Early evening had come and gone. Atem, after leaving Yugi in his room stormed off the the training arena. Venting out his frustration and anger out on the newbie and fairly new recruits in training. One by one he took them down. Not wanting to end his fun to tried his hardest to prolong the fights, but the trainees were just not match, and within five minutes max each one was either on the grown panting or out cold.

Atem huffed at there lack of power. "If you can't even bring me to a sweat how do you expect to decent your country?" the king scolded his men turning on his heels and marching off. His sword tossed, returned to the pile of weapons beside the entrance.

As the Pharaoh made his way to the dinning hall he ran into Mahado. "My Pharaoh," the ring welder bowed respectively.

"Mahado," Atem greeted with a stiff nod as the two resumed there journey to the dinning hall.

"My Pharaoh, if I may ask, how are things going with that creature?"

Atem's lips pulled back in a small, but tight sneer, his eyes darkening. At the time he and the priest just entered the dinning hall where the rest of the council sat in wait. "He refuses to answer me and has the audacity to not only refuse my order but blatantly command me to never tell anyone the answered to the question I asked. Just who the hell does that little beast think he is?" the Pharaoh yelled before plopping into his seat. Mahado followed in his own place.

All eyes of the council held mixes between pity, curiosity and worry for the cat-boy. Though, unseen, certain blue eyes shadowed over with grieve horror. They all knew what the Pharaoh did with slaves who angered him, wither by there personally doing or not the Pharaoh didn't seemed to care. Isis's gaze lowered. Realizing she's need to make a lot more cream and ointment then she first thought she'd need.

There dinner was brought and everyone ate quietly. No one spoke and only the sounds of eating were hear. This was always how it was.

Once dinner was finished everyone went to attend some last minute assignments before heading to bed.

As Atem turned down the hall a sudden foreboding presence froze him in place and quickened his heart. Eyes wide he spun around to locate the source of this dark feeling only to find nothing. When to turned back around the presence complete vanished. As if it was never there at all, but Atem knew. He'd forever recognize that overpowering bloodlust from any bring. It was just something he would never be able to forget.

Taking a deep breath he continued on, returning to his room. There, still on the floor with his tail wrapped around his waist was Yugi, sound asleep. Atem stared at the cat-boy wondering just how someone, anyone could sleep half the day and still remain just that, asleep.

Snorting uncaringly Atem removed his jewelry, whipped away his kohl before stripping off his clothes and climbing into bed. Atem wasn't going to think how beautiful Yugi looked in the fading moon light, nor was he going to think just how shiny that fur of his would shimmer in the rays of the full force of the moons glow. Or how his eyes would sparkle like breathtaking stars. Or the flexible and smooth flow of his body. Or the way that smooth moving body shuddered under his touch- NO!

Atem crushed his eyes shut, desperately fighting back the arousal he knew was slowly forming. One, Yugi wasn't even human. Two, he was a slave. And three… Uh…well…. He was a commoner. There!

Everyone knew Atem preferred men over women. Egypt may discriminate on things that can be controlled, like religion how slaves are treated, but not love. That above all was one of the mainly and truly only freedoms Egypt had. Though with being Pharaoh and preferring men and issue with producing an heir came as a road block. For the heirs' carrier would then become queen by law, regardless if the Pharaoh was married to a man. And the man would never be seen as Egypt's second ruler, just the Pharaoh's personally and proven chambered consort.

However, Atem's past experience with any romantic emotions that exceeded past a one-night stand was a personally taboo in his mind.

Finally forcing down the rest of his semi-soft wood to a complete 'lax Atem closed his eyes more calmly, allowing himself to forget and drift off into a dreamless slumber.

XxXxXxXxXxXx

The first lights of Ra were just beginning to rise to announce the start of a new day. Our of habit from traveling with the merchants Yugi's body had quote literally curled itself into a ball to help protect his soft underbelly during the night's dangers and cold. His tail winded around his waist and knees. His ears pronged up, intent on discovering any danger before reaching him.

A twitch from his left ear signaled the stirring of the Pharaoh. Yugi cracked open an eye only to silently gasp. There before him was a decently sized moon fish on a large palm tree leaf. A ripe plum say beside a small bowl of what Yugi scented was indeed cream with small mixtures of honey and cinnamon. Yet what caused Yugi to gasp his mouth like a fish was the lotos flower, stemless and leafless but with all its luscious petals.

