Archive of Our Own

In a kingdom ruled by the noble King Yami Muto, tales of a fearsome dragon haunting the icy mountains had spread like wildfire. The beast, they said, had unleashed its wrath on the village of Anbel, not with flames, as one might expect of a dragon, but with a frozen fury. Snow and ice blanketed the once-thriving settlement, locking its inhabitants in eternal frost. A handful had escaped the deadly chill, their stories igniting fear in the hearts of all who heard them. To preserve the kingdom’s peace, King Yami called upon his most loyal and glorious knight: Sir Joey Wheeler.

Joey Wheeler, a young knight with a bold heart and a spirit that refused to yield, knelt before the imposing figure of King Yami Muto in the grand throne room of the castle. The flickering light of the torches cast long shadows across the marbled floor, their glow reflecting off the golden accents of the king's robes. Yami Muto’s gaze was steady, his voice calm but laced with authority, as he addressed the knight before him.

"Sir Wheeler," the king began, his deep, commanding tone resonating in the vast chamber. "Our kingdom stands at the brink of despair. The icy peaks of Mount Akra have become the lair of a terrible dragon. It has brought ruin to our villages, fear to our people, and chaos to the lands beyond. This beast must be defeated, and it is you who will carry out this task."

Joey rose to his feet, the weight of his armor clinking softly with the movement. Though his expression remained steady, inside, his thoughts churned. A dragon. He had faced many foes before—bandits, dark sorcerers, even entire armies—but this was no ordinary challenge. Yet his loyalty to the king and his unwavering resolve left no room for hesitation.

"Your Majesty," Joey said, bowing his head slightly, his Brooklyn accent evident even in his formal tone, "I swear on my honor as a knight—I’ll see this mission through. That dragon won’t be terrorizin’ your people no more, I promise you that."

The king nodded approvingly, his piercing eyes assessing Joey’s determination. "I do not choose you lightly for this task, Sir Wheeler. Your courage has been proven time and again, and your loyalty to this kingdom is unmatched. But understand this—dragons are no mere beasts. They are cunning, powerful, and ancient. To face one is to face the might of nature itself."

Joey tightened his grip on the hilt of his sword, which hung at his side. "I understand, Your Majesty," he replied, his voice firm. "But I ain't afraid. If this dragon thinks it can keep terrorizin’ innocent folks, it’s got another thing comin’. I’ll bring it down or die tryin’."

The king’s stern expression softened ever so slightly at Joey’s resolute words. "Very well," Yami Muto said. "You will have all the resources you need. Prepare yourself well, for the journey to the icy peaks is treacherous. And Joey..." He paused, as if choosing his next words carefully. "Trust in your heart and the strength that lies within it. It will guide you when all seems lost."

Joey nodded, his confidence unwavering. "Thank you, Your Majesty. I won’t let ya down."

As Joey turned to leave the throne room, the massive doors creaking open before him, he could feel the eyes of the court upon him. Some looked at him with hope, others with doubt, but none of it mattered. The young knight’s resolve burned brighter than ever. The road ahead would be perilous, and the dragon would be a foe unlike any other. For how does one slay a dragon? But Joey Wheeler was ready to face the impossible. After all, his heart had always been his greatest weapon.

Before his departure, Joey sought the wisdom of the kingdom’s most revered magician, the radiant and sharp-tongued Mai Valentine. Her tower, perched on a hill overlooking the castle, was a place of secrets and spells. When Joey entered, she was waiting, her violet robes shimmering faintly in the candlelight.

“So, you’re off to face the beast,” she said, her voice a mix of amusement and concern. She handed him a vial of liquid that shimmered like sunlight trapped in glass. “This is a posion to keep you warm in the icy mountains. But let me warn you: You’ll need your wits more than your sword, Joey. Dragons are not always what they seem. Good luck.”

With her cryptic advice ringing in his ears, Joey mounted his black stallion, a loyal steed as spirited as his rider. They rode through the dense forests and rolling hills, leaving behind the warmth of the kingdom and heading toward the barren, icy peaks where the dragon was said to dwell.

As Joey approached the mountains of Akra, the air grew colder, biting through his armor and nipping at his skin. His breath came in visible puffs, and his horse’s hooves crunched through the snow. The world here felt otherworldly, silent save for the mournful howl of the wind.

High above, nestled among jagged cliffs, a massive structure loomed, half castle, half cavern, glittering with frost and ice. This was the dragon’s lair. Joey dismounted, his hand resting on the hilt of his sword, ready for battle. Little did he know, the truth awaiting him within those frozen halls was unlike anything he had imagined. This was no ordinary dragon.

Joey tightened his grip on his sword as he stepped into the frozen grandeur of the dragon’s lair. The walls sparkled with frost, their crystalline beauty disguising the danger within. A chill ran down his spine, not from the cold, but from the sight before him. Perched atop a throne of jagged ice was the dragon.

Kaiba.

The creature was massive, its scales glimmered like shards of frozen starlight, glowing faintly like a sapphire. Its wings, vast and bat-like, stretched out behind him, casting long shadows across the icy floor. His eyes, a piercing deep blue, bore into Joey with a sharpness that felt almost human. Despite his fearsome appearance, the dragon exuded an aura of elegance, as if he were royalty trapped in a beast's form.

“Knight of Yami Muto,” the dragon spoke, his voice deep and commanding, reverberating through the icy hall. “You’ve come to slay me, haven’t you?”

Joey took a bold step forward, his boots echoing in the stillness of the icy cavern. His breath clouded in the frigid air, curling into the silence like a fleeting ghost. His gaze never wavered from the massive form before him.

“If that’s what it takes to protect my kingdom, then yeah,” Joey said, his voice steady despite the cold that gnawed at his very bones.

The dragon’s deep chuckle reverberated through the cavern, a low, resonant sound that seemed to shake the very walls. The sheer power of it sent a shiver rippling through Joey’s chest, but he stood firm. The beast's luminous eyes narrowed as it leaned forward, its head cocking slightly in a gesture almost human.

“Slaying me won’t be so simple, little knight,” the dragon rumbled, its voice dripping with ancient amusement. “What could one mere human possibly do?”

Joey’s blade gleamed in the reflected glow of the dragon’s fiery eyes. He stepped closer, his golden hair catching the light, shimmering like molten gold against the bleak, icy expanse.

“One knight is all it takes,” Joey replied, his voice fierce and unyielding. “One knight is enough to bring honor to his kingdom. And one knight is enough to bring you down.”

The dragon’s glowing gaze fixated on Joey, but it wasn’t just the words that caught its attention. Kaiba felt something stir deep within him. This knight, this fiery mortal with his bold heart and unrelenting courage, was breathtaking. His golden hair shimmered as though it had been spun by the sun itself, and his eyes were amber, like gems, like treasures unearthed from the depths of the earth. He radiated a brilliance Kaiba hadn’t seen in centuries.

Kaiba exhaled a low, almost imperceptible sigh, his icy demeanor softening for just a moment. To a dragon, treasures were more than mere possessions; they were life’s essence, the heart’s deepest desires. And this knight standing before him, so bold, so beautiful—Joey was no less a treasure than the rarest gem.

“Perhaps…” Kaiba began, his voice laced with something softer now, almost curious. He leaned closer, his massive frame casting a shadow over Joey but not in threat—in intrigue. “Perhaps there’s another way.”

Joey tensed, his grip on his sword unwavering as he narrowed his eyes. “Another way?” he echoed, his tone cautious, but beneath it burned the same defiance that had carried him this far.

Kaiba’s gaze lingered on Joey, his thoughts a storm of instinct and something else, something unfamiliar. “Why destroy something so precious?” he murmured, more to himself than to Joey.

Before Joey could respond, the dragon’s body began to shimmer, the glow of magic swirling around him. His colossal frame contracted, his wings folding in and dissolving into light. The scales melted away, revealing pale, flawless skin. When the transformation was complete, Kaiba stood before him—not as a dragon, but as a man.

And what a man he was. Kaiba’s sharp, aristocratic features seemed almost otherworldly, as if sculpted from the finest marble. His ice-blue eyes glinted with a dangerous intelligence, framed by sleek chestnut hair that fell just above his shoulders. He was clad in regal attire—layers of white fabric edged with blue embroideries, a high collar that only added to his imposing aura. Power radiated from him, both in his stance and the air of superiority that clung to him like frost.

Joey found himself staring, his words caught in his throat. How could a creature—no, a man—this beautiful exist? The knight shook his head, trying to snap himself out of it. This wasn’t the time to be dazzled.

Kaiba smirked, clearly noticing Joey’s momentary lapse. “You’re mesmerized already. This should be easy.”

“Don’t flatter yourself, scales-for-brains,” Joey shot back, though his voice lacked its usual bite. “What’s this other way you were talkin’ about?”

Kaiba’s smirk deepened. With a wave of his hand, the icy throne room began to shift. The ground beneath Joey’s feet rippled like water before solidifying into stone, while the walls transformed into a towering arena. Floating platforms, glowing sigils, and ghostly stands filled with phantom spectators emerged around them. It was unmistakable—a dueling field.

“I propose a duel,” Kaiba declared, his voice resonating with magic. “An ancient game of strategy and power, one your kind holds so dear. If you win, I will surrender myself to you. My life, my freedom—they will be yours to decide. Kill me, imprison me, do as you wish. But if I win…” His eyes flashed dangerously. “You are mine to do with as I please.”

