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Nesting Habits	By : trystkinkou Category: Yu-Gi-Oh > Yaoi - Male/Male Views: 12185 -:- Recommendations : 0 -:- Currently Reading : 1
Disclaimer: :I do not hold any rights to anything in the Yugioh world. That all remains with it’s creator. No monies, etc were recieved.

Chapter List
- 4
- 5
- 6
Nesting Habits
Author: Kinkou
Betas: MaggieMay and Jazzy:
Rating: M
Genre: AU Romance/Humor
Pairing: Jou/Seto, Yugi/Yami, Malik/Marik, Ryou/Bakura, Otogi/Honda
Disclaimer: I do not hold any rights to anything in the Yugioh world. That all remains with its creator. And no moneys have exchanged hands.
Summary: This is the story how Jou finds an injured Black Dragon Duel Pet one night and raises it regardless of petnappers, lovesick dragonesses, or sadistic CEOs.
Chapter {5/?}

Wrapping around like a warm embrace, the sun greeted the class as they left the building. The early spring chill of the past week disappeared over the day’s course. Everyone chattered on the short walk to the school’s field-yard where Jou could clearly see several younger students waiting for them.
“Ah, I see we have observers today.” The teacher chirped happily. “Let’s hurry and take a seat so we can begin.” Moving forward, she plopped cross-legged on the ground in front of the group. Yugi tugged Jou’s jacket sleeve to an area large enough for the friends together. Ryou and Yugi sat on either side of Jou as he cradled Kigai gently. Still Anzu hadn’t shown, but he wasn’t worried.
Once everyone was seated, the teacher called for silence. “Welcome everyone! For those who do not know me, my name is Miss Kaichou and this is History. BUT the focus of this class is on the impact Pets have played throughout time with humans. Since we have new participants in class and an exam at the end of the week, we will review what we’ve covered so far. I will also speak to you new students after class about anything else needed for it. Now with that covered, let’s begin!” Thinking better of it, Miss Kaichou sent a small warning to the newest Pet present. Young one. You may see some disturbing things as I speak, just ignore them. They can not hurt you, but are merely shadows of the past. Memories of our ancestors. After Kigai’s small nod, she took a deep breath and began to weave the lies she was told to impart. With a little truth to pave the way.
At first, Jou feared the new teacher would be like the others, but the simple fact that she was making an effort to help him as a new student settled those fears. Leaning back, both Jou and Kigai relaxed for storytime.
“Several millennia ago the world was a harsh and dangerous place. Humans were just beginning to grasp the world’s changes around them. New creatures were being discovered every day. Some were small and harmless while others were large and deadly; while still others wore the appearance of humans. Fear ran rampant due to the strangeness and unknown. Misunderstandings lead to the deaths of several humans and those ‘magical’ new creatures.” Washing gentle over him, Jou barely noticed the familiar darkness closing in as Miss Kaichou’s voice rose and fell in waves.
It started innocently enough. Soft breezes rustled the tree branches as the flowers danced in a vibrant display of petals. Walking through the thick foliage, Jou could only marvel at the beauty and peace around him. Forest sounds surrounded him; coaxed him to join in their songs. A simple rushing river a few feet away added a crisp scent to the air. Closing his eyes, Jou savored the rarity around him. But the peace was short lived as a pain filled screech plunged the area into silence only for louder screeches to come.   With a mind of their own, Jou’s feet tromped through the brush at high speeds.
He was not prepared… nothing could prepare him. Orange chased the purplish darkness of the encroaching night away , as the flames expanded quickly. Tongues lashed out, consuming everything in their paths. Creatures great and small struggled to escape, but everywhere they went the fires blocked them. Squinting his eyes against the bright light, Jou was surprised that he recognized them as Duel Pets… no Planers, his mind corrected. But what surprised him more was to watch as the few that could fly, grasping some that could not, tried to escape into the air only to be brought back to earth by a volley of arrows and rocks. A coldness settled deep within the blonde. That was when he realized that something… no… someone intentionally set the blaze and blocked the Planers at every turn. It was a slaughter. Plain and simple. This was no clean battle; it was a murder of innocents. Not a one of the Pets turned against their murders to defend themselves. Not a one even threatened in any way. Then the flames caught their prey and above the screams, Jou could clearly hear the laughter. Their murderers were LAUGHING at their pain filled screams and calls… their pleas for mercy. Turning his tear glistening golden eyes, Jou centered his hateful glare on the ones responsible. The HUMANS that started the whole thing.
Just beyond the flames glow, the shadowy forms moving ever closer to the carnage. Short, broad bodies with coarse hair shaggily falling everywhere wrapped in crudely tanned hides. A few held feathers or other colorful bits woven into necklaces or beaded into their braided hair. Upon further inspection, Jou was disgusted to find they were feathers, bones, or other pieces of Planers… worn as trophies! The primitive nature of these people was not lost on the blonde and he tried to downplay this as simple survival. But listening to the group laughing and talking about how they planned this all, it showed they knew what they were doing. None of it had to do with survival. Only the fact that the ‘Monsters’ held the best place by the river to live. Those so called ‘Monsters’ had brought the group into their area, taught them better tools to use, better ways to live, called them ‘friend’...only to be stabbed in the back and murdered. Jou could no longer contain his rage as he witnessed the final victim reaching out a tiny, once furry paw, succumb to the flames. Roaring, he raced forward to swing at the nearest form, but nothing happened. He merely fell through with a cold chill. Frustrated tears ran as the vision faded to darkness again and consciousness slowly swam forward.
