This story contains TRIGGER WARNINGS for rape, violence, blood, physical and emotional abuse, suicide (mentioned). READ AT YOUR OWN DISCRETION.

This warning applies to the story in general. NO SPECIFIC WARNINGS FOR INDIVIDUAL CHAPTERS WILL BE GIVEN!

Chapter 7

Yugi stood there, unmoving. The scar across Dartz's face had healed but a reddish mark was still clearly visible. Dartz's eyes met Yugi's, causing him to flinch. Even from afar Yugi could read the surprise but also the hate in Dartz's face.

"Come on already," Otogi whispered, placed a hand on Yugi's back, and gently pushed him forward. With wooden steps, Yugi walked with him out of the shadow of the forest and towards the jetty. Dartz gave him a cold grin as they approached him and his ship.

"What a surprise, Otogi. I didn't know you'd bring him to our secret meetings," Dartz said.

"Yugi has proven himself trustworthy. He won't say a word," Otogi replied.

"I sure hope so." Dartz turned to Yugi like a spider to its prey. "And how are you doing, little whore? Still an apprentice?"

"Y-Yes."

Dartz took his bronze dagger out of a sheath of his belt and twirled it around. Yugi had no doubt he always carried it with him, ready to take revenge on Yugi anytime and give him a scar that was at least just as bad.

"Such a shame. Otherwise I'd buy you for a night. I'd love to know what you've learned…"

Yugi shuddered. He linked his arm with Otogi's and tried to hide behind him. Dartz laughed.

"Now, that's not how a whore should behave in front of a potential customer!"

"Well, he's still learning," Otogi said. "How is the war going for you?"

"Rather well. Asphaleia really does make an excellent base. Well, after I made some changes to it…" Dartz said. Yugi was too afraid to ask what he had done to his childhood home. "But I have news from my father that aren't exactly good for either of us since… Well, business first."

Dartz gave a few commands to the sailors behind himself. They started carrying sacks and wooden boxes out of the ship and through the forest on the same path Yugi and Otogi had taken.

"Thanks for the extra shipment. With how many guests I have right now, I really need all that food," Otogi said. Yugi looked up at him, eyes wide. Once Dartz had stepped aside to discuss something with one of his soldiers, Yugi said:

"Is that why…?"

"Yes, that's why me, you, and everyone else at the mansion don't have to ration their food like everyone else."

Otogi proudly stretched out his chest but Yugi's inner tightened at the thought of having eaten smuggled items from Atlantis this whole time.

"And what do you give in return?" Yugi asked.

"Well, in the future, once the war is over, I'll lower the tariffs on Atlantean goods. For now, I keep my soldiers out of the conflict as much as possible. That way the war is going a lot easier for Dartz."

"But…" Yugi let go of Otogi's arm. He didn't dare say what he was thinking. This was treason. "They're killing Egyptians! How can you…?"

Otogi's mouth became a straight line.

"And this way they're killing hardly any Egyptians from Tamiat. Otherwise, Dartz would just send for reinforcements and we'd be at the exact same point, only with more people dead or hungry."

Yugi played with the ribbons that tied his cape together, his eyes on the wooden jetty below him. Why did he even try arguing with Otogi?

"I… I see…"

"Oh Yugi…" Otogi laid one arm around him. "I know these things are hard for you to understand so just trust me. I know what's best for Tamiat and for you too."

"So that's what you wanted to share with me?" he mumbled.

"Yes, a very important deal Dartz and I have. You'll keep it secret, right?"

Yugi knew there was only one possible answer.

"Of course."

Yugi's stomach felt heavy with disappointment, not only because Otogi was betraying the rest of the north. He had hoped that Otogi wanted to share something personal with him.

When Dartz had settled the matter with one of his soldiers he returned to Yugi and Otogi.

"About that news I mentioned, please follow me," he said. Dartz, a few of his men, Otogi, and Yugi made their way to a part of the beach from where the Atlantean ship was no longer visible. A soldier opened a flat case in his arms and revealed small orbs of leather with a short string attached to them. Yugi gave a silent gasp.

"I've seen that before! That's…"

"The same thing that destroyed Sobek's Bridge, yes," Dartz said and took one of the balls. Otogi's eyes widened, both in shock and fascination.

"Really? That small thing can destroy an entire bridge?"

