all disclaimers apply as usual.
Akunadin and Seto returned just a couple of days ahead of Yami and the charioteers. All knew the arrival of the new pharaoh when it came. Entering the village first, the people lined up along the edges of the streets to cheer and urge him forward. All bowed as he rode by in a procession that looked like an undulating wave of bodies down the street. Bakura, in the back of the crowd remained in an upright stance as the pharaoh passed by. He wanted a good look at the boy he had had several run-ins with in the not so long ago past. The prince had indeed grown into a young man though his stature wasn't much higher. His body was now toned and buff, revealing a masculine frame that was showing itself even in their last meeting. His bronze skin shimmered in the intense sunlight as beads of sweat emphasized and accented portions of the new king's body. He indeed looked like a living representation of a god. And it sickened Bakura with the sweet taste of contempt.
The palace guards immediately swung the large gates open, allowing the charoits to enter without a single break in stride. More cheering and bowing followed. Yami was a bit uncomfortable with all the attention he was now getting. After all the seasons in the army, he had become one of them. He had wished it that way. But now, he was lifted to a level well above all of them. It was a bit unnerving for the young man.
Upon entering the palace, one of Yami's horses gave out, its strength and energy spent. The horse stumbed and fell, sending the other horse and pharaoh careening to its side...and the ground below. But before they hit the ground, a force suspended them in mid air and brought horses and chariot upright. The crowd within went from gasps to cheers. Yami looked around for the source of the magic. Standing solemnly to the side, with a smirk of accomplishment upon his face was Seto. Yami exited the chariot and walked over to him. He wanted to run and hug the once obnoxious priest, but neither could do such things any more. Yami stopped just a couple of feet from him...and found himself having to look up to his friend that once stood only a couple of inches taller than himself! Seto smirked even more upon seeing the surprise on his friend's face.
"You've grown Seto." Yami commented in a soft tone. His conversation was for only the priest to hear. Seto was taken slightly aback at the smooth, deep voice his friend now spoke with, but kept it to himself.
"And you haven't." Seto replied, his voice matching the pharaoh's in volume, but with a hint of sarcastic taunt. His voice too, much deeper and more pronounced.
"Perhaps not physically, but mentally, I'll be hard to best."
"We shall see...my king. I am not as I was either." Seto replied with a bow. Yami acknowledged his bow and a smirk of acceptance of the young priest's future challenge. Then, another being caught his eye. It was his mother! Again fighting the urge to run, Yami calmly strode over to her.
"Mother. I have returned."
"That you have my son. Welcome back." his mother said softly as she fought tears of both joy and sorrow. She was allowed a brief embrace with her son before he sought out one final being...Simon. He needed Simon for further directions and the old once-priest now Grand Vizier slowly pointed to the empty throne. But it wasn't entirely empty...upon it rested the Millenium Puzzle and a scroll.
Yami approached it and slid the Puzzle upon his neck. The Puzzle glowed for a moment in acceptance of its new owner. The handwriting on the outside of the scroll indicated it was from his father's very hand. He would read it later. Right now, he had to turn and face the people as he assumed his rightful place on the throne as their king. With a deep breath, he did so and was once again met with cheers of jubilation. The kingdom was now with a king again! Formalities and ceremonial events would occur at a later date. Right now, this was all that was needed. As the crowd dispersed, Simon informed the new pharaoh of the immediate tasks that had to be done.
The priests were already chosen, most were descendents or hand picked from the previous priests. The only one Yami needed to pick was High Priest. Without even hesitating in thought, Seto was chosen for the position. Simon mentioned a more personal immediate task of the young pharaoh as well. The biggest danger to a young pharaoh was losing his life. Many once old enemies who had been supressed by the strong aging king might find a young king a weakness and challenge him. And so a vital role was to produce an heir as soon as possible. Kings who took their position in such a young age very rarely had lengthy reigns. The sooner an heir could be produced, the older that heir would be when it would have to assume its role as pharaoh. That would be a good thing otherwise the viscious circle of young kings would get younger until the bloodline disappeared and a new one rose to take its place. That was unacceptable to the currently ruling bloodline. So now Yami would have to consider finding himself a wife, perhaps sooner than he was even ready for. It didn't take him long to remember a promise made to a certain young servant girl. A vision of her image appeared in his mind. He immediately looked over to his mother. She knew EXACTLY what that look was all about. A gentle grin to her son told him what he wanted to know--that she was well and still within the protection of his mother.
