A/N: I'm so sorry this took so long! I had to juggle real life and a couple other things. Rest assured, though, that chapters should get posted faster now that classes are lightening up.

Anyways, I have to thank everyone who has been following my little brainchild so far, and I can only hope you continue to enjoy!

Content warning: brief description of baby dragon injuries, though nothing too graphic.

Vivian looked around the forest with only the smallest amount of interest, turning back to where Jean Claude was sitting. She cleared her throat to catch his attention. "I must thank you again for allowing me to come with you," she said graciously.

Jean Claude's face brightened. "But of course, my dear woman. This directly concerns you, considering that it is your princess who was taken by these vagabonds," he replied. "To refuse your request would be most insensitive. Once we recover your mistress, she will be looking for some familiarity to reassure her in these primitive surroundings. What better way to do that than to have one of her closest friends greet her?"

It had not taken much to convince Jean Claude to allow Vivian to come with him back to the forest. She strongly suspected that Jean Claude had conceded only to stop her from writing home—Vivian had threatened to do so when the prince had voiced leaving her behind. In any event she was here now, and she intended to make the best of it.

She found it both troubling and surprising that Jean Claude had chosen not bring the gold needed to ransom Mai with. Instead, he'd chosen to bring a man in a dark cloak; the only thing he seemed to be carrying was a dark bag filled with vials and a book. When she'd asked about their new companion, Jean Claude had deflected her question and instead told her that the gold was coming separately.

She did not like the lack of an explanation—she liked the stranger even less.

She also did not feel entirely comfortable with the idea of having so much gold pass through a forest filled with thieves and vagabonds, but Jean Claude had assured her that the thieves would be no trouble. "I've heard rumors that they've had a rough time of it lately, my dear. They don't have the resources to attack us," he had said with a laugh.

Vivian wondered what he meant and how he knew the condition of Bakura's band of thieves. She'd certainly not heard any such rumors about their state. Ultimately, she decided she would put some faith in what Jean Claude said—if the Thief King was having troubles, she would take that as an advantage.

Her eyes moved past the prince, taking in the sight of the men around her. Jean Claude had brought along a tent to set up, as he had wanted to grant himself some shelter from the elements. He'd set Raphael and a couple others to erecting the tent, and it was to this group that he strode to now. "Are you nearly finished?" he asked.

Raphael did not immediately answer, tying one last rope to a peg. "Finished just now," he replied quietly, not meeting his gaze.

Jean Claude nodded. "Good. You are dismissed."

He turned to Vivian as Raphael moved away. "Pardon me, my dear, but I have a few arrangements to settle for tomorrow's ransom. I will need solitude, so that I might think better," he said firmly. "If it is not too much trouble, might you wait outside until I have finished meditating on the matter?"

She curtsied. "I do not mind at all, my lord," she replied gracefully. She understood that he had a lot to think over, if the ambush to capture the Thief King was to be successful—and if he was to successfully rescue Mai.

He beamed at her before slipping inside the darkened tent. She blinked when she thought she saw the dark cloaked man inside—when had he gotten inside? She hadn't even seen him move, how had he—?

She didn't get a chance to look closer. Gurimo and Keith instantly flanked either side of the entrance once Jean Claude stepped inside and crossed their spears over it, preventing anyone from entering. It was a measure Vivian had mixed feelings on, as she wanted to be able to participate in any plans regarding Mai's rescue. She reluctantly had to step back—given their current surroundings, she knew she would have to defer to royalty. If he wanted her in the tent, he would call her.

She made her way to a large rock, located under the shade of a willow tree close to the river; it rested near a group of guards who were conversing amongst themselves. She ignored the men as she passed them. Once she was settled on the rock, she reached up her sleeve and undid the buckles to the holster that held her knives to her forearms. When it was out in the open, she began sorting through her knives, choosing the ones with intricate designs etched into the blade and the grip.

She reached for the leather pouch she kept strapped just above her ankle. Removing a small and flat crystalline vial and a handkerchief, she uncorked the top and very carefully poured a few drops into the cloth. She began gently running the cloth over the blades, making sure there was a thin sheen of liquid coating the blade. The vial was made from diamond; it was a family heirloom that had been passed down for generations, designed to be kept in places that were constantly jostled.

It was not perfume she was rubbing onto the blades, after all. This was her family's trademark poison. If a glass bottle broke inside the pouch and the resulting glass fragments cut her skin, it would mean death within seconds.

She finished this task and corked the bottle tightly, making certain that nothing would pour out of the bottle; once the poison on the blades had dried, she sheathed the weapons. She neatly folded the handkerchief afterwards, replacing both the bottle and the cloth back inside the leather pouch. When everything was put away, she rolled her sleeve back and re-fastened the holster to her arm.

She became aware of a pair of eyes watching her. Her gaze moved up, finding Alister studying her from his perch in the tree above her. "Is there something you find fascinating?" she asked testily, managing to keep the surprise out of her voice.

Alister shrugged. He slipped out of his spot and returned to the ground, stopping in front of her. "I was not aware you used poisoned knives. Good to know for the future," he said.

Vivian lifted her chin. "I'm accurate with my aim," she said loftily.

Alister hummed. "As am I. Maybe we ought to hold a contest," he said, and Vivian swore that there was a friendly challenge in his voice.

"Maybe," she said slowly. She was not sure what she was to do with the sudden but subtle shift in his behavior. Was Alister finally warming up to her? "Once Mai is safe, we can hold that contest."

Alister's face shuttered almost instantly. "I doubt that. Your concerns would be better spent on other matters," he said, his voice cold.

Vivian bristled. "The princess is my direct concern. Dragons couldn't stop me from coming to her aid," she retorted. "It would be the same as if your prince was in danger."

Gray eyes narrowed, and the man's jaw tightened. "That man does not have my allegiance," he hissed.

Vivian glare sharpened. "You'd best watch your words," she replied. "What you say can be construed as treason."

