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 27
„That tower will always show you the way home."
That's what Otogi had said on the day Yugi had first come to Tamiat. Now that they had crossed the sector wall and were getting closer to the city, the tower came into Yugi's view. The tower that contained Tamiat's throne hall, that granted an amazing view all over the city, that was so characteristic for Yugi's home. It was only a dark silhouette in the dim light of the full moon but it was clearly there.
"Shh!" Jou said and pulled Yugi back into the bush. It was a kind that grew all over Egypt, yet its blossoms seemed to have a more intense scent here.
"Sorry. I'm just nervous," Yugi whispered and pulled the hood of his cape deeper into his face. How close the city was! Only a few villages away! Yugi could already hear the faint rushing of the waves and the air had a salty note. He would have loved to jump around in joy but he had to contain himself.
Five elite guards had travelled with them. With their help, infiltrating the sector had almost been easy. They moved as silently as cats and they needed few words to communicate. Together they had passed through six villages and had left vials of medicine in each one, be it in front of houses, near statues or at the side of the road. In the morning people would find them, maybe be confused about the Pharaoh's stamp on the terracotta – a red falcon – but they'd be joyous about having medicine against the coal fever.
"All right," Yugi said. "Let's do this."
In groups of two they chose one street each, hurried through it, and dropped vials of medicine along the way. They regrouped at the other side of the village, in another bush. Avoiding another camp of Atlantean soldiers, they sneaked closer to the city walls.
"We'll be back soon," Yugi said to the guards. He and Jou split from them and hid behind trees and rocks as they moved along the wall. They had reached another bush when Jou gestured Yugi to stop.
"Here it is," Jou whispered. Two city guards stood at a small door, yawning and shifting from one leg to another. Yugi looked up, wondering if Otogi was inside his mansion right now. Was he asleep? Or was he waking up from another nightmare about his father? A part of Yugi wished to be back at the whore house, at a time when life had been easier, even if it had been built on lies…
"That's it," Jou whispered when both city guards had walked away. He shot out of the hiding place, towards the door. Jou touched the bricks around it, searching for a mechanism that'd open it without a key. According to Jou, guards locking themselves out happened quite often.
Yugi pulled a card of Abtu Sheta from his tunic's pocket and played with it. It had a hand drawn on it, allowing the player who drew it to remove one piece from the match. In his mind he urged Jou to be quick. Jou was cursing under his breath.
"Hey you!" someone said and both Yugi and Jou startled. Three city guards came towards Jou, their swords drawn. Yugi's hand moved to his own spear on his back until he recognised who was leading them. Tall, muscular, with short brown hair: Honda!
"Jou, is that you?" Honda said, eyes wide.
"As you can see."
Honda's lips curled into a smile but then he punched Jou's arm.
"Where have you been?! Shizuka has been worried sick! We only got a message saying you're a filthy deserter! You're wanted!"
"I'm what for what?! That's a lie!"
"I'd sure hope so!" Honda sighed. "Let's get you to a military official. Tell them your story and then I'll bring you back to Shizuka."
"I can't tell them!"
"Why? You said you're no deserter."
"And I'm not!"
"Jou, I'm a captain of the city guards. I can't just ignore my duties. You better have a good reason for what you're saying!"
"I do. The reason is…"
Jou glanced at Yugi and Yugi knew what to do. He stepped out of the hideout and all three guards pointed their swords in his direction.
"I'm the reason," Yugi said and brushed back his hood. The guards stared at him, both in shock and in awe.
"Y-Yugi?" Honda said and Yugi nodded. After a moment of paralysis, Honda dropped his sword and gave Yugi a hug that almost broke his ribs. "Yugi, I can't believe it! How-"
"No time to explain," Yugi said. "Please, you've got to let us into the city. We're bringing medicine against the coal fever."
"Medicine? That's great! If we tell Lord Otogi-"
"Otogi can't know I'm here." Yugi stepped closer. "You have to trust me. Please."
Yugi knew from Honda's expression that thousands of questions were popping up in his mind. Yugi couldn't blame him.
"Y-Yugi?" one of the guards, a tall woman, said. "You've really got medicine against coal fever? My daughter, she…"
Before she could finish, Yugi gave her a vial from his shoulder bag. The other guard opened his mouth and Yugi gave him a vial before he had to explain himself.
"Thank you so much!" both said, teary-eyed. Yugi turned to Honda. He was scratching his jaw, still visibly confused.
"I don't understand any of this but fine. I'll get you into the city. I know where most of the patrols are so I can help you avoid them. Where do you want to go?"
"Sekhmet's temple would be best."
"I'm afraid most Atlanteans made camp in that district so that would be unwise. They also didn't want the sick anywhere near them, which is why they had the Red Lily closed down and turned into an infirmary."
