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Superman and Fairies - The Bottom Line	By : lostintheheartland Category: Yu-Gi-Oh > Yaoi - Male/Male Views: 3413 -:- Recommendations : 0 -:- Currently Reading : 0
Disclaimer: I don't own Yugioh or make any profit from this story.

Chapter List
- 11
- 12
****

Shizuka was going insane. She knew she was. She kept seeing things move that she knew couldn't move... like the table sliding across the floor, but when she looked again the table was exactly where it had been. Or when the lampshade had tilted towards her like a top hat or something. She was certain she was losing her mind.

Just as bad, was the chill that had wrapped around her. No blanket or heater could touch it. She was freezing. The freezing made the nausea bearable. She hadn't thrown up yet, but intense waves of nausea bombarding her between bouts of shivering and hallucinations, told her it wouldn't be long.

What made everything worse was that she was all alone. She'd tried calling her brother but it went straight to voice mail. She'd tried calling her mom, but she'd hung up on her. Even her dad, who had promised that if she was a good girl and kept the secrets, he would always be there for her, even he had abandoned her. She was going insane, and if the insanity didn't kill her the cold and sickness would. She'd die alone and unwanted, just the way her father had always said she would if she ever left.

Shivering into her blanket, she mewled softly. God she hurt so bad. She had never realized how dependent she'd become on her escape. She'd been resistant to taking the stuff at first, but her dad had insisted, saying it relaxed her and made her an even better lay. Not that she wanted what he did to her, she never enjoyed it. In fact it made her feel as sick during the act as she did right now, but he'd forced the drug on her a few times, and then she needed it, got to enjoy the ride, because in her hazy world she could forget what was happening, that her father was grunting on top of her while blowing a load inside her. Oh not her pussy - of course not. She could get pregnant. One bitch had caught him that way already and she was just like her whore of a mother. No, he only pounded it in her ass. It had gone on since she was ten. That's when he'd first butt fucked her. He'd given her the first taste of blow that week as well. Now as often as not she got her fix by letting any guy with the money or blow ride her. She didn't know or care when she lost her cherry. She only focused on the escape.

But this... this was so horrible. She truly was an addict. After only a few hours without it she was falling apart. She knew all the symptoms, she was studying nursing because she knew she was broken. She wasn't an idiot. She was an addict. Moaning, she staggered to her feet, desperate to run away from the truth. Blind to everything she ran to the front door and threw it wide, her only intention escape the horrible truth.

Otogi Ryugi was preparing to knock on the door to Honda Hiroto's house when it suddenly flew wide. The red-haired girl from earlier, Jounouchi Shizuka stared at him with wild eyes. "Uh... hello?" He asked tentatively. "We met earlier today? I carried in some things for Honda Senta. I dropped my bag when I left. I was wondering if you found it?" When she continued to stare, eyes glassy and unfocused he reached out to touch her shoulder. He was stunned when the girl recoiled, falling to her knees. "No Daddy, I don't want it. Please don't make me. I'm not... not a whore Daddy." Then with the keen of a heartbroken child began to sob.

"Holy shit. Miss? Jounouchi Shizuka?" He called urgently, trying to get her to respond.

"No, no Daddy it hurts. Don't put it in me. It's wrong Daddy! Wrong and it hurts." The girl was lost to him. Mindful of the open door and possible prying eyes he carefully closed the door and pulled out his phone. He really didn't know what to do in this situation. But thanks to his training he had a fair idea of what was going on. He pulled out the card Honda Senta had given him and dialed the number.

When the phone was answered before the first ring was complete he burst into speech. "Honda-san, this is Otogi Ryugi. We met today at your sons home. I..."

"I know who you are Ryugi. I'm honored you called me." Senta's calm voice poured like a balm across the connection. "How can I help you?"

"Not me! The girl that was at the house, Jounouchi's sister? She's really sick, in a bad way. No fever but she is shaking and she seems to be completely incoherent." He swallowed thickly "I think she may have overdosed."

"No." Senta was positive of that. "An overdose does not have those symptoms. She likely stopped cold and is in withdrawal. I'll be there in just a few minutes. Relax and try to keep her calm. I'll bring something to help."

"All right, thank you so much."

"Thank you." the older woman ended the call. "Ingrid, I'm going over to your brothers's house. You stay and finish cooking the food. Tell your baby boy grandma loves him when he wakes
okay?"

Her daughter popped her head through the kitchen door. "Problems?"

"Nothing I can't handle. I'm going to get my purse and keys. I'll call if I need you." Hurrying without seeming to the small woman dashed away.

Ryugi was beside himself. He was training for this very situation, yet when it came down to real life, even with all his second hand experience working on the crisis lines, he was totally out of his depth. The girl was completely unstable, crying like a lost child one moment and shivering and screaming at visions only she could see the next. If he hadn't called Honda Senta he would have called an ambulance by this point. The only thing that stopped him was the strange conviction that the small, capable woman he'd met earlier that day could handle this situation.

He was relieved to his toes when Honda Senta blew in like a mini-whirlwind, setting down her bag, kicking off her shoes and greeting him with a soft hug all within a few seconds, then she took a long look at the huddled, shivering girl and froze, all of her concentration settling on the pathetic scrap. "Oooh. You poor darling." She crooned softly. "You should have told me." Without a look in his direction she began tossing out orders. "She needs a bed. Go make sure there are clean sheets on one of the beds. Check the room carefully though. Make sure there are no stashes. She's done this the hard way and may not have gotten them all." When he hesitated she flicked him a commanding glance that would have made Kaiba Seto jump. "Don't stand there. She's in pain and needs relief."

Otogi didn't waste another second. "Yes ma'am." He almost saluted but instead ran up the stairs.

Carefully, Senta picked up a blanket that had fallen on the floor and wrapped it around Shizuka's shoulders. "There now. You'll be warm and comfortable in a minute. You hang in there now, okay?"

"Hurts. Hurts Mommy. Please don't be mad Mommy. I told him to stop but he won't. It hurts mommy. Please help me... make him stop mommy." A shudder rippled through the girl. "Don't hang up. Mommy I need you." Sobs tore from her as her nightmare enfolded her again. Her cell phone dropped from her hand.

Senta picked up the phone and saw the disconnected call... the time of the call... and the number. She swore viciously before she could control herself, then contained the fury that roared through her. If she ever met that bitch of a … whatever she was because she sure wasn't human... she'd do serious bodily mayhem. With absolutely no room for doubt or fear, she reached over and pulled the sobbing girl into her arms. "It's all right now Shi-chan. Momma's here. I'll make it all go away. I promise." Senta didn't know if it got through. There was no lessening of the hysterical sobbing, but she repeated it over and over, for what seemed like hours.

Otogi, satisfied that the room was drug and alcohol free and had clean sheets, went back to let them know. As soon as he stepped in the room Senta nodded to him. "All done?"

"Yes. There were a couple stashes. I flushed them. But..." He hesitated then asked the question uppermost in his mind. "If she has the stuff why is she in this state?"

"At a guess I'd say because of Katsuya. Or maybe for herself. Maybe for both of them. It's something to ask when she's in her right mind. But for now, carry her to the bedroom for me."

Otogi lifted the girl in his arms, noting that she was lighter than he would have expected, but also noting that she wasn't shivering nearly as much. "I think she's getting better. Her shaking is not as bad as it was."

"It will come and go. Thankfully this will only last for about another few hours, then she will just be tired and wrung out." She gestured to the bed. "Put her down. I'll tuck her in. You go put the water on for tea." She didn't make it a request and Otogi knew an order when he heard one. He hurried from the room.

"Shi-chan." Senta called softly, pulling a small square container from her pocket.

"Mommy?" The girl cried. "I'm sorry."

"Yes I know. You have nothing to be sorry for. Shi-chan I want you to open your mouth. I have a mint for you. It will make you feel all better. Everything will be be better once you take the mint." With precise movements she pulled out the dissolving medicine strip and held it to Shizuka's lips. "Open your mouth Shi-chan. This will make you feel much better. I promise."

The girl's lips worked for a moment before parting slightly. Quickly Senta pressed the thin film between her lips and teeth. "There now, it's a nice mint flavor. Just relax and enjoy it." For a few minutes Senta continued to stroke the mane of red hair back from the girl's face, watching her breathing and physical stress for any signs of change. In ten minutes Shizuka was sound asleep and Senta felt comfortable leaving her to make some well deserved tea.

Otogi looked up when she walked in. "How is she?"

"Asleep for now. She will probably sleep for about two or three hours if she's lucky."

"You're good. I didn't think she'd sleep for days." Otogi praised.

Senta nodded and smiled. "Mother's have their ways." Surreptitiously she patted the pocket where she kept her stash of melt-tab sedatives, something she'd created for when Jounouchi when through his withdrawal. Some women in her circle were prone to drama and histrionics and needed to calm down. Half a mint melt-away and they were back in their right minds. A full mint and they were sound asleep for at least three hours. "Where are my boys? They should have been here with her. She would never have reached this state if they hadn't left her alone."

Otogi blinked and sat back. "I uh... " He coldn't lie and say he didn't know. He had a feeling she would see right throught that. "Ah...m... They weren't here when I arrived. I uh... I think I saw Jou driving off with Kaiba... um.. Yeah Kaiba Seto."

"Hmmm..." She eyed him narrowly. "I seem to recall my husband and my son Hiroto are together tonight working on something. Do you know where they are? Do you know what they are working on? And is Katsuya involved?"

Otogi laughed uncomfortably. "How would I know that? It's not like we're close or anything. You're closer. You probably know more than I do."

"I doubt that." Shewd eyes stared him down. "You're not angry at Katsuya for leaving her alone and dumping it on you, and you could certainly have called Kaiba Seto and gotten Katsuya back here - you live with him after all - if you wanted to call Katsuya back. Also you could have called Hiroto, but you didn't. It would have made more sense for you to do either of those things before calling me, so I have to assume you know precisely where they are and what they are up to. And in addition, whatever they are doing is more important than taking care of Shizuka." She smiled gently, but her tone was absolute. "Tell me what you know."

***

Honda Hiroto was having a hard time quelling his nausea. Throughout his preparations of the day with his father he'd thought he was ready, but now, sitting in the gym listening to the Miyake Kenji expound on a theology of hate not found in any religious book, he wished for a few more hours to prepare. Every verbal point was driven like a stake into his brain, with an aggression that dared anyone to oppose the speaker. But what was worse, sickening him down to the soul, was the play on words that the killer used while swinging his body in a parody of what had actually happened. Saying that two unfortunates had found absolute redemption at their hands just in the last week while lifting his hands to his neck, then dropping them to his heart. Citing other instances of rape and beatings as interventions that lead to divine salvation. It was enough to make Hiroto want to scream as he vomited the soup he'd forced down earlier.

After the theology of hate sermon came the carrot... the reward for doing God's holy work, for God rewards his faithful children. And the people they helped were so incredibly grateful that they gifted the group with worldly goods. They were not given to individuals, but instead kept in the sanctuary, held up as offerings to God for his benevolence in granting salvation to the people who had given them. To show them the truth in their work they had brought just a few of their gifts to God.

With a sly, pseudo-humility that made him want to pick up the nearest crucifix and ram it down their throats, they brought out a black velvet covered tray. Arranged for dramatic effect, on the rich fabric was a glittering array of jewelry. Bracelets, rings, necklaces, and even earrings. One distinct pair caught his eye. The white dice set with emeralds. Otogi Ryugi's. Rage burned away his sickness. He would nail these bastards - he would crucify them on their unholy cross.

