Shadows That Bleed

by YamiYugiPuzzleshipper

Pure-Bloods are said to be myths, not even well-known within stories. "A specialized genetic coding of the moon and the dire," their spoken lore proclaims. They are creatures beyond the power of mortality, gifted by the gods themselves. Known as the Eternal Ones, their existence once extinguished, resurrection foretells a powerful omen.

32. The Pack

Disclaimer: I do not own Yugioh

Update schedule: Every other day (no update on June 2nd)

Chapter Warnings: Mentions of Torture/Experiments, Awkward Sexual Situation, Hints of Puzzleshipping, MILD Bloodshed, MILD Fighting, Mentions of Potential Death/Killing

Okay, so just some slight insight onto this. Atem was put through almost every experiment but the one involving the implanted uterus or altering his size. He also was not forced to be put through breeding for the sake of being too young and later unable to change between forms. It was seen as defective as the Pure-Blood should have been able to do so without question. So yeah, Atem was never drugged and had the uterus implanted. But he DID go through all of the various tortures done to the organs (including and not limited to removal, cutting, sheering, being stabbed through, etc) So when Yami says he doesn't think that Yugi was put through that, he's right. Yugi never went through that.

Okay, so the waterfall/gorge area within the mountain range is the Sounkyo Gorge. These waterfalls (Ginga and Ryusei Falls) freeze during winter. So, for the story, I'm going to say that the Obaku Dam forced some of the water underground. The amount of water eventually caused the tunnel formation that Yugi and Yami traveled in the last chapter. The water would be running a lot faster and would be a mixture of the river source and the pockets of hot spring water that dried out formerly (before Yugi was even born). This would cause the water to be too fast to freeze in winter. And this fast moving water and tunnel formation also extends outwards enough for the sewer system to be created beneath Domino City in a more natural kind of way/formation.

Geographically the Kobaku rock formation would be the closest indicator of the area; this area is blocked off due to the potential rockfall hazard it poses. But the cliffs would stretch further and for several hundred miles more in which eventually their waterfall would form. This gives it more room to gather speed for the water and the setup for the forested cliff formations that the wolves live and hunt within so often. It's never directly explained and Yugi doesn't truly say much more about it all. But, if anyone was curious about it all, that's the explanation for the area the pack exists in.

Anyways, Domino is situated very near the Daisetsuzan National Park area (as hinted at slightly in chapter thirty when it was mentioned Kaoruko's body was found near the road to the nature reserve). Yugi's house is the last one on that strip of road, but it continues upwards and to Route 273 which eventually leads to the Ginga Tunnel and further. So, across from the street is the forest range which eventually leads upwards into the mountains and from there to the gorge and beyond.

Okay, guys, so I'm not going to post again until the twenty-seventh, seeing as this is the end of Part II. I was originally going to wait until June fourth, but then I started to feel antsy thinking of that (because that's how I always get with posting dates and that's a pretty long time without updates and that always freaks me out).

Anyways, I'm going to use the time between now and the twenty-seventh to get ahead again on my writing for this story as I know that Part III is going to be something of a pain in the ass as I go along with it. So, in order to fix a few details that I know I missed in my original rough draft on my phone, I'm going to be going back and forth with a couple of things. Anyways, expect me to pick up my updates again on the twenty-seventh, unless something happens that prevents me getting back on schedule.

Chapter XXXII: The Pack

Work Log Entry XXXI Part II: December, 2000

December 11

The wolf has finally passed and, thankfully, the boss was wrong. A.T.E.M. did not protect him in order to sink his teeth into his carcass. He seems to have protected him to show that he would not be forgotten, as some of the experiments have altered the perfect memory of the wolves.

For whatever reason, his actions have concerned the higher-ups far more than his impending death ever did.

December 12

As expected, the deceased wolf's sibling has fallen into a deep depression.

According to the tests, however, Pure-Bloods feel emotions far more vastly than their half-blooded counterparts. With such results, it is unknown as to how A.T.E.M. has managed to remain at the wolf's side for this long.

It is speculated that he will die overnight.

December 13

As expected, he has passed away.

A.T.E.M. has not left his side all night.

Yami bristled slightly when he brushed against his side. His shoulder ached and his flank was bruised where Yugi brushed against it softly. The taller boy thought to snarl at him in response to such a touch, furious from the pain which came upon him. But the small teen merely gave him a weak smile and then curled a bit more comfortably into a ball. The red-eyed lycanthrope watched him for a moment and then turned back to the television which played on front of the bed. The mattress dipped when Yugi curled a little tighter.

Since they had gotten back and the small teen had taken care of his wounds—both of them had been stripped and cut with a scalpel blade and flushed with water and disinfectant then stuffed with gauze and stitched—Yugi had not once left his side. The small teen had stuffed the kit under the bed and left it there. He had then sat so close to him that Yami had almost felt completely overwhelmed upon his personal space being encroached. He had lain with him minutes later when he had grown exhausted. And the other wolf had eventually lay beside him and allowed him to move closer.

Now he was pressed into his side and hip, curled up facing the television with his head propped on the folds of his arms where he kept them against the top of the pillow. Yami was slightly stiff with pain but the exhaustion weighed heavily upon him as well. Even as Yugi wiggled and moved a bit more forcefully into his side to get comfortable, the taller teen was growing more tired than responding to the pain. He was not even snarling by the time Yugi finally found himself comfortable enough to simply lay and relax completely.

"Sorry," Yugi grumbled, but he neglected to comment that he was trying to keep him awake. And he was obviously failing. Yami blinked, eyes still glued to the screen for the moment, and nodded curtly. He had meant to make him snarl at him so that he could check that he wasn't going numb. But he had fallen short of snapping now. Yugi shivered.

"Yami?"

The other wolf blinked and his eyes flickered rather than his head turning to face him. "Yes?" His voice was lower, gruff, and it was clear by the glaze in his eyes that he was exhausted and seconds from falling asleep.

Yugi hesitated, then shook his head. Yami needed to rest if he was going to heal. But his head was buzzing and he felt as if he might puke if he slipped away from him now.

"What is it?"

Now Yami stared at him with clear, dark eyes, somewhat concerned but more than a little flustered. Yugi frowned for a moment, then shifted a little closer to him still. It made him grunt between his teeth and wrinkle his nose. But he was responding at least and that made him relax slightly.

"You said that she barely scraped the surface…"

Yami blinked and then scowled at him. "This is what you wish to talk about right now?" he spat in annoyance, shaking his head. "You want to talk about the experiments?"

He began to chew the inside of his cheek, studying him pointedly. The other wolf stared back at him in pure irritation, then sighed loudly and turned away. For a moment neither of them spoke, and then finally Yami opened his mouth.

"They used to remove large chunks of organs to see if it would regenerate. Then, in other wolves, they took them out altogether. They mutated their cells to make them larger or smaller than usual. They did implants to see if males could carry pups. They attempted to change the seed of some of the wolves. Every now and then a wolf would be put into a fighting cage with another animal—bear, tiger and crocodile were most common. They would be struck with cattle prods and starved before being put it. Others would be well-fed and shocked through their collars."

Yugi was trembling, eyes wide. "Was I put through that?" he demanded quietly, eyeing the other wolf as he stared blankly at the television. Slowly Yami turned his head and looked at him.

"Code Name Atem was put through each of the experiments in order to make sure he could withstand torture and regenerate and that he would not die. They had to make sure the creature they bred was truly a Pure-Blood and not just a mockery of one." Yami let him absorb this for only a moment. "But Yugi was never put through them. So count your blessings that you cannot remember and thank Lupa for her discretion, yes?"

He stared at him. "But others remember it…"

The other watched him with something of a harsh look. "And? What is your point? Each wolf at one time or another faces something hard in their life."

"Don't start talking to me like that, Yami. You know I'm just…"

"Upset, yes, I know. But it happened."

"It's still happening!"

"But not to you."

"But the others are probably just as innocent as me in all of this and they're the ones being tortured!"

Yami raised a brow. "But what you'll come to realize about life is that it's survival of the fittest. Wolves will die. Humans will die. Dogs and cats and ferrets and little rats are going to die. There's no way to prevent it."

"But I want to help them."

He suddenly sat up, twisting around to face him. For a moment he simply stared at him, then he lowered his voice to a growl. "Then do us all a favor, Yugi, and do not get caught by them again. Once Code Name Atem is captured again, none of us know what will happen. They might damn well kill us all using some strand of your DNA or create immortality in themselves to be able to destroy our entire species. Do you understand? Code Name Atem is a weapon more than a person."

"But if no one knows what his purpose is for—"

"It's not going to be something sweet and simple! Your birth was unnatural and brought on by human manufacturing! You are not listening! There can be no simple and easy existence for a creature so heavily coveted, Yugi."

He frowned, then slowly reached up. His finger brushed against his shoulder and Yami nearly flinched but curled his lip back instead. The smaller teen laid his hand there for a moment, then studied him a little closer.

"This," he muttered softly, removing his hand, "is something that wouldn't have happened if I hadn't escaped."

Yami bristled. "Much worse would be happening."

Yugi let out a small sigh, then closed his eyes. "Maybe, but…" He blinked at him and Yami was leaning more precariously over him, red eyes darkened, his lashes appearing somehow longer for a split second. He looked exhausted and the heaviness of his gaze made the smaller teen shiver. "I'd rather not have anyone get hurt because of me."

"That is going to happen regardless. We all hurt someone at some point."

He narrowed his eyes and shook his head in annoyance. "Yami, that's not what I meant. And you know it! I meant that if there's some way I can stop this, why shouldn't I?"

"Because, Yugi, how is it that you know this will truly stop it?"

He stared up at him, startled and confused, eyes wide. "Why wouldn't it?" he asked with clear confusion. "I don't…?"

"How should you truly speak with certainty about the idea that the experiments and torture would end if you were to hand yourself over to them?" he inquired, raising a brow in such a forceful and sly motion that Yugi thought of a cunning, vicious snake. "The fact is, perhaps even if they were to get their hands on you again, they might simply attempt to breed another like you."

Yugi tilted his head. "Do you really think that's what they have planned?"

"Why stop at one when you can make many?"

He searched his face. "And you think Ra would let that happen?"

His expression was scathing when he smirked at him, a sneer forming on his face. "She allowed us to be born, didn't she?" He curled his lip back. "You, me, Valon—as the hellhound said, there is no reason for our existence beyond destruction."

Yugi shivered and the other wolf watched him coldly. They stared at one another for a long minute and then glanced back towards the screen once more. They paused for a moment before they glanced at each other sideways.

"Do you really hate your life this much?"

Yami blinked and then scowled at him. "I do not hate my life. I am simply mad. And I do not like the idea of the way you keep speaking to me about going back to the humans who did all of this. Nor do I care for the fact that you keep asking me about all of the things that have happened to you in the past."

Yugi flinched. "Well, yes, okay, but I don't understand…"

He shook his head. "Sometimes you don't need to. Sometimes you simply have to ignore things and remain oblivious."

He frowned at him. "When is that ever a good idea, Yami?"

"When things are too miserable to think about and experience without making you desire to kill yourself at the end of it all." Yami paused a small handful of seconds, then smirked as he tilted his head to the side thoughtfully. "Sometimes obliviousness and naivety can be a saving grace."

"You say that like you weren't just kept in a cage," he sighed, raising a brow and frowning at him unhappily. "But you weren't experimented on, Yami. You said so yourself."

He rolled his eyes. "That does not mean I did not hear the screaming or the death cries, the humans all yelling at each other, or notice the way that some wolves would not return. Do you truly not understand how much worse it can be to hear and not see?"

Yugi shivered and frowned at him, eyes flickering away again before finding their way slowly to his side. "I never really considered it," he admitted softly before shifting his weight to wiggle slightly from beneath him. He barely brushed against his left arm which propped him upright but Yami flinched back all the same. He shuffled away from him, then took a seat beside him again. "And I'm sorry. I just…"

Yami shook his head. "I reacted badly. I apologize for snapping," he finally muttered, looking briefly towards the television before turning away completely again. "I just don't understand why you should truly wish to hear about any of the things you had to suffer through before. It just does not make any sense to me."

For a long moment he was silent, then he shook his head and shifted to move from beneath him. The taller teen immediately pulled away and backed up slightly on the comforter. His head tilted and his eyes widened faintly as he studied him for a moment as he began to sit up.

"I just…I don't like the idea of it happening to others. Or me being unable to remember when others are forced to live through those memories everyday…"

Yami tilted his head. For a moment he thought to argue that he doubted they were unable to avoid thinking about it for at least a day. But then he realized, too, that perhaps Yugi was not wrong. Many of them were probably disfigured, with wounds or limps or things that just failed to heal…

"I don't know how I'm supposed to be Atem without them…"

Yami was frozen for a moment, then looked at him slowly, a skeptical expression beginning to claim his face. He frowned and tilted his head slightly. "Memories are not what make a person. It is their choices. Even with amnesia, a person is basically as they were before as their nature and personality are ingrained within them. It is their decisions from the moment of being unable to remember which defines them." He hesitated. "Sometimes, Yugi, I think that my own memory is faulty, because, at times I see things crystal clear. But others they are murky and sometimes altogether black."

