Shadows That Bleed

by YamiYugiPuzzleshipper

Pure-Bloods are said to be myths, not even well-known within stories. "A specialized genetic coding of the moon and the dire," their spoken lore proclaims. They are creatures beyond the power of mortality, gifted by the gods themselves. Known as the Eternal Ones, their existence once extinguished, resurrection foretells a powerful omen.

92. Mercy

Disclaimer: I do not own Yugioh

Update schedule: Unknown due to limited time

Edit Schedule: Sporadic due to limited time

Chapter Warnings: Blood/Violence, Hunting, Pack Politics, Referenced Torture/Experiments, Self-Loathing, Low Self-Worth, Referenced Depression, Character Deaths, Referenced Night Terrors, Referenced Self Harm, Referenced Panic Attacks

Chapter XCII: Mercy

Work Log Entry LXXX: February, 2010

February 6

It seems that both Genesis and this female hellhound cannot change other people. The infection does not spread by their saliva. One of our guards has offered to be injected with blood to see if the disease can be spread in this manner.

February 12

The only change in the guard has been his behavior.

He's become far more volatile and paranoid.

He almost bit one of the others when we were called for a meeting.

The boss was amused but ordered he be killed the moment he left the room.

Pegasus will be the one to do it.

And they will use Atem for the task.

Execution date is a week from now.

February 19

The guard tried to attack Atem but could not get to him before Atem did.

Atem broke his spine and stomped his head in.

Then he looked at us and waited for us to remove him from the room.

The behavior is considered bizarre, but not to the point of being worrisome.

February 28

One of our main trackers and hunters has begun ingesting lycanthrope blood for the sake of seeing if it changes anything in them.

The boss is curious to see if anything is recorded for them.

Work Log Entry LXXXI: March, 2010

March 28

The only changes in the hunter that are noticeable in any manner are enhanced senses. There is no other detectable change.

The boss is adamant of his refusal to allow him to use Atem's blood.

Yugi was amazed how different the world seemed as he traversed the snow. It was so pristine and white, the ice stretching for miles beyond what he could see. It was odd, sensing everything so much more intensely than ever before. He wasn't sure of the cause, whether he was more attentive due to his new resolve or he was more powerful from using his wolf form so often. Maybe it was the sparring, flexing and pulling muscles he hadn't realized he'd even had before. He supposed it didn't matter, however.

He could smell everything on the wind, from pine laden with snow to the faint scent of rabbit beneath the ice. He smelled Yami's breath beside him, coffee and the smallest inkling of minty toothpaste from brushing his teeth before drinking his beverage. He heard his heart, slow and steady and warm in his ears. His breathing was even and soft and low against the padding of his paws as the ice crunched beneath them. He felt every little breeze that sorted his fur. The air tasted of pine needles and faintly of blood, metallic and hot where it lay on his tongue. Beyond the white snow there was nothing to be seen but the occasional patch of greenery where the conifers had shed their heavier loads of ice.

There were no tracks yet to follow prey.

He flicked his ears, listening intently for any hint of noise to announce another animal nearby. But there were no boars or serows. And rabbits seemed scarce, buried beneath the ice and hiding and running about beneath their paws.

Yugi shook himself out and lowered his nose to the ground. There was no scent to accompany his movements and he was well aware there likely wouldn't be any for a while, if at all. He flicked an ear again. Yami was still a couple of feet behind him, moving slower rather than trying to usurp him in speed. Yugi assumed this was strategic, that Yami suspected the possibility of an ambush nearby.

He didn't know whether to be grateful or feel suspicious. Yami had seemed okay when he'd initially agreed to come with him. He didn't seem upset, but Yugi couldn't tell. He didn't know where he might have overstepped or—

Why do you seem as if you're growing anxious?

Yugi flinched, springing into the air. He hadn't considered Yami was paying attention. He hadn't considered how easily he could scent his growing tension and worry. He didn't want Yami upset, but it was becoming increasingly difficult to beat around the bush with him.

I was just…working myself up like I always do…for no reason. He paused mid-step and looked at him over his shoulder. Yami was still feet behind him, studying rather than approaching. His ears pricked forward and he tilted his head as he stepped closer. Yugi turned to face him entirely. I just…

Did you have something on your mind you wished to speak to me about?

Yugi almost flinched. It was a surprisingly open invitation and, maybe if he was someone else, Yugi would have taken him up on it. But what was there to tell him? He already knew Yugi's biggest secret. And he knew Yugi would do anything for him. He was already the closest person Yugi had left, barring Jonouchi. And he didn't want to further stress him out when Yami was so obviously on the breaking point almost constantly.

I don't…think I actually have anything to say, really, he finally admitted. He lifted his head to study him, flattening his ears. I think it'll be fine. I'm just tired, aibou. I think I need a nap.

And somehow that felt like the understatement of the century. He was tired, after all, and sleep almost guaranteed relief from the stress of his thoughts.

Once we eat, Yami murmured, distracted. Then he glanced at him and his eyes lit up with amusement. Unless you are too tired to hunt?

Yugi blinked, surprised by the teasing. But part of him wondered. He was tired. And some part of him dreaded the idea of wasting so much energy like this. No way! I'm still hungry. I can't sleep on an empty stomach, he joked. But he remembered long nights where his stomach woke him from his fragmented sleep. He'd look around the room to find Yami and see nothing and feel all the worse for hoping he'd be back. And he hated himself for remembering that now.

He didn't want to think of that time, where Fuwa had captured Yami and held him captive. And, despite how much Yugi hated it, he knew Yami was aware he was lying. There had been too much time in which Yugi had failed to eat and his depression made everything taste of mud.

We can hunt and chew on bones and antlers.

He turned away to keep Yami from arguing, trotting a few steps ahead and wagging his tail. He heard him coming closer and paused, turning his head. Yami was at his hip, eyeing him almost critically.

I'm okay, Yami said abruptly, and Yugi felt both relief and frustration course through him. He should have known Yami would know. He read him so easily, especially now when he was trying his hardest to make sure he didn't forget Yugi wasn't just Atem. I don't know why you're so afraid for me, but I am okay.

Yugi didn't know how to put it into words. So he licked his cheek instead. Somehow being able to reach out and touch him now was the most comforting gesture he could make to calm himself. Yugi offered him an awkward smile, wagging his tail once, and turned away.

Are we looking for boar?

Yami didn't answer for a long time. No. It would be far easier to catch a serow. He brushed against him, and the feeling made Yugi almost tremble in delight. He'd almost forgotten just how warm and soft Yami truly was. Their necks are not as thick. We'll need to work up to boar. A serow or deer require only half the jaw pressure. And they are not nearly as violent. I cannot protect you should something go wrong. Serows and deer will simply run.

Do you think you'll need to protect me? Yugi said slowly. I'm a lot stronger than I was before, right? I think I'm strong enough to hold my own if it comes to it.

Yami stared at him, eyes cold and harsh. Then he blinked and turned away. I am not questioning your abilities, he answered quietly. It is just that I do not believe you ready to do so now. It would be better to work you up to that point. I cannot protect you right now. That is my concern.

If you think you'll have to protect me, then you don't believe I can do it. Yugi pointed it out simply, but a part of him bristled at the words. Did Yami truly have such little faith in him?

The other wolf burst out laughing, the noise sharp and derisive. His head turned and his muzzle was inches from Yugi's, lips peeled back slightly to show his incisors in a sneer. Will you lie to me and say you are certain you can do it? Will you mislead me and assume I believe you too weak? I would never have started training you if I believed that. Do you not understand that should something happen I would like to be able to help rather than act as a hindrance?

He flinched and stepped back. Yami looked as if he were seconds from lunging. I… He hesitated. I don't like being useless like this, Yami. I can't keep relying on you all the time. If I get hurt, I get hurt. It's my problem. I can't just…expect you to fix everything for me.

Yami huffed, turning away. I cannot save myself, he scoffed. How would you expect me to do so for you? I can't save you or anyone else.

Yugi flattened his ears. That's not what I meant.

I am aware. Yami stopped walking to turn his head and stare at him over his shoulder. His red eyes were dark like pools of dried blood and his pupils had become small. His voice was harsh and searing. But that changes nothing. The point is you do not know how to fight a boar as I do. You are not capable of decapitating them. You do not know how to utilize that strength. And I cannot teach you in the midst of a fight. It you are harmed and I cannot help, you could damn well die. You have told me Japanese boar are known for rampages and violence.

Yugi nodded slightly. You're right. And for a single second he felt stupid for arguing. But some small part of him was relieved Yami cared enough to properly plan like this. He wouldn't let him get hurt, even when it would have been easy enough to simply take that risk. He could have sent him straight into the brawl and ignored the potential collateral. The adrenaline and violence alone would have spurred his survival instincts until Yugi fought to save himself. He could have left him to figure it out on his own.

Am I now? Yami asked slowly. His eyes narrowed, ears pricking forward. You believe me to be right?

I just said so, Yugi teased, wagging his tail. Yami looked so suspicious it almost made him laugh. He licked his forehead and grinned. I think you're right. I think you're absolutely right about the whole situation. I couldn't handle it on my own. And if I got hurt, things would only get worse from there.

The black wolf tilted his head, staring with huge eyes. I'm used to you arguing more fervently, he mumbled, blinking. Why are you buckling?

Yugi snorted, wagging his tail again. Because, aibou, I trust your judgment. I asked you to train me for a reason. I asked for your help. If you think I'm not ready to fight and hunt boars with my jaw strength as it is now, then I'll listen to you. He tilted his head. I asked for your help. If I'm going to let you teach me, I need to listen and trust your judgment before I ignore and try to prove you wrong, right?

Yami stared, then blinked once long and slow. I'm almost amazed you are so confident right now. He lowered his eyes abruptly. But then, I also always knew you had such strength.

Yugi ducked his head, sheepish for a split second. I'm trying, he said softly, unsure how else to respond. He felt warm and soft all over. Yami's words almost made his legs quake. I don't know how well it will turn out if I don't listen to advice. I have to learn not to neglect things just because they frustrate me.

It's a rather pleasant change, Yami said quietly, the praise mild but warm all the same. Yugi watched him trot forward, gait easy and bouncing as if he were parading to show off his hunting skills. I'm glad you are finally listening and helping yourself rather than wasting energy ignoring it.

And it only took my family being killed, Yugi thought bitterly.

But even with that knowledge, he couldn't help but think it was Lupa that had spurred him to act now. He pricked his ears and watched as Yami continued along. He had the small urge to whimper and lay down, to curl up and sleep and ignore the rest of the world.

He wasn't powerful enough. He hadn't learned and embraced everything about the wolf formerly. He couldn't face Yubel and hope to win yet, either.

She was too strong. He couldn't hold his own against her for the moment. He couldn't rely on someone else to fight her. As much as Obelisk and the other gods claimed the two Pure-Bloods were meant to rely on one another, he did not believe they were supposed to be so dependent. It was a hindrance as much as it was a strength.

But some small part of him was hopeful that even should he fail, the world might slowly knit itself back together again. Perhaps it would do as his own cells did. It would likely take far longer for the world to recovery, but he hoped it would happen all the same.

It wasn't truly his failure which counted.

Yami was the immortal between them. And the gods were fearful of him, as his cage mate had admitted. He'd said Yami could bring the world to its knees. Yugi himself hardly seemed to matter in light of that.

It doesn't matter, Yugi snapped at himself. He moved forward when Yami glanced back. He'd gotten yards ahead, mistaken in assuming he'd followed. Sorry. I got distracted, aibou.

Yami considered him closely. Very well. Let's get a move on then, shall we? Let's try to find some prey. I'd like to show you and let you experiment on your own today rather than tomorrow.

Yugi nodded. Understood.

They traveled in silence a few more miles. Yami slowed, trailing him. Yugi wasn't sure what brought the change of pace; he'd hoped Yami would stay at his side. Yugi tried his hardest to ignore the extreme disappointment he felt, moving until his legs seemed stiff and frozen.

Listen, he mumbled, stopping short. Yugi turned with wide eyes, an apology on his tongue. But it never left him. The moment he turned around, he felt every hair on his back rise into a bristle of pure excitement. There was a serow nearby, standing amongst some of the trunks further away and busily digging into the snow for chutes of food. He blinked, pricking his ears forward, and took a small step. Look!

Yami glanced back. The serow stiffened, freezing. It had seen the movement. Without fresh snowfall, Yami was entirely too visible against the ice. He was the purest contrast against it, the darkest shadow against dazzling white. And the red of his eyes did not help. Almost any animal recognized the color for blood. He knew that much.

I missed it as we were walking. Yami was frozen but for breathing. He didn't flick an ear or wriggle his nose or glance over. Good eye, Yugi.

He didn't admit he hadn't noticed it beforehand. He just wagged his tail, the praise making his entire body warm. The serow seemed confused. When it breathed, a whistle of alarm escaped. But it did not run yet. Yugi wondered if it was frozen because of Yami.

Now what?

Yugi faltered. What would they do? Hadn't they come to hunt? That was the entire point of the expedition, right? Why would he ask Yugi that of all things? He blinked and looked over, flustered.

What do you mean?

I mean to teach you to kill and decapitate in the midst of battle. I do not need to learn the skill again. You found it. It is only right you kill it.

Yugi had the sudden sinking feeling Yami was pulling rank as any other pack mate would have. He suppressed a shiver, stomach rolling. The serow turned when he flicked his ears. But it couldn't see him but for a few small blots of black against the snow. Yugi wondered for a moment what it looked like, if it was pine needles or stones poking through the snow that it saw. The air was too frigid to carry his scent, which meant the animal was completely blind to his presence. It saw nothing but Yami there against the ice.

It makes more sense for me to do it. I have the perfect camouflage.

Yes, Yami said dryly. The two Code Name Atem came out exact polar opposites in color and personality. And one has proven himself far more useful on a daily basis.

Yugi bristled faintly. Are you talking about yourself or me? he demanded, flustered. He didn't know who he hoped Yami was referring to at the moment. Some part of him hoped more than ever he was referring to him rather than himself. He didn't want to hear Yami beat himself up without reason anymore. It doesn't matter. Keep it distracted, please.

Remember to watch your step, little one, Yami teased with a chuckle, and Yugi's heart melted at the nickname. He may not be able to see you, but he can certainly hear. Keep your steps light and do not move too quickly.

Yugi snorted. I already knew that.

And he did. But he was so giddy from Yami's playful temperament at the moment that it was almost impossible to listen to the advice. Every step was deafening to him. He kept his head lowered to the ice, trying to make himself all but invisible.

The serow bolted. Yugi took off in a sprint. His heart raced. His muscles burned. He jumped a snow dune. Then he leaped the fallen tree overhanging the river. When he landed, the ice under his paws scraped and scratched. He nearly collapsed. But his dew claws caught and held his balance. He maneuvered himself to race forward again a split second later.

The serow got a few feet away. Yugi sprinted faster. The snow flew about in his peripheral. He was blinded where it landed on his cheeks. Yugi drew in a deep breath. His muscles twitched. His skin burned. His fur shifted along his skin. He shivered with pleasure at the touch of cold air.

He sprang forward, jumping another fallen tree limb. He landed hard, nearly sinking into the ice. His limber legs and webbed paws held. He didn't sink too far to regain his speed. He continued, panting. He could hear Yami behind him. The black wolf was racing, but he seemed almost lost yards back.

Yugi chased until his lungs might burst. He caught himself almost stumbling. The serow put on a small burst of speed. Yugi kept his pace, refusing to speed up any further. His muscles were just growing accustomed. Another burst of speed would exhaust him, he was sure. He panted and jumped another snow dune. Then he zigged past a tree trunk. When he sprang forward, it was to snap his teeth.

He caught it.

The bone snapped beneath his teeth. The serow released a hideous cry. It fell into the snow. It rolled, leg snapping. Yugi panted and held firm. The snow was blinding. When he blinked, the ungulate struggled for its feet. Yugi kept his teeth clamped. The herbivore scrambled, balanced on three feet. Then it spun as if to face him.

But it was staring past him, at Yami. The black wolf stood inches from them, eyes sharp and boring. The gray goat-antelope whistled again, staring at him with huge black eyes.

He circled the serow once. Then he turned to Yugi. Release it. He can't run fast enough to get away. I'll hold him in place and you can practice. He hurried forward, circled again, and wagged his tail. Yugi was struck by the idea he was pleased with his ability to catch their prey.

He let go after a moment, getting up. The serow sprang a foot, buckling and collapsing as its trembling leg failed to hold its weight. Yugi shivered, both excited and hungry. He wagged his tail. The ungulate tried to dodge past and Yami snapped his teeth violently. The herbivore flinched, falling back.

You'll need it to stand to practice. Yami sounded almost flustered, drooling when Yugi looked over. His tongue flicked over his nose a moment later. The red-eyed wolf almost trembled and Yugi couldn't tell if it was pride or hunger. You'll need to do it from the front.

Yugi nodded, moving to circle it. Yami was staring at him now, ears pricked and body tensed as his tail wagged slowly. Yugi picked his way to the serow's side, standing before it a moment later. He stood there, bristling and staring. The animal whistled and stepped back, stumbling. Yugi jumped forward, lunging. But he never made contact.

The serow fell back, collapsing into the snow with wide eyes.

It was back up a second later. Yugi wagged his tail, staring. He didn't know what to do. How was he supposed to test his jaw strength like this? He didn't know how to brandish his teeth as Yami suggested.

He shivered. The excitement was almost painful. His blood felt as if it were burning. He wondered at the thought, risking a sideways glance at Yami. Was this why he enjoyed being a wolf so much? His heart rocketed in his chest. He couldn't shake the feeling of affection, nor the confusion. How should he do this?

He was inches from the serow. He lunged again, vicious.

But he stopped mere centimeters away. His teeth snapped the fur of its neck. Then he backed up a step. Then he circled several times more. Finally he came to a stop in front of it again.

Yami was silent beside him for a long handful of seconds. He glanced at Yugi, flicked his ears, and tilted his head. You'll find it easier if you stand lower to the ground and crouch somewhat like a cat. Make sure your mouth is open as far as it will go. When you snap your mouth shut, make sure to clamp down as hard as possible. When you do so, you should be able to utilize your strength enough to either decapitate it or crush its vertebrae. At the very least, if you aim properly you'll get the jugular.

Yugi considered, then nodded and shivered. He looked at the neck, studying the jugular once more. The racing tempo of his pulse drowned out any other noise. His eyes sharpened as he stared at the hair along its throat. The serow whistled again. Yugi bristled and shivered, lunging.

He caught it by the throat. But he did not cut through the flesh as he'd hoped. Instead his teeth sank several inches in. Blood flooded his mouth. But no bone splintered or broke. There was no death cry. Yugi hesitated, then released and backed up a few inches.

Yami was trembling, pacing rapidly back and forth. His entire maw was soaked in frothy drool. You have the proper aim. You just do not have the strength necessary as of yet.

Yugi nodded, licking his lips. The blood was sweet on his tongue. He shivered, bristling again. Then he stepped forward. The serow stumbled, sluggish. He wondered if it would collapse.

He sprang forward. He hit the serow harder than ever. His teeth sank in once more. Yugi snarled, flustered as he released it. Yami was staring from his spot nearby. His eyes were sharp and boring, ears angled forward. Something about the way he peered at him so blankly made him bristle furiously once more.

Yugi sprang again. He slammed into the serow hard enough they both collapsed. The animal screamed. Flesh snapped, muscles cutting beneath his teeth. The bones in its throat popped and splintered. Yugi clamped down harder.

It took a moment.

Then the flesh and bones came apart.

The serow's body flopped to the ground. The head dangled from his mouth.

Yugi blinked. Then he wagged his tail. He turned his head to hold his prize up and look at Yami. The black wolf snorted, eyes glittering with pride, and wagged his tail in turn. It was not as exuberant as Yugi's, but it possessed some sense of enthusiasm.

We will have to find another to practice on. You did well for your first try, he murmured. He watched Yugi, tail wagging lazily. His ears flicked back and forth. His voice was warm and soft. I'm amazed you managed so well. Most wolves cannot decapitate without more tries. I think Bakura's death helped. You still have something of the muscle memory. I think you are simply nervous.

Probably, he agreed. But if Yami was proud of him just for trying, why should he care if he didn't manage as they'd hoped? He couldn't exactly argue with him when he was so damn cynical and disapproving all the time as it was. Giving him one great compliment was worth far more than if he said them all the time to make him feel better. Rare praise was far better than false. If Yami could be proud of him for this, then he couldn't find it in himself to be as disappointed as he usually was when he seemingly failed. So, we eat and go searching for more, right?

Yami snorted. Glad to see you have an appetite.

Yugi lowered his head towards its stomach, then paused. Aren't you going to eat, too?

Yami needed the food more than him. He was stronger, after all. If anything happened, Yami was far more likely to be able to handle it than Yugi himself was. He shivered, flattening his ears. It was getting better. But he certainly wasn't up to par with Yami or Yubel.

