Yu-Gi-Oh! Fan Fiction ❯ The Hunters ❯ Things begin to Get Interesting ( Chapter 5 )

Disclaimer: I do not own Yu-Gi-Oh! I don't own the "Dark" series either. I am just a fan fiction author having fun. So don't sue me! ^_^

/ Yugi to Yami / // Yami to Yugi // \Ryou to Bakura\

\\ Bakura to Ryou \\ [Malik to Marik] [[Marik to Malik]]

(Seto to Jou) ((Jou to Seto))

*General conversation* Personal thoughts +Commands+

On with the story! Enjoy!

The Hunters

Tiger_Serenity

Chapter 5

Things begin to Get Interesting

Yami´s View

That thing is uncomfortable. Yami watched as Yugi again rolled over in his sleep. He should be in a bed.

He shifted his form back to normal. He easily lifted the sleeping teen. He shifted lightly in his arms. His head ended up in the crook of his neck. Yami could feel the warm breath from his mouth. He jerked. He looked down at his charge. I could never…he is too innocent. He carried him up the stairs.

Yugi´s room was decorated neatly. On one wall there was a large poster of Dama preparing to attack. On the other wall was a picture of Celga, the Celtic Guardian, with his sword drawn in front of him. The walls were a soft blue. The blankets on the bed were dark blue. A matching beanbag chair was thrown in a corner. A television graced the other. His book bag was open next to a desk and chair. His deck was on top. Several puzzles and games lined the shelves around the room.

He laid Yugi down on the bed and covered him with the blanket. He watched as Yugi snuggled into it smiling in his sleep. Yami reached up as if bidden to touch his hair. What is it about you, Yugi?

Yugi´s View

Yugi woke up to the shrill sound of his alarm clock. He rolled over and slapped at it with a groan. For a second, he thought he heard a deep chuckle. Something warm and wet passed over his exposed hand. He jerked fully awake. "Huh? What? How did I get upstairs? Did I sleepwalk up here? Hey, Yami. Hey, boy. How are you today? Yugi crooned as he scratched behind Yami´s right ear.

Yami barked happily and ran in a circle. Yugi laughed as he got out of bed. "You could have let me sleep a little longer, you know. You must have followed my up here last night. I'm sorry. That must have hurt." He pulled off his shirt.

He pulled out a clean school uniform. "Another day of school. Just what I need. Another day of getting picked on." Yami blinked at him. Yugi could almost see the confusion in his eyes. "Bullies, Yami. They pick on me a lot because I am smaller than they are. Ryou, too." He heard Yami growl softly. "Sometimes I think you understand what I am saying. Like last night…"

He pulled on the white shirt. He saw Yami quickly look at the floor after he pulled off his pants. "I'm just changing clothes, silly. Who would have ever heard of an embarrassed dog?" He pulled on his pants, then his shoes and jacket.

He zipped up his bag and slid his deck into his pocket. "Come on, Yami." He ran out of the room smiling.

Yami´s View

Yami followed slowly. Inside he was blushing furiously. He's beautiful both inside and out. I did not like the bruises, though. If they are from the bullies he was telling me about, they would regret the day of their birth.

He found Yugi in the kitchen with his head in the refrigerator. "We don't have anything for you to eat, Yami. How about some…left over hamburger?" He sat it in front of him.

Yami sniffed at it. It still smelled good. So he began to eat it. Another false idea. My people can eat meat if we wish. It is vegetables, grains, and starches that we cannot digest.

"Bye, Yami. Be good for grandpa! I'll introduce you to my friends later tonight. You'll love them! Got to run! Bye!" Yugi shoved a piece of toast in his mouth, and ran out the door.

Not so fast. I'm coming with you, little one. He mentally opened the door and walked out. It swung shut behind him. He checked to see if anyone was watching before he leapt into the air, turning into a multi-colored bird.

His eyes stung. We may be able to come out during the day, but it stings like hell on our eyes and skin if not protected. The stinging stopped after he chanted a spell in his head.

