Chapter 26

From Friend to Lover

The scene waivers, rippling like a pool and Yugi finds himself thinking back to the times he and Yami had almost those same exact arguments. It explains so much. He marvels, not at just the infamous sweet tooth but the familiarity behind their actions and words. The teen doesn't get much more time to ponder it though. One memory transitions into another and his thoughts are once more taken back into time.

Atem, now almost into his thirteenth summer, pulls on the reins, slowing his horse to a walk. Off in the distance he finds two black dots racing over the horizon, joining up with another two and yet another two. Once he counts all six he sets his fingers to his lips and blows through his teeth emitting a loud whistle that has his horse's ears swiveling back in annoyance. He just chuckles, patting the stallion's neck. "Steady boy."

Turning back to the horizon all he sees is a large cloud of sand trailing the rapidly growing masses. When they rise over a sand dune the prince grins, watching black fur ripple over strong muscle, white teeth gleaming under Ra's light. They'll be tired by now, he knows. "Alright, boy." He mutters to his horse. "Time to bring them all in." Pulling on his reins, he turns the horse on a dime and takes off for the palace at a quick trot. Before long he can hear panting—the only sign he knows they're close. For their size they are almost completely quiet on their paws. The sign of a predator meant to hunt from the darkest shadows.

Glancing over his shoulder he finds the largest nearly even with the stallion's hindquarters. "Come on, Ch'elema, don't let a little heat slow you down!" The wolf growls, dark brown, almost black eyes focused on Atem. On his other side comes another panting breath and Atem's grin grows when he turns to find the second largest wolf of their pack running not even a few lengths behind. "That's it, T'ila! Keep it together."

He cracks the reins causing the stallion to lurch into a full gallop. He doesn't need to look to know the wolves are pushing their limits to keep up. Not when they start to pass him. His two race out in front, keeping pace to stay within his horse's sight. At his sides two wolves, each with a crooked ear and on his flanks he knows the white muzzles will be fighting hard to maintain their speed.

At last the palace comes into view. As they approach Atem slows until they're trotting through the city, the wolves panting but readily eyeing anyone who gets too close. When he spots one of the crooked ears sniffing at a cat sitting on a roof he clicks his tongue calling her attention back. The people watch from afar, acknowledging his presence and paying their respects but they don't approach. Not when the predators nearly as tall as his horse form a living barrier.

The guards open the palace gates as soon as they see him allowing him to pass through without pause and when they enter the courtyard he dismounts, handing the reins off to a waiting servant. With another click of his tongue the wolves are following him into the palace itself, dropping back to his heels.

"You found them!" Atem looks over at the call and smiles, crimson eyes alight at the sight of his wild-maned best friend emerging from a servant's passage. Heba closes the door behind him, reaching a hand out to one of the crooked ear wolves. "How in Ra's name did you manage to catch up with them?"

The prince smirks, crossing his arms over his chest while the crooked ears move over to sit beside Heba. "It wasn't hard. They were off to the south playing in the dunes again. A whistle and they all came running."

Heba shakes his head, his smile reaching mauve eyes. "Damn, Atem. I swear the entire pack will roll over for you." Atem chuckles and the duo continues walking down the hall well aware of the fact they need to get their pets cooled down and fed.

"They might, they might not." He shrugs nonchalantly. "But you might want to catch Ch'ewata's nose when it comes to the cats. I noticed she was sniffing at one of them in the village."

"Again?" When Atem nods Heba groans, running a hand down his face. "She never eats them, never kills them, never even harms them. She just chases them from one end of the palace to the other until they find a hole she can't fit in and slips away."

Atem shakes his head, a small smile on his lips. In a comfortable silence they continue down the halls of the palace until they come to a set of double doors. Together they open the doors allowing the wolves to walk in before they follow. The bathhouse is quiet save the murmur of the flowing water and the handful of servants moving around in the shadows of the stone pillars. Atem pays them no mind, instead walking up to the edge of the pool as the white muzzles leap in. Heba's aren't far behind, the prince turning back to his friend when he's pushed over the edge. He yells hitting the water, and when he comes up sputtering he glares at the laughing mauve eyed teen.

