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.

86. Broken

Disclaimer: I do not own Yugioh

Update schedule: Hopefully biweekly

Chapter Warnings: Mild Puzzleshipping, COPIOUS Blood and Gore

For reference, the grizzly bear is 3.3 feet high at the shoulders. Yami is 3.6. He WAS going to be 4 feet when I originally did the outline for the story as there WERE wolves (that are since extinct) that were that tall. He was meant to be as tall/a little taller than a wolfhound. But then he would have been unable to blend in as well among the pack wolves as he would have loomed over them considerably. So he wound up a few inches shorter.

But lengthwise he's 5.6 feet long which, on his back feet, that makes him considerably large. But considering the size of his head, the position he's standing when he attacks, and the angle he attacks from, he's actually large enough that he could decapitate one if he got the right position even without the adrenaline rush.

The bear in question isn't male so her height at most is 6.5; for the story she's only 6 feet tall on her back legs. But disregarding this, the position they collide in would have made even being 8 feet tall on her hind legs a moot point.

Next chapter needs some extra work put into it so it's going to be a while before I get it up and posted. I have several scenes that need to be added to make it flow properly and I need to redo the larger parts of it so that it makes more sense leading to the chapter after. But I promise I'm going to try to get it all done and up as soon as possible.

Chapter LXXXVI: Broken

Work Log Entry LXXVI: June, 2009

June 3

The hellhound has proven herself to be far nastier than expected. She has become aggressive enough to fight any other wolf to cross paths with her.

I cannot determine if it is simply because of how angry she is naturally or if it is because of the fact that she wishes to protect her friend.

June 4

We are celebrating Atem's birthday today.

Atem is not inclined in the slightest to show any sense of care towards these celebrations.

He usually looks at us as if he wishes he could slit our throats for wasting his time.

June 10

She does not seem to be provoked unless it involves her friend.

The boss is happy with this newfound information.

I believe he plans to use it for future reference and manipulation.

Yugi shook himself out as they made their way through the trees. The fresh snowfall made his coat feel laden as he looked around and pricked his ears. He scented the air but there seemed to be nothing but the pack from the night before when they'd gone hunting. He glanced sideways, comforted by the sight of the dark-furred wolf beside him but Yami did not so much as look in his direction. The black canine appeared oddly distracted, perhaps disturbed in some manner. His head was lowered almost entirely towards the snow as if he were scenting the snow, his eyes had darkened at some point during their trek, and every moment had become cold and calculated. He looked vicious, in fact, as if he were struggling to hold back on his irritation and prevent himself lunging at someone.

Yugi flicked an ear and glanced over his shoulder. Barbara was standing nearby, sniffing at a tree with eyes that seemed to darken as she noticed his attention. She curled her lip at him and turned away pointedly before Yugi could so much as think to say a word. Behind her Yuya was trying to engage Syrus in a small bit of play, but the other omega looked oddly discourage and unsure and Yugi had the idea that Barbara made him nervous. Ute and Shay were a few feet away from her, chatting quietly about something or other.

The hunting party was an awkward one.

Yugi, truthfully, felt stupid for having chosen them now as they continued through the woods. Yuya had tried to bring some life into the event, especially trying to make Yami laugh with jokes. But every effort was met with confusion, sometimes with flattened ears and a tilted head. Others they were met with his lips drawn back to show his teeth and his ears pricked forward as if he might lunge for his throat.

It wasn't hard for Yugi to understand his response, however. Yami's understanding of the jokes was extremely limited. The references that Yuya was making went straight over his head and left him confused.

Syrus had remained hidden in the back of their patrol, as if he were trying to melt into the snow. He trailed behind as much as he could before Yami would call out to him to make sure he was okay and the omega would come rushing forward again. It had happened about ten times already. Yugi would never have even noticed had it not been for Yami calling out like that.

They were silent but for moving amongst the trees. Yami never tried to converse with him. Yugi never could find a topic to focus on. His mind was racing with other things, varying from the arson investigation that they still didn't have any leads on to Jonouchi taking Honda around for a tour of the camp. He could barely focus on much of anything; he'd even started thinking of Tomoya's father at one point. He remembered all too well how he'd looked so utterly broken when he'd let him into the house to speak, then how he'd quietly thanked him for the answers he'd asked him for so long ago. Yugi hadn't expected much of anything when he'd gone to speak to him. He hadn't even assumed that he would thank him, in truth. He'd simply wanted to give him a sense of closure; he'd had the answers and he'd felt that he needed to do so before something happened in this war. Before the war hit its climax, he'd wanted to explain and tell him.

With the lack of conversation, Yugi had sunken into his own headspace. Yami had remained silent but for calling to Syrus. Ute had not spoken in any manner, watching all of them and waiting as if for a direction of some kind. Barbara had snapped her teeth at each of them relentlessly, especially scathing whenever she had to interact with Yami in any manner. And Shay had taken to ignoring the tension rather than feeding it, wandering past them if Barbara snapped at Yami and the black wolf wandered off without another quarrel.

Aibou?

Yami blinked. He had wandered several feet away from them and was standing on his back legs. He had been scratching at some tree bark. His attention was on Yugi immediately, head turning as he paused in his efforts. His paws were still posed against the trunk, his entire body twisted halfway to regard him curiously. Against the snow he was so dark a color Yugi thought he looked the living embodiment of the night sky. The flakes littering his coat made his fur almost shimmer like stars and the red of his irises reminded him of ribbons of galaxy. When his exhales drifted through the air, glittering against the snowfall, it made his eyes appear almost misty for a brief moment.

When he dropped to the ground again, he made his way slowly to Yugi's side once more. His red eyes were puzzled and curious and he watched him so pointedly that Yugi was unsure what to say. He didn't know what he had meant to ask him mattered at that moment, in truth, but he wondered all the same. He blinked, tilting his head, and studied the red-eyed male a few moments longer.

Are you all right, aibou?

Yami blinked at him. Something visibly passed through his gaze, as if his mind were racing with a million different thoughts he did not know how to express. Finally he nodded again, tilting his head slightly. Why might I not be? I do not understand why you are asking me this…

Yugi hesitated for a moment. You look really uncomfortable.

I am fine. Yami's quizzical look faded to one of mild disinterest as he turned away again. He shook himself out, stretched his limbs lazily, and pricked his ears forward as he glanced around slowly. I don't hear much of anything moving about. I wonder if we made too much noise when we came out here.

Yugi shook his head, annoyance burning through his veins for a split second. He glanced over his shoulder, fighting the urge to bristle.

The most noise they'd made all that time outside of camp had been Barbara snapping at Yami so furiously. Whenever he'd gotten too close—which, to Yugi's frustration had been within five feet of her—she'd turned on him. Once she'd tried to grab him by the scruff, but had stopped short when Yami had dodged away and simply trotted off without a second glance. She was not one to chase, thankfully. She simply lashed out and glared and bore her teeth.

Yugi was not sure what might have happened if Yami had not dodged the attack. Would Yami have rolled with it, playing the part of omega? Or would he have turned on her as viciously as she did him? He didn't think he would have been okay with her attempt to turn on him like that.

Yugi shook his head and turned away again. Yuya had finally managed to get Syrus interested in play, pouncing about in the snow. They trotted about, growling so quietly amongst themselves that even standing so close he could not hear them. They tumbled about, rolling and biting at each other. And he wished for a moment he could have initiated the same with Yami.

He turned back just as a snarl came through the air. His head snapped around, eyes wide and ears pricked. A bristle made his fur stand rigid, his tail raised as he blinked in shock.

Barbara had charged Yami. She snapped her teeth inches from his nose. The black wolf stared at her, more out of surprise than anything. The other wolves halted their conversations and game. Their heads snapped around. Their eyes grew huge. And each of them bristled with growing alarm.

Yugi lunged forward, snapping his teeth at her eye. Knock it off! he snarled. The blonde and gray she-wolf just barely managed to dodge the assault. Yugi shook his head, baring his teeth. Her eyes looked wild and dangerous. Yugi stepped forward, boring down on her with his tail raised. I am serious, Barbara. Back the fuck off. This is your last warning. I'll rip your throat out next time.

The threat caused a visible ripple of surprise through the rest of the patrol. Even Yami blinked at him in shock, red eyes wide and confused. Yuya and Syrus were both standing stiffly, eyes wide. Ute and Shay had come forward a few steps to study the interaction. Yugi ignored them, leaning forward and opening his jaws. His mouth was salivating heavily, drool dripping from his canines.

Do you understand me?

It figures you would take his side. Her eyes were on Yami, however, hateful and cold. She shook her head roughly. Yami blinked at her in turn now, tilting his head and studying her with glittering, calculating eyes. He did not look directly to Yugi, but the white wolf knew he was watching from his peripheral. But what of what we know about him? What about what I know of what happened before when he was in the camp, before you came? You never seem to care about those things. Don't you even care that his loyalty is so fickle he turned his teeth on our alpha?

Her voice was strained, the effort she was putting into her words fracturing her mental focus. Yugi wondered how little she truly spoke, if it was by choice or inability. Was she forced to use images instead? He remembered Yusei having to do that more often than not when they'd first begun speaking to each other. It had taken him a long time to be able to utilize his voice properly rather than images and sequences as he had before.

I don't care about the past. And he did as I told him to. Yugi snapped his teeth at her. Yami blinked. Barbara snarled, ignoring the white wolf and continuing to glare at Yami in turn. Finally she turned to Yugi, eyes sharp and hideous. I told him not to speak. I told him to lay low and not attract attention. So, I don't know who you think you are to question my motives or his, but you need to back off. I told Yami not to attract attention. And he accidentally got the pack's focus. It is not the end of the world. And he is fine.

He's a fucking hellhound.

Yugi was quivering finely now. I wish I could justify tearing your throat out.

His voice was soft and small, barely above a whisper as he stared at her. His blue-violet eyes were like darkened gems, glittering with anger.

Yami flicked an ear, visibly uncomfortable. Yuya and Syrus swapped looks of alarm. Ute stopped sniffing the snow and narrowed his eyes. Shay blinked and tilted his head in bewilderment. Yugi glared at Barbara, shaking his head furiously.

I don't know how you can be so stupid that you neglect to remember when I last addressed this problem. But if you really want to keep calling him that, I will tear your goddamned throat out. Do you understand me? he spat. He stalked forward a step, pricking his ears and curling his lips back to show his teeth. Do you honestly not understand this? I bit him. I am a lycanthrope. I am not a hellhound. If I bite someone, they are a lycanthrope.

Yami blinked. Barbara lunged at him. Her teeth were an inch from his eye. And then she hit the ground. Yami stiffened. Yugi had thrown her onto her back. His lips were drawn back entirely to show his teeth. He loomed over her. His pupils were mere pinpricks in his anger. His eyes seemed almost to vibrate in their sockets. His tail was raised. His fur was in a bristle. He quivered finely with tension.

What part of this do you not understand? he snarled. His teeth were mere inches from her throat. Yami swore he saw him salivating again. I'll simplify this for you. How about that, Barbara? Yami is my best fighter. If you think I'll let you lay a tooth on him without reprimand, you are wrong. I will mutilate you. I'll rip your throat out and leave you to die. Do. You. Understand?

Yugi flicked an ear and looked away. He wondered for a moment whether he needed to step in. It was not as if she had managed to hurt him. But to put himself between them as Yugi was disciplining her could be seen as a rank dispute. He did not think he wanted to put such a potential problem out there, even with such a small patrol. They could carry the story back to the rest of the camp and he did not want to have to worry about such a thing.

Shay watched him with cunning, glowing eyes. Yami looked over at him sideways, curling his lip. And the young alpha smirked at him, showing each of his teeth as if he were a shark. You are the best fighter? I had assumed it would be Atem to have such praise, he said softly. He wasn't sneering, much to Yami's surprise, but his eyes were glinting with laughter.

When Yugi made no move to correct him or change his phrasing, Yami looked over at Shay. I am for now. He didn't like the way Shay's eyes sparkled as if with renewed amusement. He had almost forgotten the young alpha wanted to fight him to test his abilities. But Atem does not care for violence as much as I do. He has some training to do before he is as vicious as I am. But it is not impossible and he will outrank me as a fighter once more soon enough.

Yugi glanced at him sideways. Yami kept his eyes on Shay. The young alpha was eyeing them both, but he did not seem inclined to fight with him, nor argue in any manner. The black wolf shook his head slightly. Shay turned away, smirking once more. Yuya and Shay stared at them with owlish eyes.

Yami moved forward. He pressed his nose gently into Yugi's shoulder. He hoped the comforting touch would help to calm him. If he was aware Yami was fine, if he could feel him, he was sure Yugi would let up on his anger. But for a moment he swore Yugi did not even notice.

Then the white wolf growled. Yami exhaled gently against his skin. Then he rubbed his cheek against his shoulder. It was both comforting and possessive. Yami was all too aware of this. He was rubbing his scent against Yugi's pelt. And, had he not been the beta, it would have likely struck anger through the patrol. Instead each of them regarded the display as nothing more than a show of affection that was long in coming.

And, had it not been for the fact that he would have further irritated Yugi and possibly caused Barbara to lash out once more, he would have rolled over and displayed his belly for Yugi to see. He would have pawed at him gently, making sure to rub at his cheeks and muzzle with his scent glands, and wagged his tail. He would have diffused the situation easily.

But there was no room to do so now. There was no room to roll over and expose himself. Barbara might damn well lunge forward. And he was sure Yugi would kill her for it. And even if he was beta, playing the role of omega was just as important. Doing so meant that he was supposed to do as necessary to rid others of tension. Playing the role of omega meant taking the brunt of irritation but not to the point of a true fight nor for Barbara to tear into his flesh as if to kill him.

