The Lost Pharaoh
Special thanks to my beta-reader: Towairaito ZoonI have never had a beta-reader before, but she is SOOOOO awesome! - It really takes some of the stress away having someone there to back you up. So give her a hand too! claps
Chapter 10: The First Signs
Warm, soft rays of sunlight shone down as dawn finally approached the sleeping city. The silence was expected for the weekend when students were enjoying their time off. Everything appeared to be in perfect shape, as if nothing was amiss in the world. It was days like these that Sugoroku was happy to be cleaning up the game shop and doing other chores he usually hated. Stretching his arms and back he grabbed a broom and began sweeping inside the game shop, occasionally humming.
Sugoroku opened the game shop door to lead all the dust and grime outside with the broom, pausing to look up at the beautiful sky full of colors. The sun was just barely peeking up, illuminating the quiet streets of Domino.
"What a beautiful sunrise," Sugoroku surmised. "It must be just before dawn."
Sugoroku continued to sweep until he thought every speck of dust was cleared out of the game shop. He left the door opened, still hanging with the closed sign, to let the warm, clean air freshen up the room. Opening the case on the counter he produced the newest cards he had collected for display. Weekends were the busiest days still at the game shop, even provided that there was a new dueling shop store downtown. Sugoroku had been told several times that his prices were good and that he had the best variety of cards and not just the rarest.
I hope I get more customers. I just got a whole new stock of cards straight from Arthur. He must be trying to apologize for putting the sudden project on my shoulders. What a good friend.
Sugoroku hesitated after putting some cards on display and opening the glass display case to show the many other cards he had around the shop. He had the feeling he was missing something...
"How could I forget!?" his eyes widened, looking up toward the stairs. "I forgot to put up the new poster!"
He ran up the stairs to his room to grab the poster he had gotten created via the mail from some friends to help sell his cards faster. Over the years his business had been getting better and better. As he made his way back down the hallway he suddenly stopped as he noticed that the door to his right was open. Inside the room the bed sheets were all a wreck as if someone had slept in it and clothes were strewn on the floor. However, Sugoroku didn't seem to see them as his eyes were only locked on the open window.
"Now how did that get open?" he wondered, approaching it and locking it shut.
He left the room with the same feeling he had had that morning when he got up. It was a strange, tingling feeling in the pit of his stomach that he couldn't place. He had gotten up earlier than usual and cleaned the whole game shop top to bottom, which he usually hated doing. For some reason, he always remembered it being easier because he had help. Strangely though, he couldn't remember who he had asked to help him clean the game shop. He was sure he didn't send out any messages in the newspaper asking for assistance.
Sugoroku shrugged and went back downstairs and outside the game shop. He had to find the right spot to place the poster where most people would see it. Just as he was dreading the walk downtown a familiar figure caught his eye walking up toward the game shop.
"Oh, hello Jou, up so early?" Sugoroku smiled at the teenager.
Jou nodded with a wave of his hand, "Hello gramps!"
Sugoroku gripped the poster a little harder, "How many times do I have to tell you not to call me that?"
Jou shrugged carelessly with a big grin, putting his hands behind his head, "Don't know, but it ain't sinking in...gramps."
Sugoroku glared at the boy who was known for his teasing and joking personality. Calming down slightly, he pretended to have ignored the boy's comment.
"So, what brings you here?" he asked, picking the broom back up and pretending to sweep outside the shop.
Jou grinned, "Eh, you know, just hangin' around."
Sugoroku stopped sweeping as an idea struck him. He then turned to him.
"Well, if you're not doing anything maybe you could post these flyers around for me. I do have quite a bit of work to do," Sugoroku said.
Jou's foolish grin turned into a sincere smile, "Sure thing gramps."
Sugoroku thanked him and handed them over, ignoring the nickname.
"Knowing you Jou, you are going to hang out at the arcade with your friends and forget about homework," Sugoroku said, continuing to sweep.
Jou smiled goofily, "Well, the homework part is right, but Tea invited us all to her house ta play a little duel monsters. Actually, dat's why I'm here so early. Is Yuugi around?"
Sugoroku stopped suddenly, broom in hand and turned to Jou, casting a strange glance in his direction. Jou blinked in confusion as Sugoroku studied him, deep in thought.
"Yuugi? Oh, right!" Sugoroku exclaimed. "Oh my, I must've forgotten that I did ask for some assistance!"
Jou continued to stare at him in confusion, "You mean Yuugi's not helpin' ya? I know he's been helpin' Yami get adjusted 'n all, but come on. Yuugi would never slack on his chores."
Sugoroku turned, "Well, I guess I forgot that I did hire some help after all. That's why I was feeling so strange this morning. Do you know his number?"
"Number?" Jou looked at him with wide eyes.
Jou's eyes soon turned to glare harshly at him, studying Sugoroku intently as he bent forward. "Is dat a trick question?"
Sugoroku raised his eyebrow in question, "Trick Jou? No, I've forgotten his number. I know, it's old age. Maybe you could stop by his house, if you can, and tell him I don't need help today. I've got things under control."
Jou's mouth hung open stupidly as Sugoroku adjusted the sign and turned it to say open. Sugoroku then leaned the broom against the side, riding his hands of any dirt.
"Thanks a lot Jou for doing me these favors, it sure means a lot," Sugoroku said.
"Uh...gramps, you sure ya feelin' all right?" Jou asked concerned, reaching out to feel his forehead.
"Of course I am!" he said irritated and swiped his hand away.
"Eh...maybe if I go find Yami he'll know where Yuugi is. And then maybe they can tell me what's goin' on," Jou said, standing back up straight. "I must've missed some kinda act you guys are puttin' on."
Sugoroku blinked, apparently not hearing anything but the first part, "Yami? Yami, who?"
Jou stood with a completely dumbfounded expression on his face as Sugoroku finished up. "You're jokin'...right? This is some kinda trick you guys are pullin'. All right Yug, come out so's I can see ya!"
Sugoroku cleared his throat, casting him an unusual glance, "No one is here but me, Jou. And this is no joke. I appreciate you doing me a favor with the flyers, but my customers will be coming soon. Don't forget to let er...Yuugi was it? Yes, let him know I won't be needing him today."
