Yu-Gi-Oh! Fan Fiction ❯ Insomniac ❯ I need a hero ( Chapter 7 )

Velvetina: I'm back! Anyways I forgot the disclaimer last time, opps so sorry about that but you know its not mine, just as nothing but the plot is mine in this chapter. As ever reviewer replies are at the bottom, less than normal but I don't care cos I'm so happy to be back in my groove, ok that sounded silly lol. The song is by Bonnie Tyler and Jennifer Saunders recently sang it in shrek 2

 

Chapter Seven: I need a hero

Early next morning Ryou's eyes fluttered open and he groaned loudly, all of his muscles were laced with a dull ache, what the hell had Bakura been up to? In fact it was rare for him to be in control of the body at this time in the morning. Frowning Ryou pulled himself into a sitting position, his mouth dropping open as he took in the various candles that surrounded him. Ryou could hear muffled footsteps heading towards him on the hallway's wooden floor, apprehensively he raised his eyes as the door opened. Ryou's mouth dried up as he watched himself walk through the doorway. The other white haired boy turned towards Ryou and grinned.

“Hello Hikari.”

 

Where have all the good men gone

And where are all the gods?

 

Yugi groaned as the morning light disturbed his sleep and rolled over to hide his face in his pillow, simultaneously rolling into someone's embrace. Yugi's forehead creased up, how the hell had he ended up in someone's arms? Cracking his eyes open Yugi glance upwards and froze.

“Y-Yami?” He managed to stutter out.

“Yugi?” Came the sleepy reply, “Yugi, Aibou, with in the name of Ra is going on?” The two boys sat bolt upright and simply stared at each other before Yugi flung himself at Yami and hugged him tightly.

 

Where's the street-wise Hercules

To fight the rising odds?

 

Malik snored loudly, he was having a great dream where he was the corrupted King of Chocolate and was at that moment gorging himself on his subjects. Suddenly he was poked and Malik span round to see which Choco Man had dared touch him, but whatever way he turned Malik couldn't catch whoever was doing it. The poking continued and slowly he regained consciousness. Malik opened his eyes and mouth, getting ready to yell at whoever had woken him up, but instead of words coming out there was just one long loud scream.

Isn't there a white knight upon a fiery steed?

Late at night I toss and I turn and I dream of what I need

 

Jou rolled up at school on time for once wanting to make a good impression with Kaiba, seeing as he was spending the afternoon with the other boy. When he reached the school gates Jou could see the diminutive figure of Yugi ahead.

“Hey Yug!” Jou hurried his steps; almost all of his ankle pain was gone. Yugi turned and waited for Jou.

“Hello Jou.” The small boy sounded slightly distracted and Jou frowned looking his buddy over.

“You look knackered mate.” At Yugi's wince Jou asked, “Is there anything wrong?”

Yugi shook his head and replied, “Not wrong exactly…” The large amethyst eyes flicked behind Jou just as someone tapped him on the shoulder.

Jou turned around and cheerfully said, “Hey there Yam's!”, before turning back to Yugi. Frowning Jou span round and looked at Yami gob smacked. “Yami! What the hell…”

“I though you were going to stay at the game shop today Yami.” Yugi sounded tired.

“I was and then I didn't want to leave you all day. Jounouchi.” Yami added with a tilt of his head.

“Yes we already made that point, and then we also thought that having you roam about in the present day wasn't such a good idea.”

“Ah, but then I thought that I'd spent so much time with you on a conscious level that I could deal with it.” Throughout the tri-haired boys' discussion Jou had taken a step back and kept looking from side to side as though watching a tennis match.

“Hang on a sec, can either of you two tell me what the heck is going on here!” Jou finally yelled, his brain still full of confusion at being asked to Kaiba's and this was just going over his, admittedly blonde, head.

Yugi sighed, “We don't rightly know. As far as we remember: Last night as I was trying to sleep, I suddenly was overcome with pain, and blacked out. When I woke up this morning Yami was there.”

“He doesn't seem too happy about it either.” Yami sounded disgruntled.

“I am pleased to see you!” Yugi insisted. “I simply don't think it is practical for you to come to school with me.”

“Whoa you two, first things first, we need to find out if this has happened to the other two who supposedly have yamis.” Yugi and Yami simply stared at him. “What?” Jou asked defensively.

“That idea was actually logical.” Yugi said.

“It was just common sense.” Jou rolled his eyes.

“Exactly!” Yami added and the two smaller boys grinned at each other while Jou pouted.

Then Yugi's eyes lit up and he yelled, “Look there's Malik!” Jou looked behind him and sure enough there was a platinum haired figure storming towards them.

