Yu-Gi-Oh! Fan Fiction ❯ Memories of Shadow and Light ❯ Chapter Six ( Chapter 6 )

A.N. Hello, Chapter 6 and so far everyone still wishes me to continue. ^-^ Hopefully… first off sorry for all the shit I did to Yugi, it was something that needed to be done, for Atemu to see Yugi's inner strength before really getting to know him. Personally I feel that is one of Yugi's best qualities, his kindness and forgiving qualities. ^-^ Anyway, enough with my babble, I'm wasting space.

 

 

Chapter Six

 

Burger World was loud with the midday rush. The cashier and the waitresses were all rushing about their adrenaline high with the need to get all the people served while the hostesses tried not to panic as they quickly ran out of seats and people began to wait in line to be seated.

Yami surveyed the mess with dull eyes, not really careing for the panic that consumed the place, nor the tense atmosphere that surrounded his table in a heavy blanket. His insides were simply cold, and empty.

Yugi was… beaten… and I… I…

Yami clenched his jaw, his fists shaking under the cover of the table as pain poured over his senses. He'd seen it, in another memory dream, the way he'd walked into the room with no concerns, hardly careing where Yugi was to begin with and then…

“Damn that Kaiba! How long can it possibly take to get to Egypt in his private jet, talk to Isis and get her to give us some god damned answers, huh?!” Jonouchi suddenly bellowed, his palm slapping the table top in his annoyance.

Yami looked up at his friend, and out of habit almost spoke out to comfort the boy, to put up the false face of surety and confidence, but his mouth stayed closed as he looked at his friend, Jonouchi's pain matching his own perfectly and causing Yami to digress back into his own mind once more.

Luckily, he didn't have to be the ring leader, Anzu stepped up to that position, as she always did and soothed over the bruised feelings of the four friends there.

“Jonouchi, you know that isn't fair. Kaiba's jet will take as much time as any other plane, unless he's somehow managed to get a hold of military technology, and in that case he'd still have to wait on Isis. And calling up a prophecy with details isn't going to be easy, you know.” Anzu lightly scolded, her tone more aimed in jest then actual annoyance.

Jonouchi slumped into his seat with a sad exhale, scrubbing at his bangs in an attempt to relieve some of his anger. “I know that Anzu, it's just…” Jonouchi didn't bother to finish his statement and stood moving to the exit.

“Ah, Jonouchi?” Anzu questioned rising as well, but the blond just held out a hand stalling her.

“I just need some air, Anzu, I'm fine.”

“Would you like me to come?” Honda asked, speaking for the first time since they'd arrived at the eatery.

“Naw, I'll be fine. I'd rather be alone now.” Jonouchi then left with his hands buried in his pockets and his shoulders slumped low.

Yami watched his friend leave with a bit of guilt. He wasn't the only one hurting from his Aibou's disappearance, but all the same he was acting as if he was.

“I am sorry, you guys.” Yami murmured, feeling responsible for not stopping anything from happening. “I should have—“

“You know Yami, when Yugi first got the Millennium Puzzle, I mean first got it, not completed but in pieces, I saw you.” Anzu stated, and as Yami looked up at her, startled, she gave a soft smile, twirling her straw in her soda. She was trying to change the subject, he knew, and wouldn't have fallen into her trap had her statement not thrown him completely off guard.

“Y-you did? But… how?” Yami questioned and watched as Anzu looked out the glass door at Jonouchi. They had been hoping to hear from Mokuba, he'd told them to meet at the burger joint at eleven for an update on his brother's whereabouts and findings, but Mokuba was nearly an hour late.

Wonder if he's not found anything, and simply doesn't want to give us the bad knews…?

“Well… Yugi had just turned eight, and was throwing a party. I was over, being his only friend at the time, and his grandfather had told him that he could pick any game from the back of the store as his present.” Anzu paused recalling the memory with a sweet smile, and Yami was vaguely aware of how familiar this story was beginning to sound, but for the life of him couldn't remember it.

“He was back there for so long, I'd thought he'd died, but when he came back out… he was holding that golden box with the pieces of the Millennium Puzzle inside. Of course, I didn't know it then, and when his grandfather pulled him aside to talk to him about it, I assumed that it was none of my business and left the two alone.” Anzu stopped to sip her soda and Yami blinked at her casual movements as if she was simply talking about the weather and not their missing friend.

“That night, we fell asleep watching a movie, Yugi had been distracted with a puzzle of sorts, I wasn't interested at the time, well we fell asleep on the floor with our pillows and blankets.”

“Anzu, does this story have a point?” Jonouchi asked, seemingly calmed down enough to return to the table. Anzu made a face at the blond.

“Yes, Jonouchi, and if you'd stop being rude, I'll get to it!”

“Sorry.” Jonouchi said; hand in the air though he was forcing a smile, trying to gather some semblance of normalcy, though the action seemed hollow. “As I was saying, we fell asleep, but I woke up in the middle of the night, from what I thought was a flash of lightening. When I looked over, I saw a shadowed image of you Yami.” Anzu looked the spirit in the eyes, her own blue orbs sparkling with excitement as she told her story. Yami blinked, trying to figure how any of that was possible.

I could not take on a solid form out side of the Puzzle, in fact I couldn't even leave the shadows of my prison, until Yugi completed the Millenium Puzzle, so how…

Yami felt a cold chill run down his spine as Anzu continued her story, assuming his odd expression was because she had seen him back then, and not because he'd found yet another mystery to his shattered memories.

“Wait, so you saw the Pharaoh before Yug did?” Jonouchi asked in confusion, and Honda leaned in closer to the girl with a similar expression of disbelief.

