Oneshot only. No, I'm not changing my mind.

I don't own Yu-Gi-Oh. If I did, Atem would be able to visit Yugi whenever he pleased and vice versa.

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AN: there will be not-canon elements in this story. I will twist events to make this work. If the summary didn't already give it away: this is AU.

It is also not really historically correct.

Warnings: mild abuse and child neglect is mentioned. There's angst and a lot of Yugi-powered adorableness. Ancient Egypt is brutal but I will refrain from adding any explicit content. This is a light hearted fanfic after all.

Pharaoh Atem was sitting on his throne on yet another glorious and sunny day in ancient Egypt. The hot and dry air cooked him alive while he sat on his throne all day long to listen to his bickering priests. He has won against the evil Zorc despite all the odds that were against him. The creator of light has defeated the darkness once and for all but that left our dear pharaoh with another problem. Or rather two and they made him think that maybe losing his life in a duel would have been better.

"Your majesty! It is important that you find a queen soon. Egypt needs an heir to the throne."

"I know. I'm working on it, Shimon."

"A heir isn't going to pop out of thin air, my pharaoh."

Atem loved the way his dear cousin Seth was hounding him each and every day. It made him so happy, he could walk up the walls and laugh. The current pharaoh stood up and walked to his room to get some peace to think. Everyone had been bugging him to "produce an heir" lately. What was he? A cow? Sure, he was 25 summers already and he knew that even the mighty pharaoh wasn't immortal but still! Atem wanted to smash something in frustration.

As he let himself plop onto his bed, he idly rubbed over the puzzle around his neck. The thing was a heirloom and he knew his future son or daughter would inherit it one day. Yet, he couldn't think of having children with anyone he didn't love. What was the point of all of this, if he didn't love his queen? As he laid there on his bed Atem thought he could hear a child of five or six summers whimper and cry for help but it was probably just his tired mind playing with him.

A few millennia in the future a small six year old boy hid under his desk. Mommy and Daddy were fighting again, but they finally agreed on one thing: they would bring the small boy to the orphanage soon. They had recently divorced and now Yugi - as the young boy was named - was the only thing left that was holding the two adults together. Neither he nor she could take proper care of the boy anyway. At first he was supposed to live with his grandfather but since said grandfather has been diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease they couldn't do that either, despite how much Yugi loved the old man and his shop.

Years ago he has given Yugi his most beloved treasure. He has laid it into the infant's crib actually. The gift was a golden puzzle that grandpa Solomon had dug up himself on a trip to Egypt. The grandson has pieced it together many times now but he always hesitated when he has to place the last piece into it. Something deep inside him said that it just wasn't the right time to finish the golden pyramid. That was, until now. Of all times now felt the most right to complete the golden object. The excitement seemed to wash away most of the hurt that his mommy and daddy have caused the little boy.

With tears in his eyes the small child finally placed the last puzzle piece into the relic he was hugging in his lap. Then he made a wish.

"I wish I had someone to love me, like everyone else. A nice daddy to play with or a pretty mommy that will hug me. Please, please, please! Let my wish come true and let me never be alone again."

Then suddenly the puzzle started to emit a warm golden glow. It swallowed the boy up like a blanket and in a burst of sparks they were gone.

Atem felt how his millennium puzzle activated itself seconds before a bright light came from it. Not a minute later he heard soft whimpers come from his bed. The covers moved but the creature under them was too small to be a assassin or concubine. Carefully the pharaoh lifted his silk sheets only to come face to face with the biggest and saddest eyes he has ever seen. A boy. Why would his puzzle send him a boy? How did he even tap into the magic of a millennium item?

"Who may you be?"

The boy only made strange noises that seemed to be a language foreign to the king of Egypt but when his puzzle glowed again the young one's words suddenly made sense. One just has to love magical items with a mind of their own.

"Are you my new daddy?" Asked the boy shyly.

A totally baffled Atem didn't know how to answer but the awkward silence didn't seem to faze the boy too much. He was either used to it or a very patient being by default. Maybe even both? Atem decided to get to know his little surprise a little bit better. The child obviously wasn't a threat to anyone.

