Beyond a Looking Glass.
Chapter two: Not so mute after all.
…
In all honesty, the reason the pharaoh had remained seated was only because of his long-life training in being composed; or else, he probably would've already bolted right out of the throne and ran into the thief's direction to ask at least a dozen questions about his looks.
It was just so surprising…In his whole life, everyone in Egypt had always been so different from him- and not only status-wise. Not once did he see anyone with gigantic star-shaped hair, nor blonde bangs, nor magenta layers of hair… heck, only the part of his hair that was black was normal, but with the shape, it blew everything away.
Now someone appeared before him with all of that combined? It was incredible, but in a rather creepy way.
And as anyone would've expected, the boy too was also having a rather hard time looking at the Pharaoh. He had once or twice heard from his grandfather and some of his acquaintances that he was similar to the ruler of Egypt, but not that he was almost identical. Even being completely physically and mentally beat up didn't distract him for the odd occurrence, although it did help make his head hurt more.
As Shimon and Atem stared at the young boy and the young boy stared back, the two guards that had brought the boy in noticed that he wasn't moving at all, and that his expression didn't ever change from shock. They both considered this an extremely offensive behaviour, and one of them proceeded to yank the chain that held the boy's wrists strongly enough for him to yelp.
"You're in the presence of the Pharaoh, thief! Do show your respect at once!" The man shouted, to which the boy squeezed his eyes closed, obviously pained and ashamed.
Once Atem had seen this reaction, he had absently-mindedly gotten up from his throne.
"Stop the aggression, the boy is already hurt enough!" The Pharaoh had yelled, much to his, Shimon's, the guard's and even the young boy's surprise. Said boy had weakly raised his head again, and filled Atem with a look of blind wonder, as if asking why had he yelled.
Atem wondered this, too. Just a second ago, he was honestly scared of having something like a doppelganger right in front of him- but when he had seen that the little one was so bruised and seemed so hurt…there was no way he could ever bring himself to even try to dislike him. Feelings of compassion were too hard for him to ignore.
Almost forgetting about what he had just said, Atem slowly sat back to his place and tried to break the uncomfortable silence that filled the throne-room, but saw the young boy, who finally seemed to realize who he was talking to, taking the initiative: he was weakly kneeling on his knees- left side of his body in front, as his grandfather had thought him-, pressing a hand into his chest and slowly bowing his head.
For some reason, even though a lot of people bowed to him on a daily basis, Atem felt quite flustered over having this one boy do that, seeing how damaged he seemed.
"N-No, that is fine…please, raise your head. There's no need for that at all." The pharaoh instructed, making Shimon turn his head at him.
"Pharaoh, I notice you a bit troubled over this..." The vizier said, quickly looking over both Atem and the boy, who was now awkwardly standing up again. Atem only nodded distractedly at what Shimon said, staring carefully at the boy, as if making sure he wasn't hurting himself while regaining the little to no composure he had. Shimon raised a curious eyebrow at the usually occupied- yet never truly fond look on the young Pharaoh's eyes.
The guards, unsure as to what to do, only looked at Shimon with confused stares.
"What should we do with the thief?"
Shimon gave them a thoughtful look, quite unsure himself. The boy had laid his tired eyes on the floor, waiting for the man's response and expecting some sort of punishment.
A moment of pondering passed, and Shimon finally cleared his throat to make an announcement. Strangely enough, the first to turn his head to him to hear this as clearly as possible was not the boy, but Atem.
"Well, given that the crime that was committed by this young one was neither serious nor too big, and that the merchandise was taken back to its rightful place, it would probably do best to let him go under a warning."
Aware of the way he had been mindlessly acting, Atem tried not to show the relief he felt at hearing this- and only sighed mentally. By looking at the 'thief', he could've sworn to seen the boy's eyes widen slightly in shock at the good news, and that he had detected the hint of a little relieved smile on the corner of his lips. And it was actually a quite endearing sight.
