Once again, I do not own any of these characters, well except for Atasuke and the Domino High school basketball team. The rest are all copyrighted and owned by Kazuki Takahashi. I appreciate reviews and ideas for future chapters.

And the Sun Shall Rise

Chapter Two: The Blood that Stained the Court

Jounouchi's dark eyes flashed as his lean but toned legs pushed him across the court at a high speed. The world seemed to become silent and slow, all sound had been over taken by the beating of his heart; thump, thump, thump. Tiny pieces of broken cement were smashed, grounded under the foot of his black sneakers as the distance between Atasuke and he shrunk. The world was oblivious to the match of powers; the desperate yet determined blonde against the confident and powerful captain. The streetwise punk's hands reached for the round, rubber ball that was held by Atasuke, feeling his fingertips gaze the bumpy surface before the ball disappeared from his touch. His eyes widen as it felt the taller boy tuck the ball to his chest, Jounouchi cried out in pain as he felt almost 190 pounds of muscle slam into his exposed side. He fell against the unforgiving surface of the court, adding new set of bruises to the ones he already had.
"I should have mentioned that we're playing street ball here." A smug look on his face as he raced to the basket, performing a lay up with ease, "So no fouls." The ball bounced as it hit the ground, " Can you deal with that, pup." Atasuke looked over at the fallen challenger, his desperation had reminded the older boy of a lonely, hungry dog.
'Yea, Honda may have not been lying.' Bouncing the ball with one hand as he thought, 'He's got some potential.' The speed of the other's initial charge had been faster than what the captain had expected out of Jounouchi.
The blonde quickly pushed himself up, small pebbles and rocks being kicked away by his feet as Jou raced towards the tall boy. The pup comment had ignited a fire within him, just like in his previous duels. Cold crystal eyes staring down at him, a condescending look, a deep, cold voice always pushing him on. It was Seto Kaiba that came to his mind, that cool bastard who seemed to take joy in the moments when Jounouchi was at his weakest, yet trying his hardest at the same time.
Atasuke was more than prepared for the lunge, side stepping and bringing his elbow down on to the back of his attacker. The blonde felt the sharp, powerful blow as it knocked him back to the ground, tiny, broken chips of cement embedded themselves into his soft flesh. Dark green orbs took the site of punk on the ground, before quickly and once again easily making another shot. The swish of the net and the harsh sound of the ball smacking against the pavement only worked to motivate Jou.
'I can't lose this! I know I can at least score once!' His biceps flexed as he pushed himself up on his feet once again; Dark brown eyes locked with the smug stare of the basketball captain, "I'm not going to lose!"
The taller figure shrugged at his shout, "Well it doesn't look that way to me, pup." He smirked at the sudden flicker of fire that flashed in his eyes at the word, "You play like a desperate mutt. Someone hasn't been feeding you, have they?" The shortness of his sleeve allowed Jou to see the flexing of his large bicep as Atasuke bounced the ball, standing confidently. The blonde almost saw Kaiba standing in front of him instead of the tall basketball player; that damn proud aura and stance.
" I'm not a mutt!" Jounouchi would not allow defeat to over take him, even as soreness of the first blow was beginning to grow and sharpen. The twisted fingers of pain worked through the spider-web like network of his nerves, it would over take Jou's body for a few nights before he numbed himself to it. The lean muscular form was no stranger to pain and bruises, its sculpting had been helped by the harsh hand that dealt those blows to him. The blonde punk was not about to back down from this boy, Atasuke was a mere shadow compared to his father and he didn't hold Jou's attention or spirit like Seto Kaiba.
The thought of the cold CEO set a flame ablaze in the pit of his stomach, the flame was evident in his eyes; it was re-sparked once again. Jounouchi could not let himself fail for the basic fact that he had to prove himself to be better than Kaiba in something. The blonde could easily see the last battle that had taken place against between, where his luck had finally run out. The Time Wizard's roulette had landed on a grinning skull, signaling that his Baby Dragon would be lost throughout time and his life points would go along with it. Jou could merely watch as the monsters vanish through the gapping rip in time, leaving him alone to brave the awesome power of Blue Eyes White Dragon champion by the name of Seto.
'That is in the past, now you have to show yourself that you can stand on your own two feet' With that thought, Jounouchi launched himself into another grab for the orange ball.

