Yu-Gi-Oh! Fan Fiction ❯ Deceptive ❯ Chapter 3

Title:  Deception
Part:  3/4
Author:  Murasaki Rose
Beta:  none
Genre:  Romance/Fantasy/AU
Rating:  PG-13
Spoilers:  Yami Yuugi's real name
Warnings:  Shonen-ai (male x male)
Pairings:  YYxY, SxJ, YBxR, YMxM
Disclaimer:  Here we go.  Yu-Gi-Oh and all its characters are the property of Kazuki Takahashi, Shueisha, Konami, Toei, and unfortunately, 4 Kids Entertainment.  In other words, I don't own them and I'm not making any money off of this, I'm just a fangirl having some fun.
A/N:  "text" = speech, 'text' = thought, ((text)) = telepathy

Summary:  The millenia-long war between the Jackal and Kitsune kingdoms has finally come to an end.  To discourage further conflict, the kings agree to marry their sons and ally the kingdoms.  Unwilling to make peace, a member of the Kitsune court spirits the prince away to Earth, sealing them both in human form.  Fifteen years later, the Jackal prince now searches the human world for his missing bride.

o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o

Part Three- Revelations

Waiting for Atem to return, Yuugi had decided to explore the suite of rooms he had been given, starting with the elegant sitting room.  Leaning over the small dining table, the small teen ran his hands over the smooth marble top and down the carved, brightly colored stone legs.  It was strange, but whenever he went somewhere new, or something new was brought into the house, he had to touch it.  He couldn't help himself.  Once, when he had expressed concern over his behavior to his mother, she had laughed and told him that as a baby he had done the same, only with his mouth (3).  Yuugi was very glad he had grown out of that phase.

Moving from the table to one of the plush chairs, Yuugi contemplated the questions he was going to ask when the prince returned, while his fingers traced the lotus blossoms carved on the chairs back.  He hadn't seen the prince since they'd arrived at the palace over an hour ago.  Things had happened so quickly since they'd left Earth that Yuugi'd scarcely had time to even think of questions, much less ask any.

The moment they stepped out of the portal Atem had led him straight to an intricately carved golden carriage, pulled by a team of six magical equines.  As they raced across the countryside Atem explained what each horse was and promised to take Yuugi to the stables to see them up close once he was settled in.

Not long after, they arrived at a beautiful palace, again in ancient Egyptian style, that put even the largest ancient palaces of Earth to shame.  As the palace gates closed behind them, Yuugi could see the tension ease from Atem's frame and wondered just what kind of situation he'd walked into.  When the carriage came to a stop, Atem had jumped out before the driver could reach the door and held out a hand for Yuugi.  Blushing, the small teen took the offered hand and stepped out of the carriage to a crowd of curious palace staff.  Unfazed by the attention, Atem had simply drawn Yuugi to his side and announced that he had found his missing fiancé.

Yuugi had felt his jaw drop, what the hell was Atem talking about?!  Not giving him time to respond, Atem had pressed a kiss to his forehead and gently steered him towards two waiting attendants, promising to explain things later.

Still stunned by Atem's announcement, it had been easy for the two women to lead him into the palace, the younger of the two cooing over how adorable he was.  Any questions he might have asked were blown away as he caught site of the beautiful palace interior, it was like stepping back in time!

There was no time to study anything in detail as his escorts hustled him down the halls to the royal wing of the palace.  From there he was guided to a fancy suite of rooms where a host of other servants had been waiting for their arrival.  First a seamstress and a jewelry maker had taken his measurements before bustling off to begin their work, debating which colors of fabric and metals would best suit him as they left.  Then, the remaining servants had led him into an extravagant marble bathroom, accented with bright, beautiful murals.  Again, the servants took advantage of his distraction and before he knew what they were up to, he was stripped bare and tossed into the enormous bathtub.  He came up sputtering, only to be assaulted from all angles by the same girls who had thrown him into the water.  His hair was washed and his entire body scrubbed clean, (The girls giggling when he'd squeaked in embarrassment as they cleaned his genitals.) then he was pulled out of the tub and dried with the softest towels he'd ever felt.  They'd wrapped his hair in another towel and he had just started to relax when the towel covering his body was whipped off so he could be rubbed down with fragrant oils while his hair was toweled dry.  They had just finished with his hair when another servant entered the room carrying a royal blue tunic and shenti that shimmered in the light.  To his continued embarrassment they dressed him, in what he had to admit was the softest fabric he had ever felt, but by the time they finished, his face resembled a ripe cherry.

