Death: College life is very busy. I thank everyone who has been patient with me and continue to support this story. I made this chapter long and added a few twists and turns I've been waiting patiently for the story to come to this point. Hope you all enjoy.
Disclaimer: I own nothing. I am simply abusing the characters to develope my own amusements and plots for your entertainment.
Chapter 10 – The Nameless Pharaoh
=3=
Although his friends couldn't come at first, they flooded into the Mutou house as soon as word went around the King of Games had invited them for dinner. To show their appreciation, all of them arrived with food to add to the table. Aki brought her mother's pasta with the family's secret sauce. Crow happily delivered spicy chicken with fried rice and vegetables made by Martha, to 'put some meat on you boys', he quoted. Not too long after the twins were dropped off carrying a fruit salad between them, Yuugi's son and daughter in law came home from work.
Yuichi Mutou stood at least an inch or two taller than his father. He had the same star shaped hair, but instead of black trimmed violet, he had rich brown. There were no lightning streaks yet his bangs were the same as Yuugi's, even blond if a bit more white blond than platinum gold. His eyes were narrower with a little roundness to show he truly was Yuugi's son. To top it off Yuichi had the same gentle violet eye color.
The moment he came inside Yuichi greeted with a wide smile as he took off his shoes and white coat. Yusei couldn't tear his gaze away from the white coat, silently wondering if the younger Mutou was a scientist or a doctor of some sort.
His puzzlement must have shown in his face, for Yuichi smiled at him.
"I'm a doctor at the main hospital. I work with children fighting cancer or disabilities."
Yusei stared wide eyed at the slightly older male in surprise. For this man being the son of the King of Games, he was as humble as his father. Yuugi raised money to give back to those who needed it most, while his son became a doctor and personally helped those under the programs his father funded.
"You both have such kind hearts. I wish there are more of you in this world." Yusei said somberly.
Both father and son smiled warmly from the unexpected compliment.
"If there are people like you, Yusei, then there is hope." Yuugi pointed out. Then he turned to his son. "Where is Tiye?"
Behind him, Yusei heard shuffling. The lead Signer turned to see Bakura eyeing Yuichi, eyes narrowed with both curiosity and weariness. Why would he react to a name of someone he's never met before?
The answer came when a woman burst through the front door.
"Hello everyone! Wow, you weren't kidding about the number of guests. It's been too long since we've had this many people over. Oh, I smell something really good."
The woman had features that reminded Yusei of Atemu and his group, so he guessed this woman had Egyptian origins. Her mocha skin was lighter than Atemu's, yet both shared a high forehead to fit a crown. Even their eyes were similar in shape. Tiye's were more defined by a mix of kohl and eye shadow, a combination she pulled off well. This strange mix of ancient and modern intelligently brought out her pale blue eyes, which were a drastic contrast compared to her dark hair and tanned body.
She was about the same height as her husband, her dark hair cascading down to the middle of her back. Tiye was thin and full of curves, save for the little round bump in her stomach she revealed when she hung up her jacket.
Aki, who had been glaring at Bakura and had remained quiet each and every moment Atemu was brought up, seemed to brighten at the sight of Yuugi's daughter in law.
"How far along are you?" The redhead politely asked.
Tiye took her husband's hand, smiling at each other lovingly.
"I'm close to three months."
Congratulations echoed around the couple, as Yuugi introduced everyone to his family and vice versa. Yusei was the only one who stood back, feeling a little awkward of the ordeal. He was not a social person by heart, and there was always time for him to give the happy couple his own blessings.
He turned and spotted Bakura, still in his chair, staring at the Mutou family with wonder.
Taking a deep breath, Yusei went over and sat in a chair about two feet away from the white haired Egyptian. Bakura didn't notice him until he heard the chair closest to him move against the wooden floor. His hard gaze fell upon the lead Signer, filled with suspicion.
"Why have you graced me with your presence, Star Child?" Bakura hissed.
Yusei simply shrugged. "You looked lonely."
Surprise rippled across the thief's face. Yusei inwardly smiled.
'Bet he's not used to people other than Atemu treating him like a human being.' The lead Signer concluded.
Bakura's scarred face hardened once more, about to reply with an insult of some sort when Yuichi and Tiye saw the man in the corner for the first time.
