Yu-Gi-Oh! Fan Fiction ❯ The Future of the Past ❯ Seven- Self Theft ( Chapter 7 )

The Future of the Past

A Yu-Gi-Oh! Fanfiction

By: Sanjuno Shori

Rating: R

Warnings: AU; YAOI; YURI; SM

Pairings: S/J; YY/Y; M/A

Disclaimer: YGO is not mine, nor has it ever been. Nothing I have said or done should indicate otherwise. All my money is being funneled into my tuition fees, so please avoid troubling me with lawsuits. I write for pleasure and enjoyment! I make no money from this! The only benefit I get is an ego boost! The fic is mine! Ask before you borrow it or if you want to post it on your web site! Your cooperation is expected.

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AUTHORS NOTES:

"Shin'ne means `die', not `glow-in-the-dark'."

Sanjuno grins wiggles her fingers in a `hello' gesture.

"And that is our Japanese lesson for today minna-san."

Seto blinks and tilts his head to one side.

"Is there a reason for this lesson?"

"Nah, I just needed a way to get the AN started."

"Ah."

Seto nods understandingly and pats Jounouchi's rear. The blond makes indignant noises from his tied up, face down position across Seto's lap.

Sanjuno sighs.

"Well, for my loyal readers, here's the latest chapter of `The Future of the Past'. Consider it my Easter gift to you."

She grins, wiggles her nose, imagines the Yu-Gi-Oh bishounen in bunny suits, and pauses to drool over said image.

"Oi, Meijin-sama."

"Eh? Oh, yeah."

Sanjuno snaps her fingers.

= Whoosh! =

The floor proceeds to open up under the character's feet and drops them into the fic. Screams are heard from some, and one unidentifiable figure spouts an impressive stream of curses.

Shinma snickers as Reiai waves after the newbie.

"He is not happy to be here."

Shinma snorts.

"Ya think? He tried to knife me when I brought him in at the end of the last chapter.

"Poor Shinma-kun. Well, we can have fun with him later. We have work to do for now."

Type-type-type…

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Recap:

His expression would have been comical had one been able to see his face.

Shrugging he, -you could now tell that the form was male-, walked through the doors into darkness. Blending easily with the deeper shadows of the interior. So intent was he on his goal, that he failed to notice the movement among the dunes behind him.

As to wither this circumstance is fortunate or not remains to be seen.

Tsuzuku…

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The Future of the Past

Chapter Seven: Self-Theft; Vows Yet To Be Made

*~**~**~**~**~**~*

The dark figure was silent as he padded down the dusty hall, his step hardly stirring the heavy dust that lay thickly about in the still confines of the tomb. The air was stale, old and unused. This place of final rest had long since been left abandoned and forgotten. It was far from the other tombs of its make, which lay in the Valley of Kings. This tomb was carved from the wall of the Hidden Valley, a forgotten resting-place of the very first rulers of the Nile country.

Stepping lightly the intruder picked his way carefully over to the inner door, which was even more richly carved, warded and be-warned than the outer. Again the dark gloved hands were raised, drawn across the ornate surface, and again the portal open silently at the touch.

The silent figure's steps were even more cautious now, if it were possible. A single testing step was taken forward. In response a soft golden glow lit the walls, glittering gently. Beckoning him further down the passage.

It was an invitation he found impossible to refuse.

The glow led him down; deeper and deeper than he had thought possible, until even the silent sound of sand shifted by the wind was lost. Only the noiseless pad of his footsteps reached his ears.

Another set of doors rose to confront him out of the near complete darkness. This was no pharaoh's gate to the afterlife. No gold inlays or brightly painted relief's adorned the front or frame. Instead the panels were stark, un-carved and bare of all decoration save a simple message of death for the uninvited.

This was not what he had come for. The shadow form made as if to turn around and watched numbly as his hand lifted to touch the door.

An invisible seam opened along the center, gold light creeping out in streamers to dance over the cloaked form. He stepped inside without thinking, uncharacteristically lacking his usual caution. This room was strangely bare of the expected dust. Square and featureless save for a small alter that rose from the center of the floor. Resting atop the pedestal, set on a simple stand of wood and cloth, a gold item lay gleaming. The source of the strange light that filled the room.

Hesitantly taking a step forward he realized that he was once again in full control of his motions, only then becoming aware of his previous actions. Furious and alarmed he spun to leave, only to find the door shut behind him, no lines marring the wall where it was supposed to be. A frantic, thorough check revealed no locks and found no catches or seams with which to apply his skills to set him free.

