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 28
"You're doing it again," Atem said.
"What?" Yugi asked, rearranging the cards in his hand. He and Atem were sitting across from each other at a table in front of a game of Abtu Sheta.
"Losing on purpose."
Yugi couldn't deny it. His eyes shifted through the drawing room and stopped at Taia. She was lying on her bed, curled up. Yugi had apologised to her by giving her a dozen treats but Taia still avoided him and only asked Atem to pet her. Amerys was nowhere to be seen, even though Kisara thought she had spotted a black, fluffy tail in the gardens a few times.
Yugi forced his lips into a smile, which was about as hard as lifting one of the pyramids. He put down his cards, walked over to Atem and sat down on his lap. Like he had learned it, Yugi slowly let a finger run over Atem's chest. He knew Atem's body well enough by now to know where the bronze tips lay underneath the red silk.
"How about we go to the bedroom…?" Yugi said in the sultry voice Mai had taught him in his first months in Tamiat.
"You want to do that quite often these days."
It was as if Atem's ruby eyes could see right through him yet again. Yugi wanted to kiss that concerned look away but Atem wouldn't fall for it. A part of Yugi was grateful, another frustrated.
"We all know getting laid is all I'm good for anyway so…"
"Yugi…" Atem pulled him closer, his hands on Yugi's hips. "The rebellion wasn't your fault. And you can't let that guilt eat you up from the inside."
"Says you? How many times have you thought about Heba today already?"
Atem turned his head to the side and remorse overcame Yugi. Why did he open his mouth at all?
"A bunch of times…" Atem sighed. "Guilt is one son of bitch, huh?"
"It really is."
Yugi leaned his forehead against Atem's. For days Yugi felt as if all that regret was suffocating him. He was constantly thinking about his home, picturing his friends being tortured and crying out for help that Yugi couldn't provide.
"Maybe we should go to Hapi's temple and pray," Atem said. "It's better than doing nothing."
"True. Let's go."
They rose and took a palanquin to the temple. Yugi preferred being hidden behind curtains where no one could see him. He also appreciated being shielded from the sun. The days were getting warmer and no one could work outside without a wig or headdress.
At the temple, they entered the chapel and knelt before Hapi's statue. With their foreheads pressed against the stone tiles, they prayed that all that warmth wouldn't result in a drought. Yugi assured Hapi over and over that he'd give Atem not only his body but also his soul for the second ceremony. Atem was a healthy and strong Pharaoh and his land was worthy of a generous flood.
A little later, they were leaving the chapel, hand in hand. Yugi didn't feel any better. The gods were fickle when it came to prayer and he doubted they were listening right now. They were passing a few cypresses when the high priestess approached them and bowed.
"My Pharaoh, Royal Ornament, I was just about to ask for an audience. I have good news. Our astronomers are now certain about the date for the second ritual. It will take place in twenty-one days."
Relief and tension seized Yugi at the same time. On one side, they finally had a chance to make up for the first ceremony. On the other, they had no idea if it'd be enough.
"Thank you. Have everything prepared then," Atem said, his voice steady and proud. But Yugi saw fear of failure in his eyes, the same kind Yugi was feeling right now.
"I will," the high priestess said and withdrew. Atem looked at Yugi and Yugi couldn't help but be reminded of the little boy Atem had once been, lonely and scared. Yugi wrapped his arms around him and Atem squeezed him as if he were Yugi's only support in a storm.
"I hope they will forgive me. I hope they know how sorry I am," Atem whispered and all Yugi could do was pat Atem's head.
Later that day, they attended a conference with Lord Seto, Kisara, Ryou, Bakura, and six generals. Yugi was sure he had no place there but Atem had asked him for support.
A map was spread over the long table. Small stones in red stood for Egypt while the blue ones signified Atlantis. There was more red on the map than a few months ago but the coast was still overwhelmingly blue. Yugi felt slightly sick at seeing a blue stone inside Tamiat's borders.
"We're running low on both food and weapons," Kisara said, a few documents in front of her. She was representing the head treasurer who hadn't been able to attend due to a sunstroke. "The situation is similar in other sectors of the north. If we keep rationing everything, we'll be fine for another month but then…"
"The Atlanteans aren't doing well either," a general, a middle-aged man with a ponytail, said. "But we heard that they're expecting a large shipment of food and weapons soon. Possibly along with those bombs."
"As for Tamiat," Lord Seto said and Yugi's fingers dug into the skirt of his white tunic. "We have received no news, which is bad news. Their soldiers haven't been spotted in the battlefield since the rebellion."
Again, pictures of his tortured friends flashed through Yugi's mind. Atem folded his hands, elbows on the table.
"Do you think we could lose the war, generals?" Atem asked and the words sent an icy shiver through Yugi's spine. He wished the generals would laugh and call the insinuation ridiculous. But their stony expressions didn't change.
"I'm afraid so," the general with a ponytail said. The air in Yugi's lungs froze. A heavy silence filled the room and everyone stared at the dark wood of the table as if it held any solutions.
"Would you advise a surrender then?" Atem asked.
"You're kidding!" Bakura said. "We've been fighting for over two years and now we're supposed to surrender?!"
"Would you rather I let hundreds more die in a war we'll lose anyway?" Atem said, his voice dripping with bitterness. "Would you rather I let towns be burned down, people raped, children slaughtered?"
"I'd rather fight to the death than surrender!"
"I know you would. But we're not making this decision on behalf of warriors only. We're also making it on behalf of children, the old, the sick, and everyone else who can't fight like you can," Atem said.
Bakura crossed his arms, lips pressed together. Atem looked at the others but no one had anything to add. The prospect of losing Tamiat to Atlantis for good was like a knife twisting in Yugi's stomach. He wanted to make any argument against that plan but there was none.
