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Lost and Found	By : lostintheheartland Category: Yu-Gi-Oh > Yaoi - Male/Male Views: 9748 -:- Recommendations : 2 -:- Currently Reading : 6
Disclaimer: I don't own Yugioh or anything else nor do I make money from this story.

Chapter List
- 3
- 4
- 5
Title: Lost And Found – Episode 3

Author: Maggiemay

Muses and Betas: Jazzy, mofaf1, Lady Laran

Disclaimer: Don't own YGO or any of it's Characters. Do own my OC's and the work contained within this work.

Summary: Life after the Pharaoh left looked bright. Looks can be deceiving. Jounouchi is a cop who finds missing people. He's found everyone he's ever searched for – except one. This is the second episode in the ongoing 'Lost and Found' saga.

Rating: M for Mature just to be safe.

Size: 32 pages and 15760 words.

******

Kichida Aoi dashed out of his door before his mother realized that she had been so involved with her telephone call that she had given him permission to go outside and play with Fuwafuwa. Gleefully, he called out to his best friend. The dog charged around the corner, stopping just inches from Aoi’s five year old frame. “Hey! How are you, girl?”

It didn’t bother him that his best friend was a dog or a girl. All Aoi cared about was that she played with him like he was any other boy. She didn’t call him “Haafu” like his mom’s mom did. He didn’t know what it meant, but it made his mom angry enough to shout. They hadn’t been back to that place since. His friend didn’t look at him with sad eyes like his dad did when they got to see each other.

His dad’s mom was someone he didn’t like to think about because she looked at him with hard eyes that said she didn’t like him. It wasn’t so much the look though, but his dad’s mom liked to pinch and hit. Not just him either, but his mom. That was why they left dad. His grandmother had hit his mom and pushed her down the stairs. Nobody knew he’d seen it, but he had. He was really glad when they left. He only wished his dad would have left with them. Instead, his parents were getting a divorce and fighting for something called custody. Aoi only hoped that custody meant that they didn’t have to go see his mean grandma again.

Hugging his best friend tight he nuzzled the fur for a minute, seeking comfort from the fear of the unknown. “Lets play catch.” He suggested as he pulled away. “Go get your ball.”

The dog’s tail wagged madly as she ran to get the toy. She was back in just a moment, body quivering with excitement and eager to play. Aoi’s laughter rang out as he threw the ball over and over, his Fuwafuwa always catching and returning it. Determined to get the ball past the skilled dog and make her actually run to chase it, he drew back and let fly with the hardest throw he’d ever made. Just as planned, Fuwafuwa missed it, but not for want of trying. It flew past the leaping dog’s muzzle and over the tall stone fence surrounding their house.

“Oh!” In a flash, he was at the heavy wooden gate that led to the street outside. Heaving and straining, he pushed the gate open just enough to slip through and darted out to get the ball.

He looked around cautiously. His mother had always told him not to go outside alone because bad things could happen to him. The street didn’t look like anything bad was on it. His ball lay on the other side of the road next to the sidewalk. He didn’t see anyone around who could hurt him. Half-terrified and half-elated, he stepped into the street. When nothing bad happened he looked up and down to reassure himself that no traffic was coming, and in a burst of courage, ran all the way to the other side and scooped up the ball.

He was checking for traffic again when a voice spoke from behind him. “Hey kid, what are you doing out here all alone?”

Aoi looked over to see two of the scariest men he’d ever seen. They looked like the criminals on television with their slicked back hair, sunglasses and weird clothes. Without a word to them, he darted towards home and the safety of the gate.

A heavy hand stopped him before he got three steps. “No need to run off. We’re not going to hurt you. Are you lost? Where’s your family?”

Aoi let out a small shrill scream, hoping desperately that his mom or dad would come. He didn’t believe this man. His eyes were just as mean as grandmother’s.

“Hey, I said calm down. I just…”

A loud, ferocious bark and deep vicious growl sounded at the same time Fuwafuwa barreled into the man holding him, taking a huge bite out of the arm keeping him prisoner. As if he could hear his friend’s voice, he heard the command to ‘run home’ in his mind. With only a quick look back, he streaked across to the gate, barely aware of the sounds of intense battle behind him.

Crying, he ran to his mother, unaware that his assailant’s blood covered his face and shoulder where Fuwafuwa had attacked to kill. His mother saw him, screamed and dropped the phone. Instantly, the room was filled with people. By the time they checked him over and got the story, there was nothing to find but a drying puddle of blood and the forlorn ball laying in the middle of the street. Fuwafuwa and the two men were long gone.

&&&

"Shizuka, I’m sure you look beautiful. Could you come out of the bathroom now so someone else can use it”  Katsuya called through the bathroom door. This had become routine in the last week and a half. His baby sister diving into the bathroom and staying there for over an hour. Just like in the past days, Shizuka emerged, pale and sweating, her normally light brown eyes miserably dark. "I'm sorry Katsuya. I just... I don't know what's wrong. I think I have the flu and I..."

"It's okay. I get it. Why don't you go lay down in your room. I'll bring you some ginger tea and miso soup. It'll help your stomach."  Jou comforted his sister, concern making his own green-flecked brown eyes darken. It had been like this since the morning he'd returned from the Pyramid-from-Hell. His baby sister sick, vomiting all hours of the day, weak and barely able to leave her bed.

"Thanks big brother, but don't you have an appointment in half an hour?" Even though she protested, he could hear the longing in her voice.

"I've also got a car that moves as fast as a rocket. Besides I shredded the ginger and made miso last night. I just have to steep the tea."

"Always thinking of me." Her lips tilted in an attempt at a smile. "Don't be late."

"I won't." He promised.

He kept that promise. He broke several speeding laws to do it, but he managed. He needn't have bothered. His client had left a message saying he would be an hour late. "Honda, why didn't you call me and let me know the client was running late?"

"I am busy with a counter proposal for MPS. They want an equal amount of paid and pro-bono work. The contract is complicated because they don't count hours, they count 'found' or 'recovered' cases. So if you get paid hourly to find one person, and you only spend six hours on the case, they want you to find another person at no cost, no matter the hours."

"Tell them no."  Otogi stated coolly "Tell them it will be matched hour for hour."

"We need the contract." Honda answered him tersely. At least it was civil, which was an actual improvement.

"Tell them no. If you put us in that position, you will find all of our time consumed by their demands. They will give us a recent, fairly easy case then slam us with something that will take hundreds of hours. That's how charities work. Get their foot in the door and pretty soon, they own the whole building. It's a manipulation tactic."

'You would know about manipulation. How do you suggest I counter then?"

"I've already given you the basics. Tell them the paid time will be matched hour for hour of 'volunteer' time. Have you given them an hourly rate yet?"  Otogi was all business.

"Of course not. I thought I'd raise it twenty percent per hour."

"So we would get sixty percent of every hour worked. No, raise it forty percent. That gives us seventy percent payback per hour. Add twenty-five percent to the expenses quote. Charities are notorious for paying their bills as late as possible and asking for 'consideration' and 'donations.' Make sure that the late charges are non-negotiable in the contract and that they are steep enough to eat up all interest MSP will get by holding on to the money. They will bleed you dry if you don't account for these things."

"Yeah, right. I'm not green. That doesn't even make sense. I do know how to negot..." Honda started to snarl, but Otogi cut him off.

"You are giving a two for one deal. So if you charge one hundred forty percent for one, you will get seventy percent each for two hours. Basic math. I've run a multinational, multi-million yen business. I was dealing with these kinds companies when you were writing love notes to Miho in middle school."

"You ran a company all right. Ran it right into the ground." Honda scoffed.

Otogi leapt to his feet, green eyes full of fire. "You..."

The jangle of the small bell on the door halted them before Jou could step in. They both turned to face their 'customer.' Both of them sank back into their chairs, red flags of rage turning to humiliated banners on their faces.

Jounouchi, after a killing glance that encompassed both of them, rose from his desk. "Hello. Welcome to Lost and Found, People Finders." He smiled gently at the small boy standing uncertainly just inside the door. "How can we help you?"

The boy took a hesitant step forward. "I... I want to hire you."

"I see. Are your parents with you?"  Jou asked as he stepped around his desk and propped his hip on his desk.

"No. Mother is at home, and father is... I don't know. They won't help, and I saw your sign when she walked me to school yesterday. I came to hire you today."

"Do they know where you are?"  Jou wanted to smack his head against the wall repeatedly. A kid was their appointment? The kid couldn't be older than five or six.

"No. I had school toda,y and I... It's... my school is down two blocks." The boy explained.

"I see. Well, come in and sit down. Tell us how we can help you."  Jou invited.

"It's my Fuwafuwa. She's missing." The boy blurted.

Jou went back behind his desk, sat down and took out a large yellow pad and began to make notes. "Fuwafuwa? Perhaps she has another name? Oh, speaking of names, what's yours?" He gestured for the boy to take the seat in front of his desk.

