The Lost Pharaoh
Chapter 3: Bonding
Warm, glittering rays peeked in through the clouds of the sky nearing dawn. Early summer mornings were just beautiful, Sugoroku thought as he peered out his window. The sheets were thrown off of him as he got up to get dressed. Yawning widely he stretched his aching muscles until he felt better. Once he was dressed he went into the bathroom to finish his morning activities before leaving his room. As he walked down the hallway, he stopped by Yuugi's door. He didn't want to wake him, since it was a Saturday morning, but he had to tell Yuugi he'd be out for a while.
Sighing in defeat, he rapped lightly on Yuugi's door. A muffled reply was all he heard in response, so he opened the door a crack.
"Yuugi?"
Another muffled reply answered, though now that he was closer this time it sounded a bit...raspy, or deeper. Maybe Yuugi was catching a cold.
Sugoroku opened the door a bit wider, peering in slightly. The sheets were ruffled and out of place so he could only see a large lump beneath the pile of fabric.
"Yuugi, I'm sorry to disturb you, but I want to let you know I'll be out for a while."
"...Mmm...Okay, grandpa," Yuugi's sleepy voice answered, muffled beneath the bed sheets.
Sugoroku chuckled lightly to himself, before continuing.
"Professor Hawkins has asked me to come down to the museum, he said it was urgent so hopefully his team has found more clues about ancient Egypt and what happened to The Lost Pharaoh," Sugoroku explained quietly.
He saw the sheets lift a bit, as a figure rose up.
"The Lost Pharaoh?"
Sugoroku worriedly stepped closer, "Yuugi...your voice sounds different, you must be catching something. What are you wearing to bed?"
He heard a soft, sleepy reply and had to blink in confusion and step closer. Did he just Egyptian robes? Suddenly, he saw the other end of the sheets come up as Yuugi rose from the other side of the bed. How did he move there so fast?
"It's okay grandpa, I'm all right."
Sugoroku furrowed his eyebrows. Now Yuugi sounded all right, but there were times his voice shifted pitches, which usually meant a cold was coming on. Strangely though, his voice would shift lower, but usually Yuugi's voice became a bit higher and raspier when he got a cold.
Well, he sounds all right to me, for now. Maybe when I get back I'll take his temperature.
"All right, well I'm leaving."
"...Bye grandpa," Yuugi yawned softly.
He closed the door slowly to let Yuugi get some sleep. Maybe sleep was all he needed. For now, he had important business to attend to. Getting his suitcase full of information on Egypt and the lost pharaoh he left the game shop to head down to the Museum of Archaeologist Artifacts, the museum owned by Professor Arthur Hawkins.
XXXXX
After he heard the door close, Yuugi let out a breath of relief. He was afraid his grandpa would've seen Yami, after all, he was continually researching everything about the Lost Pharaoh. Suddenly, Yuugi's eyes widened. He had forgotten to make Yami a bed because he had fallen asleep, so where was he?
Before Yuugi could even sit up he heard a soft sigh by his ear. It was then that he realized his back was nudged up against something solid and warm. Yuugi's eyes widened even larger as he slowly shifted around to see Yami sleeping peacefully right next to him. He had taken off his crown and all his jewelry, plus his cape. He was only wearing his robe garment that wrapped around his lower body. But what startled Yuugi was not anything about what Yami was wearing, but rather that his bed was only a twin-sized bed leaving barely any space between them.
He realized that not only was he being a bad host to the Pharaoh of Egypt but what if he had kicked Yami during the night? What if he had had another nightmare? Had Yami slept all right? Yuugi's bed certainly couldn't compare to the luxury of a pharaoh's bed...
Then he remembered that it was Saturday, the day that he promised Yami he'd take them shopping, to the movies and all around to give him a heads up on the twentieth century. He tried calming his nerves down telling himself that Yami was a pharaoh, but they were also close friends. Yami wouldn't be angry that they had to share a small bed, would he? Just then, Yami shifted slowly in his sleep as his arms stretched by reflex. Yuugi didn't want to disturb his sleep and wake him up so he quickly scooted back to give him some space to stretch in his sleep...
...only he scooted back a little too far. Yuugi squealed as he fell from the bed and landed on the floor with a loud thud, pulling half the covers with him. If Yami hadn't been woken by the covers coming off his body, then he had surely been woken by Yuugi's squeal. Yami slowly lifted his head off the pillow, blinking out of his sleep. He saw that Yuugi's side was empty and noticed the covers trailing off the side of the bed to the floor.