Yami shot him an irritable look. You held her off longer than I could, he said icily. Considering you came into it without knowing what was happening and you've never been exposed to poison before, you did well.

Yugi flicked an ear. I don't think we'll ever agree on that. He refused to speak as Yami bore his teeth in annoyance. A moment or so passed before Yami looked away. Yugi leaned forward to lick his nose. Aibou.

Faithful as ever, Yami turned back immediately. The first syllable had barely left him when Yami faced him. Yugi hesitated again. He wagged his tail slowly, and gestured with his muzzle.

Come on, let's eat.

He knew the conversation would simply fester in Yami's mind, but he refused to have this argument now. Yami would hide until he couldn't stand it any longer. His snap of patience would bring everything to the surface. Everything would be used in a full blown assault fueled by resentment and bitter self-loathing and intensity.

He did not always mean to. He simply did it. And then he would feel bad after. So, Yugi didn't want to risk it at the moment.

You caught it. You have rights to it. Yami turned away. Eat.

Or, and hear me out, you could eat with me, because it's just the two of us.

What does that matter? You made the kill. You eat first.

Just eat with me.

Yami flicked an ear. You killed it. It's your right to eat first.

Who cares? It's just you and me here. What the fuck do I care about pack etiquette when I'm alone with you, aibou? Or is that something we're going to start practicing for no reason?

I've always practiced it, Yami snapped. Yugi remembered then trying to give Yami his dish of salmon so he could awkwardly pick at the plate until Yugi himself took a bite. He remembered being confused by his hesitancy, though it had gone away immediately after when Yugi handed the dish back. Yami had been so awkward and out of place, learning and adapting only after. He'd been afraid of eating in front of Yugi without allowing him the first bite. And he'd felt so relieved when Yami had seemed to grow out of it. It was almost painful to see him going backwards like this. I just did not always let you see it.

Yugi tilted his head, watching him. It's just the two of us, he repeated. His voice was becoming sharper, he realized, and he forced himself to exhale roughly to lose some of his tension. Yami, please. What does it matter?

Yami drew his lips back. I was born a wolf, he spat. I cannot turn off my instincts as you can due to your humanity. You do not understand how hard it is at times to even ignore the need to assert myself or show submission.

Yugi curled his lip, glaring. Petulantly he leaned forward and snapped a mouthful of meat from the serow, swallowing it whole and huffing. Maintaining eye contact so boldly made Yami bristle, but the black wolf did not show anger.

See that? I ate first. Now, come on!

Yami stared for a moment, then chuckled and came over. For a moment he hesitated, then ducked his head to begin pulling at the serow's hair and tugging it away. Yugi wagged his tail and hurried to mimic him on the other side. They'd stripped most of the fur a few minutes later, then dug into the belly. Yami eyed him sideways at all times, as if expecting him to grow angry for some reason. Once Yugi moved his muzzle closer just to see, and Yami predictably scooted away to a further part of the serow as if Yugi had lunged at him.

Yugi lay down half an hour later, licking his paws and rubbing his face with snow to clean his muzzle. Yami had picked off more of the meat than he had, finishing it and polishing its bones of anything flesh. It was mostly skin and bones and fur now. The way the fur sagged downward made Yugi shiver; it was like looking at a blanket fort with too little foundation. Yugi couldn't help but stare, shaken by the comparison if only because he'd always been fearful or something dropping on him. He'd always been afraid of falling, of going down an endless abyss. The nightmares had always destroyed his sense of feeling when it came to rushing or falling and hitting the ground.

He remembered too many nights waking to that feeling and never quite finding his feet again. He remembered dreaming, more than once, of being dumped into tanks of water. He remembered it embracing him, swelling and pushing and tossing him about. He acutely remembered drowning, his lungs crushed and broken.

You are shaking.

Yugi startled, heart in his throat and stomach lurching. He shivered, blinking. The black wolf was curious but mildly alarmed. His fur had risen into a mild bristle. He blinked, shaking his head and flicking his ears back and forth slowly. He searched his face, then looked away, mumbling, Sorry. I was thinking about something and I…didn't realize.

Yami seemed to consider asking, but decided otherwise. He turned away, licking his lips, and stood. He shook himself, stretched, and looked over at the carcass again. After a moment he came to the hollowed belly and dug his face beneath the collapsed skin once more.

Yugi watched it wiggle, pulsating with movement. A harsh snapping noise burst through the air in short spurts. Another sharp sound made the air crackle. Yugi shivered and lowered his head with his ears partially folded back. And then Yami returned. A large bone stuck from both sides of his jaws. It was long, sharp, thin, and the far end seemed thick where it was snapped partially in half.

A rib bone? Yami had pulled a rib bone out of place, holding it straight in the air. Yugi tilted his head as the other approached, tail wafting as he got to his side. We came for two reasons, did we not?

Yugi stared at him in open confusion, then shook his head and flicked his ears. He wagged his tail slowly. I don't remember, he admitted sheepishly.

Yami wandered back to the carcass. You asked about sharpening your teeth and claws. He snapped another rib bone and plopped down in the snow. I agreed to show you. Truthfully, antlers are far better for sharpening your teeth. But bones will work until they splinter. You can practice on bones for crushing force. An antler will break your teeth if you try too soon. We'll work our way up to that.

Yugi blinked, looking down. He remembered asking. But he also remembered the look Yami had given him, crestfallen as he sighed softly and turned away. Oh, right. He stared at the bone.

He'd read once that cats sharpened their claws on scratchers. The shells of keratin would break off and grow stronger the more they did it. Teeth wouldn't shed enamel, but he had seen Yami's canines. And they were far sharper at the ends than his own. Where he needed force to puncture, Yami likely only needed the energy to nip. He could probably serrate muscle like it was butter.

Yami was chewing on the bone as Yugi watched. He'd angled his head the smallest degree, back molars parallel to the bone. His teeth scraped rigorously. It didn't actually look like he was sharpening them. It looked like he was just chewing. But Yugi wasn't sure what he'd actually been expecting.

He leaned forward, smacking his paw against the end of the bone to make it flip upright, and lay down. He held it in place there, tilting his head as Yami was doing, and began chewing as voraciously as the black wolf.

---

Yugi sprang, jaws wide. He hit the serow directly in the throat. The force alone made the vertebrae snap. He landed, the bones pulling apart. He stumbled and rolled a few steps. Then he got quickly to his paws. The serow was decapitated, head a few inches away. Yugi shook himself out, wagging his tail.

He'd done it!

And it only took twelve tries, a small sneering voice said derisively. His excitement vanished, replaced by frustration in a matter of seconds. Yugi looked away, flustered.

Yami had been patient and supportive, watching and circling the chosen prey to keep the serows in place long enough. He'd congratulated him no matter what, wagging his tail and giving him sloppy grins. He'd praised him no matter how terrible the job done.

He'd never once wavered in support. And Yugi was thankful, so much so that at times he'd fought away trembles and whimpers at the approval. But it didn't stop Yugi feeling annoyed with his inabilities. He didn't understand why Yami was so supportive or patient.

But then, Yugi also realized, had it been Yami in his place he would have done the same.

And Yugi wondered now if Yami constantly felt this way. The disappointment in himself was almost overwhelming. He couldn't imagine living with this all the time. But Yami hated himself so much. And Yugi couldn't convince himself he didn't feel that way all the time. Yami seemed so often irritable and frustrated and disgusted when it came to anything he did. And any reprieve Yugi witnessed was short and far between.

Yugi may have criticized himself endlessly at times, but it was not as fiercely. Yami despised himself to the point of sheer, extreme loathing. When he did not loathe himself, he berated himself until he sank into depression. Every interaction with the red-eyed boy was almost an exercise of walking on egg shells. Encouragement or affection could send him into a tailspin.

Yami never even seemed to accept it when Yugi thanked him. And if Yugi felt this way now, how terrible was it to always feel this way?

Yugi flattened his ears and closed his eyes tightly. He wished he knew how to help him past that, but he knew he could never change it for him. Yami would have to make that change. And, in the place he was now, Yami couldn't do it. Even if Yugi spent the rest of his short life offering assistance and trying to raise his esteem, Yami would never accept it.

And if we both die permanently, what good does it do us then? Yami won't be able to hate himself in Paradise anyways. The thought was not comforting in any manner. He hated himself for daring to even consider it. He shook the thoughts aside, lowering his mouth to grab the head he'd managed to tear off.

It had taken hours of practice, but he'd done it. He should have been as proud as Yami. And, yet, he could not find even the smallest semblance of such emotion.

You did well! Yami praised, wagging his tail and hurrying forward. You managed it this time. And you didn't need any help! You didn't even need me to explain again. I didn't have to watch or anything. Good job!

Yugi flicked an ear. Thanks, he mumbled. Warmth wrapped itself around his chest tightly.

Maybe he couldn't find it in himself to be as proud as Yami was, but his encouragement still meant the world to him. He wagged his tail exuberantly, smiling when Yami came over with a bouncing gait.

Yami stopped inches away, eyes sparkling. First you excelled in your human from. And now you're doing it as a wolf as well! he continued. Yugi wondered if he could hear the hollowness gnawing at his voice. Was he thinking of Yugi's family as much as he himself was? Had he come across the same thought of What good will it do me now as Yugi had?

Yugi looked away. He wasn't sure his efforts for training summed up to "excelling". But he would hardly argue the contrary. Yami was too beautiful like this to crush his spirits. I guess we can either settle for a while or try to find another one and see if I can do it faster. He glanced hesitantly at him from the corner of his eye. Or we can just get the pack and they can eat.

We still need to find deer. We'll send the pack to clean up after. I want to see how strong your jaws are now, after all this exercise. Yami wagged his tail again. His red eyes lit with pride even as Yugi suppressed a shiver. He looked so happy, as if he'd forgotten his usual woes for the moment. Yugi's heart felt as if it might burst in his chest, his blood like molten lava in his veins.

It was several hours later that they settled.

Yugi had practiced until his jaw was sore. Between the constant pressure of opening his mouth so wide to snapping his teeth through flesh and bone, he felt as if the pain were a deadly throbbing. Chewing on the antlers Yami had broken from the deer skulls had only made his muscles burn. Yugi was unsure whether it was constant chewing or tension. In the time he and Yami had moved about the woods, before they'd contacted the rest of the pack to gather the food, Yami had become increasingly irate.

Something had destroyed his mood. He'd stopped celebrating with Yugi. He'd turned to snarling and sulking and baring his teeth. A yearling had brushed against him and Yami had turned on them violently. He'd snapped at their face so hard the nip he'd delivered had drawn gushing blood. Then he'd snarled and chased them when they'd turned tail. He'd only stopped when they were yards away, turning back and wandering off.

Yugi didn't know how to fix the discontent the pack took on now. And Yugi couldn't identify what might have caused it, but he suspected Yami had fallen somewhere beneath the weight of his memories. And he feared, more than ever, that Yami had shut himself off entirely. He had stopped processing what was happening around him. Yugi didn't know what to make of it, nor how to reach him.

Whatever the cause, he had not seemed to snap out of it. And Yugi didn't know how to stop the others feeding on his energy and further aggravating the situation.

Yami had, thankfully, however, moved to rest near a tree split halfway through by the cold, the bark shaved away and the wood splintered so that it sagged beneath the weight of the snow. The branches were drooping, half broken, and the twigs nonexistent. He'd settled there sometime after biting Yuya on the lip.

He'd curled up tightly, tail over nose. None of the wolves were anywhere within two yards of him. Even Yugi refused to move too close. Yami snarled if he approached, ears pricked forward and entire body rigid with aggression. Yugi gave him puzzled and worried looks whenever he glanced in his direction, but he was unwilling to ask. And, as the rest of the pack gave him due space to avoid his aggression, Yami was both relieved and disappointed that Yugi did not at least try to join him. The fact that he was alone like this was both a blessing and a curse.

Yami could not be sure how the pack situated itself around him. He did not know where Yugi had gone. He was asleep within minutes, in a void of darkness that slowly dissipated and stretched to reveal a wider view of his surroundings. It was startling as he wandered forward, snow falling in rapid flurries of white that were nearly blinding. Each step the snow glimmered and danced, shifting before his eyes like shadows in sunlight. The ice crunched softly, not at all like the harsh tone it possessed in the real world.

Paradise stunted even the noise of the outside world, he supposed. It was an interesting thought, if not the most logical. He shook himself out, picking his way cautiously. He wasn't sure entirely why he was so on alert. In truth, Paradise offered nothing to harm him or any other. But every hair on his back had risen into a mild bristle and he was not sure how to pinpoint this questionable threat.

His eyes flickered about. The snowfall was too heavy to see more than a few feet beyond his nose. The flakes were dancing, white and silver and slightly tipped with gold as well. He thought they looked more like frozen stars than flakes. But it didn't matter in truth, Yami realized as he came forward. The snow heralded the gods that had since woken from their slumbers, a she-wolf of a million different colors and a male the black of moonless winter nights.

He stopped short when he heard the crunch of paws nearby. He turned his head, pricking his ears forward, and strained his eyes to see past the swirling flakes before his nose. He listened intently for a moment, then flattened and pricked his ears again. He wrinkled his nose, considering the noise once more and trying again to catch the sound. He bristled slightly, but there was nothing to greet him. So he turned away to start forward again.

And snarled.

He jumped. Every fur on his body rose in a bristle. His tail came up. His ears pricked forward. His nose wrinkled back furiously. His eyes glittered with shock. His lips drew back to show his teeth. His brows furrowed and he snarled softly once more. He lowered his head. He squared his shoulders. He bore his teeth and stared.

He watched for a long handful of seconds. He blinked. Then he dropped his tail. His ears flattened. He lost his bristle. His shoulders sagged. He lowered his head further. His legs threatened to tremble. He exhaled, his curled lips falling back into place. He shivered, then backed up a step.

His cage mate was wagging his tail rapidly in front of him, completely unfazed by his previous aggression. Hi!

Yami stared blankly. He lowered his head further. He looked quickly around. Then he turned back. His cage mate did not come closer. Instead he tilted his head and wagged his tail once more. The black wolf backed up another step, then slowly moved to lay down in front of him. His focus flickered about the green-eyed wolf's face. But he did not appear angry. He never did, Yami reminded himself. In fact, in the cells, the other boy had only ever made sure to show Yami a friendlier and more comforting temperament. He never did anything to let Yami see his anger. He never did anything to let him realize he was so much as irritated.

The only time he had seen him even mildly upset had been with hideous distress. It had been nothing of anger. He had begged him to save himself. He had begged him to survive. And Yami had done so. In the moment he'd seen his cage mate at his most despaired and desperate, Yami had run for his life. He shivered, remembering this so acutely it made his legs shake.

Is your tongue missing? he teased. He wagged his tail again. Yami flinched and pressed himself further into the snow. He didn't want to consider how much of a disappointment he had to be for his cage mate. He'd lost his life for Yami to survive. And what had that gotten them? Yami didn't even think his life had been worth the smallest portion of the effort the other boy had put into preserving it. You don't remember how to greet your friends?

Yami pricked his ears forward, shaking his head. Then he lowered his eyes to the snow. What was he supposed to say? How should he acknowledge him? His chest ached, his heart threatening to burst through his ribs. He shivered violently.

His cage mate came closer. His nose lowered and touched his forehead gently. His breathing was warm, a phantom of what it had been formerly. Yami couldn't help but raise his eyes. The gray wolf wagged his tail and his tongue flicked out to run over his nose.

You're too damn adorable, even when you're so afraid you cannot properly face me, the other wolf teased. The gray canine took a seat, wagging his tail and flicking his ears. He tilted his head and smiled at him warmly, jaws parted enough to show his brilliant white incisors. Are you doing well? I know Yugi is taking as best care of you as he can. But he's as much a mess as you are, perhaps even more so.

Yami didn't know how to answer. He nodded after a moment, however, unable to think straight. The black wolf flicked his ears and tilted his head. The gray canine wagged his tail, encouraged by his acknowledgment despite how slight it was.

You're still as sweet and gentle as you were in the labs, the wolf continued. He wagged his tail and looked away. His ears pricked forward. I've missed you. I miss you asking me questions and looking at me with huge eyes. I miss how you used to watch me play with the food trays Ryou would drop in our cage. Do you ever think about those things?

Yami blinked and looked towards him with a small bristle. He flicked his ears and shook his head slightly, looking down again. I…try not to. He was amazed he could speak without choking. His throat felt tight and his belly ached. He shivered and shook his head again violently, flicking his ears once more. I do not like to remember.

That's probably better for you anyways. I don't like seeing you so depressed. And you won't let Yugi help you when you get to that point. He only wants so badly to help you and you never want to let him.

Yami flicked his ears and shivered. He stared at him for a long moment, then looked down and shifted his weight uncomfortably. He was not sure what to say in response, all but silent as he stared back at him blankly. It took another handful of heartbeats for him to finally look over and whisper, I don't like relying on others.

His cage mate flicked an ear, tilting his head. His eyes were soft and warm, full of an affection Yami felt might make his heart burst with pain. You didn't used to have issues doing so with me. You used to let me take care of you and help you no matter what.

Yami shook his head slightly. And it turned out so well for you, didn't it? he mumbled softly. He bristled slightly, turning away and wrinkling his nose. He stared down at his paws. You died because you cared too much. You saved me for no reason.

His cage mate made a noise of extreme disgust. Then he sighed loudly. Yami expected him to snap; anyone else would have. But the gray wolf abruptly fell backward. Yami didn't so much as grunt. His cage mate landed across his back, bracing himself against his side. He looked over at him, mouth partially opened so that he was grinning brilliantly. His eyes were glittering with affection and the warmth there made Yami tremble for a long moment.

You're worth every second of pain and misery, his cage mate dismissed. He wagged his tail, searching his face, and closed his eyes. He lowered his muzzle to his shoulders and snuggled into his dorsal cape. His voice was soft and loving and Yami couldn't stop shaking, staring blankly. The gray wolf opened his eyes halfway after a moment, wagging his tail and studying his expression. I've always thought so. And I always will.

Yami blinked at him, almost too overwhelmed to respond. I don't understand, he admitted weakly. I don't…

I'm sure Yugi would agree with me. I'm sure that Yugi would agree you're worth it. I'm sure that he would tell you he adores you enough to do anything for you. His eyes were sparkling with something that made Yami's stomach twist and his skin crawl. Something about his expression was strange and cunning, as if he knew a secret that Yami had no idea about. I'm sure if you were to ask him for something, he'd give you anything and everything.

He shook his head, flattening his ears back against his skull. I don't understand, he repeated, searching his face. But his cage mate simply smiled wider than before. His eyes were soft and beautiful, glittering and shining like gems. He wagged his tail again, then closed his eyes.

You don't need to, his cage mate said gently. You don't need to understand. It only matters that Yugi and I do.

Yami flicked an ear, more than a little uncertain. He flinched when his cage mate leaned forward to lick his forehead and settled more comfortably against his back again. Yami shivered, ignoring the pain that came through him as they faced each other. His stomach rolled.

You forgave him rather quickly, you know?

Yami blinked. Forgave him for what?

He couldn't think straight with the other wolf so close to him. There were too many memories, of the other teen leaned back against the wall and snickering at him or flashing him huge grins when Yami asked him questions about his life. It was hard to look at him and not remember those things. And Yami had promised himself he wouldn't think of the things from the labs, if only to keep his head on straight.

Drugging you, his cage mate answered. His voice was a little softer, less amused. His eyes were still warm, however, and he smiled at him with a small wag of his tail. You weren't as upset with him as he thought you should be.

Yami flicked an ear and studied his face. I wasn't angry with you when you nearly tore my face off the first time we met, either, he said wryly. I guess I just assumed he would have known better than to do that. But he did it to help me, not hurt me. So, I guess that's why I forgave him so quickly?

His cage mate snickered. I remember you recovering pretty quickly from the shock of my forced mating bond as well, he teased. He wagged his tail at him again, flicking his ears. I've always been grateful that you cared enough to forgive me that. When I did it, I was afraid you'd end up too scared to even speak to me anymore.

Yami stared at him for a long moment. No, he mumbled, flattening his ears again. His stomach rolled as he studied him. I was too afraid to the first day, but…I missed you.

He felt almost sick with the admission. Part of him bristled uncomfortably and the other felt frozen with fear. It wasn't as if it were a surprise to either of them, but the words made his throat burn and his lungs ache. Somewhere in the back of his mind he recalled that his cage mate had cared enough to die for him and so, fear was unjustified. But it still made his skin crawl and part of him felt as if his skin might peel away entirely.

And it was no shock to him now just how much he missed the green-eyed wolf. His cage mate even knew it. Yugi knew it just as well as either of them. After all, he was still dealing with the aftermath of it. He still felt the effects of it more often than not, even when Yami tried his hardest to suppress it. Yami was, after all, too dysfunctional to exist half the time. Yugi had even said so. And Yugi didn't usually throw barbs at him in a fight that were unjustified. The time in the woods didn't count as far as Yami was concerned.