"…However," Shimon's voice continued, now sounding a lot firmer, and even alarming to the looks of the Pharaoh and the boy, "I think we all noticed the strong resemblance this one holds to the pharaoh." He said, looking over at the boy.
The guards only nodded stiffly, and Atem repressed the need to do so, to let Shimon continue.
"So I thought that the boy could perhaps go under a warning just after we call the six priests to perform a Millennium Trial on his soul. If nothing goes wrong, then he shall be free."
The boy only lifted his head a little; he had no idea what a Millennium Trial was, but seeing how he was promised an opportunity to go back home after being through with it, he couldn't help but to let out a rather deep sigh.
This, however, didn't remove the fact that he was feeling extremely guilty about the whole situation he was in, and mostly, that he couldn't understand the strange resemblance he held to the ruler of Egypt, nor why had such an important figure spoken up for him just a little while ago.
All that the boy knew for now was that he was thankful to the Pharaoh and his adviser for not being as hard on him as he feared they would be.
Atem, on the other hand, was rather bugged by Shimon's decision. He had seen Millennium Trials take place on that very same throne-room, and for what he had noticed, they were painful. Perhaps a little too painful for the little one in front of him, he thought.
"Shall we call the priests now, then?" Asked a guard, but before Shimon could even open his mouth to answer, Atem had already stood up from his throne, bearing a rather strict look on his eyes.
"No." He said, tone full of authority.
From the way the Pharaoh had said this, the guards couldn't help but to cringe a little and turn their heads at him- as did Shimon. The boy felt a little chill run down his spine when he heard this particular tone of voice out of the Pharaoh and locked eyes on him; admittedly a little afraid of what the young man would say. He heard the ruler talk only twice, and it hadn't been this particular way.
"Pharaoh, what are you saying?" Shimon asked with a bit of a frown, to which Atem actually paid no attention to and simply kept on looking at the guards as he spoke.
"Please listen to me, Shimon." He said, "I know it's rather early; nightfall is hours away, but I believe this day has been long enough for all of us. I'd suggest letting the boy eat, drink and rest, for the Trials are really exhausting to both victims and Priests. It would be better to have his judgment for tomorrow morning, at the least."
Both Shimon and the boy's eyes widened at Atem's suggestion. It was rare enough for the young man to be this thoughtful for a complete stranger since his trust was something completely hard to win, but to also act in such an improper way for a Pharaoh as serious as himself…
"Are you certain, Pharaoh?" Shimon asked, only to have Atem give a firm nod. Once the Pharaoh made up his mind about something, no force in the world would be able to hold him back- Shimon was probably the one person who knew this to be true more than anyone else in the world.
Despite the Pharaoh's kindness, the boy felt a little troubled- or more like he was causing trouble. He really wanted to say something against all of this; like that he shouldn't be allowed a meal or anything, and that as long as he could even walk back to his grandfather, everything would be okay, but…
But that intense look the young ruler had on his eyes was something that couldn't be fought back.
Just like anytime Atem would do or say something uncharacteristically reckless, Shimon pondered on what to answer for a moment, only to allow himself to sigh, seemingly not entirely satisfied with his decision.
"…Alright, we'll have it your way, Pharaoh." The old man said, composed as ever as he added, "The little one shall have something to eat, drink, and will be allowed to rest."
These were bittersweet news to the boy. Of course, he was literally dying for having at least a sip of water or a bite of anything, but he still felt guilty about the whole thing. On the other hand, Atem, pleased at having his order listened to, was able to release a bit of a smile.
"Thank you, Shimon, I really appre-"
"Under one condition, though." Shimon had again added- purposively in a more emphasized tone- , making Atem's satisfied expression turn into a small frown.
"…Shimon, it would be greatly appreciated if you didn't state your decisions halfway." The pharaoh muttered, sounding slightly annoyed, "What's this condition you speak of?"