"Not this one. The one from a year ago was a prototype. This one is way less powerful but it can be manufactured more efficiently. Since you haven't seen it before, Otogi, allow me to demonstrate…"

Another soldier lit the fuse with two flints and Dartz threw the orb away from them, into the sand. Yugi's heartbeat quickened and his palms became sweaty. Memories resurfaced of people screaming in pain, being devoured by crocodiles, the Nile turning red with their blood…

BOOM!

Everyone winced at the heart-rending bang, the ball of fire and smoke, the sand being whirled up. Many birds from the nearby forest shot out of their nests and fled the area. A dark, circular crater was left on the ground, along with a few sparks. Even though the explosion from a year ago had been a lot more intense, Yugi was trembling.

"That's quite impressive," Otogi said, patting some sand off his shoulder. Yugi noticed that his hands weren't as steady as usual.

"Indeed. These are explosives or bombs. Our alchemists are working on them for years now. I heard they're also in development in Nubia," Dartz explained. "The reason why I'm showing you this is because these bombs will be ready for use in battle in about a year, give or take. And then we'll be able to take the north of Egypt within a few months."

Yugi's body went numb with shock. A whole army equipped with bombs! They'd leave nothing but death and destruction behind.

"That's … unfortunate," Otogi said stiffly. "In that case I don't think I'll be able to refrain from joining all my forces with those of the other nobles. That would make our deal invalid."

"That it would. Besides, with so much power I'll no longer be able to spare Tamiat by going easy on its surrounding sectors. I would hate to burn down a rich and useful place like Tamiat."

Otogi stroked his chin.

"I'd say I could command my soldiers to surrender once you arrive but I don't think that would align with their definition of honour…"

"Egyptians can be stubborn indeed." Dartz gave a little laugh. "But I think there's a way to save Tamiat from destruction."

"And what's that?"

"I know you had to swear your alliance to the new Pharaoh and his realm at his coronation a year ago. There's no way for you to break that vow without serious repercussions. But you can't deny that everything would be much easier if Tamiat were independent like it used to be."

"True that."

"And I mean… Wouldn't it also be in your personal interest? I know Tamiat's lost independence plagued your father a lot and… I'm sorry to be rude but everyone knows about your nightmares and why you have them. This might be a chance to finally put that issue to rest."

Otogi raised a brow, his eyes as hard as metal like every time someone mentioned the subject. But there was also a hint of curiosity.

"Please be clearer on the matter," he said.

"Of course. But let's discuss this alone. Soldiers, back to the ship."

The men obeyed. Otogi looked at Yugi.

"Go to the ship, Yugi. I'll be back soon," he said. Yugi hesitated, chewing his bottom lip.

"A-All right," he said then and walked away, through the forest, past the tomb, and towards Otogi's ship. He sat down on a cold rock and watched as soldiers and sailors, both Egyptian and Atlantean, carried boxes and sacks to the ship. The sun was peeking out from behind the horizon and brought a little warmth.

Yugi was still processing what he had just heard and seen. How was he supposed to swallow any food now that he knew it came from Atlantis? Then again, it was the same food he could share with the villagers. But what did it matter? With those bombs they'd all be dead soon anyway…!

Otogi returned, a box with an iron lock under his arms, Dartz beside him. From Otogi's serious expression Yugi knew that the issue hadn't been resolved. They stopped at the jetty, near Yugi's rock.

"Think about it, Otogi. You could finally be free of those nightmares. I'll see you soon." He glanced at Yugi. "You too, little whore."

Eager to get away from Dartz, Yugi followed Otogi back onto the ship. Soon it set sail and left Tomb Island. Yugi couldn't help but notice that Dartz stared at him until he was finally out of sight.

Yugi sat down on a bench and tried to let the roaring of the sea and the rocking of the ship calm him. It didn't work. Otogi was leaning against the rail with the box still under his arms. Yugi joined him.

"What did Dartz say?"

"That's not important," Otogi said and caressed Yugi's cheek. But Yugi knew he was lying.

"I wish there was a way out of his… I don't want my home harmed…" 'Again', Yugi added in thought, sure that Dartz had done terrible things to Asphaleia. "I'd do anything for Tamiat…!"

Yugi looked at the mansion in the distance, sitting on top of the cliffs with its characteristic tower. Otogi laid one arm around him, his gaze on the tower as well.

"So would I, Yugi. So would I."

Yugi entered his and Kisara's room and found her kneeling in front of her bed. She was petting Amerys who was sleeping on her pillow.

"Yugi, you didn't tell me we have a new room-mate," she said with a smile.

"Right. I hope you don't mind."

He closed the door and the sound made Amerys open his eyes. He yawned and stretched.