I miss you, his cage mate said quietly. He was studying him with a more thoughtful expression than before. And you're so afraid of me half the time you can hardly function. That's a pretty bad way to live, you know? Your best friend is the one you fear the most.

Yami curled his lip back slightly. I…

I get it. I do. You feel guilty. Hell, I'd feel pretty guilty, too. But you know I went into it knowing what would happen. I knew ahead of time this was never going to end well. I knew already that this would lead to some serious issues later on. His cage mate studied him again, then sighed heavily. But I didn't consider the repercussions for you, and for that I'm sincerely sorry, Yami.

Yami shivered, staring at him curiously for a few moments. Then he shook his head and looked away, mumbling, Do you ever regret it?

His cage mate blinked. Then he burst out laughing, staring at him in pure astonishment. His tail wagged so quickly Yami was blinded with a shower of snow that hit him in the face. The boy I forced a mating bond for is asking me if I regret saving his life at all costs! he laughed, shaking his head and snorting loudly. The boy I worked to save at all costs is asking me if I regret giving my life for his. I spent every second in the labs planning a way to get you out of there. I spent every second in there hoping beyond hope to give you freedom. And you ask if I regret it? I gave you everything I could, I offered up my brothers' lives, and I spent every second I could trying to save you. I could never regret saving you. I could never regret saving a boy who knew nothing but pain and misery like that. You deserved every second of effort I put into saving you.

Yami flinched and moved to shift away from him entirely. His cage mate moved aside to allow him to get further, a few feet of distance put between them. The black wolf crouched there, shivering, and then moved to stand. His tail tucked itself against his belly before he could stop himself, pain and fear clawing its way through him.

Oh, little ruby, he sighed. His green-eyed companion lowered his chin to his paws. His tail wagged again, but he looked sad as he studied him. You don't need to be so afraid of me. You know that. You know I would never hurt you.

Yami looked away, flicking his ears, and dug anxiously at the snow. How can you bother to say that to me? he whispered, shivering and shaking his head. You did so much to save me. You did everything to help me. And I can't even function properly half of the time. I run from all my problems. I can't think of you without panicking. I can't protect anyone, myself or Yugi or—I couldn't help you when you died. I couldn't help you at all. I—

You weren't meant to help me. I didn't want your help, Yami. I would never have accepted it from you—

I ran!

I told you to. He said this so gently and softly that Yami felt as if his heart was breaking in half. He swore it trembled in his chest, his lungs pulling tight and ribs aching. He stared back at the other wolf, fur rising and falling in a shudder. His cage mate flicked his ears and shook his head, moving to sit up. His eyes were gentle as he shook his head and smiled at him. It wasn't your responsibility to help me. And I never would have allowed you to help me even if you'd tried. I would have done anything to stop you. You're my best friend. You're my little ruby. You mean everything to me. If you were to go back and try to save me, I would have turned on you to force you away.

Yami looked away, flattening his ears against his head. He searched his face, staring blankly, and forced himself to stay where he was. He could barely keep himself from turning and fleeing. His fur rose and fell in a shuddering bristle once more. And then he shook himself out, trying his hardest to suppress the instinct to panic and flee.

You couldn't have saved me regardless, he said gently, shaking his head and studying him. You couldn't have saved me at all. I could not have let you get hurt just to try to protect me in some vain effort.

How do you know I couldn't have?

His cage mate shook his head, voice soft and full of gentle unease. He offered him another small smile, ears flicking once. You were too scared. You didn't know what you could do or what you were supposed to do. You didn't know what you were meant to do and you'd never killed anyone before. He wriggled his nose. You wouldn't have been able to do it back then. You needed an extra push to get to the point of defending yourself—and others.

And your death was that point? Yami snapped, baring his teeth. Do you honestly believe that you had to die for me to reach that point?

His cage mate leveled him with a somewhat sharp look, though half of it was amused rather than upset. Do you honestly believe you would have felt even the smallest inclination to protect yourself and Yugi if you didn't realize that the ones you care for could be taken from you? Do you truly believe it was a possibility for you?

Yami flattened his ears. He considered him for a long handful of minutes. And then he closed his eyes, bristling and trying his hardest not to tremble. He tilted his head, listening as his cage mate came forward. His tongue ran over Yami's face before the black wolf could tell him not to. And, when he blinked an eye open, the gray wolf groomed his forehead and cheeks. His nose burrowed gently into his ear, tickling him when he exhaled.

Yugi would have died long ago if you had not been exposed to it, his cage mate continued. He wagged his tail and licked his nose once more. His ears flicked back and forth several times. You would never have been able to help him at any point. If you were not exposed to my death, you wouldn't have been able to protect him from the twins. You wouldn't have been able to help him when he went through his first Change. You would never have been able to deal with the burden of protecting him at all, little ruby.

Yami blinked and shook his head. How can you be so sure? I could have surprised you.

He snorted. You're a brave kid these days, but when we were underground you were afraid of your shadow half of the time. You only ever showed otherwise when you were threatened. He licked his cheek again, closing his eyes halfway. You're a beautiful soul, but you could never have reached these heights without tragedy. You're stronger for it, even if I wish I could have prevented it for you.

Yami watched him for a long moment, studying before finally looking away. He could feel his stomach rolling as he considered. He wasn't wrong. Yami hadn't been ready to survive on his own and do as he needed to in order to protect Yugi. In fact, had he never seen him die, he likely would have simply fled when Yugi had gotten attacked in the alleyway. He likely would have run rather than fought when the Paradox twins had come. He didn't know that he could have helped Yugi with Fuwa or fought Aileen and her tigress if it had not been for his best friend's death.

It was amazing to him. His cage mate's death, as untimely as it was, had set many things in motion for Yami he'd never considered before. And that made his heart ache more than ever.

Did you know you would die?

Of course I did, the gray wolf said simply. He didn't wag his tail now, instead tilting his head and moving to raise his right brow as if sardonically. I knew I would die from the moment we crossed paths. And I knew it wouldn't be you to do it.

Yami stared at him blankly. His eyes widened briefly and he shivered again, shaking his head. Then why did you do it?

His cage mate snickered. I love you, that's why, you idiot. He tapped his forehead with his nose and turned to trot a couple of steps ahead. Yami stood frozen, staring at him. The gray wolf turned around to wag his tail and watch him. And if you ever have to ask me again, you should ask why it is you are so willing to save Yugi at any cost as well.

He shivered. I don't…

The gray wolf snorted and wagged his tail. As much as you might wish to suppress it, you know damn well you have some kind of attachment to him. Perhaps it is not love, but you care for him much more than you do even yourself. He fell silent for a long handful of minutes. Then he snorted and flicked his ears, shaking his head and wagging his tail. I adore you. You know that. I adore you more than anything. Which is why I'm going to remind you of something you seem to be forgetting.

Forgetting? Yami felt as if he were forgetting a lot lately. He felt like he no longer knew the proper way to exist, how to function, or even the simplest way to breathe or deal with Yugi any longer. Every part of him felt as if it had been broken and repaired improperly. He shook himself out and looked away again.

You need to remember that there are people who rely on you. Yugi is going to need your help now more than ever. His cage mate stared at him for a long handful of seconds. Then he closed his eyes halfway, pricking his ears forward. He's going to need you to step up where you can. He's not going to be strong enough on his own.

I'm not strong enough on my own, either.

The green-eyed wolf studied him for a long moment. His expression became sad and fired. Not now, he mumbled, slightly dismissive. You're not strong enough now. Maybe you won't be then, either. But I do believe both of you will be enough, as was originally intended for your existence. Alone, you're stronger physically but you are too mentally frayed. Yugi is steadier mentally than you are, but he needs a lot more training.

I…

I suggest you rely on him as much as you can. And allow him to do the same with you. It will be necessary when things hit their apex. His cage mate looked him over for a moment, then exhaled long and slow. Yami felt as if he were struggling not to say something. But his ears flicked back and forth a few times. Remember yourself, Yami. Things are going to get much harder soon. And you cannot afford to lose yourself entirely.

Yami bristled faintly, going to speak, but stopped short. His cage mate turned and began to trot away before he could object. And then he turned, snarling, at the new gray wolf that came to join him. Bakura didn't so much as blink, trotting to a stop in front of him and eyeing him lazily.

Nice to see you again so soon.

The black wolf shot him an irritable look but strained his eyes for the directio his former cage mate had gone. But the snow was too heavy and the fall was far too much to see through. His stomach rolled and he turned back uncomfortably. What are you here for?

This is Paradise. I live here, you idiot. What are you doing here?

Yami huffed. I don't know why I'm here, he grumbled. And part of him felt the statement was truthful, but another was cold with irritation. He shook his head slightly, pricking his ears forward. I woke up here and I'm not in the mood to stay much longer. What do you want, Bakura?

I just wanted to ask you a question.

When he didn't continue, Yami stared blankly, blurring out, What?

Bakura chuckled, tilting his head and pricking his ears forward. His eyes were sharp and burning, boring into his. They studied one another for a long handful of seconds. And then the gray wolf stepped closer. What do you think is going to happen when you go back to those labs?

Yami stayed quiet, staring at him blankly for a moment. The words sounded oddly fuzzy in his head. He blinked and stared again. What would happen when he returned to the labs? What was he going to see? Who would be there? And what memories would flood forward? Whose death would strike him hardest?

Do you think, Bakura said slowly, voice growing soft and full of cold cunning, that you'll be able to protect Yugi?

Yami turned to him again, focusing long enough to take in the mild leer on his face. He blinked once, stomach rolling hideously, and stared blankly at the other wolf. It occurred to him only then that perhaps his cage mate and Bakura knew far more than they were letting on.

Yugi… He pricked his ears forward. Yugi will be fine.

Bakura leaned forward, eyes glittering with something Yami was not sure how to read. Are you sure? Is that what you're willing to stake a bet on? Do you honestly believe he'll be okay when things come to a head? Do you believe that you can protect him when it all begins?

I have to, Yami snapped, the words barely above a whisper. He shook his head, staring at him blankly again. Something was gnawing at his gut and the tension in his muscles made his entire body ache. I have to protect him. And I'll do it the moment we make it to the labs.

Bakura tilted his head. And if you can't?

Yami swore he saw a flash of something dark, glittering, and before he could think straight he'd lunged forward. Bakura didn't even blink. His eyes merely darkened the smallest degree. And Yami's teeth snapped shut a mere millimeter from his eye.

He stumbled. His mouth felt oddly cold. Something clipped his gums. Blood swelled in his maw. His tongue felt as if it were swollen. His ears were ringing. And his eyes stung with pain. His nose felt as if it had collided with something. He blinked, eyes groggy. His vision swam for a split second. And then he blinked again. His ears flicked twice. He nearly collapsed.

Aibou? came Yugi's gentle voice.

Yami spun around. His head felt heavy, as if it were going to fall from his shoulders. He blinked, straining his eyes. His ears pricked forward uncomfortably. The fur along his neck rose and fell. And then he shook the stars from his eyes. He shivered, ears almost ringing.

Are you all right? Yugi whispered.

Yami glanced around uncomfortably. He bristled faintly. And then he twisted around once more to survey his surroundings. Yugi was standing in front of him. His head was tilted, ears pricked forward. His nose wriggled. His ears flicked back and forth after a long moment. And his eyes were soft, searching his. The warmth there made Yami's skin crawl.

I… He fell silent. Then he forced himself to sit up. He cast another glance around. None of the other wolves seemed to notice that they were sitting like this. None of them seemed to notice that Yami was having some kind of mental breakdown before their eyes. None of them even seemed to notice that Yugi had wandered away from them at some point.

You're safe.

Yugi's eyes widened. I was never aware that I might not be, he said quietly, confused. His ears flicked back and forth several times. He tilted his head and stared at Yami more pointedly. The black wolf suppressed another shiver. And Yugi leaned forward to lick his forehead, confused as he looked at him. Should I be concerned that you thought I wasn't?

Yami looked away from him. No, he whispered, voice sounding almost hollow. He watched as Yusei and Chazz darted around with a couple of bones in their mouths. They were parading around with them, trying to steal the other's. Chazz had dropped his and gone running after Yusei's. They ducked and weaved in an attempt to grab at them. It was just almost humorous as they raced about trying to catch each other. And, as Yami watched, Chazz latched onto the end of Yusei's and they began a game of tug of war, Chazz pulling so hard and rushing forward fast enough that Yusei skidded and nearly tumbled through the snow. They were howling with laughter as the others looked on with pricked ears and bright eyes.

Are you all right?

Yami turned his head to stare at him again. His eyes widened briefly. And then he looked away. I don't know, he finally mumbled. A part of him stung, a low and deep ache in his belly. His chest was tight and his heart felt as if it were sprained. He flicked his ears and looked down at his paws. It doesn't matter.

For a long minute Yugi seemed to debate answering him. And then, quietly, he mumbled, Okay, and Yami heard him turn away to look around as well. The black wolf hesitated, then risked a sideways glance at him. Yugi was looking at the two yearlings just as Yami had, but in his peripheral Yugi was staring at him. Yami realized it immediately, but it felt as if it took a lifetime to truly acknowledge it. Yugi turned to him a moment or so later, tilting his head and studying him. You don't have to tell me about it. That's fine, Yami. But if you need to talk about it later, feel free.

Yami nodded absently. Yugi's eyes were too warm and soft for his liking. His gut clenched further. He thought of a cold and deep pit, something that seemed to swallow him entirely. He looked away again. Yusei and Chazz were darting about. Yusei had gotten both bones in his mouth and refused to let the other wolf anywhere near them. Yuya came rushing from another angle, raced forward, and got the end of one of the bones. He yanked it from his mouth and darted off with it while Yusei was still in shock and Chazz burst out laughing. Some of the other wolves watching snickered as well. Yusei stared at the omega with huge eyes, then hurried forward to chase him.

Yami turned to Yugi again. I think we need to talk about something.

Yugi turned immediately to him. Oh?

The black wolf bristled faintly, then flicked his ears. He studied him a moment. He was waiting for Yugi to speak again, but the silence that followed was suffocating. The white wolf did not speak against him, nor did he try to coax him to talk once more. Yami forced himself to breathe, It's…important, Yugi.

I didn't expect it not to be.

He searched his face. But he couldn't find the words for what felt a lifetime. I don't know how to explain, he said quietly, uncertainly. Yugi was watching him patiently, but there was something suspicious in his eyes as well. And Yami had the abrupt feeling that Yugi knew exactly what it was he meant to tell him. I…

It's okay. Take your time to figure out what you want to say. You don't have to do it now. And you don't have to do it anytime soon, either, if you don't want to. He tilted his head once more and wagged his tail slightly. It won't hurt for you to take some time to figure it out as you need, aibou.

Yami blinked and flicked his ears. Yeah…okay, he said quietly. He shivered and looked at his blue-violet-eyed beta for a moment. I'll try to think it through and find some way to explain.

There was a long handful of seconds that passed in which Yugi stared at him pointedly, patient but with a small glint of warning as well. Yami knew Yugi suspected what he meant to say. He sensed that, if only in the way his fur rose and fell in a shudder that spoke of frustration and mild fear. Then he turned away and got to his paws, considering the others around them. Chazz and Yusei were rushing about still, though Chazz had gotten both bones in his mouth and Yusei was chasing him.

You look troubled again, Yugi noted. Yami flicked an ear in acknowledgment but didn't turn his head. For a long moment the white wolf was quiet. And then he heard him coming closer. Yugi butted him gently in the shoulder and licked his forehead. Hey, so, how about we make a bet?

Yami blinked and turned to look at him in his peripheral. A bet?

Yugi burst out laughing at the barely concealed curiosity in his voice. Yeah, I want to see which of us is able to catch more prey.

It sounded like blatant dismissal. Yami bristled slightly, studying him. Yugi was trying to avoid the conversation, he realized. And some small part of him was disappointed, yet the other relieved. As much as he wished he had the courage to challenge his disregard, Yami was far from that strength. And if he could hide behind Yugi's avoidance tactics that much longer, he would do it until he couldn't.

Hunting again? He must have wanted them away from the camp, for fear of the subject if Yami pushed. The black wolf flattened his ears. I thought we would rest.

I'm not tired, and you just woke up from some kind of nightmare, Yugi said quietly. He was staring at him with an expression Yami wasn't sure how to read. He couldn't tell if it was empathy or suspicion or affection and the inability disturbed him more than he wanted to admit.

Yami wondered what had rattled Yugi so much, however, because the other wolf looked as if he were seconds from snapping his teeth or charging him. Had he done it? Was he still alarmed because of the way Yami had woken up so violently? Or was it because he was afraid of what Yami had wanted to say formerly?

So, why not?

Yami tilted his head, studying him and wondering at the suggestion. But there was no reason to argue. And he didn't have the confidence to challenge him over it. So he settled for nodding his head and wagging his tail hesitantly. His eyes flickered away to the other wolves past Yugi's shoulders.

Okay. Yami turned away just as several of the others glanced in his direction. No one offered inquiry as to where he was going or why, but he felt their stares like fire on his skin.

Wait up, Yugi blurted out.

Yami blinked and looked over. The white wolf was yards behind, rushing to his side with a grin on his face. Yami wasn't sure when he'd started trotting, but he'd clearly been moving faster than he'd expected when he'd taken off. Perhaps it was the stares. Perhaps it was impatience. Maybe it was just fear.

Yami couldn't pinpoint it and trying to identify the feeling made his head spin.

Yugi got to his flank, tongue lolling and eyes bright. He matched his pace to Yami's, so that they were walking in sync. We'll pick a spot and then split up to find prey. It makes more sense that way, don't you think?

It made sense if they were truly going to play at this contest. It would have put them on even footing for the task. But Yami knew when he shot him a sideways glance that Yugi had no intention to play this game with him. The competition was a guise to get them out of the camp. And to force them apart. Likely Yugi had enough to think about without his problems on top of it. And Yami hated himself for even considering the idea of burdening him further.

Yugi didn't want to hear it. And Yami didn't want to say it. The more he thought to speak, the more the words tasted sour and threatened to make his stomach turn.

Yami lowered his head and slowed his steps, unsurprised when Yugi naturally mimicked his pace. The trees seemed to stretch forever the more Yami kept his eyes ahead, the line of trunks heavy and solid in his peripheral.

And for the first time, Yami truly felt like he was suffocating in such an open space.

Breathe, he thought violently, nearly snarling. Breathe, damn it.

If you wanted to talk to me before about what I think you did, Yugi said abruptly, his voice cutting into his manic thoughts and making his head snap around, I don't want to hear it.

Yami flicked his ears, shocked by the cold stare he was given. Yugi had stopped walking entirely, eyes boring into his and ears pricked forward as if with challenge. It melted a moment later as the white wolf leaned closer to lick his nose.

You can't say things like that in the camp, Yami. You know that.

Yami flattened his ears against his head, stricken with the impulse to fight him on the fact. Maybe he should announce it to the pack and they could pick him to pieces for it and—

He couldn't do that to Yugi. He might not have cared about what happened to himself, but Yugi was…precious. If nothing else, he'd hold on for him.

He turned away, refusing to acknowledge the words. He wished he could outrun the white wolf or the snow or the world around him. And then, for a moment, he wished he could hibernate as the gods had. Maybe he could sleep a hundred years, but never wake. And wouldn't that be fucking amazing?

He drew in a deep breath, then exhaled and stared at the bright white mist that appeared in front of his muzzle. It was so visible he almost thought he saw ice in each puff. He flicked an ear, refusing a glance at Yugi. He could feel him watching him, but he didn't want to talk to him. He didn't want to say anything.

Glad we're on the same page, Yugi said, voice low with something like tired distress. Yami thought he sounded utterly miserable, but he couldn't find the strength to look over at him for what felt a lifetime.

Finally, he risked a glance. Yugi was staring at a point somewhere further ahead of them, as if he were determined to ignore him. Abruptly he blinked, glancing over. Yami nearly flinched; he could see all the pain and disappointment and despair in his eyes.

His mouth tasted oddly of blood, his tongue swollen against his palate. He nodded agreement, but he doubted they were. He just didn't want to admit to the disconnect he could feel swelling inside of him now.

They continued in silence for a long while. Yami wondered when they would reach a rendezvous point to meet up for this false competition. He almost thought to ask, but the weight of the words made his jaw feel heavy.

A paw smacked into his shoulder. Yami spun on him, startled. Yugi was wagging his tail, tongue lolling. The white wolf nipped his ear and darted off. He bowed a few inches away, growing and wiggling his rump playfully. Yami stared back, still startled. Then he reached a paw forward to tap him on the forehead. Yugi blinked, surprised, and his eyes crossed as he tried to focus on his paw. His tail wagged more wildly than ever.

He sprang forward when Yami moved his paw. His teeth nipped his chin. Yami wrinkled his nose and pricked his ears forward. He sprang for him and missed as Yugi darted away again. Yami growled softly and raced forward to catch him. Yugi let him get close, then sprang over him. Snow landed on Yami's snout as the black wolf turned to look at him.

