Disclaimer: Plain and simple. I do not own Yu-Gi-Oh.
A/N: What do you know? I've finished another story! It's a good feeling, even if it isn't my best work. Thank you all for taking the time to read. I hope you enjoy this ending! And I also hope you enjoy my stories to come. A one-shot is almost complete, then after that I have some plans that need to be put into action. See you all around! ^_^
~ Ocean
Abi 2: You are beginning to learn my style, aren't you? I hope you aren't too disappointed there are only five chapters. There just wasn't anymore story here, really. I didn't want to force it. I'm still flattered you think this is on par with FAH. I prefer BI myself, but what do I know? To answer your question, there won't be a sequel to FAH, and I really don't think there will be a sequel to this one either. I have too many other ideas that I think are far more interesting. And if they interest me, I can guarantee the story will be better. I hope this chapter can give you another 'forgetful' moment of happiness. I'm looking forward to those impending reviews of yours!
jkateel: *applauds the fortitude used not to bow * Bravo, bravo! You had me chuckling with the 'drooling from unwanted commoners.' I don't know why that image delights me so much. I guess I like seeing Yuugi and Yami placed on a pedestal us mortals can't reach. Funny... a possessive Jasper sharing his pole. I hate to admit it, but sometimes even I don't realize some of the imagery I put into a chapter until people tell me. Now, I'll allow you to enjoy this chapter while I set up camp and wait for your inspiration for writing Trance to return. See you around!
RyuArashi: You are completely accurate in what Jasper longs for. You and Jasper and I share that need... or I suppose desire to be close to someone in the true sense of the word. As much as I want a relationship, I want to be emotionally close to someone, and to actually have that emotion returned. That was how I was trying to paint Jasper. Though the physical aspect of intimacy is far simpler in application, I think the emotion is a far greater prize. I'm so honored that you like my stories so much and have wasted so much ink and paper to print them out. I hope you enjoy this addition to your collection!
DragonsDesire: Oh, the pride simply swells! You are learning a new way of describing things that don't involve cuteness! I am so happy. I hope this update is soon enough for ya!
Sorceress MooNBlaDeR: So glad you liked the chapter that much! You mustn't bow to me like that, it makes me blush. I do like the applause, though. May this chapter inspire you to applaud again. ^_^
Um yeah: Unwilling to leave your name or designation when criticizing, huh? All right, then. I am sorry you haven't enjoyed this story. I don't believe the style to be as horrible as you do, but I do allow for differences in opinion. Therefore, I'm not going to comment on the rest of the review other than to say I disagree with what you think were errors. I think it simply lies in the fact that we have different interpretations and acceptances of styles of writing. I hope my future writings will better agree with and entertain you.
Towairaito Zoon: It wasn't intentional! It just sort of worked out that my stories are finishing together. Somewhat. We'll see how long it takes me to write that final chapter of FAH. I do have a new story that will be posted soon, but as for intriguing... I'm going to leave that up to my readers. Hopefully it will tide you over enough until I can get my main stories out. I hope you like them and the ending to this one!
Yami's-Girl: 'Surprisingly good'? I'll admit I don't know if that is a compliment or not. I'm glad I exceeded expectations though! Thank you for taking the time to read and review!
Angel Reaper: You hold me second to Edmondia's "One Night in Bangkok"? Oh my, that is quite the honor indeed! I know how highly her writing is regarded, and to be told that mine is regarded even in a similar light is quite exciting. Thank you! I'm glad you are able to find such pleasure in my story. I hope the ending doesn't disappoint you and that you will find my future stories just as enjoyable.
Koishii No Tenshi: Yeah, that one was short, but actually, I think it was longer than the other chapters. This whole story is short, a scant twenty-six pages long. I'm surprised it made it that far. Hope you like this equally short conclusion!
metallicbubbles: I'm glad you liked the chapter! And I hope you have fun on the East coast, whenever your Spring Break decides to roll around!
SoulDreamer: I'm celebrating that the word you chose was 'seductive.' Exactly what I was trying for! Thanks for finding it, and enjoy the chapter!