"That scar…dad, is he the Thief King Bakura?"
All eyes turned at the pair a little ways away. Yusei lowered his gaze, not daring to turn and see the furious expression across Bakura's face.
Yuugi bit his lower lip nervously before answering.
"Yes. He is. Atemu and Seto are also here, but they're upstairs. We can't see them right now, apparently Atemu is poisoned. Seto is doing everything he can to help him."
Yuichi turned to stare unbelievingly at his father.
"Is Atemu the same as we last saw him?"
The former King of Games nodded gravely.
"Atemu is poisoned? If only mother were here…her knowledge would greatly improve his condition." Tiye worriedly frowned.
"And just who is your mother, one who is named after the mother of the Heretic King, Pharaoh Akhenaton?" Bakura's voice dripped with venom, intentionally insulting the pregnant woman.
The Mutou family tensed at the harsh words. Yuugi opened his mouth to reprimand the thief, when Tiye defended beat him to it.
"I am Tiye Mutou, daughter of Ishizu Ishtar, chosen by the Sennen Tauk to help the Nameless Pharaoh on his journey into the afterlife. If you so much as dare insult me or my mother again, I will see to it you will be sliced and left for the crows to pick your bones."
Bakura snorted. For someone who cannot die, Tiye was a minor threat.
Not knowing this, Tiye wanted to say more until the thief would know she was serious.
"So, who's up for dinner?" Yusei purposefully intervened.
All eyes were on him, and Yusei did his best not to falter under their scrutinizing. Ruka bravely stepped forward.
"Let's all eat. We're all here to listen to the story of the Nameless Pharaoh."
"Yeah! The sooner we finish dinner, the sooner we get to know everything about Atemu!" Rua added with his endless amount of enthusiasm.
"You're just excited to eat in the house of Yuugi Mutou." Ruka teased, rolling her eyes.
"Wouldn't you? He's the King of Games! Who wouldn't be excited?"
Soon the atmosphere lightened up as everyone readied the table, reheating the chicken and pasta. Everyone was divided into two groups: one to set up the table, even adding another table to the main table so everyone could fit comfortably, while the second worked in the kitchen reheating or making quick and easy appetizers.
Yusei was helping with the table, gathering chairs and placed them at the large tables. At some point when he was alone with picking the last chair while the others began to set plates and utensils, Yuugi tapped his shoulder. Yusei blinked in surprise at the former King of Games, someone he had admired in his young childhood.
To this day, Yuugi Mutou was still admired, if almost completely forgotten from the world that once worshipped him.
"Yes, Yuugi–san? What did you need?"
"You protected Bakura from the wrath of my daughter in law, when no one else would. Why?"
The lead Signer was caught off guard by this question. He had only done what he did because it was the right thing to do, whether he was defending the Thief King or not. In addition, he knew that if Tiye had continued to spite Bakura he would eventually lash out. He did not want such a thing to happen inside the Mutou Mansion, let alone witness him viciously attack a pregnant woman when it can be prevented.
"He's already cornered. And, without Atemu around there's no one else who will step forward and calm everyone down before Bakura is pushed too much. I may not trust him, but I believe he is trying to amend whatever he's done in the past. The fact he and Atemu are deeply close to each other is proof enough."
Yuugi blinked. He seemed completely surprised by this sort of news. "How close?"
Yusei turned away to hide the blush in his cheeks. Truth was he still didn't understand why those two were such close lovers when they were total opposites. Opposites do attract, he and Jack were good examples of such, but at times Yusei felt that the Egyptian pair was just too much opposite.
After a few moments, the former King of Games gravely nodded and didn't press the matter further.
"I see. So you have seen them interact? All three of them?"
Yusei nodded. "For the most part, Atemu has to be the one who gives Bakura permission for certain things. When Seto is unhappy about something, mainly Bakura, he directly challenges Atemu's authority. He never backs away from Seto's outrage. And once everything has calmed down Atemu continues on as if nothing had happened."
At his words, Yuugi laughed heartily, completely forgetting the somber thoughts a few minutes ago.
"Sounds like Atemu and Seto haven't changed at all. I remember the days we had to literally knock some sense into Seto when the time called for it. On multiple occasions we had to do it, actually. At one point we got too tired of him and just accepted him the way he was."