“He looks pissed.” Jou commented.

When Malik was within hearing distance he growled out, “Which idiot let loose that idiot?” Malik pointed his thumb over his shoulder.

“What idiot?” Jou asked not seeing anyone.

Malik looked around and groaned. “Where the bloody hell has the moron got to?” At the blank looks he got, Malik clarified, “Marik! The camel's whoreson has somehow got his own body. He's lost any mild maturity he had; he's acting like an eight year old. I can't tell if he's any less scary like this either, sure he's less powerful but he's completely crazy! He keeps insisting on calling me Shiny!” With this odd statement Malik wandered off and the trio could hear snatches of what he was saying, “Here Marik…come on you dumbass…wherever you are.”

“Well that answers that question.” Yami said while Yugi and Jou nodded blankly. The trio sweat dropped as they watched their ex-arch enemy get glomped by their other ex-arch enemy.

“Why do I have a feeling we have a hectic time coming up?” Jou groaned.

“Because we do.” Yami said seriously.

“Sarcasm Yam's.” Jou explained enjoying the sight of the other boy wincing at the nickname. Malik walked towards them holding onto Marik's wrist, dragging the taller boy behind him.

“Sorry about this Yugi. I would've left stupid here in my hotel room but I thought it safer too keep my eye on him. I see you did the same with yours.”

“Wasn't so much my idea as his.” Yugi replied wearily.

“Hang on a sec.” Jou protested, “Didn't you come here because you were afraid of him and the fact he might be back?”

“Yes and I was bloody terrified until I tried speaking to him. Talk to him yourself Blondie, you'll see.” Malik said and turned to talk to Yugi. Jou raised his eyebrows and moved next to the spiky haired spirit who was currently twirling in circles and giggling.

“Erm…Hi there.” Jou said tentatively.

“Hello bouncy.” Marik said, stopping his spinning.

“Bouncy?!”

“Yeah bouncy,” Marik said defiantly, “my first impression was that you're bouncy like a little puppy.”

“Oh hell, not you too.” Jou groaned.

“Yeah, so eager to please, always panting after Kaiba.” Marik winked.

“Shut the hell up.” Jou hissed his eyes narrowing, “What would you know about anything you psychopathic idiot?.” Jou gulped as Marik stepped closer towards him.

“You know I always liked you.” Marik purred and flung his arm around Jou's shoulders, “Even when I was kicking your ass in the duel I admired you, even more so when you came out of the shadow realm. Sorry about that by the way, I'm a new man now.” Marik leaned closer and whispered into his ear. “However you piss me off and I'll kick your ass again and this time you won't wake up.” Marik stood straight again, smacking Jou's ass. “Cute butt.” The psycho added before strolling off with a spring in his step as he joined the trio.

Jou blinked at the retreating back and moved his right hand to his ass, that slap had hurt! Slowly Jou stepped back into the circle staying the opposite side to Marik and listened carefully.

“Well who the hell could've done this? Do you know how to do it Pharaoh?” Malik was frowning, “This type of spell isn't in the markings on my back.”

“No, no idea about it.” Yami placed his fingers on his brow as though he had a headache.

“Look there, Ryou.” Yugi bounced up and down, “And look, there's Bakura trailing behind.”

Jou span round and true enough the quiet white haired boy was hurrying towards them and sending his gaze further back Jou could see someone who looked a lot like Ryou. This boy's hair was wilder and spikier than Ryou's and he was looking around with eyes that Jou knew would be a bitter dark chocolate brown. Bakura strode with a confident swagger that looked out of place in one of Ryou's old school uniforms. Jou could all too well imagine Bakura dressed in leather and suddenly while gazing at the vagabond spirit he felt a wave of lust wash over him. Jou swallowed and turned back to the group with `not good news!' repeating itself over in his head.

 

I need a hero

I'm holding out for at hero 'till the end of the night

He's gotta be strong

And he's gotta be fast

And he's gotta be fresh from the fight

 

 

I need a hero

I'm holding out for a hero 'till the morning light

He's gotta be sure

And it's gotta be soon

And he's gotta be larger than life

Lager than life

 

 

“Hi guys.” Ryou called.

 

“Hi Ryou, listen as you can guess somehow we all have our yamis. I, Yami and Malik just agreed that we should get the whole group together and discuss it at the game shop tonight.”

 

Jou winced, “Eh…sorry Yug but I'm going over Kaiba's.” Jou winced again as he took in the shocked faces, even Malik and Marik knew how badly he and Kaiba got on.