As the commotion waned, Yami was finally allowed to depart the throne room and settle in. He could leave formailties behind and speak and act more casually. Seto followed him and joined him stride for stride in the corridors leading up to Yami's chambers.
"How was war?"
"What war? The closest thing to war we had was watching the asses of a potential enemy run at the sight of our massive chariots and calvary. It was actually rather comedic. Oh, have some items for you. I purchased them for you as we entered the Greek territories. On a couple, I immediately saw your ugly face in my mind upon seeing the item." Yami said as he grabbed an item from a small sack he was carrying.
"UGLY?! I dare say that in the villages I stopped in, I was being swooned by females!"
"Suuure you were. Could you be sure they were females and not males in disguise, lusting after you? I mean, you probably would make a good man toy, especially now that you are the 'rod' holder. "
"Same old Yami aren't we? You must be quite deficient in a certain area if you must constantly insult me in said area."
Yami ignored the phrase and instead changed the subject back to the items he had brought back. "Here. This one really reminded me of you." Yami replied as he handed his friend a statue of two females locked in an intimate embrace.
"They're both females."
"Yes. Figured they'd be good to look at for ya seeing how you'll never have the opportunity to see females firsthand." Yami joked. "I got that item at an island called Lesbos."
Seto wanted to thwap his friend as he used to in the past, but to thwap a pharaoh could mean instant execution now.
"Okay, now a little more serious. These are amulets I was given from a Spartan priest. While their gods aren't exactly like ours, the items of magic are almost identical. These may prove useful with some of those counter spells you like but had difficulty obtaining necessary items for."
Now these items were something Seto could use...perhaps even against the pharaoh himself. "We owe each other a rematch you know." Seto said as he raised the Millenium Rod slightly in excitement.
"I haven't forgotten. In due time Seto. So much has to be done right now. It's ironic. In the army, I had a simple agenda that never even lasted a whole day. Now I am faced with an agenda whereby there are not enough hours in a full day to complete it."
"Welcome to kingship sire."
"Yeah, yah for me." Yami replied sarcastically. In truth it changed everything, including his friendship with Seto.
"I should probably leave you be now. I must join Akunadin in overseeing your father's burial rituals and ceremonies."
At the mention of his father, Yami sighed and hung his head low...memories were racing back to him once again. The last time he had set foot on the very floors he walked on now, his father was very much alive. It was difficult to imagine the fact that his father would never walk down them again.
Seto picked up on Yami's emotions. For once, the young king was allowing them to surface. He only did so around those he was comfortable with. "For what it's worth...I'm sorry. I don't think there was anything any of us could've done to prevent it." Seto replied softly as he placed a hand upon his friend's shoulder.
"I know. And thanks. Also, thank you for saving me back there on the chariot. If I had fallen, the rest of the chariot would have fallen on top of me. I would be dead or at the very least, sporting many broken bones."
"Any time king, anytime. But, heheh, you owe me one."
"So be it." Yami replied as Seto saluted and headed off.
Yami entered his chambers alone. It had been prepared to welcome a king. While much of his stuff was still there, new adornments and lavish decorations were added. The room had to be beyond prince now. It had to be fit for a king. Yami could've cared less however. He was thankful however that the servants weren't present at this time.
In moments he had a knock at the door. "Yami?" It was his mother.
"Enter."
Yami's mother entered and brought him a little 'gift.' The shy servant girl was now a shy servant woman. She too had matured in Yami's absence. Yami took note almost instantly. He couldn't help himself. Yami's mother had been 'coaching' her of sorts, ever since she found out that her son took an interest in the girl. She taught her many things a servant girl normally wouldn't learn...but a Queen would. Not that the girl knew this. She just thought it was more formal training for how to serve her employers better.