"Yuugi?" Yami leaned over the edge of the bed to see Yuugi lying under a pile of covers, grinning sheepishly.
"Um, morning Yami."
Yami's eyes gazed at him with concern as he held out his hand.
"Do you need help up?"
Yuugi reached up to grasp his hand as he was pulled back up on the bed.
"Thanks," Yuugi blushed from embarrassment before looking down at the bed.
Yami smiled and turned to glance out the window by the bed. He saw the sun just high enough in the sky to produce rays bright enough to light the neighborhood.
"It's a couple hours after dawn," he mused.
Yuugi looked up at him surprised and turned to the clock which read 7:56. Yuugi turned back to Yami with wide eyes.
"Yami, how did you know that?"
"Hm?" Yami blinked out of his daze and glanced toward Yuugi seeing the shocked expression on his face. "The time? It's simple Yuugi, the sun tells you exactly the time it is."
Well, I guess some things don't change.
Yuugi smiled and lifted his small form off the bed.
"I'm going to go make us some breakfast before we go off shopping. You should get dressed," Yuugi offered.
Yami nodded, but tilted his head in question.
"Yuugi?"
Yuugi stopped just as he was about to leave the room.
"I know we are going to get me some clothes so that I may fit in better but...what about walking to the store? Will it be okay to wear my garments?"
Yuugi's eyes widened with surprise. He had completely forgotten about the walk to the store before buying the clothes. For a minute, he stood there in thought until an idea came to him.
"Well...there are some people that dress pretty strangely around here, or at least in the downtown area where we're going to shop. I guess it wouldn't draw too much attention, people just might think you're a priest or something, no big deal. Just don't wear too much of the garments, that could draw unnecessary attention."
Yami nodded as Yuugi closed the door lightly and proceeded down the stairs to make them something to eat. He went in the back to the kitchen and opened the fridge.
"What would Yami like?" Yuugi wondered aloud.
He tried to think of what he liked for breakfast...though he wasn't sure what they ate in Egypt.
Probably some rare fruit, bread and meat...
Yuugi sighed and bonked his head on the refridgerator door trying to think. His eyes snapped open as an idea came to mind. There was one thing that usually worked on most people. He remembered one time his grandpa had had very important guests over who were looking over his research papers to see if he qualified as the right archaeologist they wanted. Sugoroku had told Yuugi that morning that he wasn't sure what would please them, but there was one simple meal that usually made people happy, one way or another.
Smiling, Yuugi grabbed some eggs and butter and a bag hidden way in the back of the fridge. Yami would have to like this, there weren't too many people that didn't like or mind it, if they could help it.
Twenty minutes later, Yuugi was finally satisfied with how much he cooked. There would be some left over for the next morning, hopefully...if Yami liked it.
This has to work, Yuugi silently prayed, biting his lower lip.
Just as he turned off the stove he heard gentle footsteps coming down the stairs. A moment later, Yami appeared, a little less overdressed than when he had first arrived. He wore his robe wrapped around his lower body, but no cape, and the only jewelry he wore were the rings on his fingers. His whole upper body was bare, since it was the cape that had made it harder to see his tanned muscular chest.
Yuugi inwardly sighed.
I really hope girls don't drool all over him. He might become offended and hurt their feelings. I remember grandpa told me that back in the day the pharaoh always picked his wife, usually around their 18-20th birthdays. Nowadays it's usually the other way around, in most cases.
"Is this better?" Yami asked, walking toward the stool and sitting on it.
Yuugi nodded with a big smile, "Yes, Yami. And remember, I'm not taking away your clothes, you can wear them around the shop if you wish. I just don't want attention drawn to us because it'll make your stay more uncomfortable."
Yami smiled warmly at him, "Thank you Yuugi, I very much appreciate that."
Yuugi smiled and blushed, overwhelmed by the extreme compliment. He quickly turned his head away and reached his hand up to open the cupboard to get some plates. The first thing he realized when he opened it was that he had a big problem. The cupboard was in fine reach, but the plates were a different story. They were up two shelves and even if he jumped he wouldn't be able to reach them. Why his grandpa had put them so high even though the two of them were short was beyond him.
Yuugi stared pitifully up at the plates and was desperately trying to figure out where the step stool was, that he didn't notice the clanking sound until he saw an arm in front of his face. He turned surprised to see Yami behind him reaching for the plates. He could just barely reach them as he pulled two down and closed the cupboard.
Yami looked down at him and saw Yuugi's big stunned eyes staring up at him, shock and wonder etched into his features. Yami slowly began to chuckle before glancing down at him again.