The wolves come to him, ensuring he's okay and when Atem spots his two still standing behind his friend he grins. A sharp whistle is all it takes for T'ila and Ch'elema to send Heba falling into the water as well. When Heba comes up sputtering, Atem stands up, finding this side of the pool only comes up to his elbows. "And that is why you need to watch your back."

Heba glares at him with nothing more than his eyes above the water. While his friend sulks, Atem moves to the edge of the pool, taking several items from the basket a servant had set there. The wolves have spread out around the pool using the water to cool down from being out in the heat of Kehmet's desert and the prince looks around until he finds the largest sitting nearby watching him. They're so large that water up to Atem's arms doesn't even reach their stomach.

"Ch'elema!" He calls. Without hesitation the wolf pads over until he's looking down at the teenager. Atem smiles, reaching up to scratch under the wolf's chin. "That sand in your coat is starting to bother you, isn't it?" The wolf rumbles whether in answer or from his actions, Atem isn't sure. Either way he sits still while Atem sets to work scrubbing through the wolf's fur. It's hard work, getting through the fine topcoat down into the coarser undercoat where the sand grains have sunk but bit by bit the black fur begins to glisten, clumps of dirt rising to the surface amidst soapy bubbles.

When the prince feels a tap on his shoulder he hands one of the bars to his friend and continues with his work. At least until a tan foot falls in his face knocking some of his drying blond bangs into his eyes. He blinks, turning his gaze up to find Heba sitting on the wolf's shoulders working through the thick scruff. "If I didn't know better I would think you were a monkey."

Heba looks down at him, mauve eyes alight with amusement while his hands continue their meticulous work. "Am not." They both know the truth though. Heba is the only one out of the three of them able to climb anything and everything put in his way. He seems to think for a second before he grins and flicks a splash of soap at Atem. "But if I was a monkey you would be a bull."

"Why in Ra's name would I be a bull?" He huffs, wrinkling his nose at the comparison.

"Because you're stubborn." At the reply Atem rolls his eyes and a simple hand command has the wolf sitting, sending his friend rolling into the water with a shriek. When Heba comes up resembling a drowned rat again Atem can't help it. He laughs, clutching his stomach from the gut deep sound. A wave of water brings his laughter to an abrupt stop and he sputters, pushing drenched locks out of his face to find his best friend smirking. "What'sa matter, 'Tem? A stubborn bull like you can't handle a little water?"

Crimson eyes gleam dangerously and Heba swallows, taking a step back. "Did you know that a wet monkey looks like a drowned rat?" Heba yelps, darting around the other side of the wolf and Atem takes after him. "Get back here, Heba!"

"No!" Heba shouts, ducking under the wolf's front legs to avoid the prince's grasping hands. Their game of chase goes on for a time, the wolves forgotten, until Heba ends up with his back pressed against a wall, Atem stalking toward him in a stance remarkably similar to that of the wolves.

Atem smirks, putting his hands on either side of his wild-maned friends' shoulders to cage him. "And the stubborn bull wins the war." Wide mauve eyes glistening with emotion, alight with that eternal spark. Without realizing it, Atem is leaning closer, wanting to drown in them. A loud clatter comes from nearby, jerking them from their haze and the prince retreats a few steps, turning to find the source of the noise. Finding it to be a servant having dropped and broken a water jug, Atem scowls and returns to his wolf. When Heba moves to clean the predator's other side he finds his cheeks warm with a blush and his eyes unable to meet his friend's.

The scene waivers, rippling out of focus for only a handful of seconds before taking shape once more.

"We're sorry to hear about the Pharaoh, Prince."

"You have our condolences."

"Are you okay, Prince?"

He squeezes his eyes shut, cupping his hands over his ears in an attempt to block out the same phrases he's heard too many times from too many people attempting to sound sincere and failing spectacularly. He's so tired of hearing empty words, of multiple eyes holding nothing more than greed and envy. Of people plotting for the throne—the throne his father had once sat upon—before his Father has even had the chance to make the journey to the Afterlife.

