Return to the Old Ways

by kayono

The Pharaoh and King have returned, but the Fates and Destiny have yet to let them out of their grasp. There's more in the darkness than is known, but 'life isn't interesting unless there's a chance of dying.'

11. Winter Games and Weyrs

Title: Return to the Old Ways

Chapter 9: What? You mean there are nine chapters?

Disclaimer: I'm not creative enough to write what these are based on at midnight.

(I've so far written two chapters in one week. Let's see if I can keep up my streak! …that just rhymed, didn't it?)

---ANOTHER BREAK THAT I WANT TO DESTROY---

"Merry Christmas!"

Yugi jumped, surprised, whirling around to pin a glare on whoever disturbed him. He had been sitting at a desk in the library, frowning at the papers. Today was Christmas Eve- his comment had been run, but the reply it was given by the editor worried him.

(Ah, that's true- but since when has the UN- or any other government-affiliated organization- actually acted on Human Rights breaches?)

Although it didn't completely argue against his advice, it provided enough of an argument that people would probably be setting up private investigation teams within days to get to the bottom of this. It made it sound like there wasn't likely to be any consequences should common muggles and citizens try something on their own.

The wizarding world- the only group of people that could really act against Voldemort- was shaking in fear, and muggles- who didn't stand a snowball's chance in Hell- were sticking their nebs where they didn't belong.

And someone decided to sneak up on him as he was trying to organize his thoughts about the best way to do 'damage control'. Yugi felt his glare was completely justified.

Except that the glare was immediately replaced by a wide smile as he was glomped by Jounouchi and Mokuba. Seto stood in the doorway, scowling down at the actions of his brother and partner. When he met Yugi's eyes, though, a small smile found its way onto his face, which he offered the light, hesitantly.

Yugi smiled back, giving Mokuba and Jounouchi one last hug before pushing them off him. "Merry Christmas Eve, guys."

Mokuba looked over Yugi's shoulder to the newspaper, frowning at the section he was reading. "Why are you reading that, Yugi?"

Yugi just folded up the paper, considered throwing it in the fireplace- then stopped. He had been keeping all the papers that had to do with the 'Occurrences', as they were now being called. One never knew when they would need to be able to look something up quickly, or use something someone once said against them- or another.

"With everything that's been happening lately, I've been trying to dissuade normal people from getting caught up in all this mess by 'anonymous' letters to the local papers for the editorial sections."

Mokuba nodded, leading them down the stairs to the main floor and into the parlour where everyone else had gathered. Yugi was surprised- when had Bakura, Malik, Isis and Rashid arrived from Egypt? Katie's friend and the friend's family?

Yugi blushed, turning around and running back up to his room. He could have sworn that it wasn't even noon yet, and he was still in his light-coloured tunic and light, baggy pants. Looking at the clock as he bolted into the room, he was surprised to find that yes, it was before noon- it was 11:30 in the morning, and he faintly remembered Ryou telling him that yes, people would be arriving before 11, but still….

He searched through his closet (which, last night, had been rearranged to seasonal instead of colour), quickly picking out clothes that weren't too formal, but not too casual, either. Long, black pants that weren't his usual leathers but clung in all the right places, a long-sleeved, white shirt with gold trim, a red vest that was fastened with material laces instead of zippers or buttons and had a hidden, longer pocket (for his wand, he assumed- which he still had to get sometime in the near future). Simple, black slippers went on his feet and a few black, red, and white bands adorned his wrists and parts of his forearms.

He opted for no earrings (Atemu had pleased with him until he had gotten his ears pierced, though he only occasionally wore earrings so the holes wouldn't close), and none of his necklaces, other than the puzzle.

Glancing around, he dipped his fingers into a small pot of kohl Atemu had made for him last WinterFest, spreading a light layer around his eyes. He ran a hand through his hair, nodded, and was back downstairs before Mokuba realized he had left.

He noticed Seto and Jounouchi perk up at his presence- Jounouchi because the blonde had probably immediately sensed his absence, Seto mainly because Jounouchi had. He greeted them, then moved around the room, introducing himself to the many guests and sharing greetings with people he already knew.

He found Katie, Ryou, Lasine, Anriel, Shimasu, Delta, and another young, dark-skinned dark-haired woman in the kitchen. Katie immediately perked up as he entered, gesturing for him to come over to her and the other woman.

"Yugi, this is Angelina. She was on the Gryffindor Quidditch team, too, as another Chaser. She was our Captain for our last year." Katie explained, giving Angelina a push towards him.

Yugi smiled, taking her hand and lightly kissing it. "Miss Angelina- it is a pleasure to meet you. My name is-"

"Yugi Mouto," Angelina blurted, before blushing and lowering her eyes again. "Er, sorry- very, very sorry, but Katie's been telling me about all of you here, and I- oh dear, I'm sorry."

Yugi laughed, guiding her to one of the only two free seats in the kitchens, as the rest of the chairs were being used as counters on which to put plates while they were being prepared. The only other free chair currently had Anriel and Shimasu standing on it, Shimasu straining to reach a decorative bowl on the top shelf of a floor-to-ceiling display case without using magic.

Lasine waltzed over to Yugi and Angelina, handing the girl a glass of some kind of fruit juice. "Here- special wine from a special place. Should help to calm nerves and some other stuff." Angelina gladly took it, while Lasine turned to Yugi. "Master, why did you seal our power for this week?"

Yugi frowned at her until she corrected herself. "Sorry- Yugi-nii-sama."

He rolled his eyes (that was probably as improper as he was going to get her). "We don't need you three blowing up half the House. I know you don't normally, but during times of celebration, control of magic slips easier as your concentration is elsewhere. Don't worry- it will end on the day after New Years."

Lasine nodded, hopping over to Ryou and helping him with a large meat dish he was seasoning for roasting later tonight.

A crash behind them startled everyone, but their worry turned to humour as they saw Anriel trying to balance on the back of the chair- which was itself balancing on only two feet- and Shimasu trying to balance on Anriel's shoulders, while still reaching the for the bowl.

Somehow, Shimasu was able to grab it- and do a spectacular mid-air somersault, landing easily. Anriel, however, with the sudden lost weight, found herself over balancing and falling off the chair. A flick of Yugi's hand and she landed easily in a mini-whirlwind, which set her down easily on the floor. The chair crashed to the ground, but no one and nothing sustained damage, so everyone applauded the manoeuvre.

Angelina blinked up at Yugi, but smiled and shrugged, the ambrisac wine helping to relax her enough that she would be helpful with cooking.

That was about when Jounouchi popped his head in. "Yugi! Come on- everyone wants to see some 'magic tricks'! Oh, and does anyone want a taste-tester?"

Ryou chuckled, turning around as Yugi hurriedly pushed Jounouchi out of the kitchen. "Maybe later, Jou!"

Angelina got back to work with Katie preparing the vegetables, until finally the darker-skinned woman spoke. "Katie, this place is amazing- I still don't know why you don't move on with life, but I think I'm starting to understand why!"

Katie nodded, smiling at her best friend from school. "I know. I just- I thought everything was great with Madame Bella, but these guys- I can't even begin to imagine life without them now."

Angelina rolled her eyes, gently prodding Katie with her elbow. "Is there anyone you fancy? I think that Yugi was pretty good-looking…."

Katie had to stifle her laugh. "Not if you've met Atemu. The only word I can say nicely is possessive."

Angelina slowed her peeling of the carrots. "Possessive? What do you mean?"

Katie shrugged. "I guess you haven't met Atemu yet. He and Yugi aren't in a relationship, but looks after Yugi like a jealous lover would! And Yugi just puts up with it like it's the most normal thing in the world!"

Angelina looked startled, then grinned slightly. "Oh? A blossoming romance?"

Katie looked at her, shook her head. "Aren't you supposed to be concentrating on Quidditch instead of match-making?"

Angelina shrugged helplessly. "I don't know. I probably wouldn't be any good with this couple, besides- I would keep trying to get Yugi for myself!"

"Like you did just now, making a fool of yourself?"

Angelina blushed and pouted. "At least I'm trying."

"And I'm not because I don't care."

"Fine with me- more for those who do care!"

"I'm not listening… la la la!"

They giggled to themselves, finishing up preparing the vegetables and moving onto the stuffing.

Ryou watched them over his shoulder, a small smile on his face. They really were good friends- and Angelina was certainly reliable and discrete enough to join their little 'family'. As she was attempting to become a professional Quidditch player, until she got on- or, in this case, off- her feet and found herself a spot on a team, the young woman was stuck doing odd jobs to make a living. Her family was supportive, but they were muggles, and Angelina had no training when it came to a muggle job.

Perhaps a part-time job helping out here would put her in a good enough position to be satisfied for at least a while. He still hadn't quite mastered Charter Sendings, and the House was just too much work for the few people who made it their home, especially when he, Yugi, Atemu and Bakura would be heading off for their teaching job in eight months.

He turned back to the large section of meat that would in a few hours be the centre of their dinner, Lasine asking him a question about the marinade. Anriel liked books, Lasine liked the kitchen- an inverse of their Masters, as Ryou like the kitchen and Yugi liked the books. The only ones adequately paired up were Malik and Shimasu- but no matter. Life was always whirling them around and being as challenging as possible. Why shouldn't they get the same chance?

Angelina's family were, in fact, very pleasant people. The next door neighbours (who had driven up on a horse-drawn carriage- not because they were pompous, but because they were farmers and didn't like automobiles) were also very pleasant to be around. Seto was the only notably 'cold' personality, but it was offset by Mokuba and Jounouchi, both of whom never strayed too far from the CEO's side.

Yugi, Ryou, and Malik had noticed this (Malik had been appraised of the situation by Bakura), and had wondered what development had led to the possessiveness of Seto over the ungainly Jounouchi, but let things lie.

Malik himself was happy to be able to see Yugi again- he hadn't seen the other hikari in almost two months, although Ryou would stop by occasionally to see how many people had gotten on Bakura's nerves and needed to be set free from their soul-prisons.

Isis and Rashid, although none too happy with the snow, were grateful to be out of Egypt- the government was pressuring Isis as well now for her to let archaeologists into her family's traditional grounds, to which she replied she could not, because they were private grounds, and only the head of the Clan could sanctify a dig there.

Malik was well known as being rather obtuse to many of the government's ideas on what he could do with his Clan's land (which was actually a pretty large area), and so no real pressure was being exerted. It was enough to give Isis a headache, especially dealing with Avery.

Avery himself had not come with them, feeling unwell at the thought of having to set foot on English soil again. He had, instead, opted to oversee the excavation of the group-death-tomb, or the GODET, as it had been nicknamed by people who were getting confused as to exactly what it was.

Rashid wanted to come with Malik, in case his brother needed grounding.

Atemu and Bakura had made themselves scarce just after lunch, before the neighbours arrived. "We don't want too many people to knew we're here," Atemu explained to Yugi and Ryou. "The idea of Yugi Mouto suddenly having a twin would certainly make headlines in Japan- let alone the fact that we've been here for 'all this time'."

Although both Yugi and Ryou were put off that their darknesses couldn't celebrate Christmas Eve with them, they comforted themselves with the knowledge that they would get to see them again later that night, and they'd be there for Christmas Day.

The neighbours were a family called the Devonshires, who were actually a well-educated bunch but preferred farming and raising live-stock to the high-stress city life.