"Kichida Aoi, age five. I just started school last week." He frowned and scooted into the chair   "When can you find Fuwafuwa? She's been missing for nine whole days."

Jou nodded and 'accidentally' dropped his pen. When he bent to recover it he gave Honda a hard look and cut his eyes to the door, telling him without words to haul ass down to the school and let them know they had a missing student. As he sat up, Honda stood and strolled casually to the door. "Jounouchi-san I'm going to check on some leads. I'll be back later."

"Okay thanks Honda-san."  Jou would have chuckled at the formal way they spoke if it weren't so damn important. A runaway in their office was a sure path to disaster. "Okay so, Kichida-san, tell me about Fuwafuwa. How old is she? What does she look like?" He didn't shift his gaze from their 'client' when Otogi stood and walked to the window, ostensibly to give them privacy.

"Fuwafuwa is a brown Tosa-inu. She is two years old and my best friend." The boy's voice wobbled. "She saved me from the bad men so they took her."

"Saved you from the bad men?"  Jou sat up straight, his senses tingling. "What bad men?"

"They were on the street outside the gate. I'm not supposed to go outside the gate, but I threw the ball too high and I went to get it. I didn't see them. I got the ball, and the bad man stopped me. He grabbed my shoulder.  Fuwafuwa bit him and he let go. There was blood... she ripped his clothes and his arm to make him let me go."  Aoi's voice spiraled out of control.

Jou nodded. "Okay, okay. Calm down. So you ran home?"

"Yes. Mother thought it was me bleeding. I tried to tell her to go get Fuwafuwa, but she didn't listen for a long time. When she finally did they were gone; the bad men and Fuwafuwa. Just her ball and all that blood was in the street."

"Did the police look for the bad men?"

"Mom didn't call the police. She said it was some friends of Dad's who visited on the wrong day. But they weren't. They were bad. They had mean eyes.   My dad would never be friends with them."

"I believe you."  Jou began to make notes in earnest. "What did they look like?"

"Mean." The boy was absolute on that.

"Yeah, I'll bet. Can you tell me how tall? If they had dark hair or light hair? What did they wear?"

"The one that grabbed me was just as tall as my mom. He had a broken tooth that was black." He thought for a minute. "His arm was awful.  Fuwafuwa pulled the sleeve all the way off, and it was hanging like..." He dangled his arm awkwardly, "that."

"Did you see anything else on the arm besides blood? Were there any pictures?"

The boy thought hard for a minute then nodded. "Yes. It looked like a koi fish from a coloring book."

"Can you tell me about their clothes? Did they wear jeans or a uniform?"

"Weird. Shiny and striped like on television when the housekeeper and mom watch yakuza shows. Their hair was really shiny too and held back in tails. Short tails though, not long."

"Wow, you know a lot. You really paid attention."  Jou praised.

The boy shrugged. "I see them every night in my dreams." His eyes became intense, his attention focused inward. "I hear her in my dreams asking me to come get her." Defiantly, he lifted his gaze. "I know it's her, not a dream. I've heard her before. She told me to run when she rescued me. I know she's out there, and she needs me. Will you find her?"

Jou didn't doubt the boy at all. Who was he to doubt what the kid heard? He knew first hand how it was to 'hear' the voices of the lost. "I'll do my best, Kichida-san."

Otogi shifted. "Jounouchi-san, my friend is on the street. I believe I will go meet him." With a slight bow, Otogi hurried from the office. He obviously didn't want to be part of the scene when Kichida Aoi's parents arrived.

Jou was genuinely surprised when, less than two minutes later, Tatsu and Officer Watanabe stepped into his office. "Hey!  Miyahara, Watanabe. What's up?" He kept his tone casual and light and sent Tatsu a smile of greeting.

Watanabe glared at him for a moment then knelt beside the seated boy. "Are you Kichida Aoi?"

"Yes, sir." The boy answered immediately. He'd obviously been taught to respect the police.

Watanabe nodded and spoke into his radio. In just a few moments, a dishevelled woman of about thirty, jeans and shirt rumpled and long black hair flying in all directions burst through the door. "Aoi!" She immediately scooped the boy, clinging for dear life. Hot on her heels was a well dressed, buttoned down man in silk suit and tie. He was impeccably groomed and didn't look like he'd rushed or worried in his life. His eyes told a different story. They were the panicked, wild eyes of a parent who had faced a lost child. It was a look Jou was familiar with. "Please come in." Moot point since they were already in, but it added a level of normalcy to the situation. "Miyahara will you shut the door? I'm sure nobody here wants their emotions put on display for the other tenants." Calling him by his last name might have been unprofessional of him, but Jounouchi just didn't feel right calling the man he'd gone on two dates with 'Captain.' It could have been worse, he could have called him Tatsu.

Aoi's father, after a quick but thorough inspection and a gentle stroke Aoi's head, ordered his estranged wife, "Both of you get out of here."

She started to nod in automatic agreement but caught herself. "No."

"I will deal with these people." The venom he placed on the last word made it plain he didn't consider Jounouchi above scum.

"No. If you had paid attention to what the man who came to the school said you would know that Aoi came on his own. You can't blame..."

The venom was back and more pronounced as he addressed her "You gave up the right to tell me what I can and cannot do when you ran out on our marriage. Do not presume to..."

"You didn't listen then, and you still aren't listening. I didn't run out on our marriage; I left that house." She snapped angrily. Abruptly the fire died in her and she asked tonelessly. "What does it matter? You didn't hear me then and you won't now. You never listen."

The man's composure broke and genuine pain crossed his features. "I..."

Aoi agitated by his mother's defeated voice, cut across his father's words. "Wait, Dad do you think that Jounouchi-san did something to me? That he took me from school?" The boy shook his head vehemently. "That isn't what happened. Dad, I..."

His father rubbed a soothing hand down Aoi's back. "Let me take care of it son."

"Dad, I came for Fuwafuwa. I came here by myself 'cause I saw the sign, and I wanted them to find Fuwafuwa for me. Honest Dad, I'm sorry I left the school but I have to find Fuwafuwa. She needs me and Jounouchi-san says he will find her for me."

"All by yourself? Nobody asked you or told you?"

"No. I saw the sign. It says 'Lost and Found' like you showed me. I knew they could help find Fuwafuwa." The boy explained proudly.

"I see." He smiled gently at his son. "Well, in that case, let your mother take you back to school while I talk to er... Jounouchi-san."

"But I..."

"No buts. We have to discuss paying them. When you hire someone you have to pay them." He explained gently.

"I know that Dad. I brought the money from the drawer in the hall. Mom said it was for emergencies.  Fuwafuwa is an emergency." He fished around in his jacket pocket and pulled out a wad of five and ten thousand yen notes. "I counted it. It's almost six hundred thousand yen. That will pay for Jounouchi-san to find Fuwafuwa" he looked at Jounouchi uncertainly "Won't it?"

Jou didn't get a chance to answer. The elder Kichida male snatched the bills out of Aoi's hand and stuffed it in his pocket. "Aoi, you don't need to worry about this. I'll handle it. Go with your mother back to school."

Aoi's mother smiled slightly and held out her hand. "Return my savings, Toru. It is money I earned with my work. I've been saving for months."

"Your work? Don't make me laugh. You've never sold a single book."

"Book no." Pride lifted her head and for the first time a rage showed. "I've sold two screenplays. If you had listened to me three months ago, when your mother accused me of everything from theft to prostitution you would know that. Return my money." She demanded again.

Kichida Toru pulled it back out and shoved it in her waiting hand. "Screenplays, right. You sit around on your butt and make up stories." Vindictively, he added, "It's looking wider. You probably want to work out more. You're going to need another rich husband soon."

She gave him a cold smile. "See you in court, Toru. Be sure to bring the evidence your mother supposedly has of my crimes. It should be entertaining fiction if nothing else." She placed the money carefully in her purse and reached for Aoi's hand. "Jounouchi-san, if you truly believe you can find Fuwafuwa, please don't hesitate. My son's going through enough without losing his best friend. Give my hus- give him the details. His lawyer can forward them to me. If I can help in any way, please contact me." She held out a cream colored business card.

"Of course."  Jou bowed slightly, his eyes dark and shadowed. The destruction of a marriage was painful to witness. It brought back so many memories, all bad. Without another word, she and Aoi left the office.

"Jounouchi-san, I trust that my son found his way here exactly as stated. Is it true you can find his dog?"

"I told him I'll do my best. I do need more information though. Do you know about the incident where the dog disappeared?"

"Only that my wife accused me of sending thugs to steal Aoi."  Kichida sighed. "May I sit please?"

"Of course."  Jounouchi bowed and waited for him to sit before taking his seat.

"My wife and I are separated. We have a divorce hearing in a few weeks. We are disputing custody but because she is Japanese and resides here and I am a Chinese resident, she currently holds temporary custody. I didn't send anyone to 'get' my son from her. I know that if I attempted such an act, as a Chinese citizen I would be expelled from the country, never to be allowed even visitation. I would have to forget custody entirely."