Leading him to sit at a vanity in the next room, the oldest of the servants gave him a motherly smile that calmed his nerves.  She brushed his hair until it shone and wove shimmering gold threads into his bangs.  He'd balked a bit when she took out a tray of colored kohl makeup, but she applied it anyway while assuring him it was normal for men in their country.  As she worked, another pair of servants approached carrying a wekesh of gold and silver, a silver crown bearing an udjat eye in the center, and a small chest of jewelry which they proceeded to adorn him with while he was temporarily immobile.  When he'd expressed his surprise over the lightness of the wekesh and braces they had placed on his arm, legs, and neck, the older woman patiently explained that they were enchanted, making them strong and durable, yet comfortable to wear.  Finished with her work, she had turned him to face the mirror and to his relief, the kohl was subtle, making his eyes seem brighter and more vibrant.  Relieved, he started to study the pattern on the wekesh when a flash of movement caught his attention.  Looking back into the mirror, the feeling of metal brushing against his skin drew his eyes to the source; he was wearing earrings!  Reaching up to check, he was astonished to find that his ears had been pierced not once, but multiple times without him having noticed!  He wasn't allowed a lot of time to stare though, as the ladies helped him to his now sandal-clad feet and led him back into the main room, (Which he now realized was a sitting room.) informing him that Prince Atem would be along shortly before leaving him to his own devices.

So now he was waiting for the young prince to return and explain, among other things, why he had called him his fiancé in front of the palace staff.  Fortunately for his nerves, he didn't have to wait long.  After about five minutes, Atem walked in followed by a couple of servants; one carrying a tray laden with fruits, vegetables, meats, and bread and the other carrying a pitcher, two cups, and eating utensils.  Once they placed the trays on the table, Atem dismissed them and with a respectful bow, they left the two youths alone. 

Staring up at the handsome male through his bangs, Yuugi once again turned red in embarrassment;  Atem was perusing his form with hungry eyes, making the pale teen feel both flattered and self-conscious.

"So..."

Eyes snapping back up to Yuugi's face from where they had been focused on the other teen's shapely calves, Atem felt his face heat as a slight blush formed at having been caught.  Without a doubt, their bond was having a strong effect on him, as he had never acted this way before.  Embarrassed, he cleared his throat and decided to do his best to ignore his gaffe.  "I see the seamstress was able to make you something suitable to your status...it looks wonderful on you."

Blushing from the compliment, Yuugi refused to let it deter him from his questions.  "You mean as your fiancé?"

Gesturing towards the table, Atem poured water into both cups as Yuugi sat down.   Taking the seat nearest to him, he passed one to the other youth.  "Yes.  But also the status that comes as your birth right," he told the "human" teen while filling their plates with an assortment of foods from the tray.

Blinking in confusion, Yuugi sat his cup on the table.  "I don't understand," he shook his head, "and you still haven't explained why you called me your fiancé."

Atem sighed, "I assume your "grandfather" never told you any of the truth of then."  Before Yuugi could say anything else, Atem continued.  "You Yuugi, are the crown prince of the Kitsune kingdom.  The two of us were engaged as very young children to form a bond between our countries and symbolize the vow our parents took that our two countries would never war again."

The amethyst-eyed teen raised a skeptical eyebrow, "If I really am a prince from this world, why was I on Earth?"

"Your uncle greatly protested the peace treaty and the engagement.  He betrayed his brother, your father, by kidnapping you and taking you to Earth on the day of our bonding ceremony.

"He must have used most of his magic up that day, casting such powerful spells on the three of you."

Seeing the other's expression of disbelief, Atem knew he would have to elaborate in order to convince Yuugi of the truth.  "Yuugi, he sealed your magic and turned you into humans." he stated, deciding not to mention the altered age rate to the small teen just yet.