Yugi snapped, Fine. His voice was cold as he backed away a step.

Barbara stumbled to her feet, defiant. But her tail was between her legs. Her head was lowered and her neck exposed. But her eyes were on Yami's when he glanced at her over his shoulder. He kept his forehead against Yugi's shoulder, studying her. If she came forward to fight with him again, he was not sure he would not kill her in turn. He would not allow her to come even slightly close to Yugi; if she accidentally hurt him in the midst of another display of anger, he'd snap her head off her shoulders.

He raised and wagged his tail slightly. But he didn't snarl. She didn't so much as blink. Her lips peeled back as well, showing her teeth. Her gums were a pale white color, her teeth slathered with spit.

We're never going to find prey if we don't do it now, Yugi snarled. He turned away abruptly. Then he moved away from Yami with a small, sharp growl. It was a warning noise, one to tell him not to antagonize Barbara. And Yami considered the she-wolf a moment longer. Then he turned to follow Yugi as the white wolf continued ahead of them. Yami glanced over his shoulder, pace slow and creeping behind the other boy.

Yuya and Syrus awkwardly trailed behind Barbara. The she-wolf followed him with a snarl. Her eyes were dark and glittering with anger. And Ute and Shay were steps away from her, flanking her. He wondered if they expected to have to lunge forward and attack her at some point.

He turned back. Yugi was watching him with a sideways stare. His blue-violet eyes were dark and glittering, studying him from behind the sheet of ice that made up his most prominent temperament at the moment. Yami did not acknowledge him in the slightest at first. Then he moved closer to his side.

He doubted that there were any animals in the woods any longer. If their various squabbles had not scared them, then their combined auras would have. Most animals could sense a werewolf miles ahead. They were usually smart enough to sense them. They would usually flee before they got within miles of them. It was what made them turn around to lash out and attack.

Yugi stared into the trees. A long handful of minutes passed. He didn't move. He seemed to be contemplating what to do next. He didn't offer a greeting, nor ask him his thoughts. He didn't speak at all, in fact. And then, as Yami almost moved past him, the white wolf moved abruptly closer to him.

Their pets brushed, startling him slightly. His head snapped around before he could stop himself. Yugi glanced at him sideways, expression still cold. But he didn't look as frustrated. He looked as if he were losing his anger, warming slightly. Their pelts brushed, seeming almost to bleed into each other.

They trotted silently for a long handful of seconds.

I doubt we'll be able to find anything, Yami admitted finally. The woods were oddly silent, almost like the grave. He cast a small glance over his shoulder again; the others seemed to be in a very similar mindset. All of them were disinterested, restless and unwilling to try to hunt; it was all too clear that they were anxious that a fight might come about. The tension was far too thick among the small patrol. The hunt was all but forgotten, despite Yugi trying to pretend otherwise. Shay caught his eye, smirking once more with his teeth bared. I don't think there's a bit of prey that didn't hear that spat and flee.

Yugi let out a small snarl. Whatever. We can at least patrol for a while then. There's no reason not to.

He didn't sound so enthusiastic about it, clearly doubting that there was a necessity to do so. And he shook his head in annoyance when Yami glanced at him in surprise. Yami turned away again, for a split second thinking to whine and wag his tail. He could flatten his ears and duck his head. He could tuck and wag his tail slightly and arch his back and lick his chin.

But the submissive impulse faded immediately after. He turned away again, eyes narrowing slightly.

There's no reason to waste the time we're out here, right?

I suppose so, Yami said dismissively, grunting the words. He shook himself out again, glancing at him sideways. Then he looked over his shoulder again and back. He tried hard not to snarl in annoyance. The tension was still so blatant in the air that the frigid temperature seemed to grow a thousand times heavier.

The snow was just beginning to lighten again. But something in his blood seemed to be growing cold and foreign. He hesitated a step, a shiver racing up his spine. But when he looked around there was nothing. So he did not bother to alert Yugi nor ask if he felt similarly.

They wandered for what felt like hours. The silence in their small group was almost deafening. His stomach rolled as he continued forward. Yugi had moved past him to sniff at a couple of tree roots where it looked freshly shifted as if with rabbits beneath the snow. Yami watched him for a few moments, then wandered ahead of him. He kept his head lowered slightly, ears flicking back and forth looking for any hint of noise.

When another handful of minutes passed, he moved to scrape away bark with his claws again. He cut the bark into shreds, ribbons of pale frostbitten gray and brown that fell easily beneath his weight. He scraped until the bark was almost completely stripped away and the flesh of the trunk was cut into.

Yami dropped to the snow again. And a sense of burden and ice crept through him. His blood became frozen, solid beneath his flesh. He hesitated a step once more, a shiver creeping down his spine. He paused and listened for noise. But there was nothing there. And then something fearful crept through him.

His head snapped around. His tail rose. He spun around.

Yuya flinched. Syrus cowered. Shay blinked, stiffening. Ute lowered his head and flattened his ears. Yami searched the group for a single moment. Something was different. Something was wrong. Then he lifted his head, looking at the treetops. His fur rose further. He backed up a step. Then he looked around them rapidly once more.

Something oppressive and heavy was bearing down on him. His skin felt oddly itchy. His heart hammered in his chest. His fur shuddered. He glanced around twice. An alarm went off in his head. But he did not recognize it. He did not understand what he was meant to look for.

There were no birds.

He did not spot a raven, a hawk, an owl.

There was nothing there.

He shivered again. The wave of pressure grew heavier, drenching him and bearing down on his muscles. His spine felt as if it were on fire. He stiffened, mind racing. And then he recognized it.

We have to get back to the camp.

Yugi stopped digging at the roots of the tree to turn around. Yami?

He ignored him, darting past the confused yearlings. They spun around to watch. But Yugi took off after him immediately. And then Yami could hear the others. He ignored it, sprinting. The deep snow slowed him only slightly. His muscles burned with a familiar ache. His heart roared in his ears. The air cut through his fur. His lungs worked desperately to keep up.

What are we running like this for?! Yuya whined. What the hell is going on?

Just try to keep up, Yugi snarled. He was at Yami's side immediately after. He sprinted past him a brief second later. And then he skid a couple of feet. When he stopped, he was facing Yami with a demanding expression.

Yami flicked an ear. Someone was talking, he realized. He skidded as he came to the tree bridge. Yugi was just as close to the frozen roots as he was Yami. Yami stumbled, then turned his head. His ears pricked forward again. Yes; he did hear something.

He heard someone.

He turned towards it, focusing. He couldn't hear the words.

Yami?

His head snapped around. His nose worked. They were downwind. But he could not tell how many there were. Yugi was staring at him. His blue-violet eyes were wide. His ears were pricked forward. His nose wriggled anxiously. He was trying to catch the scent Yami was. The black wolf shook his head.

Keep going. I'll follow after.

Yugi hesitated. He studied him a moment. Then he dipped his head. Stay safe. And then he turned and darted off. The other wolves dashed after him, panting and struggling. The white wolf was almost a mile ahead of them already. He was sprinting so quickly Yami thought he could have outrun an avalanche. He watched them until he could no longer make Yugi out against the snow.

Then he turned away. Thank Lupa Yugi had not remained waiting. He came forward quickly. He could hear the wolves snarling at each other. Teeth snapped. Blood spilled. Laughter filled the air. Multiple voices merged into one.

Yami could not tell them apart. But he could hear them shouting orders to one another. The alphas were barking commands. Others expressed shock and confusion. Yami heard them all in one immense cluster of noise.

But there were no death screams.

They were simply fighting due to stress.

They were taking their frustrations out on one another.

He burst through a snow dune.

The hellhound spun on him instantly. The momentum sent him flying. They collided in a tangle of limbs. And then Yami bit into solid flesh. Blood swelled in his mouth. His tongue was glued to his palate. He clamped down harder. He shook his head. The canine in his grip screamed. The blood made them gurgle.

It went limp.

Yami dropped it.

The other three hounds turned with stunned, horrified expressions. Yami raised his head. His tail wagged. His ears pricked forward. Hello, he purred.

They swapped looks. Then they blinked. And all three turned tail.

Yami chased them for a few minutes. They kept a constant pace of a yard ahead of him. But he wasn't trying to kill them. He just needed them to keep running. And, as they neared the cliffs, he stopped short. The hounds bayed at one another, snarling and snapping. And then they took off through a small tunnel into the labs. Yami strained his ears, waiting to hear if they might come back.

But he was losing time, he realized.

He turned back, racing.

Yugi had cleared the distance from the waterfall. He was in a fight with one or two of the hounds. He could hear them struggling. They yelped and tried to shake him. Ishizu was nearby, he realized. The white wolf had spoken her name. He'd asked if she was okay. But Yami could not hear her. All he could hear was blood gurgling from a torn throat. Yami ignored it. He flicked his ears.

Yugi could handle it himself.

He listened a moment longer. Then he ran again. He was at the end of the ledge in seconds. He leaped forward. The water was harsh and terrible. He scaled the entrance. His skin snagged on the thorns. Blood welled up. His skin stung.

He could hear individual voices now.

The smell of blood hit him first.

The sight of red against the ice came immediately after.

And then he heard the screaming.

He couldn't tell who it was. He couldn't identify them by name. He didn't recognize the voices. His heart was too loud in his ears. It wasn't Yugi. It wasn't Jonouchi or Honda. That was the most he could recognize.

Yami strained his ears again. But he didn't see them yet.

All he could see was a few wolves forcing a couple of hounds back. Yami ignored them. They could hold their own. They didn't need him there. He ran past. He jumped over the hound that collapsed. One of the lycanthropes snapped their teeth at him, startled. Yami was more than slightly sure it had been Jack.

But it didn't matter.

Yami could hear him now.

He sprang.

The white and black male spun on him. The yearling in his mouth dropped. His back arched. He balanced his weight on his haunches. Yami slammed into his side. The hound couldn't dodge him. They rolled back. Yami opened his jaws wide. His teeth snapped inches from their eye. They were on their back. And Yami tried for his face again. But their paws were on his chest. And his own momentum still made his balance shaky.

He kicked. Yami shifted to dodge it. He snapped and missed. Sartorius kicked once more. His front paws hit his cheeks. His back paws landed on his chest. Yami straddled him a moment. Then he narrowed his eyes. He snapped his teeth once more. The hellhound flinched. Yami missed his face by a hairbreadth.

The failure made his skin crawl. He stared down at him now. His ears were pricked. His shoulders were squared, body rigid. He snarled and bristled. Sartorius' longer legs were the only thing to save him. He was able to hold him at bay only because of them.

The black wolf could not reach his face or throat. But Sartorius could not move aside, either. Yami's weight alone was enough to hold him. With his muscles squared as they were, he had him all but pinned. When the hound kicked at his stomach again, Yami barely noticed it. He squirmed, trying to kick again. Yami lowered his mouth. His jaws opened wide.

Where is she? Where is Yubel?

Sartorius blinked. Then he burst out laughing. Yami clipped his muzzle. The hound squirmed for a single second. He dislodged him. His muzzle bled profusely from the scratch. She's looking for the little white brat. Wherever he is, she's bound to be.

Yami struggled to suppress a tremor. Yugi could not handle her alone. He'd get killed should they fight one another. And Yami could not protect him. He could not help him if she were to get to him.

He bore down on him again. It was more for distraction than anything. He needed to be able to think. And holding Sartorius in place like this was almost comforting. He couldn't kill anyone if he was pinned like this. He couldn't help Yubel find Yugi if he was stuck there.

He flicked an ear.

He was wasting time doing this. He was wasting valuable time. He was letting Yubel get closer the longer he was there. And what then was he meant to do?

I don't think you actually want to waste your time with me, right? the hellhound sneered. But his eyes were shadowed. His pupils had blown immensely. And fear made his limbs stiff. Yami stared at him blankly. Sartorius was afraid of him. No doubt he remembered Yami nearly mutilating him in Yugi's room even after the beating he'd taken. He looked at him for a moment. Then he bore his teeth. You think you can beat her?

No; Yami didn't.

And he wished he could have said Yugi was capable of doing so. Instead he stared down at him a moment longer. His teeth snapped again. The hellhound flinched. He tried again to push him away. Yami leaped over him.

Aki yelled his name. Someone snarled he was a traitor for not killing him. But Yami didn't turn. He took off again, further into the camp. The pressure on his skin grew tenfold. His fur was heavy, laden as if with sweat. His heart lurched.

He could sense Yugi. He was nearby. But Yami couldn't pinpoint him exactly. He could hear Ishizu rasping. But the words escaped him. His heart was too loud. A snarling, sneering laugh burst through the air.

There was a huge black shape in the snow. It stood a mere three inches shorter than him at the shoulders. It was hunched over, lumbering. Its legs were spread outwards to the width of its immense shoulders. The legs were three times his in thickness. Its claws, dripping blood, were long and hooked. A wolf was slung violently aside upon impact.

Yami recognized them only from the gray in their muzzle, the brown of the dorsal cape. Declan hit a nearby tree branch. A sickening snap echoed through the air. The wolf whimpered pathetically. Another wolf lay nearby, breathing heavily and shaking. The blood loss was like buckets of red. And the cold had set in.

They wouldn't make it. He knew that much all too well.

Chazz was dragging himself into a standing position. His shoulder was shattered. His side was slicked with blood. His eyes were dilated with fear. His mouth was opened. His nose was bleeding. He gargled when he breathed.