Miyake Taro, younger of the Miyake twins, saw his interest. "Beautiful aren't they?" He stroked his finger over the emeralds. "Our first intervention - and our first gift."

Clearing his throat, Honda nodded. "Yeah. I was wondering where I could get a set. Not in white and green, but black and red. I think they would look awesome on a certain someone."

"I hadn't thought to ask, but we are going to be paying him a visit, check up on how he's doing, tomorrow. You're welcome to join us and ask him yourself, or if you are not comfortable talking to him, I'll ask for you."

"Hey yeah, thanks. If it goes well tonight I'd be honored to go with you tomorrow." Honda smiled. For once telling the truth. If his father somehow failed to catch these murdering bastards then he wanted to be there if they attacked Otogi again. He'd teach them what the true fear of God was all about.

Taro nodded and clapped a hand on his shoulder. "I'm sure it will be wonderful." He reassured. Raising his voice he announced "I'm taking these back to the sanctuary. I won't be gone more than ten minutes. When I get back we'll head to the meeting place and assume our positions for the intervention." Sliding the tray of pain and sorrow into a leather satchel, he shouldered it and left. Hiroto knew that his father would dispatch a unit to follow and get the location of the Sanctuary. But would it be enough? Would they pull the plug? Or would they wait until the 'saviors' reached Ni-Chome and actually attacked someone? Honda honestly didn't know.

Honda Ito was debating the same question. It would all depend on what was found at the 'sanctuary.' The jewelry would normally be enough, especially with the DNA evidence, but Ito knew that they would need as much as they could get. The perpetrators were identical twins. The DNA would only say that one of the twins had committed these atrocities, it wouldn't say which. They both couldn't be tried with just that DNA evidence. They needed more, they needed to show both of them as equal partners in this so that they could both be tried for the crimes equally and it wouldn't matter if they pointed the finger at each other.

These were hate crimes and anything to prove that would help prevent and detect these kinds of attacks in the future. this case could even mark the beginning of recognition for this kind of hate crime in Japan. But Ito didn't want to sacrifice someone else to that cause.

Ten long minutes later he had his answer. Radioing to his team he called "Ni-Chome is a go. Setup the delaying squad. We have to get to Ni-chome to back them up." Switching channels he called "Ni-Chome is a go. Units in position. ETA for backup fifteen minutes." Before the youngest twin arrived back at the gym, the police were already en route to Ni-Chome. Two squads waited in the parking lot, arranging their props to buy their officers time to setup and blend. When the last of the monitoring vehicles left, the stalling team sprang into action.

Officers Yamato and Toma carried over the dummy fire hydrant and placed it about seven inches from the front of the van that fit the description Officer Honda had received from the prior victims. Officer Miyamoto quickly put a vehicle boot in place and began writing the violation ticket for parking too close to a fire hydrant. “That should slow them down a bit.” Yamato chuckled as they drove off to take up their positions in the speed trap watch area half a block down the road in the parking lot of a closed convenience store. Officer Miyamoto had to stifle a laugh of his own as he watched from beside his car in the parking lot as a tiny stray dog sniffed the hydrant then lifted his leg as the young men started filing out of the building. Showtime.

Miyamoto found himself stifling more laughter when one of the young men, one of the twins, knelt down to inspect the boot and put his knee right in the still-warm dog piss. His curse was clearly audible across the parking lot. Assuming a concerned mien he started over to 'investigate.' He had only gone a few paces when the twin inspecting the boot stood and in a show of rage turned on the hapless dog still standing by the hydrant. "Fucking worthless mutt! He snarled, drawing back his leg to deliver a sound kick to the dog. Before his foot could connect, a loud screech, like that of a scalded cat filled the air. Out of nowhere an elderly woman hobble-ran up to the man. "Don't you dare hurt my Inu-chan. You pig. How dare you even think about hurting my baby!" She shrieked and began to beat the would-be attacker with her purse. "Police! Police come arrest this man! He's a no good murderer. He was going to kill my Inu-chan! You there! Police come arrest him now."

Stifling his howls of laughter - which none of the other listening patrols were bothering to do as he could hear them in through his earpieces - he approached the group. "What is happening?"

"This horrible man was going to kill my Inu-chan! If I hadn't yelled he would have killed my baby."

"Ah... ma'am. I..." He could tell she was genuinely upset. It helped him to control his glee. "I saw the whole thing. I think he needs a stern talking to. Perhaps a ticket and some community service. But he still might be dangerous too. Why don't you take Inu-chan home and spoil him a little. He's probably upset by his near miss. Trust me to set this man straight. All right?" It was funny, but it was also potentially dangerous. Up close, the police officer could see the rage and blood lust in the other man's eyes. He wouldn't put it past the violent maniac to not hurt someone as innocent as this sweet lady. He had to get her out of there.

She gave him a frustrated look, then nodded. "Fine, but I expect you to give him a good thrashing. He should have been spanked more as a child. Really, what kind of man tries to injure a harmless dog for his own stupidity?"

"Yes, I agree. And I will see he gets what's coming to him." Patting her gently on the shoulder, he urgedher along. With one last demanding glare, she whistled sharply and the dog trotted up to her side, falling in step beside her. "Come along Inu-chan. We'll go back down to the street stall. I've a mind to fix another potion..."

Assuming a slightly amused and apologetic air he approached the group standing by the booted van. "She is not going to press charges but..." He shrugged "She was perfectly within her rights to do so. Animal cruelty is a very serious issue today. Very high profile. You could have faced large fines and up to three years in jail. Especially since her dog is, I believe, one of only six of it's type in our country. I saw an article on the Norwegian Lunderhund. One of the rarest dogs in existence. They are carefully monitored by the governments of both countries and considered a national treasure in Norway."

"Thats b..." Taro started to snap only to have his brother stomp on his foot and interrupt.

"Thank you for stepping in officer. I'm sorry for all the trouble. My brother is something of a hothead. I'll look after him from now on." The elder twin tried for a charming smile. "Did you put the boot on our car?"

"Yes. You are parked too close to the fire hydrant and you are blocking the fire lane. I was just calling to have it towed."

"Towed? But officer it was an honest mistake. I didn't see the hydrant. I am so sorry and it will never happen again. You have my word."

The officer pretended to consider it. Then with a sigh he admitted "I don't have the boot jack release. I can't remove it. But I'll call dispatch. I think there is a master code they can send to the lock to release it."

Playing his role to the hilt, the police officer called in and ran through the routine, taking his cues from the dispatch operator who was monitoring the setup of the on-site teams at Ni-Chome. After almost half an hour of trying different codes, there was a beep and the boot released, falling to the ground with clatter. "That has done it." He exclaimed happily. He scooped it up and moved back to his car. "Please don't let it happen again. They will not release it again for another six months if you do. You only get two warnings a year." He said it out of habit, but privately he thought their chances of ever driving another vehicle in their lifetimes were pretty slim. Murder, assault, theft, with the addition of hate-crime motivation meant that the young men would likely be facing the hangman's noose. He wondered if they realized that they could be hung for what they'd done.

The young men piled into the van. They were only on the road a few minutes before familiar lights and a siren filled the air. "Damn." Kenji growled. "What now?"

The officer smiled politely. "Sorry to bother you but your headlight is off center. It shines directly into the eyes of oncoming motorists."

"It does? I hadn't noticed. Of course I'll bring it in and get it aligned right away."

"Please wait here. I'm writing a warning ticket." With a pleasant wave the officer went back to his vehicle.

After what seemed an inordinate amount of time he went back to the van and handed Kenji a blue slip of paper. "Take it easy until you can get the headlight fixed. It can cause temporary blindness and accidents to oncoming traffic."

"Yes sir." Kenji forced himself to say politely. When they were on the road again, one of he new members, Sato Jin, said urgently "Maybe we should call this off. It seems like a bad omen to..."

Honda interrupted him before he could get further. A delay was not going to happen if it was up to him. They had to end this tonight. He did not want Otogi to be in danger. "The devil protecting his own. Jin-san, don't fall for the devil's tricks. It is obvious the person who needs our intervention is very worthy in God's eyes. The devil is trying to force us to back out and leave his salvation to someone else or prevent it all together. This may be our only opportunity to save him."

Honda caught the approving look the twins shared and knew he'd struck just the right note of zealous fervor. There was no doubt they thought they had the right person in their midst. Keeping his expression of eagerness, he turned to look out the window. Biting back a shocked exclamation, he forced himself to ask "So where are we going? You mentioned a club. We just passed the turnoff to that gay bar, Ni-Chrome or whatever."

Taro gave him an approving smile. "We are going to meet our intervention there, but we don't go in the front. We have a friend who lets us in the back."

"Cool." Hiroto praised. He sincerely hoped his father was paying attention.

***

Ito was more than paying attention. He was running flat out. There were only six employees at the club and only two had the key code for the back door. One did not work Friday nights and the other was talking to one of his officers. He had to get to the man before he had a chance to call the murderous duo. His officer was sipping a cup of iced coffee by the table when Ito found him. "Where is he? The night manager, Sazuki?

"You just missed him. He is making a phone call." The rookie smiled and gestured to a door.

Ito dove at the door he gestured to, yanking it open. Sazuki was pushing buttons on the phone. Ito reached out and yanked it from his grasp. Scanning the text, Ito sneered and grabbed the weaselly manager. "Take him. He's an inside man." The rookie dropped his frothy treat and jumped to secure the man.

Ito turned to the cook and snapped "Call your other manager. Tell him to get here now... better yet call him on my phone." He handed the man the device. When the number was dialed he snatched the phone back. When the other end was answered he gave his name, rank, and demanded his presence immediately. His tone must have been severe to frighten the man because he stammered he'd be there in five minutes. "No time. What is the code for the back door?" The manager stuttered the answer and hung up.

"Damn." Ito swore. They didn't have five minutes. He'd stopped the guy from sending the warning text but he didn't know if there was something else the murderous gang would be expecting. Frowning he paced the room then spun to look at the cook. "You work here long?"

"Over three years."

"You ever see Sazuki open the back door for people?"

"Yeah, a few times. Couple of guys - twins. I figured they were family. No harm." the cook held up his hands in surrender.

"What does he do? Does he stay and talk to them?"

"Nah, he just unlocks it and gets back to the floor. The guys shut it behind them."

"Good." One thing less to worry about. "You will tell them when they come in that Sazuki is out on the floor. My friend," He gestured to one of his plain clothes officers that had followed his mad dash. "Will be here to make sure you are safe."

The cook paled and shifted back a few paces. "S...Safe? They're dangerous?"

"You'll be safe. Just go about your job like normal." Ito soothed, but not terribly convincingly.

"Uh... guh... yeah. Okay." He turned away in a daze to pull down an order ticket.

Ito keyed in the code and heard the lock disengage. Giving his officer and the cook a warning look he hotfooted it back into the club, melding into the shadows.

****

Door unlocked, teams in position, Ito listened via headset to his eldest son make conversation with killers. He was amused when the killer who had knelt in dog urine demanded a detour. He wanted to change his pants. He couldn't go to an intervention stinking of piss. There was some mild grumblings and the person who'd suggested calling it off earlier suggested it again, but was ignored. They decided to stop at a local department store and pick up some pants so they didn't have to go back to the gym or the twins' home. His son's suggestion was grudgingly discussed until Honda offered to put them on his card. That convinced the Miyake twins as much as anything. Ito made a mental note to have the department pay his son back.

While their suspects were in the department store debating blue or black jeans a commotion at the front of the club caught his attention. Tapping the microphone to turn it on he growled "What?"