 

“So, you've risen to being Kaiba's lap dog instead of a stray mutt that he occasionally decided to kick.” Bakura sneered as he strolled up.

 

“Hush Yami!” Ryou gasped.

 

“Oh shut up, we all know it's true.” Bakura drawled.

 

“Are you really going over Kaiba's?” Yami asked.

 

“Yeah, since I lost a day helpin' him he said he'd help me with the work I missed. I reckon it's to say thank you but his pride won't let him say the words.”

 

“Pant, pant!” Marik did a dog imitation and rolled around on the ground laughing. The group edged away from the mad boy.

 

Then Ryou spoke up again, “It doesn't really matter anyway, I can explain it all…You may have noticed that I haven't entirely been myself for a while.” The group nodded, “Well Bakura decided he didn't want to…well really I guess…I…” Ryou floundered.

 

“What dipshit there is trying to tell you,” Bakura cut in with a roll of his eyes, “is that I took control of the body because I wanted a life. But his whining got on my nerves enough that I decided to find this spell I'd heard of once. It gives trapped spirits their own body, although you still look like your host--to a certain extent--and not like you did when you where alive. So voila, here we all are.”

 

Malik frowned. “But Marik has spikier hair than me, and is bulkier, and Yami is taller than Yugi.”

 

“I said to some extent…Can anyone shut him up?” Bakura growled pointing at Marik who was still laughing.

 

“Nope he did this before when we where at the hotel, he doesn't even stop if you hit him.”

 

“Aww, Shiny is cruel to me!” Marik pouted.

 

The bell rang and Yugi sighed, “Come on we'd better go, though how we're gonna explain the tag along I don't know.”

 

“The fuck I'm going to go to classes!” Bakura spat and kicked Marik. “Get up Ishtar we're going to go shop, I've got to get myself some decent clothes.”

 

“Owie.” Marik protested but got up and followed the white haired bishie. As Bakura walked away Jou couldn't help admire the boy's ass.

 

`Totally not good' his subconscious rang out.

 

“Have they got any money?” Yugi asked.

 

“Nope.” Ryou said tiredly.

 

“Do we want to know how they're gonna get clothes?” Yami asked.

 

“Nope.” Malik replied and began walking inside the building.

 

Yugi turned to Yami. “I take back what I said earlier. I'm glad you're my Yami and I'm glad you're here. I think I got the best deal.” Yami smiled down at the boy and the pair walked together.

 

Jou hung back and surreptitiously looked around for Kaiba but saw no sign of either the boy's signature limo or Z8. Sighing he strolled into class and chatted to his group in form room, the tension from yesterday wiped out as everyone exclaimed over Yami's presence.

 

 

Somewhere after midnight

In my wildest fantasy

Somewhere just beyond my reach

There's someone reaching back for me

Racing on the thunder and rising with the heat

It's gonna take a superman to sweep me off my feet

 

Third period was music and Jou walked slowly to class. Stepping in he saw that Kaiba was there and went to sit near the other boy. “Hey there.” He said cheerfully.

 

“Hello.” Kaiba replied.

 

“I looked for you dis morning but you weren't in form or anything.”

 

“Emergency meeting with my board of directors. Imbeciles, all of them.” Kaiba sighed. “I think they give me more work rather than less.”

 

“Look at it dis way,” the blonde intoned, pulling out his papers for the class, “you ain't the only one who's had it hard today. But, is dat meeting gonna effect your schedule for tonight?”

 

“Shouldn't do, so we're still on.”

 

“Good, den I wasn't hallucinating the other day. So . . . same pick up? Time and place that is.”

 

Kaiba slowly blinked at the first comment, then nodded to the second. “Probably better, it'll keep the fangirls away.” Seto gave a cheeky smirk at Jou's quiet chuckle.

 

So it was that their day of theory passed with no outward adversity. But the CEO's mind and heart were racing. Jou was really coming over, he was really letting him come over, and they had a good chance of not killing each other tonight. Well Jou did, he'd have to keep his normal instincts to start baiting the blonde restrained. But, Tuesday hadn't been all bad, it proved to Kaiba that he could fake being human for a few hours at least.

 

Seto mentally shook his head, `I am human, I *am* human. I'm fully capab . . . ok maybe I'm not capable of being normal, but I can be social, or at least tolerable . . . for a bit.'

 

Soon, maybe even sooner than Kaiba's liking, the final bell of the day sounded and it was time to pick up the pup. When he drove by the designated pickup point, a slightly disheveled Jou greeted him.

 

He slightly arched a brow. “What happened to you?”