"All our family have been to Oxford University, or other Universities and Colleges around the world," Michael Devonshire, the current manager of the farm at 69 years old, informed them over dinner. "My daughter has her qualifications to be a business technician, and/or a business consultant, able to work for the best companies. My son-in-law has a Masters in Law, and he was a lawyer. But he decided that it was more fulfilling to help me raise the livestock than to listen to people whine and plead and beg all day."

Yugi had to stifle a smile at the look on Angelina's father's face- he himself was a fairly successful lawyer, and loved his profession.

Michael went on, nodding to show that he meant no insult- James (Angelina's father) was completely appeased and he went back to his meal. "Adrian here- Kathy and Tom's son- is already extremely helpful, and he's top of his class at school."

As that was something Yugi wasn't used to hearing (or being), he looked two seats to his right to see Adrian- at the ripe age of 11- sitting between his parents, Katherine and Thomas, and looking properly embarrassed.

"Really, Adrian? What are your favourite subjects?"

Adrian smiled down at him. "Gym and Science!" That combination surprised Yugi, but he laughed and nodded. "Do you have a favourite sport, or a favourite part of science you like to study?"

"I like to run and swim, and I like parts of physics, chemistry, and biology- though I prefer more of biology and chemistry over physics."

Yugi couldn't help the thought that invaded his mind. "So, you could probably learn to develop a new breed of horse that runs and works faster than any other creature and has better endurance. Sound cool?"

"Very!"

Yugi smiled, and caught the looks on Kathy and Tom's faces- proud, but not overbearing. And by the look on Michael's face, it seemed like he had been guiding the young man down that path from the start.

James's wife and Angelina's mother, Bridget, called down to ask if they couldn't pass the gravy down their way. Angelina's sister, Lindsay, and her brother, David, politely asked if they couldn't have a knife so that they could split the last of the rolls between them.

Katie was up in a flash, coming back with two whole baskets of more bread. She smiled at the astonished looks on the Devonshire family's faces, and the surprised but comprehending looks on Angelina's family. "I always try to have some fresh bread in the oven," she covered, winking at everyone else when the Devonshires couldn't see it.

Adrian did, but then Yugi winked at him, and he winked back, glad to be in on this little secret- whatever it was. Katherine did catch that exchange, and looked between Yugi and Adrian as they both dug voraciously into their dinner.

"Men," she muttered, but quickly followed them.

They finished dinner quickly, everyone extremely satisfied with their meal. Afterwards came desert, cakes and pies and pastries enough to make even Jounouchi claim to be full. Although offers to help clean up came from all around, Katie was quick to forestall such offers, saying that they could clean up later and that now they should just relax and enjoy the night and the company.

What she really meant was that she would set some scrub brushes, sponges and towels in the kitchen to clean up, while they enjoyed the night and company.

Each of the guests offered a small gift to their guests- little trinkets from the city from Angelina and her family, including a wide variety of movies and CDs; from the Devonshires came a large, hand-woven tapestry, resplendent in rich crimsons, navy blues, ambers and deep green emeralds. The pattern, Katherine explained, was a traditional one in their family, which had its roots with the Celtic tradition- that certain pattern offered friendship, prosperity, and aid, should one ever need it.

Kaiba pulled out customized versions of the newest Duel Disks for Malik, Ryou and Yugi. Smaller and rather more stylish, each had a combination of Egyptian Heka incantations and Charter marks engraved on them, for power, strength, endurance, and wisdom. Although gold and silver were obvious themes, it seemed that either Mokuba or Jounouchi had picked out the main colours- black, white, and tan-sand for Malik; black, white and shades of red for Ryou; and black, white, sky blue and electron for Yugi.

In turn, each family also received presents from the House- the three members of the Kaiba family, including the unofficial guest, received a small Eye of Horus pendant each in solid gold. Mokuba's was spelled similar to the original charm for Kaiba. Kaiba and Jounouchi's were only spelled as dams and blockades- and as identification pieces. Jounouchi immediately slipped his onto a chain around his neck, Mokuba pinned his to his shirt collar, and Kaiba let his settle around his ring finger on his left hand.

To the Devonshires went some of the more high-tech stuff from Kaiba Corp- the things that mostly weren't on the market, or if they were, they were extremely expensive. They greatly appreciated those gifts, as they had been too busy with their work to go out and get caught up with the latest technology.

For Angelina's family was a medium-sized chest, which, when opened, revealed a beautiful assortment of fabrics and robes. At the bottom was a small, black box that was addressed specifically for Angelina. She opened it, hesitantly, only to squeal in surprise and excitement as she pulled out a long, flowing, scarlet dress robe with golden trim, and a small, golden statue of the Gryffindor Lion standing proudly on a cliff, with the Hogwarts Crest below it. The bottom of the statue read, "For the best Quidditch Captain who saw us through even when the Toad tried to keep us down!"

Angelina and Katie had a good laugh at that, since Katie hadn't even known that was part of the gift (the statue had actually come from McGonagall, and was signed by her, too). Angelina hurried up the stairs to one of the four guest bedrooms her family would be taking (there was actually a total of over thirty spare rooms that had beds in them) to change into her new dress.

Katie, Katherine, Bridget and Lindsay were all also given dresses in shades of red, green, blue and yellow (respectively), made compliments of Madame Malkin. Although they were wary of the sizing, the dress robes had been spelled so that they would conform to fit the wearer- and give the illusion of a 'perfect' figure.

The men- including little Adrian- were given long pants, shirts, and jackets- not tuxedos, but not very casual, either. The shirts were like dress shirts, the jackets almost like a suit, and the pants were- again- made-to-measure, and the Madame Malkin way. They style and patterning, however, were reminiscent of times long gone, giving the whole outfit the feeling that a medieval tailor had been pulled forward in time and told to make suits like those of today.

They were also very flattering- and warm. Adrian especially liked his new outfit, and wanted to know if he could wear it for Christmas Dinner tomorrow with his father's side of the family.

Drinks were drunk, songs were sung, Adrian nearly fell asleep until Lasine popped up in her normal, elegant sky blue dress with a small cup of ambrisac wine (which actually wasn't alcoholic, so she didn't feel bad giving it a minor). He was awake after that, singing lustily with the rest of them.

Finally, it was nearly midnight, and the Devonshires insisted that they must go- Christmas or not, animals didn't stop being messy like they were all pigs. Ryou offered them a warm, fur-lined blanket for the ride back, which they gladly accepted and snuggled down under. As the four of them headed off, the rest of the party stood of the front step, watching the horse-drawn sleigh move down the drive and out of sight.

The other guests retired to their rooms (no one commented why Jounouchi and Seto retired to the same room, but from the looks on their faces they wished they could have slept on opposite sides of the House). As Angelina's family lived in London proper, it was too far a drive to make at night- especially while both tired and intoxicated.

Yugi collapsed happily into bed, smiling as Atemu, returning from wherever he had disappeared to, fell down beside him and snuggled up to his light.

"Warm…." The Pharaoh muttered, pulling Yugi closer. Yugi just smiled at him, resting his head on the pillow as Atemu wedged his head into the crook of Yugi's neck.

"Good night, Yami."

"Good night, Aibou. Merry Christmas."

"Merry Christmas."

And so the holidays passed, and the New Year started almost perfectly- no attacks by the Death Eaters, no 'Occurrences' (which had become used in both muggle and wizarding society to mean times when muggles saw wizards and witches do wizardly and witchy things), and no generally bad gossip about anyone or anything.

Unfortunately (for Yugi), the replies to his replies kept coming for Incensed Activist. He didn't really think about exactly who this 'I.A.' person was- they were willing to get themselves killed to satiate curiosity. For Yugi, that just didn't sit right- every person should value their life, and the lives of others. The fact that someone was willing to throw something that precious away baffled and angered him- especially when Atemu and Bakura, who were always so close to life, were, in fact, dead. He was always careful to ignore the fact that he, Ryou, and Malik were technically only living half-lives, and, as such could not actually be considered 'alive'.

It was rather ironic that the new Abhorsen could be considered half-dead himself.

There were a number of people who wrote in comments who agreed with Yugi- and just as many people who agreed with IA. Yugi also found himself getting caught up in the swing of things, and replying to more than just IA's comments. A number of people in turn commented on this, to which Yugi replied that Freedom of Speech allowed that, if there was a point he wanted to make in conjunction with another comment, he was free to do so, and although everyone else might go against his opinion, it was the newspaper editor who chose what to put in.

The editor (Mr. Klansey, as he said his name was) replied that his and IA's comments were so common now that if he didn't put whatever they wrote into the opinions section, he was likely to get fired (especially as his bosses enjoyed this ongoing debate so much). Both IA and Yugi wrote in that the editor need not always put in their comments, that they could get in touch and continue this debate another way. Mr. Klansey in turn said that his bosses were not only threatening to fire him, but hire another group of private investigators (that were not a part of this debate) to find where they live and have them both killed.

Yugi and IA were able to agree that that did not sound very appealing, and so they continued their newspaper-comment debates.

Yugi wasn't sure how it had happened, but, one month after the first comment he wrote in, the debates, although still revolving around the Occurrences, had expanded to Rights allotted for different people in different countries, government agencies, the government itself, other countries' governments and agencies, international policies, and anything even slightly on the political spectrum.

…and for that matter, France, Spain, Italy, Germany and Portugal have no right to be 'massing troops to aid England in her defence of internal extremists'. We don't even know who's doing this, so how in God's name do they know? As much as their help is appreciated, they should let us see if we can't handle the situation by ourselves, then- if we can't, and actually ask for help- send over all the infantry they want if it will make them feel safer. At least then our tourism sectors won't suffer.

Signed, IA

(First we want to see who's doing what by ourselves, yes. Then we can see if we can 'handle the situation by ourselves', and until then, the Special Forces will be working to illuminate some truths.)

Yugi chuckled reading the response. At one point, Mr. Klansey had asked Yugi if Levis was his real name, and if it had a meaning. Once Yugi replied it was his middle name and was one of the Latin derivatives of the word 'light', anyone who wrote anything in the papers in regards to what he and IA were debating, there was always a reference to light or illumination- to see things clearly.

But more so, he found himself laughing at the 'Special Forces' comment. The day after New Years, the government (spurred on by protestors consisting of two groups that supported both Yugi and IA) announced that there was indeed a Special Forces unit working on tracking down and stopping the ones responsible for the Occurrences- more specifically, the fatal ones.

Yugi was pretty sure he was one of the few who knew that the Special Forces were in fact the Aurors from the Ministry of Magic.

"Yugi! Where are you!"

He laughed, turning to the doorway of the study. The sound of light footsteps on the carpeted stairs was a dead give-away as to the owner of the voice.

"Adrian! I'm in the study!"

The young man tore into the room, running up to Yugi and glomping him. "Yugi!"

"I'm here, Adrian. What can I do for you today?"

"There was something in history that I didn't understand…."

Yugi nodded knowingly, gesturing to Adrian to pull up a chair. The young boy had been coming by a few times a week for dinner and for help with his homework. Although his parents could have easily helped him, he was so intrigued by the House and its mysteries that he made a point to visit as often as he could.

Since Christmas, Adrian had seen a number of things that, for anyone else, would have scared the life out of him, or caused him to start screaming, "Witch!" or "Magician!" or "Wizard!". When Yugi asked him once why he seemed to be perfectly fine with the oddness of the House and its residents, he paused from his notations and smiled up at the Game Master.