Joey’s heart hammered in his chest, but not from fear. There was something thrilling about the challenge, something that made his blood race. He reached for the deck of cards tucked into his pouch. “Fine with me, I hope dragons are as honorable as knights. Let’s see what you’ve got.”

Kaiba raised his hand, and with a flick of his wrist, a deck of cards materialized, glowing faintly with an icy blue light. “Dragons stand to their words. But you’ll find I’m no ordinary opponent, knight,” he said, his voice smooth and confident. “And this field… is not ordinary, either. My magic ensures that what happens on this field is as real as it gets.”

Joey grinned, the fire of battle igniting in his chest. “Let’s begin, dragon-boy. I’ve got some tricks up my sleeve, too.”

As the two squared off, the air between them crackled with energy. The duel was about to begin, but Joey couldn’t help but steal another glance at Kaiba. His sharp jawline, the commanding way he moved, the glint of determination in his eyes—it was almost too much to take in. He forced himself to focus. He couldn’t let himself get distracted, no matter how mesmerizing his opponent was. This was a battle he had to win, for the kingdom—and maybe, just maybe, for himself.

The duel began with a surge of energy that made the air around them crackle with magic. Joey drew his first hand of cards, his expression determined. Across from him, Kaiba stood tall, his pale fingers handling his deck with precision and confidence. The grand hall was alive with swirling auras and the looming, ghostly shapes of monsters waiting to be summoned.

“I’ll make the first move,” Kaiba announced, his tone as sharp as a blade. He slid a card onto the glowing dueling platform, and a feral creature materialized on the field. “I summon La Jinn the Mystical Genie of the Lamp in attack mode.”

The towering, serpentine figure rose from the platform, its green-skinned muscles flexing as it loomed over Joey, glowing eyes filled with menace.

“Well, nice opening act,” Joey muttered, drawing his card with a dramatic flourish. “But let me show you how it’s done. I summon Flame Swordsman in attack mode!”

A warrior wreathed in flames emerged on Joey’s side of the field, brandishing his fiery blade with a triumphant roar. The arena seemed to heat up as the flames danced across the platform.

“Flame Swordsman, take down the genie!” Joey commanded, pointing forward. The swordsman charged, slashing through Kaiba’s monster in a single strike. La Jinn shattered into glittering fragments, and Kaiba’s life points dropped slightly.

Kaiba’s smirk barely wavered, even as Joey landed a decisive blow that sent one of his beasts crashing to the icy floor. He dusted off his coat as if unbothered, his sharp, icy gaze locking onto Joey with a mixture of frustration and intrigue. “Enjoy your moment of triumph,” he said, his voice smooth and laced with challenge. “It won’t last.”

The duel pressed on, both combatants pushing their strategies to the limit. Joey’s fiery resolve drove him forward, his movements precise and deliberate. The creatures under his command fought valiantly, each attack a testament to his bravery and determination. Yet Kaiba’s composure remained unshaken. His monsters loomed large and powerful, his strategies methodical and merciless.

Time seemed to blur as the battle unfolded, every passing moment charged with energy. Joey’s sweat glistened on his brow, his breaths coming quicker now as he poured everything he had into the fight. But Kaiba, unrelenting as the ice itself, pressed his advantage with the skill of a duelist who had mastered his craft.

And then, as the duel began to tip in Kaiba’s favor, his eyes flickered with an icy light. He drew his next card with a flourish, and for the first time, the faintest shadow of triumph crept across his face.

The air grew heavier, thick with anticipation, as Kaiba held up the card for Joey to see. His voice cut through the frigid tension, confident and commanding. “I activate Polymerization and fuse three Blue-Eyes White Dragons to summon the ultimate creature: Blue-Eyes Ultimate Dragon!”

The hall shook as the massive, three-headed dragon materialized, its sheer size and power casting a shadow over the entire arena. Its glowing blue eyes fixed on Joey’s side of the field, radiating an aura of devastation.

Joey’s jaw dropped, and his bravado faltered for just a moment. “That thing’s enormous!”

Kaiba’s laugh was cold and victorious. “It’s more than enormous, knight. It’s unstoppable. And now, I’ll destroy your monsters. Blue-Eyes Ultimate Dragon, attack!”

The dragon reared back, its three heads charging with blinding energy before unleashing a torrent of power. The blast obliterated Joey’s monster, sending fiery shards flying across the field. Joey gritted his teeth, his life points dipping.

As he drew his next card, he spoke, trying to ignore the oppressive presence of the dragon looming before him. “I don’t get it. Why’d you do it? Why’d you terrorize that village and freeze all those people? What kinda monster does that?”

Kaiba’s smirk faded, replaced by a hard glare. “Terrorize them? Is that what they told you?” He placed another card on the field, summoning a smaller dragon to defend his side. “I never attacked anyone without cause. That village—those people—came after me first. Or rather, they came after my brother.”

Joey blinked in surprise. “You have a brother?”

“Yes.” Kaiba’s voice was edged with something almost human—pain, perhaps. “He’s young, curious, and far too trusting. He wandered into that village one day, fascinated by their world. And what did they do? They attacked him. They saw his draconic form and decided he was a monster, not a child. I did what I had to do to protect him. The ice was a warning, nothing more.”

Joey narrowed his eyes, gripping his cards tighter. “And how am I supposed to know you’re tellin’ the truth? For all I know, you’re just spinnin’ a sob story to throw me off.”

Kaiba crossed his arms, his icy gaze cutting through Joey. “I have no reason to lie. The real question is—how do you know the villagers didn’t lie to you? Humans fear what they don’t understand. A dragon in their midst? Of course, they’d twist the truth to justify their actions.”

Joey faltered for a moment, Kaiba’s words gnawing at the edges of his certainty. But he pushed the doubt aside and slapped another card onto the field. “Well, I’m not about to take your word for it! I summon Red-Eyes Black Dragon in attack mode!”

The fierce black dragon roared onto the field, its crimson eyes glowing with determination. Joey felt a surge of pride—his ace monster always had his back.

Kaiba, however, looked utterly unimpressed. “Cute. But it doesn’t stand a chance.” He gestured grandly toward his three-headed beast. “Blue-Eyes Ultimate Dragon, obliterate his Red-Eyes Black Dragon!”

The attack was swift and merciless. The Ultimate Dragon’s energy blast consumed Joey’s monster in a fiery explosion, sending the pieces scattering across the field. Joey’s life points plummeted to zero, and the duel field shimmered before dissolving back into the icy hall.

Joey stumbled, his breath ragged. He stared at his empty side of the field, then up at Kaiba, who stood victorious. The dragon prince’s smirk returned, but there was no malice in it—only triumph and something unreadable.

Joey’s chest tightened with dread. “You… you won. So now what? You gonna kill me?”

Kaiba stepped forward, his piercing eyes locking with Joey’s. He leaned in slightly, his voice dropping to a low, almost predatory tone. “I told you, didn’t I? You’re mine now. But killing you?” He chuckled softly, his breath cold against Joey’s skin. “That would be far too easy. And far less entertaining.”

Kaiba’s smirk lingered as he stepped closer to Joey, his icy eyes glinting with something mischievous, almost teasing. The tension in the room felt palpable as Joey braced himself for whatever cruel punishment the dragon prince might have in mind. Instead, Kaiba surprised him.

“I think I’ll keep you,” Kaiba said smoothly, tilting his head ever so slightly. “You’re too cute to waste.”

Joey froze, his brain scrambling to process the words. “W-what?” he sputtered, his face flushing crimson. “What are you talkin’ about? Keep me? I’m not some trophy!”

Kaiba chuckled, the sound as cold and sharp as the frost that adorned the walls. “You lost, didn’t you? And as per the terms of our duel, you belong to me now. Or…” He raised an eyebrow, a flicker of amusement crossing his face. “Does a knight not stand by his word?”

Joey gritted his teeth, his honor as a knight outweighing his pride. “I stand by my word,” he said reluctantly. “I ain’t no liar and I vow with honor. If I said I’d follow through, I will.”

“Good,” Kaiba replied, turning away as the room around them began to shift. The icy dueling field melted back into the elegant, crystalline hall. The air felt lighter, though Joey’s chest remained heavy with apprehension. “Come, then. If you’re going to belong to me, I’d rather you not stand there gawking all night.”

Joey muttered something under his breath, but he followed Kaiba. The dragon prince strode ahead with regal confidence, his long coat flowing behind him as he led Joey up a winding staircase. The steps opened into an observation deck, a wide, circular platform jutting out from the mountainside.

The view was breathtaking. Snowy peaks stretched endlessly into the horizon, their white caps glowing softly under the light of a pale moon. Snow began to fall, delicate flakes swirling in the crisp, silent air. Joey stopped for a moment, staring out at the serene landscape. For all the tension he felt, he couldn’t deny the beauty of this place.

Kaiba stepped to the edge of the platform, his sharp silhouette stark against the silver light. Joey was about to ask what they were doing here when Kaiba suddenly threw his head back and roared. It wasn’t a human sound, but a guttural, powerful call that echoed across the mountains. Joey flinched at the intensity, the raw power of it sending chills down his spine.