Raphael moved abruptly from the small gathering of men he'd been sitting with and put a hand on Alister's shoulder. He must have overheard their conversation. "Go join the others, Alister," he said.

The red-haired man glanced at the captain, scowling. Raphael did not move, however, and the challenge left Alister's features. He sighed, shrugging out of Raphael's grip to join the other men where they sat.

Raphael had been turning to join them when Vivian drew herself up. She blocked his path, looking up to make eye contact with him. "You had best teach your men respect for their prince, Captain. Alister constantly speaks out of line—it is a mark of a captain who does not take his duty seriously."

Raphael's gaze hardened. "How I choose to carry out my duties is my responsibility, as is how the guards under my command carry out theirs. They aren't ones you can claim—I advise you to worry on other matters."

"You are aware that Alister has just spoken with treason, more than once. Yet you still do nothing."

The burly man paused. Vivian glanced briefly at the other men and realized that they were watching them, just as intently as Alister had been studying her moments ago. "Alister has his own sentiments about any nobility, but for good cause. He's from Viernet."

Vivian paused. Viernet, a neighboring country to Metheren and one rife with political unrest. There had not been any ruler over the war-torn country in decades, as anyone who tried was usually executed. Those royals who did try to rule Viernet and managed to stay longer than a year were often cruel and rigid, considered tyrants. No wonder Alister was so openly hostile to any royalty.

"That does not excuse his behavior now. He isn't in Viernet at this moment, is he?" she said, her voice rising. "This blatant disrespect from both you and your men towards the prince is outrageous! Yet you continue to allow him to speak towards nobility as if—"

"Alister only says what I cannot!" Raphael shot back, showing the very first sign of irritation in the conversation. "Jean Claude may claim to be noble, but he acts nothing of it!"

Both of them stiffened as they registered the words; the men themselves were as stone, Alister looking torn between anger at Vivian and worry for Raphael. The burly man himself looked as if he wanted to take them back, frozen with noticeable horror. Vivian herself was taken aback.

Then she recovered. "How interesting, Captain. Your statement suggests that you feel as if you owe him no allegiance," she said coolly. "Why is that?"

Raphael did not reply. His hands fisted at his sides, and his eyes shifted away from her.

Vivian looked around her, taking note of the men's features. She realized in that moment that all of them were afraid. They looked at her as if she was capable of ending their lives—and she was, she realized. If she told Jean Claude what she had heard…

She sighed. "You claim that this isn't my responsibility, and you would be right," she said at last, studying the men around her. She lowered her voice. "But I would offer a piece of advice. Curb your tempers, all of you, and hold your tongue. Alister especially. His background aside, there comes no good from antagonizing a prince. The next time I hear such treacherous words, I will have no choice."

She left Raphael standing where he was, deciding to return to the tent. Perhaps Jean Claude was available now. She hoped so—she wanted to know what the plan was to rescue Mai. The faster Mai was back in the castle, the better.

She halted in the shadow of a tree and leaned against it, feeling suddenly tired. She had been praying to find Mai as soon as she was able. She had taken a small modicum of comfort from the notion of her being with the thieves, if only because it meant she was no longer in danger from being eaten by the dragon. Regardless of whoever it was holding her captive, however, it ultimately meant Mai was in danger.

"Please…please be all right, Highness," she said softly.

Bakura did not look nearly as troubled as he should by what he'd just heard from Valon. On the contrary, he looked amused. "So, the prince is planning an ambush, is he?" he asked Valon.

The Aurosian shrugged. "I dunno," he said. "I mean, I s'ppose he might. I 'eard one of them say somethin' 'bout another camp, but I don' know how many there are in that one."

Bakura waved a hand absently. "They're by the river, if I had to wager a guess," he said. "Likely the fools think I'll walk willy-nilly into a trap."

Yugi raised an eyebrow. "You don't sound surprised at all," he commented. He began to put away the healing potion, handing back Valon's now mended shirt.

The white-haired man snorted. "There's always one idiot prince that tries playing the hero. I won't trouble myself with him for now. I have other matters to attend to."

Jou, who was standing next to her, folded his arms across his chest. He scowled at Bakura with marked suspicion. "A'right, and that would be…?"

"The problem with Kaiba, for example." Ryou chose that moment to speak, when Bakura remained silent. "If there are soldiers in the woods, that means that Kaiba may get caught in the crossfire of any ambush he mounts."

"You're meeting at your lair, aren't you?" Mai asked. "What's the purpose of having a secret lair if they know where it is?"

Ryou sighed. "It's not so much a matter of them finding it as they'll be led to it. You can't miss a White Dragon in flight. If Adias is with them, so are other forest men. They all know that the dragons don't ever stray from their range unless Kaiba himself is with them. It will prompt them to investigate. Believe me, Highness—Kaiba will believe it to be an ambush, and he will react accordingly."

Mai frowned. "So get yourself a new meeting place."

"That's what I'm planning," Bakura said gruffly. He turned to Yugi. "I've already decided. Kaiba will be coming here, little caster."

Valon, who had been pulling his shirt on gingerly and had his head through the collar of his shirt, paused with a visibly surprised expression on his face. The thought of a mouse peering comically out of a hole in the ground suddenly came to mind, and Mai fought the absurd notion to laugh. "He is?" he asked. "I thought Kaiba 'n' Yami didn' like each other."

A growl arose from within the Millennium Puzzle in direct response. Kaiba will lead the guards here by coming, he said. Yugi will be in danger of exposure—I will not see him endangered by your problems, thief.

"But I don't see much other option," said Jou suddenly, startling all of them. "It's just like negotiating a truce between two warring kingdoms, right? Neither will meet on ground that belongs to either kingdom, but they will gather at a place that belongs to neither side. It's diplomacy at its finest."

He glanced to the Puzzle. "I'm not saying that it's a perfect solution, Yami. I don't really want to accommodate either of these jerks. But it's that or this meeting gets people killed."

