I have returned! And now let us continue the awesomeness that is: bending characters to my will for the purpose of fulfilling mine and many fan girls' fantasies!

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Chapter 10:

It was the dead of night and the palace was at this point on lock down. No was allowed in or out until morning. Atem and his council, along with Bakura and Marik were all in the throne room discussing Bakura's theory about his brother's attack on the palace. After hearing his tragic tale it became clear to everyone of what was going on.

"So your brother believes that my father was responsible for the destruction of your home and family?" questioned Atem. Bakura nodded hoping that Akefia's accusations were wrong. "What do you believe?" Atem asked. "I honestly do not know what to believe. The man leading the army bore the Millennium eye. I know that it wasn't him, but possibly someone from his council." Bakura answered. Atem closed his eyes and sighed out a sorrowful breath.

He then looked to Bakura, making him hum in wonder of the king's expression. "The death of your village was necessary to create the Millennium items." he said. Bakura was shocked and confused. "I witnessed my father's sacrifice for retribution, as penance for your village." Atem continued with a heavy heart, "He begged the Gods for forgiveness, unaware until the deed was done, that innocent lives would be taken. The country was under siege, and the items were our only defense, for the enemy had magic." he finished.

"And the items were used to defend Egypt." Bakura added in comprehension. Atem nodded in more sorrow. "My father would have looked for another way had he known the cost." said the young Pharaoh. "Then why didn't he?" asked Bakura. "He was not the one who had discovered the ritual. It was his brother Aknadin, the former Guardian of the Millennium eye. His Item was the first to be forged, therefore when you saw him that night, he had already had it." It was all making sense now. Aknadin was the one responsible for his family's death's, his home's destruction, and his brother's corruption. The silver haired bodyguard scrunched his brows in anger.

"What happened to him." he asked lowly, but loud enough that the Pharaoh could hear. "After the war, Aknadin became corrupted by the Millennium eye's power, and tried to have my father killed, along with me." Atem responded. "His last attempt brought to his death. My father couldn't understand why he became that way, until he was shown the book of shadow magic. He read about the ritual, and of the requirement of the ninety-one sacrifices to create the items. He sought out the temple of the Gods with me as a witness, to his sacrifice, to make a mends for making such an awful decision." he finished.

Bakura didn't know what to say.

The late Pharaoh was indeed responsible for his village being slaughtered, but he did not know that such devastation would take place. He even surrendered his own life in fairness to the horrific tragedy that caused his people's deaths. It was Aknadin's doing most of the time, and he died too.

The bodyguard had no idea how to handle all of this information. He didn't blame the Pharaoh, but it still felt a little traitorous that he allowed Aknadin to go forth with making the items no matter the cost. It was for a noble cause but there could have been another way. He wasn't sure how to feel, or what to do. He just sat there looking downward confused, and mentally hollow.

The Pharaoh rose from his throne and came forth, and stood before Bakura with saddened eyes, and said, "I know it makes little difference to you Bakura, but on behalf of my father and all who were involved; I am truly sorry that little was done to try and avert your people's demise. I wish I could undo it all." he said. The bodyguard heard the apology and looked up, and gasped in shock. The Pharaoh was bowing to him, on his knees with his forehead to the ground. "Pharaoh!" called Seto, but he was stopped by Isis.

She had a hand to his shoulder and a sorrowful look in her eyes, shaking her head for him to not interfere. Seto then exhaled feeling that his king should not have to do such petty things to someone of a commoner position, but could do nothing about it. Bakura on the other hand was amazed that the Pharaoh; The King of Egypt, would be bowing before him. He was even more lost for words than he was before. 'All of this for an apology.' he thought. He was then struck with understanding, and appreciation. Bakura took in the young King's words.

"I wish that I too could undo the past. However I can not, no one can, and knowing that you would undo it all if you had the power to is enough for me. All is forgiven my King, as well as greatly appreciated." he said genuinely. Atem looked up to the bodyguard, who was now smiling, and offering a hand to him. The young Pharaoh smiled back and accepted the other's help onto his feet.

After all the apologies were done, Shada came forth holding the sack of royal items that were left behind. "My Pharaoh, we found this after the smoke cleared." Atem looked through the bag finding all of his father's precious belongings that were meant to be buried with him. He looked at everything from the scepter all the way to the late Pharaoh's favorite purple cloak, but something wasn't right. It wasn't there, "Its missing." he said. "What?" asked the priest. "His Diadiankh. Its not in here." he said in a panic.

"What will we do? If he does return for another fight he could use it to summon the shadow monsters." said Isis. Atem looked hard toward the ground. He knew what he had to do, but he didn't know if they had the time, "we will have to fight with the shadow monsters that we have, and…" he took a deep sigh, "I will have to summon the Egyptian Gods." he finished. The priests and bodyguards looked surprised.

