A/N: I don't own YGO.
Seto stood silently at one end of the hall. This was his spot every day. Afterwards, he would sleep, get up, eat, and leave for his quiet spot in the forest to do some meditation or thinking. Needless to say, it was a tedious lifestyle but he didn't mind it so much. Seto wouldn't be a Knight forever, even though he was the most courageous valiant one of all. There was something else that was a part of him. A part he dreaded yet welcomed especially when it promised infinite power and strength. The transformation would be slow and it had already started. Seto would have to leave soon because no one was to know who he actually was. The last person he wanted for to find out was Mokuba.
It had begun with a steady pattern going from inside to outside. The first sign would be his appetite. The Sir Knight never ate much despite his favorite meal being what he ate most every day. But when the mutation came into play for the first time in his life, it would require large amounts of food. After all, Dragons had bigger stomachs, didn't they? Next would be his voice box. If he was angered in any way or defensive, an inhuman growl would make its way up and out. After that, the teeth would become considerably sharper and somewhat whiter than normal with a silver touch. Each change would last for a week and then would be joined by another change. The eyes will follow suit and remain blue but would become more menacing in appearance and more Dragon-like. Sort of like those of a cat.
His body would be next after those four. Very slowly his skin color would become pale and seemingly lifeless until a bluish tint was visible. This change would remain with the others for at least two weeks and the last changes would come, the most terrible of all.
Seto's body would start molding and shaping itself, growing at a faster rate than the other changes. That was when he would no longer look human and would have to hide out in the forest. After his transformation was complete, he would be able to revert back into human form and then vice versa very easily. But being full of Dragon blood by birth, he would want to stay Dragon forever.
He was made human for a reason and he hadn't quite figured that out yet.
It would be fine if people didn't surround him nearly all the time. And now Mokuba was in the picture and he didn't want the young boy to know about his transformation, his secret...
He was the Blue Eyes White Dragon, the legendary.
No one believed it to be so that such a Dragon could exist, let alone Dragons.
That was what hurt him.
His parents were Dragons of course but they had passed on. He had fended for himself in the forest, observing the Relorian people and seeing what was needed to be human since he only looked like one. He took it upon himself to act like one until the right time when he would become a Dragon and lead his kin away from Relor. Unless he decided to stay and defend it for many years to come.
From the looks and sound of things, he wasn't planning on staying.
Ever since he had come out into the open, he had quickly learned that believing in the Dragons was wrong to the Relorian people. Seto still kept his trust knowing who he would grow to be. But it was hard.
The Knight sighed and shifted his feet. It was times like these he wished he had someone to talk to.
Suddenly a rumble filled his ears and he instantly turned red. It was his stomach.
Seto's stomach rumbled again this time more loudly and he weighed out his options. No one came down these halls at this time of the day and he could easily sneak to the kitchen and find himself something to eat. Or he could stay put because it was his order not to leave his post unless it was an emergency. His order from the King that is. Decisions...
"Hi Seto!" A young voice piped up, nearly scaring Seto out of his mind. "The Princess told me you'd be here."
Seto spun around, wondering if Mokuba had heard his stomach and he forced a smile. "Hello kid. Did you eat heartily?"
"Yep!" Mokuba patted his stomach with a sheepish grin. "I've never eaten so much before. It was good!"
"I bet." Seto said and his stomach rumbled again at the mention of food. He froze, blushing once more. "Uh..."
Mokuba laughed a cheery sound for the days. "Your tummy grumbled! It's talking!" He grinned up at the embarrassed Knight. "You must be hungry."
"How could you tell?" Seto replied, a faint hint of sarcasm in his tone. "Yes I am very hungry."
"Didn't you eat breakfast?"
"I did but now it seems I should have eaten more."
"Want me to go and get you something?"
Unable to resist any longer, Seto nodded, eyes wide. "Would you? I will be forever grateful if you did."
Mokuba giggled. "What kind of food do you want?"
Seto thought for a moment. Food... "Uh...anything! Anything, yes, anything with...meat."
"Okay-"
"Make it raw."
A gasp. "Huh? Seto you'll get sick!"
The paladin regretted his words. "Yes. Right. Silly me. What was I thinking?" Seto stood back in his position. "Thank you, Mokuba."
