel on his guard here.
Joey's sister, Serenity, was sweet and calming. She was polite and graceful, and seemed to adore her family without hesitation, her spirit had some of the fire Joey's did.
Jono was Joey's twin, though he didn't resemble Seth in the slightest, Seto was reminded of his own twin. He was like most yamis, yet had a slightly softer side which showed how the blond twins clicked, each had something similar to the other. He was jokey and fun, laid back like his twin, loud, a bit rough and defensive sometimes, but that was yami pride.
Leah was a strong willed woman with a gentle hand, she had to be to keep her sons and their friend in line, but she loved them all too much to be firm. Serenity seemed to be taking after her as they were both ladylike.
Tristan was very much like Joey, the only differences was he seemed to be less reckless and a bit more sensible, he also could keep his calm better than Joey.
Seto didn't know what it was about this combination of people, but he felt as relaxed as he did at home. Leah smiled at him "I'm sure this isn't as grand as you're used to-"
"You don't know the half of it Mum!" Joey laughed "He dines at the Palace," he rolled his eyes.
Seto raised an eyebrow at Joey, fairly amused, Leah was giving Joey a scolding look. "This is fine Mrs Wheeler, it's much better than eating on the go, and it reminds me of home," he said evenly.
Joey snorted "You can say that twice, remember when we had to eat things cold in the mountains 'cause we didn't have enough time to start a fire? Ugh!" Joey shuddered. Jono and Tristan laughed.
Leah sighed "I thought you'd be more disciplined when you came back Joseph," she said sternly, frowning at him to try and will him into submission.
Seto snorted as well, making Serenity and Jono glance at him in surprise, he hadn't laughed in their presence, he didn't seem the type. Seto spoke, his eyes on Joey "On the contrary, I think you'll find that Joey is a dog unwilling to roll over for anyone," their eyes locked and ice found fire.
Joey glared heatedly "Oh shut your face! I'm not a dog!" he shouted.
Jono laughed and put an arm around him "Chill out doggie," he teased.
Tristan put his other arm around him "Yeah, stop barking," he laughed.
Joey's face went from angry to raging and he tackled them both to the floor. The three brawled, exchanging insults and blows, while Serenity and Leah just continued eating. Serenity had a content smile on her face "Ah, it's so nice to be together again," she hummed.
Leah nodded, buttering a bit of bread as if everyone was having peaceful conversations "Don't break anything boys," she warned absently.
"Yes Mum/Mrs Wheeler!"
Seto stifled another laugh "I take it this happens often?"
Serenity nodded "All the time, I've missed this so much, it's too quiet without Joey around," she smiled.
Seto smiled too and watched the feisty blond wrestling his brother and friend, only to stop and fuss over Jono when he started wheezing. Seto sipped his tea and nodded to himself; Yes, it would be very quiet without Joey, very boring too. The icy eyed teen could only come to one conclusion with that realisation (though the sudden openness between them had helped a lot too): Well I'm just going to have to keep him around.
Joey sat up from his scuffle and grinned at him, not ashamed of his behaviour at all because he was being himself. Seto smiled at him, yes, after getting to know you, and I know I'm going to like the real you, I'm afraid I'm going to have to keep you. Joey winked at him before shoving Tristan over and returning to his seat. And Seto knew he wouldn't mind.
Joey: ... no kiss?
Amme: I'm saving the real romance for Yugioh Mulan 2. Joey's getting married!
Joey: *blushing*
Yugi: Oh yeah! That story will have puppyshipping from start to finish.
Ryou: I can't wait, will they have romantic moments at all?
Joey: Huh? Now wait a moment-
Amme: Spoilers! I'm not saying.
Yugi: Well there will be our shippings in there too Ryou.
Ryou: Bakura's happy, he's going to be a main for once.
Amme: You three hikari's had your guest star appearances in this chapter. Now Let's ask the obvious questions:
1) Fav part?
2) Least Fav part?
3) Fav chapter out of entire story?
4) Least fav chapter out of entire story?
5) How was the puppyshipping?
6) Who's looking forwards to Mulan 2?
7) Can anyone offer some suggestions on how Seto should propose to Joey in character for the squeal? (or this could be his most OOC moment yet!)
Amme: Thanks for all the feedback, and see you next time! Bye!
Characters: Bye!