"But you said that werewolves have perfect recollection."

The taller teen barely suppressed a flinch. "I don't remember them having done experiments."

Yugi studied him, confused, then blinked wide eyes and froze in place. "You don't remember…" So he automatically assumes… "But…what if they did? What if that's what's wrong with—?"

"I don't want to know!" he spat furiously, eyes flashing like gems. He bore his teeth and snarled low in his throat. "I do not wish to suddenly stumble upon such memory. And if I were ever to be offered the chance of recollection I would deny myself such a thing. I am who I am with or without the memory of what might have been done."

Yugi watched him for a moment, but did not say the words that lay so heavily on his tongue. What it came down to was that no one expected anything of Yami. But the wolves had a very clear definition of what it was that Code Name Atem was meant to be and do. He frowned, then wiggled and shifted his weight.

The other boy blinked at him before turning and lying back as he had before. The smaller teen immediately moved to bump his hip, making Yami growl softly before settling more comfortably once more.

Yugi ignored him and instead closed his eyes where he was laying against the pillow. He supposed he could simply stumble his way through as he so often did.

He must have dozed off for the next time he awoke, the sky was darkened and the moon was a heavy waxing phase within the clouds of dark gray. He blinked against the darkness and strained his vision for a moment, struggling to comprehend his state of sudden awareness. He blinked, for a long time unsure of himself, and then stiffened.

The noise was soft, nearly nonexistent. He froze in place, unmoving beneath the blanket over his shoulders. He didn't remember grabbing it, and it took him a moment to realize why it felt somewhat smaller than usual.

When he looked over his shoulder Yugi was there. He was fast sheep, pillow crushed against his face, forehead and cheek wrinkled with red from his rest. His hair was disheveled and he was drooling from the corner of his lip. But he was under the same blanket as him, most likely because he had become worried about waking him if he settled under the comforter after grabbing the blanket.

But thank the gods for his kindness as it was surely a lifesaver now. Yami could hear her, a light weight moving within a short rustling gait. He shivered faintly, then moved to draw himself out from beneath the blanket and to the floor. Yugi made a small, short disgruntled noise from atop the mattress. But he did not awaken nor do more than roll over.

The door opened a moment later. Yami was digging the heels of his palms into his eyes in an effort to wake himself enough to get back onto the bed when she left. But the heaviness weighed his eyelids and he could barely keep them from closing for the night once more. His head sagged slightly as he heard her move a step into the room.

His first instinct was to remain frozen. His second was to throw himself under the bed. But realization reminded him that should he do such a thing he might wind up falling asleep. The concept made his skin crawl and he quickly banished the thought. Why should she have reason to come to his side of the bed anyways?

But she was getting closer and his heart was racing. His stomach dropped painfully. He drew in a deep breath and closed his eyes tightly. His lungs felt shaky with his growing anxiety and the thought caused him to want to puke.

She came closer still, but stopped at the other side of the bed, closest to Yugi. Yami thanked the gods again that the small teen had been so thoughtful and kind as to grab the blanket and throw it over him. Since he had not fallen asleep without a fleece throw, it seemed far more believable that he had simply fallen asleep watching the television. He blinked at the screen, the reflection which peered back at him. The glass was tinted enough that he looked like a mere smear of dark gray against a white plastic encasing inches thick. He stared at it, the glittering gleam of bright red which peered back at him, soft slivers when he narrowed his eyes into slits.

He could barely keep them open any longer. But she was doing something behind him. He could hear the blanket moving, Yugi shifting awkwardly beneath the throw. There was a soft exhale, one that bordered the place between consciousness and unconsciousness. The small teen stretched only enough to kick his legs, then pulled them up again. His breath whistled through his nose.

Yami felt his head beginning to spin. His eyes had grown wide and his stomach was aching as it twisted tightly. He blinked in the darkness, narrowing his gaze, and then clenched his eyes shut. Yugi was not reacting in any form of stress. But his instincts still warned him of such a thing. He was vulnerable in front of him. He could easily be killed in his sleep.

It's his mom, he tried to remind himself, but another hideous part of him snarled, Yours tried to rip your throat out.

It paralyzed him, the way the memory slammed into him. But it was not fully forming beyond the harsh snarl which had left her jaws. He remembered hearing the saliva which fell onto the floor in harsh rivulets. He remembered her voice, hideous and distorted, calling him words he had not understood then.

But his panic was overpowered by his determination to make sure he was not discovered. And it did him well to remember that Yugi was not being attacked. It did well to remind him he was okay, would be okay. His mother was not the same and their situations were so completely different. Comparing them in any sense or manner was entirely disrespectful and almost insulting by every mean. He drew in another deep breath, eyes clenched shut.

He could feel the weight crashing through him once more. His stomach twisted harder and his eyes burned with exhaustion. She would not harm Yugi. And if he kept still and quiet, she would not know of his presence there.

She said something low under her breath, which he assumed resembled a wish of good dreams, then began to turn away. Her departure was as easy as her entrance. Yami reached up to rub at his eyes, then froze.

The door had just barely drawn to a close.

"Yami?"

He let out a soft grunt, exhausted. Then he turned around and poked his head upwards from the side of the bed. He struggled to keep his eyes open. But Yugi seemed to have no problem with the task. His gaze was sparkling with laughter and his lips were drawn in a gentle smile.

"What woke you?"

Yami shook his head slightly, then struggled to pull himself onto the mattress again. He hovered at the very edge, then shifted closer to him. The smaller teen held the fleece blanket back for him and he moved until he could easily be encompassed by it when Yugi released it.

"I don't know." He closed his eyes and his body winced with the weight of it all. "I just wound up awake. I… Thank you."

He could almost picture the confused expression to match his voice. "For what?" he asked quietly. Yugi blinked in the darkness and Yami shifted closer to the pillow. He looked so tired that Yugi wanted almost to draw him closer and allow him to sleep in his arms. But the taller teen was already half asleep and Yugi swallowed hard at the concept.

It took everything in him to prevent himself from asking if he was okay or not.

The stupidity of the question was clear in his mind. Of course he wasn't okay. He could still see his skin raw and pink around his eyes and temple and his shoulder had been raised slightly all day. He was tense, scared, and still incredibly wounded. But he had not wished for medication to help him sleep and so Yugi had not tried to force him.

But now he wondered if he should have. Maybe it would help him ease some of that obvious ache in his body.

"The blanket…" Yami breathed out, almost asleep again. His eyelids twitched as he struggled to maintain enough consciousness to speak. Yugi blinked, then tilted his head before nodding slightly.

"You're welcome." He paused, then yawned slightly. "Goodnight."

Yami started to form the first letter on his tongue but what came out of his mouth was a long, breathy sigh. Yugi snickered, watching him for a moment, then closed his eyes and settled for sleep as well.

He woke again hours later. The window was still cloaked in darkness and Yugi could feel his stomach growling, gurgling with desire. He yawned softly and his teeth clicked. The other boy shifted in his sleep as if to respond to his attack but instead began to slip further from consciousness once more. The smaller teen smiled faintly as he looked him over for a split second before pulling himself into a seated position. Yami breathed heavily through his nose and Yugi glanced at him in surprise before moving to bunch the blanket further around him. He'd get under the covers when he came back. That was probably a lot easier to keep from disturbing him.

He got to his feet slowly, unsteady, his legs tingling and aching, and yawned softly as he reached up to rub at his eyes. He needn't have, however. His eyes adjusted seamlessly as he began to pad through his room. Normally the walls would have appeared simply dark gray in such lacking light. But they stretched before him in a simple shade of dark sky blue paint. He blinked and tilted his head, then glanced over his shoulder. Beneath the window the carpet was dark purple but not nearly black as it normally seemed. He glanced slowly towards Yami.

Where his hair should have been pitch black, he could see the streaks of gold in a more metallic shade, the base of dark strands, and tips of blood red. Most nights he could only see his bangs in stray shades of dark gray. Now they were vibrant even against the night's shadows.

He blinked, somewhat amazed by this realization, yet slightly unnerved as well. Yami had not told him he was able to see so clearly in the dark. He had not bothered to tell him that he too would begin to experience it. And if he hadn't bothered to tell him that, what other kind of unnatural little tricks was he going to stumble upon?

He sighed softly and Yami shifted slightly on his sleep. His head tugged downwards and he bunched his muscles for the smallest of seconds. He relaxed again but his head did not shift back and Yugi could see where the strands were becoming knotted from the action.

He shook his head and turned away to make his trek to the kitchen. When he opened the door he felt that the click was oddly loud but he ignored it. His ears popped slightly with the sound even as he began to pick his way towards the entrance of the kitchen. His stomach twisted with another snarl and he licked his lips as he started towards the pantry. If he remembered right, there should have been some granola bars inside. He thought he remembered picking them up a while back.

Then again, with all of the crap that had happened recently he wouldn't have been surprised if he was wrong altogether. He probably hadn't grabbed them. But when he swung the door open and looked inside, they were seated in their box, the aluminum of their wrappers glinting faintly from the light from the window. He snatched it out towards his torso, stomach growling furiously once more.

Chocolate chip with peanut butter, he read before pulling a couple out and putting them on the shelf again. The wrappers crinkled as he tore into the first one, taking a bite and then ravaging it when his stomach growled harder. He swallowed the chewy bar in two seconds, then followed it with the other in another couple of bites. He tossed the papers into the trash, then backed up a step as his eyes flickered back to the box.

He could eat all twelve of them that very second. But it was smarter to leave the remaining ten there. If he ate them all he was sure his mom would want to know what had happened to make him do it. He only liked granola bars sometimes and those intervals were few and far between in all actuality. So if he just dropped all twelve in his mouth like he was so tempted, she might ask what was going on. She might wonder if he was sick.

His hunger was hardly sated but he figured it would settle somewhat when he was back in bed and got a bit more rest. He sighed and trailed his way back, humming under his breath as he came into his room again. Yami was still asleep for the most part, though it was obvious with the way he yawned and stretched his body out that he was only partially still unconscious. His hand stretched out, searching and reaching, and the taller teen grunted softly before his eyes opened into slivers.

Yugi smirked slightly as he closed the door behind him quietly. The other boy's eyes opened fully, flickering to him, and then closed again. He rolled over as the smaller teen came to his side. "I just went to get a snack," he explained softly, moving to get under the covers. Yami squirmed to give him more room and then finally moved closer to the edge of the mattress so that he could slip under the sheets without too much effort. "Sorry about waking you."

"You didn't," he muttered softly, "I was going to wake up anyways. My face is tingling too much to stay asleep."

He nearly flinched before sighing softly. "Do you…mind if I turn on the TV again? I'll mute it."

Yami closed his eyes again, then shook his head slightly. "I do not mind," he replied softly. It might even do him well and help him fall back asleep. Maybe the light patterns would make him sleepy again. He reached up to wipe at the bridge of his nose and his skin stung for a moment before the surface tingled faintly. He thought of it as a discolored bruise, far worse than the usual dark mark upon one's skin.

The smaller teen had to fumble to reach over his head for the remote which lay on the desk in front of him. Yami blinked as he watched his fingers close around the black object before he felt his weight fall back into the mattress. He sat up just enough to turn it on, then moved to rest against the headboard.

They both stared at the screen as the light flickered and the channel changed with a click of a button. Yami blinked tiredly, barely resisting the urge to yawn once more. The smaller teen tilted his head as the screen changed again, then froze in place. The other lycanthrope stiffened as well, more alarmed by him than the announcement on the television.

But his eyes had not removed themselves from the screen either as he stared, and his gut clenched tightly with shock at the sight. A girl's body had been found, hideously disfigured by the mutilation that had been done to it. The head was half off along the left side, the shoulders broken and caked with bone fragments within dried blood. She'd been scalped, her skull showing where her hair should have been. Her right arm was missing beneath the elbow.

Her eyes were wide open, gaping at the screen. Her right leg had been forced awkwardly up and back, breaking it completely in half so that the bone was an immense shard of white and pink. He didn't know who she was, but he did have enough sense to realize that her physical form put her in the same age group as them. She had most likely gone to the school.

Yugi had most likely known her.

He most likely knew her killer as well.

He was not sure why Yugi turned the volume only to its lowest setting. He knew he was awake and watching as well, so his decision made Yami tilt his head in confusion. But his bewilderment did not last as the horrified tone of the reporter came to his ears in a low hiss of static noise.