With that Sugoroku walked back into the game shop leaving a stunned Jou holding flyers, and staring at the spot where Sugoroku had stood, with his eyes widened in shock.
XXXXX
It was warm and comfortable, wrapping him in a tight embrace so he felt safe and secure. He felt as if he were sleeping under the sun lying on a cloud up where no one could reach him or disturb him. His thoughts were peaceful and his body and mind rested. Holding off a yawn that threatened to make him fall back asleep, Yuugi opened his half-lidded eyes all the way, adjusting to the new vision before him. He barely even remembered that he had fallen asleep, and he had forgotten where he was for a split second.
Yuugi smiled as he awoke fully from dreamland and remembered everything that had happened. He tried his best to put the uncomfortable meeting in the back of his mind and focus on the present. The bed he was in was so comfortable he had practically melted beneath the covers.
I wonder what time it is.
Yuugi remembered he didn't have a watch so instead he slid from the bed, touching his feet to the slightly cool floor. His eyes registered that his feet were now touching marble.
Where did the grass go?
Yuugi looked around, noting that the entire floor was a bare white marble as he slid entirely from the bed. Blinking sleepily, he also noticed that his senses were filled with a delicious smell. Yuugi turned around and was suddenly paralyzed to the spot at the sight by his bedside. Trays upon trays of food had been laid out for his pleasure, all smelling delicious and still steaming from their platters. With wide eyes, Yuugi approached the trays, lifting one up to have a look inside. The tray was full of wheat pita bread in the center, with extremely ripe and juicy-looking tomatoes and greens around it. Yuugi saw that beside it was a sauce in a marble container. Yuugi recognized it as tahini sauce from when his grandpa had brought some food back from Egypt on one of his previous digs.
Lifting up another tray he saw something unique that he had seen somewhere before. It resembled eggplant, or at least had some in it. Yuugi was rewarded when he saw that a message had been written beside it bearing the one word: babaganoush. And upon opening the one in the center, nearby it, another name was scrawled beside it: moussaka. Before Yuugi could try the new delectable-looking food, he saw a message written to him on top of one of the closed trays. He picked it up and opened the scrap of paper.
"Your food has been brought to you, master Yuugi, since we felt you needed time to rest. If you need anything just let us know."
It was signed by Fidil, Yami's main vizier. Yuugi smiled and put it down, relishing in the warmth of the room and the smell of the food. Yuugi reluctantly moved away from the food toward the window in order to see how early or late it was. When he approached the window, he realized that it wasn't just a window. He pushed on it so the two glass panes would open to reveal a small balcony where he could look down below at the quiet city. Yuugi peered down noting that many fruit stands and such were all ready up and going, along with many people bustling about the streets.
He smiled sweetly at how peaceful it was. Grasping his robe in one hand so he wouldn't trip, he turned back around. His eyes caught sight of the floor which was shimmering oddly from the reflection of the sunlight. Yuugi watched in awe as tips of grass poked through invisible holes across the floor until it again appeared to be a field of soft grass surrounding his bed.
It must disappear at night time but come back when the sun hits it.
Yuugi was so lost in a blissful daze, wondering how it was even possible for them to create such beauty that he didn't hear the soft rapping at his door.
"Master Yuugi?"
He jumped startled as one of the women stood in front of him smiling. She bowed politely and reached out to hand him a message.
"Oh, thank you," Yuugi flashed her a soft smile and opened it just as she was closing the door. "It's from Yami!"
The tables were pushed slightly aside as Yuugi quickly sat down on the edge of the bed to read the message. It was written in fine cursive but easier to read than Yuugi had expected.
'Dear Yuugi,' he read silently, 'I hope you slept well. I know that it is a custom for you to sleep after the sun has all ready risen in the sky when you do not have school. I enjoyed those days fully, even attending your school with you. However, as pharaoh, I am expected to rise just as the sun is hitting the horizon. You asked me before about my life so I wish to take you with me and show you how the life of a pharaoh is. It is not just sitting on a throne and eating rice cream...'
Yuugi snorted unexpectedly at Yami's mistake when referring to ice cream. Yuugi wondered if he was the only one that knew Yami was a slightly different person when allowed more freedom. Pushing the thought for later, Yuugi continued to read.
'My viziers have been asked to send you breakfast before you wake so that we may start the day early. When you are up meet me in my chambers on the third floor. You will know my room when you see it. Yami'
Yuugi's bright smile widened further as he slipped the note back on the table. After grabbing a few bites of random dishes set out for him, he slipped on one of the more simple robes he had been given. The robe was smooth and silky to the touch, almost gliding across his fingers like water. The color of it was a pale ivory that brought out his smooth alabaster skin tone.
The women viziers, who had left that with him the previous day after they had made his main robe, had told him that they had never before made an ivory white robe since their guests preferred either royal colors, or some extraordinary tone that stood out. They told Yuugi they had chosen that color to reflect his inner beauty. Yuugi wasn't positive he knew what that meant, but he figured it had something to do with the fact that most of them were referring to him as 'angel' instead of Yuugi. He was at least glad that they had stopped referring to him as "master Yuugi." It made him feel slightly uncomfortable having a title before his name.
He slipped quietly out of the room and down the long hallway toward the stairway to the third floor. He couldn't wait to see Yami so that they could spend time together like before, only this time Yuugi was at Yami's mercy. The stairways were oddly designed from the shape of the railing to the feel of the smooth wood caressing his fingers. Yuugi trailed his fingers as he walked up them, relishing in the morning atmosphere. It was more peaceful than he could have ever imagined, even with the streets awake with life.
The third floor was no doubt the most spectacular floor of all. Yuugi had all ready been captivated by the smooth hallways, large tables, bright lamps filling the rooms and his own room, but he found his eyes widening even larger than before. The hallway was a shimmering off-white that seemed to sparkle like diamonds when the rays of sunlight whispered across. Yuugi didn't understand why his heart was racing, only that he was so transfixed by the sight he hardly remembered to walk. Yami had been right when he told Yuugi he'd know the room right away. The only room on the third floor was behind the ivory double doors lined with the same shimmering material on the floor.
