Akai: Guess who's back.
RRP: Back again.
Akai: We are back.
RRP: Tell your friends... Wait a second... how long were we away?
Akai: How should I know... I'm not the one who keeps count. Anyway, thanks to the guys who reviewed and stuff.
RRP: Let's hope you all survived those vampire monkeys..
Akai: -.-' Oh Ra.. Red, just be quiet and let these guys read...
RRP: OK!
Akai: -.-'
DISCLAIMER!: WE DON'T OWN YU-GI-OH!
Chapter 4
The two girls turned to face him. Both wore sweet smiles as they greeted him;
"Good Morning Prince!"
Atem looked at them, they were... so familiar to him. But how were they connect to him, by the looks on their faces they knew him quite well. But Atem, he could not make the connection to them.
"Prince, come down to the river! Mahad and Mana are waiting for us!" The green eyed girl said.
"Yes, come on!" the brown eyed girl agreed, pulling on his arm.
The Prince nodded and allowed the girls to pull him in the right direction laughing the entire way. The next thing the soon-to-be king knew, he was being thrown face first into the water.
Splash!
X
Yugi slowly pushed open the door to Atem's room, he was getting later at waking up these days. As he expected Atem was curled up in bed, the covers pulled up to his chin, he was breathing gently, and there was a smile on his face. Honestly, he looked very cozy under there, but alas, all good things much come to an end. A wicked grin appeared on Yugi's face and he got on to his knees. Crawling across the room and positioned himself next to Atem's head. Yugi leaned over and blew into the former Pharaoh's ear. His reaction was priceless. Atem jerked and jumped from shock. He jumped so much that he hit his head, hard, against the wall. His hands flung to the effected spot, and rolled over to look at his attacker.
Yugi was laughing, tears leaking from his eyes, "I'm sorry! But I had to!"
Atem sat up, one hand still covering the injured spot, "Whatever happened to gently waking someone?"
Yugi smirked and walked to the doorway, "Come on, we've got to leave soon."
He then retreated downstairs while Atem got himself dressed and made his way downstairs. He still had a hand to his head once he came down. Yugi snickered and approached him. Moving Atem's hand, Yugi discovered a nice bruise developing on the spot just above his left eye. Yugi laughed again and pushed Atem down onto the sofa before fetching an ice pack for him. While Atem sat there nursing his head, Yugi was packing their stuff up.
"I blame you." Atem stated.
"Why? I did nothing." Yugi grinned at him.
The other scowled at him while Yugi just laughed. While Yugi was doing the last bit of packing, Atem's thoughts returned to his dream. He had seen those two girls again just like the night before. As they kept appearing in his dreams it had left the once king with the feeling that these girls were definitely from his past. That was probably why he thought them so familiar to him but there was also the fact that he was sure had seen those same faces recently. Unfortunately he could not remember when, sighing he shrugged it off. He would figure it out. Someone's hand appeared in his eye line, bringing him out of his thinking. Grandpa had appeared and was curious as to why Atem had an ice pack on his head. Removing it, he discovered a rapidly turning black bruise developing on Atem's forehead. The bruise extended from his eyebrow to his hair line and was expanding.
"Whoa there, now how on earth did you accomplish that?" Grandpa laughed, replacing the ice pack.
Atem simply pointed at Yugi, who was wearing a way too innocent expression. Grandpa shook his head and ruffled Yugi's hair as he passed him.
A matter of minutes later the pair left the house, with Atem spotting a now impressive bruise. They met up with Tea along the way who inquired to the bruise. After getting the answer Tea just laughed and applauded Yugi, who was rewarded with a swat to the back of the head by Atem. On the way to school Atem tried to ignore the dizziness and slight headache he was feeling. Once they reached school Atem parted from the other to meet up with Kari, like he always did in the morning. The others watched him go.
"That is one love struck Pharaoh." Tristan commented.
"Did he say anything at home Yug?" Joey asked.
Yugi shook his head, "No, but he gets very red when I bring it up."
"The King has found love!" Joey proclaimed.
They all laughed and walked inside.
