Yu-Gi-Oh! Fan Fiction ❯ Dragon Rising ❯ Chapter Seventeen ( Chapter 18 )

So, yes. Hello again. I had two things I wanted to say before I booted you on to the next chapter in my sick little world—

 

Thanks to all the reviewers so far, and to reply to Isis, who rocks because she keeps steady reviews (*hopeful look at other readers*) and is the only one I've heard from in awhile (*another hopeful look*), I know, Yugi was a bit dumb in the last chapter. But Bretta is a curvy girl and is half-dragon like him—he has two counts against him; one count hormones, one count of intrigued by another like him. So he might be a leetle beet (*holds up forefinger about a centimeter over thumb*) stupid, but I promise that I have a reason for that, aside from him being a fifteen year old guy who also happens to have the instincts of a dragon…or a demon (Oh, wow, I never realized how much I screwed him over on that till now. Sucks for him, makes for entertainment for you!). And it makes sense in my head, so we'll hope it works out here.

 

Secondly—this thought hit me; summer break has been over for awhile now. And in response—Alianna planned ahead and the kiddoes are now being “home schooled”. Technically they are, just not in typical fashion. (*shifty eyes*) Anyhow, on we go!

 

In whichan attempt at seduction is made, a spell is cast, and a nasty tasting substance is ingested with interesting results

 

Kaiba eyed the tall trees with a critical eye before turning to look at the blonde elf-woman by him. “What is it, exactly, you want me to do?” he asked.

 

She grinned and gestured to the trees with a slender hand, “Stairs of ice. Or ramps that I can walk up, if you would.”

 

“Dewshine, why not just climb the trees? I've seen your son do it easily.”

 

She rolled her eyes, “Because my mate does not want me over exerting myself in my present condition, never mind that wolf blood flows through my veins.” She placed a hand on her stomach, which was only just beginning to show the curve of pregnancy. “He fears for our cub's and my safety.”

 

Kaiba raised a skeptical eyebrow but turned back to the trees without another word and rubbed his hands together. “Stairs of ice, coming right up.”

 

He breathed on a palm, an icy mist curling form his mouth, and placed his hand on the ground. Frost bloomed and shot towards the tree, where ice began to form and curl up and around the trunk, taking shape of evenly sculpted stairs.

 

Within moments, the stairs were fully formed, bridges connecting the trees together.

 

“They'll melt once you're done doing whatever it is you need to do,” he told the elf, who smiled at him again and gave him a brief hug.

 

“Many thanks, Kaiba,” she said before starting lightly up the stairs.

 

Kaiba watched long enough to ensure that her footing would be perfectly safe before turning and starting back towards the den, re-fastening his cloak over his shoulders to block the chilly wind that had begun to spring up.

 

He didn't much mind the cold, but he did keep in mind that the Lady of Ice had warned him to continue with the heavy clothing in months of cold, although he would not need nearly as much.

 

“You are still quite human,” she had warned him, “So keep in mind that you can still suffer from the ailments the winds can carry. Wear cloaks and clothing meant for the winter, although I doubt you will have to layer it, as many must.”

 

He really didn't see a need to argue with her.

 

“So, you can work the magic of ice?” came the inquisitive voice of the half-dragon friend of Yugi's.

 

Kaiba didn't even spare her a glance, only kept walking.

 

Bretta fell in step beside him, “Where did you learn it?”

 

“That is none of your business,” Kaiba replied. He didn't much like this friend of Yugi's, although he couldn't particularly place why. He also didn't much like the fact that Yugi seemed to ignore the obvious sly smirk that always seemed to be in the corner of her mouth.

 

She pouted, “You don't have to be so rude.”

 

“And you don't have to be so nosy.”

 

A glare flashed over her eyes before it disappeared, replaced by mock hurt. “You're cruel,” she said.

 

“Then so be it.”

 

“Why won't you just talk like a normal being?”

 

“Because I don't like you.”

 

“Oh, now you're hurting my feelings,” she said, pouting once more as she stepped in front of him, halting his progress. “That's no way to treat a girl. Why don't you like me?” she asked sweetly.

 

“I don't really care and I just don't.”

 

“You should give me a chance,” she purred, “I can be a very, very good friend.” Her finger slowly traced the muscle of his chest and followed down his sternum towards his stomach.

 

“I'll take your word on that.”

 

“Not even a chance? Come now, Seto, let me show you what I can do,” she said in a silky voice, fingers now at his belt and slowly starting to undo it.