Zane was shaking where he stood a few yards away. His entire face was bleeding. His back looked as if it were crushed. His shoulder was a bloodied mess. His legs buckled a moment later. When he hit the ground he didn't try to get up again.

Shay was standing a few feet away. His left eye was swollen shut. He swayed on his paws. Blood welled from a fracture in his cheekbone. His left ear was a mangled mess. His right leg was clearly broken.

Jonouchi was bleeding from shoulder to haunch on one side. And the cut was deep enough Yami could see. He'd almost been gutted. Behind him Honda was incapacitated by a broken shoulder and bleeding haunches.

She was playing with them. They were entertaining her for the moment. But she'd kill them when she got bored. She already knew she could. And she was happy to do it.

He rushed her. She'd turned on Honda now. She had reared up on her back legs. She stood six feet high now. Yami aimed precisely. And he darted forward as if she were a piece of prey.

He opened his jaws and angled his head. He caught her leg and kept going. There was a sick snapping noise. She screamed, roaring. Yami pulled her off balance. She landed on her back. He released, dodging away from her as she tried to roll over.

She looked like a huge ball, as if curled up to protect her insides. But Yami could see the anger and hatred. And he knew she was too unbalanced by her dislocated limb to find her footing again so soon. He wagged his tail, lowering his head, and drew his lips back.

Hi, there, he greeted softly. He wagged his tail furiously. I haven't seen you in a while. How have you been?

The hellhound snarled. His lips peeled back, like loose strands of flesh. The fur along her neck seemed to roll and fold. The white teeth were huge compared to his. But they did not hold any intimidation for him. He'd killed mountain lions when he was six. He'd mutilated a Kodiak bear when he was eight. He'd ripped a moose to pieces when he was ten. And he'd decapitated a saltwater crocodile when he was twelve.

She was nothing to him.

Her size was nothing.

Her teeth were nothing.

Yami wagged his tail harder. Oh, Yubel, don't you remember me? he teased. He crept forward a few small steps. His muscles bunched with each movement. He opened his mouth to show his teeth in a sneering smile. I'm the thing you should fear. I'm a healthy Pure-Blood. And I'm at my fullest.

It was a bluff. But Yami was physically capable all the same. The various prey he had eaten when they'd practiced utilizing Yugi's jaws had done him well. He'd gorged himself on each of them until he felt he might explode. And his metabolism had slowly but surely grown steady again. He hadn't burned through his food immediately. He had to believe he was far healthier than he had been before.

She lumbered to her paws. She shook the snow from her fur. He watched it fall away. Then he looked to her face again. And for a split second he thought he saw fear. But it was gone an instant later, should it have ever been there. He wagged his tail again. The hellhound snarled, raising a paw.

You think you're stronger than me? she sneered. Do you really? You're not Atem. And I'm a Harbinger of Death, you worthless shit.

Yami snorted. I can come back no matter the amount of times you manage to kill me, he said softly. He watched her come closer. Every muscle in his body told him to move. And I've got a much stronger jaw than you might think. It's stronger than that little grizzly bear form you have.

She burst out laughing. Is that so?

Yami watched her, motionless. He peeled his lips back. He showed his teeth. His ears pricked forward. And he kept his eyes glued to her. Yet, he could hear the others speaking. Chazz was telling him to be careful because she was fast. Jonouchi begged him to just run. Honda whispered she'd kill him. The words were all too true. But he wasn't about to let it show. He stretched himself out, leaning back into a play bow.

Yubel bristled furiously at the dismissive action. Maybe I'll drag your broken body back to Atem, she snarled. She squared her shoulders. Then she charged him. She sounded every bit as young as she was, a psychotic eight-year-old monster with odd eyes and immense power, as she burst into laughter. Right before I kill him as well.

Yami didn't move from his position but to straighten his spine. You won't get to Yugi, he said simply. He opened his jaws, slathering. But he did not snarl. You won't make it past me.

You truly think you can beat me?

I don't need to beat you, Yami said. He shook his head. He couldn't beat her. That was the fact of it. And he was not so stupid as to assume that might somehow magically change. I just have to slow you down.

She burst out laughing, so startled by the statement that she stopped a couple of feet away from him. You would give your life for him? Is he such a good fuck?

He peered at her, waiting. He tilted his head, staring. She laughed so hard she shook. He's worth my life a thousand times over and more, he said softly, viciously. He could see his reflection in her eyes, how his own gaze glittered with cruelty. And I suggest you flee far, far away when I come back to life again, Yubel. Because I'll tear you to pieces the moment you give me an opening.

I'm so delighted to hear you say such a thing! she howled. And then she charged him again. Yami darted a few feet away, watching her closely. His ears pricked in her direction. He circled her a moment. She paused. They stared at one another.

Yami padded slowly but surely. He might have felt better, but he needed to be smart. He needed his cunning more than his strength. He needed caution more than his jaw power. He needed to be smart, to pace himself, to outwit her rather than simply attack relentlessly.

She charged him again. He ran once more. If he could gauge her speed, he might be able to combat it. It was a long shot, however. He himself was fast. But he was by far built for power. In a game of speed, he would lose. Yugi had proven himself faster when they'd run.

He and Yubel had the same sense of speed over strength. And Yami and Sartorius were the opposition, physically powerful but not as fast. But Sartorius was taller, with the legs of a wolfhound or another hunting dog. And he had that infuriating loose skin around his neck, like a great Dane. He had rolls of it, so much so that it was a struggle to bite into.

Yami and Yubel and Yugi only had their thick, dense fur, long and bushy and thick in undercoat…

Yami turned on her. She was no longer running at him. He snapped his teeth. His canines missed her lamed leg by a hairbreadth. She swiped at him and missed. Then she barreled towards him. The dislocated limb did little to slow her.

The pain likely only infuriated and excited her.

Yami sprinted a few yards ahead. He slowed only when she did. She stopped as he did. And then they both locked eyes, staring. They waited for a move to be made. He studied her muscles intently. But there was no movement under her flesh. She was not going to move.

He crept closer. He stopped a few feet away. She charged him. He turned to run. She stopped. He wrinkled his nose and padded a couple of steps away. Then he turned back. This cat and mouse game could only last so long. Yami was not so stupid as to assume that it would be for more much longer.

He would grow tired sooner or later. He was not built for long bursts of speed. He was built for rapid ones in short succession. He was built for stamina, able to keep a higher-than-average speed for longer amounts of time. He could only play this game for so long. And it was not as if he could fight her off as necessary. He would be ruined should she come after him.

He stopped and turned around again. They'd gotten away from the others. He'd led her a few yards from them at the very least.

Jonouchi and Honda were both staring, visibly shaken. Chazz had gotten to his paws and was gulping in air. Zane snarled in his throat, glaring at the hellhound. Shay was cold, staring, and Declan looked relieved.

Yubel was only inches away when he turned back to her. Her eyes glittered with laughter. Her head tilted slightly to the side. Yami came forward at a slow trot. He narrowed his dark eyes. She stood there, her head raised high enough to loom over him. She had at least two hundred pounds on him, perhaps even more. She was huge, lumbering. And he was no small wolf by any means.

But all it took was a well-aimed paw. She'd snap him in half.

He lunged at her. She swiped. He dodged aside, circling. She spun on him. He chomped his teeth. He caught her scruff. She backed up, dragging him. The snow was impossible to keep his footing in. He could not hold her.

He released her again, turning tail. He got a few feet of distance between them. He lunged. She swiped. But he did not make contact. The air whistled by his nose, however. And he knew the force would have likely crushed his skull.

It would not have snapped his neck, however.

It would not have decapitated him.

The werewolf frame was too powerful. The Pure-Bloods' strength was nothing a grizzly could have ever hoped to match. They could kill a moose with a single hit. But if Aileen's tiger, whose swipe could break a bear's jaw, could not do so, Yubel could never manage it, either. His bite force was enough to decapitate. But a boar was not as aggressive as a bear. And a grizzly had nothing on a pissed off hellhound.

And Yami could sense it. The air crackled with energy, intense and terrible. She planned to kill him. And she did not care in the slightest for repercussions. She wished him dead. She planned to murder him in cold blood. She wanted to destroy him. She wanted nothing more. And she would do so, for the sake of punishing Yugi if nothing else. The black wolf bristled, trotting a few inches forward.

And how do I kill her? he wondered. How did he kill her? He didn't know how to. And he didn't know if he could. In truth, she was too powerful. She was too fast. He could not match her. He almost trembled with horror for a moment. He knew he could not do much to save Yugi. If she truly went after him, Yami was not sure he could protect him. And he did not think Yugi capable of killing her yet. He did not know he might be able to hold his own against her. He might hate her, but to kill her was something else entirely.

Yami narrowed his eyes. What do I do now? he thought frantically. He stared at her, searching her face. He continued trotting as if to lead her away. Then he curled his lips back to show his teeth. He'd slow her down. If nothing else, he would do that. And if she tried to kill him, he'd have to try to disable her. He'd have to try. He had to protect Yugi somehow.

He had to try.

He owed him that much.

Yami inched closer. She was lethal. She'd proven that before.

Stalking closer and biding his time would not save him. And if she got past him, he was sure Yugi would come. He did not know where the other wolf was at the moment. But he hoped he remained there. But he was not so stupid as to believe Yugi would fail to come running if he was hurt so badly. If she killed him, Yugi would come after her.

And he would die for it.

Yugi had said so himself…

Yami paced around her, eyes sharp and cold. He narrowed his gaze, watching her. She didn't seem inclined to move for the moment. She likely would not lash out at him until he got close enough. She was waiting for him to expend his energy. She was waiting for him to exhaust himself. And then she would kill him.

Yami paced again. He turned on his heel, treading his former path. He watched her, a part of him aching. He couldn't beat her. He knew it. He knew she was too fast. And it was not as if she were a regular bear.

A regular bear he could tree. He'd done so many times during the summer. He'd chased several black bears up the trunks. He'd done it over meals. And once he'd done it just for fun.

And he resented himself for his failure to act now.

But he also was not stupid.

He did not wish to die at the moment. Rushing into this fight had been foolish. He'd only wanted to save Yugi. And now he wondered if he was signing his death warrant for such a thing. If Yugi ran into this fight after Yami was killed, he would never forgive himself. And he did not know if Yugi would come back to life…

Yami watched her, waiting. She was just studying and biding her time. And he did not know what it was he should do. A frontal assault would be easily dealt with. She'd be able to shatter his spine if she could strike downward. The impact would do more than slight damage. He could heal from it, but he did not wish for such excruciating pain at the moment.

He pricked his ears forward. She had moved. He heard the crunch of ice as the realization struck. He stiffened as he listened. But the bear did not move any closer. Yubel simply stood there. She watched him, shoulders hunched and waiting for him to strike. He paced around her once, snapping his teeth. She flinched, then charged as if to cover the misstep.

He rapidly backed away, snarling. She got within inches of him. Her large paw rose. It was stretched out to strike him.

Adrenaline crashed through him. He sprang for her face. And, just as her paw hit his shoulder, his teeth clipped her skull. The momentum sent him flying. But his teeth still clung to the loose skin of her face. She screeched, infuriated, and Yami was winded. He blinked. She aimed again.

He released her. Then he chomped down harder. He held more of her face in his jaws. She hit him harder this time. His shoulder popped. It ground out of place painfully.

Sartorius had managed to do so beforehand. He'd collided with him hard enough to knock it out of place. He'd knocked him off balance and devastated him from there.

Now Yami felt merely exhausted. He was overwhelmed, the pressure of his bones grinding so painfully it made his head spin. His shoulder burned. The grinding noise was enough to make his ears roar. It pressed inward, sliding into place. The pain was excruciating for only a moment.

And then it passed.

He gained his footing and tugged. She stumbled, missing him. He tugged until she fell forward. Then he aimed for her head. She rushed up. She rose onto her back legs. Her paw crashed into his back. The snapping noise was deafening. The pain was stunning.

He felt it only a moment. Then he was hit so hard his ribs shattered. He flew through the air. The tree shook from the force of the collision. Snow dropped onto his head. He blinked, stunned. And then he looked slowly toward her.

He bristled. She was shaking her head. Her cheek was a bloodied mess. Flaps of skin hung in loose strands. Her eyes were furious.

Well? Why don't you get to your feet? Yubel snarled. She came forward a few steps. Yami looked at her. The numbness at the base of his spine was amazing. Why don't you prove you can save your little bitch from me?

He shifted his weight, drawing himself onto his forelimbs. They were powerful. They were balanced. He blinked once. Then he locked eyes with her. He shifted his weight, pulled himself forward, and stretched his back legs. They popped once. His spine twitched and burned. And then he straightened.

Yubel froze in place. She stared, eyes wild with shock. And there was something almost shocked and fearful in her face. She watched him. She never looked away. Her eyes were almost completely black. Her fur rose into a bristle. Her lips peeled back to show her teeth again.

Yami had a vague backwards thought, that perhaps her teeth were not much larger than his own. He did not know, however. But he looked at them. And he wondered how much smaller his own could be. It hardly seemed possible…

How…? She was whispering. Yami was sure he was not meant to hear the question. But he raised his eyes and watched her. She looked stunned. She looked horrified. And as they looked at each other, Yami felt almost winded. How…? How is that…possible…?

Yami shook himself out again. I'm a Pure-Blood. I am immortal. I am the second Atem, he snarled. She blinked once. Her eyes grew bright with hatred. He pricked his ears forward, sneering. Do you understand, Yubel? Do you understand that the gods favor me? They chose me. They chose to give me immortality and strength. And what do you have to show for your existence?