"What about the other one?  You mentioned a third person."

Atem nodded, "I believe it is the woman who raised you as her own.  She tried to stop Sugoroku and ended up disappearing along with you."

"Atem, Sugoroku is my grandfather's name!" Yuugi protested, believing the other teen was mistaken.

"I've been told by experienced mages that using that much power in such a short amount of time eats at your soul energy.  As a result, he would have aged rapidly and lost part of his life."  Yuugi shook his head in disbelief and Atem decided to back off on Yuugi's "grandfather".  "Once they arrive everything will be made clear," he reassured the small teen.

"You're bringing them here?"

Atem nodded, "Of course, it is time for them to return and regain their true forms."

"True forms?"

"I'm sure you noticed the slit in the back of your tunic," at Yuugi's nod he continued.  "It has to do with the "birthmark" on your back.  It marks where your tail used to be and once we have gathered enough mages, we will return it and your magic to you."

Still skeptical, Yuugi wanted to ask for proof, but his stomach decided that their were more important things to deal with and announced this with a loud growl.

Chuckling in amusement, Atem waved a hand towards their plates, "Perhaps any further questions should wait until we eat."

Fighting down yet another blush, Yuugi nodded in agreement and turned his attention to his plate only to balk at the sight.  He could only recognize one or two of the items Atem had given him!  Fortunately, Atem caught on quickly and identified everything for his fiancé's comfort.  The smaller teen was visibly relieved to learn that most of the foods were still items found in his world, just not commonly in Japan.

Throughout their meal, Yuugi asked Atem basic questions about this world and both the Jackal and Kitsune people which the other teen was happy to answer to his enraptured audience of one.  Eventually, Yuugi's attention shifted and he began to ask questions about Atem himself.  Willing to answer, but wanting to know more about Yuugi, Atem agreed to answer the more personal questions only if Yuugi shared the same information in return.  The smaller teen eagerly agreed and before long they were sharing stories about some of their more memorable childhood moments.

A knock on the door interrupted their talk as a servant entered, bowing to them before speaking,

"Pardon me your majesties, but King Satoru(4) and Queen Mitsuko(5) have arrived and are awaiting your presence in Pharaoh Akunamanon's private office."

Thanking the servant and sending them on their way, Atem stood and offered a hand to Yuugi.  "Shall we go meet your parents?"

"Parents?!" Yuugi yelped, nearly toppling the chair he was sitting in clean over.

Helping the small teen to his feet, Atem led him to the door.  "Come little one, they've been waiting years to see you again.  I promise you will love them."

x-x-x-x-x-x-x

Reaching the pharaoh's office, Yuugi found himself ducking behind Atem in his nervousness.  He still wasn't convinced that Atem was telling him the truth, but the other teen seemed so sincere that he couldn't bring himself to completely discount it.  With that thought in mind, along with the idea that the king and queen he was about to meet could be his biological parents, his nerves were going haywire.

When Atem opened the door, the first thing Yuugi saw was a tall man with brown hair and a neatly-trimmed beard, dressed in a floor-length shenti and robe, standing next to a carved mahogany desk.  He had the same color ears and tail that Atem had and there was something in the way he held himself that all but shouted he was related to the prince.  His suspicions were confirmed when Atem introduced the man as his father, Pharaoh Akunamanon.

Bowing politely, Yuugi introduced himself in turn, getting a chuckle from Atem's father.

"I know who you are, though you're much bigger than the last time I saw you," Akunamanon said, giving the teen a kind smile.  Placing an arm around Yuugi's shoulder, the pharaoh led him away from his son, hiding his amusement when the crimson-eyed youth pouted.  "And there is someone else here that wishes to meet you."

Looking at the two figures standing by the window, Yuugi felt his heart jump into his throat.  A man and a woman, dressed in kimonos reminiscent of the style that royalty would have worn in feudal Japan, were watching him with matching expressions of love and longing.  Uncomfortable with what that could mean, he shifted his focus and was quick to notice the gleaming fox appendages the royal couple shared; the man's were a shining metallic gold, including all nine of his tails, while the woman's were an equally brilliant silver.

