-Wild Aces-

Yami was furious. His crimson eyes, now a shade of deep garnet, were set into a glare that would have made the devil himself run for cover. After hearing the name responsible for taking Yugi, he had growled so low, that it had come out as a hiss, alerting everyone around that he was pissed and not to be messed with. Not wanting to cause a scene in town, he had saddled Phantom back up and had ridden out to the spot where Mokuba and Yugi had visited.

"This place sure is a beauty," Bakura whistled, looking around the area while also hoping to break the deafening silence. He had been pushed into going with Yami, even though he had complained and asked 'why him' to only have them tell him that he knew Yami longer and all. Hmph, the real reason was they were cowards and didn't want Yami putting them in an early grave. 'Just my damn luck…' he sighed before thinking back to the real reason he had gone after his friend.

Ryou only had to give him a pleading look and Bakura had caved in an instant, which resulted in Marik barking in laughter, earning the blond a good cuff to the side of the head, effectively knocking him over the railing and into a water troth. Smirking back at that thought, he mentally chuckled at recalling Marik sputtering out curses while trying to climb out of the cramped space.

Looking back over at Yami, Bakura frowned at still not receiving an answer from the other. He had never seen Yami act like this before. Sure, after Yami's father had died, he recalled Yami being distant and refusing to talk to anyone about anything, but as for being totally pissed at the world… well it's never happened.

Taking a hesitant breath, he guided his horse up a bit closer to his companion. "Yami, you need to..."

"Relax!" Bakura flinched at the harsh, icy tone. "How in the hell do you expect me to relax when Yugi is in the clutches of that 'snake in the grass' Bastard!" Yami snapped, his fists clenching around the reins to the point of his knuckles turning white.

Blinking at his companion, Bakura internally shivered. Yami sure was scary when he was pissed! Shaking his head, he narrowed his eyes right back at the other. "No need to bite my damn head off! I was only telling you to relax!" he shouted back, causing his horse to snort in disapproval of him yelling so loud, as it pinned its ears back. "Do you think Yugi would want to see you acting like this, you'd scare the hell out of him!"

Closing his eyes, Yami let out a deep, ragged breath. "Sorry… I'm just worried," he sighed, opening his eyes to look back over at Bakura.

Seeing the garnet shade dimming back down to a smoldering crimson, Bakura sighed in relief at getting Yami to settle down. "It's alright; I'd probably be the same way if Ryou was in Yugi's place."

Nodding, Yami offered the other a smile. "I know, you care a lot about Ryou. I'm still shocked that someone actually likes you that much."

"Watch it," Bakura snapped, tossing a mock glare at Yami. He was glad to see that Yami was able to joke at a time like this. "So what are we looking for, exactly?"

Snorting at the question, Yami rolled his eyes. "I wonder," he sighed dryly before dismounting his horse and letting it drink from the stream. "We're looking for tracks, maybe we can track this guy down."

Following Yami's earlier gesture, Bakura let his horse drink while also looking around for some tracks. "Of all the good it will do," he muttered, but stopped at hearing Yami clear his throat. Looking up at the glare he was receiving, he idly ran one of his fingers against the white bandanna around his neck.

"What is wrong with my idea?"

"Well think about it! If the guy is heading out, he could be riding anywhere and besides he has at least an hour head start on us!" Bakura cried, inching away from Yami and his glare.

Shaking his head, Yami decided to ignore the white haired outlaw. Looking over the ground, he narrowed his eyes while crouching down to look at a set of hoof prints. Reaching out, he took two of his fingers and felt around the groove of the shoe print. "The rider was no lightweight."

"What?" Bakura asked, cocking his head curiously to the side with an eyebrow arched as well.

"These hooves cut deep, meaning that the horse was packing a lot of weight," Yami smirked, amused at the confused looks going across his companion's face.

"The horse could just be overweight," Bakura suggested while walking over to crouch down across from Yami to look down at the tracks. He had no idea when it came to actually tracking something. He was a dead-shot gunman, not a tracker anyways, that was more of Marik and apparently Yami's talent.

Chuckling lightly, Yami shook his head while pointing out the groove. "Shoes are made to balance the horse, weight and all. Now allowing for the weight of the horse, the groove makes the print, but when you have a heavy rider, or someone packing a load, the print is cut in deeper," Yami smirked. "Just like these."

Looking at the prints, Bakura arched an eyebrow skeptically. He still didn't get it, but nodded anyway. "So we go looking for a fat rider that also has your little runt, right?"