"Not at all. What's his name?"

"Amerys…"

"Are you all right? You look worried."

Yugi forced the corners of his mouth to turn upward. He couldn't tell anyone. Besides, Otogi would find a way out of this … right?

"I'm fine. Why don't we show the little guy the rest of his new home?"

Yugi reopened the door, which caused Amerys to prick his ears. He jumped off the bed and approached the exit, his eyes wide and his tail stretched in the air, ready to explore his surroundings.

Amerys got used to his new home quickly. One of the reasons for that was the warm welcome from everyone else in the whore house. The others hadn't seen a cat like him before either, with a coat as black as the fertile land after the flood. They too were convinced that he was a symbol of luck and gave him snacks in exchange for being allowed to pet him.

Amerys was curious about his new territory and marked it by rubbing his chin against every corner and object, both in the house and outside of it. For the first time he didn't have to share his domain with any other cat and he couldn't have been more proud of it. Sometimes he joined Yugi in his lessons and slept on a windowsill or watched what the humans were doing, either in fascination or confusion.

When he didn't get enough morsels from everyone at dinner, he went out to hunt. He usually returned to Yugi and Kisara's room by climbing a tree with a branch that almost reached their window. Yugi was mostly still awake when that happened.

According to plan, parties were held all week, both big and small. Yugi didn't attend any of them, even though many guests requested his presence. Yugi pretended that the only reason was that he didn't like how much the guests drank. But truthfully, he didn't want to pretend being happy when he was so scared of the Atlanteans they haunted him in his nightmares.

Otogi was busy so Yugi had no one to talk to about his fear. Amerys seemed to notice this. Whenever he returned in the middle of the night and Yugi was still brooding, he jumped on Yugi's bed and pressed his forehead against Yugi's. Yugi would pet him and whisper that he admired Amerys for being such an independent and free spirit who did whatever he wanted. But at times it was as if those big, golden eyes could look right into his soul and see his fear.

Yugi appreciated his care. Even if Amerys didn't understand him, Yugi could at least tell him what was on his mind.

Yugi was sitting at the dining table in Otogi's chambers, Amerys napping on his lap. Servants were lighting oil lamps and poured Yugi a cup of wine.

After not having spoken to each other the whole week, Otogi had invited Yugi for dinner. Yugi had been happy about the message, not only because he hoped to talk to Otogi about the threat Tamiat was facing.

It was the last day before the nobles would return to their own sectors. Under normal circumstances, Otogi would have held a second banquet. But apparently not even Dartz's extra shipment made another lavish feast possible – or maybe Otogi didn't want the other nobles to become suspicious of Tamiat's supplies.

Otogi entered the room with a frustrated sigh.

"Ah, there you are. Good to see you again," Otogi said and sat down diagonally across from Yugi.

"Likewise. Had a rough meeting?"

Servants brought in a big bowl of soup, bread, and a plate of grilled fish, garnished with vegetables. They placed the latter right in front of Otogi. Amerys raised his head and sniffed the air.

"I swear, they act as if presenting our problems means the Pharaoh will listen! We'd have higher chances of being heard if we cut it down to the most important parts but that's beyond their intelligence! Anyway, about that trip to the p-"

Just as Otogi was about to take a piece of fish Amerys jumped onto the plate. Otogi almost fell off his chair. Amerys seized the biggest piece of fish and returned to Yugi's lap, not without slipping on the vegetables and sending them flying in different directions. Yugi laughed and petted him as he ate his prey.

"Sorry. I should have fed him before coming here," Yugi said.

"Where did you get that cat?" Otogi asked and removed pieces of salad and cucumber from his tunic. A servant wanted to remove the stains with a wet rag but Otogi chased her away. The hostility in Otogi's voice made Yugi feel like he was shrinking.

"Well… Ryou gave him to me when he asked me to…" Yugi's insides contracted with guilt. "When he asked me to talk to you about those forces for Busiris…"

"So he thought he can bribe you, huh? And with a filthy cat too!"

"He's not filthy!"

"Either way, you know I only tolerate cats around the kitchens to take care of the vermin! And this is exactly why!" Otogi said and gestured at the messy table.

"I'm sorry! It won't happen again, I promise!"

Yugi bent forward, trying to shield Amerys.

"No, it won't. Because you'll return that animal."

It was as if Otogi had pushed him off a cliff.

"What?! I can't do that!" Yugi pressed Amerys against his torso. He was licking his mouth after the last bite of fish. "I'll make it so he only stays at the whore house! You'll never see him again, I swear!"

