Beads of Tears
Chapter Nine
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Chained memories. These words repeated themselves constantly. The boy's mind felt empty. Something felt void, something was missing. Why had Joey and the others treated him like a priceless vase?
Sighing under is breath, Yuugi shoved his hands into his pockets. The teen found everything confusing. His body ached dully, bandages constricting around his ribs. Many things were beginning to add up, including the bandages.
Apparently Sugoroku had taken him to the hospital, body broken from his excursion with the ocean. Silently, Yuugi continued his trek, stopping in front of an all familiar site.
Wood littered the area. Remains of the precious keepsakes lay hidden within debris. Yuugi couldn't find himself without grief. Every emotion coursed through his heart. However, fear and grief held greater contrast.
Fear, naturally fueled his body. Fear held of the ocean and its murky depths. Shivering at the mere thought, the nineteen-year-old averted his attention, dodging yellow 'caution' tape. Rules held no authority today, at least in Yuugi's eyes.
His body moved at its own will, jumping carelessly around the damaged pier. Yuugi couldn't help any of his motives. Pure instinct drove the teen's every movement. Although, Yuugi couldn't help feeling frightened.
According to Joey, this pier became dangerous after another history making storm hit previously.
Carefully, Yuugi walked across a clear path, bypassing the remains of a boat rental sign.
Eyes locked onto a familiar area (an area he knew quite well,) a place where Seto had asked him out, years before.
Silently, Yuugi leaned against the dense railing, violet eyes staring at the surface of aquamarine water.
Yuugi sighed, tucking away his bangs behind each ear. A smile crossed his features at the reflection projected of him in the water.
Tricolor hair disheveled, bangs tucked behind both ears and gorgeous exotic crimson eyes glowing eerily.
Wait… Crimson eyes? Realization struck, sending Yuugi barreling over board.
Yuugi's small body plummeted into the salty depths, water coursing into his mouth.
Fear treaded through his system. Adrenaline pounded through every ounce of his being. He felt light-headed.
Fearfully, the nineteen-year-old scrambled through the water, flailing as he broke the water's surface.
Taking in deep breaths, Yuugi swam uneasily, latching onto a lone rock. The water was icy cold, hardly matching that of Avalon's warm weather.
Shivering slightly, Yuugi pulled himself fully onto the rocky mass. Although, completely unaware that a pair of eyes observed his every movement. Against better knowledge, Yuugi pulled his shirt off, sighing in relief.
'My wounds don't hurt today. I wonder why?'
For a moment, he merely gazed up at his pier breathing heavily. Swimming short distances took toll on his energy.
"I hate the ocean. Above all, I hate getting wet."
Smirking to himself, Yuugi leaned back, propping himself onto his elbows, feet brushing against the water.
Maybe his statement was harsh. However, Yuugi didn't care… today that is.
"Harsh words coming from an Atlantian prince."
This statement sent chills down Yuugi's spine. He almost fell off the rock, if not for a pair of strong arms anchoring his small body.
Warmth radiated from the slightest touch, a blush marring baby soft cheeks. Warm breath fanned against the shell of Yuugi's ear. A baritone chuckle echoed through the drums of his ears.
"Did you really believe you I wouldn't find you again, little violet?"
Something brushed suggestively against the boy's legs, something odd in feeling and texture.
'What the hell?'
Gathering courage, violet eyes looked onto the legs, taking in an odd appearance. A sparkling crimson-toned tail brushed against Yuugi's legs, suggestively one might add.
Breath hitching from this sensuous touch, Yuugi maneuvered himself free from Yami's grasp, turning towards said man with wide eyes.
A mirror image of himself leaned against the rock, a smirk gracing angled features.
"Welcome back, Yuugi."
Nothing registered in the small teen's mind. Only flashbacks dealing with imagery consisting of this tail flickered through his mind. Concern crossed Yami's features. A need, one of comforting HIS human filled his heart with warmth.
Slowly he reached out, tan fingers brushing water droplets from Yuugi's pale face.
"Why are you silent, little violet?"
"Don't call me that!" Yuugi jerked away from the soft touch, eyes glistening with tears. "Don't touch me! I don't even know who the hell you are!"
'He doesn't remember me? How could this-'
Dejected, Yami gently pulled Yuugi into a loose embrace, face buried into a shoulder.
"I'm sorry, little violet. I'll be back for you soon. After all, the transformation has already taken full force."
Without another statement, Yami tenderly kissed the boy on the forehead, jumping back into the depths of his ocean.
Dazed, Yuugi observed this scene, even more confused than that morning.
"What the hell is going on?"
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Yami swam into the dark depths, face full of remorse. Poseidon tracked his every movement, fully aware of Yuugi's disappearance.
A mutual agreement from over a decade before had resurrected, once more fully taking effect. The treaty between Atlantis and Atlantica would return.
Idly, Yami swam silently into his father's throne room, immediately under the watchful eye.
Triton sat on his throne, regal in stance, eyes boring into those of his young son.
"What news have you brought, my son?"
Respectfully, he bowed, attention turned towards another throne adjacent to Triton.
"I managed to track Yuugi down. He fears the sea." He crossed his arms. "Chain of memories has taken its beginning effect."
Both kings silently observed Yami, awaiting further acknowledgment.
"The transformation has taken place. Yuugi will join his true home, soon enough."
Poseidon took in these words, face void of emotion.
Only one though crossed his mind.
'Why had I chosen a mortal for a mate? This wouldn't have happened if I had picked someone from my own species.'
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Yuugi trudged through the game shop, wet clothing clinging to his thin body. He cursed as a chill caught up with him. Quickly causing a sneeze.
Upon entrance, Sugoroku raised a brow; taking in Yuugi's soaked appearance.
"Yuugi, are you alright?"
Noticing the concern, Yuugi turned towards his grandfather, arms crossed around his torso.
"I'm okay, Grandpa. I just fell into the water."
'Please let me get away with this.'
Sugoroku shook his head. Apparently he didn't get away with this statement. "Yuugi you went onto that pier again, didn't you?"
"Yes."
Running his hands through his gray hair, he replied. "Yuugi you had been missing for over a week. You come back with slits on your ribs and claim no memory of anything that has happened. Can you see why I am worried about you?"
"Yes, I can. I'm sorry, Grandpa. I'm so confused and my body aches all the time. I hate everything going on right now. I can't remember anything that happened to me as of late!"
Sighing under his breath, Sugoroku waved his hand towards the stairs. "Yuugi go to bed. You are grounded until further notice. Do you understand?"
Teenaged rebellion had always existed in Yuugi's personality. However, as of late, things had changed. Sugoroku watched sadly as Yuugi marched up the stairs, slamming his bedroom door.
Many things were changing. This was only the beginning of Yuugi's metamorphosis.