"I understand."  Jou nodded slightly. "Ah... Watanabe, Miyahara, why don't you guys go get coffee at the coffee shop across the street. I'm sure you have questions but..."

Watanabe glared. "If there was an attempted kidnapping we need to know about it."

"Of course.  Kichida-san, would you like to report an attempted kidnapping?"

"No. As I said, I believe she is making accusations to weaken my case. I believe that if there was an incident it was of her engineering."

"There you have it. No crime, just a domestic dispute." He smiled with saccharine sweetness. "Please excuse me, I am with a client."

Watanabe gave him a stiff nod, Miyahara a polite smile. If Jou hadn't had the personal knowledge of two dates with the man he would have completely missed the amused twinkle in the inky depths of the Captain's eyes.

"You are very casual with the police." Kichida murmured disapprovingly.

"Was on the force for years and quit a month or so ago. Captain Miyahara was my squad captain. Watanabe was one of my squad."

"I see. No wonder they were not overly concerned when they were told by that man that my son was with you." He hesitated a moment then sighed again. "Can you find the animal? Even if my wife caused it to disappear?"

Jou frowned slightly. "I don't believe she did. But I will investigate and let you know. From what I understand of what happened, your son was covered in his assailant's blood. She was hysterical about it."

"Despite my wife's appearance, she is very manipulative and deceitful." The man cautioned. "She has 'staged' incidents in the past."

"I see. You would know of course." Jou nodded. "Pregnant women can be unpredictable."

Kichida's whole body went rigid. "She is not pregnant."

Jou blinked "Not? Again you would know of course, but I put her at between five and six months."

"When she was pregnant with Aoi she was sick every morning and looked like she had a soccer ball for a belly when she was barely four months along."

"Then she's probably carrying a girl this time. I'm told that women carry boys and girls differently. But perhaps I'm wrong." He nodded and rose, crossing to the filing cabinet. "If you could sign our standard two-party agreement? When I go to interview your family this afternoon, I will have your wife sign it." He laid the sheaf of paper on the desk. "It is a standard agreement with..."

After Kichida left, a copy of the signed agreement in his hand, Jou sat back with a relieved huff. The guy had questioned everything in the contract and insisted on adding a rider that he was responsible for only half the bill, his wife the other. To put it bluntly the guy was an ass and as blind as a bat. How he could not see his wife was pregnant was beyond Jou's idea of rational. That was for later. The tinkle of the bell signalled his next appointment.

***

The neighborhood was respectable, without being nice. That was Jou's first impression. The people who lived here worked for their money and bought the best they could afford. It wasn't fancy, pretentious or in any way upwardly mobile. The neighborhood was on the lower end of respectable. Two blocks north and there was a good, quiet shopping district. Two blocks south and the houses went from respectable to rundown, borderline seedy. A few blocks south of that was an area Jou was all too familiar with, the stews and ghettos. It was gang and Yakuza territory.

He pasted on his polite, professional mask and rang the bell. A short round man, perhaps forty-five , with bright eyes and an infectious smile greeted him like a friend. "You would be Jounouchi-san. I've heard all about you from Aoi-kun. He described your golden hair and golden-green eyes exactly."

Jou was slightly taken aback at the man's lack of restraint, but nodded "Yes, Jounouchi from Lost and Found. I spoke to Kichida-san on the phone a few minutes ago. She said it was all right for me to stop by now?"

"Yes, yes. She and Aoi are waiting in the main room. I am Takahashi Hiro, Kichida-san's agent. She is honoring my wife and I with their presence until they can find suitable accommodation." His eyes twinkled with good will. "She is welcome to stay forever! She has become like a daughter to us, and of course Aoi-kun is like a grandson. We are looking forward to the baby as well. It's been too long since little footsteps have pattered our floors."

"You have children?"

The smile brightened to megawatt. "My daughter lives in the United States. She is a busy career woman working for a major publishing house on the famous Times Square, but she makes time to come back to us once a year for two weeks."

"It sounds like you are blessed." Jou mumbled politely.

"We are! Now doubly so with Aoi and Sayuri."

Jou stopped in his tracks. "Kichida Sayuri? Creator of 'Morning Sun' and 'Nodo Kara Te Ga Deru'?" They were two of the hottest television serials around. Shizuka was hooked on both of them. She claimed that the inspirational stories from Morning Sun brightened her day while the tales of greed and envy on 'Nodo Kara Te Ga Deru' fed her need for darkness. Lost and Found's first client, the American actor had done a guest spot on Morning Sun.

The agent beamed. "The very same. She has a third series that is due to go into production in just a few days. That is why this attempt on Aoi was very strangely timed. She is an asset to the people who handle the shows. They protect her like the treasure she is."

Jou nodded slightly to show he understood. Everyone knew that Yakuza ran the movie and television industry. They wouldn't frighten or coerce a cooperative goose that was willingly laying the proverbial golden eggs. "Kichida-kun said that the men that accosted him looked like Yakuza."

"As I said, the organization protects those it values. They were not Yakuza." The jovial mask faded and a ruthless expression crossed the smaller man's face. "I give you my word."

Jou nodded. That was definitely good enough for him. He had an inkling of exactly who and what Takahashi Hiro was, and he wasn't going to doubt the man's word. People who did that probably ended up with cement shoes. "Do you have any idea who it could have been?"

"I can only say that none in my... family... did it. Several of my family and friends are looking into it."

"Thank you." Jou bowed lower than he would normally.

"You are welcome." The man inclined his head slightly, and the mask of jovial good will returned. "Right this way!"

Kichida Sayuri and Aoi were seated side-by-side on the couch holding hands. When he entered they both sprang to their feet. Aoi rushed to him, demanding "Did you find her? Where is she? Is she outside?"

"I haven't started looking for her yet." Jou told the boy simply.

"What? Why not? Didn't father pay you?" He could definitely see the boy's resemblance to his father.

"He has signed a contract. I need your mother's signature on the contract. Then I need to speak to you, get a few more details about what happened. After that, I will begin looking for Fuwafuwa."

The boy looked crushed for a moment, the rallied. "Okay!"

Sayuri smiled at her son, then held her hand out. "If you'll give me the contract? I'm sure it's fair." Bitterness seeped into her voice. "Even if he is blind to everything else, my husband knows contracts."

After the formalities were attended to, Jou asked Aoi to go over the attack again, asking specific questions, looking for details that might tell him more. Surprisingly, it was Kichida Sayuri that gave him his biggest clue. As he rose to leave she observed thoughtfully. "It almost sounds like a staged scene from a movie. Like someone wanted us to think they were Yakuza. That is why I assumed it was an attempt from my husband. He loves Yakuza and crime dramas and has no real knowledge of the true power of Yakuza." She nodded slightly. "I'll show you out."

Jou would have never guessed the cold, button-downed, man he'd met that morning watched more than the stock exchange. "Thank you."

He scouted around the outside of the house, very aware of the eyes watching every move he made. Jou wondered if they were a new addition since the attempt on Aoi, and decided they probably were. Takahashi Hiro was determined to guard his golden goose.

He started scouting up and down the block, paying particular attention to bushes and dark spots where an injured dog could have gone to die. It was well known that very loyal dogs would seek a private place to die. Fuwafuwa was definitely loyal. He found evidence of occupation in some of the places he checked, but no sign of a dog.

Jou returned to the gated entrance where Aoi had slipped out and looked across the street. All blood had been washed away, but Jou thought he could still see the stain. Focusing, he tried to see what had happened that day. He built an image of Aoi laughing and playing, throwing the ball high over the fence. It would have bounced and rolled to a stop, probably catching the attention of the men who had accosted Aoi.

In his mind's eye, he could see it clearly, the ball soaring high over the fence, bouncing a few times before coming to rest against the curb of the sidewalk. Aoi's thin frame slipping out from the gate, hesitating at the street before running across to grab the ball. The men seeing an advantage... and the dog. Jou could see her clearly. Watching protectively, but letting her young friend explore, aware of every possible threat in the area, from the men in the shadows to a shadow crouching under a large bush. Her panic and anger, driving her to fly across the street when Aoi was threatened. Jou could hear her growl and deep bark, see the spurt of blood as she attacked...

He wrenched himself from the vision and turned to the spot where someone or something had crouched that day. Signs of a small human or large animal were clearly visible to the trained eye. There was no scat so Jou bet it was a human. Determined, he tracked the barely visible path through the grassy area between houses, following it several yards to a stand of old growth trees. The path ended at a knotty, gnarled oak tree. Jou knew something about hiding and trees. An assessing glance upwards showed a very well camouflaged platform nestled between two sturdy branches. Nostalgia wending through him, he kicked off his loafers, toed off his socks, and began to climb.