She charged him. Power, speed, the ability to change forms and poison you, she screamed. And Yami was once again struck by her age. He dodged aside a swipe. He sprang backward, snow flying from the force of his leap. She shook, resentment glowing in her eyes. I am a Harbinger! I don't know the help of the gods!

Yami snorted, baring his teeth. Do you think yourself greater than them? She screamed again, but did not answer. She swung at him repeatedly, rising on her back paws and roaring. She swiped at him harder and faster than ever. She glared at him as if he were nothing but a bug.

And she did not relent until she struck him. Yami spun from the force, nearly hitting the ground. He dodged when she tried to follow with another blow. He backed up rapidly, staring at her. He pricked his ears and narrowed his gaze.

Will those precious gods of yours protect you from me? she yelled. And somehow she sounded almost agonized. She glared at him, the misery overshadowed by pure hatred. He wondered how much hate someone so young could possess. He wondered how it was that she had survived this long. And he thought of Jaden for a split second. She must have felt abandoned at every corner.

Will they save their precious little weapon?

Yami curled his lips back. They won't have to.

Yubel laughed viciously. She slashed at him again. Yami narrowly avoided the blow. She rushed him, charging. He dodged again. The bear snarled, shaking finely. She was tired, he noted. No, realized; she was not tired. She was rattled. She'd witnessed the strength of a Pure-Blood firsthand for the first time. She had just seen Lupa's Blessing in action. His immortality left her shaky. She hadn't killed him at the house because she'd been enjoying herself too much watching him struggle to hold his own. When he'd fought Sartorius until he couldn't, she'd been laughing more than upset and it had only been this which had kept him alive.

A grizzly bear had amazing stamina, however. So he could not imagine that being unfamiliar with this form might have put such strain on her.

He pricked his ears forward. He snarled softly. She lowered her head, charging. Yami waited a moment. He could see a slight opening there. But he did not know he could seize it. He calculated the odds. And then he narrowed his eyes. He could possibly do it. He might be able to sink his teeth in if he was fast and aimed well.

Yami shifted his weight. His fur rose in a bristle. Likely he'd have one chance to win his fight. He'd have little chance to fight her and survive if it should fail. It was a heavy gamble, but it wasn't one he could afford to pass up, either.

When she charged him again, he did not run. He stood statuesque before her. She was inches from him when he crouched. She aimed her paw. He lunged forward and up. His jaws opened wide. His legs braced to the width of his shoulders. He hit her with precision. But the force was ill-prepared.

And he could not make up for that.

He had waited too long to prepare.

He had not gotten the proper momentum behind his attack.

The attack forced her off balance. She nearly toppled over. A hind paw rose into the air. Her back arched. Her eyes were wide, shocked. Her paws were braced in the air. Her toes were spread, claws hooked in the frozen air. Yami himself was balanced awkwardly on his left hind leg. His tail was raised. His fur was up in a bristle. Every muscle in his body was steeled. His teeth had caught her in the loose skin of her neck, an inch from her jugular.

But he—stretched out and standing like this—was almost the same height as she. His paws were braced against her shoulders. His teeth were caught in her fur. Blood threatened to drown him. The sheer force was like hitting a brick wall. But she tottered, clearly stunned by the bold attack.

His back strained from the position. His right leg landed heavily in the snow. His forelimbs were caught on her hackles. His claws scraped her skin, blood soaking into his paw pads. The position was hard to hold; his muscles quivered from the force of his lunge. Without all four paws to balance his impact with the ground again, his back legs almost faltered.

But she was not all powerful. And if he fell, she'd come down with him. It was the only thing that kept her from rearing up on her back legs as well. Had she done so, Yami was sure he would have been able to keep his stance. But he couldn't have handled it had she been any larger. Had she been so tall as to stand eight feet tall as a male did, he would have been pulled off his feet entirely and lost to the fight.

They were frozen for what felt a lifetime. He tried to sink his teeth in further. He clenched his jaws as hard as he could. He clamped down so roughly that he felt as if he were drowning in her blood.

The blow to his side stunned him. But he did not flinch. His teeth remained firmly clamped. He was tenacious if nothing else. He could keep his grip. He could keep his fangs in her throat. He held stubbornly. Another hit broke his flesh. Fur was tugged away. His blood stunk, hot and heavy in his nostrils. She hit harder.

He swayed. But his footing was not lost. He kept his grip. It was only when she caught his flank and pulled that he lost his grip. His eyes opened wide. His mouth opened wide in a silent scream. The pain made his senses reel. But she swiped at him again. The impact of her paw to his head sent him barreling. He hit the ground, rolling for several feet.

Blood…

There was so much blood.

Yami felt an odd, terrible and familiar instinct inside him. But another part of him said to remain still. Half of him was paralyzed. But it was not a blow to the back. And his belly felt gouged open. He blinked, snow in his eyes for a split second.

But he could hear her moving again. He snarled and struggled for his paws. His legs shook. But they held. He nearly collapsed only once. Then he was standing.

And, to his amazement, he recognized the distorted pain in his gut.

The boars, he thought breathlessly. He blinked. Pain spiraled through his limbs. His vision fractured for a split second. He swore he saw concrete and iron stakes. The smell of pig and musky blood, long spilled and thus dried, suffocated him.

Mirrors bounced back a wobbly image. A shaking canine of bleeding limbs and a body too small to hold its own weight peered at him. Its fur was ragged, the light in its eyes dead and cold.

He almost trembled.

But his body was already healing. He could feel it. His muscles were knitting together again. His stomach was tightening. His intestines were shifting, swelling, and shrinking. He could feel them as they shifted and twisted and churned. And for a moment he kept his head lowered. He breathed in roughly twice, though he was unsure why he was not panting. And then he pricked his ears forward and raised his head again.

Yubel went from panting to snarling. How are you still alive? she screamed. He could see the wound on her lower neck spurting blood. Her back leg was limp where she had balanced on the other three. And her eyes were wild with hatred and perhaps the smallest bit of fear. I just disemboweled you, you little rat!

Yami could barely hear her, however. The roaring his ears had grown to a heavy, steady beating. He shifted his weight to stand straighter. His stomach burned for a moment. And then a sharp and unpleasant tingling began, like ants crawling and biting on his skin. He shook himself out. Blood and clumped fur fell away. And the muscles of his underbelly spread and tightened. It stitched itself together. He could feel a hollow pit in his core. And it felt as if he were put back together again without his organs. The thought almost made him laugh.

He blinked once. He saw tusks and blood and flat, rounded snouts like discs. There were squeals and snarls. His paws felt heavy for a moment. He felt the chain on his neck, heavy and weighted. And his stomach gurgled with the need to be filled. Sand and dried blood was salty against his tongue. And his belly felt laden with the weight of dust and crumbs. Fur clung to his lips.

Yami shook himself again. When he walked forward now, his head was raised. His shoulders were squared. His tail wagged high in the air. His legs carried him with deadly predatory precision. His heart hammered in his chest. His mouth dripped with saliva. He opened his jaws wide, drooling. Blood.

Blood.

Blood.

Yami saw that scrawny little black wolf again. He was dusty and mangled. His organs were splattered near the warped glass. A boar went to feast. And the wolf clamped down—

He sprang at her. Yubel snarled and sneered. She tried to back up but couldn't. He hit the bear in the side. She was sent rolling from the force. Yami leaped, jaws parting wide. He landed on her as she came up again. His teeth locked on her head and she screamed. The roar matched the sound of his heartbeat. He clamped down harder. Claws slashed his sides. His legs grew limp, his body heavy and aching. She panicked, screaming and flailing. He could hear her skull pop, her eye bursting like a grape.

The blood in his mouth was warm and gushing.

She slashed again. He kept his grip, ignoring it. And she flailed hard enough it would have sent anyone else into the air. Yami clung, moving only now to brace a paw at her neck and other eye. His claws sank in and she flailed harder. He snarled. She landed harder, throwing herself onto her back. He was winded but hardly cared. He was used to that.

Yami rolled onto his stomach. He nearly snapped her neck with the force. Then he dragged her back. She managed to stumble. But he refused her footing. He shook his head violently. She was thrown, limp for a moment. But she managed to brace herself just enough in the snow. And he shook harder. She screamed. Her yellow eye blazed at him, covered in blood. The scratches he'd left with his claws were healing rapidly.

She swiped at him. The blow landed solidly on his shoulder. He stared at her. Then he tossed his head again. Her eye reminded him of that single flickering bulb in the warehouse.

Rage bloomed in his chest.

His veins were burning.

He shook her until the bones in his own neck popped. She gasped for air, snarling. The blow to hit him now was enough to stun him. He almost released her. She caught his side, carving into it as if with a knife. And then she flung herself forward. He was unbalanced for a moment.

She sank her teeth into his foreleg. He released her skull. She bit hard enough to break his leg. His teeth aimed with deadly intent for her shoulder. The bear released him when her shoulder cracked beneath the pressure. And then she pushed at his stomach with her adjacent paw. His side was struck, her claws cutting in and clinging to his flesh.

Yami clung for a moment. But he could feel it. She was tunneling a moment later. She was clawing through him. He could feel his organs being tugged. And he felt the hollow husk of his skin and bones as she tried to break him. And, finally, when she almost reached his lungs, he released.

He remembered the tigress. He remembered tunneling until he could find his way out through her shoulders. He'd had her spine in his mouth. He'd held her heart in his maw.

He snarled and turned to face her. The hit he took sent him flying. He landed in a heap and did not move. But he remembered Fuwa, sneering at him when he lay on the ground in a familiar position. He'd been bled almost dry, gutted and tired and blood bubbling in his nostrils.

And he hated it.

Some part of him swelled with anger. The other swelled with exhaustion.

Despair nipped at his insides.

He struggled to smother it. What was he meant to do now? Yugi was still with Ishizu, wherever she was. He could hear her pleading with him not to give up. He didn't understand what that meant. But he could hear her doing so. And Yugi answered in that same quiet, determined voice he always did. He told her to stop talking and simply hang on so he could help her.

She must have been trying to speak her last words. She must have been trying to tell him goodbye. And Yugi was trying to make her stop. He was trying to help her. And her focus being so intently on speaking to him was wasting her energy.

Yami pushed himself unsteadily to his paws. His body ached everywhere. He was trying to heal. But it was not working.

He lifted his head slightly. When had this last happened? How many times had this happened before? How many times had he been gutted? How many times had he been overpowered by an animal more vicious than himself? How often had the boars ripped him to shreds? And how often had he healed?

He dragged himself to a steadier stance, one leg braced beneath the other. And then he breathed in raggedly. He could see movement in the corner of his eye. And it took him a moment to stop himself. Instinct said to turn on it. It said to snap his teeth and bite into flesh and kill as violently as possible.

But Yubel was in front of him. And she was still wiping at the blood dripping into her eye. She was trying to shake her wounds, to heal herself. And he realized the wolf in the corner of his gaze was Jonouchi. He had gotten up, was staring at him with a horrified expression.

Kill her! Jonouchi blurted out. He was bristling, shaking on his weakened limbs. Yami did not look towards him. He kept his eyes on the hellhound. She snarled hatefully. But she was still blind for the moment.

She could not see past the blood falling into her eye. The other side of her face was mutilated. Her skull was crushed inward, her cheekbone shattered. Blood oozed from her eye socket. And her entire body seemed to be held there, shaky and bleeding and statuesque.

Fuck, Yami, kill her!

But he could not move. His insides burned. And his bones felt as if they might shatter at any moment. Yami lowered his head again. Blood coated every part of his face. He could feel a dull, terrible all too familiar ache in his jaws. And he knew the bone was broken. The hit he'd taken…

Yami almost trembled, blood roaring in his ears once more.

He forced himself to take another step. But he could not stand any longer. And he found himself collapsing. The black wolf lay there a long minute. He watched her, eyes open and staring. But he soon lost the strength to do even this. He closed his eyes and put his chin to his paws.

Yami was shaking. Pain burst through his system. Every muscle in his body was burning. He swore his body was all but broken. He breathed roughly, closing his eyes tightly.

And, for a few minutes, he was okay. But he almost did not hear her move. And it took him a moment to so much as raise his head. She charged him. Yami stared back at her blankly.

She'd kill him. But she had best heed his directions and flee the moment she did. He would rip her to pieces when he came back. He'd almost killed Fuwa. He'd almost killed Marik. He'd almost killed Yugi.

And, if he could almost kill Yugi, who was she to him?

He got to his paws. She hit him violently. He landed on his side, bleeding. He couldn't breathe for a minute or two. His stomach rolled and he forced down the bile in the back of his throat. He blinked, but he couldn't see anything but snow. And he could hear her approaching again, even as she snarled and slavered and spat at him. She came to his side, a paw put on his flank. He felt as if his entire body were breaking beneath the pressure of her weight. And then her head lowered and her jaws opened wide.

Her breath was hot and heavy. And she snarled as she looked down at him with a bloodied golden eye. You think you can kill me? You think you can do this to me? You honestly think you can do this to me and not be punished for it? Fuck you, little Pure-Blood! she roared. Yami thought her voice cracked for a split second. But he could not tell if it was with hatred or fear or despair. You are not Atem! You have no right to fight me!

Yami gasped for air. And the paw pressed harder than ever. His spine snapped. He peered up at her, fascinated and horrified. A wet, sloppy noise came forward as if she had pushed her paw through one of his organs. The thought was terrifying, yet overwhelming. And, yet, he found it oddly amazing as well.

