Adult-FanFiction.org : Yu-Gi-OH

Nesting Habits	By : trystkinkou Category: Yu-Gi-Oh > Yaoi - Male/Male Views: 12189 -:- 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
- 6
- 7
- 8
Author: Kinkou
Betas: none
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.
Chapter: {7/?}
***A/N: Sorry. I know I said i’d have this up over 2 weeks ago, but again life hit me hard. But good news, I have my Halloween fic almost done (will not be done by Halloween probably) and another new fic almost done as well. Unfortunately my usual Betas were busy as well, so please excuse my mistakes. I welcome all critic to help make this better. Enjoy. ***
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Steam swirled around as the body shifted in the water. Usually a hot soak relaxed the small teen, but not today. Too many thoughts swirled and dipped in his head. Jou’s reaction in History class; Lucky’s speaking and flame ability developing so young; especially the flood of new energy ribbons tying everything together; all of it crashed heavily on his little shoulders. Sighing, Yugi stood from the tub. This was just not going to help. He had to speak to Grandpa and Dark. He rubbed his temples as another twitch of energy wove before him into another bright ribbon. Annoyed, he dressed quickly and moved to the kitchen.
Sitting at the table with a cup of tea, Grandpa didn’t even spare the teen a glance. “You have something to ask me?”
Dark handed Yugi a cup as he sat down. “Actually, yes.” He’d long since gotten over his Grandpa’s insights. They were a frequent thing now days. “I’m having issues with my sight. The ribbons are getting brighter, sometimes too much to see. Also, they are appearing more frequently. Before, I would see one or two dim lines connecting or tying people or things…but now they seem to be woven almost like cloth in some places.”
Thanking Dark for refilling his cup, Grandpa glanced over; a frown creasing his brow. It was strange, yes, to have such a boost in strength without a Partner’s active link, but not unheard of. Yugi’s fidgeting told him something else weighed heavily on his mind. “Is that all you’re seeing?”
Poised with his cup at his lips, Yugi thought about the question. “Not really.” Slowly, he lowered the cup to the table. The swirled vine pattern on it always reminded him of dragons coiling. “Today, something strange happened.” Taking a breath, he tried to form his thoughts. “Jonouchi brought his new Partner to school. It was an adorable Black Dragon hatchling with red eyes. The ribbons around them…seemed to intensify and change. Then those ribbons touched others and THEY changed also. They kept spiraling out, changing more as they went, but those actually touching the two were the brightest. My eyes hurt just looking at them. I didn’t even need to link up with Dark to see them.” Ruffling his hair, Yugi groaned. “It’s just that… everything seems to revolve around Jou and Lucky! And not only the energy fluxes, it’s Jou’s whole… I don’t know how to explain it! In history, he zoned out for a bit and said the strangest things. At first, I thought it was maybe his developing link to Lucky, but the little one didn’t react at all. He just sat and listened to the lesson. Then there’s the fact that Lucky is developing abilities so quickly! He’s already speaking and has a breath weapon.” Catching his breath, Yugi glanced at Dark, who nodded encouragingly. “According to Ryou, he’s only hatched three or four days ago. Then there’s the fact that EVERYONE’S ribbons are changing when they touch Jou or Lucky. Except, maybe, Anzu’s but that’s Anzu and I don’t know what’s going on or how I can help and….”
“Yugi.”
“This is gettingmoreandmore….”
“YUGI.”
“ComplextoneverknowwhathappeningandsomethingbigheadingourwayIfeel….”
“YUGI!!”
Blinking in startlement, the teen gasped. “Yes?”
Grandpa chuckled. It was always easy to tell Yugi’s emotional state. “Breathe. I think I get the idea.” His own cup sat lightly on the table. “There’s no need to worry. You’re growing, so of course your bond with Dark is as well. It’s perfectly natural for you to no longer notice when you use his portion. In fact….”
“I do not think that is true, sir.” Dark’s small voice brought both eyes to him. Forehead wrinkled in thought, he continued. “Master did not access our bond today. In fact, he has not done so since our last practice session Saturday morning.” Both humans’ eyes bulged. “Master’s own abilities have been growing lately and today I felt the spell weakening.” Picking up the empty cups, Dark walked to the sink , completely missing the fish imitations at the table.