"Police are baffled by this newest murder. They have noted that the kill is similar only in the body's heavy mutilation after the death. But the way she was killed is entirely peculiar to them. Unlike the several bodies which have been uncovered so recently, the method of which the killer took her life was not as terrible as the former victims."

Yami blinked and narrowed his eyes. Yugi shook his head slightly and scowled. Their thoughts circulated rapidly in other directions, but swept slowly towards a single conclusion between them both.

Was it yet another werewolf who had killed her? Were they sent after Code Name Atem? Was their method meant to provoke a reaction from him?

"The death has already been determined that the girl's throat was first cut with something very sharp. No traces of metal have been found, however, and so knives have been ruled out as the possible weapon. However, the killer traced precisely along her pulse from her chin to her breast and even the entirety of her right arm."

Yugi stared blankly.

No weapon? That meant they had to have used their nails right? Were a werewolf's nails sharp enough to do that? He sat up a little, glancing at Yami's wrists. He'd been distressed when he had done that, but was it possible he could have done it regardless?

Yami awkwardly moved to draw the blanket up closer to his throat, eyes still on the screen but attention clearly caught on him.

"The body was then given the torture you see now. But she was not living when this happened, thank the gods."

He flicked the television off, then looked at him pointedly. "Nails?" he demanded quietly.

Yami turned to him. "I would assume so. They said nothing about traces of saliva."

"So a werewolf that decided to completely drain the blood from the upper half of the body and leave it in the lower? But you saw where she was. It looked like there wasn't any blood anywhere around her."

"Perhaps she wasn't killed there."

Yugi flinched and then turned to him with a desperate expression. "Okay, so he drags her out after heavily mutilating her. Why?"

Yami shook his head. "You're asking the wrong questions, Yugi."

He blinked and turned his head to consider him completely. "What do you mean? What should I be asking then?" he demanded icily. "You don't always seem to have all the answers or ask the right questions either!"

The taller teen blinked slowly and raised a brow, eyes narrowing faintly as he tilted his head. It was not a challenging expression but Yugi could see the faintest flicker of irritation on his face.

"The placement doesn't matter and neither does the mutilation. As she reported, the death came from their initial attack which was the cutting along her pulse. What happened afterwards is mere distraction. What you should be asking is why the line of her pulse. What you should be concerned about is the reasoning behind this fact and why it is that he left her to be found. If he was attempting to place the body under the lure of deaths similar to the others it would make sense. If he had killed her and her body had been stumbled upon, then perhaps it is almost as it was with Tomoya."

Yugi flinched at his name before searching his face for a long moment. "But why the pulse? Do you know of any reason, Yami? I don't understand at all…" he demanded quietly. "I mean, why would a werewolf kill like that when all they need to do is bite! Why didn't they just tear her throat out?"

"Hellhounds are unpredictable."

He waited a long minute, then felt his cheeks flush with frustration as he watched him closely. "And?" he spat. "What does that mean exactly?"

Yami tilted his head and frowned at him openly. "Lycanthropes are sparse where wolves are no longer prominent in the area. They can get away with it around the states, but places such as Britain and Japan or Scotland, hellhounds are more prominent. They are part dog and often mistaken for larger breeds. It is very simple for them to blend in where lycanthropes have problems." He hesitated for a moment. "Thus, most likely, what killed her was a hellhound. It probably cornered her, attacked, killed her, and, for whatever reason, they chose to do so by way of her pulse. I have no answers."

Yugi scowled, shaking his head. "You have no ideas, Yami? You can't be serious. You have to have had some kind of idea, right?"

He bristled faintly. "Why is it that you always assume me to have answers? I have none to offer you! Do not look at me as if I have committed treason for not understanding the reasoning behind the decisions of a hellhound."

"You have to have some kind of an idea! Yami, you aren't stupid!"

"And yet you assume yourself to be then?"

"What? No! I—"

"Then why must you think I have more of an idea than you? I have none. I am not a hellhound, damn it. I lack understanding of them! You can glare at me all you like but it changes nothing!"

Was he glaring? Yugi felt his face fall, eyes widening in confusion. He blinked, further startled, and then tilted his head as he looked at him. Quietly, feeling slightly sick, the smaller teen muttered, "I didn't…"

Yami shook his head slowly. "It doesn't matter. The point is that I don't have answers. I'm sorry. But I don't know anything. And arguing about it will not fix anything."

He flushed harder, then looked down, sighing quietly. "I know. I'm sorry. I just… It sucks."

Yami watched him for a long minute or two, then turned away and reached up to run a hand through his hair. He sighed quietly, yawned, and moved to settle back into the pillow. "Maybe you can ask Valon."

The smaller teen blinked and then looked at him with wide eyes for a moment. It was a comforting statement in theory but became obvious how unlikely it was that Valon would be there to help him. He was nice, but he was also elusive. Yugi had not even been able to catch up with him to thank him for making everyone stop acting like he had killed all of the students. Although, he wouldn't have been surprised if he heard jokes and snickers about it later that day…

He sighed and flipped the channel to a comedy, rolled over, and settled into his pillow comfortably again.

---

He was barely moving when he began to make his way up towards the clearing. In the afternoon light it was given a reddish tint across the field of snow and all he could think of was the blood that had been spilled in some strange attempt to call to and summon him. He remembered the alpha calling his name, shouting, "Canis Lupus Dirus" and "Code Name Atem" in the loudest of voices. And the chanting set him on edge as he continued forward. He wondered what she did with the bodies, if it was Slifer who came up to receive them or the alpha took them to her. Maybe neither. Perhaps they simply rotted and wasted away. He didn't know.

Yugi hesitated as he stepped into the clearing. The wolves had gone through the area at some point that day. He shivered and glanced around. The tracks were all run over in every direction, however, and he had no idea how it was that he was meant to read them.

Fortunately, it seemed, however, that he didn't have to. When he turned his head slightly, the she-wolf was standing in the tree line. Her head was tilted and her body mostly concealed in the shadow of a large tree. Her golden eyes glinted at him, sharp and fiery, and her ears flicked as she considered him. He was not sure what she was looking for but when she found it she came towards him in a long and slow walk.

Code Name Atem, she greeted him, wagging her tail lazily and stopping a few feet away from him. You have returned.

He fought away a shudder and grimace, instead watching her curiously for a moment. He didn't like the way she looked at him as she said it or the way she seemed to peer through his soul. His stomach clenched and he watched her closely. "I wanted to ask you something," he admitted quietly, freezing in place when he heard the rustling of pelts as more wolves began to rush forward.

She held her tail up and the movements stopped. A dead silence had fallen upon the forest as they looked at each other. Yes?

Yugi hesitated, then reached up to fumble with the strap on his shoulder. "What is it that I'm meant to do? As Code Name Atem? What is my purpose?"

She didn't blink and instead wagged her tail harder. You will lead us to victory, she proclaimed. You will be our alpha in the most important war to ever happen between the wolves.

"War?" he sputtered. She truly expected him to lead them in a war? What the fuck? He was truly expected to lead and win a war? Shizuka had said the same, hadn't she? And then Mai and Otogi as well, yes? But then…Otogi had been among them when he'd seen them in the clearing…

And he had already known of his identity by then. He had already…

But for whatever reason they'd stayed silent…

Yes, when war is to break out between the wolves, you are to lead us to fight our brethren and win, she stated simply, watching him.

Yugi blinked at her and slowly shook his head. He had the impulse to snap out a great many reasons why he was not going to be leading anyone into war. But then he faltered. A heady, light, pulsing, intoxicating scent had come upon him, drifting into his nose. He blinked, stupefied, and turned his head in confusion.

A sudden picture flashed within his mind. A woman, no older than her twenties, her hair matted against the pillows, eyes hooded, body covered in a sheen of sweat. Her lashes were long and defined, her chest heaving, her breasts larger than he could even open his mouth. A husky moaning whisper crept into his mind to accompany the image and his skin began to tingle violently.

He couldn't breathe for a moment. His eyes flickered silently until they fell upon a she-wolf with a matching gaze. The silver female stood a little taller, head tilted, eyes sparkling, as the image sprang forth in his head again.

Normally Yugi would have felt his face heat and his body respond to this form of stimulation. But instead something in his spine tightened and his lips curled with disdain. His eyes snapped immediately to the alpha.

"Why would war break out between the wolves?" he asked, pointedly ignoring the way the she-wolf began to shift closer to a tree. She brushed against the trunk, scratching her side roughly, and the scent burst forward in an intoxicating cloud. He blinked, glancing at her sideways, and the image was accompanied by a much louder, lower moan. He curled his lip further, repulsed by the idea and then at himself. What was wrong with him exactly? He'd been attracted enough to random strangers to get aroused before…

The alpha turned her jaws towards the other female, snapping her teeth at her furiously. She bristled and her tail rose high as the silver lowered herself to the ground. She whined and rolled onto her side but the scent came in a heavy breeze that made Yugi stiffen faintly before nearly rolling his eyes.

He should have been attracted to it. He should have been all but head over heels for her at the moment. He could see the other male, the one which had attacked him before, responding slightly. He would draw closer and curl his lip back and Yugi thought he faintly saw his back arch.

A lean black male, on the other hand, began to pant. His ears pressed against his skull and he kept looking off to his left. Yugi's eyes flickered and caught, stunned at the sight. Otogi, he thought as he took in the white tips of his ears and the way his gaze rolled with currents of deep teal color. He bristled faintly, but remembered his face amongst that crowd of wolves calling for sacrifices once more. He had been there when he and the other wolf—Marik, wasn't it?—had come to blows as well.

He remembered him. He had seen him. The small teen huffed softly but Otogi was trembling and he caught the way a sleek-furred golden and silver-furred she-wolf tilted her head towards him. The suggestion was clear even in their wolf expressions. Her ears flicked and her muzzle tipped towards him somewhat. Her brows rose upwards in clear seduction.

It did not take him even a moment to realize that it was Mai.

Enough! the alpha spat furiously, spinning on the she-wolf who still rubbed against the tree trunk. None of you are to attempt to mate with a son of the gods!

Yugi turned his head but could not fully take his eyes off of the sideways glances Mai and Otogi shot each other so shamelessly. He tried to imagine it but he could never picture himself being able to do such a thing with Anzu. He did not even think he could see Jonouchi attempting such obvious displays with his future girlfriend. And the gods knew that Honda would never have such abandon. The thought brought, despite himself, the idea that perhaps neither would Yami.

Yugi wondered how easily someone could fall into such a comfortable manner of flirtation as to forget that others might be within the same area as them. Was it possible for someone shy like him or as cautious as Yami or as proud of social structure as Honda to ever become like that? He couldn't tell and the thought made him somewhat shaky.

So caught in their display was he that he hardly noticed that the two wolves were snarling and snapping at each other. The alpha had all but sprung upon the silver wolf and the other was pressed low into the snow with her tail between her legs. Yugi turned to them only after a few moments, then glanced sideways towards where he saw Marik hovering a few steps away. His lips were pulled back, eyes glassy, and his fur was ragged with an intense bristle. He looked as if he might leap forward at any moment and it made the small teen feel almost sick.

Mai abruptly turned her head towards him. Yugi immediately looked at her, eyes sharp. Her dark violet gaze was warm and teasing, but there was something troubled there as well. Her browned muzzle was streaked with the softest hint of silver along the strip of the center. Along her eyes was a golden-brown shade of which blended effortlessly into the tawny shade which came upon her cheeks and downwards along her throat. The white was minimal along her body, with small patches along the fronts of her long legs and the inside of her hindquarters. Her fur was mostly tawny, splashed with streaks of golden, and given the softest touches of silver and gray and strands of black. She was smaller than the alpha and even Otogi who did not appear too large himself.

Yugi tilted his head curiously for a long moment. Then he turned away. "Why would the wolves go to war?" he demanded sharply, cutting them off at the throat. In the corner of his eye, Mai began to wag her tail in something of a grateful manner. He shivered and they both looked at each other for a moment.

Otogi bristled slightly but his eyes were on Mai, his ears angled towards her in clear desire. But he could tell his attention was more on him than even her at that moment.

The alpha stopped her quarrel immediately. Her head turned and her tail wagged. But her body was still clearly positioned to toss the other female to the snow again if she so much as breathed the wrong way again. The details are lost to time but it is known among both species that it will happen. The wolves will battle. A great many events which have happened long through time have been leading up to this moment.

Yugi bristled. "Why? What happened?" he spat. "What is it that I'm supposed to be doing for the wolves?"

She blinked up at him, now more stunned than curious. Her gaze grew rapidly bewildered as they looked at each other for a long minute. Do you not know? Do you truly not know? she asked slowly, flicking an ear uncomfortably.

Mai was staring at him, so pointedly that Yugi was forced to look at her finally. The moment he did, his eyes widened drastically.