Yuugi held his breath when he approached the doors, hoping that Yami wasn't in the middle of anything. Breathing deeply, Yuugi rose his hand and knocked gently. He waited for a few minutes but there was no reply. He tried again and got the same result. He turned the knob and found that the doors where unlocked. Reassuring himself that Yami had told him to meet him there, Yuugi pushed the doors open and stepped inside. What greeted him made him gasp out loud. Just like Yuugi's room there was some kind of enchantment placed on it that gave the room a feel of mystery.
Yuugi understood why Yami had wanted to meet in his room. Instead of the same tiled flooring covering the room it was hidden by a thin layer of sand, smooth and warm to the touch. Yuugi's bare feet dipped into the sand as he walked across it admiring the room. A small table stood in the center filled with left over food that still looked fresh, which meant it had been recently touched. A comfortable looking chair was nearby standing in the corner. Yuugi's eyes caught sight of a deep crimson curtain pulled back near his left by a tall wooden bureau. He approached it and slid it open to reveal an ivory tub that had small pyramids for faucets with an Egyptian relic in between.
Yuugi inwardly smiled and wondered just how long Yami had kept the tub around. He closed the curtain and explored the rest of the bed chamber, finding maps of Egypt, statues lining the walls and other interesting aspects of the room that seemed to call to him. After his brief exploration, Yuugi found himself curious as to where Yami slept. He followed the sanded floor toward another doorway concealed by glass, much like the room Yuugi slept in. He carefully slid it open to reveal a very large bed covered in red silk sheets. The headboard was ivory, like the double doors leading to the bed chamber and was smooth to the touch.
Yuugi traced the silk sheets with his fingers finding the material as soft as the material on his bed, only a different color. Soft, fluffy pillows lined the bed as well with Egyptian figures and symbols imprinted in them. There was sand around the bed, like the grass in Yuugi's room, and it seemed that in the bedroom his feet stayed atop the sand. Yuugi looked around the room and noticed that Yami too had his own patio, which was right next to the bed. Soft lamps lined the entire room, though Yuugi couldn't see how they glowed since they were off. He felt at home, as if he were in a natural and comfortable place.
The soft material that brushed up against his skin made his eyes droop slightly. Without thinking, Yuugi lifted himself on the bed and lay down, pushing his head against one of the soft pillows and draping the silk sheet carelessly around his arms. He sighed blissfully as the warm sun shone down upon him from the patio window. Yuugi's eyes were just barely about to close when a warm, gentle voice broke his relaxation.
"I see you've taken a liking to my bed."
Yuugi's head lifted slightly off the bed as he turned to see Yami standing just inside the patio doors. Yuugi realized that Yami had probably been on the patio the whole time and was able to watch him without Yuugi realizing it.
"How long were you there?" Yuugi asked, folding his arms and trying to look stern.
Yami's eyebrows rose, "It is my room, isn't it? I only just got here a few minutes ago. I had to speak with Hadi again."
Yuugi could hear the slight coldness in his tone. He lifted himself into a sitting position.
"I'm sure Hadi didn't mean what he said. Everyone here seems to care about you a lot, that's all," Yuugi smiled, breaking the tension in the air. "Besides, you're supposed to take me around today and show me what it's like to be a pharaoh, remember?"
Yuugi was rewarded when Yami's expression broke out into a serene smile, "Yes, of course."
Yuugi thought he saw a trace of something else in Yami's expression but as Yami approached him he couldn't find it. Yuugi watched as Yami opened a draw and pulled out a familiar-looking robe that shimmered like gold. It was the same ivory-based robe he wore when Yuugi first met him inside the glorious gold pyramid, only it was covered in a lot of gold.
A golden sash appeared to be sewn in the middle, draping slightly passed Yami's hips. Golden clasps held the robe tightly around his body so that it wouldn't fall down, or even move the slightest no matter which way Yami turned. Gold bracelets were on Yami's biceps like usual, and a gold necklace bearing an Egyptian symbol that no doubt read 'pharaoh', was the final touch. Yami all ready had his crown on, in fact, Yuugi noticed that he always had it on, even when he was sleeping.
Maybe that's some kind of Egyptian rule for pharaohs. I wonder if it's uncomfortable to sleep in…
"Fadil is waiting for us outside," Yami said, breaking Yuugi out of his daze, and walking past the bed and to the door. He turned back to glance at Yuugi, "Are you ready?"
Nodding with excitement, Yuugi slid from the bed and followed Yami out of his room. Yuugi went a little slower as his feet dragged through the soft sand, relishing in the smooth texture. It felt like silk beneath his feet instead of grainy like real sand. Yuugi looked up to see Yami staring at him almost looking amused.
"Do you like the effects?" Yami asked.
"Yeah," Yuugi beamed up at him, "how did you do it?"
Yami laughed lightly, "You'll know soon enough Yuugi."
As Yami opened the door and gestured for him to exit first, Yuugi rubbed his feet in the sand once more and headed out. Yami followed closely behind after his door was shut and they made their way down two flights of stairs. As soon as they reached the bottom they were greeted by several guards that bowed to the both of them, and walked them out of the palace. Yuugi unconsciously stuck himself closer to Yami's side, still not used to having so many people around almost all the time.
Yuugi wondered what surprises would be in store for him in a city he didn't know. He was sure the city had changed a lot since the first time Yami had ruled 5000 years ago, but it was a home to him all the same.
Wait…if Yami was ruling 5000 years ago, with Fidil and the priestess…how are they here? Did they somehow get reborn? I'll have to ask Yami later.
Yuugi pushed his confusion away as they exited the palace gates into the city itself. Stands of juices, fruits and all kinds of delicious items were everywhere. Yuugi had never seen anything like it.
"Yami?" Yuugi tugged on his robe, allowing Yami's bright eyes to look down at him.
"Yes Yuugi?" he smiled, giving him his full attention.
"Were there food stands 5000 years ago?" he asked curiously.
Yami smiled and shook his head, looking at the atmosphere around them, "No, a lot has changed since my last rule, Yuugi. My viziers have created the new palace to be a lot like the one I ruled in before, but it is true that nothing in Kemet is the same. There never used to be guides for tourists, for my viziers were extremely wary about foreigners entering. However, unlike the rest of Egypt, Kemet is changing much more slowly. They have been anticipating my arrival, as you know, and they figured I wouldn't be used to the modern day."