"You always know exactly what you're doing, and everything always comes out right for you! I think that anything that helps you is good. And besides, you play with monsters all day! If that doesn't say 'magic', I don't know what does!"

Yugi stared at him for a moment, before laughing and patting Adrian on the head, ruffling his hair. Adrian had acted indignant, and had joined in the laughter.

Now, he placed his books on the table and ran to get a chair, while Yugi cleared away his newspapers and organized the texts, novels and binders Adrian had brought over. He eyed one of the novels with interest, pulling it out of the stack and reading the back cover.

Adrian saw him and tried to snatch away the book, but Yugi easily held him at arm's length, his eyebrows raising as he read the summary.

"Fighting on the Edge- An in-depth look at the events of Battle City: what happened, what was covered up, and why. Adrian, why do you have this?"

Adrian blushed, looking away. "Well- you fought in Battle City-"

"Played, Adrian. Duelled. There was no 'fighting' in Battle City- no hand-to-hand combat, at least."

Adrian remained adamant about his description. "But a lot of people ended up in hospital, or the insane asylum, or the cemetery! Something happened during Battle City that no one wants anyone else to know- and you're helping to cover it up! I might have been really young then, but I know something else was going on behind the scenes- and that book is supposed to explain it all! I just got it today, too, so I haven't even started reading it!"

Yugi looked at him carefully, not staring or examining, but watching. The boy's breathing was ragged, panting after barely breathing during his discourse. His cheeks were flushed, and his eyes were filled with a definite strength of mind that Yugi knew would be the downfall of many opponents. But there was something else….

((He might have magic, aibou.))

Yugi blinked in surprise, looking around to see if Atemu was somewhere in the room. (But he's eleven- he should have been accepted into Hogwarts if he was a Mark Mage or higher.)

((Jounouchi's power is in the same class as Charter magic, even before we interfered. Perhaps he is in the same situation- a type of magic in one of the Classes, but not that same brand as the norm, and therefore not detected.))

Yugi paused, thinking. He finally looked down at Adrian- who looked at him, shocked. Yugi cocked his head inquiringly, watching as Adrian flinched away. "What is it, Adrian?"

He walked over warily, carefully not to make any sudden movements. He ran his fingers over the Eye- which Yugi had taken care to cover completely from any kind of sight after Madame Malkin found it so easily. "What's this?"

"What's what?"

Adrian shot him an annoyed glance. "That… Eye thing. Your eyes went blank for a couple of seconds, but this gold thing on your forehead started glowing."

"Ah… oh." Yugi ran his fingers over it. "Erm- it's a symbol."

"I know that. It looks Egyptian."

"It is."

"Like your pyramid around your neck."

"It is."

"Really?"

"Yes."

"They're connected?"

"Yup."

"By magic?"

"Ye- wait." Yugi frowned at Adrian, who was smirking proudly at having tricked him. "Why do you think that?"

"It feels like magic."

"It fee- you know what magic feels like?"

Adrian nodded again, still completely happy. "Yup. This home feels like magic. You feel like magic. Ryou, and Katie, and Lasine and Anriel and Shimasu and Malik and Isis and Mr. Kaiba and Jounouchi and Atemu and Bakura feel like magic. There's a pub in downtown London that feels like magic- but only really weird people go into it, like no one else can see it. Oh, those weird people feel like magic, too."

Yugi grasped his wrist, pulled him into the seat he had fetched. "And how, pray tell, do you know what magic feels like?"

Adrian shrugged, wrenching his hand out of Yugi's light grip and opening his history text to the appropriate page. "I don't know. There's just something about certain people and places and things that doesn't feel natural, like it's supposed to be there- or maybe it feels too natural, but everything else is fake, but the fake stuff is all over the world, so everything feels fake, which means that the fake feeling is what's normal, so what actually is normal feels off and un-normal and weird."

Yugi just kept staring at him as he proceeded to open another book and flip through it to find the pages. "And then, sometimes, there's other things about people that feel weird- but they feel natural, no matter what is fake and what is normal, and they sort of glow that colour, and sometimes its magic and sometimes its not, but then I feel kind of sad, or happy, or excited, or surprised, or angry, and I glow that colour for no apparent reason. And whoever I was looking at was glowing the exact same colour, and I think it would be really cool to have a wand like the other wizards. You don't have one, though, and you glow a different colour, and you feel different- are you a different kind of wizard?"

Yugi was surprised- it had started off as, 'you have magic', and Adrian was already trying to classify which kind of mage he was.

Adrian just shrugged, blushing slightly. He was a generally reserved boy, and didn't rant or carry on about anything for a great length of time. "Anyways- I wanted help with this section. It says that these people were killed off, but it doesn't say why."

Yugi shook himself out of it, turning to look at the books (he hadn't noticed the other books being opened, or the Battle City book disappearing into the mess on the table). "Well, here, it says…."

As they went through the history lesson, Yugi carefully watched Adrian. The young boy was definitely a mage- and, at the moment, there was only one thing standing in the way of him being a full Spirit Mage. Yugi frowned at his own ignorance, but quickly changed it to a smile as Adrian asked him a question. He answered, then watched again as Adrian went back to work. There was something else bothering him, too.

(Yami?)

((Yes, aibou?))

(Can you get in contact with Bakura for me? I want both of you at dinner for something….)

"Ah! Thank you, everyone, for letting me stay for dinner!" Adrian crowed happily, patting his stomach to show where his appreciation was most felt.

Katie laughed, standing up to clear the table. "Well, I'm glad you liked it."

Adrian nodded, standing up and helping to clear and then clean, as did everyone else. It didn't take long (Katie shooed them all out so she could work her magic) and Adrian raced up the stairs to gather his books. He came back down, placing the books on a bench by the parlour doors and shrugging into his warm, winter jacket and heavily insulated boots.

"Good night!" He waved to Yugi, Atemu, and Ryou, who stood near him. He cast a small glance at Bakura, who leaned back easily against the wall, arms folded. "And thanks again!"

And as Adrian disappeared out the doors into the ever-darkening night, Bakura pushed off from against the wall- and handed the book he had snatched from Adrian's pile to Yugi. "Interesting book, midget. I might get Ryou to borrow it after you're done."

Yugi rolled his eyes, tucking the Battle City book under his arm and turning to go back upstairs, Atemu beside him. "Thanks, Bakura."

The thief nodded, pulling Ryou with him into the hallway and towards the still room.

Yugi and Atemu plodded up the stairs, Yugi already with his head buried in the book and Atemu gently guiding him by wrapping his hands around the other's shoulders, preventing Yugi from walking into walls and doors.

By the time they reached their bedroom on the third floor, Yugi was already done the twenty-page introduction. He transferred the book from hand-to-hand as he tried to change into his pyjamas while reading.

When he tripped and fell trying to get his leather pants off so he could put his loose cotton pants on, Atemu took pity on him and helped him to strip off his clothes, throw them into the dirty clothes hamper, and replace them with his usual pyjamas.

Even though the Pharaoh tried to get to sleep immediately, Yugi's complete consciousness prevented him from even drowsing properly. So, as much as it left him cold and empty inside, he cut off the link from his end, shutting out the feeling of non-sleepiness from Yugi and eventually fell asleep- hating himself the entire time.

"So the introduction is pretty much a summary of what everyone knows about Battle City- the location, premise, basic background, who was in the top eight and when and where all the contestants were ousted- including who beat whom. There's also about eight pages just about the Battle City finals as well- from the blimp to the tower."

Everyone sitting around Yugi nodded in regards to his summary. Along with Atemu, Ryou, Bakura, Malik, Katie, Anriel, Lasine and Shimasu were the Kaibas, Jounouchi, Isis, and Rashid.

They would have had Mai there (and probably in consequence the rest of the Doma crew), but they weren't able to find her by normal methods, and- if she was interested- she could just buy the book herself. Bakura had refused to use the Ring to find her, and Ryou agreed with his reasoning- whatever it was.

"The next chapter is essentially all the factors that went into getting Battle City started- or what they say are the factors. …you know, I never knew that some people thought of Battle City as some kind of recruitment- the best Duellists would be recruited for a Kaiba Corp 'take over the world plan'."

Seto frowned, almost growling, and Mokuba winced. "Yeah… after you disappeared, there was a lot of support for that theory. The police had to search every room and vault that was in way associated with Kaiba Corp- which took them the better part of a year. A lot of people still believe that way, though."

Yugi blushed, carefully looking away. No wonder Kaiba had been so annoyed with him- he had probably cost the CEO quite a bit of time and working days- a loss of which was worse than the loss of however much money it equalled to a Kaiba.

"Er- yes. Anyways. Another theory was that it was a setup to capture the Ghouls' leader- or leaders- and make him/her/them talk. That has ground at least. Another one was that it was a setup to steal the God Cards for yourself, myself, Jounouchi's self- pretty much any Duellist that participated is considered a thief according to believers in this theory.

"And apparently there was talk that it was another setup by the Japanese and/or Egyptian governments, for no clearly defined reason."

That caused everyone in the room with snort with some amount of disdain. The governments only tolerated Duellists and other gamers of such calibre because of the economic benefits. If it wasn't for that, professional gaming would have probably been outlawed in many countries.

"The second chapter is an overview of the first duels of battle city- including the occasional 'play-by-play' for some of the better duels- and in general what happened during the main part- the actual 'battle city' part. There's no theories, no conspiracies- just facts, thank goodness.

"The third and fourth chapters are similar- to each other, not the first chapter. They essentially go on about what was gained because of Battle City- and what was lost. More perspective on some issues, but mostly fact- and most economic.

"The fourth chapter- what was lost- brings us into the more… 'gruesome' facts of chapter five- 'A Duellist's Best Friend is a Doctor'. A number of people were killed, driven insane, or heavily beaten and robbed of most possessions. These people were all registered Duellists participating in Battle City- and all, as speculated here and confirmed by Malik, were the victims of overly zealous Ghouls. It's pretty much a list in paragraphs of who was beaten, driven insane, or killed, what exactly was done to them and with what, where they were found, where were the probable incident sites- essentially, a complete police incident report. Summarized in a paragraph.

"Chapter six brings us to the finals- where it was and the opinions of Duelling on the top of a blimp. This chapter is where Kaiba Corp really gets reamed out- for example," Yugi grabbed the book and flipped it open to the appropriate page and line, "'…was Kaiba perhaps hoping that one of the finalists, so distraught by their loss, would throw themselves from the blimp and he would have one less person to stand in his way of victory?' Really, it only gets worse."

Both Kaibas growled- and even Jounouchi looked properly affronted, though everyone else just nodded, ignoring the glowering trio.

"Anyways, chapter seven is what really happened during the finals- including Ryou's, Rashid's, Mai's, and Jounouchi's hospitalization- and, although they don't say it in so many words, Marik's appearance- and disappearance."

Malik stiffened, frowning at the book as though hopping it would disappear. Yugi turned to another page and began reading, "'... As it turns out, there were some problems during the finals among the contestants…' blah, blah, blah… ah, '…and another such problem was the rumoured appearance of a crazed, blonde, pointy-haired psychopath with a large dagger that was responsible for sending most of the other contestants to the hospital ward on the blimp…' and it just starts ranting about Kaiba Corp again. Oh, it later says something to the effect of, 'sometime during the final Duel of Battle City, the crazed maniac repented and became good- or so they say'. It really is a horrible book."