He saw Yugi running. He heard him give a shout of greeting. There on the corner were the friends from last night. He felt Marik and Bakura join him. * How went the night? *

* Two weak attacked, but my spells held. * Bakura swooped down low to look at Ryou who was talking to Yugi.

* Only one. He put up a pathetic fight. * Marik growled. He watched Malik ruffle Ryou´s hair. Ryou swatted at him, laughing.

* All was quiet at Yugi´s house after the strong one left. Seto, how went your night? *

* Two deranged vampiresses tried to seduce and kill me. Not a bad night. * He swooped down to see Jou give the tall brunette a high-five.

* And the humans? *

* Protected. * Seto´s voice was hard.

* There is more. You hide it. What? *

* The blonde boy, Jou, has a father that beat him. He is now on the way to the police station with an added spell in him mind. Courtesy of me. *

* I would have just killed him. Where are they going? *

* It's Thursday, Bakura. They have school. *

*Oh yeah. * They flew above the group of teens. Their conversation floated up to them.

"He's got really pretty fur. You'll get to meet him after school."

"Cool! Yugi has a dog! What did you name him?"

"Yami."

Three surprised squawks filled their ears. They looked up to see three large birds circling a slightly smaller one. They were staring at it.

* What? He doesn't know it's really me. He gave me that name because of my hair colors. I reminded him of me in my human form. *

* You…masquerading as a dog. Oh, this is rich! *

The teen saw the white bird twist in the air. Small squawks filled the air. "Is that bird…laughing?" Ryou asked puzzled.

* You idiot! Not it off! *

_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _

Normal View

The day passed by relatively quickly. The lunch bell rang. The worst time of the day. Yugi glanced at Ryou. He gave a slight knod. They ran for it. They were jerked to a halt by two pairs of hands. "Well, if it isn't out little pals, Ryou and Yugi."

"Let us go!" Yugi squirmed. Ryou also struggled.

"Where is your lunch money, twerp?"

"I left it at home."

"I brought my lunch."

"Oh well. Well take the lunch…and... this as well until you pay us for it."

"My deck! Give it back!" A fist struck Yugi in the stomach.

_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _

Outside two slumbering birds jerked awake.

// Yugi! // His eyes flashed.

\\ Ryou! \\ Bakura also focused.

_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _

"Make us. You'll get it back when you give us money. I have heard that it is pretty strong. Rumor has it that you have never lost a duel with it. If you're not careful, I might not give it back at all."

"No!" Yugi was trying to catch his lost breath.

// Yugi, relax. I want you to focus on the one holding you. I know you are confused, but please, just do it. I can help. //

Yugi stared at the larger teen. He felt a presence enter his mind. His eyes shifted crimson. He felt a voice enter his mind and flow out of it. + Let him go +

The teen froze and let go of his arm. +Give him back his deck + He slowly handed it back to Yugi, who quickly placed it back in his pocket. The senior started screaming. Outside Yami smirked. Yugi blinked. Ryou stared.

\\ Ryou, look at the one holding you. I can help. \\ Ryou glanced at the boy holding him. His eyes locked. They turned cold. He felt Bakura´s voice flow in and out of his mind. The senior dropped his arm and started screaming at the top of his lungs in fear.

Yugi´s View

Yugi was really confused. That voice in my head…sounded like Yami. He told him to let me go. Then he started screaming.

He heard Ryou quietly whisper the word "Bakura." He glanced at his equally confused friend.

Everyone had gathered around the two boys. One was rolling around screaming. "Somebody put it out! Fire! Help!" The other was swatting his body and screaming something about scorpions. Then, they both passed out.

"Did that just happen?"

"Yeah."

Yugi scrunched his nose in thought. I heard Yami in my head. How?