“Yes. Of course, when I saw him, I thought it was he spirit of Yugi's deceased father.” Anzu said thoughtfully, a finger placed to her chin. Honda blinked and Jonouchi snorted trying not to laugh while looking at Yami.

“You thought…” Yami paused feeling slightly ill at the concept and made a face, “ that I was… his father?!”

She thought that my Aibou was… oh Ra. That just makes my feelings for him seem even more wrong… Yami sighed internally trying not to let his feelings show on his face.

But where Yami held it together, Jonouchi lost it. “Oh, that's great Anzu! The guy who's in love with Yugi is mistaken as… as…” Again Jonouchi started laughing, and Yami glared at the blonde trying not to comment.

Leave it to Jonouchi to totally wreck the mood, and grind salt into an aching wound.

“Well, I didn't know who he was! All I knew was an older looking Yugi in a white skirt had appeared, picked Yugi up in his arms and held him, before laying him back down like my mother or father would have done, and then covered him up with a blanket! I thought it was a ghost, and who else would be that close to Yugi and look like him?!” Anzu said in her defense, red cheeked with her own embarrassment.

“Good point, but still, talk about a harsh blow to the ego.” Jonouchi wiped his tearing eyes with the back of his hand and turned to face Yami, who was reclined against his seat, arms folded over his chest giving the two a bored look.

“If that story was supposed to cheer me up, it's not working.” Yami stated sounding more like himself than he had since Yugi's disappearance. It caused both Jonouchi and Anzu to smile.

“Well, we tried.” Jonouchi shrugged, making light of the situation and finally the tense atmosphere ebbed, at least, it would have, had Honda not suddenly gone deathly silent.

Yami noticed it first and turned to his friend, “Honda-kun, daijoubu ka?”

The brunette seemed to jump, his eyes darting to Yami's suspiciously, glaring lightly, causing the momentary happiness to fade quickly from the room.

“… you love Yugi? As in… that way?” The way Honda said the word that made it painfully obvious that the boy was not quiet okay with the spirit's feelings and sexual preference.

Yami sighed as both Anzu and Jonouchi tensed. Yami clearly heard Jonouchi curse under his breath at his slip up and smiled slightly. He'd expected as much from Honda at least. The boy was a great friend but a terrible homophobe, Yami only hoped that it would not alter the friendship between his Aibou and the taller boy.

Better clear the air up now. Explain that my feelings are one sided and end the confusion before it can escalate.

“Honda—“ Yami began, his face and voice steady and calm as if he was playing a game, when he was unexpectedly interrupted.

“Yami!”

The sudden cry of alarm ended the budding conversation instantly, as the entire table stood to face the small dark haired boy approaching their table, brow covered in sweat.

“Mokuba? What's wrong?” Yami asked kneeling as the young Kaiba tripped before reaching their table. The long haired boy grabbed the spirit's hand with his own as Yami reached down to place a comforting hand on his shoulder.

Yami tried not to jump at the sudden contact and looked into the boy's frightened eyes as he caught his breath.

“Hurry… my brother… my brother made it to Isis and has some knews!” Mokuba said in between gasps of breath and Yami felt his heart swell with painful hope.

“What? What did he find out Mokuba?” Yami asked in a voice that was deathly silent and Mokuba leaned back and away from him breaking contact.

“That's why I said to hurry, he's on a live feed.”

“What? A live feed?” Jonouchi questioned scratching his head in incomprehension even as Mokuba jumped up and began pushing the four friends out of the restraint and toward the parked limo.

“He's on a direct telephone uplink! He's waiting at my house to talk to all of you!”

Again the blond seemed not to quiet understand what the child meant and stated as much, “Why would he waste money on a long distance call for you to—“

“Because it's a life or death situation here!” His shout seemed to make the entire restraint quiet, and with its silence a heavy weight fell upon the three friends as they made their way to the car out front, the words echoing in their hearts.

Life… or death… Aibou…

 

^^^^^^

 

Atemu lifted an eyebrow in amusement, not all surprised to see one of his guards standing before him holding the arm of one small slave while a very ink-stained priest bellowed at the top of his lungs in irate fury.

“This insolent pest destroyed the writings and my garments with his bumbling clumsiness and had the audacity to look me in the eye and speak directly to me! As if he was my equal! I demand—“ Atemu had tuned the man out long ago, wondering if the priest even realized that he'd just demanded something from his god.

He's probably to angered to know what he is saying… Atemu rationalized as he turned his attention to the cowering slave held in the iron grasp of the burly guard.

Yugi's pale skin was still slightly pink from the sunburn he'd acquired and his shoulder still held a light dusty color of a fading bruise, but aside from that, and the scars on his back, the boy seemed to have healed well over the past week.

No, not a boy, he is but a few years younger than myself… Atemu corrected himself with a puzzled expression.

That fact had startled the Pharaoh greatly when he'd spoken to Yugi a few days after Isis had released him from her care and he'd discovered that the boy was actually a young man.

He looks like a child… Atemu pondered his eyes drawing over Yugi as he dug his toe into the floor looking pitiful and small. The white cloth wrap that had been given to him hung from his thin hips and seemed to embarrass the youth greatly, and the simple golden arm band that showed he was a palace slave made his arms look slimmer than they really were. Not to mention that his large, innocent eyes made him look like a small animal.

Yes… a small pet that gets into everything… Atemu thought darkly, lifting a hand to his temple to sooth his light headache as his priest continued to scream. This is the disaster that he brings… his shadow magic is a farce, his true power is the ability to destroy even the simplest of tasks…

It was true, in the three days that Yugi had been a palace slave, Atemu had been called to serve punishment to him at least fourteen times. Fifteen… Atemu mentally corrected in his mind taking in the ink stains before him. How did he manage that one?

