Everything

By: ChocolateEclar

Disclaimer: Obviously I don't own Yu-Gi-Oh! or anything that has to do with the anime/manga.

Claimer: I fully own Ichidou Yachitose and her family, Mrs. Suteki Iyashii, Suteki's deceased father and mother, Ryougi, Karei, Sumizome, Komayaka Mada-Tafunesu, Ke-ki and her gang, Miss Jishi, Nenriki "Riki," Tomobito, Kurisutaru "Kuri" Susume, Nekura Kyouran, Neferetiabet, Miw-sher, and Great Wife Netikerty. Please don't use any of them in any form without my permission.

To Yami's-Girl: Twelve? I knew it was young. *laughs* I was a little off. Hmm, I'll fix the ages… Ah, not fun, but thanks a bunch for the info. In the past I've done a bunch of projects on Ancient Egypt, but I'm afraid I can't think of any good sources besides a high-quality encyclopedia right now. For the whole women in Egypt info I needed for this story I just used the internet by searching on google.com under various phrases. Of course that meant I needed to check over and over on various websites to unsure my information was correct. Thanks a whole bouquet of roses for reviewing! ^__^

UPDATE: Anyone who read the previous chapter before 1/5/04 has the wrong ages for Neferetiabet and Atem! Neferetiabet is nearly thirteen and Atem has just turned ten! I changed them because I just learned that girls in Ancient Egypt usually got married between the ages of 12-14. Sorry for the confusion.

A/N: I am well aware that the little ten-year-old Yami (or Atem) in this chapter sounds a lot like Yugi. He's fairly innocent still after all. Also, look for demi-High Priest Seto because he's in this chapter too being a snot. ^__^

A/N 2: Last chapter we reached part 2 of this fanfic, an arc I like to call "The Ancient Egyptian Romance Arc©." We were in "The Foundation Arc©." Sorry about the dorky arc titles. ^_-

A/N 3: By the way, have you guys forgotten what I said in the first chapter? ^_^ I said whoever figured out what song this is inspired from gets air as their prize. Not too convincing, huh? Soon I'll actually be using the song so guess ASAP before it's too late. I'm now offering a chance to get an appearance in this fanfic if you guess the correct answer. Or, if you want, you can force me to put any canon character you want in the story besides Yami and Seto and Mokuba Kaiba because all three of them are obviously going to be here quite a bit. Anyone can guess in a review. I'll give you two hints:

1. It's called "Everything." *laughs*

2. It's a love song that starts out slow for about the first four minutes. The last two are fairly quick. Guddorakku! (Good luck!)

Duel Ten: …That Blossoms…

Ichidou yawned as Miw-sher called to her to awaken. She had been up for sometime contemplating her situation and rubbed her weary eyes. She had gotten little sleep over the past few days and snuck glances at Yami every chance she got. She started correcting herself by calling him Atem in her thoughts instead, but after awhile she gave up. It proved to not be very difficult to avoid Yami's okaasan. Great Wife Netikerty was very preoccupied in her duties running the palace, which left the Pharaoh Akunamukanon's lesser wives to themselves on most occasions. They resided in the royal harem, or the mud brick houses, most of the day with their children and many servants where they occupied themselves by taking care of their offspring and chatting.

Ichidou drifted around the courtyard and sometimes slipped into the palace. Apparently this wasn't so uncommon a pastime for the real Neferetiabet to do so Ichidou's wanderings went unnoticed. On that particular day, which was Ichidou's fifth in Ancient Egypt, she dragged herself out of bed and dressed in a golden dress and Miw-sher entered and put on her jewelry and make-up. Ichidou then went out of the harem and across the lawn to the palace. She roamed the veranda, passing the sentries in silence.

She abruptly stopped when she made sight of Atem. He was quite small, but they were the same height for Ichidou was petite herself. Atem was more sturdily built though and so he looked older. "Good day, your grace," Ichidou said, bowing.

Atem, who was leaning against one of the banisters surrounding the terrace, turning to her and grinned. He was roped in white with jewelry too heavy for his tiny frame weighing him down. "'Ello, ma'am. Aren'tcha Lady Neferetiabet?" asked Ichidou's little aibou, tilting his head respectfully.

"That's me, milord," said Ichidou solemnly. "If you don't mind my asking, why are you out here alone?"

"Oh," said Atem. "My father's just left to go to Cairo and my mother has gone with him so I have nothing to do."

"But there's several little boys in the harem," Ichidou noted.

"They don't like me much," tiny Yami admitted.