Yugi was the first to find his voice. “Sp...spell? Wha...what spell?”
Dark’s voice floated easily over the running water. “Oh your disguise spell, of course. You know the one that allows you to pass for completely human.”
This was NOT something either understood. “HHHUUUUUHHHH?????!!!!!”
The surprised sound finally brought Dark’s attention back to the pair. “What is wrong, Master?”
This time Grandpa squeaked first. “WHAT spell?”
Confusion mirrored on Dark’s face. “Why the disguise spell you both have, of course...wait.” Looking closer at the two, he was amazed.”You really do not know what I’m speaking of. Do you?” Bewildered at their nods, he took his chair once more. “This spell is an old one. A powerful one. I only know it is there because I am bound to Master Yugi and it is weakening. If not, then I would not have known.”
Yugi straightened more in his chair. “You said it was a disguise spell. What does it do? How could it be there?”
“Yes, it is a very strong disguise spell with several layers. It’s one that makes a Bloodling or Planer feel to all intents and purposes as fully human. From the overtones of energy, it also dampens one’s abilities. Also if a Bloodling or Planer wears it, others of their Clan will actively seek it out come mating time. Thereby keeping the line ‘pure’ so to speak.” The blank looks on Yugi’s face was comical; Grandpa was little better. “It is the same as Jonouchi and Ryou’s.”
“Okay. I think I can understand that, but I have a few questions.” Grandpa shared a glance with Yugi. “What is a Bloodling?”
Tilting his head adorably, Dark sighed. Just what has he gotten himself into now? This was all basic knowledge afterall. “A Bloodling is a being born of Planer and human blood. Some humans call them ‘halflings’, but we prefer the term ‘Bloodlings’. Since ‘halflings’ mean merely half or something or worthless, it is a highly insulting term. But ‘Bloodling’ means of the blood. Which is what they are. Of the Planer and Human Blood, hence of our families and selves.”
“And a Planer?”
“One from the other Plane, of course. Humans have called us many names over the aeons, but the proper term is ‘Planer’. Though when bonded ‘Partners’ are acceptable too.”
‘Wow!’ Yugi thought this was interesting.”You said this spell was like Jou and Ryou’s. How?”
“They are almost exactly alike. The only difference is Jonouchi’s is a lot stronger. That’s why the others with the same spell react to his.” Tapping his claws on the table, Dark thought aloud.” It’s almost like the spell originated or was created for him, but spread to you others. Except its age points to possibly an ancestor. Are you perhaps related?”
Again, Yugi felt like his head was going to explode. This was just too much. Groaning with a shake of his head, he turned to his grandpa. “I don’t believe so.”
Grandpa’s mind flew from one subject to another, but before he could say anything else, Dark cut him off. “Perhaps, it would be best if you have any other questions to call the Balance Bureau. They are better equipped to answer your questions. More so than I.”
Grandpa nodded. Yeah that did sound like a better idea. Dark was just a ‘child’ and probably taken to delusions and flights of fantasy. Though Grandpa had never seen Dark do something like that before. “Thank you, Dark. I’ll give them a call in a bit.”
Before Dark stood to leave, Yugi stopped him. “What did you mean the spell is weakening?”
“Just as I said. The spell seems to be losing strength. The fact that your abilities are growing separate from me testifies to that effect. Otherwise you would be accessing my portion of the bond to even read the energies much less influence them.” At Yugi’s pained look, Dark whimpered. “I hate seeing you in pain, Master. If you wish, I can teach you how to mute or lessen the ribbons around you so you could be more comfortable.”
“That...would be nice. Thank you.” Rubbing his temples, Yugi sighed. “Jou is having a training session tomorrow in the park with a tutor and we were invited along. Would you mind helping me then?”
Not even Dark was immune to Yugi’s puppy eyes. “That would be a good time and place to practice, Master. I would be happy to aid you.” After getting an answering nod, Dark left to complete his chores. His thoughts spiraling over the happenings of the day. He had always assumed Master Yugi and his grandpa knew of the spell. It was not abnormal to run into these types given the ongoing strife between the Planes. But for them to NOT know about it, or presumably their own heritage was preposterous. Could their family been in hiding so long they held no connection to their History...no knowledge of just WHAT they were? If that was the case… then what of Yugi’s other friends. Most held the same spell in varying degrees.
