Though Seto and Yami didn't like going around telling people Mokuba's past, Varon seemed to be looking after the boy more than any other guard or knight. Plus seemed genuinely fond of the boy. So, they chose to disclose all of Mokuba's past to him, Mai and Isis. All three were under strict instructions not to tell anyone anything they were just told. All three reacted just as Seto and Yami thought they would. They were even more determined to make sure the boy was cared for and protected.
Varon being told his master was looking for him. Quickly made his way to the family room door knocked and waited just outside.
Yami just held and rocked Mokuba while they waited. When he heard the knock. "Enter."
Varon walked in and over to Yami on the couch. "Master Atemu, you wished to see me?"
Yami looked up and said, "Yes, it seems that Noah reared his ugly head again and the poor kid had yet another bad run-in with him."
Varon narrowed his eyes, "Shall I get Alister or someone and track the little punk down and lock him up or preferably kill him?"
Yami smiled, "I think Seto will beat you to killing him. Besides, Seto tells me that there's a bad storm coming. I'll consider allowing you to lock him up after the storm. Till then I only called you because I used a spell this morning that required more out of me than I anticipated. I'm a lot better now but I just don't think I can carry him and I'm not really sure he's up for walking on his own." Then he nudged Mokuba, "Look kiddo, I'm not too sure I can carry you and I'm sure you don't feel like walking. We need to get you some dry clothes. Will you let Varon carry you?" Yami asked.
Mokuba turned and looked up and smiled brightly seeing Varon there. He sat up and held up his arms.
Varon smiled, happy to see that the boy trusted him even after all he went through. Even though it was clear the boy wanted to stay with Yami he still had enough trust in him to allow him to carry him. "Well I'm happy to know you trust me so much."
Yami didn't think about that till now. Varon was right, after what the boy had just gone through he instantly allowed Varon to hold and carry him said a lot for the boy's trust in him.
Varon carried Mokuba upstairs with Yami leading the way.
"Here, put him in my room and I'm going to get him some dry clothes." Yami said, opening the door to his room before going into Mokuba's room.
Varon walked in and sat the boy down on the bed. Mokuba didn't want to be set down but didn't fight it.
Yami returned with clean clothes and a nightshirt. He was still a little unsure. He bent down next to Mokuba. "Would it be okay if Varon stayed here with you, after I get you cleaned up and in bed for a nap? I know I told Seto I'd stay with you but I'd really like to learn what happened. I promise you that Varon will never be very far away from you at any time."
Mokuba sighed and nodded.
Yami, seeing the boy's face, felt guilty about leaving, "You know what nevermind Varon, you're free to go if you wish. I can wait for Seto's report."
Varon bowed and said "If it's all right, I'm sure Master Mokuba would feel more comfortable with me here. I know you really would like to be there when the king finds out what happened to Master Mokuba. So I shall stay. If it's all right, I have a book I've been reading. I'll get it and sit in a chair outside the door."
Yami shook his head, "You will do no such thing."
Varon was taken back by this, "If you'd prefer I could just stand out in the hall."
Yami smiled, "That wasn't what I meant. What I meant was there's no need to sit or stand outside. Not when I have plenty of room in here. If you insist on staying. I insist that you stay in here, it's also warmer here than the hallway."
Varon never expected that. "Are you sure, Master Atemu?"
"Positive. Also I'd prefer if you wouldn't mind switching to less formal. You may address me as Master Yami." seeing how much Mokuba trusts him and all he's done. He felt it was only right.
Varon bowed, "Thank you, Master Yami. I shall get my book and be back shortly."
Yami nodded, allowing Varon to leave. Then he set to work on getting Mokuba cleaned up. He put the boy only in a nightshirt but also had regular clothes laid out in the room for later. He felt that the boy could use a nap before dinner."
"Okay there you go kiddo. We'll hang your cloak up here."
"W-will it dry out? I-it's n-not hurt is it?
Yami smiled, happy to hear the boy's voice again. He kissed his forehead and was happy to see the boy smile, "No, it's perfectly fine. It'll dry out and if it'll make you feel better I'll see if Mai or Isis could maybe hand wash it or something."
"W-what about t-the m-magic?"
Yami frowned. "Magic? What magic kiddo?"
"Z-Zariah s-said it w-was magic! S-she s-said t-that as I g-get bigger t-the c-cloak will g-grow with me a-and I-it'll c-call her in c-case of d-danger."
Yami was intrigued by this, he touched the cloak and received a small shock.
Mokuba saw the spark. "Are y-you okay big brother?"