“It wasn’t self-defense. It was MURDER.” Jou’s outraged whisper only floated as far as Yugi and Ryou, but both settled startled gazes on their friend. His tears still flowing freely. Worried, they continued to observe him taking note of the fidgeting dragon in his arms.
A soft voice cut through the silent dark and pulled him back. “This progressed for several centuries until a few humans discovered they could domesticate these creatures and harness their abilities for the greater good of humanity.”
As the words penetrated the darkness, light slowly fed through the clouded sky above. Standing on the mountainside, the view was breathtaking. A bustling city lay spread on the adjacent mountain top. Humans and Planers running to and fro, laughing, talking, living all together. Then a cloud passed over the light and Jou saw yet another city. This one he recognized from Yugi’s grandfather’s talks of his excavations. An Egyptian city sprawled before him. Just as the last city, humans and Planers lived in harmony. Another cloud, and another city. This one he could not see well, hidden among the ice and snow, but it also showed a peace between the races. A final cloud passed by the light, but this time no city came to view. An island stood proud and bursting in an ocean. Here he clearly saw not only a peace, but a highly advanced civilization working together between the races for the betterment of all.
As Jou watched, he witnessed the truces of the races at the island-nation’s directions. The spreading peace and tolerance they fostered creating new crossing points… new cities. The sharing of knowledge and aid all received regardless of species, race, or gender… all were equal. But also, he witnessed the jealousy and hatred creep along as well. Nowhere did the darkness not reach. Even in the island-nation, Atlantis his inner voice called it, was cast in a deepening shadow. The majestic Dual Council they harbored and adored as a cornerstone of peace; slowly decayed as time passed and the hatred grew. Jou fought back to consciousness; catching something just on the edges.
“At first they were called simply ‘Monsters’, then they became ‘Duel Monsters’ as more and more became domesticated. Humans found that they could not domesticate these creatures in large numbers, but a single human could train one or two. Very few could manage up to three at a time. Any more than that and they would refuse to cooperate with the humans. Duel Monsters were used primarily for protection and battles. This reduced the number of human casualties greatly, though Duel Monster casualties varied. Duel Monster to Duel Monster battles actually garnered very few casualties while humans to Duel Monster battles netted far greater Duel Monster deaths.” The soft voice intruded again and the world painted a different scene, pulling him further than before.
The mountaintop city lay silent. Nothing moved. Not the fresh mountain breezes. Not the small foliage surrounding each house. And especially not the hundreds of bodies that littered the streets. Only the spreading rivers of blood stirred in this once bustling city.
“More and more humans became entranced with the domesticated Duel Monsters. Not only for their physical beauty but sheer strength as well. So they evolved from being merely on the battlefields, into everyday life doing most of the manual or unsavory labor that humans could or would not do.” A slight hardening of the voice colored Jou’s world as it crashed through like an elephant..
Lashing out in a fury, the desert sands confused the humans trying to escape the city in time. The Egyptian-Lord and Pharaoh stood on a nearby dune, watching the sea’s tides encasing their enemies. Swiftly, the city was gone; to quickly for their tastes. They wished those traitors a lingering, pain filled death for every life they betrayed. Their eyes settled on their people. Homeless and dispirited. Rubbing his hand over his face, the Egyptian-Lord closed his blue eyes. Too much had been lost, Jou thought. Jou’s heart bled as the Lord took a deep breath and ordered their people further into the sands. To safety and hopefully a strong future. Shielding his eyes with a hand, the Lord caught sight of the brilliant white dragon winging quickly in. By the sharp look in her eyes and calm sending of her message, he knew the other Gates had been closed in time.
Jou’s mental eyes saw the city hidden in snow and ice shimmering then vanishing into nothing. Safe from the evils spreading. Forgotten by all but human myth.
“Only in the past few centuries, have they been termed as ‘Duel Pets’. Humans started to develop feelings of attachment and treating them as treasures. Whole human social classes were dictated by what kind of ‘Pet’ or how many you had. Social etiquette for both human and ‘Pet’ evolved into very detailed cliques; some of which are still highly enforced today. In fact, it was during this time the Balance Bureau was created.” The voice calmed slightly and whispered sadly through his mind. But Jou felt entirely too cold.
He almost didn’t want to open his eyes. The dread bubbled closer to the surface than ever before. But that did not stop the sounds. Screams, both of metal and man, echoed through the narrow streets; pulling him forward despite his reluctance. Golden eyes shot open. Smouldering buildings everywhere greeted Jou first. Humans and Planers battled at every turn. Pleas for mercy fell on deaf ears as the humans slaughtered innocents in their homes. Men, women, children, Planer, or Halfling, it did not matter. If they were not a part of the revolt, they were enemies. The island-nation that held so much potential fell. And the world was propelled into the darkness.
“Only in the past fifty years, have they become ‘Partners’ or equals in some professions. On a whole, most are still considered as ‘Pets’ but more and stronger bonds are formed each day. Perhaps one day there will no longer be any ‘Pets’ just ‘Partners’.”
Growling, Jou finally shook off the visions. Without pause, he surged to his feet. “That’s not right! You’ve left out way too much! What about the Councils? Niflheim’s sealing? What about the slaughter of Machu Picchu, the destruction of Heracleion, or loss of Atlantis? What about all the other civilizations where humans and Planers lived in peace? Planers were equals long before now. Why are you not mentioning any of that?”