Fluffy white feathers soon caught his attention. The shredded pillow lay victimized in his claws. Sighing, Dark cast a simple restore spell on the poor thing and finished making Master’s bed. His memory called forth the only instruction his mother gave him before he left the Bureau’s immigration office to find his fated Partner.
The chill November wind blustering outside the window calmed the newly weaned Dark Magician as he stood holding his mother’s claw. The stress of the day would have zapped the energy out of most young Planers, but the little one’s blood easily accounted for the fact he was just excitedly bouncing in place. The Silent Magician in him on his father’s side kept him calmly observing everything around him, while his mother’s Magician Valkyria side kept him from sleeping on his feet. It didn’t help that she stood right beside him to make sure he was ready. Overprotective like most mothers, she thought it was too soon for him to leave the ‘nest’. But the ribbons kept pushing for him to cross the Barrier into the other Plane, even freshly after birth. His mother was just lucky Dark hadn’t crossed the Barrier on his own long before this. Something major was happening and both sides of the Planes were preparing for the shift. Even now, he felt the longing to leave the protective area intensify. Pulling him further into the unknown.
“Turix Chumuk Aak'ab, I do not know what will happen once you leave, but remember this, please. If anything, and I mean ANYTHING, happens that can not be easily explained or seems dangerous contact the Clan or Bureau immediately. Your father and I fear your harm. So please, Turix do not forget.”
Crystalline tears clung tightly to her lashes as her gaze watched the passing humans and Planers on the outside. Dark’s own eyes never left the window, either. “I swear, mother.” Releasing her hand, he turned towards his fate’s door. “Do not cry, mother. There is pain enough in the world, do not add more unnecessarily.” He paused only long enough to whisper a farewell before the door closed behind him. He never looked back; only forward. Now for the first time in almost seven years since he passed the Barrier, Dark was honor bound to contact the Bureau and Clan. He had better contact the Bureau first to warn of Grandpa’s upcoming call. He wondered what they would tell the elder. Shrugging, that was not his worry. The call to the Clan was.
Moving to his bed in Master’s room, Dark pulled out a single dark silver feather. Just sitting there for several moments, he thought of exactly what he should say, but nothing came to mind. He decided to ‘wing it’ as Master would say. Dark’s eyes closed in concentration as he reached for the energy ribbons that passed through the Barrier. Weaving them together, he opened his eyes when completed to the mirror now before him. The range of colors reflecting in its swirling depth threatened to pull him in, but only a newborn would allow itself to slip that far within its mind. Unaware of losing itself.
Taking a deep breath, Dark applied the small spark of his own energy to form the communication link and a small thought to direct it. He could feel the miniscule stretching, much like someone pulling the skin back on their hands. It didn’t hurt, only felt strange. Lasting for but a few minutes, a sudden rubber-like snap brought his eyes open. There in the mirror sat a rather bored Stone Soldier. “Thank you for contacting the Balance Bureau. How can I help you?” A rather high pitched voice greeted him.
“I am Dark Mutou. My Master’s grandfather will be contacting you shortly concerning some sensitive information.”
Taking out a small pad, the Soldier started taking notes. “What sort of sensitive information?”
“Everything. By all appearances, they are a family of Bloodlings so long in hiding that they have no clue what they are. I mistakenly thought they knew of their spells and situations when I began discussing certain things with them.” Bowing his head, Dark sighed. “I made a mess of it and now they are scared and confused.”
Humming under her breath, the Stone Soldier continued writing. “Don’t worry too much of it. Probably have blood so far back that they are mostly human now anyway. They will be listed as ‘Privileged’, informed of their pasts, and integrated silently in.”
“Incorrect.” Dark’s frown caught the Soldier’s eye. “They are both Bloodlings. The disguise spell on them is old and guaranteed pure mates. Their line is true.”