Yugi had broken vases, ran into higher officials, slept in, looked several people in the eyes, spoke out of turn, torn the linens, fallen asleep in a patch of sunlight while cleaning the throne room (which Atemu found quite amusing actually) and had been caught eating Atemu's (rare) grapes and dates. Now, he had somehow managed to trip and spill the ink his priest had been using, to write down the days proceedings, all over the papyrus and the man's white robes. And had Mahado not been there, this irate priest would have killed Yugi on the spot.

“Alright, I will deal with the slave, why don't you return to your duties priest.” Atemu stated when the man turned to yell and point his finger at Yugi, and from the look on Yugi's face he was about to speak out of turn again.

“But pr-aA, I want to—“

“You want?” Atemu asked smoothly sitting up straighter in his seat, his shift seemed to snap the man from his current stupidity and he quieted, his lips thinning into a straight line as he turned and left swiftly through the doorway.

Atemu listened to the angered footfalls of the priest until he was sure that the man was a far enough distance away before turning to the guard and slave. Yugi was looking at his feet pouting cutely and Atemu rolled his eyes signaling to his guard to release Yugi and for him to leave. The man did so with out a word and left the same way the priest had, though much less indignantly.

Silence filled the room for a while as Atemu finished up a few more of his written duties and Yugi continued to glare at his toes. “Are you going to explain yourself, or simply wait to be punished?” Atemu asked, finally placing his styles down and looking at Yugi again.

“It wasn't my fault.”

“Oh, how so?” Atemu asked relaxing into his chair to hear out Yugi's explanation. As he expected, Yugi looked up and into his eyes, again breaking the rules of stature, as he raised his voice, arms arcing wildly around as he defended his case.

“I was supposed to be cleaning the floors! That was my punishment for falling asleep while cleaning your throne room!” Yugi cried, and Atemu's lips quirked into a smile in remembrance of finding the little one curled up in that patch of golden sun light, head cradled in his arms as his upper body rested on the seat of his throne. Any other slave would have been whipped for their insolence, but Yugi was simply given the task of cleaning all the floors in the palace instead, of course that was given silently so as not to alert the council of Atemu's liking of the minuet slave.

If Seth knew I was giving special treatment to Yugi… Atemu chose not to dwell on those thoughts for too long. The man was dangerous to begin with, he didn't need any more ammunition against him.

“So, I was cleaning the floors, and then he calls out to me, of course I don't know he's talking to me because he yells out, “You slave!” and there's about six of us in the room! So of course I don't answer right away so he stalks over and grabs me by my hair yelling at me, and throws me over to get some more ink and I trip over his stupid coat, and knock over the ink which in turn drenches him and then he yells at me because he jerks his hand and ruins his painting!” Yugi was breathing harshly now, his cheeks flushed with his aggravation and Atemu lifted an eyebrow when Yugi suddenly deflated and whimpered, “…and now the floors are dirty again…”

Atemu could help it, he laughed. The sound echoed in the small room as he covered his eyes with his hands. “What am I going to do with you?” Atemu asked, and looked up to see Yugi shrink further into himself, and he shook his head, smile still on his face. “You're a disaster to my palace and those with in it, and if you're not careful you'll get yourself into serious trouble.”

“But, Yami, I really don't mean to do it! I'm trying really hard it's just—“ Yugi was cut off by the amused smile Atemu sent his way. The Pharaoh refrained from bringing up the nickname, having grown fond of it over the past few days and shook his head once more.

“I guess there is only one thing left to do.”

“Huh? What's that?” Yugi asked confused, moving forward and leaning his arms and head on Atemu's desk as if he belonged there. The Pharaoh said nothing about it, and picked up his styles and began to work once more.

“Make you a personal slave that attends only to me. It will save you from my priests and other officials, and save them from you and your blunders.”

“Yami!” Yugi cried out in indignation and the Pharaoh smiled gently patting Yugi on the head as if he was consoling a small child. Yugi seemed to realize that and jerked his head away standing and stomping over to a corner of the room where he sat down and refused to look at Atemu.

“Little one, what are you doing?”

“I'm not talking to you.”

Atemu blinked, taken aback by the rude bluntness of Yugi's dismissal. He's not, talking to me? Atemu was insulted and asked again in a firmer voice demanding respect, “What did you just say?”

“I said, I am not talking to you!” Yugi said, turning around and sticking his tongue out for emphasis before turning away again. Atemu gaped unsure of how to react to Yugi's behavior. A part of him wanted to laugh at it, finding it childish and somewhat cute, but the other side of him, the part that was raised to be the ruler of Kemhet wanted retribution.

“Why are you not speaking to me?” Atemu tried, deciding to take a neutral path between his two feelings and was met with a comment from the back of Yugi's head.

“Because you are a baka, that's why.”

Baka? First Yami, now baka? Where does he come up with these weird names. Atemu rolled his eyes bored with Yugi's games and returned to his work. “Whatever, fine, just stay put, and don't leave the room with out me.”

Yugi didn't bother answering, and Atemu returned to his work. Silence filled the crevices of the room, only the sound of swishing ink and brush strokes could be heard.

Atemu was so engrossed in his work, trying to ignore the one across from him that seemed to be more trouble than he was worth, that he didn't notice that Yugi had moved until the small slave was once again crouched before his desk, his amethyst eyes glaring over the edge of it.

Atemu froze a moment refusing to look up and acknowledge the slave in front of him, aware that he was sinking just as low as the other was in childishness but he simply couldn't stop himself.

Whatever he is playing at, I will not fall for it…

“You're supposed to say, “I'm sorry,” now.” Yugi stated, and Atemu jerked his gaze up glaring furiously into the hardened eyes of his slave.