As lunch drew on, Yugi grew more concerned with the lack of a Jono sighting. The lunchroom had grown barren, as time had dragged on; students had left it in utter disarray. Chairs were scattered and turned, their formations had changed from straight lines to twisted confusion amongst the tables. Various plates, pieces of rice, glass like shards of pocky and other items now littered the once clean and spotless tables. The blonde was often the first one to eat and the last one to get up from the amount of food he managed to buy or beg from people. The small boy giggled slightly at the image of those big brown eyes gazing at him, trying to get his hands on what was left of his lunch. 'Maybe Seto's comment isn't so far off about the puppy thing.' He thought as stared down at his leftover bento lunch, which had usually been finished by now by the hungry lips of a certain boy. The violet-eyed duelist glanced about the thinning lunch crowd and there was still no sign of Jounouchi anywhere.
"Have either of you seen Jou?" Titling his head as he gave his friends a curious look, hoping one of them hand some type of answer for him.
" I haven't seen him all day." Anzu spoke in a matter of fact tone, her slender hand brushed aside a loose bang of chocolate brown, "He's probably avoiding us because he knows I'm going to get on to him about skipping classes and making you late this morning." She gave an annoyed look at her barren lunch box, her forgotten chopsticks tucked down inside.
" He's at the basketball court." Honda spoke up from his meal, giving Anzu a small glare before looking back at Yugi," He's playing a one on one game, if you can call it that, against Atasuke." The tan boy went quiet once again, as he had been the entire lunchtime. Jou had been on his mind, 'I wonder if he'll be able to make it against Atasuke, Jounouchi's no quitter but he might not be any match against him.'
Yugi could sense something off in Honda's voice, and this only made him more concerned about what was going on behind his back. Jounouchi rarely kept things from him; even the abuse was not a mystery to him. The blonde only did things on his own as a means of proving himself, like he had done on Duelist Kingdom and wrapped up in the frightening snare of Keith and his gang. Though it was stupid to do, Jounouchi had received a large boost in his own self-confidence and was able to say he had done it alone, for the tall blonde had faced the zombies and ghosts with fear yet was able to overcome like the shining sun over the shadows. This duel was obviously one that the street punk had wished to be left alone to face, to be allowed to once again prove himself to the person it really mattered too, Katsuya Jounouchi.
'I guess this one of those times where I let him stand alone.' His large eyes gazing down at the golden puzzle that laid against his chest, which seemed to be nothing more than gaudy trinket that a tourist would pick up.
'Yes it is, little one.' The voice of a royalty answering him, deep, commanding yet also contained warmth, 'Jounouchi is quite strong and can stand on his own two legs.' Yami felt his own tinge of concern when it came to the boy with hair like the sun, the one who he had come to look after just as much if not sometimes more than his hikari.
'But that doesn't mean he should have to stand alone, Jou should know by now that he is stronger with us by his side.' His soft eyes gazing back up at Anzu and Honda, who were ignorant to the conversation that was happening before them between the small vessel and the powerful incarnation of the Pharaoh.
' I don't believe he doubts that, Yugi.' The voice was soothing away the worries of the small, multi-colored haired boy, 'Sometimes a person must examine himself, like you have done in your hardest duels. You must allow Jounouchi to do the same.'
The duelist could almost feel a reassuring hand on his back, robbing in slow, supportive circles, 'Yes, you're right. I'll just have to be left in suspense like I've done to them before.' A soft sigh escaped his lips as he rested his head on his hands, waiting for his friend to return.