"Hmm, well, I'll play with ya 'til your parents come back if ya want," young Neferetiabet-Ichidou consented. She was beginning to get the feeling that she was just reading a script, an actor in a play. The words were coming easily to her as if she had no control over them.

"Really?" questioned the demi-Yami, beaming.

'He's so different from the brooding Yami I know,' Ichidou thought, chewing on her bottom lip. "Sure," Neferetiabet-Ichidou said. "But what shall we do, your highness?"

"Here," said Atem, grabbing onto Neferetiabet-Ichidou's sleeve and dragging her down a hallway that led off the veranda. "I'll show you, Lady Neferetiabet."

Ichidou cringed at the name, but refrained from telling him not to call her that. This was the heir to the Egyptian throne she had almost told off after all. 'Which is a big no-no,' Ichidou thought glancing at one of the burly guards standing along the passage nervously.

Eventually, Atem led Neferetiabet-Ichidou into a dark, heavily guarded room. Within it was a huge gold tablet with imprints of the seven Millennium Items on it. Ichidou gasped at the sight. "It's beautiful," whispered Neferetiabet-Ichidou.

"This is where the Millennium Items go if something where to happen to the priests," explained Atem. He strode forward and tapped the gold cautiously. "Isn't it neat?"

"Uh huh," muttered Neferetiabet-Ichidou.

She took a step forward only to hear someone holler, "Git away from there, girl!" Neferetiabet-Ichidou turned to see a boy perhaps fifteen or sixteen years old. It didn't take long for her to realize he was a young miniture of the present Seto Kaiba. He had the same haughty frown on his face, but he had a blue headdress on and a thick necklace around his neck. He was barefoot, but he still looked formidable with his arms crossed beneath the necklace. "Who are you?" he snapped. (A/N: He may act like a snob, but who else would like to meet Priest-to-be Seto besides me? ^_-)

"I'm Lady Neferetiabet," stated Neferetiabet-Ichidou, frowning.

"Oh, you're one of the Pharaoh's little concubines then," retorted the ancient little Seto Kaiba, smirking disdainfully.

"I am, but I've never-well, you know…" said Neferetiabet, trying to explain her virginal status to Ichidou's embarrassment. Ichidou squirmed mentally, attempting to stop her past self's mouth from continuing on the subject. It worked, or atleast Neferetiabet decided it was useless to explain.

Meanwhile the little future Priest Seto, who was far from being as short as the Egyptian heir or Neferetiabet, said snidely, "It won't be too long before Pharaoh Akunamukanon's bedded you then."

Ichidou silently fumed in indignation as Neferetiabet frowned and riposted, "Either way, I'll always be in the Pharaoh's good graces unlike a certain nasty priest's apprentice!"

"Oooh, nice one, Neferetiabet. I'm hurt," said the apprentice in question sardonically.

"Oh go away unless you're willing to be with his highness and me without making a mean remark," Neferetiabet snapped.

"But you two have so many faults," Seto said, smirking unkindly at Atem who scowled.

"Be gone, cousin," said the future Pharaoh. "Neferetiabet and I are gonna go to the gardens."

"As you wish, milord," Seto stated, spitting out the last word maliciously before stomping out.

Neferetiabet-Ichidou grinned and followed Atem out of the room. It was then that Neferetiabet-Ichidou felt a bout of nausea. She stumbled and Atem said, "Are you alright, Lady Neferetiabet? Ma'am?"

"I-" Neferetiabet-Ichidou gasped. Ichidou heard a sound like tearing cloth as her world went dark.

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Ichidou groaned as she heard a familiar voice calling, "It is time to awaken, m'lady." Ichidou instinctively pulled the covers closer to her chest only to realize that she had been with little Atem in the palace only moments before. Her eyes flew open and she sat up rapidly. She took a sharp intake of breath at what she saw. She had obviously been snoozing in the bed she had been sleeping in those five days in Ancient Egypt with one, great difference. "I'm-I'm older again!" she gasped.

"Did you have another dream, Lady Neferetiabet?" an older Miw-sher asked, stepping inside the room.

"I-um-yes, I did," Neferetiabet-Ichidou finally said. She dragged herself out of bed and noted with faint pleasure that she was taller even then she had been as sixteen-year-old Ichidou. She certainly wasn't too tall though for she only reached Miw-sher's shoulders. She dressed in a pale blue gown and Miw-sher placed on her make-up for Ichidou's sixth time. Ichidou then rushed out, feeling something calling to her.

