Chosen Pharaoh Chronicles Part 1: Longing Reunion & The Beasts Within
Summary: Atem has returned from the afterlife. But for what purpose and what reason? Tea has more to her then meets the eye & Yugi has changed a lot. Full of surprises and a new enemy. Also major Love Triangle.
Note: I am warning all of you that this is a continuation to the Yugioh saga so shipping will take a while. But I want you all to enjoy the entire story and I am trying my best to stick to the storyline and treat it as if it were an actual show being aired or made into a manga. I really wish it was though. So enjoy!
Based on the original Yu Gi Oh storyline
Rated M
AUTHOR'S NOTE: Hey I got this done sooner than expected yay! Well, I also promised to update this asap. All right guys you are in for some treats as well as emotional roller coasters. So warning: IT IS WISE TO HAVE A HANDFUL OF TISSUES AT YOUR DISPOSAL WHEN READING A CERTAIN ITALICIZED SECTION OF THIS CHAPTER. But hey the good thing about that is you finally get the back story behind Atem and Teanna. So any questions you have will be answered here. I must admit that was one of the hardest things I ever had to write. Now for the other bits I got some nice surprises for you guys. Wink wink.
Anyway time for me to shut up so you may enjoy this new chapter!
Disclaimer: I do not own Yu-Gi-Oh it belongs to Kazuki Takahashi
Chapter 24: Memories & Criminal Priest
Feet quickly walked back and forth over a small area of the exotic looking carpet as a very inpatient Yugi was pacing outside of the guest room in the long lavished hallway. He was antsy about Tea's decision and was nervous about leaving Atem and Tea alone in the same room, especially with Tea's past memories back. Joey and Romeo were sittting on the cushioned bench positioned outside the room and near a large window. The two figured Yugi needed his space to freak out. Joey was still hunched over from the burning pain on his back, but at the moment he felt like lighting his friend on fire so the guy would have something else to worry about. Romeo on the other hand sat back comfortably with his arms folded over his chest and he was in high hopes for what was going on in that spare room. About an hour had passed and that was plenty of time for some physical bonding to take place. He had grown fond of the whole child caring thing. Raising Keanna and Hanna were quite joyful experiences and he would love nothing more than to have another little one running around. Especially if that child was that of his brother's. He figured after all Atem has been through, the man deserved it. Hell, Romeo desired to be able to expand the small family he had. Royalty and wealthy were known for having many children for the simple fact they can have a big family. The way Romeo looked at it, the spread of good genes would be beneficial to the world. The Egyptian chuckled a moment. If Yugi had a mind link with him like he did with his brother, his present thoughts would surely freak the Duel King out even more so. But he pushed the joke aside, he truly had no quarrel with the man. None of this mess was really anyone's faults except those responsible for setting this horrible plan up. Any blind person could see and understand the love triangle that had formed over the past nine years. Sighing, Romeo rubbed his now aching temple.
"Yugi can you please stop pacing around like a madman..." Romeo snapped, the man was making him dizzy.
The spiky haired duelist looked at Romeo with glaring eyes. "Easier said than done..." He then proceeded in his freak out.
The jackal rolled his eyes. "Yes, I know but pacing around until there is a ditch in the floor will not help your cause."
Yugi said nothing but he did stop his movements. Joey was now looking at him as if to silently agree with Romeo. After what seemed like an eternity to the young man, the guest room door opened. A static faced Atem casually walked out a few feet into the hallway before turning slightly to face Yugi. Sighing deeply he walked closer to his partner and stopped to make a small statement in a hushed voice.
"She is available to talk to you now if you want." He paused a moment. "And by the way, you now have stiff competition." Atem then turned heel and walked off to the courtroom, but his brother grabbed him by the shoulder.
"Hey where are you going..." Romeo stopped in mid statement as he noticed a dark mark on his brother's neck. "Woah, nice hickey...you must tell me details.
Yugi examined the mark Romeo was talking about and his eyes bugged out of his head. Not to mention his nerves went wild, and Atem's warning of stiff competition made more sense. Feeling panic return to him, Yugi quickly made his way into the spare room to talk with Tea. Romeo was chuckling lightly from the sight. Looking back at his brother he was about to ask something but the blonde stole the words that were about to escape him.
"So how far did you guys go?" Joey suddenly asked.
Atem couldn't hide the curl of his lips into his signature smirk. "Pretty damn close to consummating our union, but she was going to make too much noise and well, we would have been in there for much longer."
Joey raised his brow. "Wow. How would you know she would be too loud?"
The king scoffed. "I had to muffle her groans just from me touching her and also remember I have a past with the woman. I highly doubt her reactions would change."
Romeo entered the conservation. "Sounds like you two had a lot of fun."
Atem sighed. "Yeah for once we did. But that isn't the only reason I so greatly enjoyed that. I think..." He paused a moment, a shine in his eyes appeared. "I think she still loves me."
Meanwhile, upon entering the spare room, Yugi found Tea sitting on the bed fixing her dress. Although not as large or visible as Atem's, Tea also sported a mark on her lower neck and another on her collarbone which she was in the process of hiding with her dress strap. He didn't know whether to be jealous or just in utter shock. His worst fears where coming to light. He was now starting to lose the battle that was Tea's heart. Yet, that did not mean he was about to give up.