“What?” Atemu quietly demanded, his anger growing by the moment. There was no way that Yugi could possibly expect him, a pharaoh of Kehmet, to admit that he was wrong and apologize to a slave.

He's out of his mind if he thinks that I am going to—

“You hurt my feelings, and I'm ignoring you, so you have to say sorry to me, so I can say sorry back, so we can stop fighting!” Yugi stated as if it was the most obvious thing in the world, and Atemu pulled back a ways, lost as to what his look alike was talking about.

What? Is he…

Yugi sunk lower until only the tips of his fingers and eyes were visible and spoke again, his voice taking on a slight wine, sounding years younger than what he was. “So, say your sorry.”

Atemu sat and blinked. Yugi was actually trying to get him to apologize so that they could make up, like equals. The thought was preposterous, and yet, made sense.

No one has ever tried to be my equal… no one has dared to assume that they ever were… but, he does…

Atemu met the younger one's eyes, finding them no longer angry but filled with mirth and anticipation and smirked in realization.

He's playing a game with me… Well then, lets see who will win this match.

“Is that so? But I believe you are the one who started this argument by ruining my priest's clothes.” Atemu shot back, crossing his arms waiting for Yugi's next move.

The boy's eyes glittered with excitement as he rose a bit higher smirking right back. “Yes, but it was because of the punishment you gave me that I was in that room to begin with.”

“There are many rooms in the palace, you didn't have to clean that one.” Atemu shot back and watched Yugi pout.

“Well, if I was allowed back into the throne room I would have cleaned that one first. Besides, that was the last room left to clean.”

Atemu smirked, this battle could continue forever, and he still had work to do. “Well, you wouldn't have been punished if you hadn't used my throne as your pillow.”

“And I wouldn't have fallen asleep if I'd been allowed to sleep earlier that night.”

This really needs to stop… Atemu thought with a chuckle well aware that if he continued with this little battle, that he would not get any work done, and the boy would not be re-stationed as his personal slave by the time the day ended. So for the first time ever the Pharaoh conceded, to a tie.

“Well, then why not agree that we are both at fault and forget the whole ordeal?” Atemu purposed, only to have Yugi brush it aside.

“But you called me a menace, not in so many words but still you said, “I will make you my personal slave. That way you are safe from my priests and ministers and they are safe from you and your blunders.” I want an apology.”

“You called me a baka, so I think we are even.” Atemu shot back both amused and galled at the fact that the boy blushed in embarrassment and guilt at his rebuttal, and suddenly wanted to know what that word meant.

“Fine, we are both wrong… so we say it together.” Yugi said, standing, and Atemu watched him with curious crimson eyes.

He never stops.

“Fine.”

Standing as well they both looked each other in the eyes and simultaneously replied, “antyw iwit. I am sorry.”

Atemu broke into a smile as Yugi giggled, things were definitely different with the smaller one around. Whether that was a good or bad thing was yet to be known, but all the same, things were different.

 

^^^^^^

 

The sun was hot on his back, scorching healing burns uncomfortably and warming healing wounds to a slightly painful point. Yugi quickened his pace as he darted away from the palace and toward the Nile river that ran no far from its eastern wall. The sand sure is hot… and its not even noon yet. Yugi thought sadly, glad that he'd chosen to leave now instead of later for his bath.

Yugi was sure he was supposed to ask someone first before bathing, but he figured since Yami was his new and only boss now, and since he was currently busy with his advisor (discussing his tomb layout, which personally creped Yugi out) that he could take his break now and take care of menial tasks that really needed to be done. Such as, bathing.

You'd think that they'd have the decency to give the slaves a bathing area at least, if only to keep from smelling them themselves… Yugi whined to himself as he cautiously looked around the area to be sure that no one was watching before stripping out of his skirt and slipping out of his boxers (which he'd refused to go without) and scrambling through the reeds to get into the cool water of the Nile.

Yugi shivered at the drastic temperature change before crouching down to submerge himself in the cool water. The current was a steady pull and soothed around his body, burning his still healing scars lightly and causing his sun burn to itch lightly, and Yugi wondered what exactly was floating in the water aside from fish and other water creature poop. Are there fish in the Nile?

Yugi had a nagging feeling that there was something he was supposed to remember about the Nile and its wild life, but it escaped his mind for the time being, and he shrugged the thought off. Oh, well, I'll just quickly wash up…

Glancing at his clothes, Yugi wondered if he should wash his boxers, feeling rather dirty having his old ones still uncleaned after two weeks. But, if their wet, I'll have let them dry some where, and its hard enough hiding my clothes in that room that everyone sleeps in…

Yugi debated with his options as he splashed the water up him and scrubbed with his palms at his shoulders and front. The servants quarters, was basically a large room with some sheets tossed about. In the dead of night the only thing that kept one warm was the body heat of everyone packed in together and the light sheet that was given. Yugi assumed it was because he looked so young that it was a guarantee that he had a blanket very night and had used that sheet to hide his clothes.

He'd found a hole in the wall near the corner of the door and side wall, and managed to slip his rolled up blanket and clothes into there during the day. So far, no one had caught him hiding it, or found it, so Yugi figured it was as safe a place as any, but he doubted highly that wet boxers would go unnoticed, let alone dry in such a place. Guess I'm stuck with dirty underwear until I do Yami's laundry… maybe I could do my own while I'm at it… Yugi made a disgusted face, not too thrilled with the prospect of waiting to wash his clothes, but left with no other option, he dunked below the surface of the water, shaking his head and scratching at his scalp in an attempt to rid it of the built up gunk from the past several days. No telling when I'll get another chance to do this… Yugi thought, mind running of his meaningless tasks from that morning after Yami had made him his personal slave.