An image, crystalline in definition, appeared in his mind. The trees were soft in their outline but the focal points of the picture were intense and overpowering upon looking at them. Two wolves, bodies of immense opposing colors, a shadow and mist, stood against a background of pine and frozen undergrowth. The eyes were glowing, red against blue-violet, the two looking at each other closely. Ears were pricked towards each other, their gazes slightly lowered from one another. They blinked and stared and breathed in unison, sharp in attention.

As it faded, she began to tilt her head further. A small whine bubbled up within her throat. Yugi gaped at her for a moment, then bit his lip uncomfortably. They regarded each other for a moment and the she-wolf pricked her ears forward further, furrowing her brows and wrinkling her nose. The two of them stared at each other a moment longer. Then she let out a deeper whine, desperate and quiet.

He knew the two wolves in the forest. There was no way he could have ever missed it. But it made him bristle faintly to think that she had seen them so clearly at some point. How long had she been hiding around to see that?

She tried again. The image changed. This time the wolves were human. The frames were slight, the hair spiky. They were close, walking in unison. Yami was facing him, mouth moving. Yugi was watching him, studying him. They were walking from her view. But he could tell clearly what she had seen.

And he understood her message now as well.

She wanted him to ask Yami.

"Why would the wolves end up fighting?"

She wagged her tail slightly and dipped her head in clear delight that he fully understood her wordless musings. He nodded slightly and reached up to scratch at the back of his head. He nodded at her and her mouth opened just enough to show her incisors in clear happiness.

---

Yugi was greeted by an intense and furious scowl when he entered the room through the window. Yami was seated on the bed, eyes sharp, red gaze glittering with disdain. At first he was unsure of what more to do beyond stare at him in shock. What had he done to piss him off? He could not think of anything that might justify his anger. He could not recall having done anything. Was he finally going to let loose on him over his jacket? Had he finally gotten to the point that he was too angry to remain silent about it any longer? His heart was pounding.

And then he saw his nose working. His chest was expanding and contracting in rapid movements. His eyes were sharp and cold, like glittering ruby gems. He was watching him emotionlessly but for his obvious disdain.

He flushed. The she-wolf and the pack, he realized, watching him with something of a horrified expression. He could smell them on him. He drew in a deep breath, then exhaled harshly. "Hey, Yami," he tried quietly, hesitant when he saw his face darken further with distaste. Yugi sighed and shook his head roughly as he reached up to pull on his bangs in frustration. "Don't look at me like that. It's not what you think."

"So then I suppose I am wrong that you were propositioned by a female in heat?" he asked coldly, eyes narrowing into slits. The way they bore into his, glimmering with such open hatred, made Yugi falter for a heartbeat. His lip curled back and the smaller teen thought for a split second he might leap forward at him in his growing anger. "Perhaps my senses are failing me."

Yugi looked away and rubbed the back of his head in open embarrassment. "Uh, no, that's not…"

"Damn right that is not what is happening." He sneered a second later, bristling when the smaller boy glanced at him from the corner of his eye. His gaze was somewhat stunned and slightly bewildered and Yami hated him for it. "And I suppose that the other scents I can catch on you are neither Mai nor Otogi? And would that or would that not lead me to understand that those other scents would be more members of their pack?"

Yugi flinched and shook his head. "N-no… I-I mean… Yes… But…" He hesitated for a moment, then reached up and tugged on his bangs harder for a long minute. "Shit, yes, okay? I went to see the pack in the mountains."

Yami shook his head and looked at the window. "You don't bother to listen to me," he commented coldly. "I cannot seem to truly recall an instance where you ever have."

Yugi flinched. "Yami, I need answers." He faltered. "You might want to ignore everything related to Code Name Atem, but I can't afford that luxury, okay?"

He turned his head, frozen for a moment with a stricken expression. Then he bore his teeth and snarled furiously, "Answers? You want answers? Fine! I can give you answers! What would you like to know, Yugi? How he was butchered and organs were removed? How about how they attempted to perform brain surgeries on him without anesthetics? How about the many times he was locked in his cell without food or water to see if he would die of dehydration within two days' time? Would you wish to hear of how he was pitted against full grown apex predators at the age of six and unable to change or—?"

"Stop. P-please…" he begged. "Please just don't…"

"But isn't this what you wanted to hear? About all the things that happened to you as Atem?" Yami sneered furiously, opening his mouth to further snarl at him. But Yugi sprang forward. His hand covered his mouth instantly and he sat on his haunches on the mattress in front of him. The look in his eyes was horrified and desperate as the two of them regarded each other closely for a moment.

"Don't… I don't want to hear anymore…"

Yami scowled at him for a moment, then looked away slowly. He was still furious but the tension was fading from his shoulders. He blinked and glanced at him, then reached up to remove his hand. Oddly, even as he slid his fingers along the top of his hand, he curled the nails slightly downwards. The fingertips brushed against the skin of his palm, tickling him faintly, and then he squeezed slightly. The smaller teen was both bewildered and stunned by the touch, blinking owlish eyes at the other lycanthrope.

The taller boy slowly twisted his wrist to pull his hand away, untangling their hands to lay on his leg as he looked at him. "Fine, I will not speak about it any longer," he said quietly. "But I still do not understand why it is that you do not listen to me. I warn you against the pack and yet you go to see them as if they are your friends."

He expected him to say more, yet the taller boy merely blinked at him. And he realized slowly, feeling sick to his stomach, that Yami was too exhausted to argue further. He was far too tired to attempt to bother saying more. And it made Yugi dizzy to come upon such a realization.

"Do you want a shake?" he asked mindlessly. Maybe he should try to get his hands on collagen powders and drinks instead. Would that help with muscle mass and weight gain? He bit his lip. He would have to do some research first. "I can go make one—"

"You always act as if you need to leap up and take care of me," Yami scoffed softly. "But I don't need you to."

Yugi flinched, eyes wide. Was now the moment that Yami finally said he was going to leave? What was he meant to do if he did? Yugi could feel his lungs constricting at the very thought.

The red gaze studied him a moment longer. "You do not have to go so far out of your way for me all of the time. I understand that you are worried about whether I will heal properly or not, but it will be fine. I have nursed similar wounds before."

Yugi watched him momentarily stiffen at his own words. It was clear by the way his eyes grew somewhat far away that he had not meant to say such a thing. It made him bristle faintly but Yami shook it off seconds later.

With a forced fluidity, the taller teen made his body relax once more as if he had never grown alarmed to begin with. "I will be fine eventually."

"Yeah, but eventually could be a whole lot sooner if you let me help you," he argued, biting his lip. "And besides, I know you hate limping and seeing those burns on your face just as much as I do."

"Hmm, I wasn't aware you hated my face," Yami quipped, with such a serious expression that Yugi immediately opened his mouth before seeing the humor glittering in his eyes. The smaller teen rolled his eyes and barely refrained from calling him a jackass. "I'll try to remember that the next time you try to show me how humans kiss."

Yugi flushed bright red, immediately barking out a desperate scoff of "Next time? Ha! There's not going to be a next time."

Was it him or did Yami's eyes flash faintly with something almost sad? He thought his expression was etched with melancholy but it was gone within a heartbeat. The smaller teen sat up a little straighter, blinking at him curiously. Had he truly seen that? But then…

He'd seemed so attached to Ryou when he had first seen them together. He had hardly reacted to his death, however.

He had not seemed to truly think much of it one way or the other. He had seemed so removed from it that Yugi had initially wondered if he even truly knew him. Was it possible that perhaps Yami had used him as a way to lead the hunters away under the guise that he himself was Code Name Atem? Was it possible?

Yami did always seem to play a big game whenever he tried his hand at victory. He had gambled in chess and in checkers. He had done so even more in his task of leading the dogs away from him in the woods. And he had repeated the gesture in saving him at the greenhouse, whether that was an instinctive reaction or not. He would not have been surprised if Yami somehow knew…

After all, Ryou had recognized Yugi as Code Name Atem. And Yami had explained that he had been in the laboratory for all of a few days. They had not even been able to do anything to him. Yami had said himself, after all, that he did not go into a fight without knowing that he would come out of it. He had said it might not seem as such but that he always knew the odds before he confronted them.

Perhaps he had known that he had looked so much alike him that it was possible to confuse them. They had never seen Atem considering the conversation between Ryou and Panik. He thought it was rather safe to assume that Yami could have attempted to confuse them using his own similarities to him to lead them from him.

But he'd seemed almost shocked to see him when he'd come up on the dogs—

"Yugi."

His head snapped up, eyes wide. He had not even realized he'd lowered it at any rate. "What?" he asked with wide eyes. Yami was staring at him blankly. "Are you okay?"

He blinked and his eyes grew owlish. "Are you truly asking me that?" he muttered, bewildered. "I am not the one who seems so lost in his own mind."

"Oh!" He flushed faintly. "Sorry. I was just…"

Yami shook his head. "Did you hear anything of what I said?"

He blinked. "You were talking?"

His chuckle was warm with amusement. "I was." He paused. "I was asking you to take me to meet the pack."

Yugi was frozen in front of him, somewhat horrified by the very idea. "The pack?" he asked slowly. "You want to meet the pack? But I thought you said you don't trust them."

"And I don't. Which is why I need you to take me to them."

"That doesn't make any sense."

"It does."

Yugi tilted his head and watched him curiously for a long minute. "How?" he asked quietly. "You didn't want to see the wolves before. And if you don't trust them, then why would you want to see them? Yami, seriously, it doesn't make any sense."

"It does. Because you are my beta and I your alpha. And if you are meant to associate with them, it would perhaps be best if you were to allow me to see them before you begin such association." He paused, watching his stunned expression. "What? I may not care for the wolves but you are my beta and I care for you. Am I not meant to wonder about what it is they truly want from you?"

The smaller teen blinked in shock again, then felt his lips tug into a light grin. "You really want to meet them?" he asked with a lopsided smile. He felt almost like a teenager asking his parents if he could date and becoming relieved when they asked to meet his partner. His skin tingled as he looked at him for a moment, curious and bewildered by this sensation. "I mean, you really don't have to—"

"You're my beta. If this is something you truly plan to pursue, then the least I can do is help you to determine if it is safe or not."

Yami wondered if he sounded arrogant at the moment, because a spike of something like irritation pricked at his insides. Yet Yugi looked more shocked and faintly amazed at his statement.

"That would be…great. I mean…if you really want to do that," he murmured, cheeks heating slightly with the awe which coated his tone. He barely resisted the urge to shiver with delight at the idea. "I mean, don't say it just because you think that's what I want you to do…"

Yami rolled his eyes. "You will not do things for me when I want you to so why should I do them for you? If I were to adopt the philosophy that you do, nothing I did would ever be from kindness," he huffed, though he paused and tilted his head. "And you should know well enough that I am not one to be persuaded to do something I would fail to originally consider."

He lowered his eyes but there was something harsh that flashed within them and Yugi was very acutely aware of the fact that the female had propositioned him. He drew in a deep breath and looked away at the window with a flustered heat that crept along the column of his neck and across his face. He cursed under his breath, but he had a feeling that Yami heard and looked up at him and he nearly cringed at the thought.

Yami cleared his throat awkwardly, a long and deep noise which made Yugi look up with wide eyes. He faltered when he saw the way the red-eyed teen refused to raise his gaze from the comforter. His wrists were held up and stretched out towards him and his voice was small when he muttered, "I…I need help."

He blinked, then gave him what he hoped to be a reassuring smile. "Of course…"

---

His wrists were smeared brown with dried blood but the metallic scent was long gone. Yugi shivered as he looked his long limbs over, shaken by the sight of the discoloration. The fur was matted there, caught in the immense scabs, and the white wolf nearly whimpered at the sight of them. He tilted his head and the other canine merely stretched before shaking himself out slowly. Their eyes caught for a brief moment, then Yami looked immediately away again.

I knew I shouldn't have let you change when they looked so bad, Yugi hissed, flustered as his ears flicked back and forth uncomfortably. He flattened them against his skull a moment later, wrinkling his nose back faintly. Now your wrists look worse than ever!

Yami raised a paw, glancing at them, and then snorted loudly. His breath was a billow of bright white, his frustration apparent in his sharpened eyes. They do not and you will understand later why I have done this, he replied in something of a harsh voice. He faltered for only a second, then glanced at the crusted surface of his shoulder as well.

Yugi felt dizzy and sickened. It was the same hideous brown but with reddish cracks, almost like fine hairs. For now, this will do what I need as of the moment.

The white wolf tilted his head, unnerved by the words. You didn't plan to get hurt at some point, he said slowly, stretching the words out and watching him with cold eyes. You couldn't have…

Yami scoffed loudly. Of course not. And, if not for these wounds, I would have found some way to split my skin regardless. It was simply by luck that they have scabbed like this. Seeing as it would be hard to feasibly hurt myself when I am healthy, I find this just as profitable all the same.