The Red Lily was where Anzu worked and she was sick too. Yugi's heart fluttered at the prospect of seeing another one of his friends again.
"Fine. Then let's go there."
Honda lead them past the wall and Yugi's entire body tingled at his first steps in his home city after months. Except for a few torches here and there, it was dark, yet Yugi recognised every house and corner as if he had been here yesterday. If only he could stop and look around!
"Over here!" Honda said when they saw the silhouettes of two people in the distance. They hid behind a bunch of crates and held their breath. The two people turned out to be Atlanteans, their skin pale like the moonlight.
"Yeah, they said I didn't have enough money, so what? We protect this place from the Pharaoh so the least those whores can do is go to bed with us for free. And who can blame me for not being able to resist those tits?" one man said and laughed.
"I still can't believe this stuff is legal around here. And the higher-ups have it even better with those high-class whores in the mansion at their disposal! If the common ones are already this good, I wonder what the fancy ones can do…"
Hot anger filled Yugi as they passed. At the same he was feeling sick at the thought of his fellow high-class whores having to work for guests who saw in them nothing more than prey they could use and humiliate every way they pleased. No, Otogi had always cared about their safety at least. Surely, it wasn't as bad.
He had no time to further ponder on it. Honda guided them into the inner city where most brothels were. Some whores stood outside, passed out flowers, and assured with a wink that inside their establishment ecstasy was waiting. Musicians and vendors also lined the streets but they were few compared to what Yugi had seen in the past.
The biggest building was strangely dark and quiet. The red lilies painted around its entrance gave away its name. Honda brought them to a back door and knocked. A moment later, it opened and all three rushed inside. They were in the kitchen and even though it was mostly empty, the day's scents of fried and cooked food filled the entire room.
"Honda, what…" a familiar voice said. It belonged to Shizuka, her brown hair tied in a ponytail, an apron around her hips. She dropped the tray in her hands when she saw Jou and Yugi. Cups and plates shattered but no one cared. With tears in her eyes, she threw her arms around her brother.
"I missed you too," Jou said, squeezing her.
"Jou, is it really you?" Shizuka cupped his face, then turned to Yugi and hugged him as well. "Yugi, what in Ra's name are you doing here?"
"I have no time to explain. But we're bringing medicine against the coal fever."
He and Jou emptied their bags on the nearest table, careful not to break any vial.
"How did you get all that?" Shizuka said.
"From the Pharaoh," Yugi said and both Honda and Shizuka winced. Yugi held the last vial from his bag in his hand. "There are no Atlanteans here, right?"
"Right. They avoid the Red Lily ever since it was turned into an infirmary."
"And Anzu is here?"
"In her room but she's sick too."
Yugi knew it'd be safer to leave now. Then again, hadn't he come here to be seen by some? Yugi grabbed an oil lamp, rushed upstairs, through different corridors. He crossed only a few people but by gasping and stumbling they alarmed others as well. Doors opened, heads poked out, and jaws dropped as they spotted Yugi. Yugi ignored them and hurried towards the room Anzu shared with four other whores.
Some woke up, raising their heads. Yugi approached Anzu's bed at the end of the room and placed the oil lamp on her bedside table. Yugi caressed her face. It was covered by dark grey spots but Yugi still recognised every detail about it.
"Anzu, wake up. It's me," Yugi whispered and Anzu's lids fluttered open. "I've got medicine for you. Open your mouth please." Slowly, Anzu did as Yugi asked. Yugi removed the cork and let five drops fall into Anzu's mouth, just like Ryou had always done it. Anzu shuddered – apparently the medicine was very bitter – but then swallowed. "It'll be better soon."
Yugi patted Anzu's head, wishing he could stay and do more for her. Before his feelings could get the better of him, he got up and left the room. Another whore stood at the exit and Yugi gave her the vial.
"Yugi, is that-"
"Five drops at every morning and evening. The vial should last for a few weeks."
Yugi walked past her, only to find the corridor packed with people. Those in the back craned their necks. After a moment of silence they all spoke at once.
"Yugi, what are you doing here? Did you break free from the Pharaoh?"
"What are those vials in the kitchen? They smell like purple clover."
"We've got to tell Otogi you're here! He will-"
"Listen to me, please!" Yugi said and everyone quietened down. He knew most of them at least by sight and Yugi would have loved to hug everyone if he had had the time. "First, Otogi cannot know I'm here under any circumstances. Understood?" The others furrowed their brows but no one objected. "Good. Second, I'm bringing you medicine against the coal fever. It comes from the Pharaoh. And third, I can't answer any more questions right now. I'll be back with more help from the Pharaoh soon. And again, don't tell Otogi about any of this."
Many tried to ask Yugi a dozen things anyway but Yugi rushed past them and back into the kitchen with Jou and Honda. Jou wrapped his arms around Shizuka one final time before handing her his last vial.