Yami's eyes glanced back down at Yuugi, "But thanks to you, I understand a lot more than they expected. Though the strange objects on wheels really baffled me. It is much healthier to walk."
Yuugi laughed lightly, causing many people standing by to look toward him and smile with affection.
"So, where are we going?" Yuugi asked, finally containing his laughter.
Yami's smile grew and his gaze glistened mysteriously, "You will see. First, I want to you to join me and see what I do as pharaoh. And then I will take you someplace that I want to show you."
Yuugi's eyes lit up with excitement, as they continued walking past groups of people watching them while surrounded by Yami's guards. Yuugi didn't mind the walking, since he was used to walking to school every day, or downtown to the game shops. His eyes settled on the magnificent sights they passed spotting a couple pyramids in the distance. They didn't look nearly as big as Yami's had been, but they were still an incredible sight. Yuugi noticed that most of the houses were built out of cement or brick, like every day houses.
Yuugi directed his attention back to the road as they were led through the streets toward the unknown destination. He hesitated momentarily, but then reached up to grasp Yami's hand. Yami smiled down at him and squeezed his hand gently. Although some people would've deemed the act childish, it made him feel more secure.
"We're here pharaoh," one of the guards upfront said, turning to him slightly.
Yami nodded in response as the guards led them toward a very large building, covered in vines. It looked like it had many, many rooms, and a little run down but overall it appeared to be a descent sized building. Only when Yuugi spotted a sign did he know what it was.
An orphanage? I guess I keep forgetting this is the modern Kemet. I wonder what Yami does here. Maybe he visits the children to find them homes, or donates money.
Softly, a smile appeared on Yuugi's face, relishing how generous a pharaoh Yami was. He hadn't deserved the fate of sacrifice that had been brought upon him. That had been in the past, though, and Yuugi was very grateful he was the one who found Yami's tomb and set him free.
The doors to the building were opened for them as they were led inside. The floor was made of cement with a small carpet leading down the hall. A moment later, a woman came out, smiling brightly.
"Pharaoh," she bowed politely. "I am so relieved you were able to make it. The children have been told many stories about your return and I am happy you came in time for them to see you."
Yami nodded with a smile, "Of course. May I see the children?"
She nodded, "Yes, come this way."
As they followed her towards a set of double doors, Yami turned his crimson eyes toward him, smiling kindly, "Yuugi, this is what I do first. I am given results of the city to find what needs to be fixed. I funded this exact building when I was still ruling. It has been rebuilt since then, thanks to my viziers, but the children still need homes."
Yuugi nodded sadly, "So how do you find them homes?"
Yami's smile lingered though it was a bit more solemn, "They are found homes by having a gathering, in which the city attends. It is a festival of sorts. Its main purpose back then was not to help the orphanage, it was meant for just celebrations. But when my father died I had the festival altered to better help Egypt.
"There are dances and singing, some of which Isis leads. Some of the songs are meant for tourists to buy whatever merchandise is around, but I also added the orphanage children do some of their own entertainment. It is written in the letters sent to each home that any family who wants a child, or to help a child, may adopt one," Yami squeezed his hand tighter and smiled down at him. "But today I am just visiting and donating clothes and food to the children."
Yuugi's expression brightened immensely, "I'm sure they are so much more happy now that you're back."
Yami's smile softened, "I suppose they are. Would you like to help dress the children with me?"
Yuugi nodded enthusiastically, "I'd love to!"
When they finally entered the room, many children were awaiting their arrival. The children clapped and squealed as they set eyes on their pharaoh, the one that helped orphans survive in the past and now he would help them find families. Yami nodded towards the other personnel working there and directed his attention toward the children.
"My children, I have come to give you gifts. We must give each of you a beautiful outfit for the festival," Yami smiled as the children clapped happily. "My finest viziers had these made especially for you, from silk to fresh cotton. Before we begin, I'd like to introduce a very special friend of mine, Yuugi."
Yuugi blinked with the unexpected introduction and blushed as the children clapped for him. Yami gave him a secretive amusing smile before turning back to the children.
"He will be helping me and my viziers get you dressed. So please treat him with respect."
The children clapped again, some of them calling Yuugi over to them. Yuugi noticed that some of Yami's viziers indeed were there, probably called there before they arrived. The women viziers each carried several stacks of silk and cotton robes. One of them came up to Yuugi and handed him several clothes to help some of the little boys out. Yami, in the meantime, had been practically attacked with hugs by the large group of children he was currently trying to help get ready.
I wonder when the festival is. I hope it's not too far away. I'd love to go…Oh, I hope grandpa's not worried. Yami did say he took care of it, so I guess I should just enjoy whatever time I have here.
"Yuugi! Yuugi! Come on!"
He turned and smiled at the five little boys jumping up and down, waiting for him. Yuugi noticed it was a bit crowded and noisy with all the children getting dressed and fitted so he led them into the next room, which was connected to the previous room by glass doors. They entered the quiet room, the boys still jumping up and down as Yuugi closed the doors.
"All right, let's get you dressed," Yuugi smiled, kneeling down so that he could help them choose the clothes.
"I want the blue one!" one of the boys said.
He had dark hair and dark smiling eyes, though his skin was not that much darker than Yuugi's. The other four boys were a lot more tan, most of them with dark hair and dark eyes. One of the boys had lighter hair and very light brown eyes.
Yuugi unfolded the blue robe and began helping the one little boy in it. The robe was different from the ones that were worn in the palace. They were a lot less formal and slipped on easier. When he was completely fitted Yuugi smiled, admiring how it made the young boy appear older.
"Thanks! I like it!" the boy chirped.
Yuugi smiled softly, "I'm glad. What's your name?"
"Adio," he said, playing with the silky belt that tied around his waist.
"What a nice name, does it mean anything?" Yuugi asked kindly.
"My mommy told me it meant ritu…riteous…rigeous…," the boy tried to pronounce.
Yuugi scrunched up his eyes in thought as he tried to figure out what the boy was trying to say.
"Do you mean ritual?"