"Hey sweetheart, how did your discussion with Atem go?" Yugi knew most of what they were doing was not talking, but he decided to act things out smoothly.
Tea looked up at him. "It went well to say the least. We uh..." She tried to avoid eye contact with Yugi. "Made an arrangement that will make things fair for everyone."
Tilting his head, he was now curious. "And what may that be?"
She fidgeted her fingers a bit. "Well, since I'm having a difficult time choosing between the two of you, he agreed to annul our marriage for up to a year and that I annual my relationship with you also. By at most a year's time I must make a decision and I believe that will be more than enough time for me to choose who I will be with in a loving relationship."
Normally Yugi would make a fit, but he noticed Tea's eyes had a glaze to them, he swore he heard a slight break in her voice. Not to mention he was done with acting like an asshole because of his emotions. Extending a long fingered hand out, he gently cupped her cheek. His eyes filled with sincerity.
"What's wrong?"
Tea sighed greatly. "Atem and I agreed you had to see something with your own eyes in order to understand fully."
"Oh..." Yugi then observed Tea as she turned around a grabbed the Millennium Puzzle that was sitting at the edge of the bed. Surely Atem had left it there for her to do something important. He figured it had to do with the 'something' he was to be shown. "What is it you guys wanted to show me?"
"Yugi..." She looked at the puzzle a moment. "Remember when you and I looked up stuff about Atem and found out that his future queen, well now technically me, ...uh died?"
The duelist hung his head low. "Yeah, and I'm guessing you intend to show me some of your memories."
"Yes, but it's not just my memories. You will see things through both Atem and I's eyes. That is why I have the Millennium Puzzle here."
Yugi nodded, he knew this routine all to well. Giving her his hand, she placed it on the puzzle's eye piece and placed her hand atop of his. Within a few seconds of closing their eyes, they were mentally transported to the desired memories. Yugi and Tea were standing across from a large bed. It was none other then Atem's royal chambers, and there he was still in a deep sleep. Another person then entered the room, and it was Teanna. She looked just as Tea did now only with dark tanned skin and her hair slightly longer and black in color. A tender smile played on her lips as she sat down on the royal bed. Reaching out a hand, she shook her husband awake from his sleep.
"Atem my prince, please awaken." She spoke softly into his ear.
The prince groaned and rose his form, he was still nude from last night's activities and he positioned the blanket to cover his nether regions. It was the morning after all, no need to shock the wife so early in the day. "Yes, love what is it?"
She started to grin. "Oh Atem, I have joyous news!"
Atem raised a brow. "And that would be?"
Teanna grabbed his hand, kissed in tenderly, and place it on her stomach. "My love, I am with child. The doctors and priests have confirmed it. The gods have blessed us with an heir." A bright grin now appeared on her features.
Atem was left speechless, his lips curled in a wide grin. He started to gently caress Teanna's still flat stomach but now knowing his child was starting to grow in her womb. Both broke into a light laughter at their awkward silence. Their faces practically gleaming with pure happiness. They were going to be parents before they gained the throne, which for most royal couples is an impressive feat.
Atem was finally able to speak. "At last a child of our own."
The young woman laughed. "I'm surprised it took so long to happen. We have made love countless times."
Chuckling lightly, Atem gripped Teanna's waist. He pulled her over his body to the other side of the bed and hovered over her form. "That is true. Yet, perhaps the gods did not see that time fit to produce an heir. But here we are now with one that grows in your womb."
Teanna wrapped her arms around his neck and pulled him in closer for a sweet long kiss. They parted, bright smiles plastered on their faces. "Oh Atem, the gods have truly blessed us."
"Yes, much agreed my princess. Shall we celebrate?" Atem began to place tender kisses along Teanna's neck. "Let us make love one last time before your belly swells."
She simply nodded her head and on they went. The memory faded as the scenery began to change.
Yugi started to understand what he was to be shown. This was how their marriage was. But why not show the relationship from the beginning. Tea saw the puzzled looked on Yugi's face and she had an idea what he might have been thinking.
"I just want you to know that this is not being shown to display the course of our marriage." She sighed trying to hold back the emotions of remembering what she was about to show. "It is to display the last course of our lives together in that era."
He looked back at her with wide eyes. A breath was draw to speak, but Tea continued with a statement that answer his following question.
"You'll get your answer as to what happened to Teanna before Atem took the throne." She sighed. "Pay close attention as you will see our points of views change as the events occur."
Yugi gasped in realization. In fact he was not sure if he was ready for what he was about to witness. The group of images were snippets of Teanna's pregnancy.
The young woman was shown sitting on a reclined chair at the balcony outside her bed chambers. She was enjoying fresh ripened figs. Yet the fruit was not enough to ease her cravings. Teanna was feeding for two after all, her belly had started to become round. A moment passed when Atem appeared with a heavy bag in hand.
He approached his wife and gave her a greeting kiss. "I've brought something that may ease your cravings."
Teanna laughed. "I find that hard to believe, but will it explain where you disappeared to for half the day?"
Atem was at the other side of the balcony at an elevated fire pit. After using the flint to spark a flame, he returned to his wife's side and revealed what he had in his bag. "I had gone hunting for you my dearest. The gods were on my side today as I have caught this antelope. It was a large buck so this should be enough to feed all three of us." He winked at the mention of 'three'.