Moments later, the sound of beating wings reached his ears. Joey squinted into the snowy haze as a smaller dragon descended onto the platform. The creature landed with a soft thud, its wings folding neatly against its back. Unlike Kaiba’s towering dragon form, this one was no taller than Joey himself. Its scales shimmered with a silvery-blue hue, and its large eyes glowed softly, both curious and wary.

The dragon hesitated, its gaze shifting from Kaiba to Joey. Joey took a step back, his instincts telling him to be cautious, but Kaiba waved a hand dismissively.

“No need to panic, knight,” Kaiba said, his voice surprisingly soft. “He won’t hurt you.”

Joey blinked, looking from Kaiba to the small dragon. “Wait a second… Is this your brother?”

The smaller dragon let out a soft rumble, almost like a whimper, as if afraid to approach. Kaiba nodded, his usual sternness softening ever so slightly. “Yes. This is Mokuba. My brother.”

Joey crouched slightly, still keeping his distance but allowing his curiosity to overcome his wariness. “He’s… smaller than I thought. Ain’t he supposed to be, y’know, big and scary like you?”

Kaiba shot him a glare, though there was no real malice in it. “He’s still young, barely out of his hatchling years. And unlike me, he prefers not to fight—until he’s forced to.” His gaze softened as he looked at Mokuba. “The villagers attacked him for no reason. He’s wary of humans now, and for the better.”

Joey glanced at the little dragon, whose glowing eyes studied him with caution. Despite its size, there was something undeniably innocent about the creature, like a child hiding behind an older sibling. Joey’s chest tightened with guilt. “Hey, buddy,” he said awkwardly, trying to keep his voice calm. “I am not gonna hurt you, okay? I’m not like those villagers.”

Mokuba took a tentative step forward, his tail swishing nervously against the snowy ground. Joey felt a pang of something he couldn’t quite name—a mix of pity and admiration for Kaiba’s protectiveness. This dragon prince wasn’t what he had imagined, and neither was his story.

Kaiba watched the interaction in silence, his arms crossed. The snow continued to fall softly around them, and for the first time since he’d entered the icy domain, Joey felt the faintest hint of peace. But that peace was fleeting, and he couldn’t shake the feeling that this was only the beginning of something much larger.

Joey, true to his word, stayed. What he was now—a servant, a prisoner, or something else entirely—he wasn’t sure. The line between captor and companion was blurred in Kaiba’s icy palace. Days turned into weeks, and though Joey missed the warm bustle of his home, he found himself drawn into the strange rhythm of life in the dragon prince’s lair.

One of the unexpected joys of his new life was Mokuba. The young dragon, still inexperienced with magic, rarely shifted into his humanoid form. When he did, he was a shy, wide-eyed boy with silvery hair that curled slightly at the ends. But most of the time, Mokuba remained in his dragon form—small, curious, and undeniably adorable. It had taken time, but Joey’s natural warmth and patience eventually won the little dragon’s trust.

Joey often spent his afternoons playing with Mokuba, tossing small stones for him to chase or teaching him harmless tricks, like balancing a pebble on his nose. Mokuba’s deep, rumbling laughter—or the dragon equivalent—filled the cold halls, making the frozen palace feel just a little warmer. Joey felt a quiet pride knowing he could give the young dragon a sense of safety and happiness, especially after what the villagers had done. It was enough to make him forget, if only for a while, how much he missed home.

Kaiba, for his part, remained an enigma. The dragon prince seemed to delight in keeping Joey close, though his reasons were unclear. Whether they were sharing a quiet dinner, locked in a competitive card game, or simply sitting in the same room as Kaiba worked or watched Joey with that inscrutable gaze, there was always a charged atmosphere between them. It wasn’t friendship—at least not in the way Joey understood it—but it wasn’t pure animosity either. It was… something else. Something strange, unspoken, and deeply confusing.

But the one thing Joey couldn’t ignore was the cold. The palace, beautiful as it was, offered little in the way of warmth, and Joey’s human body wasn’t built for such relentless frost. The clothes Kaiba had given him were fine, elegant even, but far too thin for someone unaccustomed to the freezing temperatures of the mountains. Joey did his best to tough it out, layering what he could and keeping active to stay warm. He was a knight, after all, and knights didn’t complain.

Still, even the strongest warriors had limits.

It started as a slight chill he couldn’t shake. Then came the aches, the sneezing, and the fever that left him shivering beneath the heavy blankets Kaiba had hastily provided. By the time Joey was too weak to get out of bed, it was clear he was more than just sick, and the ever-calm Kaiba was anything but.

When Kaiba found Joey pale and shivering, bundled under a mountain of blankets in his chamber, his usually stoic demeanor cracked. His icy blue eyes widened, and for a moment, something almost like panic flashed across his face. “You idiot,” he muttered, though his voice lacked its usual bite. “Why didn’t you say anything?”

Joey groaned, his voice hoarse. “Didn’t… didn’t wanna bother you, dragon-boy. Figured I’d just tough it out…”

Kaiba scowled, but his hand hovered over Joey’s forehead, his cool touch brushing against the heat of Joey’s fevered skin. “You’re burning up,” he said sharply, his jaw tightening. “You can’t just ‘tough out’ the cold up here. You’re human. You’ll die if you’re this careless.”

Joey tried to muster a grin, but it came out weak and lopsided. “Didn’t… think you cared.”

Kaiba stiffened, his gaze flickering away for a moment before returning to Joey. “Of course I care,” he snapped, though there was a strange vulnerability in his tone. “You’re mine, remember? What kind of dragon prince would I be if I let my… my knight die of something as pathetic as a cold?”

Joey blinked, caught off guard by the rare crack in Kaiba’s icy composure. “You’re… worried about me?” he asked, his voice soft.

Kaiba’s cheeks tinted the faintest pink, though he quickly turned away, busying himself with pulling another blanket over Joey. “Of course I am. Just stay still and rest. I’ll… take care of this.”

Joey watched him for a moment, his fever-clouded mind turning over Kaiba’s words and actions. The dragon prince’s usually sharp, arrogant demeanor was softened by something unspoken, something Joey couldn’t quite name. For the first time, Joey thought he saw through the frost and glimpsed the man behind it.

As Kaiba moved to fetch a steaming mug of tea, Mokuba trotted into the room in his dragon form, his large, worried eyes fixed on Joey. The little dragon curled up at the edge of the bed, his warmth seeping through the blankets. Joey smiled faintly, reaching out to pat Mokuba’s head.

“Guess I’m not goin’ anywhere, huh?” Joey muttered, his voice barely above a whisper.

Kaiba, standing nearby with the tea, let out a soft huff that might have been a laugh. “No, Joey. You’re not.”

And for some reason, despite the fever and the cold and the strange situation he found himself in, Joey felt oddly comforted by that.

Kaiba's journey through the perilous depths of the mountain was grueling, even for someone as resilient as him. Though immune to the bitter cold that claimed these peaks, the narrow, treacherous paths through the rock forced him to stay in his human form—a far slower and more vulnerable state. The biting winds clawed at his coat, and the snowdrifts reached high enough to make every step a labor. Still, Kaiba pressed on, driven by something aching deep inside him, close to madness.

He had searched relentlessly, scouring the mountainside for the rare herbs that grew in the most inhospitable places. These herbs were the only hope to break Joey's fever. Kaiba couldn’t risk venturing into a human village; even in his humanoid form, his presence would draw suspicion or worse. This was his only option, and he cursed every wasted second that passed as he gathered the precious plants into his satchel. Time felt like a blade pressing against his throat. Joey couldn’t afford for him to fail.

Meanwhile, back at the palace, Mokuba did his best to keep Joey warm. The small dragon had curled tightly around Joey’s feverish body, his scales radiating as much warmth as he could muster. Despite his inexperience, Mokuba was fiercely protective, nudging Joey’s face with his snout whenever the knight mumbled incoherently in his fevered haze.

“Stay with me, Joey,” Mokuba murmured softly, his youthful voice trembling with worry. “Big brother will be back soon. You just have to hang on.”

Joey, however, was barely aware of his surroundings. His body was drenched in sweat, and his golden hair stuck to his forehead in damp clumps. His fever burned like wildfire, his breathing shallow and uneven. In his disoriented state, he mumbled snippets of things—names, fragments of memories, pleas for warmth. Mokuba tried his best to soothe him, but Joey’s condition was worsening.

By the time Kaiba returned, snow crusting his boots and ice clinging to his coat, the sight of Joey nearly stopped him in his tracks. His sharp, calculating mind momentarily blanked as he took in the knight’s pale face, the way his chest rose and fell in shallow gasps. Mokuba uncurled from Joey’s side, looking up at Kaiba with wide, hopeful eyes.

“Seto, he’s… he’s not getting better. He keeps mumbling, and I don’t think he even knows where he is!” Mokuba’s voice cracked as he spoke, his worry palpable.

Kaiba didn’t respond at first, his focus entirely on Joey. He dropped his satchel to the ground, hastily pulling out the herbs and preparing the medicine with a speed that bordered on desperation. His usually steady hands trembled slightly as he crushed the plants into a fine paste and mixed it with hot water from the fireplace.

When the mixture was ready, Kaiba knelt by Joey’s side and gently lifted his head, pressing the cup to his lips. “Drink,” he commanded softly, his voice betraying a hint of urgency. “Joey, you have to drink this.”

