Disclaimer: Wingzero and Jadej.j have never or will ever own Yu-Gi-Oh. And please enjoy.

'Something' = thoughts

~Something~ = duel monster talking

"Something" = regular talking
Once Yugi had finished taking a bath, he stepped out of the bathroom with a towel around his waist. "Your turn."

"Yugi this is Ryou. He's the healer around here." Jou walked past Yugi. "Thanks again Ryou."

The white hair teen smiled. "Your welcome. Hello there." Soft brown eyes looked at Yugi.

"Hi," Yugi greeted the healer shyly.

"Hello. Jou need my help. Do you need any thing?"

Yugi was wearing only a towel. He pointed to the red marks on his arms and the bruise on his back. "Please?" He asked politely.

Jou let out a breath. It felt great that his body didn't hurt any more. Still a nice warm bath was great. The blond sank into the warm water. He looked over at the pouch he had. He wonder what would happen if any one found out he had a deck.

Ryou smiled. "Of course, little one." Ryou touch Yugi's arm and then his back. His hand glowed. "Is that better?"

"Thank you," Yugi offered a small smile. Moving his arm around, he didn't feel any pain like before. He thought for a second. "How's life here?"

"It's good. Any other questions?" A knock on the door sounded. Ryou turned to the door.

Yugi looked at the door nervously. "Who is it?" He managed to squeak.

"It's Mokuba. I have some new clothes for you and Jou."

The small tri-color haired boy sighed with relief. He had thought it was his look alike. He padded over towards the door and opened it.

"Thank you," Yugi said, as he saw the black haired boy as he took the clothes from him.

"The red robes are for you and the blue one is for Jou." Mokuba placed the blue robe on the bed. "Is there any thing else you need?"

"I think that will be all," Yugi said hesitantly. He wondered what kind of duties he will have to his master. "Um, Mokuba do you know who's going to be my master?" 'Please don't let it be my look alike.'

Jou look up at his dragon. "You know better than to come out of your card." The dragon purre.

"That would be the Pharaoh Yami, Yugi." Mokuba smiled. "He might act scary but he's really not."

"Pharaoh? Are you sure it is him?" Yugi paled at the thought. 'I wonder if it's my look alike.'

"It's amazing that you look like him."

"Why are you turning white Yugi? Are you ill?" Ryou moved over to the boy.

"I'm not ill," Yugi said still pale. "I'm just nervous about my new master." He fidgeted with his clothes as he didn't want to change in front of strangers.

Jou sigh and dunk his head into the water. The black dragon flap it wings and flew up for a moment as his master wash his blond hair. "I know you want to be with me." Jou rub the dragon's chin.

"Well I have someone send you both some food at least." Mokuba headed towards the door. "Later Yugi. If you need any thing just ask." Ryou followed Mokuba.

"Bye," Yugi said softly as he walked them to the door and closed it after they had left. Once they were gone, he quickly dropped the towel and wore his red robes. 'I wonder how Jou is doing.'

Jou finished his bath. "Now back into your card." The dragon mewed at Jou. "Sorry pal but it's not safe around here yet for you." The black dragon turned into a dark light and it disappeared into Jou's pouch. Jou wrapped a towel around himself. "So Yugi what's up?" The blonde walked back into the bed room.

Yugi was sitting on the bed. "Mokuba came by and dropped off our clothes." He motioned towards the blue robes on the bed and then towards his own. "They've both left. I wonder what kind of duties we'll have."

"Blue isn't my color." Jou glared at the robe. "Well we could be just servants that help find things. But then. Let's not worry about it right now Yugi. At least we are together." Jou drop the towel and put on the new clothes. "I would rather wear green myself." He turned around. "Do I look okay?"

Yugi giggled out loud. "You look fine. Besides, red isn't my color either." He played with the edges of his robes before sighing and flopping onto the bed. "How did I end up in a situation like this?" Yugi meant to think it to himself, but sometimes he has a habit of talking to himself, since there weren't always kids his age around.

Jou sat down on his bed. "Well Ra must have a plan for the both of us." Honey eyes looked over at Yugi. "I...I don't know what this life will give me but the one I left isn't something I'm going to miss."

"Then Ra gave me the short end of the stick, because I'm going to be the slave to the pharaoh," Yugi sighed as he glanced up at his friend. "That's sad you don't miss your old life. I know I'm going to miss spending time with my grandpa and helping him in the shop. He's getting old and can't take care of the place by himself."

Jou let out a breath. "Yugi I got a couple of secrets. If I tell ya them. Ya promise not to tell any one?" He played with the pouch in his hand.

Yugi sat up and gave Jou his full attention. "I promise I won't tell anyone, even my new master. I swear on Ra himself."

Jou pat his bed. "Sit with me Yugi and I tell ya every thing about me ya should know."

The smaller of the boys stood up and walked over towards Jou. he then sat next to the blonde. "Well, there's something you should know about me, but you go first."

"Agree then." Jou pulled out his deck. "This is secret number one." Jou held it out for Yugi to see. "I won my best card in a duel." He showed the small teen his Red Eyes. "She likes coming out of her card and sleeping on top of my head." He grinned. "I got one more secret."

Yugi carefully looked at the card. "Wow that's so cool. You have a rare duel monster. I've always wanted a dragon and continue."

"The second secret is whole lot darker." Jou lowered his head. "My father is a drunk. He hit me all the time." Honey eyes looked at Yugi. "That's why I'm not going to miss my old life."

"I'm so sorry Jou," Yugi said, placing his hand on the blonde's shoulder. "Maybe you will have a better life here. You don't have your drunken father to deal with. Would you like to hear my secret?"

Jou nodded. "Ya go ahead." He smiled.

"I too have a deck, which I know slaves aren't allowed to have," Yugi sighed as he took out his deck from his worn out clothes. He held up his Celtic Guardian. "He's my most loyal duel monster."

"Well Yugi we weren't born into slavery ya know." He patted the bed again. "Maybe if we play our cards right we be able to keep our decks."

"I hope so," Yugi sighed again. "I can't imagine going through life without my Celtic Guardian. He's been my best friend ever since I could walk."

