Beast's Blood Bath (by Bailey Sparks and me

Chapter 3

Yugi sighed as he entered his house that was just outside the village. "Grandfather?" He called out.

"Yugi my boy welcome home! I'm in the cellar!" His aged grandfather's slightly whispery voice called.

Yugi smiles lightly. His grandfather was always in the cellar working. "Coming!"

Yugi hurried down the stairs and saw his grandfather Solomon in the middle of painting some beautifully handcrafted wooden pieces.

"I've only painted one set, you can help me if you want Yugi my boy. It's a game that I'm calling chess." Solomon smiled as he beamed down at the game.

Yugi smiles and nods. "Of course grandfather." He took some paint and started helping Solomon.

"So how was your trip to the market? Did you get any more books?" Solomon asked. Being that he was confined to the house due to his age and frail body Solomon never really paid attention to rumors or town gossip.

"No." Yugi lied smoothly. "There were not any new books in today."

Solomon seemed a bit put off by this but didn't question his grandson further. He was a feeble old man who had a weak heart. If he had known any of the things that had gone on today it would surely be the death of him.

They finished the painting and Yugi stood up. "I'm going to go feed the animals." Yugi said softly.

Solomon smiled as he weakly stood up leaning heavily on his cane. "All right and I'll get dinner started. Already got it all prepared earlier. It's your favorite chicken pot pie with strawberry crepes for dessert." Solomon smiled and caned his way into the kitchen.

Yugi smiles weakly and nods. "I'll be up soon."

Solomon smiled and waved as Yugi went out to feed their animals.
Yugi sighs softly as he fed the chickens, pigs, the goat, and his horse.

His pet horse, a silver mare which he fondly named Moon nickered when she saw her master.

Yugi hugged Moon tightly as he cried softly in her mane. He couldn't hold it down any more. He was so scared and worried.

Moon nuzzles Yugi. She may have only been a horse and not have understood what was making her master sad, but she did know that he was upset and wanted to comfort him as best she could.

"Oh Moon. It's horrible. The demon's sacrifice is going to be me. Oh poor grandfather. He's going to be so heart broken." Yugi cried softly.

Moon nuzzles Yugi tenderly lightly nipping at his hair. She had always done this, even as a little colt when Yugi was sad or lonely.

The small yet appreciated gesture made Yugi smile a little bit through his tears.

"Oh Moon. What am I going to do?" Yugi whispers. Sadly Moon could not tell him. No one could.

"Oh jeez Ushio poor Yugi. Did you hear about the misfortune of him having to be the demon's sacrifice?"

"Uh...ow...oh um yeah ...too bad he doesn't have someone handsome and strong to protect him...or better yet to marry him and help him avoid such a terrible fate." Ushio said lamely.

Yugi turns his head lightly to see Markus and Ushio. Moon snorted as her eyes narrowed at Markus. She didn't trust this man.

"Markus....." Yugi whispers. "What are you doing here? I thought you would be at the party."

"Perhaps.. however I happened to overhear your heartbreaking tale.... Perhaps I could offer my service."

Markus said with a crooked smile and a bow.

Yugi glares through his tears. "And what could that be?"

"Simply a way to get out of this being the demon's sacrifice. You could become my lover."

Yugi huffs lightly, stroking Moon's neck. "I would rather be the demon's bride then marry a man like you." Yugi said, turning his back.

Markus was about to grab for Yugi when Moon quickly turned around kicking her back feet hitting Markus square in the chest sending him tumbling into the pig pen.

The pigs squealed and tramped on him as they quickly chased him out of their pen as the goat head butted Ushio into the chicken yard. The chickens and the rooster swarmed Markus and Ushio making them run until both of them were off of the property.

Moon snorted again before resting her head on top of Yugi's nickering softly. Yugi smirks lightly.

"Yugi my boy? What was all that noise? Did a fox or something try and get into the barn again?" Solomon called from their front porch.

"No worries Grandfather. Moon is tired of being cooped up in the barn." Yugi replies before going inside.

Solomon could tell something was bothering his grandson. He barely ate any of his food. However being the understanding and loving grandfather he was, he didn't push for information. He knew his grandson would talk to him if he wanted to.

The two then sat in front of the fireplace as they listened to the owls hoot.

Yugi sighs softly. "Grandfather... as you know the blood sacrifice is coming up.."

"Yes I'm aware...it's sad really. I feel bad for the family of the next poor boy or girl who will lose their loved one..."

"Grandfather... I'm the sacrifice..."

Solomon was quiet before he nodded. "I had a feeling this would happen." Solomon said softly as he held his arms open like he did when Yugi was a small child.

Yugi moved to his grandfather and sobbed softly. "I-I'm sorry Grandfather but I can't stop them or they would use an infant." Yugi cried softly.

Solomon gently pulled Yugi onto his lap rubbing his back as he rocked them in his old rocking chair. He didn't speak a word, just held his grandson, his pride and joy in his arms.

There was nothing that could be said, both knew what was to come.