Joey’s hazy golden eyes fluttered open for a moment, unfocused and glazed with fever. He tried to turn his head away, too weak to protest. “Kaiba…? What’re ya… doin’…?” His words slurred, barely audible.

Kaiba gritted his teeth, his free hand steadying Joey’s face. “Stop talking and drink. You’re not dying on me, Joey. Not here. Not now. Never.” He tilted the cup gently, coaxing the medicine into Joey’s mouth.

Joey swallowed weakly, coughing slightly as the bitter liquid slid down his throat. Kaiba stayed close, his hand lingering on Joey’s forehead to feel the heat that still raged there. His jaw tightened, and for the first time in years, he felt a pang of helplessness.

“You’ll be fine,” Kaiba murmured, more to himself than anyone else. His voice dropped, soft and almost vulnerable. “You have to be. You’re too stupid to die like this. You’re…” He hesitated, his words catching in his throat. “I can’t let you die. I won’t.”

Mokuba watched silently from the corner of the room, his sharp dragon senses picking up the tremor in his brother’s voice. He had never seen Seto like this before—so raw, so exposed. Seto had always been a fortress of control and logic, but now, that armor was cracking.

“I’ll take you home,” Kaiba whispered, leaning closer to Joey. His usually cold voice was filled with a rare warmth, though it trembled with the weight of emotion. “When this is over, you can go back to your kingdom, back to your friends. I’ll let you go. Just… don’t die. Don’t you dare leave me, Joey. I love you.”

Joey, barely conscious, didn’t fully grasp the words, but the tenderness in Kaiba’s voice reached him in a way that nothing else could. He murmured something unintelligible and let his head rest against Kaiba’s hand, his breathing still ragged but slowing slightly.

Kaiba stayed by his side through the night, refusing to leave even as exhaustion weighed heavily on him. He kept a careful watch over Joey, his mind racing with thoughts he could no longer suppress. The realization of his feelings had been slow, creeping up on him like the frost that coated his palace, but now it was undeniable. He loved Sir Joey Wheeler, the stubborn, reckless, golden-haired knight who had stumbled into his life and turned it upside down.

As the snowstorm raged outside, Kaiba made a silent vow: he would do whatever it took to keep Joey safe. Because losing him wasn’t an option—not now, not ever.

It took three days for Joey to recover. Three long days where the fever raged through him, leaving him weak and barely able to open his eyes. But every time he stirred, there was Kaiba. The dragon prince sat silently by his bedside, watching him with an intensity that Joey couldn’t quite decipher through the haze. Kaiba was always there—when Joey fell asleep, when he woke, and every moment in between. It was as though the prince refused to leave his side, his icy exterior never betraying what was truly going on in his mind.

By the time Joey felt like himself again, his strength returned, he half-expected Kaiba to go back to his usual sharp, aloof self. Instead, the moment Joey declared he was ready to get back to his feet, Kaiba ordered him into the great hall.

“Why? What’s the deal now, dragon boy?” Joey asked, still groggy from days of rest.

Kaiba’s expression was unreadable, colder than usual, even for him. His piercing blue eyes gave nothing away. “We’re going to duel,” he said curtly. “If you win this time, I’ll let you leave.”

Joey froze, his brow furrowing in confusion. “Leave? Why’re you bringin’ that up all of a sudden? I thought you—”

“It’s an order,” Kaiba interrupted sharply, his tone cutting off any further questions. “Do as I say.”

There was no room for argument in his voice, and though Joey felt a strange pit forming in his stomach, he obeyed. Kaiba was his master now, wasn’t he? His word was law. But something about this felt… off.

They faced each other in the grand hall, the icy walls glittering with cold light. Kaiba shuffled his cards with practiced precision, his movements mechanical, almost lifeless. Joey couldn’t help but notice the way Kaiba avoided his gaze, his focus fixed on the duel disk as though it was the only thing anchoring him.

The duel began, but it wasn’t like their first match. Kaiba’s usual intensity was gone, replaced by something cold and detached. His moves were calculated but lacked the sharp brilliance Joey had come to expect. It was as though Kaiba wasn’t even trying. Each card he played seemed hollow, as if his spirit had been drained. Joey clenched his teeth, frustration boiling in his chest.

“Hey!” Joey shouted, slamming one of his cards onto the field. “What’s with you? You are not even trying! This is not like you, Kaiba!”

Kaiba’s gaze flickered to Joey for the briefest moment before he returned his focus to the field. “What are you talking about, knight? Play your cards and win. Isn’t that what you want?”

The coldness in Kaiba’s voice stung more than Joey cared to admit. He fought back, playing with everything he had, but each move felt hollow. When Joey summoned his Red-Eyes Black Dragon and it dealt the final blow to Kaiba’s life points, the victory felt wrong.

Kaiba didn’t even flinch as the holographic image of his Blue-Eyes White Dragon dissolved into nothingness. He merely stood there, his expression blank, his arms falling to his sides. “You win,” he said simply, his tone devoid of emotion. “You’re free to leave.”

Joey hesitated, clutching his duel disk tightly. “That’s it? You’re just gonna let me go?” He narrowed his eyes. “It feels like you didn’t even try! You let me win, didn’t you?”

Kaiba’s lips curled into the faintest hint of a bitter smile. “Don’t flatter yourself. You played well. Now go.”

But Joey didn’t move. His mind churned with conflicting emotions. Something about this felt all wrong. He had come here to slay a dragon, to prove himself as a knight of Yami’s court. Instead, he had made a vow to stay after losing, and now, leaving felt like breaking not just one oath, but two. How could he return to King Yami and explain that he’d failed, that he’d lost to the dragon, stayed by his side, and now crawled back like a coward?

And then there was the other reason, the one he couldn’t fully admit to himself yet. He didn’t want to leave. Not Kaiba, not Mokuba. His place was here, wasn’t it?

“Joey,” Kaiba said, his voice cutting through his thoughts. “Why are you still here? You’ve won. Go home.”

Joey’s feet moved before his brain could catch up. He stepped closer to Kaiba, his golden eyes blazing with determination. “I am not going anywhere,” he said firmly, his voice steady despite the storm raging in his chest. “My place is here, with you and Mokuba.”

Kaiba’s eyes widened slightly, a flicker of shock breaking through his cold mask. “Don’t be ridiculous. You’re free. You don’t owe me anything.”

Joey shook his head, his voice rising with emotion. “No, I gave you my word, Kaiba. I promised I’d stay, and I am not breaking that promise, my vow, my honor. And even if I could, what would I do? Go back to Yami and tell him I failed? I swore to slay the dragon or die in the process. What should I tell my King? Tell him I was defended by the dragon? I don’t care if you’re a pain in the ass or don’t want me anymore—my place is here.”

Kaiba’s mouth opened as if to argue, but no words came out. He stared at Joey, his usually sharp, calculating gaze softened by something else. Something vulnerable. Something that Joey couldn’t name but felt like an unspoken confession.

“You’re delusional,” Kaiba muttered, though his voice lacked its usual venom. He turned away, as though trying to hide whatever was written on his face. “Do what you want.”

Joey took another step closer, standing just behind him. “I mean it, Kaiba. I am not leaving. You and Mokuba—you mean something to me. I don’t understand fully what it is yet, but… I’m stayin’g”

The silence that followed was heavy, filled with all the things neither of them dared to say. Outside, the wind howled through the mountains, and the cold air pressed against the icy walls of the great hall. Yet somehow, the space between them felt warmer than it had ever been.

Kaiba didn’t respond, but he didn’t tell Joey to leave again. And for now, that was enough.

Kaiba tried to keep his composure, but the nagging worry never left him. After Joey had stayed willingly by his side, day after day, something in Kaiba began to shift. He knew that Joey was strong, that he could take care of himself, but the thought of him falling ill again gnawed at his insides. This place was not made for humans. The last thing Kaiba wanted was to see Joey bedridden and suffering like before, but a quiet voice in the back of his mind warned him that it was only a matter of time before the cold, the environment, or even his own past mistakes would catch up with him.

So, Kaiba did what he thought was necessary. He couldn’t risk Joey being taken from him—especially not now, after he’d become a part of his life in ways Kaiba hadn’t expected. His pride, though, wouldn’t let him simply beg Joey to stay or explain his worry. He would never do that. Instead, Kaiba chose to take action in a way that only he could—cold, calculated, and with no room for uncertainty.

He penned a letter to King Yami Muto, a formal declaration, as direct as Kaiba’s personality demanded. The message was simple and to the point: Sir Joey Wheeler had been taken hostage. No mention of the truth behind the situation. No hint of Kaiba’s growing affection for the stubborn knight. The letter was cold, just like Kaiba’s manner. Just like the mountains. It was the only way to ensure that Joey would remain safe—though Kaiba hated the idea of it, he would rather deal with Yami’s wrath than risk losing his treasure forever.

With the letter sealed and sent by his fastest messenger, a white fox, Kaiba turned to his younger brother, Mokuba.

“Mokuba,” Kaiba said, his voice firm but not unkind. “You need to leave for a while. Head to the east coast. I don’t want you here when Yami’s forces arrive.”

Mokuba’s eyes widened in protest, his small frame standing tall despite his obvious concern. “But Seto, I don’t want to leave you. I can help, I can—”

“No,” Kaiba interjected sharply. “You’ll be safer away from here. I’ll take care of Joey, but I need you to be safe. You have to go. I can not risk losing you too.”

