FairyTale Roulette

The Huntsman Readies His Gun

It fell silent. Kaiba is the first to react to their sudden dilemma. His eyes scan the mess of the now side ways carriage. He gently lifts Yugi off of himself and lays him down- The short teen unconscious. His eyes turn over to his right, in time to see the blond stirring to life as well. The wolf-kin still had one arm wrapped around his right. Browns met with blues hazily. "W-What happened?" He questions fearful. His eyes widen as he takes notice of his knocked out friend.

Kaiba gives his wide eyed partner an assured nod. "He's just unconscious. We have bigger problems to address." The blond crawls over to Yugi and frowns. "I suspect Yugi's effort to warn us, was predicted by that bastard Atem." He mutters mostly to himself and then sighs. It's risky but I need to do this or else we're sitting ducks. He makes his way to maneuver around Jounouchi and Yugi set on the door at the very back of the carriage.

"Where are you going, Seto?" Jounouchi asks, concern more than evident in his voice.

He stops to address his worry-laden blond. "I need to verify our situation. Right now, sitting here, we're nothing more than easy targets begging to be killed." Kaiba explains in a whisper.

Jounouchi quickly grabs hold of him, "But if you step out... They might shoot you. I should go with you. I can-" He groans as his sudden movements irritate his wounds. You could die. Why are you being so reckless?

The brunet smiles softly. "It's alright. I'm not planning on getting myself shot. I just need a quick look. Scope out our surroundings, find somewhere we can run to for cover. If we do nothing, there's a chance the two of us will be the main attraction on King Pegasus' execution block. It is too dangerous for you to come with - that injury as well as your ankle. I'll be fine, I promise." He gives him a smile in attempt to ease the other's fears. I knew it wouldn't be easy. It would have been a boring game if it ended just like that. Still, what a challenge. I suppose this must be a boss level then. Right. There's always a way to defeat even the most impossible circumstance. I just have to find it.

The blond lets him go reluctantly. This isn't fair. I shouldn't let him go alone. It's suicide. He clutches his side - the crash having sent a wave of pain throbbing through him. Yet here I am so worthless and weak. Why must I always fall short of Kaiba? Even in this weird dream world - or wherever I am... Even in a fantasy plain I'm nothing compared to him. His ears fall down and tail droops. His eyes waver, water, as the brunet opens the door slowly. "Please... be safe." He murmurs shame washing over him.

Yugi's eyes flutter open slowly. "Mmnn... Jounouchi?" He grumbles, rising slowly into a sitting position.

Jounouchi rubs the tears from his eyes away. "Oh Yugi. You're awake, thank goodness."

The teen looks around, dread hitting him immediately. "Don't tell me they found us." Jounouchi frowns deeper. "I can't believe it. He must've... Must've... This is all my fault." Yugi clenches his fists.

"Yugi."

"W-where's Seto?" He asks worry all over his soft features.

Jounouchi swallows hard - the lump in his throat nearly choking him. "H-He went to find a way out of this mess. I... He went alone because I obviously can't help him. Not with my weak... not in this condition." Once again, he proves he's far superior. It's funny... Kind of. The Kaiba I have to coexist with always reminds me of how pathetic I am but like I would ever take his asshole comments to heart. He can try it but I will never admit to being beneath that egocentric prick. And yet somehow here, with this kind, warm, gentle version of him - it hurts so much. I finally see the difference between us and it took nothing but a warm smile to open my eyes to the truth.

"Alone?" Yugi stood up. "Well that isn't good. But I suppose that is just how he is. Alright, we need to be ready for when he returns. Let's see. My bag, my bag, my - ah! There it is." He crawls over to the bag slightly hidden under a broken wood frame. He rifles through and pulls out a dagger and a handful of small balls wrapped in greyed leaves. "Hold on to these. They are smoke bombs. They'll do exactly as they imply. We can use them to help our chances of getting to safety." He gave them to Jounouchi and tucked the dagger behind his belt.

The blond carefully put the bombs away into a pocket. "What do you think Atem will do next? Have any ideas?" He asks trying to think of how the eccentric Pharaoh would act in such a situation. Man, I wish I had played more strategy games with Yugi. I have a feeling it would come in handy right now. "He seems hell bent on killing me. Maybe it would be best to just turn myself in. If I do that, Seto and you could always say I manipulated you two into doing everything I said. That should get the both of you off the hook." He suggested. It will work, I'm sure of it. Maybe that is the point of all this. I need to stop having others fight for me. What really has changed since then?