Her sapphires were staring at the meat with desire. Oh, this was definitely what she and her child needed. "Oh love, I cannot thank you enough."
The memory than faded into another. It was a few months later and her stomach was much more swollen. The couple sat in the depths of the palace garden near the cool pools of water. Atem's hand was placed on her belly to feel the movements of his child. But the prince took it a step further by placing his ear to the bump. When he thought he would not feel anything, a strong poke was felt at his cheek and a rapid heart beat was heard.
Yugi was surprised that he could hear the heartbeat as well, and even feel the subtle movements as if he were Atem.
More images and snippets of the pregnancy's progression flashed by until it stopped at the final day. Atem was with his father discussing the event of an outbreak of war. A messenger ran into the room and spoke aloud.
"I apologize your highnesses for interrupting your discussion but the princess has gone into labor!"
Atem and his father's eyes went wide. Then the prince took off running and ordered the messenger to lead the way. Upon reaching the delivery area, Atem found his wife in a separate room designated for the royal births. The same place his mother passed away, thus the events occurring made him increasingly nervous. Teanna was in a low level bed with the mid wife directing her to breathe steadily and push at various intervals. The memory would fade in and out to skip the lengthy process of the full labor. Atem was seen by Teanna's side holding her hand as she yelled out profanities and grunted in her immense pain. Another fade occurred this time showing Atem at his wife's parted legs, the mid wife this time was at Teanna's side and instructed that she give one last push. With a loud scream she just that and Atem stood in place for moment before raising his arms to reveal a crying newborn. The mid wife walked over to cut the umbilical cord and carried the infant to the wash table across the room. Atem let the nurses do their jobs and strolled over to his wife. Taking a nearby chair he dragged it over next to the birthing bed. He grabbed her hand and kissed in tenderly. Teanna was covered in sweat and was exhausted from the whole ordeal but she was healthy and still alive. She showed no signs as the previous queen. This comforted Atem greatly knowing his wife was doing well. But she sure did need a lot of rest.
"You did well my love. A wonderful successful birth indeed." Atem uttered in a soft voice.
Teanna yawned from her exhaustion and turned her head to look at him. "Thank you. What was our child?"
The prince smiled. "You have birthed a beautiful baby girl."
Returning was a now quite child warped in the finest soft cotton, the mid wife gave the infant to her parents. Teanna held out her arms and curled the baby close. As if filled with renewed energy, her face light up upon seeing her child. She gushed at the little one's adorable features. Atem leaned over to look at his daughter, and when he was offered to hold the newborn, he gladly accepted.
She was now becoming excited. "What shall we name her? I say Atema, a name after her father."
Atem chuckled softly. "I'm sorry to say I disagree. I feel she should be named after my beloved, Keanna daughter of Teanna. Has a nice ring to it does it not?"
Teanna nodded. "Yes I actually like that name a lot and if you insist it be named after myself than so let it written so let it be done. We will have many other children later on to name after you."
He smiled. "Of course, many more. But let us worry about this little angel first."
The memory faded away once more, and returned to flashing snippets of the couple in their first few weeks of parenting.
Yugi and Tea watched idly. The Duel King noticed Tea was looking upon the scene with tender eyes. He knew she must have a deep longing for those times. Though he had to admit the moments he was witnessing were quite precious. Not to mention it was the first time he had ever scene his friend truly happy. Yet, as the next scenery was gathering around them, Tea's calm expression was replaced with a saddened look. Yugi had a feeling this was when something tragic would occur, but he would never be prepared for the extent of the tragedy that was about to take place.
All seemed quite and peaceful. Princess Teanna was outside in the palace courtyard, she felt the infant was in much need of the outside air and to be in the presence of Ra's warm rays. It was a beautiful day to be out. Atem appeared to address his wife.
"My dear, you and Keanna should be inside. She is much to young to be in the courtyard. At least take her to the balcony it is much safer."
Teanna shook her head. "Atem we need not be worried about safety. We are inside the palace walls and there are guards all around here. And besides I just wanted our angel to feel the warm sun and experience some fresh air. By the gods know I certainly needed to after being cramped up in our bed chambers for the longest time."
Atem chuckled. "I understand but you were in there because we are now involved in full fledged war. It is wise to keep the heir and our future queen in safest place possible."
"All right, all right. Just give me a few more moments out here and I will go back inside. But please send up some more honey cakes. I'm starving and we have run out in our room."
He nodded. "Will do my love. Now I must go for father has asked me to assist him with some of the battle plans."
With that said, the prince walked off quickly to meet with his father, leaving Teanna and their daughter to finish their sun bathing. Yet the guards around them were not who they thought they were. Once Atem's presence was fully gone, two of the guards nodded heads to each other and moved in. Meanwhile the meeting place Atem went to was not far off, but merely a stroll across the courtyard and there was the war room. As a few minutes passed they started to discuss plans and battle strategies, a piercing scream echoed throughout the palace. Atem froze as he recognized the sound from anywhere. It was Teanna. Without a moments notice he left running as fast as his legs could take him only to find the scene empty. Approaching the area his wife sat, all he could find was the ruffled dirt and piece of Teanna's jewelry. Looking off into the distance he noticed the doors to the courtyard were left open. Examining around him he also noticed, two particular guards were missing, a few horses stolen, and the guards at the gate were either dead or knocked out. Panic enveloped in the prince's features as he realized his love and child have been kidnapped.