Mokuba hesitated, his gaze flickering between his older brother and Joey, who was lounging nearby in the great hall, blissfully unaware of the brewing tension outside. Mokuba’s heart ached at the thought of leaving, especially with everything that was happening between Seto and Joey. But he understood his brother’s determination, even if it caused him pain.

“Fine,” Mokuba said quietly, though his voice wavered. “But promise me you’ll be careful, Seto. Promise me you won’t do anything reckless.”

Kaiba didn’t look at him as he nodded. “I promise. Now go. I’ll handle this.”

Reluctantly, Mokuba gathered a few belongings, his dragon form still small and easily hidden. He gave one last glance at Joey, who waved absentmindedly, and then slipped quietly out of the palace.

When Joey noticed Mokuba’s absence the past day, he grew concerned. “Hey, Kaiba, where’s Mokuba? I haven’t seen him around much lately…”

Kaiba remained calm, though something in his eyes flickered with an emotion Joey couldn’t quite place. “Mokuba’s gone to gather some herbs for the season’s supply. A learning trip. He’ll be back soon.”

Joey’s brows furrowed. “Herbs? In the middle of winter?” He glanced outside at the snowy landscape. “Seems odd…”

Kaiba shrugged, his face impassive. “He’s growing, he is an ice dragon. It’s something he needs to do. Don’t worry about it.”

Joey let it slide, though a sense of unease lingered in his gut. Kaiba’s words never felt as solid as they used to. There was something about his tone that suggested Kaiba was hiding something—he always did, after all. But Joey trusted him, didn’t he? He had no reason not to. At least, that’s what he kept telling himself.

As the day wore on, the quiet tension in the air only grew thicker. The howling wind outside felt like it was building toward something, and Joey couldn’t shake the feeling that something was amiss. And then, just as the first streaks of twilight darkened the sky, the silence was broken by the sound of hooves approaching—the unmistakable thundering of a cavalry. Joey's heart skipped a beat.

Kaiba had anticipated this. Yami’s army was coming to "rescue" him. Joey could feel it in his bones even before the gates were thrown open, and a band of soldiers stormed into the palace with the unmistakable insignia of King Yami's house.

“Sir Joey Wheeler!” a gruff voice called out, and Joey turned to see the royal entourage march into the great hall. Leading them was none other than a tall, imposing knight with green, furious eyes—one of King Yami’s trusted commanders, Duke Devlin.

Joey’s chest tightened as he stood up slowly, instinctively placing himself between Kaiba and the soldiers. He could see the anger in the men’s eyes as they looked past him, focusing on Kaiba with a certain ferocity. They’d come for him.

“Sir Wheeler!” Duke Devlin barked. “Come with us. King Yami demands your return immediately. You have been taken prisoner here by the dragon but we came to free you.”

Joey took a step back, his heart racing. “Prisoner? What are you talking about? I’m not a prisoner!” His gaze flickered to Kaiba, who stood tall, arms folded across his chest, his face a mask of indifference. But Joey could see the tension in his posture, the way his jaw clenched slightly.

Joey's mind was racing, his confusion mounting as the tension in the great hall grew thicker. The knights stepped forward, weapons in hand, their eyes filled with purpose. But before any of them could take another step toward him, Kaiba moved swiftly.

“Stop!” Kaiba’s voice rang out, sharp and commanding, as he pushed Joey back a few paces. “You think you can just come in here and take my hostage without any price? You think I’ll just hand him over to you like that?” His eyes blazed, icy blue like a winter storm, as he stared down the knights. His posture was rigid, every inch of him radiating control, but Joey could see the strain behind the façade.

The knights’ commander, a tall, battle-hardened man, scoffed. “You think we’ll pay for him, dragon prince? You’ve kept him long enough, and King Yami’s patience is running thin. The only thing left to pay is your defeat.” The knight’s hand gripped the hilt of his sword tightly, ready to strike if necessary.

Joey blinked, still in shock. “Wait… Payment? What’s going on here?” He looked back at Kaiba, but now the prince seemed colder, more distant, playing the villain like he was part of some twisted negotiation. Kaiba was ready to transform back to his dragon size.

“Just go with them, Joey,” Kaiba said through gritted teeth, his voice low but insistent. “You’ll be free to go back to your king, and I’ll be left with what I deserve. This is just business.” He glanced at the knights. “Pay up, and we’ll see if I’ll let him walk out of here alive.”

Joey’s stomach dropped, not sure whether to be furious or deeply confused. “What do you mean, Kaiba? You’re not really gonna hand me over for gold, are you?” His voice cracked slightly, the betrayal in the air so thick it was almost suffocating.

But Kaiba’s mask of indifference didn’t budge. “I’m not handing you over, Joey. I’m just making sure they know their place. I’m not a fool, and I won’t let anyone walk all over me.”

The knight commander smirked, showing off the gold coins they had gathered as “payment.” But Kaiba knew better. His sharp eyes had already caught the glint of trickery in the air. They didn’t care about the gold—this was about more than just a ransom. It was about defeating him, humiliating him.

“Don’t bother trying to trick me,” Kaiba sneered, stepping forward to block them. He knew these knights would try something, but what he didn’t anticipate was Mokuba’s interference.

From behind, Mokuba rushed forward, intent on helping his brother, his small dragon form almost unnoticed in the chaos. But as he reached the clearing, one of the knights spotted him and misinterpreted his movements. In a flash, the knight lunged, sword raised, aiming for Mokuba.

“Mokuba, no!” Kaiba cried out, his heart racing. But before he could protect his brother, the knight’s blade found its mark. Kaiba felt a sharp pain as he staggered back, blood oozing from his side where the sword had cut deep.

“Kaiba!” Joey shouted, his heart leaping in his chest at the sight of the prince faltering, weakened. His immediate instinct was to protect him.

Before he even knew what he was doing, Joey rushed forward, his hand reaching for his sword as he intercepted another knight's blow. With one swift movement, Joey knocked the knight away, his strength and skill as a warrior leaving no doubt in anyone’s mind that this was no ordinary knight.

Joey’s sword gleamed in the dim light of the hall as he stood between Kaiba and the knights, his golden eyes flashing with fury. “You want him, you’ll have to get through me first!” he yelled, his voice low and full of a dangerous promise.

Mokuba stumbled back, panicked, but Kaiba’s hand gripped his arm, pulling him to safety as the battle unfolded. “Joey… you need to get out of here, now!” Kaiba gritted his teeth, still struggling to stay on his feet, the pain from the wound making him feel faint.

Joey turned to Kaiba, his gaze hardening. “I’m not goin’ anywhere, Kaiba! Not without you! You’re not fightin’ alone.” His eyes narrowed as he fought off another knight who attempted to strike at him. Joey moved like a whirlwind, cutting down opponents with precision, never once faltering.

With the knights distracted, Joey shoved one aside and turned toward Mokuba, who was still trembling from the ordeal. “Mokuba, go! Get somewhere safe, I’ll take care of this!” Joey’s voice was firm, authoritative. He wasn’t just protecting Kaiba now; he was protecting the only family Kaiba had left.

“No!” Mokuba protested, his eyes wide. “I’m not leaving you two! I can help!”

“Go!” Joey ordered, pushing the boy gently but firmly in the direction of the door. “You’re not welcome here anymore. Both of you!” His voice was filled with unshakable resolve. “I’ll handle the rest.”

Kaiba watched Joey, a strange mix of gratitude and guilt filling his chest as his brother finally ran, disappearing down the hall toward safety.

Joey was already back in the fray, moving with an elegance and ferocity that took down knight after knight. They were no match for his strength, his skills honed from years of combat under King Yami’s banner. As he swiped his blade through the air, a knight’s sword clattered to the ground, and the remaining attackers hesitated, uncertain whether to push forward or retreat.

“I’m done with this!” Joey barked, turning toward the remaining knights with an intense gaze. “This ends now. If you think you can waltz in here and threaten Kaiba, or anyone else, you’re wrong. You’re no longer welcome in this mountains. This is Kaiba’s home, and you’re not taking him away.”

Joey stood tall, his sword raised, his body firm and unwavering. His heart pounded in his chest, but his resolve was clear. He wasn’t just fighting for Kaiba, or for Mokuba. He was fighting for his own honor, his promise to protect those who had come to matter to him, no matter how twisted or complicated the situation had become.

Kaiba and Mokuba fled deeper into the mountains, their steps hurried and uneven. Mokuba clung tightly to his brother’s arm, his small dragon form trembling as he tried to support Kaiba’s weight. Blood seeped through Kaiba’s tunic, staining the icy ground beneath them. Every step sent sharp pain through his body, but Kaiba’s focus remained on getting Mokuba to safety. They couldn’t afford to stop, not with Yami’s knights still so close. He had been foolish.

Behind them, the clashing of swords and shouts echoed in the cold air. Joey’s voice carried above it all, fierce and unyielding, as he fought against overwhelming odds. Kaiba glanced back, his chest tightening at the sight of Joey holding off a growing wave of knights, his golden hair wild in the wind, his movements swift and determined.

But even Joey Wheeler, the strongest and most skilled knight of Yami’s army, could only do so much against so many. The knights pressed in, their sheer numbers overpowering him. For every strike Joey delivered, two more knights advanced. Eventually, they surrounded him, swords pointed at his throat.