What? Why would you want to…? He bristled faintly and then shivered. Why would you assume that you need to do that?

I am not under the assumption that it is of necessity. I am sure that it is. Yami shot him

something of a disdainful look. I know exactly what I do and do not need to do when it comes to myself. But for now you do not need to wonder about it. I will explain it to you later.

Yugi was bristled again, lips drawing back. And when is later, Yami? he demanded in a clipped tone. When will you tell me? How long am I meant to wait before you answer me?

As long as it is necessary for me to find the words to explain myself, he snapped in response, flicking an ear and then beginning to race forward. But, for now, at least, I would still like for you to take me to the pack.

But you smell like blood and you're obviously wounded! What if they take advantage of—?

Yami turned to him, eyes cold and glittering. I will sever their heads from their bodies, he replied sharply, though he paused and tilted his head as he regarded him closely. Although, I had also fallen upon the assumption that you would not allow them such a chance as to be able to do so…

Yugi chomped his teeth, eyes wide and dilated, somewhat fearful. I would never! he spat, bristling, and his tail rose faintly as he glared at him. But it was not anger which Yami read there. Instead all he could see was an intense and unexpected fear and confusion. I… You know I would never…

The black wolf gave him something of a wry glance, then licked along his jaws before wrinkling his nose back somewhat. That is why I said it, he responded simply, turning away and beginning to move briskly.

Yugi came to his side, then pushed a centimeter ahead of him. He did not want to overtake him by any means and he was desperate to simply keep pace with him. But he was aware as well that if Yami was ahead of him he was not sure of the message it might send to the pack. It would most likely be perceived as weakness, or so he assumed. The white canine flexed his paws for a moment, then moved slightly closer to him. Do they hurt?

The other wolf faltered only faintly. Not quite, he said softly. Or, perhaps, not enough to truly make me care.

Yugi shot him a concerned sideways glance. Would you be able to fight if you had to? he demanded, breathing rough as he considered his options. If one of them came after you, would you…?

Yami blinked in surprise, then turned to him with sharp eyes. I will manage to hold my own should I need to, he replied shortly, though I would be more grateful if you were to help me.

He huffed softly. Damn it, Yami, you know I will! he stressed, bristling faintly before tossing his head roughly back and forth. I will always help you. I just… I can't fight them all off if they… And you're so much stronger and more used to this form than I am…

He nearly faltered a step, but then flicked an ear. His body stiffened and he spun on the shape hurling itself through the trees towards them. Yugi was bristling and snarling, tail raised into the air like a war flag, as the newcomer approached Yami. The black wolf chomped his teeth and bore them fiercely. His shoulders were braced and squared.

When they collided, Yami was easily thrown backwards. They rolled with the impact. And teeth snapped and tore at fur. The smaller canine was frozen in place. The snarling was a dull roar. The sound of blood spilling into snow was heavy. Teeth clicked. A hideous, high-pitched whimper exploded upwards.

It was this that spurred him into action. Yugi jumped forward. The slender silver wolf released Yami to spin on him. His teeth caught their shoulder, sinking deep. They cried out, a loud and pitiful thing, and he realized that it was not Yami who had yelped. Still, he tugged them off balance. The black wolf rolled over and got to his feet.

His legs were shaky, threatening to buckle. Yugi watched him from the corner of his eye. Then he shook his head back and forth. The wolf snapped at him but missed by inches. He dropped them, bristling, and backed up. They weren't fighting back.

He gave Yami a confused glance.

The red eyes were mocking. And now you understand why I hate this pack and their ideals. She would allow you to kill her before she would even consider the option to fight back, he sneered, chomping his teeth at her angrily. She pressed into the snow but it was Yugi who she stared at. Because you are Code Name Atem.

He startled and turned his head, lips drawn into a distressed grimace. You can't be serious! he sputtered, shivering. There's no way!

Yami shot him an irritable look. His shoulder was stinging and he could feel traces of blood somewhere within the cracks of the scab coating his arm. I am very serious. They will not fight you because of who you are. He bore his teeth at her when she began to climb to her feet. Her scent made him bristle further, his blood rushing in his veins. He lunged at her before he could stop himself.

Yugi was startled and frozen, eyes wide and mouth opening in surprise. He blinked, bristling. What the hell was he doing?

The she-wolf let out a startled scream of a noise. The two of them collided painfully. He tossed her onto her side. The female scrabbled. Her claws caught on his cheeks. His teeth dug through her skin. Yugi was frozen, horrified. The black wolf crunched bone beneath his jaws. She shrieked an unholy noise. But she was not fighting back now either. She screamed and shuddered. Her paws found useless footing. She attempted to push him away.

Yami! Yami, stop! the white wolf pleaded, flustered. His voice came out weak and pitiful within his own mind. He bristled and whined loudly in distress. Yami, please, please stop!

His cries were all but nonexistent to him. Yet, somehow, Yami found himself releasing her. He bore his teeth, bloodied. His eyes were wrinkled in the corners. His breathing was erratic. He waved his tail, wagging it. Then he chomped his teeth. She dropped to her belly, rolled over, and exposed her throat to him.

Yami watched her coldly. Then he looked to Yugi. Do you see? Do you see how wrong this is? This is why you should never have come here! But you have already announced yourself as Code Name Atem! And they will believe you because they are desperate for their purpose to be given to them! he spat, teeth bared. The smaller wolf stared at the stains of red. Their surfaces glittered and danced before him. They are all a bunch of lost, desperate souls awaiting some big event to justify their existence!

Yugi bristled faintly, flicking an ear. You didn't have to attack her. She wasn't—

Yami sprang for her when she moved to roll over. His teeth chomped shut near her throat. She whimpered and attempted to lick at his jaw. He pulled away and turned back to him.

I fear for you, the black wolf spat furiously, as your common sense seems to be so far lacking.

He bustled. I helped you, didn't I? When the hunters could have easily found you, I saved you using my brain, didn't I? Don't call me stupid because you're upset!

I am not upset. I am livid. You disobey me in coming here. And you dare to judge my actions by that of which you see now. But you have no idea what it is that has been done before. You have no idea whatsoever anything to do with this pack!

He flattened his ears against his skull and his paws twitched as he struggled to hold his ground. Some part of him wanted nothing more than to crawl on his belly and attempt to please him with licks along his jaw. Another part of him simply wanted the fighting to stop. And the last wondered at all of the possibilities and implications of his words.

How did you meet them before? he asked softly, confused. Yami bristled, stiffening, and then bore his teeth into a snarl. You know them somehow. You ran across them at some point. What happened?

They were confused. They thought… He snarled loudly and looked at the she-wolf but the female merely tucked her paws further into her chest and flattened her throat more. I had just escaped and they assumed that I was… They thought I was you. They…grew angered when they found that I was not. And I—

A howl had risen into the air. The sound was melodic and haunting and Yugi froze in place. The tune made no sense to him. Nor did the message it conveyed. Yami bristled, however, and spun furiously, tail raised and teeth bared. For a moment the noise continued, then died slowly. The black wolf waited only a second or two longer, then threw his own head back.

Despite the rigid stance which overtook his body, the howl was beautiful. The haunting edge of it was an undertone, broken beneath currents of ferocity and an inkling of despair. It rose into a crescendo that was the classic peak of a wolf howl, then began to drift away as he lowered his head again. He blinked red eyes and shook himself out and Yugi was frozen at the sight of blood that speckled the snow.

Yugi stared at him, somewhat astonished and confused. He seemed to have lost most of his rage in that song. Yami flicked an ear and looked at him, but his eyes were above his and his head was raised a little higher than his as well. The white wolf flattened his ears against his head again, tilting it and staring at him unhappily.

Why did you do that? Another burst of song came forward. Yami stiffened, bristling faintly, and his ears flicked back and forth as he considered it. They looked at one another for a moment before Yugi swallowed thickly. They were either using their voices in shorter bursts and different tempos to allude to there being more wolves, or there was a great many of them communicating at the moment.

We were to meet the pack, yes? Yami inquired, moving only to scratch his ear and look away. Then why not announce ourselves?

Because wouldn't it be better to have her lead us? It sounds more like we're invading their territory otherwise, doesn't it? he asked, tilting his head further.

I would rather eat my own shit than allow her to lead me anywhere! Yami spat, chomping his teeth at him. Yugi backed up a step, startled, and then glanced at her sideways in confusion. What did Yami have against…? He felt his fur shudder along his skin. Oh gods… Besides, I am sure that will be the welcome I will get when they do come.

The white wolf flicked an ear. Then he looked towards the snow beneath his paws and at the bloodied spots on the ice nearest the darker canine. He closed his eyes, wrinkling his nose faintly, and then sighed quietly.

What happened? You didn't tell me what happened when they realized that you weren't me. He opened his eyes and a very thoughtful expression fell upon the other's face. His brows rose slightly and his eyes were slightly troubled but curious as they bore into his. His ears flicked and his nose worked for the smallest second.

They announced me a traitor and attempted to kill me. Yami gave him a scornful look. The alpha especially wanted a taste of my blood.

Yugi was frozen in place. His fur bristled. His eyes grew wide. His heart was racing in his chest. A dizziness came over him for a split second. No… He shuddered. Yami, you can't honestly… Why would you come here if…? Damn it, Yami!

The black wolf snorted. Why? Because you were foolish enough to remain here when I told you not to, he said disdainfully. And because you are foolish to believe that I would leave you to face a threat of this magnitude alone.

Yami…

If you are somehow not truly Atem, they will do the same to you as they did to me. And, unlike me, you are not as experienced in fighting nor do you have the will to kill when it comes to your own survival. Yugi made no move to argue but the black wolf bristled all the same and glanced about them with his teeth bared. Both of them were well aware that Yugi would not kill for himself and never had. He had killed for Yami, but he had not the done the same for himself.

I am Atem, Yami, Yugi said quietly instead, watching him. The other turned his head and regarded him with a somewhat distressed and unhappy expression. A shadow of something passed within his gaze, long and sharp and haunting. He shivered and the darker canine simply turned away.

Do not say it with such pride, he growled quietly in distaste, glancing towards the trees. There is nothing to be proud of.

Yugi shook his head, watching him. If I can't be proud of myself in some way, then what am I doing with my life?

The other wolf grew very still. A faraway look entered his eyes, cold and distant. The trees, lean and tall, made his gaze darker with shadows. Be proud of Yugi. Do not be proud of Atem. Atem is not something you should find pride in.

He moved a little closer to him and Yami turned his head immediately towards him, reflexively curling his lips back. Their eyes met for a moment and Yugi ducked his head to lick at his shoulder wound. I have to find some way to be proud of Atem as well. He's important to me.

Yami flicked an ear, then bristled and snarled low in his throat. Yugi ignored the noise but did not pause in licking at the wound. His eyes were already on the forms coming through the trees, the way that several of them were charging and the others were simply racing. Mai and Otogi were in the lead, both running rather than snarling. And they both halted, startled, upon seeing the two of them.

Yugi wagged his tail in greeting but neither did anything but stare. And it was Marik who snarled and snapped his jaws as he approached. Immediately Yami raised his head and pricked his ears. His body stiffened and his tail rose. Both wolves snapped at each other again.

You brought the traitor to us? the alpha demanded with wide eyes, tilting her head as she came to the forefront of the pack. Yami turned his attention to her, but his eyes were on Marik as well. She stared at the way the smaller wolf moved to press his side into his gently. And yet…you seem to be under his spell…

Under his spell? Yugi snorted before raising his head and watching her with a condescending expression. What spell? Common sense? Knowledge?

Why have you brought him here? she asked slowly, baring her teeth at him. Is he meant to be a sacrifice…?

I'll rip your throat out, Yami snarled low in his throat. He wagged his tail at her in challenge and Yugi brushed against him more forcefully. The black wolf silenced and looked away, huffing.

What is the meaning of this, Atem?

Yugi wished for the smallest second that Yami had warned him prior to all of this. But he would have to take what he could get. Lazily he turned to the alpha and wagged his tail.

Mai flicked her ear towards Yami. The movement drew his attention. An image, hazy and distracted, drifted through his head. The edges were blurred and the content was somewhat confused. But he could see himself there, the alpha snarling viciously and his own teeth bared. He blinked and tilted his head.

Yes? he asked quietly in confusion.

Yugi could see the staring between the two of them but he did not comment. What makes him a traitor? he asked slowly instead, flicking an ear. Yami did not so much as blink at the blatant disregard in his tone. You must know something that I do not.

Mai tilted her head, focusing hard on him. …What…happened…? She wagged her tail, pleased with her ability to communicate with him. The black wolf blinked, tilted his head, and then rolled his shoulders.

I told her I was not Atem.