Yugi bounced away again, snickering. Yami huffed and chased him. He got within inches and Yugi would dash off. He got close enough and Yugi sprang over his head again. The white wolf snickered whenever Yami thought he could grab at his back paw or his tail. It was easily Yugi's advantage in this game. He was far more carefree at the moment than Yami himself was. And he was mostly testing his speed, Yami realized with amusement. He led him along like prey.

They played until Yami caught him. Yugi sprang over him and Yami aimed for his back leg. He caught it lightly, nipping rather than grabbing it. And Yugi yelped with shock. He landed face-first in a dune of snow, buried halfway from his momentum.

Yami stared at him, stunned, and Yugi quickly pulled himself from the pile of ice. His eyes were huge, pupils blown with shock, his ears pricked forward. He looked stunned, and Yami burst out laughing at his expression. He wagged his tail as Yugi gave him a huge sheepish grin and shook himself out to regain his composure.

Well, that was fun, Yugi snickered, wagging his tail and grinning sloppily at him. His eyes were bright and warm and his body quivered with excitement. I should have known you'd catch me eventually.

Yami butted him in the shoulder and grabbed his scruff in his mouth, tugging playfully. I didn't expect to startle you that much, he snickered. Yugi mirrored the action, tugging and licking his ear soon after. Yami let go to shake himself of some of the snow Yugi's leap had thrown on his back. Yami moved to pass him and Yugi stepped in his way, a somewhat puzzled expression on his face. I don't think I've even seen a yearling land like that.

Yugi licked his cheek, eyes crinkling slightly with his widening grin. I'm just a little special, okay? I trip over dead air. I startle easily. And apparently I land in snow dunes face-first. I don't need you pointing it out even more, okay?

Had his voice not been so full of laughter, Yami would have flinched and backed away. The words could have just as easily been scathing were it anyone else. But Yugi may have been embarrassed, but he wouldn't turn it into anger. He didn't even seem to care but for the fact that Yami was laughing with him. The thought was comforting as he nipped Yugi's cheek and the white wolf brushed against his side and led them further along.

We'll split up from here, okay? Yugi announced ten minutes later. Yami blinked at him, feeling oddly cold and small now that Yugi was no longer pressed against his side. You go to the east. I'll go toward the river.

Yami almost shuddered at the thought of the river. But he thankfully was not the one headed that direction. He turned to Yugi, for a moment wanting to simply try to press into his side once more. Where shall we meet then?

Yugi considered, then sighed softly. We'll meet up near that…fallen tree we use at the river. Or we can meet at the lake. Would you rather the lake?

How transparent was he that Yugi had noticed his discomfort at the mention of the river? Yami studied the gleam in his blue-violet eyes, somewhere between uneasy and tired. He wondered why those places.

He'd drowned in that river, found and dragged away by Fuwa while struggling to regain his senses. The lake was where Marik had gone after Yugi in his delusions of being Atem, where Yami had snapped Obelisk's neck in an effort to get to kill Yugi.

Why he wished to go to either place was a mystery.

The lake, he breathed, is fine.

Because he couldn't face the river. He couldn't go near it.

Not now.

Yugi nodded and turned away. He headed down the incline, pausing only once to look over his shoulder and wag his tail at him, and then continued alone. Yami watched him a few moments, wondering if Yugi understood just how hard it was for him to even breathe on his own. He flattened his ears and exhaled roughly, frozen in place as he tried to remember which path led east.

His paws wanted to lead him to Yugi, and some small instinct said to follow him and demand he pay attention. Despite all the frustration and exhaustion and utter disappointment, he felt a wave of spiteful intensity. If he got Yugi to pay attention long enough to listen to him, maybe he could find his balance again and—

He was stupid and selfish for the thought.

He picked his way opposite the direction Yugi had gone. It wasn't east, he knew, but it was away from the white wolf. He wouldn't follow him. The discussion could wait. He could tell him later. He could bide his time until it was too late and everything rushed to the surface.

He pricked his ears, listening once more for movement. But he did not identify anything. There did not seem to be anything to track. So he simply continued forward. Yami did not so much as blink as a small flurry of snow fell from the tree branches overhead. A shower of it came a second later with a heavy thud. It collapsed, a branch or two snapping beneath the weight, and the snow fell on him so heavily that it almost made his legs shake. But the burden of ice was not so powerful as the weight itself had been; he continued walking after a moment's pause. And part of him thought to shake the snow off, but another did not care enough to put forth such an effort. He continued forward, lazy and slow, and pricked his ears forward in order to listen to anything else that might catch his attention.

But there was truly nothing. He might as well have been the only living thing in the forest for all he could detect there. Yami shook his head and wandered forward a few more feet. But his mind was racing and he was somewhat tired, somehow both disappointed and relieved by the lack of noise around him.

He closed his eyes. His mouth felt oddly stuffy, dried out as if with fur or cotton. He paused walking. The snow falling was the only sound he could hear. It was soft, like raindrops slowly making impact with the ground. His skin crawled and twitched, fur shuddering along his body in a single tic. He flicked his ears as the near silence continued around him. The density of such quiet was almost suffocating whereas it usually soothed the worst of his nerves. He shivered, shaking a small sheen of snowflakes from his muscles.

The last time he had heard such silence, it had been in the maze where he'd been forced to wander through narrow openings of reflective glass. The glass had seemed to allow no noise to exist but for his breathing, which he'd learned rather quickly to suppress to near silence as well. When his heartbeat had been heavy in his chest, he'd learned to control it enough to slow his pulse to near nonexistence. The boars could not hear him coming because he'd learned to distribute his weight enough to stifle any noise he might have otherwise produced. Then they could hear nothing of his organs, heart or lungs. Each exhale had been controlled to the point of being smothered.

Fuwa had never seen him coming when he'd broken through the glass maze at the greenhouse. When the building had exploded, the charred remains of boar meat had been suffocating and almost managed to suppress his ability to find the hunter. But he'd found him again all the same. He'd also caught the scent of Yugi's fur and blood where it had been splashed across the floor or along the glass. Stalking Fuwa as he was trying to run had been amusing, to say the least. While he'd been trying so hard to escape his own trap, he'd never realized his prized monster had tailed him. Yami had followed so silently that Fuwa had never noticed until he'd turned around.

He still remembered him turning around, at first leering and then gaping. He'd recognized he was going to die, begging him for a split second. Yami didn't know what he had said—it was never worth wondering about to him—but he knew he'd understood Yami would never have listened regardless. He'd been in tears. And Yami had simply watched, then lunged and ripped his throat out.

The explosion had done nothing to so much as make Yami pause. In truth, he had simply looked over when the building caught fire. Then he'd turned his head and considered his surroundings. The smell of burning flesh had gotten his attention and he'd gone back to find food. He'd dragged the dead animals out of the wreckage easily, though he hadn't been stupid enough to go near the burning meat. More of the boars had been trapped amongst the shattered glass and in the fire. He'd gotten the few that were not, eating them and resting and alternating for an entire day or two.

It had done little for him.

His metabolism had spiked in order to sustain him long enough to even hunt. His muscles as nonexistent as they were had caused immense pain. He'd been unable to hunt, as he couldn't focus on anything but his hunger. When he'd run across Yugi and Obelisk at the lake, it had seemed a miracle. The rage at seeing Yugi there, and the god of war preventing him his prize, had been enough to push the hunger aside. He'd only wanted then to give Yugi relief, to keep him from the terrors their lives had once been. And Obelisk had tried to stop him. So, he'd had to kill him for interference. It had all made sense in that moment.

Now, however, the silence was suffocating rather than relieving. And he was unnerved at the realization that he could not muffle his footsteps. The snow was too deep and it would do nothing but make a hideous crunching noise. He was unable to suppress the sound. But he was still capable of controlling his heart rate and, as the seconds passed, he found himself slowing it nearly to two beats a minute in order to stifle the noise. He lowered himself slightly, stalking forward in the snow like a heavy shadow against the ice.

Yami trailed through the trees a few long minutes, the snowfall a gentle flurry of white before his eyes. He shook himself out, dusting himself off slightly. He ignored the snow that began to pile upon his shoulders again a heartbeat later. He kept his pace slow and lazy, sniffing the air as if to draw in a prey-scent of some kind though he knew for sure he would find nothing. He did not truly think he cared to study the world around him. And his thoughts were enough to make his skin crawl as he continued forward. He forced them away, trying his hardest to smother the memories as they tried once more to rise from beneath the surface.

There were phantom touches along his scalp, slow and soft. Nails drifted idly and massaged at the roots of his hair, fingers lacing through the strands lazily. A soft humming noise drifted through his ears, prickling his senses. A voice mumbled something that sounded oddly like lyrics and Yami found himself ceasing movement. He remembered all too well what memory played at his mind now. He stiffened, fur rising into a hideous bristle as it shifted and slithered down his spine.

He had been passed out, waking to his cage mate mumbling under his breath and sifting his fingers through his hair and trying to keep himself calm. They'd been in the corner of the room, Yami slumped backwards with his body between his cage mate's knees where he'd taken a seat on the cot. He'd done it as a preventive measure, he knew, because at times Yami had regained consciousness in a rage. He'd wake foaming at the mouth or with seizures, mindless and working to sink his teeth into anything that moved. His cage mate would carefully situate him like this and pin him to the ground face-first if he woke in a fury as he so often did.

It was one of the few times Yami remembered waking, in truth. He'd opened his eyes, at first without seeing and then watching as the cell glass took focus and the walls became more than just a discolored jumble. His mouth had been dry, his fingers aching as if broken, and his jaw had been disturbingly slack, obviously fractured with force his body wasn't used to. He'd reached up to reset it, snapping it so forcefully into place that his cage mate had flinched and snarled with alarm. And Yami had sat there, looking at the floor for a moment before turning to him.

"It's not worth it."

His cage mate's face was perfectly recalled in his mind, eyes wide and dilated with relief but concern as well. His mouth twitched briefly as if with the beginnings of a snarl and his eyes narrowed faintly.

"What?"

"Being sedated," Yami mumbled, turning away and drawing his knees to his chest. His arms wrapped around them tightly and he drew in a shuddering breath. "It's not worth it."

His cage mate was quiet for a moment. Then he snorted and reached forward. His fingers sorted through his hair again and his eyes sparkled with mirth when Yami glanced at him.

"You're right. Being sedated sucks. But the song is actually about being stuck and wanting to get past the mundane." He was quiet for a second, then growled, "It's sad that this is mundane."

Yami barely managed to suppress the memory before it got any further. He didn't want to remember the way his cage mate had relayed a story about the outside world and how Yami had stared at him the entire time, unable to stop asking questions just so he could keep him talking. It hurt too much to remember that familiar pang of loneliness and desperation.

His travels were uniform, tired, and he bristled as snow piled upon his fur once more. He did not care enough to pay the attention necessary to guard himself. He did not try to examine his surroundings and assure himself there was no one else around to notice him. He ignored the slight feeling of instinct trying to tell him to do so. In truth, Yami was rather sure if someone were to come after him he would be able to handle them easily enough. He was tired and bitter. Resentment usually lent him strength even when he was exhausted. Now would be no different, he was sure.

He only finally turned his head when he heard a crunching noise like paws. His ears angled themselves first. His eyes locked in the direction of the sound. And then he turned to it, peering past the snow flurries to look into the trees.

Yusei had come running after him at some point, he supposed. The dark gray yearling came to a halt a few steps from him, a bone in his jaws. He wagged his tail and panted, tilting his head and pricking his ears forward. He blinked bright royal blue eyes and peered at him curiously. Where are you going? he asked excitedly, coming to a stop and panting harder as he dropped his bone.

Yami watched him for a long handful of minutes. Then he closed his eyes halfway, studying him, and murmured, Yugi and I wished to play a game of competition to see which of us might be better at hunting. But I do not care enough to truly participate.

Yusei looked at him with a small frown, tilting his head further and flattening his ears. You do not want to participate? Then…why did you agree to it?

Yugi did not want to speak to me any longer. So, I agreed. Yami didn't bother to glance around. He knew for a fact there was no one else. He would have heard them, even with the way his mind was racing. Memories might have held his attention, but they never truly suppressed his instincts when it came to being watched or stalked. And what did it matter if there was someone else? He doubted Yubel was so reckless now that Valon was at the camp. I am going to use the time to walk. And I will meet him at the lake later on my own as we agreed.

I could help if you wanted.

Yami flicked an ear now, then shook his head slowly. I do not plan to hunt. But if you would like to do so, I will not stop you. He hesitated when he saw the unsure look on Yusei's face. He studied him for a long handful of seconds. And then he realized his hesitance, recognizing his inexperience. Should you desire to hunter larger game, you can chase them and I will inflict the kill blow.

Yusei wagged his tail wildly. Okay!

Yami did not move for a long handful of seconds. He flicked his ears, studying the snow and tilting his head. He was not truly inclined to keep moving. But he felt he'd promised Yusei this and the realization made his stomach clench. He had promised Yugi formerly that he would help to watch out for the yearling. And it was not as if he did not genuinely enjoy time spent with Yusei.

The yearling was the closest to a friend that was not Yugi. He was the only other wolf Yami felt an inkling of protectiveness towards. He didn't think of Yusei's death as an inconvenience as he would have others'. He wasn't just a number in his head. And Yami didn't know if that came from Yusei himself or Yugi's attachment to him.

In truth, Yami didn't know which he preferred, either.

Perhaps it was because Yusei did not eye him with caution so constantly or that he readily listened to his instructions when Yami told him to do something. He had kept his mouth shut about what he'd told Echo as she was dying as well, and that was impressive to him. Anyone else would have spoken of it.

Yusei had not even told Yugi.

He padded forward lazily, glancing sideways at Yusei. The yearling wagged his tail rapidly when he saw he had his attention. His blue eyes lit with excitement as he rushed past him to scent the air. Yami wondered how he was so calm and level-headed for the most part. He, unlike Chazz, did not jump to fight with others for the hell of it. He did not leap into a fray without reason. And he was not just violent when he fought.

He used strategy and instinct in combination. He used his cunning rather than just brute strength. He could fight and win as necessary. Most wolves could not boast the same. He himself could not, in truth. Most often he simply went with instinct and brute strength when he fought another wolf. He didn't even truly know he could bother himself to attempt to use his mind to find solutions in a fight any longer. He'd done so once or twice when he was younger. It had been easy and simple then. Now, however, he could not use his fractured mind in the manner he had then. He felt as if it were far too frayed and rotted, like he was decomposing from the inside out. It would not help him now.

In fact, Yami was rather sure any attempt to utilize his mind now would simply end in disaster. There were too many fractures, too many wounds that bled hideously when he tried to focus. And he swore sometimes that the fractures grew wider and deeper each time he even took a moment to breathe and consider things.

Yami almost laughed at the thought. If everything wasn't going to shit, he'd be amazed. He didn't look over when Yusei shot him a puzzled glance; his tail had dropped at some point and he was staring at him in open bewilderment. He'd likely asked a question that Yami had missed. And he didn't plan to ask him to repeat himself, so he refused to acknowledge the possibility. He kept his eyes on the snow, studying and listening for any prey.

They continued in silence for what felt a lifetime. Yusei didn't speak, but he shot him bewildered looks that bordered hurt in expression when Yami remained quiet. Yami ignored his stares, choosing to abandon the idea of tracking in favor of scent-marking various trees. He clawed open some of the trunks with his long claws, dropping to all fours and wandering forward. The sheer boredom that came with the methodical effort of ignoring the yearling was enough to make Yami want to bash his head in. But it kept him occupied. And that kept him from sinking any further into his memories and melancholy.

Yami, watch out!

He blinked, turning his head as his paw came down. Yusei yelped as if he'd been struck. But it was swallowed by the heavy snapping noise. Yami felt a sharp pain blooming in his right foot. He blinked again, then lowered his eyes. Snow had come rushing up at some point. And the ice would have blinded him another time. But when he lifted his leg, something scraped and jingled. He stared at it, surprised. Then he snorted and tilted his head slowly to the right.

The bear trap was still submerged mostly in snow. It was only the edges, caked in his blood, that truly gave it definition in his eyes. Yami blinked again, shifted his weight, and wiggled his paw.

I'll—I'll go get help!

Yami turned his head again. Why? he asked quietly, staring in bewilderment. He eyed the yearling for a moment, then sniffed disinterestedly as he turned back to the trap.

I…I don't know how to help you get out, Yusei admitted, sounding flustered and horrified. He dug at the snow with a terrified expression. Then he faltered, eyes wide and burning into his face before dropping back to the trap again.

Ah. Yami shook his head, leaning forward, and sniffed at it His nose tickled where his breath seemed to freeze upon touching the metal. He considered it, then the pain in his paw. It was slight. The trap hadn't clamped down as hard as it should have. He didn't know if it was because of the snow or if someone had set it improperly.

He shook his paw experimentally for a moment. Then he considered the trap once more. Likely he'd have a few scrapes and a large bruise. But beyond that he doubted there would be much evidence he'd ever been caught to begin with. He could likely recover within a few hours if he just went ahead and pulled his paw out.

Yami? Yusei said quietly, awkwardly. Yami turned his head to regard him once more, blinking slowly. He wondered at the fear in his face, whether he thought Yami might turn on him or he was imagining Yugi reacting badly to yet more news of Yami getting hurt.

But then, Yusei didn't realize he didn't feel anything at the moment, did he? He had no idea Yami wasn't in pain. Yusei was likely in shock from the fact more than anything. And Yami couldn't help the laughter that threatened to bubble up in his chest.

He tilted his head, watching Yusei closely for a moment. Then his eyes flickered to the trap. He lowered his muzzle, sniffing at the metal teeth. He could bite it off if he pulled his paw higher up and clamped his teeth down hard enough. He'd break the enamel for sure, but a change back should heal that easily enough. If he struck down hard enough with his other paw, he could snap it open.

And, yet, Yami didn't care enough to.

Somehow the idea of working to open the trap was too much for him to care about. He narrowed his eyes, shook his paw again to wriggle his toes, and yanked.

There was far more blood than he'd expected.

Yusei flinched and ran in a circle, letting out a small noise of pure panic. The steel jaws snapped shut. Yami looked at his paw. He'd mangled his paw pad. Two of his toes bled profusely. And his dew claw was nothing but a bloody stump. Along his wrist the fur was peeled down and bloodied, slick against his skin.

But it was not permanent.

The toes were not severed. The nails would grow back. The ice would stunt the blood the more he walked. His wrist joint was no longer bleeding. The wounds had closed and healed over.

He put his paw down and moved around the trap. Yusei was still pacing, making a distressed noise. Yami turned his head, staring at him as he began to walk past. Yusei froze, entire body fluffed up with shock. He looked ill, dizzy and nauseated. And then he blinked and backed away a step, straightening from his horrified position.

I've never…seen anyone do that before.

Yami ignored the tingling sensation that came with applying his weight to the wound. The cold setting in numbed the pain. But Yami didn't truly care about that, either. He'd spent more than half his life wondering when the next batch of pain would come and how quickly he might heal from it. That did nothing for him now. And he cared little to consider it.

He bristled as the thought crossed his mind, sighing roughly and opening his mouth wide in a split second snarl. Everything was coming to the surface now, wasn't it? He growled low under his breath and shook himself out.

He didn't want to remember. He didn't want to think of all the burns or the cuts or the broken bones. He didn't want to remember his cage mate tending to his wounds more than once when Ryou wasn't permitted to aid him. How his cage mate had taken it upon himself more than once to change, lick his wounds clean, and tear out his own hair to stitch Yami's stomach back so many times was beyond him. How he'd even gotten Bakura to steal a needle for him was something Yami had never asked. All he'd known was several of the times he'd been disemboweled, he'd woken to his cage mate dutifully stitching the wound shut using his own guard hairs.

It's a neat little trick, don't you think? Yami said slowly, eyeing him sideways and barely resisting the urge to snap his teeth. It requires not caring about a few scratches.

Yusei visibly flinched, backing up a step. His eyes widened as he peered at him. Y-you don't care if you're hurt?

I heal, Yami snapped. And he wished he didn't. Things would have been so much easier if he didn't heal. If something claimed his life permanently, he could imagine the world would exhale a soft breath of relief. So, why does it matter?

Yusei was quiet for a moment, then whined softly and stared at him with a miserable expression. If I said I didn't want to see you hurt, what would you say to that?

That you remind me of Yugi, he answered, shaking his head. He didn't glance back, but some small part of him wondered. Why was it that he and Yugi were so concerned about him so often like this? It was a matter of a flesh wound and Yugi lost his mind trying to make it better. It was a matter of hurting himself with his own actions and Yusei pleaded with him. But it didn't matter. It didn't affect them in any manner, either. So why did they worry themselves like that? It made no sense. He didn't understand.