"Sir, it's... it's a car. It's... I've never seen one like it. But a few people are saying it's some kind of Maybach - Exelero. Sir thats..." The cop on the other end tapered off in something very akin to awe.

"Who is getting out of the car? Do you recognize them? It could be the target. From their bragging we know it's high profile."

There was almost a full minute of silence, broken only a slight catch of the observing officer's breath. "One is Kaiba Seto...." There was a pause then "Honda-san I am not entirely sure who his guest is. But they are obviously very... close. Perhaps you can confirm the identity of Kaiba-san's... companion."

The officer stationed at the door gave a strangled yelp that was hastily silenced. "Kaiba just told the bouncer that J...His companion is his fiance." The squeaky toned evened out slightly "And I agree, Honda-san should make the identification. They should be visible to you any second now."

A strange feeling, familiar to the stunned disbelief he felt when he'd first discovered his son Honda was mixed up with the gang of killers, jolted through him as he saw the lanky, muscular body topped by a familiar mop of blond hair. "Katsuya..." He breathed into the microphone.

"Did you say something sir?" The first cop asked, his voice full of innuendo.

That brought the cop out of his daze. "My son, Jounouchi Katsuya is Kaiba Seto's companion." He frowned and thought hard. "I will attempt to make contact to ascertain his role. I..." He broke off at that. He and Honda had agreed, Katsuya wasn't to be told. So why was his younger son here? And why hadn't Honda mentioned it? A flash of memory from the previous day - when Kaiba Seto had come to his son's door - and Katsuya's unexpected loss of composure flashed through his memory and a suspicion lifted it's head. He knew Hiroto had some leanings but Katsuya... Katsuya... was.."
"Superman." A voice breathed next to him. "Holy fuck it's Superman with Kaiba."

Ito whipped his head around to stare at the man standing a few feet away. "What did you say?

The man gave him blatant once over. "Ooh sexy bear. Wanna dance?"

Ito forced himself to relax. "No, just here to check out the scenery. What were you saying about 'superman' and Kaiba?"

"The smokin' blond that just walked in wrapped around the untouchable Kaiba is known around campus as Superman. Super big dick, staying power of a god, and up until today, completely straight - or deep in the closet. Probably used all the chicks as beards, but nobody knew. Figures Kaiba'd be his kryptonite. I know some of the best have tried and failed, falling at the ice man Kaiba's feet and if anyone knew superman was open to guys he would have had a list of guys to rival his women."

An androgynous looking person, with bright blue hair and glittering makeup standing just to the right of the first man took up the story "Heard superman blew off Kasami today in class and announced he was marrying Kaiba - he's got dual citizenship in th' Netherlands - But that was only after tellin' her and everyone else in the room that he sucked Kaiba off. Kaiba was there and confirmed it." The black-outlined crimson lips smiled lewdly "And a lot of people heard a very vigorous sexcapade in some wild Kaiba van. Superman is a screamer - at least with Kaiba he is - none of the girls he's banged ever knew that. Some of them had said he's quiet and really polite." The smile became confused "How do you fuck politely?"

Ito had heard enough. He knew about Katsuya's sexuality but he didn't want to hear about his exploits from strangers. The dual citizenship was true, so whatever else was being said, he knew his son had some hand in the rumors. The only thing was, Ito didn't know if Kaiba and Katsuya were really involved or if they were setting themselves up as bait. He would withhold making any kind of decision until he heard from Katsuya. Until then he'd just watch and wait, try to find a moment alone with his son to make sure he wasn't going to try to play 'superman' for real. No wonder his wife's radar was going off. Both of their sons were in danger. He didn't want to think what she would do if she knew that killers were in the vicinity of their boys.

"Ex..." He started to move further down the shadowy wall when the man he'd first spoken to beat him to the punch. "Well, I'm going to test it. I'll watch from the dance floor, see if I can't put a move on Superman when they hit the floor." Giving Ito and the glittering clubber a smile he sauntered out onto the floor, swallowed by the gyrating crowd.

Ito settled in to watch and wait, listening to the killers as they bickered about turning away while the other changed.

******
Moutou Yugi gave his human followers an assessing glance. "Hmmm... Will you allow me to put adisguise on both of you? All it will do is make you both look different. We don't want your attackers recognizing you." He waited a beat "Or your brother Seto. He might put himself in danger to catch the killers, but he won't be stupid about it. If he sees you here there is no telling what he will do to protect you. He's proven several times he will risk his life for you.

Mokuba considered for a second then nodded. "Yes."

Pegasus protested immediately "Mokuba wait. Let me use his name. Magic is..."

"I trust Yugi." The teen stated emphatically. "So yeah, do what is best to keep us all - including Seto - safe."

Pegasus glowered fiercely "Pnrelth, I ask for truth. Is it safe for us to trust you?"

"Yes. The Kaiba family is owed a debt by Crown Prince, Airdin of Caaraig. On my oath you are safe until the debt is paid."

"Then I will trust you as well. Do what you must." He bowed slightly, his silver hair swinging forward to curtain one half of his face.

Yugi bowed slightly in return then straightened and went to work. Summoning the magic of his people, using his fingers as scribes, he drew a magic circle in the air around the two and inscribed runes around and through it's perimeter, their power lighting up brilliantly, then fading to soft glowing lights hovering around them. When the circle was complete, each rune glowing with power and intent, he called his voice of power, the most effective and dangerous weapon of any fae, and sang a single note, sharp and sweet. It vibrated along the glowing circle of runes, causing them to flare brightly gold, then brighter still to white silver. When all runes were shining brighter than any star ever beheld by man, Yugi gave another sound, deeper, more commanding and a silver column of light shot from the ground, enveloping both Pegasus and Mokuba as it arrowed deep into the night sky.

When the light dissipated, two figures knelt on the ground holding hands. Yugi approached and asked "Mokuba? Pegasus?" He honestly didn't know which was which. He'd cast the spell to be impenetrable by all forms of magic.

"I'm Pegasus." He was the first to recover. He stood slowly, straightening his changed body, feeling the differences almost immediately. He was shocked. He'd expected some glamour of deception, but this was much different. He was physically changed. He could feel everything about himself and it felt completely alien. "What did you do?"

"I called to your soul manifestations. They rarely match your physical appearance. I drew them out and had them transform you. I... it is a change that is... not permanent although now that you are aware of it, it may be possible for you to access and transform at will." Yugi admitted. "Before you get angry I'll explain. Any other magic I could have used would have simply been a mask and prone to slipping. They would not have lasted long enough to carry this off. This way, they are part of you... and will not slip off unless you remove them."

"Soul manifestations..." Pegasus closed his eyes and tried to think. He'd heard the term, knew what they were, but had never studied them. "We are safe? They can't harm us - wearing them can't harm us?"

"Not at all. It is the physical manifestation of the form you wear in the land past the ether."

"Fine." He turned to Mokuba only to lose his breath in a whoosh. A tall, elegantly slim, young man dressed in oyster satin trimmed in maroon tunic and maroon leggings, with golden hair flowing in loose waves cascading to the ground, huge jade-green eyes, and perfect, bow-shaped lips stared at him in shock. "M...Mo...Mokuba are you all right?" He could barely see any resemblance between the two forms but he knew it was his love.

"Yes." It was his lover's voice, and it reassured him immediately. "P..Pegasus? Is... Is that really you? I mean I know it is - I can feel it but... but..."

"Of course." He smiled at the strange, yet familiar man. "Do I look so different?"

"Look for yourself." Yugi summoned a reflective shield. Both Pegasus and Mokuba gazed into the mirrored surface. Pegasus wanted to laugh. He looked so... odd. His hair, normally long and loose, flowing about him like a silken curtain, was pulled high in a knot on the crown of his head, it's length flowing behind him in a long, waist-length banner, two silvery braids running from his temples upwards formed the knot, almost like a crown of hair. The color hadn't changed much, although instead of pure white it sparkled with silver, as if moonbeams were caught in it. His normally yellow-gold gaze had been transformed to match the silver in his hair, shining with an unearthly quicksilver glow. His skin, damaged by his youthful escapades in the sun, had lightened and smoothed to a luminescent white tinted delicately with the pink of good health. His lips were strong and stern, but with a hint of fullness that spoke of a controlled, passionate nature. All of this was new and strange, but it was his body that truly shocked him.

He'd always been tall and slim, with subtle muscle definition and very little bulk. That was not true any longer. Bulging muscles rippled under his skin, his arms and shoulders were easily twice the size of his normal body. His chest was deep - pecs and abs cut into a definition that stood in sharp relief, forming deep shadows in the moonlight. His legs were long and just as muscled. He could see every detail of his physique in the sheer silvery white sleeveless vest and ice blue leather pants that clung to him as tightly as his skin. When he shifted silver and blue threads caught the moonlight, causing a halo effect of blue and silver to dance around him.

Yugi sent the shield away. After a small shrug and the snap of his fingers the smaller man was engulfed in flickers of red and gold light. After just a few seconds the flickers faded and a taller, older, more muscular version of Yugi stood before them. The main difference was that his tri-colored, star-fish shaped hair had changed to a fiery burgundy halo tipped with black and gold and his amethyst eyes glowed with almost black light intensity. "Fae always look like their souls. We don't carry the weight of flesh on us to hide it. I change my appearance to be more acceptable with modern humans to blend better." He explained. "This is my true form. Airdin of Carraig."

Pegasus nodded. "Let's go then."

"Not yet." Lifting his voice he called "Gladdys Outcast of Dorcha."

An old woman shuffled from the shadows, a tiny dog at her heels. "Here you are your Highness." She held out two charms to the humans. When they just looked confused she snapped "Do I look like I have all night? As soon as you take these my banishment is lifted and I may return home."

"Return home?" Pegasus asked suspiciously, not accepting anything from the strange woman. She was not fae but there was something off about her.

"Yes. My curse ends and my banishment lifts. My magic will be returned to me."

"Banishment?" Pegasus looked at the old woman closely. "When I lived with the Fae I heard of a banished fairy. Banished for turning down the king of Dorcha before he wed his wife Aisilin. "Would you be... Bakura of Dorcha? Thief of a King's heart?"

"You dare..." The old woman hissed. Yugi sighed and stepped in. "It is a story told for years Bakura. Just be glad the condition of your banishment - your magic stripped and you transformed into a hideous old hag just to stop you from having a lover, since the king couldn't have you - were not widely known."

"Carraig you..." The hag broke off to cough harshly. "Never mind. I am grateful for you breaking the spell." She turned to look at the humans. "They are wrought iron charms. Fearth of Dorcha is in there. His father did this to me. Because my magic is gone I can work iron." She shrugged and then bowed, holding out the charms. "Put them on. They are designed as bracelets and should fit you both." Then when they still looked on dubiously "Please."

When Mokuba reached for the charm Pegasus caught his hand. "How can Airdin break the spell if Fearth's father cast it?"

Bitterly the cursed fae laughed. "The wording of the curse is that I am to render service to the royal house of Dorcha until the requester is satisfied. Airdin is Prince Fearth’s mate. He is of the Royal House of Dorcha. He asked my service in protecting you. With the exchange of these charms he will be satisfied and my curse lifted."

Pegasus nodded and took the charms. After a moment he handed one to Mokuba.

Yugi turned to the old woman. "Bakura of Dorcha, you have rendered service unto satisfaction to the Royal House of Dorcha. All crimes are paid for, all curses lifted." He lifted his hand and sketched a rune in the air. Black shadows engulfed the old woman for a heartbeat, then fell away to reveal a tall, lightly muscled young man with long white hair and bloody-chocolate eyes.
"You are free to go." Yugi intoned formally.