Jounouchi motioned for Yugi to continue. "There has to be more to it than that, Yugi. You know, and ending or summary chapter 'r summin."

Yugi sat down heavily on a chair by the fireplace, which he had been standing in front of to keep warm. He had been outside helping Katie in the field and had returned to find their guests here, wanting to know about the book. Yugi hadn't had a chance to change- Katie had run to her rooms and slipped on the warmest, furriest things she could find before sitting down to listen.

"Well- kind of. The eighth chapter is pretty much speculation about what was hoped to gain from Battle City, versus what was and what was lost. There's also some- mostly hopeful, not serious- speculation about the use and abuse of magic during Battle City, but it's not much, and- unless you realize that the author is talking about magic, you might think it a reference to these Occurrences happening now."

Isis smiled at him. "Starting using that term too, hm?"

Kaiba smirked. "Jumping on a bandwagon? Really, Yugi."

Yugi blinked at them- as Enima came through the fireplace, careful not to burn her feathers, and dropping the daily collection of newspapers into Yugi's lap. "Bandwagon?"

Kaiba's smirk disappeared, as Isis started chuckling. "Yes, you know, my Pharaoh. How everyone's using the term Occurrences now to refer to muggle-magical incidents."

Yugi still couldn't erase the confusion from his face. "I know, but- bandwagon?"

Kaiba was losing his patience. "Yes. It's the thing people are said to 'jump on' when they start using and referencing the 'in' and popular things."

"…bandwagon?"

Enima nipped his fingers, and Yugi started, looking down at the paper Enima had pulled to the top of the pile. He opened it to the Opinions and Editorial page, searching for a new entry from IA. Finding none, he put it aside and began to absently pet the snowy white owl.

Jounouchi had to stop himself from laughing as Kaiba began to turn- and see- red from annoyance and frustration. "You are probably one of the smartest people in the world. How can you not grasp that the term 'Occurrences' is not your own, singular term for them?"

Yugi kept blinking, before he finally pieced together what Kaiba was saying to him- and the fact that not many people knew what his middle name was, and that the seal he put on all his letters was never displayed in the newspapers.

"Oh, I see. You don't- okay then. Yes, I know that using 'Occurrences' is a fad, but it works, and, frankly, I think the wizarding version of Webster's Dictionary is going to list it as an official term soon, making it vocabulary."

Kaiba made a face, Jounouchi finally started laughing, and Isis just smiled. Rashid and Mokuba exchanged silent looks, looking away from the other before they started laughing too, and the other hikaris and residents of Abhorsen's House just smiled, knowing that they were privy to quite a few secrets.

Eventually, Yugi was allowed to go up to his room, Atemu appearing to him just as he walked in the door. "Aibou- should you not have told them that-"

"That what? I helped coin the phrase? I like using 'Levis' as more a code name than one of my actual names- and I still can't figure out what I have a middle name in the first place." Although he spoke clearly, his lips were blue and his hands were chilled, shaking.

Atemu pulled out warm clothes, forcing Yugi to sit in a chair and pulling it over to the hearth, in which he quickly set a fire.

Yugi looked on as Atemu set to work warming up the room and everything in it, wrapping a blanket around his shoulders temporarily as he called down to Katie to warm up some soup and bring it up. "I'm not sick, you know. I'm fine," he said, amused by Atemu's worry.

The Pharaoh turned around to face Yugi, walking over with the change of clothes and another, warmer blanket thrown over his shoulder. He grabbed Yugi's hands, rubbing them together between his own and blowing on them to warm them. Pulling Yugi up, he pulled the light into his chest, rubbing his back before slipping off the partially-dry vest and shirt, then moving down to remove Yugi's pants.

By now Yugi was shivering, and standing nearly naked in his dark's arms wasn't entirely helping keep the cold away. Atemu wrapped the long, black cloak he was wearing around Yugi's lithe frame, pulling him closer so that Yugi was leaning against him for support to stand. He used the Shadows to keep the cloak secure around them, and began rubbing Yugi's back, hands, neck, arms, chest, legs and feet to try to get the circulation going again.

Then he began to clothe Yugi, pulling put of the embrace just enough to bend down and slip the pants on, then the long-sleeved t-shirt, then a normal t-shirt, a sweater, warm, fluffy socks, and a small scarf to go around the hikari's neck.

Picking Yugi up, he deposited the young man on his bed, pulling down the covers and wrapping the spare blanket around his shoulders, before forcing Yugi to lay down and tucking him in.

"P-please, Yami. I- I'm fine."

Atemu shot him a disbelieving look. Although Yugi's voice was- for the most part- steady if muffled, it was obvious he was ailing. If he had been mute, Atemu was sure that, with nothing else to go by, he would have had Yugi stuck in bed for the next four days- minimum. His skin was pale(r), his lips blue and fingers, toes and ears slightly blue. His skin was cold and clammy, and the slight circles under his eyes were more pronounced. And he was shivering, his teeth chattering.

A lot.

Katie walked into the room with the soup then, and almost dropped it when she saw the situation. She rushed over and began checking Yugi for any symptoms that would point to hypothermia- or worse.

Retreating with Atemu for barely a second, she held a whispered debate, then sent Atemu to Yugi's side and returned with a small vial of a rather odd-looking, pale green liquid. Yugi automatically winced, but she just put the vial on the bedside table, gave Atemu a slight nod, and left the room, closing the door and- by what Yugi could hear- locking it.

Atemu cocked his head, hearing all the other doors on the floor lock, before turning back to Yugi and beginning to spoon feed the still-warm soup to his light. Yugi gratefully drank the broth, enjoying the rich flavours.

When the soup was finished, Yugi wasn't feeling much better and Atemu frowned, before grabbing the vial off the table. Yugi winced again, trying to move away from his Yami- but his cocoon of blankets prevented him from doing much of anything. Atemu opened the vial and moved it towards Yugi's nose. There was no smell, he realized, slightly surprised- but turned his head away, unperturbed. The worst-tasting medicines always had no smell- it was so that whoever was taking them would think they had no taste, either.

Atemu frowned. ((Aibou, drink this. You need it.))

(I just need some sleep.)

((You do not.))

(I do! I just need a bit of sleep, and then I'll be fine and wonderful! You can wake me up at midnight- not before- and check, and if I'm not recovered, then you can give me that- that gunk.)

Atemu considered the offer, frowning again at Yugi. Finally he shrugged, but the worry was still etched into his face and heart, and although he put the vial on the bedside table again, he did not make to leave- and Yugi was glad, relaxing into sleep as Atemu stroked the side of his face.

Yugi felt someone shaking him, and tried to open sleepy eyes- but the muscles didn't respond, and he groaned instead, muttering about how much he did not appreciate being sick. He felt a slight drop of liquid on his lips, and he immediately tightened them- no matter how sick he was, he would not take that liquid in the vial.

There was no further attempts for a moment, but then Yugi felt warm, supple lips pressed against his, and knew that this was Atemu he was kissing, without a doubt. A warm tongue pressed against his lips, and before he knew what he was doing he parted them, letting Atemu explore his mouth- and bringing the medicine with the tongue.

Atemu didn't stop the kiss, and the only way Yugi was going to get out of this without choking would be to swallow the liquid. He did so, and Atemu slowly pulled away. It worked within moments- Yugi felt his eyes opening, his fever- or lack thereof- receding, and his shaking stopped.

He looked up at Atemu, surprise glittering in his eyes, and Atemu just smiled at him, nuzzling his cheek. Suddenly, a wave of exhaustion rolled over him, and he was asleep within seconds.

Atemu smiled down at his light, stroking the delicate face, marvelling at the porcelain skin and features. And they were all his- to have and to hold, in sickness and health, the whole wedding vows thing. Without a wedding, though- without that commitment that caused a number of people to freeze on their way down the isle, turn tail and run.

Because that commitment had been made long ago, and there was nothing scary about it. There was no one else that would suffice, and no one else that would ever be better. He laid down beside Yugi, enjoying the touch and intimacy they shared. He was still nervous about the whole 'romantic' idea- but, somehow, that didn't bother him as much any more. A touch here, a kiss there- it was all very natural, all very relaxing.

As sleep overtook him as well, he wrapped his hands around Yugi's. This was they way everyone should feel about that one other person, whom they had sworn to care for until eternity. This was how things should be.

Ryou looked in on them before he went to bed, smiling first at the empty vial, silhouetted by the light from the window. Then his eyes trailed to the bed, and his smile only grew as he saw the two Pharaohs curled around each other, Yugi looking better far better than he had earlier.

Bakura poked his head in after him, snorting at the peaceful scene. The door was closed and locked again, Ryou proceeding down the hall to the room that had essentially become the armoury. Bakura followed him, passing by the other rooms that were currently filled. No one understood why there was an armoury in the House, either, though Dumbledore had hinted at the legend of the traditional Abhorsen's House. And very few understood why it was on the sleeping room floor instead of the ground floor or the common floor.

Ryou and Bakura walked into the room, careful to close and tightly lock the door. They walked silently over to a corner, where an old picture hung of a knight, fully decked out in traditional armour. Pulling it out, a small hole in the wall, barely a foot across and five feet high, was made visible, a full two feet off the floor. Ryou clambered into the hole first, Bakura following him while shutting the portrait behind them.

A ladder reached up towards the ceiling, higher and higher as it disappeared into the darkened shaft. They climbed up quickly, Ryou going first and Bakura following, until they reached the top, where a small landing stood in front of a door, detailed in such beautiful colors- when they were visible.

Ryou unlocked the door while Bakura looked back down the shaft, calling on the Shadows to seal the portrait door properly now that they were up here. The door swung inwards to permit them to enter the attic room- a long, wide room that stretched from one end of the House to the other. The obvious curve of the tower cut through the roof on one side, but for the most part it was a straight run from one side to the other.

The end they had entered had been left as an empty ground, perfect for practice-duelling of all kinds- swords, magic, and monsters. The other end on the opposite side of the tower had been transformed into a fully functional living quarters, including a bedroom, bathroom, mini-kitchen, study and a private library.

The roof and floors had been reinforced a number of times, although special, hidden, glass-filled gaps in the roof allowed for natural light to seep through.

They walked down towards the living quarters, Ryou pausing to check the engravings on the tower wall. They were old, and definitely of the Charter. Exactly what they meant puzzled Ryou, but they would occasionally change, sometimes flashing to draw his attention. He wasn't entirely sure what they said, but they did seem to be important. For now, though, they were the usual marks that Ryou could understand, after staring at them mostly for the last three months.

"All is as should be." He muttered, turning around and running after Bakura. Earlier that night, they had flashed a disturbing shade of red and proclaimed what was possible coordinates, followed by, "All should be fixed or All shall be ruined!"

That was followed by Bakura Shifting up to the living quarters, grabbing Ryou and a vial of amber, and then dragging him down to Yugi's room, where he had to administer another dose of the odd liquid-poison, causing the tattoo across Yugi's chest to flare again, spreading another six inches over skin. It had yet to trail down his arms, but Ryou was sure that- with time- it would. Maybe.

When he returned, the same message was there, but it was no longer flashing and quickly faded back to the usual "All is as should be."

Ryou was grateful it was still that message, because he had experienced a number of times were it had flashed ominously- and later he had reports of another fatal Occurrence, just after the flashing.