Yugi knew the expression of Otogi's eyes, relentless like stone. He had no chance.

"Yugi, who makes the decisions in Tamiat?" he hissed with as much venom as a snake. Yugi looked down.

"You."

"Exactly. Now get up and return that animal!"

He pointed at the door. With an aching heart, Yugi rose and left the room. His steps were slow as he focussed on Amerys in his arms. At first, he hadn't known what to think about being carried around. By now he held his head high and kept still as if he was a king who deserved no less. It had only been a week but Yugi already loved Amerys and giving him away was the last thing he wanted.

At the guest houses, servants seemed busy with packing and carrying things from one room to another. Yugi asked one of them to see Ryou and he led Yugi into the drawing room where he had presented Yugi with Amerys. Ryou was sitting on an armchair, reading a scroll. He gave Yugi a gentle smile.

"Hello Yugi. Is something wrong? You seem upset."

"I… I…" Yugi forced himself to place Amerys on the couch next to him. Despite having no weight in his arms, Yugi felt a lot heavier. "I can't keep Amerys after all. I'm sorry."

Ryou furrowed his brows.

"Why is that? Did he do anything naughty?"

"N-No. Not really. But Otogi doesn't want me to… And besides, I couldn't convince him of aiding you anyway."

"But that was no condition."

"I know…" Yugi said. Amerys was grooming himself, then gave Yugi a curious look. "I'm sorry. I really am."

Yugi left the room and closed the door behind himself. He made his way back to the whore house, trying to suppress the lump in this throat and the knowledge of having abandoned a little creature who had done nothing wrong.

Before the nobles left on the following day, they gathered in the throne hall one last time. Like at the first ceremony, Otogi wanted Yugi to be present. But as he waited in a side corridor and looked in a mirror, Yugi knew that his make-up looked rather sloppy and his accessories didn't fit his tunic at all. He couldn't have cared less.

"I had almost forgotten these damn things," Otogi said as he put on his wristbands that marked him as the lord of Tamiat. Otogi then approached Yugi and laid a hand on his hip. "Listen, if you want a gift so badly, I'll get you one. All right?"

His gentle voice only frustrated Yugi even more. Yugi had the urge to explain to Otogi in great detail why he didn't care for another gift. But since he knew it'd be useless he croaked:

"Y-Yeah."

In the crowded hall, Yugi sat down on a stool next to Otogi's throne. Otogi's fingers ran through Yugi's hair as a scribe proclaimed the list of matters Otogi would present to the Pharaoh. After that, she once more read out the numbers from the tax collecting ceremony and Otogi repeated his vow to deliver the money, now adding that he'd also ask the Pharaoh for help on the agreed issues.

After that, everyone advanced to the forecourt. Servants saddled and bridled dozens of horses, filled carts with luggage, and attached them to mules. Yugi followed Otogi around as he said goodbye to the nobles. Yugi faked a smile and said things like "I can't wait until you visit us again" without meaning it. Many asked about Yugi's début and requested a spot on the guest list already.

"Well, all I can say is that it's going to be a very special event," Otogi said.

Yugi winced at the sound of a loud meow. Ryou was carrying Amerys in a wooden cage to one of the carts and placed him between two chests.

"Please, be a good kitty. You didn't mind the cage on the way here," Ryou said. He tried to pet Amerys but the tomcat clawed at him and hissed. Yugi looked at his feet. He told himself that Amerys would have a good life in Busiris. No one would harm him there and Ryou would take care of him. But it was still as if Amerys was calling for him with every meow, as if he was angry about being torn apart from his new home.

Everyone wished Otogi well for his trip to the palace, even Bakura, despite the angry gleam of his eyes. He then mounted his horse and gave one of his soldiers a sign. He blew a horn and everyone got into formation. Under Bakura's lead, the group left the mansion and started their way back to their homes. It was strangely quiet after the clattering of the last horse's hooves had died away.

"Finally that's over!" Otogi said and stretched. A few servants congratulated each other on having successfully hosted so many people. But Yugi only felt empty and sad. Otogi took his hand. "Can we talk?"

"I… I'd rather not," Yugi said. Otogi pulled him closer, cupped his chin and lightly pressed his lips against Yugi's.

"Please. It's about … you know what. I can't discuss this with anyone else."

Yugi was torn between being hurt and wanting to be there for Otogi. Had he really not told any of his advisers about this? Despite everything, that thought made Yugi feel special and needed. He nodded.