"Make them stop." He mutters, trying to keep the tears stinging at the back of his eyes from falling. "Please, please. Make them stop." He's drowning in black waves, the river of Kehmet's lifeblood no longer as soothing as it had once appeared. A shudder passes through his frame before warm arms embrace him. The prince gasps, instinctively fighting to escape. Struggling with all his might, unable to think past the whispers in his ears, his eyes blinded by salt filled waves.

"'Tem, stop! It's just me!" The voice is so familiar, so soothing to his frayed nerves. There's only two people in his world that call him that and only one wouldn't try to knock him into the next flood season for not paying attention. Even before his mind can catch up his body is relaxing into the grip, his head coming to rest on a bare shoulder.

"'Ba." He sobs, leaning into the comforting hold. "Please, make them stop! I-I-I—"

A hand rises to his hair, combing through the wild locks in the way only his best friend can. "It's alright, 'Tem." He murmurs, his low voice solely for Atem's ears. "I'm here. As long as I'm here they won't hurt you. It'll be okay. It'll be okay." The black waves recede, leaving exhaustion in its wake. Atem doesn't give in though. Each repetition of those three words makes it sound so absolute. The one steady thing in his life amongst the changing seasons within the palace.

Death and grief, deadly as the dry season lay down on the palace as heavy as sand. Each and every person out to use him for their own gains are nothing more than asps and scorpions waiting to strike. But Heba, his ever faithful other is the oasis amongst the sand. His voice, the sweet fruit hanging in the trees and his comfort, the fresh water to cool overwhelming emotions.

Lulled by the sincerity in Heba's voice, Atem's tears run their course, his mind quiet for the first time since his Father started on the path to the Afterlife. The Prince keeps his head tucked into Heba's shoulder, lacking the energy to keep his eyes open. After a moment though he releases a shuddering sigh, clinging tighter to his friend of ten summers. "What am I to do, 'Ba? They want me to be my Father but I can't. I'm not him. How can I ever be half the Pharaoh he was? If I make a mistake it could hurt Kehmet."

"You're not your Father." Heba agrees quietly before strong hands grasp Atem's shoulders, pulling him away from the solace of his friend's grasp. Confused, the prince opens his eyes only to find them locked with blazing mauve. His other smiles softly, determination and reassurance in his gaze. "But that doesn't mean you won't make an amazing Pharaoh. Atem, for all that you're stubborn you are a kind and merciful person. Your Father ruled his way but now it's time you find your own way to rule. Show the people their new Pharaoh cares about them and all of Kehmet. You once told us you would be loved by all as the Great Pharaoh." He smirks, reaching up to tug on one of Atem's blond locks. "Now it's time to prove it. When you take the throne, show them who you are. Show them how strong and kind you are."

There was something different in that memory. Yugi had noticed that much. Aside from the realization his wolf lost his Father much too early something else had been running in the undercurrents of the memory. However he's not sure what it was. When the next memory rises from the ground Yugi hesitates. Turning, he looks up at the guardian finding dark mauve eyes watching him in return. Against the memories he'd just been through to standing in front of the dead Egyptian now there is a massive difference. Almost as if the light in the room has...Yugi's eyes go wide in realization but before he can speak the memory engulfs him. The last thing he sees is a knowing smile.

He feels as if he's been thrown into the river during the middle of the rainy season. Since before Ra rose he's been pushed from person to person, pausing only long enough to get a bite to eat when his friends threatened to release the pack if he wasn't given a moment of peace. It's just another in a long list of reasons he values his friends so much. Now however…

The roar of the crowds beyond the curtains resembles a downpour, dull in his ears yet powerful enough to make him notice. Atem swallows, tugging at the collar laying heavily across his shoulders. The irony behind it doesn't escape him. He's never been afraid—he's had very few reasons to truly be afraid when his friends have always been by his side. But this next step he knows he needs to take alone. A very large step that has been coming since his birth and yet he's still not ready for.

A hand settles on his shoulder and he turns his head to find mauve eyes watching him with that same knowing look. It'll be okay. It tells him. Atem reaches up, resting his ring adorned hand on Heba's and manages a small smile. "Thank you."

