Link – I'm glad you enjoy the story so far; that's flattering of you to say and I hope I come to recognize your face in future reviews. C:
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Chapter XI: Bathed in Royalty and Glistening in Sweat
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Gorgeous.
Completely, utterly, breathtakingly, sweetly, radiantly, happily, flawlessly, faultlessly, captivatingly, prettily, entrancingly, alluringly, divinely, agonizingly, outrageously, supremely, irrationally, enviously, intoxicatingly, sickly, superfluously, painstakingly, deeply, absolutely, charmingly, adorably, beautifully, wonderfully, rigorously, relentlessly, obviously, totally, absolutely, remarkably, broadly, smoothly, dangerously, mind-murderingly, comprehensively, uniquely, gracefully, numbingly, lustfully, royally, heart-clenchingly, peacefully, confidently, matchlessly, dreamily, tastefully, deeply, truly, blissfully, stunningly, strikingly, irresistibly, unbeatably, incomparably, painstakingly, blindingly, softly, lusciously, clearly, unmistakably, superbly, insanely, truly, favorably, simply, mercilessly, devastatingly, , daintily, preciously, wonderfully, joyously, damnably, attractively, lusciously, impeccably, perfectly, erotically, exotically, seductively, sensually, drop-dead gorgeous.
Those brilliant, sincere amethyst eyes gleaming with the setting rays of Ra and effervescently symmetrical smile laced upon his lips with elegant, silk-like skin. Gorgeous. Strange, I wanted to say. Eerie, to see someone as he so misplaced in my kingdom, clad in blue. But by the queen of the Gods, so amazingly stunning. Never will I ever forget this amazing being—my light—whether he stole my identity sprinkled in honey-sweet skin, leading away from the usual guise of fierceness and making it look as if even I, the Pharaoh of Egypt, were a small, newborn kitten, or as he was now; the pure, untainted form of a young man marked by his blue garb and captivating violet orbs.
What else was there to say about the sleeping form hidden under my various sheets? What true flaw was there in his genius mind and who dared to offend the King of Egypt by pointing it out?
"'Night," he distinctly whispered under his breath. For a moment those orbs did not close shut, silently looking into the shadows and mixing with inner turmoil. I felt his troubles at the pit of my belly, the pace of his harshly beating heart and the anxiety building up within his mind. 'Twas as if I was able to see through his mind, through his thoughts, like we had never separated.
But of course we were. If we had not, my light would not be lying in front of me, sprawled at my bed and swept in peace. Adorable. I'd meant what I said in the throne room, of how I clung to his being and every one of his appearances affecting me greater than the last. I strived for his approval alone when it came to ruling my country. Every opinion ever uttered with each breath escaping those pale pink lips I took into consideration. No. 'Consideration' was an understatement.
Finally those beautiful eyes fluttered shut and I was left in the afterglow of his slumber. Good. I brushed soft hair away from his face, pressing a cold kiss above his eyebrow before backing away and admiring his form. It was hard to believe that only yesterday had I been conflicted over him. Three weeks have I endured without his presence and only yesterday was I able to accomplish them. Now I was truly deserving the title of Mana's best friend and…
Wait.
Smile dropping, I watched his peaceful form, bitterly amusing myself with the fact that in his eyes, I did not exist. This entire situation was a lie, gifted by the gods for my childhood friend yet a curse for me. Who was I, to come between his happiness and his love for Mana? Slowly I crept away, eyes never leaving that beautiful little light that made the day worth living.
But he did not live for me. His new existence, new ba existed for Mana. My blood simmered at such a horrid epiphany. I was angry.
'Twas not fair. He'd been the one I chased after for years; the one whom I've thrived for to see my accomplishments. He was what made me who I was today. His beautiful soul, those shy gazes and effervescence. Everything about him made my body react is if it'd never before. It was different than just shoving that dainty body into bed and having my way. If I were to get there I wanted to earn it until the very end, just as if it were my rule.
Every small indent, the countless spots upon his bare, reddening body which would make him squeal, writhe in ecstasy, I wanted to be the one to find. My lips would nip at every part of him, leaving my mark and scrounging for more of his pleasured cries until finally I was entangled in those slim legs framed in his abnormal kilt and he emitted a bloody cry to the heavens, screaming my name for mercy and shuddering in a different type of afterglow than he was now.
Though that was not the only thing I wanted, I realized mildly on my journey back to the throne room. I wanted to know who he truly was. Not only was I determined to find those lost memories scattered in the far depths of his mind, but I wanted forever to see his happy face; not just hear his cries of blithe, but actually see them under the looming rays of moonlight. Everything I learned about him was like a new gift. Watching as those lips parted into a beautiful curtsy before hearing his gentle voice struck my chest with indescribable warmth as he shed light on my darkened soul.
Suddenly I halted, feeling that same emotion striking at my envy. Yes…I was envious. I wanted what I knew I could not have, and with all my might restrained myself from it. Even with my many concubines, Teana in particular, I did not have this much worry. With a snap of my finger I was able to have anyone at my side, those eager to have my attention on only them even if that one small conversation meant absolutely nothing to me. Yet during my time with Yugi I felt I was the one worshipping royalty. Every small second he spent, batting an eyelash or smiling, I knew he was the one thing in this world that kept my spirit from leaving.
My eyes widened at the realization, mixing with confusion and strewing more declarations for my light. But for what…Could it be possible that…that…
"Is it possible," I whispered in shock, "that I have fallen in lo—?"
"Atemu!"
"What!" I whirled around, immediately tensing and came face-to-face with one I did not expect. Catching my breath, I looked to her, eyes narrowed and weary from my lapse of concentration. "Shouldn't you be in bed?"
Mana's eyebrows quirked with curiosity as she stood to the tips of her toes and clutched her baton between those small fingers. "Not right now. What happened to Yugi? You've been standing outside of your bedroom staring into space! Do you know how long I've been trying to snap you out of it?"
I shook my head silently, unable to stare at her form. My nails dug into the palms of my hands and I gritted my teeth. I could not hate her. She was my very best friend; the one whom I've known since we were small children, bare and scampering about the premises. She was the one before Yugi, in my weaker days, who mollified my sadness and brought the smile to my face. Despising her, beheading her and actually attempting to punish her for something out of my hand was…ridiculous. Should I really punish Hathor's doings?
Yugi would be there for Mana. He would hold her, cherish her like he did earlier this day and kiss the tears that shed from her shimmering emerald eyes. In return, Mana would do her job as she did for me and bring a smile to his face. Yes…they belonged to each other. Through me has Hathor thrust her powers and for the past five years all I have done is bring them closer.