Together they walked back into the throne hall, past the carvings of Tamiat's history, and up the stairs that lined the walls. Both were out of breath when they reached the tower's flat roof. The cool wind made their clothes and hair dance in the wind.

Yugi supported himself on the half-wall enclosing the platform and looked over the sector. As usual, the sight was breathtaking. Yugi could even see the nobles of the north making their way through the city, no bigger than a trail of ants.

"Beautiful, isn't it?" Otogi said beside him. He pointed into the distance. "That's the harbour and the marketplace over there."

"Yeah and those obelisks are all in the temple district," Yugi said. The sight of his home made him feel a little lighter.

"You know, I'm glad you love Tamiat as much as I do. That I could give you another place that's a home to you."

"Yeah… You did."

For a moment they enjoyed the sight of the city and a few of its surrounding villages, the sound of the waves splashing against the cliff behind them, the salty breeze Yugi could almost taste. Otogi gave a sad sigh.

"I don't want all this to be destroyed by the Atlanteans. Just imagining all this on fire… Not to mention what they'll do to the people…" Otogi said. Yugi shuddered.

"I don't want to think about that."

"Me neither. But I had to and I have to admit that Dartz was right about one thing. Tamiat will be safe if it becomes independent again."

"You really think so…?"

Otogi turned around and leaned with his backside against the half-wall.

"The vow I made at the Pharaoh's coronation forces me to lend my soldiers to any nobles under attack in the immediate surroundings. If Tamiat were independent, I could retreat all my forces. As a neutral party, nothing would stop me from cooperating with the Atlanteans. Since Dartz and I are business partners, we could no doubt agree on a solution that leaves Tamiat unharmed. An intact sector would also be in his financial interest. I could even mediate between Atlantis and the rest of the north. Everything would be easier."

"That sounds good and all but how can you achieve it? The Pharaoh won't just let you leave his country."

"Indeed. That's why I decided on three things." Otogi took Yugi's hand and both turned so they faced each other. "First: You'll have your début very soon."

Yugi's jaw dropped.

"Already? But you said that with the war and so few visitors…"

"That brings us to the second point: You won't have your début here. You'll have it at the royal palace."

Yugi had a hard time understanding Otogi. None of this had ever been mentioned to him as a possibility!

"But I thought for my début I'd get to work on the guest list with Mai so everyone I like comes. I don't know anyone at the palace!"

"I'm aware of that. Now to my third decision: In order to convince the Pharaoh of giving Tamiat back its independence I need to gain his favour. And for a spoilt brat like him the only reliable way is giving him a gift. Something he couldn't possibly get from anyone else, something completely unique, something he'll never forget." He pulled Yugi closer. "You."

"Me?!" Yugi stumbled backwards. He waited for Otogi to take it back and reveal that this plan was a joke. But he didn't do that. "That's… No! You can't just give me away like an object! I won't agree to that!"

Otogi paused, then shrugged.

"So… I guess you lied to me when you said you'd do anything for Tamiat."

Those words stung Yugi with guilt.

"I didn't! But … that means I'd be the Pharaoh's property. I'd be his…" Yugi had to force himself to say it. "Slave. I'd become what Master Pegasus and Mistress Cyndia saved me from. It'd be worse than death! My mother even…"

Yugi walked away and sat down on one of the three stone benches on the roof. It was cold, even through his clothes.

"I know that, Yugi," Otogi said. "I thought about it all week and I feel awful for even suggesting it. I don't want to break the promise I gave Pegasus. But when Atlantis attacks Tamiat … I won't be able to protect you. Or anyone else for that matter."

Yugi gulped. He had heard about the terrible things people did in war, some so gruesome just thinking about it made the blood in his veins freeze. If the Atlanteans managed to invade a city famous for prostitution … he knew what the first thing on the soldiers' heated minds would be.

"You don't even know if the Pharaoh wants me," Yugi whispered. Otogi took a seat next to him.

"Everyone wants you, Yugi. You saw that at the feast. Also, I'm in contact with someone at the palace. She's living there for a few years now and she knows how the Pharaoh likes his lovers. He experimented with women in the past but by now it's safe to say that he's into men. Especially those who are pretty and dainty with a few features that make them stand out. You are the most beautiful and exotic creature anyone has ever seen. You fit his taste perfectly, a lot more than anyone else in my brothel."

Yugi hugged himself, a cold shiver crawling down his spine.