// Relax, Yugi. You have your deck back. Go eat. //

/ Yami? /

// Uh… //

/ Is that you? /

// Yes. You can hear me? //

/ How are you talking to me? And I can answer you back. How? /

// I don't know. //

/ I'm talking to you in my head. /

// I will try to figure this out. You go get some food. //

/ I forgot my lunch money. /

// Look in your pocket. //

/ Money! How did that get there? I'm starving. Talk to you later, Yami. /

// Later, Yugi. //

Ryou´s View

Ryou ate his lunch in silence. He vaguely heard Yugi telling Jou about how Yami had woken him up this morning. I know I heard Bakura in my head. He did something to that boy. He got up to throw away his trash.

\ Bakura? \ It was now or never.

Outside a white dove jerked in surprise as the name filled his mind. \ Bakura, was that you? \

\\ Uh…Ryou? \\

\ Bakura! I knew I wasn't crazy! \

\\ You heard me? You can hear me? \\

\ Yes. How are we talking together? \

\\ I don't…know. \\

\ What did you do to him? \

\\ Made him think he had scorpions all over him. Relax, Ryou. He will be fine. \\

\ At least I can talk to you when I'm bored. Where are you? \

\\ Closer than you think. The bell just rang. Go to class. We can talk later. \\

\ Okay! \

Ryou saw Yugi walking in front of him with Malik. "Hey, guys. Wait up!"

"What's up, Ryou?"

"Something weird is going on. I just talked to Bakura in my head."

"You, too? I talked to Yami earlier. Who's Bakura?"

"You guys, I've been talking to Marik all day."

"Marik?"

_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _

Yami´s View

* How are they able to answer us? They shouldn't ever really hear us!*

* I don't know! * The blonde feathered pigeon fluffed his feathers.

* But, they are human! *

Seto´s voice of reason filled their minds. * What happened to each of you last night? *

Yami told them his story first. They all glanced at each other when it came to the bonding spell. * That's it! *

* You said it, too? *

* I also said it last night. * Bakura whispered.

* The bonding spell is allowing you to communicate on a private mental path. You also took their blood. I can smell it in you. It strengthened the bond. * Seto fluffed his feathers.

* We have some explaining to do. * Yami sighed.

_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _

Jou´s View

Last period of the day. Jou was staring at the chalkboard trying to make sense of the equation written on it. A knock on the door startled everyone. The principal walked in the room. "Katsuya Jounouchi?"

"Yes, sir?"

"Come with me, please."

"Okay." He followed him out of the door and down the hallway. When he saw the two-uniformed officers, he froze. It wasn't a dream. Was he really there last night? Seto…

"Are you Katsuya Jounouchi?"

"Yes, sir."

"We have some questions we need you to answer. Would you come with us to the station, please?"

"Why?"

"Your father is there acting like it is a confessioner´s booth.

This proves it! "Uh…okay."

_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _

Seto´s View

Seto had seen the police car pull up. He perked up in interest as he heard the name Jounouchi. His suspicions were confirmed as Jou walked out the door with the officers. He took flight.

* Seto? *

* They are going to ask him about his father. He will be upset. I will help keep him calm. *

* All right. * Yami smirked. Marik and Bakura looked at each other before they burst into bird laughter. Yami chuckled as well. * Seto is starting to care for the blonde. What was his name? Jou? *

* Oh, shut up! * Seto growled in response. The laughter began again.

He followed the police car. He could feel Jou´s fear growing by the second. He tried to help him relax. He was nearly panicking by the time they reached the station. (Jou, relax!) He knew Jou would not answer. He had not said the bonding spell. Secretly, he wished he had.

He nearly fell out of the sky when he heard Jou whisper into the wind. "Relax, he says. I was supposed to forget. You told me to forget. Why didn't I? Seto?"

He remembers!? Damn. Wait…he heard me? How? Wait… I took his blood. He landed behind Jou. He looked around, then shifted into human form. Might as well... "I'm right here, Jou."

Jou gasped. He turned around slowly. "You're real! I thought you were a dream." He launched himself at the taller figure. "He did it! He really confessed."

"Yes. He couldn't ignore my command." His face was flushed. Jou was still hugging him. It felt good.