There was a long pause. Valon pulled his shirt fully down and Marik, who had been examining his dagger once again, sheathed it.

"He's right, Yami," said Yugi gently, breaking the silence first. "Jou's absolutely right. We're going to have to let Kaiba come here. We'll tell him to fly higher than normal and to take some precautions when he comes, so that no one sees him. I can even modify my barrier to hide him once he crosses it, so it doesn't attract attention."

Another stretch of silence fell, and then Yami sighed. Knowing the thief, he will arrange matters so that Kaiba comes here anyways, whether I like it or not.

Bakura bowed in a distinctly mocking gesture. "Of course, dear Yami," he said. "It is hardly my concern about Yugi remaining here. That was a decision he made to disobey the prince."

…Very well, thief. Kaiba may come here.

A familiar burst of shadows emerged from the puzzle and Yami appeared, the lower half of his body nothing more than smoke. His eyes, however, were very much vivid, cold and dark pools of red. Even weakened as he was by his earlier possession of Yugi, he still held all the regality of a king and Mai felt the urge to bow her head.

"I warn you, Bakura. If harm befalls Yugi in this venture, you will regret bringing this to our doorstep. Jou, this goes for you was well. Do not look so surprised," he added when Jou shot him a startled glance. "By volunteering information as you have, you have placed yourself as being responsible for the outcome. No doubt you are used to being in a position of responsibility over these types of decisions."

Jou nodded grimly. "I can accept that."

Mai frowned at Yami's words. Used to these decisions? How? Was Jou someone who used to lead?

Come to think of it…

Her brow furrowed even further. Jou had mentioned knowing how to read the languages in the spell book. But that sort of knowledge was not immediately accessible to peasants. He'd also known how to dance, if the fluid way he'd moved in the cave that night was any indication. Jou did not seem like a scholarly type, so that had to mean he was a squire of some sort.

But if he were a squire, he would have needed permission from his lord to leave, not his father. Jou had implied that it had been his father who had refused to let him go on the quest in searching for a cure. That had to mean his father was either a knight or a minor noble. It would explain why his mother had been from a different country, as she could have been betrothed to him.

Minor nobles could not have near as much knowledge as Jou did, however. Was it possible…was it possible he was a prince? The idea was certainly plausible, and all the clues she'd been receiving pointed to this being the case.

…but…

News of a missing prince would have spread like wildfire throughout the countries. No amount of gold or magic could hide something of that magnitude. If Jou truly was a missing prince, then how come no one was coming to claim him? What kingdom did he even belong to? No new kingdoms had been announced, and Viernet currently held no noble blood in its borders.

She was so focused on her thoughts that she started tuning out the conversation, but a movement from the corner of her eyes caught her attention once again. Bakura was leaving the room, but he had paused in front of Ryou. "You, with me."

Ryou blinked in surprise. "What?"

Bakura rolled his eyes. "You're coming with me, fool," he said flatly, grabbing Ryou's arm and hauling him to his feet.

"Where to?" asked Yugi, looking concerned.

Bakura paused and looked back at Yugi with raised eyebrows. "I wasn't aware that was your business. Using potions on Dragon Boy over there don't seem to work on him. I'm sure you don't need Ryou—and even so, he's not under your care."

Valon tilted his head thoughtfully. "But this is his business, though. He's lettin' you hold your big fancy meetin' here, isn't he?" he pointed out.

Bakura glared.

Shadows rose from behind Valon, launching for his face. Valon let out a muffled and indignant yell as something dark obscured his mouth. His hands tried to grasp the shadow, futilely attempting to yank it off. His struggles made him tilt crazily to the left, and he let out another yell as he toppled off the mattress. Mai winced—thankfully, the healing potion had mostly mended his injuries, but she could imagine there was still some pain in those wounds.

"How many times do I have to tell you to stay out of my affairs?" said Bakura irritably. "The only reason you're even around is because of the woman, so do me a favor and meddle in her business instead of mine."

With that parting remark, he dragged Ryou out of the room and out of sight. Before he left, she could head him shout an order. "Watch our royal guest, Marik!"

Moments later, the sound of horses whinnying from outside filtered into the room, followed by the sound of their hooves as they galloped out of the clearing. Mai started. "Since when have they had horses?" she asked in surprise. The last she'd seen the animals had been back at the thieves' lair, in their underground stable.

"While you were sleeping, Highness, we went back to gather our horses. You did not think we would leave ourselves without transportation in the event of an emergency, did you?" Marik replied shortly. "I think even you can deduce that much."

Mai bristled and rose to her feet. "Either speak to me civilly or not at all, because otherwise I won't bother listening to you," she said angrily. "So a noble wronged you a long time ago. Boo-freaking-hoo. If you don't like dealing with royalty so much, why not leave Bakura's gang and go back to Enterra? You can go hide with your mole-people clan and pretend I don't exist!" she finished hotly.

Marik's eyes flashed. Beneath the anger, however, she caught sight of guilt and pain that flashed across his features. Then he was standing up and storming silently from the room. She heard the front door of the inn slam as Marik left. She groaned. "Great. Now he hates me even more."

To her surprise, however, Yugi shook his head. "What happened to him wasn't your fault. That said…what you said was not entirely kind. You're both being unfair to each other."

Mai's expression softened. "I know…"

Marik had implied yesterday that his past experience involving royalty had not ended well, and then there had been Yami's jeering words from earlier that morning. "What did happen to Marik?" she asked.

Yugi's eyes were sad, but he shook his head again. "That's not my story to tell, not without permission," he said. "If you want to know, you'll have to ask him."

Valon began waving frantically, and the remaining occupants of the room turned to him. He pointed at his face with a vicious jab, trying to speak but failing. The intent was clear, however.

