Hey y'all! Back with another somewhat relaxing story. Dunno how many chapters it'll be. Probably not that many – I really, really enjoy writing fun and laidback little stories. I guess if you're looking for a puzzleshipping/blindshipping fan that enjoys that, you've come to the right place! Enjoy!

It was an unexplainable crack in time, just as the school bullies had cornered him into an alley. He had walked home alone today, therefore becoming an immediate target for a good beating. Even after all these years, the macho guys still had it in for revenge against innocent little Yugi—so they claimed. Revenge for what, Yugi was certain he'd never know.

All he knew was that although he had grown into a young adult at this point, sixteen and mature and still very much a lover of card games, the school bullies had devised cruel plans for him, ever since the spirit of the Pharaoh—his protector, as well as the Sennen Puzzle—had gone from his life, three months ago. Without his other self in it, Yugi wasn't sure where to turn next. The concept of resuming a normal teenage life evaded him—it was out of the question, seeing as how it was nearly impossible with all he had endured, alongside his friends, ingrained crystal clear in their memories. Yugi was happy to look forward to a bright future, but with his guardian no longer murmuring in his ear or speaking telepathically on everyday topics or advice, a part of him had shattered. Above anything in the world, Yugi missed Yami.

But to have his wish to see the Pharaoh again very possibly responded to now of all times was a bit uncalled for. No hint, no warning, just a body slam against the concrete wall coated with graffiti, and Yugi was gone. He wondered what the bullies saw in that moment—a solid form of him, getting kicked straight in the back, and then just vanishing into thin air like that?

But Yugi was speechless now. On his hands and knees, he panted heavily, feeling humidity oil his skin and his spiked, multi-colored hair. A familiar soft substance underneath his palms stretched for miles and miles, piling frequently as sand dunes. Below a sandy hill lie a great, ancient Egyptian city, and a tall golden palace with Egyptian scriptures carved delicately in the brick. This was all too familiar. Yugi didn't know whether he should laugh of pure joy, or cry and scream from fear and confusion.

Neither, he decided. He had to remain calm and find Yam—no, Atemu. If he was presuming correct, he had been transported from 21st century Japan to three-thousand-year earlier Egypt. Yami would be Atemu. He would be Pharaoh in this time. Yugi wondered if Atemu would remember him at all. Steadying his breaths and rising to his feet, Yugi descended the hill, hot with sand, into the ancient city.

The city was bustling with arts and music and busy Egyptians. Small children ran in the streets with their siblings or friends, laughing, tackling the other to the dusty road, only to be scolded by elders for nearly tripping them. Yugi felt extremely out of place in his modern-day school attire, which earned him a number of strange looks from the people.

In the midst of his gawking at the lively festivities surrounding him, he was suddenly halted and didn't even notice until he ran straight into the stranger's muscle-y chest. He quickly apologized and proceeded to pass him, but was seized by the collar of his jacket. Yugi yelped as he felt his feet levitate just a small distance off the ground and he found himself eye-to-eye with said man. Yugi decided in his mind to settle with calling him Muscles; his tanned chest was exposed and much like the rest of the people, he wore very little clothing due to the everyday heat. However, the golden bracelets and necklace and helmet inscribed with Egyptian text told Yugi that Muscles was not one to be trifled with. It was difficult to assume he was of high authority.

Muscles began saying something in his native Egyptian tongue, a language Yugi never thought he'd have to learn, had he known it would most likely save his life. Muscles repeated what he said previously, in a notably more aggressive tone, his grip on Yugi's collar tightening as though ready to toss him into a stand.

"U-um… I, uh… uh… A-Atemu… Pharaoh… Atemu, please?" He tried, biting his lower lip nervously. Maybe Muscles would understand his purpose here if Yugi said the Pharaoh's name,

No good. Muscles suddenly hauled him closer and screamed Egyptian in his face. By the looks of things, Yugi was gonna be this guy's feast tonight. And boy, was he upset about his Pharaoh's name being said aloud.