First lesson of the day was English. Which only meant one thing, Atem had to endure Kate. He was beginning to lose his patience with her. He tried to keep his head low as Kate entered the class. The last thing he needed was her... being her. He couldn't deal with her on top of nursing a pounding headache.
"Morning Atem." Her voice floated over to him.
Atem muttered morning back to her, trying not to look at her.
"You ok?"
He nodded, praying that she would stop. But she did not and it seemed she had spotted the bruise on his head.
"Oh my, what happened to you?!"
"I'm ok, just leave me be. I'm fine."
Kate frowned, "Ok, but I'm watching you." She smirked and walked to her seat.
Atem mentally sighed; he could deal with her stares as long as she said no more. He couldn't deal with her constant talking, not today. The teacher walked in and began the lesson. During the lesson Atem tried his hardest to concentrate but the constant pounding in his head was making it difficult to concentrate. The bell ringing loudly at the end of the class didn't help either. The noise bounced around his head but it passed and he went off to his next class, science.
Once there, Atem took his seat and gently rubbed his head. Kari came and took her seat and was about to gently hit him on the shoulder to draw his attention but the look on his face stopped her.
"Atem, are you ok?"
Atem nodded, "I'm fine."
Kari frowned; she wasn't buying that, "Does your head hurt?"
"Yeah, I've got a headache and I'm slightly dizzy."
Kari was really concerned for her friend now, "Atem, go see the nurse."
"No, I'm fine. I'll be ok."
Kari really wasn't buying this but she knew that Atem could be stubborn at times. She was going to keep an eye on him. As it turned out they were doing a practical that lesson, this would not help Atem's situation. The noise of the chattering class got to him, he was walking back to his seat when he stumbled and fell. But he did not hit the ground, Kari had caught him. The teacher came over as Kari got Atem to sit down.
Kari explained the situation to the teacher. The teacher instructed her to get a glass of water while he spoke to Atem.
"Atem, do you feel sick? You look pale."
Atem nodded, slightly. The teacher put a hand of his shoulder as Kari returned with a glass of water, giving it to Atem.
"Atem, drink that slowly and then Kari, take him to the nurse." The teacher said.
Kari nodded. The teacher patted Atem's shoulder before moving away to take control of the class who were gawking at the scene before them. Kari knelt in front of Atem as he drank slowly. He did indeed look pale. She had known that this was more than a simple headache. Once Atem had finished drinking, Kari gently led him to the nurse.
X
Kari was holding Atem up as they were on their way to the nurse, which, unfortunately, was all the way across the school.
"Atem, I knew you were stubborn but come on, really?" Atem chuckled a bit. "That laugh… eh, whatever!" Kari thought.
"Sorry, I just didn't think this would happen."
"Stupid… you always expect the unexpected." Atem went wide eyed.
"Ok, I know I've heard that somewhere!" Atem groaned as he tried to remember.
"Don't think too much. You could have a concussion."
"Joy…" Kari quietly giggled. "Ugh…" Atem quickly brought his hand to his head.
"What's wrong?!" She felt him tense up rather quickly.
"T-that laugh… I think… ugh…" The pain went away and he put his hand down. "Nothing Kari, sorry for scaring you." Kari scoffed.
"Nothing scares me Atem."
"Really now, nothing scares you?" he asked with a smirk and a raised eyebrow.
"That's right. I might be a girl, but I don't scare easily." Atem chuckled.
"Well, would you mind if I tested that?" Kari raised an eyebrow to his question.
"Uh… I don't think you can especially in your condition."
"Not now, when I'm better." Kari laughed.
"Sure, but you'll just be wasting your time." Atem chuckled.
"We'll see about that." The two continued their walk.
X
They arrived at the nurse and Atem was given a bed to lie down on. The nurse confirmed that Atem was suffering from concussion. Kari had quickly gone back to the science lab to collect their things before she returned and sat with Atem. The nurse had given Atem an ice pack and was in the process of ringing Grandpa.
"I told you." Kari said.
"Come again?"
"I told you that you had a concussion. What did you do?" Atem groaned remembering Yugi's little stunt.
"Let's just say my cousin isn't good at waking people up."
"Let me guess, he blew in your ear." Atem quickly looked at her wide eyed. Kari then took out another ice pack.