"The next meeting with all the other nobles is in two weeks," Atem said with as much pride as he could muster. "If there are no significant changes to our situation until then … I'll let them vote on a surrender."
Afterwards, Yugi took a ride. There was no particular place he wanted to go. He just needed to feel the wind on his face and hoped that some fresh air would clear his head. He soon realised that nothing could distract him from the thought of losing his home for a second time. Was that the price to pay for his stupidity?
Yugi had left the city behind a long time ago. He was following the main road through the sector, passing six or seven villages. He stopped only once he reached the sector's outer walls. Yugi wiped his sweaty forehead and was about to turn his horse around until…
"Don't get any closer, or we'll shoot!"
Yugi looked up. But the guard on top of the wall wasn't shouting at him. She was yelling at someone on the other side. Another voice seemed to reply to her but Yugi couldn't make out any words.
"I don't care if you're from Tamiat! Stay back!" was the guard's response. After a moment of being paralysed, Yugi jumped off his horse and hurried towards a small door. He banged on it until a young man opened it.
"Aren't you the Royal O-"
"What's going on? Is there really someone from Tamiat out there?" Yugi asked.
"There's a group of people actually."
"Who? Never mind, just let me through, please!"
Yugi didn't wait for an answer and squeezed himself inside. He rushed towards the door that led outside and lifted a wooden beam that kept it shut.
"Royal Ornament, you shouldn't-"
Yugi dropped it with a loud thud and ripped the door open. A group of maybe three dozen people stood in the middle of the road, their clothes and hair messy and with only a bag or two of belongings in their hands. In the front stood a man with a blond mane and several cuts and bandages.
"Jou!" Yugi called and rushed towards him. Jou's eyes widened when he spotted Yugi. He opened his arms, caught Yugi, and spun him around twice.
"Jou, what are you doing her?" Yugi said, shaky.
"We escaped! It wasn't easy but we did it!"
"And who is…"
Yugi looked at all the people behind Jou and he believed someone was playing a trick on him. Anzu, Honda, Mai, Shizuka, Hanasaki were all there, their faces showing exhaustion but also happiness.
He threw his arms around one person after another, even a few people he only knew by sight. They were here, they were alive! Yugi thanked the gods a thousand times for saving a part of his home.
"Look who else is here," Mai said after squeezing Yugi. A woman with long hair and a large chest swept Yugi into a hug next.
"Asa!" Yugi said and Neema and Kashto joined the embrace as well. Yugi laughed and at the same time a tear ran over his cheek.
"I thought we'd never see you again!" Asa said.
"We were so scared for you!" Neema added.
"Is Kisara here too?" Kashto asked.
"She is," Yugi said and they loosened the hug. "But what are you all doing here? What happened?"
"Things got worse in Tamiat." Jou looked to the ground, a hand running through his hair. "Lord Otogi now sees us all as traitors. He let the Atlanteans do with us whatever they wanted. Rape, torture, executions, they did it all."
"But it didn't all happen in public," Anzu said and shuddered. "The Atlanteans also liked to randomly choose people, pull a bag over their head and just took them away. Who knows what they did to them in secret. It's probably even worse than what they let everyone see. They took at least seven whores from the Red Lily. They kicked and screamed and I tried my best to save them but…"
Anzu bit her lower lip. Shizuka rubbed her back, her gaze so sad Yugi knew she had seen it all as well.
"Lord Otogi even wanted to have me and my squad of guards hanged," Honda said, supporting himself on a spear. "No hearings, no sentence, he just wanted us dead."
"I couldn't let that happen," Mai added. "Me and some of my whores got them out of the dungeon and together with everyone else we fled."
"I can't believe all that happened." Yugi placed a hand on his mouth. How could Otogi… No, Dartz and Kek were responsible for these atrocities. All the while Otogi must have completely broken down, believing that everyone was his enemy. If only Yugi could talk to him… "Anyway, let's get you all to the mansion. I'm sure we'll find a place for you."
At the mansion, they were greeted with wide eyes and open mouths. Kisara was just coming downstairs, her arms full of scrolls. She dropped them all upon seeing the others. They showered Kisara with hugs and kind words. To their surprise, Kisara returned both with a wide grin on her face.
Bakura frowned at the refugees, still remembering Otogi's betrayal. Ryou however, could convince him to give them rooms and was ready to take care of any injuries.
They found themselves in a dining room where those from Tamiat gobbled up the bread and cheese given to them and emptied one cup of water after another. In a corner, Ryou had set up his tools, herbs, and balms and was examining anyone who needed it.
Yugi closed the door behind them. Together with Mai he walked into the throne room. Yugi sat down beside the throne while Mai, Lord Seto, and Bakura remained standing. They knelt down when Atem entered and rose only once he had taken his seat on the throne. Mai repeated the story of how she and the others had fled.
"It sounds to me like Lord Otogi is going mad," Lord Seto said, brows furrowed.
"That's not unlikely," Mai admitted. "He hardly sleeps, jumps at the slightest noise, yells at everyone, and always mumbles about his father and Tamiat's independence. Until the rebellion I could at least reach him when it came to certain subjects but now…"
Yugi looked down at his lap. He wanted to believe that the charming Otogi he had once known was still there and that there was still a way to get him back. But Yugi saw fewer and fewer reasons to warrant that belief.
"I'm sorry to hear that," Lord Seto said. "Say, who are these people who came with you?"
"Whores, guards, sailors, ship architects… The Atlanteans will regret losing the latter. They've been relying on Tamiat to build their ships for their other wars. Either way, I'm sure that everyone who came here is more than willing to help in any way they can."