"Guards! Whatever of you that are left!" Atem yelled out.
Akhenamkhanen rushed out to where his son was. He had just finished ordering the guards and priests to form search parties.
"My son I've sent all my priests with search parties so we should be able to locate them quickly."
Atem's eyes burnt with a great fire of anger. "But there are no guarantees. Therefore, I will go searching for them myself."
He ran off to the stables and mounted his white stallion. Within minutes he was off in search of his family.
Yugi looked on with wide eyes as the scenes of several days of searching occurred before his very eyes. But after a minute the scenery slowed down and changed its point of view. It showed the scene of Teanna being kidnapped and taken outside the palace into a fast moving wagon. It was disguised as a supply carriage for merchants when in reality it held former residents of Kul-Elna.
Inside the wagon the conflict between the kidnappers and the princess was becoming more intense.
"Let us go!" Teanna screamed holding her child close to her body in order to protect her.
The bandits laughed evilly, and dragged the woman to the center of the space. Two large muscular bald men held Teanna down while the third approached her. His face showed age with deep wrinkles, a stiff beard, and messy whitish-grey hair. Kneeling down to the woman's level his lips curled up into a menacing smirk.
"Give me the heir." The elder demanded.
"Never!" Teanna tried to struggle only to have the grip placed on her become tighter. Keanna started to cry out load from the rough movements shaking her.
The grey haired man shook his head sighing. "Looks like we will have to do things the hard way."
Flicking his wrists he signaled his men to force the princess's arms loose while he reached in to grab the infant. Cries from mother and child pierced the air sharply but the noise did no aid. Teanna tried to kick and jab with her arms free to rescue her child but the men were much to strong and she would be too late. Keanna's cries only grew louder while being roughly handle in the lead bandit's arms.
"I've had just about enough of this thing's fusing around." The elder's hand reached to a sheath attached to his waist and brought up a small dagger. He held it close to the infant, his hand tight around the handle and his arm tense, ready to strike. "Let my peoples' deaths not be in vain! And may the blood of this royal heir satisfy the vengeance of Kul-Elna!"
Time seemed to slow down for Teanna as she turned her head from trying to free herself, to the elder holding her child. Within that moment his dagger wielding hand dropped down to the crying infant. A loud of pierced flesh was heard, and the baby's cries ceased. Keanna's small limp arm dropped from her warped form and a tiny trickle of blood seeped down to her tiny hand. Teanna's eyes widened and filled with tears instantly. She had just witnessed her child murdered right before her eyes. But this was no time for grief. Rage and fury filled her body and her eyes spotted a sword at her captor's waist. Spinning her arm free, she managed to obtain the weapon and slash one of the large brutes across the leg. With all her might she lunged forward knocking down the leader to the floor of the wagon. Then with the infant's body out of his grasp she got up to make the attack again. Making a loud battle cry she jumped on the elder's body with her sword pointed at his heart but he grasped her arm trying to keep the princess from piercing his skin. Yet, her rage left her senses dulled for she did not notice that he still had the small dagger. In a second the fight was over. The leader successful stabbed Teanna straight in the heart. There was no cry of pain but a small gasp. He pushed her body back off of him and the princess landed near her infant's body. With her last moments upon her, she reached out a hand and managed to grab Keanna's limp one. A small shake was made as if to reassure the baby, and Teanna spoke her final words.
She inhaled weakly. "It is all right my little angel, mommy is coming..." With that her chest heaved down and her life spilled out of her body. The princess now lay silent. Teanna's point of view ended there and the scenery once again began to rearrange itself.
He couldn't help it anymore. Yugi's eyes began to glaze over and he covered his mouth with his hand. The events that he just witnessed were so disturbing and heart wrenching that he could not help but feel complete sadness and grief. Hell, he had just seen some madman kill a baby.
"Please tell me that was the worst of it." His voice was on the borderline of breaking.
Tea looked down with sad eyes. "It really is a matter of opinion. But there is still one more portion to see."
The scenery returned, and Prince Atem was on his horseback racing to a nearby abandon supply wagon. It was located at a spot near the great Nile River. The horses were gone and a single bald man was sitting at the back. Behind the prince were two escorts and they were ordered to take down the mystery individual. He certainly did not react to kindly to their presence. Luckily the deserted man did not put up much of a fight as his leg had been injured.
"We have him in custody your highness. What shall we do now?" One of the guards asked.
Atem got off his horse, and walked up to the wagon. "Take this thief to the dungeon, perhaps he knows something about what has been going on around here. As for this supply wagon, well, there might be some goods we can use." Yet up entering the through the back door, Atem gasped at the sight before him.
He had found his family, but they laid on the wagon's floor still and silent. Blood was on his wife's dress starting from her chest. The wound was clear to see. The shock of his find brought the man to his knees and he crawled to his beloved. He grabbed Teanna's body and placed it on his lap. Desperately he shook her body but he knew what his eyes saw and what his hands felt. Her body was cold and limp, the blood from her chest wound dried up. His eyes filled with tears and he wept.
