Hello everyone (wave) So I’m guessing you’ve all been curious as to where I’ve been

Reader: (Glare)

;; Well call it pathetic, but I’ve had a lot of writers block so I thought I’d give writing a rest and (finally!) use my DA account. I know its sad but I’ve had a lot of fun drawing all my friends as furries! X3 (strangely there are a lot of people out there who like being cats (shrug))

And a soon as I get better at drawing I wanna try and draw some of these scenes of the YGO cast in this fic and my work (I have a soft spot for anything with wings XD)

Anyway enough about my (lack of) drawing talent. I’m so so so sorry for not writing anything but I hope you can forgive me, and I’ll try to write stuff more often, plz?

Disclaimer: I don’t own Yu-gi-oh, the game or its characters (at least I have my own deck )

Warning: Discrimination, up coming violence, language

Chapter Three:

Later that day Marik, Bakura and Ryou were escorted to their own which would act as their homes for the next month. Naturally both Marik and Bakura acted unimpressed by the fancy décor, but Ryou on the other hand couldn’t stop awing at all the sights and art. When it came to picking out their dorm room, Bakura (being the protective older brother he was) made sure Ryou’s bedroom was right next to his own. With no other choice in the matter Marik decided to take the other room next to Bakura’s, but was disappointed as he wanted to share a room with the older whitentte.

Ryou decided to spent most of his time unpacking before the welcoming dinner started but he was more curious about seeing the Minshuu’s a bit more. Ryou had never been in standing distance of their sister clan and for the first time in his life he actually met a Minshuu.

“Yami” Ryou sighed. The name was very unique to his people but it suited him well. “Yami’s nothing like big brother described them” Ryou pondered out loud, Minshuu’s were weak creatures who didn’t know the honour of fighting; cowards and disgraceful were the words Bakura often used to call them. Yami didn’t match the description at all, he was fierce, brave, calm and honourable “And very handsome”

Ryou blushed at that last word, what was he talking about! He couldn’t develop a crush on a Minshuu, he was the enemy. “No, he’s Marik’s rival” Ryou sighed, he didn’t understand why Bakura wanted him hated them so much, all he’d seen was kindness from Yami’s group (despite Jou and Honda’s actions).

“Why cant big brother just let it go” He whispered sadly, recalling the memory of another man who used to be in his and Bakura’s lives. Ryou missed that man every day but he learned to move on, why couldn’t Bakura do the same. “Because you knew him better than I did….”

“Ryou?!” His brother’s voiced called through the closed door, followed by a firm knock “You better be ready”

‘That’s right! The welcoming Dinner’ Ryou nearly forgot “I’ll be right out big brother” Ryou open the door and met both Bakura and Marik waiting impatiently outside in their best clothing (neither were happy with the arrangements)

Bakura was dressed in many shades of reds, yellows and blacks. He wore smart black pants and Ryou noticed how Marik seemed obsessed with looking at them. Bakura also wore a uwagi, a traditional robe that was shorten to the length of a jacket rather than down to his brother’s feet. The jacket went down to his hips and firmly secure by his yellow sash at the waist, but the garment was opened far enough to show his black T-shirt underneath. Ryou wore the same outfit only with different kinds of blues and greens, contrast to his brother’s colour code. Bakura also noted how cuter Ryou’s article of clothing looked, as the sleeved kept covering the younger ones hand and the robe was fully covered the whole of his chest so you couldn’t see his shirt.

Marik wore similar trouser only in grey and more casual than Bakura’s tighter pair, the blonde was also dressed in the same uwagi as his two pale friends except his sleeves were removed and coloured lilac with many dark purples. Marik kept on his black cloak and most of his gold jewellery including his choker and armbands. However he kept the rod safely hidden in his room not trusting anyone else to know of its existence.

“Let’s go” Bakura didn’t spare Ryou another look as he grabbed Ryou’s wrist and led them down the hall.

Marik gave Ryou another look admiring the way he looks so innocent when walking by his brother’s side. He also took noticed of Ryou’s brushed hair when compared to Bakura’s. Nowadays most people were cutting their hair short but it wasn’t unusual to still see Hane Jins with long hair. Bakura couldn’t care less about his from how mess and spiked his locks were, but Ryou on the other hand was a mystery. He kept his hair long as a reminder of his mother, yet he never took care if it as shown from the way it covered his eyes. Ryou brushed it but that was about it.