He'd done nothing but follow Yami around, fanning him while he sat in his throne room, and serving him his food and watching while some dancing girl fed the grapes to him. Personally the sight had sickened him, but Yugi was having a hard time explaining just why the sight of his Yami being hand-fed by some sexy girl made him want to vomit. He looked like such a snob… not like Yami at all… and that girl… it was like watching some erotica movie or something! Is it like an art here to try an get into the Pharaoh's pants? No wonder Yami's so hands off-ish, he must get molested all the time… though being molested by a girl like that… I sure as hell wouldn't mind that…

Yugi stood shaking the water from his hair with an embarrassed laugh feeling his face heat from his own perverted thoughts, and rubbed at his face ridding it of its grimy feel, completely unaware of the rippling of the water across the river from himself.

 

^^^^^^^

 

The sun was still climbing its way up in the sky and already Saimun was at it trying to speak to the Pharaoh of his death day and would be crypt. Mahado rolled his eyes, trying not to be slightly annoyed with the elderly man, knowing he meant well but worried all the same that he was wasting valuable daytime speaking upon a day that everyone looked to with unease and fear.

“If we can make it a game room with several tasks, it would make tomb robbing near impossible, and put a stop to Bakura's annoying little raids.”

Mahado could see the Pharaoh's eyebrow raise at the word little and knew he was thinking the same thing as he at that moment. Bakura's raids are anything but little. Not to mention the man will be dead or too old to rob by the time pr-aA is laid to rest. Hopefully at least.

Atemu sighed, and lifted a hand to his head, pointing that fact out to Saimun, to which, the elderly man quickly tried to recover ground and convince his young Pharaoh that he was correct in his layout and idea. Mahado turned away from the two, and lazily looked out across the palace ground. From his position he could clearly see the rounded bend of the Nile, sparkling in the sun. It was a calming sight, and a soft smile lifted his lips.

The life barer was majestic and beautiful, it was a shame that it was so dangerous that one had to constantly watch out for predators such as the crocodile.

As if summoned by the mere thought, Mahado's eyes focused on the beast of the water. It was a young one, by the looks of its size, and from the way it floated, its nose and eyes just visible above the surface of the water, it was hunting.

Usually, such a sight would not alarm him, nor cause any interest, most likely a stray animal or bird stupid enough to linger in the water, but for reasons he didn't know, Mahado had a sinking feeling that something was wrong. He walked away from the two arguing men, and tried to see further down the Nile for the unsuspecting prey of the water hunter. The reeds grew more thickly the further down he got, and it was near impossible to see anything.

“Mahado? What is wrong?” The question from Atemu drew his attention away for a moment and his eye caught on a flash of white. Turning back, Mahado recognized the white flash to have been a wide strip of bleached cloth, a servants attire. Not just that, but and oddly colored bundle of cloth as well. Yugi…

“Mahado?”

“Pr-aA!” Mahado swung around, his heart pounding in his chest, the boy was going to be eaten. Atemu lifted a startled eyebrow at his outburst, and waited for his explanation. “The boy, Yugi, he's in the Nile!”

Atemu took a moment, not comprehending what Mahado was trying to tell him before the implications sunk in, and the Pharaoh's face paled considerably.

“Oh Ra!” Atemu muttered several curses under his breath as he darted past Mahado tearing down toward the river bed, Mahado quickly on his heels. That boy just attracts evil and bad luck…

 

^^^^^^

A sudden sound of yelling, and running feet, startled Yugi, and he jumped turning around as the reeds blocking him were torn back and Atemu burst through, his tanned skin glistening with sweat, his crimson eyes hard with determination.

“Nani—! ” Yugi cried out, immediately moving to cover himself, when Atemu suddenly rushed at him yanking him from the water and rushing back to the land just as a sloshing of water sounded from behind.

Yugi blinked, from over Atemu's shoulder, he could see the glowering crocodile snapping its jaws and shivered unwittingly gripping his savior around the neck tightly. … that's what I was forgetting… the Nile is dangerous due to the crocodile infestation… what a fact to forget.

Yugi swallowed hard, still getting over the initial shock of his near attack when he became aware of the heavy breathing of the chest he was pressed to, held bridal style.

“Yami?” Yugi asked, looking up at the regal face that was currently slack jawed, breathing heavily.

“That was much too close for my liking, young one. What were you doing out here? Did I not tell you to wait in my work room for my return?” Atemu turned his crimson eyes back down to Yugi's wide eyes, reprimanding him for his carelessness and Yugi instantly felt bad for disobeying his yami, but the feeling quickly shifted to angered indignation and he pouted, lowering his head and looking up through his lashes.

“I decided to take my break. So, I figured since I can't bathe anywhere else I may as well clean myself in the only water source available!” Yugi yelled back, only then reminded of his naked state.

“A break? What do you mean… “break”?” Atemu's question fell on deaf ears as Yugi's eyes widened in fear and deep red rose to his face. He was laying, naked, and wet, in Atemu's arms. Oh my god… Kami-sama…. Yami can see my…

“Yugi?” Atemu asked concerned, leaning closer to him, and Yugi made a gurgling sound, frozen from his embarrassment. “Young one, what is the matter? Are you hurt?”

Yugi's mind blanked out, flashes of his dream running through his mind, and numbing his body. Heated hands… stifled moans, bodies pressing, sliding, joining, straining, releasing, returning. Lips kissing tender sensitive flesh hips pressing and rubbing together, bare skin touching sweaty skin in a desperate friction…

“Yugi!”

The cry and sharp shake broke Yugi from his tortured thoughts and He looked up fearfully into Atemu's eyes, and broke from his frozen immobility.

“AH!” Yugi cried out flinging back and out of Atemu's strong grip falling to the ground and covering his body as best as he possibly could with his hands curling in on himself.