 

The amber eyed teen opened the passenger door and gratefully climbed in. “I had lunch `nd last period with Yugi today. But Bakura did a spell last night to give all the yamis their own bodies, so I had them with Yami too. Let's just say, you ain't the only one with rabid fangirls.”

 

A snort. “Whatever.” He put his Z8 in gear and started to the mansion.

 

“Oh right, you never believed did you? And you weren't in dis morning. You want proof? Head over to the game shop tomorrow, or try to get to school on time. Yam's looked like he was having fun today, fangirls not withstanding of course.”

 

Seto just nodded, saying he might.

 

I need a hero

I'm holding out for a hero 'till the end of the night

He's gotta be strong

And he's gotta be fast

And he's gotta be fresh from the fight

 

They rolled up to the Kaiba place and Jou got out while Seto parked, having given the shorter the key to open the door. Once inside the teen made a beeline for the room they had watched `Shrek' in just two days prior. After dumping his books there, he headed over to the kitchen for snacks, running into the brunette in the process.

 

“Where are you headed?”

 

“Kitchen, can't study without food. I set up in that TV room we were in the other day. You want anything particular?”

 

“I . . . don't eat when I work.” Right, it was his choice, not an impediment that had be ground into him.

 

“Heh, no wonder you look like that then, you work 24/7 almost!” It was definitely a rib, but not a vicious one. “I'll just bring out a big sample platter then, just in case you get peck-ish.” And was off before the Azure eyed youth could argue.

 

“Oh well,” Seto headed over to the `Study Room', “not like it'll go to waste. His appetite more than makes up for mine."

 

 

I need a hero

I'm holding out for a hero 'till the morning light

He's gotta be sure

And it's gotta be soon

And he's gotta be larger than life

 

They had actually gotten Jou caught up in two and a half hours. Well Kaiba was in the higher classes, so that didn't shock the blonde too much. But the fact that the other boy invited him to stay longer did.

 

“Wait, what?!” He wasn't hearing right, was he?

 

“Well, Mokuba isn't home yet, and he would at least want to say hi.”

 

“So, what'll we do till den?”

 

A small smile, “I have more movies, and you did bring in snacks.”

 

Jou beamed. “Kaiba, for once I like the way you think. So,” he got up and walked over to the DVD library, “action, horror, comedy, romance . . . what the! You have `The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy'?! But its only just come out in the cinema”

 

“That movie collection is Mokuba's, but he used the Kaiba name to work some deals. I take it that's a good one pup?”

 

“Might be, dis was based on the book so they may have screwed it all up. No way could they do the whole thing well in just two `n' a half hours.” Still he popped in the disk, and popped himself back down on the couch.

 

Up where the mountains meet the heavens above

Out where the lightning splits the sea

I could swear there is someone somewhere

Watching me

 

The movie was a more or less hit with the two, and even Seto cracked a smile by the end. Jou even noticed how he would place a bit of the cold cuts onto a cracker to discreetly munch on now and then. Which reminded him, he wanted to know where the multi-billionaire did his shopping since he didn't recognize most of what he found. But from what he could tell, the brunette was serious when he said he didn't believe in eating unhealthy foods.

 

“Man, dat was fun. And speaking of good things,” he took up a sesame seed cracker, “where did this come from? I didn't think health food was allowed to taste good.”

 

“There's a few grocers here in Domino but much of what I eat has to be imported. Not enough variety otherwise. Things like fresh organic produce I can get here, that tidbit you're holding came from somewhere in the UK.”

 

“Whoa, so `Kuba eats this too?” He couldn't help but smile, now that his host was relaxed and acting closer to his age.

 

“Gods help me no. You probably missed the second refrigerator, and the pantry. My food stuffs are in the main part of the kitchen for fast access, Mokie's orders. His preferred treats are in the lower cupboards where he can have unrestricted admittance. Not that we don't munch on each other's stock in a pinch.”

 

“Hard to believe you eat Vanilla and chocolate chip ice-cream.”

 

A short laugh. “It's the only processed food I can eat.” `Shit, shouldn't have said that. Pray the mutt doesn't pick up on it.'

 

“Haha . . . wait, what? You have food allergies or something?”

 

`Shit, shit, shit, shit, shit!' With a sigh, Kaiba returned to a more familiar, (and withdrawn) posture. Nothing to do now but spill since the puppy would just keep digging. “Not exactly. Before I was ten, I could switch back and forth between processed and unprocessed food like Mokuba can now. But . . . I was weaned off the more chemically endowed diet onto what I eat today. Vanilla ice cream is the only processed thing I can eat without throwing it back up. I even have to get the chocolate chips from a little shop I know.”