You little bastard. I'll show you who you're dealing with! I'm the thing of your fucking nightmares, you piece of shit! she continued. She snarled and lowered her head to his, spitting at him. And when I rip your throat out, I'll drag your broken carcass to your little lover boy and he can see right before I—

Yami was not sure how or when he moved. He only knew that he had. He had twisted. And he'd clamped down on her face again. His teeth were buried in her skull. And she screamed, seething. She backpedaled, dragging him. And she tried to shake him off again. But his instincts overrode his common sense. And where the wolf usually spoke of caution and to simply lay and wait for death to come, now it screamed to protect Yugi. She had threatened him.

And he could not allow such a thing.

She shook him only a few minutes later. Yami collapsed dully. She was snarling, screaming. The wolf blinked, eyes dull and sight almost nonexistent. Spots had begun to form in his vision. And he realized only as he glared at him what had happened. She had bitten him. She was salivating heavily, the toxin in her drool burning the air. It coated him, soaking his flesh and seemingly seeping through his skin. He blinked at her. And she glared at him, an almost hungry and hateful expression in her eye.

The first seizure hit him like a train. He jerked. His legs flailed. He kicked. His back arched.

He was winded.

But it lasted only a second.

Yubel loomed over him. Yami blinked blind eyes. He could not breathe. And the bear peered down at him. They stared for only a brief moment. The canine peeled his lips back to show his teeth. He blinked lazily. She sneered, golden eye glowing and seemingly pulsating with power.

Do you think it's true that the blood of a Pure-Blood wolf is capable of healing any wound? she laughed abruptly. Her mouth opened wide. Yami felt her saliva drip onto his shoulder, burning viciously into his flesh. I've heard so many stories about it. Do you think it's possible? If I drink your blood, do you think it will heal me?

My…blood? he whispered. He remembered feeding his cage mate his blood. He remembered holding his head to his wrist so forcefully. He remembered almost fainting when he'd torn into his flesh almost to the bone in his feral state. He remembered how he'd settled soon after, healing from what should have killed him. And he blinked, almost laughing as pain struck through him. He sneered, Why don't you try?

She bit into his shoulder. But Yami was not sure he even felt it. There was some kind of bleak numbness in his nerves now. And he could not move. He could not shake her. He could do nothing but feel a terrible burning rip through him. And it made him almost scream. But it was the feeling of something being drawn form him that almost overwhelmed him.

He felt as if she were drawing from him any hope he still possessed. And he wondered if his body would simply rot where he lay. He was failing. And the gods did not accept failure. He knew that. Maybe this time they would simply let him die permanently. Perhaps they would punish him now, as Yubel herself was so desperate to do.

But whatever result she'd expected was far from received.

She pulled away from him, bellowing hatefully. The worthless gods! They chose you over me?!

Yami had only a second to understand. Then he spiraled through the air. He hit the ground in a broken heap. His legs would not move. His body refused to obey him. Not even his fur would twitch. He could not even blink. He could not think straight. His head reeled. And, finally, as if beckoned, she came for him again.

Yami tried to raise his head. He tried to turn his head.

But all he could see of her was a long shadow. A snarl ripped through the air. His vision was blurry and dizzy. But he realized he knew what it was.

Something was blocking her from him.

It was a large canine of some kind. The tail looked almost broken, twisted at the tip. It was huge, fluffy and dark against the snow. The canine stared at the bear without fear, he realized.

The grizzly had halted. Yami struggled, raising his head. He couldn't breathe. His body ached. His blood burned. His heart nearly burst in his chest, thundering behind his ribs. He wished to sob. The pain was so great that it almost seemed to aspire to kill him.

And then Yubel turned and fled.

Whatever had been said to the she-wolf was nothing Yami was privy to. But it had been enough to scare her off. The dog in front of him dropped its tail. Its head, large and bushy with heavy cheeks, turned to him slowly. A pair of brilliant golden eyes peered at him. The pricked ears flicked once. The coat was flawless, long and flowing and shiny. The canine blinked once, then leaped over him to take off.

Chazz and Zane dashed forward and past him, giving a rather weak chase. They were limping too hard to truly gain any ground on the other canine.

Yami felt a ripple pass through him. His entire form shook. He thrashed. His breathing caught and choked. His head was spinning.

Yami?! a voice called. But it sounded far away. He blinked. He struggled to focus. But his head was ringing. His senses were burning. He flailed. The spots in his eyes grew immense and hideous. The blackness seemed to pool and expand and—

He felt someone—something—grab him. But he could not breathe. His body thrashed. He smelled blood. His eyes were useless. His sense of touch had dissipated. He gasped for air, but could gather none. His lungs felt as if they might burst. But they were empty, collapsed in on themselves. His mouth was open, broken. He felt the ice against his tongue even as the muscle grew increasingly numb. He could only hear his blood in his ears now. And for a moment it remained that way.

But he heard a softer, broken voice whisper, Yami? Oh, Yami…

He strained to hear it again, but it was as if it were a distant memory of some kind. He could hear only his name repeated once, and then seemingly nothing. He could see past what seemed like bursting stars before his eyes. He thrashed again, gasping and choking. The blood was thick and caked to his tongue. Bile scorched a path up the back of his throat. He swallowed, gurgling. His body arched, tossing, and he swore he flipped upon the ground.

He watched the canine go through another spasm. His entire body shook. The heat burned his nose. The wolf tried to breathe, gasped, shook, and then flailed once more. His back arched and his back legs jerked in a sporadic motion. Finally, he tore his eyes away and turned to the other two wolves, hissing, Go check on the others. Make sure they're okay. I can deal with this.

But he… Jonouchi looked as if he were going to be ill. He couldn't even look away from the Pure-Blood writhing on the ground in front of him. Beside him Honda was shaking, horrified. I mean, she… They… Yugi, he… He isn't going to die…is he?

Yami shook his head slowly. No, I can fix this. I can reverse it. He looked to his friends with a tilt of his head, blinking. Go. I can't do this if you're here with me. I don't want you to see this. And I don't want him to feel threatened if he senses you here when he comes back.

Is it that bad?

No, I don't want you to watch the thrashing anymore. I don't want you to watch Yami like this anymore. I… He shook his head again. And then he bit at them. He snapped his teeth an inch from Jonouchi's face. They both flinched and Honda finally looked up. Both of them stared for a moment, then made to move past him and out of the den. Jonouchi paused, however, to glance over his shoulder before leaving. Honda, on the other hand, ran as if his tail were on fire and didn't look back even once.

Yugi turned back, somewhat relieved to be alone once more. Yami's breathing was putrid, his exhales smelling of stale decay and dried blood. Blood had begun to dribble from his jaws now, soaking the ground.

Oh, aibou…

It took a few more minutes for Yami to begin to truly pass away. His body began to grow slack. And his eyes were half-closed. The tension in his body became nonexistent. Then he began to slowly but surely grow still. Yugi could not hear the gentle bubbling of his blood in his veins. The internal bleeding seemed to falter. And he could see the pulsing of his exposed stomach slowing and nearly fading. He picked his way over to his side, eyes on the darker wolf. Yugi watched him shudder. And then he lowered his mouth.

He breathed roughly against his cheek, licked his ear once, and then chomped his teeth. The reaction was instant. Yami's eyes, wild and dilated, snapped open. His jaw stretched wide. He turned his teeth.

Despite his state of physical illness and exhaustion, he aimed precisely. His teeth clamped shut in Yugi's throat, missing his jugular by mere inches. Yugi shivered, holding still. Yami kept his jaw clenched as if he might try to shake him off.

Yugi kept his head angled downward. His throat remained more or less motionless in place of the black wolf. The strain of the other canine's weight on his neck was enough to make him almost collapse. He felt shaky, odd and estranged to his own balance. He felt sick and weak. And his stomach rolled as he struggled to think straight. And then Yami abruptly let go.

He fell back, gasping for air. There he lay in an almost statuesque position. And then he began to breathe regularly once more. Yugi closed his eyes, ears pricked. He almost fell again, but instead he opened his eyes and focused on Yami once more. He turned his head to look at him. The red eye he could see was locked on him.

Yugi almost laughed with relief. He waited for his neck to heal, then turned to him with a shaky smile. Hey, aibou, he managed, somewhere between a whisper and a murmur. He felt more exhausted than ever as he peered down at him. But he wagged his tail slowly and Yami blinked back at him. Glad to see you awake and no longer shaking like that.

The black wolf stared at him blankly. And then he blinked and his eyes seemed to roll up into the back of his head for a moment. He shivered once, then shifted his weight. Yugi saw his stomach, smooth and pale for the most part. He had pale gray hairs forming already, as if to somehow shield his flesh. Yami rolled his back legs to brace at his flanks, then pulled himself awkwardly up. He stumbled forward, eyes on the ground, and shook himself out.

You healed me?

Yugi opened his jaws in a wide grin, wagging his tail. I did. I decided to let you have some of my blood. He hesitated when he saw the anger in the other wolf's face. But Yami did not speak to object to the statement.

Instead he was quiet for a long time. He didn't immediately tell him that he shouldn't have done that. And for a split second Yugi was fearful this would be the next argument they might have. He was tired and he knew Yami was as well. He didn't want him to get further hurt in arguing and exhausting himself more than he already was.

Ishizu is dead?

Yugi startled, tail dropping in surprise. He didn't know why he'd chosen this of all things to be the topic of their discussion at the moment. But he nodded. Barbara led Yubel here. Ishizu was cornered and being tortured by a few hellhounds and I came in here to help her. She was already dying by the time I got here. But she managed to hold on a few more minutes in order to tell me something I needed to know.

And that would be?

It doesn't matter. Not for you, anyways. It matters for me. But it doesn't matter for you, he said softly. He shook his head when Yami turned to him with a suspicious glance. He wagged his tail and smiled at him, but now he felt heavy and burdened by the glare in his friend's eyes. Don't worry, aibou. It was just something I really needed.

Yami nodded curtly, passing him and leaving the den. He was limping. Yugi hurried after him. Yami looked exhausted. And Yugi wished for a moment he could have said something to slow him down, to make him stop and wait. But the black canine, he knew, would not do so.

He knew for a fact that his alpha would not stop and listen to him should they argue. The black wolf would likely fight with him over it all later. He would argue with him relentlessly should they get to that point.

He shivered, watching him. But the darker canine did nothing to speak any further. And, so, Yugi narrowed his eyes and kept his attention on his face a moment or so longer. But the action was cut short. And he bristled in annoyance even as relief flooded him when Yusei came running over. The yearling was covered in blood, his entire front soaked and part of his right side as well. The gray wolf came to a stop in front of them, panting. He looked shaky and exhausted. But he was walking and running fine. He almost looked as if he were not injured in the slightest.

Are you both okay? he demanded. He stopped and shook himself out, panting visibly. His eyes were wide and dilated and his legs seemed to tremble beneath his weight. I didn't even know you guys were here. Chazz said that Yami and Yubel had fought and he wasn't sure if Yami was still alive. He said something about her beating him half to death and…

Yugi shook his head. He came back to life, he said softly. Yusei turned to Yami with a somewhat horrified expression, but Yami ignored them both pointedly now. Yugi looked between them for a moment, then turned to Yusei. But he's fine, as you can see. You can even tell Chazz that if you want. He's perfectly fine now.

The yearling looked chastised, shaking his head slightly. I…I don't know where he is. We all went separate ways when Yubel fled. Sartorius called for a retreat and all of them fled. Chazz and Zane chased a few stragglers and Jack killed a couple of other ones that were close enough. I haven't seen them sine they fled. He was quiet for a moment. His eyes lowered to the snow. I don't understand why she ran…

She knew if I came back to life and she was around me, I would kill her. She ran because of that. But Yugi swore he saw something in his eyes that contradicted the statement. There was something in his voice, even, and it made him bristle with surprise. Yami turned pointedly to the yearling again. Join me. We'll patrol once around the camp. We'll have to be quick enough not to draw too much attention. I do not want to speak to anyone at the moment.

Yusei dipped his head, looking awkwardly over to Yugi, and then hurried after the limping wolf as Yami took off without a second look. Yugi watched them go, flustered but not the least bit surprised. And then he turned away again as well. A part of him resented Yami for running like that. But another was relieved. At least now he did not directly feel his anger. And now Yami could not feel and feed from his growing anger as well. They could not fight like this. Yami would be away from him and he would be fine…

Everything seems to be secure around the camp…

Yugi turned his head. Aki and Zane were limping over to him. The she-wolf had matted clumps of fur and knots of blood along her sides. She was breathing hard, Zane limping heavily at her side. They came to a stop several feet away from him, as if afraid to come any closer. She looked exhausted, proving him right seconds later when she almost collapsed before slowly lowering herself to a lying position. She panted heavily, muzzle tipped towards the snow and eyes squeezed tightly shut.

Is he all right?

Yugi didn't have to ask who Zane was referring to. He was too tired to pretend that he himself wasn't worried about Yami's health as well. He's fine. He's healed up.

She eviscerated him.

He's a Pure-Blood. He's fine, Yugi dismissed almost forcefully. His eyes shot to where his beta and Yusei had wandered off. But it was not because he thought they might still be visible. It was because Jonouchi was limping over to them now. The blond wolf looked at him with something between relief and anger. He'll recover perfectly soon enough. But for right now he's mobile and running with Yusei to, I assume, take inventory of the deaths.

Zane stiffened for a moment. Then he shook himself out. Aki lowered her chin to her paws, wrinkling her nose. For a moment neither of them moved. And then Zane shook himself out and wandered away. Yugi noticed then that Chazz was stumbling over, exhausted and struggling to keep his footing. But he still dipped his head to Zane as respectfully as he could and turned to Yugi. The question was clear in his eyes, his expression one of clear concern and disbelief.