Mokuba cast one more concerned glance at his friend and then disappeared around the corner.
The Delyan army marched on, everyday becoming closer to Relor. The Relorian Mountains loomed in the distance, darkened with forest and the mist added a mysterious touch. The sun was hiding behind clouds in the area where the Delyan army was. How fitting.
Marik rode atop his horse, his long hair blowing in the wind. Next to him was Ishizhu on her horse and she gave him a look signifying that she was going to ride ahead and speak with the King. Marik inwardly sighed, hoping all would go well. He knew King Bakura would not hesitate to strike his sister down and even kill her if her news did not please him. If he ever did that, Marik would lose control and try to avenge her. The attempt would be noble but foolish because there were hundreds of soldiers ready to kill him on command.
"Sire?" Ishizhu called out as she reached him.
Bakura turned to her and frowned. "What is it, wench?" He snapped.
Ishizhu's expression turned to one of fury. "Is that what you call the person who will greatly aid you in your invasion?" She shot back in a calm way. She wasn't that afraid of him.
Bakura smirked. "Fine, soldier." He mocked, amused at the annoyance in Ishizhu's eyes.
"As I was saying, my lord." Ishizhu began. "I had a vision about the Dragons of Relor. They were leaving; all of them and the Dragons are Relor's only hope of withstanding your attack. Their military is no match for the Delyan army."
"Perfect." A smug smile crossed his face. "I have already decided on a diversion."
"What is it?" Ishizhu asked, curious herself. And surprised. The fact that Bakura was tolerating her presence and not angered was a miracle in itself.
"We are approaching from the North, are we not?" Bakura turned to her slightly and the young woman nodded. "I will send forth a troop to set fire to the northern part of the forest-"
Ishizhu gasped. "Sire, what if it spreads?" She hated to see things of beauty be destroyed.
Bakura scoffed. "It is not my concern. I could care less if it spreads as long as it doesn't interfere with my plans and the way for the Delyan army to enter. Once the troop has left, they have strict orders to stay there and meet the Relorian King and his pathetic armed forces. That will stall them for awhile once they realize they've been duped. Meanwhile, we enter into Relor from the east and take control of the Kingdom by killing anyone who tries to resist arrest." At this he snickered softly causing Ishizhu to express dislike at his morbid fascination with killing.
"I see, your honor." She responded.
"You know..." Bakura faced her with a fiendish grin. "After I gain control of this entire country, I will have to marry and produce an heir...and you seem very promising." Of course he had no intention of marrying anytime soon or if to marry at all. He just liked to infuriate the woman for his own pleasure. Making others angry was just...fun. He chuckled at the incredulous look on her face and turned away from her, shaking his head.
If he wasn't the King, Ishizhu felt she could've slapped him right then and there. 'How dare he?' Furious, she quickly drifted back to where her brother was, wondering about their conversation and what had angered her.
"Seto? How do you get to be a Knight? What's a Knight supposed to be like?" Mokuba asked as Seto attacked his food with zeal.
Seto swallowed a bite and gazed thoughtfully at the ceiling. "Well, in order to be a Knight or a leader for that matter, a King, you have to have the following: Courage, Strength, Loyalty, Knowledge, Wisdom, and Fairness. Nobility too as well as Honor."
"Really?" Mokuba blinked. "What about power?"
Now it was Seto's turn to blink. "Power? What sort of power?"
"You know, like..." Mokuba frowned. "Hmm...I got it! Like some sort of super power or something like magic!"
A stern expression on his face, Seto answered, "Power isn't everything but I suppose some sort of supernatural strength could come in handy. As long as it is used for good." He continued to eat.
Mokuba stared at the stone floor, deep in thought. "Seto...do you believe in Dragons?"
Seto looked at him seriously. "Yes I do. Why do you ask?"
"Well, I kind of overheard Joey and Tristan-"
"Humph. Figures." Seto muttered, a cross look on his handsome features. "What did they say about me now?"
Mokuba looked uncomfortable. Ignoring the question, he spoke, "Well, if it helps, I believe in them too." He finished quietly.
The twenty-one year old glanced at him in wonder but his gaze quickly turned to stone. "You don't have to say that for my sake, Mokuba..."