"Please make sure Mai gets this," he said and Shizuka nodded. Honda opened the back door, checked every direction, then gestured them to follow him. He guided them back to the city wall on a different path, hiding twice from commoners on their way home. Soon they were back on the other side of the wall at the same spot where they had met.
After one last hug with Honda, Yugi and Jou disappeared into the bushes. They regrouped with the royal guards, then started their way back to the city gates. They were walking through a small forest and Yugi felt so light he was surprised he wasn't floating. What had just happened seemed like a dream, short and too good to be true.
"I knew they'd be happy to see you," Jou said, hands folded against the back of his head. "And you handled them pretty well. For a moment I thought I'd have to drag you outside but you stood your ground."
"It was nothing," Yugi said, his cheeks gently tingling. "What's more important is that we need to bring them more medicine soon. This time I will help them defeat the coal fever."
A grin spread on Jou's face. He ruffled Yugi's hair.
"I like you that rebellious!"
As soon as Yugi dismounted his horse in Busiris, Atem embraced him. Yugi could feel the relief in Atem's squeeze. Usually it was the other way around after all.
Dawn had just broken and soft morning light fell on Atem's face. He was without make-up and his nemes headdress seemed a little loose. Lord Seto, Ryou, and Kisara reached the forecourt with dishevelled hair and simple clothes. They gathered around Yugi and Jou, and their curious looks said everything.
"It went well," Yugi said and everyone heaved a sigh of relief. They explained what had happened.
"I'm glad they accepted the medicine even though it came from me," Atem said with a careful smile.
"Me too. But we'll need more if we want to end the coal fever."
"So you'll go back, huh?"
"Yes," Yugi said, his voice steadier and more determined than he had expected himself. Atem's expression showed a mix of pride and concern.
"I'll have more purple clover harvested and made into medicine then."
"Thank you so much." Yugi gave him a kiss, then yawned. "I think I'll go to bed for now."
"You do that."
Yugi went inside and approached a staircase with a teal carpet. Just as he placed his hand on the cool bannister, he heard steps behind himself and turned around. They belonged to Kisara and Lord Seto was not far from her.
"Yugi, you… You really saw them again?" she said, playing with her ponytail.
"Yes. Honda, Shizuka, and also Anzu even though she was barely conscious."
"And the tower and the Red Lily and that vendor who sells honey cakes…?"
"All still there."
Kisara chewed her bottom lip. It took her another moment until she said:
"I'd like to come with you. Next time when you bring them more medicine, I mean. I just… I want to see it … them all again."
"Kisara, that's dangerous," Lord Seto said.
"I know. But I'm getting better at throwing knives and I can defend myself. Besides, I… I want to help. Tamiat is my home too."
Yugi's eyes widened. While being fond of it, Kisara had never outright called Tamiat her home. Joy warmed Yugi from within. Lord Seto let a hand run through his hair.
"It really means that much to you, huh? Then I guess all I can say is… Be safe."
"Thank you," Kisara said and linked her arm with Lord Seto's. She looked at Yugi.
"Any help is welcome," he said. "And I'm sure Tamiat missed you too."
Yugi turned out to be right. Kisara was surprised herself when both Honda and Shizuka greeted her with tight embraces and tears of joy. Even though the others didn't know Kisara that well, they recognised her and thanked her too a hundred times for the medicine.
With Honda's help it became easy to infiltrate Tamiat. He knew a few guards at the sector walls who were willing to let Yugi and the others slip through. Honda could let them into the city and Shizuka always opened the door to the Red Lily.
They had to be the most careful around the villages since they had no allies there and the Atlantean camps were close. But here too people seemed to have heard rumours about Yugi's return. Sometimes when Yugi left vials around a bush or a statue Yugi thought he saw someone look out from a window or a roof.
One time Yugi even saw three of the kids Yugi had visited regularly on his food tours peek out from a door. First Yugi froze but he placed a finger on his lips with a "Shh" upon which the two girls and one boy nodded and shut the door without any sound.
At the Red Lily, Yugi heard the same questions every time. Why didn't he stay? Why was the Pharaoh sending them medicine? Why couldn't Otogi know about this? Yugi didn't dare answer them yet.
The regular deliveries gave the commoners a new sense of hope against the Atlanteans. Besides, keeping the secret of Yugi's visits forged a bond between everyone. The Atlanteans still overheard certain things and rumours spread but for now they were just that: rumours.
Yet, no one could deny that fewer and fewer people suffered from coal fever. It was said that even Otogi noticed the sudden recovery of the people, despite him spending most of his time with Kek and Dartz. For once, Yugi hoped that Otogi would pay more attention to himself than his people.
Yugi, Jou, and Kisara emptied their bags on the kitchen table yet again.