Most of the students thought the little ‘o’ of the teacher’s mouth and wide eyes came from Jou’s outrageous outburst. Quickly, Miss Kaichou got herself back under control. This was totally unexpected. “I must say, Mr. Jonouchi, that is a very speculated theory. Unfortunately, there has been no proof, so far discovered, to back it. We will actually delve further into it and others the further we go. For now, we are glazing over the basics and beginnings.” Seething, the blonde calmed slightly as she spoke. The calming whispers of his little friends seemed to help as well. Before she could continue, the bell cut her off. Sighing, she stood. “It looks like our time is up. Please review your notes, if you have questions, just come and ask. Dismissed.”
Reluctantly the blonde allowed his friends to hurry him on to his next new class, allowing the smiling teacher to drop her mask. Biting her lip, she flopped back down in the grass. Mussing up her braid in frustration. This was SOOO the opposite of good. When the headmaster informed her that she would be getting a newly bonded set, she didn’t realize it would be a Core member. No...wait. Thinking back, the headmaster said that Mr. Jonouchi had just received a ‘Pet’ after never owning one before. Now this did not add up for several reasons. The first was that if Mr. Jonouchi were a Core member, he’d long since had access to his Partner. Unless the Partner just recently hatched. But then again, he’d have known not to use the correct term of ‘Planer’ instead of ‘Pet’ or ‘Partner’. This just brought her right back to her problem. How did he know all that?
Ruffling her hair more, Miss Kaichou screamed lowly. What did she ever do to deserve this???!!! Her esteemed ancestors had to be laughing their collective tails off watching her right now. With a stifled whine, she pulled out her cellphone. She REALLY didn’t want to call in on this. Talking to the Bureau Head always gave her a headache. It was like discussing Astronuclear physics with an ADD 3 year-old having to go to the bathroom. Without even looking, she quickly typed the phone number before she could chicken out.
A low robotic voice answered on the second ring. “Balance Bureau. How may I direct your call?”
“Agent Kaichou reporting in. I have encountered an emergency and need to speak with the Director.” How the voice on the other end of the line understood her mumbled reply is still a mystery.
“Very well, Agent Kaichou. The Director is currently in a meeting with the Head and others. Since this is an emergency, I will patch you through immediately.”
“No! Wa-” There was that annoying elevator music again. Damn IT! If you asked her, she’d tell you the Head chose this just to piss everyone off. Sighing, she laid back. This would take a while.
****
Seto, well satisfied that he was well on the way to addressing the issues surrounding his little Puppy-love, settled comfortably back into the leather seats. He’d much rather just take a portal back to the office to save time and get back to his favorite hobby of Puppy stal- er watching. But with so many humans nearby, it was too big a risk being discovered. Groaning, his blue eyes closed. It would be so much simpler if he could just be himself, but noooo. Those narrow minded humans kept causing problems.
Speaking of narrow minded humans, Seto quickly pulled out a cell phone and dialed his secretary. At the answer, he didn’t even let her breathe. “Ishi, I need you to reschedule all my appointments for the day. I have an emergency meeting to attend.”
The hard voice that answered definitely belonged to her name. “Of course, Kaiba-sama. Yami-sama has already given such orders. All meetings have been rescheduled for later in the week and the R&D tours rescheduled for next week.” Muffled comments behind her caught Seto’s attention, but even with his heightened hearing he could not understand. “Would you like me to call out for lunch or refreshment?”
Which in Ishi meant: ‘Someone higher than Yami is here, also.’ And given the forced sound, Seto was willing to bet it was that damn Dark Rabbit or worse...her mate. Thinking for a few moments, Seto forced back a whine. There goes his precious Puppy-watching for the day. “Yes. Order in refreshments and standbys for dinner as well. I have a feeling this is going to be a long meeting.”
“Very good sir.” Which meant: I’ll have the coroner on speed dial.
Hanging up, Seto’s blue eyes wandered out the tinted glass. He was so lost in dreams, he never noticed them pulling into the parking. The driver’s light voice called him reluctantly back to reality. A heavy sigh escaped as he stepped from the car. “Thank you. Take the rest of the day off and return to the mansion in the morning usual time. It’s going to be a long day.”
Nodding, the driver closed the door and was away before Seto took more than five steps. And NO he was not hesitating… more than a little. With a quick tap of his phone, he had the strength to go on. Strong even strides carried him to the private elevator and up to his office. Whooshing open, Seto grasped exactly how bad his day was going to be as the doors opened to reveal Yami leaning against the far wall with his arms crossed. Dressed in his traditional leathers and chains,even Seto had to admit he was an imposing character, but then again all Justicars were.
Crimson eyes tilted up to meet Seto’s own blue. “Glad you could finally join us, cousin. I was beginning to worry you’d run off. Again.”
“I did not run off. I had an important business meeting in China that could NOT be rescheduled.”
Pushing off from the wall, Yami chuckled. “Really. A business meeting… at the beach. Maybe I should attend more of those. Especially if they have such breathtaking views like this.” Holding what Seto now realized was his phone, Yami called up the prize of Seto’s gallery collection. Taken on a rare trip Yugi and Ryou had managed to kidnap his Puppy to on a beach, the picture was beautiful. Jou standing in the surf, sun behind him, highlighting all the glorious tan skin, and swim trunks hanging oh so low.
Seto’s throat was far too dry to say anything. He just reached out and snagged the offending device. Yami’s snickers followed him down the hall to his office. Placing his hand on the door, he turned with a snarl. “If you’re done gathering your nerves, shall we?” At the nod of his tri-colored head, Seto pushed through the protective barrier. And couldn’t quite hold back his growl.