Shaking off his fascinated stupor, Yuugi noticed that the man looked like a younger version of his grandfather, with the same wide plum-colored eyes and spiky, star-shaped hair.  The color of his hair however, was not gray and looked more like Yuugi's, including the way his blond bangs framed his face, though the elder's spikes were edged in the same plum color his eyes were.   The petite woman at his side had eyes the same shade of amethyst as Yuugi's and her hair was a bright magenta, the same color that edged the teen's own ebony spikes.

Reaching a hesitant hand out towards her long-lost son, the woman broke the silence, "Yuugi?"

Nodding in response, the small teen yelped in surprise as the woman lunged forward and pulled him into a tight hug.  Sobbing from emotional overload, she clung to him, "Oh my sweet darling baby, you've grown too quickly!"

Unsure of what else to do and wanting to help, Yuugi hugged the woman back, knowing he had made the right decision when he felt some of the tension ease from her frame.  Another pair of arms wrapped around him from behind, startling the confused teen for a moment before he realized it was the man... his father.

"Yuugi, my son," he murmured, pulling his mate and child into his arms, burying his face into Yuugi's soft, spiky hair.

Wrapped in the arms of parents he had never known, Yuugi struggled to keep himself calm.  With his own emotions a wreck, he couldn't imagine what they were feeling...yet at the same time, there was something familiar, something safe about them...

He could hear his "father" quietly reassuring his still-sobbing "mother" that everything was going to all right now, "What's important is that Yuugi is safe and home where he belongs."

Calming enough to regain her composure, Mitsuko gave her son a teary smile before standing to face Akunamanon and Atem.  Each keeping an arm around Yuugi's shoulders, the royal couple moved to face the Jackal royals, their son held between them.

Bowing deeply, the Kitsune queen gave the other youth a warm smile, "Thank you Atem, for finding him and bringing him home."

The Jackal prince smiled back, "How could I not?  The two of us could never be complete without one another."

The three adults nodded in response, they all knew the effects of the bonding ceremony, both positive and negative.

Wondering what Atem was talking about, Yuugi was about to ask, when for the second time that day, he was interrupted by a knock on the door.

After Akunamanon bid them enter, a familiar face entered the room.  Stepping inside, Captain Bakura bowed to the five royals.  "Your majesties, the final guests have arrived."

"Bring them in."

Nodding, Bakura signaled to someone standing outside the room and six figures entered the room, stunning the occupants into silence.  They had all known they were coming but no one could think of anything to say to them.

"Mama!  Grandpa!" Yuugi cried out darting across the room and into the arms of the crimson-eyed woman, shocking everyone save Sugoroku and Woserit.

Keeping a tight hold on her adopted son, Woserit moved towards the awaiting royals, despite her joy over being home, her mood was tempered by what would be revealed to Yuugi today.

"Mama, why is Grandpa a prisoner?" he asked, gesturing to the old man who was in manacles and surrounded by four guards.

Giving Mistuko an apologetic smile, Woserit sat down on the small couch next to Akunamanon's desk and patted the cushion next to her.  Knowing his mother would explain everything, Yuugi joined her on the couch, taking her hand for comfort.

"Yuugi... there is a lot I never told you about our past.  Mostly because I was stuck in a foreign world with no magic and no way of contacting our home.  I desperately wanted you to know the truth, but with Sugoroku around I was unable to tell you anything.  I would have taken you away, but trapped in this weaker form and without my magic, I was unable to evade him.   By the time his magic weakened to the point he could no longer trace us...you had grown attached to him.  She gave him a sad smile, "All I could do was hint at the truth through the stories I told you growing up."

Taking a deep breath, she continued, "You always asked me where your father was, and I could never give you a proper answer...until now."  Pointing at the golden kitsune, she squeezed Yuugi's hand, "This man, King Satoru of the Kitsune kingdom is your father," her hand moved to the silver kitsune, "and his mate, Mitsuko is your biological-"

"-mother," Yuugi finished, hugging Woserit.  "Atem told me, but I didn't want to believe it."  Burying his face in the crook of her neck, he shook his head sadly, "So Grandpa is really my uncle?"