Surprisingly, it was Jou who moved. "Hold on, let's see if I can't get it off you," he said. He grimaced as his hand took hold of the dark band obscuring the lower part of Valon's face. His talons dug into it once he deemed that they wouldn't hurt Valon, beginning to tug on it.

Yugi stepped forward. "Jou, it doesn't quite—"

"Don't worry about it, Yugi, I can get it!" replied Jou, grunting as he tugged on the shadow. Valon moved backwards to offer resistance, but seconds later let out a growl of pain as Jou yanked too hard.

"Jou—"

"I got it," repeated Jou, his tail lashing in annoyance as he pulled.

Mai realized what it was that Yugi was trying to tell him, but before she could warn Jou his grip on the shadow slipped. He stumbled backward with a draconic screech of alarm. Mai had a several second impression of an obsidian-colored blur coming at her before Jou knocked her over and they toppled into the wall. Somehow, Mai found that Jou had managed to put himself between her and the wall, though it left him sprawled on top of her.

Mai took a moment to regain her breath and to allow her spinning vision to clear. She tried to sit up but found she was pinned. Jou hadn't moved yet. She shoved against his bare chest, but he barely moved. She was surprised by how warm his body was—the heat that his draconic form gave off must linger in his cursed state as well. "Jou, get off. You're crushing me," she grunted, trying to make him move.

Jou shook his head to clear his vision, then propped himself on his forearms to sit up. She felt his palms press into her arms, though thankfully there was no tell-tale pressure from sharp talons. "Owww…"

His ruby-colored eyes shifted down to Mai's violet ones. He blinked several times, then promptly blushed. "Er…"

Mai then realized the position that Jou had inadvertently put them in by moving; his taloned hands were pinning her arms down now, and his body was halfway on top of her own. His face was but mere inches from hers.

She felt the color rise into her cheeks. "Y-You can get off me now," she managed. She thought it over before recovering, shooting him a sly smile. "Or is it that you like me being in this position?"

An amused chuckle came from within the puzzle, and Yugi was doing his best not to smile. From over the shadow gag, Valon's eyes were twinkling in mischief.

Jou's face flushed scarlet. He was off her and on his feet in seconds. As an afterthought, he bent down and carefully lifted Mai to her feet. "Sorry," he muttered. He directed a scowl at the others in the room and added a defensive, "Yeah, yeah, laugh it up you goons."

"What I was trying to tell you, Jou, was that you can't remove shadows like that," said Yugi, his voice holding laughter. He lifted his hand toward Valon and focused on the shadow. The Puzzle flashed briefly before the shadow dissolved into a smoky wisp. "Magic removes magic."

Jou groaned. "You could have warned me before I started tugging," he said.

Valon massaged his jaw, grimacing. "I kinda wish that you did, too. Fella's got a right tough grip. Those shadows of yours 'n' Kura's are cold," he said, rubbing his jaw with his arm. "That was gross."

Shadow magic is not meant for comfort, replied Yami evenly. Bakura was being kinder than normal. However, his patience is thin—you would do well to exercise caution while in his company.

Mai snorted. "That I can believe," she said. "Is he always that cranky?"

Yugi sighed, holding out a hand to help Valon to his feet. "Believe me, Mai, you haven't seen Bakura when he's angry," he said simply. "Irritable, yes but truly angry…well, it's not a pretty sight. Valon, you might as well sit back down on the bed. You're not going anywhere."

Valon grinned and ruffled Yugi's hair. "Naw, I reckon I am. I can handle myself, mate," he said brightly. "Tha' potion of yours did the trick. I feel as fit as a fiddle."

Yugi's eyebrow rose. "Oh really?"

"Yup!"

The shorter magic caster eyed Valon for a moment, then deliberately and firmly poked an area on Valon's chest. The Aurosian gave a violent flinch, instinctively huddling to shield the wounded area before he corrected himself. His grin became a little forced.

"See? Perfectly fine," Valon said with a slightly strained voice.

Yugi was clearly not convinced. "Valon, my potions aren't heal-all miracles," he said. "You had two broken ribs. Healing potions, no matter how strong they are, can't entirely heal broken bones. It takes multiple doses to do that. Right now, your ribs are still recovering."

"I swear I'll be careful, Yugi!" retorted Valon. "I hate bein' cooped up! B'sides, Adias bein' in the forest has t' mean Raph 'n' Alister are 'ere, too! I gotta find 'em!"

Yugi's face briefly flickered, his expression unreadable. "I asked him while I was disguised. I had to be careful, since I couldn't give away who I was, but he told me they weren't," he said carefully.

Valon glowered. "That doesn' mean I believe him."

You do not seem to understand your situation, said Yami curtly. By capturing you, the guards intended to bring you before the prince and present you as one of the thieves. Raphael and Alister would be powerless to defend you. Even if they did—and I've no doubt they would—that gesture would only implicate themselves in the matter. How do you think the prince will see this, with two men on his guard defending the accused? It does not help matters that you are here with the kidnapped princess herself. If the rumors about the coup-d'état we've been hearing are true, then this will only compound their difficulties.

"Tha' rumor's a bunch o' crap!" Valon retorted hotly. "Raph would never get involved in anythin' like tha' coo-de-whatsis, 'n' neither would Alister!"

Mai started. "How do you all know about that?" she demanded. "I thought that particular bit of news was confined to the castle."

Yami laughed, but it was a dark sound. Did you think we would not investigate the reason behind why so many magic casters were banished from this kingdom? Except for a handful who managed to avoid the eviction, Princess, the kingdom finds itself without any magic casters—all for the sake of a man's paranoia.

Valon glared at a point on the wall sullenly. "I's a load of codswallop," he muttered. "I'm tellin' you—!"

"We know, Valon," said Yugi wearily. Clearly this was a point that had been argued over in the past. "You only have to stay here until tomorrow. Your ribs need one last dose of potion before I let you go, and I have to brew another batch for that. Besides, you need to get me a couple of deer antlers from the northern meadows."