And certainly did it hurt.
"Atemu! Gosh, you're zoning out again!" Mana poked me in the rib, hands nestled to her sides before the annoyance teeming at her bronze cheeks flickered into downright concern. More hurt. "Something happened. What happened, Atemu? Tell me. Now. Please."
"Were you not there when we extracted his ka?" I mumbled.
"No, I wasn't." She wrapped her hands around my arm, fear visible in her eyes. Why, I demanded quietly in my head, do you have to look at me, those mischievous green orbs shimmering for love and concern for the one who should belong to me alone? "I'm never around when you're extracting ka, Atemu. That's one of Master Mahado's most vital rules."
That was right. Even with how accurate the Millennium Items could steal ka away, it was still risky when there was more than one mortal not under the protection of the Items or was not a priest. Mana was still a priestess-in-training and until she reached an experienced enough level, she was forbidden to come close to the throne room until all proceedings were finished.
"He is fine," I murmured quietly. He is beautiful. He is amazing. He is downright absolutely adorable. He is…not mine. "I must get back to my court now, Mana."
"I…" She became downcast, all of the enthusiasm that twinkled in her green eyes like the stars themselves disappearing. Mana pulled me into a hug, softly kissing my jaw before pulling away. Fool. Do not do that when soon my light, the one who loves you dearly, will court you. "Good night, Atemu. Feel better in the morning."
"As you wish." She smiled, but I did not smile back. Instead I pulled away from her grasp, eyes turning and shoving the thoughts of Yugi to the back of my mind. My mind. One we no longer shared, yet our link was stronger than ever. I cast a wary sigh, this time really reaching the throne room and watching the six priests speak amongst themselves.
I reached Mahado first, watching the worried glance graze across demeanor as he discussed things with Isis. Oh, love was just in the air, wasn't it? "My Pharaoh? Is Yugi alright?"
"He will be after a long rest." I smiled softly and made my way to the very top of my throne. Unfortunately as the discussion unraveled around my light, it meant that I would inevitably have to worry about him. Straighten up, I demanded of myself. If I did not, then Hathor surely be my downfall, entangling my heart and weaving false hopes that never come alive. "And Seth?"
Though surprised, Seth looked up and the hostility he had against Yugi was nowhere to be found. "Yes, my Pharaoh?"
"Understand that while Yugi is here, there is no harm to come of him." I snarled angrily, knowing very well what his next answer would be.
Seth's entire demeanor shifted, perplexed, as he slowly nodded. He grudgingly bowed in understanding, rod across his chest. "Surely, your highness."
"Yes," I murmured. "Then let us continue with this belated meeting."
We spoke of many things. Seth had taken care of many of the ordeals while I was knocked out could and ironically, his behavior was actually tame. I was ready to snap at him, tell him how outright ridiculous he could be in our chivalry, but I was exhausted. Today was horrible and certainly the next would not be any better.
"My Pharaoh?"
"Yes?" I said, for the umpteenth time snapping out of my thoughts of Yugi.
"Soon we will need to get the festivities ready for the Beautiful Feast of the Valley." Karim nodded gently and glanced expectantly. "It would be nice if there was another party held."
"Ah. Quite possibly." The Beautiful Feast of the Valley was not only a mouthful, but a day of remembrance. During that time we paid our respects to the deceased, every family celebrating in their own way while we made offerings to the Gods and feasted. Festivities were more troublesome than something like the Min Festival, but always worth it. When I was younger, each year my father and I would ride to Abydos, my mother's birthplace and appreciate what we no longer had. We would stay for a few days, offering flowers to her tomb before coming home. After my father's death I strictly stayed in Cairo, pulled left and right in order to clean up the messes left by him and from then on it was rare for me to leave.
So why was I thinking of it now?
"Actually," I said as I pushed myself off the throne. "I would love to pay respects to my mother."
They silenced. Looking between all of them and then to Isis, who I was told followed my mother as an eager child awaiting my birth, whose entire face twisted with surprise and concern. "You have not visited your mother in years, my pharaoh. Rest her soul."
"'Tis never too late to see her, my priestess." I smiled broadly, once again wrapping my mind around the idea. Her delicate rose-red eyes twinkled in my head along with that luscious, beautiful long hair which spiraled long behind her. She wrote beautifully, spoke exquisitely, and enticed all with her amazing dancing. Now that the thought was in my head, I wanted nothing more than to see the woman who'd given birth to me before her quick death.
"If you truly wish it, my pharaoh, then so shall it be." Mahado gently smiled and offered me a nod. "Shall I escort you and young Yugi there?"
Ah. Surprisingly enough taking Yugi hadn't even crossed my mind yet. Now that it had, all thoughts shifted toward him. I nodded eagerly along with a fervent grin. "That would be…amazing."
"Very well then," now spoke Akhenadin. His one eye looked to me with silent interest and he arched an eyebrow. "I suppose that was all the business we needed to attend to."
"I see." The smile did not leave my face. It'd been quite a while since I visited Abydos or out of Cairo, at that. "Then this meeting is adjourned."
After a few parting words, all agreed and I even saw a yawn escape the lips of that old fool. Bidding everyone goodnight, we all departed to our respective rooms as I continued my high on the thought of introducing Yugi outside of Cairo. I did not possess the Millennium Pendant until after the death of my father and according to him, I was his first memory. Soon he would see the other part of my heritage; of where my mother reigned from long ago before becoming the scribe to my father and soon my mother.
Opening the door to my chambers and creeping slightly into my bed room I watched his form again. The moon had shifted, Khonsu making his slow wane as Ra would soon chase him. Under the moonlight appeared my slumbering light and as I shed of my crown and jewels, my eyes wandered to the smile laced across his lips. A pleasant blush dusted across pale cheeks and he shifted in his sleep.
"Atemu…"
I halted, leaving nothing but my kilt. I'd planned to go to another room to sleep so I would not disturb him, but…
He whimpered again. Yugi's lip fell to an unsatisfied frown before I could leave the premises and another broken cry was uttered from tortured lips. "Atemu…Atemu…Yami…Atemu…"
Yami…there was something to that name. A breath hitched in my throat and I stared at the little light who curled fearfully in his dreams. Something teemed in my sole Millennium Pendant because of it and again he was shivering, shrinking under that form as his distraught worsened.