Nudging his head up, she brushed his blond bangs away from teary eyes.  "Yes, he is."  Watching the tears spill over, she felt her own eyes tear up as his slender arms clutched her tight.  Hugging him just as tightly, she kissed his hair, "Don't cry, little one.  No matter what, I'll be here for you.  Never doubt that I love you as if you were my own."

Unable to stand watching Woserit care for Yuugi any longer, Sugoroku burst out, "You see!!  Had your wretched spawn not stolen Yuugi, he wouldn't be suffering now!"

"He would not be suffering at all if YOU had not betrayed me by kidnapping him from Mitsuko and I!!" Satoru roared, refusing to let his traitorous sibling manipulate anyone into feeling guilt.

"Take him away!  We will deal with him later," Akunamanon ordered Bakura.  He did not trust himself or Satoru to be able to judge him properly in their current state of mind.

"Spawn?" Yuugi asked, tilting his head curiously.

Woserit smiled sadly, "When I was brought to the human world with you, I was forced to leave my mate and son behind.  I missed them terribly, but having you to raise helped ease the pain."

Giving her a watery smile, Yuugi hugged her again.  It didn't matter to him that Woserit wasn't his biological mother.  She had raised him his whole life and that was all that mattered to him.

Standing and patting the teen on his head, she turned to greet the two who had been waiting patiently to greet her again.  Her eyes glimmered with unshed tears as she looked at them both.  "Atem, Akunamanon."

"Woserit."

"Mother."

Yuugi felt his jaw drop to the ground when Atem flew into her arms, clinging to her in the same manner he had done only moments ago while the Akunamanon held them both.  His mom was Atem's MOTHER?!

Wanting to give the other family some time alone, Mitsuko approached her son.  "Why don't we go for a walk in the gardens?"

Catching on, Yuugi gave her a shy nod.  He was nervous about being around his parents, but also very curious, so without resistance, he followed her and his father out of the room.

x-x-x-x-x-x-x

Hours later found Yuugi lounging on the massive, plush bed in one of the adjoining rooms to his suite.  He'd spent most of the day getting to know his parents (they'd been quite interested in his life on Earth too), while also learning what to expect when his form and powers were restored.  To his relief, they'd kept the information at a minimum, letting him absorb things at his own pace.  They'd also let him know that even though he was their only child, there was no need for him to worry about any royal duties for some time.  The most important thing was for him to get adapted to his new life and his bonded.  Unfortunately for his curiosity, the bond between him and Atem was the one topic they remained close-mouthed on.  His mother had simply told him that it was something wonderful for him and Atem to explore together.

"They could have given me a hint," he grumbled to himself.

"Yuugi?"

Tilting his head back, amethyst eyes blinked at the upside-down image of the Jackal prince, "Atem?"

Smiling at the adorable image his fiancé made, Atem took a seat next to the reclining teenager.  "Did everything go well with your parents?"

Rolling onto his side, the smaller teen nodded.  "It's still strange to think of them as my parents, but they seem nice.  How about you?"

"It was wonderful.  Mother was sad that I grew up so fast, but she's mostly happy to be back with us.  I don't have many memories of her, but I'm looking forward to making new ones."

"Me too."

Brushing the pads of his fingers along the other youth's baby soft cheek, Atem rubbed his nose against Yuugi's.  "Are you feeling up to dinner, little one?"

Blushing at the close contact, but making no move to get away, Yuugi nudged Atem's nose in return.  "Would it be all right if I ate up here tonight?  I really don't want to see anyone else right now."

Pleased by his response, Atem brought his forehead to rest against Yuugi's before answering him.  "Not at all little one.  Mother thought you would want time to yourself this evening."  Reluctantly, the Jackal prince started to slide off the bed when slender fingers wrapped around his wrist.

Surprised by the unexpected touch, Atem looked down to see Yuugi giving him a bashful smile. 

"I..uh, wouldn't mind...eating dinner with you.  If you want to..."