"What the…" Yugi silently murmur. The food was a gracious gift in itself, but the lotos… Human's don't each lotoses straight from the plant, and no one knew who or even what he was. So how….

Then it hit Yugi. 'There must be someone here who does know what I am!' Panicked Yugi sniffed at the leaf, trying desperately to pick up the scent of the one who brought this- Wait! 'Someone was in here, and I didn't notice?' Again the cat-boy's heart began to rapidly thunder. 'But how? I though the human had forgotten all about us. So how is it…' Yugi could finish because he didn't know how too. It just didn't make any since.

His seances turned back to the food. The fish was raw, looked even freshly caught even, the cream smelt warm. 'The person must have warmed it.' Again Yugi wondered how a human knew what his kind liked. Though even more baffling the lotos, Yugi could clearly scent, was sprinkled with salt. This being Yugi knew without a doubt the person who brought him this meal knew exactly what they were doing. Everything was just the way Yugi liked it. As if he were back home eating the meals his mother would sometimes make.

Shifting his ears towards Atem, who was still in bed, Yugi made sure he was still asleep before he began to eat. Yugi had to seriously restrain himself from humming out in delight, though soft purrs seeped from his throat. The sky was colored deep pink when Yugi finished, though he had no head what to do with the fish bones or the bowl that once contained the cream.

Figuring he could wrap the bones in the leaf and despise of them when he had time Yugi froze in his actions. There, behind the leaf was writing, but not just any writing. Writing written in his language! Not bothering to question this Yugi silently read:

"I apologize for Pharaoh mistreating of you Desert Runner. He has not been himself for years. I hope the meal was filling. Yes, I am a human and yes I have had contact with your kin. Though many years ago. I will answer all your questions tonight if you can get to the east wing of the palace. Also just place the leftovers under Atem's bed. I'll take care of it."

Yugi was undoubtably baffled. As he finished shoving the leaf, bones and bowl under the Pharaoh's bed Yugi realized something. 'The person addressed Atem by name at the end of the message.' Yugi remembered Atem saying he didn't allow anyone call him by his name. Though… Yugi's eyes snapped towards the still slumbering Pharaoh. 'Perhaps a kin of the Pharaoh's? But then how would the Pharaoh's kin know of my race?' Yugi sighed after a moment. He was production more questioned then answers.

Figuring he could do with more sleep Yugi curled back onto the bit of rug at the foot of the bed, tail wrapping his waist, belly completely full for the first time in months and fell into a contest sleep.

XxXxXxXxXxXx

The sun, now risen halfway into the sky, woke Atem with its shining rays on his face. Groaning awake the Pharaoh lifted himself out of bed, going to ready for the day when he spotted something on the ground at the foot of his bed. As Atem readied to call for his guards the 'thing' moving over revealing a cute, furry face with a pink nose and large, pointy ears. A hairdo resembling him own yet no extra bangs going up and the tip violet. Reality then came crashing back down on him.

'That's right. Yugi, the…this thing…cat-boy, is now my servant and refuses to obey.' Rising to his feet Atem readied for the day and left Yugi alone on the floor. Part of him wanted to wake the arrogant bastard up which the other, and currently winning half demand he be let to sleep. Sighing Atem turned and left the room.

The day began with a silent breakfast then the council readied for the morning meetings. Criminals were sentenced, taxes were collected or the tax payers who couldn't pay were arrested where Atem sentenced there punishment from three years as palace servants or six years in the mine to life… Depending on his mood at the giving time of sentence.

It was lunch brake now. Everyone had there meals before having the remaining hour and a half to do as they wished before returning to the thrown room for noon meetings. Atem was on his was to his room. Upon entering he saw Yugi was still asleep.

Grumbling now, for he was not in the mood, Atem walked over to the peacefully slumbering creature and gave him a shape kick in the side. A yowl of pain ripped from Yugi as he strange away from the flaring ache in his ribs. Yet the movement causing his still bound wrists to jerk, in thus emanating another pain filled cry from the boy.

A moment later he lay there on his knees, curled up. His tail in-between his legs to try and hid the fact it was rubbed the new forming bruise the Pharaoh had so kindly given him.

