Hello
Well it's been some time now, hasn't it? For those not in the know how. I originally wrote this fic back in 2012. It was a fic that I had on the mind for years but never wrote because I didn't have to gull to write it. I wrote it, and promptly left the yugioh fandom. Why? Don't know. Just lost interest I guess. I had been the fandom since I was 10 and I was almost 20 at the time and this fic seemed like a good bye for me.
A few months ago I got an email. It was a notification for a story favorite. This isn't actually an anomaly. I get them from time to time. And each time it warms my heart. That you guys still enjoy this old story that I wrote six years ago. But why? So I reread my own fic.
I surprised myself. Like dang 2012 Katie, you were pretty good. This wasn't as bad as I had remembered it. But there's always room for improvement. I remembered things I wanted to write in, but never did. So I am. I'll rewriting parts, adding stuff, combining chapters. And if anyone remembers the planned sequel, that's not happening ….. maybe.
This fan fiction contains historical inaccuracies. It was pointed out in reviews in the original writing of this. For personal reasons and reasons of fanfic, they will stay. Yes I know ancient Egypt and Feudal Japan never took place at the same time. But what's the fun in making it "accurate"? There's magic, okay?
The warm rays of sunlight stretched over the land as land as it rose in the early morning of dawn, lighting up the world form the previous dark of night. Flowers opened their petals to the bright glow and the animals became to rouse from their slumber. The sun light shone on the imperial Japanese palace revealing it in all its glory. Seated upon a mountain side, the grand palace stood as tall and strong as ever. For the royal family who inhabited the palace, life was normal. Every day the same. But life was about to change whether they were ready or not.
Inside palace servants awoke and began to prepare the morning meal for the royal family. Each member of the family readied for the day and headed to the main dining room for the first meal of the day. The elderly Emperor Sugoroku entered the dining room, where his three children stopped eating and bowed. He waved a hand to motion them to continue what they were doing before. Once seated the man looked at his three children; his eldest son Katsuya, Vivian his only daughter, and his youngest child Yugi. Sugoroku was loved by many people in his kingdom because he was a fair and wise man. Sure he also may have been considered a little strange, well with opening the trading posts to far off countries and not to mention his large game collections. But he was also what you would call progressive. Unlike many fathers, he treated his daughter Vivian with respect and not as some doll meant to only look pretty. She was free to speak her mind and do as she pleased, within reason. Recently he had received a letter from the Pharaoh of Egypt, discussing something the two had been talking about for quite some time. Sugoroku cleared his throat to gain the attention of his children.
"As you know I have been corresponding with Pharaoh Aknamkanon for several years now, and we have just came to an agreement that would unite our two kingdoms." He said "He has agreed to an arranged marriage between his son Atemu, the heir to the Egyptian throne, and Vivian."
Yugi smiled to himself. This meant that his sister of his would be living in Egypt after the wedding. He sorta bad for feeling like this but he had good reason. Princess Vivian was a spoilt brat, plain and simple. She may have all the freedoms and respects of her peers. But she was also given everything asks for. And if she doesn't get her way …. well we'll just say you might want to lay low for a while. Vivian was obnoxious with her ways. She was a complete bitch to her young brother Yugi. Vivian constantly put Yugi down by point out things like his appearance and his place in the line for the throne. First in line was their older brother Katsuya, who Yugi liked very much. Then if anything were to happen to him, Vivian would probably have her hand in having whoever she married become king. Then it would be Yugi. But seeing as Vivian was now marrying the Egyptian Prince this would change. And now with Vivian moving off to Egypt, Yugi would be second in line and free of his sisters' torments.
"This means that you Vivian, will live in Egypt after you are married." Sugoroku continued as he began to eat his breakfast and drink his tea. Yugi, pleased with this, looked to his brother who by his face was also pleased. Vivian however looked quite peeved. She dropped whatever food she had and tossed her chopsticks onto the table.