"So what about Bakura?" Yusei blurted.
"Well…" Yuugi hesitated. "He's changed a lot, that I can see. I don't know how Atemu helped him, but whatever he did made a huge improvement. But after everything he's done, how he hunted us down, hurt my friends, threatened to destroy the world multiple times, I don't think I can ever trust him."
There was bitterness in the former King of Games' voice, the kind one would call vengeance. Yet the sad expression across Yuugi's face told Yusei he didn't fully blame Bakura. Fate had chosen his path, which Yusei guessed was a dark and violent one. Now the hand of Fate was giving Bakura a second chance, a chance for happiness.
Atemu still had a long way to go.
"I forgive him. Please don't tell him, but I do forgive him. The time will come whether he deserves it or not."
Yusei nodded in understanding. Since the day he had met Bakura, he always thought the Egyptian had a likeness to Kiryu. But now with a few hints from Yuugi what kind of person Bakura used to be, Yusei was now beginning to think it's the other way around.
"Anyway, what you did earlier, I am glad to see someone doing the right thing. And although he may not mention or like it, Bakura is in your debt. I don't think he'll do anything to jeopardize everyone's safety, but he will somehow repay you. I get the feeling he is not one to have a debt hanging over his head."
The lead signer blinked in surprise. He was about to say he didn't want Bakura to repay him, but the former King of Games was already making his way back towards the kitchen to check how dinner was going. With a shrug, Yusei picked up the chair and carried it towards the table.
Dinner was pleasant, as everyone asked the Mutou family questions. How long were Yuichi and Tiye married? Why did Yuichi decide to become a doctor? Why didn't he follow his father's footsteps into the dueling world? How did Yuichi and his wife meet and where?
Yusei didn't pay too much attention to the conversations much. Sitting to his right was Jack, who glared at Yusei's other neighbor, but otherwise didn't raise an insult and joined in the conversation when something caught his attention.
To his left sat a quiet and very nervous Bakura. They were sitting at one end of the table, and across them was Yuugi with an empty spot for Seto if he ever comes downstairs. From the corner of his eye Yusei could see the Egyptian shifting uncomfortably, avoiding everyone's eye as he silently ate his food.
At first no one knew how to respond when Bakura chose to sit next to Yusei. The lead Signer was too surprised to do or say anything. When the chatter began to grow and almost everyone ignoring the so called Thief King, Yusei put his mind at ease. If what Yuugi said was true about Bakura, he didn't want to increase the thief's debt. He didn't want anything to be more uneasy between Bakura and everyone else.
When dinner was finished, a few taking to dessert while others took to cleaning the plates, Seto came down to join them.
"You look tired." Yuugi said as he examined the exhausted brunette.
"Just give me some food and I'll be well. And Atemu is past the critical point. He's resting now." Seto sighed as he leaned back in his chair.
Yusei, who was done doing his part with cleaning the dishes, sat back in his seat.
"What did the High Priests do to him?" The lead Signer questioned.
"They poured almost every kind of poison and tainted darkness into his body." Seto warily eyed Bakura, before speaking in the language no one has heard of for thousands of years.
"They almost successfully restored the Master of Shadows within his soul."
Bakura tensed, eyes narrowed at the former high priest with horror.
"You prevented him from being reborn, right?"
Seto looked away.
"Seto! Did you or did you prevent that thing from coming back, or not?" The thief demanded loudly. All eyes nearby turned to him and the brunette.
"What thing? What are you guys arguing about?" Yuugi frowned.
"Stay out of this midget!" Bakura snapped.
"Excuse me, but this is my house. You two agreed to come under my terms, and I will not allow any danger near the Signers or my family. And do not forget Atemu is my other half." The King of Games was firm, not too harsh, but enough to get his point across.
The thief cursed. He glared daggers at the elder Mutou. Yusei could read that Bakura wanted nothing more than to skin Yuugi alive. The air became tense, almost choking anyone who was too close.
Yusei turned to Seto, his expression was of sheer determination. Seto almost did a double take, for it was the same expression when Atemu had found new hope when all seemed lost. The likeness this Star Child had with one of Egypt's greatest pharaohs in history was so striking, Seto would have thought Yusei was born similar to Atemu in soul and strength on purpose.