 

“My God! No wonder you'd get cranky so often. What kind of monster does that to their kids?”

 

Kaiba's face lit up with rueful malice. “The kind that wanted the perfect son.”

 

There was silence for a few moments as Seto fumed and Jou cast about for something else to talk about.

 

“Sooooo . . . what store do ya get the chocolate from?”

 

That brought the blue-eyed boy back with a jerk of his head. “Huh? Oh, a little one down near the main shopping district, `Amai-Chu' [Sweet Kiss]. A play on the name of the treat that `Hershey' is known for.”

 

“Ah! I think I've passed by there a few times on the way to the mall.”

 

Seto blinked, “What would you go there for? It's huge and overpriced.”

 

A wide grin broke out over Jounouchi's face. “Summer job capital of the town. Almost every store there ends up hiring.”

 

“You've worked?” His puppy was full of surprises. . . . Did he just say his?

 

“A few months here and there. Never exactly rolling in money, but it paid what needed paying.” It was then that his eyes caught one of the mansion's many timepieces. “Ummm . . . when's the squirt supposed to be home?”

 

“Hmm?” Seto turned, “That's the time!” It was after seven. “I thought I had kicked the bad brother habit!” Before Jou could comment one way or the other, the brunette was up and running. A glance at the fridge door, no note. Over to the hall table, zip. Back to the answering machine, nothing. His own cell phone's voice mail, jackpot! The tall teen slumped against the nearest wall as he checked the message.

 

“So, what's up?” The blonde had on a worried look.

 

Kaiba just held up a finger for silence. After thirty seconds he smiled and closed up the phone. “Calling to remind me that he wouldn't be home tonight until late. He's over at a friend's working on a science project.”

 

Jou just nodded, then turned and headed back to the room.

 

“Ah . . . Jou? Didn't you hear me? He's not going to be home soon. Don't you want to--”

 

“Ya said it yourself that he would want to say hi to me. And you haven't fully healed yet, right? I'm not leaving you alone in this place, ok? Push comes to shove I'll just call my dad like last time. Hell I could call him now so he doesn't panic either.”

 

Seto just dazedly handed over his cell to the other boy. After about twenty rings Jou got a puzzled look on his face. Then just as suddenly a little light seemed to turn on.

 

“Uh, Kaiba? When do your offices close? The one's at main HQ KaibaCorp?” Jou had hung up, closed the phone and was handing it back to its owner.

 

“Depends. Grunts could get out around five, management around now, custodians an hour after them. Why?”

 

“We don't have an answering machine. So what would an Admin be?”

 

“Upper management mostly, so add on at least half an hour. Now again, why?”

 

“Dad's got a new job there, doing Admin stuff.”

 

Seto grimaced. “Don't expect him home before ten. My highest concentration of idiots work there, and they don't just give *me* grief. Look Jou, maybe I should take you home now, so that your dad doesn't worry.”

 

The amber-eyed blonde just waved him off, heading back to the couch. “My dad knows I can take care of myself, unlike *some* people I know.”

 

Kaiba followed. “You're just going to hold onto that bone with a death-grip, aren't you?”

 

“Yep.” Said as he plopped back on the couch. “I'm smarted then most count me, or I'd be home by now.”

 

“What do you mean now? Your grades are--”

 

“And that would be why so many have fallen before the awesomeness of my dueling luck. They think academics are the only measure of brains. So you tell me why a man who could win a Pulitzer wouldn't make it on the streets?” At Kaiba's blank look he pressed, “They're two different worlds. Knowing one doesn't qualify you for the other. I may not be great with maths, but I know people. Judge of character and all that.”

 

“Then what about me?”

 

“You're a work in progress.”

 

Through the wind and the chill and the rain

And the storm and the flood

I can feel his approach

Like a fire in my blood

 

I need a hero

I'm holding out for a hero 'till the end of the night

He's gotta be strong

And he's gotta be fast

And he's gotta be fresh from the fight

 

 

They spent the next hour just talking about school and life in general. Somewhere along the way they ended up on the subject of duel decks.

 

“I'm serious, you can read a whole person from da cards they use. Like Mai's harpies: She's beautiful to look at, can be a real bitch when defending herself, but is really caring once she let's you in. And when she does, she's usually helpful. Yugi `n' Yami have their spellcasters: Always a bit of magic in what they do, no matter how mundane, good in any element, they can always count on friends, even if the Calvary ain't spellcasters. And they're both always thinking `bout three steps ahead, using their opponent's traps and spells to their advantage.”

 

“Interesting pup, they are like that. But then, how do you relate you or I to our decks?”