"I know what ya mean Yugi. My Flame Swordsman is my other favorite card but when I won my Red Eyes I felt complete as well." Jou hug Yugi. "We'll figure something out to keep our decks." He smiled.

"Maybe we never tell our new masters about our duel monster, then they won't be able to take them away from us?" Yugi suggested with a hopeful glint in his violet eyes.

Jou shook his head. "Ya don't relise Yugi. That other person, Seto the High Priest...he's master of the Blue Eyes White Dragons." Jou look around the room. "Then there is the Pharaoh. You know as the King of Games. Do ya think hiding the desks would be wise?"

"I don't know anymore," Yugi choked back a sob. "I just don't know anymore." He paused for a second to think. "There's no hope for us keeping our duel monsters. One way or another, the high priest or pharaoh will find out and take them away from us. I comopletely forgot that the pharaoh was the king of games."

"Calm down Yugi." Jou rocked the boy. "One thing you should know. Once you have a deck they just can't take it away. The monsters have bonded with us right?"

"Bonded?" A few tears fell down his cheeks. "I don't know, but I have this feeling he can sense how I am feeling. I think I can mentally talk to him. Is that being bonded?"

Jou's smile grew. "That right Yugi. Once, a monster is bonded to you. It takes more than taking the deck away. You would have to give up the deck willingly. Which either of us will do."

"I guess you're right on that part," Yugi said, thumbing through his deck. They both had their decks out when the door suddenly opened. Jou quickly put his deck back into his pouch. "Who dares to come in with out knocking?!" He stood up and hid Yugi behind him.

The high priest stood there. "Your new master. I've come to check up on you two." Yugi quickly hid his deck in his robes.

The blue robes wrapped around Jou's body sexy like. "Yes Master we are fine. Scared but fine." Jou glared at Seto.

"His highness will be visiting shortly," Seto said as he inspected his slave very carefully, though he made it appear that he didn't care. "He has a few things he needs to take care of."

"That is understandable. He's being the King of Games and the land." Jou held on to his pouch. "Master...I do have a question to ask." Honey eyes look at Seto.

Seto raised a brow. 'What could he be thinking about?' "Go ahead."

"I wasn't born as a Slave...I was taken off the streets...and...I" Jou was short of breath. 'Dame why do I have to be sensitive to dragon cards.'

"Well.......... I don't like to be kept waiting," Seto snapped. Yugi cringed behind Jou and curled up into a tight ball.

Jou took a breath. "Would you take away my deck?" He felt his monster cry out at him. 'I had to do it. What if he found out I was keeping it secret....he no doubt hurt me and who know what he do to you all.' Jou shook in worry.

"Now that I've learned you have a deck, your force me to do the only thing I can think of," Seto's voice trailed off. 'I should tell Yami about this. No doubt he would want to know if a slave has a deck.'

Jou fought back the tears in his honey eyes. "My deck is the only thing I have that keep me going...that monster of a father...he always came home drunk and I never knew if I would live to see the morning. I do anything you order Master. Just don't take my deck away from me." Jou sank to the floor. His blonde hair hid his honey eyes.

"I will tell his highness of this and let him deal with it," the high priest didn't want his emotions getting in the way. He desperately wanted to go and comfort the blonde, but it went against everything that he had been taught. "I will inform him of your confession and tell him that you were willing to tell us. Hopefully that will gain you some favor with his highness."

"There is something else I must tell you...my rarest card...it likes to sleep with me. It nests in my hair. I try to keep her in her card but..." Jou looked up at Seto. His cheeks flushed with blush. "She never had a master that show her love before me."

Seto nodded his head. "I will tell his highness as soon as he is out of his meeting. Until then, you can amuse yourselves, but stay in this room, understand?"

"Yes master." Jou shook. "I'm sorry for upsetting you master." Honey eyes looked at Seto. Tears filled his eyes but they remain there.

Seto closed the door and left to go find Yami.

"Do you think they're going to take away our decks?" Yugi started sobbing while curled into a tight ball.

The tears came down Jou's face. "I don't know. Seto didn't take our decks right away. He had the right too. He's being the high priest. Dame ...I felt his Blue Eyes White Dragons. I know they felt me...." Jou sank down to the floor all the way. "I was all ways sensitive to dragon cards..." A flash came out of Jou's pouch and the Red Eyes flew right into Jou's hair. "Hey I told you to stay in your card." It cooed at Jou. The blonde sighed.

Yami was walking down the hall way. He had just finished his meeting.

"Your highness, I have some information that cannot wait," Seto said walking along side his pharaoh. "It concerns the slaves we had recently purchased."

"Do tell, Seto." Yami stopped and look at Seto. "Is there something wrong?" Crimson eyes looked into blue eyes.

"It seems they both have decks," Seto replied as he stopped. "I know you're against using the collars, but we can't have them running around with duel monsters on the loose. I don't like them myself. You know those old fashioned council members."

Yami looked at Seto. "I can't put that cold steel around that boy's neck. It would crush him...there will be no trust at all Seto." He flew up his arms in the air. "You do know what this means though Seto. These two where taken off the street. They have never been slaves before...." The pharaoh rested his head against the wall. "I don't want to hurt that boy. I wanted to get to know him. He looks so much like me..." His voice trail off as his crimson eyes closed.

Seto nodded his head. "Those born into slavery cannot hold decks, but those born out of slavery can. I've seen it a few times." He sighed as he watched Yami. "I know how you feel. That's why I didn't take away Jou's deck when I first found out about it. I hate to admit it, but I was nervous and a little scared. I don't want him to hate me."

Yami opened his eyes and looked at Seto. "Do we really have to put those collars on them?" He moved closer to Seto. "If we don't they will start to trust us, Seto. I know you want that blonde's trust more than anything...your eyes are telling me that."

"The council members don't always have to know," Seto said with a smirk. "We'll have to tell our slaves to keep their decks hidden otherwise it would mean us having to take them away. You know they want to keep their decks so they will follow our orders."

Yami nodded. "Who knows maybe it be for the good as well? A pair of unknown decks might come in handy as well." He smirked back at Seto. "You really want that blond don't you Seto."