He's okay?! Jonouchi demanded, ignoring the younger wolf as Yugi glanced at him sideways. And then, abruptly, as Chazz went to echo his question, the golden-furred wolf growled, You didn't have that when we left him with you in the den.

Yugi shook his head, choosing not to feign ignorance of the accusation. He had no reason to pretend he did not know what Jonouchi was referring to; he didn't think he cared enough to, in fact. He felt exhausted and he didn't want to waste more time than he already had. Arguments were nothing he cared for at the moment; Jonouchi could spit at him if he wanted. I made him bite me.

What? Why?!

It was easier to get him to bite me if I triggered him to attack me when he was busy coming back. And the only way I knew how to give him blood like this was to have him bite me. Yugi looked around. A couple of wolves were resting, panting and tired but still checking on one another. He turned back to Jonouchi when he saw Shay and Yuya checking on Nistro, the larger male shaking them off with a wag of his tail. I'd have to have changed back and tried to hold him down and bleed myself. He wouldn't do it on his own.

Jonouchi stared at him. And giving him blood…?

Triggered his healing and helped him fight off the poison in his blood. Yugi was quiet for a long moment. He could see the shadows crossing through his best friend's eyes. His stomach knotted as they looked at one another. And then those brown eyes turned cold and harsh. Yugi shook his head and bore his teeth. It wouldn't have worked on Anzu, all right?! It wouldn't! Blood transfusions aren't possible between lycanthropes and hellhounds. It's impossible. The cells all attack and kill each other and all of it gets treated as dangerous and it'll kill the host painfully, okay? I would have just made her death that much worse.

Jonouchi stared at him, curling his lip back. And you know that for sure?

Yugi blinked. What?

You know that for sure? Who told you that?

He stayed silent for a moment. Jonouchi never ceased glaring as Yugi struggled to find the words. Then he snorted, bristling and shaking his head. Who told me that? Really, you're planning to tell me that you're paranoid enough to believe that Yami lies to me about everything? Even something as small and inconsequential as that?

Inconsequential? This is Anzu we're—

At the time that he told me, the knowledge was inconsequential. He thought I had a thing for Valon…for whatever reason. Yugi snorted and fell quiet again. He looked away after a moment, fighting back the wave of fury that came with eye contact. Anyways, when he told me, it was inconsequential. But you've seen what hellhound saliva can do to a lycanthrope! If just the saliva can do that, imagine what a fucking blood transfusion would do!

Jonouchi shook his head sharply. I'm glad he's okay, he finally said stiffly. He looked away and flicked his tongue over his nose, eyes narrowing faintly. I just wanted to know if he was okay.

Yugi deflated, anger gone in an instant. He looked over again, heart aching. He's fine—or he will be, anyways. For now he's up and walking around. He's talking and he's coherent. That's a pretty big improvement from the last time something like this happened.

Jonouchi nodded. Then he turned to look over his shoulder. Yugi looked as well, expecting for only a moment to see Yami and Yusei. But instead he caught sight of Syrus. The yearling was badly shaking, covered in wounds, but he looked happy with himself. He looked as if he were proud of what he had managed in his own fight. Yugi almost laughed, pleased and so relieved that he was almost shaking. Then he looked away, ashamed for a moment to even consider such a response.

You can either come with me or help someone else. I don't care. I need to see who might be too hurt to make it back, he mumbled, moving past Jonouchi without a glance. He trotted forward, only mildly surprised when his friend followed suit. He wondered briefly if he meant to follow him so he could find Yami and check on him, but the thought did not last. Jonouchi would also want to find Honda, no doubt, just to make sure his friend was okay as well. Yugi shook himself out and pricked his ears forward. We'll take inventory of who didn't make it and check to make sure that everyone is okay and healing after.

How bad do you think the damage is?

Bad, he answered shortly. They trotted a few more feet before Yugi looked sideways towards him. I don't know how else to say it. But I have a feeling this isn't going to be a pretty sight at all. I'm hoping she took a harder hit than we did. But I do not know for sure.

Jonouchi nodded at him but they didn't speak again. Yugi was relieved, giving him no room to answer in order to keep himself from growing further frustrated. The smell of blood and rot was heavy in his nose, trying and failing to suffocate him. Pain made his neck burn with a pulsing touch. He faltered, stomach rolling.

Severed flesh lay about the ice, clumps of red and black or gray and silver. Yugi picked his way across the clearing slowly, ears pricked and eyes narrowed. His nose worked again. The ice was crushed from all of the various fights. And, as he picked his way through the snow, his stomach churned harder than ever.

There was a lean form in the snow. The paws were spread, bones broken along the joints. All four of them were cut and grotesque, almost pulled from the limbs entirely. They'd been gutted and their throat ripped out. Their shoulder was shattered. Their flank was exposed and the fur tugged forcefully. But he could see the fur in its mouth, between its teeth.

They'd fought hard to slow down one or more of the hounds. Yugi shivered, shaking himself out, and looked away for a brief moment.

He recognized the smell on his corpse. He could never forget the hard smell of ivy leaves and nightshade, of rotting flesh and limbs bitten by frost.

Otogi had gone up against Sartorius.

And he had lost.

Yugi pressed his nose into his cheek, wishing for a moment that he had some words to say in apology. But he was exhausted upon seeing him. He turned to move away, glancing back at him from his peripheral. He only looked away when he heard the sound of two other wolves approaching. Instantly he raised and turned his head, bristling for only a second.

Yusei was limping heavily. He was panting, blue eyes full of exhaustion and pain. But Yami beside him was all but running. He did not seem to be limping, his movements smooth and quick. Yugi almost collapsed, relieved by the sight.

He wagged his tail slightly, but neither of the two newcomer wolves so much as glanced at him. Yami outright ignored it, but Yusei didn't seem to see it. The black wolf strode towards them without a care, eyes cold and distant.

The hellhounds are long gone. I suppose they all fled when Yubel did.

Well, Yubel ran and then Sartorius saw her and called for a retreat, Yusei explained quietly in response. He flicked his ears when the three of them turned to him in surprise. The yearling looked flustered as he continued, eyes lowered to the snow. He spotted her running and ordered for them to flee. We got a few of them but most of them managed to escape. I mean…

Yami flicked an ear. I would not have expected less. I would have been more surprised if you had said otherwise, he answered dismissively. He looked down, peeling his lips back as his eyes grew wider with surprise. He bristled briefly, then flicked his tongue over his nose. It looks as if they truly did a number on him.

Smells like Sartorius, Yugi corrected him quietly.

Yami looked slowly over to him again. His eyes were glazed over, but Yugi did not know if it was with pain or if it was a shadow of his memories passing through his mind. Sartorius? he said so softly that Yugi strained his ears to understand the word. The name sounded almost nonexistent, trickling almost into oblivion. And then his red eyes narrowed, sharpening like knives, and his teeth were bared. Sartorius did this?

You say that like he didn't almost gut you at the house, too, Jonouchi grumbled. He flinched backward when Yami's teeth chomped a millimeter from his face. Yugi carefully moved himself between the two of them, staring at Yami. But the black wolf turned away again almost immediately, tongue passing over his nose several times in a display of fearful aggression.

How many deaths? Yami finally snarled. Do we have a number?

We haven't gotten that far. I assumed you two were doing that.

No, I wanted to make sure the hellhounds were gone before I did anything else. Yami peered at him for a moment, shook himself out, and lowered his eyes to the snow. I did not want to say it was safe should there still be hellhounds in the camp or the woods. We'll have to check and make sure they're gone from the territory before the night is over.

You think they're still here? Yugi asked carefully, studying his face. Yami looked as if he were miles away, mind on things that he didn't know how to express. He almost looked feral, in truth, but there was no anger to accompany such a state. Yugi considered this for a moment, then continued quietly once more. Everyone is either hurt or tired. I don't think we could gather enough wolves for a patrol.

We will have to manage it, Yami snarled, turning on him fiercely. We cannot afford to let them stay nearby without our knowledge. Yubel had to have been close. She had to have been waiting for Barbara to come to her to lead her to the camp. We were never far from here and she was not gone for more than an hour.

I'm aware, Yugi answered, shaking and tilting his head. But I don't know who else is even slightly healthy enough to patrol. There's really only you and me who might be able to. I don't think anyone else is going to be capable. And we'd only prolong their recovery time and hurt them if we make them.

Yami stared at him blankly. Then he narrowed his gaze and scoffed, Then, should we have to, you and I will do it ourselves. We can both split up and—

Yugi let out such a harsh laugh that Yami flinched at the sound. His red eyes were wide, startled, and his tongue flicked fearfully over his nose again. Yugi bore his teeth, stepping closer and raising his tail. No, you and I will not do that. We will not split up. You're a fucking idiot if you think for even a second that I'm letting you go anywhere on your own right now. Are you fucking kidding me? You just fought Yubel and you just came back to life. Fuck you if you think you're going anywhere alone.

Jonouchi had turned away, ears flattened against his head and face averted. Yusei was lowered to the ground, eyes averted and chin on his paws. He was shaking, but Yugi ignored this. And Yami merely stared at him in turn, clearly stunned by his outburst. For a long handful of minutes there was only silence between the four of them.

Then…what do you propose we do?

If it comes down to it, we take that risk. Yugi ignored it when Jonouchi bristled and turned to him with a horrified look. He ignored it when Yusei blinked, visibly stunned by his words. They stared at one another. He shook his head sharply and Yami looked away with a huff a few minutes later. We turn the other way to checking the territory. I hate to break it to you, Yami, but the territory is huge. There's no way that either of us could do this. There's no way that we could do that alone.

We could. It would just take some effort.

You can hardly walk on your own. What makes you think you can run? Yugi sneered before he could stop himself. He flinched at his own tone, and Yami glared at him from the corner of his eye. For a long second they stared at each other. Then Yugi leaned forward to lick his nose. The black canine hesitated, still furious, but eventually lowered his head and looked to the snow again. Yugi laid his chin on his forehead. I didn't mean it like that, aibou. I meant that you need to recover before we could do something like that. I can't risk you getting worse off, you know that. And I…just… You can't run around like this. You're not at your best. You're limping. And you don't look like you can push yourself hard enough to do that. And what if she's there? What if she's waiting out there?

Yami stayed silent for a long handful of minutes. Then he looked at him, eyes sharp and cold and glittering. He shook his head slowly, wrinkling his nose as he turned away and bore his teeth. Then I suggest we simply hide away for the night. The cave behind the waterfall should still be large enough for the wolves. And it is not so impossible that we cannot defend it. The healthiest will lay closest to the entrance and then they can hold vigil for the better part of the night. We can switch shifts and keep an eye on any hounds that might be lingering nearby. It'll be simple enough, but it'll remain effective.

Yugi tilted his head, watching him. Then he nodded. Right. We can do that for the night. The tunnel entrance is too small for any more than one wolf to come in at a time. That'll keep all of the hounds slowed down and having so many wolves in the cave will make it almost impossible for them to come through the water.

Yami nodded in turn. Yes, he mumbled. He shook himself out again. That would be the best way to neutralize any threats. And it will make it easier for all of us to watch the wounded wolves. We can keep an eye on them if anything should happen.

Right. He turned to Yusei. I want you to tell the others that we are all gathering in the cavern tonight. Have the wounded move in first. They will be situated towards the center and the healthiest will be on the outsides.

Yami thought of deer herds. They did the same. The wounded and youngest were kept towards the middle. The bucks often ran the edges, towards the front and flanks. Older females ran the inner ring between the two variants. The weakest were caught and killed, be it older or younger. He remembered bison doing similarly, but they were more likely to turn and rush at a wolf than simply run.

He almost snarled at the thought. The boars flashed through his mind for a split second. He remembered all too well how easily those teeth had cut through his flesh.

It's the best formation for protection, he acknowledged as Jonouchi and Yugi shot him slightly puzzled looks. He realized they'd seen the image of boars as well. And he did not care enough to pretend otherwise. We'll join you in a few minutes. Go ahead and tell the others.

The gray yearling frowned slightly, watching them, and finally turned to limp away. Yugi watched him go and Yami studied his face as the white wolf waited until he was out of sight. Then his blue-violet eyes slowly focused on him as well. The two of them studied each other for a long handful of seconds. Yugi moved forward, ran his tongue over his nose, and looked to Jonouchi.

We have a couple of things we need to discuss before we go to the cave. Go ahead and help Yusei get the others settled in there, Yugi instructed quietly. Yami watched him a few seconds longer, then turned away as Jonouchi reluctantly began to leave. The golden-furred wolf hesitated beside him for a moment, just long enough to mumble, Glad to see you're okay before taking off and leaving Yami and Yugi to stare at each other.

So, you fought Yubel.

Yami pricked his ears forward, then scoffed. Are we going to start with this? He shook his head and narrowed his eyes into slits. Are you really going to start in on my fighting her? Jonouchi and Honda are lucky I stepped in. They'd both be dead otherwise. So would Declan and Chazz and Zane, actually. So, what would you like to say?

Yugi looked away, shaking his head and peering at him. She killed you.

I'm alive now, the black wolf snapped, voice bordering bitterness, and living is just as painful in and of itself. I do not know why you try so hard to pretend you are capable of preventing me being hurt. It will happen regardless. You know that. I can't stop them from hurting you and you can't stop them from hurting me. All either of us can do is attempt to intervene and—

You tried to stop her getting to me? Yugi cut in, tilting his head and staring at him more pointedly. He blinked again, shaking his head and studying his expression when Yami refused to answer. Did you really do that just to stop her from getting to me?

She'd have killed you. Yami turned away with a huff. He shook his head, glancing at Yugi from the corner of his eye. You would have gotten yourself killed if you were to cross paths with her.