"I am pharaoh Atem. King of Khemet and the morning and evening star of this land. Who may you be, little one?"

"Yugi! My name is Yugi, and I'm not a little one! I'm not that small." Exclaimed the boy offended.

Somehow this made the king smile. It reminded him of the times when he was young himself and Seth would tease him for being short. However, that smile faded as soon as Yugi has emerged completely from under the silk sheets and he could see the boy's face and hair. Holy Ra! Atem thought that his heart has stopped right then and there. Someone has wrapped chains around his soul and bound him to this small child for eternity. He was just too cute to resist. The royal court was going to love him! And more importantly...

Atem started with, "You look just like me." But the boy has a snarky side too.

Yugi countered with, "How do you know that you don't look like me?" Too bad that Atem was still snarkier.

"I'm older. I was here first." Yugi: 0 - Atem: 1

Yugi processed this for a few seconds. To Atem the child's surprised face looked as sweet as fresh honey. It was as if he was looking at a little godling sent from Osiris golden palace in the sky. Then however, he stuck out his tongue. Brat. The servants must have thought their King had gone mad when he started to laugh out loud. By now Atem desperately wanted this child to be his. He looked like him. Nobody would ask twice.

"Little one? You asked me if I was your new father." Atem broached the subject carefully.

"Yes. My mommy and daddy don't want me anymore, so they gave me to the orphanage. People go there to take children home with them and become their new mommies and daddies. Are you here to take me?"

The needles of anger poked at Atem's heart. How could people be so cruel? His soul hurt when he saw the pleading purple eyes below him. He would have to think of a story about where his little one came from but that would be fine. Nobody dared to question the pharaoh. Yugi was his.

"So be it. I am your daddy now. If you want me to be, that is." He would leave the boy a choice after all.

His answer came in the form of a hug. The boy was surprisingly light even for his size and his hair was unusually soft. Much softer than Atem's own. He ruffled through it and brushed some of the child's own blonde hair into the same lightning shape that his was... just to have the stands fall back down. Well. One could not have everything. However, that gave him the idea that Yugi deserved something better than the strange wool outfit that he has come with. Atem went to his closet and searched for his old clothes. Yugi would get only the finest new linen tomorrow, but for tonight he needed something to wear that wasn't his strangely patterned clothes. With a triumphant "Aha!" the pharaoh found the small box where his old robes were stored in. With some added glee and a leap of his heart he noticed that his princely gold jewelry and first real crown were also still in there.

"Now. Let's dress you like a proper prince and then I can give you a small tour of your new home before it's time for bed."

Yugi nodded excited to get to see this strange but almost magical place. He let himself be dressed almost like a doll. Atem thought that the servants would appreciate it that their new prince wasn't a rebellious hothead, like he'd been when he was younger. No. They would absolutely adore this little angel here. It wasn't a question of "if" but "when" Yugi would wrap them around his finger. Soon enough the pharaoh has a totally adorable looking mini of himself sitting on their bed.

As son of the pharaoh Yugi would sleep in his quarters as well until he was old enough to fend for himself. If he wanted a bed for himself was his choice alone, but Atem hoped that he could have this little guy with him for a night or two. It would make it easier to get used to his new home and he has already fallen crown over cape for his new son. Speaking of the boy, he was basically bouncing up and down on the spot now.

"Excited, aren't we?"

In response the boy smiled and snickered. Something in these amethyst eyes shone through and Atem liked it. Whatever it was. They were the eyes of an intelligent and kind child. From years of judging people the king was able to read people's eyes if he looked into them deep enough.

He held out his hand and mentioned for Yugi to take it. The boy hesitated and looked up to him for permission first. Then they went outside together. All the while Atem counted the seconds to inevitable chaos in his head. How long would it take until everyone was freaking out because a prince has literally popped out of thin air? Ha! He could rub that into his cousin's face later.

"You're alright, partner?"

"Yeah. Just, why isn't there anyone? You're a king, right? Then why aren't there soldiers, wizards or princesses in your palace? Oh! Do you have a dragon too!?"

Atem laughed again. He ruffled Yugi's hair once more and replied, "We can see the dragon tomorrow. Slifer doesn't like to be woken up so late at night. Let's find the kitchen quickly before we risk running into your uncle."