Yami pulled the boy close and ran his fingers through the boy's hair and the boy wrapped his arms around his waist. "I'm fine kiddo. I'm guessing the cloak doesn't like other people with magic trying to mess with it. It must have a defensive side that keeps others with magic from doing anything do it. Now would it be alright if I tucked you in and read to you, then go see Seto. I'd like to talk to Ryo myself." Yami said then as he felt the boy tighten his grip he said, "We won't throw him out or hurt him, I promise. I'll read a little to you and then stay till I'm sure you're asleep and you know you'll be safe in here and plus remember Varon said, he'd stay in the room too. I'll be back before you know it."
"Y-you'll r-really read to m-me first?"
"Of course, I will!" Then he bent down and said, "Run to your room and grab one unless you want me to do it?"
"I-I can do it."
Mokuba felt safe in the castle so had no issues going to his room picking up a book. Then spotted his doll Anzu he ran over to her and headed back to Yami's room. Then climbed into bed, just as Varon returned.
"Varon, are you sure about this?"
"Yes, sir. I'm sure."
"'ll be back as soon as I can."
"Not a problem Master Yami."
Yami turned to Mokuba. "So kiddo, did you find a story for me to read?"
Mokuba smiled and nodded, handing the book to Yami. They settled in and soon Mokuba was sound asleep. Yami gently kissed his head and after making sure he was tucked in tightly, he left.
x-x-x-x-x-x-xx-x-x-x-x-x
Yami saw a young page run by with a blanket and got an idea. He grabbed his coat and made his way to the pages tent and had a guard nearby go in and get one and bring him out. He'd have done it himself but he feared if he did they'd all just bow and never find one willing to stand and volunteer.
A moment later a young boy about 12 walked out and instantly bowed.
"Can I help you sir?"
"You may rise. I was actually looking for someone to help look after Mokuba. Especially when spring comes and he requests to go to his friend's house. Although his guard will be there till you get older or another guard is assigned, with someone younger that could stay close to him it would be better. This is a voluntary assignment so I'm not going to force you to take this assignment."
He'd heard lots of stories and rumors about Mokuba being abused and although he could relate it wasn't exactly something he went around sharing with people. He had a feeling that Yami might want him to actually make friends with the boy and have him talk about his abuse and he wasn't sure he really wanted to listen to all that.
"I don't know sir, I did request to Sir Bakura to be relieved as Honda's Page, but I'll be 14 in a month or so and I was hoping to start my training to be a guard so that someday I can be a knight!"
Yami sighed, "I see. Alright then, you may go."
x-x-x-x-x-x-xx-x-x-x-x-x
K.C. walked into the barracks and instantly found himself surrounded by several of the other Pages.
"Was that really Master Atemu out there?" Brant asked.
"Yeah, what did he want?" Trent asked.
"Master Atemu wanted someone to look after Master Mokuba. He wanted someone closer to the boy's age and height to hang out with him. To look after him if he went to a friend's house."
"Why now?" Brent asked.
"I don't know; all I know is what I was told. I've never even spoken to Master Mokuba." K.C. said. "Master Atemu did offer me the job of babysitter that every guard has turned down!"
"Wow, I can't believe our little K.C. is growing up and getting more responsibility." Brant said.
"What are you talking about? I turned him down!" K.C. said.
Everyone looked at him in shock. "You did WHAT?" they all yelled at the same time.
Triscelle, the only female page walked over. She was still young enough that at the moment she could hide the truth. Females weren't allowed to be pages. She didn't know if the current king would change that law or not. But considering few other girls she knew wanted to be a page she doubted it. "You do realize that was a stupid move don't you?"
"I don't need any lectures from you, Trey! Just because you don't want to be a knight doesn't mean I don't! I suppose you could do better?"
"If the jobs open I'll ask Master Atemu if I can be Princess Maura's in-training guard." Triscelle said. She used the name Trey, since she felt Triscelle would be more of a dead give away. Again it's not like she didn't want to be a knight but once again the law forbids women to be guards or knights! Sadly enough she knew that the time will come all too soon when the truth will come out. She unfortunately can't keep her body in check forever. Hearing they wanted a guard for Mokuba, if she could prove herself, maybe the king or Master Atemu will allow her to be Maura's guard. This was when she could reveal the truth and she wouldn't have to hide anymore. Maura would have a protector and a friend close to her own age that she could feel comfortable around. "You also realize don't you that by being a personal guard you are paid double of the normal guards salary!"
"Yeah, I heard that the king and Master Atemu just gave Varon a huge raise!" Trent said.
"Wait, isn't Alister the king's guard?" Dylan asked, joining the conversation.
"Yes, but I heard he was told to watch Master Mokuba and he failed and he got hurt and the king hasn't quite totally forgiven him yet." Triscelle said.
"Do personal guards really make that much more than guards?" K.C. asked.
"Well you'd have to ask Varon, but I've heard they make almost if not a little more than knights!" Dylan said.
K.C. blinked he didn't know that. Maybe he needs to think more about his decision after all.