Chapter 18: The Last Words

"You have a letter Yugi."

His grandfather informed as he closed the door and approached the kitchen table. Yugi was in the middle of eating his breakfast.

It had been two weeks since he and Joey had left Pious. He hadn't heard a word from Joey and he suspected that the young prince was shutting himself down from the world.

He wanted to go and see him but he knew that Duke was there with him, so he wasn't completely alone. Yugi also knew that if Joey wanted to see him, he would just come to his house.

There was also, the growing ache in his chest that kept him home. He had barely had a moment to say goodbye to the crimson eyed guard he had come to like and now they were miles away from each other.

Yugi took the letter from his overly curious grandfather.

Speak of the...

"Did you make friends over in Pious?"

Yugi eyed the Pious stamp upon the envelope. It was only natural for his grandfather to wonder about his time in Pious. He hadn't spoken a word about it since he had gotten home, except for the news that Joey and Seto were no longer engaged.

"You could say that. Hey, I'm gonna go read this in my room. I'll be right back."

He took off before his grandfather could say anything else, not wanting to go into details with the man, and left his cereal bowl half-eaten on the table.

Once Yugi's bedroom door was closed, he walked over to his bed and sat down. He carefully opened the envelope and wondered if it was from the person he hoped it could be.

His eyes scanned the letter opening and he felt his heart quicken. It was!

"Yugi,

I hope this letter finds you well. We weren't able to have a proper goodbye when you left and so I hope you know that I have thought about you every day since.

I am writing to you because I need you to do something for me. Take care of your friend. King Seto has been a stranger to us since Prince Wheeler left, and I'm sure the prince is the same. We all know how they felt about each other, regardless of their confessions.

I honestly am not sure when we will all see each other next. Although King Seto has informed us that he still plans to marry him when the time comes, I don't believe it will be any time soon.

We are working furiously on trying to find the perpetrator who attacked Pious and I do agree that you all are safer in Ghaffar. I wouldn't know what I'd do if something happened to you Yugi and I'm sure King Seto feels the same about the prince.

He would hate me if he knew I was telling you all of this but I needed you to know. Hopefully, you can keep the prince from destroying himself as he seems to be the type who inclines to do so.

If anyone can keep all of this together and move forward, it's you Yugi. I believe in you and you should also believe in yourself.

I won't have time to write to you again so please take care of yourself. I'll be thinking of you.

Sincerely,

Yami "

Yugi felt the ache in his heart worsen and he grabbed at his chest, wishing he could see the man again.

The fact that he still thought of him made Yugi miss him all that much.

Take care of Joey...

Yugi sighed and dropped the letter down to his knee. That would be harder than said. Yami was right in deducing that Joey was the type to self destruct when hurt - or at the very least, lash out.

He was glad to know that King Seto was going through something similar, it told Yugi that even though the king had said all of those hurtful things to Joey, he still cared about him.

Perhaps there was hope.

Yugi stood, knowing what he needed to do. He folded the letter and slid it into his desk drawer under a notebook. His nosy grandfather would probably try to find it.

He grabbed his jacket from his closet and left the room.

"Hey Grandpa, I'm going to go check in with Joey. I haven't seen him in a while and I want to make sure he isn't burning the palace down."

His grandfather looked up from making himself a cup of tea as Yugi went for the door.

"That's a good idea, Yugi. Oh but first, did you find romance in Pious?"

The question was so blunt and sudden that Yugi turned three shades of red and he turned away as quickly as possible to hide it.

"N-No! What makes you s-say that?" Dang, his voice betrayed him.

"You're sure acting secretive, boy. Who is he?"

"H-He?" Yugi choked out. He hadn't ever told anyone that he was attracted to boys before, least of all his grandfather.

"I'm old, not stupid," He informed Yugi and the small boy finally turned around to face him.

"I... how did you know?"

"As I said, I'm not stupid. So, who is he?"

The look he gave Yugi made him feel like he was backed into a corner.

"Uh- um... he is well, he is a guard. But we aren't dating or anything we aren't- it's not like that!" Yugi waved his hands up, emphasizing what he was saying.

His grandfather rose an eyebrow. "A guard, eh? Should I be worried?"

"No! He is- he is amazing. You'd like him."

"Maybe one day I will meet the fellow, then and decide for myself."

"Probably not," Yugi laughed nervously, rubbing the back of his head. "I doubt we will see each other again."

"Oh? And why is that?"

"There's no reason for me to return to Pious and... well they're trying to prevent a war from starting. He is a bit too busy to see me and I wouldn't want to burden him."

"That's right, Pious took a hit a couple of weeks ago. I'm glad you're all right. I came home from my trip just in time."

Yugi looked down at his shoes. "Yeah, it has messed things up. I hope it gets taken care of soon. If anyone can do it, I'm positive King Seto can."

"Well, regardless, I'm glad you're back. All right, I'm done embarrassing you for the day. Go and make sure that boy is behaving himself."

Yugi looked up at his grandfather and nodded, getting a burst of energy. "Yes! Okay, I'll be back this evening."