Yami's mother smiled. "I'll leave you two to get reacquainted." she said and rapidly departed before her son could say otherwise.
Yami and the girl were stuck staring stupidly at each other without a single word. Suddenly the girl realized that she was staring at the pharaoh himself! She quickly averted her gaze and bowed down.
"Please don't do that. I never released you from my rules of the past, remember?"
The girl blushed and took the king's offered hand which helped her back to her feet. But now they were back to that uncomfortable silence. Yami had no idea what his mother had told or taught this girl in his absence. He wondered if she had been groomed to become his bride or if his mother waited for that option to be solely his.
Yami directed her to his desk and took a seat. He didn't want to seem imposing to her so he opted to sit. "Remember when I promised to reward you, Asru?"
She nodded and blushed. He had remembered her name!?
"Well, is there anything you desire?"
"No sire. Being allowed to live in this wonderful palace, to be clothed and fed everyday, and treated with kindness...that is more than anyone of my status could ever ask for.
"Let me ask you this then. What do you think of me personally? Ignore that I'm royalty and you're a servant. Just speak from your heart."
"I think you're a fair and respectful young man now, but even as a boy, you had such traits about you. You don't seem to rub our noses in your high status."
Then Yami tried a boldness that even surprised himself, but with her just seemed so natural. "Could you love me?"
She grew a little nervous and uncertain as to what was expected of her with this quesiton. "L--love?"
Yami tried a different approach. He needed to know if she could love him for himself and not just for his status. He wanted to find out if his love would be returned. "If you were to have a boyfriend, what would you look for in him?"
"Handsome, caring, respectful, sensit...." she trailed. Suddenly she caught on to where he was leading her. Was he serious!? No, he had to be joking wasn't he!? But the look in his eyes and expression was that of extreme seriousness. It was no joke.
Yami realized why she stopped. She'd figured it out. "If I was a normal guy, perhaps some servant myself, would you find me suitable to what you seek in a man?"
Asru allowed time to pass before responding. She wanted to immediately scream that she had a crush on him since she first laid eyes on him, but being a young adult now and in the presence of a king meant a little more maturity, even if said king wanted otherwise.
The silence scared Yami in more ways than he wanted to show. He'd never been rejected before by ANYone in ANYthing. Her opinion of himself could impact his impression of himself as a ruler as well. He could become self-conscious and take a serious hit in pride. He put everything out on a limb for this lowly servant girl. Not that she knew this of course.
Asru then answered and took the safe way out. "Perhaps. I can't love a guy without first getting to know him."
It was an acceptable answer to Yami, but he required more. He had a sense of urgency afterall. "You've known me most of your life. You were born into service of my family so you've watched me grow up as well."
"This is true sire. But maybe I know you too well. " she replied with a wink. Yes, she'd seen him sneek out of the palace numerous time. She'd seen him and Seto skirmish on a regular basis. She'd seen him pull pranks on his father then dash into hiding upon hearing his father's angry booming voice. Could an aloof gamester such as this be a worthwhile father himself? It was something a female had to think about afterall.
"I see. My past comes back to haunt me. Father warned me about that. I didn't know what he meant...until now." Yami replied with a sigh.
"I'm teasing you. If you have to know. I've had a crush on you since I first realized that boys weren't yucky."
"Yucky?" Yami asked with a raised eyebrow.
"Come on. You can't tell me that girls weren't icky to you at one point."
"This is true. Guess puberty has a way of changing all of that doesn't it?"
"So are you asking me something?" Asru inquired, her sharpness of tongue playfully coming back.
Yami was taken off guard once again by this witty kitty. "I suppose I am. Would you like to guess what?"
"You're the king. I shouldn't play guessing games with the King of Games. Based on your repute...I'm destined to lose."
"Well, I've lost my heart to you so in a way, you've already beaten me. So are you interested in the job?"
"Oh, now it's a job?"
"Thought I'd soften the mood a little. It's a little harder than I thought it'd be. But, in truth, it is a job too. With me comes a package deal...job, responsibility, wealth, reputation, status. You know, the works."
"But are you any good in bed!?"