"I'm so sorry my love..." Atem's deep voice had broken to a much softer a weeping tone. "Had I just brought you inside...this never would have happened."
Inclining his head he kissed her cold forehead tenderly. He then held her body close to him as he cried out in grief. But a moment later, he realized there was another form at his feet.
Yugi was in more shock than before and wanted to stop his friend from looking down. He could not believe his is what Atem went through before he became pharaoh. "Oh my God, don't fucking look down!" He cried out.
Looking down, he saw an even worse horror. Still warped in her blankets was his infant daughter. She laid still and silent as her mother. Choosing to place his wife down for a moment he turned around to face his daughter. He prayed to the gods she was just sleeping or exhausted from whatever horrible experience she had gone through.
"It's all right Keanna, daddy is here to take you home now and keep you safe." His voice still broken and tears streamed down his tanned cheeks.
His hands careful slide under the child and upon raising her up, a limp arm covered in dry blood fell to the baby's side, revealing her true state. Atem started to hyperventilate. "No no no no no... This cannot be!" He undid part of the swaddling blanket and revealed the gruesome scene. A stab wound at the baby's chest that easily would have pierced both heart and lungs because she was so small. Atem cried out even louder this time alerting the guards. When one of them opened the door, they saw the reason for their prince's cries. There he was on his knees, grieving dearly for his family. Both princess and heir dead, murdered by bandits. Atem's eyes then filled with rage as he remember his guards had just captured one of the bandits. A deep growl escaped his throat and with a swift arm he wiped the tears from his face. Jumping out of the wagon, he stormed over to the criminal.
"WHO DARED TO MURDER MY WIFE AND CHILD!" Atem gripped the man by the collar of shirt to the point of almost choking him. "IF IT WASN'T YOU WHO KILLED THEM THEN TELL ME WHERE THE FUCK THEY WENT! OR ELSE I WILL SMITE THEE WITH THE WRATH OF THE GODS!" Atem then pulled out his own dagger. "OR PERHAPS I SHOULD STRIKE YOU DOWN MYSELF!"
Yugi waved his hands. "Please stop this! I get it!" He dropped to the floor himself, his hands in his hair. "No more...no more of this nightmare! You can just tell me the rest but by Ra I will not see one more minute of this fucking tragedy!"
Tea approached him and pulled up his head to continue watching the brutal scene. Atem was continuing to interrogate the bandit and started to inch his dagger into the criminal's leg. From that point it flashed forward to Atem dropping off his family's bodies at the palace for the servants to mummify them. It then speed up to several battles in which the prince had traveled to a small makeshift hideout on the outskirts of the city. He fought all the bandits in the area single handedly with his ka monsters and his only sword fight was with the grey haired elder, the one responsible for the murder of Teanna and Keanna. Yugi was speechless at the look of darkness in Atem's eyes. A rage and darkness he had not seen his he first met the wandering spirit. This incident would then explain why he acted in such a way. The fight only last a few minutes with Atem the clear winner and barely a scratch. The murder below him, however, was bloody and beaten. But the last fight was quite a surprise. Before the elder died he had made a deal with the god of the dead, Anubis. Appearing before them was a large muscular man cloaked in black attire and a snarling jackal head. However, the fight was not seen. Instead a stone tablet that depicted the legendary battle was shown.
Tea then explained. "Atem said that he will tell you of this story another time. But the actual battle should never be seen by anyone else other than those bonded by the bloodline. But know that was the time he created the Dagger of Fate and he was one of a few mortals to send a god back to the Underworld."
The last image shown was an exhausted Prince Atem at his wife and daughter's burial ceremony and then a snippet of him returning to his bed chambers. He stared at the empty crib and the vacant side of his bed that his beloved would always occupy. He merely touched the empty spot and place his face into Teanna's pillow and wept throughout the night. Yugi then felt the sharp pain Atem felt at that moment go through him as if he was in the man's place. And by Ra did it hurt like hell.
Finally the memory world faded away and the two were back in the guest room sitting on the bed. It took a moment for Yugi to calm himself down from the shock he endured. Tea had all ready gotten used to the emotional strain so she claimed down more easily.
"All right, that deal you and Atem made, I understand and I'm in." Yugi ran his hands across his aching temple. "I don't know how the fuck Atem can deal with that shit in his head. I mean he found their bodies, well, your bodies."
Tea sighed. "Atem is Atem. He is one of strongest people I know. After so many years it is best not to dwell in the past and now he is trying to move forward. Trust me the man has had enough of going along for the ride. Now he wants to live his life and take control."
Yugi nodded his head. "Well, then he and I have something in common. Hell I've been trying to take control of my life as well. So I agree that we both should have an equal chance to be with you." He placed his hand over hers. "He and I have nothing to lose at this point."
"Thanks for understanding Yugi." Tea was about to stand up and leave the room but Yugi's grip on her hand only tightened.
He smiled brightly. "Hold on there, sweetheart. I got one more thing to say." Bringing both to their feet, he inched his head forward and draped her arms around his neck. Their lips clashed quickly and Yugi kissed the woman with as much passion as he could muster and parted after a minute. "I just want you to know that I still love you with all my heart, Tea."