"Too high for you little one?"
Yuugi could hear the amusement in his voice and his eyebrows furrowed together. Yuugi folded his arms across his chest and set a half pout, half glare on his face.
"I wouldn't mock me, Yami, Mr. High-and Mighty-who-didn't-even-know-what-a-shower-was!" Yuugi huffed.
Immediately Yuugi covered his mouth, realizing he had just mocked, teased and partly insulted the pharaoh. Yuugi was expecting a glare or punishment but what he found instead was Yami laughing. Yuugi stared up at him speechless, and when Yami was done he glanced down at Yuugi again, amusement and laughter shining in his eyes.
So...he's not mad? He...he thought it was funny?
"I'm not used to having someone so quick to counter me," Yami chuckled.
Yuugi sighed inwardly, relieved to find that Yami wasn't the average, nasty and greedy pharaoh. In fact, he was as opposite to that as it could get. He was kind, intelligent, giving, caring, attractive, and very strong when he needed to be. Yuugi remembered seeing the look in Yami's eyes when he fired the attack at Kontar. In a way, it scared Yuugi to see how much power was reflected in Yami's angry glare, even though he was a kind person. In order to be pharaoh in the first place, he'd have to be strong enough to protect the people, and Yami was more than strong enough.
Yami noticed Yuugi's downward gaze and gently lifted his head up to look him in the eye. Yami could tell there was a very clear uncertainty lying in the surface of Yuugi's violet, innocent eyes.
"Yuugi, what's wrong?" Yami asked, his eyebrows furrowing from concern.
Yuugi couldn't hold the gaze between them for very long. Soon, he found the floor interesting again, but he managed to softly reply.
"I just...I'm sorry, I don't know what I can and can't do...," Yuugi whispered.
Yami stared down at him, trying to understand what he was saying. He again tilted Yuugi's head upward to gaze into his eyes, and suddenly the answer was clear. It was anxiety...Yuugi was worried he wouldn't be able to please Yami. Inwardly, Yami sighed, knowing that no matter how different Yuugi was to most people, he had similar concerns.
"Yuugi," Yami said softly, bending down to his knees to keep their gaze level. "I don't want you to think of me as pharaoh while I'm here with you. No matter how many Egyptian garments I wear, don't be afraid to be yourself around me."
With compassion and sincerity, Yami lifted his head to stare at him with a kind expression. Yuugi's fears immediately washed away as he saw that Yami had been pharaoh for so long that when he met Yuugi they had clicked instantly because even though Yuugi found out who he was he had been honest and open with him. That's what Yami wanted most. A soft smile overcame Yuugi's face as he nodded in understanding.
"All right, Yami, I promise."
Yami's face lit up and he stood back up. His expression changed as he tilted his head upward to sniff the air.
"Something smells good, what is it?"
A wide and semi-innocent grin spread across Yuugi's face as he took the plates with him.
"It's a surprise, you'll have to sit down and find out."
Yami blinked in curiosity but did as Yuugi said and sat down, awaiting whatever was smelling so wonderful in the other room. Only a couple minutes later, Yuugi came out carrying the two plates now full of the steaming food that had drifted through the air. Yuugi poured them both a glass of orange juice and set the plate and drink in front of Yami, then set his in the seat next to his. Yami looked down at the strange fluffy golden circles with strange bits of brown chunks in it. It looked very different from the food in Kemet but smelled wonderful. Yami was used to smelling meat, soup, bread, even fruits, but nothing like this, nothing so...sweet and mouth-watering.
"What is it?" Yami asked in wonder.
Yuugi giggled but decided to lay off the teasing, just until Yami became more comfortable with the new environment.
"They're called chocolate chip pancakes."
"Oh, it's smells delicious. You say there's chocolate in it?" Yami asked, peering over at Yuugi, who nodded in reply. "Isn't chocolate bitter? This smells too sweet to be bitter."
Yuugi smiled and shook his head, "It's not pure chocolate like in Egypt or other places where they don't add sweeteners and other ingredients. This chocolate is very much sweet, just try it."
Yami turned back to his plate, picking up the fork (as Yuugi called it) and splitting a piece off. Steam rose from the inside of the pancake as the smell drifted to Yami's nose. He cut off a small piece with a chocolate chip melted in it, lifted it with the fork and stuck it in his mouth. Yuugi watched anxiously, hoping that Yami would like the food there, because it was hard and expensive to have supplies imported from Egypt. Yuugi watched Yami chew it and saw his eyes light up in pleasure. He swallowed and turned to Yuugi.