"Thank you so much, Yugi," Shizuka said, a tray pressed against her chest. "You almost cured all of Tamiat. I heard they think about reopening the Red Lily for business soon."
"Really? I'm so glad," Yugi said.
"I know you have to leave but there are some people who would like to meet you," Shizuka said and gestured him to follow her. Yugi and the others walked upstairs, through some corridors, and into one of those large rooms that were usually rented for big parties. Shizuka opened the door and Yugi did a small jump backwards.
The room was packed. Every seat around every table was taken but even more people were standing, hardly leaving any free space. When they saw Yugi, grins spread on their faces and some approached him for a hug. Over three dozen voices welcomed him back. A beautiful woman with blond curls stepped towards him and Yugi ran into her arms.
"Mai!" Yugi said and she squeezed him. She was radiating a familiar flowery perfume. Yugi had never paid attention to it before but now it reminded him of home and it made him feel warm inside.
"Asa, Neema, and Kashto asked me to say hello." Mai caressed Yugi's cheek. "They miss you."
"I miss them too," Yugi said, then his eyes fell on a woman with chin-length brown hair and blue eyes. "Anzu!"
Yugi rushed towards her for another embrace. Anzu sniffled back her tears.
"Thank you, Yugi. For the medicine, I mean. I can't believe you're here!"
"Most of the time neither can I. Are you really back to health?"
"Mostly. Enough to protect the other whores from those Atlantean bastards. I don't want to think about what it will be like when we reopen. I'm pretty sure our madam won't be of much help…"
"At least they have you. Just try not to get into trouble. I still want you to fulfil your big wish and dance at an important event one day."
"You still remember!" Anzu said, one hand on her heart.
"Of course."
"E-Excuse me?" another voice said. It belonged to a short young man with blond hair. "Do you still know who I am…?"
"Hansaki!" Yugi said, letting go of Anzu. "Of course I do! How is it going at the shipyard?"
"Still designing ships, only now it's for the Atlanteans and everyone has to work much harder. B-But when I heard about you, I started sneaking some errors into the plans. That way the ships won't last that long, you know?"
"That's genius!" Yugi said and Hanasaki scratched his head, eyes on the floor.
"I dare say you inspired everyone to be a little more disobedient," Mai said. Jou had wrapped his arm around her waist while Anzu and Kisara were holding hands and beaming at each other.
"That's great but please be careful, everyone. The Atlanteans know no mercy."
"True that," Honda said. "We thought Lord Otogi had sided with them because the Pharaoh would attack us otherwise. But now that he sends us medicine through you…"
Yugi gulped, then turned to Mai.
"Speaking of Otogi… How is he doing?"
"Not well. Since he came back it's better not to cross him unless you want to get yelled at or worse. I tried to talk to him about how those Atlantean officials treat my whores but he just doesn't care anymore." Mai heaved a sigh. "Anyway. You know we're beyond grateful for what you're doing. But we have so many questions."
The others nodded and said questions tumbled out of their mouths:
"Why can't you stay? Where are you going back to?"
"Why is the Pharaoh sending us medicine? He never cared about us!"
"Didn't the Pharaoh treat you horribly? It's what Lord Otogi said!"
Yugi's bones felt like they were made of rubber. That was the moment he had both expected and feared.
"You're right. You have a right to know about … everything," Yugi said and sat down at one of the tables. All eyes were on him. Yugi took a deep breath, then told them what had happened since his departure.
At first, everyone just listened. The more Yugi talked about what the south had really been like the more brows furrowed in confusion. Now and then someone interrupted, insisting that what Yugi said couldn't be true. One of his friends was always ready to tell them to hear Yugi out and Yugi was grateful for it. Kisara too, confirmed everything Yugi had seen. When Yugi finished, the room was silent like a tomb.
"And … that's the truth?" Anzu asked.
"I swear. The Pharaoh made mistakes but he cares about all of Egypt, including the north."
"And you're his Royal Ornament? By choice?" Honda said as if Yugi voluntarily ate poisonous berries for breakfast.
"Yes. He's good to me and he has the medicine made because I asked him to."
"That's a lot to take in." Mai played with her necklace. "And that's coming from someone who met the Pharaoh before."
"So that means…", Honda said. "Lord Otogi lied to us when he returned from the palace."
Angry murmuring came from the others and Yugi felt a cold shudder of panic. He jumped up.
"No, no, no. Despite everything, Otogi did what he thought was right. He never meant to lie or hurt anyone. It's just complicated," Yugi said but the room was only half-convinced. "Please don't act rashly on any of this. All I want is that you think about what I told you. I'm sure we can find a peaceful solution to everything."
"Not sure what good peaceful solutions are in times of war," Honda said. "But fine. For now, we will think about what you said. Right?"