It wasn't long before Yami came into sight. He was more like Ichidou's aibou than the ten-year-old version naturally, but he was still a bit too cheery compared to the present Yami even though, the Neferetiabet in Ichidou informed her, his father had died. Great Wife Netikerty was still alive though and a thorn in Neferetiabet's side. Ichidou searched the part of her that was Neferetiabet to find out Atem was sixteen now. 'So I've been sent six years later… That makes me nineteen! Whoa!' Ichidou realized.

Neferetiabet-Ichidou called out, "Pharaoh Atem!"

Atem turned and smiled. He had been talking with Priest Mahaado who said a farewell, bowed, and left. Ichidou watched Mahaado inquisitively as he walked away for around his neck rested the Millennium Ring glinting in the sunlight. "Now, what is it, Lady Neferetiabet?" questioned Atem knowingly.

"Who said I wanted anything but to greet you?" Neferetiabet-Ichidou queried.

"It's obvious by your tone that you wish to speak with me."

"Hmm, well," said Neferetiabet-Ichidou with a toss of her head, "I just wished to inform you of the High Priest's treatment of Pedibastet's children as of late. It is worsening. He has been harming the littlest one's kitten."

Atem sighed and said, "I am well aware of my cousin's behavior."

"And?" asked Neferetiabet-Ichidou.

"And I have spoken with him many times on such matters," finished the past Yami.

"Argh! You know that does not help!" Neferetiabet-Ichidou accused.

"I know," replied Atem, "but what can I do? He is my cousin and the High Priest."

"You are incorrigible!" shouted Neferetiabet-Ichidou, lackadaisically placing her head on her left hand.

"I know," Atem noted. He was clad in only wide pants, a red cape, a thick aureate necklace, and several bangles. Around his neck hung the Millennium Puzzle causing Ichidou to long to have the familiar weight resting against her chest. They strolled side-by-side along the path through the garden. Ichidou had a feeling Neferetiabet and Atem did this every chance they could.

Ichidou sighed inwardly. 'I want to go home!' she complained to herself. 'I want things to be like they used to be! Just me and 'Kaasan and the weekly session of being threatened by Ke-ki and running for my freakin' life!' She took a deep breath and shut her eyes for a moment to calm herself. 'There's no place like home,' chanted Ichidou half-seriously. 'There's no place like home.' She broke into mental hysterics so fierce she was crying outside from laughing so hard.

When they turned a corner they nearly collided with Great Wife Netikerty causing Ichidou to mentally choke. Netikerty sneered at Neferetiabet before turning to her son and querying, "How are you, dear Atem?" She stepped in stride with them on Atem's right side and Atem and Neferetiabet-Ichidou continued walking.

"I am fine, Mother. How goes the preparations for heightened protection of Father's tomb?" replied Atem, with a slight tilt of his head.

"I fear it may not be enough," replied Netikerty. "There are many highly-skilled tomb robbers after all." In Ichidou's eyes she was obviously ignoring the younger wife of the former Pharaoh.

Atem sighed and whispered, "So there is."

"There is another matter we must address, son. One that, if achieved, will benefit the kingdom greatly," Netikerty noted.

"What be it, Mother?" the young Pharaoh inquired.

"You know you must choose a chief wife soon," said Netikerty, drawing a groan from Atem. "Without one," insisted his mother, "the kingdom is in danger of having no heir if you were to depart this life. I have developed a solution." Ichidou rolled her eyes at how dramatic Yami's 'kaasan was being.

"Which is, Mother?" Atem queried.

"You will choose me as your chief wife," Netikerty answered causing Neferetiabet-Ichidou to stumble. It took all Ichidou had not to groan. "After all, I do have the knowledge and experience."

'That's-that's just wrong!' Ichidou shouted spiritually. 'Besides the obvious fact that you're his 'kaasan, lady, I'm-I'm what?'

So befuddled was Ichidou that she nearly missed Yami's response. "You're proposition is appreciated, Mother, but" said Atem after a moment of heavy silence among the group, "it is not necessary."

"What ever do you mean, Atem?!" gasped Netikerty.

Ichidou silently cheered inside. 'I don't think I could've looked at Yami the same if he's said yes,' she realized, grinning behind her hand. Finally she said aloud for Atem, "Don't you think it would be improper, Great Wife Netikerty?"

"It does not matter!" the older woman snapped before checking herself at Atem's disapproving look. "I mean it would help keep the royal blood among the actual family."

"Change can be excellent, Mother," remarked Atem, smiling slightly at Neferetiabet-Ichidou for her contribution to his side.