“You’re done, Wheeler,” the commander Devlin sneered, his voice dripping with contempt. “Fighting alongside the dragon prince? That’s treason in King Yami’s eyes. You’ll answer for this.”

Joey’s sword slipped from his grasp, clattering to the ground. His breathing was heavy, his body aching from the fight, but his eyes burned with defiance. “Treason?” he spat. “I was protectin’ the innocent. If that’s treason, then so be it.”

The knights closed in, binding his hands tightly and forcing him to his knees. Joey didn’t resist. His thoughts weren’t on his own fate but on Kaiba and Mokuba. He’d bought them enough time to escape, and that was all that mattered.

“Take him back to the king,” the commander barked. “He’ll answer for his crimes there.”

As Joey was dragged away, he cast one last glance toward the mountain path where Kaiba and Mokuba had disappeared. He prayed silently that Kaiba would make it to safety, that the wound wouldn’t take him, and that Mokuba would be spared the harshness of the world. Joey could handle whatever punishment awaited him. His only worry was for them.

Farther up the mountains, Kaiba collapsed against the frozen stone of a narrow cave. Mokuba hovered over him, his small claws trembling as he tried to tend to the wound. “Seto, you’re bleeding too much!” Mokuba’s voice cracked with panic.

Kaiba waved him off weakly. “I’m fine,” he muttered, though the blood loss was making his vision blur. His body felt heavy, his strength fading faster than he wanted to admit.

Mokuba’s silver eyes welled with tears. “You’re not fine! You’re hurt, and Joey—Joey’s gone! They probably took him, Seto! We have to go back and help him!”

Kaiba clenched his teeth, frustration and guilt mingling in his chest. “I can’t… I can’t help him like this,” he said through gritted teeth. “If I go back now, I’ll just… I’ll just get myself killed. And then who will protect you?”

“But Joey—”

“Joey’s strong,” Kaiba interrupted, his voice softening despite the harshness of his words. “He’s stronger than anyone. He’ll… he’ll find a way.” He leaned his head back against the cold stone, his icy blue eyes clouded with pain. “I couldn’t even protect him… and now…” His voice trailed off, his exhaustion overtaking him.

Mokuba sniffled, his small body curling up beside his brother in an effort to keep him warm. “He saved us, Seto. We can’t just leave him.”

Kaiba closed his eyes, his heart aching more than his wound. “I’ll get him back,” he whispered, though he wasn’t sure if the promise was to Mokuba or himself. “I swear, I’ll bring him back.”

Back with the knights, Joey was silent as they marched him toward the castle. He didn’t fight, didn’t struggle. His thoughts remained on Kaiba, on the wound he’d seen and the exhaustion in the dragon prince’s eyes.

He knew Kaiba was strong, but even dragons had their limits and Kaiba’s human form was vulnerable without thick scales to protect his body. Joey could only hope that Kaiba would survive long enough to recover, long enough to protect Mokuba. Whatever punishment awaited him back at the castle, Joey would endure it. He had made his choice to stay by Kaiba’s side, and he didn’t regret it—not even now, as he was dragged through the icy wilderness like a traitor.

For all his bravado and courage, Joey’s heart ached with worry. Not for himself, but for the dragon prince he had sworn to protect.

The heavy, iron door to Joey’s cell creaked open, and the sound echoed through the freezing stone chamber. Joey, sitting against the damp wall with his arms crossed tightly over his chest to stave off the cold, looked up as King Yami stepped inside. His crimson eyes burned with quiet authority, his golden crown gleaming even in the dim torchlight.

"Why?" Yami’s voice was calm but edged with disappointment. He took a step closer, his dark cloak sweeping the floor behind him. "Why did you not slay the dragon as you were commanded, Joey? And worse, why did you side with him against my knights? You were one of my most loyal and trusted warriors."

Joey pushed himself to his feet, his chains rattling slightly as he stood to face his king. His golden eyes glinted with defiance, though his exhaustion was evident in the way his shoulders slumped. "You’re asking me why I didn’t kill Kaiba? Why I stood by him?" Joey’s voice was hoarse, but firm. "Because what you’re doin’g what we’re all doing, is wrong. You don’t see the whole picture, Yami. You’re blind to the truth."

Yami’s gaze hardened. "The truth? The truth is that the dragon terrorized and killed my people. He froze villages, Joey. Innocent lives were lost. That is the truth."

"No, that’s not the truth," Joey snapped, stepping closer despite the chains binding his wrists. "Kaiba didn’t terrorize anyone! He was protecting his little brother—his kid brother, Yami! Mokuba wandered too close to a village, and instead of showing mercy, those villagers attacked him just ‘cause he’s a dragon. What was Kaiba supposed to do? Just stand there and watch his brother die?"

Yami’s expression faltered for a moment, but his voice remained steady. "Even if that is true, it does not justify his actions. He retaliated with violence, Joey. He burned their homes. He spilled blood."

"And what would you do, Yami?" Joey shot back, his voice rising with anger. "If someone attacked Yugi, your own little brother, your own blood, would you just sit back and let it happen? Would you let him get hurt, or would you do whatever it took to protect him? Would you sned a warning?"

The room fell into a tense silence. Yami’s eyes narrowed, his lips pressed into a thin line, but he didn’t immediately respond. Joey’s words had struck a nerve, and they both knew it.

Joey took a deep breath, his tone softening slightly as he continued. "Look, I know Kaiba is not perfect. He’s stubborn, cold, and he doesn’t trust anyone. But he saved my life, Yami. When I lost the duel, he could’ve killed me. He had every right to. Instead, he spared me, gave me shelter, and treated me better than I expected. He is not the monster you think he is. He’s just trying to protect what little family he’s got left."

Yami’s gaze dropped to the ground, his hands clenched at his sides. He had always prided himself on being a fair and just ruler, but Joey’s words were forcing him to question his own judgment. Would he truly have acted any differently if Yugi had been in danger? The thought unsettled him.

After a long pause, Yami looked back up at Joey. "You surrendered your title as my knight," he said quietly. "Why? Why would you give up everything—your honor, your loyalty—for him?"

Joey met Yami’s eyes without hesitation. "Because I lost the duel. I made a promise, Yami. I gave my word to Kaiba that I’d stay by his side, no matter what. I have sworn to protect the innocent, I have sworn by my honor to do the right thing. And I’m not the kind of guy who breaks his promises, not even for a king."

Yami turned away, his cloak swirling behind him as he moved toward the door. His voice was quiet but firm as he spoke. "I will consider your words, Joey. But understand this—your actions have placed you in grave danger. The people of this kingdom will not forgive your betrayal so easily, no matter what your reasons were."

The door slammed shut behind Yami, leaving Joey alone in the freezing cell once more. Joey sighed, leaning back against the wall. His breath came out in puffs of white in the frigid air, but he didn’t care. His only thoughts were of Kaiba and Mokuba. He could only hope they were safe… and that Kaiba wasn’t blaming himself for something Joey had chosen willingly.

Kaiba’s piercing blue eyes narrowed as he stood in the shadows of the forest clearing. His dragon instincts were sharp, his senses on high alert. Even now in his humanoid disguise, the ache of his wound flared with every movement, a constant reminder of the battle he’d lost and barely survived. He had been careful, avoiding any path that might lead him closer to Yami’s knights. Yet here was the King of all people, standing before him, cloaked in shadows.

Kaiba’s fingers twitched, ready to unleash his claws, when Yami raised his hand, his voice calm but urgent. “I’ve been waiting for you, dragon prince. We need to talk—and quickly.”

Kaiba’s glare only deepened. He stood his ground, his body tense. “Talk? What could a king who sent his knights to slaughter me possibly have to say that I would care to hear?”

Yami stepped closer, the moonlight catching the golden trim of his dark cloak. His crimson eyes, sharp and steady, locked onto Kaiba’s. “It’s about Sir Joey.”

Kaiba stiffened at the mention of Joey’s name. His expression didn’t falter, but his tone grew colder. “What about him? I’m sure your people have already decided his fate.”

“They have,” Yami admitted, his voice heavy with the weight of his words. “Joey is to be executed in three days. Beheaded as a traitor to the crown.”

Kaiba’s heart clenched, a surge of anger flaring through him. His wounded side throbbed, but he didn’t care. His claws extended slightly, glinting under the pale moonlight. “You dare to call him a traitor? After everything he’s done—after he fought years to protect your people, your kingdom?” His voice was a low growl, dripping with fury. “If you’ve come to gloat, I suggest you leave before I rip you apart.”

Yami didn’t flinch, though Kaiba’s anger was palpable. Instead, he stepped closer, his voice steady. “I haven’t come to gloat. I’ve come to help. I don’t want Joey’s death any more than you do. But I am these people’s king and bound to their will.”

Kaiba’s eyes narrowed, suspicion flickering across his face. “And why should I trust you? After all the lies your people have spread, after the knights you’ve sent to hunt me down—why now? What’s changed?”

Yami’s gaze softened slightly, but his tone remained firm. “Because Joey is one of my most trusted knights. He’s more than that—he’s my friend. He’s defended this kingdom with his life countless times, and I won’t stand by while he’s condemned for doing what he believed was right. But it’s not just about me, Kaiba. The people won’t see him as anything but a traitor, no matter what I say.”