The others nodded and threw in words of agreement, despite looking confused and disbelieving. Yugi hadn't noticed his pulse quickening until it calmed down.
"Thank you, everyone. I'll see you soon. Stay strong."
After sharing many hugs, Yugi, Jou, and Kisara made their way back to the kitchen. This time not only Honda but also Anzu accompanied them as they sneaked through the dark streets.
Twice they came across Atlantean patrols and Yugi's hand was already on his spear. But they remained undetected and resumed their way to the other side of the city walls.
"You know, Yugi… I'd call everyone else who told us all that crazy," Anzu said and the salty breeze made her hair dance.
"So you don't think it's crazy…?" Yugi asked.
"I don't know. But I know you'd never lie to us."
They embraced each other and said a few last words. Yugi was about to walk away but he stopped.
"Just one last thing: You haven't heard about any large shipment for the Atlanteans?"
"No, I don't think so. Why?" Honda said.
"They're expecting a large shipment of weapons that could cause a lot of harm. Please keep an eye out."
"We will," Anzu said. Yugi looked at them one last time, then in the direction of the tower. How wrong it felt to run from his own home like a criminal. But what other choice did he have for now?
"Until then," Yugi said. He, Kisara, and Jou turned around and disappeared into the darkness.
It was another warm morning. As Yugi and the others rode towards the city of Busiris, Yugi felt a lot more relaxed than usual. Now the truth was out. Now all he could do was wait.
They passed one of Busiris' villages. Despite it being early in the morning, people were already feeding chickens, carrying buckets of water or leading their donkey from one place to another. Yugi noticed a palanquin, along with its carriers and royal guards. Not far from them stood Atem, the commoners he was talking to on their knees, and Lord Seto beside him. Yugi and Atem's eyes met and Yugi's heart did a small leap.
Atem said a few words to the commoners – probably excusing himself – and approached Yugi. Yugi led his horse towards him and one moment later Yugi jumped from the saddle right towards Atem, wrapping his arms around Atem's neck.
Some people cheered at them. Yugi gave a confused smile, then turned to Atem. He gave Atem a kiss and his lips tasted like pomegranates.
"I assume it went well, huh?" Atem said while Lord Seto stretched out a hand to help Kisara dismount.
"I told them everything. They were confused of course but considering the circumstances, they took I well."
"I knew they'd believe you," Atem said. "In fact, I heard that the soldiers from Tamiat are growing more disobedient to their Atlantean leadership. Nothing major yet but apparently they do their tasks extra slowly and in battle they rarely protect their Atlantean comrades. The Atlanteans even consider removing them from battles entirely."
"That's great. That way Egyptians won't have to fight other Egyptians and our soldiers can give all they got."
They decided to return to the city's mansion. Instead of taking the palanquin, Atem chose to share Yugi's horse. Atem mounted it first and then Yugi joined in side-saddle. That way they could look at each other while trotting through the city. Here too some people cheered upon seeing them together. They waved at them.
"I'm glad our reputation is improving," Atem said and kissed Yugi's hair. "I only hope it's not for nothing. We have to end the war before the Atlanteans get those bombs…"
"I'm sure you'll find a way at the next strategy meeting. I'm just sorry I can't be there for you right now. With how I sleep during the day and travel to Tamiat, and plan those trips, and train with Jou…"
"Honestly, I feel the same way about you. I wish I could support you more with what you do for Tamiat. I know the people there must adore you. A sentiment I share with them," Atem said and Yugi laughed. "Would you like to accompany me to Hapi's temple? I need to talk to the priests about the fertility ritual."
"Of course. Let's go."
Atem led the horse to the temple district, which was connected to the mansion's grounds. All the temples were large buildings with statues of their respective god at the entrance. They stopped in front of Hapi's temple, right across that of Sekhmet. Just as they were dismounting, Ryou came out of Sekhmet's temple. Yugi waved at him, so Ryou approached the two and bowed.
"My lord, how are the remaining coal fever patients doing?" Atem said.
"Very well. So well in fact that the doctors don't need my assistance today. The illness is as good as cured, my Pharaoh."
"That's wonderful news. Then I assume you'll spend more time with taking care of Busiris? I heard you're doing a great job."
"Well, it is a lot easier now that my brother lets me make more decisions. I'll keep doing my best."
"I'm sure you will. We'll see you later," Atem said and Ryou bowed once more, then walked away.
Hand in hand, Yugi and Atem entered Hapi's temple. Like at the palace, its floor tiles, pillars, and paintings on the wall were dominated by the colours blue, black, and green. As soon as the priests saw them, they interrupted what they were doing and knelt down. The high priestess – a tall woman with long curls and a staff in her hand – came towards them.
"Welcome to Hapi's temple, my Pharaoh, Royal Ornament. Would you like to join us for the morning prayer? You're just in time," she said, her voice pleasantly raspy.