One hand slipped into his clothes only to withdraw when fingers wrapped around a small bundle. The simple, sturdy leather casing was opened with quickness born of familiarity. The smooth, heavy papyrus pieces that had been charmed into something more, something greater than the sum of their parts. The cards slid free into his waiting hand and a quick shuffle brought the one he sought to the fore. Nothing answered his call, and the summons for the next few went unheeded as well.

The deck was slowly replaced in its casing with a heavy hand, and then returned to its hiding place beneath his clothes.

Again facing the gold object, the only option left available, he resignedly walked forward. Close up his eye was caught by the gleam of light and the reflection of precious metals made his fingers itch to touch and take. He hesitated only a moment, weighing his options, before reaching out and firmly grasping the object.

Brilliant gold light flooded the room, driving all the shadows away.

A single shattering scream echoed in the silence of the aftermath, ringing down the dark corridors through the now open entrance to the room. A scream equal parts triumph and fear.

Soon flickering shadows cast by torchlight danced on the stone walls of the corridor. Several large forms in concealing cloaks entered the now still room, gathering around the small form sprawled in the center.

His unconscious body was lifted and carried away, leaving nothing to betray his former presence but the clear chime of gold on gold.

*~*~*~*

Raji shook, wrapping his arms around his middle as he paced angrily through the shadows. His master was fine, he could feel that much through the bond, but he still didn't know what was going on! From the looks of things his master had fallen in with some rich, important people. Maybe his master had even been freed, there had been no collar around his neck. But still…

What was his master doing with the Pharaoh and the High Priest?!

Yes, he had seen them too! It was hard to mistake the presence of the Millennium Items for anything else, especially for a monster. If it weren't for the fact that he knew that his master was well he'd have materialized and demanded some answers! If his master hadn't called for help at the last moment who knew what sort of damage those men might have done to him? As if his master hadn't suffered enough already!

= Raji! =

= Huh? =

Who would be looking for him now? All of Master Jou's other monsters are either with their partner or off pacing by themselves. None of the others can stand me when I get like this, and Bane's off trying to calm Cobalt down. He's not having much luck either seeing as he's just as pissed off as we are…

= Raji! There you are. Where have you been? You never came back after you were summoned yesterday. =

= Oh… Dahk? Why are you here? =

That was a question that Dahk had asked himself several times since he had began his search for the bouncy flame warrior. Truthfully he was worried; Raji's expression before he had left the Shadow Realm had been… upsetting.

= I was… concerned. You left so suddenly and never returned to finish our conversation. I had hoped to learn more about you. =

Which was the truth, surprisingly enough, although Dahk really had no idea as to why.

= Why would you care? None of the others care! So neither should you! Go away! Bane's really upset and so's Cobalt! They didn't even talk to me before they flew off! It's like I don't matter! I'm worried about Master Jou too! Just because I'm not a lizard doesn't mean I'm less important! No! But Bane was too wrapped up in Cobalt to talk to me! I'm his best friend! =

= Raji?=

= Ooh! Master Jou had better be all right or that guy is in for it! Who does he think he is anyway? Just because he's got a fancy ass stick! Stupid human! I should have roasted his ass for touching Master Jou! And what was up with those freaky guys in the black curtains? Can we say lame? How dare they hurt my master! I hope their burns get infected but good! =

= Raji! Oh for the love of… =

= Ahh! Why hasn't Master Jou told me what's going on?! If it's because of that priest I swear I'll flame strike his ass from one end of the Nile to the other! I'm go-mrph?! =

Dahk decided that Raji was a bad influence on him, and promptly decided that he didn't really care. Although, truthfully, Dahk didn't normally go around shutting hysterical monsters up by grabbing them by the upper arms and hauling them in for a kiss. Still, Raji was cute, and tasted nice, and really it was all his fault for being so kissable…

And really, Dahk was in this deeper than he had previously realized if he was using words like `kissable' in his inner monologues.

Raji blinked, making a questioning noise into the kiss. Which, really, was lasting far longer than could possibly be considered decent. Hey, since when did he have another tongue?

… Oh! Wow, um, you know, Dahk was surprisingly good at this for someone who came across as the quiet, emotionless type.

Eventually all things come to an end, even kisses between creatures who don't really need to breathe.