"And you are?" The policeman looked him over.

"Seto Kaiba. + You will allow me to go with Jou +

The officer shrugged. "Come on."

"You really can do that."

"Yes, I can. I don't understand why you remember me."

"I just…did."

"Jou, when we get inside, I am going to go invisible. I will still be here, but you won't be able to see me."

"Uh…okay."

"This way, Jounouchi." Seto disappeared.

_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _

Jou´s View

Jou blinked. He heard loud yelling. He recognized the voice instantly. He blanched. He felt a warm hand touch his shoulder and squeeze lightly. Seto… "What's going on?"

"He came in this morning like a raving lunatic. He started confessing things like it was Doom's Day, or something. After he was done, he passed out cold. During that time we brought in a witness. She confirmed one of his admissions. She positively identified him from his voice. When he came to, he started screaming that he was made to tell."

"Why am I here?"

"Jou…did he ever do anything to you that he should not have done?"

Jou froze. He felt Seto squeeze his shoulder again. His smooth voice washed through his mind. (+ Tell them the truth, Jou+) He made himself relax.

"Jounouchi? Are you all right?"

"Yes, sir. He did. He threatened that if I ever told anyone, he would find a way to hurt my friends. I couldn't risk that."

"What all did he do?"

"All the…all the things he probably…told you, sir." He shook slightly. Seto wrapped him in a hug from behind. He leaned into him.

The police officer paled, and then turned greenish. "Oh my…that…sick…perverted bastard. Even the candle…"

"Ever that." Jou shuddered. The hug tightened.

(Candle?)

"Don't ask."

"Huh? What did you just say?" The police office looked at him weird.

"Uh…nothing, sir. I…developed a habit of…talking to myself."

"Understandable. If all the charges hold against him, he will be in jail for the rest of his life. Do you have any relatives?"

"None that I know of, sir. My mom and sister left years ago. He said they died, but I didn't know whether to believe him or not." Jou shook his head. "Mom and Serenity may still be alive!"

_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _

An hour later, Jou was bouncing around the room. He bumped into Seto, who laughed in his mind. "They're alive! That bastard told me they were dead so I wouldn't leave!" He grabbed Seto and twirled, causing Seto to grab a hold of him, and follow his lead. "They're alive!" Seto laughed at Jou's happiness.

To the police officers it looked like he was pretending to dance by himself. They couldn't see Seto. One cleared his throat. "Would you like to go live with her? She has agreed to it. She thought you had run away."

Jou stopped. "Live with them? I don't know."

(Jou, she is your mother. And your sister is there, as well.)

"What about school?"

"You would have to finish the school year here because the schools are different. Is there anyone you could stay with?"

"I could stay with Yugi Motou and his grandfather if I asked, I think."

A banging sound was heard. "Let me at the little freak! I'll kill him and that mind controlling bastard." The officer ran out of the room. A struggle and shouting was heard. "I should have years ago!"

"Get him!"

"How the hell!?!"

"Don't shoot! You might hit the boy!"

"No!" Jou stopped in horror as his father ran right at him. "Seto!"

His father froze in mid-step. "What the fuck!?!"

Jou turned to see a pair of icy blue eyes and sharp teeth. Red flashing eyes hovered beside the dragon. "I warned you."

The coroners ruled it a heart attack.

_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _

Normal View

They had felt Seto's rage all the way across town.

* Ouch. Damn. I'd hate to be on the receiving end of that. * Bakura whistled.

* Me, too. He's pissed. Big time. *

* Something must have happened concerning Jou. *

* You think so, Yami? *

* I don't think. I know. *

They were flying above Yugi and the others. "Dude, that bird was crazy!"

"Tell me about it, Malik. It must have had something against all those girls hanging around you." Ryou glanced up at them.

"I would actually like to that it, though. They get so annoying sometimes."

* You are still in trouble for that. *

* Ah, come on, Yami. You would have done the same thing if it were Yugi. *

* Well…you're right. But, you are still shouldn't have done it. *

"I hope Jou is all right. He never came back to class…" Yugi frowned.

