Author's Note: Gratitude to Daisaigai Okamiotoko. :D And instead of using an equal sign for 'thought-speech' I'll use Italics.

Yu-Gi-Oh: Wolf

Chapter 8

Seto and the others were outside the cave, which belonged to the wolf pack. Yugi's wolf pack.

At first, Yugi had walked around the other wolves, trying to get information. But soon he settled on staying outside with the others. Maybe he was uncomfortable about being treated like royalty.

We should keep going. The mountain isn't far now, right? said Mokuba.

But what about the pack? They wouldn't have a leader, pointed out Yugi, nodding at the cave.

They'll be FINE, insisted Malik.

But I thought wolves needed an Alpha wolf to lead them.

They do but they're bound to get a new leader when the current one loses a fight or dies. Or both.

Then Yugi should pretend to lose to one of us.

Then what?

Oh, right…

What if we just run away?

No good. They'd follow us.

Maybe we should ask a real wolf to-

-act? I'd like to see you try.

I could if I wanted to!

Sure you could…

I could!

Guys, stop arguing, lets just-

He was interrupted by a series of growls and barks from a nearby brown wolf. It's gray eyes were fixed on Yugi. Another challenge.

Looks like he doesn't like short Alpha wolves, noted Seto with slight amusement.

Shut up Kaiba.

Yugi sighed. I don't want to fight again.

Hang on, Ryou said suddenly. Isn't it if you run, you forfeit? And the other one wins?

Oh yeah!

Might I remind you wolves go after the weak? asked Marik darkly.

But the other aren't here. Yet, pointed out Joey, though skeptically.

Yugi, just get over there then we'll all run for it, said Seto impatiently.

Yugi did so. He growled. The wolf growled. Yugi gave a feeble whimper and ran away, past the others.

Let's go!

The others followed hastily.

That was a bit dramatic.

Thanks.

They pelted away, leaving the brown wolf blinking confused as it's 'leader' high tailed away from him.

They ran for about a mile before reaching the edge of Snow Canyon. They paused before running, keeping it on their left. When they had reached the place they had started, they went north.

After a few minutes they stopped at the edge of a cliff. The canyon seemed to stretch endlessly ahead of them. The only way across seemed to be a wide bridge of packed snow that looked like it wouldn't support so much as a rock.

We're crossing THAT? asked Malik reluctantly.

No, we're jumping, said Yami sarcastically. Of COURSE we're crossing that. Anyway, everyone line up. We'll have to go like a battalion, everyone in front. Line up!

Yes sir, replied Bakura with mock respect.

They lined up, first Ryou then Yami then Joey then himself, his brother then Malik.

Go!

They took off, trying to keep in pace with each other. Seto felt the snow crumble slightly just as a paw left the surface. It was a miracle that they didn't fall.

--

Seto was starting to tire. The bridge didn't seem to have an end.

The others were also showing signs of fatigue. Once Joey had staggered right into him and it was all he could do from falling and bringing Mokuba and Malik down with him.

Keep in line, reminded Yami for about the 60th time.

Are you okay, Mokuba? whispered Seto in private thought-speech.

Yes niisama, answered Mokuba, confidently.

They went on but obviously in a slower pace compared to the one they had started with. Though the edge of the crumbling bridge caused to only half-fall, Seto had a feeling something bad was going to happen if they didn't reach they edge soon.

Just as the end finally came into view and they were all breathing sighs of relief, Ryou stumbled.

Ah!

No!

It happened very fast. When Ryou had fallen, he had tried to climb back up, but the Millennium Ring had caught on an icicle below the bridge, pulling him back down. Then the bridge had fallen away from him completely.

Yami had seen this and grabbed a Ryou's snowy fur but he too, was pulled down. Joey grabbed him by the tail and strained to keep his balance.

It didn't work.

The snow crumbled and Malik dived past Seto, dug his teeth into Joey's hind leg and held on.

Ow! Watch it!

Shut up or I'll drop you!

Mokuba grabbed Malik and Seto quickly got a hold on Mokuba. Maybe, just maybe, they could just get back up and keep running. But the bridge seemed to have other ideas.

A sharp crack! later and the snow and ice supporting them gave way. All 6 wolves fell, still holding onto each other like a living chain.

AAAHHH!

Seto kept a firm grip on his brother with his teeth but it was hard to hold on without hurting him.

Then he realized something. They were falling down, true but they also seemed to be going forward. The cliff wall loomed up, closer than ever.

A split second later, Seto felt all the breath knocked out of him as he hit the cliff face. His paws scrabbled wildly, trying to find a hold. Somehow, miraculously, his hind paw found a small ledge and he go one front paw into a crack.

They had stopped falling but Seto didn't know for how much longer he could support them. Apparently, the others were dangling, facing away from the cliff. His jaws were starting to ache.

Mokuba! Let go of them, he said desperately. The weight of the wolves was pulling his brother down, and Seto's teeth were ripping his brother's flesh.

Mokuba refused. Seto knew that everyone was probably in pain, trying to keep a hold on everyone else.

Kaiba? Can you try and turn us around so we can get on the wall? Yami asked with forced calm.

Easy for you to say, grumbled Seto, trying not to panic. I don't think I can hold you up, much less turn you.

Hey!

What?

There's hole here! called Ryou. I think it leads to a cave!

Get in it then!

Seto just managed to see Yami swing Ryou back and he disappeared into the cliff. The weight lessened slightly.

Lotsa room in here, reported Ryou.

Kaiba, bring us lower.

I'll try, muttered Seto. He carefully placed his hind paw on a lower rock. It broke off and he slid a bit lower before getting a grip.

Ow! Kaiba! complained Joey as the rock hit him on the head.

What?! You try this! he snapped. His neck was starting to cramp in his awkward position, but he concentrated on not letting go.

Joey!

Joey swung Yami by the tail and threw him into the cave. Afterwards, Seto had a slightly easier time lowering his brother, Marik and Joey.

Marik swung Joey and let go. He missed the hole but managed to grab the edge with his front paws. Yami then dragged him in.

Seto finally managed to turn and Mokuba and Marik anchored onto the wall. Mokuba released Marik, who slid down and into the hole.

Mokuba cautiously went down after him. As soon as his brother was safe, Seto slipped in last. Seto stretched his neck painfully. Well, at least they were all safe.

Seto couldn't see much in the dark. He blundered forward slightly and plowed into Marik.

Move over, will you? he said snappishly.

The others weren't moving. He heard a throaty growl from deeper in the cave and he realized.

They weren't alone.