Seto's cheeks blushed a light shade of red. "You know me too well, Yami." When they were alone, they did away with the formalities. "Maybe you should go alone this time and tell them the good new. I haven't taken their decks so they will see it as a good sign. When you tell them, they'll maybe trust you a little."

Yami nodded again. "Seto...could you stand outside of the door just in case something happens. Just as a safe guard of course." He straightened up.

"Of course," Seto agreed. The two of them started walking towards the slaves' room. 'I hope they followed my orders and stayed put.'

"Yugi this is my Red Eyes." The black dragon mewed at Yugi. "Her name is Ruby."

"Hi, nice to meet you," Yugi smiled at the dragon. He suddenly remembered his elf and summoned his best friend. Soon the elf warrior stood there. "Jou, this is my Celtic Guardian."

Jou sat up. "Good to meet you." He rubbed his eyes. "I guess ya know what is going on by now."

Celtic Guardian nodded his head. "I have heard your conversations."

Yugi wasn't surprised that his duel monster was listening. He knew it would happen, since the elf can feel his emotions. "It won't be long now. I'm sure the high priest has told the pharaoh."

Jou nodded. "Ya..." The blonde was rubbing his Red Eye's wings. It was purring.

Yami came to the door of the room. He knocked. "May I come in?"

The elf readied his sword in a defensive position. He thought it could be an attacker and he didn't want to risk the safety of his best friend. Yugi hid behind his Celtic Guardian when he heard the voice.

Jou look over at Yugi. "Calm down I think that the Pharaoh Yugi." He stood up and held his Red Eyes in his arms. "Come in."

Yami looked at Seto. "If there is a problem I leave the door open. The pharaoh opened the door and step inside. His hand remained on handle.

Celtic Guardian stood in a defensive position in front of his master and best friend. He did a double take as he saw the pharaoh to be similar to his master, but he remained firm in his decision to protect Yugi even if it cost him his life.

Jou slapped his forehead. "Hello Pharaoh. Forgive Yugi's monster. Yugi has been so upset of late that his favorite monster wants to protect him." The Red Eyes mewed. "This is one of my favorites and newest monster...she hasn't learn to remain in her card of yet...I don't know why either."

Yami looked at the both monsters and left the door opened. "I see. Yugi, Jou. I will not be taking your decks away from either of you or putting on the magical collars that would block your bonds to your cards but you must make a promise to me and Seto."

Jou looked at Yami. "That promise is?"

Yami took a breath. "You both must keep your decks out of sight."

Jou nodded. "I got no problem with that....I had to keep my deck hidden from my father...." His eyes lost some of there light. "He would have burnt them....Don't ask why..."

Yugi took a peek from behind his Celtic Guardian's cape. "We can keep our decks?" He managed to squeak out.

"Yes little one. I just can't bring myself to do such a thing to you or your friend." Yami smiled at Yugi.

The Celtic Guardian, sensing that his master wasn't in any danger, sheathed his sword and awaited his next command.

The small boy still clinging to his duel monster had come out from behind him. "My name is Yugi, what's yours?" He asked in a soft voice.
"Yami." The pharaoh touched his Millennium Puzzle. "Seto, why don't you come in. I think you should talk to your slave." Yami looked over to Jou and the Red Eyes in his arms. "You might find something out that interesting."

Seto entered the room to find Jou's Red Eyes in his arms. He wasn't surprised as he could feel a power of a dragon, but he couldn't tell which one it was, though he knew it was a rare one. Jou had told him. "So this is your rare card?"

Jou nodded. "I won her in a duel...dumb luck on my part. I own a Time Wizard as well...That stick up brat had no love for his cards...I put my heart into my monsters. Any ways we put up our rarest cards as the bet and I won out. Red Eyes was so misused when I got her it took a full month just to get her fly again." The Red Eyes purr in Jou's arms. Yami blink. "A month!!!" Jou nodded.

"That's horrible," Yugi said. "It's a good thing you won her off of him."

Seto nodded his head. "Anyone who mistreats their duel monsters doesn't deserve to be a dueler. I will never harm my dragons."

Jou's face turned pink. "I can tell. I feel your dragon's respect for you... I don't know why but my body feels dragon cards the most..." He cuddled with his Red Eyes. "You are a silly girl aren't you? You many take orders in a duel but why do ya come out and sleep with me." He rubbed the dragon's chin.

'This is getting very unusual. First Yami meets his look alike and I meet someone who can sense dragons like me. I wonder if there are any connections.' "Just make sure she doesn't leave the room and if someone should enter make sure she hides." Seto said with serious voice.

"She understands the rules...She had those rules at...." Jou became quiet. His body shook in fear for a moment. "I'm sorry.. I just get like that sometimes...my father wasn't much but a drunken monster to me." The blonde sank into the bed.

Yami shook his head and look at Seto. "You are aright?" The Pharaoh asked.

Jou nodded. "I'll be okay."
The Red Eyes cooed and mewed at Jou. "Really I'l be alright." His hand rubbed the dragon's wings and head. "Just bad memories are left now."

"I'm glad to hear that," Yugi said shyly. He wasn't used to being around royalty. Suddenly he cutely yawned, as it was getting late. His elf gave him a questioning look, since his master was obviously tired but tried to remain awake.

"Yugi ya need sleep...so do I." The blonde yawned too. "Go on I see to our masters."

Yami looked at the small teen. "Go ahead Yugi. We talk more later."

Yugi nodded as he hopped into bed. His duel monster tucked him in as always before returning back to his card. "Night."

Seto could tell why Yami was drawn to this boy. He hand an aura of innocence and purity about him unlike the blonde. On the other hand, Jou came from a rough background.

Jou rose from the bed. "I know Yugi and I will not let any one find out about our decks. Night to you both." Jou looked into the eyes of Seto. "Master Seto...." He turned and got into the bed. The Red Eyes nest in Jou's blonde hair.

The high priest nodded his head and glanced over at Yami. He whispered, "We should take our leave as we both need our rest for tomorrow."

Yami nodded. "Yes indeed. Night Seto." Yami looked at Yugi one more time and then left the room.

A purr rose from Jou's lips. His chest rose and lowered.