"No really, I do!" Mokuba insisted. "I saw one before my parents died. It was real neat with green skin and big wings. It was amazing!" He exclaimed, a light in his eyes. "My parents believed in them too."
'Maybe that's why no one helped in the first place' Seto thought, feeling his blood boil. 'What a cruel and unstable Kingdom this is. Hopefully things will change for the better.'
"Hey Seto are you going to the grand ball?" Already the boy knew about the latest news in the Kingdom.
"No."
"Why not?" The child asked, sitting on the floor and leaning against the wall.
"I do not wish to attend these kinds of events. Even if it is in honor of the King. I have my own duties to pay heed to." 'Besides, I probably won't even be in the castle if the transformation goes along far enough.' The Knight thought with some amusement. What a glorious moment that would be! To change into a legend.
A week passes...
"Guess who is escorting me to the grand ball?" Mai squealed the next morning while smoothing out a gown for the Princess. "Guess who FINALLY asked!" She exclaimed, blonde hair flying about.
"Who, Mai?" Serenity took the bait, smiling knowing full well who the suitor was.
"Joey!" Mai laughed. "That dolt finally got the nerve to ask me. Took long enough!"
"That's wonderful!" Tea exclaimed, coming out of the lavatory. "Sir Yami is escorting me."
"Really? Excellent." Mai grinned. "So when's the wedding?"
Serenity chuckled politely as Tea gave a mock glare at her friend. "Really, Mai..." She shook her head. "I don't know if he feels the same way."
"Of course he does!" Mai gave a short sigh. "And you call yourself a Princess. You should know these things!"
"Humph. I'm not like every other Princess." Tea faced Serenity. "How about you? Did you find an escort yet?"
"I couldn't decide so the boys flipped a coin."
"A coin? How juvenile." Mai rolled her eyes in disgust. "You're letting a couple of dimwits flip a coin for you?"
"Well, it was the only way at the moment. Anyway, Tristan won, best out of three. But I promised Duke a few dances."
Tea sighed as she leaned back on her bed. "I can't wait."
The night of the ball arrived. Over the course of the last week, Seto and Mokuba had become closer considered themselves brothers. Mokuba now took it upon himself to call Seto big brother while Seto continued to call him kid in an affectionate way.
Tristan and Duke still fought over Serenity and Joey had started to court Mai with the sole intention of marrying her someday. No longer known as "mutt", Joey earned a new nickname from Seto. "Lovesick puppy" because he had been seen bearing wild flowers for Mai.
Tea talked to Yami more often, engaging in friendly conversation. He still had not refrained from calling her "Princess" or "My Lady" but Tea didn't mind so much anymore.
King Bakura and his army were coming closer each day.
Seto had now entered the third and fourth stage of his transformation: the eyes and the teeth. In the past week, a few people had noticed his strange growl whenever he was made fun of. This was cause for more teasing and Seto became angrier every waking moment.
"Whatsa matter?" Joey taunted. "Cat got your tongue? Wait, Dragon got your tongue? Ha! Ha! Ha!" The others joined in with the exception of Yami and Ryou.
Seto suddenly made a noise that very well sounded like a wolverine snarl.
"Huh?" Duke raised an eyebrow. "What in the world was that?"
"Eh, don't go all 'Dragon' on us!" Joey added.
"Yeah!" Tristan chimed in.
"Enough!" Seto gritted his teeth. "Your Dragon jokes are getting old, mutt. That goes for the rest of you idiots."
"What? Can't handle a little teasing?" Tristan shot back.
"You're treading on thin ice...the lot of you." Seto murmured dangerously, slightly surprised expressions forming on their faces. "Very thin ice."
Since then they had limited their jokes but Seto still made it clear he was not happy with them. In turn they too made it clear they weren't finished with him yet.
The paladin strode down the halls the night before the ball. His duty was over and he was exhausted. He had almost jumped the three childish Knights in anger. The transformation was happening too quickly for his liking. His eyes hadn't changed yet but his teeth had but not much. He had bit on his lip today and a bit of blood had trickled out but he removed it in a very unusual manner...
Seto entered his sleeping quarters and quietly removed his armor and outer clothing until he left with his nightwear: a white sleeved shirt and long johns. After taking a quick shower, he ambled towards his bed where Mokuba was fast asleep. "Goodnight kid...little brother." He whispered as he settled himself down.