"I have never tasted anything so...so..."
"Addicting?" Yuugi smiled.
Yami blinked, then chuckled lightly. "Yes, so addicting."
He took another bite and Yuugi smiled happily as Yami began to eat the three pancakes Yuugi placed on his plate. Relieved, Yuugi grabbed the maple syrup and poured some on top of his pancakes to begin eating. He was just glad his grandpa had bought more chocolate chips. It was probably because every time Jou came over he ate at least half the bag so they had to keep buying more. Yuugi began to eat, enjoying the comfortable silence between the both of them thinking about the fun he had planned for Yami.
Yami had glanced over at Yuugi while he had poured something on top of his pancakes. Curiously, Yami looked around him and saw a glass in front of him full of an orange liquid.
Yami picked up the glass and began pouring the orange liquid over his last pancake. Yuugi watched in shock with big, round eyes, fork in mid-air as he stared at Yami dumbfounded as the glass of orange juice was emptied on his pancakes. Yami didn't seem to notice that Yuugi had stopped eating and was staring at him as if he had three heads, for he cut off another small piece and stuck it in his mouth. After he swallowed he glanced in Yuugi's direction and saw him staring at him with a slightly open mouth.
"The juice brings a lot of different flavors to it," Yami said. "What kind of fruit is it?"
"Um...," Yuugi said, still wide-eyed, "it's an orange."
"An orange? Hmm...I should tell some of my viziers to try and find a way to grow some of these, they're very tasty," Yami said, turning back to finish the rest of the pancake.
Yuugi rose one of his eyebrows slightly as he watched Yami for another minute before turning back to his own plate.
He has a lot to learn...
XXXXX
The tall, most elaborate museum stood in front of him as he climbed the marble steps to the marvelous structure. It was a wonder why it wasn't opened yet, but Sugoroku knew why Arthur was waiting to open it. He had everything set up in the museum he wanted, most artifacts from Africa, myths and legends and other wonders, but not many from Egypt that were different from what other museums had. Arthur wanted something special...something from Egypt to be the main attraction, something that no one else had. Sugoroku wondered briefly if that was the reason Arthur had called him to come immediately.
When he reached the top of the steps, he looked around for any sign of someone to let him in. He shrugged and walked forward, pushing on the fancy door handle. The door opened with ease and Sugoroku walked in. The moment he stepped foot inside he was rooted to the spot. It was absolutely magnificent...
All around him were statues, carvings, maps, paintings...all organized into different topics in each of the large rooms. Sugoroku walked across the glass floor to look at a beautiful Greek statue of Athena, before he heard footsteps coming down the marble stairs of the spiral staircase leading up to the next level of the museum. Arthur Hawkins came down chatting with a couple of men who worked for him, doing the digging. Arthur spotted him and immediately his face brightened.
"Sugoroku! It's wonderful to see you here! Ah, you may leave, that's all I have for now," Arthur said to the two men.
As they left, Arthur walked up to him extended a hand which Sugoroku shook right away.
"So Arthur, what's the emergency?"
Arthur smiled, "Now, now Sugoroku, no need to rush. Follow me."
As he led him through the rooms of wonderful and neat exhibits, Arthur chatted away like old times.
"I'm very sorry to call you so urgently, I know you have to leave Yuugi alone often times. I wish that didn't have to be. If only he had someone to stay with while you went away on your trips and digs," Arthur said sincerely.
Sugoroku sighed and nodded in agreement.
"I wish that too, but Yuugi says he's fine by himself. He's always been a brave boy, ever since he was little...," he trailed off.
Arthur studied his friend for a minute before nodding, "I see...You mean about his mother."
Sugoroku nodded sadly, "She was very ill most of the time. The doctors weren't sure what she had or how she got it. I remember the day I, along with some neighbor friends, had to take her to the hospital and the doctors told me this time she may not defeat the illness. I remember...," Sugoroku paused, "I remember how Yuugi, only five years old, was sitting by her bedside holding her hand. He wasn't crying, just staring at her peacefully, watching her till she woke up. When she did I know they talked for a while, but the most important things I remember is their last words to each other..."
Flashback
A pair of dull violet eyes opened finally and gazed at the young boy beside the bed.
"Yuugi...my little Yuugi."
"How are you feeling mom?" a five-year-old Yuugi asked, staring at her with brilliant violet eyes of his own.
"I'm afraid not very well. Oh Yuugi...I wish it didn't have to be this way. I wanted to make sure your life wasn't so stressful or unhappy. The day your father left in anger and sadness when he knew I was dying, that had an effect on both of us. But you have to remember, Yuugi, that everything happens for a reason."