"Yami…Atemuyami…Atemu…Atemu…" He sobbed uncontrollably, tears creeping through the creases of his eyes and without a second thought I ran to his side, plopping onto the bed and wrapped an arm secure around his form. It'd been like earlier, how his body felt amazing against mine, but now was not the time to be aroused. No, my light was in trouble and…
"Shh, shh. Hush, little one..."
Another choked cry came from his lips, sounding so distressed, so troubled as I pulled him closer. In soft, soothing breathes he ceased that wary panic and melted firm against my own body. "Atemu," he whispered in slumber blissfully. "Atemu…Atemu…Atemu…"
I scolded myself, demonizing the thoughts of hearing him say my name as I fucked him senselessly. He was beautiful and alluring all the same whether he be conscious or journeying through the land of dreams. Another thought came to mind as pain delved through my chest and I sighed, bringing the covers above both our heads. At the moment, he cried my name. My light needed me.
After tonight, Mana would be the one lulling him to sleep and mollifying all his miserable worries.
littleone.
He was gone.
A sharp pang shattered my neck and I was ready to cry out in pain, but at the same time it felt as if it was not an injury meant for me. With each passing moment another pang would stab my neck, devouring my essence and guiding me toward death because he truly, really was gone. I assume after the realization, my bitter instinct would have claimed Yugi had scampered off and joined my enthusiastic best friend.
Never had I been so wrong in my life. The sun barely peaked through the horizon, streaking the day's sky with the hues of high oranges and vibrant yellows, but contrasted to the blue of the night and, oh so bitterly, the stunning purple.
And you would think my attention would be turned to only that after seeing the sunrise. You, my friend, are certainly wrong. As the first stab jutted through my chest in the wake of dawn, I fell out of bed, head first, knowing my heart was violently beating against my chest, but…I could not feel it. My breathing was shallow, unable to comprehend the coldness surfing through my boiling blood.
"Yugi," I murmured with a wavering voice. Oh, Gods… "YUGI!"
I burst through the halls, ignorant to the bareness of my chest and focusing only to my missing little light. He could not have gone far…could he? Oh, no. NO. He could have been on the other side of Egypt for all I knew. The horrible numbing headache was choking my mind as I looked through the halls. He was nowhere near my chambers, nor the halls near my chambers. Was he able to go this far away from the pendant? So far from I; safe and all? No. If that'd been the case then I would neither be feeling his pain nor his troubles.
"Where is he?!"
Mana shrieked. She fell out of bed with a horrible cry and pulled herself back to the mattress, drowse still visible above those delicate orbs. "Where…who…?"
"You know who," I roared. Another sharp pain ran through my neck and I grimaced, eyes narrowing at the one person on the face of this palace who would know where my light was. "Yugi! Where is Yugi?!"
She gasped. The sleep in her eyes immediately disappeared and she attempted to crawl over the bed, lunging for my form and the next thing I knew, I was tackled to the ground, the alarm growing wide in her eyes. "What do you mean he's missing?! No! It's only been a day, Atemu! He can't be missing! He…he can't!"
Rage disappeared from my features. Instantly I looked down to the petite girl who would be more devastated than any of us. Mana was his true love, and before I even had the chance to prevent her slinking into another depression, I'd caused it. Of course she would be devastated. Of course she would think no matter, speechless and shocked by the sudden turn of events.
Of course out of any of us, her love for Yugi would be her greatest downfall once his disappearance was made true.
Yes…I quietly thought as once again those eyes flashed with alarm and stress. They were true loves and I was the one who strummed them together. "Even I do not know where his presence is, Mana." I inaudibly turned away, hands balling into fists as I once again analyzed my stupidity; my cold, harsh stupidity.
Her mouth fell open, eyes flickering sadly. Fingers intertwined with the golden jewel dangling at my chest and I could only shake my head, denying her of every last bit of hope teeming in her chest.
"Not even there," I quietly murmured, frustration churning in my stomach.
She choked a sob, breath hitched and emitted a small squirm. Tears cast down the sides of her cheeks, eyebrows furrowing in fury before tackling me in a hug. By obligation I comforted her, feeling that void in my heart grow deeper, but shallowly covered by my friendship for Mana.
"No," she pounded my fists. "That's…that's not fair! We were just…just talking about how he got a new body…we were gonna go shopping today…we…we were gonna…"
"I know," I murmured, this time pulling her into a deeper hug. "But we mustn't fret just yet, Mana. Perhaps the Millennium Ring will have the ability of seeking him out."
"Yeah…yeah!" She whispered. Mana pushed me away gently, excitement and hope renewed across her face as she conveyed a smile. "The Master will have all of the answers; we have to go see him now!"
A burst of footsteps interrupted our epiphany. She stumbled, tightly gripping my wrist and dragging my form into the hall, but the next thing I knew, we were greeted with the palace guards. One by one they filtered from all directions, but mainly behind me, where I noted was where the entrance to the palace could be located.
"My Pharaoh! And…Milady!"
The first guard, one who I did not know the name of but surely Mana did, came to an abrupt halt at my feet and bowed. I looked to him, hand suddenly grasping Mana's tight as the mortification crossed his demeanor. "Speak," I demanded, knowing the worst had happened, but even I did not think it was this horrid. What had happened, specifically, to my light? Why was there no word of his disappearance but by me, and if the guards knew where he was, why hadn't they stopped him?!
"'Tis…'tis Priest Siamun, sir," he stammered. Instantly I felt my heart sink. "He has found Sir Yugi and wishes for your presence immediately!"
"They found him?!" It was as if her sudden depression never existed. In an instant, happiness once again crossed the face of Yugi's soon-to-be consort and she grabbed my arm, jumping up and down in excitement.
"Where?" My eyes narrowed, every wave of panic I'd ever felt disappearing in an instant. He was…safe. My light was safe!
"In the infirmary, being inspected by Isis, but my pharaoh—"
It was hard to catch who broke into a faster run, Mana or me. The second we did, we ran twice as fast, determination set in our guts and fingers intertwined. Even if the guard had mollified our earlier worries, I still felt something creeping through my body. No matter how much I hoped, I was sure he had not left unscathed. Something during the evening bothered him, bringing him into unkind disarray and bruising him, but I could not place my finger on it.
Yugi was in trouble. He needed support and comfort, but the reason why was furthest from my mind.
Seething, I cursed the palace for being so long, making a mental note to crush the minds of the designers of the palace, or at least, their descendants, and curse their children, forbidding them from ever making another palace with a labyrinth as enigmatic as this. Luckily enough the palace was being skid by its two mischievous pranksters from the younger days: Mana and I.