Sitting with his elbows perched on Seto’s desk was both of their worst nightmares… or annoyances. Long silver hair hung straight down covering one eye as the Balance Bureau’s Head regarded them in a smirk-filled silence. His mate and Partner, the Dark Rabbit Cyndia, otherwise known as the Director sat on the desk’s corner. Looking at the two, Seto seriously hoped they’d not had sex on his desk or chair...again. It seemed almost every time they visited he had to get a new one. But the Head’s laughing voice cut through his rant filled thoughts.
“Kaiba-boy! How nice of you to finally join us! I was beginning to worry we’d have to send Yami to find you like last time.”
Stone faced, Seto turned to Yami in all seriousness. “You have been around him far too long.” Yami’s whispered, “Don’t I know it.” bolstered his nerves a bit. A satisfied smirk at Yami’s unfortunate, indirect torture broke through his iron control. Settling his gaze back to the intruders, Seto hmphed. “And to what do I owe this pleasure, Bureau Head Pegasus?” Calmly, he walked around the desk as he spoke. Not once giving his actions away until the poor Bureau Head found himself dumped unceremoniously on the floor. “And get out of my damn chair, I’m getting tired of telling you.”
Pouting, the silver haired man graciously stood from the floor. “Why Kaiba-boy, how could you be so rude… and to a long time family friend? Who is only looking out for your best interest.” Crocodile tears running down his cheeks.
Seto could feel his eye twitching. This idiot was a worse drama queen than Dice-boy. Groaning, Seto wanted to whack himself in the face. Now Pegasus had him doing it! Ignoring the crying male and his giggling mate, he cautiously studied the chair and desk before sitting down when no suspicious stains were found. With hands folded in front of his face, Seto barely contained his sneer. “Just get to the point. What problems are there with the school’s changes I requested?”
Ignoring his giggling mate, Pegasus huffed. With a display of grace his kind is known for, he stood and dusted off his suit. “Whatever do you mean, Kaiba-boy? The changes you specified for Domino Schools have already been signed off on. They should be in effect no later than day after tomorrow.”
Icy blue narrowed in on Yami’s smirking form as he took a seat. “So it was the academy you wished to discuss?” Seto had a sneaking suspicion he’d been conned.
“Not at all.” The flippant hand almost hit the dark eared Rabbit next to him. “In fact, the plans are approved and suitable properties are being surveyed as we speak. It’s a very appropriate plan. We’re all confident your academy will further the cause wonderfully.”
Seto snorted. Further the cause. Yeah that’s what he was going for. Fighting the urge to roll his eyes, he snarled. “Then why was I summoned?”
“Why dear boy, it’s that time in every young Planer and Bloodling’s life when their bodies undergo certain...changes and new… urges emerge. Most do not understand and it is perfectly normal to take matters into your own ‘hand’ to relieve those growing tensions in an explosi….”
Seto pinched himself slowly just to make sure he wasn’t dreaming. That established, his blank blues settled first on Yami then Cyndia. When neither lip twitched, Seto knew this was no joke. Pounding harder than a Jamaican Jamboree, his head threatened to burst from this nightmare trainwreck of a day. “I don’t need you to explain the ‘Birds and the Bees’ to me!” Shuddering, he stood; arms braced on the desk. “I know very well about mating, customs, and everything in between.”
Even though the slow smile crept across the silverhaired male’s face, Seto didn’t feel much better. “Excellent! Then I don’t have to delve into ‘depths’ we BOTH would rather not.” Holding out his hand, Pegasus asked Cyndia for his case. Digging through quickly, he pulled out several pages and one ancient, ornamental scroll. “Now we can continue on to the most important matter of your mating, the contracts.”
Seto’s glare threatened to incinerate those damn pages once and for all as they set so innocently on his desk. “There is no need for those. I’ve already chosen my mate.”
“Reeeaaaallllyyyy?” Widening his eyes, Pegasus feigned innocence. “That’s great! I’m sure the PLaner’s family or mentor would love to settle the contract. Who’s the lucky one?”
Ignoring his cousin’s snicker, Seto barely held his blooming temper. Yami managed to contain the all out laugh at least. “If he was a Planer, then I’m sure. My mate, however, is human and none of your business.”
For the first time during the meeting, the Dark Rabbit shook her head. “You know better than that, Seto. As one of the original Core families, both Mokuba and yourself are required to follow the dictates laid forth by the Council as every other Planer and Core. Your family has managed to stay pure over the centuries with the Council’s direction.” Cyndia laid her hand upon her mate’s shoulder in silent command. “Being a Bloodling, you’re within your rights to choose a human mate, especially since your father was a White Dragon and mother a Bloodling. So, as your family line goes, Mokuba and you will be required to choose human mates. However, they must be approved. Not all humans can accept the truths, as you know. The threats are just all too real.” Waving at the pile, her smile dripped evil. “And you have several ancestral contacts to honor. So it is most definitely our business.”
Ozone danced along his tongue close on his growl, but before Seto could have roast Rabbit the office doors swung open. “Swallow your temper, cousin.” Gliding in Kisara snarled at the others. “And you two, be SILENT!” Kilala and Kairi hissed from the doorway as their sister’s head shook in Yami’s direction. “We are VERY disappointed in you, Cousin Yami. How can you continue to torment Cousin Seto to this extent?” At the tricolored male’s unabashed snicker, her sigh deepened. “Be careful, dear cousin. You may just be in his shoes when your time comes.”