Nightengale13: You tried to review during that 'difficult' time ff.net was having, didn't ya? I do appreciate your dedication to rewrite the review after a loss like that. ^_^ The effort does not go unnoticed. I have no problem looking past the style of this story. A very good idea, I think. I'm glad... I've used that too many times, so I'm just going to 'talk' to you, alright? Shows how special you are. ^_~ You picked up that Jasper and Saber are separate from the Arrowhead, that it isn't their world, to reiterate. That was always an important distinction that I wanted to make without coming right out and saying it. I wanted them to be the class that the Arrowhead itself was supposed to possess, and for the Arrowhead to have the lower impression that was supposed to apply to Jasper and Saber. The truth of their actions. You made that sound better than I ever could so I'm moving on. It sounds like you liked Shadow as much as I do. I will definitely be using him later. I planned to from the beginning, but I wanted to experiment with him. See how he wrote and see the reaction of my reviewers. Of course, only a couple of you mentioned him, so it looks like he'll be a surprise later on. More fun for me. It was at this point that we run into a little contention, and I think I finally know why. I admit I was a little upset with what you said at first. I read it as a scolding, and I don't know why. I understand what you said now. Please don't take this as a defensive response, I just want to tell you what I was thinking as I wrote the interactions between Shadow and Jasper and Saber. The problem originated with me, because I know who Shadow is. I never tell the reader that for fear of giving away his character too soon, but it has led to a different, not wrong, interpretation of the scene than I had intended. I wasn't trying to show weakness on Jasper's end, or even his dependency on Saber. By having him not react, I was trying to emphasize that he does not see Shadow as a threat because he barely even acknowledges him at all, and with this Shadow is unconcerned. Saber, however, is a threat to Shadow, just as Shadow is a threat to him. That is why I had Saber react the way he did, not necessarily to protect Jasper, but more from his own dislike of Shadow in general. Again, I was playing with the complexities of their relationships, something that will be used later in other stories. I don't think I made Yuugi weak – but I do agree that I made him appear weaker in this scene than in any of my others. When I look back on it, it does leave a bit of a bad taste in my mouth. I think I was trying to rush the story along and that's why I pushed the issue of him wanting to leave the Arrowhead. I hope that explains the drastic departure from my usual interpretation. I felt I owed you the explanation. I'm not sure I agree with you on the issues of ranking, but hey, I value your opinion, and am willing to allow the difference. I also think that you have a hidden camera in my mind or are telepathic or something to so accurately interpret what I want the reader to understand from such short chapters! I mean, every prediction and assumption is correct, and I feel this need to look over my shoulder and check to see if you are there or not. It is meant as a compliment. No more curses, no matter how well meaning they were. ^_^ And how is this? You win! I'm going to write that story about Seto. The darn thing intrigues me now, and it won't go away. I think it will be fun for me, and hopefully fun for you and my other readers. You always make me think, and not in a 'what were they trying to say?' way, which I am eternally grateful for. I love your reviews, even if it takes me awhile to appreciate them... Heh, that's what makes you good. (Yay for Hot Tea!) That came out of nowhere, but it was nice. And if you pass out, I'm sure your Eye will help revive you in time to read the last chapter of FAH. It has to have some other purpose than getting you into my head.
Moonlitspire: Quite the interesting image you had there. Some good rules to live by, though. ^_^ No, Shadow wasn't anyone you know, but he is someone you are going to be seeing again in my next epic story. This was just a little preview for you all and practice of writing him for me. I hope you liked him enough to look forward to his next appearance!
YumeTakato: Glad you think this is interesting! Thanks for letting me know, and I hope you like the ending!
Kitty Neko: Soon enough? ^_^
Dannee-san: I thank you very, very much for your kind words. I'm happy to hear you think the style fits the story. I've had my doubts, as have a few others. But your mentioning that it depicts images and impressions, well, that just made my day. That was exactly what I was trying to do. I think a few people missed that that was how I was trying to tell this story. I appreciate you letting me know how you felt about it. Please enjoy the conclusion, and I hope I get to hear from you again in the future.