"You really need to figure out what those coordinates mean, yadonushi." Bakura commented over his shoulder, frowning as he slipped into silk pants and flopped onto the bed, smirking at the comfort.

Ryou frowned back at him, quickly doing the same- though he climbed onto the bed, so as not to flop down on top of Bakura. The yami did not appreciate that, Ryou had found.

"Why don't you help then?"

"Because I don't have the slightest clue what those bloody things mean. You should have some idea- you're the one who's technically Abhorsen."

'You just don't want to take any blame.'

((I heard that, yadonushi. Your barriers are pathetic.))

(Why are you even breaking them down?)

((Because sometimes your thoughts are interesting. Sometimes they're not, but then I just put up my own barrier and everything is peachy keen.))

(…did you just say 'peachy keen'?)

((Tell anyone and you're dead, hikari.))

Ryou knew better than to dismiss a Bakura-threat, but instead of letting it affect him, he curled up on his side with his back to his yami and slipped under the covers, intent on falling asleep.

Bakura did the same, though he ended up turned over and spooning Ryou.

((Mine.))

(Yours. And mine.)

((Mine. All mine.))

Ryou rolled his eyes, but it was just so comfy that he didn't say anything else and fell asleep. Bakura spent some time admiring Ryou's effeminate looks, smirking as he cheered himself for having snagged such a powerful, resilient and contrary hikari. Really, he wouldn't be able to stand a powder-puff like Yugi, or someone who purposefully made everything he did turn out wrong like Malik. He would be too frustrated with either, and would end up probably killing them.

Ryou, however, was a natural powder-puff that had spikes underneath- spikes dipped in eight different kinds of poison. Cute to look at, cute to pet and touch- but grasp too hard and you'll get stung.

And he liked pain. And poison. And pointy things with which one could kill, massacre and torture an enemy. And Ryou, for all the nice, sweet, kind, and gentle things he did and acted as, was a very, very pointy thing that would willingly kill, massacre and torture an enemy if the need arose. And the rest of the time, he was a pretty, pathetic, warm, fluffy hikari that he could pet and annoy and tease and like (he refused to say 'love').

Really, how much better could you get?

The days passed quickly for the rest of January and into February. Adrian- and his entire family- became accepted parts of the household. Although Katherine had been startled when she had walked into the kitchen and had found Katie sitting there, reading a book, while dinner prepared itself, and Thomas (who asked to be called Tom) had been shocked to see the chairs rearranging themselves around the dinner table- and Adrian and Malik directing them into place from their spots by the wall, everyone seemed to come to an understanding that weird things happened in the House- and no one would ask questions.

The weirdest thing to happen arrived late one evening, as everyone was heading in from the fields, where Katie was teaching Adrian, Yugi, Ryou and Malik to ride broom so they could play Quidditch. Adrian had the broom slung over his shoulder, and was chatting amiably with his parents and grandfather about what an amazing broom rider he was, and how well he had played.

Katie had to agree with him- Adrian, if he had been accepted into Hogwarts, was undoubtedly one of the most talented players she had seen and would have easily made Seeker on any team. He was a natural at flying and handling flying- especially randomly flying objects, as Malik had taken great care to aim every bludger he hit at the young man. Bakura had been playing Beater for the other team, which had consisted of himself, Adrian, and Ryou, versus Atemu, Yugi, and Malik. Katie had acted as referee, and everyone else (of which there were a lot of that day) were the cheering section.

Apparently, Angelina wanted her family to see a Quidditch game, Dumbledore wanted to see a Quidditch game, Tom and Katherine had wanted the rest of the respective families to see a Quidditch game, Adrian had wanted some of his friends to see a Quidditch game, Jounouchi, Seto, Mokuba, Isis, Rashid, Anzu, Honda, Shizuka, and Otogi wanted to see a Quidditch game (and Yugi), and a lot of other wizards and witches had wanted to get away from the stress of living in a Voldemort-fearing world and wanted to see a Quidditch game.

No one watching seemed to especially mind that no one playing actually knew the rules very well, and there was only one Chaser, Beater and Seeker per team. It was just as exciting, because Malik and Bakura were taking care to add little explosions every time they hit the single bludger being used while making sure to insult each other as often as possible, Atemu and Ryou were being overly aggressive Chasers, especially since there was only one hoop at each end and there was no Keeper, and Adrian and Yugi made a show of streaking off after an imaginary snitch to confuse the other often enough.

Eventually, Yugi caught the snitch, Atemu scored more goals than Ryou, and Bakura was finally able to knock Malik off his broom. Everyone cheered for such an explosive ending (it turns out Bakura and Malik had enchanted the bludger to explode in a shower of sparks every time it hit anything), and made their way home or up to the House for a late dinner.

Many of the witches and wizards were quick to leave, fearing being out in the open or away from home for too long in these times. The muggles there noticed this, and suspected it had something to do with the Occurrences. However, they didn't pry, which Yugi was grateful for- he would have had an especially large amount to explain.

Fleur and her fiancé, Bill, remained behind, having spoken with Dumbledore and found that they had common friends and decided to come along to the game. A few other witches and wizards- from the Order of the Phoenix, Dumbledore informed the residents of the House- also remained behind, enjoying the hospitality of the House and the many little tricks that had gone into it.

Almost everyone was inside, heading straight for the dinning room and the buffet table that had been set up, but Yugi, Atemu, Ryou, Bakura, Malik, and Adrian and his family remained outside, still discussing the game as they put everything away.

"And it was amazing, wasn't it, when we both were diving- for nothing!- and then we pulled up at the last second…." Adrian smiled with excitement, helping to tug one of the supports for the goal hoops out of the ground.

Yugi laughed, nodding. "It was- weren't you scared?"

Adrian shrugged. "A little. But I was really excited- and so were you, so I couldn't be completely scared!"

Atemu shook his head. They had decided that Adrian must be an Empath- a certain type of Spirit Mage that very little was known about and even less was written down. As far as they knew, Empaths had a connection to every living thing emotionally and slightly mentally. The Pharaoh was surprised that Adrian had yet to hear his conversations with Yugi over the link, but was grateful for it.

They had dutifully informed Adrian's parents of what they suspected, and the positives and negatives of such an ability. They had replied that they had been suspicious of something like that for a while, and were prepared to face whatever they had to in order to get Adrian trained properly.

Fortunately, Abhorsen's House was currently playing host to five people who had all the characteristics of an Empath, and there were no books or wands to buy. All the other raw materials- herbs, animal parts, elixirs- were found around the House or in the Devonshire stables.

And so, as they stood outside, an odd pulsing went through Yugi and Atemu- something that usually meant Ma'at was being tampered with. But this time, it felt more like something that was amiss was being naturally corrected- or, more precisely, something that should have happened was now happening.

And, surprise of all surprises, whatever it was was heading straight for them.

It was about this time that everyone else noticed that Yugi and Atemu had stopped helping- and paying attention to what was happening. It was also about this time that a rather large fire-twister appeared not five feet from Yugi, who only sighed with a slight smile on his face.

The twister quickly dissipated, leaving a young man and woman crouching on the ground. He had dark brown hair, laced with red streaks, wearing dark-coloured shirt, vest, long pants and boots with red stitching and a faint, red-tinted pattern. Her hair was an abnormally pale blonde, streaked with pure white and a light blue, her white-yellow long sleeved shirt, short skirt and socks which stretched above the knee with white boots a perfect contrast to his.

They stood from their crouched position, she wiping her hair out of her face and he wrapping an arm around her waist as they walked to the group.

Yugi and Atemu both stepped forward, greeting them with gentle, if tired and exasperated, smiles.

He was the first to speak. "Yugi! Yami! Ryou! Bakura! What's up?"

Yugi laughed, his smile broad enough to be welcoming, if tired enough to get across that this unexpected visit wasn't completely welcome. "Hey Agni, Kazille."

Agni glomped him, grinning profusely. Kazille dragged him off of Yugi, apologizing just as profusely. Atemu and Yugi reassured them that no harm was done, and, as the last piece of Quidditch hoop was lifted out of the ground, they entire group headed inside for their dinner.

Not many people realized that Agni and Kazille had not been at the game- two were Dumbledore and McGonagall, and the rest were Adrian's classmates who had come to see the game.

"Who are they?" Timothy asked, looking perplexed by the sudden arrival.

Adrian shrugged his shoulders and spooned some of the salad onto his plate. "I'm not sure- Yugi, Ryou, Atemu and Bakura know them, though. Their names are Agni and Kazille and, from what I got, Yugi's glad to see them- but he wishes they weren't here, for some reason."

Nathan, a sandy-haired, short boy, frowned. "Why wouldn't he want them to be here?"

"Maybe they're a part of that Battle City cover-up we had to read about for World Relations…." Jessica whispered to Anne, Heather, James, Liam and Jordon. They all agreed, but Christopher, Jacqueline, Kelly and Brandon frowned.

"I don't think so. There's no mention of an 'Agni' or 'Kazille' in any records regarding Battle City. And those are pretty weird names- someone should have remembered them if they were listed." Brandon replied, stuffing a hamburger into his mouth.

Kendall, the last in the group, remained silent, watching with Adrian as everyone else debate who were the two new guests. "What do you think?" Adrian whispered to the other boy.

Dark-haired Kendall studied Agni and Kazille, looking at their odd appearances. Even though he had newly turned 13 at the beginning of the year, he was already chosen as the person most likely to become a private detective or a police officer.

"They're odd- like Yugi and Ryou. Not threats… friends. Allies. Bearing some kind of news that Yugi doesn't want to hear?"

Adrian looked up at the normally silent Kendall with surprise, but the elder gestured for him to look at Yugi's face as they sat on a bench near the wall.

Indeed, Yugi was making a rather disturbed and pained face, hearing what Agni and Kazille had to do. "Let me get this straight- you're escorting around two visiting dignitaries from another world."

"Essentially."

"Who ride dragons."

"Yup."

"And need a place to- you said 'clutch'?"

Kazille nodded. "Not too long after they arrived in the Axis, the two dragons went through a mating flight. Their riders didn't look too happy about that, but it was just so emotional and sensual and we-"

Yugi held up his hand wearily. "I don't want to know, Kazille."

Agni frowned. "Are you sure? It really is a great-"

"Stop. Please."

The two mates grinned at each other, before patting Yugi on the back. "So. All we need is a place with lots of sun, warm ground- preferably sand- and is remote and reclusive, so only idiots would actually try and get there."

"And we need to find some candidates that would be good as their new riders." Kazille added, gazing around. "Like those young people over there."

Yugi followed her gaze to find himself staring right at Adrian and the young man's best friend, Kendall- as well as all his friends that had come to see the game.

"Yeah, and have their parents kill us? No thanks."

Agni laughed. "Whatever happened to that sense of adventure you used to have when we were in the Guard?"

"It dried up being used for damage control."

Agni and Kazille winced- Atemu had given them the summary of what had happened since they had returned. "Er… yeah…."

Kazille shook her head. "We can let the riders deal with who gets chosen, but for now- didn't you say there was a place with a lot of sand here? What's it called- Egypt?"

Agni latched onto the idea quickly. "And there's the Nile River, and-"

"No."

"Hm?" The two hybrids turned inquisitive faces to meet Yugi's downcast look.

