CHAPTER3
The promise
Before going, Téa returned once more and cried, "Hey, what is your name? You never told us"
"My name...my name is Bakura."
That day, when the children went back to their houses, they were all punished for going out alone and without any guards. The Pharaoh and Téa's uncle were really angry with them and not even Moba could sweet talk himself out of trouble. After lots of scolding and tears, it was decided that the children would no more be alone by themselves and even if someday they were allowed to go out of the palace, they should have at least 5 escorts.
The news of their punishment shocked all them but most of all, Téa was depressed; she couldn't stop thinking about poor Bakura and her promise to him. That night, after dinner the children were allowed to play with each other and so, Téa had a chance to talk to Seto and Atem about her failed promise. Upon seeing her tears, Atem and Seto promised her to find a way for her to at least meet Bakura one last time.
And so, next week, when it was time for her to go, Atem and Seto pretended to get into a fight as draw all attention to themselves. Using this opportunity, once again Téa fled from the palace to meet Bakura. When she arrived there, he was already waiting for them with an anxious expression that changed to a huge grin seeing Téa.
"Hey Téa!!! I almost thought you wouldn't come. Where are the others? Aren't they coming?"
She just looked at him with sorrowful eyes and began to explain. "Nobody is coming Bakura. I'm sorry."
"What do you mean nobody is coming? What happened? Is it because I am a poor orphan?"
Hearing this, Téa's eyes widened and she hurried to clear the misunderstanding, "no Bakura, that's not it. Last time, when we returned, my nanny was very mad at me and she told my uncle and the Pharaoh that we all went out without permission. So they were really mad at us and punished us so we cannot go out of the palace anymore. But Atem and Seto helped me to sneak out to come and tell you. And none of us cares who you are, you're our friend!!!"
Bakura felt a little bit ashamed from his reaction and tried to console the now crying Téa.
"Shhhh, don't cry. I'm sorry for not trusting you and being mean to you. Listen, if you stop crying, I'll try to come to the palace sometimes and play. What do you think?"
Sniffing, Téa looked up and smiled at him. "Really? You promise? I'm so happy I must hug you!!!"
She threw herself at him, catching him by surprise and thus landing them both on the ground laughing.
'I promise Téa, I promise.' he thought to himself while hugging her.
And so, years passed and we were all happy with each other. Until one day,
"Téa! Seto! Moba! Atem! Come here quickly."
"Oh oh, what have we done this time?' asked Moba.
"I don't know little brother but we better go or the pharaoh will be angrier with us." replied Seto as he broke into a run.
"He is right; father is scary when he is angry. Even scarier than your uncle Téa." Said Atem running with them.
"Yeah I know. I just hope they won't keep us too long, Bakura may come today and I don't want to make the poor boy come again tomorrow. The new guards are real mean." said Téa while panting and running toward the throne room.
When they all arrived, they were shocked and speechless. Before them, on the ground, were a bunch of people badly beaten and bloody. Téa gasped upon recognizing Bakura and his uncle and aunt who were his only family in the middle of the mass.
Téa's uncle and the Pharaoh were speaking in hushed tones between themselves. When they saw that they were standing in the doorway, they both smirked.
"Come here my children. Fear not these people. They are only some good for nothing, scum thieves. But I believe you know at least some of them, eh Téa? You seem horrified and surprised. Tell me, which one of these filths is known to you?" Sneered the pharaoh.
Téa's uncle seemed to enjoy their little game, so he continued, "Yes Téa, tell us how you know them? Maybe they have stolen something from you? Or one of your friends? I don't believe so; they aren't that good as thieves. But maybe you know them on a completely different level, maybe the little one is one of your toys? No? Is he a friend?" saying this, he laughed cruelly and T'a started to see everything blurry from behind the curtain of tears.
"No uncle, I beg you. Please let him and the others go. They have done nothing to us. Please great Pharaoh, have mercy with them."
Without paying her any attention, the Pharaoh got up and went to the prisoners, nodding his head to one of the guards; the guard pulled Bakura to his feet and dragged him in front of the Pharaoh's feet.
"So, you are the piece of filth that comes to my palace every two or three weeks.Hm, I believe I have seen you before. Yes, now I remember, you are from that village that was massacred years ago, if I am correct, you were the sole survivor. I am sure you will be happy to know that the death of your family and friends helped me to create the millennium items." Then the Pharaoh kicked Bakura so hard he went flying to the wall.
"But it seems that you still have someone from your family. Well, shall we remedy that? Guards slaughter everyone but this boy and make sure he watches. Téa's uncle continued laughing with the Pharaoh and turned towards Téa and her friends. "Now Téa, you must learn not to hang out with commoners. You can thank Atem for telling us about this dirty rat; without him we wouldn't have been able to capture these people."
Téa stared at Atem, not believing what her uncle was saying. Seto and Moba were shocked as well. But no one was as surprised as Bakura; he was shaking with anger and began cursing Atem loud enough for everyone to hear. "What have I ever done to you, you worthless piece of junk? Why couldn't you see me happy? Answer me damn it! I swear, one day you will pay for this. Mark my words."
Téa who was still crying saw that the Pharaoh was angered that Bakura dared to talk like that with Atem and became more afraid for his life. So she ran and threw herself at the pharaoh and her uncle's feet, pleading them to spare Bakura.
"Please uncle. Please Pharaoh, have mercy with him. He is still a child. He is only 13 years old. I beg you, let him go. He has saved my life many times; I can assure you he is not bad at all. I'll do anything."
The pharaoh looked at her thoughtful before replying. "It is not my decision. Only Atem himself can decide that. My son, what do you want to do with this prisoner?"
"I will set him free, unharmed if he apologizes. If not, he will be punished severely but still I'll free him. I am not that coldhearted. What do you say, Bakura?"
"I will never apologize to you. You may be the future Pharaoh but you're not worth ruling this country. Remember my words."
"As you wish. Guards, take him to the dungeons and punish him, but don't kill him. When you're finished, get him out of here."
As the guards bowed and went to take Bakura with them, the sound of a slap was heard and suddenly everything went quiet.
It was Téa who had slapped Atem. She was breathing hard and shaking with barely contained anger.
"How dare you? How could you? He has done nothing to you but you still betrayed our friendship. I hope you are happy and proud of yourself. I hate you and I don't want to have anything to do with you anymore. Bakura is right, you are an arrogant jerk who doesn't deserve ruling Egypt." Said Téa while broking down to sobs, before continuing, "I am sorry Bakura, I never knew. I hope you will forgive us. I know for a fact that Seto and Moba would never betray you either."
She turned and ran out of the room, Seto and Moba ran after her, but not before looking at Bakura with an encouraging smile and a look of disdain for Atem. When they were gone, the guards dragged the prisoners toward the dungeons and the two elder men approached Atem.
Placing his hand on Atem's shoulder, the pharaoh spoke, "you made the right decision my son. Don't worry about your friends. They will understand your motives someday. Now go to your chambers and let that bruise be taken care of."
Atem nodded and bowed before disappearing behind the massive doors and heading for his chambers.