"But Father! Egypt is hot and sandy! I don't like sand! It's so coarse and rough. It, it gets everywhere! And not to mention the sun would ruin my complexion! Those Egyptians don't know the first thing about real beauty!" Typical Vivian, always thinking about her appearance before anything else. She thought herself to be the most beautiful woman in the country and that no one's beauty would ever rival hers. And though she was indeed beautiful, Vivian was ignorant. Really she knew nothing about Egypt and their high regards for beauty. As far as she knew, Egypt was hot. And heat meant sweat. And Princesses do not sweat. Sweating was something poor people did, or ugly girls. Now Vivian had her eye on some of the local lords. Who if she were to marry one of them, she would have power over the lands they controlled. Her father looked at her for a moment disappointedly.
"Vivian may I remind you that you are to be the wife of the future Pharaoh. And that behavior such as this will not be tolerated. I'm sure the Egyptians would not like such a disrespectful queen." He said. Vivian's eyes widened. Wait? Queen? Yes how stupid! She would one day be Queen, not some piss poor lords' wife. Vivian knew two things about Egypt, it's hot and they're RICH! With her most sweet smile, that made both her brothers want to vomit, she apologized to her Father.
"Of Father I am most sorry! I spoke before I thought! I am most honored to one day be the queen." Yugi wondered if they could ship her off before noon.
Once the morning meal was done, the royal family separated and when on their usual daily business. Yugi headed to his second favorite place in the castle, the gardens. Many of the plants had been planted by his Mother before her death. They were normally tended to by Yugi, but on occasion the servants would help as well. The gardens where a quiet place. If Yugi wasn't tending to the flowers, he was playing one of the many games his collection. His brother Katsuya would play with him. But not so much anymore. Not since he took on more royal duties. Anyways, he wasn't very good at them to start. The young Prince took a deep breath in and sighed.
"I wonder what will become of me? Katsuya is to be Emperor after Father passes, and now Vivian will marry an Egyptian Prince." He thought to himself. Yugi always wondered who he really was and what his place in this world was. His father never pushed him to be anything. The old king thought it best for Yugi to find his own way. To be his own person. "Perhaps I'm not meant to become anything."
Meanwhile in the hot sandy land of Egypt, it was night. Prince Atemu was in his chambers preparing for his long journey to Japan. Servants had already packed the things he would need for the trip. Atemu was more so, mentally preparing. He was not exactly enthusiastic about this arranged marriage. This Vivian was said to be a great beauty with luscious red lips, smooth ivory skin and long flowing ebony hair. But until he saw her in person the stories would not sway him. Atemu wanted to marry someone for love, not for political reasons or even for beauty. He wanted someone who he could talk to and share interests. But what he wanted most was someone who would love him despite his royal position. Many of the Princesses and some Princes he encountered would try to make their way into his life. Only to find out that all they want was to gain more power. And ever since his Father told him of his impending marriage to the Japanese Princess, Atemu had begun to give up on the idea of true love.
"Atemu it is time to leave." Atemu looked up to see his father at his bedroom door. The man was much taller than him with a greying beard. "Everyone is waiting down by boat for us."
"Yes Father." Atemu followed his Father out to the boat while servants carried his belongings he was taking with him on the trip. Why they decided to leave in the middle of the night confused Atemu. To beat the heat? Well shadow magic made the trip much shorter. How else would they travel in a reasonable amount of time? Even the Japanese had their own magic to do the exact same thing. Once everyone and everything was on the boat, they set sail to the small island nation. Atemu leaned on the ships railing as he looked to the horizon.
"My son, try not to worry. You will like Princess Vivian; she has always been a sweet girl every time I have visited. Maybe you will learn to love her one day." Aknamkanon said trying to comfort his son. Atemu turned to smile at his Father, but the elder knew he was still uneasy with the marriage. The Prince looked back to the horizon where all he could see was the glimmering ocean that would take him to his future.
Now at least a month, the royal Japanese sat around the table to eat their morning meal. Since Sugoroku announced that Vivian was to marry Atemu; the woman would not shut up about it. And this morning would be no different.
"I hear Prince Atemu is soOOo handsome! But it is only perfect that I am to marry him. Beautiful women like me marry a gorgeous man like Prince Atemu." Vivian continued on over breakfast. She had recently heard of the Egyptian Prince's good looks at a party form a lord's daughter who had visited Egypt with her father. The whole palace was excited for the arrival of the Royal Egyptians, who were to reach the Japanese shore around the evening hour. Secretly Prince Yugi very excited about their arrival. Mysterious foreigners were to come to his home, what they would be like he wondered. Would they be a nice as his father claimed them to be? He was broken away from his thoughts once Vivian finished taking a dainty sip of tea. "I hear he's strong and smart as well. Nothing like a certain young Prince we have here. Atemu will one day be king, what will you do Yugi? Hmm?"