For a second the form seemed to shimmer, then solidified. "Fuck. My magic..."

"Is likely stunted from lack of use." The Carraig prince sketched another rune. Pegasus and Mokuba were surprised to see the white-haired young man from earlier step out of thin air. "You called my prince?"

"Yes. Ryou this is Bakura, Thief of Hearts. You know the story. His magic is stunted from lack of use. Take him home and see to him. Do not let him go it alone until you are sure he is strong enough."

"Yes, my prince." Without another word he grabbed the other man by the arm, and in a shower of silver sparks, the Fae and small dog disappeared..

Yugi turned to Mokuba and Pegasus. "Let's go clubbing - don't worry about the doorman. We won't have any problems." He smirked "I may be magic but your looks will work better than any charm."

He was right about that. The bouncer took one long, drooling look at the three of them and ushered them right in... slipping each of them a card with his number. He didn't care which of them called as long as one of them called....

****

Miyake Taro frowned down at his new pants. They were not what he would have chosen for the club, but he knew they would work. Black denim clung to his body, strategically placed rips and fraying played peek-a-boo with his modesty -front and back- and the long trailing leg bottoms constantly tripped him when he walked. They were free, a gift from their promising new disciple, so he shouldn't complain. At least they weren't hand-me-downs. He and Kenji had lived in hand-me-downs for years thanks to his faggot father taking off to be with his faggot lover, leaving them to live in near-starvation poverty with their mother.

Things had gotten better thanks to their 'salvation' work. They were actually attending the school they'd originally pretended to attend simply for access to the rich kids. They'd started small, just trying to get by, mugging a few of the students too drunk to remember. Then Kenji had the brilliant idea to have them go to the ATM and empty their accounts, then knock them out. That's when the money had gotten good. Who knew the rich pricks had so much money just sitting around and that the truly rich ones didn't have any kind of withdrawal limits. After only a few of those they'd been set. They'd left their mother crying in her miserable hovel and bought a small apartment on the fringes of the campus. It was in a converted christian church and after a few more rich pricks, they'd bought the rest of the building. They were careful of course. They put it in their mother's name, not that she knew that. They knew that nosy people would wonder where they got money if they didn't have jobs. But nobody would question their mother. She'd worked two jobs forever. Who is to say she didn't stuff some of that money into a drawer and use it to give them a home?

Once established they both agreed they could be more selective, pick and choose based on habits and known financial status rather than clothes and opportunity. To add respectability to their cover, they hadenrolled in the college. Then they began to compile a list of their targets.

Top of their list was Kaiba Seto. But they knew he'd have security. To test it they'd grabbed his best friend and rumored lover Otogi Ryugi. It had been surprisingly easy to grab the black-haired freak. They'd simply waited for him to leave the club then snatched him in the parking lot. Everyone had assumed it was just a tryst or a game and not paid attention.

They dragged their victim off, demanding he give them the money in his account. But the black-haired fag had been a major disappointment. He had a tab at the bar and never carried cash, credit, or debit cards.

Kenji's anger at the lack of money on such a prime fish had pushed the limits of his self-control. Taro had done exactly what he'd always done, followed Kenji's lead. They had both always been curious about fucking a guy. Not that they had ever fucked women either, at least not at that point, and since the little fag wasn't going to give them any money he had become a... vehicle to their perverted curiosities. Even now Taro was aroused by the memory of holding the other man down by his long hair, of taking that lithe body until his victim fell unconscious, his hoarse begging voice finally silenced.

After taking that man-whore, both he and his brother were disgusted to find themselves craving other men - even each other - in ways they'd never considered before that night. To purge their unnatural lusts they deliberately chose the men on the list they knew were gay. When that had failed they'd targeted a few lesbians. Their spewing man hate, even as they screamed in pain and rage, had not been what they craved and they'd gone back to other men.

Their cravings grew more and more intense, and last week they had reached the penultimate. They had finally surpassed what they experienced that first time with Otogi Ryugi. They were ready for the top of the list - Kaiba Seto. When they were done with him they would start back with their first again, this time sending him to join their other master pieces. After those kills they would be able to stop because they both knew they would never top the experiences. Anything after would simply be a letdown. Tonight they would top everything and go out richer than gods and drunk on pleasure to last them a lifetime.

A soft nudge on his shoulder brought him out of his reverie. Smiling slightly, he looked up into somber brown eyes. "Honda-kun, what's wrong?"

"I was going to ask you the same thing. You looked really..." Psychotic, manic and bat-shit crazy leapt to Honda's mind, but he contented himself with "intense."

"I am anticipating doing God's holy work and the joy it will bring, Honda-kun."

Just then Kenji called from the front seat. "We're here. Everyone out. I'll park the van and meet you at the back door." The van cruised to a stop and the auto-door slid open. The men needed no second urging to get out. The smell of dog piss still hung in the air despite Taro changing his clothes and sealing the soiled pants in a plastic bag.

The older twin joined them in just a couple minutes. Honda commented "Fast. You must have a private spot around here. Though I don't know any place to park to the east of here. Thought that was all park land."

"The groundskeeper at the park lets us use the maintenance road. We help him out by moving debris for him and that's how he pays us back." Kenji explained.

Honda whistled appreciatively. "Nice. Free private parking."

Unexpectedly Taro swung around and snarled. "Didn't you hear him? We pay for it by doing chores, there is nothing free about it. We don't take handouts or charity."

Lifting his hands in a show of peace Hiroto shifted back slightly "Sorry man. Good gig if you can get it." Seeing the barely controlled rage, the brunet took a chance and reached out to clasp the younger twin's arm. "I'm really sorry. Didn't know you were sensitive. I won't ever say anything like that again." He smiled as gently and sweetly as he could given the fact that he was touching an enraged homicidal maniac.

Taro stared down at the hand on his arm, stunned by the touch. Nobody ever touched him, nobody but his brother. Not even his mother, in all the years growing up, had touched him. He could honestly never remember receiving a hug from anyone, even his brother. The touch was strange, warm, and it unfurled something in his chest he'd never felt before. Uncertainly drove out his anger and he lifted his hand to Hiroto's, touching it with just the brush of his fingertips. "I... Yeah, it's okay." Curiously he lifted his other hand and ran it across the brunet's shoulder. "Sorry I over reacted." He said softly as he gazed up into the other man's concerned eyes.

Honda forced a smile and stepped back, mumbling "No biggie." But inside he was freaking out. What the hell had that been about? Did Taro just hit on him? Or maybe check him out? Hiroto didn't know exactly what it had been but there had been something more than apology in that weird touch. Before he could figure out exactly what was going on Kenji hissed "Hurry up! Taro, Honda we are already late."

Feeling like he'd been caught at something obscene but with no idea what, Taro nodded and rushed to his brother, shoving the odd warm feelings aside. But that didn't stop him from being aware of the tall, strong body hurrying behind him.

Kenji tested the door, and finding it open according to plan, even though their disciple hadn't contacted them as was the norm, he slipped in. The room was surprisingly empty. He expected the wayward man to be waiting, full of apologies. Seeing the familiar cook standing next to a slim young man, both slicing various foodstuffs he asked "Where is he?"

The cook gave him a nervous look and stuttered "So... Sorry, its really busy tonight. There was a major announcement and it's got everyone in a frenzy."

The undercover officer smiled and laid down his knife. "It's so busy we had to call in the other manager to help control things." To calm any anxiety that little bomb may have caused he added "He's working the upper floor."

That brought Kenji up short as he opened the door wider to let everyone in. That explained the lack of communication. The other manager was related to the owner and a complete asshole about private calls and texts. "So what happened?"

"Kaiba Seto - THE Kaiba, announced his engagement to - hey you go to the uni right?" The cop asked. When Kenji and Taro both nodded he continued "Then you have to know th' guy they call Superman. Everyone thought he was a straight, but the ice prince proved that wrong. That blondie is all over him, and Kaiba is loving it."

The elder twin turned on Honda. "Yeah, we meant to ask you about that earlier. Heard that in school. He's your brother isn't he? Did you know he was a fag?"

Hiroto just laughed. He'd been thinking about this all day and came up with a perfect answer. "Not a hope in hell. You guys know we were assigned that freaky project in class - nature vs. nurture. We got stuck with homosexuality. Jou is doing research and playin' with him. He's so in love with pussy he’ll probably never find one to satisfy him" Giving the twins a disparaging look that called them six types of idiot, he sneered "You think a guy called Ice King would satisfy someone with more pussy in a week than most see in a year?"

"We both heard him say he'd had Kaiba's dick down his throat." Taro put in softly. "He said it when he was blowing off Kasami."

Honda forced another laugh, hoping it sounded more natural than it felt. "Kasami? The girl that's been bragging that she's gonna ground superman? The same one that gave Satou crabs? Of course he'd blow her off in as humiliating a way as possible."

"Kaiba didn't disagree. He went along with it, and he's announcing it here." Kenji pointed out.

"So? If you had some hottie all over you, and you were bored, would you push them away or go with it for fun?" Drawing on the knowledge he'd gleaned at the huge, impromptu meeting the previous day he added. "Kaiba is not just a fag, he fucks his cousin. He meets with him regularly." He needed to turn them away from Katsuya. Not that he was afraid for his brother, he knew these punks didn't stand a chance against Rintama's fist. But it could be complicated and fraught if they turned on his brother. "So he's probably just giving the guy a smokescreen."

Kenji appraised him for a long moment. "Our intervention tonight is Kaiba Seto. If your brother has been... tainted by his influence we will have to intervene with him as well. Are you comfortable with that?"

Honda swallowed hard and did what he had to. "If he's become a fag I'll lead the intervention myself." Fervently he prayed that his father had heard Kenji. If he did then he knew the situation had just escalated. It wasn't openly discussed in their home, half the time they forgot, but Jounouchi Katsuya was the Fist of Rintama, and as such is capable of great violence. If these guys threatened or hurt either him or Kaiba all bets were off that they would make an arrest. This would likely end up with all suspects in the morgue.

Honda Ito had more than heard. He had made the connections faster than his son. More, he knew things about Katsuya that neither his son, nor the rest of his family, knew. Katsuya had killed on more than one occasion. His kills had been gang and gangland protection related. If something or someone threatened Jounouchi's... heart... Ito didn't think they would live long enough to regret it. Even if Kaiba and Katsuya weren't involved, Honda was a large part of Katsuya's heart and any threat to Honda could spark a blaze that would sear them all. To control the fire that might flare at any time, he hurried to where a man wearing a manager's shirt and badge was stepping through the door. "You are the manager?"

"Yes. I'm looking for Detective Honda." The man snipped.

"That's me. Look, you have to clear the club. This is getting more and more dangerous."

The man gave him a patented 'are you stupid?' look and asked "What is getting more dangerous?"

Needing his cooperation, Ito reigned in his impatience and broke it down for him. The man went white but said coldly "I am not emptying the club. You know who the murderers are. I suggest you get them, and your team out of my club."

"Are you serious? You..." A low cough brought the furious cop to a stop. A bartender stood behind the manager. "Excuse me, but Kaiba Seto is requesting to speak to the manager."

"You have ten minutes to clear out." Giving the cop a sneer, he spun away. "I have real customers to deal with. Be sure to take the criminals with you."

****

Seto tried for all of a minute to dance before stalking off the floor in disgust. How could he show Katsuya his moves when there was no room to move? As soon as they hit the floor his blond partner had been swallowed up in the crowd.

What the hell were all these people doing here? There were killers hunting on that dance floor. Why had the cops not done their duty and cleared the place of civilians. Frustrated and pissed he grabbed the nearest server. "Get me the manager." the man didn't have to be told twice. If the cops wouldn't do their jobs then Seto would pick up the slack - and if he got to dance with Jounouchi out of the deal, well that was what perks were all about.