In a high sprint, I caught the last bit of speed, now dragging Mana by the arm before we finally made it to the entrance. The door forced open and the three of my high priests whirled around, panic settled across their faces. My eyes landed to my little light, who lay in the bed in the middle, and my heart sank. Sweat matted his brow; smooth, alabaster skin now deathly pale and form writhing in pain. A small whimper escaped his lips, hint of tears brimming at the creases of his eyes and I stood there, crushed.
"Yugi…," I whispered through my shock. "Yugi!"
I ran to him, Mana now forgotten and was held back by Mahado before I had the chance to tackle him. Isis sat at his bedside, hand wrapped around Yugi's as Shada's Millennium Key clanked cold against my light's brow. An intense glow filtered through the room, blinding everyone and everything before completely dissipating.
"It will be okay," Mahado murmured in my ear. "Please, my pharaoh, do not fret."
How could I not? Why would someone tell another to calm down when it was obvious chaos reigned? My poor little one, weak and limp under the various sheets and no one seemed to care!
"There is a heartbeat in this one, Pharaoh Atemu." Isis tore away from her worried gaze and looked to me, weak smile resting delicately across her lips. "Rest assured he is still too young and vibrant to fall into the claws of Amun."
"You had better be right," I muttered, eyebrows furrowed. It was hard to see him in this state. I could barely handle seeing him suffer under torturous nightmares; seeing him unraveled and weak as he was now only heightened my ferocity, blood boiling in my veins. "What happened?"
"He fainted." The fourth voice, Siamun, revealed himself from the shadows. It was his tendency and most likely to his liking how the shrouds were willing to cover him. "On my morning walk I stumbled upon him, lost and frightened, so I cut my venturing short and volunteered to guide him home. On the way, he stood there as if taking in some sort of tragedy and slipped into this coma."
I took in the news. It seemed so…illogically logical that I could not believe it. These actions were normal for him; scampering off doing who-knows-what and returning with a smile on his face. If he had wanted to walk, then certainly he would, even without telling me.
Mana punched me in the arm.
"Ow! And what was that for?"
"For worrying me over nothing, you good-for-nothing paranoid buffoon!" She sniffled and wiped a tear from the crease of her eyes with hands nestled to her hips before irreverently pouting and shaking her head. "He probably wanted to test out his new legs so he didn't end up tripping all over your face like he did last night!"
But…it truly did not seem that way. No matter how reasonable their statements, I did not think the painful sword-wounds to my chest were just illusions or a simple mirage. What my instinct had told me of Yugi was the utmost logical answer, yet…so brash, bold and so…
"No, Mana. 'Tis logical for Pharaoh Atemu to worry as he did." Shada broke from his thoughts, Millennium Key now away from the face of my light. I ran to Yugi, one arm loosely wrapped around his form and pushed sweaty tresses away from his eyes. His breathing had been off ever since I came into the room and immediately I sensed his exhaustion, almost succumbing to it myself.
"Enlighten me," I mumbled, only half listening.
Mahado appeared behind me, watching every movement as I ran a smooth hand down his cheek, pouring all of my soul and worries into my little one's health. "The Millennium Pendant, my pharaoh," he murmured softly. "Allow his bare skin to come in contact with the sacred item passed down from Horus-to-Horus and see how he may react."
Yes…yes, of course! I looked to the jewel resting at the center of my chest and strummed a hand across its lace. Tentatively, I rubbed it, realizing I had not taken it off since I was a small child throwing a tantrum. After its fatal collision with the wall, it never left my neck and to this day I ate, slept, walked, ruled, and even occasionally skipped with it. But it would, for Yugi. Anything, for Yugi.
I pulled it away from my neck and looped it around Yugi's features. He shivered softly, eyes clutched in fear, but the color was now returning to his face. Enough so that I now pulled away, letting Mana tackle him in a hug as I examined the rest of his condition. Physically, he was perfectly fine. Sand clung to the loops at the end of his strange kilt, occasionally dripping into a tiny mound at his feet. Cute. My cute, little light.
In an instant, beautiful amethyst eyes fluttered open, struggling for breath as he looked to his surroundings. His sudden monotone was frightening. The violet hue of his eyes dulled, eyebrows furrowed and struggling to remember something, but obviously nothing. Only a second later, the effervescence returned, alive, yet saddened.
"What happened…?" he whispered.
"Yugi!" Mana squealed happily and clutched her newest friend tight around the torso. She smiled with relief and looked up enthusiastically. "According to Siamun, you were going out for a walk and then you fainted."
"Oh…oh yeah…" I did not enjoy how feeble his voice sounded. Even in his shyest voice he would force assertion in his tone, hands curled and blush blooming at the tips of his cheeks. Yet at the moment this was not the case, and the most decadent hue of pink escaped his lovely cheeks. "I...was walking…and I felt a sharp pain in my stomach…and the further I got, the more intense it was…the longer I was out…the more frequently I would get them…"
"Strange," uttered Isis, who still sat at his bedside, eyes glued to his form.
"Quite a phenomenon indeed, little Yugi." Mahado nodded, one hand resting at his chin as he scrutinized my poor light. "After both you and the pharaoh left, we'd concluded the being you really were, but it seems as though we were mistaken."
"What do you mean?" I arched an eyebrow. I'd not been around after the previous proceedings, far too worried of Yugi's wellbeing to stay.
"Mahado was right when he told you to put the Millennium Pendant around his neck, my pharaoh." Shada held the key in his hands, occasionally rubbing the gold with his bare fingers, but nothing more. "His mind is strange…an entangled labyrinth of doors with frightening creatures, but do not feel distressed, Yugi. Though there was one door I could not access; one accented with the Eye of Horus."
Yugi shivered, knowing immediately the door of which Shada spoke.
"The door was dainty, battered and looked as if it would not hold up. There was a lock and not even my Key was able to penetrate the fortress." Shada looked to him warily, eyes contorting with concern. "I will assume that this is the door that links you to the Pharaoh. Out of all of your scattered memories, he seems to be the only one who has such an entrance."
"Ah." Isis smiled, gesturing to my side. "Out of all of us it only seems only fitting the one whom you cherish most is the Pharaoh."