After releasing a short laugh, Shimon simply turned to the guards, whom by know seemed honestly tired of waiting for their orders. "Men, you may leave now. There's no need to take the thief anywhere else. Thank you for your services for today." The vizier calmly said.
The guards couldn't help but to trade confused looks at the odd order, but nevertheless bowed in respect for both Shimon and Atem- leaving the end of the boy's chains to Shimon-, and finally took their leave. The boy was particularly grateful for this; he released a tiny sigh, and waited for Shimon's condition, too.
"Shimon, what is this all about?" Atem asked, and was quickly responded by having Shimon hand him the end of the thief's chains.
"Well, Pharaoh, since it seems to me that your behavior towards the boy seems far more concerned than any of the guards or even me…" Shimon said, staring firmly at Atem while doing so, "…Perhaps it'd be best if you were the one to make sure he gets what you ask for."
Both Atem and the boy's eyes widened at this- The boy seemed really troubled by the fact that he would be taking the Pharaoh from any of his duties for someone like him; Atem seemed pretty unsure of what to feel. If he was so eager to have the boy treated decently, why was he so uncharacteristically nervous about what to do for him?
"Well, you got your wish granted, Pharaoh," Shimon said with a bit of a grin, "You may do whatever you like next. "
The vizier was about to leave the throne-room, but before doing so, he made sure to pass the boy, and while passing Atem, he muttered: "Perhaps if you two are to talk, we may realize what the resemblance you hold to each other means…?"
Atem didn't answer this, as he watched Shimon walk away from the corner of his eyes. What, had his advicer just suggested that he had to use this boy? Surely, he wanted to understand too why they looked so much like the other, but it still felt wrong to treat him well just to get an answer of some sorts...
After Shimon had completely left the room, the boy and Atem were left alone.
Things were, to say the least, a little uncomfortable from there. The boy was obviously very embarrassed by being put in the care of someone like the Pharaoh, so he never really looked at Atem straight in the eye. That awful feeling of guilt and the concern for his grandfather and friends just wouldn't leave his head alone…
But on the contrary, rather than feeling nervous or anything of the sorts, Atem felt really awkward. He was used to take care of his people as a mass- but never of a single person at once. He sometimes wondered how was he able to live as a Pharaoh with such qualities.
"Erm," Atem started, trying to break the tension. The boy looked up to him, looking still a little intimidated. Atem only took a deep breath, and proceeded to remove the chains that held the boy's wrists so tightly. "Here, let me undo these..."
When the binds fell, the boy released a very relieved sigh, and rubbed his aching, hurt wrists with each hand. Atem smiled at the fact that he had once again seen that hint of a smile that the boy had once again unconsciously done; but it had been a small smile, since he could clearly see how the young boy's wrists were red from the pressure they had held. The poor boy had gone through so much pain in just a single day...and Atem didn't doubt that that pain probably was just a little more compared to what he had to go through everyday. A commoner's life was really hard, form what he had heard.
"Are you feeling better now?" The pharaoh hopefully asked.
The boy only nodded slowly, -looking really grateful, yet still a little afraid.
"I…can see how badly you were hurt," Atem said, trying his best to make the boy comfortable, "I would like to apologize for that- my guards can be very rough-, and well…"
He tried to continue, but the boy shook his head really slowly; as if saying there wasn't anything to be sorry for. Atem sighed, feeling like a rather useless advicer.
"Then…I guess you must be thirsty, or hungry. Follow me, I'll look for something." He said, as he started to walk out of the throne-room, and the boy had started- a little reluctantly at first-, walking behind him. It pained him, though, that he had just noticed that the boy's foot was bleeding. Maybe while running away from the guards…?
Atem was beginning to notice that the boy was actually a rather simple, humble soul. He couldn't really believe that the next day the Priests would perform a Millennium Trial on someone such as him, or that some sort of strange or bad Ka would emerge from him…it was all so hard to picture, yet…
His track of thoughts was cut when he heard a weak voice behind him. It was almost a whisper.