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Anon, Ichidou frowned and thought as she wandered back to the harem, 'Well, Netikerty's sooo gonna kill me.' She frowned as she passed High Priest "Seto" who snarled at her. 'Hmm, in a bad mood as usual, which reminds me,' she continued. 'I was supposed to go see Seto Kaiba. I seem to have more important problems though. Like getting home!'

Ichidou wearily reached her little house in the harem and collapsed on her cot. She raked her fingers through her braids and reached out mentally. She knew no one would answer, but she just needed to fully comprehend how alone she was. She felt as if she'd been dreaming all the time she'd been there and now she had been doused with water. Ichidou groaned and whispered, "There's no place like home." She didn't go into a giggle fit this time though. She just stared at the ceiling solemnly as if it held all the answers.

"Are you ill, milady?" Miw-sher asked, stepping inside.

"Not in the normal sense, no," Neferetiabet-Ichidou muttered.

"But how can you be so disheartened when the Pharaoh is obviously enthralled with you?"

"WHAT?!?!" shrieked Neferetiabet-Ichidou, sitting up in one swift motion.

"You didn't know, Lady Neferetiabet?" Miw-sher queried. "Why, it is the latest talk among the other servants."

Neferetiabet-Ichidou, who looked as if she was either going to murder someone or yell, finally calmed down and asked, "What evidence have these…servants?"

"Only how he looks upon you and how informal you and his highness are around one another," Miw-sher answered.

Ichidou gaped and admitted, 'Well, it is good evidence…but I have to get home!' She gazed at Miw-sher to see the other female hiding a grin. Ichidou nearly screamed again.

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" "Why don't you go speak with Pharaoh, m'lady? It can't hurt," " Neferetiabet-Ichidou grumbled to herself imitating Miw-sher. With coaxing from her maid, she had set out to find Atem the morning after her talk with Miw-sher. "I'm gonna make a fool of myself!" she added in her own tone.

"You know talking to yourself is a sign of insanity, Lady Neferetiabet," remarked a dry voice. Neferetiabet-Ichidou looked up to see the High Priest leaning against one of the rails surrounding the veranda. She walked up the steps that led to that very place and retorted, "It is only one sign out of many that you have!"

"Well played, ma'am," said the priest.

Neferetiabet-Ichidou humphed and continued through the terrace. She eventually spotted Pharaoh Atem with his most trusted advisor, Simon. The man had brought the Pharaoh up after all, Neferetiabet's knowledge informed her reincarnation. "Ah! Lady Neferetiabet! How nice to see you," said Simon, turning to the woman.

Neferetiabet-Ichidou could've sworn she had seen Simon wink as he bid good-bye to them and left. 'Maybe I'm just paranoid,' Ichidou thought dryly. She mentally sighed and added, 'Probably not. It seems everyone is trying to set up Yami and Neferetiabet up. Ah! If he and Neferetiabet-Eek! Just great… I'll have my own private show if that happens.' Ichidou shuddered, but grinned slightly despite herself. She mentally slapped herself as she realized Atem had asked her something. She automatically responded with a, "I'm fine. Thank you, milord." 'So my body seems to be ignoring my thoughts,' Ichidou realized wryly. 'Well, I've already started saying things I wouldn't normally… Hmm, I wonder if I'm like a reincarnation or something of Neferetiabet… Could that be why I'm stuck watching everything my body does? Then why am I here in the first place?'

Neferetiabet-Ichidou had been dawdling so Atem turned back to her. "Come, I wish to show you something," he called.

"So this is akin to that first time we were together like this?" Neferetiabet-Ichidou queried, a small smile on her lips.

"You could say that," Atem said deeply.

Ichidou shivered at the tone. She couldn't quite place why it made her insides clench though. The Pharaoh led Neferetiabet-Ichidou onto the courtyard and along a path. Ichidou stared at his back, watching the crimson robe as it brushed the stone trail. 'It isn't terrible being in Ancient Egypt… 'Living in the palace anyway,' she realized with a smirk. 'There's enough jewelry to satisfy even Karei and… Okay, I'll admit it Yami's hot, cape, spiky hair, and all. I am really sixteen after all! That doesn't mean I-I-oh forget it. Hmm, I'm talking to myself again. Atleast not aloud this time,' added Ichidou remembering the High Priest's words.

Eventually Atem stopped at the entrance to a huge stone structure guarded by two men. "What is this place?" Neferetiabet-Ichidou queried.

"Have you ever seen a Duel Monster tablet?" Atem asked in turn.

"No. Aren't they huge?"

"'Taller than either of us," Atem muttered, walking past the kneeling sentries.