"It's past noon boy. Get. Up." Looking into those blazing red eyes Yugi shivered fearfully and gulped before staggering to his feet. His tail still in-between his legs. Ear pinned back and eyes closed tight in attempts too try and forget the pain. Atem though kicked him again in the stomach, growling. "I said get up!" he ordered. Yugi whimpered but forced himself to rise. Once to his feet he stared down at the floor. Refusing to look up into the Pharaoh's eyes. Somehow this both amused and irritated Atem, but why he was irked he did not know. Snorting he hissed, "Now, are you going to obey slave and answer my questions?" Without looking up Yugi meekly nodded, Atem smirked. "Good."

Before he could repeat his questions from yesterday though, "But I still stand by what I said." His sharp gaze snapped up too meet Atem's and the Pharaoh was thrown back by the sheer force those eyes of his emanated. The fact his pupils where silted didn't help matters either. "I will not relinquish my origins to one who cares little of his own peoples lives. A being with no heart doesn't deserve to know my race."

Yugi's firm growl startled the Pharaoh, but it was his determined will and sheer lack of respect towards Atem that snapped the wire.

Before Yugi knew it he was slammed into the floor. A burning warmth erupted over his left cheek. With Atem pushed or slapped him, Yugi know not but the assault did not stop with that one hit. Two sharp kicks to him side follow before he was kicked in the stomach sending him flying to the side. Yet due to his bound to was viciously yanked back. The ropes clawing through the wrapping, tearing open the wounds and soaking the bandages with his blood. A wail of agony rang without the room and more then likely down the corridor.

"How dare you speak to me as such you filthy beast!" Atem roared.

The cat-boy coughed. Blood spat out. "Better to be a beast then a heartless monster of darkness," he murmured. Atem, though it was low and he had to strain his ears, heard. Rage boiled over his and his temper finally snapped.

Gripping one hand to the God Pyramid around his neck and thrusting the other out towards Yugi, "Be gone to the Shadow Realm!"

A massive beam of swirling black, blue and purple demonic energy shot out at Yugi. The boy wailed out in agony. Atem gave a small victorious grin before it was complete whipped off his face, replaced with astonishment. His stance faltered and his whole body shock was disbelief. "I-Impossible…"

Yugi's eyes were narrowed down at the beam, his hands blocking, as it trying to hold it back. Though what stunned Atem was that a Yugi's eyes were glowing white. Even narrow the Pharaoh could clear notice. Finally with a firm roar Yugi swiped at the shadow beam of magic reducing it to flickering lights of fading ash.

Once the last go the magic disappeared Yugi feel to his knees, panting. Atem could only stand there, watching, waiting. Believing now Yugi would turn on him. Atem didn't know the boy had such power. Power enough to cancel out his shadow magic with a mere swipe of his hand.

What Atem didn't know was that the beam caused Yugi actually damage. Though not physical, but spiritually. That and it was his 'claws' that ridded the black power. His hands themselves stung from the forced behind the magics attack.

A sudden intriguing grin spread over Atem's face. 'I can use him.' Untied the rope from the bed post, not fearing Yugi would attack seeing as hour warn he looked, Atem began to tug Yugi towards the door. "Come. You will remain with me in the throne room today." Not going to question this Yugi obeyed and followed. Besides, he might be able to sneak away or something to meet the human.

Atem wore a smug grin, believing he had managed to tame the boy.

Oh how wrong he was.

XxXxXxXxXxXx

The brake hour came and went and when it was only there Pharaoh missing the council began to wonder. Though there pondering was short lived as said ruler entered the room seconds later, dragging an all to willingly following Yugi behind him.

Isis gasped at the sight of the blood soaked bandages and bruises. Karim and Shada along with Seto shifted there eyes from there Pharaoh to the boy to utter shock. While Mahado gazed at Atem with bewilderment and Aknadin eyed Yugi with self shame.

No would could say anything though as Atem marched his way over to a posted spike with a chain a few feet from his throne. It was a place where, if the Pharaoh ever had a pet such as a lion or tiger, the animal would be chain there. And since Yugi in the since was his pet as well as an animal Atem only as it fitting.

Removing the ropes from his wrists and throat cuff Atem swiftly replaced it was a large, thick and heavy iron chain linking down to the metal spike completely slammed into the stone flooring. Yugi was silently grateful for the lack go rope. Atem sat at his thrown once he was finished. "Let's begin," and with that the noon meetings commenced.

Nothing truly eventful occurred. Atem felt with trading issues with other countries, the issue with Bakura's band of thieves. Yet Yugi discovered the only reason Atem bothered with this group was due to the fact they've stolen straight from him. Atem also felt with more taxation matters, plans on palace reservations. To where Yugi didn't know, and then about the issue of Atem needing an hire, which said Pharaoh visibly seethed and out right demanded no to discuss the issue further for day.