"I have a new uncle too?"

"Yes. He's my cousin so technically he is your uncle once removed but we grew up together. It doesn't matter how thick blood is, we are a family."

"I wish my mommy would think so too." Mumbled Yugi sadly to himself.

"What is your mother's name, Yugi? What does she look like?"

The boy closed his eyes and remembered the brown hair and dark blue, almost slate colored eyes of his mother. His father, his biological father that is, has red eyes so very much like Atem. To the young boy however, these two were gone now. They didn't want him so they didn't exist anymore! That was their punishment for leaving him. Atem was a much better daddy anyway and he has only been his daddy for a few hours. No. Atem was his only daddy and he didn't have a mommy. There.

"Her name was Hana. She had red hair and dark blue eyes and really pale skin."

Atem stopped walking. Did he hear right? "Did you say, was?"

"Yes."

"What happened?" Asked the shocked king.

"She isn't my mommy anymore! Because she didn't want me she doesn't deserve my love. She's gone now so I don't have a mommy, but that's okay because I have you now!"

It melted Atem's aching heart when the little angel before him said that. His mind had come up with a plan to explain Yugi's sudden arrival as well. Nothing would stand in his way to keep the little one as his own. This gentle violet eyed soul deserved to be a prince more than any of the royal brats Atem had met during his father's rule. Still, a more selfish thought, they would stop pestering him about an heir now and he has a excuse to avoid marriage for a while longer. Sweet nectar of the gods, Yugi was a gift from Ra and Hathor for sure.

"Your mommy has kept you from me until she went away. Now you're with me. Don't say anything else to anyone or they will take you away from me. Can you do that for me please?"

The boy nodded vigorously and smiled determinedly. His eyes shone like the gems they looked like. Yugi has a strong Ba and Ka apparently. That was reason for concern. Atem would shelter him as best as he could until his boy was strong and smart enough to fend off anyone who dared to try to use him.

They resumed their walk around the palace for a few more hallways until they stopped in the kitchen. Now there were many servants and Atem squeezed Yugi's hand in a comforting manner. He lifted his boy up and sat him on a nearby table before he called a servant to bring them food. The poor girl almost fell over her feet in shock when she saw the mini royal sitting there. She came back with today's midnight snack: fruits and fresh bread.

"I've never seen these before."

Atem looked over to his son's hands where some innocent cantaloupe slices were. He picked one up himself and demonstrated how to eat them properly. Yugi seemed to enjoy the fruit's sweet flavor immensely. So his son was a sweet tooth? He could live with that. He wondered how much the little one would love mellow sap.

"It's called a cantaloupe. They are a kind of melon. Did you like it?"

There couldn't have been a more happy nod in the whole world.

With a sudden bang the doors flew open and the happy moment was over all too soon. The palace magician Mahaad came rushing in and he looked like he has seen a ghost. His robes swayed in the wind, like the tail of a malicious specter and that made Mahaad look far scarier than the spellcaster actually was. Yugi rushed under Atem's cape before anyone could even blink.

"Mahaad! Is something wrong?"

"Forgive me my king but I have heard rumors that there is a boy who looks like you in the kitchen. It seemed to be just that however. A rumor..."

Atem laughed and hugged his cape, or rather the boy under it. He gestured for his old friend to come closer and sit down. The magician did so without hesitation.

"Mahaad, I want to introduce you to Yugi. Little one? Come out please. The dark magician is my friend. He won't hurt you."

Said magician gasped loudly when a almost exact replica of his king looked up at him. If it wasn't for the innocent eyes and the pale skin then he would have thought a spell had turned Atem into a child again.

"Yugi, this is Mahaad. He is a great magician and we are indeed very good friends. Mahaad, this is prince Yugi. My son."

"You have a son? Since when? Who is the mother? Atem... Why haven't you told us about him!?" Asked the magician, but it wasn't Atem who answered him.

"I'm six already!" Exclaimed Yugi. In defense of his father he also added, "he didn't keep me hidden. My mommy kept me from him, but now I'm here and daddy will make sure that I can stay. I'm not leaving and daddy didn't do anything wrong! You have no right to shout at him."