"Wha' for?" asked Valon. He looked less mutinous and more curious now. "Tha's oddly specific."

"I need it for a spell I've been working on. It's supposed to make you invisible as well as enhancing your speed for getaway should it wear off. I'm experimenting with materials associated with animals known for their stealth and speed."

"Wouldn't a mountain lion fit the bill better?"

"Well, yes, but five out of their six ends are sharp and pointy," Yugi deadpanned. "Besides, patching both you and Jou up took the rest of the healing potion I had in stock. Think of this as payback."

"Couldn't we use the healing water?" asked Jou suddenly. "I mean, we need it for the baby dragon, I know, but—"

"Healing wa—healing water?" Yugi asked, his eyes lighting up. He honestly looked as if he was seconds away from doing a happy dance. "You actually found a healing spring?"

Jou was watching Yugi's visible excitement with raised eyebrows. "Water's that exciting for ya?" he asked drily.

"N-No, you don't understand!" Yugi was bouncing in place. "My grandfather traveled for years trying to find one when he was younger. Potions vary on the strength of the one brewing them, so mine are always weaker in comparison to Ryou's. Even so, no matter how strong the potion they can only ever almost cure a malady, and broken bones are particularly hard to heal."

He looked around at them, eyes shining. "With the water from a healing spring, you can heal anything."

Valon blinked. "So…you could fix my arm 'n' my ribs with this water without a problem, and I wouldn' have to be careful for a week?" he asked, suddenly hopeful. "Tha's amazin'! When'd the water get involved in all this anyhow?"

"Pretty much since I've been around," replied Jou. "How else did you think I got better after Bakura attacked me with that sword?"

"Sword…? Oh, Dragon's Bane," Yugi muttered, scowling. "I'd wondered about that when I saw that sword of his. No wonder I can't find that map of northern Haurand anywhere."

I would have stopped him, had he not locked the Millennium Puzzle in a dark drawer. Yami sounded oddly defensive.

Yugi patted the Millennium Puzzle reassuringly, returning his gaze to the others. "Maybe it's worth a try to use—"

"Not happening."

They all jumped at the voice. When they turned, it was to find Marik leaning in the doorway, his arms folded across his chest. If he was still angry over what Mai had said there was no indication of his feelings on his features.

"We don't know how much we'll need to use on Kaiba's injured dragon kit, especially since the dragons are notorious for being almost impervious to magic," he said sternly. "We already used some earlier on Her Highness last night, so we need to conserve it."

He glanced at Yugi, pointedly ignoring Mai. "By the way, there's a caravan coming this way. They're accompanied by a dancing troupe."

Yugi's face brightened. "Oh, really? Do they need supplies?" he asked.

"Probably. They are coming this way, and some of them look tired. You very well might have guests tonight."

I do believe that Yugi has more on his mind than weary travelers, Marik. Yami's voice carried a note of amusement.

Marik smirked. "Oh, that's right," he said, his voice teasing. "It's a dancing troupe, so that means Téa is possibly with them."

Mai and Jou both looked at Yugi, who had turned bright pink. "Th-that's not entirely the reason," he said, looking adorably flustered. "C-Customers are always welcome here, since we don't get many paying ones around."

Valon assumed an expression of feigned innocence. "So you wouldn' mind if I talked with Téa if she's with 'em, righ'? Y'know, jus' t' get to know 'er a bit, maybe ask her if she wants t' catch a bite 'n' take a walk by the river under the moonlight?"

Yugi visibly bristled, his face pinching.

"I'm just messin' with you," he said, grinning widely. "We all know she's your girl."

The shorter magic caster now looked both indignant and embarrassed. "She's not anyone's girl," he protested. "She's free to like—"

"Honey, I'm new around here and even I can see you like her," Mai pointed out. "Who is Téa anyways?"

Téa is a childhood friend of Yugi's from the nearby town. She recently joined a traveling troupe of dancers, as her passion has always been for the dance. His feelings for her run deeper than most people realize, especially when his thoughts wander at night and—

"Yami!" Yugi wailed over the sound of roaring laughter. "You're not allowed to tell my thoughts without permission! That's not fair!"

Oh, come now, Yugi, I only jest. After all, it is not true that you care for her. To you, she is but a mere acquaintance.

"She's more than just an acquaintance to me! She's much more special than—oh I just walked into that one," Yugi groaned when the laughter intensified. He buried his face in his hands out of embarrassment. His voice was muffled by his hands when he spoke. "A Shadow Game would be far less painful than this."

Kaiba let his eyes adjust to the cave around him, allowing the dragon behind him to enter first before he stepped inside. While natural light filtered in from a hole in the ceiling above them, and it refracted off the ice and crystals in the cave, he still needed to be cautious. He did not want to trip over any of the kits if they were beyond their nest.

Bennu had been gracious enough to give him a ride to the cave; it was her turn to hunt, and after bringing them food she had been agreeable to letting him up. Mokuba was already up here, having come up with Kisara earlier. He had patrolled the snow-covered mountainside with Bennu first, making sure there were no intruders before stepping inside. He did not believe there would be, but he refused to be caught unawares again. The thief had been here before, and that meant others could try such a thing.

"Mokuba, where are you?" he called, his voice echoing around the cave.

"I'm back here!"

Mokuba's near instant reply had come from the direction of Bennu's nest. Kaiba moved through the stalagmites and crystals, rounding the corner to a sheltered space in the cavern. He found his brother on the floor, the boy giggling when two kits bowled him over. Bennu's eggs had hatched earlier than Kisara's—already, her kits were the size and weight of wolfhounds.

Kaiba's expression softened and he made his way to the nest. Lined with scales that Bennu had dropped and furs from the kills the dragon brought back, it was a comfortable little spot that was still accessible to the humans. Even as he approached, he could see Bennu's large body in the dim light. Her attention was divided between making her kits didn't bully Mokuba and tearing the deer carcass into bits the baby dragons could eat.