She blinked and her head snapped towards her alpha. Another image flashed into his head, accompanied this time by Yugi's voice. They were in the woods, Yami coming back from his change. Yugi was standing there, speaking.

"I am Code Name Atem."

Yes. Yami faltered for a split second. But she assumed it was to be me.

She was struggling when she turned back to him. Her eyes lit with frustration and her teeth were bared when she could not do it. She clawed at the ground and bore her teeth at him. Then she bristled faintly before whining low in her throat.

My pelt is black. She assumed it to mean that the time was coming for the war. I did not correct her. Nor did I explain the significance of her error. He paused and looked uncertainly towards Yugi, a small shudder running through his fur.

Mai whined softly, her eyes sad for a moment. He glanced at her but her gaze was on Yugi as well. His heart hammered for a moment. The two of them stared at the white wolf.

Besides his attempt to masquerade as Code Name Atem? she spat, spinning on Yami with her teeth bared. She licked her lips, running her tongue over her nose in obvious aggression. He is a hellhound.

Yugi paused, then looked at Yami who snorted derisively and glared at her. The white canine opened his mouth in a sloppy grin, leaning over to gently brush their shoulders together. When the other turned his head to look at him, Yami was frozen in surprise at the expression. He tilted his head, furrowed his brows, and then cautiously wagged his tail.

Yugi snorted and then turned back to the alpha. It's funny that you should call him that, he announced, hoping to the gods that Yami did not react badly to his next words, seeing as he happens to be my beta.

Thankfully the red-eyed wolf merely blinked and turned his head away. He shifted a little, bristling faintly, when the pack turned as one to stare with varying degrees of surprise. Immediately images sprang into his head, all but two of them of the white wolf biting a faceless person, and the final of his human form bitten by the canine. He flicked an ear and ignored the urge to correct such images.

But what would they do to their precious Atem if they were to realize that he had infected him? They would come to the reality that perhaps it was impossible that Yugi was Atem just as he so often wished. He shivered and shook himself out, though he was sure his frustration and desperation looked like nothing more than nerves and anxiety to them.

Your…? the alpha struggled, expression growing stunned as she faced him once more. Yami met her gaze unwaveringly, curling his lips back to bare his teeth. But he said…

What I told him to, he snapped in response. I told him not to tell anyone he knew of me or who I was.

Yami flicked an ear. How elaborate a lie he was spinning. He shook his coat out and chomped his teeth at Marik when he turned to him again. The other wolf responded in kind and both snarled furiously at one another. Yugi snarled and chomped his teeth at Marik as well now, startling him away from the darker canine. They studied each other for a split second and then the tan and gray wolf looked away.

Now, what I want to know is how it is that he came upon the rest of you, he announced, flicking an ear. Yami's heart was beginning to race, picking up rapidly. He looked almost sick for a split second. Yugi's eyes flickered to his, desperate and confused. Instinct dictated that he attempt to calm him, feeling sick and small at the sight of his growing distress. For a moment he wanted to hug him and the idea unnerved him faintly.

He did very much as you did. He came in the middle of a sacrifice. Unlike you, however, he did not manage to flee. She shot him a scathing and suspicious glance, curling her lips back and baring her teeth. And he did not say otherwise when we addressed him as Atem.

Yugi flicked an ear, attempting to make the movement dismissive of her contemptuous attitude. And why should he have? There was no reason for him to do so. I told him expressly not to say a word about me or anything of the sort. The fact that he finally told you he was not Atem is amazing to me. He hesitated for only a moment, then studied Yami more pointedly. He said he had abandoned his name by the time we met…

Yami flicked an ear and looked over at him. At least he had not told them the truth of the matter, that his parents had never truly given him one and he had named him. He almost snarled with desperation, the idea making his skin crawl. He had let his own beta name him, because he hadn't had one. Because his mother would rather have torn his throat out…

Yami felt sick for a moment, then pushed the idea aside. His mother wouldn't have chosen such a drastic path if there had been another way. He may have known her only for a few weeks, but he had to believe that she would not have done it. Circumstances had pushed her into turning her teeth on him. His siblings had all passed before then and nothing was going to reverse all of what had happened. She had been driven by grief and the need to protect him…

Yami was not bitter about it. He had grown up with enough pain and anger to realize that this was not the thing that he truly needed to allow himself to be enraged over. He sighed softly between his teeth and looked to Yugi more pointedly.

He is your beta… The alpha watched them for a long moment, eyes flashing and face darkening briefly. She curled her lips back at Yami once more. And yet he does not seem to be keen upon admitting such a thing.

Yugi curled his lips back. He tends to dislike having attention on him, he stated coldly. And you are welcome to cease your glares and ignorant comments. Or I can put them to an end myself.

Yami startled, head snapping around in surprise. He blinked, eyes wide, and then flicked an ear in mounting distress. His gaze glittered with uncertainty as he watched the other boy. Yugi was bristling and his tail was raised. His shoulders were squared and his entire body was rigid. His teeth were glittering and his jaws were opened only slightly. He was glaring and furious.

And yet he could also see the faintest hint of anxiety beneath his anger. He knew that fighting them off would be too much of a challenge. He wouldn't make it out alive. And if Yami was wounded, he might not be able to rely on his efforts either. They could easily wind up dead within minutes considering the force of the wolf pack they were facing.

Yet he knew as well that it was the she-wolf who led them. And if he could fight her off the others might fall back as well. He shivered and bristled faintly once more.

The alpha merely lowered her head, however. I will not turn my fangs on Code Name Atem, she stated in a plaintive tone. Her eyes flickered to Yami again. And, as he is yours, he is offered the same protection. None of my wolves shall harm you or yours.

Good, the white wolf snapped with a pleased expression on his face. The relief was only visible in the way his fur shuddered slightly. Well, now that that has been established, you had a desire to show me the pack's territory?

The territory ranges throughout the mountains. We will need more than a single day to explore it all, she replied in something of a dry tone, eyes flickering towards him and then Yugi. But we can show you our camp, where we rest and eat.

Yugi startled. She called it a "camp"? But it was meant to be called a rendezvous point, was it not? And what about the den? Wouldn't they have a den in which they would…?

It is a camp because they plan to go to war, Yami stated quietly, a whisper of his voice so low it nearly drowned within his own thoughts. If it were not, it would be a rendezvous point or a gathering place. But this pack is geared towards war and victory. As such, they will never be able to call it anything but a camp.

He looked at him, startled and slightly amazed. That was a war term, wasn't it? They called the bases camps and vice versa, did they not? It would make sense that they would do so as well.

Very well, show us the camp, he announced, nodding. He cast a small glance towards Yami. He had been inside of it before, hadn't he?

The black wolf studied him for a moment, reading his inquiry, and supplied him with an image which made him hesitate. The sight of it was purely masterful, beautiful beyond his expectations. Within the center of his mind was a great clearing of stone, where water foamed and splattered along the walls and floor. The shadows reflected within the current made intense ripples within the shadowed crevices. The dim light was reflected in rivulets and flickered brightly from one wall to the next. The cavern was a monotonous silver, though further inwards were ribbons of limestone which looked almost carved. Along the back was a small, almost invisible speck of light which he realized was jagged along the sides, torn apart by something up above. Then his vision tilted and above him he could see brambles, bright brown against the sun, so thick and sharp that it sheltered the cavern perfectly.

He blinked and the image was swept away by an immense sea of brilliant red. It stared at him, sad and cold, and he found himself puzzled. Yami's eyes were older, shadowed, and he looked more upset than Yugi had formerly assumed him to be.

It looks…amazing…

The most beautiful creatures are often the most dangerous, he bit back in a soft, broken tone. You must remember that. These wolves are not stable. And they will drag you down with them if they are given the chance. Their beauty hides their venom.

He blinked wide eyes, then glanced at the other wolves. Marik was watching them with a glittering gaze. It was clear he wanted nothing more than to spring at Yami any chance he got. Yugi bore his teeth at him but the other wolf hardly noticed. And the darker canine beside him did not waste a glance in his direction.

Remember yourself and who you are, Yugi, he stressed softly, as that is what you may lose if you become too heavily invested in this pack.

Yugi nodded faintly, unnerved. Then he turned to the she-wolf who watched Yami with suspicious eyes. Take us there, he demanded softly, moving a little bit closer to Yami until he could feel the heat of his skin beneath his fur. The wound was angry and sore and pulsated with his body temperature in erratic bursts. But neither acknowledged it as they simply stepped forward, and the she-wolf nodded and turned to lead the way. In perfect silence and unison, the other wolves began to make a flanking formation, encircling them and padding at the exact pace of their leader.

The white wolf was truthfully surprised to see that none of the others turned their attention to Yami. No one snapped their jaws or growled. There was silence beyond anything more than the muscles rolling beneath their pelts. When he glanced at Yami the other wolf looked more exhausted and exasperated than he had ever known him to before. He kept his eyes on the snow in front of them and did not look at him in response.

The terrain was a sloping hill of ice and trees. The undergrowth had most likely been thick and tangled beneath the canopy of trees formerly. But now it was all deceased and pressed beneath the snow. It was harder for a small animal to cross, he was sure, but the wolves, with longer legs and webbed paws, could do so with little effort. Even in his wounded status, not once did Yami falter or begin to slow. He did not even fully limp.

Yugi was relieved by the realization. How much worse could it be if he were to slow and lag behind with these wolves here? He was not sure they would restrain attacking if they saw a weakness in him.

Are you okay?

Yami wrinkled his nose, curling it back faintly, and then raised his head slightly. Yes, he stated simply, blinking as he turned his eyes to him. He looked exhausted but his gaze was glittering with something darkened, haunted and desolate. The smaller wolf faltered and the darker canine turned his face away. Yugi quickly moved to his side again.

Does your shoulder hurt? Your forelegs?

Yami blinked again, then looked at him once more. The darkened glaze to his eyes had become curious and slightly puzzled, but the absence of emotion elsewhere had not changed. They are numb from the cold, he replied simply. And the scent of blood is making them nervous.

Yugi blinked and turned his attention to one of the wolves beside him. They did not look as if they were truly paying attention to them at all… What do you mean? he finally asked, turning back. They aren't paying us any attention…

No? You are not looking hard enough. Each of them will move a little closer and then back again the next step. Instinctively they're reacting to me because you are Code Name Atem and I'm your beta. Because of this they see me as a pack mate as well. That means that they are all wary of my wounds, he replied, and something smug shone in his darkened eyes. It was almost cruel and laughing, full of mockery, yet Yugi could hardly see it. Watch them. They move in unison. When you notice one you will see the effect of all of them.

Yugi studied him for a moment, then turned away.

Okay, but what does that do for us? he questioned softly. Why are you so happy about that?

He flicked an ear and his expression became colder, guarded. Because, should you mess up, we may be able to distract them. Lycanthropes will be far more concerned about a fellow wolf bleeding than any inconsistencies your story may have.

He stiffened, surprised, and then hurried to keep pace. You planned that far ahead?

Yami turned his head and looked at him with clear warning. Planning ahead is what will keep you alive as a wolf, he snapped icily. Where your teeth and claws won't save you, your ability to think and adapt must be what you fall back on. Thinking ahead is the only way to ensure survival.

He blinked and watched him closely for a moment. I feel like I should be taking notes.

It may be wise.

Yugi looked away quickly, huffing in frustration. You don't have to be so harsh. It was your idea to come here with me.

Yami bore his teeth, facing the snow. You forced my hand.

He spun on him, bristling. I did not! You got jealous because of that she-wolf! If not for her scent all over me—

What I do to protect you or any others I see fit has nothing to do with something so trivial. You still came to them for whatever reason, be it answers or something else, and I am your alpha! I am meant to help you—

What would help me more is if you weren't treating me as a burden and acted more like a friend, he spat furiously. I need one of those more than I need someone to hold my hand.

Yami was frozen for a moment, then snapped his teeth at him in reprimand. The immediate reaction of the other wolves was to stop and turn to them warily. Fur had risen into bristles, eyes were sharp with shock and readiness and excitement, bodies were tensed with anticipation. Yugi paused, flustered, his eyes wide and dilated with shock. The two of them stared at each other, breathing raggedly for the briefest of moments.

Are we to kill him? a new voice whispered, oddly lyrical and strong. The black wolf flicked an ear. Yugi bristled furiously in response.

Do you honestly suspect that I should be here if you were not considered a friend? Yami snarled at him, eyes shooting towards the she-wolf closest him, whose gaze sparkled with excitement. I would have left you to be caught and killed by now. You pathetic brat, do not tread so far on my patience!

The white wolf flattened his ears against his head and stared at him. Then he spun on the silver female which crept forward with her teeth bared. She shrunk back instantly, flattening herself to the snow. The alpha eyed her coolly for a moment but did not go about baring her teeth or glaring.