Seto quietly closed the bedroom doors and headed for his own quarters. "At least they will look at us without hatred in their eyes. That's a good start." He said to himself. "I'll have to watch what I say around him." When entered his room, he closed the doors and sighed, before removing his priest outfit and changing into his night clothes. "Yugi is still frightened of Yami. We have our work cut out for us." He drifted off to sleep in his elegant bed.

Jou rocked in his bed. He whimpered and cried out. "No more...please father don't..." The blond woke up and pull his legs up to his chest. 'Why can't I have nice dreams...can't I have someone to love?' Jou rubbed the tears out of his honey eyes.

Yugi mumbled something in his sleep and rolled over. Unfortunately for him, he was at the edge of the bed and fell off. However, he didn't wake up from it.

Jou turned to the sound of something falling. When he noted Yugi wasn't in his bed, Jou got out of bed and found the small boy on the floor. 'Oh Yugi...ya really don't know what going to happen do you.' Jou picked up the small teen and put the boy back into the bed. He pulled the sheets up and returned to his own bed. Jou sigh. He knew he wouldn't go back to sleep now. He usually went out for a long walk and find someone to duel. Jou wonder if Seto was awake. Would he like to duel?

Jou's mind reached out to find the Blue Eyes White Dragons and ask them if Seto was awake.

The youngest Blue Eyes White Dragon was awake while the other two fast asleep. They were guarding the high priest while he slept. Usually, they would take shifts and leave him out, as he was the youngest and didn't have much experience as the others. He felt Jou and gave him a sign that he heard. Seto wasn't awake yet, since it wasn't the crack of dawn and he had a rough day yesterday.

'I...I need him to tell me I'm going to be okay...I don't know why...' Jou felt the tears run down his face. '-Will the pain go away...' The Red Eyes mew quietly to Jou.

~Is something wrong?~ The youngest blue eyes sent out to the stranger, who had just contacted him. ''m scare....bad dream...father he...he..' Jou broke down. ~I'm Ruby. Jou is my master.~ The Red Eyes spoke to the blue eyes. ~Jou has been hurt by his father every night...three nights ago he try to rape Jou.~ She spoke to the Blue eyes. ~Jou has no one to love him...other than us...his deck.~

~That's sad to hear. By the way, I'm Rei. Arian is the oldest of us and Celesia is the only female. I can't believe he tried to take his own son. That's just not right. Would you like me to inform my master when he wakes up?~ Rei looked over at his master, who was currently sleeping and dreaming of a certain blonde.

~Jou needs someone...badly...he's breaking down. I'm worried he's going to do something he going to regret.~ Ruby tried to comfort her master. Jou rocked in the bed. ~I hope coming here pulls him out of the darkness.~

~That wouldn't be good~ Rei directed his conversation to his master. ~MASTER!!! We have a situation here!~

"Can't you see I'm trying to sleep here?" Seto mumbled to his annoying duel monster. "Go and pester the other dragons."

~But this is about Jou he's............~

~Oh no...he's gone into the bath and he not coming up...hurry.~ Ruby was trying to pull Jou out of the water. Her wings flap hard. She roared out for help.

Seto shot right up. "Why didn't you say so in the first place?"

~Humans, go figure.~ Rei chuckled.

The high priest grabbed his casual robes dressed in them. He wasn't going to a meeting or presenting himself to the public, so he didn't need his formal clothes. Hurrying out the door, he made his way to the slave's room and knocked lightly on the door. ~Rei, this had better not be one of your practical jokes.~

~I swear it isn't. This is for real.~

Once Seto heard the roar, he immediately busted into the room, hoping that no one else heard the duel monster. He immediately rushed towards the bathroom and found Jou in the water. He also saw Ruby trying to pull her master out.

Ruby roared again. ~Jou stop...please Yugi needs you....~ Jou's honey eyes were losing color.

"Jou what's wrong?" Seto asked, with a concerned voice. He gently pulled out Jou from the tub.

"He wouldn't stop.. he.. he... Seto..." The blond coughed up water. "HE triedto RAPE me..." Jou broke down and cry again. Ruby cooed to Jou.

The normally cold and distant high priest pulled the blonde slave closer to him. He held Jou in a loving and protective embrace. "He's not going to hurt or touch you anymore."

"Seto don't let go...please...I.." Jou burried his head into dark hair teen's chest. "I don't want to be alone...any more..."

'Oh Ra, why did you have to do this to such a beautiful creature?' Seto sighed with regret. He had duties to perform, but he wanted to stay here and comfort his slave. "As much as I would like to stay, I will have to leave in awhile, though I will stay with you as long as time permits me." 'Stupid duties and formalities.'

"No...don't leave..." Jou gripped Seto tightly. "I..." He let a breath in fear.

"I will ask his highness if I can be excused from this morning's meeting, but we are both required to attend the council in the afternoon," Seto said, trying to calm down the blonde.

Honey eyes looked up into blue eyes. "I don't know why I'm like this...Master...I'm sorry for causing you so much trouble." He lower his head. "I just go back to bed...and stay out of your way...I'm sorry for waking you..." Tears ran down Jou's face. "The pain has been so bad..."

"You're no trouble," Seto sighed. He wanted to comfort his slave. "You may not know this, but I know what it is like to have an abusive adult around me. Before I became the high priest, I had an angry step father. If you ever need someone to talk to, I'm here."

Jou slowly looked up at Seto. "At lease he wasn't your blood..." His words were whispers on his lips. "I just seen the lust in your eyes every time you look at me...but you haven't acted on them. Why is that?" Jou shivered from being wet.

It took a moment for Seto's brain to kick into gear. "I don't want you to experience what I have been through. It's something I would rather forget. My stepfather took my innocence away from me when I was thirteen years old."

Jou pulled closer to Seto. "I won't tell any one." He put his head under Seto's chin. "Master...I still don't understand why you pick me...Yugi I understand why...he looks so much like Yami. Me I'm just a street kid...no one important." Jou rub his head against Seto's chest.

"Because you remind me of a certain person I used to know," Seto rubbed Jou's back. "I couldn't give a damn about what people say is important, especially those snobby, arrogant council members."