"You could only help by not eating any of our food supplies," Bakura said, leaned against a pillar. "Stuffing the mouths of even more people is the last thing I want, really."
Mai raised an eyebrow at him. She had been dealing with rude customers of her whores for years and knew how to handle hostility.
"I might have a solution for our food situation," Mai said and everyone stared at her. "You see, before we left, I had access to Otogi's office. As you may know, the Atlanteans receive their food and weapons from Phoenicia in few but large shipments. For safety reasons they always choose a different place to deliver it to. The next one will be sent to Tamiat."
That news left everyone speechless for a moment.
"Is that so?" Atem asked, his fingers digging into his armrests. "Lord Otogi will receive it in Tamiat's harbour?"
"No, not the harbour. The place of delivery is a small island outside of Tamiat. It's where Otogi's family is buried."
"Tomb Island?" it tumbled out of Yugi's mouth. All heads turned to him and Yugi felt warmth rise to his cheeks. "E-Even before Otogi sided with Atlantis, that's where he received Tamiat's food from Dartz. He took me with him once."
"Do you remember the time and date, Madam Mai?" Atem asked.
"Yes. At dawn in eight days from now, so at the seventeenth of the month."
Atem exchanged a look with Lord Seto, one of cautious optimism. Slowly nodding, Lord Seto said:
"If we know the date, the time, and the place…"
"We can seize that shipment for ourselves, gain the advantage…" Bakura added.
"And we could win the war," Atem almost whispered, his lips twitching as if he had to suppress a smile. Hope glowed in Yugi's chest and he begged the gods that Atem was right. "Then I think all we need is a plan."
"Whatever it turns out to be, you can rely on my help," Mai said. "And I'm sure this applies to everyone else who came here with me. Our skills and knowledge are at your disposal. Right, Yugi?"
Yugi flinched, cold fear running over his back.
"Me? No, I'll stay out of it," Yugi said, causing Mai to stare at him in confusion.
"But you're the only one of us who's ever been to Tomb Island. I'm pretty sure you'll be essential to the plan…?"
She shot the others a glance and none of them disagreed. Yugi felt as if his lungs were shrinking.
"So let me get this straight," Bakura said, stepping forward. "This mission could decide the outcome of the war and instead of doing your part, you'd rather stay here in safety, clad in silks and jewels? While your supposed friends are risking their lives? That's damn pathetic."
Bakura might as well have slapped Yugi. Shame crawled over Yugi's skin like thousands of ants.
"My lord," Atem said, his voice sharp like a blade. "You better reconsider how you talk to the Royal Ornament."
"Forgive me. It's just hard to have respect for someone who's only contribution to ending the war will be waiting on all fours in the royal chambers."
Atem rose from his throne, fists clenched. His glare was so venomous Yugi was surprised Bakura didn't drop dead immediately. While Bakura's words cut right into Yugi, he felt no anger. Atem opened his mouth but Yugi spoke first:
"I'm sorry I disgust you, my lord. I supposed I'd rather be pathetic than get even more people killed."
Yugi stood up and rushed out of the room. Mai said something but Yugi didn't listen. He made his way to a chamber where Atem usually waited until every member of an audience had assembled. Yugi placed his hands on a table, almost pushing off a bowl of grapes. Inhaling became harder and harder until a sob emerged from his throat.
A little later, Atem entered and placed his hands on Yugi's shoulders from behind. Yugi knew he needed Atem's warmth now like a drowning person needed a rope to pull them back on land. He turned around and Atem wrapped his arms around him. For a little while, Atem just held him and the pomegranate scent he exuded calmed Yugi a bit.
"D-Do they really need me?" Yugi asked once he was breathing normally again. Atem hesitated.
"I'd never force you into anything. And I'd never want you to throw yourself into any danger."
Yugi knew the part that Atem didn't want to say. That despite that, Yugi was the only one of them who had ever been to Tomb Island, who knew his way around it at least a little.
"I'm so terrified of messing up again," Yugi whispered and wiped some smudged kohl from his cheeks. "Of getting more people killed. Of Egypt losing the war because of my stupidity."
"You're not stupid," Atem said but Yugi ignored it. He pressed his forehead against Atem's shoulder, wishing he could freeze time so Atem would never let go of him.
"But Bakura is right. How can I hide here in safety while all my friends are putting themselves on the line?"
Atem squeezed him as if he too wanted to hold Yugi forever.
"I'm so sorry. I wish we had someone else who has been to Tomb Island."
"But we don't. There's only me."
It was like having to choose with which dagger he wanted to have his throat slit. No one could tell if Yugi would cause more harm by joining the mission or by staying away from it. But Yugi knew that if he remained in Busiris and one of his friends died he'd never forgive himself.
"M-Maybe if I don't do anything else," Yugi whispered. "If all I do is follow the others and show them around Tomb Island … I wouldn't cause any harm, right?"
"You wouldn't either way. But if you're more comfortable with only doing that, I'm sure it can be arranged."
Yugi took a deep breath. He swore to himself to do everything he was told. Just this once he had to follow Otogi's advice and not step out of line. Yugi's inner felt like a tight knot when he said:
"I'll do it!"
Atem kissed Yugi's hair near his ear and sighed.
"I'd never ask you for this if the fate of the north weren't at stake. I'm so sorry, Yugi."
Everyone offered everything they knew about Tamiat and its surroundings. Based on all that, a plan was devised that would require everyone's knowledge and skills.
As the first step, Anzu was sent to Semut, a town to the east of Tamiat. She'd act as a spy and prepare things for the others. Since it was her home town and she had family there, her appearance wouldn't draw any attention.