"'Night big brother." Mokuba whispered back, and returned to a light snore.
Elsewhere, the Delyan military had set up camp for the night and set about feeding the horses and themselves. Bakura sat on a chair inside his large canvas tent, contemplating on whether to send forward the small force now or in the morning. Frowning at the latter, Bakura ordered them to go ahead at night so that they would be there at the northern forest tomorrow evening. Much to their dismay, the tired troops left.
The night of the ball...
'Wow, he's a great dancer.' Tea thought as she smiled at Yami. She wore a pink gown with a silver tiara and Yami was in his best robes. The two were in the middle of the dancing crowd. Ryou and Duke were at the buffet table chatting and Mai was trying to drag Joey to the dance floor. Joey insisted on finishing his plate of food first. Tristan was happily dancing with Serenity and Mokuba was to everyone's surprise, talking with the King who was very interested in hearing about Mokuba and how he had survived on so little for one month for his age.
Seto entered, deciding on checking the ball out for awhile. He spotted the dancing couples, the King and Mokuba, the food, and the musicians. 'What a waste of time.' Seto glanced behind him, and saw that his eyesight had improved because of the transformation. He could see the entrance to the castle and all other places clearly without a torch. They were dimly lit anyway.
The Dragon Knight chose to head over to the buffet table and get himself a drink. Duke spotted him and smirked. "Lookin' kind of pale there, Seto." He remarked and Seto stiffened, wondering if Duke was just joshing him or not.
"Evening, Seto. I didn't think you would join us tonight." Ryou spoke and smiled.
Seto grunted a reply. "You thought wrong." He took a sip and secretly checked his hand. Sure enough, it was ghostly white. 'Not here...' He thought.
"Well, if it isn't Dragoon..." Joey emphasized, using the term for a cavalryman that sounded quite similar to Dragon. "Who ya escortin' here?" Mai was busy chatting with Ryou and Duke took a dance with Serenity while Tristan stood by Joey's side.
"Shut up, clown." Seto silently fumed and felt his hand shaking, causing the liquid inside the mug to shake as well.
"Make me!"
"Numbskull." Seto dropped his mug, spilling its contents. A few gasps rose from the crowd but none were too concerned with what was going on at the moment. "You can be very childish, mutt."
"Stop calling me that! Grr..." Joey clenched his fists together. A servant came and cleaned up the mess.
"What would you prefer then? Dog? Mongrel? Cur? Half-breed?" He sneered, no longer harboring a joking tone to his voice. "Half-breed" was a terrible insult and more people from the dance crowd heard. Slowly the music was dying down and more and more people had their attention on the two.
"Huh?" Mokuba stood on his seat to see what was catching the interest of the crowd.
"Now that's just low." Tristan commented, sending Seto a glare.
"Grr, you're gonna pay for that!" Without another word, Joey lashed out at Seto who easily blocked his fist.
"I'm warning you..." Seto bared his teeth and Joey's eyes went wide. Seto's teeth had taken become sharper and more noticeable. His grip on Joey's fist was tightening and a low growl emitted from his throat.
"Whoa! What's wrong with you?" Joey stumbled back. "I knew you were crazy but aren't you taking this Dragon thing a little too far?"
Seto accidentally bit his lip and a tiny trail of blood seeped through. "You have hurt me for the last time." He murmured, allowing the blood to show itself.
The crowd gasped. "You mean he's a Dragon believer?" Someone asked.
"Yeah." Tristan answered.
"He's one of THEM!"
"That's disgraceful!"
"One of the most brave Knights in the Kingdom is a fool!"
"Awful..."
"Knights, behave yourselves!" The Princess called out, silencing the crowd. Tea made her way through the crowd with Yami following close behind. She frowned at them. "Really!"
"That's it. I'm through with dealing with your mockery of something very dear to me!" Seto shouted at the two in front of him. He spun around and walked to the door with whatever dignity he had left of being publicly embarrassed. All around him people were whispering, pointing, and sending him harsh looks. Seto stopped at the doorway and turned around. "Mark my words! You're making a very big mistake. You will pay...not by me...but you will pay." Seto vowed, eyes flashing blue fire.