Jou let out a small moan. "Master..." Jou felt safe in Seto's arms. "Thank you for coming over...I know you need your sleep."

"I was going to wake up soon," Seto continued to rub Jou's back. "It's just a little sooner than I had expected. Would you like to have breakfast with me?"

Jou's stomach growled. His face turned red. "Sure." Ruby snickered and then went back to her card.

"I will have the servants bring us our breakfast," Seto said. He thought for a moment. "I'll go ask the pharaoh if we can hurry up this morning's meetings and then we can spend the rest of the time together until the afternoon council."

Jou nodded. "Do you want me to wake Yugi or are we having breakfast some where else?" Jou look at Seto. He wasn't wearing much. His blue robe was on the floor.

"We'll most likely have breakfast in the pharaoh's room, since no one ever bothers him," Seto said. "Would you please wake up Yugi as I have to change and wake up his highness? The pharaoh doesn't wake up easily."

Jou's heart sank but the boy nod. "Okay, we'll be ready." He slowly pulled away from the warmth he was feeling. He stood up and headed over to Yugi's bed.

Seto picked him up from the floor and headed towards Yami's room. The guards had allowed him to enter, because Yami had told them that only the high priest, the healer, and his brother can enter his room. He gently shook the sleeping pharaoh.

Jou shook Yugi. "Time to get up, Yugi breakfast."

Yugi rolled over again and placed the pillow over his head, muttering something about needing sleep.

Jou pulled the pillow away from Yugi. "Ya need to get up, Yugi. We are going to eat like royals this morning." He smirked.

"That's nice," Yugi whispered as he closed his eyes and fell asleep.

Jou shook his head. "Sorry Yugi but ya got to get up." He smirked and started to tickle Yugi's feet.
Yugi's eyes flew open as he started laughing very hard. "Please....... stop!!!!"

"Well I had to wake ya up." Jou smirk grew and look at Yugi. "We are having breakfast with Seto and Yami this morning."

"Yami?" Yugi said nervously. Even though the pharaoh had been kind to them, he was still scared of his look alike.

"It's going to be fun." Jou smiled. "We are going to eat in Yami's room. That way no one will bug us. Our monsters can come out and met one another." Jou then got off of Yugi's bed and shook the last of the water off of him. He dressed in his clothes.

Yami shook his head. "What? Seto? What time is it?" He stretched and looked at the high priest.

"We have our daily mind numbing meetings to attend," Seto replied. "Other than that, we're going to eat breakfast with our slaves....... and I was wondering if you would to be kind enough to end this morning's meeting earlier than usual."

"I see no problem with that Seto." Yami got up and start to dress. "Go ahead and order our morning meal."

"Where shall we take our breakfast?" the high priest asked, looking away from Yami as he started to dress.

"Mmm...where do you think we should eat?" Yami got his skirt on.

"I was thinking here since we wouldn't be disturbed and we could get to know them as well as their duel monsters," Seto suggested hopefully.

"Sounds wonderful." Yami smiled. "Please go ahead and order the meal to brought here then." Yami placed his crown on his head.

Seto nodded his head and left to go order the meals. Then he decided that he should change while they prepare it.
Yami open the curtain and the sun was just rising. "Mmm...It's going to be a wonderful day."

Yugi sighed as he slowly stood up and stretched. 'Why am I afraid of him? Is it because he's the pharaoh and has power of this land? Or is it because of the way he looks at me? I don't know.' He changed into the red robes and placed his deck in its pockets.

Seto had finished ordering their meals and was busy changing into his formal attire. He wanted to spend as much time with Jou as possible.

Jou turned to look at Yugi. "Don't worry Yugi. I will not let any thing happen to you." Jou walked over to Yugi. The blue robes wrapped around Jou.

"Thank you," Yugi spoke softly. "I know I can count on you and Calin to protect me."

Yami got the table ready for the meal. 'Will Yugi trust me.'

As soon as the high priest finished getting ready, he knocked on the slaves' door.

"Let's go Yugi." Jou headed for the door. "I'm starving."

Yugi stood up and followed after the blond quietly. Seto waited patiently for the two to come out. The slaves wouldn't be able to enter Yami's room without the pharaoh himself, Ryou, or himself to escort them.

Jou opened the door. "Master." He waited for Yugi to follow him.

Seto nodded and motioned for the two to follow him. Yugi approached the high priest, being careful not to be in his gaze.

Jou put his hand on Yugi's shoulder. "Don't worry Yugi. I'm here." He followed Seto.

The three walked to Yami's door, which wasn't far away. The guards bowed to their high priest and allowed him entrance to the pharaoh's chambers with the two slaves in tow. Yugi was walking very close to Jou.

"Morning to you all." Yami looked at the group that entered his room. "Is our meal coming soon?"

Jou bowed to Yami. "Good morning to you too."

"It should be," Seto huffed. "Unless those idiots you call chefs can cook a decent meal."

Yugi hid behind Jou and clutched onto the blonde's robes.

Jou's stomach growled loudly. The blonde's face turned red. "Sorry just so hungry."

Seto chuckled as he saw the blonde become embarrassed. That was one reason why he liked Jou. The blonde acted like himself and not what others wanted him to be.

Yami looked at Yugi and sighed. 'He's still scared of me.'

"Is something wrong?" Seto whispered to Yami, as Yugi tried to seek comfort from Jou.

"Yugi is still scared of me." Yami walked over to the table and sat down. "Would you like to meet my favorite duel monster?"

Yugi poked his head out from behind Jou. His curiosity always got the better of him, even if he was scared.

"Sure that'll be great. Master Seto is any of dragons will be joining us?" Jou smiled at Seto.

"Rei will be joining us as he's friendlier than the other two," Seto replied as he took out Rei's card from his pockets. Soon a small Blue Eyes White Dragon appeared and looked over at Jou before flying towards him.

Jou smiled and raised his hand to the dragon. "Hello Rei."

Rei chirped and began looking for Jou's Red Eyes Black Dragon. He wanted to meet the other dragon ever since they had that chat this morning. The little blue eyes landed in one of Jou's pockets to Seto's amusement.