"It'd be an honour," Atem said and the high priestess guided them into the chapel. It was a small hall with an altar, two statues of Hapi, and many carvings on the wall.
During the ceremony, they and a dozen other priests fell on their knees and chanted ancient songs, all while incense was being burned. It made Yugi's head a little dizzy but his thoughts remained clear. While pressing his forehead to the stone tiles, he asked Hapi to forgive them for ruining the first part of the ritual and also assured that the second and third would be perfect.
And please also forgive Atem for what he did in the past. He's sorry every day and neither he nor his people deserve to suffer for what happened.
He glanced at Atem next to him. His eyes were closed but from his tense expression Yugi could tell that he was begging for the same.
Once the ceremony was over and the other priests had left, Yugi and Atem spoke to the high priestess. She was standing in front of a wall, its carvings showing all three parts of the ritual. In the bottom third the Nile had risen and wheat and flowers were growing and blooming everywhere. In one corner short lines fell from dark clouds to the ground. Beside it Yugi read the hieroglyph for 'miracle'.
"Do you know when the next part of the fertility ritual will take place?" Atem asked, a small crease between his eyebrows.
"Not yet but we watch the stars every night. We will notify you when the time has come. Also, please let me assure you that we know what an honour it is that we'll be the ones guiding you through this ritual instead of the priests in your own palace. We're sure you and the Royal Ornament will please Hapi and bring us a generous flood."
"We will do our best. Thank you," Atem said and he and Yugi left the chapel. They strolled through one of the gardens, the leaves of the palm trees partly brown from drying out. Yugi linked his arm with Atem's.
"Are you all right?" he asked.
"Not really. I need to end that war with Atlantis as quickly as possible. Only once peace has returned the gods will know I'm a good Pharaoh. That they didn't make a mistake by choosing me."
"I'm sure they know already," Yugi said and planted a few gentle kisses on his jaw and neck. But Atem's expression didn't change. "If you need some distraction … we can go to our chambers and I can do that dance you like so much…"
The idea enticed a chuckle from Atem. He pressed his lips against Yugi's.
"I appreciate that but I have more meetings now. Maybe later though."
"Of course. I should go to bed now anyway but when I wake up I'm ready for whatever you like," Yugi said and caressed Atem's cheek. He swore himself to give all he had for the second ritual – both for Egypt and for Atem.
Yugi returned a few weeks later to Tamiat and the people greeted him with hugs and nice words in the same room yet again. The atmosphere was different, as if something unspoken was in the air, but Yugi perceived no hostility.
"One question, Yugi…" Anzu said, her skin now free from any dark spots. "Do you have any news from Semut? It's my home town and not far away from Tamiat."
"I'm afraid there's nothing. It's still occupied."
"I feared as much."
By now the rest of the room had fallen silent. They all looked at Yugi with anticipation, as if they all had something on their chest. Hanasaki came forward with small steps.
"Y-Yugi, I think most of us believe what you told us last time," he said and the others nodded and threw in words of agreement. "But we still have so many questions…"
"That is understandable." Yugi sat down at a table and the person next to him filled a cup with wine for him. "Thank you. Whatever it is you want to know, ask away."
Some answers were short, others turned into a longer explanation. Yugi emphasised that he understood how outlandish it sounded and that up until a few months ago he wouldn't have believed any of it either. The others listened until Yugi had told them all there was no know.
"Well, but that begs one question," Mai said into the silence. She was leaning against a table, a cup in her hand. "What's next?"
All heads turned to Yugi. Yugi wasn't sure what to say. While he was glad how quickly everyone had changed their minds, he had expected it to take much longer.
"Let's overthrow Lord Otogi!" someone said.
"Yes! He lied to us! He made our soldiers fight other Egyptians!"
"And he didn't even care when the coal fever broke out! But Yugi and the Pharaoh did!"
"No, no, no!" Yugi said and stood up. "Please, let's not talk like that! Otogi made lots of mistakes but he cares about Tamiat! He just … has a lot of problems with himself."
The others mumbled, doubting what Yugi had said. Worry choked Yugi like smoke in his lungs.
"Then what should we do?" Honda asked, one hand on Shizuka's shoulder. "We can't obey him anymore now that we know the truth about why the Atlanteans are really here."
Yugi had to admit that he hadn't expected that reaction. Then again, except for Mai none of them knew Otogi personally, knew that he was a victim of his violent father who was obsessed with Tamiat's independence.
Before Yugi could come up with a reply, thudding sounds came from the corridor, along with angry voices. The double doors of the room's widest entrance slammed open and it was as if the floor beneath everyone's feet dissolved into nothingness.
Atlantean soldiers with drawn swords swarmed the room and secured every exit. Dartz pranced into the room next, followed by a blond, muscular man. Lastly, Otogi entered and Yugi could feel the blood drain from his face. The rings beneath Otogi's eyes had turned a few shades darker.