"Whatever you have said to him," Yusei motioned to the thief with his eyes before returning to stare straight into Seto's cold ones. "Can be said to the rest of us. We want no lies when it comes down to you and your team. I want to know everything about you three, what you have in common with a Nameless King, and why Yuugi Mutou is somehow mixed in all of this."
"And if we hide a few secrets?" Seto raised an elegant brow.
"Then consider us enemies." Yusei boldly declared. His voice was firm, his gaze hard as they stared at the powerful brunette across the table. There were many gasps and wide eyed stares at the lead Signer.
He knew what he was saying would be dangerous, and everything could fall apart, but Yusei wanted nothing more than to show he was dead serious.
It was a gamble he would have to play with.
"Remember what Atemu said, that he saw a vision about the Egyptian Gods and the Crimson Dragon working together? What would happen if it's because of your foolishness that it would never come true and the world would end? Do you know how heavy a burden it is to protect the entire world and ultimately the universe?"
Yusei did not know why he was saying all of these things. Yet the image of Atemu's expression back when Ushio had apprehended the Egyptian team haunted him. Deep down Yusei knew that in order to bring the world to peace Atemu had to play a major role.
If Yusei was not firm now at this moment with Seto, then he would have lost the chance of having Atemu and his group as allies. As someone who had carried the burden of protecting the people of Satellite and Neo Domino City on his shoulders Yusei would not allow the door of hope close before the Holy Priests strike again.
"I know perfectly well how heavy it is to carry on such a burden. But what makes you think we have to share it?" Seto coldly replied.
"You do realize that by rejecting the reality of the situation, you will eventually either be cast out or find yourself abandoned by Atemu, right?" Yusei threw back.
"What gives you the right to know what he might or will do?" The brunette was starting to lose patience. Seto was almost shouting as he stood up to stare down at the lead Signer.
Yusei also stood, never one to back down. The Star Child was in protective mode. Whether he was attempting to protect Atemu or the universe, it did not matter to him right now. Right now he had to set things straight with Seto now.
"Because I at least understand him well enough that I'm not causing some additional stress and supporting him, unlike you. You know, every time we meet you confuse me. What you say contradicts your actions, and vice versa. And each time you challenge Atemu, you distract him from the big picture. I'm even starting to think you're doing this on purpose to drive him insane."
The brunette's eye twitched, the only warning before he slammed both fists on the table between them. Bakura shot up from his seat, shoulders hunched as if he was ready to attack if needed be.
"You dare accuse me you little –"
"ENOUGH!"
All eyes turned to the former King of Games in shock. Who knew the little man had such lungs? Yuugi breathed in deeply to calm himself. Then he gave a hard stare at the former high priest, nearly making him flinch.
"What Yusei said is true. There can't be secrets between all of us. Seto, think back on all the times you refused to help us, denying your past to the point it had to almost literally slap you in the face. What you're doing right now is basically the same thing, only you're refusing to accept help from the Signers. And from my understanding how your team works, it's not your call to make whether or not to allow the Signers in."
At the last sentence the brunette bristled. Seto took a few menacing steps towards Yuugi. Yusei quickly stepped between the advancing former priest and the King of Games, bravely glaring at Seto. His arm twitched while his fingers flexed to ignore the dull pain from the mark.
Seto stopped before Yusei, but he completely ignored the young man as he focused solely on Yuugi.
"Do you have any idea what we've been through? For the last several years, Atemu made the decision of going out in public as a team. Do you have any idea how hard it was to control our powers, to keep eyes on everyone around us, including ourselves?" At the last word Seto indicated towards Bakura.
"That damned thief has caused so much trouble for us, our secrets about who we really are were nearly revealed every damn time he does something stupid! But you know what, none of this would have ever happened if Atemu didn't choose to go public in the first place!" The brunette's hands clenched hard into fists, his arms shaking from all the pent up anger he had locked up tightly until now.
"I'm sick and tired of sitting back and observing what could be the very end of us, when what we should really be doing is observe the world and judge whether or not the current group who carry the world's safety on their shoulders need our help. That is supposed to be our purpose, but instead Atemu goes against that very rule just because some dragon of darkness came to him in a series of dreams, offering him help in return to help her. I don't even think she was telling the truth with all the times she took control of his body!"