Sure there were public bathes in Japan, but Yugi had never had to be in one, and in the gym class no one was seriously looking at you while you showered down. So the naked barrier was still high and strong in Yugi's mind.

“Yugi, what's the matter—“

“Hentai!” Atemu blinked curiously, and Yugi looked up, glaring, grabbing his close from the ground and covering himself, pointing a finger up and into Atemu's face. “You are a pervert!”

The expression on the Pharaoh's face was priceless as yet again, he was dragged into a childish argument all thoughts of rescue and gratitude forgotten

completely.

 

^^^^^^

 

Atemu raised an eyebrow at the blushing boy, seated next to the edge of his bath, washing cloth held in shaking hands, golden bangs covering his amethyst eyes.

He's uncomfortable with nakedness?

Atemu tried not to laugh at the little one's discomfort, finding it amusing that he could be so uncomfortable with the body. Since Yugi was his personal slave, he took on the duties of helping him to bathe, as well as other menial tasks, but this one seemed to be the worst for the small boy, who had yet to touch him with the cloth.

It's not like anything will happen to him… I just need assistance with my back and shoulders…

Atemu, turned around, crossing his arms on the lip of the basin and smiled up at Yugi, one large hand raising to grab Yugi's trembling one. After the near attack that afternoon, and Yugi's ungrateful display, Atemu couldn't help but want a bit of revenge.

When Yugi's wide amethyst eyes met his own crimson stare, Atemu smirked, his thumb brushing over Yugi's knuckles and causing the boy to nervously jump, and Atemu had to force back a laugh, as the boy's blush grew deeper.

“What's the matter, Yugi?” Atemu whispered, and saw the boy draw in a quick breath of air. Atemu leaned up closer, nearly standing up from the water till his forehead touched Yugi's playfully and finally he let some mirth into his tone as he asked, “Like what you see?”

He could practically see Yugi's mind comprehend his question as the boy very nearly, leaped from his seated position sputtering like mad. “N..n—n—no! I-I mean… yes! No, wait! I—I'm not gay! But I…. what?” Yugi cried desperately looking as scarlet as Atemu's eyes, and the Pharaoh collapsed into laughter, enjoying the flustered look on the small slave.

It's much to easy to rile him…

“Calm down, little one, I was only teasing you.” Atemu said when Yugi still had yet to cease looking like the setting sun and turned back to sit in the water. “There is nothing to be shamed about. We both are men, so nothing is different between us. And You are only required to scrub my back and shoulders, so there is no need to fret over whatever it is you are fearing.”

Atemu chanced a look over his shoulder, and watched as the boy slowly scowled, moving closer to the basin's edge, sitting with his feet in the water once more.

Yugi seemed angry as he jammed his fist into the water before pulling up the wet cloth and moving to scrub at Atemu's back.

“Ouch! Little one, I did not say I needed you to skin me alive!” Atemu snapped and felt Yugi's movements slow, and the scrubbing became more pleasant.

“Sorry…” Yugi really didn't sound so, but Atemu let it slide. Silence fell over them for a while, and slowly, the uncomfortable atmosphere shifted as Yugi began to talk about random things, and finally he relaxed as conversation broke in.

“I think I might actually get a tan Yami… my burn just seems to get worse everyday.” Yugi said with a half mocking pout and Atemu smiled, lifting his arms to rest on Yugi's knees as he leaned back and felt Yugi fumble a moment before shakily scrubbing at his chest in the same massaging circles.

“However you managed to stay so white all this time, is beyond me, what did you do, live in a cave all your life?” Atemu asked, and locked eyes with Yugi as the smaller boy stuck out his tongue.

“Bite me.”

What?

Atemu sat up confused, and gave Yugi a questioning stare, to which the little one seemed not to understand. “Yami? What's wrong?”

“Why do you want me to… bite you?” Atemu asked, watching as slowly realization dawned and the slave blinked cutely at him before smacking his head into his hand with a low groan of discomfort.

“No… I didn't mean… it's just an… expression… uh… it's like… like…” Yugi trailed off, his hands held before him as though he could carve an explanation from the air. His expression was that of panic and annoyance as he tried desperately to explain himself.

Atemu inwardly chuckled that the boy's discomfort as he outwardly showed no emotion, simply waiting for his answer.

He probably insulted me again… The thought should have brought scathing anger to him, but it didn't, and Atemu found himself feeling rather amused by Yugi's antics.

“… ah damn… look it's like—“

“pr-aA!” The exclamation made Yugi jump and he dropped the rag to the ground swinging to look at the door, and Atemu was half surprised that the little one had not fallen into the bath with him.

“Mahado, what is wrong?” Atemu asked, standing up from his bath, looking sideways at Yugi wondering if the other would remember that it was his duty to bring him cover now, but from the wide-eyed expression that he was giving his priest, Atemu doubted he remembered at all. “Yugi, my drying cloth.” Atemu encouraged, and saw Yugi spring to life, face turning red as he bolted to the said item returning and handing it out to him, head bowed low.

Atemu choked back a laugh and took the item, deciding not to remind Yugi that he was the one that was supposed to dry him down, and instead wrapped the towel about his hips.

“pr-aA, the shadows, they are out of control again.” Mahado said, bowed low in respect, and Atemu made an angered sound in the back of his throat, hurriedly making his way toward his clothes.

“Are Seth and the other's there?”

“Yes, but they need your help.” Mahado informed following Atemu while he changed and made his way toward the door, hand resting on his puzzle.

For just a moment he paused, his crimson eyes trailing over to his puzzle's duplicate, watching as it sparkled dully, glowing in the shadow of the room, as the sun faded from the sky.