It was so easily healed. He understood the fuss over deep or infected wounds. He understood fuss over his wrists or his sides when they bled during recovery, or when he did not eat properly and his wounds stayed longer than necessary. But it occurred to him then that he'd lost what limited understanding he'd had formerly. Something in his brain had switched, he realized. Something had caused him to disconnect the emotion in regard to him.

He had never truly minded the task of worrying for others, though he did care. It was just that concern was harder to come by than he'd ever assumed before. It had boiled down to five wolves as of late, though the fifth had passed. Yugi, Yusei, Jonouchi, Honda and Chazz had been the only five he'd felt the need to concern himself with. Honda's death knocked that to four and Yami barely felt the need to worry for Jonouchi or Chazz any longer. Yusei got his attention when he was there, but he did not feel true attachment beyond that.

In truth, Yugi was the only one he'd willingly get himself killed for. Yusei was someone he would try to protect, but he wouldn't sacrifice himself for the sake of his life. Jonouchi was his beta by extension, but their tie was so loose he hardly felt the need to try to protect him but for the fact it would devastate Yugi should something happen to him.

Now they were almost all numbers. He'd begun counting down, from survivors to who he thought might live to who he knew wouldn't make it. He couldn't truly pull forth any emotions for them. It didn't matter to him any longer.

They'd all die.

And he and Yugi would be at the head of it.

It was just a matter of time before it all came tumbling down.

He'd have to sift through the ruins after, if the gods didn't destroy him then.

He pricked his ears forward. Hadn't Yugi explained sociopaths to feel that way? Or had he simply imagined it? He didn't suppose it mattered. All he felt was pressure, close and suffocating, coming forward and sinking its fangs into him. Every night was another spent with his eyes wide open, staring at the ceiling or a wall, trying his hardest not to toss and turn and startle Yugi awake. And he knew Yugi knew. He'd seen him squinting at him in the dark more than once, though he'd never spoken about it.

It's no longer bleeding. You were concerned for nothing.

If Yusei was offended, he did not show it. But he did not go to his side, either. Instead he stayed a few feet behind him, eyes troubled when Yami glanced back at him. The black wolf wondered if he was trying to give him space or if he was afraid he might turn on him should he get too close.

He had to fight the instinct to turn around and chomp his teeth just to see if he reacted.

Yami hated himself for the impulse. He shouldn't have been so spiteful. He shouldn't have been so aggressive. On a usual day he would have scoffed and snickered and teased. Now he felt only cold resentment and an undeniable urge to lunge and snap and laugh at his horrified expression.

He shook himself out, then froze as a smell wafted toward him. He pricked his ears forward again, breathing in deeply. But he couldn't find it. The cold air hadn't shifted or changed in the slightest. And yet somehow he failed to catch it a second time.

Yami turned his head to look around, fur rising along his shoulders. A small noise entered his ears but his mind didn't fully process it. Somehow his brain allowed it to slither away, unperturbed in identifying it. He blinked and flicked an ear. The sound came again and he stiffened, alarm dripping its way down his spine. He raised his head, turning toward the sound, and lifted his tail. He drew his lips back and tried to focus on the source of the noise.

Something else was coming in the opposite direction.

They were circling like vultures, as if they thought them dead and rotting corpses already.

Yami? Yusei mumbled, calm but confused.

Yami knew instinctively he didn't hear it. His ears weren't as keen; he made a mental note to train the other wolves to better harness their senses. He couldn't get them to the same as his own—they were by far better—but he could train them to catch sound while it was being produced rather than after. He turned his head, pricking his ears forward and looking around slowly. He scented the air, licking his nose to catch the smell of whatever might be circling them.

But there was nothing.

He curled his lips back. Come closer, get on my left side, and stay there. When I move, you move. Yusei immediately scrambled to his side, moving so fast that Yami almost spun on him for a single second. The impulse passed. He flicked his ears, tracking the movement of the one still circling. The other had ceased but for a steady creeping and he could tell they were moving forward. Yusei was trying to pinpoint the threat now as well, instinctively shadowing him. Keep an eye out. We're going to make a break for the—

He's over there, by one of the trees. I'm looking at him. Yusei sounded breathless and Yami saw a tremor run through him. He's staring at me, Yami.

He; it was Sartorius then.

No one else was quite so brave or crazy as to approach him like this.

Yami turned his head slowly. His eyes sharpened and focused in on him instantly. He was standing a yard away, eyes locked on Yusei as if he were nothing more than meat to be butchered. His eyes sparkled with laughter, lips drawing back to show his bright teeth.

Yami mirrored the expression, drawing them back to show each tooth and arching them into a smile. Hello.

I wondered how long it would take you to notice me.

Yami couldn't truly explain how he'd missed it. Sartorius should never have been able to get that close so easily like that. His senses had not even responded to the Harbinger as a threat. He had been blindsided by his arrival.

The disconnect had to be so much worse than he'd initially thought. It was dangerous, powerful, and it had blocked Sartorius's approach. But it was no god. It was no power. It was no trick.

He'd done it to himself. Something had snapped, fraying and wriggling loose. It was dislodged and abandoned. And it had muddled his senses. It had blocked the more cautious of his instincts, smothering and pushing them aside.

And Yami might not have truly cared, had it not been for the fact this fault in his senses was deadly. He could get killed for it. Hunters could have caught and skinned him in the time it had taken him to realize there was a threat. Had Yusei not been there, how much longer might it have taken him? A miscalculation of that magnitude meant life or death.

And he knew Sartorius wasn't there just for the fun of it.

Had Yubel sent him?

What happened? Cat got your tongue? Sartorius sneered. He wrinkled his nose, wandering forward a step. Yami stared back at him, losing his hideous smile and studying him. He didn't look posed to attack, surprisingly enough, but there was no other reason he would be there. You were so much more talkative before. You were all about snarling and fighting and trying so hard to save your pathetic beta's family. Where did all that spunk go, Yami? Did you lose it when Yubel beat your ass?

I figured I'd save words for when I piss on your broken body.

The Harbinger burst out laughing, then sprang forward. He looked almost like a deer, legs longer and thinner than he remembered. Considering he held inches over him, Yami was amazed he looked so oddly domestic and yet wolf-like all at once.

He supposed he'd always imagined a wolf larger than him to be considered a beast. But Sartorius looked mild and almost friendly, like a dog about to sniff someone's hand before it struck. His jowls were heavier, almost floppy, but his ribs were showing even beneath his fluffy outer coat. Yami was struck with the certainty he was being punished for something or other. He'd been healthy when they'd fought last. Yubel must have been starving him as punishment for something.

He felt the smallest surge of gratitude in that moment.

No matter how angry he made Yugi, the other boy would never have harmed him like that. He teased him and sneered when he was angry. He snapped and glared and snarled. But he'd never once truly threatened to deprive him of necessities. He'd never tried to starve him. He'd never tried to keep him from water. He'd never even considered hurting him in a physical manner. And he had never tried his hand at mental games or torture.

Yubel likely engaged in all of it. It was easier to break someone else if there were various tricks employed. He knew that all too well. They'd tried so hard at the labs…

Don't go anywhere, Sartorius sneered, and Yami knew instinctively he was talking to Yusei. The yearling must have moved at some point, because Yami himself never had. I have a surprise for you as well. But for right now, the betas are talking.

Yami studied him for a moment. He didn't look as if he were going to lunge for the moment. He just seemed physically exhausted, emaciated and weak. But even then he was still incredibly dangerous. He knew firsthand how terrible hunger made a wolf. He knew how easily Sartorius could channel that hunger into raw power at a second's notice. He was all too familiar with it.

He flicked an ear. Are we? I had assumed there was more to this than that.

Sartorius chuckled. I didn't come for a friendly conversation, he agreed. His head tilted as he studied him for a moment. Then he chuckled louder and peered at him with an expression Yami couldn't quite read. No, I came to reclaim my fate.

Yami blinked. Your fate? he growled, curious despite himself; Sartorius spoke like a deranged creature. He shouldn't have been listening to him in the slightest, yet he could not shake the interest. And then he wondered if any of them truly had a fate to alter. How do you plan to do that?

The Harbinger bore his teeth. I've heard so much about a little black wolf who was once lost and remains hidden in his tiny mind, he spat. He came forward a few more steps, raising his paws high over the snow as if he were afraid he might sink otherwise. Yami wondered what Yubel had truly done to him. Yet, somehow he's managed to scorn the gods and remain alive. And in his paws he has the power to ruin everything.

Is that so? Everything? Yami asked, unable to stop the purr dripping into his voice. Yusei was staring at the hellhound with a horrified, suspicious expression. His eyes shot briefly toward Yami when the black wolf took a single step forward. The suspicion morphed to unease and Yami felt his mouth pull into a more hideous smile. I wasn't aware I was so powerful.

You dare lie to me? You've abandoned the gods and destroyed the very foundation of their ties to yourself and your little bastard lover, Sartorius snarled, baring his teeth as drool dripped from his fangs. Yami watched him, unable to look away. Yusei seemed just as frozen in place, as if he were looking into the eyes of some fathomless beast. And the others have spoken to me of what you can and will do. I can't allow it.

Others? What others?

The other gods—Hati, Skoll, Morrigan. You're to destroy everything.

Yami flicked an ear again. You, yes, he answered quietly as his patience began to run thin, but not everything. I have no plans to destroy everything. I may watch the world tumble to ruin like every other creature, but I have no plans to cause it.

Your existence is an omen. You bring death and destruction. I've seen the things you plan to do.

The black wolf curled his lip. How can you know what I plan when I don't? I have no plans. I live from moment to moment. Until the city runs out of power, I will continue to survive in this manner.

Yusei was silent next to him, shifting his weight and abruptly looking over his shoulder. Shit, he muttered, he's just distracting you.

Yami knew that. It had never been a question. He knew Sartorius meant to keep him occupied for the moment. He hadn't come to chat. But that didn't explain what he meant to distract him from. Yami pricked an ear forward, flicking and folding the other back. There was the smallest crunch of ice behind him. He couldn't recognize the weight or the way their paws touched the snow.

You've finally noticed your second guest, Sartorius purred; Yami narrowed his eyes and stared at him. I must say. I'm disappointed with how easily you're led astray.

You say that as if I've ever followed your lead.

You are now. You didn't even notice Amelda until your little pet did. What that says right now is your senses are weak and you're unstable, Sartorius laughed. His teeth flashed brilliantly before his eyes. I could destroy you here and now.

You think you can "reclaim your fate" by way of killing me? I come back.

The silver canine scoffed, I never said it would be you.

Yami blinked, confused. His eyes shot toward Yusei immediately. But Sartorius did not even spare a glance in his direction. When he looked back, the wolf-dog stared at him with a furious expression. Yami searched his face for a single moment, then stepped forward. His gums were tingling, itching, and drool made his mouth feel swollen.

I'll rip your head off before you lay eyes on Yugi again.

Sartorius growled low in his throat, chuckling around the noise. Do you think you can stop me?

Yami stepped forward again. Your life will end by my teeth.

No, Sartorius sneered, it won't. It's not to be your accomplishment.

Then I hope Yugi pisses on your corpse.

Sartorius snorted and stepped closer. Their noses were mere inches from each other. Yami couldn't help the small feeling of discomfort that crashed through him. He hadn't come here to fight. And, yet, some part of him screamed with desire. It wanted nothing more than to sink its teeth in. It wanted to shred flesh. It wanted to bathe in blood.

He raised his tail slowly, lazily. Sartorius eyed him now, as if the movement made the confrontation that much more real. Yami watched him. And then he lunged. He snapped his teeth. Sartorius dodged aside, springing out of the way. Yami blinked. His ears pricked forward. He lunged again. His teeth snapped on thin air. The hellhound dodged to the side.

Yami glanced just enough over his shoulder to spot Yusei. Stay as close to me as possible, understand? he growled. He shifted his attention back to Sartorius. Amelda is too scared to come any closer for the moment.

Yusei didn't respond for a long moment. Okay.

Yami chomped his teeth. Then he lunged again. He snapped at his shoulder. Then he tried for his throat. He spun as Sartorius tried to rear back. His teeth connected just enough to pull a tuft of fur out. Yami snarled and charged him. Sartorius rose to his back legs. Yami met him head on. The impact made the hellhound stumble. And Yami's back right leg shook from the force.

His teeth snapped next to his eye. And the hound twisted just enough to avoid impact. Yami snarled and lunged again. He missed.

Something struck him in the back. He spun on it. Sartorius hit the ground from the rough movement. Yami bore his teeth, entire body rigid with tension. His tail rose and his body shuddered with anger. Yusei was snarling now. The hellhound in front of Yami snapped its teeth and snickered. The black wolf eyed it. Then he sprang.

They rose to meet him, snarling. Teeth caught his cheek. Yami tossed his body weight hard enough to dislodge and throw him. And then teeth sank into his back leg. The limb almost buckled. Yami snarled and bunched his hindquarters. He twisted rapidly. One forepaw touched the ground. The other three limbs were in the air. He pivoted sharply, slamming his weight down.

His teeth barely missed Sartorius's eye.

Amelda sprang forward. His teeth hit his shoulder. But he didn't grab. He barely clipped him. A tuft of fur came through the air. Yami kept his eyes on Sartorius. Amelda was a distraction at this point. He'd kill Sartorius for the fun of it. The silver wolf-dog hit the snow and scrambled to a stand. Amelda slammed into Yami's hip but didn't budge him.

The second hit made Yami spin, but his teeth stayed aimed toward the beta. He crept back a step. The space was miniscule. But it gave enough room to face them both now. Yusei was behind him. Yami could feel that much. He pressed his weight more into his hindquarters. When he lunged, both Sartorius and Amelda flinched back.

He charged forward a step. Amelda turned tail. Sartorius snarled and backed up.

Yami considered them both. It made no sense. What was the point of running? Why was Amelda even there? Sartorius had been sent by Yubel, he was sure. But Amelda, from what he understood, wasn't one of their wolves. He was a student at Yugi's school. He wasn't experimented on. He wasn't one of their ranks.

He likely just wanted to provoke incidents. It wasn't hard to understand the draw the hellhounds felt for chaos and disarray. They lived for it. They were trouble students, from property damage to human drama to fights.

Valon was thankfully neutral, but he'd joined them for the sake of causing problems for Yubel. He hadn't done it out of loyalty to them. He'd wanted to make things harder for her and to give his adoptive parents a nice "Fuck you" before they fled to Honshu. He stayed out with them far too often for it to go unnoticed. And he knew Valon's mother worried.

Amelda was doing it for fun. He had to be. He wasn't wearing a lab collar. And he didn't have the residual smell of torture and blood and decay that came with the experiments. He smelled of an average wolf-dog.

He smelled like Valon in that sense.

Yami eyed the two of them for a long moment. Sartorius had to know he couldn't kill him. He wasn't so stupid he assumed he could, was he? Yami bore his teeth and crept forward.

Was it a distraction to get to Yugi? But why bother fighting him then?

What point was there to that? Yugi was not nowhere nearby. He was on the other side of the territory. Did they expect him to hear and come running? Did they want the pack to come? Was it another ambush? Were they just taking their time with it now?

He lunged at the other beta. Sartorius collided with him head on. Their teeth snapped shut inches from each other's face. They'd risen to their back legs. Yami braced himself, tail straight in the air. He slammed forward. His teeth caught the side of his throat. He was inches from the jugular. And he knew better than to think the attack a mortal wound. The slight blood was nothing to him. Sartorius's skin was too loose. His fur was too thick.

But he did manage to make Sartorius nearly fall backward. The hellhound twisted to regain his footing. Yami lost his grip. But his teeth snapped into his shoulder. He didn't try to shatter it. He didn't try to hold him. He used it to keep his own balance. When Sartorius landed, Yami sprang upward. He pulled him almost off his feet. And in that moment of action, Yami released and went for his face.

He barely missed his eye. Sartorius clamped his teeth on his throat. He twisted and squirmed. He tried to pull down. He tried to tear at his throat. Yami didn't care. There was no pain. He barely felt the teeth through his fur. Instead he pushed one of his back feet up. He twisted his upper body. And Sartorius lost his grip. He slipped slightly in the snow. His teeth chomped at his face and missed twice. They separated, falling toward the ground to land on their limbs again. Sartorius caught his paw on his shoulder. His claws sank through his rough fur.

Yami snorted and snapped at his face again. Sartorius twisted as if to keep his footing. He tried to push his weight down on his right foreleg. But Yami's limbs didn't buckle. He didn't slow. When he thrust his head up and muzzle punched, Sartorius nearly fell backward.

You're a lot stronger than before. The hellhound bore his teeth.

Yami pricked his ears forward. He'd always been this strong. It was just a matter of anger at the moment. He ignored him. Sartorius sprang forward. He slammed into his shoulder. He twisted and hit him hard in the hip. Yami didn't budge. Nor did he care when teeth dug into his scruff.

The hellhound lifted off his front limbs. He pulled Yami roughly. But it was only Yami's front left leg to come off the ground. He opened his jaws wide. Then he clamped them shut on his shoulder. The bone crunched slightly. But it did not break. Yami twisted and shook his head violently. Sartorius slid in the snow, almost losing his grip entirely. How he managed to keep it was beyond him.

The black wolf lunged forward. He slammed hard into his shoulder. The action tugged Sartorius to the ground. Blood welled in Yami's mouth now. Sartorius scrambled to get away. And then teeth hit his back leg. Yami spun on the other hound. He yanked Sartorius off his feet entirely, refusing to let go. Amelda froze, startled, and Yusei sprang for him. Amelda spun a moment too late.

Yusei sank his teeth into his neck, but his aim was off. He'd missed the jugular. Amelda snarled and turned on him. His right paw raised from the ground. He hooked his forelimb around Yusei's shoulders. Yusei remained clamped to his neck there, blue eyes focused briefly on Yami. Amelda twisted enough to snap his teeth at his scruff.

Yami watched the two of them as they turned on each other. Sartorius growled low under his breath. Yami couldn't make out the words. But he assumed it was a complaint of some kind. He seemed livid that Amelda had engaged Yusei now. Had they truly come to mess with him? Just Yami?

It was almost an honor to have the beta so damn focused on him like this.

Yami turned on him again. He clamped his teeth and twisted. Sartorius was forced face-first toward the snow. Yami sank his teeth into his scruff. He slammed his chest into his shoulders. One paw hung over his neck. His claws dug into his chest. He braced his weight against him, releasing his scruff. He sank his teeth in further. Blood welled in his mouth once more. Fur threatened to choke his tongue.

Sartorius tried to pull away. Yami braced his back legs and sprang. He didn't move more than the slightest inch forward. His paws hit the ground again. Sartorius froze, mouth opened and snapping at thin air. The snarl that left him sounded like a crazed animal. Yami kept his grip even as the hound began to twist rapidly to shake him. He turned in circles and Yami steadily jumped to keep from tipping over.

He spun faster than ever. And Yami hardened his muscles. Sartorius dipped closer to the ground, bracing his shoulders. When he thrust upward, Yami ignored it. He kept his grip and his footing. The hound spun harder. He almost dislodged him. But Yami turned just enough to keep hold. Sartorius spat a curse. Then he spun on him again.

Yami released him. Sartorius panted for air.

The two of them snarled at each other again. Sartorius was soaked on the side of his neck. Blood made his coat a hideous sharp red. His shoulder was stained. His scruff was matted. Where Yami had gotten his claws into his chest, tufts of fur were missing.

Yami bore his teeth and stalked forward another step. He wasn't breathing hard yet, and somewhere in the back of his mind an alarm blared and screamed for caution. He didn't understand for a moment; why should he worry about his own endurance? He was powerful. He was dangerous. He was a Pure-Blood. He was meant to be all powerful like this. Why shouldn't he be?

Sartorius eyed him with something wild in his gaze. Yami couldn't read it. But he wasn't sure he cared to, either. He scoffed at him, baring his teeth. When he sprang forward, the hellhound dodged back. But he didn't get far enough to escape entirely.

Yami's teeth sank into his cheek, right beneath his eye. Sartorius snarled and panted, entire mouth opened with anger. Drool dripped from his fangs. He could smell decay, a heady stench that made his senses recoil. Yami clamped down harder. Sartorius tried to back up and Yami pulled him forward. The hound spat. His gums were bleeding, dripping bright red now. Yami could smell it, a hideous and burning scent.

He tugged him, backing up a step. Sartorius slid in the snow.

And then his shoulder shattered.

Yami released him immediately. His head turned and his mouth opened wide. Amelda barely ducked from his bite. The hound snarled and dodged away. His mouth opened wide and his laughter made Yami's ears ring. The black wolf bore his teeth and snarled low in his throat.

Sartorius sprang at him. His teeth clipped his flank. Yami didn't look at him. He shifted his weight and stared at Amelda. The other hound snarled, lowering his head and pacing. And then Yusei slammed into him again. The hound buckled beneath the yearling's force, snarling and yelping in alarm. He hit the snow and turned on him. But Yusei dodged, springing over him and getting a few feet away.