If he hadn't been expecting some kind of defense mechanism, Jou would have gotten seriously injured by the pointed stick that swung down as he accidentally hit the pin holding it in place. "Well damn." He mumbled to himself. Whoever it was, they were serious about keeping people from that treehouse platform.

More cautious, he began to inch his way closer. Twice more, he narrowly avoided being impaled by a sharp object. The second was a long, narrow pole with a notched stone arrowhead tied to it. The third was a deadly, sharpened piece of rebar that would have skewered him through the neck if he hadn't ducked at the last second. Not just serious, but deadly serious. He finally stood on the branch and looked at the platform. A simple sleeping mat, blanket, and pillow were folded neatly on one end. A dark green plastic bag was spread out over two branches a meter above the platform, obviously to protect it from rain, and crouching in the middle of it was a boy of about ten. Or at least, Jou assumed it was a boy. It was hard to tell because of the baggy clothes, long hair and delicate face. He held up his hands to show they were empty. "I'm not here to hurt you. I just want to talk."

"Come closer and you die." The boy spat.

"Well I don't want to die so I'll just stay here." Jou leaned back against the trunk of the tree. "You see what happened to the kid's dog?" Jou knew from his search this boy had been here a while because of the paths and the 'comforts' of his nest. The skills the kid had shown told their own story of survival on the streets. One of the most useful skills, one of the first developed, was an awareness of environment. The kid knew about Aoi and the dog.

"I don't know a fucking thing. Get lost, cop."

"I'm not a cop. I'm a finder of the lost." He smiled slightly. "I'm looking for the dog. That's all."

"You smell like a cop to me. My nose is never wrong."

"I haven't had time to blow the stink off. Yeah I was a cop, but I quit to find the lost. C'mon, I'm not going to bust you or report you to the services. I just want to find the dog. Believe it or not, I've been where you are. Whatever you're running from, it's worse than what you got now. If I bust you, it'll be worse for you. I know that. I lived it."

"We got nothing in common so don't try it. I'm not some street mutt like you. Soon, I'll own the world."

Jou chuckled at that. "You aren't the only one to call me a mutt. Funny enough, he owns the world right now. He'll get irritated when you take it from him."   He gave a small, crooked smile. "But for a street mutt like me to meet two guys who own the world, I guess that makes me a special street mutt."

"Whatever! I don't give a shit if you're special or not. The little prince lost his fucking mutt. Boo hoo. I'm sad for him." The mocking voice hardened "Get lost. It's your last warning. You'll die up here, and I'll drag your body down to the river and let the fish eat you."

"Little prince huh? Yeah, I guess to you he'd seem that way. Look, I'm going to leave you my card and some money. If you remember anything about the Yakuza or the dog, come see me." Jou laid his card and as much yen as he had in his wallet on the widest part of the limb and turned to climb down.

"Wait." The boy was standing now, glaring at Jou with eyes hard with pride. "I don't take charity. I'll sell you the information for what you gave me."

Jou glanced over his shoulder. "Okay, shoot, think of it as payment in advance for your information. If it's good we're even."

"They weren't Yakuza. Bôsôzoku from the south. They were chasing me. Have been for over a year. I think the leader is a perv who wants to do me. They say want to 'save' me by 'adopting' me to their family. Fuck that. I won't join some second rate gang."

"Ride motorcycles?"

"Some of them. Most of them just walk around beating up people and stealing money from old people."

"You see them take the dog?"

"Yeah. One guy was bleeding bad, his arm was almost off and the dog was going to finish it. Then the other guy hit the dog with a zapper. Guy with the zapper picked the mutt up, and they took off. Guy who was hurt said that he was gonna kill the dog while they were running away. Last thing I heard, the other guy said that the boss would decide. They've been back a couple times nosing around. I stay up here and watch." A wicked grin slashed across the boy's face. "The one guy's arm is all wrapped and in a sling. The dog got him good."

"Got any idea why or they took the dog?"

"Like I said, south.   The guy wanted to kill it. If their boss let him, then the dog's dead."

"Hmm. Boss wouldn't decide that unless there was a use for it." Jou thought aloud.

"Do your job. You don't seem half as dumb as most cops. You'll figure it out." The boy smirked. "There's a rope coiled on a branch about seven centimeters from your hand. Use it to get down. If you don't you won't dodge the traps."

"Who taught you how to do this stuff?"

"Someone who knew I was gonna need to know when I own the world. Bye Cop. Don't come back."

"Hey! If I need more information can I trade?"

"You think I'm a rat? Some cop's street rat?"

"Fuck no. I just need good sources. You're smart and you're good. I can always use a good operative. Pay should get you some food."

"I'll think about it." The boy turned and with a shimmy, slipped over the edge of the platform and out of sight.

Jou crawled down the rope and headed for his apartment. If he was going to the south side of Domino he sure as hell wasn't going as Jounouchi Katsuya, business owner. He would go in clothes that showed his history, his marks of honor and shame clearly on his skin.

He was surprised to find Shizuka up and dressed when he reached the apartment. She still looked like hell but better than that morning. "Hey. You should be in bed."

"I have a doctor's appointment." She held up her hand to stop his next words. "I know you're going to offer to take me, but I've already called a taxi. What are you doing home so early?" She moved to look out the window.

"Just came in to change." He gave her a lingering look. "Are you sure? I mean it's..."

"Go change, big brother. Take a shower while you're at it. You didn't get to this morning."

"Where I'm going the lack of a shower won't be noticed, trust me." He frowned when she nodded absently and turned to pick up her purse.

"Okay then, have fun." With a wave she hurried as fast as her obviously shaky legs could carry her.

"Hmm." Jou let her go for now. She obviously didn't want him to know about the appointment. He couldn't think of any reason why. If she was sick, he would stand by her. She knew that. He set the issue aside for the moment and went to take a long hot shower.

South side hadn't changed. Streets were clean, but only thanks to the efforts of the city, not any effort of the residents. The stores with bars on the windows obscuring their wares and business girls on the corners, their pimps watching to make sure nobody hurt the merchandise and the girl didn't get more than her fair share, huddled in the shadows cast by the graffitied buildings. It was depressing to Jou that he could walk into this area and feel right at home, as if the last years as a cop, living a decent life, had never happened.

A local tough, one Jou recognized as a low-end knee breaker from a small clan stepped out of the shadows. "I know you. You used to run with Hirutani."

"So?"

"So he's dead, his guys in jail. Why are you here?"

"Just looking for my lost dog."

"Dog huh? Your bitch run out on you?"

"Not a woman, a real dog." Jou bit back a sigh. "Last time anyone saw my dog, couple of guys from here had her. Dog's a brown Tosa-inu. She's two. and I want her back."

"Tosa?" The guy whistled "Cost a lot. Fighter too. Female is good for breeding if she won't fight. You won't get her back if she's down here."

"No sanctioned matches down here. There a pit going on?"

"You know there is. Always has been. 'Course 'Tani never had nothing to do with it. Too high a reach for his school punks."

Jou let that pass and nodded in agreement. "High reach huh? The guys who took her were dressed like Yakuza. One had a black tooth, and my girl tore him up bad. Arm's probably broke if not gone."

The man spit on the ground. "Not Yakuza. Trying to be. Wannabe's with no code or honor. Yakuza take care of people who can't do for themselves. These guys ain’t like that. They hurt everyone to get their needs, usually drugs, money and women."

"They were after a boy when they got my dog."

"Heard about that but ain't seen it. Rumor is that their boss man has a taste for little kids. Don't matter if they're boy or girl. He's snatched a few of the street kids. We've tried to get him, but he's too well protected."

"What's his name?" If Jou had a name, he could get the bastard.

"Not saying any more. Two of his guys just turned the corner. They see me talking to you and something happens, I'm dead. The family isn't as strong as it was because my boss got on the wrong side of his boss. Good luck." The man melted back into the shadows.

Jou was not a fool. He could continue his search, but he knew that if he asked the wrong questions he would draw attention to himself. He definitely didn't want to alert anyone that he was asking about the dog or the gang. He wanted to avoid them until he had backup in place. If he tried to go in now, he'd end up dead.

Shizuka was in bed, fast asleep. Jou didn't have the heart to wake her up. She was so pale and even sleeping, looked exhausted. Honda and Otogi were not at the apartment either. Frowning, he set aside the problem of the dog and decided to pick up the thread of the problem with Kaiba.

When he'd gone to the Pyramid From Hell, he'd hidden behind the fountain statue, fully expecting to have to force Kaiba to accept his help. He had relaxed and gotten too comfortable, dozing off almost an hour before Kaiba arrived. He'd woken to the sound of Kaiba's voice chanting in what had probably been some ancient priest language but could have been Greek for all Jou knew. The voice came from directly above him and had echoed off the walls. In just a few seconds, blue tendrils unfurled around Jou, filling the fountain where he sat.