Glaring at what Bakura had called his little one, Yami shook his head before hearing a whinny from Phantom. Turning to look at the horse, he blinked in surprise before running over to the stallion and bending down to pick up a horseshoe. Patting the horse on the muzzle, he turned back to Bakura before smirking. "More like heading into the closest town east of here that has a black smith."

Shaking his head, Bakura ran a hand down his face. "You and that horse really scare me sometimes," he sighed taking the shoe away from Yami and looking it over. "Any idea where the next town is?"

"I guess we could head on back and ask the others," Yami smiled, watching as Bakura tossed the horse shoe into the stream nearby. "They should know what towns are nearby and if there are any short cuts."

Mounting back on his horse, Bakura turned to find Yami just mounting his horse as well. "I guess so, but what about the lady in Silver City?"

"No need," Yami smirked. "We catch this rider and then he will tell us exactly what we want to know!"

"Are you thinking what I think your thinking?" Bakura asked curiously with a smirk on his face.

"Could be," Yami smirked, a dark impish gleam flickering across his scarlet eyes.

"Good ol' Western Justice?" Bakura smirked, the same glint flashing across his russet brown.

Nodding, Yami reached down to flick the golden spurs, causing the sharp pointed star to spin. "Mexican Tattoo."

"I can't wait!"

Yugi groaned while trying to open his eyes. The last thing he remembered was getting tossed across a saddle then having a gun cuff him on the temple. So why did it feel like he had been drug behind a wagon. Forcing his eyes open, he let out a choked scream at what sat right across from him.

He was in a stagecoach, that much he could tell, but right across from him in the seats, were a pair of crumpled corpses, both sporting bleeding gunshot wounds to the head. Forcing himself not to throw up, Yugi couldn't bare to look at the pair, so he turned to look out at the passing scenery.

'I need to get out of here…' he mused trying to get up, but fell out of the seat to land on a corpse he didn't see earlier. Screaming and wriggling back away, Yugi panted while holding his stomach in check.

"Quiet, back there!"

Yugi flinched at the icy tone. His captor had killed all these people and had left them in the coach with him to rot. Not only that, but he had also stripped everyone of their weapons, making sure that Yugi couldn't use anything to cut the ropes from his bound hands and ankles.

"How could you!" He shouted, not really caring at his problem at the moment.

"I said QUIET!"

Wincing from a twinge of pain coming from his side, Yugi leaned his head against the fastened doors. He couldn't even open the doors, since they appeared to be roped off as well. Sighing, he pulled his knees up to his chest and buried his face in his arms. He couldn't bare the look of those in the coach with them, it was eating away at his soul already.

"You should enjoy the ride, runt," The driver chided from his seat, continuing to steer the pair of horses pulling the coach. "Not having to worry about idle chit chat from some rich bastards."

Not receiving an answer, the driver chuckled. "Needed a new ride anyways. That stupid beast of mine lost a shoe and stumbled midways on our journey, ended up crippling the damn thing."

Yugi swallowed the lump in his throat as tears slid down his cheeks. He couldn't stay with this man. He wanted to be safe and secure! Be somewhere that he was loved… He wanted Yami!

"Had to shoot the blasted horse," the driver growled. "Then ended up packing you for a good mile until I reached the wagon trails, where I caught this beauty."

'Yami, please come and save me!' Yugi whimpered, clenching his eyes shut as more tears made trails down his cheeks.

"Shouldn't be too long before we reach the spot! I'm sure Silver Mane is looking forward to meeting ya!"

'Silver Mane!' Snapping his head up, Yugi winced at the pain before looking around wildly. He needed to get out of there fast. If Silver Mane was to get him, then he could use him to get to Yami. Blinking back tears, he managed to get back into his seat and looked around for something that he could use.

'What can I use?' he asked himself before looking back over to the corpses. As much as he hated the thought of it, he couldn't help but reach down and slowly take the vest off the dead driver. Fighting back the urge to throw up, Yugi took the leather vest and brought it up to the side of the door where a nail head was sticking out.

Hoping that someone would find this, Yugi brought the side of the vest up and began to rub the velvet leather against the nail, leaving a deep impression of a noticeable 'S' and 'M'. Using the nail once again, he brought down a long impression of an arrow.

Leaning down once again, Yugi managed to take off the driver's thick gold buckle before putting it in the center of the vest and winding the material around it. 'I hope this works! Please Let Yami find this!'