Yugi sighed, sitting up straight and stretching his arms out in front and then above him. "We can't go to Egypt. The Nile is the only source of water- and it is travelled nearly 24/7. There's no way we can use Egypt for this."

"Then where would you have them go?" Kazille demanded. Yugi looked up at her, surprised by her sudden ferocity. "You go on and on about how great Egypt is, about how you could do anything if you weren't so reserved."

Yugi paled slightly, holding up his hands. "I never said I could-"

"Bakura told us when we were by the buffet table that you and Atemu could, if you want, easily tap into one of the underground springs that help to feed the Nile and at least create a little pond. That you could help the sand regain some of it's nutrients and culture enough farmland to grow food and raise cattle on. Grow trees for shade and fruits on. That- if you really wanted to and weren't so reserved with your power (which he also says is making you sick)- you could- easily- build a city or at least a large village out of the sand that Egypt has so much of."

Yugi coughed, not looking at them. When had Bakura had the chance to-

"And," Kazille went on, incensed, "You are essentially saying not that you can't help- but that you won't help, since you think it can't be done! You're just going to let a woman give birth any old place, because you don't want to! You are as cold-hearted, selfish, self-centered-"

"He's get the point, Kazille." Agni murmured to her, trying to calm her down. Yugi himself had his head in his hands, eyes clenched tight.

"Kazille, this is just- it's not that I don't want to help. It's not that I don't think I can. This world is on the verge of all-out war, and the few of us who know what's going on and haven't been completely caught up in it yet are trying to do damage control and keep the peace for as long as it lasts. I wish I could- but I don't know how much power, energy, that will take- and I don't know how much I will need to keep Ma'at," Yugi answered truthfully, not looking up at his friends.

They stared at him, but then Kazille lowered her head. "I'm sorry for ranting at you like that."

"It's alright. I would rant too, probably."

Agni sat there, thinking, as he shovelled the food from his plate into his mouth. "Hrm… what about if we get a number of these mages to help out?"

Yugi shot him a look that clearly said, 'You're insane'. Just to make sure he got the message, Yugi repeated it aloud.

Agni waved off the comment. "I'm serious! Maybe not the Mark mages, since they're the ones in the war, right? If we could find some Charter, maybe some Soul and Spirit and Shadow mages, we would have enough people to help."

Yugi made a face, but sighed in recognition of a valid point- and defeat. "Alright- but just the basics then. Plumbing and electricity. One or two buildings- sleeping and common quarters. Maybe another separate building to act as a sort-of hospital. We'll need to bring in some plants, some water and some stone to get this 'pond' of yours started off. And a place to lay the eggs?"

"A Hatching Ground, they called it." Kazille murmured as she envisioned this little piece of paradise in the middle of the sandy wastes.

Yugi nodded. "And I assume these dragons are their own transportation, so we don't need any roads."

Agni held up his hand. "They said they would want some people to live with them who aren't dragon riders- normal people hopefully, to help cook and clean and take care of the place."

Yugi rolled his eyes but relented. "Alright, and some other dwellings for whoever wants to live there. Got it. May I eat now?"

They grinned and let him, moving off to talk with other people and get caught up on what they had missed (they used the excuse they arrived late to the game and easily got all the details about the whole game).

((You're worried about this.))

(I'm worried about the way I'm acting. Normally I would have said, 'Yes, great! Of course we'll help!' What is wrong with me?)

((Nothing is wrong with you. You have learned to prioritize- a war is a greater threat than a dragon with no place to lay her eggs.))

(But Bakura said-)

((The thief doesn't know anything about our problems. Though I must agree with him- you have been getting sick far too often, and it might have something to do with how much power you reserve. A human body, even a special crafted, Shadow-altered body, can only retain so much energy inside itself without combusting.))

This was something Yugi had never heard before. (What do you mean?)

His confusion must have filtered down the link. ((My instructors- Mahado specifically- taught me this. Normal human bodies retain a certain amount of primary particles- sraf and shadows- energy. Any less and their body starts shutting down and causing lethargy. Any more and they are like to suffer a spontaneous combustion.)) Yugi winced- he had read reports of those in the Axis.

(So… what do I have?)

Slight humour trickled down, and Yugi got the impression that it must have been sick humour, as Atemu tried to block it. ((You, my dear light, have neither of the above. It's closer to having too much, but your body naturally adapts to high energy and heat- that was what saved you in that fire at the beginning of Battle City.))

Yugi rubbed his right hand awkwardly- grasping the burning metal of the Sennen Puzzle and the chain that connected it had caused his hand to scab over. The scabs eventually came off- with most of his skin. His entire right hand no longer had any sort of finger print or line, other than the creases when his skin folded when he clenched his hand. Other than that, however, he had made it out of the fire perfectly fine. Jounouchi should have actually been in the hospital longer than he had, but the doctors had judged by length of exposure versus actual injury.

((You use energy in every day life- walking, talking, eating, running, playing sports. To keep your body functioning normally, more energy is drawn from the world around you to be used. This is a natural process- your body automatically draws in energy, whether you use it or not. Mages draw in more energy than normal people, because they tend to use more. And if you compare Shadow versus Mark mages, Shadows mages use far more energy than a Mark mage.))

Well, that was interesting. (Even for the same spell?)

((It depends of the calibre of the spell, and what range it's in.))

(You mean if it's weak or powerful, and what kind of heka is used?)

A strong sense of approval swarmed his mind. (Alright- there's more, I know it.)

((Indeed. Mark mages are able to not use magic for a long period of time and suffer no consequences, since they're only one step up from Aura mages and two above muggles. Shadows mages should use a certain amount of magic every day to keep their energies balanced. If they don't, the excess energy builds up inside them, with no where else to go as more is constantly streaming in. Eventually, the body's organs begin shutting down to counteract the intense heat that the energy produces- and the first things to shut down are the things that haven't been used in a long time, or aren't usually used, anyways. Like your immune system.))

(Er- isn't that always working?)

((No. Your body is naturally of an almost impossibly high average temperature. It's enough to burn off all the parasites and infections that would otherwise cause your immune system to work overtime. It doesn't need to work- so, when something needs to stop working, that goes first every time, as you don't usually use it.))

(Then if my average body temperature is high enough to burn off infections, why would I get sick even if my immune system isn't working?)

((Because when there's an increase in energy to the point your body can't handle it, the organs and systems that aren't shut down are put to work setting up safeguards to protect themselves. The more important ones first, the least important later. It takes a while- and an infection only needs seconds to infect. If all the energy is being used to divert itself, there is no energy to produce the heat required to burn off viruses- and with no immune system, there is nothing to stop it.))

(So I just have to blow more things up?)

((Preferably do something more productive, but yes, essentially that's all you need to do.))

Yugi grinned, thinking about what he could do with this kind of information. It was a wonder Malik hadn't realized this- he would have had a sure-fire excuse to cause mischief and mayhem. Then what he had been talking about with Agni and Kazille came back to mind, and he nodded. (Then, for the next little while, all this extra energy that I have to work off- apparently- is going to go into building this Hatching Ground for these… interplanetary diplomats.)

((And I will help you.))

(Thank you, Yami.)

He ended his conversation as Agni and Kazille wandered over to him with Adrian and his class. Professors Dumbledore and McGonagall joined the little group, discussing the game and it's qualities- and how to adapt it for muggle use.

Yugi never noticed Ryou and Bakura looking at him oddly, nor how Malik was whispering to Isis intently. He was so focused on the group around him that it was lucky he noticed Atemu's pull to come to bed before he wore himself out and left himself open for another sickness again.

"So- he's going through with it? Building this… 'Hatching Ground'?" Ryou asked Bakura when the guests were either gone or in their rooms, and they were able to retire to their own quarters.

Bakura nodded stiffly. "Pretty sure that damned Pharaoh finally got around to explaining the rules of energy use to him- I'm surprised that something hasn't been blown up yet."

Ryou frowned at him from his spot on their bed. "Why? Yugi can't have that much extra energy than us- can he?"

Bakura let a snort escape. "Let's put it this way, hikari- if the midget decided to unleash all the energy that he should normally have in one blow, it would be enough to disintegrate about half the planet. The Pharaoh would take care of the other half, no doubt."

"That's… disturbing." Ryou bit his lip, not wanting to ask the next question, but needing too. "Does he… does he know? Realize? Understand?"

"Doubt it. 'His Majesty' operates, even with his light, under a need-to-know basis. If Yugi's life isn't in danger right now, he doesn't want to say anything. It might worry Yugi. Re knows the midget needs to find out that life's not so perfect."

Ryou put out a hand on Bakura's arm. The yami looked down at his light, one eyebrow raised and an expression on his face that told Ryou, 'I don't really care what you have to say, but if you must say it, I'll pretend to listen.'

"Yami… perhaps this extra energy comes from having to balance Ma'at?"

"No shit, yadonushi. The midget and the Pharaoh happen to be the only people who are able to keep the human race from destroying themselves and the planet. To judge and control over six billion people would take a bit of energy."

Ryou frowned, his grip tightening. "They don't control people."

"They do. Not us, but others. Yugi's the powder-puff whom everyone loves and is willing to try and capture all the stars to make him smile, while the Pharaoh's the fearsome ruler who scares everyone into submission- even if they know it or act like it. If either of them were to ask for the impossible, I can guarantee everyone except for you, me, Malik, Marik (should he ever get free), and maybe Isis would be able to say 'hell no'. Everyone else would be killing themselves trying to do whatever had been asked." Bakura rolled his eyes, prying Ryou's fingers off his arm. "Really, yadonushi, do you mind? My arm likes being attached to my shoulder."

"Does he know who he's building this for?"

"Does it matter? They could be two people with no greater plan than destroying every world they come across and Agni and Kazille are their minions, but Yugi would always help them."

Ryou nodded, looking out one of the larger gaps in the roof that served as a window. "I am worried. He's been so sick lately- his body might not be able to handle it."

"If it doesn't, then he actually can be a spirit or- more likely- a god, and look down on all us little mortals, and laugh at how little we don't know."

"Yugi wouldn't do that."

"Ten bucks says he would."

"Twenty says Atemu would never let him die, so he would never get that chance."

"Thirty says the Pharaoh would let him die of old age, but grab his soul and make a Shadow-body for him so that they could be young, beautiful, stupidly powerful pain-in-the-arses together for the rest of eternity."

Ryou looked at Bakura oddly. "Would you do that for me?"

Bakura stared at him, then laughed. "Are you kidding me, yadonushi? As soon as I no longer need the thing, I'm sealing my soul into your body and throwing away the Ring so that when you die, I go to. We're- you're- Abhorsen, and being 'living dead' just wouldn't work."

Ryou blushed, but persisted. "But, if the situation was different- would you?"

Bakura eyed him, then pulled Ryou up into his arms. "What if I say no?"

"Then I say you're a cold-hearted bastard that would end up attempting to kill himself since you can't live a half-life."

"You are."

"Because you're here beside me."

"So you're dependent on me?"

Ryou paused, looking away. For so long, one of the only things he could lord over Bakura was that the spirit needed him, needed his body, to retain his own body, own existence, on a physical plane. That was the only way to keep Bakura in check- the one thing the thief couldn't do was prevent Ryou from committing suicide.

And now, he had just admitted that that was no longer the case. Ryou looked up into Bakura's eyes, not quavering for a moment. "Yes. As you are dependent on me."