"And this too?" he asked quietly.
"Yes, darling. Perhaps...just perhaps living with your grandpa is best. Maybe you'll have the life I wanted you to have but could never give. I'm just sorry that I can't be there for you in flesh and blood, but I promise that I will be looking down," she whispered hoarsely, running her fingers through his slightly short, spiky hair.
Yuugi's eyes dimmed sadly, but he nodded.
"I understand mama...you have to go to that better place," Yuugi's tiny, soft voice said.
She smiled, her golden and dark purple hair spread about her face.
"My darling little boy, please don't forget me, but be good for your grandpa...I promise you, one day you will understand why I have to go. One day, your destiny will be clear to you, don't ever forget that Yuugi. Until then, shine as bright as you can."
End Flashback
Sugoroku shook his head.
"He never cried, except for after the moment she passed away. He's been strong ever since, though his heart is tender."
"Yes, I agree, Yuugi is a very sweet boy," Arthur smiled kindly. "I wonder though what his mother meant by those words. Did she have an disease?"
"We were never sure, the doctors didn't know what it was, but I assume so," Sugoroku replied.
Arthur nodded and decided to drop the subject.
"Well, the reason I brought you here is because I found something you must take a look at."
"Oh?" Sugoroku looked at him questioningly.
Arthur led him to a downstairs room, much smaller than all the rest. While entering, Sugoroku noticed that the room was full of artifacts, items and such from digs that they had gone on together, or ones that Sugoroku had heard about Arthur going on. It was smaller because Arthur didn't like just digging up potteries and such, there was plenty of that from ancient times. He was always after digs with much more significance.
But they didn't even stay in that room, they went into the back, which was Arthur's office where he studied and decrypted writing on potteries, items or anything at all, and where he also did his paperwork for the museum and his findings. Arthur closed the door behind them and approached a large cabinet near his desk. He dug for his keys in his pocket and unlocked it, taking something out that appeared to be covered in a silk sheet.
Arthur carefully set it down upon the table and Sugoroku could tell it had a sphere-like shape to it.
"What is it?" Sugoroku asked.
"This is the newest item found on the dig, Sugoroku, something I only trust you to see, besides my diggers."
Sugoroku bent closer as Arthur lifted the sheet.
"Magnificent...I've never seen anything like it," Sugoroku whispered and bent closer to get a better look.
The object was in fact a sphere, although it looked a bit chipped and old. What was so magnificent about it, were the carvings surrounding it. They were written in pure gold, even instructed with hieroglyphics. It was definitely Egyptian writing, and Sugoroku could tell a couple symbols just by looking at it.
"This is...it's incredible, where did you find it?"
Arthur smiled, "The day after you left I decided to check around the whole site once more, just an overview, even the old buildings down by the waterfall. I had one of my workers climb the rocks by the waterfall just to see if maybe from that height they'd be able to make out something we missed. Apparently, there was a small crevice behind the waterfall that my worker found, and thank our lucky stars Sugoroku that he did see it, or else we wouldn't have this," he said pointing to the sphere.
"We dug behind the waterfall, careful not to disrupt anything, and we found that by taking out the middle section of the back wall of the cavern there was a tunnel. The tunnel then led us into a separate site, one that looked like it had once been a digging site, but then they didn't find anything there so they built a waterfall around it. All that we could see was sand, but I was sure that with so much land behind the waterfall, there had to be something.
"So, I decided to test it out to see if maybe any high quality machinery could pick up any stone or metallic items underneath the sand," Arthur explained while pacing back and forth slowly. "We searched the whole area and all that came up were rocks and more rocks. For a whole five days we did this, covering every square inch of land and still nothing. But I wouldn't give up. So on the sixth day, my patience was rewarded. Even though on the machine it showed that there was nothing but rocks underneath the whole area, one of men was walking around and fell into a sand hole, which opened a new tunnel that had all ready been dug there. We followed it and came to a wall underground, do you know what that means Sugoroku?"
Sugoroku thought for a minute, then suddenly his eyes widened, "A tomb...?"
"Yes, precisely. The tunnel was dug to lead underneath to a tomb, except that there was no pyramid or tomb above the sand, nor beneath it from what we could tell, so we weren't sure if at some point there even was anything there, but when we collapsed the wall underground there were several items, mostly statues and potteries, but this," he gestured to the sphere, "this was even more difficult to find. It was inside yet another piece of wall, and my men at first thought I'd gone crazy when I wanted each wall torn down, but then this was found."