Seventh Sage: Oh, for shame! Pointing out a real mistake of mine. A rather pathetic one, too. Thank you for the way you pointed it out! (This is a personal issue of mine and I'm not going to go into it) Anyway, I'm sorry, but Shadow isn't Jou. He isn't anyone from the series, just my own little character that I will be playing with later. I hope this chapter proves to be just as 'yummy'. ^_^
Wolfspeaker1: I'm hot! Oh... uh... yeah. Nice image there, though I personally prefer the image of Yuugi holding Yami and glaring at everyone saying "Mine!" You just don't see that enough in my opinion. I hope you enjoy the ending! I also hope you like my stories to come. ^_^
Sansi: Hee, thank you! It's nice to hear your support. I'm going to wrap it in a box and store it under my bed. Now, while I do that, go finish this story and enjoy!
raven: I thank you. Really, I do. I hope you enjoy this chapter!
Mel Gods: Yay for old English! It makes curses sound so much more impressive and romantic! That is an interesting take you have on Shadow. I like it, actually. It works for this story. But I had an entirely different meaning for him. He's a character I've created and was testing here, and you are definitely going to see him again. He was a lot of fun, and there is much potential in him. I'm going to admit something to you. I can't have an unhappy ending. I may not have a fairytale ending or make it perfect, but it will be happy in at least some sense of the word. Hopeless romantic, that's me. So yes, they are going to have a happy ending. No worries. ^_^ I induce thinking, I induce spontaneous combustion, and I induce shpadoinkleous words. What else could I ever hope for?! Except, perhaps, ending two stories at once. I never meant to do that! In fact, FAH was supposed to finish before this one. But what control do I have over any of it? All I can say is sit back, relax, enjoy this chapter, look forward to the end of FAH, and rest assured that there are at least two other stories coming that I think all of you will enjoy. See you there!
Fallen Hikari: Howdy! Geeze, praise coming from all directions in this review of yours. I will start of by thanking you for voicing the rather arrogant and self-inflating view of mine about reviews for me so I don't have to sound pig headed. I do adore all of my reviewers, but I have come across so many stories that have hundreds of reviews that really are of low quality. And then I find one that is just so well written and clever and thought through, that has only five reviews, and I am simply confused as to why it is the stories that stem from the mainstream that receive so little attention. I want to shout out to everyone and paint big red signs around these stories about how a story should be written, or at the very least aspired to. So little effort seems to be put in by the majority of authors lately. All ego aside, I truly am flattered that you think so highly of my writing. It feels so good to hear you say it! Whoa, I've used 'so' a lot. Hmm... moving on, I just want you to know how much I appreciate your reviews, and that I enjoy hearing from you. I look forward to your reviews! May this chapter be a satisfactory end for you. ^_^
wigglyjello: Eh, possessiveness all around, I say! Yes, I have read all of Edmondia's Yu Gi Oh works, including Possession. It's just another fabulous example of her writing and ability to get into the head of numerous characters. This chapter was lighter, wasn't it? Even when trying to write something serious... I just don't think I can do it. There are just way too many opportunities for humor that I can't resist! Makes it more fun for me to write and you to read. I hope this chapter fits the bill as well. Enjoy!
Jasmine's Scent
By Ocean
****
Chapter Five: Choices
Shocking confusion.
Wails of despair echoed over silent halls. Muted cries of panic and wild gesticulations. Tears. Fear. Undeniable sense of loss.
He stood in his doorway. Eyes open, observing, taking in the angled reactions of his fellow entertainers. He didn't feel the need to move, or react.
He didn't feel the need to do anything, really.
The gentleman continued to walk from door to door, distributing unmarked envelopes to every person he encountered. He was so out of place. Condescending sneers and avoidance of touch with all those around him.
Jasper watched him with minimal interest. Unconcerned with the envelopes' contents. Not hearing the pleas and begging of his neighbors.
Funny how life could change in a day. The stranger appeared this morning with malice and disgust. Announcement tacked onto the message board. A piece of paper proclaiming that everything they knew was gone.