“We shall see, Cousin Kisara. We shall see.” Yami’s snarky reply bounced uselessly off her hide. Keeping her stride graceful, she carried herself to Seto’s side and lay a calming claw on his arm. The tense muscles refused to unwind. These two intruders had no idea how close they were to death. Kisara just had to remedy that.
“Now Kisara-dear, there’s no need for hostilities. We are merely discussing Kaiba-boy’s options. After all, there are several contracts to review before the deadline.”
Four pairs of arctic blue lasered in. “Yes, there is. We have already approved our cousin’s choice of mate so your interference is unwarranted and unwanted.”
“You’ve approved the mate, you say?” Sighing, Cyndia sat on Pegasus’s chair’s arm. “I hate to disabuse your beliefs, but you hold no say in the matter.” A raised hand belaid their screeches. “You’ve not yet reached your own majority nor received suture from from your Clan. Only Seto’s mentor or the Clan Head can release him from his obligations to the Council. Since his mentor is dead, that leaves only the Clan Head and they have decided to allow Seto a choice in which contract he desires to honor. Unfortunately, that is the extent of his freedom. If he chooses to mate a pure Planer, then he can escape these pacts, but if he wishes a human...well these are the only choices.”
The room vibrated with four growls. “I can not believe there is no other choices.” Cracking in his now clawed hand, Seto’s desk splintered where he held on.
Petting Cyndia’s arm gently, Pegasus thought aloud. “Well, there is another option. You maybe able to plead with the Clan Head to release you from the obligations and instigate an observation of your chosen.” Before the teen’s hope could bloom, he dashed it just as quick. “The only drawback to this is Mokuba will be forced into accepting one of the contracts to keep the line intact. They would only allow one of you to veer away from your responsibilities; finding your freedom at the cost of the other.” Their eyes met in a lone sympathetic passing. “Could you really do that?”
Tempting. The plans flowed passed his mind’s eyes. Paths extended then ended just as abruptly. Nothing. No path, no plan could Seto come up with to bypass this problem. They all ended in losing his Puppy; the one chance he would never take. Never would he sell out his brother.
Lowering his eyes back to the pile, the conversation from this morning played again. Kisara and the others were right. He couldn’t even hold a decent conversation with his Puppy without hurting him. His hand picked the first page off the desk, but it was not the contract his eyes saw. Vulnerable golden orbs, pleading for help and guidance even though their owner tried to inject steel, captured him all over again. Every sentence, every word he meant to say cried in his heart but his mouth could never give them voice. Only the hurtful ones ever passed. But Mokuba….Mokuba was already courting his chosen. Had a better chance than Seto ever would already. So in reality… there was only one true choice. “You said only one of us was required to accept one of the contracts. The other would be allowed to continue with the mate of their choosing. No interference?”
The predator’s smile looked wrong on the Dark Rabbit’s face as Pegasus hummed an affirmative. “It can be arranged, yes. The Council dictates only one in a generation MUST honor the mating contracts. Beyond that, it is free choice with the precautions followed, of course..”
The name on the page finally pierced the dazed fog in Seto’s mind. Kujaku, Mai. Barely holding back his shudder, he pretended to read but he already knew his answer. No. Mai was a human Core family member from the Harpy Clans; so far removed from the original Bloodling and no new Planer introduced that her line was almost pure human. Her personality needed a complete overhaul before he’d ever accept her.
Shaking his head, the page met the opposite corner of the desk in reject. “Cousin, you do not have to do this. We can find another way… speak to the Clan….” Seto shook off Kilala’s soft plea just like her soft touch. Picking up the next page, he didn’t even make it passed the name before slamming it down on top of Mai’s. “I would burn that… THING… if I thought you’d not call me out on it.” Glaring at Yami, Seto still seriously debated the pros and cons of destroying the contract. “That pink haired….” He swallowed the bile down. “NO… not only that but HELL NO! I will never allow any descendant of MINE to accept that thing.” Noticing the confused looks, he could only growl out the simple. “Von Schroider.”
Knowing ‘ooooo’s” echoed as the meaning set in. If Seto had destroyed the contract, Yami wouldn’t have blamed him one bit. Nor looked the other way and would have enforced the rules, but he’d not have blamed him. The Justicar watched silently as his cousin reached for another page. It was always hard to stand on the sidelines and observe everything. But that was his job. What he was literally bred for. What all Justicars were bred for. Being Judge, Jury, Enforcer, and when needed Executioner weighed heavy on one’s soul… a darkness that enveloped everything they touched. His cousins kept dogging him on his lack of reaction or emotions, but that was what being a Justicar meant. What others did not realize, Justicars locked their true selves back. Never to be revealed until their fated mates crossed their paths. The darkness and shadows that fueled their abilities and Clans only receded steadily in that warm light. Even with that handicap, Yami’s heart bled for Seto. Yami watched his life evolve from the time of Seto’s parents’ deaths, to his mentorship with Gozaburo, to present. And in all those years, never had he seen Seto as… happy?...Content?... No. Alive. Seto’d always just... existed, but the day he met his ‘Puppy’ as he prefered to call the blond, that changed. Seto bloomed under their interactions, like a flower long denied the sun. Now, as he watched Seto place another page on the growing reject pile, he could see the same bricks from before placed around Seto’s heart again. And there was nothing Yami could do, but observe...that’s what Justicars do, after all.