Four minutes later - two longer than he expected - a small man with greedy eyes and oily hair hurried up. "Kaiba-san. I'm Tomahu, the manager here at Ni-Chome. We are honored to have you. What can I do for you?"

"I would like to have a private party and want to rent your club."

Dollar signs flashing in his brain in giant neon he nodded eagerly "Of course. When?"

"Now."

"Now?" Not sure if he heard correctly he squeaked.

"Now." Seto affirmed as he shifted to avoid being jostled by a passing drunk.

Thinking fast he offered "Shall I clear the upstairs? Or perhaps the balcony? It's perfect for a small private party."

"Yes." Seto nodded shortly.

"All right. It will take a few minutes to empty the balcony but..." He broke off when Seto stopped him with a steely glare. "What..."

"Clear the balcony, clear the upstairs, clear everyone out. I'll point out the ones to stay. I want the whole club."

Tomahu swallowed back a curse. First the cops and now Kaiba. Did the gods want his cousin to fire him? "Uhm... Kaiba-san, I... It's a bit late tonight. Perhaps next week we can arrange something?"

"I don't think so." He whipped out his PDA and in seconds had all the information he needed. A few key punches later and he was speaking to the owner of Ni-Chome. "Moshi. This is Kaiba Seto. Am I speaking to Suzuki-san?" When he received his affirmative, Seto stepped away from the sputteringmanager and focused on making a deal.

He anticipated perhaps five minutes, but was pleased when his first offer was accepted with alacrity. In less than two minutes he was the proud new owner of Ni-Chome. Smirking, he handed the phone to his new employee.

Tomahu took the phone in hands that shook. In growing shock he heard his cousin out. When he'd heard it all he pushed the disconnect button and handed the phone back to his new boss.

Seto loved this rush he got whenever he did something like this. It was addictive and he limited himself to such power trips to once a month but they never failed to amuse him. "As I was saying. Clear the place except for the people I..." He broke off when his wayward blond lover stepped up beside him. "Ah Katsuya, We are having a private party to celebrate our engagement. We're just discussing who to clear out. Is there anyone you want to stay?"

"I suggest you direct this little... manager to speak to my father - you know him don't you Seto? Honda Ito? You met him at my house... and yours later? Have him speak to my father about who should stay and go." Giving the greaseball manager a look that should have set his oily hair alight Jou dismissed him. "Whatcha waitin' for? Move yer ass."

Seto had stiffened at the first syllable out of his lover's mouth. He'd never heard such compacted fury in anyone's voice. The reason became evident with his words. So the detective had spilled his guts. Oh well. If this ended everything between he and Jounouchi then it was no more or less than was expected. He wouldn't hide what he'd done. The blond could stay or go, it was up to him, Seto wouldn't beg or apologize.

Completely unaware of the wariness and apprehension lurking in the depths of his blue eyes he turned to glare down at his lover only to find his gaze caught in the molten copper pools of fear and rage directed at him. Something, an odd flicker, passed through the lava-hot look, then quick as a wink Seto found himself pulled into a hard, punishing kiss.

For an instant he froze, then, being no fool, dove into the kiss giving as good as he got. Unfortunately he was only given a brief second to respond before being shoved away. Molten eyes still glared, but a wry smile tugged at Jou's lips. Seto released a small sigh. Maybe Jou wasn't going to walk out yet.

"Ya ever put your ass on th' line like dis again Seto and I'ma spank it for ya. I mean it." Jou frowned up at him fiercely. "Only reason I ain't pulled ya inta a back room and wailed on yer ass is because ya made these plans before we was together. And I'm pissed ya didn't tell me we were walkin' into a bunch of psychos. If anything happens to ya, when I get ya home I will forget all about them no sex rules and after spankin' yer ass red I'll sex ya for hours, just ta keep ya in bed so ya can't do stupid shit again. Got it?"

"Is that supposed to be a threat? If so it lacks... punitive punch. You would have to threaten to not sex me to actually hope to punish me for... stupid shit."

"Ya ever have a thirteen inch cock rammed in any orifice I find... for several hours at a time? Keep pushin' me and ya will find out quick." It sounded threatening, but the angry fire was dying in Jou's eyes and a playful sparkle returned. It seemed his blond couldn't stay mad at him. Good to know.

"Again, no punitive or negative there. I'll have to teach you how to effectively..." Another kiss, softer and infinitely more tender stopped his words. "Hmmm... " He sighed against Katsuyas lips before drawing back. "You know you are encouraging me to be very bad."

Jou smiled teasingly "Maybe I want to punish you."

"Are you a sadist? Or just a playful dom wannabe?"

"Oh I'll let you find that out yourself... When you wake up tied to that fancy bed of yours."

The brunet shivered in anticipation thinly disguised as mock terror. "Now I'm really going to have to get into stupid shit, just to make you follow through on that."

"Mmm..." Jou gave him a serious look. "You want bedroom games just tell me. I'm up for anything. Don't..." The look became somber. "Suki da... Remember if you get hurt it hurts both of us. If you die... I'll die with you. Please take care of me. Suki da Kaiba Seto."

His heart wrenched, literally wrenched in his chest and a slight burn behind his eyes made him blink rapidly a few times. "Huh! Could you get any more cliche? Idiot."

Jou reached up and trailed a fingertip along his damp lashes. "Nah, I think that'll do." He whispered softly, his voice husky and slightly cracked.

Embarrassment flooded Seto's cheeks and the idiot blond smiled slowly, his gaze full of tender, knowing, laughter. "One day you're going to admit ya love me too."

"Idiot. Delusional idiot." Seto snorted and turned away. "Should Atemu stay or go?"

"Dad will make everyone but cops and bad guys leave, except maybe us." Giving Seto an ironic glance he added "Tough to catch a fish without bait."

"Hmm..." Seto nodded at a passing waiter. "Let’s go back to the table. The place will start thinning soon so we don't want to disappear as part of the mass exit."

"Hmmm... Well I'm not sure they are going to act tonight. Too much change with no reason behind it."

That struck Seto. "True. I'll handle it. Go sit at the table." He veered off to the DJ booth. Stepping behind the console he spoke to the man handling the music and microphone. He stepped back and made a phone call while the entertainer made his announcement.

There was a distinctive scratch and the music came to a halt. The lights lifted and the DJ called out "Yo! Everyone! Ni-Chome is now the property of Kaiba Seto! He's closin' the place for his private engagement party. Everyone clear out unless ya know th' happy couple. If ya stay and ya ain't part of the party ya'll be asked to leave by Kaiba's security - bad dudes you don't want to mess with."

There were a round of awws and boos. Then the DJ interrupted. "Let Kaiba have his private party tonight and tomorrow there will be an open bar party for the public." He hesitated a second when Kaiba said something too softly for the microphone to catch. Then the DJ came back. "He says if you all go down two blocks to Typhoon, Kaiba's called and setup a round on him for everyone here. Go there with a Ni-Chome stamp and you'll get your free drink."

The boos faded and a few whoops could be heard as several young people headed for the door. Nobody turned down free drinks. In a remarkably short time the club had emptied to just over a dozen people.

Seto and Jounouchi watched the exodus with sharp eyes, noting everyone who stayed. They didn't want any surprises. Several plain clothes police tried to look like they belonged, a handful of acquaintances from school, several girls - most of whom Seto recognized as having been in Jounouchi's bed - employees, and of course Atemu and the killers. He gestured to his security, pointing out the girls. He wanted them gone. Not just to keep them safe. He didn't want to have to deal with Jounouchi's memories of any of them.

He needn't have worried. Jounouchi barely recognized them as fellow students, much less previous fuck partners. He was gesturing to a few more, signalling Seto's security as if they were his own.

"Hnnn..." Seto growled, mildly irritated by the presumption. "Only a few uninvited guests." He was glaring at a particular trio. He didn't know them, but they were familiar, especially the elegantly muscular blond with hair almost dragging the floor. He knew that man... but he knew he'd never clapped eyes on him before. He'd definitely remember the beautiful man. Not that he lusted after him. It was strange, most people would. But instead he felt the urge to protect the beauty. Not that his protection was needed. He could see at a glance that the silvery-haired mountain standing next to him was more than ready and able to protecting the golden-haired sylph. If the behemoth wasn't enough, the slim, muscular man with shockingly brigh red and multi-colored, spiky hair, was glaring daggers at their table. Following the direction of his gaze he realized the smaller man was focused on Atemu.

Jounouchi's voice caught his attention "Hey it's that Yugi kid." He pointed to the trio.

Seto stared for a moment, then saw what his lover was saying. "Hmm... I didn't recognize him. Good makeup."

"That ain't makeup Seto." Jou corrected. "I know makeup. That's natural." Jou shrugged "Or maybe he got his hair dyed and decided to stop wearing little kids clothes, 'cause I gotta say he looks a lot older. Not bad at all. Really hot if you're into his look. Definitely left the shota-con behind. I'm not into the wild punk look but... it works for him."

Knowing the other man was probably furious and disgusted Jou smirked as he turned to Atemu. "He's not such a kid after all. Looks like you're going to have to find another little boy to 'anoint.'"

Seto jerked and swung his head to the blond. Atemu, at the first mention of Yugi's name, stopped his forward rush towards his lover and glared down at Jounouchi. "You know nothing. You are nothing." Forgetting his lesson of earlier he used his voice to punish the impudent human only to flinch and drop like a stone back onto his seat.

Ignoring the writhing man Jou glanced up at Seto. "Who is that with them. I can't say I know them at all but they look... wow. Not as hot as you but still... wow." A swift admiring glance, then the honey eyes turned back to him. "You should hire them for your next big promotion. They gotta be models or somethin' an' they look like somethin' out of fairy tales or fantasy." A smirk tilted the corners of his lips. "They even got th' costumes. Tights and tunics, boots too. The blond can play the princess and that muscle guy can play the barbarian prince. Yugi can be the comic relief sidekick or powerful mage companion."

Seto blinked at that. "I will consider it."

"Don't bother." Yugi's voice came from directly behind him. "I'm sure they won't pose for photos." When Atemu gasped out his name and struggled to rise Yugi gave him a cold look. "Stay seated Child. I saw what you did. You received a nasty jolt. Sit and recover."

"Yugi." The Dorcha gasped. "What..."

"You should talk to your mother for a while. I will find your childish questions tedious. Children should learn from their mothers." The normally youthful face was set in aloof lines, making him appear older and every inch in control.

"Child?! Children?! Do you know how old I am?" Atemu was outraged. What was Yugi playing at?

"More to the point, do you know how old I am? Do you know who I am?" Dismissively he turned towards Seto and Jounouchi "Kaiba, these are my guests." He gestured to the silvery-haired man. "This is Max and this is Mikula. We are here to help you... celebrate... as you couldn't postpone your celebration, I brought my guests to liven things up. I hope you don't mind?"

Seto gave him a cool glance and ran an assessing gaze over Yugi's companions. Obviously capable of taking care of themselves. They were probably muscle - Yugi's idea of help. "I have the feeling if I had you three escorted out you'd find your way back in. You might as well stay." He gestured to a nearby, newly emptied table.

Yugi smiled and nodded, "We'll put the tables together. That way we can all sit together."

Jou frowned slightly when he caught the way Seto was watching the blond, Mikula. His frown deepened when he saw Mikula avert his eyes and blush in a way that was all too charming.