 

“Well, we play to our strong points, to what we know. You look at mine, it's pretty much raw muscle and cards of chance, with some nice tricks for my Red-Eyes. It's more or less beat down, I just keep hitting you with everything I got. Yours is similar, but with a touch of denial and lockdown. You rip them to shreds with high-powered attackers, but you tie up their hands with traps and spells, and some monster effects. You slowly strip them of any opportunities they have of winning until there's nothing left for you to do but blow away the ashes of what's left with your Blue-Eyes. If they even live that long.”

 

Jou sat back for a minute, “So I guess you could say I run a `lucky beat-down' and you run a `restricting beat-down'. Like I said it fits. `Cuz when I fight, I want them to be able to show me all that they got, and you just want to take out any threats before they become a problem. Pleasure versus business.”

 

“Is that so bad? Getting rid of something before it can cause you trouble?”

 

“No, not always, but sometimes that trouble can end up working for you in the end. Like in Battle City when I fought Espa Roba? Jinzo was eating me alive, but in the end I was able to turn him on his master and he won me the duel.” For effect the teen pulled out the very card of which he spoke. “He's the only denial thing I have in my deck, and he hurts me too. I kept him in then because lives were ridding on the tournament's outcome, and I needed to be at my best. He stays in now because . . . he reminds me of my friends, and what I went through. Roba wasn't a bad guy, once I knocked some sense into him. I mean, he was watching out for his brothers. Doing the wrong thing for the right reasons. You know?”

 

Broken images floated before Seto's eyes. His parent's deaths, the orphanage, the challenge and winning move against Gozaburo. How things started changing a week later, the study sessions, the punishment, the blood and broken bones. He made himself into a living shield for Mokuba, but had he been mistaken in even approaching his then idol? He had equated money to security, and security to a good life. If Mokie ever knew . . .

 

“Y-yeah . . . I'm . . . . familiar with that.” He took in a deep breath . . . and realized it was shuttering. His whole frame was taut, and his face had a light coat of perspiration on it. Without a second thought he took up a napkin and started dabbing at his face.

 

“. . . Pre-Death-T flashbacks?” If possible, Kaiba had been an even bigger, and slightly evil, jerk before his second duel with the tri-haired duo at his deathtrap theme-park. Given the way he had treated Mokuba then, and how he acted now, it was understandable how remembering that would be unpleasant. Maybe if he got the other to talk about it . . .

 

“ . . . Yes. Old scars that keep acting up.” He looked back to see amber staring at him. “What?”

 

“You really are like them.”

 

“Who?”

 

“Your dragons. Always carrying the world on their shoulders even if friends are willing to help. Saying that it's your thing, and your thing alone to deal with. Well at least my dragon's like that.”

 

“What do you mean? Your Red-Eyes?”

 

“No, you. If you call me dog, I'm calling you dragon, hell it's what your name pretty much means. But what I was saying was this: European dragons, which is what yours look like, are stubborn, arrogant as hell, and won't let anyone near them unless they're family or a potential mate. They're big fiery monsters that were seen as pure evil, harbingers of destruction during the west's feudal period. Even though they took only what they needed to live, they'd lay ta waste anything that got in their way. So they were persecuted, hunted, and generally feared for their power. It wasn't until around now that they've been portrayed as anything wise or beautiful, like here in the east. Here they're a water sign, a thing of luck, protection, generosity, even fertility. They have a strict hierarchy, a ruling head, faithful servants, and the capacity for compassion. They're bodies are graceful, supple, flexile as their minds, with perception comparable to most Gods. They are loved and seen as symbols of power for a reason, because they have love, power, and stability to offer.”

 

Seto, for once, sat gob smacked. That fact that he could even be gob smacked was news to him. That fact that he was actually able to follow the pup's logic through all that had to have been a mini-miracle.

 

“That . . . has to be the most prolific thing from you I have ever heard.”

 

“You can thank Ryou then. First time I saw a dragon on a Duel Monster's card I wanted to know why it looked all chunky. He filled me in that that was what most westerners thought they looked like. Most of that was from the legends out of England, seems the biggest ones come from there.”

 

A nod. “King Arthur and the lot.”

 

“Whatever, it still fits. Your parents must have been good judges of character too. Must have seen the Dragon in you from the start. Though what they did to you to warrant Death-T and natural/organic foods only is beyond me. I mean, how much red meat do you eat?”

Those Azure eyes became downcast. “They didn't. And very little, truthfully.” There was no way out of this. Jou would just keep pushing until he found out the problem, and since he was trying to say thank you, Kaiba couldn't bring himself to ruin the night. If he did, he'd just have to invite the mutt back again to make up for it, by Mokuba's command no less. So his options were to get him of topic, and sugar coat what he told him. He could only risk letting him know the tiniest bits and pieces of what happened.

