A/N - I know, I know, it's been a long time for an update. This story was stalled for a while, then I got busy with Nine Lives since it's easy to write. Lame excuse but that's what happened.

Here's the next chapter finally though. I really don't know how Malik keeps on popping up in this story. He wasn't even suposed to show up until the the third story. Damn sexy bastard. Poor Kura, he's really going to be getting it now.

Because of the weather, traveling was extremely difficult so Seto and Yami were trapped in Chale Jao for the time being.

The snow hadn't stopped falling since the night Claudius died. Bakura officially arrived at the village the next morning during a memorial service for the earth demon. No one was suspicious.

For days passed with no sign of the snow stopping. Fortunately it gave both the demon hunter and the demon time to question the townspeople about the one who killed Mokuba.

However they did not like the results they were getting.

"I'll warn you now to leave it be," Akunumkanon advised. The three of them were seated around Akunumkanon's living room, warming in front of the fireplace. "I know you want revenge Young Hunter but some things are best left unresolved."

"Father?"

"Atemu I'm serious," Akunumkanon warned giving his son a look. "You both should end this quest."

"I'm afraid that's not possible," Seto replied eyeing the demon elder. "If it was your brother who was brutally murdered wouldn't you want revenge?"

"…yes. Akunadin and I have always been close, especially in our younger days…Very well Master Hunter, I will aid you the best as I can in your quest," Akunumkanon said with a heavily sigh.

"Thank you."

"The demon you seek is called Pegasus; he has the ability to transform into his namesake. 480 years ago, Pegasus was a young artist who traveled the world with his mate and wife Cynthia. While staying in a human village a fire broke out in one of the buildings; trapping two children inside. Cynthia was a water demon who used her powers to put out the blaze. The humans were outraged that a demon would try to pass as a human so they killed her despite having saved those children's lives."

"How horrible," Yami whispered in shock.

"Pegasus, who were not there at the time, killed all the villagers when he found out what happened. For two weeks he went on a rampage killing humans until he suddenly vanished. Every year on the anniversary of Cynthia's death, Pegasus returns from where he had been hiding to go on another human killing spree for two weeks. He'll then disappear again so we're unable to do anything about him."

"How come I've never heard anything about this Pegasus person before?" Yami inquired, clearly confused.

"All demon communities have been working together to keep Pegasus' actions hidden," Akunumkanon explained. "Although Pegasus was not from Chale Jao even we have done our part to conceal the murders. As for the humans they are scared to mention his name. He leaves no survivors so the human leaders also keep his actions in the dark so panic would not spread throughout their race."

"So how do we find him?" Akunumkanon's glaze fell upon the young hunter as he debated how he was going to answer that question.

"You can only find Pegasus when it's time for him to kill again. No one knows where he'll strike. It seems he just chooses a random village to attack each time. I can only provide you with the area he'll most likely attack as he has he seems to be making his way in a specific direction. I warn you however; you only have a week until the anniversary. That leaves you three weeks until Pegasus disappears for another year."

"Thank you for your help Elder," Seto quietly replied as he got to his feet. Next to him, Yami copied his actions and stood as well. "Please tell us where the place is so we can leave at once."

"Kukai," Akunumkanon softly replied.

"But that will take us two weeks to get there!" Yami protested. "If you're wrong, we'll have no time to search elsewhere."

"It's a risk we'll have to take."

Yami sadly lowered his head. "I know."

"Have faith my son. Only the Goddess has any clue what will happen."

"I know father."

"If you two will hurry it up I want to get out of here before dark."

"Go gather your things Seto. I'll say goodbye to my parents and will meet you at the edge of town."

Seto swiftly nodded his head before making a quick exit. Time was short and it would take longer traveling this time from the weather. Fortunately Seto knew a short cut where they could make up some time.

Yami gave his father and mother a hasty goodbye before rushing out into the snow. He had wanted to find Shimon before he left and say goodbye to the person who raised him as well.

"Just because I owe you one doesn't mean I've forgiven you."

Yami stopped in his tracks and turned to his left where he spied Bakura walking towards him. With each step the fire demon took, the snow under his feet would melt away.

"I know."

"Consider yourself lucky. I'm personally taking over Ryou's training so I'll be suck here for a while. Honestly I never thought I would be suck in this pathetic place again but Ryou needs me."

Yami nodded his head. "Take care of him."

"Don't tell me how to treat my brother, Kitten," the fire demon growled. "Remember, I'm the trustworthy one here, not you. All you wanted was revenge on Claudius for being an ass to you for so long."

"I could have taken out Claudius myself if this was a simple case of revenge. I really did want to help him. Unlike you, he's a nice kid," Yami replied as a small smirk on his face. He was happy when he saw Bakura return the smirk.

"Yeah that's something I'll have to work on."

"Under your tutorage he'll be insane in no time."

"Flattery will get you no where Kitten. You have a few safe years ahead of you but then I'll be back."