Yami could see he was bleeding along his front right leg. His fur was slicked bright red. His mouth was torn in several places. His cheekbone was exposed under his right eye. The bone showed beneath his fur on the right leg. His scruff was discolored with blood. His upper lip was bleeding profusely, shredded so his gums showed pale along the left of his muzzle. His nose was split and bleeding. His breath gurgled when he exhaled. His left ear was shredded to a stump. His breathing was ragged and tired.

Yami turned on Sartorius again. The silver canine was staring at Yusei as well. He seemed more annoyed than ever. His teeth were bared. His ears were pricked forward. His lips peeled back to expose each tooth. And then he rushed forward.

Yami blinked. He lunged and missed.

Sartorius bit Yusei in the spine. The yearling yelped and spun on him. And Amelda leaped forward immediately after. His teeth caught Yusei by the throat. They began tugging in sync. And Yami blinked again. Yusei hit the ground, snarling and thrashing. Yami sprang forward.

Amelda sensed him a second before they collided. He screamed when Yami caught him by the throat. The hellhound was pulled off the ground, shaken until he went limp for a single second. Then he seemed to rally himself. Abruptly he braced his muscles. His legs touched the snow again. He hardened his body. And then he began to try to tug himself backward. He tried to dislodge him by backing up rapidly.

Yami clamped his teeth harder and kept his body still. Amelda ceased his erratic movements. He panted, struggling, and snarled hatefully. Yami snickered at the sound. Sartorius released Yusei and came forward. Yami watched him but didn't release. Yusei dragged himself up to his paws again. He was panting now, eyes half-shut and body shaking.

Try to get to the camp, Yami growled. Yusei froze for a single second. His head snapped up. His eyes locked with his. I'll hold them here. Go.

Yusei looked at him as if he had three heads. He opened and closed his mouth. Then he blinked and looked between the hounds and Yami. Finally he turned away, starting to stumble along.

Sartorius glanced at the yearling but didn't follow. Instead he sprang for Yami. His teeth dug into his skull. And he shook him violently. Yami clamped his jaws harder. Amelda screamed and struggled to get loose. Yami held him tight, keeping him in place. Sartorius slammed into his shoulder with his own. Yami stumbled but kept his grip. The three of them spun with the next hit. And Sartorius seemed to roar with anger. He slammed into him once more. Then he abruptly released and snapped his teeth into Yami's back leg.

The force caused the bone to shatter. Yami snarled. He raised and bent the limb even as Sartorius tried to yank his feet out from under him. Yami eyed him in his peripheral. Then he shook Amelda so violently the hound's leg snapped from trying to catch himself. Sartorius tugged hard enough to make Yami's leg pull out of place entirely. He felt the pain rocket from heel to pelvis in a single second.

He released Amelda, stunned for a split second. And then he turned on Sartorius again. His teeth snapped shut just a millimeter from crushing his eye. Sartorius screamed and backed away. He tried to shake him, thrashing and tossing his head rapidly. Yami held tight, even as his leg screamed with pain.

They were frozen there.

And then a scream came through the air. The sound was sharp enough it made them both cease. Yami released him without processing the realization. Sartorius turned his head even as he collapsed in the snow. Yami blinked and struggled to focus.

Amelda had Yusei by the throat. The yearling was half-suspended in the air. His limbs were each bleeding. His tail was tucked between his legs. His eyes were glazed over with pain and terror. Amelda was watching Yami. His eyes burned into his. His teeth dug more pointedly into Yusei's throat. The yearling gurgled and tried pathetically to move. His mouth opened, bleached white with fear. His tongue was bloodied and his teeth dripped drool.

And then Amelda dropped him. Yusei hit the snow like a rock. His entire body fell as if a marionette had abandoned their puppet. Yami stared blankly. Amelda sneered a huge gaping maw of teeth before turning tail. Sartorius spat a curse and took off after him.

Yami watched both as they fled. His body burned and itched. Some small part of him recognized failure. Another burned with resentment. Yet another stung with frustration. He blinked, processing the emotions as if they were foreign. His ears pricked forward after a moment. And he slowly picked his way toward the abandoned body.

When he got closer, his heart clenched. Shame crashed through him now. His mouth felt dry and stuffy. His nose burned at the metallic scent. His ears were ringing. His pulse skyrocketed. His eyes burned where blood dripped into them.

He'd promised Yugi.

He'd promised to try to protect Yusei.

Yami crept closer another step. He'd just watched Amelda kill him. And he'd never even moved a muscle to help. His head spun for a single moment. His belly ached and writhed under his skin. He moved slowly, every muscle burning with shame as they threatened to decay beneath his flesh. He felt his back leg pop back into place as he staggered. The shattered bone ground together like gears in need of oil.

And then he stopped.

A hideous choking, gasping noise echoed through the still air. Had Yami not been so sure of his surroundings, he might have assumed it to be an animal. But he knew better. Any prey nearby would have run long before.

He shivered and hurried his pace.

The yearling was struggling for air. His throat had been torn open. Yami could see to his spine the hole was so wide and gaping. Yusei's eyes were glazed with pain and terror. His gasping made his wound whistle as the air escaped his trachea. It was a fatal wound. But Yusei wasn't unhealthy. He could have healed from it had it not been for the cold.

Yusei's blood was clotting from the frozen temperatures. He couldn't heal fast enough that the wound could close. He wasn't capable of healing as quickly as Yami or Yugi. He healed at a fourth their speed. And it was clear he couldn't survive this on his own.

Yami couldn't offer him his blood, either. Sartorius's saliva would just aggravate the wound and make Yusei bleed out. At this rate Yusei would die slowly, minutes turning potentially to hours if he was unlucky enough.

Yami got within an inch of him and lowered his head. He sniffed at the wound. But he didn't trust his saliva, either. He could still taste hound blood against his tongue. And he was in so much pain he didn't trust himself not to hurt Yusei in the process.

I'm sorry.

He was sure Yusei didn't care for the apology. But he didn't think he could have done it otherwise.

A scream pierced the air, shrill and pained. It ceased a split second later. Yusei twitched and struggled as if to raise his head. Yami didn't look away from the gaping wound. Blood sputtered like a fountain choked in ivy. His entire body shook with each attempt to breathe. Yami watched a moment longer. Then he closed his eyes and opened his jaws wide.

When he snapped them shut, blood gushed into his mouth. It choked him, flooding his tongue and seemingly clotting against it. The yearling shuddered in his grip only once, then went still. Yami released a second later. When he raised his head, he almost didn't understand what he saw.

Amelda lay halfway in the tree line. His body was broken almost in half, as if he'd been thrown from a great height. His legs were folded and twisted unnaturally, almost like a dead spider's. His tail was broken and tugged halfway from his spine. But his head hung from a jaw of jet black fur, his skull crushed almost from the sheer force of the grip. Yellow eyes were wide and full of shock and horror, the whites showing visibly. His mouth was opened in his death scream and blood dripped for a single moment before the snow stifled its circulation.

I would have gone for Sartorius, but Amelda was closer, the newcomer sneered dismissively as he came closer. When he approached, his teeth dug in further. The eyes popped out from the pressure and gray peaked from beneath black fur. Blood soaked perfect white fangs, dripping from his right canine where it balanced precariously against the hybrid's flesh. I was under the assumption one was better than none, however.

Yami didn't bother to answer him. He simply looked toward Yusei again. The yearling was already so cold the snow had begun to freeze along the exposed arteries. Yami was not sure what to make of the decay setting in on his flesh, turning it black as it froze before his eyes. Yami stared at the wound, then at the fresher bite marks where he'd cut his jugular.

And his heart ached once more.

What did he tell Yugi?

How did he explain his failure or why he had been the one to kill him?

The silence was enough to make his head ache. The other canine had gotten to his side what seemed a lifetime ago. But he was silent now as well, staring blankly down at the freezing corpse. Yami did not know if he was offering silent condolences or if he was simply remaining so for Yami's sake.

It was smothering, however. The silence made his entire body ache.

The other wolf abruptly opened his mouth. Amelda's severed head hit the snow. Yami blinked and looked over. The muzzle was slicked with blood. The sightless eyes had a layer of ice covering them. He could see the perfect outline of flakes preserved against the frozen organs now.

Silently Yami raised his eyes. The other wolf took a seat, staring at Yusei curiously. A sense of understanding and clarity cloaked their features. When he finally turned to look at him, Yami almost wished he had the energy to lash out at him in some way. Instead he blinked and looked away again.

They remained like this for an eternity.

And then Yami heard movement. His ears flicked and focused in on the noise. He turned his head. The wolf beside him glanced over as well. The newcomer, bright-eyed and grinning, read their expressions and froze in place. He came to a complete stop abruptly, a paw half-raised and eyes wide with shock. Then he lowered and tilted his head, studying them cautiously.

What…happened?

Yami didn't know what to say, nor how to explain. He lowered his eyes and glanced at the body again. He could barely believe he'd dug his teeth into his throat to end his life. It hardly seemed a mercy. He hated himself all the more for it.

Yusei is dead. And I killed Amelda, the other wolf answered. He'd gotten up to shake himself out and wander forward a few steps. He didn't look toward Yami or the body, and his voice sounded indifferent and cold, as if he were relaying the weather. In fact, now Yami realized he'd been silent out of respect for him rather than the yearling. Sartorius got away.

What? the newcomer blurted. He darted past him to Yami, then froze when he spotted the severed head. He blinked and looked from Yusei to Yami with a stunned expression. I'd hoped he was lying.

Yami refused to acknowledge him. He raised his eyes to his but he didn't care to answer. Thankfully Valon did not take the bait and argue. Instead he shook himself out and said, I'll go get Yugi.

No, Yami snapped, baring his teeth and flicking an ear, you won't. You will help me get his body back to camp.

You want Valon to help you take Yusei's body back? the newcomer asked with a bewildered expression. He shook his head. Wouldn't it be better if I did it instead?

Yami glanced over at him. An attack from two hounds should not have even slightly fazed him. He should have shrugged it off as if it were nothing. Even a casualty should not have caused him such terrible distress. And, yet, he knew otherwise.

It was Yusei. That was the only reason he felt even an inkling of the guilt that had amassed in his belly. The dread that pooled on his tongue was great and terrible. And he couldn't think straight now.

Yugi would be disappointed.

He'd hate him for it.

He'd understand just why Yami loathed himself so much.

He'd come to realize how useless he truly was.

And Yami wasn't sure he could stomach such a loss.

The pain in his chest was raw and terrible, as if his bones were shattered and pulled apart and his organs splayed for all to see.

He narrowed his gaze and turned away. You're right, he mumbled. His throat felt oddly scratchy, almost as if the winter air had raked long claws through his windpipe. If Valon were to help me, they might assume he aided them in this. I…

I'll help you instead, the other wolf offered, moving as if Yami had agreed. When he got closer, Yami snapped his teeth. He skirted away, startled and bristling in alarm. Yami eyed him for a long moment as the other wolf slowly regained his composure. What the hell?

Valon snorted, eyes dancing with laughter. He's in shock, Jonouchi. Leave him alone for a minute, he dismissed, wagging his tail as if it were one of the funniest things he'd ever witnessed. Otherwise he might just lash out and do to you what he couldn't to Sartorius.

The golden-furred wolf shot him an annoyed look. Yami blinked and considered the other canine for a long handful of seconds. Jonouchi; was it really Jonouchi? His head felt as if it were throbbing with pain. He hadn't recognized him. He truly hadn't realized he had been the one Yami was facing. He'd snapped his teeth at Yugi's best friend.

And he hadn't even truly realized.

Jonouchi turned back to him without a word. His eyes had grown wide, though they softened as he considered him. He looked sympathetic rather than startled and flustered any longer. Yami ignored him, turning away again as guilt made his spine numb. His paws felt awkward and heavy, and his skin crawled beneath his pelt.

Don't…don't tell Yugi, Yami said quietly, turning to Valon now and feeling as if the wind had been knocked from his lungs. Everything hurt. He felt dazed and disgusted. You don't have the right. I was here when the fight happened. I'll tell him. I need to…explain what happened. I can't let you do that for me.

Jonouchi flattened his ears and turned to Valon with a disgusted look. You seriously ripped his head off and carried it over here? You sick freak.

Valon wagged his tail and flashed his teeth as if he'd called him a celebrity. It was worth it. I've been growing tired of Amelda's existence for a while now, he answered, eyes bright with growing laughter. I've been looking for an opportunity since Yugi mentioned he was working with the hellhounds from the labs. It's no skin off my nose.

The other wolf shuddered and shook his head, eyeing the hybrid and wrinkling his nose. Then he turned to Yami as if awaiting instructions. But the black wolf ignored him, lowering his mouth to gently grab Yusei's paw closest him. He dragged him a step, dislodging some of the snow from his form. He was so stiff he was nearly frozen whole. Yami almost could not tell the difference between his body and a stashed cache.

Go with Valon, Yami finally said when Jonouchi failed to stop staring. Don't say a word to Yugi but for the fact that I need to speak to him. Beyond that you do not tell him a damn thing. He can find me if he wishes, but I'll be returning with his body to the camp.

---

Yugi landed heavily, rushing forward despite the dense snow dunes that had begun to steadily slow him down again. The fresh fall made everything harder to walk in and running was almost impossible. He panted as he leaped the tree bridge and pricked his ears forward again. The snarls and screams had gone silent long before. And yet he'd been unable to stop himself running like this. He knew he couldn't help the situation no matter what he attempted to do. They were likely dead already. The quiet spoke volumes. Not a single animal had moved in what felt a lifetime now. He shivered and bristled, tilting his head as he reconsidered his positioning. He didn't know where he was in terms of the fight that had come about. He only knew he'd backtracked rapidly to the place he and Yami had split up.

It had barely taken more than a minute. But in those sixty seconds, the fighting had ceased entirely and the world had seemed to dissolve into deafening quiet. He hadn't bothered to try to ask around as to whether anyone had figured out what had happened. He didn't pause to even consider it.

He almost regretted it now. But it wasn't hard to understand that the snarling he'd heard—enraged and callous and so loud it made his heart in his chest sound muffled—had been Yami. He'd known the moment he'd heard it. His body felt rigid and cold, his fur rising and falling in tremors. He blinked, tilting his head, and followed what remained of the path of paw prints he could still see under the new snowfall. He couldn't make out the actual definition or the shape any longer beneath the fresh ice, just the slight indentation that someone had gone that way.

He lowered his nose and sniffed, but he wasn't sure whose scent it was he followed. He could smell Yami at the very bottom, but it was so faint he almost couldn't recognize it. He felt oddly cold, dread making his spine stiff beneath his skin. The scent change was an odd one, because from the point he'd been at the spot they'd separated, Yami's smell had been abundant and clear. Now the pine and moonlight smell was smothered by something he couldn't quite explain. He didn't know if it was shadows and ashes or rotting leaves.

But it was clear and definitive. Abruptly, a few inches from the point they'd separated, the scent had become muddled. This new layer of smell had cloaked Yami's, and Yugi could not find where it came from. Had it been a hound? It wouldn't have surprised him. If they'd come by air or changed as a phantom and followed, perhaps that was it.

Yugi didn't know. In fact, in retrospect, he didn't care. What mattered was he found Yami and made sure he was—

There was blood everywhere.

He blinked and tilted his head, picking his way forward slowly and cautiously. His fur rose and fell in a bristle and he narrowed his eyes as he glanced around. His stomach knotted and he bore his teeth as he looked over the red quickly fading to white again.

A pair of steel teeth held a small tuft of black fur. And all around it was blood. The snow was soaked, the new fall not enough to properly hide it as of yet. But there was nothing pulled from the impact. There was blood and fur, but not a claw or severed toe or anything of the manner. Yami had deliberately pulled his paw from the trap without care. And he'd bled profusely for it.

Yugi looked at the second set of tracks and blinked, then flattened his ears. He recognized the smell immediately; Yusei had been with him. Which meant if he was right and someone had died, it could have easily been him. But Yugi couldn't know for sure. He was hopeful it wasn't, yet he couldn't forget Slifer so easily listing him with those other wolves. And besides Mai and Yusei, everyone else was dead.

He knew for a fact Yami could not protect him. Yami was too toxic as it was; he was lost, suffocating and drowning in his memories and thoughts he tried so hard to suppress. He couldn't truly protect Yusei from Sartorius if things had gotten so far. And Yugi knew truthfully he couldn't have expected him to. If Yusei was dead…

He flicked an ear and wandered forward again, following the trail he could find. A few minutes' walking led to the apparent skirmish. Blood soaked almost every part of the space for about twenty yards. A few trunks were soaked with splatter, the ice stained brilliantly, the snow disturbed in heavy clumps. Fur tufts were weighed down and buried or pushed slowly and awkwardly across the soft snow by small breezes.

Yugi could smell Sartorius and another hound, Yusei and Yami. The blood made his tongue itch, pressed painfully against the roof of his mouth. He wrinkled his nose and tried to determine who had won. But he couldn't tell. There were too many tracks and too much blood and trails where one or two or all four had taken off running at some point.

Yugi looked it over for a long moment, then turned away.

Yami was most likely headed back for the camp. Yugi could easily meet him there if he went back now. Likely he wasn't moving too quickly. Considering the amount of blood, he knew Yami could have no small amount of wounds. He could see black fur everywhere against the ice. Yami had taken the brunt of the attack for the most part. Although he did see with some satisfaction that there was silver fur scattered about as well. Yami had at least gotten at Sartorius, although he didn't know that the hellhound was dead. But he also didn't see much else.

He cast a single glance around, heading towards the tree line.

There was an indentation that was deep enough to say someone had collapsed to the ground. And he could see where they'd been picked up as well, because there were slight signs of dragging motions. He could see it easily, especially where the body left a huge indentation in the snow and the blood pooled in a hideous outward shape. He could even see where the body had been dragged an inch or two closer to the spectator. But someone else had run off as well, fleeing as if they'd been faced with a monster.

Yugi could only imagine the adrenaline rush the second hound must have experienced upon seeing Yami's face.

Which likely meant the wolf in question was Yusei. He couldn't imagine Sartorius or his accomplice running so easily had it not been for Yami staring at them after Yusei was killed. Yami likely would have gone into a rage then, if he hadn't already.

It didn't matter, however.

Yugi raised and turned his head.

Valon and Jonouchi had been there. He could smell them, right around the spot that he suspected Yusei had been. Yami's paw prints were almost impossible to miss as he looked sidelong his own. He shook himself out and raised his head, glancing around once more. He couldn't tell where the three of them had gone. He assumed the camp would be the first place any of them would go, but he couldn't be sure of that. For all he knew, Yami could be taking the body to Slifer.

He flattened his ears, trying not to snarl with frustration. He didn't want to just assume Yusei was dead. He didn't want to even consider it in the slightest. There was so much disappointment that came with the acknowledgment and he truly hoped maybe he was wrong. If he was, he could laugh it off and revel in his relief and—

Yusei was dead.

Yugi knew it despite himself. He wasn't stupid. Yusei had gotten caught up in an ambush, most likely meant just for Yami or maybe Yugi himself. Maybe they'd come for Yugi but found Yami instead. Maybe it was as simple as Sartorius finding Yami first and going after him instead. It would have been easy enough to change his priorities to go after the secondary Atem. Why not? Yubel hated them both equally. No doubt she'd said if he couldn't find one, he should find the other.

Or maybe they'd meant to hold Yami in place long enough for Yugi to come. But there had only been two hounds. It had only been Sartorius and another hybrid, one Yugi wasn't sure he recognized. It seemed familiar but not enough to truly catch his attention. But if there had only been two of them, it implied they'd been surprised by Yusei if he'd been with him and jumped into the fray. But how had he gotten away from Yami? How had Yusei gotten so far from Yami that he'd been unable to help?

Had he told him to run? Had he tried to hold them off and gotten sidetracked as the other two turned on him? Maybe Sartorius had held him in place while the second had gotten to Yusei when he was fleeing. He blinked and raised his head, glancing around once more, then closed his eyes and sighed softly.

That had to be it. Yami wouldn't have let something happen to Yusei if he hadn't been caught up in his own fight. But where was Sartorius's body? He wasn't dead yet? And why was that? How was it that Yami had let him survive to see another day?

Yugi bore his teeth and turned, sprinting for the camp.

A few wolves were headed his way, no doubt going to investigate as he was. He snapped his teeth when one tried to speak to him, dodging past them without recognition. He didn't care enough to acknowledge them. He wanted to know where Sartorius had gone, where he might be hiding. If he was still in the territory, Yugi would kill him himself. He didn't care if it took more than one try. He'd rip his head off.

He was tired of the losses. Every fight Yami got into was more time wasted in healing him. He couldn't keep him healthy long enough. And he was sure it was part of Yubel's plans to keep him spread so thin. It would be easier to hold him off and get to Yugi if she could do so. And it didn't have to be she herself who did it. It just had to happen.