Sugoroku's eyes were wide on the object shimmering in front of him. If that was true...then...
"Could this be from the Lost Pharaoh's temple?"
Arthur nodded, "Maybe, or better, his tomb. The play where his body rests, and we need to find that, Sugoroku. This sphere may be the key to everything. I believe that it can tell us where the pharaoh's tomb is right now, but there are some complications."
Sugoroku looked up at him, "Complications?"
Arthur nodded gravely, "For one, there are some symbols on there that I've never seen before. I've even called in the best decipherers I could and spent quite a bit of money trying to get it secretly analyzed, but no one could tell me anything that I didn't know all ready.
"The other problem is that there's a piece missing," he pointed at a small section of the sphere. Because I don't know what it says I don't know if anything important has been cut off, but if we find this we'll not only be richer, but we'll have something greater. We can return the Lost Pharaoh's body to the people of Egypt in Kemet and they might choose to give us something valuable of the pharaoh's."
"Like what?" Sugoroku asked curiously.
"Well, maybe a part of his power. He was said to possess unimaginable power, so maybe they'll give us something that's priceless."
"And what do you want me to do?"
"Sugoroku, I know that you can figure it out, remember the time you figured out the last symbol on the statue of Athena, and on an ancient Egyptian weapon?" Arthur smiled knowingly.
"Arthur...my friend, I have to be honest with you. I don't think I can decipher this. The other times were from a bit of luck," Sugoroku answered.
"Yes, I suppose," he sighed folding his arms, "but you are a lot more experienced hands on than the people I called to help me, so I have faith in you."
"Arthur...I..."
Arthur held up his hand to stop him, "Here, how about you take it home for one month and try your best. If you can't figure it out then I'll try once more to find someone before showing the secret and get all the professional deciphers and translators on it. Though there will be competition to see who gets to the pharaoh's tomb first, I'd rather have that than not know. Besides," he smiled, "who knows, maybe Yuugi can help you out."
XXXXX
The dishes dropped into the sink filled with water to soak. Yuugi still hadn't the heart to tell Yami orange juice was for drinking so he left it alone, smiling to himself. The day was certainly going to be can an experience of a lifetime.
After Yuugi dried his hands on a towel, he turned to see Yami peering urgently with curiosity out the window. Yuugi came up behind him smiling with a little too much innocence.
"You ready to go, Yami?" Yuugi asked, hardly able to contain the excitement his voice.
Yami turned with a soft smile of his own and nodded. Yuugi opened the door and the two stepped outside the game shop for the first time together. They began walking in the direction of the downtown area, Yuugi slightly leading the way. Luckily it was only a couple blocks, but Yuugi was sure Yami wouldn't mind the walk compared to traveling across the desert.
As they walked, Yuugi enjoyed the fresh warm breeze blowing through his hair. Summer had lasted much longer that year and Yuugi was enjoying it to the fullest. He glanced at Yami, walking beside him, and saw Yami enjoying the beauty of Domino as well.
"Where are we going first Yuugi?" Yami asked.
Yuugi smiled, "Well, first we have to get you some proper clothing. I don't want anyone to give you a hard time."
Yami nodded in understanding, "And where is this clothes shop? There seems to be hundreds of shops here."
"Yep, but not all of them are clothes shops, Yami. Some are restaurants, some are ice cream shops and some are a mix of things."
Yami blinked confusedly back at him while trying to register that in this century they needed to have separate stores for each individual need.
Smiling to himself, Yuugi looked away from Yami enjoying that he was interested with everything around him. He knew exactly which clothes shop to take him to, it was Yuugi's favorite. As they turned the corner they almost ran into a small group of girls.
"Oh, sorry," Yuugi apologized.
The blonde girl smiled at him with cheerful blue eyes.
"That's all right cutie," she winked.
The brunette beside her giggled as Yuugi blushed.
"What are your names?" the red head asked as the other two smiled at them.
"My name is Yuugi and this is Yami...my cousin," Yuugi added.
"Hmm, love the outfit, Yami," the brunette smiled flirtatiously, "it looks good on you."
Yami blinked in response and looked down at his attire. He wasn't even wearing half of everything a pharaoh should.
"Aw, well you both are adorable, hope to see you around," the blonde winked gain and the three girls passed them.
Yuugi sighed with relief, glad they didn't decide to ask more questions.
"Yuugi, why did you call me your cousin?"
Yuugi glanced up at Yami's confused expression.