Mahaad seemed to think for a moment until he chuckled and then sighed.

"He's got your temper, my king." Stated the magician amused by the little Prince's behavior.

"Ah, not always. He's far more humble and kind than I was at his age." Laughed Atem. As an afterthought he added "and he's easier to dress."

"I wonder what else he inherited from you."

Atem almost chocked when he heard that. Yugi may look like him but the young pharaoh was still a virgin. Yugi may be his son now but not by blood. He sincerely hoped that nurture was stronger than nature or that the gods were on his side.

"My prince, what do you like to do for fun?"

Even Atem was curious about what his little one liked. As if it was fate the boy answered excitedly;

"I like games! Especially puzzles, board- and card games. Will you play with me?"

Mahaad smiled at the little prince. "Of course your highness. I would be most delighted to play with you."

"Yay! Nobody really likes to play with me because I win a lot. Maybe you can play better than the others." Squealed Yugi excitedly but with a dangerous hint in his voice. Games were his specialty and it showed.

Yugi: 1 - Atem: 1

"If there has been any doubt that he is truly yours, this just proved that you are his father, my pharaoh. It seems that the king of games has a prince of games at his side now." Laughed Mahaad contently. Today was a glorious day for Egypt.

"Yugi, little one, I will play all the games in the world with you if you want that." Declared Atem oh so very proudly.

This made the boy squeal in delight and he hugged Atem once more. They stayed there for a moment. Just talking. Laughing. Thinking. Atem was so caught up in his chat with Mahaad that he didn't notice that Yugi has taken the millennium puzzle. The boy has taken the magical pyramid apart and was happily piecing it back together on the floor. It was only when Atem reached for his beloved item that he noticed it was gone.

"The millennium puzzle! Mahaad!"

Before the search could start it was already over. Yugi squeaked and dropped the remaining two pieces of the puzzle when his father had shouted. When they fell their soft bell like ringing made both adults look down.

"Did you take it apart?" Asked Mahaad surprised.

"Uhuh." Declared Yugi proudly in return. "I took it apart and I'm almost done making it whole again. Only two pieces left!"

"You did what!? Not even us council members can complete it. No offense, my prince, my king, but he is just a child..."

Something that could only be described as pride fluttered through Atem, but a deep anger followed suit. He was shocked too and a bit flustered that someone has just taken his treasure from right under his nose, but for the most part he was worried. He has to make sure Yugi understood that the puzzle was not a toy. His little one turned out to be just like him when it came to gaming. A true prince of games! However, it was concerning that he could complete the millennium puzzle on his own. It was a dangerous and powerful item to wield and Yugi was still only a boy. He shouldn't have to face the shadows yet. Should the puzzle pick him to be it's next bearer then Atem would teach Yugi how to wield it, but until then...

"Yugi, you can not just take it without asking me first. It is a dangerous magical item and I do not wish you to be harmed by it."

Yugi looked scared and a bit sad as he grabbed the last piece and the puzzle to give them back to his new dad. The boy was scared that Atem wouldn't want him anymore if he screwed up. He loved Atem, Yugi couldn't lose him. The king saw this and sighed.

"But... I think that if we do it together, then we can play with my puzzle." He said hesitantly, "But I have to be there with you, understood?" Asked Atem sternly afterwards.

"I promise!"

Mahaad hummed in surprise at how easily Atem was handling the boy. To the magician it seemed like they knew each other for years now. A part of him was hurt that Atem has kept the existence of his son from them but another part of him said that he must have had a reason. The mother was at fault here too, because she kept their prince hidden so it was hard to be mad at the king. He watched the two tri-colored royals when Yugi took the last puzzle piece and placed it into it's place.

Suddenly a bright light flashed that nearly blinded them. Once it dimmed down both adults gasped. Mahaad didn't believe what he was seeing and Atem felt like he couldn't breathe. Yugi sat on the floor with his eyes wide open in shock. Behind him his shadow seemed to stare at them, but what was most concerning was the glowing sennen eye that was on the boy's forehead. The puzzle has just claimed Yugi as it's next bearer after Atem.

