AN: So I wouldn't call it a hiatus since I've written ahead by over a dozen chapters, but I've taken a break from writing this (since it's so massively long). I will keep updating through where I've written (and posting chapters weekly), but I'm trying to better pace myself so I don't get burned out working on this fic. Hopefully by the time my posts catch up to where I've written up to in the story, I'll be back on the fantasy epic train.

Enough rambling – back to your fanfiction!

Jounouchi was never one to think too deeply about the consequences of his actions, even when he was a soldier. Orders were easy enough to follow and it became second nature to fall into line and obey. However, there were times when Jounouchi found himself acting on his instinct, trusting his better judgment. He rarely got burned before on it and believed that if the ends justified the means, then shaking things up couldn't be a bad thing.

As Jounouchi sat outside of Seto's tent, waiting until the High Priest calls him in, he suspected that he might face repercussions for this line of thought.

His reception upon returning to base had been… mixed. Honda was in better spirits than he had ever seen him, their trap having gone off without a hitch. Jounouchi suspected Mana would have been in the same camp had she not exhausted herself. She nearly passed out before she reached her safepoint, leading to Otogi intervening on her behalf.

Otogi was more than hesitant to see their whole mission as a success. He had enough insight to know that their little stunt wouldn't come without retribution. What manner of this revenge remained a mystery. Still, even Otogi had been impressed that Jounouchi managed to fool the son of Aknadin, traitor to the throne himself.

However, all congratulations and sense of accomplishment was tinged by Jounouchi's new companion.

Jounouchi realized how rash it had been to invite Mai back to camp, but she agreed to join their cause. Otogi had brought them to their main base without much convincing needed. While any warriors that were interested in the cause were certainly welcomed, there was a pause when they saw one of the Harpie Ladies standing in their mists. Especially given the number of mercenaries hired out by the Sennen to sniff out the Resistance.

Jounouchi decided to withhold the fact that Mai joined them based on a coin toss. That seemed like more of a hindrance to his cause than anything else.

Despite all the rabble and mixed reactions around him, Jounouchi had yet to see the most important person of all – the High Priest himself. That was probably the most nerve-wracking part of it all. He had no idea if Seto was impressed, furious, encouraged, relieved, or worried by Jounouchi's brazen challenge to the Sennen.

All bold and daring deeds aside, Jounouchi knew that an army didn't function without order and discipline. And Jounouchi may have pushed his luck on this. He thought about this, ignoring Mai who stood by him. She spent her time fletching her arrows, her movements swift and sure. A bemused smirk danced across his lips as she watched Jounouchi pace about.

"Is that what it takes to shake you up? Not a knife to your throat, but a stern lecture?"

Jounouchi let out a small huff, shaking his head. "It's more complicated than that."

"Is it? People only have as much power as we give them."

Jounouchi turned to stare at Mai. She didn't meet his gaze, staying focused on her task. Jounouchi narrowed his eyes. "You don't believe that."

"No, I don't. You learn fast," Mai chuckled.

Jounouchi shrugged. He watched Mai's hands at work, mesmerized by her craftsmanship. "Did they teach you that in the guild?"

Mai paused, examining the connection between the shaft and feather. "Everything I know and am is because of the guild."

"Why did you join?"

"Because I didn't want to die." There was no bitterness in Mai's voice, her violet eyes meeting Jounouchi's. "Between starving on the streets, selling my body for gold, or learning to fight for gold, the third option seemed most appealing. What was meant to be just a means to survive became a new family for me. It's not a bad life, all things considered."

Mai flicked her eyes up, a small smile on her face. "Why are you so curious?"

Jounouchi shrugged, glancing away. He could feel his cheeks heating up. "Just curious is all. I've never met a Harpie Lady before."

"Probably to your benefit. We're pretty damn good at what we do. You had a tough sell back in the alley, but if you played your cards right, I think Seto might be the highest bidder." Mai smiled, thinking quietly to herself.

Jounouchi was about to respond when the tent flapped open. Otogi stepped out, a tired look on his face. His green eyes locked with Jounouchi for a moment before flicking away. Something about that stare made Jounouchi's stomach lurch. Something bothered Otogi and he had a feeling he was about figure out why shortly.

Otogi pulled at his gloves, adjusting them briefly as he looked away. "The commander will see you now."

Jounouchi licked his lips, his palms suddenly sweaty. He ignored Mai's piercing gaze on him, focusing on Otogi. He sensed that the merchant wanted to say something, but refrained from doing so. Jounouchi almost wished he did, just so that his own anxiety would be eased in some way.