"Always." Heba grins. "Now go meet your people, Great Pharaoh. I'll be here when you get back." When his hand falls away, Atem takes a deep breath, squares his shoulders, and marches toward the curtains with the same confidence he'd once watched his Father move with.

It takes a second for Yugi to gather his wits this time around. When he does he sits up, wide amethyst eyes immediately locking on dark mauve. You weren't just a friend. You were more. Another thought occurs to him. D-Did he…? He trails off, his heart stinging at the implications. Heba must take pity on him for another memory slowly rises in front of the teen. With a glance at the spirit he reaches forward and brushes it with hesitant fingers.

The squabbling. The incessant squabbling. Horus has shifted through his phases several times since Atem claimed his throne and even now his council's squabbling still gives him a headache. Shifting forward in his throne—how had his Father ever sat comfortably in this thing?—he rests his chin on entwined fingers and watches Shimon bark at Aknadin. If there is any joy he can find about this situation it's the fact Mahad is about to lose the bet with Seth, both priests sitting off to the side waiting for him to lose his temper.

Sighing through his nose, he shifts his balance so he's resting his chin on one hand, the other falling to curl in the fur of the wolf lying beside his throne. When he'd first started his duties as Pharaoh it was the one thing he'd stood firm on. Even if his council is capable of protecting him, the pack is more likely to stay on guard. As it is Atem knows Fīdeli isn't as asleep as she appears.

One of Mana's wolves, they'd gotten in the middle of a spell gone wrong and both ended up with snouts permanently dyed white. They're good wolves, as are the rest of the pack, but since they're so big, Atem can only have one wolf at a time with him. If he knows his friends as well as he does they'll have the rest of the pack either running somewhere around the palace or are planning to take them into the sand dunes after Ra has set to stretch their legs.

A particularly loud yell has Atem wanting to scratch at his ears and he growls, the sound alerting the wolf at his side. Fīdeli growls in return, raising her massive head to look for the source of his anger and the council freezes in their places, warily watching the massive wolf until she finally sets her head back down. After that the overall volume is quieter, the arguing priests returning to their dispute in a much lower tone. From the corner of his eye, Atem spots Mahad facepalming as he hands a small package to a very smug looking Seth.

"Remind me to ask Seth what they bet this time." He murmurs to the wolf. The flick of an ear is all he gets in answer but it's more than enough for the Pharaoh. When he realizes his priests aren't going to come to an agreeable solution any time soon, Atem sighs, leaning back in his seat. "If that is all you wish to discuss then this meeting is over."

Like that the argument is dropped and Shimon turns to him, amethyst eyes looking guilty. It catches Atem's attention immediately. All his life Shimon has always been someone absolutely confident in his decisions. It's why his Father kept Shimon on the council even after he had handed the Millenium Key to Shada and why he himself chose to keep the elderly man as well. Now though...Curious, the Pharaoh nods at him. Shimon fidgets, his hands wringing themselves into a knot. "Your Majesty, you see the council has decided that it is best if you start looking for a Queen."

Atem visibly recoils, the hand in Fīdeli's fur clenches catching the wolf's attention as well. "What?" He hisses, the wolf's ears flicking forward in response to his movements. "Why in Ra's name would I need a wife now?!" He snarls, crimson eyes glittering in anger. He's not even in his sixteenth summer. To require a wife now? "Do you assume I wish to join my Father in the Afterlife so soon?" If his growled words match Fīdeli's own fierce warning no one in the throne room are brave enough to speak it aloud.

"It is not that, my Pharaoh." Isis, the holder of the Millenium necklace states calmly. She's one of only a handful able to stay calm when the wolves are riled. Those instances often occurring when one of the three friends are angered. "Word of your coronation has already reached our allies and our enemies. Before long royalty from all over will be coming to seek your hand. Most will only be seeking your title and your wealth. All we wish is to see you happy, your Highness and there is only one person we've seen that can achieve that."

Only somewhat calmed by the explanation, Atem sinks back into his seat, his hand combing Fīdeli's fur unconsciously as his thoughts wander. He knows who they're talking about, eyes alight with brilliant flames coming to mind and the Pharaoh finds he's not quite so bothered by the thought if it gives him more time to be with his love. After a moment he sighs, looking up at his council from under his golden locks. "Very well. I will give it some thought. But I warn you now. This is the last I will hear of it for the time being. If you push for an answer you will have that much longer to wait."