The Arrowhead was now permanently closed.
A mysterious, outside source had arranged the tragedy. No explanations. No reason offered. Merely an envelope and a crisp-cold order to vacate the premises immediately.
He leaned his shoulder against his door. Arms and legs crossed. Brows furrowed in thought. Unaffected by the proceedings. Jasper was in a very foul mood of complacency.
An energetic youth skipped past him, pausing to wave his envelope and its contents jubilantly in his face before skipping away. His grin was insanely wide.
Apparently not all were disheartened with the club's end. Shadow appeared to be quite pleased with the amount of yen in his envelope.
Jasper blinked languidly after him. A frown pulled on his pouty lips. He didn't want an envelope. A plain, infuriating white pouch that held nothing more than a meager hope of a possible new beginning.
It wouldn't buy him what he had lost.
Long legs pulled him from the door and carried his svelte body down the hallway. In the opposite direction of the trespassing stranger and his maddening envelopes.
Agitated pause at the message board. Stone eyes glared at the bland, careless announcement of eviction. Teeth ground together as Jasper reached out, grabbed the offensive paper and heatedly tore it in pieces.
That damnable paper that told him that he would never see Saber again.
Such a careless note he had been left two days prior. Hastily scrawled script in Saber's elegant hand informing him of his immediate departure.
Anger. Pain. Sadness. Betrayal. Abandonment. All these emotions were expressed as Jasper continued to tear the eviction notice until it resembled confetti.
His action caught the stranger's attention. Heated footfalls tarnished the hall as he approached the angered man. "That is an official document! Ye can't do that!"
White rain littered the air as Jasper threw the remains of the notice in the stranger's face. A petty satisfaction coated his nerves, but it couldn't drown his sorrow.
"Jasper, aren't ye?" The stranger growled after his retreating form. He shifted rapidly through the remaining envelopes.
"What of it?"
"Got something for ye." The stranger found the envelope he was looking for.
"I don't want it." Jasper's tone vibrated with scarcely restrained energy.
"I think ye do, boy. Just take it." The envelope was tossed over Jasper's shoulder, landing in front of his feet. The stranger disappeared back into the hallway.
Hesitation. A valiant battle to suppress his curiosity. A loud groan as he lost, bending to retrieve the envelope marked with his name.
Quick fingers opened the message. Eyes widened fractionally at what they saw inside.
A considerably smaller amount of yen than Shadow had received. Enough for one day's expenses, one night at a hotel.
A plane ticket to a foreign land.
A note written in a beautiful curl of letters and ink.
'Should your heart still desire.'
Deep sigh held, released slowly. His hand fell to his side, fingers loosely holding his envelope. Eyes lowered in consideration.
Should his heart still desire.
Charity?
Never.
An uncertain future?
Hardly.
But possibility?
... he honestly didn't know.
*** *
Bright. Airy. Domineering sun rays marched through the windows.
Crowded. Foreign. Intimidating masses of culture and unfamiliarity swirled and greeted the new arrivals.
So bright.
The strap around his shoulder was gripped tightly. His body rigid with uncertainty. Eyes darting around the airport, searching for any sign of recognition.
Jasper had boarded the plane the next day. Afraid of alienation after the Arrowhead. His old fear returned of not wanting to be alone. He wanted to feel he had a direction. Knew this hope was doubtful.
He stumbled forward as his fellow passengers were funneled off the plane, pushing him aside in their haste to great loved ones.
The heat was already affecting him. Sweat glittered his noticeably paler skin. Lips swollen and tinted pink as they parted to aid his heated breath. Black shiny hair laying long and straight down his neck and cheeks.
Many looked his way. Arched eyebrows. Scurried faster past him to avoid his temptation. Whispered about the allure of this beautiful stranger.
Jasper cleared his throat softly, trying to dispel his unease. He stepped discreetly to the side, clinging to his backpack. His only security in the new land.
His violet eyes blinked as a hushed whisper sprinted around the crowd. Expressions brightened. Awe. Wonder. Quiet reverence. All coupled by lowered eyes of respect.