Throttling back the green monster climbing up from his stomach he cleared his throat slightly "Mikula huh? I know ya don't I? Ya look kinda familiar." He didn't, not really, but it was something to draw the other man into conversation, open up a little, then Jou could annihilate him if he had any designs on Seto. "Maybe without the wig?"

Mokuba shifted uncomfortably, desperately trying to avoid his brother's hard stare. Glad of the lifeline Jounouchi had thrown, he turned and shook his head, and in a disguised voice barely above a whisper he confided "It's not a wig. I..." Seeing his brother's gaze sharpen, he held out a length. "See, it's attached." He didn't expect the other blond to grab the length and give it a hard yank. "Ouch! What the hell?" He yelled in his normal voice, startled and in too much pain to try to disguise it. Defensively he yanked the strands back and tenderly nursed his scalp with a gentle hand. "You asshole, I don't care if you are banging Seto you don't have the right to..."

"Mokuba! You don't talk that way ever!" Seto stood and glared at the disguised teen. He ignored the gasps around the group and closed the distance between him and his brother, examining every inch of him. "Hmmm... Moutou, you did his makeup?"

"Ah... Yes you could say that."

"And I presume the muscle bound ape is Pegasus?"

"Y...Yes." Yugi was completely stunned. These people were incredibly different. How had Seto recognized Mokuba and Pegasus?

"Hnnn..." He turned and examined Pegasus as closely as he had Mokuba. "You're good. The best I've ever seen in fact. If you're really done with Atemu come to my office Monday and I'll set you up with a studio. Kaiba Corp could use someone with your skill and talent." He gave his ex a chilly glance. "If you and he are still together then don't bother. He'll suck the talent and life right out of you."

Atemu glared at the tall brunet, rage and insult ruling his tongue, "I seem to recall you enjoyed it when I sucked... life... out of you."

Seto bit back the urge to punch his ex-lover. He'd never felt this rage towards Atemu before and he wondered for a second exactly why he hadn't. Hurt, betrayal and a host of other emotions but not rage. It was something to ponder.

In the split second he hesitated Jounouchi stepped into the breach, saying with killing precision "What's an eleven year old gonna think? He didn't know any better." Giving the Dorcha a cold look, he smiled and said what his grandfather told him the one time he'd met the old man. "Beware the Imp's Ire." It had struck a chord in him and stuck in his brain. He'd never actually said it aloud before, but for some reason it seemed to fit here as a warning to Atemu.

It must have had meaning, at least to Atemu, because Jou was surprised when the spike-haired pedo gasped and paled, scooting his chair back away from the table and jumping to his feet. "I.. Imp."

Yugi stepped between the two confronting Jou directly. "Was that a declaration or..."

Jou shrugged "I dunno. M'Grandfather told me ta say it when it felt right. Just now, with that fucking pedo sayin' that to Seto... It felt right."

"Grandfather. That explains everything. All right then, trust me, I'll handle it and keep him away from you and Seto. There is no need to formally declare." Yugi was in an absolute panic. He opened his third eye, trying to see what he should have seen all along. Only a very old Imp could hide from him.

"Declare? Fine I won't." Jou didn't know what the hell that meant but he wasn't going to argue since Moutou was keeping the ass hat out of their hair.

Yugi sighed and turned to Atemu. "Do. Not. Speak. To. Them. Again." Each word was bitten off with controlled rage and an absolute demand for obedience. The silver halo threading through Jounouchi's spiritual energy sent warnings through his system. A silver energy. Second only to a black. Shit, they were in huge trouble if the dormant imp woke. And based on the ripples of the aura it was very close to it.

"Yugi... No, you're Airdin aren't you? Airdin... let's go somewhere private and talk. I...I've been looking for you for ages. I want to be with you now. Now is the time, surely you sense that? We..." His voice broke off when he found himself in the place between dimensions, a place that only magical beings may visit. Happiness and triumph cascaded through him when he saw it was Yugi who had brought them there.

"So dishonest. You've learned nothing, have you?" Yugi sighed. "If you had learned... If you were honest... then perhaps now would have been the time. You use the excuse of 'looking' for me to cover your selfish ways and mistreatment of others. You are not ready... I begin to doubt you will ever be ready. I will finish what I must here to pay the debt incurred, but after that... I will leave. If you truly want to find me - truly - you will know where to look."

"Wait! Ready for what? Why are you so cryptic. We are fated. Why are you leaving me again?"

Airdin gave him a sorrowful look. "You don't even know that Prince Fearth? My wait will be a long one. When we return to the mortal realm you will address me as Yugi or Moutou. What was between us there is over. Do not try to change my mind and whatever you do, do not attempt to get back with Kaiba Seto. If the imp sleeping inside Jounouchi is woken with a declaration you will die... not a mortal death but a true Fae death. I will not protect you from him again."

"Imp?" He scoffed but there was a touch of genuine confusion and a tremor of fear in his voice.

"His paternal grandfather, most likely. If you had studied you would know that an imp is a spirit being passed in bloodlines. It was gifted to Jounouchi Katsuya and is why our glamours are lost on him. Imps are natural enemies to Fae and have unlimited magic. They can destroy us in the blink of an eye. Had you bothered to look you would have seen it slumbering, but not peacefully. It is fretful because of your treatment of Kaiba Seto."

"I have no intention of becoming involved with Seto again. I was looking for you and being away from our natural realm requires a lot of energy. I am fond of him but he was more a source of energy than any true lover." Giving Yugi a small smile he shrugged "I'm sure you have done the same."

"You are wrong. No wonder I had to replenish so much. You were draining me as well." Disgust twisted Yugi's face into a frown. "You are lazy and selfish. Why use human energy? Why not simply convert natural solar energy for your needs?"

"Convert... oh you mean use my third form? I never considered it. I like walking around as a man and I enjoy sex. Seto was amazing considering his age and his status as human. Although he has a Carraig changeling in his bloodline. That probably has something to do with it." Giving Yugi a lecherous once over he grinned knowingly, "Admit you like it too and we can forget all this and go home..."

"Changeling? You have been messing with those of the Fae? Don't you know that they are protected?" Seeing the confused looked Airdin swallowed back his disappointment. His soul mate was more ignorant than most Fae children. What was Faerth's mother thinking letting him loose on the world with no education, not even the most basic knowledge of the laws that governed human and Fae interaction? Airdin was honestly surprised nothing horrible had befallen his destined one.

They had been happy as Yugi and Atemu, but they were not even close to being compatible as the kings who would rule the Fae Realm as one, forming a new compact with the humans in the coming era of magical accord. Fearth was still so young and ignorant, so blindly selfish. And it was all due to the coddling of his mother Aisilin. If that fickle fairy had taken her responsibilities seriously, teaching Atemu what he needed to know rather than indulging him they could be home merging their clans and preparing for the compact with the humans that was foretold.

Instead he was stuck with a selfish hedonist who neither knew the laws of the Fae nor those of humans. Despite the danger of incurring their wrath, he delibeately abused their young. It was completely unacceptable. The debts would pile up higher than he could ever pay back if he allowed Fearth to continue heedlessly. Besides, he didn't trust the reckless Fae prince not to try to incite the Imp. While he could do nothing but wait for Fearth to mature he could do something to protect young humans. "Fearth of Dorcha... I am Airdin of Carraig, your destiny-chosen mate." He intoned, his voice of power echoing across time and space. "You are commanded and bound only unto me. From this day until eternity - you are mine and shall touch no other in my stead."

Fearth swayed and dropped to his knees. "What... what did you do?" His hands clutched his middle tightly. A strange hot feeling was running through him, pooling in his loins. It wasn't the heat of arousal, but a different kind of feeling, almost like he was being poured into a pair of leggings too small to hold him. After a few minutes of fighting the sensation he relaxed and let it have it's way. Another few seconds and it faded. "What did you do Airdin?"

"Did you not hear me? I bound you to me. You may not touch another. Only me." And may the Gods help them both. Airdin hated celibacy and he knew Fearth would be in pain, unable to gather energy in his preferred way.

"Only... but.. but that is not our way. Why would you do such a thing? I..." Fearth was astounded. What the hell was he going to do?

"It is an old spell, from before your mother was born. It was the spell my father and mother shared at the beginning of all. I had hoped we would cast the spell at our joining but I doubt there will be a joining for eons, or longer. I must stop you from incurring more debt with the humans. Because I am the one who you are seeking in the human realm it is my debt to pay. I want no more debt. You will be unable to abuse another human."

"With you by my side I won't need humans." That was an up side in a bad situation. He would be with his beloved Yugi - Airdin - for all time.

"The spell changes nothing. I will leave when the debt is paid. You must be... ready. I can't teach you what you must know." It wasn't allowed. The laws were clear cut. As the crown prince, Fearth must learn from the Dorcha ruling house.

"Why not?" Angry at the other's refusal of his demand he snarled "What is so fucking important that you would leave me... your destined mate?"

"You are more than that. I blame this on your mother." Sighing Airdin lifted his hand and pointed to his own heart. "When I lived as Yugi I loved you as Atemu. I knew you were magical, but I did not know you were Fearth. We were happy - we can have that a thousand times over - but not until you are ready to be who you must be. I am sorry Fearth, sorry that I can't see in you what must be." Airdin's voice was so full of sadness and loss that Fearth had to clear a lump from his throat.

"Please tell me what I must be. I don't understand." The Dorcha cried softly.

"I know. It was your mother's place to teach you." The amethyst eyes closed briefly in contemplation. "When the debt is paid I will help you as much as I can." Opening his eyes again Airdin gave him a sad look. "Let’s go back." In a blurring moment they were back at Ni-Chome.

****

Honda Hiroto glanced around the almost empty club. Concern made him glance at Miyake Kenji, the official leader of the 'intervention.' "Uhm... Is this... did he do this so that we could talk to him?" He was trying desperately not to give away his nervousness.

Kenji shot the tall brunet a quelling glance. "Obviously. This whole engagement is a farce, something the devil threw up as a way to try and stop us from saving Kaiba Seto." For the second time Kenji named their target directly, confirming what the listening cops already knew.

One of their other three new recruits, the one who had voiced concerns earlier, piped up again. "Are you sure he's expecting this, that he asked for it? He seems..." Well not happy exactly, but certainly not conflicted or upset by his sexuality.

"He knows what's going on and he definitely asked for it." Taro smirked coldly as he joined the group. "We will stage the intervention after he's relaxed with a few drinks. In the meantime, we are college friends so we can stay. Would he let us stay if he hadn't invited us?" To prove his point Taro grabbed a glass of beer from a passing waiter.

"Oh...kay." The doubter agreed and took a glass for himself. The irony of men on god's mission drinking alcohol escaped all of them except Hiroto. If they were doing holy work shouldn't they be getting high on god's power and not beer? Taking a bottled water from the same tray, he decided to keep a clear head.

"Hiroto, lead the way to your brother and his... fiance." Kenji ordered. "We have to make contact."

Gulping from his water to buy the team time to get into position, Honda nodded and put the cap back on the bottle. "Sure."

Squaring his shoulders, he forged across the room leading his small troupe. He didn't get a chance to form a greeting. His brother sprang to his feet immediately. "Hiroto! Ya got my message ta come celebrate with us? An' ya brought some of th' guys along too. Miyake Taro and Kenji. Thanks for comin'. I'm not sure of th' rest of ya, but I seen ya around. Welcome ta our engagement party." He gestured to a couple of empty nearby empty tables. "Put 'em together so we can all sit in a group." He gave a wide grin and gestured "Do you all know each other? If not, the red-haired guy is Moutou Yugi, the guy with the hair draggin' th' floor is Mikula, and the barbarian ice king is Max. You guys know me and Kaiba Seto. Th' guy with the spikey black hair is Atemu, Kaiba's adopted cousin. Everyone this is m'brother Honda Hiroto, his friends Miyake Kenji and Miyake Taro. Dunno the other guys that well, so they gotta introduce themselves."