"Yugi? Would you like to see my Dark Magician, Kor?"

Ruby popped out of nowhere and onto Jou's head. Jou rolled his eyes. "Ruby!!!"

Yami chuckled. "I see what you mean Jou about controlliing her."

Violet eyes showed curiosity but also fear. He wanted to see the duel monster, but at the same time, he was scared of Yami.

Rei joined Ruby on Jou's head and greeted the other dragon.

Seto had a small smile on his face. 'At least Jou isn't depressed.'

Yami pulled out a card and the Dark Magician appear. "Yugi, Jou this is Kor." Aqua eyes looked over at the pair of teens. ~Master that small boy looks like you.~

Yugi timidly waved over to the Dark Magician.

Jou rolled his eyes again. "What are you two doing on top of me?" Ruby cooed at Rei then at Jou. "Man...." The blonde then sat down at the table. "Hello Kor."

Rei chirped a greeting before getting comfortable in Jou's hair.

"Rei has taken a liking to you," Seto said. "He usually isn't that friendly."

Jou blushed. "I seem to have that effect on all dragons...I don't know why?" Jou turned to look at Yugi. "Are you aright Yugi?" His stomach growled again. His cheeks turned even brighter red. "Sorry I had little food the past few days."

Yugi shyly walked over to the Dark Magician and looked at him as if wanting to ask him something.

"Yami, you should really consider hiring new chefs," Seto said sarcastically. "I mean they burn almost every meal."

Kor bowed down to look at the boy in the eyes. ~Something wrong little one?~

Yami growled. "Dame...why is this always happing to me...those chefs...." He looked at Seto.

"Nothings wrong," Yugi cutely said. "Would you like to meet my duel monster?" He had an innocent smile on his angelic face.

"Like I said, you really ought to consider hiring new chefs," Seto said as he took a seat at the table.

Ruby purred as she sank down into Jou's blond hair. "I've become a nest for dragons...." He blushed.

Kor smiled at Yugi. ~Yes little one I would be honor to met your duel monster.~

Yami smile at Yugi. -At lease Yugi getting along with Kor.-

Yugi summoned his elf. "Calin, there's someone I would like you to meet."

~Coming master.~ A flash of light revealed a Celtic Guardian. He looked over to the Dark Magician. "Hello."

"Greetings to you." Kor nodded to the Celtic Guardian.

Meanwhile, little Yugi's stomach demanded attention. He blushed as his duel monster turned to him with an amused look.

"So where is the grub?" Jou looked around for anything to eat. His honey eyes fell on Seto.

"It would seem my master is in need of nutrition," the elf said.

"Yami, would you permit me to fire those idiots and hire real chefs?" The high priest asked the pharaoh.

"By all means Seto be my guest. Our slaves aren't the only ones that are hungry." Yami looked at Yugi. "We all need to eat."

"I will see what the hold up is and then fire them," Seto passed by Jou and gave him an affectionate squeeze on the shoulder. He had his millennium rod in one hand, just in case they decided to be temperamental.

Calin raised a brow. He watched the high priest walk out of the room. The elf turned his attention to the magician. Even though they had just met, he felt some sort of attraction to the purple clad spellcaster.

Ruby moved close to Rei. ~What do you think of my master?~

~He's the perfect one for my master.~ the blue eyes said with a smile.
Kor looked at the elf warrior. ~How long have you been with your master?~

~I've been with him ever since he could walk. I've never left his side since.~ Calin replied to the magician.

Jou had sunk down in his seat. "I need food..." Jou grumbled.

Yugi walked over to Jou. "I'm sure the high priest will come back with some."

"I'm going to faint soon if I don't get something to eat soon." Jou put a silly grin on his face.

"Well Seto will straighten out those cooks and bring something back for us." Yami smiled.

Ruby smile. ~As I think of your master for Jou.~ Her wings lap.

~What is your master like?~ Calin asked the magician. ~My masters seems to be scared of him.~

~He's very kind but if you cross him....then you have every right to be scared of him.~ Kor put his staff against the wall. ~I don't know why your master is scare of him. He seems upset about that. He wants to know more about your master.~

~My master normally isn't like this.~ Calin sighed as Yugi was trying to calm Jou down. ~He's usually friendly with everyone he meets until now. I don't know what or why he has changed, but I suspect it has something to do with being kidnapped and sold into slavery.~

~I understand that. Being taken away from your only home and all you know. But I promise you my master will not hurt your master.~

"Were is Seto?" Jou wanted to see Seto again.

~Please tell your master to be patient. This transition has been rough on my master. I will try to talk to him.~ The elf looked over to his master with concern.

Kor nodded. ~I will let him know.~ The Dark Magician talked to Yami about what he was told by Yugi's monster.

~I see. I will wait for Yugi to come to me then.~ "Yes where is Seto?" Yami wondered what had happen to the high priest.

Suddenly loud cursing could be heard in Egyptian, followed by more shouts, and one angry priest came storming into the room.

The elf glanced over at the high priest along with Yugi. Both of them were wondering what happened.

Jou stood up and walk over to Seto. "What's wrong?" Honey eyes fill with concern.

"Everything is wrong in that kitchen," Seto calmed himself down enough to speak. "I was nearly skewered, barbecued, and flattened by those idiots who think they're chefs. If someone wanted to be killed, all you need to do is step into that kitchen!"

Rei lifted his head and flew off of Jou's head to his master, who was trying his best to stay calm. He landed in his masters arms.

"Are you okay?" Jou scanned Seto for anything that could be wrong. "That's not good." Yami sigh. "Any chance we get something to eat soon?"

"I'm fine," Seto assured the blonde. "A little shaken up but fine. I've taken the liberty to order from that restaurant you like so much, Yami. That's why it took a bit longer."

Ruby remained on Jou's head but check out Seto as well. Jou moved closer to Seto. "I was worried about you...." Jou looked into Seto's blue eyes. "I'm glad you are alright."

"Good at least I know that food is good." Yami smiled.

After a chat with his elf, who was currently talking to the magician, Yugi approached the pharaoh quietly and shyly. He stood a few feet away from him.