At the mention of Nightshade Dragon, Aki flinched as the memory of her facing the dragon in a duel was still fresh in her mind. Ruka ran up to Seto, stomping her foot hard enough on the floor to grab his attention.
"Nightshade Dragon isn't evil! She cares, she cares about Atemu, and so she has to be good! Sure, she can be scary, but it's not like she wanted to be a dragon of the darkness in the first place!"
Surprised, either from the very notion of a small girl standing up to him or the idea of someone defending Nightshade at all, Seto couldn't form the words to say otherwise. It was enough of a pause for Yuugi to make his move.
"Seto, why don't you get yourself something to eat and head to any of the bedrooms upstairs?"
The brunette flashed a cold glare at the former King of Games. Yuugi wasn't done speaking, however.
"I was hoping you would be of great help to tell the Signers about the Nameless Pharaoh. But with your current attitude, I do not want any arguments to distract everyone from the story I have to give."
Blue eyes narrowed at what Yuugi was indicating. Funny, he never would have thought the King of Games grew a backbone without the presence of Atemu.
"So you're removing me from the equation to solve the problem." It wasn't a question.
"Well, that's one way to put it. But, yes. It is clear you are not in the right state of mind to be of any help to me."
Seto simply 'hmphed', and reluctantly headed towards the kitchen to grab a plate and whatever was left over. He only took some fried rice and a couple pieces of chicken, not even caring if they were cold or not. When he was done the brunette quietly walked up the stairs.
When the footsteps were gone Yuugi turned to Bakura.
"When I'm done telling them the stories of your past, and the short time Atemu was with me before Zero Reverse, you have to tell me what it was you and Seto were arguing about." By the look on Yuugi's face, it was clear the former thief king would not escape.
Bakura simply nodded, his thoughts currently elsewhere. Despite the fact it was obvious the thief king wasn't all there, it was enough for Yuugi to put the whole argument the past five minutes behind him.
"Let's all head to the living room. And remember what I warned you beforehand, all of you need an open mind in order to understand what I am about to tell you. Prepare yourselves for a very long and complicated story that should be something straight out of a mystery novel."
Yusei's stomach churned. From this moment on he knew his world would forever be turned upside down.
=3=
Just as Yuugi had warned, it was a long story of so many complications he was right to assume it should be straight out of a bestselling novel. As Yuugi foretold everything he felt important to tell, all of the Signers sat on the large couch and listened with great interest. Yuugi sat in a chair he pulled over from the dinner table, while his son and daughter in law shared a love seat, Yuichi's arms wrapped around his wife in a loving manner.
At first it was easy for the Signers to wrap their minds around how Yuugi met Atemu through the Sennen Puzzle, how a spirit of a five thousand year old pharaoh with no memories was locked up in the very object of his power.
It was understandable. The Signers were used to the unusual being in the norm. But when Yuugi began to foretell Atemu's struggle within the Millennium World, the conspiracies and the very fact Atemu really was a king in the past life began to sink in and blew the roof sky high. For Atemu to have the courage to face everything the gods threw at him, and stubborn enough to survive it all, Yusei felt he could fully respect and awe the former pharaoh. If he wore a hat, Atemu would be one of the few Yusei could tip his hat to.
And the more they heard of Thief King Bakura, a few of the Signers began to feel uncomfortable about the white haired Egyptian.
Even Yusei couldn't hide his worries. Now and then he caught himself staring at Bakura with a mix of fear and astonishment. Just how in the world did Atemu pull off taming the wild and unpredictable Thief King, his sole opponent for five thousand years?
Even more bizarre was Bakura's behavior throughout this whole ordeal. He would be silent as the grave, staring off into space with a somber expression across his face. Now and then Yuugi would request the former thief king to explain in better detail whatever a couple of Signers were confused at certain points. Bakura did as he was asked without complaint. He was patient when Jack would throw a few challenges; even going so far as insulting how the thief king handled situations he had done the numerous battles between him and the Nameless Pharaoh.
Bakura didn't even so much as flinch, let alone raising his voice or even defending himself from the accusations.
It was as if Bakura wasn't all there with them, complying to whatever he was asked while his mind retreated into a safe place. Yuugi seemed concerned over this odd behavior, but he couldn't voice his worries when he had to focus on telling the Signers Atemu's story and answering all questions as best he could.