Miyake Kenji nodded and gestured, "You know my brother Taro, and Honda Hiroto. The others are, on my right, Sato-san, next to him is Takahashi-san, and the man on the end is Fujiwara-san.

Honda Ito watched the group from across the room. The possibility of civilian involvement had decreased significantly, but there was still a risk to civilians - two of whom were his sons. With the skill of long practice, he dispatched his team in exactly the way he wanted to reduce the threat.

Unfortunately, in his deployment of his men he didn't take in to account a random factor that brought about the worst case scenario he had hoped to avoid. One of his officers, posing as a server, went to the tables to ostensibly take orders. One of the group, the man named Sato-san, glanced up to give his order, then froze, staring. "Yamasaki-san! You're moonlighting? Here? I thought cops weren't allowed to have second jobs and with the public image... a gay bar?"

Officer Yamasaki held his composure, but barely. "I... I... I'm helping out a friend. Filling in for tonight."

"But..." Yoshida started to protest then shrugged. "Oh well, I'll have another beer."

"Sure thing, I'll bring it right up." That's when the cop blew it. Without another word to anyone at the table he spun and walked away. Anyone acting as a server would have taken orders from the entire table.

Ito saw, literally saw, the suspicion dawn on Miyake Kenji's face. As the killer's eyes tracked around the club, Ito followed his gaze and saw what he saw... A group of casually dressed young men, their short hair mussed and spiked, their faces laughing and carefree, but their lean, fit bodies alert and ready for action.

"We're made. Cover is blown. Get ready to move when suspects break for the doors. Cover all doors..." Even as his men outside moved into position Kenji was speaking. "Kaiba-kun, I'm so sorry but we are going to have to leave. I just remembered a prior engagement." The older twin smiled and stood, shoving back his seat casually. Stepping close to the brunet he held out his hand. "Congratulations and all the best." Unexpectedly, when Seto gripped his hand, he yanked the tall brunet forward, into his arms. Quick as the flash from his blade, Kenji was holding Kaiba Seto at knife point, the sharp edge pressing into his neck with just enough force to draw a bead of scarlet. "Get rid of them Kaiba or I'll slit your throat." There were several gasps and everyone but Jounouchi surged to their feet. The blond stayed perfectly still in his seat, watching Kenji and Seto intently.

"What do you think you're doing?" Seto gasped. He wasn't afraid because killing him would effectively leave them without their most powerful bargaining chip.

"Do you think I'm stupid? The cops in the room. Get rid of them now." Kenji's voice shook with rage.

"Cops? I don't..." He didn't feel the slice but he did feel the flow of warmth down his skin as his blood flowed. "I have security here but no cops."

"Get rid of your fucking security." Angling his head slightly he looked at Hiroto. "I knew you were too good to be true. Get rid of your dad's friends or he dies. Then I'll start on you and your faggot brother."

Seto lifted his hand. "You heard him. Fall back to the parking lot."

Three men stationed around the room nodded and turned to exit. "Now the cops."

"Kenji, I don't know what you're..." Hiroto tried to protest.

"Don't fucking lie." Taro growled as he yanked the tall brunet to his feet. "We knew you were a risk but I thought you were worth it." Viciously he kicked Hiroto in the knee, and when the brunet dropped to the floor he kicked him in the ribs. The cracking of bones was audible across the room.

Ito, scared and aching down to his soul, stepped from the shadows. "Stop. We'll leave. But let us take the other civilians with us..."

Kenji snorted and Taro laughed before delivering another kick to Hiroto. Kenji, the obvious leader, answered derisively "Yeah and give up our hostages? Get the fuck out before I start slicing the fags."

Three of the men who'd come with them, the other three 'new' recruits, began backing away. The one closest the door lifted his hand pleadingly. "Hey Kenji, we didn't sign up for this. We're just gunna go okay?" He and his compatriots continued to edge towards the door.

Kenji snorted in disgust. "Whatever. Gutless pieces of shit, but at least you're not fags. Get the fuck out and tell the police we'll come out when we're done with our intervention. We will come out only when we're done." He emphasized, adding "We won't negotiate or talk to them."

For a few moments there was the sound of hurrying people leaving the room, then dead silence for about a minute, then Seto, ignoring the knife at his throat and the spill of his own blood asked coldly "Intervention? Is that what this is? Did my brother put you up to this?"

Kenji laughed shortly, but kept the blade steady against his throat. "Your brother? Fuck no, you brought this on yourself."

Still appearing completely indifferent to the blood slipping down his neck, the brunet lifted a questioning eyebrow. "Indeed, how so?"

"Rich, snobby, piece-of-shit fag. You live like a king even though you wallow in shit, and you have the balls to ask that? Maybe I should just cut your balls off." The words had barely left his mouth when Taro stepped forward and with a kick that would have made a field goal from the fifty yard line, nailed Seto in the balls.

Mercifully for Seto the pain only lasted as long as it took him to pass out. As Seto sank to the floor Jounouchi rose to his feet. His eyes didn't leave his stricken lover. Eyes widened, then narrowed, glittering golden before shifting to an unearthly green, pupils shifting to an ellipse, as he took in the spreading stain seeping over the waistband top of Seto's low cut leather pants. It could have been urine, but Jou knew, in some distant corner of his brain that it was blood.

Fury roared through him and a darkness like he'd never known, lifted it's head and lunged towards the surface of his mind. It took all of his willpower to keep the killing rage from escaping. He didn't have the strength to stop the words that burst from his throat. "Bastards." He growled as his chair scraped back. "I'll roast you on a spit and eat you for a midwinter's snack."

Taro, still smug from his easy victory over the supposedly 'tough' Kaiba Seto turned on the blond, drawing his leg back and kicking high and hard, he grunted and yelped in shock when the blond caught his leg with an impossibly strong hand, and with a careless flick of the wrist, sent him flying across the room, the snap of his broken leg echoing around them. Katsuya didn't spare a glance for the younger twin. In a leap he was beside the fallen brunet.

Kenji stared at his brother for a moment, then with a howl of rage, dove at the blond. Without lifting his head, he held out his hand and caught the elder Miyake by the throat. "He's bleeding... inside... he will die." The words were soft and filled with sadness. The rage that Katsuya had kept in check broke the chains of his control, and with everyone watching with varying degrees of shock, horror, and denial, the imp awoke fully.

Jounouchi Katsuya, slim, beautiful, sexy and blond was gone. In his place was a beast, a demon standing three meters tall with wild, shaggy white and gold streaked hair, black curling horns, a face straight from a nightmare, battle scarred and with fangs that protruded grotesquely from his mouth for several inches. His eyeballs were burning red, the elliptical rises glowing neon green, and pupils swirling with a mix of both colors and black. His hands, strong and smooth, lightly calloused had become claws, with deadly black rapier like fingernails. His clothes, tight on his form before, tore into shreds, falling from his body like the dead leaves from a winter tree.

Yugi gasped and instinctively moved in front of Atemu, only to find it wasn't necessary. Atemu dove behind him, whimpering with fear and smelling of urine. Knowing it was time to beat a hasty retreat before the imp saw them, he gripped Atemu's arm and dragged him away. He didn't dare use magic. It would draw the imp's attention to them.

Honda Hiroto whimpered on the floor, unable to believe his eyes, mercifully he passed out from shock and fear. Mokuba and Pegasus were pressed against the far wall edging towards the door. Whatever the hell that thing was they wanted no part of it.

The imp paid them no mind at all. His attention was completely focused on the dying man in front of him. Using his free hand he laid it on Seto's lower abdomen. The green and black of his eyes flared, shooting out sparks of light almost like a photon canon, only instead of burning or destroying, the lights disappeared into Seto. The unconscious brunet began to glow faintly with the green light, growing brighter and brighter, until in a flash of pure emerald, the glowing vanished.

Satisfied that his host's mate would live the imp turned to what it enjoyed most... mayhem and terror. "Human." He growled low. "Attacking one who is blood bound to the Fenris is punishable by death." He eyed the slack-jawed man in his claw. "And I am hungry. You are evil enough to feed me for the winter."

Seeing his own death in those swirling, horrific eyes, Kenji tried to scream, only to gag and gasp as his air was cut off. "But first you need roasting and a few days of curing. Some demon seed rub... from the inside out... will do."

Eyes rolling with terror, Kenji's body lost all control. His bowels and bladder loosened at the same time. Instead of being disgusted, the imp-demon smiled, baring all of his fangs. "Now I won't have to deal with your offal. I just have to throw you in the river to wash it away."

"T...Taro!" Kenji mewled. "H...Help me."

The younger twin was crumpled like a broken marionette in the same position he'd fallen into when he'd been thrown. A twitch of the demon's eyebrow and the limp body dangled in the air, then floated to them. "Oh another, I'd forgotten him." The imp mocked lm self-reproof, his long forked tongue sliding over his pointed fangs, leaving strings of saliva shining in the dim light. "I won't have to eat until summer." A small scowl crossed the fanged mouth. "Broke it's drumstick. Gotta have drumstick." With a growl of annoyance green photons of light slammed into the unconscious Taro and the bent, twisted leg straightened and aligned, knitting together in just a few seconds. "Better." If it were possible for a demon to purr, that one did.

The already beleaguered elder twin couldn't take any more. With a sigh of defeat, he collapsed like a deflated balloon, hanging limply in the beast's grasp. The demon breathed in deep, his nostrils flaring at the scent he'd overlooked previously. Fae! His tastebuds danced with delight. Human and Fae kebabs were so rare and hard to come by. Spinning around he dropped the humans and focused on the two Fae trying to slide from the room. Hungrily he licked his fangs. "Come to me." He commanded in his voice of power.

Yugi desperately threw up a shield. It held for him, but Atemu was powerless, as the older fae knew he would be. The demon gave him an assessing look, ignoring the helplessly writhing youngling. "Ah, an ancient. I'll be honored to have you for a meal."

"Let us go. We were helping your host and demand freedom as our price."

"Helping you say?" He examined his host's memories carefully. "Yes I see. You may leave." He gestured to Atemu. "My host hates this one, claims he injured his mate more than these humans. I will have him on my spit as well."

"I can't leave. He is my bound mate. He..."

"Then you will both feed me well." The demon's voice became strong, immoveable. "Come to me." This time Yugi couldn't fight it. He was drawn inexorably closer to his demise. Terror and sadness filled him.

Pushing himself forward he reached Atemu's side and clasped an arm around his struggling mate. "I am sorry Fearth, sorry that your mother failed you, sorry I cannot protect you. Perhaps in another life we will be together." It was no true comfort. If Fearth had been properly educated he would know that for all fae, if an imp killed them, they were finished, forever gone. For once the ignorance of his young mate played in Airdin's favor.

Atemu whimpered and burrowed into his side. "Airdin... I... I caused this? I'm sorry" He swallowed hard then said hopefully. "I'll call my mother. She will stop..."

"If you call any Fae they will be forfeit as well. I've told you, Imps have unlimited power. No Fae ever born can match it. Our child... had we a child... would have saved us because... Well never mind that now." He broke off and sighed. "I forgive you. Your ignorance and youthful selfishness caused this, but I forgive you." Yugi whispered into the silky, spiked, hair with his heart aching with regret. Tenderly he held Fearth as he sobbed. He was so caught up in trying to soothe his mate and still his own heartbreak for the future that would never be, that he barely noticed when the imp grabbed them in a crushing grip.