Marik chuckled ‘I guess I should be relieved he doesn’t act like a girl’ Marik thought trying to imagine Ryou braiding his locks, it was disturbing. (I don’t care what anyone else thinks, just because they’re gay doesn’t mean they act like girls. Besides Ryou clearly doesn’t take much care into his hair)

“What’s so funny” Bakura asked eyeing Marik accusingly

“Nothing, I just find it lovely how you two could pass off as twins” Marik as he walked passed Bakura who in return glared at the Blonde’s back.

The three Minzuko’s wondered down a maze of corridors until they finally found there way to the Great Hall, only the guardians had yet to arrive, and the Minshuu were also absent.

“I know we’re not early” Marik groaned at the lack of life around them. His echoed bounced off the walls and the high glass ceiling roof.

“Unless, we’re so late they decided to have the meeting without us” Bakura rolled his eyes as he gazed up at the balcony hanging above they’re heads. Unlike human’s Hane Jins didn’t know the meaning of staircases, as their homes always had large spaces for them to fly up to the higher floors through open windows or by the balconies as displayed above them

Bakura turned his eyes away from Marik’s ranting preferring to admire the architecture of the castle and the art that decorated the halls. Bakura secretly had a fascination with art that only Marik and his brother knew about. Art was a way of expressing ones self and Bakura had a ‘creepy’ way of expressing his feelings. Smirking smirked at all the past memories of his ‘art’ the whitentte recalled how blood could be so artist and soothing at the same time.

“Finally” A familiar voiced groaned “Told you we’d find it!”

Turning around the Minzokus watched as Yami and his gang entered the Great Hall with Jou leading the way.

“Sorry were late” the blonde grinned and Marik rolled his eyes and that stupid smile, these kids were incompetent.

“Hey! where’s everyone else?” Honda demanded of the three boys, with an untrusting tone in his voice. Neither answered the brunette’s question, ignoring the gang completely.

Ryou hid behind his brother’s shoulder as he gazed at Yami in awe. He wore a robe longer than his own with shorter sleeves and decorated in royal purples, reds and gold with black trousers. Yami was stunning in his clothes as they complimented his black and red wings, like a fallen angel.

Yami caught Ryou’s stare and bowed his head in greeting causing the whitentte to use his sleeve to cover the blush. Smirking Yami walked closer to Marik and Bakura but more importantly closer to Ryou

“I take it we’re not the only one who arrived late?” He chuckled but Mark only glared at his shorter rival.

Bakura continued to ignore the ‘pest’ but gave his brother a warning glance that said ‘don’t even think about it’, recognising the blush on his brother’s cheeks.

The rest of the gang were dressed in their own style of robes, with Yugi dressed in Purple, yellows and black like his brother, while Anzu dressed in a Kimono, a full length robe covered in pinks, blues and other colours. Jou was in green with a dash of blue and yellow, while Honda dressed the most simple in black and browns.

“I’m glad you’re all here” a new voice announced, filled with authority, wisdom and respect.

All heads turned to behind them as aqua winged Hane Jin stood on one of the many balconies above their heads. The man was dressed in a full length white robe with greens and blues. He wore a green pendant around his neck and his hair was pulled back into a loose ponytail that fell down to his back. Strangely the most intriguing feature about him was his eyes, one yellow the other green.

“Your highness” the teens chorused in awe seeing their king in the flesh, except for Marik and Bakura who kept quiet. They all bowed down on one knee and lowered their heads in respect to their ruler who smiled down on them.

The royal family’s history is unknown to all Hane Jins, even from the council. The royal family origins were kept a secret so neither clan knew if their pass Kings and Queens were Minzokus or Minshuus. The original ruler felt that it would lead to further conflict between the two clans if their secret was ever revealed, so during each coronation the new ruler vowed never to reveal that secret.