"H-how…" Kari giggled. "Oh my Ra, when this concussion is over, I must find out where I've heard that laugh from!"
"I've had to wake my sister up you know." Atem chuckled.
"That explains everything." he said jokingly. They both laughed for a moment. Kari then sat on the bed while replacing the ice pack. She took Atem's hand to move the old ice pack and placed the new one on his head. Good thing for Atem that she did. When she took his hand, his face quickly turned red.
Silence befell them. Though, it wasn't awkward, it was… nice. When Kari moved the ice pack up to cover the entire bump, she found herself looking at his eyes. Something about them caused her deep longing. Atem noticed her looking and found himself looking back. This is the first time he'd ever been this close to her let alone looking at her eyes. Everything seemed to just disappear for the moment. Purple met brown in an all-out war for dominance and, strangely enough, brown was losing. Something inside Kari was weakening.
"No, I have to stay strong!" she thought. But, they then heard the door open and Kari moved away. "Phew…"
It was the nurse who had entered the room again, followed by someone new.
"Atem, your grandfather's here."
Grandpa came over to Atem and gently smiled at him.
"Come on, let's get you home."
Grandpa gently helped Atem to get to his feet. Atem was still pale and looked disorientated, but he smiled at Grandpa in greeting. Kari got to her feet and followed the pair. Once Grandpa had settled Atem in the car he turned and took Atem's things from Kari.
"Kari, can you find Yugi and tell him what's happened?" asked his Grandfather.
Kari nodded. "Count on it." She watched as Grandpa got into the car and drove off. Sighing, she turned and went back inside. It was break time and there were students everywhere. This made finding Yugi a lot harder then she had expected. But she eventually tracked him down. Key thing to remember when looking for either one; look for the pointy multi-colored hair.
"Yugi!"
Yugi turned, "Kari! Is it true that Atem collapsed in science? Is he ok?"
"He's fine, but he has gone home. Your grandfather told me to come and tell you. He picked up Atem about five minutes ago."
"But what happened?" Joey asked, concerned for his friend.
Kari explained what had happened to them. But she did not know that her twin was nearby listening to every word. Kate glared at her sister. Kari should have come to get her when Atem had gone to the nurse, he would have wanted her.
Yugi practically sprinted home; his concern for Atem had been growing throughout the day. His mind had been imagining the worst. Currently he was half convinced that Atem was in hospital having brain surgery. But he pushed that thought away because he knew Atem would be ok... right? Upon arriving at the Game Shop, Yugi found Grandpa behind the counter sorting packs of cards.
"How's Atem?" He asked, anxiously.
"He's fine Yugi, he's better then he was earlier."
"How was he earlier?"
"He was pale and disorientated; I was half convinced he was actually going to be sick at one point. But he didn't. He's in the living room now probably sleeping, I'm not sure."
Yugi nodded, racing off to the stairs. Once he reached the top he caught sight of Atem and sighed in relief. Dropping his bag, he moved over to his friend and sat in front of him. Atem was sleeping, his head resting on a pillow and covered with his duvet which Grandpa must have brought down. He was still a little pale but color was slowly returning.
Yugi gently took hold of Atem's hand; this caused the sleeping figure to stir. His eyelids fluttered slightly before opening. Atem smiled sleepily at Yugi.
"Oh god, Atem! I'm so sorry I didn't mean to!"
Tears leaked from Yugi's eyes, he bent his head so his forehead was touching Atem's hand. Atem saw Yugi and chuckled.
"It's ok Yugi. I'm alright, it was an accident. No harm done. But next time, try a more gentle approach when waking someone."
Yugi nodded, wiped away his tears before wrapping his arms around Atem. Atem laughed at Yugi's way of apology, squishing someone into forgiveness.
X
"Kate? Seriously! What is wrong with you?"
"When Atem went to the nurse's office, you should have come to get me! That's what he would have wanted!"
Kate rolled her eyes at her sister, "Actually, I think you'll find that Atem wanted Yugi as Yugi's his cousin! Why would he want you fussing over him while he was waiting to be taken home?"
"He didn't need Yugi. He wanted me! I should have been there!"