In the remaining days, Yugi trained hand-to-hand combat with Jou, fought against Honda with his spear, and asked Atem to teach him more about archery. He was determined to be as well-prepared as possible so that he wouldn't be a burden on his team. Still, in the evening they set off, Yugi's heart was pounding.
Atem, Bakura, and their forces attacked three sectors surrounding Tamiat and Semut. It wouldn't have any great effect but it'd confuse the Atlanteans and make them think that Egypt was desperate enough to try anything. In all that chaos of moving troops from one place to another no one noticed the group that made its way over the borders to Semut. It consisted out of Yugi, Jou, Mai, Kisara, Ryou, Honda, Hanasaki, and over a dozen other people.
They were hiding in a forest, not far away from Semut's town walls. Semut was much smaller than Tamiat but the Atlantean blue banners flapping in the wind were no less infuriating.
Except for crickets and the faint roaring of the sea, everything was quiet. Thousands of little dots sparkled in the sky. Adjusting his cape and wristband, Yugi walked around. Ryou was leaning against a tree, a small scroll in his hands.
"Can you read anything with how dark it is?" Yugi asked.
"Not really. But I read it so many times I know it by heart," Ryou said and laughed nervously. "It's my brother's advice. He was against letting me go but somehow I convinced him. I need to prove it was the right decision."
"I know the feeling."
Everyone winced at a sound. It was a lot like an owl's howl but much louder and a little higher pitched – the whistle Anzu was blowing from inside. Yugi's pulse quickened.
Honda gave commands to a few of his fellow ex-guards and they got their weapons out. While they waited, Asa, Neema, and Kashto made their way to one of the gates. The guards pointed their spears at them but lowered them when the three told their story with their hands in the air. Even though Yugi couldn't hear their voices, he knew what they were saying.
They pretended to be citizens of Semut who had spent too much time at the beach. They were charming the guards with compliments and winks until they no longer minded their company. One of them even put his arm around Neema after she let one strap of her dress fall off her shoulder.
That's when Honda and his squad ran towards the gate with drawn swords. They attacked and soon enough blood spilled and cries of pain sounded. The whores were shaking, pretending to be terrified. Neema begged the guard who had touched her a moment ago to let them into the town. Annoyed, the guard threw his keys at her before joining the fray.
While the guards were distracted, Yugi and the others sneaked into Semut in groups of three. As soon as they had entered the city, Yugi heard a whistle and he and the others followed it into an alley. Anzu was waiting there, pointing behind herself.
"Left, right, then straight ahead," was all she had to say and Yugi and the others followed the command. They ended up in an empty, covered area. Soon afterwards, the rest of their group joined them until they were whole again.
Everyone held their breath for a moment. No one had followed them. They were safe. One after another, they each let out a relieved chuckle. Yugi gave Anzu a quick hug.
"What did he say?" he asked.
"What you all expected. He's willing to help but he needs more proof," Anzu said and looked at Ryou. He nodded.
Again, they moved in small groups. Yugi noticed that here the streets were narrower, the houses had fewer storeys, and that amalgamation of characteristic city smells wasn't as intense. They reached the residence of the lord of Semut. While it was a mansion in the case of Tamiat and Busiris, this one could only call itself a villa.
Instead of approaching one of the gates, they came to a halt in the backyard of a carpenter's shop. The floor was covered with sawdust of unfinished chairs and tables. Yugi's hand shot to his spear when he noticed that someone was already there. But he stopped when he recognised the young man.
He had a stubbly beard and Yugi recognised his face, even though it was mostly hidden by a hood. He had been at the tax collecting ceremony in Tamiat as the representative of Semut.
"There you are," he said and turned to Anzu. Yugi avoided looking him in the eyes but he seemed to have forgotten their encounter.
"Yes, it took a moment," Anzu said and gestured at Ryou. "Here, I think you'll find that his Lordship can confirm everything I said."
Ryou stepped forward and the young man's eyes widened.
"L-Lord Ryou…?"
"Yes, it's me. And everything that woman told you is true. Would you help us?"
The young man was playing with the one wristband he was wearing, which was speckled with rubies.
"I-If I can help in getting rid of those Atlanteans… I just wish I had my father's bravery. He'd have gone to battle when they came here if he weren't sick."
"I do understand," Ryou said with a patient smile. "These are strange times that make us do things we didn't know we were capable of. But please, let us hurry. We don't have a moment to lose."
"O-Of course. Follow me," he said. They sneaked through more alleys until they were not far from a minor gate to the villa's grounds. The young man talked to the two guards there and asked them to investigate a supposedly suspicious group of people in the direction they had come from. The Atlanteans followed the command and as soon as they were out of sight, the young man opened the gate with a key.
Yugi and the others slipped through and followed the young man through the dark gardens, past hedges and trees. Yugi was out of breath by the time they reached a second gate and rushed through it. They found themselves on a set of stairs that had been etched into the stony ground. At the end of it, they hid behind a group of bushes with yellow blossoms.
Yugi peeked through the twigs. Not far from them lay a small harbour with a jetty. Aside from a few boats, there was only one ship, guarded by three Atlanteans.
"They took all our other ships," the young man said. "If you want to transport that much cargo, this is your only way."
Three men from their group would play the next part. Arm in arm, they staggered towards the jetty, slurring dirty songs. The Atlanteans pointed their weapons at them.
"Hey you! What are you doing here? This place is off-limits for the likes of you!" one of them snapped. The three Egyptians told them a story about how Horus himself had dropped them here and invited the soldiers for a drink. The Atlanteans rejected the idea but the Egyptians insisted until a brawl ensued.
During the fight, the Egyptians led the Atlanteans away from the jetty. They took enough hits to make the Atlanteans believe they didn't need any reinforcements but still held their ground.