She pulled her arms away. "Yes, I know you do Yugi. I don't regret our experiences over the past five years either. You are one of the sweetest guys I know and a really good boyfriend."
Outside the room Atem had been discussing the situation with Joey and Romeo. As Joey was gaining more and more information on the situation at hand, he was having a hard time picking sides. But he did have a strong sense whatever happens it should be the most logical absolute decision.
"So ya think she is gonna be able to a decision within dat time?" The blonde asked curiously.
Atem scratched the back of his head. "In all honesty I have a feeling she will make the decision much sooner. However, exactly when is where I am unsure. Especially with the fact that I have no clue how she is weighing her options."
"I see." Joey nodded his head understandingly. Noticing a certain star haired friend was still missing in action he became concerned. "Ey what's keepin' Yuge?"
Yugi heard the question as he opened the door. "I was being shown the shock of a life time. Now if you excuse me I think it is best we notify the Council of our decision so we can all go home and I can think about how the hell I can be such an asshole to someone who has seen shit that would make the normal man want to kill himself along with everyone else in the room."
"What the hell do you mean the shock of your life?" Joey was curious.
Romeo had a good idea what Yugi had seem. Hell, he saw the memories himself. Yugi is fortunate he did not have to see the fight with Anubis all in one shot. "It appears Yugi has been shown Atem and Tea's memories."
Yugi nodded. "Yeah. It is some fucked up shit. I'll tell you about it later, if it is okay with Atem of course."
The King nodded. "Yes, as long as he doesn't see anything, I don't mind if you tell our friends."
Lykaon and others were walking down the hallway, but it was the princess that caught the eyes of Atem.
"Keanna!" Atem called out. "Come here."
The girl was in the back of the group still in conversation with Joshua. Upon hearing her father's call, she jogged up to the front of the group. "Yes, dad?"
His eyes widen. "Holy Ra, what happened to you?"
She blinked. "What are you..." Looking down at her body she remember her father wasn't told about the aging process. "Oh uh, Lykaon helped Joshua and I age about three years. We have been thirteen for so long that the offer was too good to deny. Sorry you weren't told about this."
Atem chuckled. "Oh my angel is growing up so fast." He placed a hand on Keanna's shoulder. "It is your decision and you had every right to make one. You have been through enough the past three millennia so I think you deserve it."
The Greek stepped in. "So I must ask what were you and the queen doing in there?"
Heat traveled to the pharaoh's cheeks. "Um... Even if I were to tell you I really can't explain exactly what we were doing..."
Yugi stepped in between the two men. "I prefer not to know any details as I have already seen the evidence my friend here has left behind on my former girlfriend's neck."
Lykaon's mouth was left agape for a moment before speaking when Yugi walked to Joey's side. "Former girlfriend?" His head turned swiftly to Atem and he folded his arms. "What on Earth is going on?"
Sighing deeply Atem explained. "Tea and I made a deal. And from what Yugi just said it appears he has agreed to the terms."
"Terms?"
The king leaned back against the wall with his arms folded. "I agreed to annual my marriage with Tea and in return Tea agreed to annual her relationship with Yugi. A year's time maximum was then arranged to allow for a clear decision to be made. During the time of wait, Yugi and I will have opportunity to court and engage with her. However, we are to abstain from any form of intercourse until her decision is made."
A smile twisted the Wolf King's lips. "Oh and are you sure you will all be able to uphold that last part of the deal?"
Atem bit his lip, he knew where Lykaon was getting at. After all he and Tea had almost made love not too long ago. "I hope that we can." Turning his head to the door of the spare room he noticed Tea had finally emerged. "I think we should head back to the Council and notify them of our decision."
Tea joined in with Lykaon and Atem. "Agreed." She then glanced over to see Keanna and Joshua standing with Mahad and Mana a few feet away. An all too familiar feelings came over her being. Last time she felt such an emotion was when she birthed Hanna. Yet, now with the memories of her past self in mind, she remembered the intense love and care she had for her eldest daughter, her little angel. Well, she certainly was not little anymore more but that did not change how she felt. "Keanna...how about you give your mom a hug..." She held her arms out.
Keanna snapped her head to her mother and a smiled graced her face. She walked briskly up to her mother and embraced the woman in a firm hug. Something the two haven't done in over two decades. The princess had to fight the incoming tears that threatened to escape her ruby eyes. "I'm glad you finally remember now mom."
Yugi and Joey were watching the small family from the opposite side of the hallway. They smiled glad to see some things had finally straightened out. At least the kids got to enjoy time with their parents. The blonde then noticed Yugi's smile fading and heard his heavy sigh.
"Somethin' wrong Yuge?" Joey questioned.
The duelist stiffened. "It's nothing. Just realizing I might lose the love of my life."
"Shit happens dude." Joey then placed a hand on Yugi's shoulder. "But from what I heard, you will get at least a fair chance to win her over."
"That is true and I will do everything in my power to do so."
After a few moments the group left to return to the Council's court. Only the group of adults entered the room for Joshua's protection. The wait to explain the deal to the Council was quite the long one. It was pretty much all the teens taking turns to use the bathroom and fetching snacks and drinks from the vending machines. After about two hours, Lykaon finally poked his head out of the courtroom's door.