"Our first errand today is to hire chef, who won't burn the food, poison it, or do both," Seto sighed as he slumped in a chair with his dragon in his arms.

Jou sat right beside Seto. His leg rub up against Seto's leg. "So what are we going to eat?"

Kor shook his head. ~That blonde is strange Master.~ Yami smile. ~Yes but I think he's going to do Seto some good.~

"I've ordered some of Yami's and my favorite dishes, but I don't know what you liked so I picked a few of their specialties," Seto answered the blonde.

Yugi was standing a few feet behind Yami, quietly waiting. He wanted to talk to the pharaoh, but Yami seemed intimidating.

"Something wrong Yugi?" Crimson eyes looked at the small teen. "Come sit down and chat with us."

"I....... I........" Yugi stuttered trying to form a coherent sentence. Somehow he couldn't find the words to express himself.

"Yugi?" Yami said softly.

~Calin, this is too hard for me.~ Yugi sent to his duel monster. ~I can't seem to find the right words to say.~

~You will master~ Calin sent back. ~What would you like to ask him?~

~If we could talk privately.~ Yugi sighed inwardly.

The elf turned to the magician. ~My master would like to speak to your master without company.~

Kor nod. ~Master Yugi wants to talk with out without the others in the room.~

Yami looked at his Dark Magician then at Yugi. "Seto, Jou can you leave for a moment please."

Jou looked at Yugi. "You'll be okay, Yugi?"

Yugi nodded his head. "I'll be fine. I have Calin with me."

Seto nodded his head. "Come on Jou, we'll wait for the people to deliver the food." He walked towards the door. "Ruby will have to go into her card." He remembered that as he felt the weight of his own dragon in his arms.

Ruby pouted but disappeared. "She wasn't happy on leaving but she understands." Jou then stood up and follow Seto to the door. "See you in a bit Yugi."

Yugi waved to Jou as they exited the room. His duel monster followed suit and disappeared into his card, leaving the two and the magician in the room.

~I'll leave you alone then.~ Kor then disappeared as well. "So what's on your mind Yugi?" Yami remained seated.

"Well.................. are those rumors true?" Yugi wanted to know if they were.

"Which ones? Don't worry Yugi I will not get mad at you...I couldn't." Yami smiled at Yugi.

Yugi started to fidget with his clothes. "I've heard people say you kill someone just because he crossed your path."

"Now I don't strike people down just because they cross my path but I will say I have put people to death but for good reasons, Yugi." Yami played with his millennium puzzle.

"I also heard that you were cold," Yugi said nervously. He glanced everywhere except at Yami's red eyes.

"I have been at times....but that because I been so lonely of late. Only Seto had been able to pull out of my dark moods." Yami waited for Yugi to look at him.

Jou leaned up against a wall. "So what do you think Yugi and Yami are talking about?" Honey eyes looked at Seto.

"You'll have to ask Yugi about that, because I have no idea," Seto kept an eye out for the delivery boys.

Feeling a braver, Yugi scooted a little closer to the pharaoh. "From what I heard, I always thought you were a cold dictator or tyrant."

Yami rolled his eyes. "What has been going on?" He took a deep breath. "I guess someone been over stating some of the facts. Yugi I'm not a tyrant...I might be a bit cold but I had no one to cheer me up."

Yugi managed a small smile. "Is there anything you want to know about me?"

Yami smiled. "Everything little angel."

Jou's stomach growled again. "Sorry." His face turned red.

The small tri-color haired boy blushed a faint one. "I don't know where to start."

Seto chuckled. "I know the feeling. I'm hungry too." He scanned the area and found the people bringing in their breakfast.

"ALRIGHT THE FOOD IS HERE!!!" Jou jumped up in the air.

"It seems we must leave my questions for another time. Your friend is hungry and the food has at last shown up." Yami smiled.

"Okay," Yugi said, taking a seat at the table. He didn't know which one to pick so he just sat in one of them.

"Jou not so loud," Seto tried to calm the boy down. "We don't want to draw any unwanted attention, especially to your little friend."

Jou's face turned red. "Sorry."

"Next time be a little more careful," Seto said as he headed towards the cart. "When we're outside, please try to act like a slave and when we're alone we can do away with the formalities."

Jou lowered his head and trailed behind Seto. 'Why do I feel so alive then when I'm around you Seto?' "Yes Master."

The high priest inspected the food and approved it for consumption. He motioned for Jou to take the food to the pharaoh's chambers.

Jou licked his lips and took the chart. "Coming Master. I can't get into the room without you." Honey eyes looked at Seto.

Seto nodded his head and walked besides the blonde. As soon as they were out of sight from anyone, he helped Jou with the cart.

"Mmmm....Everything smells so good. I have never seen so much food before in my whole life." Jou sniffed the food.

"I didn't know what you or Yugi liked so I ordered more than I would normally," Seto shrugged.

Jou looked at Seto. "Yugi no doubt had more food on his table that I ever did...Dad just drank...no food around so I had to...." He closed his honey eyes. "Forget what I said for now...it's time to eat."

"We should wait until we reached the others," Seto said as he walked into the sleeping area. "It isn't polite to eat before your pharaoh."

"I know that." Jou grinned silly.

The guards moved aside as Seto and Jou entered the pharaoh's chamber with the food. Yugi looked up from where he was sitting.

"Well here we go." Jou smiled as he pushed the cart over to the table. "What would you like Yami, Yugi?"

Yugi looked over at the food, before selecting a familiar dish. He didn't know what most of the others were and didn't feel like trying something new in front of royalty, especially Yami.

Yami took one of his favorite dishes. "Thank you Seto for getting this for us."

Jou was about to pick up a plate when Ruby popped up and slipped down Jou's arm into a bowl of soup. "Ahhhh!!!" Jou pulled on his hair. "What I am I going to do with you." He growled and stormed over to a corner of the room. He was upset now. He didn't want to cause any trouble so he wanted to cool down first. The blonde sank down to the floor.

Yugi was giggling at the small dragon as she was in a bowl of soup. He picked up a piece of meat from his dish and offered it to the dragon, who took a bite.

Seto was having a hard time not laughing at the scene, because Jou seemed to be upset about it.