It is the time of the shadows, and the power of magic is in their favor…

Atemu turned from it quickly, noticing the way that Yugi looked at `his' millennium item, small hand raising to rub at his chest sadly, but that was all he did before turning and following Atemu from the room. Atemu relaxed finding comfort in the knowledge that Yugi was indeed trust worthy, before placing his mind and attention solely on the battle that was to take place.

The shadow realm is becoming a problem in and of itself… I wonder if its power is worth it?

 

 

^^^^^^

 

Yugi had to run to keep up with the long stride of his other and Mahado. His heart thundered inside of his chest, the words ringing in his ears. The shadow realm is… out of control? Yugi shuddered, not all that comfortable with the thought of the darkness that Yami held control over. Yugi had always been slightly afraid of the cold realm of death and pain, and had only managed to calm his fears by the thought that they could not touch him as long as Yami was there to protect him from them.

But here, now, in this time, Yami was Pharaoh, and he was living and breathing in his first life. So, did that mean that, he was still in control of the darkness of the world? Or was he only as good as any other human being taught in the dark magics?

Through the halls they moved and turned until Yugi had forgotten which direction he'd been coming from, and then suddenly they had entered a dark, candle lit room, though to Yugi's eyes the lights gave only pinpoints of direction as though the darkness consumed its brightness and warmth.

Instantly, Yugi became aware that someone had opened this room to the shadow realm, and that he, along with Mahado and Yami had just stepped into it as well.

Instantly, Yugi's breath became labored and his chest tight as his mind seemed to separate from his body, as though the darkness wanted to devour his very soul. Yugi froze, his body shaking with the effort to simply exist, and Yugi was swiftly reminded of his duel with Pegasus at Duel Kingdom, and felt his fear rise.

He'd nearly died then… would it happen once more?

“pr-aA!” A voice called out in the darkness, and Yugi thought for a moment that it was Seto, but in the next instantnt he'd forgotten the voice completely, eyes darting to the deeper shadows that shifted in the blackness curling into smoke like shapes that shifted toward the people gathered in the realm of darkness.

Yugi shivered, his insides telling him to escape from the depths of the shadows. Yugi quaked, something was warning him, like a light scream that twanged through his mind, echoing there and turning his insides cold. Something's wrong… I … I shouldn't be here… with out Yami inside me… I can't… I can't stay…

A deathly quiet, still ran over Yugi, and when he looked up, aware of it, Yugi found himself staring out across a deep blackness, the shadows looking back at him, and he had the distinct feeling that they were not pleased with what they saw.

Yugi let out a startled cry as the monsters moved toward him, their bodiless forms snarling in an echoing quality that caused Yugi's skin to crawl. His arms lifted to block his face, and Yugi was aware of a dim light that seemed to glow from in front of him, until a sharp cry and a buffet of wind before him forced his mind to shift from the question.

“Mahado, get him out of here!” Yami's voice sounded strained and Yugi chanced opening his eyes, in time to catch a glimpse of Obelisk standing before him, guarding Yugi, (his form clear in comparison to the other shadow monsters.) obviously under the command of Yami, and then he was wrapped up in the white cloak that Mahado wore, his arms lifting Yugi up from the ground and carrying him from the room.

The jolting, running steps carried Yugi far from the battle and back through the winding hallways, and for a long time Yugi remained frozen and silent, until, once more in Yami's chambers, he snapped from his trance and struggled in Mahado's arms.

“No! Yami, he'll… he'll need my help!” Yugi cried, only to be dropped onto the surprisingly soft bedding below. Yugi bolted up, sliding across the sheets, not caring much as his `skirt' rode up showing off his boxers, only to be stopped by the restraining arm of the white priest, and Yugi jerked his eyes up to meet the steady, deep, gaze of the man above him.

“Atemu will be fine, small Yugi. It is you that is not safe in that place.” The deep resonate voice, and the sharp features of the face, were recognizable to Yugi, and he narrowed his eyes, thinking of how he knew Mahado, and gasped in shock, leaning back, sitting down on the bed's edge.

“Dark Magician…?” Yugi whispered, his voice paper thin, and watched as the white priest made a face turning away for a moment. “You are! You're the Dark Magician… but, if that is you then how is it that you are, alive?” Yugi asked, only to receive a slow shake of Mahado's head.

“I am not sure, Yugi. I have never been called by that name, aside from your mouth, and I have never become a creature of shadows… until I met you.” Mahado said, emphasizing that Yugi was being blamed for a number of oddities that seemed to be springing up with his appearance.

Yugi swallowed looking down at his hands. The still silence was quickly broken by the angered and heavy foot falls of Yami as he burst through the entrance, crimson eyes narrowed, his entire body ridged, hands fisted tightly. Yugi blinked up, a happy smile at seeing the Pharaoh's safe return, but at Yami's withering glare, Yugi found himself quickly looking away.

“Leave.” Yami said, turning his look to Mahado, and Yugi jumped at it's angered tone, suddenly fearing Mahado's departure. Why is he so angry? Have I done something…? Am I in trouble for following him?

Yugi balled his hands in his lap, amethyst eyes trailing over the pattern of his underwear as, from the corner of his eye, he saw Mahado bow low, casting Yugi a sad glance before walking from the room as his god had commanded.

Silence remained until the sound of Mahado's footsteps were no longer audible. Then, Yami spoke.

“What are you, Yugi?”

Yugi jumped at the harsh undertone and wanted to cry, but bit his lip, speaking in a voice he hoped sounded steady. “What do you mean, Yami, I—“

“No. You were glowing, Yugi! Glowing! Inside of the shadow realm, where light cannot exist, so tell me, Yugi, how did you do that?!” Yami was nearly bellowing at him, and Yugi shrunk back, curling into a tight ball pressing his face into his knees. So, I was the light… Yugi felt like laughing hysterically his mind trying to take in everything that had happened, while he felt Yami's, no not Yami, Atemu's eyes glaring into his back waiting for his answer. He isn't Yami… Yami knows who and what I am… I am.. his hikari… his light… his Akhu… and he, Yami would never… never…

“Answer me, slave!”