Is there a problem? she asked slowly instead, eyes on Yami but the question proposed to Yugi. Have we stopped for a reason?

Yugi bristled, then forced his fur to flatten again. No, there is no issue, he snarled at her, pausing and shooting Yami something of a considerably overwhelmed and flustered look. The darker canine snorted harshly through his nose and stared at him sharply for a moment. I just… I was not…expecting something that he said…

But he snapped at you…

Yugi rounded on this silver female, teeth bared and jaws agape with ferocity. I snapped at him, he snarled in response. I did it. You mistook the situation for what you wanted to see.

Yami stared at him, unsure and surprised, his ears prickling with the noise of their hearts thundering in his senses. He was racked with adrenaline and the rush of it made him almost forgetful of himself. But how dare Yugi assume himself to be lower than what he considered him. And how dare he so stupidly open his mouth in such a pathetic manner.

He was itching with desperation now, flustered and growing further irritated. They were all watching him. And they were all awaiting the command to leap at him. He was surprised that none had attempted to sink their teeth into his tail and make him turn on them. It would have been the easiest way for them to leap forward and lay blame on him while being given the right of self-defense.

Their lack of action was unnerving.

Regardless of the alpha's words, there had to have been more than one of them ready to leap for him. He was sure of it and their silence made him bristle further with irritation. He flicked an ear, then forced his focus to register on Yugi fully. He felt sick and small and dizzy for a moment. But the other was not watching him.

Mai relayed an image in his head, of Yugi spinning on Yami, of his teeth chomping and the black wolf stopping. The white canine stopped next to him and they glared at each other heatedly, until Yami bore his teeth with something of a fearful expression. Both of them blinked and turned to her and the rest of the pack seemed to swap looks of suspicion and confusion.

Yugi nodded at her slowly. Yes.

The black wolf closed his eyes. Had it been another he might have been concerned with his display of anger. The fact that it was relayed so fearlessly as well made him feel sick. Had he been someone else Yugi would be facing the full force of the pack. But, as he was Atem, no one expected differently. The constant experiments were considered a justification for his hatred and rage. It was meant to fuel his power and spark his survival instincts. It was meant to make him a great leader.

Yami narrowed his eyes. He had been unable to rely on such a skewed measurement of importance among the wolves. And when he had fought the alpha back, sparing her and fleeing, he was amazed that they had not caught him. At the end of the mountain range, where the trees began to grow further apart, they had all stopped. They had snapped and snarled and Marik had chased him until he was too exhausted to further drive him away.

He looked to Yugi. If he could not even trust that Yami was his friend, how was it that he was meant to understand the world these wolves so heavily guarded? Would he fully understand it all? He was risking so much of himself, and Yami felt that he had no true understanding of it.

Yugi…

He turned to him immediately, startled. His eyes widened slightly, ears flicking, and he tilted his head minutely.

Perhaps we should simply turn back. Yami felt dizzy, almost desperate, and the need to escape them had intensified. His body was shaking and his nerves aching with pain. We can go back to your house and attempt this again another—

Already he attempts to lead you astray! the alpha spat, snapping at him. Yami barely heeded her attention for a moment. It was when she pressed closer that he faced her, teeth dripping with saliva as he bore them. He was drooling, salivating with desperation. He means to lead you away from your destiny—

What sense is a destiny if it means only death? the black wolf spat furiously. You want nothing from him more than to kill the ones you despise! You are no better than the humans who created him!

Yugi froze in place. Yami…

The entire patrol of wolves heard this name and struggled for the meaning of it. Within seconds, translated, the word became a mantra within their minds. It was spewed between all of them. And then it faltered into silence. Their eyes were locked on him now.

The white wolf blinked. He had spoken too loudly. Yami must have done the same in his mounting anxiety. We will continue to the camp, he said slowly, curling his lip back when the alpha continued to glare at the black canine. But we will not spend too much time there. I have to go back before curfew.

Yami snapped at the she-wolf when she pressed too close. Their teeth were bared and their eyes locked. Both quivered briefly, an expression of muscles too tightly pulled together. Both snarled low in their throats. They pricked their ears towards each other. A red tail began to rise but the black one was held higher.

Yugi sprang between them, catching her on the muzzle with his incisors. What was it you said before I agreed to this trek? You said that my beta would go unharmed, he snarled. Now where has the truth to that statement gone?

Yami stared at him with wide eyes. Y—Atem, he managed to spit out, uncertain in tone. The other wolf didn't respond at first, then turned to him with a strained expression. I don't think my mom will be back before nighttime. The curfew is mostly for teenagers and little kids. The adults have an extra hour, remember?

His mom? Yugi blinked stupidly at the statement, then felt his eyes grow owlish with realization. Mai and Otogi had been there when they had mentioned that it was his house and not Yami's. But he supposed that they could keep a secret. He certainly hoped they could, anyways. But then, they must have kept it at some point. Otherwise, wouldn't the alpha have known that Yami was in the area or that Atem had been found? For whatever reason the two of them had not spoken to her about either issue…

His eyes shot to Yami's suspiciously, glittering, and he focused entirely on the black wolf alone when he asked, Do you know Mai or Otogi? Did you meet them before? When you were inside of the pack?

He blinked, startled, and then faced him with furrowed brows. No, I met them the same day as you. They must have been going through their initiation rituals when I was there. He hesitated, ears flicking; it occurred to him now that she must have known that picture from it being shown to her the moment the two of them had returned. It would make sense that she had shown it to him in what had seemed a bewildered fog of thought. I never met either of them.

Okay. Yugi looked at the alpha. We have a camp to see, right? Keep your eyes ahead and your wolves away from my beta.

He was startled and unnerved as he had been immediately before upon Yugi calling him such moments ago. It was not the fact that being beta was a blow or anything of the sort. Being an alpha in a situation that was more than them would have made him wish for nothing more than to step back. But being called his beta when he was not sure it could be so easily pulled off was another thing entirely. He was not sure how well they sensed things, if they could tell simply by his energy whether he was the alpha or beta. And if they could, what would they do when they came to the realization that Yugi was lying?

They traveled for a few more minutes, Yugi and Yami pressed so close that each step made their fur tingle where their pelts brushed. The rest of the wolves continued in their flanking formation, and Yugi was now abundantly aware of the way that they truly did step towards them because of the scent of blood that came in soft drifting hints from the larger canine. It was every other foot or so that they did so and the smaller wolf found it almost amazing to witness.

Beyond here is the entrance, she announced in a sharp, almost demanding tone. Yugi faltered, head snapping towards Yami in surprise when the red-eyed wolf seemed to shudder beside him. A gentle crashing noise was forming in his eardrums and he tilted his head in confusion at the sudden addition of sound.

Yami, what's that noise?

A bane of my existence, he replied wryly. You will see.

Yugi tilted his head towards him. It was hard to imagine that Yami's patience could be tried so heavily as to have something nicknamed a bane of his existence. The entire idea made him blink wide eyes and stare in confusion. They studied each other, but Yami looked worn and tired more than anything else. He turned away after a moment and the white wolf was forced to face forward in light of his growing discomfort.

Yugi froze as the roaring grew louder and irritable.

He understood Yami's comment as it came within his sight. He should have realized from the image the other had sent within his head. He had seen the ripples of shadows along the back wall of a stone den or something of the likes. The other had merely omitted the noise, which now roared so powerfully it made his head spin and his heart leap into his throat.

He swallowed hard as he raised his read. The wolves had moved to spread out along the edge of the cliff face they had all come upon. The alpha turned to them with glowing eyes, something between pride and amusement within her gaze. Yugi had the feeling, staring up at the crashing water, that she was testing them both.

Yami flicked an ear. The water is so powerful it could knock a stampeding elephant off track, he said softly. So it cannot fully freeze during winter…or so I was once told.

Yugi bristled, looking at him with wide eyes. Then how the hell am I supposed to get through it? he demanded sharply.

The same way the rest of them do, he stated simply. You will need as much speed as you can possibly gather, and then you will leap from as close to the edge as you can. That is how you will get across.

You make it sound so easy…

Yami shook his head. It's not, but muscle memory and your body's natural endurance will allow it to happen. But you must pick up great speed. If you don't you will not make it.

How am I supposed to…?

You will have to back up several yards, run as fast as you can, step onto the edge of the cliff, where the stones are coarser and the slope is more defined by the tilt of the stone in front of the waterfall. He paused and looked at him. They are watching you. And they will be waiting on you to lead the way. It is a test, to make sure their leader is not a coward…

And you've done it before?

Yami was uneasy as he shifted his weight and looked about himself. The other wolves were watching them, eyes keen and glittering. And he knew the expression Marik wore was of unadulterated smugness. If Yugi could not get through the water or Yami faltered after him, he would have reason to attack and possibly kill. And the gods only knew how much he truly wished he could do such a thing.

I have done it once in entering the camp. And the second I fled through the forest rather than using the entrance. Yami turned back to see dilated blue-violet eyes and a startled gaze. He frowned and he could sense the anticipation rising in the rest of the wolves. Only three of them seemed even vaguely unsettled by Yugi's reluctance. He shifted a little closer, nearly pressing his muzzle to his, and then stared into his eyes. The sight of them should have unnerved him but Yugi did well in holding his own, staring with wide eyes and studying him as a means of distraction. Remember something, Yugi. The water isn't the same.

Yugi froze in place, eyes wide and startled.

The water will never be the same. He paused, studying him slightly, and then shook his head briefly. It's free flowing and colder than anything you've ever felt before. That is the most important thing to remember right now. The water is not the same and it is frigid. Your muscles may very well lock up when you leap beneath it. But it will get you through. And your instincts will react to save you from any pain…

It happened to you…

Yami nodded. Yes, two months ago, it happened to me. Now, if I could survive it, then so can you, he replied in a sharper, more determined tone. You're more physically capable than me now as well. You take the lead and I'll be right behind you.

Why…why can't you go first? he asked, flustered, eyes wide and skin crawling. I…I could just follow by example.

Because they are watching me. They think me the traitor, the one meant to destroy you and deter you of your purpose. He searched his face long and hard. And you are the new element. You are the unknown right now. They think you are Atem and you claim the same. So they will expect you to lead me and them as well. I cannot go first as your beta.

Yugi blinked wide eyes, then curled his lips back, flattening his ears against his skull. Oh gods, he muttered softly, shaken. I should never have…

You were smart to say so. They would never have believed you otherwise. Atem is not bitten as so they often used to snap. He was created and born a wolf. Your decision worked to save us both.

He flicked an ear. But how do we know that they don't realize…?

Because they would have killed us by now.

The finality within his voice made Yugi tremble briefly before he nodded slightly. He paced a few steps, then looked at Yami again before huffing. Then he spun around, trotting towards the tree line further in the distance. Then he turned back, kneading at the snow beneath his feet. His eyes caught on the red gaze of the other wolf. They looked at each other for a long heartbeat.

The white wolf drew in a deep breath, desperate to beg him to somehow prevent his having to do this. Then he forced himself to begin running. He picked up rapid speed, long legs propelling him forward rapidly. He ignored the way his body felt far too fast and his heart hammered. The snow crunched heavily beneath his paws and he felt he might swallow his tongue as he came upon the lip of the ledge. The stone was slanted somewhat, held in place by the lower step of dirt beneath it.

Yugi used it as a springboard. His pads pressed on the smoother surface and he sprang forward. The water foamed and sprayed upon his face. He bore his teeth, snarling low in his throat. The water crashed over him. The force of it knocked the wind from his lungs. He was amazed that he did not fall within the curtains. But it was as if a blanket of cold air had forcefully pressed upon his spine. And it locked his muscles in place as Yami had promised. He slammed into the stone beyond it, rolling with the impact. Then he scrambled to his feet, gasping and struggling not to panic.

Yami came moments later, his landing less than elegant. He was bleeding along the shoulder, the wound freshly opened. He lay there for a long minute, giving Yugi enough time to hurry forward. He immediately licked at the scabbed and bleeding flesh. He ignored it as the rest of the other wolves began to join them.

Yugi licked until all he could taste was blood. And his tongue felt sore from the force of his attempt to heal the wound. He wrinkled his nose back, licked at his ear, and then stepped back. His eyes were concerned as Yami got up again, but neither reacted fully. The black wolf ignored him for a moment, shook himself out, and then blinked tired eyes.

Shall we proceed? Yami announced with a dismissive glance towards the alpha who padded near his side. She flashed her teeth at him only minutely, then turned to Yugi as if to ask for permission.

He nodded immediately. Yeah, let's continue, he said quickly, glancing sideways at the red-eyed wolf curiously.