Kaiba remained silent, his icy blue eyes scanning Yami’s face for any sign of deceit. His mistrust ran deep, but Yami’s words struck a chord within him. Still, he wasn’t ready to lower his guard. “If you truly cared about him, you would’ve stopped this madness before it began,” Kaiba said, his voice sharp. “And yet here you are, asking me to trust you when you’ve already betrayed him.”

Yami took a step back, his expression unreadable. “I understand your hesitation,” he said quietly. “But we don’t have time for this. Joey’s execution is set, and the only way to save him is to make it seem as though you’ve taken him. That you’ve escaped.”

Kaiba’s jaw tightened. “And why should I believe that this isn’t another one of your schemes? A trap to draw me out and finish what your knights started?”

Yami hesitated, then lowered his head slightly, a rare display of vulnerability. “Because Joey’s life is worth more to me than any trap. If you don’t believe me, believe in him. You know as well as I do that he would give everything to protect you and Mokuba. This is the only way to save him—and for you to escape with him alive.”

Kaiba’s eyes flickered with hesitation. The weight of his mistrust battled against the urgency of Yami’s plea. He hated feeling cornered, hated the idea of relying on anyone but himself. But Joey’s face flashed in his mind, the fierce determination in his eyes, the way he had fought to protect Mokuba without hesitation.

“Fine but if you dare trick me human,” Kaiba muttered, his voice low.

Yami nodded, his gaze steady. “We can’t talk here. The forest isn’t safe, and we’re being watched.” He turned, his cloak billowing behind him. “Follow me. There’s a place nearby where we can plan this properly.”

Kaiba didn’t move immediately. His instincts screamed at him to turn away, to retreat back into the safety of the mountains. But his heart—the part of him he rarely listened to—urged him to follow. For Joey’s sake.

Finally, with a weary sigh, Kaiba stepped forward. “This better not be a mistake,” he muttered under his breath, his icy gaze fixed on Yami. “Because if it is, you won’t live to regret it.”

And with that, the dragon prince followed the king into the shadows, his mind already racing with the risks they were about to take.

The faint rays of sunlight filtered through the narrow, barred window of Joey's cell, casting slivers of light onto the cold, damp floor. Joey sat with his back against the rough stone wall, his eyes closed, his breathing steady despite the weight of his impending fate. His mind wandered, not to his own death, but to the lives he had touched and those who had touched his.

He thought of little Mokuba, the young dragon who had looked up at him with trust and affection. The thought of Mokuba’s innocent face filled Joey with a deep, aching sadness. He blamed himself for not being able to protect the boy from the cruel world that feared and hated his kind. Then, inevitably, his thoughts drifted to Kaiba—Kaiba with his sharp eyes that seemed to pierce through Joey’s very soul, the rare, fleeting smile that softened his harsh demeanor, and the calm but commanding voice that carried unspoken emotions.

Joey didn’t know why, but the memory of Kaiba nursing him back to health lingered in his mind the longest. He couldn’t recall the exact words Kaiba had spoken in that haze of fever, but he could remember the desperation in his tone, the uncharacteristic softness that made Joey feel… cared for. Protected, even. It made his chest ache now to think of it.

The loud creak of the cell door broke Joey from his thoughts. He opened his eyes as a group of knights entered the room. They were armed, their expressions stern, but the man who led them stood out. Duke Devlin, the first knight, with his polished armor and ever-present air of authority, stepped forward, his emerald-green eyes cold and distant.

“On your feet, Wheeler,” Devlin ordered, his tone clipped.

Joey frowned but slowly pushed himself up, his chains clinking with the movement. “What’s this about?” he asked, his voice rough from hours of silence.

Devlin’s lips curled into a faint smirk, but it lacked any warmth. “Your execution has been moved up. By order of King Yami, it will take place this afternoon.”

Joey’s heart stopped for a moment before his face twisted into confusion. “What? Why? I thought I had two more days.”

Devlin shrugged, his armor clinking softly. “The people are restless. They demand justice, and the king has decided to give it to them sooner rather than later. Now, come quietly, or I’ll drag you out myself.”

Joey’s fists clenched, his mind racing. It wasn’t like Yami to change plans like this—not without a reason. Was something else happening? Was this really Yami’s decision, or was he trying to buy time or…? Joey shook his head, forcing himself to stay calm. If this was Yami’s way of setting something in motion, he wasn’t going to ruin it by resisting.

“Fine,” Joey said, his voice steady despite the chaos in his head. “Let’s get this over with.”

Two knights stepped forward, gripping Joey’s arms firmly as they began to lead him out of the cell. As they walked through the dim corridors of the dungeon, Joey’s thoughts once again strayed to Kaiba. He wondered where the dragon prince was now. Had Kaiba truly left him to this fate, or was there something more happening behind the scenes? Joey couldn’t shake the feeling that Kaiba wouldn’t abandon him—not after everything they’d been through.

The sunlight grew stronger as they climbed the stairs toward the castle courtyard. Joey squinted against the brightness, his chains rattling with every step. He wasn’t afraid of dying, not really. What he feared was leaving behind the ones who needed him—Mokuba, with his innocent heart, and Kaiba, who, for all his coldness, had shown Joey more care than anyone expected.

If this was truly the end, Joey could only hope that somehow, Kaiba and Mokuba would find peace. But a small part of him clung to the hope that Yami—or maybe even Kaiba himself—had a plan. After all, if there was one thing Joey knew about Kaiba, it was that he never let anyone take what was his without a fight.

The walk to the execution pedestal stretched endlessly before Joey, each step weighed down by the hatred radiating from the gathered crowd. The market square was filled with jeering townsfolk, their voices merging into a cruel cacophony that rang in Joey’s ears. Rotten vegetables, dirt, and even stones pelted him as he was dragged along, his arms bound and his body exhausted. He didn’t flinch, though. He wouldn’t give them the satisfaction of seeing him falter, even when one particularly large piece of rotten fruit struck his cheek, leaving a stinging smear.

The knights escorting him made no effort to shield him from the abuse. If anything, they seemed to relish it. At one point, Duke Devlin deliberately slowed his pace, forcing Joey to stumble into the mud. Laughter erupted from the knights, their mocking tones like daggers in Joey’s back. He pushed himself up, spitting dirt from his mouth, and glared at them, though he knew it wouldn’t make a difference.

Bitterness twisted in his chest. These were the same men he had fought alongside, the same knights who had once praised him for his bravery and skill. They had toasted his victories, celebrated his achievements. Now they treated him as though he were less than nothing, all because he had made one decision they didn’t agree with. None of them cared to hear the truth. None of them cared to see beyond their fear and hatred.

Ahead, the execution pedestal loomed, its wooden platform darkened by years of blood and suffering. Standing on it, waiting with an unsettling calm, was Bakura. The hangman’s pale hair gleamed in the sunlight, his expression detached as he held his massive executioner’s axe. Joey’s stomach churned at the sight of him. They said that beheading was a merciful death compared to the alternatives, but Joey had heard the rumors. If Bakura “missed,” it might take more than one swing, and there was no guarantee the first wouldn’t leave him alive and in agony.

He pushed the thought from his mind, though it was quickly replaced by another. What would happen after his death? What would become of the two dragon brothers? Was Mokuba safe? Was Kaiba still alive after the wound he’d suffered? The thought of Kaiba made Joey’s chest ache in a way that had nothing to do with fear or despair.

He lifted his eyes to the sky, seeking out the sun as it shone high above the square. It was warm against his face, a stark contrast to the cold bitterness of the crowd around him. He thought of Kaiba’s face—sharp and beautiful, proud and enigmatic. Joey wished he could see it one more time, wished he could tell Kaiba… what? That he was sorry? That he didn’t regret the choice he’d made to stay with him? That he—

His thoughts were cut short as the knights forced him to his knees on the platform. The rough wood of the chopping block bit into his skin as they shoved his head down, securing it in place. Joey’s eyes landed on the basket in front of him, the same basket where his severed head would soon rest. The thought should have terrified him, but all he could feel was a strange sense of peace, tinged with regret. He had fought for what he believed in. That had to mean something, didn’t it?

“Joey…” a voice said softly, and he turned his head as much as he could. Standing just to the side of the platform was Tristan, the priest, his face etched with sorrow. Tristan had been one of Joey’s oldest friends, and seeing him now—the first person to look at him with anything resembling compassion—made Joey’s heart ache.

“I’ll pray for your soul,” Tristan said, his voice trembling as he opened his prayer book.

Joey managed a small, lopsided smile. “Thanks, pal. Guess I could use it.”

Tristan’s hands shook slightly as he began to recite the ritual words, his voice rising above the crowd. The air seemed to still, the jeering quieting as the solemnity of the moment took hold. Joey closed his eyes, listening to Tristan’s voice, letting it carry him away from the fear and hatred surrounding him.

But just as the ritual reached its peak, a strange sound cut through the air. It was distant at first, like the faint rumble of thunder, but it grew louder, sharper. The crowd murmured in confusion, and Joey opened his eyes to see a shadow sweeping across the square.

And then, with a deafening roar, the shadow resolved into a massive figure descending from the sky—a dragon, its gleaming scales catching the sunlight. Gasps and screams erupted from the crowd as the dragon landed in the square, its wings spread wide, its blue eyes blazing with fury.