"Turn yourself in? That's madness, Jounouchi! I can't allow you to do that no matter what happens. We'll find a way out of this - one that doesn't result in senseless death. You asked me a very good question. About Atem. Honestly, I'm pretty good at beating him at games. But this is different and it's far from a simple game. I really am surprised he would shoot at us without confirming we were inside. I suppose it is possible they've followed us from Seto's cabin but it really isn't his style to shoot like that. After all, his only goal is to get you and Seto. I have a hard time believing he would risk hitting me or even our coachmen - a civilian that is completely innocent."

Jounouchi sighs. "You're right, Yug." He slaps both his hands hard against his cheeks. I don't know what the right thing to do is. Running away seems so difficult and it only endangers everyone around. Is that really the right thing to do? I could end it just by walking out and giving up. It would be over instantly... But Yugi always knows the best course of action. "You really know how to cheer me up, friend. Thank you." Yugi grins and mumbles sheepish his embarrassment. He is right. After all, this isn't like Atem. He wouldn't be so reckless if it risked Yugi's life. The way he rushed to his side when he thought I was about to attack. Does that mean... "You said the men he hired were just a bunch of mercs right?"

"Er, yes. The knights just returned from escorting Lady Cecilia from her Kingdom to ours. They had hired some mercenary group to accompany them as extra security. From what I understand their job with the King's knights completed and they were making preparations to return. I don't know much about them other than the knights didn't really seem to care for them."

Jounouchi frowns. If they couldn't get along with the knights, I worry how they'll behave with someone as hard-headed and strong-willed as Atem. This could get messy. Mercs in any game are either really cool and seeking honor, or the polar opposite. "So I guess-" Gunshots are heard around them and they flinch. It grows quiet. "Yugi, we can't stay seated here in the middle. We should-" More gunshots and this time, a few breach the exterior and through to the inside. "Damn! Yugi are you alright? You didn't get hit?" The blond crawls over to him.

Yugi sits up and uncurls his arms from over his head. "I'm fine. But that was way too close! We have to move!"

"Yeah and now! Come on, to the back!" Yugi grabs his bag and flings it over his shoulder. He helps Jounouchi maneuver to the back of the cab. They share the same grim expression and the blond hesitantly reaches out for the handle. "Here we go." But before his hand could connect, the door flings open and both fall back in utter surprise. "Aaaahh!" They shout in unison.

"What are you two doing? Get up! We can't stay here!"

The blond looks up and doesn't even have time to feel relief. "Y-you.. You scared the life outta me!" He barely musters out, heart just about exploding.

"Jounouchi, the smoke ball!" Yugi exclaims.

His ears perk up as he quickly snaps to attention. "R-right!" He quickly grabs one and looks at both as a signal of their readiness.

"Here, Yugi get out here. I'll take Jounouchi. Once the smoke starts up, run as fast as you can to that second tree. We'll trail behind not too far away. There are black ribbons tied to particular trees that should lead you into the woods and to where we'll have to take shelter until we can figure what next to do. Make sure to collect each ribbon as you go - we can't have them finding us." The brunet whispers and somehow Yugi understands and doesn't seem daunted by his dire task.

They're both so amazing. Right. I need to do my best too. "Alright, let's go!" Jounouchi leans against the huntsman for support - ready to sprint as best as he is able. He throws the bomb to the ground as hard as he can and they are soon coated in a large wide-spreading smog. "I've always wanted to do that." He murmurs to himself, keeping his voice somewhat low as to not give way their position. Kaiba smirks. The blond bites his lip at the jolts of pain shooting up his leg, but with the sounds of gunfire and bullets he could hear ricocheting around them, he didn't have time to complain. They run blind by the smoke though his brilliant huntsman seems quite certain of their direction.

"I know you must be in pain, Jounouchi. Just bear with it a little longer." The hissing of the smoke drowns out his words of concern, he is sure they are not heard but that is okay. They near the clearing and the woods are right before them. "Alright, Jounouchi," He says louder, "We're dashing into the open but do not throw another bomb. Once we pass the second tree, we'll duck behind the third. I want you to throw that bomb as far as you can to the right. Hopefully we'll throw them off our trail just for a little bit. Do you understand?"