Time crept as page after page met the rejects. Seto’s himes had long since moved to their couches, observing his breaking heart silently. Their own breaking for him. Pegasus played on his phone, ignoring the incoming call over and over again, while his mate re-read the rejects to figure out where they went wrong.
Rubbing his eyes, Seto reached blindly for the next. Warmth slowly swam through his veins as his fingers brushed against the object. A rightness settled in his heart. The same as when his Puppy first crossed his path. Ornamental onyx and pearl greeted his now sparkling blues. Gently unraveling the ancient scroll, Seto’s eyebrows met his hairline. “Any particular reason this one is here?” He was well aware of this special familial contract; how could he not? Every Planer and Bloodling knew about it. The love, loyalty, and ultimate sacrifice of the original participants amid unadulterated hatred sparked deep in Planer legends to fuel their indestructible spirits as the centuries passed.
Looking up, Pegasus tried to hide a pout. “It is a part of your past, so I thought you’d like to view what could possibly come from your own contract.”
“Riiight. And you have not been trying to convert it over to paper form or destroy it for the past twenty years.” Cyndia snorted as she shuffled the pages in her hand. She ignored her mate’s exaggerated pout as she replaced them in the case. “Since that contract was never fulfilled, it remains. The scroll has a preservation spell on it that refuses to disperse until the contract parameters are met.”
“A little difficult isn’t it when one of the lines is extinct?” His long fingers lightly caressed the embellished edges. A plan beginning.
“That’s actually what gives hope to so many.” The Himes sighed, longingly. “Since the scroll refuses to disperse, several believe that the ill-fated mates will find each other and finally achieve their well deserved happiness.”
Snorting, Seto continued to read the contract’s specifics. The rules, rights, punishments, and boundaries were surprisingly strict, but everything else was very general. In fact, it only specified one male of the Bloodling Seth line and/or one male of the Bloodling Jono line accept the contract to activate the parameters. As he read, his smirk grew. He knew only his Puppy could ever hold his heart or desire. Here was the perfect way to avoid an unwanted forced mating… especially since the other half of the contract was long since gone.   “Sounds more like over-romanticized dribble, to me. Do you really believe that?” He only received an elegant fourway shrug from the females; neither agreeing or disagreeing.
“Kaiba-boy, you should know better than to ask something like that.” Pegasus snickered. “Women are hopeless romantics. It’s a well known fact. Aaaaannd speaking of well known facts….” Pushing a button, the Bureau Head FINALLY took pity on the poor soul on hold for the past two hours. “Yes?”
“YOU ROTTEN EXCUSE OF FLESH! I DON’T CARE IF YOU ARE THE HEAD OF THE BUREAU; I’M GOING TO TAKE THE DULLEST SPOON I CAN FIND, CUT OFF ALL YOUR DANGLY PARTS, BLAST THEM TO OBSCURITY, AND FEED YOU THE ASHES!!!! HOW DARE YOU LEAVE ME ON HOLD FOR TWO HOURS!!! FORGET WHAT I SAID ABOUT THE SPOON! I’M GOING TO HOLD A RABBIT FEAST STARRING YOU AND THAT MISERABLE MATE OF YOURS! TRUST ME NO ONE WILL MISS YOU!!!!! I CAN NOT BELIEVE I STARTED THIS AS A FAVOR TO….”
Holding the phone far from his ear, Pegasus merely smiled. Even if it was not on loudspeaker, everyone in the room heard Kaichou’s roars. He placed it on the desk corner after switching to speaker. “Why hello, Kaichou-dear. I was just visiting with your dear nephew about some very important subjects and just now received your call. I am sooo sorry if you had to wait.”
“JUST STUFF IT UP YOUR RABBIT HOLE!!! I KNOW YOU KNOW I KNOW YOU’RE LYING. I CAN NOT PROVE IT, BUT I KNOW!!!! AND SPEAKING ABOUT NEPHEWS…. SETO KAIBA HOW DARE YOU FOSTER A CORE MEMBER ON ME WITHOUT WARNING!!! YOU WERE TAUGHT BETTER MANNERS THAN THAT!!!!”
Both males blinked in surprise. Finding his voice, Seto tried to make sense of her ramblings. “Uh… hello to you too Aunt Kaichou. I’m sorry but I don’t understand what you mean.”
They heard her take a few calming breaths before she snarled again. “I know Gozaburo Kaiba taught you manners. You know to warn someone when you are introducing them to Core members. SO WHY DIDN’T YOU!” Seto could only blink again. He’d not introduced a Core member lately and he told her as much. “The BLONDE you had the Headmaster add to my class. Because I wasn’t warned, I only knew to give his Partner a cautionary word not him. And he ended up making a scene in the class. I’m surprised he’s not embarrassed over it.”
Now that caught his attention. Looking at his himes, Seto shook his head. “I don’t understand. Jonouchi Katsuya is not a Core member and has only recently adopted a Black Dragon hatchling. Hence why he is in your class. What happened to cause the scene?” Maybe something was said or done that had triggered his anger. That would explain a lot.
“Very well. I’ll start from the beginning. He entered my class with his friends and his Black Dragon. Did you remember to tell the Director and Head that the hatchling’s a Red-Eyes? You know you have to alert them of that. Anyway, we went outside like usual and began the class. I warned the little one about my lessons possibly giving him visions, then I started reviewing what we had covered. I only got as far as the general introduction when he suddenly got upset and stood. He started rambling off about why I was not covering certain events or lying about them flat out. He even used the proper term of Planers. Only a Core member would have been taught that term or even that much of the history. So your blonde HAS to be a Core member. There’s no other way he could possibly know any of it otherwise.”