 

“But . . .if it wasn't them . . .”

 

“My . . . that is to say, Mokuba's and my own . . . our biological parents were saints. But . . . there was an incident before my tenth birthday . . . we could no longer stay with them. So we were shunted off to an aunt and uncle. They . . . spent the money sent to provide for us and dumped us in an orphanage.” A bitter smile. “That's why when I build my parks, orphans will be able to get in free. We'll have cameras set up to scan the patrons as they go to buy tickets, hooked up to a database to cross-reference their background. That way some spoiled brat can't just come in and abuse the free pass. And, I plan on having days were I'll just shut down the parks from the public and invite the kids from several different orphanages in. From all over Japan, hell all over the world, so that way they can have at least one day they can look back on that wasn't a living nightmare.”

 

“You've put a lot of thought into that huh?”

 

“Yes . . . I have more time on my hands than I'd like. So I put it to use when I can.”

 

“Then what happened Tuesday night? Why didn't you put it to good use then?”

 

Kaiba sighed. “You really are like a mutt, getting into your master's business.”

 

“Yeah well,” he shot back defensively, “usually if the dog keeps going after it, something gets fixed, or at least changed. `Cuz they won't bark or pay it any mind unless there's something wrong about it! So . . . spill.”

 

Kaiba's look grew calculating. He was measuring the possible repercussions with his eyes, mentally timing his escape route. It all came out the same: Play it fast and cool, like it was business as usual.

 

“I'm down from my normal six hours of sleep a night to three. I was trying to wear myself out.”

 

“THREE HOURS A NIGHT!?!”

 

“Unless Mokie dissolves a sleeping table in my drink, yes.”

 

“How The Hell Are You Functional?! If It Was Me I'd Be Comatose The Whole Day!”

 

“It's the way I am.”

 

“Bloody hell you are! It's not natural!”

 

“Why are you so emotional--”

 

“Because you aren't! What kind of monster does this to people? Kids even!?”

 

The taller teen's eyes turned to slits. “One named Kaiba.”

 

“Look, you may be harsh man, but even you--”

 

“Gozaburo Kaiba, the man who shaped me. Made me . . .” His throat closed up on him at that point. He just couldn't, wouldn't live through it all again. And if Jou heard anything--no he couldn't take the chance.

 

“L-look,” it was hard to talk around a dried mouth, “we should get you home before--”

 

Two callused hands came to and held his smooth face. Those amber eyes were turned on his own and gleamed brighter than the hottest of stars. Burning into his mind, burrowing into his soul.

 

“What did he do to you?”

 

“ . . . He gave me all my worst memories.” Setos fluttered shut as those golden orbs tried to bury even further into him,

 

“Kaiba? What da hell?” Seto shuddered as his last name hit his ears and lessons flooded into his head,

 

` “You are a Kaiba now, you need to be perfect.”

“You hold the Kaiba name, we are the best.”

“Kaibas do what need to be done and damn anyone else!” `

 

“Kaiba, talk to me.” Seto wrenched back,

 

“I don't want to talk about it.” He spat ignoring the stab of guilt he felt at the blondes hurt look,

 

“Maybe talkin' would help.” Jou insisted,

“Talkin'?” Seto imitated Jou's drawl, “No I don't think it would help. I've talked to therapists, psychologists any type of analyst that my money can buy. I've talked and talked but it doesn't help me, I can talk but nothing makes me feel.” Seto reared back away from Jou's hands, “No-one I talk to helps.” He finished hopelessly. Jou stared at him and quietly said,

“You haven't talked to me.”

 

I need a hero

I'm holding out for a hero 'till the morning light

He's gotta be sure

And it's gotta be soon

And he's gotta be larger than life

 

I need a hero

I'm holding out for a hero 'till the end of the night

He's gotta be strong

And he's gotta be fast

And he's gotta be fresh from the fight

 

Jou stared at the figure in front of him, the posture so unlike the Kaiba he's used to. The icy eyes raised and stared at him,

 

“I didn't think you'd listen or understand.”

 

“I may not understand.” Jou answered truthfully, “but I will always listen and be here. I'll try and help.” He walked to Kaiba and pulled him to sit down, “But if I'm gonna help ya I need you to talk to me.” He insisted softly, when the other boy didn't reply he softly whispered, “Kaiba?” The pale face flipped round, eyes lit with a furious fire,

 

“Don't call me that! It's his name and it'll forever taint me. The memory of him. He's the reason I'm this way, this ice cube, this robot made to work.”