"Hey you guys can come in now the lights are pretty dim and they are all busy talking so you can bring Joshua in to the back."
Keanna, Marcus and Crystal entered the room, and Lykaon was right. The area was incredibly dark as they were probably going to close the place. Taking their seats in the back for the last part of the session Keanna started to grow worrisome. She had noticed someone was missing. She turned her head and looked around with perplexed eyes. "Where the hell is Joshua?"
"I thought he was with you." The Wolf King also noticing the teen had disappeared.
"He went to the bathroom a few minutes ago and he should have been back by now."
Marcus and Crystal had a bad feeling about this. So Marcus whispered into her ear about searching for his friend. The Blue Eyes then addressed his cousin. "Hey Keanna, Crystal and I will check the bathroom area to see what is going on with Joshua."
She nodded. "All right, just make sure you check both sides. Josh has a habit of making a good walk out of his bathroom breaks."
When the two dragons left the room,Keanna used her sensitive ears to listen in for the strange sound she just heard. Marcus and Crystal's rapid footsteps were heard walking to the right side, however, the other set of noises were coming from the left. It sounded like a group of people arguing and one of them seemed to be Joshua. This was followed by Joshua shouting and loud thuds that was heard by everyone. The courtroom doors were opened by one of the lead council members, Ramses. Behind were two Battle Steer guards dragging Joshua into the center of the court.
"Ladies and gentlemen I bring forth to you all, a criminal among us. A young man trusted with the obligation to serve and protect the high princess. When in secret he broke priesthood codes in theft, incorporation, and most disturbingly…having an affair with the princess." Ramses said aloud.
Gasps of shock echoed throughout the room and Keanna's jaw dropped at the scene in front of her.
"I demand you release me!" Joshua growled showing his growing canines.
"I demand you shut up. You pathetic untamed beast!" Ramses shouted in the priest's face.
"And I demand this nonsense to be stopped and the boy to be released at once." Atem's voice roared.
"I'm afraid even you do not have that authority at this point as these are Divine Codes that were broken. Shame you don't respect the fact that your own daughter is being contaminated by this lesser man." Ramses turned to the rest of the council. "I speak for us all when I say we must all respect the laws that all priests in training need to wait for the proper age before inheriting their full mage powers, a person is not allowed two inner Kas unless they are of proper status, it is a servere crime for a youngster to break the chain of command and last but not least a priest is sworn into the occupation to always stand beside the throne and never rise to it. In correlation to this law a priest may never ever have romantic or sexual relations with royalty." Ramses finished looking down at Joshua with glooming eyes.
Another member rose from his seat. "Ramses speaks truth as we have been trying to capture Joshua ever since we heard rumors about the affair. Now with these extra charges added to his already very severe crime Joshua will face jail time, separation from his family, and his priesthood will be taken away as well as his title as the Sorcerer of Dark Magic."
"Aw hell no!" Joshua burst into a fit of rage and used his newly acquired beast powers.
He transformed into a Pitch Black Warwolf like the king was. Using his powers, he drew his Sword of Darkness from its shadowed sheath. Snarling at the Battle Steers he dared that if anyone took him away from Keanna, he would retaliate. The doors opened again as more guards entered the room surrounding Joshua. This time Battle Oxen entered the scene. Ramses decided he would play along as he changed into his Ka, Gilford the Legend. Tightening his grip on his massive buster sword Ramses chuckled.
"I hope you know what you have gotten yourself into beast."
"You forget I can merge my Sorcerer with my Warwolf so perhaps you should step away from this." Joshua smirked as his body was covered in black armor, a dark blue cape, and a large scepter in hand.
The Steers started the fight, swinging their swords at Joshua only to be deflected by his scepter and pushed back to the walls with a wave of dark magic. Ramses made his charge launching himself into the air ready to strike from above. Using his Warwolf reflexes, Joshua dashed out the way. He did not want to cause too much damage or have the added charges of assaulting a council member so he relied on only striking in self-defense. Ramses was catching on to his plan and figured he would need to use more force in order to get a rise out of the young priest.
"Come now Joshua, this courtroom is much too small for a quarrel such as this. How about we fight in the arena just outside these walls." Ramses slowly walked toward Joshua.
Lowering his arms Joshua nodded his head and made his way for the door when Ramses made his move in grabbing him and throwing the boy through the courtroom window. The room was high up in Divine Palace and above a huge stadium. Joshua crash landed in the arena Ramses mentioned and was surprised that this was how he would get here. Looking down he saw the impact created a small crater in the dry dirt sands.
"What a fucking prick." Joshua commented regaining his balance.
Again Ramses came jumping from the window for an aerial strike but Joshua was not going to have another hit on him. He blocked the sword attack with scepter and snarled in annoyance. He spun his scepter and then fired a blast of magic at Ramses sending him skidding across the arena as he tried to block it.
"You've got some nerve sending me flying through a Ra damned window like that! All for what, cause I broke a few rules? Last I checked I was given the order to serve and protect the princess at all costs and at the time I barely had any power with a madman running around. And so what if I have a relationship with the princess for it was her choice as it was mine. I assure you it had nothing to do with obtaining any royal titles." Joshua declared in his booming voice.