"Pha…raoh?"
Atem stopped his walking abruptly, and turned around to see that the boy had been the one who had spoken.
The boy was trying his best to look at him straight in the eye.
"Yes?" Atem responded, trying his best not to sound completely amazed; In the whole while the boy had been there, he hadn't said a single word. He had only made affirmative or negative noises, or yelped when a guard pulled on his chain…and the first time he had spoken, it was to call for him. It was all quite surprising, to say the least.
"I-I just…" The boy started, immediately looking and sounding bashful, "I…wanted to say thank you…For what you're doing for me…" He said.
Atem didn't really know what to answer, but didn't find himself in the need to do so, for the boy added something else.
"And I apologize for being such a bother…"
In reality, while this was a rather simple saying, Atem was rather flattered by the boy's words. This boy really was as humble as he seemed. Now he realized how light-hearted he was, too.
"No, there's nothing to thank or apologize for, little one…" He said, in a strangely kind tone. "I am the one in the urge to thank you, for your respect and gratitude."
When the boy nodded nervously, Atem thought of something. He still didn't even know who this young one was, when the boy probably knew everything about him.
"Although, there's something I'd like of you." Atem said, and the boy flinched a little.
"Um, if this is about materials…well, I'd gladly give away anything, but…"
"Oh, no such thing."
"Then…?"
Atem only released a small smile.
"I'd like to know your name."
The boy's eyes were filled with curiosity at such a simple task. The Pharaoh of Egypt could've asked for anything he'd ever want from him, yet he only wanted his name? It was all rather overwhelming, but still a little odd…
"Why would you like to know my name, your highness?" The boy asked, sounding a lot more nervous than he would've wanted to.
"It's simple." Atem stated, "Because it's yours."
Although it embarrassed him to no end, the boy couldn't help but to turn a little red on the cheeks. He wasn't used to this kind of kindness, since his friends and grandfather had their own particular ways of treating him. But the Pharaoh, on the other hand, for some reason, made him feel a lot more…special, in a way. Though this also made him feel, once again, a little guilty.
"Oh…w-well, my name is Yugi." The boy said, trying not to smile too much, "Yugi Mutou, actually…"
After Yugi had said this, Atem held out his hand.
"Yugi, eh?" Atem said, and grinned. Yugi was absolutely sure Pharaohs weren't supposed to grin as much, but ignored it, as the ruler nevertheless continued on, "Rather foreign name, if I might say so. As you may know, I am the Pharaoh Atem. It is my pleasure to meet you formally."
Yugi seemed reluctant at first, for he wasn't exactly sure he could handle this situation so quickly. Just a few hours ago he had stolen fruit from the marketplace, his whole body still ached, and he had realized that the Pharaoh was physically a stronger-looking version of himself- which was honestly scary, but...there wasn't something that wouldn't allow him to feel bad, in a way. After looking at Atem's hand firmly put in his direction, and that equally firm, yet somewhat warm look on the Pharaoh's eyes…it was hard to say no to anything he'd ever request for, or to feel that things wouldn't work out.
"…The pleasure is all mine, Pharaoh…" Yugi softly said, as he gave Atem his hand, to shake it.
With this, the meeting of two-of-a-kind was officially set.
…
xXx End Chapter xXx
AN: Hey guys~ Hope you enjoyed the second installment of this new fic. I'm enjoying the smooth pacing I'm having with the writing so far, but I'm sorry if anything seems awkward- like Atem's total attachment to Yugi upon knowing him for like a minute. It's all so Disney-ish I can't stand it. XD
Either way, I'm not completely sure if I'm keeping everything too OOC or if I'm doing well, or if everything seems somehow rushed, but so far I'm a little satisfied. C:
Stay tuned for more to come~! :D
Oh, and reviews are always read and appreciated. Anything at all you might comment is welcome to me; I want to make this enjoyable for everyone. X)
Tootles~!