"But I … I don't want to sleep with him! I don't even want to be nice to him! He's the reason so many of our soldiers are dying while he only cares about the south!"

Just the thought of having to kiss him, letting him touch Yugi everywhere…!

"Well, I can't force you. But it's either that or watching all of this burn," Otogi said and gestured at the city. He laid one arm around Yugi. "Besides, if Tamiat were independent again … I think my nightmares would finally stop … and if you could assist me with saving Tamiat wouldn't that also help you get over what happened at that bridge…?"

Yugi chewed on his bottom lip. He wanted everyone in Tamiat to be safe, wanted Otogi to get rid of his nightmares, wanted to ease his own conscience.

"Do you really think I could do something good this way?" Yugi whispered.

"You could help me save thousands of lives, Yugi. Just think about the other whores, your friends from the city, the villagers you visit every week… Otherwise, they will all die."

Yugi's fingers dug into Otogi's sleeve.

"It won't be forever, right? I heard the Pharaoh had many lovers in the past… He'll get bored with me eventually, won't he?"

"Of course he will. And then I'll be there to get you back to Tamiat."

"Do you promise that?"

"I promise."

Otogi sealed it with a kiss. Yugi didn't want to know what the Pharaoh's lips would feel like on his own. He didn't want to give himself to the Pharaoh, be his doll he could treat however he wanted. He didn't want to make all of Pegasus' and Cyndia's efforts useless to protect him from a fate worse than death. But if it took only one person to save thousands from destruction, torture, and death … wasn't it worth any sacrifice?

Yugi took a deep breath.

"I'll do it!"

Fear gnawed on Yugi's insides already but he knew it was the right thing to do. Otogi pulled Yugi closer with a relieved smile. Now his emerald eyes were as gentle as a meadow.

"Thank you so much, Yugi. I know we can save our home together. And once we accomplished that, it'll only be me, you, and Tamiat."

"You need to do what?!" it came from Anzu, Honda, and Jou at the same time. Yugi looked down at his crossed legs. They were sitting in a semi-circle at the shore of the Nile. Except for a few boats floating over the water, they were alone.

"Yugi heard it," Yugi mumbled.

"Why?!" Honda asked. He was holding a knife and a piece of wood he was carving into the shape of a falcon.

"I can't go into the details but in order to help Tamiat Otogi needs to get close to the Pharaoh. And in order to do that he needs to give the Pharaoh a … special gift."

"But you can't do that!" Jou said. "The Pharaoh is a terrible person! A spoilt brat who caused the war in the south and lets our soldiers die! Who knows what he will do to you when Lord Otogi presents you to him on a silver-"

Anzu nudged him with her elbow. But the thought wasn't new to Yugi and it made his inner contract. Yet…

"I still want to do it. For Tamiat. For all of you."

"That bastard!" Jou threw a stone into the river. "Why do we have to sacrifice you so he'll do what the gods chose him for?!"

"A choice they obviously regret," Anzu said and pointed at the Nile. It was still way too low considering it was the season of the flood. Yugi picked a blackberry from a nearby bush and threw it into his mouth. It left a sour taste but not as sour as his decision.

"It disgusts me more than anything. But for now it's the only way to keep Tamiat safe," Yugi said, his voice a little shaky. Everyone was silent as Yugi's friends processed the news. Anzu wrapped her arms around him.

"You're very brave, you know that?" she whispered. Honda put down his knife and wooden bird and embraced him as well.

"The bravest!"

Yugi choked up at their support and the warmth of their hug.

"Take care of the villages while I'm gone, all right?" Yugi croaked.

"Of course," Anzu replied and Honda added:

"We'll make you proud!"

"Come on, Jou. Say it too," Anzu asked. Jou ruffled his blond mane.

"You know, Yugi… It'd be unfair if you're the only one of us who has to make a sacrifice for Tamiat. I will too." Everyone gave him confused looks. "I'll sign up for the army. That way I'll be of much greater use to Tamiat."

"What? You can't!"

"It's too dangerous!"

"You'll die!"

"I'm pretty scared, I admit. But what you're doing, Yugi… That takes a lot more courage," Jou said and Yugi understood. In battle, you had a fair chance to fight for yourself. For Yugi, any kind of resistance was out of the question.

"Then I'll join too!" Honda decided.

"No, Honda. If something happens I don't want Shizuka to be all alone," Jou replied. The discussion went on a little longer but in the end Honda reluctantly agreed to remaining a city guard.

"But if you get yourself killed, I'll kick your ass in the afterlife!" Honda promised.