There was an instant when his whole body felt as if it were being crushed, then the crushing reversed and Jou felt like he was being stretched on a rack. Heat, hotter than anything he'd ever felt poured through him as he was consumed by a bright light, then icy cold darkness sucked him into its depths, sucking away his consciousness. All of existence faded to a tiny speck far, far away.

The sensation of something tugging at him brought him back from the brink, and Jou regained his awareness. He wasn't in the shallow fountain any longer. Instead, he crouched at the base of a large circular pool. Above him soared the ankh altar where Kaiba's Ka flowed down into the pool and spilled over.

Jou gulped slightly when he noticed his own Ka was mixing with the blue, forming more green light. He straightened and prepared to confront Kaiba, sure that the other man would see it. Strangely, there was no comment or demand. In fact, except for his own breathing Jounouchi didn't hear a single sound. Cautiously, he poked his head up to get an idea of what was going on.

He hadn't really thought about it but for some reason, he expected the portal to manifest fully formed. Instead, Jou could see that the Ka was snaking upwards along the walls, rising higher and higher, consuming the pyramid in green light. There was no sign of any other creatures except himself and Kaiba. He wondered where the cats were but decided he would find out soon enough.

With awe and a tinge of fear, he watched the light climb higher and higher until it reached the apex of the pyramid. When it did, a sound that was like the end of the world resonated through the building, shaking it like an earthquake, except that Jou knew they were not on earth. Bright streams of light and dark shot out from the apex forming what looked like a curtain woven of shimmering light and blackest shadows descending from heaven itself.

The curtain slowly rose, leaving behind a large arched opening. Jou ducked back behind the ankh altar. He didn't want them to notice him until it was too late. The creature wearing Yugi's face stepped through the portal. "Seto-kun!" He greeted, sounding so happy, so much like Jou's friend that Jou wanted to hop out of the pool of Ka and wail on the monster. "Where is Jounouchi! I need to speak to him. He misunderstood last time."

"You are out of luck, Yugi. I haven't seen him since that day, and I don't intend to." Seto's voice was cold and dismissive. Jou forgot about wanting to beat up the Yugi-monster and fought the urge to smack some sense into the brunet.

"Seto-kun, please... please ask him to come see me. He helped you last time. You were awake and stronger than you have been in years. He is still helping you. Look at your Ka. It is still mixed with his even though he is not here. He needs to know that if nothing else. Please, Seto-kun ask him to help you, ask him to see me? I need to explain to him."

"No." Seto's tone was uncompromising. "I don't have time or energy to deal with him right now."

A deep voice cut in. "If your master orders it, you will obey, Priest. That is what you swore."

"Stay out of this, Atemu. It is between me and Yugi."

"There is nothing between you and Yugi except duty and obligation. Once, he was your friend. Now he is your master. You gave him up to me and death, remember?"

"How will I ever forget that? It was a flawless plan, Pharaoh. You used my weakness, his weakness, to manipulate us both. We fell for it. Yugi is yours forever and I'm his - yours by default - slave. Isn't that what you wanted?"

"I wanted Yugi. I did not and do not care about you. I thought you were my beloved cousin reborn. You are not. As my cousin, I could forgive your brash arrogance and disrespect. You are not my cousin, you are a common whelp, not worthy of my notice. To think that you dared to challenge me? This is a suitable punishment."

At that point it was all he could do to hold still and not beat the shit out of all three. Yugi-monster for wearing his friend's face. Atemu for his arrogance and cold heart, and Kaiba for being a fucking idiot.

Kaiba's taunting laugh surprised him. "Still can't get over the fact that I took his virginity, can you? That I made him call my name when he came."

"Seto-kun!" Jou knew that if it had been Yugi standing there he would have sputtered in absolute embarrassment, but the monster only rebuked the brunet. "You've been ordered not to mention that. You know it upsets me. You will have to be punished. A task. Bring Jounouchi with you next time. I will see him and explain."

"And if I don't?"

"Do not fail. You know the punishments Kisara and Seth can mete out. Please just do as I ask?" Yugi's voice was low and full of entreaty, but it was clear that his request was a demand.

"I'll consider it." Kaiba sounded completely unmoved by the threat..

"Thank you Seto-kun. Would you like to play a game? If you go into the well and I balance a board on the rim, we could play chess or checkers? We could even duel."

"Is that an order?"

"No! Seto-kun I've apologized so many times for what I did. I've tried to make it up to you. Why can't you forgive me?"

"You really are as stupid as your lover. You beg for forgiveness and then commit the same act over and over. Leave me in peace. Unless you order me, I will not speak to you again. I'm going to sleep. I need all the sleep I can get. My daughter has her nights and days crossed."

"Daughter?" Yugi squeaked, obviously shocked. "What daughter! Seto what..."

"Come away, Yugi. He obviously will not speak to you unless ordered. Do you really want to force a conversation? Seth, Kisara, Karim and Mahado will keep watch over him. If he wants to talk to you, he can send one of them."

"But I..."

"Yugi, we must discuss the northern province. Shamir is becoming difficult. We must make a decision soon."

"Shamir? But he is such a nice man. What is going on?"

"Let's talk about it in our chambers." Atemu's voice was growing fainter. Jou didn't hear Yugi-monster's reply. Except for a few conversations between Karim and Mahado, the pyramid was silent as a tomb. Which made perfect sense because it was a tomb. Jou shuddered at the thought then pushed it out of his head.

Jou figured that it would be the perfect time to pop up and have a talk with Seto, but as he neared the surface of the pool of light, soft snores reached him. Kaiba had gone to sleep. He was probably telling the truth about his daughter. Jou remembered in his parenting classes that newborns slept a lot but rarely on the same schedule as their parents. He'd let Seto catch some shut eye and talk to him when he woke up. Settling back into the swirling gold, green and blue, Jou relaxed and for the second time dozed off.

When he woke, he was outside the pyramid and the sun was just cresting the horizon. He was baffled about how he got there, but the part of him that answered his Ka questions spoke to him in a way he couldn't describe, wordless but rich with meaning, it had no human description. Seto's Ka had removed him without anyone being the wiser. For now Seto's Ka believed it best that Seto's Ba didn't realized that Jounouchi was there. When he asked why, only silence answered him.

It surprised Jou that Seto's Ka would keep his presence a secret from Seto. Jou thought that was really strange. Shouldn't the Ka have some kind of loyalty? Sure they moved around, but shouldn't there be some affection or loyalty to their current host? Thinking about it led Jou back to the current problem.

He couldn't boot his computer and speak to Ai without running the risk of waking Shizuka. No way was he going to explain the weird, freaky shit that had been happening to her. She was sick and needed less stress, not tales from the tomb. He went back out to his car and flipped the ignition. When the lights were on he tapped the screen. "Ai, what's the status on Malik? And when am I meeting with Mokuba?"

"Good evening to you too, Katsuya. I expected you to call me the morning after P-cubed." The cool feminine voice censured.

"I was busy. Besides I was waiting for you to contact me about an update. Give me the status on Malik, and tell me when and where I'm meeting Mokuba."

Genuine sounding chuckles came from the speaker. "You really are no fun today. I have no update on Malik, except that the day he disappeared a motorcycle was stolen from a village two kilometers away. There were no witnesses and the motorcycle turned up in Cairo three days later. Mokuba is still on Pegasus's island. He is waiting for the redecoration of his new apartment to finish before returning."

"Fucking wonderful. How long until that's done?"

"He completely redesigned two of the bathrooms and ordered a large hot tub installed in one. He's also ordered the balcony be turned into a private green room. If all goes according to schedule, two months." She paused "Seto was very energetic when he returned. I know you were there, did you speak to him?"

"No. I started to but then he started talking to Atemu and the monster and I decided to lay low and listen. After they left, he fell asleep before I could talk to him. I settled in to wait for him to wake but for some reason, I fell asleep too. When I woke up, I was outside the pyramid. I could still see the Ka energy so I know Kaiba was still in there but... Well when I asked what happened my own Ka answered that Seto's Ka didn't want Seto to know I was there. I don't know why but... well there wasn't an answer when I asked. I waited until I saw Kaiba leave before I took off."

"Tell me everything that happened. Don't leave out a detail, no matter how insignificant. It may be vital. Oh and be sure to quote as much as possible. Paraphrasing is not reliable in this instance."

"Yeah got it." He closed his eyes and sank into the seat. "You know I went early..." He started to recount the night as accurately as possible.

Ai let him go through the story then asked him specific questions. "Commit the same act? There was no mention of the act?"

"No, but I can guess that one. Yugi used him for his own purposes with no regard for Seto's feelings. From what I saw, Yugi does the same thing to get Seto to comply, but this time using Kisara and Seth as his weapons of punishment. Do you know anything about that? About the cats hurting Kaiba?"