Without waiting for a reply, he rises from his throne and stalks past them, Fīdeli padding along silently behind him. Down a hall he passes a window and glances out to find the sky rapidly darkening, Ra setting in a blaze of reds and golds. Looking down he realizes he's directly above the stables where he spots his friends and the servants readying their horses for a ride. Smiling softly he turns away. "Come Fīdeli, looks like you're not the only one who will get to run tonight."

A rumble sounds through the wolf's chest in delight and Atem chuckles, turning down a corridor that will lead them to the stables the quickest. Before long they step out into the stables where he spots the other wolves lounging in a scattered stack of hay for just the purpose. If they're not with him and his friends they're sleeping away the hottest hours of the day in the stable, one built specifically for them away from the horses so they won't become spooked. Fīdeli makes her way over to them, plopping down beside Āsimati, Mana's other wolf and Atem walks over to his friends. Mana notices him first, grinning as she tightens the buckles on her mare.

"Hey, Atem. Come to join us?"

Atem hums, watching Heba give him a nod of greeting and hides a flare of hurt. Heba might be his best friend but he still ranks as no more than a servant to some of the others in the palace and could very well end up getting flogged for showing disrespect if seen by the wrong person. It's something neither of them want to put up with again so they deal with it the best they can. "Actually yeah I have. It's been some time since I went out with you."

Without asking, Heba finishes the last couple straps on his own mare and moves back to the stable to retrieve Atem's stallion. If it were up to him, the Pharaoh would do it himself but the need for appearances in such a public place outweighs his wish for independence. Instead, when Heba returns with the mud brown stallion, Atem takes the reins, setting a hand on the thick neck while his friend hurries off for the saddle and gear. After he returns Atem shoos him off, smiling at the mischievous look his wild-maned friend gives him.

"How was the meeting? Mahad said something about him and Seth having a wager but he stayed tight-lipped otherwise."

"The usual." He sighs, adjusting the blanket across the horse's back. "Shimon got into it with Aknadin. Isis, Shada, and Karim were trying to stay on topic. They at least managed to get a few things done about a couple of villages on the outskirts of Upper Kehmet that were attacked by thieves. And Mahad and Seth did have a wager. Mahad lost though so be prepared for extra training." Indeed, when the Magician gets aggravated he takes it out on them by harder and longer training sessions. It's not as bad for Atem since he claimed the throne but he still prefers to suffer with Heba and Mana.

Mana hums, swinging up into her saddle. "Noted. Now come on, Ra's setting and Horus isn't going to give us much light tonight." With that she nudges her mare with her heels, causing the horse to step forward and the apprentice turns to the wolves watching them. "Āsimati! Fīdeli!"The white snouts rise from their beds and pad over, nearly shoulder to shoulder in height with the horses.

Finishing the last few checks, Atem jumps into his own saddle. "Ch'elema! T'ila!" He calls, moving out to wait closer to the gates. Once his wolves have joined him he turns back to look for his mauve-eyed friend, finding him exiting the stable looking rather harried.

"Birihani! Ch'ewata! Let's go!" Heba mounts his mare, tugging on the reins hard to trot after Atem. Pulling alongside he glances back and meets his eyes. "We gotta go now."

Crimson eyes harden and Atem nods. They take off, cantering out of the gates as yelling fills the air behind them. Sparing a look back reveals a heavyset man storming out of the stable and Atem grins, cracking his reins to send his horse into a full gallop.

His friends fall into line behind him, the wolves easily keeping up as they race through the city. Buildings, statues, temples, they all fall away in a blur leaving only the sound of thundering hooves and the blood pumping in the Pharaoh's ears. There are a couple people out he notices belatedly as they rush past but they are far and few between allowing them a straight shot through the city into the desert beyond.

Even then, once the city is out of sight they keep running until the horses have worked up a fine sweat, their sides heaving from the exertion. When he sees the glimmer of the great river in the distance Atem pulls on the reins, slowing first to a canter then a trot. The wolves wander off further away, falling into their normal fun and games. He pats the stallion's neck and turns to his friends as they pull alongside him. "What did you do to anger the head cook, 'Ba?"