When he was done describing the Ceremonial Battle, there was a few moments of silence as the whole story began to sink in. To Yusei, everything was starting to make sense as the pieces fell into place in his head.
'As a former protector of mankind, it's no wonder why he was chosen to become a guardian. But why would he agree to all of this, when he was finally granted his peace in the afterlife?' Yusei didn't have time to ponder over the disturbed thoughts when Rua interrupted his train of thoughts.
"So what about the time Atemu was with you, you know, before Zero Reverse happened?"
Yuugi fondly smiled. But the lead Signer could still detect a hint of sadness in that smile.
"It was a sad time, when he was brought to us. You see, he was under the hands of a scientist who was trying to figure out why he couldn't age. After a long time of being experimented and abused, someone found out the scientist's secret." Yuugi turned to Yusei. "This is where you share a connection with Atemu. It was your father who found Atemu in the midst of an escape."
Surprise filled the lead Signer's head. The dream he had had the night before Ushio arrested the Three Noblemen Team resurfaced. Could the eyes he saw through in that dream, be Atemu's?
"So…you knew my father?" A huge part of him wanted, no needed to ask this question. Aside from a photograph, and a chance meeting his father for a few seconds twice, he didn't really know much about the man who loved him so much he sacrificed himself to save his son.
Yuugi nodded, but it was his son who answered.
"He was a good man. I remember the times he would visit us, he would always sneak me a few pieces of candy when mom or dad weren't looking." Yuichi smiled fondly, earning a frown from his father.
"Is that how you got cavities? I've always wondered how when we kept a close eye on what you ate and when. But I guess this would also explain why you quickly grew fond of him."
'So my father was always fond of children.' Yusei concluded with a warm feeling swelling up in his chest.
"What was my father like?" The lead Signer tentatively inquired, knowing they were straying off topic.
Yuugi didn't seem to mind, as his smile broadened.
"He was always a caring man. I've always wondered why he didn't pursue to become a counselor or a therapist. But it was clear that science was his passion. And he had a brilliant mind for it, might I add."
"What did he do when he found Atemu?" Ruka tilted her head.
"He found him wandering the halls of the science building within Kaiba Corp., scared and frightened of every noise that could be heard. He was found with blood splattered over his clothes. Later we found out he had murdered in order to escape when he saw the opportunity. Anyway, your father led Atemu to the main nurses' office, thinking there was an unforeseen wound that was the cause of all of the blood. Along the way, they ran into the scientist responsible for Atemu."
"Let me guess, the man was furious about his experiment escaping and in the hands of Doctor Fudo?" Jack crossed his arms.
Yuugi nodded. "By Atemu's behavior, Yusei's father, Hitoshi, guessed there was something wrong. The two scientists verbally fought, and it almost ended with fists when one of the Goodman brothers interfered, apparently in search to locate his colleague when he didn't show up on time."
"Long story short, Hitoshi and his colleagues sued the man who wrongfully experimented on Atemu. The head of the science department as well as the president of Kaiba Corp. backed Hitoshi up. The man was fired, and later went missing. It has been long assumed he was among the many who perished from Zero Reverse."
Yusei furrowed his eyebrows.
"You don't seem to believe that."
"No, I honestly don't. My instincts tell me he's still out there, vouching to get his hands on Atemu again. For all we know, he could very well be the leader of the Holy Priests."
"So what happened after that? He was brought to you, but why?" Aki seemed to have a growing interest of Atemu again.
"I heard of the strange drama going on in Kaiba Corp., but the public was never given any details of the poor soul Hitoshi found. He was the one who made the connection that Atemu, at the time he wouldn't speak so everyone called him Yami, due to his dark and sour mood, might be related to the Mutou family. Hitoshi contacted me and informed me about Atemu, which I immediately acted upon taking custody of him."
"I didn't have to fight very long to gain custody. Everyone who had eyes could see the resemblance, so they accepted my story of him being a long lost distant cousin without question." Yuugi lowered his gaze to the floor with a frown. "I knew that he would be different than the Atemu I knew, but I wasn't prepared for how deep the psychological trauma he had gone through."