"Vivian would you be quiet and eat your meal. You have been going on about Prince Atemu for months. Frankly if they weren't scheduled to arrive today and if the Pharaoh wasn't my good friend, I'd would call off this marriage. Now show your brother respect, least I have a talk with the Pharaoh" The Emperor said sternly. Vivian pouted; she figured she had done nothing worth being talked down to. Yugi looked down to his food, he suddenly lost his appetite. He looked back up again when he felt someone poke him in the arm.
"How much do you want to bet that she'll get fat after the first year." Katsuya whispered to Yugi. He smiled to his brother and he smiled back. Vivian looked glaringly over at the two, but they quickly pretended like nothing was said. The royal family soon finished their meal and went on their way to prepare for the arrival of the Egyptians. Katsuya went with the Emperor, Vivian left to change her kimono for the second time today. Something to show off her wealth a little more.
Yugi was left with nothing to do. He walked out onto the balcony that adjoined the dining hall. The scent of the flower blossoms filled the air. Yugi took in a deep breath and smelled the flowers and the sea air. Ever since his father announced his sister's engagement, Yugi thought about the far off country of Egypt. He had heard tales of the exotic desert country. The tall pyramids, statues that represented their mighty gods and the palace that seemed to made of solid gold. Every wall carved with great stories of Kings and Queens past. Yugi wished he could see these marvels. With a sad sigh he walked back into the palace.
"I'll never get to see anything like that" he said to himself. "I don't even know what will happen to me after Father dies. Probably become part of Katsuya's council or something. I just wish I could do more. I know that there's more out there for me."
The waves steadily rocked the ship as it sailed through the ocean. Many on board had been overcome with sea sickness. But not the Prince, who leaned on the ship's railing while looking out onto the salty sea. Atemu looked towards his destination and destiny. The young man continued to think about his fiancé, all he knew about her were her looks that everyone continued to talk about. He really wished someone would say more about her. Did she even like games? Atemu loved games. But it got boring beating he cousin all the time. Maybe she would be a match? It'd be nice for a change.
"You know even if you don't like her, you just bed her until you produce an heir." Atemu was startled by the sudden voice that belonged to his cousin Seto. "And besides you get to be with a gorgeous woman. Or so they say, her looks that is."
"Seto is it so bad that I want more than a physical relationship? To have someone that cares more for me than my looks or power." Atemu responded looked back out to the sea. "Is it so bad to just want something as simple as love? Of course it is! And now I'm on this boat, thousands of miles away from home. All to marry someone everyone says is hot!"
"Woah there! Calm down! You don't have much say in it do you? We'll be there this evening, so be prepared when we land." Seto said, as turned to go back into the ships cabin. Atemu sent as glare as he left, Seto didn't know what he was talking about. His cousin had the reputation of bedding women without much thought. Atemu didn't want that sort of lifestyle.
"I pray to Ra that you get pubic lice Seto!"
The preparations for the royal Egyptians visit were now complete. The guest rooms were set and the bed made with crisp clean linens. The chefs in the kitchen were making the finest Japanese cuisine for both royal families. Yugi was wandering the halls of the palace, watching the servants run crazily around trying finish up last minute details like dusting small vases. He felt much better than he had early that morning. It's a miracle what an afternoon nap can do for a person. As he walked down halls he noticed the door to his sister's chambers was open. Form it he heard the chattering of Vivian and her ladies In waiting. Curiously, Yugi crept up to the door and stood just outside but out of site. He did not know why he felt the need to listen in on their conversations, but today he felt it necessary for some reason.
"And as you know MY future husband is the most handsome man in all of Egypt. Not to mention the heir to the throne." Vivian bragged to her many women she surrounded herself with. All of them were daughters of rich noblemen who clung to Vivian in hopes of marrying men of higher status. Yugi could hear the other women in the room giggle in response.
"Oh Vivian you're so lucky! To marry someone so good looking and a Prince too." one of the ladies said to the spoilt Princess.
"I hope one day I too can marry a prince!" another replied as the rest chatted on.