Her question threw Yami completely off his game! He hadn't expected THAT question of all questions! Blushing terribly, he sought to regain his composure. Clearing his throat as if trying to relieve some of the awkwardness in answering, he too, found a safe way around it. "That remains to be seen."
"What kind of answer is that mighty pharoah?" she was taunting him now, but in a good way. She wanted to see through his status and upbringing. She wanted to see his soul and personality. She was currently testing his honesty.
"I'm still a virgin."
"Get out of town!"
"I was out of town."
"Not that way. Figure of speech." she giggled. Yami knew that, but was joking with her as well.
"Oh. But I am. I play a good bluff don't you think?"
"So you talk the talk, but have no idea how to walk the walk?"
"Something like that. But I DO know how the walk's supposed to be. I just haven't taken it yet."
"And here I thought you and the priest were---"
"WHAT!?"
"Well you seem so close to him and you two would sneak off together in the middle of the night to go who knows where and do who knows what."
"Is that what it seemed like?"
"You know how females can be if they're jealous or envious. If they couldn't have you, then they'll make up some story to give reason why it's your fault and not theirs."
"So I see. But we are straying from the topic. Shall I give you more time to think about it?"
"Time is unnecessary for my answer is already in front of you sire."
"You do realize that, there is potential for other wives to come into play?"
"And as Great Wife, I have command over all of them. While I dislike the idea of sharing you, I know it is as things are."
"My father rarely utilized his other wives. He only did so to strengthen alliances...purely political. His love and heart were solely those of my mother's. The same shall apply to me as well." Yami replied softly as he knelt and kissed the hand of his future wife. "Welcome to your promotion."
"And to you as well, my pharaoh."
"So this is the beginning my miw-sher."
"Yes, it is."
As Asru took her leave, Yami remembered the scroll his father had left him. Now alone, he would allow himself to open it and read it.
- "My son,
- If you are reading this than I am passing on to the afterlife. You are pharaoh now. Though we parted ways in an unfriendly manner, I wanted you to know that I have always loved you. I know you feel the same. So do not despair for not saying it to me directly. Words say little. Action says much. Remember this while you rule the kingdom. I know you will surpass me in ability...you already have. Take good care of your mother. May you rule in peace and happiness and may the Millenium Items aid you in providing justice and protecting peace for all. I will guide you in the afterlife, if I can."
Yami rolled the scroll back up and tucked it away for safe keeping. While it spoke of matters he himself was concerned about, it didn't set his mind at ease. He wished he'd seen his father alive, at least one last time, if only to speak with him directly. But no matter, he was king now. He had a job to do. He had to go on and not dwell on what would be considered a trivial matter. It was time to move on and see what the future would have in store for him and his new role as ruler of all that is.
Few weeks later...
As Yami and Seto settled into their new roles, they could not resist an opportunity to test their new skills against one another. They met secretely, at night, as they used to as kids. This would be their first duel as adults.
"Pharaoh, you will now see my true strength as the master of these games!" Seto proclaimed as the Millenium Rod lit. A massive winged monster appeared...a dark fanged dragon.
"Master? You call yourself a master with that pathetic creature? Behold true mastery of the game!" Yami yelled as the Millenium Puzzle glowed brightly. A little fuzzy monster appeared.
Seto chuckled. "Are you on something my king!? Or are my eyes just deceiving me? You want to fight me with that!? What is that thing...overgrown fuzz ball. Looks like a child's toy."
"You should know by now that it's not size that matters. Oh wait, it does matter if you are on the short end, right Seto?" Yami taunted, referring to a certain anatomical area of the body.
"I will be sure to tell your wife of your concern with yourself." Seto smirked. He then ordered his monster to attack.
And so it began...
Author's note: Yeah, left it hanging...you can fill it in. The manga's events would kick in shortly after my made up plot here. I left it open in case I someday wish to continue or spin off of this little story. Hope you enjoyed. :)
Also, note about my character, "Asru." For those of you who like Tea/Anzu...she's her, or at least a past form of her. If you don't like Tea/Anzu...she's not her. I wanted to keep this flexible so all would enjoy.