The boy shook his head.
"Right, rigorous, righteous…"
"That's it!" the boy chirped.
Yuugi grinned, "Well that's a very nice name."
"Me next!" one of the other boys exclaimed, practically throwing themselves toward him.
Yuugi caught him, almost falling over. The boy blinked up at him, smiling widely.
"You haff pretty eyes," he commented.
Yuugi smiled, half embarrassed as they examined him, each one staring at his eyes.
"Oh, thank you. Here, you want the green one?"
The boy nodded, "Yeah!"
Yuugi helped slip it on him, making sure that it wasn't too loose. The boy jumped up and down once it was on. Once he had dressed the others in whatever color they wanted, he stood up and watched them jump around.
"Yuugi! Yuugi! Catch this!" Adio grinned, throwing a small ball his way.
Unfortunately, Yuugi hadn't expected it so it missed his hands and bounced off the wall, flying to the other end of the room and out the door leading into the hallway.
"Don't worry, I'll go get it. You boys have to practice your dancing," Yuugi smiled, making his way out the door.
He peered out of the playroom and saw that the ball was heading toward a flight of stairs leading down to a lower level. Yuugi reacted immediately and tried to catch it, knowing he might not reach it in time. Just as the ball reached the top stair, a hand reached out and grabbed it. Yuugi came to a stop, only several feet from the stairway, glancing up.
A tall figure emerged, dressed in a very long purple robe. It wrapped around his body much more articulately than Yuugi's and was also draped over his shoulder, tied to the back. In the back it flared out much like a cape, though Yuugi could tell it was still part of the robe. Gold rings were set on the figure's fingers as well as arm bracelets beneath his biceps, like Yami had. The figure, however, had on a golden necklace that wrapped securely around his neck, glistening beneath the lamps upon the wall.
Besides his mysterious appearance, and exotic looks Yuugi noticed that he had a noticeably familiar shade of eye color, although somewhat darker. His hair was a dark blonde color that was up to his shoulders. Yuugi barely registered that he was staring up at him with his mouth slightly open, his eyes wide with surprise.
"Here's your ball," he said, his voice deep and rich like Yami's, but very different.
Yuugi blinked in confusion, remembering that he had come out there to get the ball for the kids.
"Oh, um, thank you," Yuugi said reaching his hands out to take the ball.
Yuugi studied him closely and realized that he wasn't much older than Yami, if he was older at all. He was staring calmly at him with an almost satisfied look in his eyes. Yuugi cleared his throat, slapping on a polite smile.
"I'm Yuugi," he introduced.
A wide smile appeared on his face, "Why how rude of me, my name's Marik."
Yuugi glanced down at the outstretched hand and grasped it gently. The young man, or Marik, had a gentle but firm handshake. As their hands were clasped Marik stared at him unblinking. Finally, their hands slid apart from each other and Yuugi smiled up at him again.
"So, do you work here?"
Marik folded his arms and leaned up against the railing.
"You could say that. I am here on business."
He didn't elaborate so Yuugi just left it at that. After all, the children would want their ball back soon.
"I haven't seen you around before," Marik said.
Yuugi smiled and shook his head, "That's because I haven't been here before. Yami invited me."
Marik's eyebrows rose, "Yami? I see…So you are a relative?"
Yuugi let out a light laugh, "No, I'm not. Otherwise I'd be a mummy."
Marik's lips curled into a barely noticeable grin, "Yes, of course."
Yuugi smiled up at him, "No, I'm a friend. We, er…met you know…before, and…"
"You're the boy who rescued him," Marik said, unfolding his arms.
Yuugi stared up at him surprised. He didn't know Yami had told other people about that, unless Marik was also one of Yami's viziers, but Yuugi had never seen him before.
"Well, I should probably be getting back to the children," Yuugi smiled. "Um, nice meeting you Marik."
"And you," he said back, the same smile still lingering on his lips.
Yuugi then turned around and went back into the room. The boys were still playing and jumping around. They hadn't noticed Yuugi had been gone for more than two minutes. Yuugi approached them and immediately they bounded over to him and started dancing around him. Yuugi then led them through the glass doors back into the room to join the rest of the children. Most of the other children were all ready dressed and showing off their outfits by doing strange made-up movements. Yami was speaking with the woman who had greeted them. The boys Yuugi helped join the crowd of children as Yuugi stood watching in amazement. Yami finished speaking with her and spotted Yuugi, smiling as he approached him.
"They look happy," Yuugi observed, smiling up at him.
Yami nodded, smiling back down at him, "Yes, Yuugi, and they seem to like you a lot."
Yuugi beamed up at him happily, glad that there was something he could do to help. Yami looked up at the children, another soft smile gracing his lips.
"I wish we could stay but there's a couple more stops before we're done," Yami said ruefully.
Yuugi nodded and they walked side-by-side toward the guards waiting for them patiently by the door. The viziers that had helped dress the children, followed them as well. The children all yelled their goodbyes as they made their way out of the orphanage. The trip had lifted Yuugi's spirits to see the children so happy. Sighing contently, he walked beside Yami to their next destination.
This time they arrived at a simple home, built from concrete. It was homey, with a fireplace and furniture, and an upstairs. Not too big but not too small. Yuugi liked the feel of it because it reminded him of his home. They were greeted by an elderly woman, who immediately gestured for them to enter.
"Oh pharaoh, you have come just in time!" she said, leading them toward a sitting area.
There, on the couch was a young woman getting ready to have a baby, her husband by her side clutching her hand tightly. Or rather, the woman was clutching his hand tightly because he looked like he was in slight discomfort. She was breathing rapidly, her face covered in perspiration.
"The baby is due any minute. I'm sorry we don't have very much supplies to help with," the elderly woman said.
Yuugi guessed she was the mother of the young woman expecting the child. Yami approached the woman and knelt down by her side.
"It's all right, I came prepared," Yami reassured her, rubbing small circles on her stomach.
The woman's breathing seemed to labor somewhat, but she still seemed in a great deal of pain. Yami gestured for his viziers to help him as they prepared her by putting a pillow beneath her head. Another woman vizier spread her legs but kept the woman's gown up like a tent to keep her privacy. A couple other viziers held out items that would help when the baby came out.