"As if I'll let a bunch of Atlanteans harm me! They won't even give me a scratch, you'll see!" Jou said and all four laughed. He turned to Yugi. "You will come back one day, right? This won't be a goodbye forever, will it?"

"Of course I'll come back," Yugi said, even though he had no idea if that was true. But he couldn't allow himself to think anything else.

"Before you leave, we need to have a party. I'll reserve a room at the Red Lily. Tell Kisara she's invited too," Anzu said and began to discuss her plans with the others. Yugi gladly focussed on Anzu's ideas on the food, drinks, and games they should play. At least thinking about that didn't make him feel sick with dread.

It was in the late afternoon when Yugi returned to the mansion on a brown stallion. As soon as he dismounted, a servant appeared and led the horse back to the stables. Yugi made his way through the gardens and towards the whore house.

He stopped when he saw Kisara sitting on a bench in the shade of a tree, watching a few birds eat in front of her. She must have lured them here with the small pouch of seeds beside her. Yugi approached her with slow steps but the birds still flew away.

"Sorry! I was trying to be careful!"

"It's fine. They'll come back."

Yugi took a seat next to her. For a moment both enjoyed the gentle rustling of the trees and the scents of grass and flowers. A butterfly landed on a red flower not far from them.

"There's something you might want to know," Kisara said. "I'll go to the palace as well. Asa, Neema, and Kashto too. Mai told us earlier."

Yugi smiled.

"That's good to know. I'm glad I won't be alone." Yugi paused, playing with one of his leather bracelets. "Kisara… You've been to the palace before, right? What is he like? I mean … the Pharaoh."

"Well… I've only ever seen him from afar. He did come off as very proud and aloof but I didn't see him do anything cruel. Although that was when the war in the south had already begun. Before that…"

"What was before that?"

Kisara opened her mouth but hesitated to speak. Fear seized Yugi at what that could mean.

"Well, apparently he was known for being cruel to people, toying with them, publicly humiliating them… But then he caused the war in the south and his father became a lot stricter with him."

"But now his father is dead. So he has gone back to being cruel?"

"It doesn't have to be like that," Kisara said but avoided meeting Yugi's eyes. Yugi let a hand run through his hair.

"Does he have many lovers?"

"He did before the war."

"And he humiliated them too?"

"Well, those are just stories…"

Yugi buried his face in his hands. If the Pharaoh really had some sick torture fetish… By the gods, as if the mere thought of sleeping with him wasn't already vomit-inducing enough!

"I'm scared," he whispered.

"You don't have to do this. If you talk to Otogi-"

"Otogi isn't forcing me. I want to do this. For Tamiat."

Kisara looked at him, confused.

"You really like this place, huh?"

"Of course. It's my home."

For a moment Yugi thought she wanted to ask him something. But instead she took a handful of seeds from the pouch beside her and scattered them on the grass before them. A little later, the first bird returned.

Yugi didn't have much time to worry. Mai had already started to develop his début choreography and Yugi needed to rehearse every day. Yugi knew that his first solo performance had to be perfect, especially since it had to captivate the Pharaoh.

When they weren't working on that, Mai gave him one-on-one lessons. She taught him all about the etiquette at the palace and repeated what he had learned about how to behave in front of customers. Yugi knew that in the Pharaoh's presence he had to constantly be charming, elegant, and seductive. The Pharaoh had to think he was a being from another world, he had to be so crazy for Yugi a simple hand gesture already aroused him.

Yugi was exhausted after a long day of rehearsals and lessons but even after dinner he wasn't done. Otogi summoned him into his chambers in order to make Yugi practise his seduction skills. He was harsh with Yugi, both in the way he touched and talked to him. Yugi had always enjoyed some roughness when it came to sex but not to this extent. Otogi emphasised that he didn't like it either and that he was only doing it to help Yugi prepare for what was about to come.

Yugi knew he meant well but it only increased his fear of the Pharaoh. At least afterwards Otogi held him, listened to his concerns, and assured him that he'd bring him back to Tamiat as soon as he could. Then he could live in peace, forget about all that had happened, and be assured that no harm would ever come to him or his home.

The evening before their departure, Anzu threw the party she had promised. By then almost everyone had heard about Yugi's decision and the room Anzu had rented was barely able to contain all the guests. Anzu, Honda, Jou, Shizuka, Hanasaki, Mai, Kisara, Neema, Kashto, and Asa were only a few of them.