“Come now, Kaichou-dear. Surely he had heard it elsewhere, after all we have been trying to slowly integrate the histories.”
“I know what I’m saying you fruity bunny. He mainly mentioned the slaughter at Machu Picchu, Niflheim’s sealing, Heracleion’s destruction, Atlantis, and the Councils. Not all Core members know about all that… heck not all Planers know it either. BUT HE DID! Other than him being a Core member or a Bloodling himself, I can not see any other way he’d have that knowledge.”
“Curious.” Kisara sent to Seto. “I never felt anything other than human from him.”
“Neither have I.” Seto’s frown colored his thoughts. “Nothing is flagged in his records as being Core.” He said, typing quickly.
“A little obsessive, don’t you think?” Yami teased.
But Seto ignored him. “The only flag makes reference to his half-sister Shizuka being a Bloodling from their Privileged mother.” Humming to himself, he turned towards the window in thought. “Since his mother is from a Privileged family, Pup-er Jonouchi may have inherited that ability. After all, his Partner is a Red-Eyes Black Dragon hatchling that already accessed several abilities early. Since visions are one of his specie specialties, he could be sharing it over their bond.”
“Could the little one be strong enough to manage that?”
Chuckling, Seto nodded. “Positive. Especially since his Bright One calls him ‘Momma’.”
“Ah yes, that could be the case. But that makes me wonder who ‘Daddy’ is.” Kisara teased while everyone else snickered. Seto’s slight fidget clearly informed he knew who ‘Daddy’ was, but the ruthlessness he crushed it down with told far more.
“That may be possible, but I don’t think so. He reacted while the little one did not. I suggest, formally, that Jonouchi Katsuya be tested. Full spectrum, DNA, with all the bells and whistles. I have a feeling something more is going on.” Kaichou’s voice brought them back to the matter at hand.
“Kaichou-dear, don’t you think that’s a little too extreme?”
“You owe me. You placed me here to run interference and alert to anything abnormal. Well, here you go. This is as abnormal as you will get. There’s a few other ‘specials’, I’m suspecting. So, to be safe, I’d suggest testing the whole school.” Now her smug voice annoyed the Head. Especially since his mate suggested the same thing just yesterday. “Since records state the last basic test was over five years ago.”
“Agent Kaichou, this is Director Cyndia. While I agree that the testing is long past due, as I informed the Head yesterday, testing the full school is not plausible on that depth. Might I suggest a basic test for the lower and higher levels, but for Mr. Jonouchi’s level we can do a full scan like you desire. Would that be adequate?”
Silence reigned for a few moments as she thought about it. “Yes. The other ‘specials’ are in his class level also.” Rustling clothes sounded over the phone. “Until you can arrange the test, I will put up a ‘smoke field’ and see how much Mr. Jonouchi and his little one know. I’d suggest they also undergo specialized training to be safe.”
Turning back to the room, Seto once more picked up the scroll. “Already taken care of. His first tutor session begins after school, and his mentor will join in later.”
“Who is his mentor?” You could hear the narrowing of purple eyes over the line. “It had better be another Black Dragon.”
He barely controlled his snort. “Please. I was barely able to schedule a White Dragon mentor on such short notice. Black Dragons are even harder to come by, present company included.”
“Se-to… you are not too big for me to turn over my tail. So watch it.” Kaichou sang sweetly over the phone. “And you know all you had to do was say something to the Clan...or myself. We’d always help a hatchling train especially if his own parents won’t. Any idea where his parents are, and I can contact them to see if they’ll help.”
That caused pause in the teen. He’d not asked his Puppy where he’d gotten his Bright One and the Headmaster was not much help either. But, really, that was not a big matter. The sale of a Red-Eyes would be highly documented… wait. Frowning, Seto started typing on the computer again. “Pegasus, has the Black Dragon Clan made any reports of a Red-Eyes being hatched lately?”
“Now that you make mention of it, not a word, Kaiba-boy. The Clan hinted that one was possible, but none were reported.” His own frown answering. Looking over to his mate, his case flipped open in his hands. “In fact, I remember a different report being submitted.”
While he flipped through his pages, Cyndia nodded. “A hatch-report was submitted, but no Red-Eyes were listed. Only Ambers and a single Blue. Don’t give me that look. The Blue is already being taught by his White Dragon father so no need to fret.” The cough at her elbow brought a page. “Hmm. I see. The Clan reported only forty-three eggs this time. Twelve from Human-side. Seven Planer-side eggs disappeared in an Outsider attack on the Black Dragon Clan’s transfer convoy. Perpetrators unknown. Nine casualties. No leads.” Settling on the only Justicar in the room, Cyndia continued where the report left off. “How do we not have any leads? The report says Justicars were called in for reconnaissance; so why no leads?”
“I have no idea. I was not one of those called in and contrary to what most people believe, we do not share mission knowledge.” Yami sighed. “I think, Bakura was on that team.”
A happy squeal surprised the room. Every eye but the Rabbit’s widened on the bouncing silver-haired man. Cyndia groaned, rubbing the bridge of her nose. “Pegasus-dear, PLEASE calm down.”
“B...but….” Pouting, he tried to stop the bouncing, but failed miserably.
“I know you’re happy to have an excuse to see your ‘dear, sweet, adorable baby brother’ again, but really, there’s no need for these antics.” Five eyebrows raised at that. Kisara mouthed ‘sweet and adorable?’ to the silently laughing Yami. There is no way Bakura could live this down any time soon. “I promise; you can spend quality time with him later, but we need to find out about this tragedy.”