Curiosity bubbled on Jasper's skin as he eagerly watched for any sign of what caused the excitement.
"Greetings."
He had forgotten to look behind himself.
Slow turn of his head to acknowledge the offered welcome. A word he could understand. A familiarity he hadn't heard in eighteen hours.
His lips twitched in indecision. Whether to be thrilled beyond all hope or to scowl in indignation at his treatment. Indecision did not last long.
His muted and controlled smile outshone the brilliant desert sun.
He stood before him in all his exotic sexuality. Elaborate robes of cream, sand, honeysuckle, wrapped impressively his alluring body. Contrasting greatly with his gleaming, mocha-smooth complexion. Dazzling rings on his fingers.
An air full of so much smug satisfaction with himself that Jasper could barely contain his laughter.
"Hey," Jasper said around a cheeky grin. He ignored the disapproval that spewed from the man who stood behind his possession.
"Your first time visiting this country?" Gods, that voice was the most arousing weapon he had. Decadent and rich as chocolate pudding.
"I figured it was time to do a little traveling."
"I see." Chianti eyes danced with amusement. He held out his hand, fingers extended, palm facing the fortunate carpet. Aerial grace flowed in his movement. "Then allow me to welcome you to my homeland."
Jasper tilted his head and slanted his eyes at the tone. Hidden treasure awaited him if he played along. An opportunity he would not let pass. He softly cupped the sensuous fingers and leaned over them. Keeping his eyes locked on that face until the last moment.
He moistened his lips and pressed them pleasingly against the tasty skin. Parted. Lingering. Avoiding the rings, his tongue captured a forbidden taste. The greatest delicacy that skin offered.
"I am Atemu. Son of the royal family here in Cairo." The voice was confident, yet held an underlying sadness that only Jasper was allowed to hear. His next words were filled with such softness and sincerity.
"What is your name?"
Jasper fell in love with him all over again.
He pulled his lips slowly from Atemu's fingers. He did not release his hand. And again he ignored the impropriety of his act.
Softness veiled his tone and smile. "I'm Yuugi. Just... Yuugi."
Atemu rolled his tongue around his mouth and under his lips. Delicious little name. Simple. Succulent. Juicy as melon.
He observed Yuugi a moment longer before tugging gently on his fingers, guiding that lethal body against his side. He smiled secretly at Yuugi before turning them both and walking towards the airport's exit.
"But sire!" Atemu's escort demanded. "Your parents--!"
"Have nothing to fear," Atemu scowled over his shoulder. "I am here, am I not?"
The escort quieted his protest. Continued to glare at the foreigner his prince so inappropriately cared for.
The crowds parted before them to allow easy passage. Curious eyes followed the pretty pair, wondering as to their prince's unusually affectionate behavior to the newcomer. And the fact that he spoke his tongue.
Very peculiar. Where had he been for all those months?
They walked shoulder to shoulder. Hip to hip. Arm to arm. Fleeting, teasing little touches. Jittery nerves. Excited skin and happy pulses. Hidden fingers caressed, welcoming the feel of the other's touch and texture. Eyes lidded in contentment. Ignoring all others.
An act that would have made both Jasper and Saber proud.
The exit. Large doors welcomed travelers to the Egyptian landscape. A modern, impressive city backdrop against ancient history. Waiting to dazzle those who came to walk on its streets.
A beautiful automobile – a convertible – greeted them. Yuugi's features opened into unguarded awe. The car was so lavish. Atemu so priceless. The country so exquisite.
Familiar lips tickled his own. A quick nip before delivering their hushed message.
"Welcome home, Yuugi."
Yuugi's grin exploded on his face as Atemu nuzzled his hair. The realization seeped into his skin and heart.
Home.
Fingers interlaced with his own.
Home.
Atemu nipped the tip of his ear before pulling back to smirk down on him.
His home.
Yuugi looked up at Atemu excitedly. Mischievous play colored his eyes.
"Atemu, when do I get my key?!"
*** *
~ Drw ~