"You better be!" He called after Yugi as the boy ran out the door and made his way up to the palace.

Oo0oO

Joey had been shutting himself up into his room for the past two weeks since he had returned. He had barely eaten anything and what he did eat, he didn't enjoy.

His mother and sister were worried about him, but he couldn't bear to look at them, knowing that he was a failure.

He had come to this conclusion early on since his arrival. Joey had been against the idea of marrying Seto from the beginning. If he hadn't fought it so badly, perhaps Seto would have kept him around. If he hasn't slacked off on his duties as a future king all these years, he would have been more valuable to Seto during this time.

The truth was that Joey lacked the motivation to be a king. It was probably because it had been forced down his throat growing up. While other children were off playing, he'd had to study.

He had skipped a lot of the lessons because of that, much to his father's dismay, to befriend the friends he had now.

The most he had paid attention to was self-defense with a sword and he was sorely out of practice now.

He had failed Seto and didn't deserve to be by his side, no matter how his heart longed to be there.

He had failed his family because they had been relying on him.

Most importantly, he had failed himself.

The best he could do at that point was to wallow in self-pity.

A knock on the door came and Joey expected it to be Duke. The poor guy had been worried sick about him but Joey had nothing to say. He didn't want to talk about anything. Joey just wanted to be alone.

"Come in," he said lazily from his position on the couch in his bedroom. His legs were propped up on the arm of it and he was reading a magazine that he barely was paying attention to.

He looked over as the door opened and was shocked to see Yugi.

"Yug', what are you doing here?" He was surprised but he wasn't stupid. Yugi probably was wanting to cheer him up or something.

"Hi, Joey... how're you doing?" The small boy was cautious, obviously expecting Joey to lash out.

He held his tongue and threw the magazine onto the couch beside him as he sat up straight, with his feet now on the floor.

"S'fine."

Yugi eyed him. "It's been two weeks... you look like you haven't been eating."

"I've eaten!" Joey crossed his arms over his chest. Yugi didn't know anything- damn his observant friend.

Yugi didn't argue with him though and Joey was relieved. "How are you doing?"

Yugi looked down at his hands. "I'm all right I guess. I was worried about you but I figured you needed space."

Joey shrugged and uncrossed his arms, no longer feeling attacked. He did feel a little guilty for making the guy worry about him. "I'm fine. You don't need to worry."

Yugi's eyes flashed up to him and for a moment he thought he was looking at Yami. Geez, they were so similar.

"What?"

"Where's Duke?" Yugi asked instead and Joey shifted uncomfortably.

"I dunno. I haven't spoken to him. Got nothing to say."

Yugi pressed his lips together and Joey sighed. "Look Yug, if you have something to say- I don't want to hear it. I'm not talking about him or - or anything! Okay?"

Yugi's hands tightened on his knees. "I wasn't going to but I did wonder what your plans were. He had mentioned that Ghaffar may not be safe and so is us being back here really enough? If Kwan is wanting to take Pious, it's only a matter of time before he takes Gha-"

"Yeah I know," Joey threw his face into hands, his blond hair toppling over his fingers in exhaustion. "That's the problem."

"Problem?"

Joey sighed again and looked up but avoided eye contact. The wall was more interesting. "What am I supposed to do Yug? My father won't listen to me, my mother doesn't take me seriously. She just thinks I'm being dramatic- and dammit I don't know what to do! That's the whole fuckin' problem!"

Joey startled Yugi as he stood up suddenly and began pacing.

"I'm not fit to run a country or keep it safe. Seto was right to send me away. I'm nothing but a burden to everyone!"

Yugi got to his feet and stopped Joey in his tracks by grabbing his arm. "You're not a burden, Joey. You mean so much to so many people."

"Oh yeah? Then how come my life is in shambles? It's my own fault Yugi. This is all my fault."

Tears welled up in his eyes and he fought them back. Like hell was he going to allow himself to cry again-

Warm arms engulfed him and he froze, his eyes falling to the small boy hugging him.

"It's not your fault Joey. None of this is your fault. It's not your fault you're a prince or got engaged to a King or even the attack on Pious. It's not your fault that you wanted to be a kid instead of a king."

Joey relaxed and although his brain was telling him not to believe the words, he enjoyed hearing them come from someone as close to him as Yugi. Perhaps they could be real.

"Look Joey, I know that things are a mess right now and you feel like you're nothing but it's not true." Yugi let him go and looked up into his face wearing the most serious face he had ever seen on the boy. "Your friends, your family, Mokuba, and yes - even Seto Kaiba - we all care about you. Without you in our lives, it would be so dark. You're the light in everyone's lives. You make us laugh and live in the present. You're always there for your friends or family when you need them and you'll do anything in your power to help, even if it means being rash. Your heart is the biggest one of them all, Joey. So please don't ever say you're nothing, because it's not true in the slightest bit."

Joey looked down at his feet, Yugi's words washing over him and warming his heart. Did people think of him that way?

He hadn't ever thought of himself that way so it was difficult to believe the words but just as before, he wanted to believe them. So he decided that he would.