“B...b...but….” Sighing, Pegasus dropped his ‘teary’ pout. “FINE.” With arms crossed, he turned his back on his mate huffing. Ignoring him, Cyndia opened her phone. Seto and the Himes watched the Head’s antics while Yami played on Seto’s phone, again.
Taking the silence too far, Kaichou snarled. “So you’re telling me that this human may have participated in a raid on a convoy to steal eggs that killed seven Planer guards?”
“NO!” “Yes?” “Maybe.” The three shared a glare.
“Which is it?” The phone’s crackle belied Kaichou’s success in reigning in her temper.
“NO! Definitely NOT!” Seto seethed. “My Puppy would NEVER pull something like that! He doesn’t have it in him.”
“Seto, it is possible. He is an unknown human, in possession of an unaccounted for Black Dragon hatchling. It’s too much of a coincidence.”
He couldn’t stop his snort. “And that’s Jonouchi Katsuya for you. He’s gained the title of ‘Luckiest Loser’ at our school. Coincidences follow him everywhere.”
“Be that as it may, we will still investigate the matter with him as an accomplice, if not perpetrator.”
Growling, Seto surged to his feet ready to attack. Kisara and Kirara strained to hold him back. “Let’s speak to Bakura before we start arguing about our next step; shall we? After all,” Yami smirked at Seto’s glowing glare as he raised the Bloodling’s phone, “he may have an alibi”
“Again that is possible.” Cyndia frowned at Seto’s failed snatch attempt of his phone. “But even with an alibi, he may have accomplices. We will speak to Bakura when he is free and decide at that time what shall be the next step.” She waved Seto’s demand off. “You shall be informed of any developments.”
Finally regaining his composure, Seto nodded. “Fine.” Sitting down once more, he turned his attention back to Kaichou. “If you want to help tutor the hatchling, Mokuba and Jonouchi will be in the park tomorrow after school. His mentor will be arriving later.”
“That’s not suspicious at all.... stalker.” Yami mumbled under his breath.
Seto chose to ignore his cousin in favor of smirking to the Head and Director. “Now that everything is established… get out of my office.”
“Not everything, Kaiba-boy.” Smiling, Pegasus turned back to the teen. “You still have a decision to make.” The other’s answering smirk unnerved him.
“Oh, I remember. I’ve already made my choice.” Raising the unrolled scroll, the teen raised his voice. “I, Kaiba Seto, of the Bloodling Seth’s line accept the conditions of this contract in full view of Clan and Council witnesses. I knowingly and willfully tie my body and soul to the rightful heir of the Bloodling Jono’s line.”
Surprising everyone in the room, the scroll flashed a bright blue before a signature appeared at its bottom. Cyndia grabbed the scroll. Upon inspection, her eyes narrowed on the still glowing signature. The air held still; waiting. Slowly, her eyes sought the smug brunette’s. “The binding is complete.”   Her hiss was missed in the   collective gasp. “You’ve bound yourself in a one sided mating!”
“If I cannot gain my chosen mate, I would rather be in a hopeless mating. It’s fairer.” His arms crossed. “Now that EVERYTHING is settled. Leave.”
Snarling, Cyndia grabbed her mate’s collar and hauled him out. There was nothing they could do. Seto’d accepted one of the contracts offered to him. Now Mokuba was free to mate with his choice. The Council and White Dragon Clan would not be happy about this. Slamming the door behind them, she gained no measure of pleasure.
“You definitely twisted their panties.” Yami shrugged, standing. “I hope you know what you’re doing. I’d hate to bring judgement on you.”
The girls snorted and Kaichou snickered. “Yeah right. We all know how… ‘by the books’ you are. Anyway, Seto. Expect me at the tutor session; I’ll help all I can.”
“Thank you, Aunt Kaichou. I’ll inform Mokuba later.” Stretching, Seto stood. “Now, I have work. I’ll see you all later for supper.” Without a backward glance, he also left the room.
“You know he’s going to be pissed when he realizes he outsmarted himself, right?” Sighing, Yami rolled the scroll up gently.
The dragonesses shared a look. “What do you mean by that?”
“He means Seto will be upset when he finally meets his mate.” Kaichou’s voice sounded exhausted.
“Wha?””Mate?” Kirara and Kairi blinked in confusion. Kisara was no better. “What are you saying? There’s no mate.”
The two elders sighed in concert. Yami was the first to answer. “The scroll’s magic still exists. The only way that is possible is if both parties are available. Which means there IS one of Bloodling Jono’s line.”
“Somewhere.”
“Yes, somewhere.”
“But...How?” Kairi gasped. This was way hard to believe.
Gathering his stuff, Yami shrugged heading to the door. “Who knows. We’re bound to find out sooner or later.” With a backward way, he wove the shadows and vanished.
“Aaaannd that’s all we’ll get at this time.” Unseen, Kaichou stood from the grass. Dusting herself off, she quickly planned out her next actions. “I better head back. I’ll see you guys. It’s Meatloaf Monday isn’t it?” After their confused agreement, the line went dead.
“Well, that was… interesting.” Kirara’s glance settled on the abandoned cellphone. “What should we do with that?”
Not breaking her stride, Kisara made her own way out. “Forget it. Pegasus will probably get it next time they come to annoy Seto.” Throwing a quick glance back, Kairi turned and followed her sisters.
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Nesting Habits