"Now!" Mai said when they were far away enough. Crouched over, the first group of three sneaked onto the ship. Once they had made sure that no one else was watching the ship, they gave a sign so that the others could follow.
Over a dozen people entered the ship that way. Yugi, Jou, and Mai made up the group before last. Yugi's heart was drumming against his chest and he didn't allow himself to breathe until they too had reached the deck.
By then, the others were removing the ropes that tied the ship to the jetty and began to set sail. They were starting to move away from land. Only one last group had to join them: Ryou, Anzu, and the lord's son.
The three were sprinting out of the bushes until…
"Hey! What are you doing?!" one of the Atlanteans yelled. The three froze on the spot. Two of the Egyptians had been knocked out and the third one was being restrained by the others.
Before anyone could react, the Atlantean blew a whistle around his neck. A sharp signal echoed through the small bay. Voices and steps sounded from further away.
By then, the ship had already left the small harbour. Yugi ran to the stern and bumped into the rail.
"Anzu! Ryou!" he called as Atlanteans came down the set of stairs they had taken earlier. Anzu turned her head.
"Go! Finish the mission!" she shouted, then pulled out her knives. Yugi placed a foot on the rail, ready to jump. But Jou wrapped his arms around him and pulled him back.
"Let me go! We can't just leave them behind!" Yugi said, thrashing about.
"We have to! They will outnumber us!" Kisara said, her eyes reflecting the pain Yugi was feeling. She cupped his face. "Two of them are nobles so they might not kill them."
"Kisara is right," Mai said, even though her expression showed how much she hated to agree. "The best thing we can do is go on with the plan."
Yugi went limp. Had it been his fault? Maybe he should have gone last. But as horrible as it sounded, all three of them had already done their part while Yugi's was still to come. This was the least awful scenario of being caught.
"We've got to get those supplies," Yugi said and everyone else nodded.
The sailors and ship architects steered the ship towards their destination. It was a rather short trip and a part of Yugi wished it would take longer. Maybe then the splashing waves and the salty air could have soothed him.
The dark silhouette of a city came into view. Protruding from it was the tower of Otogi's mansion. They sailed past Tamiat and towards a small group of islands, the biggest of which was Tomb Island.
First they circled it and discovered only two anchorages, both on the islands west side. In order to stay hidden they chose to drop their anchor on the north side instead. They then took small boats towards the shore, all except Hanasaki, two shipbuilders, and two sailors.
"Good luck," Yugi said before they set off to Tamiat. There they'd manipulate Otogi's ships. That way he wouldn't come or at least be delayed.
Yugi and the others arrived at the shore. With his sandalled feet still in the cool water, Yugi gulped. He summoned all his memories from the last time he had been here. In the distance two obelisks towered over the forest. That was where Otogi's family lay and it helped Yugi draw a map of the island in his mind.
"This way," he said and the others followed him. No one said a word and again, Yugi couldn't help but think that the island had something eerie. Only a few birds were chirping. Any other nocturnal animals seemed to avoid them.
After a little while, Yugi found the jetty where Dartz had docked last time. They waited inside the forest, paced back and forth, and watched a yellow glow grow from beneath the horizon. They kept their eyes on the water until another ship approached the island. It was a Phoenician one, as evidenced by its orange flags. Yugi felt his pulse quicken.
"All right, everyone," Mai said and straightened her posture. "Let's do this."
Together, they walked to the jetty, acting as casual as possible. Once the Phoenicians were close enough, the Egyptian sailors caught the ropes being flung from the deck and tied them to wooden poles. The Phoenicians placed a plank between their ship and the jetty, and one moment later the captain emerged, two sailors at his sides. He was a bearded man with a round belly who smelt of alcohol.
"Good morning, gentlemen," Mai said with a sweet smile. The captain grunted.
"Good? We've been up all night because the guy who planned our route is an idiot."
"I'm sorry to hear that. Let's get this delivery over with so you can be on your way."
"Sure. And you are…?"
"My name is Mai. I'm one of Lord Otogi's confidants."
"That's a problem." The captain frowned. "Because I have orders to deliver to Lord Otogi personally."
A tremor crawled up Yugi's spine. They couldn't afford any hold-ups! Yet, Mai was still smiling.
"He wasn't feeling well. I'm afraid he can't come."
"Didn't he give you some document to confirm that? One with a seal and all?"
"I'm afraid he forgot about that."
The captain grunted again, his face twisting in frustration.
"Then why are you wasting my time? Without any proof to your claim I can't let you have the delivery."
"Please, there's no need to get angry," Mai said with the same gentle but steady voice she usually used to calm impatient customers of her whores. She winked at him. "I'm sure a handsome man like yourself can make an exception."
"No, I can't. The last time I did that I almost lost my ship."
The captain turned around, despite Mai's pleas to stay. Panic assailed Yugi and before the captain could leave, he blurted out:
"We do have proof!"
All eyes turned to him. Yugi was sure his heart was about to jump out of his chest.
"And what's that?" the captain asked. Yugi raised his forearm, showing the wristband with sapphires and pearls. The captain raised an eyebrow. "Is that one of those wristbands Egyptian nobles wear?"
"Indeed. And it's customary to give one of them to a person who is representing them for a particular event," Yugi said and it wasn't even a lie.
"Yes, I heard as much. And who are you that Lord Otogi gave this one to you?"
"The future lord of Tamiat. Lord Otogi is currently training me since he has no interest in getting married and having children."
"Can't blame him," the captain said and laughed. He turned to one of his sailors. "Unload the cargo."
It was as if all of Yugi's tension evaporated. He and the others exchanged quick smiles but then pretended that everything was normal. Yugi signed a few documents with shaky hands after Kisara, acting as Tamiat's treasurer, had checked them.