"I'm counting on it."

Yami scampered off. Although Bakura had insisted upon a truce he knew that the fire demon could change his mind at any moment. Besides he still had to say goodbye to Shimon and meet up with Seto so they could get going.

Yami shuddered as he paused in his steps. It was not however the chilly wind, which caused his uneasiness. It was the creepy feeling he got from the large black castle in the distance. His animal instinct told him there was something wrong with the place and he quickly wanted to leave the area.

Seto however did not share Yami's feeling of dread.

"I wonder if they could provide us with information," the demon hunter mused out loud from where he was walking in front of the cat demon. His white cloak was wrapped around his body as he attempted to keep himself warm from the wind.

For days the pair had been traveling. Seto's shortcut to Kukai lead them through an area of the land known as Doma, ruled by the king Dartz. Ever since they had entered Doma territory Yami had been overcome by the oddness in the air.

"We need to leave this land quickly," he hissed to his partner. "Something doesn't feel right."

"Odd…that's supposed to be King Dartz's castle. He's apparently one of the most honorable men in the world. His influence spreads wide so he's bound to have heard something about Pegasus."

"I don't doubt that but I still say we should quickly move along."

"Why? Because he's a human?" Seto challenged, spinning around to look at Yami with angry eyes. "You were willing to trust demons who wanted you dead, convinced me to do the same and now you won't trust a great man."

"Seto…please…you've been acting strange since we've entered these lands. What is troubling you?"

"What's troubling me is you took off in the middle of the night to confront your ex-best friend and you didn't even bother to tell me. I don't like people sneaking around behind my back."

Yami shook his head. So that's what was wrong. When they were in Chale Jao, Yami had neglected to tell the hunter that piece of information but had brought it up a few days ago while making conversation.

"Seto…I'm sorry." Reach out with a numb fingers, Yami placed his hand on top of Seto's. "I'm didn't think it was that important. Ryou is safe. That's all that matters. Kura still hates me and will be after us again at some point."

"Did you ever sleep with him? Back when you were friends…"

Yami couldn't believe what he was hearing but at the same time he was happy and a small smile crossed his lips. He could tell that the demon hunter was jealous. It was more then he could ever hope after such a short amount of time.

"No."

Seto nodded his head with satisfaction. "Good."

Yami couldn't place his finger on it but it seemed as if something else was wrong with his human friend. Nevertheless the smile remained on his face as he transformed into a cat and leaped up onto Seto's shoulders.

"Alright you win. We'll keep going," was the last thing Yami heard as his eyes drooped close. Even though he was still uneasy about their surroundings, Yami knew he was safe as long as Seto was there with him.

Reaching up with a hand, Seto scratched Yami on his head behind his ears. He then continued on his way down the snowy path towards their destination.

Days passed and the weather slowly grew warmer the further south they traveled. Yami slept most of the time, conserving his energy, riding upon Seto's shoulders.

Ironically, Pegasus' was scheduled to attack Kukai, the village where they had met. It seemed as if the village was once again fated to serve them both.

"If we're lucky Pegasus won't have attacked Kukai yet," Seto murmured to Yami was awake for once. Still though the cat demon remained in his feline forum so he could remain riding upon Seto.

Yami gave a nod of his small kitty head as he agreed with the demon hunter.

Only once upon their trip did they encounter another person. An angry tanned blond male was storming down the path in which they were walking.

"Stupid ass," the blond muttered under his breath as he kicked a stone. He however flashed Seto a bright smile when he saw the demon hunter. "Hello there! You haven't perchance have seen a sexy white-haired creature on your travels have you?"

"Only one," Seto replied after exchanging a look with the cat on his shoulders. "A man called Bakura."

"That's him!" the blond happily cried, clapping his hands with glee. "Do you know where he was headed? The rat ran out on me without a goodbye but the fool didn't realize that nobody dumps Malik and gets away with it. He's coming back with me whether he likes it or not!"

An evil smile appeared on Seto's lips. "He was heading for the village of Chale Jao in the north. Keep following this path through the Doma territory, and then take a left through the Black Forest. Keep going and you'll eventually come to Chale Jao. Bakura said he'll be spending some time there you'll easily have a shot at catching up to him."

"Thanks!" the blond happily cried before marching off.

When the blond had disappeared from their site, Yami jumped off of Seto's shoulders, transforming into a human as soon as he landed on the ground. He then gave Seto a stern look.

"That was a mean thing to do to Bakura. I'm sure he has his reason for avoiding that guy."

Seto shrugged. "Who cares as long as he stays away from you."

"I'm not going anywhere Seto."

"I don't care what you do," Seto huffed.

Quietly Yami turned back into a cat and returned to his place on the demon hunter's shoulders. They still had to get to Kukai before it was too late.

To their relief, when they arrived at Kukai, the village was still intact. There were no signs of Pegasus anywhere.

"The Demon Hunter," the quiet whisper could be heard throughout the village. Clearly they were surprised to see that the hunter was back so soon after he had left.