Seto Kaiba stood in the doorway to the outside basketball court, his tall form leaning against the doorframe. The black uniform suited his elegance and business like attitude; powerful, unyielding black; the color that over took and absorb all other fragments of the light spectrum. It clung tightly to his impressive form, rather hiding his built form, it emphasized his hidden definition and turned the brunette image's into more of a predator. That is how the boy viewed his life, he could not allow himself to weaken or bend to another; a CEO had to be ruthless if he wished to stay in power. The failed hostile take over of Kaiba Corp by his highest- ranking board members and stockowners had only proven that fact to him.
However he had also been showed how cruel and mechanical coldness were also paths to failure by Motou Yugi and Katsuya Jounouchi. It was their emotions that lead them to so many victories, especially the puppy's passionate and fiery resolve to save his sister. The blonde punk had been a totally unknown and had only a tiny bit of experience for his duels at the kingdom tournament but had managed to become the second finalist. Kaiba could not see how he could have come so far; it was not his skills but his spirit and his loyalty.
'What more could you ask for in a pup.' A smirk appearing on his regal features, his ice blue eyes following the movements of his underdog, 'You better win this, puppy, I am the only one who is allowed to be better than you.'
It was almost erotica to watch the duel take place; well to Seto Kaiba it seemed erotica. The way the smaller boy's body would twist as he tried to correct himself, the movements of his flexed muscles was easy to see under the thin material of the white shirt. The look of fire in those deep, dark brown eyes as they were obscured by soft, golden silk bangs; it was enough to cause the CEO to lick his surprisingly soft lips in hunger. He wonder how it would feel to touch those locks, to feel their softness between his finger tips, to watch its glow in the sun or the dark of his room. Seto wanted Jounouchi and that was all there was to it, he wanted him in all of his rebellious glory; he wanted to tame but also something else. The tall boy wanted to feel that flame that danced in his puppy's eyes, to be around something besides the isolation his office gave and too add to the few moments of true human contact he only received with Mokuba. It was time that Kaiba stepped from down from the throne of the ice prince and enjoy the warmth that desire had brought.