The Phoenician sailors brought dozens of crates, barrels, and sacks that the Egyptians then carried to their ship. Yugi wasn't even sure if they had enough room to transport it all. They'd be able to feed the north for at least another month while the Atlanteans would be weak from hunger.
After the food, the Phoenicians brought out crates of weapons, swords, spears, arrows, and more.
"Oh, and I'm supposed to give you this in person," the captain said and handed Yugi a scroll in a long wooden case. "Apparently it's important."
"That it is," Yugi said, even though he had no idea what it contained. He slipped it into the pouch around his hips. "Thank you so much. It was a pleasure doing business with you."
They exchanged more niceties until all cargo was unloaded. The Phoenicians set off and their ship was now floating a little higher on the water. Yugi, Kisara, Mai, and Jou waved at them until they were out of sight. Almost simultaneously, they all burst out in laughter.
"I can't believe that worked," Yugi said, one hand on his wristband.
"You saved the mission with that idea. Thank you," Mai said. "We better get back to the ship now … my lord."
Yugi grinned at the last two words. They made their way through the forest, Jou with one last crate under his arm. Yugi knew the fight wasn't over yet but for just a moment he allowed himself to breathe deeply, to take in the salty air and quiet of the island.
"Do you think we'll…" Jou said, then looked over his shoulder, dropped the crate, and threw himself against Yugi. Both fell and a hatchet flew past them, getting stuck in a tree. Yugi's heartbeat accelerated when he saw who had thrown the hatchet.
Kek was stepping out of a bush, a grin on his face. Yugi shot up and grabbed his spear. Yugi pulled out his sword, Kisara produced her knives, and Mai too had a dagger with her.
"Hey Otogi! Over h…"
The sentence ended in a scream as Kisara had thrown a knife right into his upper arm. But already, Otogi and four Atlanteans were coming their way, circling them.
"You little bitch!" Kek hissed. "Is that pretty boy with white hair with you at least? There's something I need to fi-"
"Shut up!" Otogi snapped. Despite being armed, Otogi's burning green eyes sent a shiver through Yugi. Otogi looked thinner, his clothes hanging loose on his body. "Was that you who sent those ship architects and sailors to manipulate my ship?!"
"What did you do to them?" Yugi asked, more calmly than he felt.
"They're in the dungeon. For now. Another bunch of traitors like all of you!" Otogi said, then glanced at the beach not far from them, and spotted their ship. "And you're the worst of them all, Yugi! You're stealing Tamiat's food after you caused a rebellion! And what for? Will the Pharaoh fuck you real hard as a reward for destroying Tamiat?!"
A part of Yugi wanted to take a step back, as if to avoid a snake's venom. But another part couldn't help but feel … pity. How angry and lonely Otogi had to be.
"Look, Otogi. If we could just talk-"
"I have no interest in talking to traitors," Otogi hissed. "Guards, attack!"
Yugi's flesh tingled with fear and the will to fight. The four guards came rushing towards them. Yugi took up his stance and, knowing he couldn't allow himself to hesitate, charged at one of the Atlanteans before he could do the same. Yugi knew his strength was his speed and flexibility and he made use of that. His blows were quick, as were his moves when he dodged an attack. The Atlantean seemed confused by Yugi's tactic and soon Yugi had sliced at his arms and legs so he could neither stand nor hold a weapon.
With no time to feel triumphant, Yugi turned to help Mai next. She had dropped her dagger and was instead swinging a branch, trying to keep the Atlantean away from her. The Atlantean laughed, drew back his sword – then stopped. Yugi had rammed his spear into his lower back. When Yugi pulled it out, blood was gushing from the wound. The Atlantean dropped to the ground, squirming.
"Get to the boat!" Yugi said and Mai nodded. Meanwhile, Jou was facing Kek. Kisara had taken out one Atlantean but the other one had apparently wounded her left wrist, the one she threw her knives with. Yugi stepped between them, parrying the Atlantean's spear with his own. It turned out to be a mistake. The Atlantean was much stronger than Yugi and almost broke Yugi's spear with his heavy blows.
He cut into Yugi's thigh and Yugi fell backwards. But before the Atlantean could aim for Yugi's heart, Kisara rammed another knife into his back. He screamed and swung his weapon at Kisara but Kisara dodged and thrust a second knife into the Atlantean's chest. He fell and Yugi and Kisara didn't need to communicate to know what to do next.
Despite his arm injury, Kek was still fighting Jou with another hatchet, and as viciously as ever. Jou was blocking every attack, moving backwards. Yugi used his spear to make Kek trip. Jou raised his sword for an attack but an arrow raced past his face.
More Atlanteans were rushing towards them, weapons drawn. They were outnumbering Yugi, Jou, and Kisara.
"Run!" Yugi said and so they did. At the beach, Mai had already pushed the boat into deeper water.
"Come on!" she shouted as they splashed through the shore. The deeper they went the more they had to slow down. Yugi had to swim the last bit before he could pull himself on board. Jou handed Yugi his shield and Yugi understood why. The Atlanteans had reached the beach. Three of them had bows and they were aiming their arrows at them. Jou and Mai each grabbed a paddle while Kisara used a leftover lid of a crate to shield them with Yugi.
Most arrows landed in the water around them. Only one hit Kisara's lid. The Atlanteans soon realised they were too far away and retreated.
"You think that's it?" Kisara asked, huffing.
"I doubt it. They're probably returning to their own ship to chase us," Yugi said.
Soon they were close enough to their own ship to climb up a rope ladder, and quickly explained to the others what had happened. Everyone got moving immediately, pulled up their anchor, set sails, and grabbed their weapons and helmets from one of the crates. Now that they were transporting so much cargo they were moving a lot slower.