"But my Pharaoh, are you sure?" asked Isis. "we don't have much choice. After I explain everything, everyone must be kept on high alert, and I will continue to master the power needed to call forth the Gods. Anyone who is able to leave immediately must take that leave as soon as they can." said Atem.

"Yes my Pharaoh." Said the Priests. "So let it be written, so let it be said." soon everyone had left, to tend to the wounded, or clean up the mess left from the invasion. As everyone dispersed Atem got a glimpse of Bakura leaving. "Bakura." he called. The Bodyguard stopped in his tracks and looked back answering, "Yes Pharaoh?"

"I must ask you to keep everything you've heard about the Egyptian Gods at your discretion. It is imperative that no one outside of the royal court know of this, even Lady Yami." he said. Bakura nodded in understanding, "Of course, you have my word." he then left from the hall and back to his own room, at least not before checking on his friends of course.

…

The next morning Yami arose to the sun's light yet again. She blinked away the disturbance of the light and sighed. She got up and dressed in a beautiful off white strapless sarong dress, with gold trim, a see-through silk purple shawl descending from the gold neckline, with tiny gold beads dangling from it, a royal blue gold trimmed waist cloth, and matching slippers with amethyst stones centered in them. Yami was moving at an automated pace, feeling a great amount of worry for the people she had yet to see, since last night.

She walked out from her room to find her servants waiting for her by her door. "Good morning my lady, did you sleep well?" asked Ryou, with a bow. Yami just sighed, and responded, "I wish it had been better. I'm afraid last night's intrusion left me rather restless. I hope your sleep was well." Jou wasn't really willing to answer, seeing that her sleep was just as productive. Ryou blushed because she spent her night in Bakura's room, after he came to check on them. She was so worried that she couldn't sleep, and when he peeked in she got up and ran to him and spent the whole night in his bedroom.

Yami gave a soft hum and a sweet smile toward her dear friends. She then gave them both a big hug of reassurance. "I'm sure the Pharaoh will protect us all. don't worry." she said. "Lady Yami." said a voice. Yami turned to see that it was Bakura.

"Yes Bakura?" she asked. "The Pharaoh will be holding a conference in the dining hall, for all the guests soon, to explain everything from last night." he informed her. "Very well. We should go immediately." said the pale noble girl, then she lead her party toward the dining hall.

…

In the dining hall, Everyone was gathered.

There was loud, startled chatter and murmuring about last night's disruption. Everyone was scared out of their wits over this. Once Yami and her friends had made it to the room they weren't all too shocked about the loud panicked conversations. They were all pretty worried too. Just then Priest Seto had stepped up to speak. "Attention guests!" he called, making everyone look to his direction, and ceasing all their talking.

Pharaoh Atem then came up and addressed his guests. "My dear guests, I apologize for last night. The palace was attacked by raiders, but was successfully detained." he said. "However, a threat has been made on the palace once more, and it is likely that another attack might occur, at some point. I am afraid we will have to cut the celebration short for now until this threat has been ceased." he then took a pause as everyone looked to each other worried.

"Whoever is able to leave immediately must do so by the end of Ra's journey. Everyone else who either must or prefer to stay, I advise you to exercise caution, and to abide every curfew that will be given. Please do not be alarmed, my Priests and I are doing what we can to make you all safe again." he finished. He then dismissed everyone and stepped down from where he was. He scanned through the separating crowd trying to find his special guest. As he scanned the dispersing groups of people, many of which bowing as he walked pass them, he had finally caught a glimpse of the lovely noble lady he was looking for. Yami looked to him as well. He sighed in relief that she seemed unharmed. He instantly walked over toward her.

Teana was looking around for Atem to tell him how happy she was that he was alright. She wanted to see him, for she had worried for him since all this commotion started. She looked around frantically, desperate to find him, until she finally spotted him walking pass her direction. She smiled to herself in relief and went to talk to him. Some part of her hoped, that he cared for her enough, to acknowledge her safety. However she was wrong. Once she had nearly caught up to him, he was making a beeline straight toward lady Yami, as he had been doing quite a lot lately. Teana's eyes saddened with small tears as she watched her beloved Pharaoh give his concerns and attention to the paler noble lady yet again. She then turned and walked away in despair and heartache.

"Are you alright Lady Yami?" asked Atem. "I am fine Atem. I am however more concerned for you." Yami responded. "I am fine. I also wanted to thank you for sending your exemplary bodyguard to our aid. We truly were in need." he said. The humble Lady smiled kindly, "I am just happy that no one on our side was lost." she said. "What will you do about all this?" she then asked. "I don't know yet, but I will find away to keep you all safe…I promise." he pledged as he took the lady's Lilly-white hand and gave it a small kiss, before giving Yami a smile and walking off. The young noble lady sighed. 'at least I know he is safe.' she thought. She then continued out of the hall, toward the library.