Jounouchi winced as fell against the metal, chain link fence, another blow from Atasuke had fell upon him. This time it was the elbow to the face, his head had jerked back as a crimson trail began to appear down his face. His tongue flickered against his bruised lip; the sensitive bubs on his muscle could taste the strong, metallic flavor that was blood. Slender but powerful fingers held tight to the un-sympathizing fence, his limbs strained as he pulled himself back upon his tired feet. Time had lost it's meaning now, five minutes had longed since past but the basketball captain merely watched his challenger continue to rise to the fight. A drop of the leaking fluid splattered against the court, forever marking the existence of their battle. The stain would fade but always remain, no matter how many sneakers would run over it, scuff it or fall upon it.
The confident look had faded from the player's face, as he panted for air and energy. Atasuke was only human himself and had not expected such a resilient foe to be found in the blonde boy in front of him. The tall male was slowing while Jou was seemingly able to play with the same speed and intensity that he started the game with. The captain was tempted to offer him a spot on the team, but he knew that the mutt could pull off a score off on him.
"Are you ready to quit?" The confident flow of his voice had vanished, replaced with a tone that was subtly respectful and soft, " We've been playing for almost the entire period. I'm really impressed with you and how you have yet to waver but if you want to get on the team, you will have to score." The ball bounced against the large, powerful hand and the hard concert floor, the repetitive thud filling the air once again.
"I'm not going to quit." Jounouchi replied with resolve, their eyes once again meeting and a spark surged between them. This would be the final attack, as the blonde's feet pressed off against the cracked court. His toned thighs flexed under the black pants, Jou wanted to gain up as much speed as possible for this move. A sudden burst of movement and agility took over his lean form, causing him to twist his body as he made his claim for the basketball.
The dark haired boy blinked at the sudden revival of his bruised and beaten opponent, his hold on the ball loosened due to his focus on the blonde punk. He could it hear bounce but as his eyes looked down the ball was only longer returning to his waiting grip. It had only taken a second for the boy to steal the ball from the basketball player, like a desperate pup that had waited for his owner to finally look away and make a dash off with a fallen scrap. His emerald orbs turned from the empty ground to the unguarded hoop, where they locked on to the back of a rushing figure. The muscles of his back, defined by its tightness and their own strong sculpting, moved the white shirt that Jounouchi wore. Atasuke could also plainly see the pup's round buttocks tightened and loosen with his steps, all of the smaller boy's muscles were working in perfect harmony to propel him to the goal.
Blonde bangs were swept past his face as Jou leaped into the air, the sun finally reappearing from behind the clouds and flooding the court with golden glow. It awaked the depressed, green weeds as they once again bowed to their giver of existence and warmth. The beams of light ran along the slightly tanned, young god of the sun as he slammed the ball down through the basket; the crisscross fibers of the hoop collectively swished as the orange sphere fell through. A dull but resonating thud echoed around them, then it became silent as the ball rolled around aimlessly.
Jounouchi turned back around to look at the captain, who merely stood with a surprisingly happy expression on his face. The dark eyed boy blinked in wonder, a cautious look appearing on his features as light colored bangs fell back into an untrusting face. 'Why does he look happy for? I did what I was suppose too, is he planning on saying I cheated?' If that was to be the case, the punk clenched his right hand into a tight fist, his whole arm becoming loose yet ready to strike at a moment's notice.
"Practices are at three during the weekdays and at nine am on Saturdays." Atasuke smiled at his newest find, walking up to the exhausted boy and ruffling up his golden locks, "Don't be late."
Jounouchi gave him an annoyed but playful expression in return," I won't, I worked too hard to not get a spot now." He blew a bang from his face with a soft breath before running his hands up through his hair to restore to the preferred wild style, "Thanks for the try out."
"It's ok, it was a favor for Honda but I think it became the other way around." The tall boy gave him an approving look before he bent down and picked up the ball, "Keep this so you don't forget this match, cause I know I won't." His emerald orbs locked with those dark brown pools, before Atasuke turned away and walked back inside.
The wind gave the lone figure a soft embrace before quickly passing over the court, being followed be a sigh that was uttered from his lips. The basketball court once again became a barren, forgotten place and was no longer the heated battle ground between the two young males. It sacred meaning would have been hidden if not for the drops of the blood that now stained it. Jounouchi tucked the ball under his arm, hung his jacket on his shoulder, and walked inside the school. The blonde would have a new set of bruises to nurse but he didn't have to be ashamed of the sight of them.
"You did manage to put on a dramatic display," The familiar cold voiced laced with smug belonged to no one but Seto Kaiba. The Kaiba Corp. CEO leaned against the empty hallway wall, his eyes focused on his puppy, "But when do you not?"
"Fuck you, Kaiba." Jounouchi growled at the taller boy, setting the ball down as he pulled his uniform jacket back over his shirt. His pants were scuffed and dirtied but they could be cleaned and the traces of his falls and scraps would be erased from view.
"Just giving you a compliment, pup." The icy blue orbs traced what he could make out of the hidden form, adding to his image of a nude Katsuya that he had tucked away for his most intimate of moments.
"I told you to stop calling me that!" Jou looked over his shoulder at the millionaire, giving him a fiery look. The flame that Seto saw surprised him and enticed him, he had foolish believed that the battle with Atasuke had spark the flame to fullest and then caused it to wither back to ash.
'I should really know better, I must give my little puppy more credit.' A silence had fallen between them, their eyes locked with one another. The world had seemed to ebb away, leaving only the brunette and blonde to exist. Jounouchi's soft pants were the only audible sound, which only seemed to warm the usually cold demeanor of the duelist. The seconds continued to drag on, and either out of want or pride, their locked eyes would remain that way.
It was the shrill ring of the late bell broke their gaze, reminding them that the world did still exist and they were apart of it. Seto said nothing as he walked on by, nor did their eyes meet for another time, however a small smile did grace his supple lips for once. The brunette knew something was happening and it was no longer a rivalry, which had ended at this morning with Jounouchi's decision. Their moment was just the beginning for Kaiba, he would have that young sun god and no one got in the way of Seto Kaiba.
Jou merely watched him walk by; he also made no mentioned from the tension that had risen between them. It was different from he usually got from the older duelist, no spite or hate was passing between them now. The feeling was just new but vaguely familiar but the blonde could not place it for now.
'I got better things to do than worry about vibes from Kaiba.' He did leave the hallway with his usually ditzy grin; today was changing everything. Could it be that maybe Kaiba didn't view him as inferior?
'And maybe Yugi will sprout up to six feet tall.' The idea of Seto developing anything but animosity towards him was simply fantasy and why would he want things to change anyway? The tall blonde glanced down the hallway, watching the brunette's tall form disappear around the corner.
A fantasy.

To Be Continued in Chapter Three: The Mirror that Shattered