Neferetiabet-Ichidou followed him and whispered, "That's not saying much you know, your highness."

"Atem!" yelled the young Pharaoh.

"Hmm?" Neferetiabet-Ichidou murmured as she stared, feeling significantly intimidated in the great chamber with its huge stone slabs. It felt rather as if the Black Magician tablet and the others were spying on her with their eerily lively eyes.

"Amun-Ra only knows if it'll actually harm anyone but my immediate relatives to address me by my name," said Atem lightly. "What I'm trying to say, Lady Neferetiabet, is I would like you to start calling me Atem. If it makes you uncomfortable you don't have to in public," he added.

"Well," muttered Neferetiabet-Ichidou. "All right, Atem, but don't call me Lady Neferetiabet then. Unadorned Nebet is fine."

"Nebet? Okay. It's certainly shorter than Neferetiabet. It's a treaty then," laughed Atem before staring wide-eyed at the slabs. "Isn't this place interesting? Many a time, I used to sneak away from Simon and hide here."

"I thought you always hid in the pots," teased Nebet-Ichidou.

"'Not when I became too large," stated Atem.

Nebet-Ichidou chuckled and Atem smirked. She noted the ease in which he confirmed the rumor. She stuck out a tentative finger and tapped the tablet of the Black Magician. Nothing occurred, but she smiled nonetheless and thought, 'It really is huge, but sooo dus-'

"A-choo!" Nebet-Ichidou sneezed violently, sending sand flying and Atem covering his eyes. The Pharaoh brushed dust from his hair as Nebet-Ichidou grinned.

"Do you wish to go somewhere… less dusty?" queried the young Yami after a few moments.

"All right. Where?"

"I was thinking the private garden."

"I've never been there. Is it lovely?"

"Gorgeous," Atem said in that deep tone again that sent tremors up Ichidou's spine.

She trailed him out the door, past the guards, and down another pathway. Soon the high arch that led to the garden appeared. Within it were the reddest roses Ichidou had ever seen and little white jasmine directly in front of her. To her right were narcissuses with brilliant, narrow leaves and white, cup-shaped flowers and oleanders. The evergreen shrubs had fragrant purple flowers. Nebet-Ichidou gazed at lush chrysanthemum and dahlias of various shades, and grinned. Farther into the garden were henna trees with aromatic reddish flowers with a bed of purplish-blue violets beneath them. In a little pool, lotus flowers with large leaves and pink flowers floated atop the blue water. Nebet-Ichidou kneeled down beside the pond and poked a finger into the water.

"This is beautiful!" she exclaimed, turning to Atem who was standing near the edge of the pool.  

He met her enraptured gaze with one of his own aimed solely at her. Nebet-Ichidou stood up and went to stand beside him. Eyes glinting, Atem gave her a questioning look. Nebet nodded as Ichidou's thoughts flew. They came to a crashing halt at what Atem did next. He placed his arms on her waist and pulled her to him, leaning down and pressing his lips intensely to her's. Nebet-Ichidou let out a little gasp before returning the kiss with a fervent need.

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A/N: Geez, this chapter is so much longer than my usual ones. (I wish I could type with all ten fingers. My poor index finger.) I really needed to put the "kiss scene" in here though. *laughs* Otherwise it would've messed up my plan.

Iyami: You don't have a plan.

Choccy: I do for the next chapter! Aren't you proud? ^_^

Iyami: *sarcastic* I'm ecstatic…

Choccy: Now that's not nice. =P

Iyami: Don't care. -_-

A/N 2: *sigh* Now, the next point of interest is the preview of chapter 11:

Ichidou's still in Ancient Egypt, but there's three awesome things about still being there:

1. She can dreamily gaze 24/7 at Atem unless he's busy. (Unfortunately, being Pharaoh, he usually is. -_-)

2. She's not in school but she's learning about Ancient Egyptian culture and…

3. She can dress up all the time in enormously expensive jewels.

So life is good except for the fact that she misses her mom, friends, and ol' broody Yami.

As she puts it, "Atem is great and all, but Yami is mysterious, doesn't think the fact that I'm his deceased father's little wife is a barrier, and is soooooo hot. Well, Atem is too but Yami has a certain…trait about him that makes him hotter."

But things can't stay this way forever. After all, her Yami back in the present wasn't exactly ready to talk about his love life so something's bound to have gone wrong, right?

………….. Absolutely.

The next chapter ends the sentence I've been weaving with the last few chapter titles. Stay tuned for "Duel Eleven: …And Goes Horribly Amiss!"

A/N 3: Please review! ^__^ Bye!