…

Meanwhile Atem was heading to the council room where he was to meet his Priests and Tomb keepers. When he got there his cousin Seto was already outside waiting to greet him. "My Pharaoh." he said with a bow. Atem nodded then took the lead as the two walked into the room together.

"Pharaoh." said Ishizu. "I am ready to continue" he responded. He wanted to get straight to business. He had to protect Egypt. So by any means necessary, he had to be ready. He needed the Gods at his side.

…

Jou walked the halls tending to her routine chores. She was taking Yami's used clothing to the washing quarters, to be cleaned. As she was making her way down the hall, she had heard voices. She hadn't heard the sounds during her trips down the hall before, so it was concerning to her. She followed the chatter toward the council room. No one but the Pharaoh and his council were allowed, but then why were there voices coming form there? Were they discussing the events of last night, collaborating on how they were going to fight it? She was curious of what lied behind that door. She decided to listen at least.

As the blonde servant girl put her ear to the door, she tried to make out the voices, and what was being said. Suddenly the was a loud and monstrous roar that startled the young servant from the door, and made her fall onto the ground. "What was that?" she whispered to herself. Suddenly the door opened, Jou looked up. The person she saw made her face pale immensely. It was Priest Seto.

"What are you doing here mutt? This is no place for servants." he demanded. Jou didn't know what to say. She couldn't just say that she was eavesdropping on a disclosed discussion between the Pharaoh and his officials. "I…um…I got lost." she fibbed. "Oh really, even though you've gone this rout before?" he wasn't buying it. "Well, I wasn't paying attention to where I was going. I have to leave. She gathered the clothes she had dropped and tried to go, before Seto had grabbed her wrist. He seemed to do that a lot with her.

"Let me go!" she cried. "What did you hear?" asked the Priest. Jou tensed at the question. He knew she had been listening. "I-I didn't hear anything, I swear!" she said. It was half true, since she didn't hear any of the conversations, but she did hear that strange roar. "You heard nothing?" questioned the Priest. Jou mumbled under the darker skinned man's piercing cold gaze.

Seto didn't know what to believe. He continued to stare down the servant girl, trying to find some sign of guilt. Jou then began to squirm her hand attempting to escape the older male's grasp. "I have to return to my duties." she said. The Priest was not listening.

He had seen it again. At that moment, he saw it; that fire in the young servant girl. The fire that had caught his interest before. At this point he no longer cared about why she was there. All he cared about was that she was there. Jou continued to fight the priest's hold not understanding why he wouldn't just leave her alone. "Unhand me you insolent ass!" she yelled in frustration while trying to pull away.

Jou's yelling soon turned into a startled shriek as she was suddenly pinned to the wall. "W-what are you doing?!" she shakily asked. Seto didn't answer, he just stared at the blonde Japanese servant girl, intently. Jou stared back with a wondering look in her eyes.

"Priest Seto?" said a sudden voice. Mahado came out from the door when he heard a commotion. He saw Seto pinning a servant to the wall. It was very concerning. "Is there something wrong?" asked the slightly worried priest. Jou was the first to break eye contact, to see Mahado. Seto then looked to the fellow priest as well. After a few moments Seto stood straight up from the wall, and turned to walk back toward the council room. "No Mahado. Nothing is wrong." he responded.

With a curious glance from the calm Seto, then back to the confused, Jou the other priest then gave a polite bow to Jou, then shut the door back.

Jou then clenched the clothes that she had somehow managed to keep in her arms. She turned around and walked swiftly back down the hall she was suppose to take for her chore. All the while she was wondering what it was that was going on in the council room. 'What are they up to, and what was that strange growl? What are they planning to use against our enemy.' she thought as she walked on.

Whatever was going on, no one else is suppose to know it, and for now Jou thought that maybe it was best to keep it to herself.

…

In the council room a large blue monster with armored skin, massive and powerful emerged from the light created by the Pharaoh's Diadiankh. Everyone in the room looked with astonishment as young Atem had successfully summoned Obelisk the Tormentor; another of the Egyptian Gods. As the light faded, the Pharaoh brought his arm down to conclude the summoning. The massive creature receded back into the golden device. Atem was not as worn out as the first time, do to his daily practices.

"Excellent work my king." said Ishizu. Atem then sighed in relief. Now the only one left to summon was the Winged Dragon of Ra. According to the scriptures on the younger Tomb keeper's back summoning Ra would prove more difficult. "You should take a break my Pharaoh." said Shada. Atem really needed a rest, but he just couldn't knowing that danger was afoot and he needed to try and summon Ra. "No we have one more to go." he said with determination.

Everyone was a little worried about the Pharaoh's choice, however they did not argue, and continued on.