Jou just sighed and his stomach growled again. He just couldn't bring himself to eat now. "I just stay here...I always make a mess of things." He lean his head up against the wall. Ruby lowered her head. She didn't mean to fall into the soup.

Seto looked at Yami, silently asking for help. Yugi tried to comfort the dragon.

Yami looked at Seto. "Take something over to him."

Seto picked up a random dish, as he didn't know what the blonde liked and walked over towards him. He sat down next to Jou, offering the dish. "I know you're hungry."

"I'm sorry...for making a mess of things..." Jou took the dish from Seto. "I stay here so I don't get food all over you..."

Ruby got out of the soap bowel and walk over to the other side of the table. She started to clean herself off.

Seto sighed. "I'll join you here then." He stood up to get his own dish and walked back over towards the blonde.

Yugi ate quietly as the group seemed to be drifting apart. He looked over to Yami, who also was silent.

Jou was shock. "I..." He looked away from Seto. Yami shook his head. "I wonder why Jou so nervous all of a sudden?"

Ruby came over to Yami. ~He never eaten real food before...he doesn't know how too.~

When Seto heard this, he turned to Jou. "Here let me show you." He demonstrated with his own food.

Jou picked at the food and looked at it. He slowly brought it to his mouth.

~It's because his father never fed him...~ Ruby shook her head. ~He never seemed to care about my master...but then he never knew his son could duel...~

Jou munched slowly. He never had big pieces of good food before in his life.

"If your father ever comes within this palace I will see that he be escorted to one of our 'finest' rooms," Seto said sarcastically.

Yugi sighed as he watched the two. ~Calin, I wish I had someone like that. Someone who will accept me for who I am like Seto accepts Jou.~

Calin relayed the message to the Dark Magician.

Yami growled angrily. "By Ra...how could any one treat there own child like that... And people call me a tyrant..."

Yugi scooted away from Yami. Fear showed clearly in his violet eyes.

"Why is that Yugi?" Yami look at the boy. "You seem normal to me. I'm sorry I didn't mean to scare you at all...it's just seeing your friend like this is upsetting to me." He lowered his head in shame.

Yugi stopped scooting away from the pharaoh. "Your highness?"

Jou slowly stood up. "I think I can eat at the table now... Thanks for the lesson Seto." He walked back to the table.

"Any time," Seto also stood up and walked over to the table. He took the seat nearest Jou."

"Can you forgive me for my outburst Yugi?." Yami look up at Yugi. "And it's Yami not highness or Pharaoh."

The small boy nodded his head. "I will forgive you." He said in a soft voice.

Yami sighed and ate his food quietly. Jou did the same.

The high priest was occupied with staring at his new slave. He couldn't take his eyes off the blonde.

Yugi shifted uncomfortably in the silence. He wasn't used to being silent when he was with his friends. ~Calin.~

Calin sensed his master feeling uncomfortable and sent a message to the Dark Magician.
"I'm sorry Yugi. I'm scared of making you upset." Yami looked at the boy.

"I'm sorry about Ruby...and making this breakfast an unhappy moment." Jou poke at his meal.

"It's okay," Yugi said sheepishly. "I'm not used to the silence. That's all." He continued to eat his meal. Every once in awhile, he poked his food.

Seto was too busy drooling over his new slave to even notice the conversation.

Jou kicked Seto's leg. "Eat and clean up your mouth." Jou smirk at Seto. "You okay Yugi?"

"Yeah I'm fine, Jou," Yugi said as he finished eating. "It's just whenever I'm with my friends, I'm used to having conversation about everything and anything, even if it is petty."

The brunette sent his slave a playful glare before straightening himself and continuing with his breakfast.

"I've never been at a table of people to talk about any thing. It's just you and Jou are new at my table Yugi. I'm not sure what to talk about with you or Jou." Yami cleaned his face.

Jou pushed the plate away.

Yugi thought for a moment. "We talk about how we spent our days, what we found or bought, about anything new that has happened in our lives, and just anything that comes into our minds."

Yami smirked. "Small talk."

Jou lowered his head. "My old man never did small talk..."

"So why did you pick me out of all of the slaves?" Yugi directed the question to Yami. He wanted to know the truth and possibly start a conversation.

"Your innocence, you look like me and there was something pulling me towards you." Yami looked at Seto.

Seto nodded his head, in agreement. Looking out of the window, he realized they were going to be late if they don't hurry up. "Yami we'd better be heading to the meeting soon or we'll be late and you know how those old wind bags are about being late."

Yami sighed. "Jou, Yugi. Best you go back to your room." He stood up. "Take any of the food that left with you. I don't know when Seto and I will be done."

Yugi nodded his head and placed the dishes back into the cart. "Is there any duties we have this morning?"

"Not of yet. I haven't decided." Yami straightened out his clothes. "Seto do have anything for Jou to do?" Jou look at Seto and wonder.

Seto shook his head before thinking of something. "Try to keep your duel monster on a low level. That's it."

Jou nodded. "So how long are you going to be?" Honey eyes looked at Seto.

"It depends on how long Yami's council members are going to take," Seto sighed. "Sometimes it takes them forever to decide which topic is important enough to be presented first. By then, half the morning is wasted."

Jou nodded. "Okay I keep Ruby out of sight then."

Yami headed for the door. "Come on then we get you both back to your room then."

Ruby disappeared into her card as Jou headed for the door with the food cart.

Yugi walked behind the cart as the high priest stood in front of the mirror adjusting his outfit. The council members were really finicky when it comes to dress. When everything was in place, Seto waited for the slaves to exit before he left for the meeting room.

Jou put the food cart out the door. He kept his head low. Yami hurried down the hallway.

Yugi opened the door to their shared room and entered it without saying a word.

"You have a good day Yugi." Yami smiled at Yugi. "You look after him Jou."

The blonde nodded. "I will."

Yugi waved goodbye to the pharaoh before plopping down on his bed. He couldn't sleep but at the same time he was completely bored. "I'm bored."

Jou waved good bye to Seto and Yami. He pushed the cart into the room. "Well we can duel in a moment." He sat down on his bed.