"No way... He's just a kid, just a boy..."

"Well... you were not much older, pharaoh, and he is your son after all..."

"I'm sorry." Came a tiny whisper from Yugi.

He gently shoved the puzzle back into Atem's hands as if it was so fragile that it would break from a butterfly's kiss. With a head that hung low and shaking shoulders the child sat there almost as if he was awaiting his death. Atem didn't sugarcoat it: the boy has messed up and now he was feeling the consequences of his actions. Something every good prince should experience once in a while. The following lecture was one of epic proportions.

Soon enough the adults felt like the boy has been disciplined and he has suffered enough. Atem picked him up from the floor and put a kiss on his son's forehead. A kiss was better than the symbol of shadow magic. Yugi smiled a little but out of habit he still flinched a bit. Atem made a mental note to ask about that later when the boy was in a better mood.

They shared a good laugh afterwards to ease to tension and then headed back to their rooms. Yugi followed Atem and felt a bit afraid. Eventually he tugged at his father's cape to get his attention.

"Are you mad at me?"

"No. Just worried." Sighed Atem softly, "and tired."

"Can I sleep in your room?"

"Of course. Where else did you think you would sleep?"

Yugi hesitated with his answer. He felt like he was on thin ice already after the debacle with the puzzle, but when Atem's look softened he talked. Somehow he knew that he could trust those garnet red eyes.

"Mommy said that I have my futon and that I should be grateful for that. She left me in my room a lot, but here I don't have a room of my own."

Futon? Atem thought to himself. "What is a futon, little one?"

"Huh!? You have never seen a futon?" Gasped the child playfully. "It's a really thick blanket and a pillow you lay on the floor to sleep on. Sort of like a thin mattress but less fluffy and more soft."

"They let you sleep on the floor?!"

"Uh huh. Mommy said that after I broke the bed by jumping on it she wouldn't buy me another one."

The by now familiar fury at his boy's mother flared up in the king's chest like a roaring dragon. How he wished to meet the woman so that he could punish her.

"No. You will be sharing my bed with me for tonight. Tomorrow we can get you your own. However, you will be living in my quarters until you are old enough for your own servants and chambers."

"So... Like a sleepover, but every night? Cool!"

And just like that little Yugi was happy. Not even ten minutes later they reached their room and fell asleep. Atem was happy to have his little one nestled safely in his embrace. For some odd reason it felt... right.

The next morning came and Ra woke the desert with the first golden rays of the sun. Atem ruffled his sleeping son's crazy hair, wondering if his own father had felt so happy when he messed up his. Atem missed his father dearly. He would make sure Yugi didn't have to go through this. No. His little amethyst would be safe and happy.

A knock startled him and caused Yugi to retreat under the covers. It seemed that the boy wasn't a morning person either. Whoever was at the door would certainly think Atem was ill because it was so early and he was actually up already. He heard it open and precise, determined steps echoed through the room.

"Oh great morning star of Egypt rise and shine, cousin."

"I'm already up Seth. Thank you."

The high priest and cousin of pharaoh Atem narrowed his blue eyes. How could his cousin be up already? He was just about to ask that when the silk sheets beside him started to move and a soft huff came from them. Atem had been sharing his bed with someone. That explained everything.

Seth used the rod he carried with him at all times to poke his king's nightly companion softly. It earned him a surprised cry because it's metal was so cold. Yet, the voice was young. Too young to belong to a lover. Seth grew suspicious of his cousin. Just as he was about to unleash the lecture of doom, little Yugi crawled out of bed, hugged Seth's leg and laid down on one of the cushions on the floor.

Seth felt like he has been struck by lightning. He looked from the boy to Atem and back several times to confirm that he wasn't dreaming or hallucinating. All color drained from his face and his icy glare was now reduced to eyes that resembled a confused puddle.

"Ah. I kept him awake too long last night."

"Cousin..."

Now Atem let an entire boatload of smugness roll off of himself as he said, "Seth, meet Yugi. Yugi, if you're awake, meet your idiot uncle."