= So… what was that for? =

Dahk shrugged, still holding onto Raji's arms.

= I wanted to. And it seemed like a good idea at the time. You're interesting, and cute. =

= And you get a lot less formal after kissing near strangers. So maybe… you think I'm cute? =

= Don't forget interesting. Now, how about you tell me about what's bothering you. Slowly this time if you please. =

= Oh, that. My master was attacked and he called us out just before he fell unconscious. Bane, Cobalt and I got rid of the attackers but then the High Priest came along and ran off with him. The Pharaoh told us to go away. =

Raji sniffed.

= They didn't even say thank you. And we were the ones who did all the work! So anyway, once we come back Cobalt throws a hissy fit and Bane was too busy trying to calm him down to talk to me and the others are all off brooding. =

Dahk was silent. Then he shook his head, laughing weakly.

= What? What is it? =

= Raji, my master is the High Priest, and judging from what I've seen so far, your master is his new lover. =

Dahk had the pleasure of being one of the first beings to ever see Raji speechless.

= Now please, calm yourself. Your master is in good hands. Master Seto would never willingly allow harm to come to one under his protection. =

= … Thanks, Dahk. I needed to hear that. Now… do you wanna tell me what that kiss was really about? =

Dahk thanked the fact that his dark complexion hid the light blush he felt on his face.

= Uh, well… =

Raji closed the distance between them. Really, kissing was much better than talking.

Dahk agreed.

*~*~*~*

Jounouchi coughed lightly, fidgeting in an attempt to find the most comfortable position possible on the squashy cushions. Beside him Yugi was shifting around in a similar manner. Jounouchi snorted and leaned back satisfied with his current sprawl for the moment. The Pharaoh and his High Priest were obviously alike in more ways than their terrifying reputations indicated.

Yugi caught Jounouchi's sardonic expression and followed it over to where Seto and Yami were bent over a table going through intelligence reports with Mai. Raising one brow Yugi shook his head, catching Jounouchi's eye and jerking his head in the direction of their master's before rolling his eyes and wiggling in place. Jounouchi responded with an unmistakably vulgar gesture and crossed his eyes.

They smothered their mutual giggles with their hands.

Two heads were raised and both men raised a brow while adopting identical questioning expressions.

Jounouchi and Yugi broke down in hysterics.

Looking back and forth between the four of them Mai threw of her hands in an overly dramatic gesture of surrender.

"That's it. You two won't be doing much of anything important today, and we've covered all the immediate things already. I'm going to go see if Anzu wants to go for a ride. You boys have fun."

The tall warrior woman left to a chorus of farewells, gathering the scribe on her way to the door. Waving her own goodbye as she escaped.

Yami and Seto blinked at each other over the suddenly bare table, minds stalling at the sudden lack of paperwork and military leader.

Yugi and Jounouchi held a quick whispered conference before acting.

"Se~etooo!"

"Yaami~iii!

The high priest found his mind blanking again as the slender muscled arms wrapped around his neck and a warm body plastered itself against his own. Yami was experiencing a similar situation with Yugi. The two nobles found themselves subjected to wide, pleading, shimmering eyes of amber and amethyst.

"Er?"

"Seto, are we gonna' get my knives today? You promised that I could have some! Please? Can we?"

Seto blinked, trying to make sense of the words.

"Yes. It's a good idea to get you armed as soon as possible. We can never be certain of when the next attack may come."

Jounouchi grinned. Yugi pouted up at the pharaoh, widening his eyes just a little bit more.

"What about me Yami? Will I get weapons too? I know I can handle them because you had Mai teach me how. Remember?"

Yami stared, where had this come from? Yugi's eyes started to gleam suspiciously, or maybe they were just drying out from all the contact with the air. Yami caved anyway.

"Of course Yugi. It's a very good idea. The more steps we take to protect ourselves decreases the chances of our enemies succeeding in their goals."

"Yay! Let's go!"

The exited the meeting room and headed in the direction of the royal armory. Jounouchi and Yugi practically bouncing down the corridors. Jounouchi paused as a thought occurred to him and latched on to Seto's arm.

"Seto, I just remembered something…"

"Yes?"

"Isn't it illegal for slaves to carry weapons?"

Seto sighed, shaking his head. Yami just grinned and wrapped an arm around Yugi's waist.

"That's a simple matter to explain, Jou. You see, you and Yugi are not normal slaves, or even actual slaves at all really."