Heba scowls, gathering his reins in one hand and turns around to spit in the direction of the city. "Pile of horse shit is what it is. He found out Mana and I were taking the wolves out tonight and tried to bog me down with chores so I couldn't go. I'd managed to avoid him since lunch but I had to run back to grab the wolves' treats and he found me."

"Well you're out now." Mana grins. "He can't touch you when you're with us." Her words are meant to cheer him up however they have the opposite effect. Their wild-maned friend sighs, his shoulders slumping and when he looks up the fire in his mauve eyes is dimmed.

"I wish it was that easy, Mana. I can get away, hide, and stay around you when no one is watching but what happens when I'm called away to follow an order? People like the head cook hold grudges and he's had a grudge against me for as long as I can remember. As soon as we return and you walk away he'll be waiting with the nine tails for sure."

While the apprentice attempts to find some way to reassure their mauve-eyed friend Atem, himself watches the teen with sad eyes. He hadn't realized his other had it so bad within the palace walls. Sure, he knew Heba's status as a servant wasn't the greatest but to hear what will happen to him, there's a tightness in his chest he can't describe. The conversation he'd had with the council earlier comes back to mind and he knows what he needs to do, not only for himself but also to help his other.

Ahead the sound of water softly lapping at the bank reaches his ears and he brings his stallion to a halt, sliding off to lead him to the water. When he begins drinking, Atem turns to his friends, both having done the same with their horses. "Mana, go find the pack. Make sure they haven't run off too far." Her emerald eyes are confused but she does as he asks, getting back into the saddle to go look for their wayward wolves leaving he and Heba alone on the bank of the life river.

In the silence that follows, broken only by the soft sounds of the horses and the flowing water, Atem finds he's unsure what to say to his other. Without words to say he instead settles for sitting on the bank, his eyes finding their way up to the darkness, the skin of the Goddess Nut sparkling with the lights of thousands of fires. Heba settles down beside him and the Pharaoh sighs, turning to his best friend. "I'm sorry, 'Ba. If I had known I would've stopped it."

"It's not your fault, 'Tem." Heba murmurs, soft mauve eyes meeting his own crimson. "In the palace I'm just a servant. No standing, no wealth. They have every right to do what they will with me." His lips quirk in an attempt at a grin and he gently elbows Atem. "Besides, when have I ever asked you to fight my battles for me?"

Atem arches a brow, grinning at him. "Need I remind you about the time I had to distract Isis so you could escape the healing chambers? Or the time Mahad would have turned you into a frog for helping Mana dye his hair green? The time we spelled Aknadin into talking backwards? Convinced Shada he was growing hair and then attached horsehair to his head while he was asleep?"

"Okay I get it." Heba huffs with a flat expression. "We get into a lot of trouble where we need each other to get out." His expression falls and he looks away, one hand coming up to brush a stray blond lock behind his ear. "At least we did. Now that you're Pharaoh everyone acts like you're too high and mighty for a little bit of trouble and every time they think I'm going to get into trouble I'm stuck with punishments I don't even deserve."

Watching his other so down, the knot in Atem's stomach changes to determination and without thinking he reaches out, entwining his hand in Heba's. Heba frowns at the action, lifting their hands to view it better and a small smile twists Atem's lips. "I promise, 'Ba. It won't be like that any more."

"Huh?" His so eloquent response earns a chuckle from the Pharaoh. When indignation flares with the light in his eyes, Atem lifts their joined hands to catch his attention.

"The council wants me to start thinking about finding a Queen but I already have my heart set on someone. If my search helps someone dear to me then far be it for me to try and stop it." Mauve eyes go wide, understanding visible within them and Atem nods, lifting their hands to gently press his lips against warm skin. "Will you become my Queen, Heba?"

Translations:

Ch'elema (Darkness)

T'ila (Shadow)

Birihani (Light)

Ch'ewata (Game)

Āsimati (Magic)

Fīdeli (Spell)

Yenē. (Mine)

Grizzly out for the night.