With a large yawn the boy opened his eyes to show soft and sleepy violet. His hair was a mess and to Atem's delight some of the blonde strands actually stuck upwards a bit longer than last night. He pouted and attempted to glare at the offender who dared to wake him up so early, but Yugi was just not scary enough to intimidate anyone. On the contrary, he made both men chuckle.

"Good morning my little amethyst. Are you ready for the day?"

Yugi looked at his father, blinked two times and fell back onto his cushion to snooze off again. At that display Seth started to laugh. He would corner his royal cousin later to find out where that boy came from and who he really was, but for now it was too amusing to see the king of sleeping in fail at waking up a mere child.

"Will you help me or will you just laugh, Seth?"

"I think I will let you handle this, my pharaoh."

"Go kiss a cobra..." Grumbled Atem.

A glare later and the pharaoh walked over to Yugi to pick the small boy up. Together they vanished into Atem's closet to get dressed. Some shouting, squeaking and curses later both pharaoh and prince were dressed and more or less awake. Seth decided to be merciful and use his secret weapon.

"Breakfast is ready."

Before anyone could blink Seth has his arms full of six year old, excited and hungry child. It frightened him how much this boy resembled Atem in every way. Even said pharaoh himself was a bit worried about the sheer amount of similarities between them both. He looked down at his puzzle. Maybe...? Was it possible that the puzzle has created a perfect child for him? He let Yugi annoy the ba and ka out of Seth until they reached the dining hall. There Atem pulled Yugi aside and put his hands on the boy's shoulders.

"In there people will ask you many questions. They will appear frightening, but I know you are a brave boy. I promise nothing bad will happen to you."

With oh so very trusting eyes little Yugi nodded and smiled. He took Atem's offered hand and together they went into the dining room and sat down at the center of the long U shaped table. Yugi sat right, Seth sat left and Atem was lounging in the middle. The seating arrangement caused an uproar. Once the more important members of society spotted Yugi they latched onto the small boy like vultures. Atem did his best to shelter his boy but in the end he was glad that Seth was there too. Sometimes having a scary cousin was awesome.

"My King. Your highness, your radiance, great morning and evening star of Khemet. Who is this boy? Why is he sitting where our queen should sit?"

"This is my son." Answered Atem nonchalantly and completely at ease. The outrage of the crowd didn't even faze him.

"And who may his young highness be?"

Yugi looked at his father and back at the noble woman who has spoken to him. Should he? Atem narrowed his eyes in annoyance but he didn't say anything. Not wanting to see his father's day getting ruined, Yugi decided it was time for him to shine. He wanted to make his new dad proud.

"Play a game with me. If I win you leave us alone. If you win I'm telling you my name."

Seth almost chocked on his drink while Atem watched what was happening with childish glee. Oh, his little one would totally kick that nosy noble's ass.

The woman agreed and Yugi told her the rules of the game they were playing. Each of them had a piece of cloth loosely tired to their wrists. One player has to snatch the cloth of the other but without touching the other player. To make it more fun they weren't allowed to step on anything made of stone.

Spectators gathered to watch the boy play with the noble. They hopped from carpet to carpet and for a moment it seemed that her size gave her an advantage over the short legs of the child. However, when the boy jumped on a wooden table she accused him of cheating.

"The rule is not to step on stone. This is wood so I'm okay."

This enraged the woman to no end. Getting bested by a mere child was humiliating. She wouldn't let it happen and her pride took over. She grabbed a handful of the boys clothes and quickly ripped the cloth from his wrist, proclaiming herself as the winner. She held it high above her head and smiled sickly sweet to rub it into the little boys face.

Just then a wild Kuriboh appeared from behind Yugi and bit her hand. She fell on her sorry bottom in fear and pain.

"Sit!" Commanded Yugi and to everyone's surprise the shadow monster did as it has been told.

"I knew you'd cheat. That's why my cloth has coconut milk on it. Kuriboh loves the smell. You broke the rules so I'm the winner."

Seth turned to Atem and both shared a look. Both were dumbfounded beyond help at that moment. When had the child come up with that? How far ahead could a little boy even plan? One thing was sure: once he got older he would be a formidable opponent in the council meetings and on the battlefield.

"Did he just play a mini shadow game with this noble?"

"Quiet! I want to hear what happens next."