The King gracefully slid off the balcony and fell towards the ground. Quickly he opened his pale wings to gently lower himself to the floor with the same amount of grace. Casually he then lifted his hand to motion his guest to rise.

“So this is Yami and Yugi Motou, the grandsons of the famous Solomon Motou, one of my council members” He shook both the brother’s hands in a friendly manner “Your grandfather has been on my council for as long as I can remember, its amazing that you two resemble him so well”

“Thank you your highness” Yami smiled “and I hope we have not kept you waiting”

“Not really” He smiled at Yami then to Yugi before moving over to Marik’s group. “And you must be Marik” he moved closer to the Minzoku’s unaware of the glares Honda and Jou were sending the other team behind his back. “You are legendary for your talents, and this must be Bakura you partner, just as deadly and swift” Bakura smirked and Dartz moved his eyes towards their youngest member “I don’t believe I was told your name?”

“Ryou” He whispered keeping his head low as he linked hands with his brother. Standing before the King was an honour but a bit intimidating for Ryou’s standards

“Suits you” Dartz smiled sweetly before moving his eyes back to the boy’s brother “I must say I’m surprised you’d agree to participate in the tournament, considering what happened the last time” He offered the two whitenettes a apologetic look.

Yami raised an eyebrow at those words ‘last time’. The gang gave each other looks as they were all aware something terrible happened at the last contest. They were too young too attend and no adult ever told them had actually happened that day. Only that something horrible happened and the tournament was nearly banned for good. But what did Bakura have to do with it?

“I’m afraid I didn’t come here for a friendly chat though” He offered them all a sorrowful look “but my Lady Isis has requested an important meeting involving some concerning matters, so I will have to re-schedule our meeting”

“What’s going on?” Jou demanded forgetting he was talking to royalty

Dartz however failed to notice the blonde’s disrespect “nothing to worry yourself over. I just thought it would be best to tell you myself than send a messenger that would just be rude”

“Of course, we understand that you’re busy” Anzu interrupted Jou’s next sentence

“Thank you, I hope you enjoy your meal that’s been prepared. Once again ‘m sorry I ca not accompany you” Dartz motioned to one of the doors that the teens should enter and with that he spread his wings and took off into the sky and out of sight.

With no other choice Marik and Bakura sent Jou and Honda each a warning glare before entering the door Dartz told them to go through. Yami held back a chuckle as his friends continued to glare at his rivals, but his eyes were on someone else. He smiled as Ryou turning around and offered a smiled before walking through the open doors. Yami smiled and followed them inside, hoping to sit as close to Ryou as possible.

Later that night once Yami, Marik and their friends retired for the rest of the night, unknown to either of them a secret meting as being held deep within the castle’s walls.

In the dark of the night where no light could penetrate a round table seated seven cloaked figures. The only visible light came from the candle that hung from the surrounding walls but not even their brightness could lighten the room fully.

At the head of the table was Dartz with Solomon Motou at his right and Akhenadin on his left.

“why is it you have called us all here tonight Isis?” Dartz questioned all formalities dropped

“My visions have been more frequent than usual” Isis sighed touching her golden necklace in worry “I fear my item is trying to warn me something terrible will happen if the tournament takes place. I beg of you to cancel the competition”

“We cannot” Karim argued “many traveller will be making there way to the castle an I doubt they’ll be happy if we even just postponed the tournament”

“Please we must” Mahad intervened “Seven years ago this same argument occurred with your last council, did it not my lord?”

Dartz frowned but nodded in agreement “Yes”

“that still doesn’t matter!” Akhenadin rose from his seat

“some died that night!” Mahad rose too glaring at the elder with no hints of giving in “If what Isis has told me is true, than this time something worse will happen and on life will be the least of our problems. This could effect everyone!”

“Mahad please calm down” Solomon kept his voice steady and Mahad reluctantly gave in to his request

“I’m sorry Solomon”

“I’m aware of Isis visions” Dartz took control before another argument took place “but we are far into the challenge to cancel it now, the competitors have already arrive, the village leaders will also be making their way to the castle tomorrow and the rest of the citizens will soon follow in a matter of weeks. We are too far into the summer to change our plans. Besides we all better than anyone that this tournament is the only event that has stopped conflict between the two tribes for a century now. If we stop the games who knows what will happen”

Every kept silent after those words, it was true that the event was the only thing stopping the tribes from fighting but if Isis’s vision comes true they all could be in danger. They were stuck in-between a rock and a hard place.