"Not at all. Seto is very fond of the cats. He treats them better than he treats most humans. If they..." Ai broke off, the light on her screen flashing rapidly for a moment. "Sorry, I was adding a factor to the decision matrix. Is it possible that Seto feels a kinship with them, that they are all bound to masters? What would he feel if he believed his punishers were forced to act against their will? Would he blame them?"

Jou rubbed between his eyes tiredly. "Ah man, that could be right. He may care about them, feel sorry for them, hell he might even consider them like... fellow sufferers or something."

"Holding a whip." Ai stated calmly.

"Yeah." Jou would never admit, it but he was genuinely concerned about ~~the~~ Kaiba. The way Atemu had treated Seto was disrespectful, borderline abusive and Yugi... Instinctively Jou shook his head, rejecting the thought. That hadn't been Yugi. The monster threatening him, even if he sounded pained about it... that was not his friend. Yugi would never have allowed someone to become a slave nor would he have allowed the Pharaoh to treat a friend so harshly as he had.

"Katsuya, my primary programming is to protect Kaiba Keiko and Kaiba Seto, but I don't see a way to protect them from Seto's stubborn refusal to ask you. Katsuya, will you help me? I'm at a loss."

"You think he won't ask me?"

"I know - and you know - that he will not. His break with you was very definite. It also hurt him, although it is a confidence that I should not share."

"Hurt him? Have you fried a circuit?"

"He doesn't have many friends, fewer than you would believe. He has nobody he can truly relax with and even fewer still people he can trust to show an attraction to. You know he is attracted to you and while you did not respond to him openly, you did feel something that made your heart beat faster and your temperature rise. More importantly, you make him laugh. So yes, breaking with you hurt him."

"Well if it hurt why the hell did he do it? He had to know I wanted to talk to him about the mess he was in."

"That is something I do not understand. You will have to ask him when you speak to him. You are going to speak to him aren't you Katsuya?"

"Shit, he won't let me in to Kaiba Corp and that goes double for his apartment. How am I going to work that miracle?"

"The next P-cubed is in eighteen days. The only personal time he has scheduled, away from Keiko and the company, is a dinner date at the Hilton Hotel with a person named 'Sun.' It is in eleven days. Dinner in the main restaurant with a room booked for the night."

"Shit, a booty call. Figures. Look, you know my finances. I can't afford dinner at the Hilton. I'll have to think of something else."

"If you were to close your current cases, you would be able to afford it."

"Of course, but there is no guarantee I will finish either one, much less get paid in eleven days. I... Wait how the hell did you know about my two jobs?"

"You still carry the KC phone. You had it setup for another cell carrier, but the special tracking chip and software that links it to me is still there. I can hear everything for a two meter circumference around the phone. I can use the embedded camera to record a ninety degree field as well."

"Holy shit. So you've been watching me all along? Has Kaiba been watching as well?"

"It is an automatic process. I assure you I don't spend my time 'watching' you." She answered haughtily. "Kaiba Seto has not once asked to see the video." Asked twice or three times... or more... but not once... People who thought computers cannot obfuscate couldn't conceive of a computer like Ai. "Back to finances, your severance pay, with all of your back sick and vacation hours, will be cut in three days. Your bank will receive it in five days. I modified the disbursing program to pay you early. You have no further objections. Will you speak to him? Shall I make you a reservation?"

Jou squeezed his eyes tight. He hated it, but he knew himself well. His conscience would force him to be there, to save Kaiba from his own stupidity. Especially now that the damned stubborn fool had a child depending on him. "Yes, but damn it make it for myself and a date. I don't want Kaiba thinking I'm interested or anything."

"Even if you are."

"Look... I'm not. Kaiba is too high maintenance and has too much baggage. I... I'm just exploring right now, and I've never been a player. Kaiba has been hurt enough. Yugi... Yugi played him for a sucker. That's the last thing I'm going to do.   I'm dating Tatsu right now, and... it's better that way. Tatsu won't get hurt if I can't be... what he wants. If... if I'm ever in a place where I can deal with his luggage and mine, and the guy on guy thing works for me I might... but that is a long way off."

"I understand. Then 'Sun' does not bother you."

"Bother me or not, I'm not going there to stop the booty call. I really hope Kaiba is happy with Sun. I'm going to help the stubborn jerk because... because he's a friend. And because Yugi, the real Yugi, would want me to. There is nothing else to it."

"I never said there was. You are the one who brought this all up. Human sexuality is predictable, simple, basic chemical reactions. It is when love and caring that are involved when it becomes complex. The fact that you won't become involved in a sexual relationship with Seto means that you care for him." She sounded absurdly pleased by that.

"You damn..." Jou gave up trying to reason with the computer. "Look just don't talk about feelings okay? Especially my feelings. It gives me the creeps."

"I would normally ask why but as you've asked me not to, I will refrain. Something Seto said to Atemu, about Yugi, about his physical responses during their encounter, the descriptions... it is odd and out of character for Seto to discuss that. He is very blunt, but has very strict rules about it. He has lectured his brother on several occasions about discussing sexual exploits. Do you have any insight?"

"He was trying to hurt Atemu. Taunt him."

"Atemu or Yugi? Because Yugi was the one who reacted, becoming angry."

"You're right. Don't call it Yugi. I don't know who or what that is but it is not Mutou Yugi." Jou pondered for a moment. "What would he gain from making Yugi angry? Outside of showing some attempt at control, it was a way to lash out at the two that’s keeping him bound to something he doesn’t believe in.   All it did was earn a penalty - to bring me." Jou sucked in a breath, almost choking on his spit. "Did he manipulate the monster into demanding me?"

"It might seem so. Perhaps he was hoping for another demand. We will not know until we know more." Ai paused for a moment, letting Katsuya digest that before continuing. "You say you fell asleep. Was it because you were tired? Drained because of the Ka usage? Or did your Ka knock you out to keep you from making yourself known to Seto and the other inhabitants of the portal?"

Jou hadn't actually thought of either of the other possibilities. "I want to say I was tired, but I had already dozed most of the afternoon. It could have been the Ka usage. I did feel it more strongly. But... It could have been the last as well. Whichever, Kaiba's Ka used my sleeping to transport me from the pyramid. I know that Seto didn't seem to know I was there when I watched him leave so I assume nobody knew I'd been inside."

"Why would the Ka keep it a secret?"

"I would have thought a Ka would protect its Ba, but Kaiba's doesn't seem to care about him in the slightest. Didn't bother to tell him I was there, kicked me out, and now that I think of it, probably knocked Kaiba out before I could talk to him. He fell asleep very quickly."

"You are looking at this wrong Katsuya. Presuming your Ka knows that you are trying to free him and given the mingling of the two Ka, it is likely that his Ka knows what you are up to. His Ka reflects in Seto's personality. Seto always has an ace in the hole, so to speak. There was no such backup for Seto or his Ka until you came along. It is the perfect strategy for Seto's Ka to keep you under wraps. It also explains the taunting. If Seto's Ka drove him to disclose it, then it gave us more information, information it feels we needed."

"Shit, you are right. I didn't think his Ka cared, but if his Ka truly is bent on protecting Seto then it does make perfect sense. Come to think of it... Seto mentioned recordings of that night - his night with Yugi - and of the night Yugi crossed over. Can you get those? I think we need to look at them."

"Do you have the dates?"

"I know the date of their tryst because I dropped him off. The same day my son died is when Yugi crossed over."

"I will find the recordings and give you access from your office laptop. I will send you a link via email."

"Sounds good. I..." He jumped, startled out of his mind when a someone knocked on the driver's side window. A panicked glance outside showed Honda Hiroto staring at him through the glass. Heart slowing down to normal, Jou rolled down the window. "Hey! Where you been?"

"Our second customer of the day, Ito-san, called and asked me to bring the contract. I've been going over it with him, in exhaustive detail. He is definitely an accountant." Honda gave him a curious look. "Who are you talking too?"

"Talking? I was just singing along with the music."

"I don't hear music." Honda pointed out. "And why out here?"

"Voice activated. When you knocked, I ordered it off." Jou smiled. "Shizuka is asleep, and I didn't want to bother her. Music helps me think." Jou opened the door and slid out. "I've got a lead on the Fuwafuwa, but I need to do some more digging." Deliberately, Jou shut the car door and led his friend back towards their apartment. "Where is Otogi? I want to bounce this off both of you, come up with a plan."

"He said he would bring groceries. He's making dinner tonight. He's making okonomiyaki on the teppan." Honda sounded put out.

"What has you so down. His food suck that bad?"

"No, he's very skilled at cooking." Honda mounted the stairs two at a time, pulling away from Jou. "Too bad, he didn't stick to it." Jou thought he heard, but by the time he caught up to his friend the brunet was already in the apartment.

Shizuka, looking better than she had in days, joined them for dinner. "Just a vitamin deficiency and the flu. The doctor gave me a shot, and I feel much better." She explained as she helped herself to a small portion of the meat and vegetable pancake.

"That's good. You had me worried, little sister. I was beginning to think you might be having morning sickness." Jou made a joke of the suspicion hovering in the back of his mind.