"Thank you Yugi, I never thought of it that way."

Yugi smiled up at him. "I'm only telling you the truth."

Another knock on his door cut them off and Joey frowned. "Come in."

When the door opened he saw Duke poke his head in. Joey's heart jumped as if he was seeing him with new eyes.

"Hey Joey, you're father wants to see you."

And just like that, his smile was gone.

"I'll wait for you," Yugi told him and Joey nodded with a scratch of his head before leaving the room.

He followed Duke to his father's bed chambers but before they went in, Joey grabbed at the guard's sleeve to stop him.

"Joey?" Duke's green eyes turned to him in question.

"Sorry I've been a jerk lately," he told him, his voice quiet and reluctant.

Duke sighed with a smile and clapped him on the shoulder. "No need to apologize dude. I know you're having a hard time right now. Just know if you need to talk or vent, anything- I'm here for you."

Joey smiled back, feeling it lightly touch his eyes before remembering what he was about to do. "Thanks. Well, here goes nothing."

Duke frowned, a shadow passing over his eyes that Joey didn't understand but he decided to figure it out later. He didn't want to keep his father waiting.

He walked in, leaving Duke behind, and was shocked to see the man in bed with a rag on his forehead.

"Are you sick?" Joey asked as he approached his side, immediately worried for his father.

This made the king jump and his eyes open wide. "Oh, Joey. You're here." He slid the rag off of his forehead and laid it down on the table next to him. He was sat up, pillows behind him.

There were dark circles under his eyes and he looked pale.

"Father, what's going on?"

"This is why I needed to speak with you." His voice wasn't his. Not really. "I've kept this from you for quite some time now, as you've had other things to attend to... but as time isn't slowing down I must inform you."

Joey didn't like where this was going and he slid down into a chair slowly with dread. "Inform me what?"

The king was silent for a moment and regarded his son. He took a deep breath, but that sent him into a coughing fit that had Joey flinching every time he heard it.

"Joey... son. I'm sick and... I'm not going to get better."

The words swirled through the air and stabbed Joey right in the heart. "What?" He whispered in disbelief.

"It's true. I've been sick for about six months now and it is getting worse. The doctor doesn't believe I'll have much time left and so... Joey. I need you to be ready to take the throne."

Joey's whole body went rigid. No... no this wasn't happening. "No- I can't- I'm not ready I won't be -"

"Joey," his father's voice muffled his panicked words. "You are my son. Your blood runs through this monarchy. You were born for this and although I have always been hard on you- I believe you'll be an even better king than I."

"How could you even say that? I'm useless! How am I supposed to run and protect a country!? I can't even keep an engagement."

"That wasn't your fault, Joey. Pious was attacked and King Seto must do what is to be done to protect his country, and ours. That is his duty. You will understand that when you are king."

"But I can't be king! I'm not married- I don't -"

"Enough." The words were spoken quietly but they did what they had intended. Joey's mouth snapped shut.

"That is another matter. As you are no longer engaged to King Seto. You will need to find another suitable husband or wife. Soon."

Joey's mouth went dry. His whole world was being messed with once more. What did he do to deserve all of this agony?

"Will you do that for me, Joey?"

The question sounded just like when he had been little. His father had always ruffled his hair afterward with a warm smile.

"Yes." He had no other choice. Just as everything else had not been his choice and look where that had gotten him.

The king relaxed. "Oh thank you, Joey. I appreciate your cooperation. I can rest easy now."

"I'm sorry father." Joey barely could hear his own words.

The king blinked and eyed him. "For what?"

Joey looked down at his hands. "For being difficult in the past. I know it's too late on my part but I can't help but realize how I would be in a better position if I had been a better son."

"I have to admit that on some days, I wanted to strangle you- but Joey, you're my first child. My only son. You're the most passionate man I have ever met and you have a fire within you that could rival anyone. Your heart is generous and you would do anything to help someone. You're everything I could have asked for in a son."

Joey was crying then. He couldn't help it. There his father lay dying and he spoke the words he had always wanted to hear come from him.

Feeling like a child, he threw himself at his father and hugged him tightly. The king was shocked but relaxed under him after a second and embraced him back.

Joey had no idea who he would find to marry him but he knew that with the support of his friends and the encouragement from his father, he would figure everything out.

A loud crash, followed by such a powerful boom that shook the walls of the palace broke the familial embrace.

"What was that?" Joey demanded, immediately panicking.

Duke threw open the door and entered, a look of fright on his face. "We're being attacked!"

The king shifted in the bed, trying to get up. "We need to call the guard-"

"No, you stay father. I'll take care of this."

Duke and the king stared at Joey as if he had two heads. "What?" The blond protested. "I gotta get used to it, don't I?"

Duke gave him a quick smile and Joey caught his eyes.

"Let's go!" Joey ran after Duke out of the room, leaving the king antsy in his bed before another coughing fit overtook him.

As he coughed, he didn't see the dark shadow of a figure appear in his window.

Here is another chapter to keep you going as I work on the outline for the rest of this story. Big things will be happening. Thank you for reading!