Jounouchi swallows hard. He expects us to run now? There's nothing but field for like another thirty feet! He tends to run with me - I'll be slowing him down! "I..."

"Hey, what's the matter with you? Do you understand?"

"It's just that we'll..."

Really now, this is not the time to be thinking about unnecessary things mutt. "Listen, we can do this. Don't be so negative. We'll be fine. I told you that I would get you out of here. Come on, Yugi is waiting for us. He wouldn't have gone ahead if he didn't believe you could do this." They continue on and they're in the open now. "Jounouchi?"

"Right." With a hard push forward they're running with twice the effort. Damn those bullets - I can see them now. He hides his flinches and focuses on the trees that are so close but feel far away. He readies another smoke bomb. The adrenaline masking his pain somewhat. Almost there! They are covered in the dark shades of trees, One... Two...

Kaiba roughly throws the both of them against the bark of the third tree. He is out of breath, he is sweating and for the first time Jounouchi notices his stern demeanor relax into a bit of relief. The blond also takes a deep breath and throws the bomb as far as he can in the distance. Smoke fills up and at this, Kaiba puts his hand over the blond's mouth, and ushers him to sit down. "We'll wait. Now that we're in the woods, they can't reach us from the hill." He explains and kneels down beside the other. They sit with backs against the tree, and sure enough, hear the sounds of men running to their distraction. "Good. It looks like they took it. There's a small creek with an abandoned mine there. Most likely, they know of it and will try to get inside thinking we took shelter there." He smirks. This huntsman role sure is paying off. Fighting me in the woods really isn't such a good idea.

The blond nodded slowly. "That's amazing how you thought of that so quickly." He smiles. Damn him and his endless intelligence. Ah well, whatever. It is saving us right now. "So, where are we seeking shelter?" He asks curious.

"Come on. We'll be there before long. Yugi is probably already there." He helps his helpless wolf to his feet and the two set off to rendezvous with their friend. Without incident they manage to come across a small clearing of trees. They were standing on a small overlook, a steep slope of about ten feet before them. "Looks like we're here."

"What? There isn't anything here." Jounouchi states confusion etching his features.

"Right. It looks like there isn't any place to hide. That is sort of the point." He winks at his witless dog. The blond flushes still unsure. "Let me show you. I can tell, Yugi is already inside. The way these shrubs are settled." He sits the blond down and walks over to a bunch of vines and debris and somehow they all are easily moveable. And suddenly there is a hidden easy slope down into the bottom part. "Come on. Let's get inside for cover." Jounouchi gets back on his feet and they head down together. Once at the bottom, Kaiba turns around and rearranges the vines and shrubs in a particular fashion that didn't look any different than how Yugi had it.

The big bad wolf looks around and is curious over a particular marking in the cliff wall they just stood atop. There's a strange crack in the rock. It's so straight and it actually travels along a smooth unbroken path... It sort of looks like a- His thought interrupted by it moving. "Gah!" The blond can't help exclaim.

Kaiba rushes to his side and clamps his hand over his mouth. "Quiet!" He hisses. "They could be near by." He warns. The wall opens like a door and out steps Yugi. Kaiba smirks at his petit rival. "I see you have made it in one piece."

Yugi sighs, "It wasn't easy. I don't think I've done so much running in one day. On top of that, this is the woods. I thought I heard the growl of a bear on my way here." He places his hand over his chest. "It was scary."

Kaiba nods. "Possibly. There is a bear I encountered a couple of weeks ago. But that is enough chit chat. Let's get inside." Yugi asks about how there exists such a little house in the very earth. "I built it. On my way to the Kingdom I camped here - when it looked to be a long rain and I was in desperate need of restocking my food and pelts. I figured making this home would come in handy for future hunts as well. Little did I know I'd be using it in this fashion." He chuckles, clearly soaking in all the oohs and awes from Yugi and the blond. Heh. It's only natural that any personification of myself would be smart and practical. That is just my nature. "The good thing about this house is I have also left some of my hunting equipment."