He stepped into the nest carefully. His eyes caught sight of a sleeping kit that was curled against the curve of the nest. The scales on this kit were just starting to harden, but like its siblings its scales still held the texture of softened leather. The kit mewled sleepily at his touch, blinking up at him.

"Easy. I'm just saying hello," he soothed, a small smile crossing his features. He examined the kit quickly, satisfied when he found no issues. "Rest, little one."

The kit needed no second telling, dropping its head back into its paws. He rose to his feet, surveying the other dragons.

Although White Dragons were impervious to most magic and weapons, illness amongst the kits was still a real concern. These kits seemed healthy, but he'd heard one of them sniffling the other day. It would be too easy for that sniffle to turn into a cold—and he already had one kit that needed help.

"Mokuba, did that one kit get the medicine?" he asked his brother.

Bennu's neck twisted and lowered her head to below Kaiba's eye level. Master's kit gave the medicine, she said with a rumbling purr. Thank you.

"I'm only glad to help," he told her gently. "Thank you for hunting our meals."

Bennu's head remained where it was, and he noticed the way it tilted up to expose her eye. If it would not be too much trouble, Master, could you…?

"Of course," he said, carefully running his fingernails along the scales underneath Bennu's eye to soothe the itch. It was a spot that the dragons had trouble reaching with their talons, as the claws were far too large and easily could put out their eyes.

He scratched carefully for a few more minutes before patting her neck. "Better?"

Much. Once again, thank you.

Bennu's head lifted, and her gaze went to the opposite side of the cave. Somewhere on that side was Kisara's nest. Her head lowered and a concerned rumble left her throat. Master, Sister's kit is dying.

Kaiba grimaced. "I know," he said, his voice subdued. "That's why I've come up here. Is Kisara in her nest?"

Yes, but be careful.

Bennu's warning was not one made idly. Though Kisara was unerringly loyal to both Kaiba and his brother, she was also incredibly defensive of her injured kit whenever she was in the nest. It was too easy for her to lapse into primal instinct with a wounded baby to defend—her instincts told her to kill first and ask later.

"I tried going up there first while you were patrolling, but she didn't let me," said Mokuba, looking worried. "I'm pretty sure she would have bitten me if I tried going into the nest."

"I know she's defensive, but I need to get in there. The kit needs to have another poultice applied," he told them both. "I'll try and see if I can get in there."

Kaiba turned from them, beginning to make his way to the back of the cavern. Kisara's nest had moved from where it was prior; after her kit had been attacked, Kisara had shifted to a more fortified position, the nest now only accessibly by a barely seen foot path. Her new nest was above them, in an alcove she had carved with her claws. He let his eyes adjust to the darkness before he began carefully ascending the narrow path.

It took minutes, but he soon reached the entrance to the alcove. He could not advance into the proper nest, however—Kisara was blocking the entrance with her body. He could hear rasping, labored breathing from the kit, and the soothing rumble-purr of Kisara as she tried to comfort her kit.

"Kisara?"

There was a pause and then the body shifted. The body angled and shifted, and the larger dragon's head came into view.

"I need to come in. Your kit needs to have its bandages changed," he said. He held out the bag with the herbs and bandages inside it.

Kisara's teeth bared and a snarl rose in her throat. Come to hurt? Come to kill Kisara-kit?

Kaiba frowned. Kisara had reverted to the simple language of the dragons, a direct tell that the instincts to protect her kit were overwhelming her rational thoughts. He lifted his hands up, palms exposed to show he bore no threat. "Not hurt, help," he said, keeping his own words simple. "Master help Kisara kit."

The dragon studied him coldly for a few moments, still snarling, but she did not move.

Kaiba very slowly lowered his hand to his side, reaching for the sword at his side. He kept every movement slow and deliberate, lifting the sword in front of him. He unsheathed it, then presented the blade to the dragon. The sword was one fashioned from her scales—that alone would help soothe Kisara's instincts.

No one else had a weapon forged with her own scales.

"No hurt Kisara, or Kisara-kit," he told her, his voice low and soothing. "Master is Kisara-friend. Master help Kisara-kit."

The dragon leaned forward, almost entirely in Kaiba's face. Her breath ruffled his hair as she studied the sword, taking in its scent. Seconds later she started and drew back, looking remarkably chaste. The blind anger in her eyes was gone—she was back. Sorry Master. I did not mean to bare fangs at you.

Kaiba held out a hand, allowing Kisara to lean into his palm. He stroked her snout reassuringly. "You don't have to apologize to me," he said, understanding in his tone. "I would be the same if Mokuba was hurt. May I see your kit?"

Kisara rumbled in acquiescence. She shifted her body once again, this time to allow him access into the nest. She lifted her tail once he was inside to reveal the small form huddled miserably against her mother's side.

Kisara's kit had hatched late. It was younger and smaller than Bennu's entire litter, no larger than a young lamb. She was lying on her uninjured side, her sides heaving and her breath coming in quick, rasping pants; her eyes were glazed over with fever, and her left wing hung in the air awkwardly above her body. Unlike her older cousins, she could not fold it over her body because that was where the injuries were.

Kaiba's eyes narrowed at the sight of the bandages, soaked with blood and pus. A growl of his own bubbled out of his throat. Beneath the cotton bandages that covered her entire side and even wrapped around her neck was nothing but infected flesh. With such traumatic wounds, the kit would not survive. "Has she eaten at all?" he asked, softly stroking the top of the kit's head.

Even though Kaiba barely touched the kit, she let out a shrill squeal of pain. He leaned away, anger and pity meshing uncomfortably in the pit of his stomach. Kisara gave a reassuring rumble to her kit. The kit thrashed feebly before settling back down into her apathetic state.

She hasn't eaten for two days, Master. Kisara's voice was subdued. She will not live to see tomorrow.