Yuugi watched intrigued as Yami cut the gown so that her stomach would protrude out. Then he took a strange yellowish cream and began rubbing it over her stomach. After this Yami handed it to one of the women viziers down by her legs and they began spreading it elsewhere getting ready for when the moment came.
"It's okay Aziza, hang in there," her husband soothed, keeping their hands locked together.
Aziza drew in deep breaths, screaming out in pain. Yuugi saw that her stomach had moved so she was most likely experiencing contractions. She screamed again and squeezed her eyes shut.
"It's starting to come. I can see the head," one of the women viziers said.
Yami, meanwhile, was holding a bottle underneath Aziza's nose, helping her breath deeply. Her breathing didn't slow but her screaming ceased as her eyes remained shut.
"If it's too much I can give you something to help the pain," Yami said, running a cold cloth over her forehead.
Aziza nodded so Yami tilted her chin up and helped her drink down a strange blue liquid. Once she had taken it her eyes weren't so tightly shut.
"All right Aziza, now push," her husband said calmly.
Immediately she began pushing, the pain causing her to wince, but slowly the pain seemed to become less. She pushed and pushed, her husband urging her on and the viziers helping the baby come out the right way. Yami was occasionally rubbing her stomach to help the process or rubbing her forehead. The moment before the baby came out Aziza let out a small shriek and relaxed her muscles in a slump, exhausted. The baby wasn't exactly pretty from just coming out of her womb, but once she was cleaned the baby girl was handed over to the teary-eyed mother who cuddled her newborn. She thanked Yami graciously many times before they were on their way.
Once they were outside, Yuugi's brilliant eyes gleamed up at Yami, as if speaking without words.
"Yami, that was…so incredible!" Yuugi smiled.
Yami chuckled, smiling, "I'm glad you thought so, Yuugi."
"Do you do that often?" Yuugi asked. "I mean, aren't there hospitals?"
Yami nodded, "Yes, there are hospitals. Some people just prefer that I help them with it. It was a custom in the past that each baby born was given a ritual to bring good fortune to Egypt. Of course back then there weren't nearly as many people so doing that to every single baby would overtire me."
"Yeah, you're right," Yuugi smiled.
Yuugi suddenly felt Yami's hand on his shoulder and he looked up at him expectantly.
"Wait here for a minute, I'll be right back," Yami said softly.
Yuugi nodded and watched as Yami headed through the street, up to a juice stand and paying the people for two cups. When he came back, he handed Yuugi one of the cups and smiled down at him.
"This was my favorite juice when I was young. It's a very rare blend, and a special kind of drink."
Yuugi took a sip, tasting the sweet, tangy juice on his tongue. It had the flavor of a fruit, like an orange, but the taste was sweeter and stronger. Against the hot sun bearing down on them, the ice cold beverage was a relief. Yuugi's eyes lit up immensely.
"It's really good, what is it?"
"A very rare blend of fruits. In fact, it's a custom for special guests to have it, for we don't have enough for everyone. So when a guest takes a sip he must hold it up to the sun and spin three times, making sure to keep his eyes focused on the sun and sun alone. If not, the people could become insulted."
Yuugi nodded and took the cup, doing exactly as Yami had instructed. He held the glass up high toward the sun, squinting from the close proximity and spun three times while trying to keep his head turned to watch the sun. When he finished, he felt a tad dizzy, but otherwise fine. He turned to see that people had gathered, smiling at him and whispering to one another. Yuugi stared at them, wondering why they were giving him strange looks. Suddenly, his eyes snapped wide open and he wheeled around to glare at Yami.
"YAMI!"
Yami laughed loudly, causing the people around to join in the laughter. Yuugi was blushing furiously from the embarrassment and that Yami was having the time of his life laughing at him. Once Yami was finished laughing, his bright eyes twinkling with humor and amusement, he waved to the people around them and began walking on.
"You said it was made from rare fruits!" Yuugi stomped beside him, huffing indignantly.
Yami smiled, "It's just a mixture of fruits we have here in Egypt, along with the oranges I sent my viziers from your house."
Yuugi's mouth dropped open. Why hadn't he realized that? The drink had tasted strangely tangy and familiar, and he had given Yami some oranges to send to his viziers. Yuugi sent him a glare and turned to look in the opposite direction while sipping the juice. He could hear Yami's chuckling beside him and felt a hand squeeze his shoulder.
"Come now Yuugi, all is fair game here. After all, I had quite the embarrassments when I was with you."
Yuugi's glare disappeared as he turned back to face Yami, a smile once again gracing his lips.
"Fine. We're even, okay?" Yuugi huffed.
Yami shook his head, "I had several embarrassing moments, Yuugi. We aren't caught up yet."
Yuugi gave him a look then gulped down his juice in one shot, squeezing the paper cup tightly until it crumbled from the force.
I can't believe he did that! He can be a real kid when he wants to. I guess I'll have to be more careful around him.
"Where are we heading next?" Yuugi asked lightly, as if the event had never taken place.
Yami smiled, "I figured I'd take you for a tour around Kemet, does that sound nice?"
Yuugi nodded with excitement, "I'd love that!"
Yami cast him a smile and then led him toward their next destination. Yuugi hadn't known just how friendly people in Kemet were until Yami showed him around the sights. The first place they went to was the pyramids Yuugi had seen in the distance before. Yami took him around and explained how they were built and how long it took. They then went around the outskirts of the city, stopping whenever Yuugi saw something extraordinary.
The tour was more than Yuugi could ask for. Yami bought him many souvenirs such as a replica of the Giza Pyramids, which was a known tourist attraction, and several kinds of foods for him to try along the way. Yuugi was greeted by everyone that past him, as well as Yami. They were pulled to almost every stand, the people wanting the pharaoh and his "special guest-friend" to see what they had to offer.
Yuugi was almost tricked into believing the strange item the man was selling was a very powerful good luck charm that only worked when one prayed looking up at the full moon. Luckily, however, Yami had broke into laughter at the sight of Yuugi's seriously intrigued expression. Right then Yuugi knew he had been fooled and opted to just glare sideways at him.