Yugi hesitated. Ishizu told me the same thing. She showed me what would have happened if I went out to find her when she passed away. I mostly just saw you. He looked at him for a long handful of seconds. You would have gone into a feral state. I saw you killing her and then half of the others before you left the camp. She didn't show me much else but for when you got caught by one of the underground…err…workers, I guess.

Yami blinked at him. Nothing else?

Yugi shook his head, watching him closely. Nothing else.

The black wolf eyed him for a long handful of minutes. Then he sighed, turning away entirely. All right, he said, though he was sure his frustration was noticeable in his voice. He shook his head and moved to turn around. But Yugi bumped abruptly into his hip, a gentle tap of his shoulder against his leg.

Yami would have usually spun around with a snarl, spitting and foaming at the mouth. Instead, too tired and knowing it was Yugi, he turned to him with a curious expression. The smaller wolf watched him for a moment, then wagged his tail awkwardly as he came forward a few steps to get to his side.

Are you all right? the white wolf commented softly. He looked uncomfortable as he nuzzled his cheek, his tongue running over his face. Yami let him do this, ignoring the way Yugi leaned into him so that their flanks pressed lightly against each other. I mean, I know you're tired and everything, aibou, but…are you okay past that? Are you okay besides exhaustion? Does anything else still hurt? I know I pissed you off, but is there anything else wrong?

Yami blinked, slightly shaken by his concern. He did not understand why it surprised him any longer. He should have been used to it. Yugi worried about him so often that it was frustrating. Yet, somehow, each time it still managed to surprise him. It rattled him all the same, as if he had been waiting to find the emotion to be false and nonexistent. He lowered his head and pricked his ears forward.

There was so much blood on the snow that angling his head down as he had made his nose almost burn from the sudden intake of the metallic stench. He blinked, looking to Yugi again. No, I don't believe anything else is wrong. You have rather eloquently summed up my status, he said quietly.

I'm sorry for upsetting you, he murmured, licking his face. He wagged his tail and his blue-violet eyes grew bright. But you know I would never have wanted you to cross paths with her. She's dangerous and…

And yet somehow you seem to be insinuating that I am not.

You weren't the one who watched you go through your seizures. It's terrifying, Yami. I thought you wouldn't recover. And I don't think I could survive that a second time. He tilted his head and closed his eyes halfway. I know you're mad that I made you attack me, but…I couldn't handle it if you didn't make it out okay when I had a solution and it did not require me turning human.

Yami nodded after a moment. It would have been inconvenient had you changed back.

Yugi searched his face. Right. And that's why I just…made you attack me instead. I'm sorry for that, though. I know you wouldn't have agreed to it otherwise, but it was necessary. He shook his head after a moment. He didn't know how he was supposed to phrase the statement he wanted to make. He didn't know how he was supposed to say it without it sounding demanding towards Yami in one way or another. But if he said it didn't matter as much because he was the one who had been bitten, he felt he was telling Yami that his discomfort and guilt in the manner was inconsequential. He seemed as if he were telling him his side of the equation did not matter.

I would have done the same, Yami finally mumbled. I cannot judge you for that when I would have done the same.

Your cage mate, he said quietly, uncertainly, as Yami turned to him with sharpened eyes, and I were talking about the phenobarbital incident after Yubel attacked us in the woods. I mean, that's really all we've ever done with it. But I wanted to say I understand why you got so upset. It took him laying it out a bit more bluntly than I'm used to, but I understand now. And I'm really sorry for doing that.

Yami fell silent. His eyes were slightly glazed. Then he looked at him again, eyes sharp and clear and glittering like sheets of ice. Why are you bringing this up? he said quietly, voice sharp and scathing. Because you did something I didn't like at the time and today forced me to do something I did not wish to?

Yugi flinched. Y-yeah.

He nodded dismissively and turned away. You're already forgiven, he said listlessly, trotting forward and ignoring him even as Yugi hurried to catch up with him. He got to his side, turning to him and searching his face for a moment.

Just like that? He couldn't help how amazed and bewildered he sounded at the moment. He almost stumbled when Yami blinked at him in surprise at the question. I mean, I just… I'm not used to being forgiven so easily. I…I'm not used to being forgiven for overstepping and having someone hold a grudge about it.

Yami was silent for a moment. If it had not been for the fact that I understood why you did that, I would not have forgiven you so easily, he answered coldly. But I could understand and I likely would have done the same had it come down to it. I might have waited longer than you did, but I would have eventually done it.

Yugi faltered. Oh.

And, besides, who am I to deny you forgiveness when you show me so much already? Yami mumbled, turning away and moving past him. Yugi noticed he was limping now, as if having stayed in place for too long had made his limbs ache and his muscles tight. I would be taking advantage of my friendship with you if I were to do that.

Yugi flinched and flattened his ears against his head. I didn't tell you because I…I was planning to tell you after the fight was over.

Yami stopped now. He was stiff-limbed and so still he was statuesque. Slowly he turned his head to look at him over his shoulder, eyes burning with a sense of blank amazement. In order to keep me here? To make me fight for you? His voice was stunned and hateful, guttural as if he were speaking through his teeth. Because you were afraid I would run?

Of course not! Yugi spat. Yami looked so skeptical it made his skin crawl. Because when this is all finally over, you'll have a choice! You'll be able to choose whether you want to stay with me or go elsewhere! You can leave here and not feel like you have to stay to help me anymore. That was the only reason I wasn't planning to tell you right away. I would never have…

Yami shook his head violently, as if he were struggling to scatter his thoughts. And for a brief moment Yugi swore the hatred in his tone had bled to his eyes, but it passed when he blinked. The black wolf shook himself out and his entire body relaxed, all but sagging with his exhaustion. I shouldn't have accused you of that, he said finally, turning away again, but I am used to being used for whatever purpose someone else has in store for me. Do you know how hard it is to genuinely believe it when someone says they want what is best for me? I've only ever had you and my cage mate say such a thing to me. And it still kills me sometimes when I hear those words.

Yugi felt a small splash of ice in his stomach before he picked up the pace to get to his side again. I know. And I'm sorry that you always feel that way.

It doesn't matter anymore. I'm okay. I'm alive. I'm still here.

Yugi flinched again, the thought rattling him how much he despised this very fact in and of itself. Yugi shivered, shaking himself out to cover it when Yami shot him a sideways glance. I, um, I'm…I'm really happy that you're okay. I mean, I know that you don't…really feel the same way, but I…I am.

Yami blinked at him, considering for a moment how to respond. But where he seemed prepared to answer he abruptly turned away again, ears pricked and eyes narrowed. He moved past Yugi in a steady gait, ignoring him when he hurried to his side again. He refused to so much as look in his direction now. Yugi sighed and settled for simply remaining at his side rather than trying to get any closer to him.

They settled into the cave an hour later. The water was a heavy roar and the wolves were all close enough that they shared body heat. The wounded rested in the middle and Yami and Yugi took the spots closest to the ledge to listen for danger. Yami had fallen asleep soon after settling, however, and Yugi had taken the opportunity to climb atop the ledge and sit awkwardly on the stone. His ears were pricked, listening, and his eyes were on the main body of the wolves. He still had no true judge of who was hurt worst. But he knew that Honda and Chazz were two of them. And, in the grand scheme of things, Yami was only mildly physically wounded in comparison to a lot of them.

That thought was more comforting than Yugi knew to put into words.

Yugi sat up when he heard the sound of rustling. He turned immediately towards the thorny entrance, bristling, but settled when the noise echoed dully for a split second around them. It was a breeze, he realized a moment later, and some snow thudding to the ground after sliding from a tree's branches.

He turned back to the pack where they rested beneath him. A couple of the wolves had woken from the noise as well, but most of them simply tightened their muscles and curled up more pointedly. Jonouchi stumbled to his feet, groaning with pain, and moved to circle around and lay down again. He curled up, tucking his muzzle into his tail, and was fast asleep a few moments later.

Yugi relaxed, shaking himself out. But he noticed the smallest discoloration in the corner of his eye, turning his head towards it. Yami was still lying there, but his ears were angled towards Jonouchi and one of his red eyes glowed amber in the darkness. For a split second he remained staring, body frozen with tension. And then he closed it again, bunching his muscles and curling up into a much tighter ball. Yugi wondered if it was because he had seen him and grown uncomfortable or if he was simply too tired to get up and try to stretch and circle around again.

Yugi got up, shaking himself out. The action was met with the smallest ripple of response. Yami's eye opened again, peering around and focusing on him. Honda yawned where he'd woken from the noise. Aki raised her head and looked around, alerted by the sound. Ute flicked his ears. Shay stretched and sat down, head lowered and tongue flicking over his face. Mai licked a wound on her shoulder. Yusei got up, circled twice, and lay back down. Beside him Jack flicked his ears and narrowed his eyes, staring at him coldly.

Yami closed his eye a moment later. Yugi relaxed again. Another long hour passed and he rose to his paws, stretching and moving about the ledge to a higher vantage point so that he could lie across the broader strip of stone. He glanced around to see that a few of the wolves had woken again.

Mana was watching with wide eyes, startled awake by the noises. Chazz was on his feet, bristling as if he'd expected an attack, and slowly began to relax as the seconds passed. Zane had thrown himself onto his side, stretching and closing his eyes again. Aki had turned to him with an annoyed glare. Jonouchi yawned. Mai curled up tighter. He flashed them an apologetic look and lowered his chin to his paws where they dangled over the stone. He pricked his ears forward, flicked them, and looked around once more as they all began to settle for rest once more.

A few long minutes passed. Yugi almost thought he might fall asleep any moment. But the sound of the wind knocking snow from the higher branches of a nearby tree made him look up once more. The thudding caused several of the wolves to spring to their paws. They had clear panic in their eyes, but relaxed when they noticed his easy stance. Another handful of minutes passed. A few grunts were released as the wolves began to settle once more. And finally Yugi glanced over again.

Yami was watching him. Both eyes were open now, focused on him rather blankly. And he hardly seemed inclined to raise or turn his head. He blinked once, flicked his ears, and closed his eyes again. Yugi wondered if he'd meant to look at him or if he'd been focusing on the thorns over his head instead.

Are you not planning to rest?

The question was soft and quiet, almost so much so as to be silent. He turned his head again, eyes wide, and looked at the black wolf. He was a stain of ink in the corner, entire body sharp and almost akin a void in design against the stone wall. He shivered and Yami's eye focused on him again, a mere sliver of amber with the faint moonlight from the brambles.

I thought I'd keep watch.

And you do not think it would be best to let someone else take a shift as well? You don't think it would be best to switch places and rest a while?

I wasn't hurt as badly as everyone else was, Yugi answered, shaking his head. He kept his eyes on the darker wolf even as Yami closed his own, his breathing evening out once more. Yugi stretched his paws, spreading his toes, and focused on the small bit of webbing there that helped with swimming and running through the snow. And he considered how his claws glinted faintly in the moonlight where the silver beams managed to run over the smooth keratin shells.

And you are not tired?

He jumped slightly, startled. Honda twitched. Chazz grunted. Aki glared. Mai huffed. But the others seemed to sleep through it. He turned his head to stare at Yami again, flustered. The black wolf had not opened his eyes again.

I'm not tired enough, he corrected him, flustered. He knew Yami was listening to him, studying and keeping tabs on him altogether. But he did not move to speak nor did he twitch for a long minute. Yugi licked his lips awkwardly and pricked his ears forward, listening to the other's calm and steady heartbeat. I'm okay staying up the rest of the night.

Is that so? Yami got to his paws abruptly, stiffly, stretching so that his bones popped loudly. He moved to circle around in the opposite direction. But he still lay with his eyes towards Yugi, yawning softly and settling once more. He flicked his tongue over his nose twice, then closed his eyes again. I would suspect you were exhausted.

I'm not tired enough to sleep. He hesitated, pricking his ears towards Yami for a long heartbeat. He frowned, tilting his head slowly to the side in bewilderment. But you should. You should go back to sleep, aibou.

Yami abruptly opened his eyes and raised his head. I'm awake. I have been awake for hours now. He looked at him blankly, then rose to his paws again. His movement caused a couple of the others to look up, blinking bleary eyes. He noticed Yusei looked as if he might jump up, Jonouchi was grimacing, and Honda was studying them silently. Aki had a sneer on her face, clearly annoyed, and Shay looked as if he might lunge at them in frustration. I was thinking to take a walk and perhaps grab something to eat. But I had not decided. I was going to wait for you to fall asleep. But doing so is seemingly impossible if you do not plan to rest tonight.

You're going to hunt? Yugi questioned, something skeptical. I didn't assume you would want to.

Why not? I am hungry and it is not as if my muscles were completely wasted. I am tired, yes, but I am not broken. I am capable of hunting and eating without assistance and it is not as if I am codependent of you in the sense of needing you to hold my hand and guide my paws. Yami shook himself out, ignored it when several other wolves raised their heads to shoot him furious looks, and picked his way up to the ledge. His jump was slightly shaky and Yugi could see the strain his muscles as he pulled himself atop the weathered stone. But he came forward, standing mere inches from him as he flicked an ear. Do you plan to accompany me or am I free to go on my own, Yugi?

I would prefer you didn't, he said quietly. He peered up at him for a long moment before slowly lowering his eyes. But I won't stop you. Do you think you'll be gone long?

It depends on how the prey has run.

Yami looked up at him again. And Yami knew instinctively not to press any further. He narrowed his eyes and tilted his head. The two of them eyed one another for a moment longer. And then the white wolf looked away again.