Jounouchi's confusion was evident as he listened to Yami's explanation.

"So I a slave that isn't a slave?"

"Something like that. What you are is a Companion. Due to the high status of being what we are, both Seto and I are granted special leniency's that are not offered to other nobles or members of the clergy. As the Pharaoh and keeper of the Millennium Puzzle, as High Priest of Egypt and keeper of the Millennium Rod, we choose one person to share our lives with to the exclusion of all others."

Yami stopped and Yugi took over.

"Yami's starting to wax poetic, so this is the simple version. You belong to Seto, and only Seto. He is your only Master, and you are slave only to him. You rank everybody else in Egypt except for Yami, myself, and the rest of the Millennium Item keepers and their Companions."

"Oh… wow."

Jounouchi's eyes were wide as he assimilated the information.

"So what you're saying is… that… for all intents and purposes… I'm free? I'm allowed to tell people off and fight to protect myself? And I'm considered a high noble?"

Seto smiled reassuringly.

"I'm still your master, pet, but you're as free as any other to do as you please. I just ask that you exercise some decorum and tact. There are some people better off left un-insulted. And yes, you are considered high born now that you're with me. No one else may order you to do anything against your will, not even Yami."

"Wow…"

Jounouchi beamed up at the resigned face of his master. Voice light and chirping.

"Don't worry!"

Seto did not find himself reassured.

"Here we are."

There was a round of `oh, right, we were doing something' blinks exchanged as Yami ordered the men guarding the weapons cache to open the doors. They did so quite promptly and with little fuss.

Walking in they were greeted by the sight of metal gleaming in the light of the lamps one of the guards lit with a taper before bowing and exiting the room. Jounouchi looked around gleefully taking stock of his options. Yugi was more subdued but no less excited. Yet their exuberance was tempered by the reason they were there. Their lives were threatened, and as recourse they were to arm themselves.

Seto reached out to tap Jounouchi's shoulder, having already picked out a few things for him to try while he was taking in the scenery.

"Here, tell me what you think of these."

Things proceeded quickly after that, finding and fitting the two younger boys with a full set of daggers, knives and sheathes. Harnesses were found and hidden under their clothes, both pairs taking advantage of the activity to put their hands all over their partner.

Once satisfied the four took themselves out to one of the private gardens to enjoy the time left to them before the evening meal. Jounouchi found himself confronted with time where there was nothing with which to distract the other three from asking questions that he would really rather not have to answer.

Pity Seto didn't care about that little fact.

"So tell me, pet, when were you going to let me know that you had the missing Blue Eyes White Dragon?"

"Err…"

Jounouchi fidgeted gave Seto his very best innocent look. It didn't take.

"Well…"

"Jou, please tell us. I promise not to get mad, I'm your friend!"

Yugi's gaze was earnest and imploring. Jou ouchi sighed and drew a hands through his hair.

"Look, Yug', do you remember when I told you about saving one of my cards from being ripped in half?"

"Yes, but what does that… oh! Oh no!"

Yugi looked shocked and Jounouchi just nodded grimly, directing his explanation to Yugi. He was aware of Seto and Yami sitting right beside them, but it was easy to talk to Yugi. It was harder to speak with Yami and Seto.

"Yeah, see, I had sneaked out of one of my old master's place to have some time to myself. It was right after moonrise. Anyway I'm hiding out in this clump of river grass when this foreigner in a cloak walks up. He was acting really shifty, nervous you know? So then he takes out this seal-box and opens it to take the card out. Cobalt just explodes out, going totally wild. The guy must have had some actual power cause he managed a decent manifestation on his own. So then they start fighting, and the thief is scrambling around like crazy trying to get away, and that lets me know the this guy is not in the right. Soon enough he gets too scared, or too tired, or something and starts to make like he's gonna' rip Cobalt's card right in half. I couldn't just let him do that to a monster that obviously didn't belong to him so I jumped out from when I'd been watching and managed to get a lucky shot in. The guy goes down hard and Cobalt roasts his body. Then Cobalt and I got around to talking and Cobalt decides that I'm gonna' be his new master, `cause ya know, his old one was dead, and he liked me. I really didn't want to explain what I was doing that far away from me master's property `cause I really don't like getting beaten. So Cobalt's been with me for about a year now but I haven't had a chance to talk to him since that first night we met because of the restraints. And I've been so busy trying to figure out how things work around here that I haven't had a chance to call him or any of the others out to talk so they don't know what's been going on or who you guys are. So I'm sorry I didn't tell you I really didn't think about it `cause you never asked about what kind of cards I have in my deck. I was planning on showing my deck to you eventually because I wanted to get the tear in Cobalt's card fixed by Yugi's Grandfather and I figured I sorta' needed your approval for that and I'm sorry!"