They hadn't stopped for lunch because of all the snacks that had eaten along the way, so Yami showed him his favorite spots when he was younger. The first spot was nearby the Mediterranean Sea, which surrounded the outer skirts of the city. They couldn't walk there and instead had to be taken by train. Yami had been a bit…unused to the train idea, but he held his composure good so that Yuugi couldn't tease him about it. The spot they went to was secluded on top of rocks with which they could look out at the sea.
Yuugi had tried to get Yami back by pushing him in the water, but being a pharaoh had its perks. Yami was always ready for an attack, even if he was with someone he trusted. Yuugi ended up soaked from head to toe and having to take the train ride back wet. He didn't mind so much because of the hot weather, but Yami was having more and more reasons to tease him, which wasn't going to be good for when Yami came back with him.
Yuugi had gotten into a change of robes, by being taken into a small shop to get measured. Yami had purchased a new robe of a beautiful light golden color that lit up Yuugi's face and brought out his eyes. Once he was again dressed in dry clothing, Yami had set up a train ride to Cairo, Egypt's capital city. It was one of the largest cities in Africa, as Yami had told him, and was heavily populated. At the same time, a lot of events took place there and a lot of amazing sights were to be seen.
The first sight in Cairo was the Memphis museum, in which Yuugi was shown the statue of the great Ramses II, made of limestone and 13 meters long. Yuugi was staring up at it in awe, wondering how anyone could make such a large sculpture. Once he had been through the museum, Yami told him he was going to take him to the last sight of the day, since it was all ready approaching evening. Yuugi's eyes were closed, as Yami had told him to do, as Yami led him by holding his hand toward the destination. Yuugi could hear people chatting around him excitedly, some in awed voices. His impatience was due to the excitement stirring in his veins. He wanted to know where they were and what great sight Yami was taking him to.
"Yami, are we there yet?" Yuugi asked for the tenth time.
"Almost."
Yuugi could hear the smile in his voice as he said that, probably knowing whatever it was Yuugi was going to love. Yuugi felt Yami stop as he was directed toward a certain spot. Yami lifted his hands and placed them on something cool and metal.
"Can I open my eyes?" Yuugi asked, almost begging him to say yes.
He heard Yami chuckle, "Yes, Yuugi. You may open them."
Yuugi's eyes fluttered open to see what the big surprise was.
"Yami…Oh…it's beautiful…," Yuugi whispered, unable to keep his eyes off the sight before them.
They were standing in a tower that stood about the city of Cairo, overlooking all the other buildings and people walking below them. The sun was drifting lower into the horizon, nearing evening time, creating a wonderful golden hue across the cloudless sky. Yuugi's eyes were sparkling with mirth and excitement as he kept his eyes glued to everything that was being overlooked by the tower.
"Yami, what is this place?" Yuugi asked, turning toward him with bright eyes that were shimmering.
Yami smiled and placed his hands on the railing as well, "This is Gezirah, Cairo's tower. Back when I was young this was a place that was shielded up so that my father's men could keep watch over this city. Cairo was where my father had his armies established because of the good lands and space. The palace was still in Kemet where I would be forced to stay in until my father returned.
"Now it is one of the greatest modern attractions, as my viziers told me the first time I arrived back here without you. I visited it and realized just how wonderful time had made it. This is now a place where family and friends can sit and eat happily. It's no longer used for spying purposes. We are standing on the observation platform, overlooking the city," Yami said, turning to smile at him. "If you're hungry there is a restaurant below us on the next floor."
Yuugi's face lit up as he laughed lightly, "I guess things have really changed, huh?"
Yami smiled back, "Yes they have. But it seems all for the better. I am very thankful I got a chance to come back and see this, Yuugi. I would've missed so much."
Yuugi nodded, his laughter turning into a sweet smile, "I'm glad you did too."
"I am also very glad I met you," Yami's eyes softened immensely, shining with sincerity.
Yuugi's eyes sparkled with unshed tears as his smile turned even warmer, "I am glad I met you too."
They stared at each other softly, relishing in the moment. After several moments of staring out at the beautiful city, Yuugi glanced down.
"Yami…how high are we exactly?"
"We are a hundred and eighty meters high," Yami answered.
Yuugi's eyebrows rose, "Sorry I asked."
Yami laughed richly and turned toward him, "Are you ready to go back to Kemet?"
Yuugi nodded enthusiastically, "Yeah, I'm ready."
The two of them left the platform and returned to catch the next train. Because Yami was pharaoh they were able to get a special train ride back to Kemet, not waiting for it more than five minutes. The guards were waiting in the city for them, having all ready eaten themselves. They escorted them back toward the palace, which was a two mile walk from where they were. By the time they got back, Yuugi was exhausted so Yami had him escorted inside by a guard.
Once inside, Yami approached him, "If you are tired Yuugi, I can have dinner sent to your room."
Yuugi shook his head, "No, I'm all right. Didn't you say you wanted to show me something in your room?"
Yami smiled softly and looked up at Fidil, who had entered moments before, "Could you have dinner sent to my room?"
"Of course," he smiled, immediately exiting to do his bidding.
Yami climbed the stairs with Yuugi right behind them until they reached the third floor. Yami pushed open the doors to his room and they stepped inside. Yuugi followed him into the bedroom chamber and watched as he opened the patio doors.
"My viziers constructed the bedroom to have a perfect view outside, like my old room did. It always calmed me to watch the sights of nature," Yami said, pulling back away from the doors. "Sit down on the bed and I will show you."
Yuugi sat down, getting comfortable as Yami sat beside him.
"In just a few minutes you will be able to see it from here."
Yuugi watched curiously, wondering what Yami was waiting for. The sky was still a golden hue from earlier, but it began to change. Yuugi blinked several times to make sure he wasn't imagining anything. Beautiful purple, blue and pink hues lit up the sky, ever-so-slowly as the sun began to drift low in the horizon. Yuugi's eyes were hooked on the sunset, watching it from the comfort of the bed with soft pillows behind his back. The sight was just as beautiful as the city of Cairo.
"It's so…breathtaking," Yuugi said, glancing at Yami who wore a peaceful expression while his eyes were fixated on it.
"Yes, it is. It always calmed me to watch it. I could get to sleep much better," Yami said softly.