Do you think it'll be longer than a few minutes?

Yami wrinkled his nose, but he did not look aggressive. Likely, he drawled lazily. He looked down at him, tilting his head, and they both considered one another for a long handful of seconds. They stared at each other until Yami closed his eyes halfway and tilted his head in something almost akin bewilderment. I do not imagine it will take too long, but it will definitely surpass a few minutes.

I'll come with you then. He gave him no room for argument, getting to his paws and glancing around before wandering out of the brambles almost immediately. Yami watched him before casting a small look around as well. Yusei had stumbled to his paws and was slowly moving around the other wolves in order to take a spot on the ledge. Yami watched him a few moments longer, wagged his tail, and then turned and threw himself out of the cavern as well. He stumbled, back leg pulling and buckling beneath his weight, and Yugi watched him with a small tilt of his head. His readied stance made Yami feel flustered, realizing the other wolf was waiting for him to tell him if he needed help or not. Yami looked away, pulling himself awkwardly to his paws again.

You don't have to. But his argument was weak and tired. And even Yami realized how stupid he sounded. He ignored his stomach as it rolled and gurgled with intense hunger. He shivered, moving forward, and ignored the small pop in his spine as he forced himself to trot. I can hunt on my own.

That's great, but I'm already here, Yugi teased, hurrying to his side. He stopped, Yami noticed in surprise, and stayed where he was for a long handful of minutes. And then he rushed forward again, no longer at his side but rather next to his hip. Sorry, I just… I feel bad leaving them like that. I feel like I should stay with them.

Yami glanced at him over his shoulder, surprised by the admission. Then he stopped walking, considering him for a long moment. He knew Yugi would never want to leave someone defenseless when he could offer some kind of help. The altruism the other boy possessed still amazed him more than he could find the words for.

He flicked an ear and studied him, tilting his head. It was not that Yugi was wrong in his assumption that he should remain there; the wolves likely couldn't care less, in truth. But he was likely the most fit of them besides Jack, Nistro, and Yuya's parents. Because of this, Yugi was technically doing as he was meant to in accompanying him to hunt; he should have done so with any of the wolves hungry enough to bother at the moment. But he should also have kept vigil as well. In truth, both situations were right for him to partake in.

Yami turned away after a moment. I do not think even Yubel is so short-sighted that she would come again so soon, he finally mumbled, wishing somehow to reassure him. He wasn't sure if he was grateful Yugi chose then to follow him once more or if he should encourage him to stay there. But part of him ached at the thought of making him turn back to remain with the rest of the pack.

I'm not really worried about that. I'm more concerned with… She's so fucking strong. And I don't even know how well we could fight her even at our best. He was quiet for a long handful of minutes. Yami felt him brush slightly against his hip now. She's so violent and nasty and I don't know how either of us is supposed to stop her. If she showed up now, Yami, I know I wouldn't stand a chance. And you wouldn't either.

Enough. She is not coming back tonight. She is too wounded. I blinded her on one side. And I am sure that drinking my blood did not help her in any manner. I dislocated her back leg as well. She cannot walk properly. She would be stupid to return here. Yami fell quiet for a moment, then focused on the trees in front of them once more. If she were even mildly intelligent, she would hold off showing herself here for at least a week or so.

A week? Yugi questioned. You think that's how soon she'll heal?

It is twice the time I will allow myself to heal, Yami snapped. He shook himself out and moved faster. He jumped off a nearby stone, landing in the snow hard, and blinked as he looked around. Blood stains were like oil in the dark, smears of black against crystalline white. Yami shook his thought off, moving to pad through the snow lazily. The camp was soaked in spilled blood. And the miles that stretched the clearing were almost completely blackened.

He paused when they got near the grove of trees he himself had been fighting. He could see where he'd hit the tree, where he'd gotten gutted. He could even see where he'd clung to her face as she'd panicked and tried to fling him away. He could see everywhere they'd landed, the way the snow was displaced in various areas. Yami considered it a moment longer, then turned and began trotting faster than ever. He shook himself out and pricked his ears forward.

You think you can heal that fast, Yami?

Given sufficient rest and enough to eat, yes.

He didn't glance back. His eyes were stuck on the smaller incline leading down to the alpha's den. He shook himself out, flicked his ears, and moved forward again. He narrowed his eyes, ignoring it when Yugi sprang down from the top of the incline to land beside him. But he did grunt as he was hit with the snow at his landing, watching as Yugi trotted ahead with his tail up and his eyes shining.

You're so cute when you're covered in snow! Yugi teased. Yami huffed a breath, but he could not ignore the warmth that came through him at the statement. He shook his head and looked away. So, what are we hunting? Serows? Rabbits? Deer? Boars? Quail?

Yami paused, turning his head in surprise. Quail? he asked, bewildered. Where are there quail? I did not know there were quail here.

Truthfully he was not interested in eating the little birds. But the fact that he had not recognized another food source stunned him for a split second. How had he overlooked it? He had never done such a thing before.

They're further into the woods, towards the dam area. It's a little farm of them, Yugi explained quietly. He tilted his head, looking at him in confusion with a glance over his shoulder. Yami watched him as he shifted his weight and shook himself out again, shaking his head slightly. Slifer and Obelisk sent me there once to hunt one and test my strength and all that. It, uh…wasn't much fun.

No? Yami asked, tilting his head and studying him. Why would it have not been fun? Hunting birds had always been fun for him. He'd chased ravens around, leaped up at hawks, and raced with owls at night. It had been harmless fun, enough to make him tremble with excitement and warmth. But quails were not birds of flight—or so he did not assume—and he was rather sure they were easy prey. You did not enjoy it?

I was…testing my control and when I reached to grab one, I squeezed too hard. It, uh, kind of…exploded in my hands, I guess? I don't know how else to explain it.

The black wolf blinked. Then he burst out laughing upon seeing the horror in Yugi's blue-violet eyes. That's adorable, he snorted. You're so horrified by something as small as that. But most wolves have similar experiences in their lives. We have to blend in so we try to make ourselves less powerful by learning to control the strength we inherit. It works most often. Other times it is rather lacking.

Yugi was quiet for a second. Are you speaking from experience?

Yami glanced at him over his shoulder, snickering as he answered. When I originally stole an outfit, it was from a little house on the edge of the woods. The family was gone for the day, so I snuck in through one of the windows, found those closest to my size—which were several inches too long—and escaped with them. I used them to make my way into the city to find clothes that fit more properly. He trailed off after a moment, considering how to further answer. When I did so, it was a similar situation; almost exactly the same, in fact. I got clothes closer to my size that time. And then I went the next time to grab clothes again that might better fit from there. I think it was named after a bug or something?

Yugi stiffened considerably, eyes widening. The Junky Scorpion?

Yami blinked, tilting his head. He struggled to remember the name, picturing it and failing for a long moment. And then he nodded slowly, remembering the lighting and the way the shop owner had eyed him as if he were a toy to be used to his satisfaction.

Yes, that is the name of it. I remember it now. He shook his head and looked down towards another spot of blood in the snow. I went there for clothes a fourth time, because I realized even if I was not often human I would need clothes that would not impair me when I had to flee. Being too large made them harder to navigate in and that made it difficult for me to outrun someone. So I decided to try my luck again.

Yugi did not answer him but to encourage him with a quiet, Yeah?

He caught me when I was halfway out the door. He managed to sneak up on me when I was distracted. I had never seen sneakers in black and gray like what I was looking at so I wound up stopping to look at them some more. When he confronted me and told me he'd let me leave if I would let him touch me, I grew mad. He took my silence as permission. When he grabbed my arm, I hit him hard enough to break his arm and threw him into one of the fixtures before fleeing.

The white wolf didn't look amused when he glanced at him again. Yami paused, startled by the deeply contemplative expression in his eyes. He was found dead, Yugi mumbled after a moment when he seemed to realize Yami was watching him as he was. It happened before we met.

I'm sorry to disappoint and say I did not do it. Yami drew his lips back but Yugi merely stared at him, expression cold with frustration. Perhaps I should remind you that the fact is your classmates were murderous as well.

Are you going to have this argument with me again? Where I remind you that I don't ever want to make you feel like you're the reason behind all of my problems? The one where I remind you that I don't blame everything on you? Or that I'm going to support you anyways? That the past doesn't really matter as much as you seem to think it does? And then you'll call me stupid for having that opinion and—

I was not aware we had had such conversation before.

Oh, then maybe I imagined it.

Yami snorted at the derisive words, glancing at him over his shoulder in amusement. Yugi was staring at him blatantly, clearly annoyed by his implications of self-loathing and anger once more. I suppose so, he said in a friendlier tone in order to bridge the distance that had grown between them in such a rapid spurt. He hesitated for a long second, then lowered his eyes and wagged his tail; he was stung by the shame that filled his gut at that moment. I'm an asshole, aren't I? I'm truly being an asshole.

You're tired, stressed, and clearly in pain, Yugi corrected him, as if trying to offer him an excuse. Yami could feel his eyes burning into his flesh. Abruptly Yugi turned away from him, sighing harshly. It doesn't matter. I didn't mean it that way. Let's just get a move on. You have to be hungry.

It took them over half an hour to find anything. Yami was slow, lazy in his pursuit. And Yugi was silent but for his paws sinking into the snow, moving about like a shadow across the ice. The rabbit had been buried halfway into the snow, shoveling for shoots of food beneath the surface. But it was clear that it had begun to eat some of the bark of a nearby tree as well.

Yami sprang at it. And it took off before he could even get within an inch of it. He thought to give chase, eyes locked on the small prey animal as it darted about. But his stomach gurgled hideously and his muscles ached, his organs feeling as if they were burning beneath his skin. He felt as if he might collapse with exhaustion at the very thought of running forward again.

He turned away, hoping to find something else to hunt. Maybe there was another rabbit or perhaps a mouse in the snow. If there was something buried in the ice, he was sure he could catch it. He would just have to put in the proper effort to do so. He was sure he could—

There was a screaming noise. His head snapped around, every fur on his body in a bristle. For a split second he could find nothing in the snow around them to cause such a noise. For that moment there was nothing but white, still and cold around him. And then there was movement. He curled his lip back, ears pricking forward, and squared his shoulders. Then he blinked.

Yugi came trotting back over, the white rabbit's neck covered in a sheen of blood. Its neck was clearly broken, head half-dangling from impact. The white wolf ignored his aggressive stance and dropped the rabbit in front of him.

Yami snatched it in his mouth before he could think twice. He settled on his belly and eagerly gulped the rabbit down in a handful of bites. When he finished, his stomach growled again and he almost whimpered pitifully at the realization he had nothing else. Yugi still stood a few inches from him, studying him.

Did you really think you could have hunted on your own?

He almost flinched. In truth, he hadn't considered how hard it would be. He wasn't in a feral state, so he wasn't to the point of tunnel vision. He wasn't to the point of blocking out each and every other thing around him in order to simply focus on filling his stomach and swallowing whatever he could. The feral state made exhaustion almost nonexistent but for resting after a meal.

No, he finally admitted when Yugi stared at him pointedly, waiting for a response. The humiliation that came through him was enough to make him look at the snow and flatten his ears. I couldn't have done it. I'm sorry. Thank you.

Yugi sighed heavily in front of him. But he didn't apologize, nor did he assure him that it was all right. Instead he turned away and wandered off without a second glance. Stay here, he growled in parting.

He returned twenty minutes later with a serow, dragging the ungulate in his jaws. He looked tired, his mouth smeared in bright red. His blue-violet eyes were tired as he dropped the prey animal in front of him. When he wandered back a few steps, Yami couldn't help but lunge forward.

Yugi watched him eat until he passed out. The black wolf was halfway through swallowing a large chunk of meat when his head dropped and his eyes closed. He would have thought he was hurt had it not been for how easily he was breathing. Yugi got to his paws, circling around him twice, and then picked his way along for a few more yards. He'd smelled blood at some point, he remembered. At first he'd assumed it to be the serow in his jaws, the metallic scent hot and cloying in his nose, but he'd realized it did not seem sweet in any manner. So he'd shaken the idea of prey immediately after, focusing only on getting his prey to Yami rather than investigating.

Now he stopped when he saw the body in the snow.

The she-wolf was on her side, her throat torn open so hideously that her head was hardly attached. There were wounds all along her side, her forelimbs torn out of place and her back leg clearly broken where it lay in an almost opposite direction. She'd clearly been tortured before her neck had been ripped open.

Yugi grimaced. He may not have wanted her to turn on Yami so often; he may have thought her frustrating, but in truth he had never wanted her dead. Seeing Barbara in this state made his skin crawl.

He hadn't wanted anyone to die.

She smells of Yubel.

Yugi flicked an ear. Yeah, just like you thought. He narrowed his eyes, shaking his head. I'd thought that much when I spotted her missing from the patrol when we ran back to the camp. I had not wanted to believe she was so stupid. But we were right. Yubel must have killed her when she told her how to get to the camp. There would have been no other reason for her to live past that.

Yes.

Do you wonder who else might try to follow her example?

I do not believe many of them will, Yami answered. He had turned away and was walking again. Yugi glanced over his shoulder to watch him now. Consider it, Yugi. They would have to be foolish to do so after witnessing the fight we had. All of them have seen my fight with her. If they were wise, they would not come to follow her example.

I don't think you can say that definitively, Yami.

No. I am aware.

Yugi finally moved to follow him. But Yami said nothing else. And, as Yami did so, a thought occurred to Yugi that made his fur shudder along his spine. He paused, glancing back to the body once more. He'd deal with it in the morning, he decided, before making his way back towards where Yami was settling to eat the serow once more.