Now that got rid of the Soldier’s bored look. “Truly?” At Dark’s solemn nod, she cursed. “I HATE those types. They make it all the harder to integrated them. Do you happen to know what clan?”
“I do not know for certain. By the ease of our bond and my Master’s developing abilities, I would say possibly one of the Magician Clans.” He shrugged and indicated his own youth. “But I can not be sure.”
“Ah. Sorry.” Changing from writing to typing on her computer, the Soldier grumbled under her breath. “I am pulling your records now. I am going to red flag and notate that this is a priority issue. We will schedule an intervention as soon as possible to better help them. Is there anything else you can tell me of the issue?”
Dark’s mouth opened and closed a few times before he finally made up his mind. “Yes. The spell on the Mutous’ seem to extend to others as well. The spell seems to originate from a Jonouchi Katsuya. It is strongest around him, but is weakening.”
The Soldier frowned. “I’ve not heard of that before. What are the names of those affected?”
“First and primary is Jonouchi Katsuya. Secondly is my Master, Mutou Yugi, and another named Bakura Ryou. They are the second strongest. The rest are in varying weaknesses. They are Ishtar Malik, Honda Hiroto, and Otogi Ryuji.”
“Bakura Ryou is listed in the system already. His status as a Hearts Bloodling is known. So is Otogi Ryuji of the Gambler Clan. These others are not in the database. We will investigate this further. Thank you for alerting us. ”
That froze the little Magician. He could understand Otogi being known as a Bloodling since his and Honda’s spells were fairly weak. But not Ryou’s. Ryou’s was as strong as Yugi’s and only recently started weakening. So how had they known of his status? And why did she say a ‘Hearts’ Bloodling. Ryou was a ‘Rabbit’ not a ‘Hearts’ and said as much to the Soldier.
She checked over the information again. “Bakura Ryou. Born September 2 to Bakura Deakin, human, and Garth Randi, pure Legend Heart. Acknowledge Bloodling status awarded on his second birthday and Clan privileges awarded a month later.”
So Ryou’s mother was a pure Hearts. That explained a bit. Namely why he didn’t act like a Rabbit most of the time. Sweat dropping at the image of a psychotically bouncing Ryou, Dark shuddered. “That maybe true, madame, but the spell goes farther back that that. He is definitely a member of the Rabbit Clan. So with his mother being a pure Hearts member, it means dual clan status.”
The Soldier frowned. “Noted. There is a flag in the system and will be forwarded to the proper attentions for investigation. Anything else needing to be added?”
His brows furled in thought. “No.” His answer came slowly. “I think that is all. I will be alerting my Clan Leader of the Motou’s as well.”
Nodding, the Stone Soldier smiled. “That is a good idea. I will get started on this and alert the affected Clans for possible damage control. Thank you for your call. Have a good day.”
Dark barely held back his snort as the mirror went black. ‘Have a good day’ his tail end. So far, it promised nothing but headaches. With the biggest yet to come. Closing his eyes in concentration again, Dark couldn’t contain his whimper. His mother was going to KILL him. But, it was only his fault he’d not called before. Maybe, if he was lucky, the Clan Leader wouldn’t mention Dark’s call to his parents.
That small glimmer of hope died a fiery death at the clipped answer from the mirror. “Hello Turix.”
Sighing, Dark could taste the disappointment in those few words. “Hello father.” Opening his eyes, Dark took in the few changes over the years. My name is ‘Dark’ now, from my Master.”
The regally sitting image before him was utterly destroyed as the man’s face plastered the ground; a flaming female glaring atop his back. “Well we would know that IF you EVER bothered to CALL!!! Do you know how worried we were? For sevenyearswefearedyouwereddead….”
“Mom.”
“Orhurtsorhadabadmaster….”
“MOM.”
“Orwhoknowswhatandhereyouare….”
“MOTHER!!”
Blinking with a gasping breath, she stopped. “Yes?”
And people wondered how Dark could handle his Master so easily. The answer was simple; practice handling his mother. Chuckling, Dark wondered if the Motous’ had Magician Valkyrie in their line. It’d sure explain Yugi. And Lords knew Dark never met his Master’s parents. He’d arrived the year following the accident. Dark shook off those depressing thoughts. Those were better handled later. “I’m sorry I have not called before, but I saw no need. For the first few years, my Master had some trauma to work through. It was difficult, but we managed and grew close. After that we have been learning to be true Partners.”
