Yami had just finished trying out some new guards. He wanted to move Varon to Mokuba's guard permanently and have a new person be his guard and he also had to find one for Maura. He decided to go talk to Ryo about it.

"Ryo."

"Yes, Master Atemu."

"How about you just call me Yami, after all it seems silly for you to call Seto by his first name and yet still be so formal with me."

"Are you sure?"

"Yes, positive."

"I'd be honored."

"Good, now the reason I asked you here is I'd like to know how you'd feel about being released as Mokuba's royal guard."

"Why did I do something wrong?"

"No, nothing like that. Varon had been his guard while I was gone and I was thinking that by letting him take over for good and just hiring someone new for me and Maura, you'd have more time to train."

"I appreciate the offer, but I'd rather not. I get enough training time in. When Mokuba's off playing or in school or speech."

"But this way he wouldn't always be up under you."

"I like having him up under me sometimes. If I don't want him around which isn't often I always find something for him to do. This way we're both happy, he doesn't feel neglected or hurt and I can continue with what I was doing."

"I don't understand why you wouldn't want to be free of guard duty."

"It's not like I don't want to, it's more like I can't. I can't do it, not until he's a little older or stronger. It took me over a month when we first met to get him to speak as freely as he does now. He wouldn't even speak for the longest unless spoken to. Even now, I know that when he was sleeping in my room something upset him and he stayed when he saw my bags packed."

"You're not leaving are you?" Yami asked concerned after his and Seto's discussion on the fear of Mokuba's running away with Ryo if he left the kingdom.

"Why does everyone assume that? No, I'm going to take Maura's current room across the hall from Varon and Alister. Then give her my room. Look, I don't know what upset Mokuba last night, he wouldn't tell me. When I asked if he was afraid I was leaving was the reason he stayed with me last night. He only nodded his head. He wouldn't say a word. I know there was more to it, but I didn't want to pressure him into telling me."

"Yes, I know. Seto and I were trying to help Maura adjust more and well we were so caught up in talking that we let her have his chair at dinner and started without him."

"Well I guess that explains why he was in my room. He was lonely; the kid went through almost nine years without anyone to show him what love was. I had to explain what a hug and love was. It's not surprising that he's still sensitive. With more time, he will gain more confidence and though I can see Maura's presence putting a strain on him, making him question where he belongs again, eventually I think he'll discover that you and Seto can love and care for Maura and still love him at the same time. I think if you tell Mokuba that I won't be his official guard anymore that right now it would hurt him more than it would help. Especially now when he's the most vulnerable."

"Perhaps you're right. I was hoping Maura would help him, not hurt him."

"She will; he's not used to having someone else around him all the time like that. I'm thinking that maybe a part of him is afraid she'll push him out. You have to try to show him that she won't."

Yami smiled. "I guess this means we should take the time and spend it with both kids. To help Maura to feel this is her home now and Mokuba to know that it will always be his home, that nothing will change that. Thank you, Ryo. I know what to do now."

"Any time." Ryo said while watching Yami leave.

'That's exactly what you need to do, if you want to help break him out of his shell. He needs to know now more than ever that this is where he belongs.' Ryo thought then went off to where Honda was waiting to help him with some more self-defense and fighting stances.

x-x-x-x-x-x-xx-x-x-x-x-x

At the same time, Seto had called Bakura in for a talk.

"You wished to see me, my king?"

"Yes, Bakura, I wanted to ask how things were going between you and Ryo."

Bakura was confused as to why he'd care but said, "Um, good, I think it's getting better all the time."

"I'm glad to hear it."

"How are things between him and Shizuka?"

"As well as to be expected I suppose. I don't know what he sees in her."

"You listen to me and you listen well, Bakura. Under no circumstance, are you to allow that witch or anyone to hurt Ryo!"

"Um, all right." Bakura said still not sure why he cared if Ryo was happy or not.

"Good, the last thing I want is for Ryo to leave this castle or this kingdom again. I don't want that to happen."

Bakura had finally had enough and was about to ask why he suddenly cared about Ryo's well-being when Mokuba ran in.

"Seto."

"What is it kiddo?"

"O-one of the other k-knights g-gave me this coin."

Seto looked it over and smiled. "I already have that one, but I have an idea."

"W-what's that big brother?"

"Why don't you go show it to Ryo and tell him about my collection. Maybe you can get him to take you into town and get a book to start your own collection with."

Mokuba smiled brightly. "R-really?"

Seto laughed a little, "Yes, really now scoot." He swatted his bottom lightly.

Mokuba giggled at it and when he turned, he saw Bakura and ran over to him. "Uncle Bakura."

"What is it, kid?"

"D-do you know where Ryo is?"

"Last account I had he was supposed to be training near the barn. But be careful I'm not certain what type of training they're doing and you could get hurt if they don't realize you're there."

"I w-will, thanks Uncle Bakura."

As Mokuba ran off, Bakura finally realized why Seto was suddenly so concerned about Ryo's well-being.

"My king, you don't really believe that if Ryo were to leave he'd kidnap Master Mokuba again…do you? I assure you he won't. Ryo told me that he told Master Mokuba that if you and Master Atemu wanted him back and he truly loved you that he wouldn't let him leave with him if he decided to leave again."

"I see, well I know the last time that Mokuba left was because Ryo was leaving. I'm guessing seeing as how we ran out on the kid's birthday party and basically neglected him in the days leading up to it, that's why Ryo agreed to take Mokuba with him. I know that Mokuba left on his own and that Ryo didn't force him and probably tried to convince him to stay. Truthfully looking back, I had only known true love and devotion from this one person and then someone new showed me even more, but the new person suddenly turned on me and stopped showing that care…I guess I would leave too. But in response to your question, do I think Ryo would allow the boy to leave with him like last time, no, I don't. However, I have a bad feeling that if Ryo were to leave, depending on how well we do in keeping Mokuba happy, I have a bad feeling that Mokuba would go after him. Even if Ryo were to bring him back, how long would Mokuba stay? How many times would the boy go after him before either convincing Ryo to allow him to go with him and live with him or before getting into trouble? Either way I don't want to take any chances on it!"

"I see, I understand. I'll talk to Ryo and tell him your fears and I'll do everything that I can to make sure he doesn't leave."

"I appreciate that. You're dismissed."