Unknown to the thoughtful adults in the room, another set of eyes and ears was listening in to their conversation. Stealthily the youth slipped out of the room using the shadows as cover. The youth didn’t know hat the council was on about but he knew it was something important and he got all he needed to hear for now….

The next day after Dartz failed to arrange a new meeting with the competitors, Marik and Bakura decided to practise their moves on the East side of the palace grounds. Both circled each other in midair starting off with hand to hand combat, both clashed back and forth with a bloodlust stare that covered both their eyes, as their skin glistened with sweat. Both took off their t-shirts so they wouldn’t get in the way of their wings movement as they stayed airborne.

Off to the side Ryou was sitting on a bench with his arms draped across his knees, Ryou was always worried for the others safety because of their intense fighting, even if they didn’t. Truth be told, Bakura was the only one in his family that he had left, they both were just children when there parents were gone, and Ryou was barely old enough to understand what was going on back then. As for Marik, Ryou always did refer to him as family, even if he did freak Ryou out a lot. Both did have their negative points, but there were plenty of times, when they showed compassion for the younger one. Ryou remembered when he had an injury or when he was simply sick; Bakura would panic and look after him at every waking moment until he was better. Marik was also very protective of the young one in his own way, when ever Ryou was bullied as a child Marik would be there to protect him. They’re not perfect, but who is?

Marik now had Bakura pinned to the ground, twisting his white wing behind his brother’s back as Marik straddled the others waist. Bakura failed to surrender and kept struggling; hoping to flip Marik off his back, but after a few more minutes he finally conceived and Marik finally let him up.

“Let’s take a break” Marik suggested just as tired out as Bakura, which made Ryou want to roll his eyes. Those two could put any fight to the next level just to show off.

Ryou carefully passed them each a drink as they walked over to him. Marik smirked at the caring gesture, but Bakura just grunted and took a seat next to his brother. This was one of the few times where Ryou actual liked them fighting, it was what got the stress out of them and it made them happy.

“Big brother?” Ryou asked, in a sweet voice hoping Bakura wasn’t too upset about losing another fight.

“What?” Bakura asked gulping down his drink

“Is it all right, if I wonder about” Ryou smiled “Just to look around, they even have a very big library”

Bakura considered the proposal on his head, Ryou didn’t have a reason to spend the whole day watching them train, but he also got very worried when the boy was out of his sight for too long. Bakura caught Marik smirking out of the corner of his eyes; the blonde knew how protective he was of his brother.

“What ever” He said, rubbing sweat of his brow

Ryou eyes suddenly lit up and he jumped out of his sear in excitement. Marik seeing this took the opportunity to steel the boy’s seat.

“Thank-you” Ryou grinned hugging his brother lovingly

Bakura just gave a pat on the back and pushing his younger version off his chest.

Yeah, yeah. Just go before I changed my mind” Bakura grunted trying to hide the blush that spread across his face. Not giving his brother the chance Ryou already started to run off in the direction of the castle

“But” Marik sang, stopping the young one in his tracks “make sure you’re back before sunset” Marik grinned at the younger ones confused face. What was that suppose to mean, Ryou was gonna get punished like a little child who didn’t return home on time?

“Yes Marik” He simply answered before spreading his wings out.

On the West side of the Castle’s grounds, Jou, Anzu and Honda spent their mornings watching Yami and Yugi practice on the Western grounds of the Hawk castle. The lush green grass brought out the only colours in this wasteland that once stood as the sight of the Great War. Flowers of every type the gang had seen, or some new ones, were planted in sections, giving it a rainbow effect. The scenery even came with Dartz’s own maze, not very complex or tall in length, but freshly cut with a health shine clearly showing how the gardener took much pride in his work.

Yami flew above the Gang at high speeds to his techniques, the multicoloured Minshuu was after all well known for his superior speed, but what made him a brilliant fighter was seeing as every challenge given to him as a game, so in his matches Yami would always concentrate on finding a solution. Amazing since Yami was always able to think on his feet.