"What do you mean?" Crow blinked. "I mean, looking at Atemu as he is right now, he seems to be the type to remain strong and stubborn. How bad of a shape was he in when he was brought to you?"
"Very bad. He wouldn't speak, he wouldn't eat, and worst of all he couldn't place his trust on anyone. I had to request a break from work to care for Atemu, for he was dangerous when left alone. He would cower in the corner or under tables, never coming out unless coaxed with food and many promises that we wouldn't harm him. When I wasn't around, he would not tolerate my wife. Each time she tried to help him he lashed out. She became so frightened of him she didn't want him staying in the house anymore."
"I remember that." Yuichi said. "He never seemed to take to mom. Atemu only allowed dad to help him. And sometimes he allowed me to interact with him when I played hide and seek from mom and hid with him."
"Yes, and through that he became protective of you. He would be so protective he wouldn't allow your mother to even so much as touch you. That was when he threatened to leave and taking you with her. So I had no choice but to look around for someone else to care for him. I would have looked after him myself, but I didn't have the time to show him that not everyone is evil."
There was a pause, an uncomfortable silence as everyone guessed who Yuugi contacted.
"You asked my father, didn't you?" Yusei was the first to brave the thoughts circling around them.
The former King of Games nodded. "This was four years before he met and married your mother. He was at the beginning of his career, so he was given a lot lenient time to himself. I chose him because he had helped Atemu before, and therefore I thought it should be enough for Atemu to put some trust in him."
"But why not any of your friends? Why couldn't they take up the job of looking after him?" Jack inquired with narrowed eyes.
"I couldn't drop Atemu to any of my friends to care for. Around them he would be a ticking time bomb. Also, all of my friends have a family and a life of their own. I couldn't take away their happiness by asking if they could take Atemu in. He needed special care, he needed someone who was living alone and ready to help him. Hitoshi Fudo was the only person who fit that description."
"But that didn't mean we didn't see him. We visited a lot, and when mom had enough of my pleading your father would babysit me. He would play video games with me while Atemu watched from the sidelines. We even brought him to a park once, and he seemed content to be around nature. So it became our favorite pastime." Yuichi informed.
"Yes. And gradually Atemu was brought out of his shell. He learned how to trust again. He couldn't be in a large crowd without feeling uncomfortable, but he no longer seemed afraid that everyone was out to get him. And when Hitoshi met your mother, Atemu happily blessed them, before moving out on his own in a small apartment."
"I remember their wedding. It was a happy event. I was even the ring bearer." Yuichi smiled as he recalled his once important role. "And guess who your father's best man was?"
Yusei blinked. "Was it Atemu?"
"Yep! We even have pictures. Say, dad, where is that album again? We should show Yusei those pictures."
"I believe they're in one of the hall closets." Yuugi answered with uncertainty.
"I'll find it. I think it might be in the one near the main floor bathroom." Yuichi stood, giving Yusei a last look. "And if you'd like, you can keep the photographs. I know how rare it is to find photographs of your father, especially when people judge too quickly and blame his research for the cause of Zero Reverse."
Not knowing how to respond, Yusei could only nod. The very thought of surviving wedding pictures of his parents was something he never dreamed of seeing. He watched the younger Mutou make his way towards the hallway near the stairs, the hallway that had the hall closet he thought that withheld the album he sought.
Just as Yuichi was about to round the corner he suddenly stops, blinking several times as if he couldn't believe what he saw. Propped against the wall stood a healthy, if incredibly tired, very awake former pharaoh.
"Atemu? How long have you been standing there?"
=3=
Death: Yep. Ended at a cliffe hanger. All of you should know by now how I work xD For I am known as the author who abuses cliffe hangers. Whether the story may be Death Note, Code Geass, or Inuyasha, none of my readers who read any of those stories only are safe from my torture XD
Anywho, we learn a bit about Yuugi's family. But, what happened to his wife? And, can any of you guess who is Yuichi's mother? It should be quite easy.
And I has revealed how Yusei's father is a part of this whole picture. But what does Atemu think, many of you would wonder?
The answer shall be in the next chapter!
...Whenever I update next. As of late, I've been reduced to write little snippets during my short breaks. It's rather hard when I have so many stories I need to update to keep all of you happy.
Anyways. Please click the lovely review button and tell me what you think~