Bakura smirked. "So we're all good then." He pushed Ryou onto the bed, then crawled up beside him, holding his light to his chest. "Then I don't suppose you'd mind helping me."

"With what?"

"The usual things. Stealing, robbery, occasional murder, torturing people who annoy me…."

"And why would I help you with what?"

Bakura leaned down to whisper in his ear. "The Pharaoh's job- yes, both of them- is to keep everything balanced. For every life there must eventually be a death. For every light there must be a dark. For every day, a night. For every love, a hate. For every dream that comes true, there must also be one that is crushed.

"And yet, they try and promote life, light, day, love, and dreams, even though half of the people will only know death, dark, night, hate, and depression. We must be the balance that they try so hard to ignore. Until they get their views straight and realize that not everything is perfect, we must make sure that not everything is- and that they're aware of it."

"That's mean."

"That's life, hikari."

They laid there in silence, Ryou wondering if he would be able to change before he fell asleep. Based on the grip around his waist, probably not.

"Ryou."

His ears perked- Bakura, as a rule, never called him by name. "Yes, Bakura?"

"Nahkti."

Ryou blinked. "What?"

"My name was Nahkti. You call the Pharaoh 'Atemu', so call me by my name."

Ryou smiled. "Alright… Nahkti."

He felt Bakura nod. "They are both volatile, dangerous. The Pharaoh not so much, as he's learned to control his powers even when they're so strong they're out of control. Yugi's the main danger. He doesn't realize what he could do, and his control is slipping by the day."

"That's why he's snapping at people?"

"Because he feels something wrong with himself and he doesn't know why."

"I want you to be careful around him. Malik, Isis and Rashid have to go back to Egypt tomorrow to continue working on this group-death-tomb case- and I'm going with them. If I come back at the end of the week and find a single scratch on you, the midget is paying."

"Please don't hurt Yugi."

Bakura turned Ryou's face towards him, looking into bright chocolate orbs filled with honest worry. "And what will you bribe me with?"

Ryou paused, real fear and turmoil flickering in his eyes, before he completely turned around and buried his face into Bakura's chest, refusing to look at his darkness. "I'll help you." He finally muttered. "With whatever you want. Do anything. Just don't hurt Yugi. I can't stand loosing you again."

Bakura blinked, unsure whether to feel (slightly) touched because of his hikari's worry, or insulted because Ryou was certain Atemu would easily kick his ass back to Tuat. He settled on neither, forcing Ryou to look at him again. "Anything, hm?"

Ryou nodded, closing his eyes. Bakura paused, examining the trusting, compassionate features, which showed no fear even as their owner laid in the arms of a murderer, thief, and a stealer of souls- the darkest of dark spirits. And a thought he had long buried surfaced, making him want to grab Malik and have him erase his own memories of that day.

'I wonder what caused Yugi to panic that day after Atemu kissed him?' That thought was quickly replaced by, 'I wonder why Atemu takes every chance he can get to kiss Yugi now?'

Deciding to find out for himself, he pressed his lips against Ryou's, ignoring his hikari's startled gasp, and the way he quickly melted into his arms. Instead, he was focusing on the cinnamon and sweet spices that tickled his taste buds. He found the taste odd, since Ryou hadn't had anything extremely spicy, sweet or the included cinnamon at all. He enjoyed it though, until he felt Ryou pushing away, needing to breath.

He imitated Ryou, though there was no real need to. Instead of kissing him again, Bakura just pulled Ryou as tightly against his chest as he could without completely smothering the young man, preferring to have Ryou go to sleep while he mulled over his latest experiment.

A quick Charter spell later and Ryou was completely out, and would be for the next five hours at least. He pulled away again, eyes and fingers trailing over every part of Ryou's features. He really did have a pretty hikari- he felt a surge of jealousy towards those girls that had formed a Ryou fan club when he had first transferred to Domino High. He quelled it, as that might very well wake Ryou from his sleep and lead to a number of questions he didn't want to answer.

So. Hikaris tasted good. They were pretty, if volatile and possibly violent, fluff balls and powder-puffs. They felt good in a yami's arms. They were warm. They smelt good. It was good how they melted into a yami when kissed. It was even better how they responded to a kiss- but only if it was initiated by their yami. He remembered that one girl that had kissed Ryou at his graduation and how Ryou had pushed her away, apologized for being rude, then stalked off, immediately reaching for Bakura for comfort.

He was proud that Ryou was able to turn to him and be happy. He was prouder that he didn't need to turn to Ryou, but that his hikari supported him even if he didn't want it.

Hikaris were good power-packs for yamis. Need a little extra strength? Get yourself an hikari, hug and pet him a couple of times, and- voila- you have a nearly infinite supply of energy.

Bakura wondered if hikaris felt as good under him, moaning in ecstasy, as they did melting into his arms and returning his kisses. He decided that he wouldn't try that experiment- Ryou might not mind a kiss, but he would certainly mind something like sex.

Ryou muttered something as he relaxed further into him, and Bakura smirked. 'Good little light- depend on your darkness. Because then we're on equal footing- and I don't need to worry about what limits there are. Because, as long as we're equal, there aren't any.'

Bakura did leave with Malik, Isis and Rashid the next morning for Egypt, As Yugi set to work with Agni, Kazille, Katie, Lasine, and Anriel preparing for their trip and extended stay in the south. Shimasu had opted to go with Malik, saying that she should be around her Master as much as possible so that she could help him if he should ever need it.

Tents were bought, made, and packed, as were clothes, food, beds (upon being shrunk to travel-size), elixirs, potions, herbs, animal parts, music, monsters, cards, movies, and games. Adrian and class opted to come with them, as did the entire Devonshire family and some of their southern breeds that didn't flourish too well in the damp, English weather (they had two stallions and four mares that originated from Egypt and were said to be prize breeding stock).

Upon evening, everyone was camped out in the House, in which Yugi was locking up all the unnecessary rooms. A small dinner of chicken, salad, potatoes and some pumpkin juice was served, with small cupcakes for desert. Nearly everyone opted to sleep in sleeping bags, attempting to get used to sleeping on the floor, as that was where they would be for the next few nights.

Yugi and Atemu were the only ones to retire to a bedroom, and Yugi flopped onto their bed, Atemu following, landing rather awkwardly on top of his light. Yugi just smiled at him, and so Atemu didn't move, looking up at Yugi from his position with his head on Yugi's chest.

((Something happened last night.))

(Oh?) The question was tired, so Atemu decided to get right to the point.

((Bakura kissed Ryou. He likes it.))

There was some surprise, but a quick acceptance. (Really. Which 'he'?)

((Both.))

(Ah… and I assume they're going to be kissing a lot more often?)

((Probably.))

(Hm.)

((…can we kiss more often?))

Yugi blushed heavily, looking at him in shock. (Why?)

((It still feels awkward.))

(You mean you want more practice.)

((I want to be able to kiss and touch you and neither of us be uncomfortable.))

That was certainly unexpected. (And why do you want that?)

Surprise that he didn't already know. ((Because then this strain that's between us anyway will be lessened, and maybe might go away for good…?))

(…you just want to say you've done more than Bakura.)

((Only if it's with you.))

Yugi laughed, but turned slightly redder. (Oh, how did I get myself into this?)

((We got ourselves into this, and we will get ourselves out again.))

(You don't sound like my yami.)

((Maybe I taste like him?)) And his lips were attached to Yugi's again, but neither was pulling or pushing away, and instead Yugi tentatively licked Atemu's lips, before humming in recognition.

(It is you. Though I didn't see you drinking alcohol.)

((I didn't. I think the punch was spiked.))

Yugi rolled his eyes as Atemu pulled away, nuzzling his neck. ((I like doing this.))

(You would like it even more if you could get me in bed, wouldn't you?)

For all his time spent in the modern world, there were some colloquialisms and sayings that Atemu didn't understand.

((But I do have you in bed right now, and I sleep beside you every night.))

Yugi laughed, kissing his cheek. (Then perhaps we should sleep.)

((We should. But not before I get another kiss.))

It took a while before Atemu was willing to let go of Yugi long enough for the young man to get changed, and Yugi found himself frowning. (What's made you so clingy and appeasing?)

There were certain things and emotions Atemu would never allow to colour his voice around anyone else other than Yugi, and even then tried to keep them at bay. One of those was hesitance- and the appearance of that in his mind-voice surprised Yugi and made him worried.

((There are many things that have caught your attention, aibou. Many things that could separate us, even if we don't realize it. Some of those things are good- others are bad. Your interest in the opposite sex and a possible bed partner is good- but it could put someone else first in your heart.))

Yugi felt such indignation at that thought he had to restrain himself from slapping Atemu. (How dare you think that! Yes, I look at other people, especially girls, and yes, I think about what it would be like to have them as my companion. But no one will ever replace you or come before you in my heart! You are the only person I have allowed to kiss me, and you are the only person I would ever allow to kiss me again or do more!)

((…you would let me do more?))

Yugi fought to keep from slapping himself in the head, but somehow mastered the need and instead reached out to comfortingly stroke the side of Atemu's face, a small smile on his lips. (I would- in time. Right now, kissing in more than enough.)

((Unless Bakura starts mauling Ryou.))

(Even if Bakura starts mauling Ryou, kissing will still be enough. You have my respect, my love, my heart, my mind, and essentially my body. Physical pleasure is something for which there is no need.)

((True. But beating Bakura always is a need.))

(Except in this.) Yugi warned him, touching his chest with his hands. (We need to sleep. I will still be here beside you in the morning, and I will still be beside you, with you, every day from now until eternity.)

Atemu smiled sleepily, hugging Yugi to his chest as they drifted off. ((For eternity.))

The workforce arrived in a rather empty part of Egypt- no roads, no signs of life, and, oddly enough, barely any sand dunes. The rest of the equipment would be brought down by Kaiba Corp. as there were some things one didn't risk in the Shadows- like those Egyptian stallions and mares.

Apparently, under their feet were three springs that fed the Nile, which was also apparently to their East. Yugi stretched, looking around himself. He and Atemu had planned out the easiest way to set up a settlement here- a circle. In the centre would be one large building for governing issues and the 'hospital'. It would also serve as a communal kitchen, although a kitchenette would be added to every additional dwelling. To the north-east would be a large building, which Agni and Kazille told him to mark as the 'Weyr building', and around which should be left quite a bit of space for young dragons. Around the south end would be the lavatories, and around that would be the rest of the homes for the settlement.

Yugi called Adrian and Katie over to him as Lasine and Anriel directed everyone else in organizing everything they had brought into building materials, decorating/furnishing, consumables, and agricultural/farming.

"Alright. First off we need to dig a well down to these springs- and made trenches that the water can flow through. A sitting pond isn't a good idea, as we don't have enough resources for irrigation right now. We want the water to flow out to the south, then spread out in a circle east-west and then north, and then back south again to the starting point. Separate channels for supplying and drainage, and piping down to the springs themselves for water supply. Waste will be taken by another series of pipes and trenches out to a filtration plant near the shores of the Mediterranean- yes, I know that's far away, it can be done. I want most of this done today, if at all possible. Egypt is about an hour ahead of us, so we've already lost some time. Katie, teaches those able to dig the trenches. Those not, I want to start assembling the pipes to go down to the springs. I'll dig the main well shaft."

Katie and Adrian nodded, running off to the group that had just finished sorting.