Yugi followed his brother’s movement in perfect sync, working with each other like only partners could. They both eventually lowered back to the ground where their friends instantly came to greet them.

“So Yami, how’d it go with the King?” Jou asked leaning against one of the wooden benches that decorated the palace grounds

“The council cancelled our meeting again” Yami explained preferring to stand on his own feet than sit down “I tried to get in touch with him, but no one will let me see them, let alone ask when our next encounter will be”

“Did they at least tell you anything about the tournament’s events” Anzu asked sitting on the bench with Yugi, in contrast to Jou and Honda leaning on the arm rests.

“Yeah, I can barely remember how the challenges were chosen in the first place” Jou scratched his blonde head trying to recall how the tournament progressed “the challenges change every year, its hard to keep up”

“How forgetful are you?” Honda chuckled

It was true that the events changed every few years due to the challenges being picked by chance. Every seven years when two competitors are chosen to take part in the Hishou tournament, the five challenges were picked at random and the one who wins at least 3/5 is the winner. The tests are different each year, but the five games were a way of testing the competitor’s strength and abilities, but also their characters.

“Well we’ll worry about that later” Tea said “right now you two needs to focus on each other’s skills. After all you’ll literary have each other’s life in your hands” Tea finished, and everyone agreed with her idea

“Alright break times over” Yami smiled taking off into the sky once again, with Yugi following right behind.

After much time of wondering around the same looking halls again and again, Ryou came to one conclusion. He was lost. Not even for one hour and already Ryou had lost his way.

‘Why aren’t there any servants or anyone that can give me directions? This is just great, I don’t even remember where my room is’ If Marik didn’t ruin Ryou’s good mood, this defiantly did.

Deciding he’d have better luck finding his way in the air, Ryou quickly searched for any open window or door that would let him get outside However this proved difficult as all the windows were firmly shut and he had yet to come across a door that led outside.

“I’m doomed” Ryou’s head dropped in defeat, annoyed and tired of seeing the same hallway again and again. His place really needed to consider getting a different decorator.

“Lost are we?” A new voice called out form above

“huh?” Ryou looked up at the many balconies above but he couldn’t see the source of that new voice “Where are you?”

“Right here” a voice whispered over his shoulder

Out of instinct Ryou gasped and jumped/flew several feet in the air from pure shock “don’t sneak up on me!” He shouted

“Sorry” the Hane Jin chuckled opening his wings so he cold accompany Ryou in the air “I didn’t mean to scare you”

Ryou stared at the stranger in awe; this boy looked remarkably similar to Marik. He had the same dark skin tone like Marik’s and he even had the same blonde hair and lilac eyes. The only difference he could see were this boy’s eyes, they were softer and more beautiful. However Ryou still notice the same mischief and crazy aura emitted form them. His hair was also different, unlike Marik’s spiky lock this boy’s hair fell behind his shoulders.

“Wow” Ryou leaned in closer to the mysterious boy. He was so similar to Marik with his wings, hair and skin, yet he was clearly different to the more serious blonde that Ryou knew “what’s your name?”

“Malik” the mysterious blonde smirked slyly not at least uncomfortable with the other boy invading his personal space “and unless you plan to kiss me, could you please not lean in so close” Malik fluttered his eyelashes as he took Ryou’s chin into his palm stroking the boy’s pale lips with his long fingers.

Ryou blushed in embarrassment and quickly pulled his head out of Malik’s lose grip. The darker tones boy chuckled in amusement as Ryou’s blush spread across the whole of his face. “You’re cute when you blush”

Ryou looked at the older boy in shock by the blunt statement; he’d never been called cute before. He’d been called a bunch of other names but never cute “um, thank you” Ok that was stupid to say?

Malik continued to smile at the whitentte who suddenly found rearranging his wings more interesting than talking ‘he’s RELLY cute when he’s nervous’

“So, do you plan on telling me your name or are we playing 20 guesses?”