Taking one last look at his work, Yugi tossed the marked rolled up vest out the window. With the weight of the buckle inside, he didn't have to worry too much about the wind, he just hoped that Yami and the others were on their way and would find that clue as well as the others as he started to work on taking off a few more items to use them for later clues.

"I hope Yugi is okay," Malik sighed sadly while resting his head on Marik's shoulder. The two of them were back in the living area above the Tailor shop, waiting for Bakura and Yami to come back and both hoping that Yami had calmed down and that he hadn't shot Bakura in the process.

"We'll get him back," Marik promised, while gently running his fingers through Malik's hair. It was the only thing he could think of at the time and it seemed to comfort his hellcat immensely.

"I hope so," Malik whispered, looking up into Marik's eyes. "Will Silver Mane… hurt him?"

"I don't know, Darlin'," Marik smirked earning a small pout from Malik at the nickname. "I don't think he would though. He'd know that Yami along with the rest of us would send him to an early grave."

"I can't believe he was taken though," Malik shook his head, causing his hair to caress Marik's chin. "Then again it could have been any one of us, I guess."

"Yup, but then again, leave it to Peggy to pick on the small ones," Marik grated out. "Too much of a coward to take someone with a fighting chance."

Malik chuckled lightly. "Don't count Yugi out yet," he chided with a smirk. "What Yugi lacks in height and strength, he makes up for it in Witt and Smarts."

Marik chuckled. "I believe it! I still can't believe that little rascal found out about us so fast!"

"Yugi is really good at solving things, and he notices things that others don't," Malik smiled before leaning up to brush his lips across Marik's. "I just hope that we get to him before something happens to him."

"So do I, I like the little guy."

"Hmph, you like him because he paid for the window that you owed me."

"Now don't bring that up again," Marik sighed, glaring lightly at the one on his lap.

"Oh, but its such fun," Malik chuckled before being silenced from Marik's lips covering his own. Feeling the kiss coming to an end, he looked at the other with a light blush. "What was that for?"

"It was the only way to shut you up," Marik chuckled. "Or I could have pushed you onto the floor."

"I like the kissing way better."

"Thought ya would."

Meanwhile…

Seto's left eye twitched in annoyance. After putting up with Bakura and Marik doing it, he sure as hell wouldn't put up with someone else doing it now. "Pup, if ya know what's good for ya, you'll stop right now!"

Mokuba chuckled lightly from the sidelines. It was really amusing watching Seto get riled up. The twitching of his eyes or that habit of tapping his right foot fast enough to cause his spur to jangle. Turning to watch as Joey continued to pace across the length of the porch, he couldn't help but smirk at noting that the blond was doing just what Bakura and Marik had done… ignored his older brother.

"Pup," Seto snapped. "Stop your damn pacing!"

Coming to a dead halt, Joey blinked while looking over at Seto to notice the glare he was receiving. "What? It helps me to think," he sighed, getting ready to pace again, but was stopped by arms wrapping around his waist.

"Leave the thinking to me," Seto sighed. "I can do it in half the time and I don't have to pace to do it."

"Was that an insult?" Joey growled lightly.

"Wouldn't think of it," Seto smirked, turning Joey around to run a hand down one of his cheeks.

Enjoying the gentle touch, Joey sighed while closing his eyes and leaning against Seto's chest. "I'm just worried about Yugi. I mean I've heard a lot about that Silver Mane and after what happened in Silver City."

Nodding, Seto ran his hand threw the blond's hair. "I know, but I wouldn't worry too much about it."

Snapping his head back to look at the other, Joey glared. "What do you mean that I shouldn't worry! Yugi is my best friend…"

"You didn't let me finish," Seto sighed, cutting off the blond by covering his mouth his hand. "I was going to say that we would find him, and I must say that I pity when we do."

Reaching up to remove the hand covering his mouth, Joey smiled lightly. "So do I, in a way. I mean the look on Yami's face… well that was just scary!"

"Exactly, and Yami wont rest until he gets his little Yugi back," Seto smirked.

Smiling, Joey hugged Seto before leaning up to kiss the brunet lightly. "Even though he is an outlaw, I'm sure that justice will be served, right?"

Smirking, Seto claimed the other's lips in a fleeting kiss before pulling back. "Yup, and Yami's type of justice is one that Marik and Bakura absolutely adore."

"Torture?"

"No."