Jounouchi hops about the small house. Man this is straight outta something a J. R. R. Tolkien story. Like a legit Hobbit house. This is so cool. He finds a chair and sits down for a moment. His pain finally taking its toll. Damn the moment I relaxed it hit. His breathing labors as he tries to hold back the throbbing. Yugi rushes to his side. "Hey, we need to check your injuries. I know it must've been so painful for you Jounouchi." He frowns and clenches his fists. "I should've left sooner, should've made sure Atem didn't see me leave." He chastises himself.

"Yug' It isn't your fault." He insists. "I'll be okay. Just give me a few minutes and we can continue on. It's not that bad." He insists.

"No. We'll rest here until nightfall. You need to regain some strength." Kaiba cuts in. "Yugi there should be some water in the other room put away. We'll need to redress his wounds. Also, there is a special salve on the second shelf in a royal blue jar. It'll help numb the pain." Without delay, Yugi rushes the gather the items. Kaiba focuses his attention on the blond.

Nightfall? They'll be on this side of the woods by then. "Do we really have time for all this?" He questions. "We should leave while they're distracted. I don't want to take any more chances just because I'm injured."

"Which is why we won't be. Even if we charge out there, we'll be slowed down by not only your injuries but Yugi's lack of battle tactic. The guy has a lot of sense and is pretty smart but if he comes face to face with Atem - we both know he'll hesitate and Atem won't." Jounouchi made to contest that thought. The brunet also dislikes the words spoken through his characters' lips. Yugi is the true genius between he and that irritating hothead Atem. "But my real concern is Atem's location. While those fools are checking out the mine, I have a feeling Atem might've come this way. The attack on us was strange. I don't think this was his doing."

Yugi reenters the room and sets the items beside Kaiba on a little stand. They set to work fixing up Jounouchi. "We were saying the same thing back there."

Kaiba nods. "I am positive the mercenaries are taking things into their own hands. Someone as obnoxious and verbal as Atem, wouldn't inspire a lot of loyalty especially into a group that doesn't particularly have any to begin with. He can't push them around like the Knights. If the job is simply to rid the Kingdom of the wolf - a few casualties are only expected. By this time, with them not only shooting up the carriage but also at us through the field, Atem is either working alone or fighting with the mercs as we speak."

"Atem..." Yugi's eyes are wild with concern, with dread. "He could be in danger right now. If he simply fires them - wouldn't they just leave us all be?" He questions.

"No. They aren't doing this for Atem. If they can kill the 'beast', their aim will be a much larger reward from the King. They could even kill Atem and say Jounouchi did it." Yugi gasps and falls silent. "...But I'm sure as arrogant as Atem is. He'll know his mistake and set out to search for us alone instead. I'm sure he'll see through my meager attempt at a diversion and head this way soon enough."

"And what'll we do when that happens?" Jounouchi questions hesitantly.

Kaiba stands and walks over to long locker of sorts, opens it and pulls out a shotgun. "We take him prisoner." A smirk falls across his features in anticipation. Heh. This will be the most fun in a video game I've ever had in a long time. The look on that bastard's face when I point this barrel at him... A nice hunt through the woods, why did I never think to do this to Atem / Yami before? Heh heh heh. Revenge is so sweet.

A chill runs through Jounouchi's body. He kind of looks like Kaiba right now. I hope he understands that we can't actually kill Atem. He does know that right? His eyes flutter over to Yugi who seems much more at ease. "Everything'll work out." Just ignore the dark aura surrounding the gun-toting huntsman.

"If we can successfully capture Atem. We can talk to him together." He smiles warmly. "Between the three of us I know we can convince him. Then we can work together to stop those mercenaries and get you out of here safely." He explains. The teen's eyes sparkle with a mischievous glint. "And him getting beat by huntsman Seto will serve him right. He can't just go making rash assumptions and do you know he actually slipped a sedative in my tea? He actually did that to me." He sighs. "I'll have to scold him for that too."

Yeesh. I almost feel sorry for Atem. I'm sure he has no idea what is about to happen to him. He may not even survive whatever these two plan on doing to him. They finish bandaging the blond up. Kaiba leaves shortly to find some edible plants - as they can't risk their targets seeing smoke from fire. He returns and sets to arming himself with various hunting equipment. Jounouchi falls asleep despite his protest fatigue won out. Yugi and Kaiba follow suit and take turns with short naps while the other watches out. Thanks to small pieces of mirror surfaces the huntsman set up, he could easily see when someone was right above them.