The scene was quickly drawing attention from the public. Women held their children close as though Muscles had plans to attack everyone in the street—which wasn't so improbable at this point. Yugi whimpered in his strong hold, squeezing his eyes shut, waiting for the pain to proceed from a blow to the face or the gut. So, he'd be a victim of bullying not only in his time, but ancient Egypt as well. Pitiful, he thought.

But no punches transpired, and Yugi allowed himself to hope upon being dropped to the ground, landing flat on his bottom. The boy groaned, rubbing his aching tailbone. He opened his eyes and peered up when he heard another male speak in Egyptian, and Muscles responding in an extremely apologetic tone. He suddenly didn't seem as intimidating as moments ago. Yugi sat up and his eyes shot wide upon hearing Atemu's name be uttered throughout the negotiation. The second man wore long white robes, his hands hidden from view behind his back. He looked older, in his late fifties or early sixties at the most, judging by the clean, gray beard on his chin. He, too, wore gold jewelry, and Yugi wondered if he had come directly from the palace itself where Atemu resided. The man struck him as a high Priest, perhaps. He looked stern at the moment, but behind the cold exterior, Yugi sensed kindness.

After Muscles and the Priest came to some sort of agreement, Yugi was gestured to get up. Much to his surprise and relief, the Priest had told Yugi to follow him, in Japanese. Yugi wasted no time and scrambled to his feet, trying to keep up with the Priest who had already begun walking. Yugi felt uneasy as the public stared with wonder, moving to the side and allowing the two to pass. It almost felt like… he were royalty; important.

"Th-thanks… back there, in the market. I thought I was dead for sure." Yugi said in an awkward attempt to strike a conversation, laughing sheepishly.

"Of course. I heard there was some trouble occurring in the plaza. With His Majesty's permission, I went to investigate."

Yugi bit his lip. "Why… did he get angry at me, for saying the Pharaoh's name?"

"His Majesty's name is not permitted to be said among the common people, especially in public. We only address His Majesty as such, or m'lord."

"Right…"

"Forgive me, we are not properly introduced. You may call me by my name, Baniti. I am a High Priest here."

Yugi smiled. "Baniti. It's an honor to meet you… my name is Yugi Motou."

Something stirred in Baniti in that moment, notably right after Yugi had said his name. A small silence fell between them, until Yugi cleared his throat.

"So… where are you taking me, might I ask?"

"To the Palace. Forgive me if I sound rash, but you do not strike me as a common fellow here. There was something… strange that I sensed, when I first saw you."

"Yes, well… let's just say… I'm definitely not from here. I… would like to go home. I… don't know how I ended up here, actually."

"You time traveled."

Yugi instantly locked eyes with Baniti, utter bewilderment. How did he know…?

Baniti chuckled. "Thought so."

"How did you—?"

"I'm a High Priest, Yugi. You pick things up easily from a spiritual perspective."

"Oh… yeah."

"I've heard about you," Baniti finally admitted. "His Majesty has mentioned you a number of times."

"H-he has?" Yugi stopped in his walking now, his mouth gaping. Baniti turned to him, nodding.

"We've all heard good things. I know much about you from what His Majesty has described. And I know even more now just by being in your presence alone."

"Wow…" was the only word Yugi felt capable of forming. This place is magical!

"So, yes, I am taking you to the palace, and presenting you to His Majesty. I expect he will be thrilled to see you, and we both may come up with a solution to sending you back to your rightful time period as well."

"Baniti," Yugi murmured. The Priest hummed in reply. "Thank you… so much."

Baniti smiled, and Yugi felt overcome with joy. The old man looked much better with a smile. It reminded him of his grandfather, and brought him a sense of comfort and belonging. "It is a pleasure to be of assistance to a close friend of His Majesty."

Keep your eyes peeled for a reunion in the next chapter! Reviews make me smile like an idiot. =)