“That is not a reasonable excu-”
“Enough, Selea. We were aware he would not contact unless he truly needed assistance. He always has been responsible and independent.” The man pushed his mate off. Once more sitting in his chair, he smoothed his official robes.”And being as he contacted the Clan Leader’s mirror, we must assume it is business matters and not personal.” The rebulk clear in his voice.
Selea huffed. “Yeah, yeah.” Moving off a bit, she waited to pounce again Dark was sure. “Not like he’d know you were elected Clan Leader anyway. Not calling in seven years. Little brat….”
Raising an eyebrow, Dark focused on the silver and black robed male. “I thought you swore NEVER to accept that title.”
His father opened his mouth only to have his mate answer again. “He didn’t. It was a unanimous write in vote. You’d know that if you’d CALLED.”
Both males sighed and proceeded to ignore the still muttering woman. “Anyway, Clan Leader,” Professionalism falling into place. “I am calling to alert the Clan of previously unknown Bloodlings being discovered.”
That gained silence all around. Stiffening, the Clan LEader wove a quick transcribe spell. “Report.”
I have recently discovered a group of Bloodlings under a very strong disguise spell; who seem to have no knowledge of their family histories. Truly, they don’t know what they are. One, my Master Motou Yugi, is our Clan member. His grandfather, being also his only surviving relative, also can claim Clan Bloodling status.”
Narrowed silver pierced his own amethyst eyes. “And you waited this long to alert us?”
“No, sir. The disguise spell only recently started weakening, but I have known for over a year now. I believed, in error, that they were aware of their and only after a discussion today learned they did not. I have already informed the Balance Bureau of my discovery.”
Rustling from the Leader’s silver robes accented his quick movements. “Understood. I will clear my schedule and contact the Bureau right away.” The Leader turned back to the mirror. “Well done, Dark. I’m proud.” Turning back, he strolled away but hesitated at the door. “But don’t wait so long to call next time.”
Dark watched, wide eyed, as his father left. His mother smiled sadly as she took the vacated seat. “He’s been having a few sleepless nights. He’ll not admit it, but he’s been as worried as I. We’ve...heard of the abductions and murders on the other side lately. He...we feared you were one of the unidentifiable.” She could barely speak through her tears. “It’s...really...good to SEE you.”
Guilt wilted Dark’s purple locks. “I apologize. I did not realise I placed such a burden on you.” Watching his mother trying to gain control, Dark started telling her of his time with his Master. At one point, Yugi entered the room and was subsequently introduced to and fussed over by Selea. By dinner time, Dark had a new unofficially adopted brother. Which he was sure, if his mother had a say, wouldn’t be unofficial for long.
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Standing as a stark black sentry, the Balance Bureau’s building dwarfed everything in Domino, save Kaiba’s tower. Even the sun’s warmth disappeared before its doors. Regardless of the gloom, people crowded through in a semi-steady stream. For the hundredth time this day alone, Cyndia wished they could use the private entrance, but the Director and Head didn’t rate that. Oh no. Only the Clan Leaders and Council members held that honor.
Pushing through the front doors, she bit her lip to keep from cursing the idiot behind her catching a free grope. To bad her mate was in front of her and didn’t catch it. But by the satisfying pain filled grunt from behind, Yami must have. So with a happy smirk, she slightly bounced over to the receptionist for the latest updates.
The red haired human smiled gently. “Hello Director. What may I do for you?”
“Hello Katlynn. Has anything urgent appeared lately?”
Typing on her screen, Katlynn sighed. “Yes, ma’am. Apparently a ‘special’ call came in as high priority. Nati has the specifics and files ready for you. Magician Clan Leader Tevel has requested attendance about an issue he said requires privacy. Something about filing Clan rights and establishing status. Justicar Bakura left a message for Justicar Yami to return. Other than that, nothing else urgent.”