Vivian smiled. This is how she spent her days. Lounging about with the single noble women of the kingdom. Eating delicacies, gossiping, listening to all their praises. She knew what this girls wanted from her but she did not care. Until a few months ago, if these girls though Vivian was going to hook them up with handsome rich noblemen they were dreaming. But now that she is to marry Prince Atemu, she'll leaving them behind to fight amongst themselves. Heck. Maybe she'll promise the same man to several girls just to start shit.
"And one day I'll be Queen when that father of his kicks the bucket that is. I'll have all that power. I can probably control Atemu and run the whole country to my liking." Vivian continued. Though the giggling and squealing of the other girls; Anzu sat in silence. Yes she attended to Vivian with the others, but not willingly. At first she was dragged along with her old friend Miho, who had since stopped talking to her. She was then forced to go by her father. After hearing that other noble girls had gotten rich husbands thanks to the Princess, he "persuaded her" to continue to join Vivians gatherings. Sure, Vivian was vain and spoilt. But she couldn't be all bad. She got good husbands for her friends.
"But Princess, Vivian that wouldn't that be dangerous? I mean, if you're caught they could charge you with treason and then have your head." Anzu asked.
"Me, fail? HA! With this body I will have that whole country at my feet, let alone the Prince. Why I've had men fall to their knees begging for a single kiss from me! Besides, since when is a wife seducing her husband treason?" Vivian laughed.
"Yeah I guess. That was stupid of me…" Anzu said. The rest of the ladies laughed with Vivian as Anzu's comment was quickly forgotten.
Meanwhile back with Yugi who was still listening for just outside the door. He gasped. Yugi always knew that Vivian was greedy but not …. this. He quickly and quietly snuck off so he wouldn't be caught. The teenage Prince wondered if he should tell someone or anyone he could tell what he had heard, but what proof did he have? Vivian was a terrific actor, and could sway almost anyone to her favor. She would probably just say Yugi was doing it for attention. Or that Yugi simply must have misheard and that it is rude to eavesdrop on a ladies conversation.
"I could tell Father. But what can he do? Once Vivian is married and in Egypt he cannot do anything. And it's not like he can stop all of this. The Egyptians will be here soon, and I do not think the Pharaoh would appreciate having the whole thing canceled after traveling all this way." Yugi thought. "The only thing I can do is try to warn the Prince."
Just as he finished the thought he heard someone yelling from outside the palace. The Egyptians were here. All in the palace ran outside. The Emperor and Katsuya walked hurriedly to the doors.
"Yugi! Come on they're here!" Katsuya grabbed his younger brothers hand and pulled him along with the rest. They all boarded a carriage as a servant kept fussing with Vivian's hair.
"Come now everyone. Let's not leave them waiting." announced Emperor Sugoroku. Yugi felt slightly nervous; both for meeting the Egyptians and trying to figure out how to alert the Prince of his sister. He was brought out of his thoughts as the carriage lurched forward. Soon all were gathered at the shoreline, watching the grand ships sail inland. They saw the sails being lowered and when they had reached the docks, lowered the anchors. Several Japanese guards brought over gangplanks to the boats. Yugi and everyone else almost held their breath as they waited for the foreign royals to descend to Japanese soil.
After having his little encounter with his cousin Seto, Atemu decided to retire to his cabin on the ship to rest until they reached Japan. But what felt like five minutes of sleep was actually several hours. Atemu abruptly woke from his slumber when one of the ship handlers called sight of land. Lazily, the Prince dragged himself from his bed, straightened out his clothing and went on deck.
"Aha! Right again!" cried the Pharaoh happily. Atemu smiled at his father, the man had a great talent for correctly estimating time. He looked ahead to see the tiny island nation come closer into view. It looked much more different than Egypt, scratch that, it was A LOT more different than Egypt. This place had lush green foliage, and tall snow capped mountains. As the boat got closer he could see the palace perched on top the mountain side. It was actually quite conveniently located close to the shore as well.