 

“I don't think so,” he replied, grabbing her hand in a less than kind grip and pulling it away. “And I don't recall saying you could use my name.”

 

She hissed slightly in surprised pain as her wrist began to sting from the awkward angle he held it at. “And why not?” she managed to reply, still in a silky voice, “Don't you find me desirable? Am I not pleasing to your eye? Am I not pretty?” Her other hand came up to toy with the chain that held the card-shaped locket under his shirt.

 

His other hand caught hers and forced it away at an awkward angle.

 

“Hardly,” he replied coldly, glaring stonily into her eyes.

 

“Seto?” came Faye's voice, the half-elf appearing from between two trees, basket propped against one hip as she adjusted the cloak around shoulders. “Oh, there you are. Could you—I'm sorry…am I interrupting something?”

 

“Not at all,” Kaiba responded immediately, dropping Bretta's hands and giving her a small push away from him. “She was just leaving.”

 

The wizard placed a hand on the small of Faye's back as she walked up, still looking curious. A gesture that had a point behind it.

 

Bretta sniffed and tossed her hair, “Indeed I was. So glad we had this little chat.” She gave Kaiba a cold glance and looked at Faye, smiling acidly, “Have a lovely day.”

 

With that, she turned and sauntered off, exaggerating her hip swing, much to Kaiba's annoyance.

 

“What was that all about?” Faye asked, looking up at him.

 

He shook his head and looked at her, “Nothing. We only had a few points of uncertainty that I had to clear up. What did you need?”

 

She grinned and thumped the basket against his chest, his automatic reaction being to grab it to keep it from falling. “Be a darling and carry this for me, would you?” she said, now able to fully settle the cloak around her and walk off.

 

Kaiba rolled his eyes and grinned, “Sure. Not that I have much choice.”

 

“No, you don't.”

 

He sighed and shook his head before following after her.

 

Marina, bracing herself against the shock of cold to come, kicked off her shoes and splashed into the surf, shrieking anyway at the sudden cold.

 

“Dear gods above!” she said, “I'm glad I'm not a fish!”

 

Yugi stood on shore, laughing.

 

“Quiet, you!” she said, wading out and wringing the hem of her gown. “Just because you are used to cold and snow!”

 

“It hasn't snowed yet. And you've grown up here with the winters.”

 

“On the coast!”

 

He shrugged, “It still gets cold.”

 

“That doesn't mean I have to like it.”

 

“Why did you even run in, then?”

 

“Because she wanted to say hello.”

 

“`She'?”

 

“Yes. The sea. She wanted to say hello. Didn't you hear her?”

 

“No. I can't really say that I hear talking bodies of water calling out to me.”

 

Marina frowned and finished wringing out the hem of her gown before straightening and looking at him, “But the call is for any who care to listen. The same is with the trees, the wind, the earth. Everything.”

 

“I am happy to say that I do not hear voices.”

 

“`Tis a perfectly natural thing.”

 

“Not where I grew up.”

 

“You lived in such a strange place.”

 

“Look who's talking,” he replied, holding up her cloak as she finished pulling her shoes back on. “You have an underwater city that you spend time in.”

 

“Only in times of war,” she reminded him, wrapping the cloak around herself tightly against the chilly wind, “And we haven't had a time like that in ages.”

 

“An entire tribe of pacifists.”

 

“My brother would gladly respond with force to some of the issues that my father is currently facing. Caspian knows that force will be the only real way to truly resolve them, or so he says. My father is the pacifist.”

 

“Caspian, I get. Your father…I don't understand him.”

 

She shrugged, “Join the rest of us. I don't even think my mother understands how he functions entirely.”

 

The pair had by now climbed up from the beach and were starting towards the tree edge.

 

Bretta stood, waiting for them—or, more accurately, for Yugi. The half-dragon smiled and waved at Yugi, her eyes becoming frosty when she saw him in the company of the other young female. Marina sent the frosty glare right back before turning to Yugi.

 

“I'll head for home. Gods above forbid that my father finds out that I've been sneaking off again,” she said with a grin.

 

“You don't have to go,” Yugi replied, “Ali could send a message or something like that.” What he wanted to say was, “I want you to stay with me.”

 

Marina shook her head, “Not today. Perhaps sometime when he actually has some forewarning. But I can probably get away again tomorrow or the next day. Promise.”

 

She gave his hand a warm, gentle squeeze, “Stay out of trouble, alright? Don't blow anything up that's important.”

 

He grinned, “I'll try.”

 

“Good.”

 

She raised herself up slightly and kissed his cheek, “I'll see you later.”