It didn't take long until Otogi's ship appeared behind them. Where to go? There was no safe harbour nearby.
"Come on, be quicker," Yugi said and hit the rail with his flat hand as if it had any effect. Otogi and the Atlanteans came closer slowly but steadily.
An arrow flew past Yugi's head and he ducked. Jou was just dropping a crate on the deck, ripped it open, and revealed bows and arrows, bedded on straw. Like seven others, Yugi grabbed a bow, a handful of arrows, and hid behind some barrels. The others did the same and started shooting at the enemy.
Two sailors at the wheel were snapping at each other, arguing about where to steer the ship. Semut was coming into view but all they'd find there was more Atlanteans. Devoid of any alternatives, they steered past the town and towards a white cliff.
Panic gripped Yugi's throat. If they failed here, the war would be lost. They should at least sink their own ship so Atlantis didn't get the supplies either! But how? If only Yugi had one of those bombs at hand…
Yugi was just about to blame himself for everything when something flew above the ship. Yugi followed its direction and one moment later arrows rained on Otogi's ship. It were so many they couldn't possibly come from Yugi and the others. They had also come from a way different angle. Yugi turned his head and a smile spread on his face.
"Atem…" he whispered. Right ahead of them, on top of the cliff, stood a long line of soldiers, flanked by red banners. The orange light of the morning sun was glowing behind them. They shot more arrows and one of them landed not far from Yugi's feet. "Take cover, everyone!"
No one needed to be told twice. Atem's soldiers aimed at Otogi's ship but some arrows were bound to miss. Yugi and Jou grabbed shields, rushed to the sailor who was steering the ship, and held them up in protection. After a little while, Otogi's ship slowed down and began to turn its sails. Yugi and the others cheered and hugged the person closest to them.
They steered towards the cliff and stopped. While others dropped the anchor, Yugi, Jou, and Kisara had lowered another boat into the water and climbed into it. As they rowed towards the shore, Atem, Lord Seto, and a few others came into sight. Overcome with joy, Yugi jumped out of the boat as soon as he could see the ground and stumbled towards Atem. The water reached the knees of both by the time they clasped each other in their arms.
"We made it! We made it!" Yugi said, almost crying in relief. He wanted to jump into the clouds and collapse at the same time.
"Are you all right?" Atem said, cupping Yugi's face.
"I'm fine. What about you?"
"No injuries but our battles aren't over. How is everyone else?"
"We lost Anzu and Ryou. They were apprehended in Semut," Yugi said, fear returning.
"We will free it. A small town like that shouldn't be too hard to reclaim and besides, otherwise we risk Bakura marching in there all by himself to save his brother."
"Indeed," Lord Karim said, not far from them. By now Kisara and Lord Seto too were in a tight embrace. "I'll take the archers and go back to battle."
"I'll come with you," Atem said.
"I'll fight t-" Yugi began but stopped when he tried to do another step. Only now the pain from his thigh injury began to throb through his upper leg. Atem took Yugi's arm and placed it around his shoulder.
"You can't go to battle like that. Please sit this one out," he said.
"I'll have to," Yugi said as they made their way to the shore.
The battles lasted an entire day. For distraction, Egypt had attacked three sectors but now they focussed their efforts on one of them and Semut. Thanks to the shipment they were able to supply their archers with all the arrows they needed and any broken or blunt weapons could be switched out.
Since Yugi was unable to help carry anything, he had to content himself with helping Kisara calculate how they could divide the supplies over the sectors. Both her wrist and Yugi's thigh could be easily bandaged but they'd take a few weeks to heal completely. Yugi played with his wristband and tapped his foot for what felt like an eternity when the message came: both the sector and Semut had been freed!
Yugi's wave of relief was followed by one of worry. What about Anzu, Ryou, Honda, and all their other allies? Yugi and the others mounted horses to meet Atem in Semut.
The gates were open wide and remaining Atlanteans were being rounded up outside the walls. Inside, the streets and walls were splattered with blood and soldiers were throwing corpses onto carts. Yugi wanted to look away but only once he had made sure that none of the bodies had once been his friends. Behind Yugi and the others, a few carts full of food followed.
They reached the marketplace, a square with a statue of Horus in its the middle. The area around it was crowded by commoners, their facial expressions ranging from joy to confusion to shock. Near the statue stood Atem, Bakura, Lord Seto, Lord Karim, and…
Yugi spurred his horse and jumped off his saddle – a bad idea as proven by the sharp pain in his thigh. Before it subsided, many arms wrapped around him.
"I was so scared for you, guys!" Yugi said to Anzu, Ryou, and Honda. All were breathing and walking, albeit with cuts and bandages in numerous places. He also exchanged hugs with Asa, Kashto, Neema, the remaining helpers, and even the lord's son. Yugi told them what had happened and that in best case Hanasaki and the others were now locked up in Tamiat's dungeon.
"I can't believe Otogi would do such things," Kashto said, more to himself than to anyone else. "Well, I can but… Anyway I'm so glad the plan worked out."
"We all are," Yugi said. He approached Atem, kissed him, and let his fingers run over a new cut on his cheek. A slightly optimistic smile appeared on Atem's lips. Yugi too still didn't dare to believe what this victory meant. Atem squeezed Yugi, then turned to the crowd around them.
"Commoners of Semut!" Atem said, his voice so loud and clear everyone quieted down. "The time of terror under the Atlanteans is over! Semut is back to being a part of the Egyptian realm like the gods created it! As your Pharaoh, I will leave you enough soldiers for your protection and food shall be distributed immediately! This terrible war might find an end soon! The gods bless us all!"
Applause erupted from the crowd, tears began to flow, and the commoners chanted Atem's name. Yugi too had to swallow a lump in his throat at the thought of all this happening everywhere in the north in the very near future.