Yugi jerked feeling pain fill his chest, and looked sorrowfully into enraged crimson, and felt his heart constrict. “You would not believe me… even if I told you.” Yugi stated sadly, and watched as his words caused Atemu's eyes to narrow more.

“What?”

Yugi remained silent, until he felt Atemu's presence draw closer to him and tensed, waiting for another yell, and was surprised, when instead, Atemu grabbed him by the arm pulling him up to stare into his eyes in, his voice deathly quiet as he whispered for only Yugi to hear. “Tell me, and I will decide whether or not to believe you.”

Yugi swallowed, his mouth now cotton dry and he nodded dumbly frowning and turning away once more. “I… I'm from Japan. It's a string of Islands connected together just off and slightly south of the coast of China. I'm from the future… uhh… I will not be born for three thousand years…” Yugi trailed off searching Atemu's eyes to see if the Pharaoh believed him or not. Atemu's face was stony, giving nothing away, and so Yugi looked aside setting his features, hands clenching till his nails dug into his palm as he pressed forward. There was really nothing left to lose but his freedom, and whether he really had that anymore was debatable. “I live with my grandfather, my mother busy most times with work. My grandfather owns a game shop, and I found a `game' from Egypt… uh, Kehmet… it was a golden puzzle, said to be cursed by the soul of an ancient Pharaoh, who died for his people. For three thousand years he'd been trapped in the shadow realm, his light half, stolen from him.

“I was allowed to keep it, and after eight years, I solved it, and freed the spirit, who possessed my body bringing justice to those who have caused wrong. After a time, I became aware of him, and we became partners. Yami and I. Well, Yami couldn't remember his past, and in an attempt to try and recover his lost memories, I was somehow thrown back here into his past…” Yugi let his story fade away as he met Atemu's strong gaze, finishing in a whisper. “For Yami, I am his light. Ba and Ka… kkwy and Akhu… Hikari and Yami.”

Yugi felt his lower lip tremble when Atemu's face still held no emotion, the look hurting Yugi deep, afraid that his own darkness would not believe him. Yami… I, I feel so alone, Yami… you are here… but you aren't here. Please, come find me… please.

“Prove it.”

“Huh?” Yugi asked, startled by the request as, finally, Atemu lowered Yugi back to the edge of the bed, though his hand was still wrapped around his upper arm, the grip no less intense, and Yugi breathed deeply, scrubbing at his eyes with his free arm before meeting Atemu's steely gaze, his own amethyst orbs locking with Atemu's crimson, staring him down with the truth.

He could think of no way to prove himself to his yami, aside from one. Though it seemed highly unlikely that his proof would stand up to Atemu's reasoning. There is no other way… please… please trust me Yami… please.

Yugi took a deep breath calming his insides before speaking in the language he missed more than life itself, “Mou Hitori no Boku, onegai, ore wa, anata no hikari. Shinjiru Ore.” Yugi spoke softly, watching as crimson eyes widened, and golden hands tightened painfully around his arm, pressing his golden band into his pale flesh, causing the mineral to bite into his skin. Yugi never flinched, but smiled softly, feeling tears raise to his eyes, “You taught me hieratic, Yami. You protected me, all these years, Mou Hitori no Boku. Please… don't leave me now.”

Yugi held his breath, waiting for Atemu's conviction, for any word from his mouth. Yugi watched as slowly, the head lowered, crimson eyes hidden behind golden bangs as his hand slipped away from Yugi's arm, sliding down to cover Yugi's hand, and Yugi couldn't help but wonder if that action was one of pity, or comfort.

Then, Atemu looked up.

And Yugi cried.

Yami… Mou Hitori no Boku…

 

~~~~~~~~

 

(Ending Theme: “Night Flowers”)

 

I'm wandering lost in the land of love;

please come find me.

I hide my heart

that I thought I'd already wore the wings off of.

 

The thousands of petals

which color my heart

make me yearn for you, almost sadly

Once more

 

Mirage that slips through my fingers

the moment I grasp it...

I want to steal away all of you.

 

Brandishing a frozen knife,

love dances, scattering the night flowers

 

Love, comfort, let go - even my heart...

Feel it more intensely

 

If it's destiny,

then I don't need peace or warmth.

 

Brandishing a frozen knife,

love dances, scattering the night flowers

 

Break, injure, seal it away - even my heart...

Love me more intensely

 

A.N. Okay, first off, sorry for the long wait on this chapter. I had a little trouble writing a few scenes, if some parts seemed rather choppy, that is why. And then, I got this new idea for an AU LONG one-shot, called The Heart of the Ocean, and I just had to write it ASAP, and I simply couldn't focus on this one, but obviously, I have not abandoned this fic, and I hope it won't take me as long to update this chapter.

Thank you to those who never stopped reviewing, and or writing me wishing to keep this story alive, feed back is what let's me know that people are relying on me to finish telling this story, if no one is waiting to hear it, there is no reason to write it.

That and I hit a bit of depression a while ago, hence the reason I had two quick one-shots before this, and the LONG one-shot as well. ^-^ So, as always… REVIEW, REVIEW, REVIEW! Please? ^-^

 

Lechan

 

Translation:

 

Mou Hitori no Boku: The other me

 

Mou Hitori no Boku, onegai, ore wa, anata no hikari. Shinjiru Ore: the other me, please, I am your light. Believe me.

 

Hikari: Light

 

Yami: dark

 

kkwy: dark

 

Akhu: Light