Joey’s heart leapt. “Kaiba…” he whispered.

Chaos erupted in the square as Duke Devlin and his knights unsheathed their swords, barking orders to evacuate the panicked citizens. The people fled, their screams echoing off the frozen walls of the square as Kaiba unleashed a torrent of icy blue flames. The cold fire didn’t harm anyone, but it froze the ground and created a crystalline barrier, separating Kaiba and Joey from the advancing knights.

“Kaiba, stop!” Joey shouted, his voice cracking with desperation as he sprinted toward the dragon. His breath fogged in the frigid air, his boots slipping slightly on the ice. “You can’t do this! You have to flee before they kill you!”

Kaiba’s massive head swung toward him, his piercing blue eyes locking onto Joey’s. “I’m not leaving without you,” he said, his voice a low, rumbling growl.

“They’ll hunt you down!” Joey yelled back, his fists clenching at his sides. “They’ll kill you and Mokuba—this is suicide!”

From behind, Devlin’s voice rang out, sharp and commanding. “Attack the dragon! And the traitor!”

The knights surged forward, their swords glinting in the sunlight, but Kaiba’s tail lashed out, smashing into the icy ground and sending shards flying, forcing them to halt their advance. He turned back to Joey, his eyes fierce. “There’s no time. Get on my back—now.”

Joey hesitated, his heart pounding, but the determination in Kaiba’s gaze left no room for argument. “Damn it, Kaiba,” he muttered under his breath before sprinting forward. With a leap, he grabbed onto the dragon’s scaled side, hauling himself up until he was seated between Kaiba’s ridges.

As Kaiba spread his wings and prepared to take flight, the booming sound of hooves echoed through the square. King Yami rode into the chaos, his black steed rearing up as he shouted, “Hold your swords! Stand down!”

Duke Devlin turned to him, his expression furious. “Milord, we can’t let them escape!”

Yami’s crimson eyes burned with authority. “I have planned this, Duke. We will seek them out. They won’t get far.”

Kaiba launched into the air, the wind from his wings sending a spray of snow and ice into the knights below. Joey clung tightly to him, his heart hammering in his chest as they soared above the town. The once-jeering crowd now stared up in silence, their faces pale with fear and awe.

“You’re an idiot,” Joey hissed over the rush of the wind. “They’re going to hunt you down! They’ll find you, find Mokuba, and kill you both! I’m not worth it, Kaiba!”

Kaiba’s voice rumbled like distant thunder. “You are worth it. You’re my treasure, Joey Wheeler. No one takes a dragon’s treasure.”

Joey’s breath caught, his chest tightening at the conviction in Kaiba’s words. He opened his mouth to respond, but his words were stolen as he caught sight of Yami riding toward the castle gates below. The king raised his arm, shouting something Joey couldn’t hear over the wind.

Kaiba’s gaze darted toward the castle walls, narrowing as he spotted the catapults being prepared. “Trust me,” he said, his voice calm but firm.

“Trust you?!” Joey exclaimed, his voice rising with panic as he realized what was about to happen. “What are you—Kaiba, are you insane?!”

With a sudden roar, the catapults fired. Explosive ammunition arced through the sky, aiming directly for them. Kaiba didn’t hesitate, diving toward the cliffside as the munitions closed in. The first explosion sent a shockwave through the air, the heat of it searing Joey’s skin even as Kaiba curled protectively around him.

“Kaiba!” Joey shouted, his voice muffled by the rush of wind and the deafening sound of the blasts.

The dragon prince tightened his hold, his massive wings folding around them as another explosion hit the cliffside just above. The impact sent rocks and debris tumbling down, and from the castle’s perspective, it appeared as though Kaiba and Joey had been struck directly, their bodies plummeting into the deep, unforgiving sea.

But as the smoke and chaos settled, Kaiba unfurled his wings, diving gracefully into the water below. The freezing ocean enveloped them, but Joey felt none of the cold as Kaiba propelled them forward with powerful strokes.

Joey felt the rush of cold air as Kaiba burst from the sea, water cascading off his scales in shimmering streams. The dragon's wings beat powerfully, propelling them upward and away from the chaos they had left behind. Though Joey was wet and shivering, Kaiba’s front claws held him tightly, shielding him as if he were the most fragile, precious thing in the world. They soared above the rugged cliffs and jagged peaks until the kingdom was nothing more than a distant memory, hidden by the shadow of the mountains.

Kaiba descended to a secluded coast, the faint light of the setting sun casting the rocky shoreline in hues of orange and gold. With the utmost care, Kaiba placed Joey on the ground, his claws releasing him as if handling a delicate gem. Joey staggered slightly, the cold biting through his soaked clothes, but his anger flared hotter than the chill.

“What the hell was that?!” Joey shouted, turning to glare at Kaiba, his voice a mix of confusion and frustration. “You nearly got us killed!”

Kaiba, now back in his dragon form, folded his wings with an air of calmness, his expression unreadable. “Your king and I struck a deal,” he said, his voice deep and steady. “The plan was to fake both our deaths—mine to protect Mokuba and end the kingdom’s hunt for us, and yours to spare you from the people’s wrath. The citizens will believe the dragon and traitorous knight have perished, and there will be no further pursuit.”

Joey blinked, trying to process the enormity of what Kaiba was saying. “So… Yami let me go? He planned all this?”

Kaiba nodded. “Yes. He did not want your death but he is bound by the people’s will. But there’s a price. You can’t return to your kingdom—not now, not ever. If you do, it will undo everything. The people would rise against you, and they would come after me and Mokuba again.”

Joey stared at him, his mind reeling. He clenched his fists, shaking his head. “Why? Why would you… why would he go along with this? And why would you risk everything to save me? You could’ve just let me die and saved yourself the trouble.”

Kaiba lowered his head, his sharp blue eyes piercing through Joey’s confusion. He stepped closer, his massive snout nudging against Joey’s shoulder with surprising gentleness. “I told you before, Joey,” Kaiba murmured, his voice softer now. “You are mine. Dragons hoard treasures, and you…” He paused, his eyes lingering on Joey’s golden hair, shining faintly even in the dim light. “You are my treasure. I couldn’t let them take you from me.”

Joey felt his heart stutter, his breath catching in his throat. His cheeks burned, though from the cold or something else, he couldn’t tell. “Treasure? You’re sayin’ you—what, you kept me around ‘cause I’m gold to you?” His voice cracked slightly, betraying the confusion and warmth blooming in his chest.

Kaiba’s gaze didn’t waver. “It’s more than that.” His voice was quiet, yet the conviction in it was unshakable. “I came to love you. That’s why you are my treasure—why I would risk anything to keep you safe.”

Joey froze, his mind racing. He didn’t know how to respond, his usual quick wit failing him entirely. He thought of all the moments they’d shared—the arguments, the quiet dinners, Kaiba’s rare, fleeting smiles. He thought of Mokuba’s laughter, the way Kaiba’s icy demeanor thawed ever so slightly when they were alone. He thought of the warmth in Kaiba’s gaze, even now.

“Kaiba…” Joey began, his voice faltering. His hand hesitated before reaching up to rest against Kaiba’s scaled snout. “You’re a damn idiot. You know that, right?”

Kaiba chuckled—a deep, rumbling sound that Joey felt more than heard. “You are the first to be bold enough to call me, a dragon, an idiot.”

Joey’s lips twitched into a small, reluctant smile as his heart raced. “Guess that makes me an idiot, too,” he muttered under his breath.

Joey looked into Kaiba’s piercing blue eyes, the dragon’s words ringing in his ears. He swallowed hard, feeling warmth flood his cheeks despite the cold air surrounding them. “Thank you,” Joey said quietly, his voice steady despite the whirlwind of emotions in his chest. “Thank you for saving me, for… everything.”

In response, Kaiba’s body shimmered with a faint blue light, his massive form shrinking and shifting until he stood before Joey in his humanoid form. His long coat swayed in the breeze, and his sharp features softened as his gaze locked onto Joey’s. Without hesitation, Kaiba stepped closer, pulling Joey into a tight embrace.

“No,” Kaiba murmured against Joey’s ear, his voice low and sincere. “I should be the one thanking you. You saved me back there, from the knights, and you protected Mokuba with everything you had. You didn’t owe us anything, but you risked your life anyway. I’ll treasure you for the rest of my days, Joey. I’ll make sure you’ll never have to fear the cold again, that you’ll always have everything you need. I’ll protect you—always. Because you’re mine.”

Joey’s heart pounded as Kaiba’s words sank in. His face burned, and he couldn’t find the words to respond, his usual bravado completely gone. “Kaiba…” he managed to whisper, his voice cracking slightly.

Kaiba leaned back just enough to look into Joey’s eyes, his hands still holding him firmly. For a moment, there was only silence between them, the distant crash of waves the only sound. Then, with deliberate resolve, Kaiba leaned in and pressed his lips to Joey’s.

The kiss was firm yet gentle, filled with all the emotions Kaiba had kept buried—the desperation, the longing, the love. Joey’s eyes widened in shock before fluttering shut, his hands instinctively clutching at Kaiba’s coat as he leaned into the kiss. His heart raced, but it felt right. Despite the chaos they’d just endured, despite the uncertainty of what lay ahead, this moment was theirs.