 

He waved as she began to trek back down the rise, watching as a silver and black wolf trotted out of the woods to make sure she arrived home safely.

 

Yugi lightly ran his hand over his cheek where her lips had been, thinking. One day he'd very much like to turn his head and give her a real kiss. He'd very much like to tell her how attracted he was to her, one day.

 

Bretta sauntered up behind him, also watching the elf grow smaller and smaller as she walked away. She smirked and placed an arm around Yugi's waist, leaning against his back and placing her lips by his ear.

 

“Don't be stupid, Yugi. Nothing can ever come of your little crush. You are a half-blood.”

 

Yugi's eyes suddenly seemed to go a bit dull and hollow as a spell fell into place.

 

“What would a beauty like her ever want with a filthy half-breed like you? You are dirt beneath her feet. Why would anyone like her ever stoop to take an interest in one such as you? Why would a lady, a princess, a girl of such high birth find anything of worth in a common-born boy such as you?”

 

In the distance, there was a howl that was soon answered by the chorus of the pack. Yugi blinked and shook his head before turning to look at Bretta, who grinned from her place several feet behind him and held out her hand, “Shall we? I think dinner is almost ready.”

 

Yugi nodded and glanced back towards the beach, feeling his spirits sink. Why would someone like Marina take an interest in someone like him?

 

He sighed heavily before taking Bretta's hand and accepting the help up the slippery gravel patch before the two headed into the trees.

 

He suddenly wanted to be rid of his blood line more than ever.

 

The tribe held a feast that night. When questioned about it, they shrugged and answered that it was for no particular reason, but if the young people must have a purpose behind everything, which was a silly thing to do, they might add, then it was to welcome the Alpha of the pack and the shaman back from their journey.

 

Where they went or why they wouldn't or couldn't say.

 

All they knew was that the wolf was a handsome one, slightly bigger than the wolves of his pack with powerful, sleek muscles that rippled gracefully under his lustrous, healthy, pitch black fur. His eyes were a clear golden amber that gave them the unnerving feeling that they were being looked right through, bared to their very souls and minds before he blinked and it was the typical wild cunning and intelligence that glittered in the pack's and tribe's eyes.

 

The way he carried himself was also handsome, too. He walked with his head held high and ears erect; a regal, wise air was about him as he was greeted by a happily whining and yipping pack. The elves that shared their blood and home with the pack crouched to scratch under his chin or ruffled the fur around his neck affectionately.

 

Yugi and Kaiba noticed that the only ones who made direct eye contact with him were Alianna and the black haired shaman of the tribe who had accompanied him.

 

“Why isn't anyone making direct eye contact with him?” Yugi asked Drizzt, who blinked in surprise, as if he'd never noticed before.

 

“Well, he's the Alpha, which means he's top dog, although I don't think he really dominated the tribe, but I suppose it's instinct for them.”

 

“Alianna and the shaman make eye contact with him,” Kaiba said.

 

“Yes, but Alianna is bonded to Amaroq. She's like one of his own pups. As for Blackbird…” Drizzt shrugged with a grin, “Blackbird bows to no one.”

 

Yugi and Kaiba looked at each other and raised an eyebrow in intrigue.

 

The nearby and listening Bretta quirked an eyebrow and pursed her lips thoughtfully.

 

“Makes ye wish the gnome had stayed a bit longer,” Skot said as he sat by them, referring the Benedict, who had left several days before to return to his home. “He would've gone into a long spiel on Blackbird's history, what he lets be known, at any rate.”

 

Drizzt looked at the other warrior, “You could always tell Benedict what you know.”

 

“Me? Ha! I wouldn't be makin' meself into a target of Blackbird's temper. He knew me and me little brother when we were pups, and I'll not be havin' him usin' that power against me.”

 

“I didn't know you had a brother,” Yugi said.

 

“Most everyone here does. The pest has an itch for adventure somethin' bad like Ali does, so he's hardly here. Not that I'm fearin' for his safety. The lad can look out for himself well enough.”

 

“Such care,” Drizzt said dryly.

 

“Shut yer trap, ye blackened rabbit.”

 

“Ouch.”

 

The dark Alpha wolf was suddenly by them, standing between the sitting Drizzt and Skot, who didn't even blink. “Hello, Amaroq,” Drizzt said, scratching the wolf under the chin, his ebony skin blending right in with the dark fur. Skot scratched the wolf's neck ruff, “Good to see ye again, ye old hound.”