Now I was smiling. His eyes immediately widened, modesty striking his entire body as he looked away, fervent red hiking up his neck and flourishing over his cheeks. "Y…yeah. Only fitting…"
"Though what troubles us is the fact you inhabit a human body but in fact retain weaknesses from your former life." Shada reached over, slowly cupping his cheeks and yet again scrutinizing his form. Yugi grunted, surprised and turning pink. "When Mahado extracted your ka, it clearly meant that you had your own soul and essence. This body you received from the Millennium Pendant was not a gift from the gods but in fact your own, as if you'd always had it. Surely this isn't the first time it's happened."
I…yes. Yes. My eyes widened as the realization settled in and I readily slapped myself for not noticing all of the recent changes. Though coincidentally it had only been around the two of us, we'd exchanged light kisses, brushed hands and embraced one another. I turned to Yugi and the same realization flickered over his eyes. He reddened, eyes struggling to remain in mine, and looked away.
"But if his body was not a gift from the Gods, then how did he end up the way he is, Priest Shada?" Mana looked up, confused.
Shada frowned and rubbed his chin, immediately perplexed.
"Perhaps it goes back to the fact that once Atemu draped the Millennium Pendant around his neck, all of Yugi's health came back. He woke up in an instant and now here he sits, color returning to his face and all." Mahado gestured to the jewel sitting at Yugi's chest. For the first time my amethyst-eyed beauty noticed it and clutched it between his fingers, yet another thought running through his head.
You…took it off. For a moment my eyes widened, narrowing only to the boy in front of me. Slowly I nodded.
Yes, I whispered. Anything you need I would willingly shed and give. If you were to ever lose something such as your arm, I would gladly cut mine off and gift to you. Yugi looked up, shocked and once again blushing, before looking away. Regret came to his features. An internal struggle and our empathy link had been shattered.
"Enlighten me," I quietly demanded Mahado. My eyes never left the light of my life, watching as he dimmed and remained desolate. This was not the Yugi I'd come to know. This was not the one who would smile, eyes twinkling with a hidden message no one else would understand. This was not the light I'd come to lo—
"'Tis as if in a past life you were familiar with the Millennium Pendant and the Pharaoh, Yugi." Isis squeezed his hand gently, a knowing smile teeming across her features, but unlikely she would tell.
"Maybe…maybe that means in a past life you did know them, Yugi." Mana grinned brightly and cuddled in his arms.
"As senseless as she may be at times I believe my apprentice is right." Mahado nodded slowly, arms crossed and eyes teeming with interest. "You still have a body, marking that your 'past life' is not your 'previous life.' You are still alive and well and the Pendant immediately recognized you. Perhaps in your stupor before crossing toward death it found you and sealed you inside."
"Or," Shada interrupted, "Yugi found it."
Yugi's eyes widened. His fingers laced around the jewel, brow furrowed with worry and concern. "What do you mean?"
"You come from a different time, little Yugi. There is no doubt in my mind of that. In whatever history you reign, 'tis obvious there is a Millennium Item or at least something similar to one that makes it attracted to you and vice versa." Shada released his face, arms to his side as he continued to explain. "In a subconscious state while traveling to this era, your body and mind received a shock with first instinct of your soul--the frightened, as you say, 'Kuriboh' inside, ran towards the nearest comfort: the Millennium Pendant and the new Pharaoh of Egypt."
"Then…why did I not immediately have this body?" Yugi was frightened, hands gripping tighter at the jewel between his hands. "Why is it instead of being summoned as a mortal, I was a spirit in Atemu for the past five years?"
"Who knows." Shada cast a desolate glance to me. "Perhaps in your other life it was an instinct of yours; coming and going as you please, transitioning back and forth through spirithood and livelihood. You find solace in the Millennium Pendant and immediately does it react to your every whim like you've once owned it."
"I…I don't know..." Yugi whispered fearfully. He pressed a hand to his head and I could feel his forming headache pound in my own.
"Rest." I took a step forward, quietly shooing the others away. "You've had an eventful night and have yet to rid of the stress."
"He is right." Isis nodded, pushing away from her seat at his bedside and joining all of my priests. She nodded slowly and smiled sweetly. "If you are to ever get any better, you must get used to sleeping in your human body, Yugi."
"Mana will stay at your bedside while I perform the duties of being pharaoh—"
"About that, your highness."
I arched an eyebrow, briefly turning to Shada in curiosity.
"As I told you, your highness, he recognizes both the pendant and you. I suspect the reason he fainted in the first place was because he was away from the pendant so long and the emotional attachment between you two caused your bodies to react." Shada gestured to the both of us, one eye wary at me and the other to my light. Yugi trembled under his forming blush, once again unable to meet my gaze. "You must stay with him, at least for the day, so he may rejuvenate."
"Can I still stay?"
As I turned back it was the first time I noticed Mana was under his sheets, cuddling happily on his lap with her cheek pressed to his. She begged pleadingly with those eyes, hope shimmering in those emerald orbs.
"I suppose," I grumbled. As it was, having her presence here instead of mine was most likely more soothing. As we bid our goodbyes, I sat at his bedside; arms crossed and studied his expression. Mana was the first to fall asleep, snuggling close to Yugi's chest like a small girl to her older brother. Why wouldn't she, I noted warily, as the content smile on her face widened. Sooner or later he would court her. Then again I suppose it would my fault for forcing her awake and demanding where my light was.
"I still can't believe you gave this to me."
"I beg your pardon?" As I tore away from the fact Yugi's hand was stroking through locks of chocolate hair, I saw that his other hand was busy fingering the grooves of my pendant.
For a moment, he stopped, a smile across his face as he lightly blushed. "The Millennium Puzzle. You've never taken it off, even when you were a small child still settling in. It's the heirloom of your father's, but you've taken so good care of it after these many years…."
"Of course." I arched an eyebrow, confused by his sudden declaration. "Yugi, I would gladly pass my pendant onto you if it meant your safety would remain intact. I feel strongly enough for you that if you were in dire danger all because of this one little jewel, royalty would mean nothing to me."
"…really?" Yugi brought himself to look into my eyes, shock readily crossing his features. "You would risk the crown for me?"
"What we have between us is far more important to me than all the sands in Egypt. You mean the world to me, Yugi. You...," I pursed my lips, pressing one hand to his and scrutinized those beautiful, exotic eyes. "You are my world, little one."
His breath hitched, eyes narrowing to my form as the red tingled at his cheeks. He laughed softly, eyes clenching shut as he shook my arm away and pressed the vacant hand to his forehead. "About that, Atemu…"
"About what?" I arched an eyebrow, daring him to say more. Mana left alone, I leaned over, with every intention of taking him right there and now. I would take every cloth, shed every tunic he wore, devour every piece, taking every part of him, let him scream and leave him hoarse until the brink of New Year's Eve. "What keeps you from me; what keeps you worried?"