Kaiba's face hardened. The meeting with Bakura would have to be moved. If—and that was a big if—there was something that could heal these traumatic injuries, he needed to get it before it was too late. That was assuming this wasn't some sort of trap. Why would Bakura offer such a gift, when he had been the one to mortally wound the—

"Seto."

Kaiba jumped at the low, urgent voice that carried to him. He was reaching for his sword in seconds. Mokuba was one of three people who knew his real name, as there were plenty of magic casters who could use his true name to hurt him or the dragons. Mokuba avoided using it unless they were completely alone—or if it was an emergency.

Kisara's head snapped up, her pupils dilating and her lips drawing back in a snarl. It is the kit murderer, Master. He has dared to return, she growled. Her eyes glowed, and lightning began to crackle along her jaws.

Kaiba's eyes narrowed and he rose to his feet. "Kisara, stay here. I know you're angry at the thief, but your kit needs you here," he said, striding from the nest. He hurried down, letting Mokuba go in front of him. He moved past Mokuba, going to the entrance of the cave. "Bennu."

I am here, Master. Bennu's own voice was a half snarl.

"Be ready. If I need you, I'll call you," he ordered. "Mokuba, with me. I'll not have him attack you again."

Mokuba nodded, following him silently. He was just as angry as his brother, however—the blue gray eyes were dark with anger. Both brothers had their hands on their sword hilts as they stepped outside.

The person waiting for them had white hair. Plainly visible around the newcomer's neck was a golden hoop with a triangle in the middle of the hoop, an eye in its center. The pendant hung on a thick rope and was deliberately placed over the top of their shirt instead of being hidden.

"You had better have a good reason for being here, thief," he said coldly.

The other man jumped. Kaiba knew instantly that he was not talking to Bakura—the self-claimed Thief King would never be so noticeably startled. Mokuba confirmed this suspicion seconds later when he peered around his older brother's body. "Ryou?"

Ryou smiled nervously at them. "Hello," he said, offering them an awkward wave. "How are you doing?"

Kaiba's eyes narrowed, choosing not to answer.

"I guess you're doing fine," Ryou continued. "I mean, everything around here seems to be quiet. How's Kisara's kit?"

"Dying." Mokuba's voice was curt and angry.

Ryou grimaced. "Oh dear," he said, looking genuinely concerned. "I was hoping—"

Kaiba folded his arms over his chest. "Don't waste my time. If you have something to tell me, then spit it out. Otherwise, leave before I call my dragons—I have no time for your drivel."

Ryou sobered and the awkwardness instantly vanished. "Very well then. Kaiba, this message comes directly from Bakura. The only reason he could not deliver this in person is because he is aware of your dragon's pre-existing tension with him. Due to unforeseen circumstances, he's asking for a change in meeting places—the location we previously agreed upon is no longer available."

Kaiba said nothing for a moment, weighing Ryou's response. "Is there any particular reason why?" he asked.

Ryou's expression did not change. "We have other adversaries pursuing us. Our lair is not an ideal meeting place as initially thought. If you go there, then you will be in danger. We've no desire to see any harm come to you, your brother, or your dragons," he said, the slightest trace of a rebuke in his voice. "Besides, you would approve of the new meeting place."

"Oh yeah?" asked Mokuba with a scoff. "And why would we? Where is this new place?"

Ryou did not flinch away. "The Turtle Shop. Yugi was gracious enough to allow us space to meet. He only asks that when you come you fly higher than normal, so that no one from the ground can see you."

Kaiba felt the briefest hint of approval. Neutral ground, where neither party held the advantage and where the mediator between the two parties was a magic caster. Clever—it would be harder for him to destroy the thieves should their "healing water" prove to be useless.

Ryou seemed to have guessed Kaiba's thoughts. "Yugi's already confirmed that he will not interfere if the water does not heal the kit. It is the bargain that was agreed upon, after all."

Kaiba mulled over this for several moments, while Mokuba glowered at Ryou. From behind them all, the growls from both Kisara and Bennu filtered into hearing. "Very well," he said at last. Mokuba started, looking up at him with confusion, but he did not speak. "I will accept this latest change."

Ryou looked relieved. "Thank you for understanding—."

Kaiba held up a hand to silence him. "But this change will not happen without price. You changed one part of this bargain—I will change my end accordingly. We're meeting this afternoon, rather than tonight."

A look of alarm crossed Ryou's features. "Wait a moment, Kaiba. It's almost afternoon now," he said. "Bakura and I won't be able to make it back before you arrive, and Yugi won't know you're coming. You'll run straight into his barrier."

"Then you should have thought of that beforehand," he replied coldly. "Despite the fact that it takes days to reach this place by foot, you seem to have arrived here quickly. I'm sure you can make it back to Yugi with time to spare."

Ryou seemed to be forming a protest when he froze, his eyes glazing over and then shifting. The shape of his eyes angled and sharpened, the color turning into an almost mahogany hue.

Kaiba rolled his eyes. He knew what that meant. This was some trick that had been developed between Ryou and Bakura, and even Yugi did it at times. From within the cave sounded a roar of outrage—the dragons could sense the magic that now hung around Ryou.

"It figures you would possess him from a distance just to avoid confronting me in person, Bakura," said Kaiba shortly.

A feral grin that Ryou certainly never used split his face. "Ah, Kaiba, and I thought you didn't believe in my abilities."

That cinched it—he was dealing with Bakura.

"What do you want?" asked Mokuba angrily. "Haven't you done enough?"

"Believe me, boy, I've done not nearly enough to you," Bakura sneered.

Mokuba tucked himself behind Kaiba, while Kaiba's eyes narrowed. The shift in behavior was jarring, certainly. Supposedly, Bakura could possess Ryou via the Item he wore around his neck. Then again, Ryou could just be an exceptionally good actor.

"I assume that you have a reason for not showing yourself, since you were cowardly enough to send your little messenger," Kaiba said flatly.