Glancing back at Yami, Cyndia relayed the message before picking up the forms Katlynn handed her. “Thank you. Please make sure Faultner readies room M-4 with whatever Clan Leader Tevel requires. I will be in my office until he arrives, but wish not to be disturbed. If anything truly urgent rises forward to the Head.”
“Yes, ma’am.” The clacking of nails on the screen followed Cyndia to the elevators where Yami stood disconnecting his call. Pegasus still pouted at her elbow, but Yami’s words soon brightened him up.
“Bakura says they have uncovered a lead, however the lead ran dry at the crossing point. Traces found are few, but distinctly point to a leak in either the Clan or Bureau. He’ll be by later for a full report.”
Before Pegasus could make a bigger scene by bouncing around, Cyndia pushed him into the private elevator. “Good. I’ll have a meeting with a Clan Leader later when he arrives, but Pegasus can… receive… his report” Seeing her mate’s state, she quickly corrected herself. “On second thought, Pegasus love, why don’t you meet with Clan Leader Tevel while I take the boring report? That was you both can spend ‘quality’ time without worrying about work.”
Yami tried not to snicker, but it was a losing battle. Pegasus’s outraged look said it all. “I KNOW what you’re doing, love, and I do NOT appreciate it. I can handle professional actions first and personal last. I will speak to Bakura while YOU deal with the Clan Leader.”
“But de-”
“Don’t finish that sentence or YOU can sleep in one of the guest rooms.” With a ‘speak to the hand’, Pegasus turned to watch the view as the glass elevator climbed. His pout plainly reflected. Yami couldn’t stop chuckling this time.
Sighing, Cyndia rubbed her forehead. Luckily she had aspirin at her desk. “Fine. Just don’t piss him off before he gives his report, please.We don’t need him storming off again.” She didn’t get an answer as the doors dinged open. He merely pushed past her and slammed his office door. Both Yami and Cyndia blinked at his tantrum. At least only their offices resided on this floor.
Shaking his head, Yami followed Cyndia into her office, closing the door quietly. The subtle greens and golds played gently through the main room; calming the nerves and placing everyone at ease. Yami took a deep breath, centering himself. His crimson eyes opened to the now sitting Director; her now visible Rabbit ears twitching as she motioned him to a seat.
“Yami, I want you to investigate this Jonouchi Katsuya. It’s too much a coincidence that he has gained a newly hatched Red-Eyed Black Dragon just a few days after eggs are stolen from their caravan. Regardless what Seto says.” She tapped away on her computer, pulling up the ‘special’ call information Katlynn spoke of. Yami took that as a dismissal and stood to leave, but her gasp had him changing course. “I DO NOT BELIEVE THIS!” He merely raised an eyebrow in askance. Yami knew he’d not have to question her. “We...had a young Dark Magician call in today stating there were some Bloodlings under an old disguise spell that was weakening. They have no clue what they are.” Dark green settled widely on his own. “Guess the name of one of those possible Bloodlings?”
No. It could not be. Yami blinked. Seto was right; coincidences followed the kid like a dog. “Jonouchi Katsuya?”
“JONOUCHI FUCKING KATSUYA!!! Now I know he HAS to be involved with the attack! There is NO WAY he couldn’t be!”
Frowning, Yami’s hair tingled. Something was off with her statement and raising his Justicar senses. “Not...necessarily.” He shrugged off her outraged glare. “I don’t FEEL that is correct. Did this young one specify what type of Bloodling?” She shook her head. The report only mentioned Bakura Ryou and Motou Yugi’s possible Clans. “You also said they had no idea what they are.” Her eyes narrowed with her nod. In fact, that was the immediate problem. “Also, Kaichou said he reacted like a Core member to her lesson, but Seto and the others said they ONLY felt human from him.” Turning, he paced out his thoughts. “His little one has already developed past the norm for dragons his age, regardless of being a Red-Eyes. He’s obviously not over the week mark, so how did he access the Memories without a parent or mentor around?” He spun on his heels, calling his Partner. “You’re correct that these are too many coincidences, BUT you are forgetting the mind set of ancient spells. They have a BAD habit of mimicking coincidences on large scales.” Yami ignored her snort as he felt the shadows shift slightly. Bringing his attention to his Chaos Magician, he smirked. “Partner, we have a job. I need you to begin investigating one Jonouchi Katsuya. I need anything you can discover about his past to find anything useful. Please watch out for the usual darkness lurking. Also any strange coincidences. There maybe an ancient spell mixed in this.”