"Teana…is pregnant."
littleone.
I stared at him. Out of the six original priests whom my court inherited the Millennium Items, only four were still alive and well: Akhenadin, Siamun, and two others I long ago forgot their names. Now I knew with good reason why I stopped acknowledging them at a young age, throat dry from his bitter words. He thought he was better, more enlightened with the gods, but forgot who he was speaking to. The court I knew, the one I chose out personally stood behind me, just as surprised, but understanding.
"There has never been a joke as cruel as the one uttered from your mouth, Priest," I snarled quietly. Without a second thought I was ready to murder him and expose this lowlife for who he truly was: a pompous, condescending old man who thought he was better than my own court.
Mahado restrained me, one hand firm on my arm so I would not declare the beheading of one of my father's old viziers.
His cruel eyes matched my gaze, stern and disgusted by my predicament. "Do understand, your highness," he spoke smoothly, "that it is a rare anomaly to have a king and ruler as young as you. While I am certainly not surprised that your arrogance and youth has gotten the better of you, it would be more appropriate to clear your name before speak of overthrowing you began."
"And your only suggestion is actually to marry my concubine?!" I pushed off the throne, feeling full heat as for the first time, the word seemed foreign on my tongue. I had every right to fume, every need and certainly I would abuse it. "Who are you to demand I make a whore my royal wife?!"
His dark eyes flickered irritably, frown nestled tight on his demeanor. "A vizier. And in my day, in your father's rule—rest his soul—that clearly meant I was his advisor and since you have come here of all places, 'tis only fitting I advise you, or do you wish to go out in that world and sleep with other harlots to relieve your frustration, your highness? 'Tis no rumor nor surprise as is, that you would one day marry that lowly slut since you've slept with her more times than there are grains of sand in upper and lower Egypt!"
I recoiled, as if he'd just slapped me in the face. Akhenadin slowly nodded, gesturing to the doors that kept me from storming out here and now. "'Tis no surprise at all, my pharaoh. For the longest time we've assumed that you were courting her, not only using her for your sexual desires, but to claim her as your…lover."
Oh, please. I scowled, taking the words with thrice the frustration I felt before entering.
"Unless we announce the wedding of one Pharaoh and this girl, my king, your name will forever be scorned by this illegitimate child. She is merely a slut and of course has bragged about the relations you've shared. There is no doubt in my mind and from the very beginning you have chosen only her," spat the other priest. His eyes narrowed icily and he, too, gestured to the door. "It is the only way to save your reputation. She is a concubine of Cairo, a direct city under your rule."
That was right. Since the age of fourteen when I began taking sexual interest in women she was one of my firsts. Time and time again she proved well in satisfying my needs and I chose to keep her, but never has my interest in her exceeded my bedroom.
"No matter what position you rank her, until you select the real Great Royal Wife, she will automatically fall under that category. Her heir is your heir." The first high priest grimaced in distaste and glared. "May Min bless you and your charge."
I snapped out of my thoughts, eyes narrowing and growled at the jackass. "This meeting," I hissed through barred teeth, "is over."
They stood numb in their seats as I slowly recoiled and sat down. The second priest, annoyed, clasped his hands together and dared look me in the eye. "The wedding ceremony shall be held in seven days, your highness."
They both left silently without looking back and scurried through the halls before I had the chance to collect my thoughts. I was going to marry. With one whom I barely remembered the face of had I not been looking at it. She was carrying my child, my baby and without a marriage alliance, I would be in horrible trouble.
"I want them both beheaded!" I hollered. Throne aside, I turned around, eyes landing on every one of my priests, the ones I could actually trust, knowing they were far from ridiculing me. "I want them to burn in the deepest trenches of the dark realm and never again show their faces upon this room unless they drop to their knees and kiss my feet!"
"My pharaoh!" Isis clasped a hand to my wrist, expression stern and clearly worried. "Please, do not let your fury blind your senses; cruel things come to those who defy Ma'at's sense of justice!"
"And what sense of justice is this, having two feisty, elderly old men demand I marry Teana?" I bitterly cackled, pushing her arm aside and flailed in frustration.
"Pharaoh Atemu."
I turned, eyes landing on the small old man whom I've loved all these years as my surrogate father. Siamun's assertion overrode my anger in any situation. "Your marriage to Teana comes as Ma'at's great plan. Your virtues will be replenished once this ceremony is complete."
"What do you mean?" I panted, suddenly exhausted.
"You slept with her. She now bears your baby in less than nine months and to balance the scale you must heal your sins and marry her." Siamun's eyes narrowed sternly and he closed them. "Need I remind you of your father's sacrifice? While true the gods promised to protect you once, anything you do in spite of your father's plea may plenty well be enough for them to break this promise. You must marry her."
My throat had fallen dry. My father's name alone was my downfall; to disgrace not only the Gods, but the name of my father after he'd sacrificed so much and everything he did for my sake.
Grim, I narrowed my eyes and nodded. Gathering all myself I was finally able to leave my court, sanity barely intact as I reached the door. In seven days I would no longer be the sole ruler of Egypt, with someone as she being considered my queen. Queen Teana, wife of Pharaoh Atemu. How nauseating. Finally at the door I pushed through and was met by Teana, skin attractively bare and smooth against the loose tunic thinly adorning her breasts.
Hope filled those blood red eyes, fear and happiness all melded together. That was right. Only a few short hours ago Yugi confessed why he was in town, how he heard the disheartening news of this concubine carrying my offspring. Immediately after the initial shock I demanded a court meeting, the word from her lips, and to have everything sorted out. My jaw clenched at the thought. Now it was a late afternoon and I was able to dub this as yet another atrocious day in my rule. And say it was all her fault.
"You and I shall marry in seven days."
She gasped in delight, eyes widening before tackling me into a hug. "'Tis a dream come true, my pharaoh! I thought…I always knew that one day you and I would marry each other! This is a sign from the gods! May they wash away my sins and allow me to be eternally happy with the living Horus!"
Yet it was because of those sins that I was now the husband to this slut. At this realization, I gently pushed her away and pulled my mouth into an unsatisfied scowl. She continued on, wistfully declaring wedding plans and oblivious to my aggravation. She did not notice. Not like…not like…
Are you okay? Yugi's voice echoed drowsily in my ear. I would have smiled had not my harlot troubled me.
I am fine, I replied softly. Did I wake you?