"Don't mistake my intentions," Bakura replied with that same arrogant voice, gesturing to the cave. "I merely showed your dragons respect by keeping a distance, but I now believe I need to intervene. There's something to be said about your arrival time."

"Like what?"

Bakura raised an eyebrow. "Do you really wish to incur little Yugi's wrath? Even I do not cross Yugi, Kaiba. He does need a warning of your unexpectedly early arrival. Surely you of all people know what happens when you catch Yugi off guard—and let's not forget dear Yami. You both get along so well with one another."

Kaiba repressed the urge to flinch. Yugi was formidable to face with or without the often-malevolent spirit in the puzzle. Yami alone was an army of his own. The last time he had offended Yami, he'd nearly ended up as the victim to a shadow game. The only reason he'd been transformed into a goat for a month instead had been because Yugi had intervened.

"…Fine. Ten minute's head start."

"Twenty, Kaiba," retorted Bakura flatly. "I might have used magic to get here, but it's not something I can do at the drop of a hat. It takes time to gather it once more."

Kaiba arched an eyebrow. "Fifteen."

Bakura bowed. "That will do, my liege," he said mockingly. Shadows swirled around him, and Bakura stepped backwards into them. "Until our next meeting," he called, his voice fading as the shadows dissipated.

The moment the thief was gone, Mokuba looked up to his brother. "Why did you agree to the change, Seto?" he asked. He followed his older brother as the man strode into the cave.

He did not immediately reply, instead turning his attention to a still-growling Bennu. "He's gone," he said, speaking to Bennu.

Mokuba reached for her, hugging her neck when the dragon's head lowered. The dragon calmed, but even so her eyes were still lit with anger and growls rumbled through her throat. Identical snarls kept filtering from above them. The two humans could see Kisara's glowing eyes and the lightning that crackled along her closed jaws.

The younger boy looked up at where the white lightning crackled and danced in the darkness, bouncing off the crystals and casting tiny colored pinpricks of light on the walls. Mokuba was still watching the entrancing and oddly beautiful lights when he next spoke. "You changed the time of the meeting for Kisara's sake, didn't you?"

Kaiba said nothing.

He didn't have to.

Down in the forest below the mountain, the two horses that were tethered by a bubbling brook suddenly whickered and tossed their heads nervously. Moments later, shadows began pooling out from the shade of a nearby pine tree. The shadows rose higher, and from inside the darkness stumbled out a familiar white-haired figure. He nearly fell face first into the fallen pine needles and cones around him before regaining his balance.

Ryou grimaced as he rubbed his throbbing temples, sinking against the tree and listening to the sounds of the horse's whickering. "A warning would be nice whenever you decide to possess me, Bakura," he said at last, his voice thick with weariness.

The Millennium Ring flashed around his neck. It's not my fault you decided to blubber around like an idiot.

"Pardon me for trying to keep the peace—Yami's still not fully forgiven Kaiba for that one incident," Ryou said flatly. "It's bad enough that we've managed to anger Kaiba, but if we get Yami angry at us too…"

I hardly care for the feud between Kaiba and our dear Yami. That's their business.

"You've never been one for diplomacy, have you?"

I have no patience to cater to either of their egos.

"Says the one who's declared himself 'the Thief King' and whose ego easily dwarfs both Kaiba's and Yami's," muttered Ryou, closing his eyes to ease the headache.

I heard that. Now let me have my body back.

The white-haired man sighed but complied, slipping the heavy and cold necklace off his neck. "As you wish," he said, setting it on the ground.

There was a brief pause as the ring lay in the sunlight. Ryou did not open his eyes. He did not need to watch to know that the shadows around him were starting to flow toward the Ring—he could feel the chill in the air as the shadows gathered beneath the Item. His eyes opened in time to watch the sunlight dimming. Shadows began climbing into the air, reforming into a featureless humanoid shape. More shadows flew out to the sides of his head in snake-like tendrils, and a pair of glowing red eyes pierced through the darkness.

Ryou shuddered. Even though he'd seen Bakura form his body before, he still couldn't stand to look at Bakura's eyes. Maybe he was waxing poetic, but in this state he often felt as if they contained the essence of evil itself.

The shadows settled abruptly and Bakura reappeared, the red light in his eyes dimming but not diminishing. He brushed stray pine needles off his dark clothes and eyed the pendant critically to make sure there was no dirt on it. "Next time, set the Ring down in an area that doesn't have so many confounded pine needles to deal with."

"Given the region we're in, Bakura, that's not so easy to do," said Ryou tiredly, rising to his feet and brushing off his own clothes. He strode for his horse, patting its neck reassuringly before mounting it. Bakura had already gotten onto his horse and was wheeling it around. "What now? You used Shadow magic to get here."

Bakura snorted. "We ride for ten minutes, then I use Shadow magic to return to an area close to the little caster's home. I would simply do it now, but the last thing I need is for you to fall off your horse."

Ryou paused. Bakura had possessed him and had used Shadow magic using Ryou's body. Ryou's body was conditioned to do one task or the other, not both. Bakura was the one who had put himself in charge of the Millennium Ring, which meant that Ryou's endurance and the ability to wield the Item was weaker than Yugi's was.

Bakura had likely read his mind, but Ryou's physical exhaustion was also clearly apparent. Traveling through the shadows at this moment would not be beneficial now—he needed to wait until he'd garnered some more of his strength. Otherwise, he would collapse.

He patted his horse's neck one last time before he nudged it into a canter. "Then we'd best get going."

He had not gotten far when Bakura caught up at a gallop, easily passing Ryou and moving ahead. Ryou let out a chuckle that was lost in the sound of the wind—the tomb robber refused to be second to anyone, not even Ryou.

The two of them cleared the shelter of the trees in nearly ten minutes. Even though Bakura was ahead of him, Ryou could see the Millennium Ring light up. Shadows ahead of them pooled and rose, forming into a rippling portal.

Without any hesitation, they rode their horses into the shadows.