"Oh my god Kate! It's like you're obsessed with him, he doesn't want you! He never will, so just give it up!"
Kate glared at her sister before walking off to her bedroom. Shutting the door she began to pace up and down. As she was pacing his failed to notice the shadowy figure appear in the corner of the room. The figure observed Kate for a moment before the girl's eyes found it. Kate gasped.
"Greetings Kate."
"W-Who are you?" Kate observed her intruder and saw a faint resemblance. Everything except their skin color and clothes were the same.
The figure came closer, "I am your ancestor. My name is Katia. I understand you know a certain boy named Atem."
Kate nodded slowly.
"Well, it would interest you to know that he is not of this time. He is an Ancient Egyptian Pharaoh and I... I was his beloved. Well I should have been but my sister got in the way."
Kate nodded, "Mine as well."
Katia came even closer to Kate, "Help me Kate, and allow me use of your body so I can get my dear Pharaoh back to where he belongs, with me, no… us. If you do then I will share all the memories of the happy times that I have with you."
Kate wasn't really listening anymore. She was lost in Katia's eyes, like those eyes were putting a spell on her. Without really knowing what had been said, Kate murmured 'Yes', and that was when everything changed.
X
Kari collapsed on her bed deep in thought of the events that occurred today.
"His… eyes… his eyes were so…" At that moment, a figure appeared in the corner of the room.
"Full of life, determined, soul piercing, and the list goes on." Kari quickly sat up.
"Who are you and what do you want?!" Kari demanded. The ghostly figure, that looked a lot like her, bowed to show her that it means no harm. Kari was amazed at the resemblance. This stranger wore somewhat old clothing, her skin was tan while Kari's was pale, and their hair was put in the same position, back and out of the way.
"I, my dear, am Karina, your ancestor." Kari was in shock.
"M-my ancestor? How do I know you're not lying?!" Kari stood up ready to defend herself.
"My, you have my fighting spirit alright. Anyway, hmm… ok! You have a twin sister with green eyes who at times you believe to be your opposite. Whatever you like, she likes the opposite. Well, except this case anyway." Karina winked at her.
"Is that all you know? And what do you mean 'except this case'?"
"Do you know someone named Atem?" Kari nodded. "Kari, you must listen to me! Many things are going to happen and you are the only one to stop them!"
"I don't understand. First, how do you know Atem? And you still didn't answer me." Karina laughed nervously.
"Hahaha, well, he's a 5000 year old ancient Egyptian Pharaoh who sealed himself-"
"Away, within the millennium puzzle." Kari rubbed her head. "H-how do I know that?"
"Kari, I'm your ancestor and I have given you all my knowledge. My knowledge of the past, of fighting, and everything you need to know. You must stop the evil Kari. Oh and… what I meant before was that… you and your sister like opposite things. But in this case, you like the same thing… or person rather." Before Kari could reply, Karina disappeared.
"Ok Karina, I'll do it. I understand." Kari sat in her bed, taking in all of this new found information. "Ugh… I knew we should've stayed in Canada. But no, mom wanted to come here since it's the only place in the world we haven't been to yet." Kari laid back on her bed and fell asleep.
X
"So, I understand that you want the Pharaoh back in the afterlife?" said Katia.
"I do." replied a shadowed figure.
"Well, I believe I can help with that"
"Good, I know just how to do it."
X
It is late at night and Atem is having yet another Egypt dream. This one was of his tragic confrontation with Zorc, the dark one.
"Pharaoh!"
Long dark brown hair tickled his face and a pair brown eyes hovered above the amethyst eyes of the Pharaoh. That girl he keeps seeing was crying already as she took in the appearance of her friend.
"You did it, Atem."
Atem gazed up at her, "No, I didn't..." Even if he had no idea who she was, he knew her to be a friend. Therefore treat her as such. Though, a strange feeling ran through him that she was no ordinary friend.
She grasped the Pharaoh's hand, "What do you mean?"
"I didn't defeat him, I sealed him..."
"But that's good… isn't it?"
Atem shook his head weakly.
"The price of Zorc's imprisonment is my soul. I will be sealed into the Millennium Puzzle."