On their way back to Busiris they stopped at five different sectors to hand out food. People cheered and knelt for Atem, something that had been unthinkable a few months ago. Yugi too noticed no angry looks or words directed at him, no matter how hard he searched.
The biggest crowd waited for them in Busiris. As soon as they passed the sector gates, people lined the road and gawked at the dozens of carts that rolled into Busiris. Yugi and his friends rode in the front, each with a sack of pears in their hands. They threw the pears into the crowd and everyone who caught one squealed. Right behind them, Atem followed, carried in an open palanquin and with the crook and flail crossed in front of his chest.
They reached the city and eventually the mansion. Servants had already put up long tables and were ready to distribute the food, at least for now.
"Most of the supplies will be stored away in a building on the mansion's grounds, the one on the west side, you know?" Ryou said once they had dismounted.
"I'm not sure but I'll check later," Yugi said and followed Atem inside the mansion and to a balcony from where they could overlook the forecourt. Yugi stayed in the back along with Lord Seto and a few others. Atem was standing in the front, hands on the stone bannister, and recalled what had happened and how everyone behind him – including Yugi – had made the mission a success. Yugi's cheeks glowed, even though Atem kept the story short. People wanted to get their food after all, which was an extra portion to the usual to celebrate the success.
"…and I can assure you that we're now closer to victory than we've ever been!" Atem said and the crowd cheered. "Now, without further ado, we shall start handing out the promised extra portions of food. May you enjoy it and know that this war will be over soon. The gods bless this joyous day!"
Everyone applauded again, then quickly turned to the tables where servants were ready to hand out spoons of lentils, beans, grain, and more. Meanwhile, Lord Seto and the others walked back inside until only Yugi and Atem were left on the balcony. Servants brought a small table, two chairs, and some refreshments. Yugi and Atem sat down and watched the people below smiling and joking to each other. They had an awning to shield them from the sun, yet it was warm even in the shade. Yugi was waving a feathered fan when a servant came closer, holding Taia on her leash in one hand.
Taia was wagging her tail and ran towards Atem. Atem scratched her behind her ears and she thanked him by licking his face.
"What a great girl you are!" Atem said, his voice a little high-pitched. Taia looked at Yugi and Yugi felt himself tense up. But then Taia walked towards him and placed her front paws on his thighs.
"Hey baby girl. I missed you," Yugi said and patted her head. Yugi fed her some cheese from his plate and called her a good dog over and over until…
"Ah, stay here please!" another servant said. The one she was speaking to was Amerys but he didn't care about the servant's words and walked into the room and to the balcony. Amerys jumped on the table where he ate a piece of fish from Atem's plate as if it were his. Atem laughed.
"You cheeky little thing," Atem said. "Glad to see you want to spend time with us again."
Still chewing, Amerys turned to Yugi. Again, it was as if his big golden eyes could see right into Yugi's soul, at something no one else could perceive. Yugi stretched out a hand, expecting Amerys to ignore it. But Amerys pressed his head against it as if he demanded to be petted. With a smile, Yugi fulfilled his wish, scratching him under his fluffy chin and behind his ears.
"So we're good, right?" Yugi said, one hand on each of them. A sense of calm spread through Yugi that he hadn't felt for a few weeks.
"See how happy they all are?" Atem said and gestured at the people below them. "You helped achieve that."
"I… I guess so."
"So much for the notion that everything you touch is bound to fail. I think here's another reason why that's worth reconsidering."
Atem winked at him and a gentle glow grew in Yugi's chest.
"Well, I mean there's still-"
"Yugi," Atem said and took Yugi's hand, even though Amerys shot both an indignant look for interrupting his massage. "Please try not to object it for once. Just accept the fact that you helped do something crucial to ending this war. Just accept it and maybe one day … you can see yourself as the kind and brave blessing that you are to me and many others."
A nervous laugh escaped Yugi's throat. His thumb ran over Atem's knuckles and a golden ring with a ruby, grateful that the gods had made their paths cross.
"My Pharaoh, excuse me," Lord Seto said, walking towards them. He handed Atem the scroll the captain had given Yugi personally. "I looked through this and it seems it contains instructions on how to make those bombs even more dangerous."
"More dangerous! How?" Atem said and unrolled it.
"Apparently there's a way to connect the fuses with certain ropes that were doused in a mixture of oil and other substances. That way it's highly flammable and the bombs go off in a chain reaction, one after another."
"Good thing the Atlanteans didn't get it. Keep it safe," Atem said and gave it back to Lord Seto.
"I will, my Pharaoh."
After those words he bowed and left. A crease of concern had appeared between Atem's brows like so often. Yugi gave Taia another piece of cheese and while she chewed, he walked over to Atem and sat down on his lap.
"No need to look so worried. That's another headache less."
"I hope it is," Atem said, his arms wrapping around Yugi. Yugi hesitated before he asked:
"Do you really think we can do this? Win the war…?"
"We have a real chance." Atem sighed. "I'll do all I can to end this nightmare and bring peace back to my kingdom. I swear."
Their fingers intertwined and Yugi smiled. A peaceful Egypt seemed like a far away dream but Yugi wanted to give all he had to make it a reality.
"Hapi too will know that peace is near," Yugi said. "The gods will forgive you and Hapi will bless Egypt with a generous flood."
"Let's hope so."
Yugi cupped Atem's face, his thumb caressing Atem's soft lips. He put on a slightly deeper, seductive voice:
"We'll still give Hapi a good show of course. I bet he can't wait to see us together…"
Atem chuckled and pulled Yugi closer. For a moment they forgot all their worries in a tender kiss that was filled with hope and determination to end the war.