Yugi joined Atemu in his search for the right spot to dig, as that had to be found first it everything else would extend from it. ((Sense- don't look- for a wet spot.))

(Got it.)

By the time they had both agreed on where to start digging, Katie had had everyone assembling pipes, and most were connected. She sent Adrian over to them as she helped Heather to tighten the last bolt on her first pipe.

"Yugi, Atemu, Katie says to tell you that everyone from my school is 'appropriate' and able to dig the trenches with a bit of teaching. My parents and grandfather aren't, but they're happy setting up the tents, cooking the meals and starting on the buildings."

Yugi was shocked. "What do you mean, everyone's appropriate? And I thought you said they were all your classmates, not schoolmates!"

Adrian grinned up at him. "Actually, Kendall, Tim, Liam, Jessica, and Amanda are all one or more years older than me, Brandon, Chris, Heather, Anne, and Nathan are all in my grade- not necessarily my class, and James, Jordan, Kelly and Jacqueline are all one year younger than me."

((It's possible that as they're all friends, they've experienced some of the same events and those have helped develop their natural empathy into a… more pronounced ability.))

(Which would explain how even though they're all technically Spirit mages Hogwarts hasn't invited them to attend?)

((Possibly.))

Yugi glanced over to the group of 11 to 14 year olds (he was amazed by how young they actually were sometimes), and then back to Adrian. "Alright- have Katie start instruction immediately. Ask your family to finish with those pipes- we'll need them in a few minutes- and then do the tents. We'll need the large canopy ones up to work under by midday."

Adrian nodded, hurrying off to do as he was bid.

Atemu rubbed Yugi's shoulders, turning him back to the hole they had started. ((The things you learn, hm?))

(I can't believe that Hogwarts doesn't do through-er checks on possible candidates!)

((As far as most Mark mages are concerned, there are only two other groups that aren't wizards and witches- weaker mages and muggles. They would never search for another power level or ability range to teach.))

(I know. But they're just so- so- close-minded!) And to both prove his point and work off his frustration, Yugi pushed all of the air and loose sand around him into one large drill and blasted the hole, making it another eight feet deeper. (I wish there was something we can do.)

Atemu followed Yugi's wind blast with one of Shadows, watching as another ten feet of sand and rock was devoured by the darkness. ((We will. When we start teaching there, we will teach what we know, not what they want their students to know.))

Yugi snorted, another wind blast drilling down nine feet. (If the children don't know more than the parents, there's no possibility of usurping the system and overthrowing the current power?)

((Essentially.))

Yugi paused, watching as Kazille walked over to them with her group of students (and interested muggles) and demonstrated two different ways to blast the trenches- wind blasts and disintegrating, which were what Yugi and Atemu were using, anyways.

Quickly, Adrian led Timothy, Kendall and Brandon in a path away from the main hole, the others still taking lessons from Katie in the other direction. By the time that the entire group was 'digging' the trenches, Yugi and Atemu were thinking of calling a break for midday as they had been setting up the tents and helping with the pipes and quick lunch, since they couldn't drill with everyone else standing around the hole.

"Lunch!" Katherine called, pulling out bottles of water, cold cuts of meat and loaves of bread and cheese. Everyone made their sandwiches, walking back to where they were working as to get a quick start.

Yugi and Atemu took the opportunity to almost finish drilling the hole- one more blast from each and the water would be welling up, though with the trenches incomplete there would be nowhere for the water to go. Those were finished as well, and then- after a brief conference- Yugi outlined on the ground the layout for an extended trench system to carry the water around. Tents were placed strategically around the area, and everyone moved out- except Yugi and Atemu, who had yet to strike the last blows.

Even with their calculations, after Yugi's blast and Atemu's strike there was still no breach in the tough rock, and Yugi frowned, wrapping a large amount of energy and sraf around his hands- before blasting it downwards.

There was an ear-splitting screech, and the light and dark found themselves falling- and then everything was black.

Ryou was not happy to hear that construction on this 'Weyr' place in the middle of the desert had started without him. Agni had left the scene as soon as he could slip away without anyone noticing, to come back for more supplies and- hopefully- reinforcements.

Bakura laughed at his light, motioning to Agni to sit and have a drink.

They were in a small bar-pub on the outskirts of Cairo, waiting for Isis and Malik to come and get them to continue their research into the 'GODET'. They tried not to use that name in public, as some groups that had heard of it were saying the acronym stood for 'Government Organized Death Experiment Tomb'.

It wasn't, but there wasn't much anyone could do about it, short of getting a new acronym- which no one wanted anyways. It was about this time that Malik and Isis did show up, and trailing them a whole slew of some of the best forensics and scientific teams and individuals from around the world.

"Ryou, Bakura, Agni- please meat the official GODET team. Everyone, this is Ryou, Bakura and Agni- no, you do not need to know their last names." As Isis said each name, she gestured to them with her hand and each made a sign of recognition to their names.

Except Ryou. He was still glaring at Agni, as though the fire hybrid could have stopped the construction. Agni finally noticed this and recoiled, attempting to hide behind Bakura- which didn't work, as Bakura merely stepped out of the way and went to talk to some of the GODET team members.

"What?" Agni finally asked, almost shivering from the cold aura Ryou was emanating.

"What part of 'don't let them start building the Weyr until we talk it over with everyone' didn't you understand?"

Agni held up his hands to both protect himself from Ryou and attempt to show his innocence of the matter. "Really, I tried. But you know how they get- better to do it now and get it over with, leave time for accidents and the whole bit. I did everything I could short of actually trying to hurt them!"

Ryou took a deep breath, attempting to calm himself down. If Agni had gone that far (which Ryou was sure he had), then the hybrid would have been walking on very thin ice with Yugi and Atemu especially, if only because he had been one of the people to convince them to build the Weyr. He couldn't have done anymore, short of hurting or even threatening Yugi- which no sane person would do, as that was essentially not a death wish but a death sentence.

And letting Atemu become a cold-blooded killer (or more of one) was not something Ryou ever wanted to do. For Yugi's sake, mainly, but also for everyone else. They need balance, after all.

Some of the GODET team had noticed- and noted- the exchange, but for the most part ignored them. Ryou stood abruptly, finishing his drink and throwing a tip on the counter. He turned to Agni and nodded, a small smile on his face.

"Alright. Sorry, Agni, for snapping at you. Now- listen carefully." Agni nodded, feeling slightly guilty for not helping the situation. "Go back to the site, and help out. Make sure they get enough rest, and- if all else fails- I give you permission to knock them unconscious any way you can manage and tie them down underneath a tent- if at night, in sleeping bags. They need to rest, not work their arses off. Got it?"

Agni nodded hurriedly, and ran out the door after a murmured 'excuse me, good day' to the GODET team and the people he ran into on the way out.

Malik and Isis looked at Ryou with some amusement, but he shrugged. "He wouldn't have helped out here, anyways."

"And neither will you." One of the members of the GODET team told him, walking over. "You, Mrs. Ishtar and Mr. Ishtar are to guide us to the site, and then leave. You have no place in this investigation team, Mr. Ryou."

Ryou looked affronted- then shrugged. "Well, at least I get to make sure they don't kill themselves working." He murmured, leading the way out the door.

Notes

1. Wow… three chapters in two weeks. Damn I'm good!

2. Yeah… it's going slow. I just like detail. Will start to move faster after this- I hope. It's only February of the Sixth book (which I haven't read in a long, long time), but I hope to get to Dumbledore's death at the end of the next chapter. Maybe.

3. Notice how they're haven't been any real chapter titles for the last few? That's because I'm writing this is the middle of the night, since my days are stuck helping around my cottage- cleaning, building, cooking, sailing, swimming, babysitting, entertaining, making a fool of myself on Beausoleil Island… the usual. My creativity is leached by the time I can write, and I just don't want to think.

4. Yes, Malik has been disappearing. That's because all he was doing was research (boring) for the GODET (group-death-tomb if anyone's forgotten), with Isis, Rashid, and Bakura- and most recently Ryou. He'll get his come-uppance in the next few chapters- and his reward for being a patient hikari to stand out of the way while I torture Yugi and Ryou.

5. Ha-ha! More romance for humorous purposes! …well, that and the fact I need practice before I attempt Writer's Craft. I get to write stories for marks! Woot!

6. I recently added another dimension to this DRoP part, and that will make it a bit more complicated- but it helps to set the scene for the Dumbledore death-scene, and there's going to be some blood. You have been warned.

7. Oh, I just realized- I also stopped putting in the Warnings, Recap, and whatnot. The warnings stand- minimal amounts of blood and gore (although I wish it was more), and some swearing. Nothing that no one's heard before, especially if you've read the third chapter of "Out of the Darkness" by Silver Lily aka Blood Moon. "Maybe we should string him up by his intestines before we leave." Ha!

8. Wow that was a violent last point. Oh, yes, the disclaimer. I'll probably go and put that up there soon, but I need to figure out a new one. That one's somewhere around a year old- if not older. Need to think (GAH!)

9. I love YGO, HP, DRoP and everything else that has made an appearance recently. Just because there hasn't been a lot with the main characters of HP doesn't mean there won't be. But there's a reason why this is in the YGO section, and it's not because I like YGO more than HP or DRoP (which isn't completely true….)

10. Heh, there's a lot of points to this one. Okay, these last three chapters were written while I had printed copies of Gemini, Possession chapter 16, Forgiveness, YAMI's Owner Manual, Tomb Robber's Tutorial, Living with Hikaris, Yugi's Guide to Fine Art, For the Game, Some Say the World Will End in Fire, And if it had to Perish Twice, Out of the Darkness chapter 3 and lots of random YGO-centered poems in front of me. Open on my laptop are saved copies of Roll the Bones and History of Magic. I also had nine DRoP books in front of me and lots of little notes I made about said books for my English class last Semester. And I was listening to Ayumi Hamasaki's CD "My Story", Do As Infinity's "Do the A Side" and "Do the B Side", the RESERVoir CHRoNiCLE CD, Sarah McLachlan's "Fumbling Towards Ecstasy", Blackmore's Night's "Beyond the Sunset" (and the accompanying CD of Christmas songs), L'ArcEnCiel's "Awake", FMA's "FAMOS- Conqueror of Shambala OST", DNA's "Vocal Collection", and the Laputa OST. While reading volume 10 of Tsubasa. Heh… see how long it takes me? "My Story" has been on repeat for most of this chapter!

Anyways, I'm supposed to be packing up now for our three-hour drive back to T.O (damned slow 400), and I'm not quite dressed (yeah writing in bra and short-shorts!) I probably just disturbed some people, so I'll leave you now… m'kay? M'kay!

Song: "Liar" by Ayumi Hamasaki. Only because that's what's been repeated the most. It is # 6 on her "My Story" CD (go buy it! Buy buy buy buy buy!)

…or maybe "Replace". That's a good song, too (# 15). But so is "Catcher in the Light", "About You", "Game", "My name's WOMAN", "Wonderland", "Hope or Pain", "HAPPY ENDING", "Moments", "walking proud", "Carols", "kaleidoscope", "INSPIRE", "HONEY", "winding road", and "Humming 7/4"… which is pretty much every song on "My Story" anyways. Heh.

This chapter (and the two before it) have been brought to you by Harvest Cheddar Sunchips ®, Koolaid Jammers ® Tropical Punch, and a 'new' Toshiba SatellitePro™ with Windows ME.

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