"Shoot then ask questions later?"

"What would be the point in shooting before asking for answers," Seto shook his head. "You'd kill the guy, so how in the hell do you expect to get answers from him?"

"I dunno, it's just a saying that I heard of," Joey shrugged. "So what would Yami do?"

"Pup, I think you will just have to watch and see for yourself," Seto smirked.

"What are you two talking about?"

Turning around, the both of them smiled at seeing Ryou standing beside Mokuba. From the looks on Mokuba's face it appeared that the white haired assistant had brought him some candy from the General store.

"Nothing much, Ryou," Joey sighed. "How is Gramps taking it?"

"He's upset," Ryou sighed while taking a seat in one of the rockers. "It took me a while to calm him down. I suggested for him to get some rest and that I would keep an eye on the shop for him today since the doctor doesn't need me."

Joey nodded. "I wonder if Yami and Bakura found anything."

"I just hope Yami didn't kill Bakura," Ryou whined. "He did look pretty angry and most people that get angry tend to shoot other people."

"I wouldn't worry too much," Seto smiled. "Bakura is quick on his feet, I'm sure he could avoid the bullets."

Pouting, Ryou sent a glare at Seto. "You're not making me feel much better for asking him to go with Yami. How come Marik couldn't go?"

"Because Yami would've killed him," Seto smirked. "Marik has the habit of annoying people."

Chuckling, Ryou shook his head. "Yeah, especially Bakura."

Hearing the sound of racing hoof beats, everyone on the porch turned to see two familiar rides coming toward them. As Yami and Bakura neared the porch, they pulled back on the reins, causing both of their horses to come to a quick stop.

"Find anything?" Seto asked before looking over Bakura with a smirk. "I see that he didn't shoot you."

"Came close," Bakura snorted. "He bit my head off instead."

Rolling his eyes, Yami looked back at the others. "Go and get Marik and Malik!"

"What for?" Joey asked as Ryou went to go and get the others.

"The rider that took Yugi can't be gone to far," Yami sighed. "His horse lost one of its shoes, meaning that they would be taking a stop at the nearest black smith east of here."

"That would be near Cactus valley," Joey murmured, ignoring the snort of amusement coming from Seto and Bakura. "The town of Painted Hills is there."

"Good, so that is where we're headed," Yami sighed. "Everyone is welcome to come along."

"Great," Ryou smiled, running back to the porch with Marik and Malik in tow.

"That was fast," Bakura chuckled, smiling over at Ryou as a blush dusted those pale cheeks.

"They were actually coming this way," Ryou grinned lightly.

"Yeah, so we riding out?" Marik asked, looking at Yami to watch the other nod.

"That's right. We need a few supplies and then we'll set off," Yami sighed while dismounting and walking onto the porch.

"I can get you supplies," Ryou smiled. "I'm sure that Grandpa will give you what ya need."

"Great, Bakura go with him to get everything."

"Sure thing, Yami," Bakura smiled, dismounting from his horse and running after Ryou toward the General store.

"I suggest the rest of you go and get your horses saddled up," Yami smiled lightly as the others nodded and headed off toward the barn, Malik saying that he would get Ryou's horse ready as well.

"What about me, Yami?" Mokuba asked, looking at Yami sadly. He still felt bad about not being able to help Yugi.

"You, I want you to keep and eye around on things here and help Yugi's grandpa," Yami smiled, ruffling Mokuba's hair. "Can you do that for me?"

"You bet!" Mokuba smiled. "I'll go over there right now."

"Then get going, ya little rascal," Yami chuckled as Mokuba took off running toward the store. Hearing a soft whinny, he walked back over to his horse and patted the smooth muzzle. "I hope we can find him."

The horse snorted while pawing at the ground with its right hoof. "Think you can run them down?" Yami asked looking at the horse curiously to receive a whinny and a nod. To some it would seem rather strange to talk to a horse, but between Yami and Phantom there was a connection of some sort, a connection that the rest of the Aces thought was very strange and scary at times.

Smirking and patting the horse, Yami looked out over the horizon. 'Don't worry Yugi, I'll get you back and nothing will stop me.' Making his vow, he pulled aside his duster to reveal the twin six shooters attached to a shoulder holster while around his waist were another pair of guns as well. Covering the guns back up, he patted the horse once again before going over to his saddle bag and looking through it to find his own little stash of dynamite as well as extra ammo and a few other things.

"Silver Mane, I'm coming for you!"