Yuugi's eyes dimmed, "I'm sorry your life wasn't everything back then."
Yami shook his head, closing his eyes for a second before reopening them, "Don't be sorry, Yuugi. I had to live that life, yes, but it was worth it in order to come back into this time and be free of the restrictions I had when I was younger. To see these sights whenever I want without needing them to sleep…," Yami trailed off, his lips curling into a soft smile. "I do not regret living the restricted, tough and exhausting life before now that I have this."
Yuugi's eyes were full of tears and he couldn't stop them from falling. Yami turned his head and brushed a finger across Yuugi's lashes to wipe most of them away. He smiled at Yuugi after making sure his cheeks were dry.
"Don't cry for me Yuugi, I am very happy now. And I don't regret having helped all my people. It was a gift and an honor."
Yuugi nodded, wiping the remaining tears away. "I know Yami, I just…you didn't deserve what you got. You're so kind-hearted and it's not fair that your father put so much pressure on you and even more after he died."
Yami sighed, looking back at the glowing sunset, "Yes…I was kind-hearted Yuugi. And I'm glad. My father was a cruel ruler. He cared for no one but himself and his palace and riches. If people suffered he did not care, and that went for me as well. He tried to raise me to be just like him, but I refused. Because I could not find a way to bond with him I turned to the only friends I had, which were the abused and neglected viziers and slaves working inside the palace. I made friends yes, but whenever seen together my father would go into a rage and lock me in my room for the night.
"After he died I had to pay for all the mistakes he had made," Yami's voice turned cold and bitter. "I had to work hard to keep Egypt from falling under and I spent no time caring for myself and often times got sick. My people respected me by then though, realizing I was nothing like my father so they took great care of me. And in return I took care of them."
Yuugi listened to him silently, his eyes welling up with sadness again but he refused to cry. Instead, he watched Yami's expression as he stared out at the sunset, waiting for him to continue.
"My father made a lot of enemies as well," Yami continued, his tone softer but no less bitter. "There were thieves and angry people from other cities, but none compared to Gahiji, who was the leader of an army in a neighboring city. He was supposed to have the army prepared for any battles against the pharaoh, but like I said my father made lots of enemies. Gahiji knew this and planned to use the army he created against my father.
"Although my father was powerful, selfish and only into riches, he also was very strong about having a good defense built up. So when Gahiji came to conquer my father wiped out his army with help from a couple other cities my father had threatened to destroy if they didn't help him. Too many lives were lost that day on both sides, but Gahiji's men retreated, or tried to but my father ordered the army to hunt them down. Gahiji escaped with his life back to his homeland, wounded severely.
"However, my father soon paid the price for being a cruel and uncaring pharaoh," Yami's eyes narrowed as he spoke. "Akila, who was my father's mistress, had had the son in her neighboring city, which was in the same city as Gahiji for he was Akila's brother. Once Akila found out what her brother had tried to do she apologized to my father herself, but he kicked her out, leaving her with the baby and not much money. She became obsessed with riches, believing it was her right at the fortune my father had. So she told her son, Kontar, everything and told him he was destined to rule Egypt.
"However, my father was soon killed off and that started the real problems. Akila knew that her son, Kontar, could never have the thrown now unless my father's true son was killed. She had planned to release information that Kontar was indeed my father's illegitimate son, but he had died unexpectedly. She became enraged and ended with killing herself."
Yuugi gasped, covering his mouth in shock. "Why did she do that?"
Yami sighed sadly, "She was too overwhelmed by the greed for power and riches and when she thought she couldn't have any of it she went insane and slit her own throat. Kontar, as you can imagine, became my biggest problem. His revenge was for his mother's death and his semi-right to the throne. But you see, even with the blood of my father he would still not be allowed to take it up, even if I had been killed, because it was against Egyptian law to have an affair.
"Though most pharaohs before my father had many wives, the laws had changed with the times. At that time my mother Dalila was very ill and my father never tended her bed. I was always there by her side. And so when the truth about Kontar broke free the lands in the city he lived became property of Kemet, under my rule."
"So then Kontar tried to kill you," Yuugi whispered.
Yami nodded solemnly, "Yes. Kontar wanted the throne so badly and once he knew he couldn't have it because of his lineage, he opted to take it forcefully. He figured that once I had been destroyed the people would be too afraid of him to retaliate so he would get the throne even against the law, however, things didn't go as he planned."
"You defeated him," Yuugi spoke up. "And you did the right thing."
Yami nodded again, turning toward him, "Yes, Yuugi. I didn't want to have to destroy him but I had no choice. Unfortunately, I destroyed myself along with him. But now, that is all in the past and I am able to move on. But even with him dead it feels like there is still something not quite right. Another threat might be stirring."
By the tone in his voice, Yuugi knew it would be serious, "Y-you aren't thinking of sending me back are you?"
Yami's eyes dimmed as he stared at him, "I hope it doesn't come to that Yuugi. I want you to be by my side, but if a threat is known I am not sure it would be safe for you here, even inside the palace."
"No, Yami! I can help you! Please don't send me away. We can do this together, as a team!" Yuugi begged, grasping his hand in both of his.
"Yuugi…," Yami said, his eyes saddening.
"Please, Yami. Trust me, I can help you. If you end up having to use your powers again it'll destroy you for good. Now that we are bonded I can help you bear the burden of the powers. If the power is shared between us you're more likely to use the full amount and survive."
Yami didn't respond at first, but soon his eyes softened and he smiled serenely at him, "Thank you, Yuugi. You are very brave."
Yuugi sighed with relief and smiled at him, "I feel brave when I'm with you. Oh, by the way, I was wondering…," Yuugi said, tilting his head. "How is it that the priestess and your viziers are all alive like you?"
Yami smiled, "That is a story for another day, Yuugi. Dinner will be coming."
Just as Yami had said that the doors opened and food was served to them. They ate in silence watching the rest of the sunset as the sky began to darken to different shades. Yuugi felt the warmth of Yami by his side as they stared peacefully out the patio windows. He felt safe and secure with Yami, like he had the power to do anything. Slowly, his eyes drifted shut as sleep overcame him.
TO BE CONTINUED…