No. But Mana did. I just can hear your distress.
Right. Mana. Some time after my marriage would be Yugi's to her and the separation between us would be inevitable.
"Baby," Teana cooed with a nickname she'd never used before, "I noticed earlier that your pyramid jewel is missing. You've never taken it off, even from the first night we had together."
"And how do you know this?"
"Why, my pharaoh, isn't it only fitting to notice the one you love?" She hummed with pleasure and looked to my form affectionately. "I would be honored, if for your declaration of love you gave me that precious jewel. 'Tis the only one of its kind, am I mistaken?"
No one other than my light was allowed to wear that pendant. Never would I let anyone taint the essence of the Millennium Pendant, even over a petty ceremony such as this.
"Seven days," I growled angrily. "If you are not going to be prepared and insist on mocking my court during this time, then I would rather you did not show up. Understand, wife?" She flinched at my tone, but I'd already left before she had the chance to apologize. Instead I directed my flight toward my chambers, where no one would dare disturb me.
"Atemu--!"
As I barricaded the doors, all thoughts halted. Mana stood, frightened by my sudden appearance. She dashed to my side, arms around my neck and I knew the only woman who would ever be allowed to hold me like this was she, my best friend. The one girl who made me smile, who I bickered with for the sake of arguing was she, and if I truly had to marry a woman, it would be her. "What's wrong?" she whispered weakly. "What happened? Why are you so angry?"
To that I smiled, hugging her back for a moment before we settled on my couch. "Weren't you with Yugi?"
"He's in the back." Mana plopped down, smile high against her lips before she playfully poked my ribcage. "So, do I have to punch you like I did this morning, or will you answer like the semi-civilized human being you are?" She smiled sadly. "Because what I'm assuming is the meeting didn't go well."
"How do you know about the meeting?" She'd drifted off to sleep before Yugi broke the news.
"Yugi filled me in. He's a very reliable source, you know. So tiny, he could be in the room and slip away before anyone noticed." Her laugh echoed playfully off the walls and it was hard to believe only this morning she was in a flurry of panic over my light.
"They expect me to marry her," I sneered. "Those fools believe that without a proper ceremony and a wife, I may succumb to vicious rumors and bring shame to Egypt. That baby reeks of thievery, revering my name under bundles of slander and gaining the title meant for someone better."
"I see." Mana relaxed, stretching both legs and resting them in my lap. "So would you rather marry me?"
"…depends. At least with a child of Teana's, I would not lose my spawn in a vase." I arched an eyebrow, smirking profusely at her chivalry.
"You have to admit," she hummed pleasantly, "it would be a really fun gave of hide and seek."
"Yes. And then my palace would reek with the various droppings hidden in the darkness of vases." I chuckled, lightly pushing those small feet away and resting against the seat.
"Ooh, that's a real fun idea then!" She grinned impishly and moved to my lap. "Atemu! Let's make babies!"
"You're ridiculous."
"Which would be the only way to make you smile. See? You're smiling right now!" Mana laughed softly and hugged me tightly. "Feel better?"
"Quite a bit." I blissfully sighed and pinched the bridge of my nose. In seven days I would be married to that slut, the one carrying my baby. I cursed my idiocy, knowing that I misguided Min in his efforts to bring us happiness. Pregnancy was surely the last thing on my mind when I began drowning myself in her sensual tongue in the efforts of thinking of something else other than my light.
"—temu. Atemu!"
"Mana, stop slapping him."
Followed by a quiet laugh I turned to the side and for a moment my entire burst with ecstasy. Divine pale flesh I'd never caught sight of before was now in plain view, sheathed only by the tunic clinging to his petite chest and draping to mid-thigh. Luscious skin that I'd never laid eyes on before came to view, glistening quaintly with the sweat permeating from unearthly places. I licked my lips, noting huskily, the tired red-faced panting demeanor set on his face.
"How do I look?"
"Delightful." I replied without missing a beat. Delectable. Seeing his body so utterly salacious made my own react and in seconds my hardening erection would be my demise. Had Mana not been the room I would carry him into my bedroom, shedding high of the clothes—my clothes—he wore so exotically and thrust into his virgin entrance. I bit my tongue, eyes following between his legs where I wanted to take him.
"I hope you don't mind," he mumbled in a strained tone. "Stupid of me to forget how hot Egypt can be. I just don't think my body has adjusted to the warm climate yet. My options were either to wear your clothes or Mana's, and…well…her skirts are short." They would have been fitting all the same. "You okay?"
"Of course he is," Mana chirped obliviously as she stood up. "I just proposed to him!"
"Oh, really?" Yugi grinned, rolling his eyes so slowly and knowingly and he strutted across the small pathway as far as his tiny waist and flawless hips would take him. "You proposed to me right before he came in. Kind of heartbreaking, you know."
Right. I tore away, shutting my eyes closed as I smoothly ran a hand through my hair. Not mine. Yugi was not mine.
"Hmm, I can have you to go shopping with and tend to the little kiddies and Atemu for the bed. What I hear, no girl has ever left his room unmarked or unsatisfied." Mana grinned, running all the way up to him and tackling my light into a hug. "Or any man."
"Right." Yugi's eyes widened, a fervent blush across his face as he cast a glance to me. He guided Mana back to my form and bent before my lap. "You alright? I could feel your frustration the entire meeting."
"Teana and I are marrying."
"Oh." The entire look on his face dropped for a moment, amethyst eyes becoming blank as they had this morning. His eyebrows furrowed with an unidentifiable trouble before he forced a smile across those pretty lips. "I'm happy for you then."
I grunted, unsure whether or not to take that as a compliment or be utterly angry. If my light approved of this matrimony, then I truly had no other choice than to follow through with it. My eyes fell unnoticeably to his torso, where he'd yet adorn a collar to hide delectable nipples and more alabaster skin. A small growl left my lips, ready to take him and thoroughly fu—
"Yugi!" Mana gasped. She tapped a finger to his bare shoulder, eyebrows furrowing in concern. "You've been out in the sun so long that you're getting sunburned!"
Yugi blinked, ultimately tearing away from ne and rested a hand on the shoulder. A hiss escaped his lips and he grimaced. "You're right."
"We're gonna have to get some oil for that." Mana tugged on his arm and inched for the door.
"Yeah. It's a good idea to let Atemu rest, anyway." He smiled shyly as my best friend continued to drag him out the door and beyond my knowledge. "Bye, Atemu."
"Goodbye." I waved gently and looked down to the throbbing erection hidden under my kilt. Mana flashed through my mind again and I sighed.