"Well, well, well. Look at this." Dartz pulled a bronze dagger from his belt and twirled it around his fingers as he looked around the room. His eyes stopped at Yugi. "The rumours are true. So nice to see you again. Even though it was obvious that a whore like you would eventually be found in a brothel."
As usual, Yugi could feel Dartz's anger behind his controlled facade. Yet, Yugi did his best to breathe calmly and with a straight posture.
"Please don't hurt the others," he said.
"We'll see about that. They'd be wise not to antagonise me though since that precious bomb shipment will be here soon. I received a letter from my father only a few days ago. Speaking of fathers…" A malicious grin appeared on Dartz's face. "Have you accepted by now that yours was a slave-trader?"
Anger flared up in Yugi's chest, burning away his fear.
"You're a filthy liar and I forbid you to talk about my parents that way!"
"Do you now? How do you know they didn't just buy you like your customers do these days? It would be rather fitting."
"They – didn't – buy – me!" Yugi said with clenched teeth. "You have no idea how they took me in!"
"And you do aside, from what you were told? Personally, I don't think it was all that complicated. They couldn't have a child so they bought one and it was you. But Pegasus explained it all in that letter he left you. Why don't you come with me to Asphaleia and read it?"
Yugi wanted nothing more than to punch that arrogant smirk off Dartz's scarred face. But he also knew that Dartz was trying to get him to do something impetuous for his own gain. Yugi turned to Otogi.
The familiarity between them was downright uncomfortable. A part of Yugi wanted to brush all the messy strains of hair from Otogi's face and caress his cheek. They had shared so much with each other – both emotionally and physically – and yet they had ended up on opposite sides of this war.
"Otogi, please listen. I'm willing to come with you. If we talk all this through, we can solve this issue peacefully."
"Peacefully?!" Otogi spat as if he was releasing all the disgust for Yugi he had built up over the past months. "When the Pharaoh finds out you're here he'll attack Tamiat and burn it to the ground. Everyone knows he's a spoilt brat who will kill to get his precious toy back."
But no one agreed with him. Otogi didn't seem to notice.
"I think-"
"You and thinking, now that's funny! I don't know what you were trying to accomplish but you got us all into trouble again! You'd think the bridge incident was enough to teach you that everything you touch is doomed to fail but no! Tamiat is mine and I should lock you away so you never harm it again with your stupidity!"
"It… I…" Yugi mumbled. Didn't Otogi see that Yugi had helped Tamiat fight the coal fever? Did that seething hate in his eyes make him blind to everything else? Yugi felt as if he was shrinking.
"I don't care what you have to say." Otogi turned to Honda. "Guards, arrest him and bring him to my mansion."
But Honda didn't act. He glanced at the others. While Yugi was hurt, their faces were full of anger.
"No," Honda said. Otogi stared at him with indignation.
"What?!" he said but received no answer. "Are you refusing to obey my orders?!"
"Yes."
Honda pulled out his sword and pointed it in Otogi's direction. The other city guards in the room did the same. Anzu and Mai pulled Yugi into a protective hug and one commoner after another stepped between him and Otogi.
"If you want Yugi, you'll have to go through all of us!"
"Yugi has always done more for us than you!"
"You lied to us about everything and we know it!"
More reproaches hit Otogi, his expression frozen as if he was having another nightmare. All the commoners' outrage unloaded on him like a storm no one could control. Yugi tried to speak up and get them to stop but their voices only grew louder, their words harsher.
"ATTACK!" Dartz yelled and his soldiers struck their weapons at the Egyptians. Some city guards parried while others cried out in pain and blood splashed on the floor. The commoners pulled out daggers and other small weapons and the fight began.
"Come! This way!" Honda said and pulled Yugi to one of the exits. Jou, Kisara, and Anzu followed them. Honda swung his sword at the two Atlanteans outside and they dropped to the floor, wailing. They ran back into the kitchen. "Everyone, get your weapons out."
Yugi took his spear in his shaky hands. Jou pulled out his sword and both Anzu and Kisara produced their knives. Honda opened the door and, as expected, two more Atlanteans waited on the other side. Jou rammed his blade into the one's stomach while Honda cut the other's legs. Both fell, holding their wounds. Already, puddles of blood had formed and Yugi couldn't take his eyes off them.
"Hey you!"
Three other Atlantean noticed them and ran towards them. Yugi's heartbeat skyrocketed when one of them approached him with a drawn sword. He attacked Yugi in the same way Jou had done it in their training and Yugi's reaction was the same – only this time he didn't hold back and sliced at the Atlantean's torso. He screamed and blood gushed from his wound. Yugi should have been horrified – but he felt relieved.