Sartorius was disposable to her.

He would be the buffer. When he died, she'd come full force for them both.

Yugi slowed only when he got inside the camp. Chazz and Aki immediately sprang to their paws from opposing sides of the clearing. Zane and Syrus looked up from where they were laying together, and the alpha got to his feet an instant later. Yuya blinked wide eyes and whispered, What happened? even as others began to stiffen and hurry forward.

He ignored them, snapping at Aki when she stepped closer to inquire. The she-wolf blinked, raising her tail in surprise but dropping it again immediately. She looked stunned by his aggression, more than mildly shocked. Then she blinked, huffing as she stepped back again. Yugi snarled when he got closer to the center. No one spoke now, and each of them gave him startled and intense looks. Yugi ignored them and hurried forward, bristling.

Yami wasn't there yet.

He turned his head and huffed. Valon and Jonouchi weren't there either; Jonouchi would have gone straight to Mai and she was sitting a couple yards away, staring at him with a horrified expression. He shook himself out and ignored her, trying to dislodge the mild chill that came from the waterfall he'd jumped through moments before. He closed his eyes and counted a few heartbeats, then pricked his ears and listened more intently.

Yami wasn't there, but he was close. Yugi could feel it, like a gentle breeze about to stroke his fur. He was within a mile, moving slowly but deliberately. Yugi didn't know if he was carrying the body or simply dragging it. He couldn't hear him from so far but for snow shifting and crunching. But he could just barely focus in on his heartbeat, which was slow and steady and just reassuring enough that Yugi wanted to tremble.

The white wolf shook himself out and walked forward, ears pricked and eyes sharpened as he considered his surroundings. The other wolves still gave him a wide breadth of space, watching him cautiously if he moved even an inch. Yugi glanced sideways towards Mai, watching the she-wolf as she blinked wide eyes and tipped her head towards the back entrance as well. Yugi listened intently for Yami's footsteps, forcing himself not to pace restlessly. He wanted for a moment to rush forward and confront him where he was.

But he knew better.

Yami was already blaming himself. He knew that much. He took almost every little wrong move or effect as a personal failure. And he knew Yami would likely see this as more of a problem and wedge between them than anything else. He'd probably already convinced himself that he was to blame for Yusei and that Yugi would turn on him for it.

He huffed. He would have liked to believe Yami trusted him enough not to feel that way. But he wasn't stupid. Yami would have worked himself up to that point. The depression alone had to make him feel worthless more often than not. There was no mistaking the fact he'd twist it once more to include Yugi thinking the same of him.

Yugi paced in a circle, then took a seat and waited.

It was twenty minutes later that Yugi sensed him close enough to greet him. He raced forward without a word. Several others moved as if to join him, then froze and seemed to reconsider. He was alone when he got to the tree line. Yami had his head down, eyes unfocused and staring at something past Yugi's shoulder, entire body hunched as if he were awaiting an attack of some kind. Yugi ignored the submissive body language and hurtled himself forward.

Yami's eyes abruptly focused, honing in on him. His expression changed from one of unreadable scrutiny to alarm and perhaps near panic. His entire body stiffened, then the fur rose along his body in horror, and he ducked his head with his spine arched as if Yugi might lunge for his throat.

His heart hurt at the sight but he couldn't find it in himself to console him. He stopped inches away, baring his teeth and drawing in a deep breath.

His ears were pricked forward, his blue-violet eyes boring into his, and his tail had risen slightly as if with challenge. Yami flattened his ears and ducked his head until his chin almost touched the snow. Had it not been for Yusei's body he would have likely done so. He would have completely dropped to the ground and even rolled over on his back with his tail between his legs.

Sartorius and Amelda found us, he said quietly, flinching when Yugi came closer still. The white wolf was stiff-legged as he stopped a few inches away. He almost didn't even seem to register Yami had spoken.

He barely managed to swallow back the whimper that crawled up the back of his throat. He'd have to make a run for it if Yugi turned on him. He wasn't stupid and he might not have cared, but he didn't want to die again at the moment. And facing the pack would be suicide. If Yugi turned on him over Yusei, they'd attack him relentlessly, no matter if Yugi tried to argue the contrary and tell them otherwise. If Yugi chose to grant him mercy, they wouldn't do the same. Any instructions to let him go would be dismissed in a frenzy of bloodlust.

He'd be considered a traitor.

No wolf worth their pelt would allow him to survive the encounter.

Just as Aki had meant to kill him when he'd fled the camp originally, the wolves would turn on him again. And with his limbs as sore as they were, Yami almost thought he'd lay down and let them tear him to pieces instead.

Yugi was mere inches away. His blue-violet eyes were full of hateful rage, intense and burning, as he peered at him. Yami flinched and backed away a step, and the white wolf paused but his expression did not change.

Valon killed Amelda. Sartorius—

Did Valon try to follow him?

I…I don't know. He—

You don't know?

Yami bristled, unsure how to answer. The ferocity in Yugi's voice made his entire body burn. He crouched lower to the ground and tried not to draw his lips back in a snarl. He didn't know Yusei was dead. He came to speak to me and—

Who did it?

He readied every muscle in his body to flee. I did, he whispered, the words making the air thick and suffocating. Yugi stared at him, eyes like gems of dark blue and purple. Yami lowered his gaze quickly. I killed him when he wasn't dead after his throat was torn out. I—

Who. Did. It? Yugi repeated, cutting him off. He bore his teeth. I don't care that you mercy-killed him, Yami. Who. Did. It?

Yami blinked up at him, startled by the dismissal. He searched his eyes and looked away again. Amelda, he answered quietly, narrowing his gaze. The words were thick and sticky in his throat, breathing abruptly harder to do, as he continued. He got involved when Amelda and Sartorius ganged up on me. And Sartorius held me off—

And he's dead. Valon killed him? You're certain?

He paraded over with his head in his mouth. I am relatively sure that constitutes as death, Yami snarled before he could stop himself. He flinched as Yugi tilted his head and watched him more pointedly. Yugi, I'm sorry. I told you I would try to protect him, and I couldn't—

It was always going to happen. Slifer told me ahead of time, remember? I told you Yusei would die and I asked you to help me. It wasn't that you failed. It was just that Slifer finally did as she claimed would eventually happen. It was all the wrong things at the wrong time, Yugi interrupted quietly. He blinked, the hardness in his eyes lessened as the rage faded to irritation and his hatred turned to concern. Your side is bleeding.

It wasn't the worst so it hasn't healed yet. Yami hesitated, looking away again. I should have been more diligent. He snuck up on us and…Yusei realized he was there before I did.

Yugi was quiet a moment. Then he scoffed loudly, I'm not surprised. You've been unhealthy for a while now. I know you're not sleeping through the night anymore. I know you twist and toss and turn. I've been waiting for you to tear your wrists open again. I've been waiting for you to change. I've been waiting for you to seriously hurt yourself in your sleep. But you haven't. So I never bothered to say anything. I thought you would get it figured out on your own. But you've become worse. You've started spiraling and I don't know how to help you, Yami.

He was struck then with the realization that Yugi had not planned to. Yami had chased him off and snarled at him more than once for interfering. And he would not have been surprised if Yugi had simply chosen to be silent and watchful instead. He was sure he would have woken him had something gone horribly wrong, would have helped where necessary, but he had not been given a reason as of yet. Yami had not clawed his wrists open. He had not hurt himself. He had not changed in his sleep. He had done nothing but toss and turn. Yugi had never bothered for the sake of avoiding the exhaustion to come with another argument. As he'd said, he'd been waiting for a reason to intervene.

Yami had not provided him one.

But Yami was somehow hurt all the same. Had he alienated him so much? The Yugi who had first helped him with his wrists and nursed him back to health would have checked long ago. There would have been three or four instances by then that Yugi would have stepped in.

Any idea why you're so dysfunctional right now?

Yami glanced at him in his peripheral. Yugi hadn't lost his aggression, but he seemed tired now as well. I…I have an idea, but I don't… That's not what I wanted to speak to you about now—

Yusei is dead, Yami. Talking about it doesn't make a difference. He's gone. You brought his corpse back here to give me a chance to say goodbye. And I will do so later. But, for right now, truthfully, I think your wounds need cleaning. And I think afterwards—

Whatever he meant to say was drowned out by a startled cry of Oh shit, Yusei?! as Chazz ran forward. Behind him Zane and some of the other wolves came with bewildered looks. They stopped short immediately upon catching sight of the corpse, eyes widening before they all turned away as if to give Yugi some semblance of privacy.

Chazz, Zane, the white wolf murmured, I want your help. You'll have time to mourn Yusei later. Right now we're going to check the woods and see to it that Sartorius is not here any longer. We need to rid ourselves of him if he's still there. I won't have another surprise ambush. Let's go.

Both of them looked at the body, and Zane eyed Yami closely. He nodded a moment later, taking off after Yugi sprinted away. Yami straightened, spine snapping painfully from the sudden movement, and Yugi snarled, Don't even try to follow us, Yami. Stay here. That's an order.

Yami almost sneered and followed regardless. But pain was enough to deter him. And he wasn't so foolish as to challenge him in front of the other wolves. The pack had gathered around to see what Yugi had been so upset about and now they were eyeing him with trepidation or sympathy or mere excitement at the prospect of getting a bite out of him for disobedience. Aki had a rather blatant stare, one that seemed oddly tinged with raw pain. Yami lowered his eyes and shuffled unsteadily to his full height. The adrenaline was finally fading. He closed his eyes tightly.

Did you want some help with your side?

He would have opened his eyes had it been anyone else. But even after not truly recognizing him after Yusei had died, he trusted Jonouchi all the same. The golden wolf was trying his hardest to bridge some of the gap between the pack and Yugi and Yami, as well as the chasm that he likely sensed opening between them now. He nodded slightly, opening his eyes a moment later, and picked his way awkwardly and slowly around the wolves to get to the center of the clearing.

Jonouchi set upon the task of shoveling snow into his side the moment Yami lowered himself to lay down again. He pressed it firmly into the itching flesh, compacting it to the shape of the gaping wound. Yami lowered his head to his paws and fought the urge to bite at his face when he pressed too hard with his nose.

You didn't find Yugi before he got back here, did you?

No, Valon and I didn't get to him. We were trying to track him, but, holy shit, he's fast. I didn't know he could move that quickly. We barely saw him for a second before he took off. We assumed he was heading here so we didn't even try to chase him after that.

Yami nodded and closed his eyes. He'd been so mad. He'd been livid, as if he might turn on him any moment.

You look like you got in a fight with a blender.

Yami flicked an ear. I might as well have. His teeth are sharper than I thought they might be. I don't know if that's because Yubel is punishing him and he's adapting, or if it is from the lab experiments.

What happened out there? I…I don't understand how this could have happened to you and Yusei. Yugi, I mean… I hate to say it, but I could definitely see this happening to him. Jonouchi was rambling, as if he were afraid to stop talking for some reason. He's still learning and sometimes he still tries to make friends before he hurts someone he needs to, but you? You just charge in and kill as necessary and don't take shit when you do it. So how did this…?

He closed his eyes tightly and moved his paws to slowly bury his nose beneath them. I haven't taken care of myself. And my senses suffered for it. I didn't even realize he was there until he was already almost close enough to attack. It was only because Yusei said he was there that I realized. He told me he was there and Sartorius distracted me from Amelda coming after Yusei. Yusei held his own until he couldn't anymore and I was not able to stop him.

Jonouchi stayed quiet for a long moment, then sighed softly. Valon told me you had to mercy-kill him.

Yami didn't open his eyes. Yes.

Jonouchi molded some more ice into his side. The cold made his entire body feel as if it were burning. He almost flinched, but couldn't find the strength. He shifted his chin and wanted for a moment to bury himself beneath the snow. He did not want to think about it again. He did not want to force himself to even consider the weight of the implications or the consequences of his actions. The rest of the pack would likely be furious when they found out.

He could expect several of them to turn on him for allowing it to happen. Even if it was not physical, they could damn well turn on him verbally. And he didn't want to deal once more with backlash for yet another thing.

Okay. Jonouchi didn't sound okay, but Yami appreciated the effort he put into forcing aside his curiosity to answer him. So, do you think Sartorius is nearby still? I mean, do you think they'll find him?

No, Yami sneered, unable to suppress his frustration at the reminder. He opened an eye to peer at Jonouchi sideways, staring pointedly from his peripheral. Of course not. He is not so stupid as to fail to run. He is long gone by now. I…think Sartorius was sent after Yugi, but he found me instead. He chose to fight me instead of find Yugi and that is why Amelda did not come immediately to help him. It just so happened that Yusei was there with me. Sartorius was wounded and I know he is not in good shape. He wouldn't remain in our territory, especially knowing Yugi would come after him.

I didn't really think so, either, Jonouchi admitted. He flicked an ear and glanced at him, tilting his head and watching his face. So, then why do you think Yugi went searching for him anyways?

Because Sartorius had hurt him. It was as simple as that. Sartorius had attacked Yami. And Yugi could not forgive that.

He likely wanted away from me. Yami shook his head and closed his eyes again. He wanted to curl up into a tight ball and ignore everything around him. He felt as if his body was growing tense, burning with muscle aches he couldn't quite recognize. He shivered and wondered if his exhaustion came from grief or blood loss. He knew I was going to say something he wouldn't like. He knew so he took off on this unnecessary patrol to avoid the conversation. He knows Sartorius is long gone by now.

The gold wolf stayed quiet for a long time. Was what you were going to say really that bad?

Yami laughed softly, voice coiled with hatred. Yes. It is that bad.

They settled into an uneasy silence, until Yami grunted when Jonouchi pressed too hard into his side with his nose. The ice almost crumbled apart from the force and his eyes snapped open at the bitter bite of pain. Jonouchi apologized, but it sounded as if he were laughing instead. Then he exhaled softly and sighed, Are you still okay? Can you even feel your side?

He blinked. Yes, I am fine. He dismissed him rather coldly, surprised by his own tone. He shifted his weight and blinked. Jonouchi was staring at him, somewhat skeptical and nervous. The red-eyes wolf studied him a moment. His ears flicked about twice and he considered their surroundings. Yami sighed softly and shifted his chin to rub against his dew claws. I'm perfectly fine.

The golden-furred wolf remained silent for a long moment. Since you're here alone with me right now, he said quietly, and Yami turned his head to stare at him in surprise, I wanted to talk to you about something.

Yes?

Jonouchi visibly struggled to find the words to explain. Then he looked away, eyes half-closed as he began to speak again. I blame a lot of shit on you. I have since I found out you existed. I blamed every little bit of change in Yugi on you. I blamed you for the distance between us, him and the group. I blamed you for his attitude change. I blamed you for all the bullshit his infection brought. I blamed you for everything I could. You became my scapegoat because it was super easy. We were never around each other. You never showed any interest toward us and you didn't pay much attention when it came to us. So it became easy and…logical to just put it all on you. Yugi changed the moment he met you. Or so that's what I told myself.

Yami blinked and stared, curious and startled by the admission. He wanted to answer, but he had no words. And he realized as well, should he speak, Jonouchi would go silent again. So he resisted the urge, watching him closely instead.

He was changing before that. He changed before he was ever actually involved with you. There was something different about him from the moment he fixed up that dog…the one that got hit by the car at the intersection.

Yami blinked, stiffening. He didn't know it was Valon. He didn't have any idea that Valon had been the one Yugi and his mother had stitched up that day after school. And if he didn't know, it meant either Yugi hadn't trusted him with the information or he was afraid it might have triggered a response of some kind in him. Perhaps he assumed Jonouchi would lose his temper. Perhaps he was just afraid that it would cause more drama atop the immense stress of everything already happening.

We were talking that night and something about his behavior was really off. I blew it off at first, tried to convince myself it was just me over-thinking it. But I knew. Yugi was spaced out the entire time, only answered every other question, and I think at one point he was even whispering to himself about hallucinations or night terrors or something. He was talking too low, though, so I couldn't tell what he was actually saying. He blew me off when I tried to ask him if he was okay and we never got back to it.

Yami could not find it in himself to deny it. He knew Yugi had been distracted and anxious whenever he interacted with any of the other wolves. His skin crawled as he considered. He could picture it, Yugi nervous and awkward and whispering to himself about the various problems.

My point, though, is I didn't have the right to treat you like that. I didn't have a right to be so rude to you. Jonouchi was quiet again. He sounded as if he were struggling again to find the words. Yugi is like a brother to me. And no matter what happens, that won't change. We're still close, even if we fight a lot and we don't always see eye to eye. But that's not your fault.

Yami flicked an ear, studying him. Jonouchi wasn't wrong; blaming him as he had for so long had never quite been fair. But in his place Yami felt he likely would have done the same. He'd lost his little sister when she'd been kidnapped. He'd lost his dad to alcohol and abuse. He'd gotten into trouble constantly. He'd been hurt. And then, Yugi, the boy he considered his brother, had begun to pull away seemingly out of nowhere. He'd been desperate to mend the gap between them, and then he'd found a scapegoat to take his frustrations out on.

But what happened between the two of us could have happened over someone else, Jonouchi continued quietly, watching him now. It just…happened to be you.

Yami did not know how he was meant to answer him. He nodded and looked away, staring down at his paws. They remained in silence for several long minutes once more, and Yami pointedly ignored his stare. If I ever went against you, Jonouchi said quietly, suddenly, Yugi would choose you. Do you realize that?

Yami blinked and glanced over. I'm aware, he mumbled, and he couldn't help the bitter taste in his mouth. How could he not be? Yami was so aware of it that he felt his heart might shatter when he was given a reminder. Yugi would. Yugi would absolutely choose him over anyone and everyone. He would choose wrong.

Jonouchi looked as if he wanted to argue, but then he seemingly decided otherwise. He turned away, shaking his head and sighing. Maybe, he relented finally. He closed his eyes, tilting his head, and flicked an ear. But if he believes you're worth it, then he'll do anything for you.

Yami nodded slightly and put his chin on his paws again. I'm aware, he said again, feeling almost ill at the reminder. It was so easy to abuse his loyalty. He watched several of the wolves as they quietly mourned Yusei's passing. They buried their noses in his fur, between his elbow and belly. He knew they were whispering prayers, asking Lupa to receive him. Yami looked away quickly and lowered his muzzle to bury his nose under his paws. He'd messed up. He'd fucked up, more accurately. And Yusei had paid the price for it all. But I don't understand what determines that for him.

I don't know, Jonouchi answered with a small snort. He yawned and stretched his forelimbs and Yami wondered for a moment if he was trying to pick his words. Yugi has always been determined to kill with kindness instead of anger. He was nice, even when we made fun of him and played keep-away with his backpack in middle school. He found out about us being in a gang and got strung up by his choker in a warehouse once. He was almost killed for trying to help us get out of it even before we were friends. We were barely talking and we were never nice to him. Just before that, Ushio had come after the three of us and Yugi got beaten black and blue for defending us. But, holy shit, he was resilient. He got up way before we did and just mumbled about how his mom and grandpa would worry and he needed to get home. He checked on us, then just stumbled home before we even got up again. And the next day he checked on us before he left school early after being in too much pain to stay any longer.

Yami flicked an ear. He helped me long before I ever understood why, he admitted with a shake of his head. He was housing me when all I wanted was my wrists to be stitched up again. If he had just done so and kicked me out again, I would never have thought twice about it. But he chose otherwise. And that…stunned me. He is very kindhearted. I had not assumed humans to exist with such…altruism.

He wasn't human, though.

Yami faltered at the slight reprimand, considering him a moment before closing his eyes tightly. No, he wasn't. I had already bitten him by then. He'd been bitten and was infected.

No. I mean, he was never actually human.

Yami hesitated. No, I suppose not. He always had some strain of lycanthropy in his blood. He couldn't change, but it was still there. As subtle as it was, he was always affected in one manner or another. He opened his eyes and glanced over in his peripheral. Jonouchi was studying him now, staring pointedly. But Yami did not know how he should continue. The glimmer of frustration in his eyes was nothing Yami could quell. He exhaled, looking away once more. He was never one hundred percent human. But he was unable to change before I bit him. He would have been fine to imagine himself as human and live his life under that illusion if we had never met.

The golden-furred wolf nodded slightly, shaking himself out before he lay down. You know, before he died, Honda was telling me I needed to remember that Yugi can make his own decisions and that just because we disagree doesn't mean I should take it out on you or even him, he mumbled. He wouldn't look at him now, even as Yami stared in surprise. I told him I would try to make amends with you somehow, but I don't think apologizing to you like this makes up for any of it.

He flicked an ear, turning away. I told Honda it didn't matter if you ever did care enough to apologize. Because all that matters is that you try to respect Yugi's choices. The pack looks to you for social cues when it comes to Yugi and I. They see you as more of a pack member than they do us. You are the bridge between us at this point. You don't need to mend your relationship with me as we never had one. But you are still Yugi's best friend. And he will need you one of these days.