Somehow Jounouchi had stopped talking to Yugi and instead directed his words at Seto. The priest pulled his slave close and stroked a calming hand down his side.

"It's all right, pet. I understand that you were simply being cautious. There is nothing in your past that would encourage you to give up all, or any, of your secrets because of a few kind words and a warm bed."

The blond looked ready to start hyperventilating and Seto realized that Jounouchi was still unsure as to his place here. What he meant to Seto.

… What he meant to Seto? What did he mean to Seto? The priest had hoped of a companion to keep him company. Someone to keep the loneliness at bay and provide him with the comfort and affection that Yugi gave so freely to Yami. He had wanted someone to protect, who would not have a chance to leave him. With Jounouchi however, Seto seemed to be developing feelings for the blond that he had not expected to experience for a slave. Things he had not felt for any of his past lovers…

Perhaps the pharaoh's talk of `the one to the exclusion of all others' had some merit. He would have to think more on this.

Yami reached over and lay a hand on Jounouchi's shoulder.

"Be calm, Jounouchi. I find no fault in your actions. You saved a very powerful, rare monster from destruction at great risk to yourself and have guarded him well since that time. If you are the monsters choice of master then I find no reason why you should not be permitted to keep him."

Jounouchi looked up hope replacing the panic in his gold eyes.

"R-really? You mean it?"

Yami smiled.

"Of course."

"Thank you!"

Jounouchi laughed and wrapped his arms around Seto's neck, toppling the priest over in the process. Before the taller man had a chance to recover Jounouchi had already switched his attentions to Yugi, leaping towards the other slave with a war cry. Yugi shrieked and retaliated by smacking Jounouchi on the head with one of the cushions.

"Take that!"

That prompted the blond to grab a pillow of his own to counter-attack. The cushion whizzed through the air towards Yugi, who ducked out of the way. Yami caught it full in the face. Seto laughed at his pharaohs indignant expression.

"Oh, you think it's funny do you…"

Seto found himself choking on more than air in short order.

"That's it!"

The stress and tension from earlier had broken, the seriousness of their lives forgotten for a moment as they allowed themselves to be the children they had not had the opportunity to be for some time. The four of them sending pillows and cushions flying in a breathless free-for-all. Soon the first seam split and they found themselves covered head to toe in down and fluff.

Yugi leapt at Yami in one last kamikaze attempt, both falling over in a tangle of limbs to send feathers flying up into the air. Jounouchi's laughter was cut off with a yelp as Seto caught him from behind in a bear hug, arms wrapping around his middle. The blonde's thrashing tipped them over onto what remained of the pile of cushions they had started with.

"Well that was… different."

Jounouchi broke into a fresh spat of giggles at the look of seriousness on Seto's face. It was somewhat marred by the fluff caught in his hair and robes. Breathless with laughter they eventually calmed and struggled to their feet. Yugi clung to Yami plucking pieces of down from his robes in-between reoccurring fits of giggles. Jounouchi snickered as Seto brushed ineffectually at his robes. The priest soon gave up grabbing hold of Jounouchi by the arm and pulling him along behind him.

"This isn't working. I suggest we go for a swim and send someone for fresh clothing."

Yami grinned following behind his friend, one arm slung over Yugi's shoulder.

"An excellent suggestion, Seto."

So they found themselves by a manmade pool in short order. Calling a servant to fetch clean clothes and towels for when they finished. Jounouchi noticed that both Yami and Seto were careful to put aside the pouches that contained their decks. At all time the decks were in hand or in line of sight. Jounouchi followed their lead as he stripped and gave his discarded garments to the waiting servant.

The water was refreshing after the sweat and heat they had built up during their play-fight. It seemed all too soon that servants returned with their clothes and trays containing their evening meal.

Jounouchi climbed out of the water, admiring the gleam of water over the dark tan of Seto's skin. A flush rose in his cheeks and he was quick to hide his face beneath his towel. He was quicker to dress once dried. Yami was rubbing the water from Yugi's hair, sending the normally wild spikes flying every which way.