Many asked Yugi to reconsider. They didn't want to part with one of the few people from the mansion who cared for the commoners and brought food to the villages in need. Yugi assured them that the food from the mansion would still be distributed but they didn't want to let Yugi go. Yugi felt warm and fuzzy at being considered such an essential part of Tamiat.

Everyone danced, laughed, drank, played games, and wanted to spend as much time with Yugi as possible. For a little while Yugi could push all his concerns away. Whatever he'd have to do, it'd be worth protecting all these people, their hopes, their smiles, their dreams.

Yugi noticed Kisara mostly sitting in a corner and sipping on her wine. Yugi knew the crowd and all the loud noises had to be overwhelming her. He would have taken care of her if he had had one free moment when people didn't ask for a dance or a match of Abtu Sheta.

Thanks to her caring nature, Anzu noticed Kisara's uneasiness as well and offered to show her something outside. They stayed away for a long time but when they returned, both were laughing. Upon asking what they had been doing Anzu only replied:

"That's a secret. But it's not what you think."

Yugi didn't have much sleep that night. But even if it hadn't been for the party he wouldn't have been able to get enough rest for the following day.

Yugi's mouth was as dry as the desert when he mounted one of the palanquins. Thick clouds covered the sky as if the gods considered sunshine inappropriate for a day like this. But Yugi doubted that the lack of Ra's warm rays was the only reason he felt so cold he had goose-bumps all over his body.

As they made their way to the harbour, Yugi did his best to memorize every detail he could find: the number of houses on each street, the dogs with their different fur patterns and barks, the scent of fresh bread that wafted through the air like every morning. How ironic it was that he was now in the same situation as a year ago when he had left Asphaleia…

At the harbour, Yugi's friends, some other party guests, and even a few villagers were waiting in front of Otogi's ship. Yugi's throat tightened at the sight when he got out of the palanquin. The boy and the little girl from the southernmost village were the first ones who came running towards Yugi.

"Yugi! Yugi, when will you come back?" the little girl asked. Luckily, she went on before Yugi even had a chance to answer: "We're here because Naki would be so unhappy if she couldn't say goodbye to you! Because she has a crush on you, you know?"

She pointed at her older sister who was blushing and hiding behind her mother. Yugi patted the little girl's curly hair.

"Yes, I know. You never fail to mention it," he said.

Otogi talked to the captain as sailors carried the last chests of tax money and luggage to the ship. All the while Yugi said his goodbyes and received many kind words and blessings. Everyone swore to do their best for Tamiat, as if they were trying to make Yugi proud.

"I'll help with the food distribution," Hanasaki said. "I talked to my superiors and they're fine with it."

"That's great. Thank you so much," Yugi answered. Honda pulled him into a rather rough but loving embrace.

"No harm will come to the city while I'm in command of one of the squads!" he sobbed.

"I know, I know… Could you please… I can't breathe!"

"Ah! Sorry!" Honda said and released Yugi. He coughed but Anzu was already wrapping her arms around him. She was a lot gentler and as always she smelled like a meadow of wild flowers.

"And I'll make sure all the whores at the Red Lily are safe," was her promise. Jou was about to open his mouth when Mai appeared beside him and pulled his ear.

"Don't you dare die out there, you hear?!" she said.

"I'm used to much more dangerous situations than a war. Like you in the morning before you've had breakfast," Jou said. Everyone laughed but Yugi could only muster a smirk.

"Honestly though… Be careful, Jou," Yugi said. Jou swallowed his tears, then nodded.

"You too, buddy. And know that we appreciate what you're doing."

"Yugi, come on. It's time," Otogi said behind them. Yugi exchanged his last hugs with everyone, trying not to cry. Yet, a few tears ran down his cheeks but at least he wasn't the only one who couldn't hold them back. Yugi's friends even asked Kisara to hug her and even though she was confused, she allowed it. Anzu whispered something into her ear that made them both chuckle.

It was time to mount the ship. Yugi's legs were shaky and he wanted to run back on land into his friends' arms. Everything about this felt wrong. It was as if he forced himself to walk into a lair of hungry lions. But no matter how sick he felt he knew he couldn't back out. The reasons for that were standing on the pier, waving at him and shouting their goodbyes.

Yugi's heart jolted when all the ropes were removed and the ship started moving. He leaned against the rail and took one last look at the harbour, the city, the tower of the mansion in the distance.

"I will come back," Yugi whispered, both to the city and his friends. "No matter what the Pharaoh will do to me, I will not let him keep me from my home forever. I will come back, I promise."