"Whether or not your words are true there still remains the fact that in a few years the threat of your lesser seed infecting the royal bloodlines will cause an uproar in the balance of power. You of all dogs should know you place and just keep your beastly cravings to yourself boy!" Ramses leaped for another strike.
Joshua dodged but not without the tip of the sword slicing a thin cut on his face. Anger consumed him as he transferred power to his Sword of Darkness attempting to strike Ramses but a fiery blast knocked the boy off his feet and deep into the ground. The monster that fired the blast was from a Tyrant Dragon. Flying down into the battlefield it took its human form as none other then former King Seti, Ramses' father.
"I heard you were having trouble controlling a rebellious dog." Seti spoke toward his son.
Ramses smirked. "Yes the young priest over there thinks he is in a position to be calling out orders."
"I see. Well, the blast I fired should keep him quiet and…" Seti stopped at mid sentence in order to dodge the ball of shadow magic flying toward him. "Quite the rebellious one isn't he?"
"Make that 'she is a rebellious one'." A female voice called out from the smoke cloud.
As the dust settled the curved body was revealed showing the figure's identity. Both Ramses and Seti looked ahead in shock at the young woman that stood in front of them. It was none other then princess Keanna in her Silent Magician armor. At her feet was Joshua panting for his strength. His magician's armor had disappeared as the blast of fire weakened him greatly. This only left his Warwolf form. Using the beast's fast healing abilities Joshua rose to his feet and grabbed his darkness sword.
"My princess please step aside from the beast behind you and let us do justice." Seti requested as he changed back into his dragon form.
The large Tyrant Dragon stared down at the princess with gleaming eyes waiting for her to move but her silence clearly stated where her position was.
"I'm not moving anywhere until you agree not to attack Joshua and actually act like a bunch of gentlemen." Keanna stated raising her staff at the dragon.
"Last I checked Joshua started this fight when he turned on the guards." Ramses retorted.
"Last I checked your guards forcefully attacked him without stating what he was be accused of. And the supposed crime of being my boyfriend doesn't hold up in my book as a crime punishable by a serious beating. Not to mention this, why aren't I being punished since this was ultimately my decision to be in this relationship."
Seti chuckled. "Because arresting an innocent girl isn't exactly the most intelligent action for a council of justice to do. You are respected royalty and both you and Marcus are excused of your crimes since the mastermind behind all of this is right behind you." He used his tail to point out Joshua. "Besides a princess in jail isn't good publicity now is it?"
Keanna couldn't believe what she was hearing and fired a warning shot on the ground between Ramses and Seti when they tried moving closer to the couple. "Do you realize how ridiculous you all sound with this supposed case?" She turned to see Joshua finally on his feet and taking his place beside her.
"Look Keanna don't do this. It is my fault and my fight." Joshua whispered in her ear.
"Yeah, your fault you were trying to do your job properly and following your emotions. Yup that is so bad I'd ought to behead you right this instant." Keanna remarked sarcastically.
"This isn't the time for sarcasm babe."
"I know but this isn't a good time for you to be in jail with the follower of Zorc still running around." Keanna eyes gleamed with seriousness.
"Very true." He nodded and smiled showing his large canines.
"I'm guessing you are too beat up to become the Sorcerer?"
"Yeah Seti hit me pretty bad if it wasn't for the Warwolf I'd probably be knocked out cold by now." Joshua sighed.
Ramses had enough of the teenagers chatting and decided to sneak around back to attack Joshua from behind. Joshua tried to block with his sword but Ramses' buster blade was too powerful to deflect. He was knocked to the ground as the flat side of the buster sword struck him in the head and shoulder. Another small cut was inflicted upon his cheek making an x-shaped scar. Keanna was about to strike Ramses when a Black Luster Soldier armored man stopped her and then grabbed Ramses' shoulder tightly.
"As High King I order you to stand down Ramses." A deep baritone voice warned.
"But my king this boy is corrupting your daughter…" Ramses then shut up when a large blade was pointed toward his face.
"It must be a pitiful world when corruption is considered to be a person who would give all that he has to protect my only child and give her happiness when I couldn't be there to see it." Atem lifted his helmet slightly to reveal his eyes. "Now I shall repeat myself one more time. Stand down." His voce was piercing and frightening enough to make even Ramses shake in terror.
Atem's eyes glowed a dark crimson that resembled blood. Ramses reverted back to his human form as well as did Seti. Within a few minutes everyone was back in the courtroom. Keanna assisted Joshua into the room for when he reverted to his human form he could barely walk. Atem walked up to his daughter and Joshua.
"Worry not I'll make sure they won't separate you two. And eventually I will have the laws changed so something like this doesn't happen again."
They all nodded but the moment was interrupted by a loud boom in the hallway and a Red Eyes Black Dragon crashing through the door from a dark blast of energy. A Blue Eyes arrived through the hole created to the fallen dragon's side to try to get it on its feet.
"Come on Crystal get up!" Marcus called out in a panicked voice.
Oh no! Not another cliff hanger?! Oh dear I am so evil hehe. Hope you all enjoyed this, it took me several long nights to finish. Any questions about what is going on just ask. PLEASE REVIEW! You know I love to hear your comments and opinions. Thank you all again and keep in mind only a handful of chapters are left! Next update may not happen for a while as school is starting up soon and I have a portfolio to work on so just be patient. See you all time!