 

“I don't think you are a robot, you show emotions and feel like anyone else. Its almost as though Seto is in there fighting and then the Kaiba persona remembers Seto shouldn't exist and shuts him down temporarily.” Kai…Seto stared at him.

 

“Scarily that makes a lot of sense. How did you see what no-one else does?”

 

“I see the real you, Seto, more often than most. When we fight you're all fire and passion, den suddenly you turn into ice and say things almost like they are rehearsed. I just add things together.” Seto gave a small sad smile,

 

“Maybe it is you I should talk to,” He sighed, “but not tonight. I've bared my soul enough for one night,” Jou smiled at Seto and said,

 

“Fair enough, lets play a video game.” Jou grinned inwardly as Seto's eyes lit up; he knew giving the other boy a chance to thrash him at something was a good idea.

 

“Sounds good.” Seto smirked, “Always guaranteed to make me feel good, thrashing you at something.” Jou mock scowled as he mentally wondered over the oddness of Seto saying out loud what he'd just been thinking. Shaking himself he yelled,

 

“No way, I'll totally kick your ass.”

 

“I'll bet that you don't”

 

“I'll bet I do!”

 

“Fine loser has to be the others slave for twenty-four hours after the game is won.” Seto quirked and eyebrow, “You up for that pup?”

 

“Hell yeah.” Jou yelled gleefully, he was so gonna win this. He bet Seto was always to busy with work to play and was out of practice.

 

“We'll go to the games room.” Kaiba walked out and Jou followed hesitating when he realized something Seto had said,

 

“Hey don't call me a dog.” And Jou was oddly warmed by Seto's laughter.

 

 

I need a hero

I'm holding out for a hero 'till the morning light

He's gotta be sure

And he's gotta be soon

And he's gotta be larger than life

 

I need a hero

 

 

Velvetina: Tada another chappie done. With Major major help from my lovely reviewer HappyDragon who pretty much wrote this chappie from the music lesson scene to the `worst memories line' so lotsa clapping and stuff for her cos she's a seriously talented writer and that means this extra story is for her! The bonus story is Maliks choco man dream, just cos I thought it'd be fun after my more serious bonus stories.

 

Malik sat on his throne, gloatingly glaring down at his subjects, sneering as they quivered with fear.

 

“You have disappointed me!” He roared feeling power surge through his veins, he was King and free to lord over the tiny Choco Men as he wished and no-one could stop him. Casually he reached up and snapped the point of his chocolate throne off and munched on it, “Do you know what happened when you disappoint me?” Silence, “Heads will…beat eaten” Malik cackled evilly his lavender eyes flashing dangerously.

 

“Please Sire, we didn't know it was Belgian you wanted. Our orders where for dark and bitter chocolate.” Piped up a squeaky voiced man. Malik glared at the man and then softened his face and calmed slightly,

 

“Come here little one.” Trembling the creamy brown man walked and stood in front of Malik, “So you got the wrong order. Bitter and dark is that right.”

 

“Yes sire.” The voice squeaked

 

“Did you make up that lie to represent me?” Malik sneered

 

“No, of course not!”

 

“While the simile may be accurate it still displeases me. You have a slight Belgian look around you…”

 

“Y…yes sire.”

 

“Then you shall be my dinner!” Malik roared triumphantly and bit of the mans head enjoying the chocolate. He carried on eating until sadly the poking began.

 

A:N Yo all, its finally written. Right onto my lovely reviewers!!

 

On MM.org

Nobodynow: I love the song we are the champions, awesome awesome song!! Lol Roger…never though about that myself but your right…that's really rather scary lol. Yes you guess right. Bakura was bring people back. Marik is a lot of fun to write, well kinda…hes also very very hard to write. I'm not saying anything about my hidden plots, they are staying in the dark until I ses so. Lol I've read Tales of Crimson nights. It is a truly awesome fic, have you read the follow up ones yet? She has major talent!!!

 

Moonstar_Dust: Thank you so much. Th review is totally appreciated.

 

HappyDragon: I havn't got that much to say, cos we have a funky emails other than thank you so much for all the help you gave me on this chappie, I bow down to you and you have my eternal thankies. And so you know I will always love u 2

 

 

On AFF.net

 

Saelbu: As ever I'm humbled by the fact that you stick with me. It means so much that you like my work THANK YOU

 

FlamesAngel: Woah thank you heres your update

 

Anubiset: Thank you. I hope that maybe what happened last time is sorta cleared up for you…maybe lol.

 

A:N : Its by for now from me until next time guys