"I can't wait to see Yami. He sounds so cute! Too bad Jou's not here. He was so looking forward to meeting him." Anzu sighed.

"Cheer up, you two. You know he can get himself out of anything." Honda ruffled Yugi's hair.

* I need to go ahead to cover my tracks with the grandfather. Guard them. *

* Yes, sir! *

_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _

Ryou´s View

"Hey, Ryou…aren't those the same birds from earlier?"

"I think so, Yugi. Have you talked to Yami again?"

"No. Have you talked to Bakura?"

"Not since lunch."

"How is that possible? To talk to them mentally?"

"I don't know."

\\ We will try to explain it, Ryou. Yami and I both will. \\

"Nani?!" \ Bakura, you know the Yami Yugi was telling me about earlier? \

"Ryou, are you all right?"

\\ Yes, I do. I…work with him. \\

"Bakura knows Yami. He says they work together."

They heard barking. A black, red, and blonde body pounced on Yugi, making him giggle. In the air two birds were falling over themselves in laughter. "Yami! Okay, boy! Glad to see you, too. Now get off of me, please."

Ryou heard Bakura laughing in his head. Why is he laughing? It started right after Yami pounced on Yugi. Malik was also looking around strangely.

Yugi stood up from the ground. "Guys, this is Yami. See. I told you he had pretty fur." Yami barked and stood on his back legs, pawing at Yugi.

"Oh, he's so cute!" Anzu leaned forward. She scratched his head.

"Yugi! Did you enjoy Yami´s greeting?" Solomon Motou was laughing on the porch. "He raced out of here like Hell's Angels were on his heels to get to you."

"Hi to you too, grandpa."

"He was good all day. Sulked a little after you left, but he got over it enough to do a little exploring in the store. The customers loved him."

_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _

Yami´s View

* Oh, the customers loved you, huh? *

* Shut up, Bakura. *

* Will you be all right without us, Yami? We have not yet eaten today.*

* Go, you two. Hunt. If I need assistance, I will call the monsters. *

* Right. *

* Be on guard for puppets. *

* Yes, sir. *

_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _

Yami had had enough. He thanked every deity he knew when Honda and Anzu finally started to leave. She had poked and prodded him all over. He had wanted to bite her so badly. And that wasn't even the worst part.

Bakura and Marik returned just in time to watch his final torment. They had laughed themselves to tears.

They had tried to give him a bath.

Yami had almost fallen for it. He ducked right before the hose water hit him. It soaked Yugi instead. They chased him all over the yard. Their minds had been too clouded with excitement for him to control. He had to cheat a little by using added speed to escape.

He had still gotten soaked in the process. It had turned into a water war. There had been no way to escape it without being obvious. They finally gave up from sheer exhaustion of chasing him and each other.

* Now, not only do you look like a dog, you smell like one too!

* Bakura…* Yami growled.

* What? It's the truth. You stink. *

* Seto returns. *

There was a knock on the front door. "Who could that be?" Yugi, whose hair was still dripping wet, opened the door. He gasped. "Jou!" His grandpa walked up behind him.

"Heya, Yug." Jou shifted on his feet. "You're all wet."

"Are you Solomon Motou?" The uniformed officer behind Jou asked.

"Yes. Can I help you, sir? Jou isn't in any serious trouble, is he?"

"Jou´s father came in the station today confessing enough sins to book him for life. We were just finishing with our questions for Jou when he started raving like a lunatic. He hand had somehow been severely broken. He would never have been able to use it again. He broke free and charged Jou. We couldn't fire for fear of hitting Jou as well. Then the man just stopped, turned red, grabbed his chest, screamed, and keeled over. He was dead before he hit the ground."

"Oh, Jou!" Yugi ran forward and hugged him. Yami heard Seto growl softly.

* They are just friends. I take it you killed the father. *

* I warned him. He didn't listen. *

_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _

Jou's View

"Can he stay here for a while as his paperwork is being processed for him to live with his mother, sir?"