Jonouchi stared at him, startled. You don't care that we're best friends and yet you and I do not get along well?

Yami snorted. Should I be bothered? I'm not at all worried about it. He lay his chin on his paws and closed his eyes. He flicked an ear when he heard someone moving around, but they didn't approach so he did not bother to open his eyes again. Your opinion does not bother me. As long as you remain loyal to Yugi, I do not care.

Jonouchi did not answer him for a long handful of minutes. Then he turned his head and faced him more pointedly. He's changed a lot since he's met you. I can't tell if he's growing or stepping back again.

Both, Yami mumbled. He blinked and ignored the glance he was given. He refused to acknowledge the heartbeat he heard coming toward them. He grows and then he steps back. I think he's always been rather shaky and insecure in his mannerisms. He doesn't always seem to understand that he's taking a step back until he already has. He gets upset after, because he knows there was something he could have done but he waited too long. And the most common reason he waits is because he doesn't want to lose what ties he has to his former life with his mother and grandfather.

I wasn't aware you were so good at psychoanalysis, Yami, Yugi said brusquely. Yami kept his eyes shut, ignoring him pointedly. Jonouchi let out a small noise of frustration and Yami could hear Yugi feet away from them now. Your side looks better. Thank you, Katsuya.

Yami lifted and turned his head now, studying him. Yugi wagged his tail at his friend, blue-violet eyes bright with gratitude. Jonouchi ducked his head in a small nod, getting to his paws. You don't have to leave, Yami muttered, and Jounouchi's attention shot immediately to him. Yugi didn't turn away from Jonouchi, however, tail wagging wildly. Did you find where Sartorius ran off to?

He was waiting around at the edge of the woods and laughed at us before he ran off to hide in the tunnels again. Yugi dropped his tail and turned to him now, searching his face. He said I should warn you he plans to decapitate you the next time you meet. He said to watch your back.

Yami almost burst out laughing. Had Sartorius not claimed Yami would destroy everything, and yet he was saying now that he would kill him instead?

Right. Because he will be the one to do the impossible and decapitate a Pure-Blood, he scoffed. He wrinkled his nose. I look forward to seeing him again.

Yugi pricked his ears forward, staring more intently. His voice was demanding when he asked, Can you kill him without decapitation?

Yami blinked, staring in surprise for a long moment. He didn't want Yami to decapitate him? He wanted him to kill him differently? He tilted his head the smallest degree, unsure of himself for a single moment. Then he nodded. Yes. There are multiple other ways to do it. He searched his face again, wrinkling his nose. I suppose it would be wiser to change strategies regardless. That loose skin and long fur makes it hard to even get to the jugular. I can kill him without.

Yugi remained silent for a long minute. His eyes were glazed and unfocused for a handful of seconds. And then he blinked and turned his head to look over his shoulder. I need to go do something, he mumbled, and somehow he sounded oddly breathless and perhaps distressed. Yami stiffened at the tone and went to answer, just as Yugi turned to face him. Stay here. I may need your help later, but not at the moment. I have to go…

Yami flattened his ears and stared in bewilderment. Do you want help now? He hesitated, tilting his head. Yugi turned his head more pointedly to consider him. His eyes bore into his intently for a single moment. I'm not invalid.

Neither is Jonouchi. He shook his head, wagging his tail. For a moment his eyes were soft as he considered him. He leaned forward, licking his nose and shaking his head. No, I don't think either of you can help me. But Valon can.

And then he turned and darted off. Yami flattened his ears, huffing out a breath and laying down again. A bone in his back popped as he sat up, his shoulder wrenching painfully and making his head spin. The dizziness was gone again immediately after, but his teeth felt awkward and crammed and his jaw seemed almost loose, decapitated, and broken. What do you think Valon can do that I can't?

Walk properly.

Yami laughed despite himself, opening an eye to glare at him. Jonouchi wagged his tail, smirking. He shook his head and sighed. No, honestly, what do you think he is running off to do right now?

I really don't think it's anything dangerous, Jonouchi snorted, looking him over. As he said before, you're the best fighter. If it was dangerous, he would have taken you with him.

He nodded lazily. Yes. I suppose you're right.

Jonouchi fell quiet for a long minute. He shivered as he turned to face him again, voice full of frustration. I know who Yubel is. And I know his rank, but who is Sartorius?

Yami looked at him in bewilderment. You've never crossed paths with him?

No, but I'm assuming he's pretty badass if he managed to kick you around like a chew toy.

If he'd been healthy, it wouldn't have happened. Yami would have spoken of this fact, but stopped to explain instead. He is her beta. He's some kind of large breed mixed with a wolf. Something with longer legs and floppy jaws. And he has rolled skin along his neck that makes it impossible to bite through. When I first fought him, it was Aki and Yugi who managed to do any damage. I just scared him off when I almost crushed his face in. How he healed so easily from it was beyond me until Yubel said he could heal by drinking blood. We're far too well-matched in stance. He's just as powerful as I am and whenever we fight I forget his neck is not a reliable weak spot to use against him.

Jonouchi hesitated a long moment. He's as strong as you… He sounded almost sick for a single second. Then he turned his head and eyed him skeptically. That's possible? You're stronger than Obelisk. I know that much for sure. Yugi told me that story. But he's as strong as you…

Yami looked away, pricking his ears and narrowing his eyes. He curled his lips back and ran his tongue over his nose, suppressing the snarl building in his chest. Obelisk died because I was not in my right frame of mind. My mind was fractured to the point of being feral. Had it not been for that, I don't know I could have done it. I don't think I could have. I don't think I could have done it in any manner had it not been for the mental state I was in.

Jonouchi burst out laughing. You're kidding, right? he scoffed, shaking his head. He snorted and Yami shot him a startled look. You almost managed to take down Yubel with one shot. If you'd aimed just a little better, you could have killed her. And I don't know what was going on in your head when you gave up, but I think you could have done it if you'd just tried again. Hell, even when you couldn't stand up, you clamped down on her fucking head, Yami. I'd bet money if you were actually at your healthiest you would win.

You all had slowed her down. It wasn't much, admittedly, but it was enough to give me that advantage. Had it not been for that, I would never have had a chance. If I had gone into that fight head on as you are suggesting, her speed would have ensured her victory. She's too fast. I've got stamina for days, but even I cannot take constant blows to the point of being disemboweled and beaten to a pulp and keep moving.

Jonouchi searched his face. Is that what happened at the parking deck then? She was too fast for you?

Yami struggled to remember for a moment. His skin crawled. His stomach lolled as he flattened his ears uncomfortably. Yes. She's too fast. Where I can inflict one blow, she can land three. Speed and quantity can make up for lack of force. He turned away again, putting his chin on his paws. Yugi is faster than me. Once he learns to utilize that speed fully—and he's almost there—he'll be able to bring her to her knees. Especially once I teach him to use his jaw power fully. From there he'll be able to fight her and win. She's got nothing to lose at this point, but I don't think Yugi feels he does, either. The fact that he has not gone after her prematurely is a miracle to me sometimes.

He hasn't done it because he knows you'd come after him.

Yami blinked, head snapping around. What?

I know he wants to. Yugi has always been someone who rushes into things without always thinking it through. He tries to save people even when he knows he can't. And because of that he tends to be self-sacrificing. And right now he's so scattered and in enough disarray that I know you're the only reason he isn't charging straight into the labs right now to fight with Yubel. If you weren't here, he would do it.

He blinked again. And then he remembered Skoll and Hati and Fenrir and Lupa as they said he'd been meant to kill Yubel but that Yami would have killed him immediately after. The reality of it was enough to make him bristle. Had he not been there, what would have caused him to hold off and cross paths with her later than now? They'd said it was meant to be a year of Atem's existence that had spurred the pack in motion and set off the chain of events. So, what would have changed so much that a year would have passed then but was only six months now? What had changed to the point that Yugi lacked that self-preservation?

But he wondered. Was it him? Had he triggered that change as Jonouchi was saying? Or was it something else entirely?

Did it matter?

This was what they were stuck with. What did it matter?

He got to his paws abruptly. Jonouchi startled at the sudden movement, almost bristling with alarm. Yami didn't spare him a glance when he murmured, I'm going to speak with Obelisk and Slifer about something. Do not wait up for me. Tell Yugi I'll see him later should he return before I do.

---

A chunk of frozen flesh shot across the bench and hit the snow when Yugi dropped the bundle he was carrying. Valon blinked and looked at him in bewilderment for a single second, then froze as he considered. His eyes stretched wide and his lips curled briefly with disgust, then tugged upward with amusement.

"You seriously just did that?" he snickered, before guffawing and shaking his head. His eyes sparkled with shock and absolute mirth. "You just brought me his fucking head? Am I hallucinating?"

Yugi ignored him. His eyes flickered around for a single moment before he exhaled and shook his head. "I don't even know why you came this direction, but it doesn't matter. I need your help."

"Why shouldn't I come this way?" Valon scoffed, rolling his eyes. He glanced down and his entire face split into a hideous smirk. His eyes sparkled viciously and his teeth were sharp like knives when Yugi glanced at him. They watched each other for a long minute, and Yugi swallowed hard. "You're the oddity in this occasion. I always come here when I don't want to go home."

Yugi grimaced, shaking his head. He wasn't aware Valon so often came to the park like this. The bench rattled when he leaned against it. "I need your help," he murmured, exhaling slowly and lowering his eyes once more. The wolf's jaws were hideous, its teeth coated in ice, its eyes frozen solid with snowflakes. Yugi was both increasingly amazed and horrified as he breathed in deeply. But now he felt a small and powerful wave of determination sweep through him as well. "You know more about this than I do."

"Depends what you think I know."

Yugi stared down at it, tilting his head and swallowing hard once more. "You know about hellhounds. And that's something I've been trying to learn, but haven't completely gained as much knowledge as I need." He raised his eyes again, bristling with discomfort. "There's a chance he had the poison gene. If he did, would he still produce it while he's dead? As long as it takes his head to bleed out? Or will I still get poison if I scrape his teeth when the ice thaws?"

Valon stiffened and gave him a stunned look. Then he looked down again at the severed head, furrowing his brows. "What the hell do you want poison for?"

Yugi locked eyes with him, heart beginning to race in his chest. His belly twisted and knotted and his throat threatened to close for a single moment. Then he drew in a deep breath, voice firm as he watched him. "What do you think I want it for?"

Valon hesitated, then smirked. "I can't tell if you're about to do something incredibly stupid or entirely invaluable." His eyes glittered with excitement. "But I think I'll help with that."

Yugi could have sobbed with gratitude. "Thank you."

"Don't thank me unless we actually get some results."

"Until we get results," Yugi said, raising his eyes to his once more. His mouth pressed into a thin line for a moment as Valon considered him blankly. "I have to have results. I have to get them, Valon. If I can't get them from this, then I'll find another way."

---

Obelisk, Slifer…

It was not possible, but all the same the call seemed to echo across the tunnel walls, ricocheting and dancing about the cold, dark space. He bristled faintly, glancing around at the earthen area where the walls seemed unnaturally slick and ice glinted across the stones a few feet into the entrance. He pricked his ears, pacing a step forward to enter further. The shadows adapted before his eyes, each contour visible as he peered straight through a dense darkness that seemed almost not to exist. And then they seemed to fade as he came further. His own shadow looked forward, splattered against the wall like blood but so unnaturally thin and faint that he paused to stare in alarm.

He hadn't truly lost so much, had he? He hadn't returned to that state, surely? His skin crawled as he stared at the image. When he lowered his head and flicked his ears, the distortion reminded him of the mirrors. He could see those red eyes staring back, pupils so small they were nothing but mere pinpricks. Tufts of fur hung loosely at the wolf's sides, shuddering with every breath.

He bristled, snapping his teeth so loudly it bounced across the walls and sounded like a series of gunshots. He backed up a step, startled. The noise spurred him from his memories entirely and he found nothing to support the image he'd seen moments before. He exhaled shakily and looked around once more.

There was a wolf standing there in the dark, several feet away. He bristled again, raising his tail, then dropped it abruptly once more. Slifer had come, he realized now. She'd heard his call, or perhaps she'd heard his teeth and come to investigate the disturbance. He shivered and took a step forward, making his gait longer in order to eat up some of the distance between them. He stopped in front of her, a couple of feet remaining between them as he considered her, and glanced past her to see further into the darkness.

Obelisk is hunting, she supplied, tilting her head and watching him closely. He should return in a few minutes. Now, what is it you wished to speak to us about?

Yami hesitated, looking at her curiously. Yusei died today. She knew that; of course she did. She didn't even blink and Yami didn't care enough to expand on the topic. She knew he'd been the one to mercy-kill him as well. She'd received him the moment it'd happened; he knew that all too well. And Valon killed Amelda. But Sartorius got away.

Her golden eyes glittered in the dark as he nodded. I see. But she'd known that already as well, he was sure. Slifer flicked an ear and studied him closely for a long minute. And what of this visit, Yami? You did not simply come here to talk to me about this.

Yami shook his head slowly. No, he admitted. He pricked his ears to mimic her interested stance and flicked his tongue over his nose. I came to discuss training with you and Obelisk.

Training? Obelisk's voice said from behind him. Yami turned his head just enough to see him from the edge of his peripheral. The blue-gray male studied him with burning red-orange eyes, his stare intense and calculating. He pricked his ears forward and dropped his rabbit—the skull was half-crushed and the right eye was glassy and smeared with blood where it had been punctured—to the ground. Yami could not lift his eyes from the dead animal; somehow the brutality of the death blow was enough to make his skin crawl. The deity snorted, You wish for us to help train you?

Yami drew in a deep breath, remembering as Ushio turned his head first and then his entire body to look into the shadows Yami was hidden in. He'd blinked, sneered at him that he knew he was there and to come out, and then tilted his head when he'd seen Yami's eyes glowing there in the dark. When he'd taken a step closer to peer at him, Yami had barely moved. He'd already been crouched there, eyes locked on him and entire body stiff and prepared to lunge. And then he'd leaped.

Ushio hadn't had time to even breathe. Yami's teeth crunched into his skull, the snap of his jaw enough to crush his head in mere seconds. When the body had gone backwards, Yami hadn't released but for the last millisecond. He'd landed on his paws and stood there, muzzle barely a centimeter from his head. The blood had been a hideous puddle of brilliant red, black like oil in the moonlight, and Ushio's head had looked no different from the rabbit Obelisk dropped now.

He lifted his eyes, something stirring in his mind that he'd rather didn't. Yes. I request that you aid me in training Yugi, he said in a low voice, a guttural edge creeping despite his best efforts. I do not know how else I might help him. You are the god of war and she the goddess of death. You are here. You are awake. And you are aware of the necessities of this war. If Yugi does not survive—

Then you should do well to ensure he does not die, the blue-gray deity sneered. He flicked an ear and Slifer scoffed softly, shooting her counterpart an annoyed look. Yami ignored the aggressive response and raised his head. Lupa has already told him he will not come back should he lose his life.

I didn't come here to rehash a conversation I had with them. Yami ignored the urge to chomp his teeth, breathing out roughly and wrinkling his nose back with a snarl. It changes nothing. You will train me. You promised to aid Code Name Atem in any manner necessary, including something as minimal as training and playing the role of Yugi's beta in my absence. I may not be the first Atem, but I am still Atem. And you have pledged your loyalty to me as well.

The words struck a sense of indignation in them both. Slifer narrowed her eyes slightly and Obelisk bristled as he glared at him. Yami would have smirked had he been human. But as he was, it felt like far too much energy to waste.

They had not forgotten their oath. Nor had they expected him to use it against them. Neither had overlooked the reason for their existence. They simply had not expected him to say it. And Yami recognized just how callous it was to remind them; telling them of their duties was far from his right.

But telling him of theirs was not quite their right, either.

And he knew they would have helped regardless. If nothing else, they would acknowledge that should Atem ask for aid it was their responsibility to assist. They each had taken liberties with his birth. They were obligated from that point on to offer help in every aspect available.

It might mean their lives—as Yami had so adequately proven—but it would be done. It was not kindness which bound them to Yugi or Yami. It was not mere curiosity to see how their creature survived. Atem was the beast they'd put into the world. For them to have done so meant something far beyond this simplistic fact. So many things played to bring this stupid war to a close that their lives revolved solely around Atem. Their creation, their power, their desires all rested with him.

And, in truth, they should have seen it coming. Atem wasn't meant to be bound to them, but rather they bound to him. Severing ties to them should have been an obvious gamble they'd had to take when they allowed his birth. Power and adaptation was all werewolves knew; what was the difference now? Because their failsafe had fallen apart? Had they truly expected to be able to control them?

Yami almost laughed out loud. Were they so foolish? He'd never considered it before, but the deities in front of him truly seemed all the more oblivious for it.

They'd built Atem to be all powerful. He was meant to bring the world to its knees at his will. The adaptations and capabilities they'd learned, though in a rather shortsighted manner as it was, should have been inevitable and regarded more as mild progress than anything. But he supposed it was the sheer audacity of the fact.

He and Yugi both argued and fought and quarreled, between themselves and with the deities before him. He'd threatened Lupa herself and snapped at Hati for getting too close. But he'd also killed Obelisk and threatened his life once more for the sake of Valon's sister. And, considering now, perhaps that was what had awakened Lupa and Fenrir.

Perhaps they'd woken because they'd become aware the fragile control the gods had over them was nonexistent now. Perhaps they were fearful of the carnage that might come about. Perhaps they feared Atem turning on them. Perhaps it was free will they were so afraid of. The deities no longer possessed it, bound by obligation and law too old to fight against. Fate forced and confined them to the necessities of greater good in a manner that didn't hold sway over Yugi or Yami.

Yami could have turned and murdered the entire pack and slaughtered Yugi and gone back to the labs with only the desire for spilled blood if he'd so wanted. Yugi could have called it quits and fled if he were not so damn kind.

Why not leave the wolves to suffer their fates and die for the name Atem? He only remained there for Yugi. Had the other boy ever looked at him and asked him to run off with him, he'd do it. It wasn't a question. He'd have turned tail the moment he asked.

But the feelings were not shared.

If he asked Yugi, Yugi would refuse. He'd say no, because he didn't want the wolves to die in vain.

Yami bore his teeth. Why did everything have to be so fucking complicated? Why wasn't he allowed to run and abandon it all? Who fucking cared if the wolves and humans went extinct? Maybe it was for the best—

But he'd lose Yugi.

Immediately the anger evaporated. Yami blinked, lips falling back to shield his teeth and eyes lowering to the tunnel floor. No. No, he wouldn't lose Yugi. That couldn't happen.

Yami?

He raised his eyes toward Slifer, studying her. Train with me, he growled when he could find the strength to breathe again. Hadn't he come here to prevent Yugi dying? Hadn't more than half of his choices so far been just to save him? I ask nothing more and nothing less.

The two deities stared at him for a long handful of minutes, clearly seeing and recognizing the growing disconnect in his mind. Their eyes shot to each other and for a few seconds they seemed to converse on their own. Slifer bore her teeth and Obelisk huffed, flattening his ears as if sheepish from reprimand. And then amusement lit his eyes as he turned back with a chuckle.

You wish to train with us, while Yugi takes to training with Valon?

Yami tilted his head. He…plans to train with Valon? How do you know that? You can no longer see us…

Slifer snickered. We cannot see you directly, no, but it is possible to see sequences where you are involved with wolves in our line of sight. Valon is tied to us completely due to lineage. In those regards we can see the smallest fragments of your lifetimes and judge your paths. It is not a trick that works often, however. Yusei did not give much light in term of your futures. But he was not related to a deity, either. She fell silent for a long moment, then sighed heavily and looked away with a seemingly frustrated flick of her ears. His training at the moment will likely be far more rigorous than what you plan to do with us.

Yugi had gone to Valon for help? He wanted to train with Valon? And, yet, he'd been so reluctant originally when it came to even extending invitation to the camp. Yami couldn't imagine what might have changed, unless he meant to ask for help to deal with Sartorius should he come back to the camp.

He wanted to ask, but he'd trust Yugi knew what he was doing.

It is as it is meant to be, he mumbled. And, if it should be something regarding Sartorius, Yami was sure Yugi would come to him as well. He would explain if it came to the point of necessity that he know. Otherwise he needed to trust Yugi. As it was, Yami had no ground to stand on where it came to questioning him. He was not in the frame of mind to judge. He will either tell me or he won't. It doesn't matter.

You look as if you are made of shattered glass, Obelisk scoffed, snarling as he peered at him. Yami's chest ached for a single moment. Regardless, you wished to train. Let's do so then. I grow weary of waiting.

Slifer shot him a wry look. You cannot hurt him during training. Nor can you kill him. Yugi would lose his mind and likely try to kill you in turn.

Obelisk chomped his teeth at her, looking at Yami for a long moment. And then he tilted his head, studying him. Yami didn't blink, holding his eyes and waiting for him to speak. And then it passed. Obelisk turned away, snarling, Yes and huffed loudly.