Jounouchi stepped inside, the tent flap providing little secrecy for their meeting. Still, Jounouchi felt trapped as he stared at the High Priest's cape, his back turned to his visitor. He didn't know what the repercussions of his actions would be, but Jounouchi suspected that they wouldn't see eye to eye. "You wished to see me, commander?"

Seto didn't turn around, still studying something on the table in the center of the room. He was making Jounouchi wait for a response, the silence tormenting him further. Jounouchi could almost appreciate this level of petty and cruel punishment.

Finally, Seto stood up straight, though he was still turned away. "You said you were a soldier before joining the Resistance, yes?"

Jounouchi wasn't sure where he was going with this but saw no reason to without any information at this point. "That's right."

"Did you have a flagrant disregard for orders back then as well?"

Jounouchi shifted his weight from one foot to another, eyes flicking down. "In fairness, sir, you never gave me any orders regarding this matter. So you didn't tell me I couldn't interfere with the Sennen's plans for a public execution."

Seto gave a dry snort, his voice sharpening. "Is that the best excuse you can provide? Is that how you'll justify putting everyone's lives on the line to satisfy your ego?"

Even though Jounouchi knew Seto had intended on disciplining him for his behavior, this accusation hit a bit too close to home. There was both truth and falsehood in his words and Jounouchi retorted before he could think through his actions. "You're one to talk! At least I'm trying to do something to raise the spirits of everyone here!"

"Giving the Sennen a reason to openly target and hound us does not help our cause!" Seto hissed.

"And letting an innocent be publicly executed by our enemies doesn't either!"

Jounouchi pulled back, feeling a rush of anger and trying to avoid a larger fight between the former High Priest. He rescued Seto's little brother and this was his thanks. He knew that the larger issue was the manner in how he rescued Mokuba, but a little gratitude wouldn't go unmissed either.

Seto didn't reply, avoiding all eye contact with Jounouchi. The fact that Seto still didn't face him irked him, but Jounouchi figured he could at least try to show some respect to his superior officer. He did serve in the military and eventually learned that diplomacy got you places. Some of the time.

"Perhaps I shouldn't have acted out as I did. I know that it was out of line for me to do. But I didn't want you to have to choose between your duty to the people of this city or your duty to your brother." Jounouchi gave a heavy sigh, thoughts returning to his sister.

Jounouchi didn't expect Seto to change his behavior, having picked up on how stubborn the High Priest could be. He heard Seto exhale, turning slightly. His blue eyes studied Jounouchi from a profile. Jounouchi met his gaze, feeling more sympathy for the man than his behavior warranted.

Even if Seto would not express it, Jounouchi was glad he intervened. He was thankful that he stepped him and saved Mokuba. Despite the punishment he might face, it was worth it if it meant saving Seto the burden of losing his one and only brother.

Seto opened his mouth as if to respond when the two were interrupted. A young teen raced in, running into the tent before realizing that he was interrupting. "Brother, the scouts have retur- oh, am I interrupting?"

Seto rolled his eyes, a smirk growing on his face. "Only a little. I was just talking to the idiot who saved you."

Jounouchi blinked, confused by this sudden shift in attitude. He didn't have time to process when Mokuba turned back, his face lighting up. "Wait, you're the one who pretended to be my brother back at the square?"

Jounouchi raised a hand to rub at the back of his neck. "Uh, yeah, that's me." He remembered how awkward and stilted he felt, trying to portray the equally awkward and stilted attitude of the High Priest.

Mokuba bowed deeply, his black hair fanning into his face. "Thank you. I don't know what the hell you were thinking, but thanks to you, I'm still alive!"

Jounouchi looked back at Seto, who smirked at him. This smile was less jovial as it had been towards his little brother and more conniving. Jounouchi didn't know what to make of it, instead feeling his ears burn. "No prob. Just trying to help out here."

Mokuba stood up straight, trying to toss his hair back in place. He turned back to his older brother, ignoring Jounouchi. "The scouts are back with reports regarding activity along the Western wall. Want me to bring them here?"

"In a bit. I have other business I need to take care of first," Seto flicked his eyes towards Jounouchi, his expression unreadable.

Mokuba gave a quick nod. "Alright. I'll go help the recruiters and grease the wheels of our propaganda cart." Without taking another breath, Mokuba vanished back outside the tent in a whirlwind.