"His mother? But, I thought…" Yugi blinked in confusion.

"They're alive, Yug. He lied to me. They live across the river. He told them I had run away. Can I stay here, Motou-san?"

"He can stay here as long as he wants."

"Thanks, gramps." Jou smiled.

"Sign here, please." Solomon signed his name on the paperwork. The officer took it. "Thank you. If you need anything, Jou, just let us know." He nodded and walked out the door. Marik and Bakura snuck in before the door closed.

"Jou, why didn't you tell us?"

"He threatened to hurt you if I did." He heard a soft growl. He turned. "Well, hello. Who are you?"

Jou, this is Yami." Yami leaned happily into the ear scratch Yugi was giving him.

"Heya, boy. Did I ever get an earful about you today." He scratched behind Yami´s other ear.

He heard Seto growl. (My puppy.)

Jou laughed. "Uh…okay…you're jealous of a dog. Should I scratch behind your ear, too?" Jou smiled. Seto hit him on the back of the head lightly. "Hey!" Jou glared behind him.

"Huh?"

"I'm getting confused." Ryou looked around.

"Me, too. Jou, who are you talking to?" Malik wrinkled his nose.

"Uh…"

_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _

Normal View

* You can speak to him, but he cannot answer you back. *

*I am not bonded to him, but I do have his blood. *

* When the time is right, I bet you'll say it. * Yami turned to face the grandfather. + You are tired. You are going to take a nap +

"Yugi, I'm going to go take a nap." He yawned and walked up the stairs.

"Okay, grandpa. See you at dinnertime."

\\ Ryou, don't yell. \\

(Jou, stay quiet.)

[[Malik, stay quiet for a sec.]] They looked around questioningly.

* Now! *

Three figures suddenly appeared in the room in front of them.

"Bakura?"

"Marik?"

"Seto?"

"Uh…hello." Bakura was surprised as Ryou stood up and hugged him. "Hi, Ryou."

"So, I didn't dream you up last night, huh?" Malik grabbed Malik in a one armed hug.

"I've been with Seto since I left school." Jou stood in front of him.

"We have some explaining to do." Bakura sat down on the couch. Ryou sat next to him. Seto sat on the arm of the armchair that Jou sat in. Malik and Marik shared the other. Yugi sat on the free spot on the couch.

Jou noticed the sad look on his face as he looked around. Yami had his head on his knee. "What's wrong, Yug?"

Yugi looked at Bakura. "You're Bakura, aren't you?" He nodded. "Ryou told me about you. He said that you work with Yami."

"I do." Bakura smirked as the dog lifted his head and stood up.

"Where is he?"

"Closer than you think." Marik was staring at Yami.

"Huh? Where?" Yugi looked around puzzled. His eyes met Yami´s. He paused. "Yami…"

// Yes, Yugi? // He walked over and put his paws on Yugi's knees. Everyone stared as he started to shift form.

"No..way." Jou stuttered. He looked at Seto, who just shrugged.

"Hello, Yugi." Yami still had his hands on Yugi´s knees. He was looking up at him on the couch. He was staring. Then, his smile grew wide.

"I…I knew it! I knew there was something about you!" He launched himself at Yami, who blushed as he easily caught him. "It was you all along!" Yugi had latched onto his neck tightly.

Ryou suddenly stood. He looked at Bakura and the others. "You were the birds that followed us all day!" He said accusingly.

"Guilty as charged." Bakura smirked.

"Okay, am I the only one here that is confused?"

[[We will explain it to you.]]

[You can change shape?!]

[[Not…so loud.]] Marik was shaking his head.

[Oh. Sorry.]

Yami stood easily and placed Yugi back on the couch. He faced them. The other three stood up as well. "We originally planned to keep you out of this, but certain things have passed that has brought you directly into this. Such as the ability to talk to each other mentally." Yami stepped forward. "I know this is going to be hard to understand and believe, but please listen."