On queue Ryou blushed even further from embarrassment. It was just rude to have someone offer their name without offering your own in return. “I’m Ryou”

“It suits you” Malik’s smile brightened further “and as a guest in m home, I hope you will think of me as a friend while you stay here ” the taller teen offered his hand to shake

The whitentte suddenly found himself blushing uncontrollably “Me? A friend” Ryou’s chest filled with a usual feeling in his stomach, just like when he met Yami? No, it was different. Not on the same level as Yami’s but still nice. Was that the feeling you got when you make friends? Either way he shook Malik’s hand, wanting more than anything to have a real friend, even if it was just for a month.

“Come on its dank in here” Malik held Ryou’s hand tighter as they flapped their wings harder and rose higher into the sky, with Malik leading the way out one of the many glass windows

“Where are we going?” Ryou asked curiously finding it uncomfortable to fly with Malik holding his hand, but he didn’t ask or attempt to make the other boy let go

“Where ever you wanna go” Malik smiled back at him with that same charming smile

“Well I was hoping to see your library, is it really well known for having the largest collection of books in the world?” Ryou asked excited, hoping the library was a great as it was made out to believe

Malik couldn’t help but chuckle at his childish curiosity, it’s as just adorable “well, I don’t know about largest, but it is pretty”

“ALRIGHT COME ON GUYS!!”

“Impressive?” Malik finished confused, where did that loud voce come from?

“I know that voice” Ryou thought out loud. He pulled his hand out of Malik’s grip so he could fly faster to where ever that familiar voice came from. With no other choice Malik followed silently.

The shouting increased as the two got closer to the source, it was coming from underneath. With out any warning Ryou let his wings glide him back towards the ground where he could land outside of the maze below. Malik followed Ryou’s descent and both gracefully fell in a spiralling circle until they hit the ground behind one of the many bushes

Once they wee safely hidden Ryou moved around the foliage to get a better view at the shouting voices, but he couldn’t believe his own eyes. A few feet in front of his hiding spot were the same kids from yesterday, the one from the Northern tribe. Anzu, Jou and Honda, but there was no sign of Yugi or Yami. Ryou was use to seeing their faces by now but he couldn’t believe his luck, he was in standing distance of some Minshuus and there was no big brother to stopped Ryou from talking with them!

“Yeah come on Yugi!” The girl Anzu called to above their heads

Wondering what was going on Ryou turned his gaze up towards the sky and now realized what all the commotion was about. The two look-alikes were practicing just like Marik and Bakura were, except less violent

The shorter one, Yugi, seemed to have a child like aura around him, he must be around ten or so, he seemed to be a bit slower than the older one in their race, but he obviously would be since he is representing his home, but I still can’t get a good look at him.

Suddenly the older one stopped flying to see how much progress the younger one was doing, quite well Ryou thought but still no match for him. As the older one waited for the other to catch up he was looking at the scenery enjoying its glow as much as Ryou was. But since Ryou was so pale white he stuck out like a sore thumb around those green leaves.

The tri-coloured haired one stared back at the whitentte in awe, Ryou wasn’t sure why he was staring at the man in such fascination, but he was slim, slight muscular, he wasn’t to dark or too pale, and his eyes glowed like red hot gems. And his smile took Ryou breath away, Ryou never felt this way before, his hands were sweating, his heart rate increased, and his throat had immediately dried up. So doing the most idiotic thing in his life, Ryou just stood still like statue, with his mouth slacked.

Malik, who had been all but forgotten by Ryou, stood to the side in confusion. Were these more friends of Ryou’s? Were they always this loud? And why was Ryou staring at the taller multi-feathered Hane Jin with such emotion in his eyes?

‘Someone’s interested’ Malik smirked crossing his arms over the recently trimmed bush and resting his chin on top of them ‘this should fun’ Malik glanced back over to the older sibling who like Ryou couldn’t stop looking into the other ones eyes.

thnx for reading and I promise I WILL update as soon as I can, when I finish writing my chapters for 'welcome to my world' and 'neko Tenshi'

until then, feel free to shout at me for not update :D I desreve it. Oh! and also feel free to check out my pics on my DA account (link is on my account) it doesn't have any Yu-gi-oh pics yet. but it does have furries of my friends, a YGO GX crossover and sonic dolls