Jounouchi blinked, watching the cloth settle back down where Mokuba was last seen. "He's quite the little helper."

"No doubt. I trust Mokuba with my life. He's reliable, smart, and determined. He's easily one of the best assets this Resistance has." Seto stated this as if analyzing a tool or cog in a machine. Jounouchi knew despite his detached words, Seto cared deeply for his brother. He only needed to think back on the soft smile that graced his face briefly when he saw his little brother.

The silence that followed reminded the two men of why they were there. Jounouchi bit back a sigh, deciding to rip the bandage off and deal with the sting that followed. "May I ask how I am to be punished for my insubordination?"

Seto stared at him, arms crossed as he leaned against the table. After a moment of contemplation, Seto spoke in a slow and measured tone. "Normally such behavior would involve proper military protocol, but frankly, we lack the numbers to warrant hindering ourselves in such a way. I would normally have you locked to the base for an extended period, prohibiting you from leaving or engaging in all other military operations. However-"

Jounouchi straightened up a bit, noticing how Seto lingered on the word. "…Given the circumstances and outcome of your little stunt, we need every man mobilized. Now that we have momentum against the Sennen, we need to galvanize every able-bodied free man in this city and do what we can to retake the city."

Jounouchi leaned in slightly, not trusting his luck. "So what you're saying… is no punishment?"

Seto scowled, irritation slipping back on his face. "Do this again and I will have you on a leash and bound to this underground hellhole until spring."

Jounouchi bit back a grin, nodding instead. "Understood, sir. I promise to get permission before I do any more stupid things around here again."

Seto rolled his eyes. "Somehow I doubt that." Seto frowned momentarily, finally looking back at Jounouchi. "If it wasn't for you, my brother would be dead. Don't think that's not been lost on me. You acted where I couldn't, knowing that my ignorance was the only way to avoid raising suspicion by the Sennen."

Jounouchi raised an eyebrow, stepping forward. He was feeling a bit more daring now that he was out of danger, so to speak. "Are you saying that I did was right?"

"Of course not. I wouldn't even say that's something I would have done. Perhaps that's why I'm glad it worked out as it did."

Jounouchi furrowed his brows, not really following. Seto gave no further explanation, so Jounouchi didn't pry any further. He suspected this was the closest he would get to a 'thank you' from Seto and didn't feel like trying to get the words out of Seto. He probably wouldn't get far.

Seto walked towards Jounouchi, passing him. "I believe we have one more issue to address."

Jounouchi frowned, looking back as he saw Seto open the tent. Mai stood outside, studying her nails in boredom. Seto said nothing, waiting for the woman to enter. Mai ignored Seto but winked at Jounouchi as she walked in. Jounouchi couldn't help the small grin on his face.

He wasn't entirely sure what Seto's response was to his newest recruit, especially given the circumstances of how they met and her allegiance. If Mai was true to her word and wished to offer her services to the Resistance, then Jounouchi knew she would be a major asset. However, there was little room for error given their situation and Seto was a tough nut to crack as it was.

Mai walked over to the table, looking down at the maps and notes spread across. She leaned against it, a small smile on her face. "Looks like you've got a busy operation going on here?"

Jounouchi stepped forward, curious as to what she was referring to. In a flash, Seto swept across the room, sliding the papers away. Jounouchi felt somewhat sheepish for snooping, but Mai just smirked up at Seto, challenging him. Maybe it was preemptive, but Jounouchi had a bad feeling about this upcoming conversation.

"Jounouchi, introduce me to your new acquaintance." It was a command, not a request.

Jounouchi sighed, looking back over at his companion, who kept her eyes locked with Seto's. "This is Mai, from the Harpie Ladies guild. She caught me while I was trying to escape. I talked her out of turning me over to the Sennen in lieu of serving out cause. For a price, that is."

Seto raised an eyebrow. "Mai Kujaku?"

Mai smiled, batting her eyes. "Oh? You've heard of me?"

Seto chuckled, a smirk growing on his face. Jounouchi didn't know what was happening, but decided not to question his good fortune. "I'm the High Priest – I'm familiar with the ongoing events around the country, even in dire straits. Word is there was a coup within the order of the Harpie Ladies and they installed a new leader."

"Really? How interesting." Mai shook her, golden hair dancing around her face. "Tell me more."