"How did he do that?!"

"Is that a shadow creature? Why is it listening to him?"

And then Seth decided to speak up.

"That settles it. He's you brood."

Atem burst out laughing.

"Well done, my little amethyst. I congratulate you on your victory. Now please, someone remove this sore loser from my breakfast table."

The guards rushed over to drag the screaming woman out of the palace. Yugi returned to his chair on his father's side and continued to nibble at his chunk of bread. Some people looked strangely at him when he smeared fat on it and put cheese on top. When he was asked why he did this the prince said it would taste better since fat carried aroma. Yugi didn't even think of the possibility that people might listen to him, much less follow his example. It made him feel strange. In a way he was embarrassed, or rather flustered, but at the same time he was proud of himself. The confidence boost from winning the game and having people listen to him made the boy squeak in delight. That in turn made his father happy and the whole palace knew: a happy pharaoh was a good pharaoh.

"Yugi." Atem put his hand on his shoulder, "we need to talk about something. No, you are not in trouble but I need some answers."

The boy nodded and stood up to follow his father to a place where nobody would eavesdrop.

"Yugi, how do you know about Kuriboh? Shadow monsters are dangerous."

"When Mommy didn't want to play with me the shadows would. Kuriboh is my friend!" Protested the child. Then he began to ramble about his favorite game: duel monsters. Hearing how the small boy has beat the blue eyes white dragon in a duel sent shivers down Atem's spine. The boy has won ka duels. He couldn't believe it. What kind of parent would let their child battle like that without supervision? A mock fight at this age was not unusual, especially for a prodigy, but to let one so young play with the shadows... it made Atem shudder.

"What is the biggest monster you can call?"

Yugi though about it for a moment until he jumped up when it came to him. The little one put his hands together like he was praying and started to hum a serene melody. He spoke in that other language once more. Not seconds later a giant black shadow formed behind him that could stand it's own against Atem's God monsters.

"Gandora, say hi to my dad."

And the terrible beast revealed many fuchsia eyes all over it's body that were watching it's master like a hawk. The little one didn't even flinch under the intense gaze of the dragon. Atem was impressed, but he has to lay down some rules or else his palace wouldn't survive the coming week.

"Yugi. Until you are older I will only permit you to participate in mock duels. I will not see you battle with Ka spirits and monsters. You could get hurt!"

"But it's my favorite game!"

"Duels aren't a game. They are dangerous rituals that can cost you your life if you aren't careful. I just got you..." Atem whispered the the last part, "I don't want to lose you."

"But... But I can still play pretend? I-I won't duel if it makes you happy, but if I don't call the shadows and just pretend I'm dueling then I can still play...?"

Atem nodded, grateful that the boy understood the severity of the situation. He made it clear that he didn't want any dangerous summons in the palace. If Yugi summoned something, anything, bigger than Kuriboh he was to go to him, Seth or Mahaad immediately. The little prince nodded and gave a solemn oath to follow these rules until he was older. Cheeky thing didn't say how much older though, but Atem let it slide. He trusted his kid.

He wrapped his arms around Yugi and just held him. Each enjoyed the love and warmth of the other and neither cared about the looks and awws of the passing servants. In just one day, no, not even one day everything has become much better than before. Atem was content with life and Yugi was just as happy as his new father. The king hugged the small boy much tighter and whispered in his ear,

"You, my little one, are a true gift of the gods. My gift, given to me by Ra and Hathor."

"I love you too, daddy."

... eventually the prince would grow up and succeed his father. Atem would take his childhood friend Mana as his wife and Yugi loved her as much as she loved her new son. He said she was the prettiest mommy of them all. Yugi grew up loved by Atem and Mana until he was old enough to take over. Then he'd start a family of his own while the kingdom flourished under both his father's and his own rule. They took their secret that they aren't kin by blood to their graves. Yugi decided that the puzzle was to dangerous to keep around so he sealed the items into his father's tomb. The puzzle however was placed beside his own sarcophagus in a small chest made of solid gold. He enchanted it so that only he could open it.

Then one day many, many years in the future a man named Solomon Mutou found a golden box in a pharaoh's tomb and decided to give it to his young grandson.