"Well this is definitely not Egypt." Atemu said aloud, but was not heard over the hustle and bustle of everyone preparing for landing. They docked and he saw several men bring gangplanks to each of the ships. The ship he and his father was on was first to receive one. When he looked across the dock to see four well dressed people waiting for them. The first was a short old man who Atemu assumed was the Emperor, than next to him was a tall young man with sandy blonde hair and a slightly annoyed look that seemed to be caused by one of the people next to him. There was a third person, but they were being blocked from view. All he could tell of this person was that they were quite short. And lastly was a woman, blocking the third person from Atemu's view. She had dark black hair and looked overdressed to be standing on a dock.
"That must be Vivian."
Yugi tried to see what was going on, but his sister decided to jump around in front of him. Suddenly he and his siblings were told to stand straight; the Pharaoh was approaching. Yugi could now finally see the man, he was much taller than his father dressed in a white tunic with a long plum coloured robe and fine gold jewelry. But what was most striking was his tanned skin, compared to the ivory white of the Japanese people his seemed to glow. He and his father greeted each other kindly, continuing they're a conversation on the side as everyone else disembark the ship.
"This sea air is ruining my hair and make-up! Why can't we wait inside?" Vivian whined as she crossed her arms impatiently. She looked fine.
"My Lady you look stunning!" said the servant still fussing with her hair.
"I think her face was ruined when she was born." Katsuya said as he leaned over to Yugi. The two brothers quietly laughed to themselves, but were not quiet enough to not be heard by Vivian.
"You two shut your mouths!" sahe yelled as she turned to strike at them.
"Vivian! Keep a civil tongue!" Sugoroku ordered sternly.
"But Daddy…" she stopped suddenly. "There he is! Oh he's just as handsome as they said!"
Yugi, probably for the first time in his life, agreed with his sister. The Prince had the same hair as he did but his was wilder. Like his father he wore a tunic and gold, but he wore a navy blue cape instead of a robe. It was quite evident that the Prince was well built, but Yugi couldn't really tell for sure. His skin seemed to glow like his father's amongst the Japanese, but it was his eyes set him apart. Prince Atemu had angular crimson eyes that seemed almost hypnotic. So yes, Yugi did agree with Vivian, the Prince was very handsome.
"Prince Atemu, it so good to welcome you to my home." Yugi's father said warmly. "Allow me to introduce you to everyone. This is my son Katsuya, heir to the throne. And uh, this is my daughter Vivian, your fiancée."
The Emperor introduced him to Katsuya, both bowed to each other. Vivian suddenly popped up next to Katsuya, startling the Emperor who introduced the two as well. She fluttered her lashes at him and squeezed her breasts together with her arms.
"Prince Atemu. It is such an honour to finally meet you." Vivian said with a bow. Atemu felt a little uneasy around Vivian, but this was their first meeting and his father told him never to judge a person on first meeting.
"And where's Yugi? Oh, there you are! Prince Atemu, this is my youngest, Yugi." Now Atemu got his first real look at Yugi. His hair was similar to his, and his skin was pale. But what got his attention the most was his eyes. They were a deep lavender colour, wide and yet somehow sad. They captivated him. For a moment he froze and stared at the young Japanese Prince, unable to move. He wondered why the boy affected him this way. Atemu was broken out of his trance by his father clearing his voice.
"Uh… Hello." He said to Yugi with a smile. The smile he gave him made Yugi feel content. He greeted Atemu same way but with a bow. The Pharaoh signaled to his son that he should do the same. Neither Princes did not know why they were acting the way they were. It's not like this was the first time they had met other royalty. Yes Yugi was a bit shy, but he always knew how to behave in front of others. The Emperor happily ushered everyone up to the palace, where their Egyptian visitors were treated to the finest of Japanese foods.
No one, other than the two kings, had really spoken since the dock. This trip wasn't only for Atemu to meet his future bride, but to build diplomatic relations. While Katsuya was the heir to the Japanese throne, he didn't really seem all that interested in starting conversation. He looked like he would rather get this over with and go off to see friends or whatever it was he did in his free time. Vivian …. Atemu didn't want to touch that one. Between mouthfuls of rice and soups, she kept fluttering her lashes at him and giving him weird glances. She was trying to be seductive but how does one do that with rice stuck to their chin? That left Yugi.
"So um, Prince Yugi. My father says you have quite the game collection." Atemu said to Yugi. The shorter Prince looked a little shocked at first that Atemu knew that.
