Chapter 17 and I were really going through it for a minute there, but I think I've rounded the corner! Here is another snippet for you all!
The babies were soaring around in the long hallway as Yami and Yugi hustled. Today of all days they were running late. The elevator was full- so they had opted for stairs instead. Baby was clinging to Yugi's jacket for dear life as he jogged ahead to open the door for Yami. The large studio space was bright and airy, and he could hear the sounds of other kuriboh playing as he stepped in with the carrier.
"Thank you, partner." Yami said, catching his breath. Yugi kissed his cheek in response.
"Kuuu?" Precious peered around at the waiting area with big eyes.
"Mr. Sennen, Mr. Muto, welcome!" A familiar face rounded the corner into the waiting area. The man from the courthouse- with the silver white hair.
"Mr. Crawford, I am so sorry we're late." Yugi said, bowing to him. The older man laughed, shaking his head.
"It is quite alright." He said. "These little darlings are quite a lot of work, from what I hear. I can hardly imagine getting anywhere on time. Besides, we are just taking some photos and letting them play now. The interviewer hasn't arrived yet."
"Crawford?" Yami said, shifting the carrier on his arm. The babies had crowded in behind him to look at the newcomer. "Like Judge Crawford?"
"Yes, my darling Cecilia told me all about your case." He said, extending a hand. "Pegasus Crawford, at your service. I work for 'Monster Tamer Monthly' as a photographer. When they heard about the case, they decided to run an article about kuriboh taming. We didn't find too many tamers, so I was happy that you agreed to let us talk to you."
"Ri ko?" Honey peered at him, letting go of Yami's sleeve to float closer. "Ki?" Pegasus produced a container, stopping to look at Yami and Yugi.
"I have some organic blackberries, if that's alright?" He asked, holding out the container for Yugi to look.
"Oh- yes, they love berries." Yami said, grinning when the other babies flocked closer. "Maybe a little too much."
"Here you are, darlings." Pegasus handed them out, before pocketing the container. "If you'd like to follow me, the other kuriboh are this way. Their tamers are here as well, of course." Yugi took Yami's free hand, squeezing tightly, and they followed him into the wider space.
The left half of the big room was set up for play, with some toys and obstacles. The right half was set up for photos. As they walked in, a kuriboh soared over as fast as he could with a trill of excitement. He bonked into Yugi with a squeak, looking at the babies with big eyes.
"Well hello little guy." Yugi laughed, stumbling. "Aren't you excited?"
"Peanut, we talked about this!" A young woman came running after him, looking frazzled. "You have to wait!"
"Ku ko! Ki ko ni!" Peanut trilled, sniffing Precious. He was a tiny bit smaller than her, just a bit bigger than Baby. His fur was neatly trimmed, his big eyes sparkling with excitement. While it was hard to tell exactly how old kuriboh were, Yami guessed they were about the same age.
"I am so sorry!" The young woman said, bowing to them both. "He's just so excited to see other kuriboh."
"It's alright. Ours use us as emergency brakes all the time." Yugi assured her. "I'm Yugi, this is my partner Yami. It's nice to meet you."
"My name is Sonia." She replied. Precious suddenly squeaked, slapping Peanut with her paw. "Peanut- no!" Precious cuddled against Yami, puffy and annoyed. "He nips other kuriboh, I am so sorry. He didn't have any siblings so he never learned to stop." Peanut came a little closer, sniffing at Precious again- only to get body slammed by a puffy Baby.
"Ko no! Ro!" Baby lectured, having pushed Peanut a little further back.
"Baby-" Yami started, jolting in surprise when Peanut pushed against Baby in return.
"Ko!" Sweetie joined the fray, pushing Peanut herself and then flying high up with him in hot pursuit. Baby flew after them, trilling a battle cry.
"Let them defend themselves, please." Sonia insisted. "Maybe he'll learn to stop biting when he gets some consequences." Honey flew away as well, eager to defend her sister. Buddy stayed on Yugi's shoulder, watching the chase with intense focus.