This is where the wolves rest when rain or blizzard comes about. That bramble thicket covering the entrance allows almost nothing to come through. And then they can all fit within this den and the proximity allows them to share their body warmth. He looked about the walls for a moment. He remembered the explanation being from the she-wolf's mouth when she had thought him Atem. But now he supposed she was leaving the words to him instead. During fights this is also the best place to allow someone to heal. The cavern keeps itself at a rather steady temperature year round. And the air is so dense and crisp that it does not carry much dirt or debris.

Yugi tilted his head and offered him something of a grin as he glanced towards the brambles as well. That makes sense. That's actually really smart…

Yes…

The alpha began to lead the way, claws scraping and catching on the low ledge which barely held itself from the wall. Then she drew her right paw upwards, claws sinking into the dirt above, and pulled herself up and out of the tangle of thorns. Yugi and Yami followed moments later, the white wolf making sure to allow him passage first.

They stepped out, the black canine limping painfully to his side when he moved past him. The clearing beyond the cavern was immense, a swollen field of bright white he imagined was more dirt and long grass during summer. He glanced around and the trees became rising giants of straight bark and shattered tops of branches. He blinked and turned towards the sky, where the clouds were pale and bunched together and there seemed to be not even a hint of blue to be seen. The trees were like sparks of lightning, bursts of dark gray and silver and splashes of brown like mud. The river was a loud and hideous roar behind him, and he could see the swell of the immense river which fed it feet away. The slope of it was odd in the way it rose upwards and slanted abruptly down. The stones at the edge of it, when he turned go see it, were upraised and glittering with stripes of limestone and granite. The water was cold and the bank frozen with dunes of snow and soft smooth pebbles which he could see eaten by the liquid so swiftly moving beside them.

The river makes well for a food source. The boar and the bears and the deer keep coming for the water. Because of this, we are ensured almost year round food to be gathered by the pack for consumption. Yugi tilted his head, curious and wondering as the alpha turned with something of a smug expression. Yami ignored this, instead pausing only to turn and begin to lick at his wound again. It burned and tingled against his tongue as if it were choked with heat and infection. But he did not taste pus and his eyes detected only the red of his blood, his nose the metallic scent. As a pack, we support each wolf that lives here. And so we bring in fresh kills to be divided when the prey is smaller than deer or boar. No one goes hungry on any given day.

Yugi looked at Yami sideways. That meant that if he were ever to stay there, the meals would be more beneficial and natural for him. He would never have to worry about what had been cooked by his mom for dinner or sharing his plate with him or anything of the sort. He almost sobbed with relief. Perhaps that was the answer.

Yet one look from the other wolf told him otherwise. His red eyes were haunted and darkened with disgust and Yugi felt almost dizzy upon seeing such an expression. It took everything in him to remember that Yami already knew of it all and had even formerly experienced such provisions. He shivered and looked away.

That's good, he finally muttered when he realized she was still watching him. But there was a shadow in her eyes now as they flickered to Yami as well.

She wrinkled her nose faintly and tilted her head. What is his name? she asked slowly, studying Yami closely. He came to us without a name but I am sure you have rectified this, yes?

Yami turned his head. I picked the name Yami, he snapped, baring his teeth. Yugi glanced between them, wondering if she truly had somehow missed it when he had called him by his name earlier. He did not name me.

She snorted softly. Then I am sorely disappointed, for I almost assumed you to have his favor, she scoffed, turning away from him.

He does! the white wolf spat before he could think it through. Yami turned to him with incredibly wide eyes, the whites of them showing for a split second. Then he tugged his lips back on the left side of his mouth and raised a paw to rub at his muzzle as if in embarrassment.

The female turned around with a slightly startled expression, golden eyes flaring with confusion. You two are bonded? she asked, looking to Yami as he continued to rub at his muzzle. But…he cannot reproduce…

Yugi felt his stomach drop. Oh no…

There was an image that immediately appeared, the black wolf's belly swollen with pups. Yugi bristled and the darker canine curled his lips back. Rapidly a new picture was passed about, of Yami strapped to an examination table. His muzzle was encased in metal wiring, his throat swollen with the addition of an electrical collar. His breathing was labored, his eyes dilated and confused, each exhale coming in rasping growls of distress and pain. Then came a man dressed in white material, scrubs, with a scalpel in one hand and a bottle of alcohol in another.

Yugi was shaking, head snapping towards Yami.

They're attempting to ascertain whether I was one of the males given a uterus in the experiments, he explained, turning away and breathing loudly through his nose. I think that was one of the only experiments you did not go through. They would have no need to attempt making Atem bear pups. They would want him pure so that he could breed properly.

That's disgusting!

Yami looked at him dismissively. That's what they do, he replied monotonously. His eyes flickered to the she-wolf. You know from our scents that we are not bonded. We are not mated.

She studied him. Yet they are both so incredibly intertwined.

Bite…

The alpha blinked and turned her head, Yugi tilted his, and Yami glanced in Mai's direction. She wagged her tail happily at the small trio before turning to Otogi. The smaller black wolf flicked one of his white-tipped ears, then took off running. Mai was after him in mere seconds, wagging her tail happily as she gave chase.

She's right. It is the bite. It makes us smell more alike. Yami hesitated, looking towards Yugi for a split second. Although, I suppose I cannot expect you to know such a thing seeing as your wolves are all infected by hereditary means.

Yugi tilted his head, considering his words. If all of these wolves were infected by heredity then that made it more or less impossible that they were once involved in the experiments, right? Or did that make them somehow more likely? Was it possible they were the wolves bred in the lab?

You dare speak to me with such insolence?

Yami snapped his teeth. He is my alpha. You are not. His tail rose and his fur began to bristle. He bore his teeth and snapped his teeth again. You do not have any footing of which to attempt correction. Hold your tongue or I will tear it from your mouth.

Yugi had the very vague image of a boy biting the tongue from an older woman's mouth. He saw blood and heard screaming which slowly slipped into nothingness. He could not recall which piece of a movie it was which had played in the forefront of his mind. He shivered and ran his tongue over his nose before it truly connected in his head.

Immediately he found his eyes locked with Yami's, where they sparkled with laughter, but from the corner of his gaze he saw the distaste towards his apparent mockery in the she-wolf's. Yugi flattened his ears against his skull and glanced, head tilted, towards a small noise of commotion further ahead of them.

A bone fell into a cushion of snow. The noise of its thud was soft and hollow. Yugi pricked his ears forward, curious. His eyes caught the soft definition of long legs within the snow. The limbs were soft and gentle, a pair of black and the others a tawny shade. They pulled downwards abruptly, flattening somewhat towards the icy ground. He blinked and raised his eyes further.

Otogi threw himself forward, snatched the bone into the air, and released it. It flew straight upwards, swirling, and Mai leaped to snatch it up. They wagged their tails rapidly, eyes sparkling. Mai bowed, turned abruptly, and then raced away again. The black wolf glanced at them, tongue lolling, and then took off after her.

---

Yami tilted his head towards him as they finally began to find their positions on the bed again. He lightly brushed against the smaller boy's arm, eyes on the screen again. An anime was playing, the art style one which made him wrinkle his nose faintly. It was too realistic and the thought of its events pushed into actuality made his skin crawl. It was something about vampires and werewolves. They were hunting them for whatever reason…

He closed his eyes for a moment. Would it have killed Yugi to put something on that didn't have any sense of bearing on their situation?

The smaller boy drew his pajama shirt over his head. "I'm sorry…" He trailed off as Yami turned towards him. His eyes were slightly mystified but held a hint of suspicion and cynicism that made his skin crawl. "I just… When she said that you didn't have my favor…"

He snorted. "She was attempting to remind me that I am not as important to you as the pack itself is meant to be. In her mind the wolves themselves are beyond enough reason for you to wish to fight later. She meant to make me feel more ashamed of being your beta than anything else."

Yugi faltered at his nonchalance. "Yami, that's not okay."

"She means to make me assume myself unable to measure the same in importance as you and your followers." He shook his head and slowly flickered his eyes along the smooth contours of his younger-appearing face. "The only true thing to be upsetting is what you said formerly."

Yugi bit his lip hard, studying his face slowly. "I don't know what you…" He trailed off for a moment, then reached up to run his fingers through his hair. His stomach twisted and turned as he looked down at the comforter. "You mean when I called you my beta and said I bit you…"

"Yes."

Yugi waited for him to speak further. But the other boy merely stared, eyes cold and curious. He seemed almost detached from his own words for a brief moment. Then he looked towards him with his head tilted and his gaze more profoundly unnerved than anything else.

But Yami did not speak and the way he stared made Yugi's tongue feel heavy in his mouth. He faltered and immediately looked away again. His fingers picked at invisible lint along the comforter. His eyes felt heavy with growing exhaustion and Yugi found himself biting his lip hard once more.

"I'm sorry." He fell silent for a long minute. His eyes were sharp and cold when he looked up and their gazes locked once more. Yami tensed, startled, and wondered for a moment how it was that he had encouraged such a drastic change in the smaller teen. "But I don't see what it is that I should have done instead. I had to think on my feet and I twisted it around. But you aren't… Why is being the beta so terrible to you? I'm your beta, right? But I don't hate it!"

"It is not that I hate it. By no stretch of the imagination do I truly care what it is that you told her in order to calm her temper. What matters to me is the fact that, while I agree that you have every right to twist the truth to your benefit, you have no idea the responsibility you have placed upon yourself. She will hold you accountable for each and every thing I do—"

"Is that how you see it?"

Yami bore his teeth and breathed harshly through his nose. "You are no such burden to me. I mean only to remind you that she will see this alpha-beta connection between the two of us as such. You fail to realize her hatred for me comes in waves, not simplistic thought. She will turn on you if she deems my behavior unacceptable at some point."

Yugi sidestepped the statement, instead blurting out, "I'm sorry for putting you in that position, okay? I would never have said if I hadn't panicked. But I…I don't know who to trust in that pack. And I… You're the best bet I've got if things go south. You know about werewolves and—"

Yami's hand covered his mouth gently, cutting his words away. His eyes flickered back and forth between his own gaze.

"I am not upset, Yugi. You simply fail to understand." He fell silent for a long minute and a half. "I mean to tell you that you are playing a very dangerous game. Between the two of us, she will attempt to kill me before she would turn her fangs on you. But it is important to me that you realize I do not care that I have been put beneath you as a subordinate. I simply wish you to know the role you have placed yourself within. You have to remember—and do so well—that these wolves are not stable. And you will have no room for true error. She will attack. She will kill."

Yugi hesitated, then reached up to touch his wrist. The other stiffened faintly, then allowed him to wrap his fingers around the small width of bone. He settled them lightly around it and he could feel the way his skin twitched faintly in a shudder that seemed more startled than uncomfortable.

Very gently he traced his thumb around the raised flesh of the wound, where the skin was serrated heavily from the second Change of the day. He needed to bandage them before they went to sleep. With a small sigh, more of a breath than anything else, he shifted a little closer and closed his eyes tightly.

Yami studied him, ignoring the instinct to withdraw his hand altogether. It was not that he needed to or had grown uncomfortable by any means. It was simply that his thumb brushing against the tender flesh made him think of the way his own fingers had dug and dug until they'd torn through and into his muscle and veins. He almost shivered, suppressing it at the last second, and then closed his eyes tightly.

Yugi moved slightly, a gentle brush of his nose against his palm. His voice was a low and gentle whisper of warm air against his skin.

"I need someone on my side who I can trust completely." His eyes flashed open and flickered to his. Yami tilted his head and studied his determined, albeit flustered, expression. "And so far that's only you, Yami. If she's truly going to end up asking me to take over the pack, I want you to be my beta."

Yami blinked and then began only then to withdraw his hand. But Yugi moved to catch his palm, holding it more securely. He had the faint impression of being captured and held hostage and it made his stomach churn painfully.

Yugi licked his lips and ran his free hand through his hair. "I don't know who I'm meant to trust in that pack. Mai and Otogi are the only ones I know as it is. And I can't ask them to do it because they are basically one and the same with the pack." He faltered. "Besides that, you… You're my friend. And you're my alpha. I would rather you be at my side than whomever it is she's chosen."

"You're going to anger them. I didn't tell you the full extent of the pack turning on me when I told them that I wasn't Atem." He blinked and the smaller boy watched him with clear, cold eyes. They stared at each other for a long moment and then Yami shook his head slowly. "When they attacked, I went for the alpha. It was like they all froze and lost any ability to think for themselves. I nearly killed her and fled before they could think straight. I… Yugi, you must be aware that while I may do this for you, you are setting yourself up for their hatred. They will most likely try again to kill me should I step out of line. And you… You are safe as Atem, but never as Yugi."

He blinked, startled as his eyes grew thrice their usual size. He needed to abandon the idea of being Yugi when he was at the camp? He was only meant to be Atem there? He drew in a deep breath, staring at him, and a cold chill began to sweep through his bones.

But who, truly, was Atem?