Elated, Atem did nothing to hide his delighted grin, "It would be my pleasure."

x-x-x-x-x-x-x

After a quiet dinner the two teenagers settled in for a game of Senet; Atem was thrilled to have an opponent that could keep up with him as Yuugi had played the game with Woserit many times before.

"Hey Atem?"

"Hmm?"  Crimson eyes shifted their focus from the Senet board up to him.

"There's something that's been bothering me since we got here..."

"And what is that?" the tanned teen asked, his full attention now on his bonded.

"It's probably nothing..." the small teen paused to collect his thoughts, "it's something the adults around here keep saying."

"What is it?"

"People keep saying that I "grew up too quickly"," Yuugi answered, a thoughtful frown on his face.  "Mama even said it to you."

At first I thought it was just because they hadn't seen me since I was a baby, but it just seems more than that."  He shook his head, "maybe I'm reading too much into it."

Moving his chair next to Yuugi's, Atem took the small teen's hands in his own and gave him warm smile.  Their parents had wanted to wait to tell Yuugi about this, but his little one was much too clever for that.  "Yuugi...were you told how long our people usually live?"

The amethyst-eyed teen nodded, "It's kinda hard to wrap my head around, but I suppose I'll have all the time I need huh?"

Atem nodded, "Yes...but what no one has told you is that we not only live for centuries, we also mature much slower."

Yuugi arched a slender brow, "How slow?"

Steeling himself for a bad reaction, the Jackal prince took a deep breath and exhaled before answering, "In human terms, for every ten of their years, we age one.  In other words, you should be about the physical age of a human three year-old and I should be about four."

Right away, Yuugi knew that those numbers didn't quite add up, "If that's true, shouldn't I be younger than that?"

Atem shook his head, "You were already eleven years-old when we were bonded and I was twenty-three."

"Then why don't I remember anything?"

"The same reason any infant forgets, your mind was still in its formative stage."

The small teen had a thoughtful look on his face, "Okay, I can see why I would age like a human, since I've been one for almost fifteen years...but why are you the same age as me?"

"Our bond.  When you began aging like a human, so did I.  Fortunately, that same effect is what allowed us to track you to the human world.

Father was quite upset about my rapid aging but there was nothing to be done about it.  So he asked for volunteers amongst the other nobility who would be willing to let their children age at the same rate as you and I."

"Why would he do that?"

"He didn't want me to grow up alone."

"Did anyone volunteer?"

Atem nodded, "You've met some of them too.  My cousin Priest Seto, Captain Bakura, and his Lieutenants Malik and Marik were all there when we found you.  You'll probably meet Anzu, Kisara, Mahaado and Mana tomorrow.  Anzu is a healer, Kisara a bodyguard, Mahaado is a sorcerer and Mana is his apprentice.

They were all children of lords and ladies of the court and as I mentioned before, Seto is my cousin.  They had to train extensively to reach their positions so quickly, but have proved to be equal if not better than their elder counterparts.  They will be part of our court when we are older."

Yuugi smiled, "Do any of them have mates yet?"

"Malik and Marik are a mated pair, as are Mahaado and Kisara, Bakura has a formerly human mate he met a few months ago, and Seto.... Seto is courting one of the humans from your city."

Yuugi perked up in excitement, "That's right!  Do you know who it is?  Is it anyone I know?"

Atem looked thoughtful, "I'm not sure, but the evening is young."  Grinning he stood and held out a hand to Yuugi, "Let's go find out, shall we?"

x-x-x-x-x

A few minutes later, the bonded duo found themselves outside the door to Seto's suite.  Atem knocked on the door and within moments, the young priest appeared.  "Atem, Prince Yuugi.  What brings you here at this hour?"

Atem smirked, "I reminded Yuugi you were courting a human from Domino and he wished to meet them."

"Well-" Seto was cut off by a blond whirlwind that nearly knocked him over in his excitement.

"Yuugi!!"

Said teen squealed in delight as the blond human picked him up and twirled him around.  "Jonouchi-kun!"

Under the amused gaze of the Jackal royals, the two best friends chattered animatedly, thrilled to be reunited.  When they reached a lull in their conversation, Seto suggested they return to the room to continue their talk so they would not disturb anyone who wished to retire early.