…

Yami was reading a book in the library. It was pretty interesting and she just couldn't put it down. "Lady Yami?" said a voice. Yami looked up and saw that it was Mana. "Oh hello Mana." she greeted. "Hi, what are you doing here." asked the sorceress-in-training. "I was just reading. We had a vast library in our old home, but none as impressive as this. Not even the books were as good." Yami commented. "Well this is the Pharaoh's palace, everything is grand here, I guess." Mana said humbly.

"How are you doing? I was pretty worried about you, when everyone had to be evacuated." she continued. "I am fine. It was quite scary, but everything turned out alright… for now." said the Noble lady. Mana looked at the face that Yami was making. It looked almost worried. Mana then asked, "Are you going to leave?" Yami looked up in surprise to the question. "What?" she asked back. "Are you going to leave the palace? Many others are." she finished. Yami sat up straight and thought for a moment before saying, "No." her answer now made Mana look up. "As of now the Palace is my home." she said.

"It is? When did that happen?" said Mana, astounded. "Earlier yesterday, when Atem and I took that walk together. He gave me and my friends permission to stay here." she explained.

The Happy sorceress then jumped over and hugged Yami, "I'm so glad! I would have missed you so much if you had left us." the paler noble smiled and hugged the girl back. After calming herself, Mana then sat down across from Yami. The noble girl then told Mana all about hers and the Pharaoh's talk that lead to him letting them all live there.

As she was telling Mana her tale, Princess Vivian walked by. She had heard Yami mention the Pharaoh's name and listened in on the conversation. "Wow!" said Mana, "Atem was really kind to let you live here." she said. Vivian was shocked to hear that. "Well it's only temporary. We will have to find some place of our own to live." Yami said. Mana paused and looked down trying to decipher something in her thoughts.

Vivian huffed and stomped away, outraged that Atem had given Yami asylum in the palace. It was unfair to her. Not wanting to hear anymore, she left grumbling to herself angrily.

"Lady Yami, what if-um…" Yami hummed in curiosity to Mana's struggled question. "Yes?" she asked. "I was just wondering…what if- hypothetically speaking-Atem wanted you to stay?" she got out. Yami was surprised by the question. It made her blush several shades, "I-Why would you ask something like that Mana?!" she shrieked. "Its just a hypothetical question!" she shrieked back.

Yami didn't know how to answer that question, even if it was hypothetical. In truth, if Atem asked her to stay she would do it in a heartbeat.

However she couldn't say that. Her feelings for the powerful young king were not yet clear, so she had no idea how to respond to such a query. "I don't know. I mean what would I even have to offer the Pharaoh to make him want me to stay?" she asked, trying to seem oblivious. Mana sighed. It was as if they were going in circles.

"I mean, what if he liked you?" she clarified. Yami was startled by how Mana asked the question. It was as if she demanded an answer. The nervous noble didn't know what to say. She had never thought in the slightest, that Atem could ever feel anything for her other than friendship. "of course he likes me, we are friends." she said waving her hands sheepishly.

Mana grew frustrated, and shrieked, "No! I mean if he liked you as more than a friend!?" Yami was in deep shit now. She had no response for a few moments. She fidgeted and squirmed trying to come up with some way to get out of this. "I-I don't know, I mean…though I do care for Atem, I'm not sure what I would do if he, liked me." she said. Mana was taken aback. "But don't you like him?" Yami tensed and looked up to Mana with wide eyes, and a blushed face. She then processed the development of her feelings in the last three days.

Ever since the incident in the Pharaoh's room, he had shown her so much kindness, and care that it was impossible to deny that she was flattered by it. He was also noble at heart, and he looked out for her in ways that no man has ever done for her before, not even Bakura. She was developing romantic feelings toward him, but was there a chance that he could return those feelings?

"I-..." "Mana!" before Yami could finish, Mahado had come into the library looking for his student. "There you are. You should be getting to your lessons." he scolded. "Mahado! We were in the middle of a conversation!" Mana whined loudly. As Mahado came and picked the smaller sorceress-in-training up by the torso, making her yell and kick in annoyance, Mahado bowed to the young noble girl and said, "I am terribly sorry for Mana disturbing you my Lady." Yami then chuckled, "she was no trouble at all. Mana has been wonderful company in fact." she assured.

The sorcerer smiled and bowed again before taking his leave with Mana struggling under his armpit. She then stopped for a moment to wave to the pale noble lady, "Bye Lady Yami, I'll see you at dinner!" called Mana.

The noble smiled and waved back. Once they were gone she slumped back in her chair thinking back on Mana's last question, 'But don't you like him?' she recalled. Yami then thought silently before closing her book. She looked downward, and whispered, "I do…I do like him."

To Be Continued…

OMG! Finally she said it! Shit's 'bout to get real! Tune in everyone, cause we're not do yet! -Anjie-Kun Out!