When all was set and done it was nearly early evening with Ra making his decent over the Earth. The throne rooms doors were thrown open following but loud cursing and shouting.

Atem rose to his feet, greatly pissed. "What is the meaning of this?"

"Pharaoh," one of three guards began, bowing as much as he could. "We captured this man stalking through your chambers after hearing noises." Atem's red glare shifted to the accused man and sure enough Atem felt that same presence from last night. That overpowering lust for blood.

The mans copper gaze flickered with pure rage. Long red hair tied back into a ponytail and caramel skin looked to all be layered with some sport of black dust. Maybe ash?

"What are you doing here?" Atem ordered. Though from the mans pressure he sensed he already knew.

Yugi too sensed the mans dark aura, though something wasn't right.

The man snarled, "You are the cause for her death!"

Atem, unaffected huffed. "And you saw it fit to attempt to assassinate me?" He ask in the burned tone. Yugi wondered, clearly this was not the first attempt at Atem's life, but why was he so confident?

"You condemn her father even though he's ill on his death bed to mining the rest of his life before you have Anat raped to death!? And you have the never to assume you have the right to live? You bastard!" The man roared. Yugi covered his mouth in horrifying shock. 'A-Atem didn't… He…He couldn't have…. A child?'

Atem though snorted, almost as if saying 'And I care?'

The man seemed to shift and stiffen awkwardly. Yugi noticed this instantly yet no one else did. "I'm ashamed he couldn't finish what he started ten years ago," the man spat venomously. Yugi noticed Atem visible flinch and the council, even the guard stiffen sharply. However, this was all the man needed.

He smashed his head against the guard behind him. Kicking the one to his left in the groin then elbowing the remaining on too his right in the face before pushing him square in the gut. ONce free the man took off at the charge. Though instead of aiming for freedom he went straight for Atem.

Instantly the council acted. Using there Millennial items attacked. Though Yugi's earlier premonition was conformed when the man easily and inhumanly dodged all there attacks.

Yugi's heart hammered. 'No!' He started pulling and tugging at the chains. Desperately trying to get free. The man kicked Isis in the chest sending her flying back with Shada following not far behind with a push to his face. Karim put up a bit of a better fight, even landing a blow to the man's arm, though to too met the floor.

Clawing frantically now at the chains Yugi's struggles became only more and more wild the closer the man got to the Pharaoh. A deep burning forming and and began to surface writhing the boy's chest. 'No! No! I can't let this happen!' Mahado was able to get the man on the arm where Karim hit and twice in leg and once on his shoulder before the man leapt into the air and side kicked the ring welder in the head. Sending him spiraling into the wall with a loud 'THUD'. Aknadin may be old, but the old man put up a decent fight. Even managing to strike the man in the gut once before he was slammed into a nearby pillar.

Eyes slitting, fangs baring, claws unsheathing, tail lashing, Yugi hissing and growled. Snarled and spat as his jaws clamped down on the chain in a feral method of ripping himself free. His eyes were emanating a soft, white glowing as he continued to struggling. Small clicks and cracks he heard as the metal began to start giving way. Seto charged at the man, his rod held out with the hidden spike unsheathed from its base. Ducking and dodging Seto swung the blades of his rod doubling with some shadow magic blasts. The man missed each black with easy, now able to read there flow patter, but the rods blades did get him over his chest and other arm. With a roar of rage the man thrust out his palms and with a straddling wave of unknown magic Seto was thrust into thrown steps. A loud crack echoed before the young priest fell still.

Yugi's eyes were now sheen-ed over a milk-white. His fang and claws thickening, lengthening. His fur bristling as he started crunching down on the metal links. Bending and denting themas the sharp snaps clicked clean off.

The man advanced on Atem. The young Pharaoh going for his God Pyramid only to have a sudden blade pierce his shoulder back against the throne. Blood leaked down, staining his clothes. Atem's red gaze burned and scorched deep within the man's blazing copper lights. Reaching before the Pharaoh the man raised a hand. Nail for before the rulers eyes shifted and grew into long, deadly claws. "Farewell Pharaoh," he spat bringing this claws down on him, aiming for the rulers throat.

CLINK

CLANK

SNAP

"Roar!