Nodding, the Chaos Magician left as silently as he came. Cyndia shuddered. “That still freaks me out almost as much as Bakura’s eating habits.”
Yami snickered until a thought suddenly surfaced. “Wait. Did you say the caller mentioned a BAKURA Ryou?”
“Yes. WHy?” She looked through the report again. “Bakura Ryou is a documented Hearts Bloodling.”
A chill gripped him. “What did the young one say his supposed Clan is?” Too many coincidences again. Damn he hated ancient spells. Her exasperated sigh was followed by surprise. Wide green eyes caught his again. “Let me guess. Rabbit.” Nodding, she hit the print button. “I think we need to take a closer look at that call. I have a feeling it may provide the stepping stone to answer many questions.”
“I see your point. I’ll call Bak-”
SLAM!!!
Jumping, both turned at the door now hanging loose on one hinge. The silver robed Silent Magician glared at the occupants as he strolled in. Usually Clan Leader Tevel lived up to his species. Clam, cool, emotionless. However, even Cyndia could see the snapping energies surrounding him. Pissed was NOT the word she’d use. Homicidal more likely. Gulping, she stood with a faint smile. “Clan Leader Tevel, it’s a pl-”
“Drop the formalities, Director.” His voice cut through her speech impatiently. “It was brought to my attention that a Magician Bloodling line has been discovered. I demand access to this family and immediate Clan rights!”
“Er….” Yami and Cyndia shared a confused look. “We don’t know of any Magician Bloodlings, yet.”
His eyes narrowed and nostrils flared; visible rips of power started cracking the floor tiles. “Are you calling my son a liar?”
“Son?” Cyndia’s squeak was almost not heard.
“Yes. My son called into the Bureau about his Partner and friends being Bloodlings. His Partner specifically being a Magician. Now I want that full access and I want it NOW! It is inexcusable that a family of Bloodlings are left ignorant of themselves!”
Cyndia couldn’t stop her whimper. Yami even flinched at this coincidence. Everything was piling up at once and that smacked of an ancient, powerful spell; at least in Yami’s experience and those were just plain EVIL to deal with. Moving forward, he bowed to the Leader. “We apologize, Clan Leader. We have just learned of this issue and not begun the investigations yet. We meant no disrespect towards your son nor self. We were merely surprised.” Yami waved behind his back for those printouts from Cyndia. Silently, she shoved them into his hands. “Of course you shall be given immediate access to your possible Bloodlings. I will personally handle the procedures and investigations. If that is satisfactory with you Clan Leader?”
Both were mildly surprised at the CLan Leader’s chuckle. “No. I should apologize. I forgot that even you need time to prepare. When Dark called and informed us of possible Bloodlings, we lost our heads a bit.” Taking a seat, he waved Yami into another. “I still want that immediate access, Yami. You of all people know how rare a Magician Bloodling is, much less a whole FAMILY of them.”
Yes. Yami did know how rare such an occurrence was. Like several of the HIgher Planers, Magicians when mated to humans had only a one in a million chance of producing an actual Bloodling. Most of the times the human blood was too strong and overrode the Planer genes. That was one way they got the ‘Privileged’ families. Sometimes they got lucky and the recessive Planer genes would come out further down the family’s line, but not always. And of those that actually do make Bloodling birth, only a few survive their first month. In the past three thousand years, only 22 Magician Bloodling births were recorded. And only 9 survived past the first month. Yami being the latest one. But if Clan Leader Tevel and his son were correct, there were more.
That brought up another thought. Yami and the others had only survived knowing what they were and using magic, but this family of Bloodlings knew nothing about that. How had they managed to survive the birthings and continue as a LINE? Did the spell have something to do with it. Or was there something else. Quietly, Yami sat. “I agree, Clan Leader, but we need to make sure they are truly Bloodlings. It is possible they are mere decoys to trap us like so many times before. Even without your son’s knowledge, or even theirs.”