While Jou, Kisara, and Anzu were finishing off their targets, Honda had taken a horn from the pouch around his hips and blew it five times.
"What are you doing?! You'll…" Yugi said but the signal echoed back from other parts of the city. More Atlanteans approached them – but were cut off by another group of city guards.
"The others and I thought this would happen sooner or later so we planned ahead," Honda said. "Now let's get you out of here!"
They ran. Everywhere Egyptians were fighting Atlanteans. But it weren't only guards who rose up. It was as if half of Tamiat was in the streets, some fighting only with sticks or pans. They all must have seized their first chance to rebel against their hated 'allies'.
"For Tamiat! For Yugi!" was their battle cry. Blood was splattered on walls and on the ground. Yugi had to jump over dead and wounded people. At the city wall, it was the same. As soon as they spotted Honda, they left an opening for Yugi and the others to pass through. All were panting when they stopped on the other side of the wall. Yugi's lungs were burning.
"Guys, I'm so sorry!" Yugi said, wiping some blood off his cheek. It wasn't his own.
"No need to be," Honda said. "It's about time we resist! You have no idea how sick we are of being Lord Otogi's dumb sheep."
"No, please! You've got to find a peaceful way! You can't-"
"This is the only way," Anzu said but then smiled. "Thank you, Yugi. For giving us the strength to fight back."
It was as if a blade was being rammed into Yugi's stomach. Jou patted his shoulder but Yugi barely felt it.
"You and Kisara go and get yourselves back to Busiris! I'll stay here and fight with the others," Jou said. Before Yugi could respond, Kisara grabbed Yugi's arm.
"May Sekhmet be on your side," she said and pulled Yugi with her to the spot where the royal guards were hiding. Yugi's mind was racing and guilt overwhelmed him as he had to run and leave his home and friends to fend for themselves.
It was still dark by the time they were back in the mansion's forecourt. Atem's expression was full of shock as he examined the blood on Yugi's clothes and a few cuts Yugi hadn't even noticed himself.
"What happened?" he asked.
"It's all my fault" Yugi blurted out and hid in Atem's arms. He was trembling. "They're doing all that because of me! I tried to stop them but…"
"What are you talking about?"
Yugi's fingers dug into Atem's clothes. He was fighting for breath as if he were drowning.
"Tamiat is revolting," Kisara said. She was shaken too but much calmer than Yugi. "Now that they know the truth they're no longer willing to accept Otogi or the Atlantean occupation. They are fighting all over the city."
Except for the snorting of the horses, the forecourt was quiet. Atem patted Yugi's hair, apparently struggling to grasp the news as well.
"But Royal Ornament, that's good news," Lord Seto said. "That's the most useful thing the people of Tamiat can do in their situation. The more trouble they give the Atlanteans, the better for Egypt."
"How can you say that?!" Yugi snapped and stomped towards Lord Seto. Kisara too shot him a disapproving glare. "People are dying because of me! Atlantis can easily send reinforcements and then Tamiat will be crushed! They will torture the people like they did it in any other place and it's my fault! They're fighting in my name!"
"Yugi, it's not your fault." Atem placed a hand on Yugi's back. "It was the Atlanteans who-"
"No, if I had known my place… Otogi was right! Everything I touch is doomed to fail! And my friends might be dying now because I'm too stupid to understand this!"
Yugi rushed into the mansion, upstairs, and into his and Atem's chambers. He smashed the door to the drawing room behind himself, causing Taia to jump up from her bed and accidentally pushing over a small shelf. Amerys had been sleeping on top of it and barely escaped all the scrolls and figures dropping to the floor. Amerys scratched Taia's leg and she barked at him in return.
Yugi threw himself on one of the couches and covered his ears. The pets' growling, hissing, and barking were like acid on an open wound. Yugi prayed that they'd just stop but they didn't. His heart thudding like a drum, Yugi jumped up and yelled:
"FOR RA'S SAKE, BE QUIET!"
He smacked his palms against his mouth. His voice had been loud enough to scare himself. Amerys and Taia stared at him, their eyes wide with fear. Yugi didn't know how he could feel even guiltier.
"Guys, I'm sorry, I…"
Taia put her ears back and tucked in her tail. With quiet but quick steps she hid under an armchair. Amerys hurried to the balcony, jumped on the bannister and climbed down the ivy.
Yugi dropped back on the couch. Remorse crept into every fibre of his being like black poison, immobilising him. None of all this would have happened if Yugi had just accepted that he was weak and stupid, starting with the bridge incident.
It'd be better if Yugi finally accepted Otogi's words and stopped trying to do anything. He should just stay in these chambers, pleasure Atem whenever he demanded it and leave it at that. Otogi had been right all along…
Yugi tucked up his legs, wrapped his arms around his shins, and the first of many sobs emerged from his throat.