Seto stepped back so he could meet Mai's gaze. "They say the new commander is a young, sharp-shooting pro. She has a no-nonsense policy and drives a high price for their services. She's escalated the Harpie Ladies from your ordinary guild to an effective company that rivals any local militia. And she's made sure that everyone knows their services don't come cheap."

Mai brushed her hair back, closing her eyes. "It's a tough business. No point in risking your life over a few coins."

Jounouchi pushed back his bangs, trying to take all this information. "Wait… Mai… you're the captain of the mercenary guild?"

Mai chuckled, flicking her eyes towards him. "You're not the sharpest tool in the shed, are you?"

"I'm smart enough!" Jounouchi snapped back, bristling at her remark.

Mai shrugged, giving him a wink. "Perhaps that's true. Don't worry, at least you're cute."

Jounouchi was ready to swear at her for her sharp tongue when Seto coughed, a note of irritation slipping back into his voice. "As entertaining as it is to watch you demean Jounouchi, I have business I want to take care of first."

Jounouchi threw his hands up in the air. Of course, Seto wouldn't take his side. He wasn't sure why he expected otherwise.

Mai crossed her arms, craning her head back to look at Seto. "I'll take it you're interested in hiring?"

Seto paused, watching Mai as if she were a viper. "Depends on how much it'll cost me."

Mai snorted, her eyes sharpening. "150k for the entire company. All in advance. We'll take care of our own armor and equipment. All rations and housing will be on you."

Jounouchi sputtered at the high price, wondering if Mai was making some sort of joke. Based on her glare she gave challenging the High Priest, she was dead serious. Seto gave a dry, bitter laugh, his expression scornful. "You know damn well that we don't have that sort of cash to spare."

Mai's smile widened. "Of course the Resistance doesn't have that kind of money. But you're the High Priest. I have high expectations from you."

Seto narrowed his eyes, considering the demands. Jounouchi thought the price was ridiculous, but at the same time, the Harpie Ladies were not to be scoffed. Tales of their exploits across the country were folk legends and the addition of a full mercenary company would be a massive boon to their pitiful Resistance.

The price was high, but the stakes were even higher. And Jounouchi could tell that Seto was weighing the price before him, trying to see which way the scales would tip.

Seto thought for a few moments longer before making his final offer. "35,000 in advance, 140,000 after the Sennen have been driven out and the capital has been retaken."

Mai frowned, considering the option. Jounouchi realized it was a lot to ask for her to wait for her payment until afterwards. Then again, it was a lot to ask of anyone to join an uphill battle. Jounouchi knew he was receive a soldier's pension for his work, but that wasn't why he was here. If Mai wanted to fight for cash, that was her call.

Jounouchi didn't consider his reason to fight nobler than any other cause. He just felt that it was the better option than waiting for the Sennen to destroy everything and everyone he loved. And if Mai needed a little more incentive to join, then that was fine by him. So long as they succeeded, it didn't matter the cost.

The price of liberation from oppression was high. Gold was a minor cost in all that this war would likely cost them.

Mai gave a curt nod, offering out her hand. "I can work with that."

Seto took her hand, shaking it. He glanced over at Jounouchi, a predatory smirk on his face. "It seems even when you screw up, you can still score a winning hand."

Jounouchi sighed, accepting his lot. If it meant satisfying their egos to accomplish their goals, that was another small price to pay to defeat the Sennen. Still, Jounouchi wasn't one to roll over. "A simple 'thank you for getting us in touch with a powerful mercenary guild' would've sufficed."

Mai laughed, breaking away from Seto as she waltzed towards Jounouchi. She nudged him with her shoulder. "You're putting in overtime this week, babe. Maybe you should pull a card from my book and renegotiate your contract."

Jounouchi rolled his eyes. "I'm not here for the money. I want the Sennen out of this city just as much as anyone else here."

Mai tossed up her hands in defeat. "You can lead a horse to water."

Seto shook his head. "Mai, if you could not encourage my entire army to start asking me for raises and focus on gathering your guild, that would be fantastic."

"Sure thing, boss. After I see some gold."

Seto let out an exasperated sigh, flicking his eyes between Jounouchi and Mai as if trying to decide which of the two was the worst evil. Jounouchi thought he might win more points with Seto for good intentions, but knew that was dumb logic to use. Seto was going to be pissed off over a lot of things as it was. No point in avoiding the inevitable.

Seto left to go fetch Mai her payment. She grinned, turning back towards Jounouchi. "I can already sense this is going to be fun."

Jounouchi snorted, but a grin grew on his face. "Sure. Let's call it that."