The Leader’s heavy sigh echoed. “I know. But we are the one best suited to cracking any deceit. From the sounds of things, Dark’s unwitting comments have caused fear and confusion. Both of which are not ideal in this case.”
“Agreed. You and I shall leave tomorrow afternoon to speak to them. This will allow us enough time to investigate the matter and time enough for them to calm a bit.”
Nodding, the Clan Leader stood. “I will meet you here at four tomorrow afternoon to speak to them. It would be best on their home ground, so they are not too threatened.” He turned back to the door and with a wave of his hand fixed the mess he made. “Sorry for my temper. I’ll remain in the Clan rooms in the upper floors for the evening. You can reach me there if any more information has been found.”
Yami bowed deeply. “Of course Clan Leader Tevel. I will alert you instantly.” Watching until the elder Magician was gone, Yami mentally listed his options. Questions and all. Turning back to Cyndia, he opened his mouth to point out his thoughts, but the door once more banged open. Both their tired sighs answered the snarling Bakura as he stormed the room.
“WHAT DO YOU MEAN LEAVING ME ALONE WITH THIS IDIOT??!!!!”
“But Bakuuuuraaaa!!!” They could hear Pegasus’s whine from his office. “I didn’t DO anything!”
Snarling, Bakura kicked Yami’s chair in spite. “You HUGGED me! How many times do I have to tell you...DO NOT TOUCH ME??!!!!”
Yami’s glare went unanswered as the other Justicar plopped into the only vacant chair. “Seriously, how old are you?”
Cyndia rubbed her temples; her headache throbbing. “PEGASUS! I told you not to piss him off!”
A pouting Pegasus appeared in the doorway. “You told me not to piss him off BEFORE getting his report. You never said anything about after.”
He didn’t even flinch at the glare through her fingers. “Pegasus.” Arctic chills slipped down the other’s spines. Removing her hands, she jabbed them out. “Report. Now.” It was a bad day turning so much worse. When he sighed dramatically, her growl got him moving. Once it was in her hands, she quickly scanned it, tuning out the bickering males.
Nothing shout out at her. Everything appeared a simple bandit attack gone wrong. A broken transport wheel at the wrong time. Bandits attacking seeming to ignore the eggs and going for treasures. Transports flipped during the struggles. MOst of the eggs were unharmed, only a few were damaged in the flipped transport, but those were all decoy, unfertilized eggs. The stolen eggs would never have been noticed if one of the mothers were not part of the convoy and demanded a shell count. During that count, they discovered that seven of the decoys had been switched with fertilized eggs. Those were missing and not among the damaged.
Trackers spread out, trying to find the thieves only to discover their bodies; dead long before the attack and no residue of a necromancer or puppeteer. Going cold, the Justicars were called to the trail. They were able to find the puppeteer that set the bodies in motion, but she also was dead by a few minutes only.
Cyndia snorted. That smacked of an insider. But how had the insider known? Justicars usually only communicated with themselves, Pegasus, or her. By virtue of their stations, Justicars could not be corrupted. The spells and vows physically disallowed it. And neither Pegasus not she would ever betray any Planer. So who had access to the information? Biting her lips, Cyndia mentally listed everyone with access. Both their support staff was small and bound by spells similar to the Justicars. So they were ruled out. So who? An annoying buzz caught her attention through the males’ arguing. Clicking the speaker button, she answered the office phone. “Yes?”
“Director Cyndia, more records have been received about the ‘special’ call earlier. I am forwarding them to your computer now.”
“Thank you, Katlynn.” Cyndia froze after clicking the speaker off. Her thoughts chased each other. “P...Pegasus? Do the receptions and record staff have anything in place limiting loyalty or access?” Raising her eyes on the now pinned man, she pleaded.
Bakura ceased trying to rip Pegasus’s arms off with a tilted head. Pegasus’s pained voice muffled out below his brother’s body. “Just the basic technological safes. Passcodes, firewalls, etc. etc.”
Yami sucked in a breath through his teeth. “So ANY of them can access the systems if they know their way around a computer.” At that realization all four cursed . Cyndia’s hair hid her face as it banged the desk. It was going to be a LONG night.
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Nesting Habits