Not mine.
littleone.
That goodbye truly did seem like my last. Once Shada gave him permission to scour out of my radar, Mana happily swept him away while I was busy with wedding preparations. Left and right, whether it be food, the music for dancing or being measured for new, formal robes to wear at the ceremony and party afterwards, I had no time to see my light. All six priests and I were preoccupied with other things, which warily shoved both my light and best friend together, alone and doing whoknowswhat. He did not sleep in my room like the first night, but I rest assured, knowing he was great in Mana's hands.
Great with everything.
I scowled, the last of various needles to poke my side. The seamstress squeaked in shock, cowering at my glower before begging for my mercy and quietly strumming the robes. The ceremony would be tomorrow and already had an announcement of my wedding reach the commoners. Was I satisfied? Of course not.
"That will be all for tonight," I murmured to the seamstress. My exhaustion could easily be heard in that tone and at any second I would collapse in sleep so deep that I probably would not wake until the ceremony was over. To that I normally would have smirked, hoping so would happen, but I knew it would not. Marriage to Teana, the woman who I'd yet allow to sleep in the same palace as and who came daily for her fittings or plans, was inevitable. Tomorrow she would be my only queen till something better came along.
Gods have mercy there were so much better women. I shuddered as the seamstress quietly left my room and collapsed in bed. The outfit of choice was recommended by Teana, who happily prepared everything while I was either too busy or cared little about. At the knock on my door, I turned and caught the amethyst eyes peering through. "Hello."
"Hi." He smiled softly before slipping in and unfortunately had reverted back to his original clothes and clad under the hood of one of my capes. Severe burns from the sun were finally peeling from his face after six days of torture and as he did not want the rest of his body to die at the hand of Ra, he returned to what he had. Yugi halted, eyes widening and I smiled at the heartbeat I could sense from him. "Wow."
"'Wow', what?"
"Red suits you." His cheeks blistered pink as he scuttled forward and yet again halted. "May I come in?"
"You already are."
"Right." Yugi laughed softly and stood parallel to me. I stared at him, watching tiresomely at the pink tingling his cheeks and radiating further to that small neck. That was how we stood at the moment, neither of us speaking but silently conveying messages that would never get through. My chest hurt; empty and desolate without him at my side. "It's…been a while since we've spoken."
"Six days."
"You've been…busy with this marriage," he said quietly, eyes falling to the ground. "Wow. I always knew that one day, you would end up with someone. I knew that you would choose someone who was worthy of your gaze, someone who could…p…protect you where I could not. Teana is beautiful."
I smiled softly, pulling my little light closer before brushing the bangs out of his face. "I assume this means I do not have to hunt you down for your blessing?"
"I'm here, aren't I? I won't be at the ceremony, but I'm here." He pulled away, both hands resting at his head as a strained chuckle left his lips. "I guess now you truly are walking into manhood, this means that I'm no longer needed."
"You are always needed." My eyes widened, shocked at his sudden declaration as I pushed myself off the bed and hovered above him. "You are my light; the one whom I look up to and praise the gods for every day for blessing me with your beautiful spirit. Not having you around is like offering myself to the jaws of Amun and I will always need you in my life."
Stunned, those beautiful orbs widened. His eyebrows furrowed, a grimace to his face as the rest of him trembled precariously. He laced a finger around the string holding the Millennium Pendant and pulled it off his neck in order to put it around mine. "Then I won't be the only one who still protects you. I'm sure your father would want you wearing this while you married."
Frowning softly, I rested a hand on the jewel. During those six days he'd worn it, fully protected and away from my essence. Mahado had been right; as long as the pendant was in close contact with him, Yugi was fine to exert as much energy needed. Without it…
"It's fine," Yugi immediately said, as if he'd read my mind. He grinned, standing to the tips of his toes to cup my face. "The puzzle is yours, Atemu. It was inherited from your father and with this body, I'm just going to have to get used to not having with me all the time."
"I only want you safe." I hesitantly smiled, pushing the hood away from his hair and revealing all its beauty. "Truth be told, she expects me to give this to her at the altar as a declaration of my love. But I denied her."
"What? Why?"
"Why on earth would I give this to an unworthy person as a declaration of my love?" I shook my head, all the while laughing as I clasped his delicate fingers around the corners of the pendant. "You, little one, are the only one worthy to carry the Millennium Pendant in all of its glory."
It had caught him off guard. Yugi's fingers wriggled through my grip, head falling yet again to the ground with furrowed eyebrows. He closed his eyes shut, tears visibly shimmering at his eyelashes. "Atemu…please."
"What, little one?" Alarmed, I caught the first tear to stream down his face and lowered my gaze. "Why shed unneeded tears?"
"Because…" He squirmed, tightening his trip over the Millennium Pendant before shivering again. "Because, Atemu…Because—"
"My Pharaoh!" The door shot open, almost shattering in contact as Seth came bursting in, pale and alarmed.
"Seth," I growled angrily. "You must have a good reason for barging through my doors."
"Cairo has been raided by the enemy, Pharaoh Atemu!" He panted, surely just now coming from the scenes.
"What?!" I pulled away from Yugi, daring toward Seth for a better explanation.
"Thieves, mercenaries, assassins have shot through the village, leaving nothing but destruction in their path, but that is not even the worst part!" Seth knelt before me, sweat dripping anxiously at his brow. "My pharaoh…Teana has been found dead!"
--
Author's Note:
So…am I allowed to call this chapter rushed? Or like…do I not have that privilege? Bah, I dunno anymore, I just wanna kick Atemu in the face for monologing so much. I mean…seriously, I can't tell; is this story so slow-paced because of how long the chapters are, or is it rushed because all the conflicts are resolved in less than two chapters? Haha. There was a lot of cramming and chopping in this chapter, but I'd always planned for Teana to be a two-chapter conflict only.
So…Wolfwhispers and YukoCetra sorta get commended for this chapter. xD Claimed it would either be a false alarm or a stillborn or Teana's death, but it was actually gonna be the first one, yet I realized…Atemu's a horndog. Of course she'd be pregnant! Copycat-Capycot gets kudos coz that was the fiftieth review. C: We're just about done with the first part of the story; close to moving onto the second! So, I hope you enjoyed this one (because I hate this chapter a lot) and can't wait for the next one.
One more thing. Was talking to a friend of mine on MSN the other day and I kinda am curious. Who do you think is more sexually frustrated, Atemu or Yugi. And…why? Haha.