The girl opened her mouth but nothing came out, instead she pressed her forehead against his. Tears fell from her eyes. She could hear Atem's labored breathes, she knew that he didn't have much time.
"Atem, there something I want to you to know."
The darkness was calling to the Pharaoh, he didn't have long. Atem had felt he had one more thing to say but wondered if he had enough time to say it, even though he wasn't sure of what to say.
"I should have said this earlier. But I've never took my feelings into to consideration. I need to say it and now I need you to know this. I… I…" Atem became tired and closed his eyes. "I love you."
"Karina!" Atem's eyes shot open and he quickly sat up in his bed. He was sweating, his heart was racing, and he was breathing heavily. His white tank-top shirt was on the verge of being damp. "W-was that…?" Then he heard a knock at his door. "Come in." The door opened and it was revealed that it had been Yugi who knocked. "Is something wrong Yugi?" He then noticed Yugi's expression. It had one word written all over it.
Devious.
Atem raised one eyebrow to this. "Yugi…?" He came in and closed the door.
"Karina, oh Karina, Karina!" said Yugi. Atem blushed bright red as he watched Yugi laugh until tears leaked from his eyes and became blue in the face.
"It isn't funny Yugi." he simply stated. Yugi relaxed and sat on the bed next to his friend.
"What happened, who's Karina, and that must've been one heck of a dream Atem." Atem nodded and then became wide eyed. He remembers the two girls! The shock of the dream must've reconnected his memories. "Atem?"
"Uh… right," Atem explained everything to Yugi. The young Mutou was dumbfounded at all the information behind the twins. Yugi then smiled maliciously. "What?"
"Kari and Atem sitting in a tree,"
"Yugi!" Atem's face quickly went red.
"K-I-S-S-I-N-G! First comes love, then comes marriage, then comes the baby in the baby carriage!" Yugi fell off the bed from laughing so much. Atem blushed bright red at Yugi's… comment.
"Really Yugi?" Yugi then sat up on the floor.
"I came in here to tell you that Gramps doesn't want you to go to school today."
"B-but…!" Yugi raised a brow with a smirk.
"B-but you don't wanna miss a glorious day at school, missing the glorious Kari!"
"Grr… hmm, and I bet you don't want to keep Tea waiting right?" Atem said with a smirk of his own. Yugi cringed, making fun of Atem was… well… fun and all, but forgetting Tea, uh-oh! Yugi then ran out of the room leaving a very smug ex-pharaoh behind. "Exactly." He then laid back in his bed, putting his hands behind his head.
X
"Kari!" yelled Yugi. Kari stopped and turned to see him walking towards her.
"Hey, how's it going Yugi?" She happily replied. The two began walking to the cafeteria for lunch.
"Good, but Atem isn't in the best mood today though." Kari laughed.
"Gee I wonder why Yugi." Yugi rubbed his head while laughing a little.
"Right, I guess he told you huh?"
"He didn't have to. That whole thing had you written all over it." They both laughed.
"Yeah well, I want to try to make it up to him but I need your help." Kari blinked in confusion.
"Oh, well what do you want me to do then?"
"Would you mind coming to my house?"
"No I wouldn't actually. I have wanted to have some time away from Kate, she's been acting weird, even for her." Yugi then began sprinting away. "Yugi, what's the plan?!"
"After school, meet me and the others in the front! Thanks Kari!" Yugi was then out of ear-shot and sight.
"No problem I guess." Kari just shrugged it off and made her way into the cafeteria. She then found a spot next to the window and sat there. "I have to be on high alert now. There's something Karina didn't tell me. Maybe I should see Atem. He might know considering he knew her or he should know her at least."
X
It is now the end of the day and Kari was waiting for Yugi and the others. She then felt a hand on her shoulder, it was Kate though.
"Hello Kari, what are you doing?" said Katia pretending to be Kate.
"Kate, I'm just going to do something with a friend and then I'm going home." Katia looked at Kari with Kate's eyes and then left. "I have to be more careful."
"Good, you have acquired my sensing ability. You feel something off in Kate's Ba or energy do you not?" asked Karina. Kari simply nodded and noticed Yugi and the others walking to her. "About time you guys got here! I was beginning to think I was ditched."