"Yeah. I mean yes! I …" Yugi swallowed. "I have many from all over. Most are Japanese though, you've probably seen lots of those with your father traveling here all the time. Oh! But I have some from India! Actually I got a new one a few weeks ago. One of Father's trading partners brought it here. Oh gosh, am I rambling? I'm sorry."
"No, no not at all! I'm rather the game enthusiast myself. I would love to see your collection." Atemu replied happily. This was the first real conversation he had had in weeks. Yugi continued to tell Atemu the rules to his newest game, while from across the table Vivian started to grind her teeth. No matter what she did Atemu still had his attention on her younger brother. He was here to marry her! Not chat it up with that brat of a brother! She slid her leg under the table and ran her foot across Atemus lap. Atemu jumped slightly at her touch, giving everyone a nervous smile when everyone looked at him.
"Oh, Prince Atemu! Tell me about Egypt! Please?" Vivian asked sweetly.
"Uh, maybe later after I've rested. Your brother is telling me about his game collection." He replied to her, and then turned back to Yugi.
"Atemu, I think it would be best to spend time with your fiancée." Pharaoh told Atemu. By the look in his eyes, Atemu knew he was serious. And when he had that look Atemu knew to do as his father told. He gave an apologetic look towards Yugi before turning to Vivian, who began dribbling out some boring story he really didn't care for. Wasn't he supposed to be telling her about Egypt?
As Yugi watched Atemu and his sister converse, he felt lonely. It's not like he had never felt lonely before, but this was different. When he looked at the two talking another feeling began to bubble up inside him. Yugi felt slight anger towards Vivian for taking Atemu's attention away from him, and yearning for Atemu even though he was right next to him. The feeling he felt was jealousy. And the young Prince did not know why. He just met Atemu. Why was he jealous? It's not like Atemu was the first friend he had made other than his brother. It's not like for the first time in his life, he had the attention of someone so kind and handsome all on him and not Vivian. Wait, handsome?
"Well that was certainly a delicious meal! My friend, I thank you." Said Aknamkanon to Sugoroku.
"You are very welcome. I'm sure you wish to rest. I'll have someone to show you to your room. Ah, Yugi will you show Prince Atemu to his room?" he said. Now this certainly got Vivian's attention.
"Daddy, shouldn't I show Atemu to his room? We are to marry soon, and Yugi has been hogging his attention all evening!" Vivian whined. Sugoroku looked sternly at his daughter.
"Yugi will show Prince Atemu to his chambers. It's not appropriate for an unmarried woman to escorte a man to his room. And do not address him by his first name until he has given you the right." The elderly Emperor told Vivian. Yugi and Atemu gladly got up and left the dining hall. As Yugi lead Atemu towards the bedroom chambers that would be his for the time being. They continued the conversation they had before it was interrupted. Making plans on seeing Yugi's collection and touring the castle.
"Well here it is. I guess I should let you go to bed now. You had such a long trip and all. I guess it's be nice to sleep in a bed that's on stable ground." Yugi said, catching himself rambling again. God why did he keep rambling in front of him?Normally he barely spoke. Atemu went to say good night to Yugi when …
"Prince Atemu!" It was Vivian, rushing towards the pair of Princes. "Won't you escort me to my chambers? So we may bid good night in private?"
"Vivian, father told me to show him to his room." Yugi said. "We shouldn't disobey his orders."
"Well here is his room. You showed him the way and now you can leave. Father said nothing about after he's seen his room." Vivian said as she placed her hands on her hips. "So Prince Atemu …. Shouldn't we go say goodnight in private? I'm sure your father would approve of us spending more quality time together."
Atemu knew what she meant, do what I want or I'll tell your father you were rude to me. And his father wouldn't be too pleased with what he would hear. Atemu had been raised to be a real gentleman, and if a lady asks a man to escort her to her chambers then he is obliged to do so. He nodded to her request.
"Alright. Good night Yugi…" was all he had time to say before Vivian dragged him off to another part of the castle, leaving Yugi to stand in the empty hall that led to his chambers as night Yugi drifted off to sleep, thinking of Atemu.
There you go. This is actually the combination of the first three chapters. I've added new dialog. Some better sentence structure. And introduced new characters missing in the previous version.
So Katie, when's the next chapter coming?
¯\_(ツ)_/¯
PS, do we still ask people to review and favorite?
