Disclaimer:
I do not own Yu-Gi-Oh!... So I am obviously just a fan who wholeheartedly loves the amazing original show and writes fanfictions (such as this...duh!...and all my other stories that have the said disclaimers on them), for fun, gaining no monetary profit whatsoever...
A Change of Heart, A Change of Plans
Days have passed, taking with it some of the Pharaoh's wounds...
Everything began to take a turn for the better the moment he was left to heal. The food had been more edible. The sheets warm and soft. And the treatment fairly well.
He finally regained some of his strength back. And he no longer felt like a boulder.
The only thing that bothered him...was the fact that the Princess no longer showed herself since the time her father had asked to speak with her alone. He frowned at that. Perhaps she was the reason as to why his suffering was slowly being lifted.
He struggled to his feet. But before he could actually touch the ground, a set of hands gently pushed him back towards the bed.
"Not yet, Pharaoh." said an aged lady whose dark hair was mingled with strands of wizened silver, framing energetic orbs of deep honey. "You must rest yourself some more."
Atem smiled, allowing the woman to push him down. "I can't thank you enough for taking care of me, Sophia. But I feel the need to stand and move a bit. Being like this for three days is making me rather sore. "
Sophia smiled in response. "Of course, young one. Anything to get you to feel better." She said as she helped him up, letting go when she was sure that his footing was stable.
Atem smiled. Other than the Princess, Sophia had been the nicest one to him during his forced stay in this land. Perhaps it was her obligation to be. But he did not care. So long as anyone gave telltale signs that he won't be harmed by their hand, he was willing to let loose his trust...a bit anyway.
He took one small and wobbly step forward, like a child walking for the first time. And he almost lost his footing. But it was not caused by his weakened legs. Rather, it was brought about by the entrance of a dreaded someone – accompanied by two soldiers - who stared at him as though he was some sort of item to be purchased.
"Your majesty." Sophia greeted respectfully as she gave a gentle bow.
The Emperor grunted in acknowledgment to her greeting. But his eyes were focused on the Pharaoh. He seemed to be looking for something. And whatever it was, he eventually found it. He flicked his fingers.
Atem cringed. The look on the Emperor's face was cold. But it held something different. Something he could not place. Before he could ponder on it, two burly forms stood on either side of him.
He expected them to haul him up. But to his surprise, they helped him to his feet, holding onto his arms to keep him steady rather than prevent his escape. He gazed at the Emperor who immediately left before he could confirm that look.
The soldiers immediately followed, leading the Pharaoh out and after their ruler who continued to walk ahead of them in silence.
Atem glanced around. There were rooms on all sides of this corridor. And he has never been to this place before. There was a sharp turn. To which he did not notice until he was pulled, revealing to his widened eyes a simpler corridor right in front of an agricultural garden.
The servants immediately stopped what they were doing and fell to their knees as they passed.
The Emperor stepped aside and gestured towards the soldiers who immediately brought the Pharaoh into a room.
Atem just could not understand what was going on. He was confused and – no matter how much he denied it – scared. He closed his eyes, thinking that he was going to be led to another torture room. But something in the air seemed...comforting. He opened his eyes, widening them upon seeing what was laid before him.
It was a bedchamber. Probably that of a servant. There was a simple cot by the side. A table near it. And a comfortable ambiance that surrounded the area.
He was even more shocked when he was released. Gently released. He turned around to see the guards leaving, leaving him alone with the Emperor.
"This will be where you will be staying from now on." The Emperor said in a blunt tone. His eyes sharpened. "But don't get any ideas. You are still my slave. And that fact will never change."
With that, he left, leaving Atem alone to be acquainted with his new surroundings.
Unaware that he was being watched...
"Princess..."
The gentle call had snapped her out of her focused watch on the Pharaoh. She turned around and away from the splendid view of her balcony, meeting the chestnut eyes of her loyal bodyguard and dear friend.
"Yes?" She inquired.
Honda shifted and avoided eye-contact. "It seems your wish has been fulfilled, my lady." He said.
"It seems it was." The Princess repeated. She knew of course that of all the things her father was, a lying cheat was not one of them. He would keep his word. She was sure of it.
Everything seemed to be going smoothly...
Or was it...
Deep within the dark and underground temple...
"My King, I think I have found a way to 'coax' out that needed information from the Pharaoh..."
Amidst the silence thicker than the tablet lined walls...
"I do not think that would be necessary, Dartz..."
The Emperor's trusted adviser sat motionless on the altar, a shadow hiding his eyes...
"But what about the treasures you have seen? Do you not wish to possess them?"
He pursed his lip...
"I have all I could want here... There is no need for any more..."
He clenched his hands...
"But sire...what of the Pharaoh?"
He took the dagger from the altar...
"He will be spared..."
With an almost feral roar, he threw the ornate blade as far as he could, his eye glinting in accordance with the green gems encrusted on the dagger's hilt.
He did not know why but the Emperor had decided to hold back on the bargain. And he was enraged because of it. The Pharaoh's fate was no longer in his hands. He was no longer free to end the Pharaoh's life and take that powerful soul.
So...Close...
He stood up and strode towards the fallen dagger.
Standing in front of his king, Dartz had to stop himself from yelling. He just could not believe it.
"But...Sire..." He sputtered, hands shaking. "What of our bargain? Will I still have the Pharaoh?"
The Emperor just looked at him with that same stoic expression.
"I am sorry to say this..." The Emperor began in a tone that was all but regretful. "But I do believe I could no longer keep my end of that bargain..."
With that, he left...
Leaving Dartz alone to dwell on the situation...
Picking up the dagger with firm hands, he gazed at the metallic reflection, a grin tugging at the corners of his lips.
I will have what I have worked so hard for...
An image of the Pharaoh floated into his corrupted mind, bleeding and crying from whatever agony he was determined to lay.
And this time, I will take matters into my own hands...
AN: o.O
Ominous...
That's one way I could describe this chappie.
short...
Yup. Most definitely.
Great...?
Not on my watch... If you are itching to send me flames, a candle would do. No arson please...