Mush alert here, but it is necessary to the story. Please enjoy, read and review. Thanks!!!…I am not nor ever have been the owner of YGO, or it's characters.
Chapter 8: Getting to Know You
The horses tawny mane rippled like a field of harvest grain; I held on tightly, the wind whipping my face, both afraid and invigorated at the blistering speed. The horses galloped across the dunes, kicking up a miniature sandstorm in their wake.
"Hah!" I heard Yami yell to his stallion, coaxing every ounce of energy from the foaming, midnight steed in an effort to pass my cream colored mare. Always competing-- I smiled to myself. One of the many things I'd learned about him in the days that had past since the banquet.
The noonday sun baked everything that dared venture within her realm; luckily I wore a long sleeved white wrap robe for the ride. I scanned the horizon and couldn't get over how clean everything was, so untouched, so quiet. Five thousand years had made quite a difference in the world. Every night I went to bed believing that the dream would end and I would be back in my Grandma's bed at home, and every morning I woke in my opulent chamber to the smell of jasmine and orchids. It was odd because this was becoming more real to me, and my life before seemed like a dream.
Yami pointed to a spot of green in the distance and we headed in that direction at full tilt. Internally, I thanked my mother for the riding lessons and I gripped the mare's sides closely with my thighs, urging her on. He had the advantage as I was used to stirrups, which to my surprise, had not been invented yet. A lot of things had not been invented yet for that matter, sunscreen, indoor plumbing, and…chocolate. But life in ancient Egypt was not without it's advantages, especially for royalty. Servants, silken clothes, golden treasures, milk baths-- much could be said for the high life. But of all the things I found here, I valued my time with Yami the most.
He had beaten me, naturally, and had already dismounted by the time I reached the oasis.
"You could smile, at the least, I know you're glad you won." I teased at his stoic expression.
He stifled the beginning of a smile and replied, 'I did not know we were racing." He walked over to help me dismount. Strong hands on my hips guided me safely to the ground. So close again—I felt the sudden tension between us, an electric pulse. I knew he felt it too, since he did not move away, nor drop his hands from my sides. He leaned in toward me, pulling my body in line with his and, ever the Pharaoh assaulted my lips. Tender and demanding at the same time his kiss seemed to erase all time and space, ground or sky, future or past. Just his warm, soft lips pressed against mine, now and forever.
My heartbeat so strong, I believed it could explode at any minute and I leaned forward slightly lightheaded. Yami pulled back abruptly, almost causing me to fall. He whirled and grabbed me, throwing me over his shoulder like a sack.
"Hey!"
"Can't have you falling, now can we." His voice was full of mischief and his eyes glinted with amusement.
"Put me down, Yami." I said as darkly as I could muster. I wiggled and writhed, shifting my weight violently. He finally laughed and I took the opportunity to break free. He released his grip and I ran, darting between rocks and trees, Yami in pursuit. I was giggling madly by now and was breathless. No footsteps behind me, glancing back I didn't see Yami either. What happened to him, perhaps it was some trick? I circled around and returned to the clearing. He kneeled, doubled over on the ground, and a groan escaped his lips. I rushed to him.
"Yami! What's wrong, are you hurt." Guilt clutched my heart, God what if I had caused him to fall or injure himself?
He shook his head negatively, and spoke through clenched teeth, "In the saddle bag, there is a potion." Balling his hands into fist, his eyes closed, his breath came in short gasp.
I dashed over to the horses, and frantically searched through the leather bag for anything that may help. My hand connected with a small vial, as a blast of thunder caused me to look up. The sky that had been perfectly clear moments earlier was filled with dark billows of clouds. Lightening outlined the dense mass that blocked out the sun and a gust of wind almost knocked me off my feet, I struggled to take the few steps that separated us. I had never seen a storm come up so quickly. Each movement was labored as I made my way back. A white light glowed before me, sand flew into my eyes and the light vanished. At last, I reached Yami's hunched form. The cork popped from the thick green liquid, and I pulled his head back. He was oblivious, as I forced the potion into his mouth. Sheltering him with my body, I prayed that it had some effect.
He stirred and finally his velvet eyes fluttered open weakly. As if in response to his recovery, the wind died and the clouds parted allowing a shaft of light to fall on Yami's face. He looked just like an angel bathed in heavenly gold and I realized how much he was coming to mean to me. My heart fell into my stomach as doubts clawed at my mind. What wasn't he telling me? What was this strange aliment? Did I even have a right to ask?
Slowly we made our way back to the palace, not saying a word. Both of us lost in thought.