"Master Hunter!" a young voice cried. Turning his head Seto found the brunette girl who had nursed him back to health after the fire, running towards him.

"Hello…"

"Do you remember me Master Hunter? My name is Shizuka. I'm glad to see you and your cat are both well!"

"Thank you for your help before Shizuka."

"I was glad to help Master Hunter. What brings you back to our village? Has their been another demon sighting here?" The girl looked as if she was suddenly nervous which Seto noted in his head.

"Not yet."

Excusing himself, Seto headed towards the inn, where he checked himself into a room.

Heading up the narrow wooden staircase, which creaked with every step he took. Walking along the balcony of the second floor, the demon hunter disappeared inside his room.

Once alone Yami jumped down from Seto's shoulders and turned into his human form.

"That girl is odd," Seto muttered. He didn't know how he hadn't noticed it before. Two months ago she had seemed more normal.

"She's a demon," Yami casually replied.

"What!"

Yami shrugged. "I thought so the first time we met her but I was more concerned about you. This time I definitely know she's a demon. I can smell it."

"Do you think she's helping Pegasus?"

"No."

"You seem pretty confident."

"She's a child. Even if she were it would be because she doesn't know any better. But I don't think that is the case. She obviously knows who you are and probably knows I'm also a demon. Or at least suspects it. Everyone knows who you are and why you're a demon hunter. She wouldn't have helped us earlier if she was with Pegasus."

"We left before her father returned. Perhaps she was supposed to keep us there."

"Again I doubt it. She doesn't seem like it."

Seto narrowed his eyes at his partner. "You're too trustworthy."

"And you don't trust enough."

"It's how I survive."

"I use my abilities to survive."

"Hn."

Seto remained quiet and Yami didn't know if that was a good or bad thing. He had tired getting Seto use to the idea that a demon's powers were most useful but he wasn't sure if worked. Seto was glaring him like normal.

"Seto?"

"Turn back into a cat. I want to go talk to the girl."

"As you wish."

Following the request, Yami transformed into a cat and leaped upon Seto's shoulders.

"Master Hunter, what a surprise to see you so soon." Although her words said otherwise it was clear from the look on her face that she had been expecting them. "Please com in. I'm making some tea."

Seto walked inside the small cottage. The first thing he saw as a table with three teacups on it. Shizuka was bent over the table filling the cups.

"Please have a seat."

Seto sat down at one of the four chairs and Yami hopped own from his shoulders, landing gracefully on the tabletop.

"Wouldn't you be more comfortable in your other form?"

Jumping to a chair Yami transformed and glared at her with his crimson eyes. Although he still didn't think she was with Pegasus he didn't like people knowing about his disguise. "So you know about me."

"Yes."

"Where are your parents? We would like to speak to them," Seto interjected.

"My mother is dead and my father is out hunting. He won't be back for a few days."

"Interesting…" the demon hunter murmured.

"He doesn't know anything though," Shizuka quickly replied. "He doesn't even know about me."

"Just what are you getting at?" Seto demanded to know.

"Her father is not a demon," Yami quietly told him all while keeping his eyes on the girl.

Shizuka nodded her head. "My birth father was killed before I was born. Fate had different plans for him. Devastated my mother left the demon community. My current father found us and took us in. My mother died not long after that so my father adopted me. He never knew about my mother and mine abilities."

"And what are those abilities?"

"I can turn into a mouse. It may not seem like much but there are lots of places which are only big enough for a mouse."

"I'm very sorry about your family," Yami quietly told her.

"I still have my father," Shizuka replied giving Yami a brave smile. "I'm also supposed to have an older brother somewhere. He had a falling out with my parents long before I was born. My mother said his name was Jounouchi. You haven't heard about a demon called Jounouchi have you?"

Both Yami and Seto shook their heads. "No. I'm sorry."

"Well if you ever find him, tell him Shizuka says 'Hi'."

"We will."

"Do you know about Pegasus?" Seto finally asked. He had remained quiet until then allowing Shizuka and Yami to talk.

"Only a little," she admitted. "Two years ago my father took me on a business trip with him. When we arrived at the village with our goods to sell, we found the place in ruins. There was only one survivor we found. He claimed a monster attacked them from the sky. We visited neighboring villages to warn them but we were always too late. My father forbids me to every bring it up because of what happened was so horrifying."

"Wait. How do you know about Pegasus?" Yami asked her. "I'm a demon too and hadn't heard about him until a few weeks ago."

"My mother told me his story. She always said despite what happened to the Goddess and Pegasus we shouldn't hold it against all humans."

"Your mother was very wise."

"I know. Thank you."

"Is there anything else you can tell us?" Seto was getting impatient with the visit.

"I'm sorry, but that is all I know."

"Thank you for your time then."

Both Seto and Yami rose and they quickly made their retreat. For now they would get some rest and begin the hunt for Pegasus that night.