Shizuka gave him an exasperated eye roll. "Not possible. Part of the problem with my relationship was that I didn't want to have sex with him yet. I felt he wasn't as committed as I, and he proved it with his actions. I'm not wasting my time on a loser." She laid down her chopsticks and eyed her brother thoughtfully. "Would it be so bad? Me having a baby?"

"Are you kidding? It'd be one of the greatest gifts ever! A part of you! I'd love your baby as much as I love you." Jou was absolutely honest. He couldn't think of anything that would make him happier than to have a second Shizuka running around. He would kill the father discreetly so that she never knew what happened to him.

Still looking thoughtful, she nodded. "I'm glad you feel that way big brother. I love you too." She shook off the somber look and gave him a brisk nod. "Tell us about the lead on the case." At his look, she grinned. "I was at the window and heard you talking to Honda."

Otogi crowded in between Honda and Shizuka. "You took the case huh? I knew you would. You're such a soft-hearted idiot."

"Better than a heartless jerk." Honda sniped.

"I've never been heartless, although I do admit to being a jerk." Otogi responded soberly.

Jou could see that sparked Honda's ever-simmering anger. Before it could flash, the blond stepped in. "Eat, both of you. I need you to help me come up with a plan. I can't just go in there asking questions. If this is a ring for pit dog fighting run by a motorcycle gang, it can get dangerous. The betting revenue is a huge motivator in these kinds of operations. The gang, at least the upper members, are probably getting rich. They won't want anyone nosing around, and if they are keeping the dog for fighting or for breeding, they will consider her an asset. They won't give her up without a fight."

"Are you sure they have her?"

"Yes. Positive identification corroborated by two witness. But, the man she mauled may have killed her. I hope not. I hope the boss saw her as more valuable the lackey's anger and pride." Jou frowned. "I'm just not sure how to get close enough to find out. He sure as hell isn't just going to come out and tell me."

"Not you perhaps." Otogi looked thoughtful. "But a pretty girl who acts concerned for his injury? Most men would eat up that attention."

"No fucking way Shizuka is going to meet with the bastards. They..."

"Cool your engines. I didn't mean Shizuka. I meant that I will dress up and play a part." He smirked. "I've dressed in drag for years. I've even bumped into you guys a few times. You've never known."

"I want to help." Shizuka spoke up. "I don't want to be a burden. If I can help, I want to."

"You can barely get out of bed." Jou was ruthless in his logic, but he had to protect her. She was his baby sister. "Otogi, go change into something and show me. If you're good, we might go with it." He gave a slight shake of his head. "Musta been dark if I didn't recognize you."

Otogi smirked and left the table.

"I'm helping." Shizuka was just as stubborn as her brother. "Now that I've had my shot, I feel much better. I'll be back to normal tomorrow. I'm going with Otogi. If one girl can get the information then two should be able to get more."

"No." Jou shook his head with finality. "If you're feeling well enough, you can go to the office and coordinate for us. You can also do any kind of work there. Filing, answer phones, that kind of light stuff. You are not going on this. It's too dangerous and if things go south, then you will not be able to move quick enough to stay out of trouble. No, absolutely not." He stuck out his chin pugnaciously.

Shizuka got right in his face. "I'm going."

"No, you're not. If you have a relapse, you can call for help from the office. Ambulances don't run in this area."

"I'm going." She waved that aside. "That's final Katsuya."

"You're not. And that's final, Shizuka!"

***

Jou handed his baby sister his KC phone. "Look, take it. It acts as a kind of GPS homing beacon, and it can pick up and record all sound around it. It can also record video as well. Keep it in your hand. If you need help we will hear you. If you see anyone you know, get the hell out."

Shizuka looked down at herself, appalled and amused by the tight black shorts that left her thighs bare below the crease and let half her bottom hang out. The blouse wasn't much better, more of a string bikini top with ruffles hanging down the sides. She knew her makeup was troweled on thicker than she had ever worn it, and her hair was up in a bun that managed to look messy and tackey with all its shiny beads. Otogi had done a fantastic job of disguising her without changing her coloring. The man was a genius with makeup and women's clothes. It was obvious he was very familiar with cross dressing.

If Shizuka hadn't seen the transformation herself, she would never have believed the woman with long curly brown hair and huge brown eyes was Otogi. The clothes he wore were almost as revealing as the ones Shizuka wore, but somehow, through draping and creative tailoring, there wasn't a hint of masculinity. The black miniskirt clung to his hips, waist and butt but flowed over his groin. His blouse, a halter top that had some kind of lift bra actually gave him impressive cleavage while disguising his broad shoulders. It was incredible that the clothes made that much of a difference. It didn't stop there though, even his mannerisms had changed. She'd always considered Otogi to be very masculine in an understated way. Now he was completely feminine. Shizuka was very impressed.

Killer heels would have set of the outfits perfectly, but Jou had tossed those out, telling Otogi to find shoes that would look good but allow them to move fast if they had to. They both wore flat, open-toed sandals with plenty of bling. The bling would make up for the lack of heels, or so Otogi hoped.

"Let's go." Otogi urged. "Our guy will be coming soon. We have to get into the restaurant." It had taken them two days to find the man, and then they had only found him by accident when Shizuka had literally bumped into him coming out of a south side restaurant where she had picked up sandwiches for the guys while they were staking out various streets looking for the man. She had been dressed in the typical college student uniform of jeans and a t-shirt, with her hair up in a tail. He'd been curt but not especially rude. Shizuka, making conversation with the clerk, found out that he stayed across the street from the restaurant with a group of friends. He came in daily for their lunch order.

Shizuka gave her worried brother a wide smile and turned to catch Otogi's arm with hers. "You ready sister?"

"Yes, sister, I'm ready." Otogi answered in a soft voice that sounded entirely too feminine.

The operation went like clockwork. Otogi and Shizuka managed to flirt their way into a meeting and convincingly ooh and ahh over his injury. Shizuka played her part well, acting frightened of such a vicious animal. Otogi acted fascinated, asking for details in a way that raised the hair on the back of Jou's neck. It was almost as if Otogi were trying to manipulate the man into showing him the dog instead of just getting information. Even as he thought it, Otogi asked straight out if he could see the animal, somehow managing to imply that while they were there he would... reward... the thug for his bravery.

Jounouchi wasn't the only one cursing. Honda was using words he hadn't used since they were in 'Tani's gang together. Shizuka had to be equally shocked, but she stayed in character, saying she was going to stay at the restaurant. Then winking and adding brazenly that if her sister's reward wasn't satisfying, they could go to her place and work on it. The man laughed and said they would have to work on it anyway and led Otogi across the street and around to the back of the building where he stayed.

Otogi was out of sight for five agonizing minutes. Just when Jou was about to call the cops, Ai, and anyone else he could think of, Otogi, holding the chains of two very large dogs, one brown and one black, strolled around the opposite side of the building and headed for the alley where Jou and Honda watched. Jou texted Shizuka to return immediately. They arrived at the entrance to the alley at the same time. Jou wasted no time on questions of why two dogs or how the hell Otogi had managed to rescue them. They had to get out of there immediately.

The dogs stayed close beside Otogi, following him as if he were the pied piper and they were mice. When they were two blocks north, Jou took his first easy breath since seeing the dogs. A few blocks more and they were in the neighborhood where Fuwafuwa lived. He could tell by the way her ears flicked and her tail wagged that she recognized the place. She kept walking behind Otogi.

On impulse, Jou told them to go on to the office. He'd meet them there. He jogged into the wooded area where the homeless child lived. "Yo! Kid! Watch our backs.   Let me know if anyone follows us. Report to me tomorrow and there is cash in it for you."

The bow slithered forward from under a bush. "You get the prince's dog back?"

"Yes, but the ones who took it might come looking. Let me know okay?"

"As long as you pay me I'll let you know." The boy slithered back into the bushes.

Jou, after a moment, went to the gated house of Takahashi Hiro. The man opened the door just as he had the last time Jou had come. "Jounouchi-san! You have news for us?"

Jou nodded. "Yes but first, I'd like to speak with you privately. Can you step outside and walk with me down the path?"

Twinkling eyes became shrewd, "Of course Jounouchi-san. Let me change from my house slippers." He was gone for just a moment before he returned, stepping outside. Jou turned to the path that led around to the back of the house.

"We've found Fuwafuwa. She's at my office now. However, there may be a problem and it could come to your door. They will want her back, and they know where they got her from. If she is seen here again, they may do more than take the dog. My associates and I served them a great disrespect by going into their center and taking the dog from them. They will be out for revenge."

"Who are they?" the question was very sharp.