"Sorry, Joey and Tristan went back to the cafeteria to see if they had more food." explained Tea. Kari rolled her eyes as Joey and Tristan 'HEY' Tea, who smugly stuck her tongue out.
"We should get going guys." said Yugi. Everyone nodded and began making their way. Along the way, Kari made sure Kate wasn't there.
"Remember Kari-" Karina was interrupted by Kari.
"Expect the unexpected." Karina nodded proudly at her descendant. They then came upon a game shop. Yugi opened the door and was greeted by his grandfather. His grandfather then noticed Kari.
"Well, hello there. What's your name again?"
"I'm Kari sir." Gramps chuckled at the fact he was called a 'sir'.
"Just call me gramps. Everyone does!" Kari smiled and nodded.
"Uh ok, gramps." Yugi's grandfather laughed.
"Hey gramps, where's Atem?" asked Yugi.
"Atem, he's up in his room. He said that he will be studying his material for the classes he's struggling with."
"Didn't he help you here?"
"Of course he did! That was the first thing he did today! He swept the shop, helped me do inventory, helped me with the laundry, he even cooked without me!" Everyone was surprised by this. Atem sure was handy. Yugi smiled, this was good for his image for Kari. "After he finished, he went upstairs."
"Ok, come on guys. Let's go thank him." Everyone nodded and followed Yugi upstairs. They then came to Atem's room. Yugi knocked on the door and heard a 'come in'. Yugi opened the door and saw Atem at his desk. He was scratching his head, trying to make sense of a mathematics problem. He was wearing his usual black muscle t-shirt so you were able to see his muscles tense when he got frustrated. "Hey Atem!" Atem turned and saw all his friends.
"Glad you all could make it. I made enough food for everyone here thankfully." Atem stood up and put his books away. He then turned and saw them smiling at him. "What?" Joey, Tristan, Tea, and Yugi moved out of the way to reveal Kari. Atem's face heated up quickly and he turned on his heel to face his desk again. "I had a feeling but… ugh, why Yugi why?" He turned back around after the heat left his face. "Hello Kari."
"Hey Atem." She walked towards him. "Yugi tells me you were feeling kind of down today." Atem mentally glared at Yugi who just gave him a peace sign in return.
"He did, did he?" Kari nodded.
"I missed my lab partner today." Atem chuckled. Atem and Kari were in such a deep conversation, they failed to notice Yugi and the others leave and close the door. When the door closed, that was when they were aware. "Atem,"
"Yes?"
"I have to know something."
"What is it?" Kari was trying to find the right words to say what was on her mind, but couldn't get the right words together. That was when Karina appeared beside her. Atem went wide eyed.
"What is it Atem?" Kari followed his gaze to Karina. "Y-you can see her?" Atem nodded slowly and walked towards her.
"Hello Atem." saidKarina.
"Karina?" she nodded. "What are you doing here?" Karina then looked at Kari. "I don't understand."
"Atem, I know your memory has faded but please, try to remember."
"Remember what?" Kari and Atem asked. Atem then cringed.
"Kari, is this what you wanted to know? Did Karina tell you who I really am?" Kari nodded. "I bet you were pretty scared when you found out." he smirked.
"Nice try, but no." she said with a smirk of her own.
"It's true Atem. She showed no signs of fear." Atem chuckled.
"Wow, she really is your descendant." All three laughed that time. "Karina,"
"Yes,"
"I did hear you." Karina gasped, knowing exactly what he meant.
"But, it is no longer my time. Therefore I must forfeit to someone new." They both looked at Kari.
"What?" asked Kari.
"Nothing, Karina, why aren't you in the afterlife?" asked Atem.
"She's back Atem."
"Who is Karina?"
"Katia," Atem went wide eyed now fully understanding the situation.
RRP: *doing a weird dance*
Akai: OK, what is it now?!
RRP: OPPA GANGNAM STYLE!
Akai: 0.o! You weren't even dancing to that...
RRP: I am now.. hehehehehehehhehee!
Akai: ... Grrreat -.-'. So please review and if anyone knows how to get Red to stop dancing please let me know...
RRP: I'M SEXY AND I KNOW IT!
Akai: ... Help me...