"Oh, I'm sorry Yami, I would've told them you were my friend, but I've seen them around Domino High, the school I go to. I think they're seniors because I've only seen them once, so they don't really know me, but I was just being careful. I called you my cousin because that's what I have to tell my grandpa, friends, and the school so you can stay with me, and so they don't find out your secret."
"I see," Yami smiled.
Yuugi turned back to look ahead of them and spotted the shop.
"There it is, Yami, come on."
Yuugi grabbed Yami's hand and proceeded to drag him into the clothes store. When they walked in the boy at the counter looked up.
"Hey Yuugi! How's it going?"
"Good," Yuugi smiled.
The boy smiled and winked, "I haven't seen you around lately, usually I see you all the time."
"I know, I had to go with my grandpa again."
"Oh?" he questioned, his deep blue eyes glimmering. "Another archaeologist dig huh?"
"Yeah, but don't worry, I've got plenty saved up," Yuugi winked.
"Oh, that's right! From the last Duel Monsters competition, congratulations!"
"Thanks," Yuugi smiled shyly.
The boy finally noticed the taller boy standing next to Yuugi, oddly dressed, was with him. They looked very similar. They had the same kind of hairstyle, only Yuugi's was multicolored and the other boy's was mostly a dark purple with some red and golden strands here and there. The taller boy also had a pointer chin while Yuugi's was more refined, making him look slightly younger for his age.
"Hey, is he with you?"
Yuugi grinned, "Sure is, this is my friend Yami. He's not from around here so I'm taking him places. I just thought I'd start here."
"Ah, I see," the boy smiled. "Well, my name's Haruki and I know Yuugi through his grandpa's awesome shop," he extended his hand.
"Pleased to meet you," Yami shook his hand, smiling kindly back at him.
"You came just in time, there's a big sale going on in your favorite styles, Yuugi."
Yuugi's eyes lit up brightly as he thanked him and dragged Yami through the fairly large store looking for any sale signs.
"Look, there!" Yuugi exclaimed, seeing bunches of racks with leather attires to even polyester material, all on sale.
I guess I'll have to get myself some new outfits as well. Especially if I'm going to enter into an even bigger Duel Monsters competition.
Yuugi glanced at Yami to see him feeling the material on some of the clothing.
"Do you see anything you want to try on?"
Yami looked over at Yuugi's questioning glance.
"I'm not sure, I have never seen such material as this."
"It's leather."
"Leather?" Yami asked, looking at it closely.
"Yeah, and it's very comfortable because even if it's hot out it allows a nice breeze in, but it's also so comfortable you barely know it's on."
Yuugi smiled at Yami's lost expression and scanned through the rack, finding a pair of black leather pants and a tight blue tee-shirt, much like his black shirt he was wearing at the moment.
"Here, I think these will fit you, you look about a couple sizes bigger. Why don't you try them on."
Yami took the clothes gently from Yuugi's hands. He held them in one hand while his other hand reached down, grabbing the robe around his lower body and beginning to tug it down.
"Y-yami, what are you doing!?" Yuugi exclaimed and grabbed his robe to keep it from falling down.
Yuugi heard giggling and turned his head to see a couple girls watching them. Yuugi blushed a little and inwardly slapped himself for not being clear to Yami about dressing. Yuugi knew in ancient times the pharaoh was always dressed in front of his viziers, so he was used to showing his body.
"Yami, you dress in here," Yuugi said, showing him into a dressing room. Yuugi closed the door for him and waited outside. Just then he felt a tap on his shoulder and glanced sideways to see Haruki standing next to him.
"Your friend doesn't seem to know some customs here," he grinned. "And the way he was looking at leather you'd think he had never seen it before."
"Oh, he hasn't," Yuugi said, sweatdropping (had to add that, classic Anime -).
Haruki's eyebrows shot up into his bangs as he stared shockingly at Yuugi.
"No wonder you took him here first, I would too. You know, he looks like he has a very nice figure. He'd probably look really good in our display outfit."
"Display outfit?" Yuugi asked, blinking up at him.
Haruki nodded, "Yep, it's not on sale because we just got it, but it's very stylish. It has a mix of things in it, including what you like. I could definitely see him wearing it. I could go get it for him to try on, if you'd like," Haruki offered.
"That'd be great," Yuugi smiled. "Do you want to know his size, he'll be out in a minute?"
"From working here for three years, I'm pretty sure I know what size he'd be," Haruki smiled and walked off.
A moment after Haruki left the door to the dressing room opened. Yuugi turned to see the door wide open before Yami stuck his head out.
"Yuugi, am I allowed to come out now?"