As the world began to fade, a crash and the tinkle of breaking glass was barely heard through the darkness. When Yugi regained his senses he thought a valkyrie had descended and was vanquishing the demon. A small virago of a woman, with long hair and waving what appeared to be a wooden spoon was yelling "Jounouchi Katsuya I told you to put them down now!" And with a hard 'thwomp' she smacked the demon on the nose as if he were no more than a misbehaving puppy. "Put them down. You don't play with your friends like that."

"Woman! You will be on my spit if..." Whack, whomp, thwap! "Do NOT call me 'woman'! I am your mother. You will show me respect or I will pound it into your head with my spoon. Mom, Momma, Mother... but never 'woman!" The raging virago spewed, continuing with her smacks, hitting him on his nose with every other word.

The demon started to growl and attack, but froze mid-move, his wide, wild eyes rolling back into his head. One more whack and Atemu and Yugi fell to the floor. The next smack and the demon dropped like a stone. Before he hit the ground his demon countenance faded and Jounouchi's golden hair and delicate features blurred into place.

Yugi stared wide-eyed at the woman, certain she'd used some unheard of magic, but he could discern nothing. Seeing nothing from the woman he glanced at the spoon. Simple wood... pine. His eyes narrowed thoughtfully. The prophecy that tied him to Fearth foretold many things, one of which was that their children would have the ability to defeat Imp-demons... perhaps it wasn't a magical ability... perhaps... it was this... the knowledge that imps were vulnerable to blows by pine on the nose. It was a novel idea and not one he wanted to test any time soon but it bore closer scrutiny. Knowing when to stage a strategic retreat was something every good ruler knew, and Yugi had been trained to be a ruler from the time he could walk. Grabbing his still whimpering mate, he shimmered back to the Fae realm. He had a few things to say to Fearth's mother.

Taro, stunned and trying to convince himself that everything had been some kind of hallucination, crawled over to his brother, shaking his shoulder urgently. "Kenji... Kenji! Wake up. We have to get out of here." He whispered hoarsely.

Kenji, confused and distinctly uncomfortable by the wet, nasty feeling in his pants and slimy full feeing butt crack, forced himself awake. "Wha... What happened?" He croaked before his memory kicked in and panic had him scuttling backwards like a three-legged crab. "What the fuck was that thing? Where did it go?"

For the first time in his life Taro lied to his brother. "What are you talking about? Jounouchi went all superman on our asses. We gotta get out of here before the cops bust in." Staying low to avoid notice of the woman who took down a demon and was currently fussing over Honda Hiroto's unconscious body, Taro tugged his brother's arm, indicating the elder should follow him. They had barely crawled five feet when they found their path blocked by the two fags from earlier, Mikula and Max. "Move your asses or we'll come after you next." Taro blustered.

Max ignored him and tilted his head towards Mikula. "You were right to come back to get your brother. If we hadn't returned they would have escaped."

"Yeah... and Seto is getting up. Awww... he ran straight to Jounouchi. Wonder which of these assholes knocked him out?"

"I said move!" Taro hissed. "Or you'll get the same."

"Hmmm... Mokuba I don't think either of them did. If they had, they would still be in control. These losers are running. Only cowards run away." Pegasus's fierce look caught the younger Kaiba's flinch. "For the last time... You ran because it was the only way to save us both. You are not a coward." A strong leg lashed out, catching Taro in the ribs as he tried to slip past them. "These are the cowards."

Gasping, Taro fell against the wall. Kenji snarled and stood to his full height, trying to intimidate the 'ice king barbarian' despite having shit and piss running down his legs. "We will get you. You..."

"Oh I'm scared." Pegasus scoffed. "Let me show you something Kenji-boy." In a second Pegasus called his human form. "Recognize me? You already had me... and now... now I have you." A cruel smile crossed his lips. "You'll wish the cops had you because I'll skin you alive for what you did, what you planned, and what you cost me."

If anything the revelation made Kenji more confident. Victims always feared their attackers. He conveniently ignored the strange shift in appearance. His mind simply refused to see what it could not handle. "So you want more? We were always going to look you up. You had to get out of the loony bin first. We didn't know who your little whore was but now that we know..." Kenji gave Mikula a long lustful glance, starting at the top of his golden hair and ending at his elegant ankles. "We'll be sure to do him with you watching."

As Pegasus reached for the soul image that would give him the strength to beat the murdering bastards into a pulp, a furious voice, full of feminine rage cut across his concentration. "YOU! You four! Which of you did this to my boy? Which of you hurt my Hiroto?"

Without hesitation Pegasus and Mikula pointed to Taro and Kenji. The woman, the 'momma', crossed the room in a streak. Using her spoon as a weapon she stuck it in Kenji's face, "You! How dare you hurt my boy! What do you have to say for yourself?"

The elder twin gave her the same disgusted look he gave his own mother. "Fuck off bitch."

For an instant her eyes widened with shock, then narrowed. With lips tight with rage she asked in a near whisper. "What did you say to me boy? You kiss yer momma with that mouth? She must be so ashamed to have sons like you!"

Taro, standing gingerly on his newly healed leg, stepped away from the wall, right next to his older brother and snapped "You heard him, you old hag. Fuck off before we decide to fuck you up." He gave her a lewd up and down. "You're not bad for an old bitch. Pussy's probably worn out but I'm sure we can put that loud mouth to use."

With a battle cry that would have made the Valkyrie proud and the Amazon's cheer, Senta drew back her spoon, ready to administer the thrashing of their lives, as the first blow landed, Kenji and Taro's head crashed together with a loud cracking thump. Senta blinked and stared at the tall brunet man just removing his hands from their hair. "You... are?" She was still battle ready and more than willing to take on this new threat.

"Forgive the interruption. I was afraid you'd break your spoon on their hard heads. I've heard all about your cooking and think it would be a travesty. I'm Kaiba Seto, and I'm going to marry your son, Jounouchi Katsuya." He hesitated a moment then added politely "If you don't mind of course... Momma?" He deliberately opened his eyes wide and made his expression as guileless as possible.

Senta's heart melted at the soft blue eyes staring at her with such hope and innocence. "Ah... you are a good boy, Seto. Of course I want to know you a little better, but you... you are so pretty. I think Jounouchi and you will give me good babies." Frowning slightly she gave his slim form a stern once over. "Once you eat of course. You are too skinny. You are going to raise my grandbabies so you will need lots of energy." Smiling, she spun and took his arm, accidentally kicking Taro in the ribs. "One moment and we will talk some more." Raising her voice she yelled "Ito! Honda Ito! Get in here and get these bad, disrespectful, dirty boys away from our family. Ito! Get them out now! And Hiroto needs to see the doctor and then come home!"

Ito entered cautiously. "Senta..." he sighed. "How many times have I told you? You can't interfere with my work." He called for all hands to come into the club even as he slapped cuffs on the unconscious Taro and Kenji.

"I wasn't here to interfere with your work." His wife countered indignantly. "I came here because the television said that Katsuya was having his engagement party here. Of course I knew I was invited. Those bad, filthy boys, are the crashers." Senta automatically adjusted her hair and apron as an intrepid reporter hit her with his spot light.

"Senta..." Ito was aware of the stifled chuckles and sidelong looks his fellow policemen were giving him as well as the all-seeing eye of the press. Why hadn't his team kept them out? "Go home now. We will all be there when we can okay?"

"Oh.. Ito, uhm..." The woman looked uncertain and a little apprehensive for the first time since entering the building.

He knew that tone. "Yes?" He couldn't keep the dread out of his voice.

"Uhm... I... well I can't go home. I sort of... crashed the car through the back wall to get in when nobody answered and I..." Nervously she twisted the spoon in her hands.

That was too much for the listening cops. The chuckles became full blown laughter as the stress of the last hour was released. Ito closed his eyes in defeat. There was no way to salvage this situation. "All right. I'll... uhm... You can ride home with..."

"With us." Seto smiled sweetly at his new 'Momma' while a dazed and trembling Katsuya snuggled into his side. "We are free to go aren't we?"

"We need statements..." Ito started only to shut up when Senta gave him a stern glare that clearly said there were more important things. "But it can wait until Hiroto sees the doctor and everyone has gotten some rest." he acquiesced softly.

Senta smiled with all the charm of every woman ever born. "Thank you Husband." She said with rare formality. Losing the charm she gave him a stare a basilisk would have been proud of. "You never listen to me! I knew they were in danger, but you didn't listen! Because you didn't they got hurt! That is the mark of a bad husband and a bad father! Statements! Yes tomorrow at the earliest. See to it. It is the least you can do. We will discuss this more at home. Do not be late for dinner. Two hours Ito! "

Turning to Seto she asked "Does your car have room for five. I brought along a charming young man you know, Otogi Ryugi, and of course Katsuya's sister, Shizuka-chan. I dropped them off just outside the alley before I parked the car." She made it sound like parking the car involved crashing through doors all the time.

Shaking his head slightly, Seto explained "The car we drove tonight is a coupe, two seats only. But I am feeling too unsettled to drive. I'll have one of my security men drive it home and call for something else to drive us home."

Senta perked up slightly. "Oh, you have more than one car? May I borrow the two-seater until mine is fixed? You'll need the larger one to transport everyone to school won't you?"

Seto could literally feel the blood drain from his face. "I... I have several vehicles you may choose from. I understand you shop a lot. Perhaps something with larger cargo area? Because you will be cooking for us won't you? Momma?" Okay it was desperate but... it was his Exelero...

"Oh, it's that tiny? Well... yes one of the others then. I hope you didn't pay too much. What good is such a tiny car? You will need a van, a big van, because I just know you will have at least six children, probably more."

The blood he'd just felt returning headed south again. "M...Momma, you know I'm a man right. I can't have children. And Katsuya is too so..."

She waved a hand negligently. "Don't worry about details like that. It's silly. You will give me grandbabies with soft blue eyes and golden hair. Or maybe pretty cinnamon hair and warm honey-gold eyes." Giving him a smile she gestured "Call for the car, I have to finish dinner. You will help me of course, while Katsuya sees to his sister.." Giving her son a sharp glance she warned "Shizuka-chan is much like you, with the same... weakness. You will help her grow strong and I will help you keep your strength. Your wife will help us both."

"Wife?" Seto choked. "Momma, I told you, I am a man. I can't be a wife."

"Details again. You worry too much. Don't argue with your momma. It's not good for digestion or babies. I can hardly call you a husband... who ever heard of two husbands and no wife? No no, don't fuss. You will make a beautiful bride. You are so pretty when you blush and white is your color."

Seeing the confusion, vexation, and reluctant laughter in her son's chosen spouse, Senta relaxed her inner guardian-of-the-gate intent on protecting her son, and nodded her approval to Katsuya. Her tactics may be unorthodox, borderline insane, but she could judge a good man in five minutes... and Kaiba Seto was a good man, one who genuinely loved her Katsuya. If he didn't why would he put up with being called a wife? And LIVE on television. Yes, Kaiba Seto was a good man crazily in love with Katsuya. A momma couldn't ask for anything better - except maybe a dozen grandbabies...

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Since I kept forgetting this I went ahead and posted it all in this last chapter. I hope you like it all. I am considering a very - VERY - brief epilogue but am undecided. Thanks to everyone that reviewed and rated. If you are curious about my latest projects head over to little dragon. I tend to post updates and links to the live/in work documents. I don't mind people who read and kibitz. We have great conversations while I'm writing and people are reading. LOL you have got to forgive the straight from brain typos though. I assure you my betas catch the./
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