"So that's how you two get your hair like that! I had wondered if it was natural."

"Well, not many people realize it is, pet. You should feel privileged to be privy to such sensitive information."

"Ha!"

Yami paused and blinked for a moment in confusion. Yugi took the opportunity to escape to where the food had been spread out.

"Ooo! They have my favorite!"

"Careful Yug', or you'll spill it!"

"I will not!"

Seto watched indulgently as the two younger men bickered. Looking at his confused pharaoh out of the corner of his eye.

"We'd best be going over there before they eat it all."

"Hm, I suppose so."

Later, stuffed full of rich food and pleasantly tired from the days activities, the four lay together on a new mound of cushions, sipping sweet wine and watching as the stars came out.

The peace was shattered as Mai appeared with Anzu and another man dressed all in white at her side. Yami, Yugi and Seto sat up obviously alarmed by their arrival. Jounouchi followed their lead, sitting up and pressing against Seto's side.

"Mai, Anzu, Shadi… what has happened? Why are you all here?"

The white clad man bowed the golden scales he held cradled to his chest in one hand gleaming in the lamplight.

"My lord Pharaoh, I apologize for my unannounced arrival, but I come to bring a most urgent matter to your attention."

Yami stood as the Pharaoh replaced the playful young man from the earlier afternoon.

"Tell me."

"My lord Pharaoh, only a few days ago the Kings Guard spotted an intruder entering the Hidden Valley."

Seto hissed through his teeth, causing Jounouchi to start and look at his master in apprehension.

"What? What is it?"

Seto shook his head and answered Jounouchi's whispered question with a whisper of his own.

"The Hidden Valley is where the former Keepers are entombed."

"Shit."

"Exactly."

Yami closed his eyes briefly, Yugi appearing at his side to take his masters hand.

"Continue."

"He was followed, unnoticed, by one of the Guard cells. His path took him straight to the Tomb of the Ring. It opened at his touch. All three doors. He used no cards, monsters, or majics."

Yami's face was pale, and Yugi's eyes were wide.

"By Ra… do you mean to tell me that…?"

Shadi inclined his head respectfully.

"My Pharaoh, he was found unconscious in the Keeper's Chamber, and has been kept thus while he is brought to the Palace. He is even now but a few hours from your gates."

Yami's eyes narrowed as Shadi paused.

"Tell me how it stands Scale Keeper."

"My lord Pharaoh, child of the gods, King of Games. I, Shadi, keeper of the Scales, come to tell you this…"

The other man straightened and looked straight into Yami's eyes.

"The Millennium Ring has chosen a new Keeper."

-- Tsuzuku… --

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END NOTES:

= Whump! =

Sanjuno calmly looks over at the characters and nudges one of the prone bodies with her toe. Shadi bats weakly at her foot while the other cloaked form curses at her. Yami, Yugi, Seto, and Jounouchi, being used to the way things work by now, have already taken seats around the room.

Shinma makes a rude noise and covers the swearing lump with a blanket.

"Twit."

Shadi stands up and attempts to look imposing and mysterious. It's made more difficult by the fact that everyone had seen his heart print boxer shorts when his robes flipped up upon landing.

Reiai laughs and moves the blanket-lump out of the way so nobody trips over it.

Sanjuno looks thoughtful and taps her chin.

"Did you know that it's my birthday on the 14th of April?"

Shinma and Reiai nod, but the characters either shake their heads or give her `why-would-we-care' looks. Yugi frowns.

"Your birthday Sanjuno-san? How old will you be?"

She grins, shaking a finger at him.

"Old enough, I'm still a teenager though. Guess."

"Um…"

"Times up! Oh well, I suppose the readers can make their guesses in their reviews! Lovely, lovely reviews! Yes~ss, my precious~ss…"

The characters edge away as Sanjuno rubs her hands together gleefully, and unholy glint in her eyes. The rubix cube that orbits her head flashes in time to her chortles.

"Meijin-sama, are we done yet?"

There's an odd double hiss of parting air.

"Shinma-kun, I'm not even going to ask where you got a pair of scimitars. Put them away."

"Aww…"

"Sanjuno-sama needs her readers left alive, Shinma-nii. Otherwise they can't review."

"What about the ones who don't?"

"They might still decide to review later."

"Besides, it's my birthday soon. I deserve reviews, ne minna-san?"