"Seto!" A young boy ran through the crowd at a desperate pace, hoping to catch his "big brother" before he was gone. "Seto, wait up!" He called down the hallway.
The Dragon Paladin was halfway down the steps to the castle when he finally chose to pause in mid-step. He turned around and saw the boy he had grown to love as a true brother. The only person he considered family. "Mokuba..."
"Seto!" Mokuba raced down the stairs and grabbed his hand. "Don't go! I'll be alone and-"
"Ssh..." Seto unsuccessfully attempted to smile. "You're not alone. You'll be safer here. I must go and become what I was born and bred for. To lead my kin." He knelt down till he was face to face.
Mokuba blinked away tears. "You really are a Dragon, aren't you?" He blurted out.
Seto nodded silently. "How long have you known?" He whispered.
The boy bit his lip and looked away to the pale moon not meeting his eyes. "I knew when you started...acting like one."
Seto sighed. "Yes, I am...one. But there is reason why I was made human first and I have yet to figure that out. For now...I must go and you must stay here."
Mokuba looked to him with shining eyes. "Will I ever see you again?"
The Knight became sad and shook his head. "I don't know for sure...but I fear the answer is no." With that, he hugged the boy tightly and held back his own tears as Mokuba sobbed. "Stay strong, kid. Remember what I told you. I know for a fact that you will make a great Knight." The boy still held such dreams.
"I love you, big brother." Mokuba whispered, hiccuping.
"I'm thoroughly disappointed in you three!" Tea scolded the trio of Knights before her.
"We apologize, your Highness-" Joey began.
"Your apology isn't going to bring Seto back!" She yelled. "He was one of our wisest and would have given his life for any one of you, no matter what." The three stared at the ground, guilt filling their hearts.
Tea sighed and held her throbbing temples. "You are dismissed." She finally said and all left including Ryou, except for Yami who eyed the Princess with concern.
"My Lady...do you need an escort to your room?" He asked softly, noticing she was very tired and distressed.
Tea sighed and smiled gratefully at Yami who smiled back. 'He's so sweet!' "Thanks but not thanks, Yami. You are too kind." She stepped up to him and gave him a quick peck on the cheek. She giggled at the shocked look on his face, which was starting to turn a rather rosy red...
"Er...uh..." He stuttered, wanting to say something.
"Goodnight, Yami." Tea yawned and headed in the direction of her room leaving a stunned Knight behind.
Yami breathed in deeply, the scent of her perfume lingering in the air. "Goodnight Tea." He murmured and returned to his post for the last hour of his duty.
Meanwhile, deep inside the forest, Seto fell to the ground, panting heavily. The transformation was almost complete and for that he was glad because he felt like he was on the edge of death. His eyes were adjusted to the night, baring an eerie yellow orb surrounding his pupil. The natural beautiful blue in the eyes was still there though. His skin had become deathly white and the bluish tint was slightly visible. All his teeth were long and sharp, spilling more blood because his mouth had not grown yet to accommodate the new fangs.
"Why...is it...happening...so fast!" He croaked out in a hoarse voice. What he didn't know was that his will to become what he in blood was, was stronger than anything else thus causing the transformation to occur faster. He needed to be a Dragon.
All of a sudden, a sharp burst of pain ripped through him and he let out an anguished cry that ended in a menacing roar.
Huge glamorous wings spread from his body. His neck had grown longer and thicker, supporting a head with two large horns at the side of his mouth. His body was bigger and more muscular with short powerful thighs and legs. A long and thickset broad tail whipped around wildly.
The transformation was complete.
The next morning, Tea awoke to the sound of yelling and screaming, and to the smell of smoke. Outside the castle and her room, people and servants were bustling around and calling out orders or other things. Confused, Tea pushed back the covers and swung her legs over her bed. Just then, Mai burst in, face flushed with a frantic look on her face. "TEA!" She screamed.
"Mai! What is it? What's going on?" She demanded and grabbed her robe.
Mai stood there, shaking. "Look!" She pointed out Tea's window and the Princess followed her gaze and her eyes widened.
Outside to the North, dark smoke was rising from behind some mountains. That could only mean one thing.
"Oh no..." Tea whispered, bringing her fingers to her lips.
Mai inhaled sharply. "They're coming!"