"Motorcycle gang wannabe Yakuza. Dress up like Yakuza to frighten the people of their neighborhoods. Their tag is a blue tiger. The family is not strong there, some kind of falling out of favor with one of the bosses. That weakness has allowed them to take over. They are very egotistical and violent, attacking young and old alike. They run a dog fighting pit and prostitution." Jou took a slight breath and added. "Their boss is rumored to be a child predator. Children of the streets have gone missing. You have a... little bird in one of your trees. He has been here a long time. They were hunting him and almost caught Aoi. Fuwafuwa saved him."

"I see. I had not heard of this weakness in the family, especially so close to my home, but I will discuss it with my father. I will ensure the safety of my house and those within... as well as the little bird. Thank you, you have my gratitude. Should you ever need, contact me."

Jou bowed low. "I thank you." He hesitated. "Are Aoi and Kichida-san available to come to my office to pick up Fuwafuwa?"

"They are scheduled at a preliminary custody hearing in an hour. I will let them know but if you want to make Aoi's day, perhaps you could meet him at the district court house in two hours? The preliminary hearing should not take very long and they are the only family court hearing of the day."

"The less we travel with the dog, the less likely we are to be seen. Until it is safe, it would be best we stayed at our office."

"Yes, yes I had only thought of Aoi's happiness, not the safety issue. I will make phone calls now to ensure that it is safe to bring Fuwafuwa home in two hours."

"Thank you again." Jou bowed, "I will go now. See you in a few hours."

The Yakuza Lord's son didn't bow, simply nodded and waved. "See you then."

Hiro waited until Jounouchi was out of sight before he left his home and crossed to the largest, densest trees in his area. "This is my place." He announced. "You chose it when you needed safety. You knew it was under my mantle. You used my protection without paying for it. You are now one of mine. You owe me, and I will collect. You will be free to fly when I say so, not before." He didn't expect a response. He simply turned and left.

The boy crouching in the bushes stared after him with hard eyes.

Jou walked into his office and froze as a deep growl straight from the depths of hell greeted him. Golden eyes wide, he whispered. "What the fuck is going on?"

"He's been like that almost since we arrived. He's guarding her. I think they're mates." Otogi answered calmly from his position in front of Shizuka.

"They aren't wolves. They don't mate for life. What the fuck..."

"Jou wait." Shizuka interrupted. "They are an ancient breed. They were bred for domestic use, but they have the traits of a much more ancient dog. Dogs in the wild have pair bonds. These two... they may have bonded. They've certainly mated. He... mounted her when we got here. They... uhm... mated for a few minutes, and he's been like this since he finished. Maybe he thinks you guys want her too?"

"Yeah well whether they bonded or he's just protecting his piece of ass, we're getting out of here. Shizuka, take my car and you guys go get cleaned up. Honda, go with them to make sure they’re protected. I'll wait outside for the owners to arrive. They should be here in about two hours."

Shizuka, Honda, and Otogi edged out the door closely followed by Jounouchi. "I programmed the car to accept your voice print, Shizuka. Go shower. If you want to rest, don't worry about coming back."

"I want to meet the owners."

"Okay well it's up to you. See you later." Jou settled on the stairs and watched them walk away. Something, the turn of his head, or maybe just the way Honda shifted closer to Otogi, made Jou wonder if there wasn't some kind of attraction going on. If maybe... Honda was mad at Otogi for something like rejection.

Kichida Aoi and his mother arrived an hour and fifteen minutes later. The boy didn't bother to greet Jounouchi, and Jou didn't get the chance to stop him when Aoi ran by him like a streak of greased lightning. Almost as fast as the boy, Jou raced after him.    "Aoi wait. There is..." However, he was talking to a blur. His office door was open so fast, Jou wanted to scream. Then there was the sound of yips and happy yelps mixed with childish laughter.

Instead of carnage, the boy was literally wrapped in a loving smoosh of dogs, getting the tongue bath of his life, not just by Fuwafuwa, but the black brute as well. "What..."

"Fuwafuwa! And you have a friend now! Furoppî and Fuwafuwa!" He turned his giant eyes to Jou and his mother. "Mom, she's got a friend."

"Ah, yes so it seems." She gave Jou an inquiring glance. "Whose..."

"Well, he came with Fuwafuwa. They are... more like husband and wife if you get my meaning."

"Husb... Puppies?" Her voice was faint with shock.

"I told you to get her fixed." Her husband's voice came from the doorway.

She gave him a startled look over her shoulder, more than happy to put that aside for the moment. "I don't do what you say any more remember?"

"Obviously not or you would be in my family home instead of living with your 'agent', the Yakuza boss."

"Don't make accusations you can't prove." She countered. "That's what the judge told you when she tossed out your petition for physical custody. You couldn't prove infidelity, unfitness, or that Takahashi-san is a criminal."

"Prove it! You're my wife, he's my son. I shouldn't have to prove a damn thing. It's not safe for you in his household. It was probably one of his Yakuza friends or enemies who tried to steal Aoi in the first place. It's not safe! Not for either of you." The man seemed at the end of his rope, his cool composed mask ripped away to reveal the confused and upset man beneath..

"You think we're safe in your family home?" She laughed bitterly. "Oh wait, you do! Because nothing I told you ever happened. It was staged to get pity from you so you would neglect your work."

"Please, can't we discuss it truthfully. Now that you have your own success, can't we please try to get along? Let's go home. My mother will prepare us a feast and we will celebrate together, as a family, Fuwafuwa's return." he frowned and shook his head. "The other dog will have to stay somewhere else but..."

"No!" Aoi's voice was shrill. "No, I don't want to go back there."

"Aoi, I meant our home. Not the Takahashi home. Did you misunderstand? I..." The elder Kichida's voice was soft with entreaty. It was obvious he wanted his son home.

"I know! No. I won't go. I won't."   His fear and hysteria had both dogs moving into protective stances in front of him, rumbles rising from deep in their chests.

"Aoi, don't you remember being happy there with your grandmother? Don't you remember playing in the garden all day with her?"

"That's not true." Aoi shook his head. "She's mean. I hate her. I stayed in the gardens all day so she wouldn't catch me. Mom hid with me too sometimes."

The man shot his wife a hard look. "I know your mother has said some things but..."

"No! Mom never said anything! Never! Except we must respect her. But she's mean. She pinches and hits. She slapped mom and pushed her down the stairs. She told Mom... " His voice broke. "She told mom no daughter of Mom's would ever own the Kichida Estate."

"Aoi, whatever your mother said..."

"I told you! Mom is right, you don't listen. She didn't say anything. I heard her. I heard grandma. I saw her hit mom, I saw her push Mom on the stairs. When Mom was laying there holding her belly, crying, Grandma said that. Said that the baby would die before it could get what was hers." Aoi was crying, great tearing sobs. "Mom was so excited for when you came home. She wanted to tell you about my sister who is coming soon. But you... you...stayed away and we had to leave because of what Grandmother did. We came here. When Mom's Mom was mean to me, we left there too. Mom said she loved her children too much for anyone to ever hurt them, even her own mother. Takahashi is nice; he doesn't hit or pinch or call me names. He plays with me and Fuwafuwa.   I won't go back there! I won't."

Aoi's father went dead white. There was no way that Aoi could know about the Kichida trust. Not even his wife knew of it. The house was passed down through the girls of the family. It was held in trust by the dower wife until a girl was born. They had known Aoi was a boy from early in the pregnancy so it hadn't been an issue since then there had been no talk of another child. The only way he could know was if he'd heard it from his mother. Horror filled him as bile rose in his throat. He remembered the bruises that he'd written off, listening to his mother's explanations about them, ignoring his wife's outrageous claims.

"I... " He broke off with a gasp as he realized. "Sister... You... You're pregnant?"

"Don't worry about child support. You're the one who said it - I've slept around. It's probably not yours." She jerked her shoulder. "We're leaving now. I'll call a taxi." She turned to Jounouchi, who was doing his best to disappear into the wall. "We'll take both dogs of course." She made the call and pocketed her phone without looking at her husband.

"Wait, Sayuri, please. Can't we talk? I... I need to... please tell me?" He realized she was truly going to walk away - with both of his children.

"Now you want to listen?" She laughed bitterly. "You won't believe me now any more than you did then."

"I swear, I will listen and talk to my mother, see if there is something... some misunderstanding, if there was an accident or loss of temper I'm..."

"Making excuses and still not listening. I'm your wife, and I come second to your mother. Third to your business... or maybe it's third to Aoi and fourth to your business. Whatever it is, I no longer care." She gave him a long, hard look. "You said you wanted us to be a family again. Prove it. Cut ties with her and live with me - us - here. When you can do that honestly, call me. Until then, use the lawyers. Our divorce will proceed until you do. You have six months to re-prioritize." With a nod, she picked up the chains still attached to the dogs in one hand and took Aoi's with the other. With the dignity of departing royalty, she walked out.

Kichida gave Jou an embarrassed and helpless look. Jou cleared his throat. "Uh, shall we settle the account now?"

****
AN: Fuwafuwa and furoppi mean fluffy and floppy. (Grins)
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