The friends eagerly agreed and Jonouchi drug a cheerful Yuugi into the room.

"So what's it like being a Kitsune prince?" Jou asked, surprising Yuugi.

"Did Seto tell you?"

"Yeah, he explained the whole thing after we got here.  When we were still on Earth all he'd say was that you were safe."

Seto smirked, "It was the first thing he demanded to know.  The stubborn pup kept trying to subdue me to get information."

Yuugi shook his head in resignation while Jou gave a sheepish grin.

"Anyway, he finally convinced me that he was telling the truth-"

"After I pinned you to the ground and kissed you senseless-"

"which I nearly gave you a broken nose for-"

"-you still liked it."

"THAT ISN'T THE POINT!" the blond howled, his face turning bright red in embarrassment.

"Eventually, he agreed to a courtship, on the grounds that he could see you again," Seto finished for the frustrated human.

"A loyal friend," Atem murmured, impressed by the human teen.

"Aw, I couldn't let my best friend go off into the unknown without me,"  Jou now had only a faint blush on his cheeks.  "And Seto's been great.  So..."

Grinning from ear-to-ear, Yuugi glomped his best friend, "I'm so happy for you!"

Noticing the two Jackal royals were distracted by conversation, Jou leaned down to Yuugi.  "So how's Atem been treating you?"

A tender smile came over Yuugi's face, "He's been wonderful.  He's been really patient and doing everything he can to make me comfortable."

"Is he really your Mom's kid?"

Yuugi nodded, "Mama confirmed everything, but she loves us both."

Jou grinned at him, "Good to hear.  Seto said you were gonna meet your biological parents?"

Another nod.  "They're really nice.  Neither one of them wants to push me into my new life.  They really want to take time to get to know me and let Atem and I focus on our bond."

The blond nodded in return.  He was pleased that his best friend was adapting easily to this strange world they had been brought to, but he wouldn't be completely convinced it was all true until he saw Yuugi as a kitsune.

"So when are you gonna get your tail and ears?"

Unsure of the answer, Yuugi hesitated, Atem had said as soon as possible...

"We should be able to restore Yuugi and Mother to their true forms in two days."  The Jackal prince smiled at his bonded, "I meant to tell you after dinner, Father received confirmations from all the mages we will need.  The last ones will arrive tomorrow and will be fully rested by the next day."

"The mages are coming from both the Kitsune and Jackal kingdoms," Seto continued.  "And with as many as the kings have called upon, there should be no negative effects on any of the mages even with a spell of this magnitude."

"Oh yeah, 'cause if you don't use enough mages it'll drain the life force from the ones that are casting the counter spell, right?" Jou said, remembering something that Seto had told him earlier.

Both Seto and Atem nodded.

Atem smiled fondly at Yuugi, "I can not wait to see my little one with his beautiful, soft tail again."

"That's right, you know what it's gonna look like don't you, Atem?"

Yuugi perked at his friend's statement, hoping for a clue.

"I do-" Atem smirked, "and I am not telling either one of you.  You'll just have to wait until it is restored to find out."

"Not even a little hint?"

Turning to face a pair of impossibly larger, watery amethysts and a pair of plump, pink lips curved into a sad pout, Atem felt his will weakening at an alarming pace.  He nearly caved under Yuugi's "sad-puppy" face, when he was rescued by Jonouchi.

Chuckling, the blond grabbed Yuugi in a headlock and gave him a noogie.  "C'mon Yuugi, you know he doesn't stand a chance against that face.  You'll find out soon."

Freeing himself from Jou's grip, Yugi folded his arms across his chest and scowled at his best friend.  "Traitor."

Jonouchi just grinned.

x-x-x-x-x-x-x

Aug 15, 2014

o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o

3 - Foxes mouth things when in a new environment, but don't chew on them like puppies.  I like the idea of kitsune retaining enough instinct to want to feel new things in a similar fashion.  Young kits are then taught to use their hands instead of their mouths to explore.

4 - Satoru - wise, fast learner (Japanese boy name)

5 - Mitsuko - child of light (Japanese girl name)