 

Amaroq snuffled each of their faces in a greeting before turning to the three new people he'd never seen or smelled before.

 

His head cocked to the side in interest as he looked at Yugi and Kaiba, who looked back with just as much curiosity. He stared at them for several moments before growling in frustration and looking at Skot, demanding an answer.

 

“They can't talk with the likes of yer kind,” the elf said. Drizzt frowned, “Didn't you get the phials?”

 

Skot blinked before smacking a palm to his forehead, “Gods above, Skywise better have done tha'.” The warrior got to his feet, bellowing for, “Skywise, ye star-headed idiot, c'mere!”

 

Amaroq growled slightly and sat by Drizzt, laying on his stomach and resting his head on his large paws.

 

Bretta moved from her place by a tree to sit by Yugi, brushing her hand over his shoulder and back as she did so, earning a glance from him. She smiled and he smiled back.

 

Kaiba's eyes narrowed the slightest bit before his attention was switched to Skot, who was returning with Skywise, the silvery haired male looking thoroughly annoyed with his friend.

 

“You have lousy timing,” Skywise growled irately.

 

“Nah, I jus' don't give a rat's ass about yer flirtin' with the females. Ye have something that we're givin' to the youngsters,” Skot replied, the hint of a growl in his voice.

 

“And it can't wait until tomorrow?”

 

“Ye'd rather argue with Amaroq?”

 

One of Amaroq's golden eyes popped open, an ear perking slightly as he looked at Skywise archly.

 

“Not particularly.”

 

“I didn't think so.”

 

Drizzt nudged Kaiba, “Go with them, please. Jade will have something for the taste.”

 

Kaiba gave him a blank look but knew better than to question, so he got up and followed the two.

 

Yugi looked at Drizzt questioningly, “What was that all about?”

 

“Oh, a little solution to cure muteness. The wolves have gotten quite flustered about you not being able to talk like civilized creatures.”

 

Yugi only stared at him blankly.

 

“Never mind.”

 

It was several minutes later when Kaiba came back, looking like he was either going to retch or curse Skot and Skywise, who were laughing uproariously. “That was the most vile thing I've ever tasted!” the young wizard snarled hoarsely as he sat between Drizzt and Yugi again.

 

“If it's any consolation, Jade and I had to drink it when we were adopted into the tribe,” Drizzt said with a grin.

 

Kaiba only gave him a mildly acidic look.

 

“What did they give you?” Yugi asked.

 

“I don't know and I don't care. Just as long as I never have to take it again.”

 

Yugi looked to the three males questioningly. Skot and Skywise had calmed down somewhat and were sitting by Drizzt, who gave a wry laugh, “One of the most magical substances known. Dragon's blood.”

 

Yugi felt the pit of his stomach drop away and Kaiba looked like he was turning a mild shade of green.

 

“You made me drink blood?” he demanded.

 

Skywise shrugged, “It won't hurt you in the small dose we gave you. And the burning should be disappearing about now. And the heavy mead was to wash the taste out of your mouth.”

 

Kaiba looked like he was about to respond scathingly when he stopped suddenly and looked at Amaroq in astonishment.

 

The wolf had raised his head and was looking at Kaiba steadily.

 

“I have not!” Kaiba suddenly said waspishly, glaring at the wolf, who only seemed to smile smugly and lay his head back on his paws.

 

“It can be a curse and a blessing,” Drizzt said comfortingly but not without a highly amused smirk.

 

“Oh, shut up,” Kaiba replied.

 

“`It won't hurt you in the small does we gave you',” she thought with a tint of curiosity. “I wonder what dragon's blood will do in large doses…”

 

“I'm going to bed,” Yugi said, “Good night, everyone.”

 

“G'night, Yugi,” the three elves replied, earning another glare from Kaiba before the young wizard looked at his rival.

 

He reached out and grabbed Yugi's arm, the latter turning and looking at him questioningly.

 

Kaiba murmured something in his ear, making Yugi frown before nodding slightly. Kaiba let him go and walked over to join Jade, still disgusted with the males who had given him the vile tasting liquid.

 

“Good night, Bretta,” Yugi said, embracing her briefly with one arm before rising as she bid him good night as well.

 

“Good night, indeed,” she thought, watching the young man walk away from the corner of her eye. “Perhaps one night you will join me in my chambers.” Her mouth curved slightly at the thought, her eyes catching one last glance of the handsome half-blood before he was swallowed in the darkness.

 

Then she frowned slightly and glanced at Kaiba. “Whatever did you tell him, little wizard?” she thought.