Yuugi giggled automatically, trying to suppress his laughter.
"As long as you're dressed."
Yami finally stepped out and Yuugi's eyes immediately brightened. The tight black leather pants fit perfectly around his athletic-looking legs, hugging him just right. The shirt too looked just as good, they both appeared to be his size.
"Yami, you look great," Yuugi smiled brightly.
"Thank you, Yuugi, but...are these supposed to be so tight?"
"Yes, so that you feel like you're one with the leather," Haruki sited dramatically as he appeared with a box in hand. "That outfit fits really good, but you need something more your color. I've got that something right here in this box."
Yami peered at the box as Haruki handed it over to him.
"Now, try it on and let us see how it looks. I have yet to find the perfect customer that it looks good on."
"Really?" Yuugi asked surprised.
"Yeah," Haruki sighed, "It only comes in three sizes right now and either it's too small, too long, too big, too something and no one's been able to buy it. Your friend looks like he'd be a perfect fit, so I'm hoping he'll make me proud," Haruki winked making Yuugi laugh. "Hey, I've got an idea, if this outfit fits him perfectly and I like how it looks on him, I'll give you a deal on it."
"Sounds good to me," Yuugi smiled.
The door opened, startling the two as they turned around. Yami slowly appeared and stepped out of the dressing room. Even if Yuugi hadn't seen the look on Haruki's face, he could hear the gasps from around them. On his legs, Yami wore tight shiny silver pants that hugged his figure nicely, but not so much that it looked like he was uncomfortable or suffocating. The pants hung just at his hips, lower than the previous ones he had tried on.
The shirt he wore was a tight semi-tee shirt, for it had perfect holes around where he wore the bands on his biceps, letting some skin and muscle show through. The rest of the shirt though ended in arms length and it covered his chest just right enough that it reached down to his pants line, and wasn't too tight. It too was the same color as the pants, and a collar rose up around his neck in the back but left his neck and his collar bones open for show.
Yuugi snapped out of his shocked daze and turned to Haruki who was still staring dumbfounded at Yami in his gloriously new outfit.
"I win," Yuugi smiled cutely.
After that, Haruki led Yami around finding him a couple other outfits to wear, including some pajamas, which Yuugi suggested and told him that Yami was currently staying with him since he was an exchange student. Haruki wasn't one to ask questions and took it brightly with a smiling face. Yuugi was thankful for that. While Yami was trying on new outfits, Haruki dragged Yuugi around trying to find the perfect outfit. Yuugi accidentally let slip that he was competing in another Duel Monsters tournament, so Haruki was on a mission to find him a better one than the outfit Yuugi wore to the first one he won (which he wore his tight blue, leather pants, his black shirt he was current wearing and a blue, leather jacket over it).
Once Haruki was satisfied, Yuugi paid him with cash, and thanks to the sales and Haruki's bet, Yuugi had more than plenty of money left over for the rest of the day he planned with Yami. Haruki, of course, wouldn't let them leave until Yami was dressed in the new outfit Haruki lost the bet to, telling them both that Yami was a perfect model for his store's clothing. Yuugi laughed and agreed, while Yami looked at them puzzled, before they left the shop.
"Those were some pretty good deals," Yuugi said, as they walked down further.
The next stop would have to be the ice cream shop. Yuugi would introduce Yami to the taste of wonder for the first time, but he would make sure Yami got it in a cup. After all, he was wearing a new and expensive outfit. His robe was placed in the shopping bag.
"What did he mean by what he said?" Yami asked curiously.
Yuugi blinked with a quizzical expression, but soon smiled, "Oh, he meant that he thought you were very attractive. He said you were the only one so far to look good in the best outfit. And it was because of you that we got such a great deal."
Yami smiled, flattered and chuckled lightly, "I guess we'll have to go shopping for clothes more often."
Yuugi smiled brightly and nodded, "Yes, definitely, but right now our next time is the ice cream shop."
"Ice cream? Is this food?"
Yuugi nodded, "It's cold and sweet, you'll love it. Maybe you could send some to your viziers."
Yami turned thoughtfully, "That would be nice, but I don't think Horus would like it."
Yuugi fleetingly wondered what he meant by that, but continued walking without questioning it. A few minutes later they saw a fairly large line outside an ice cream parlor. Yuugi quickly dragged Yami over there, pointing at the various flavors and trying to explain what they tasted like.
"What's the pink one?" Yami asked, pointing to it.
"That tastes like strawberries, it's another kind of fruit, like the blueberry and watermelon," Yuugi answered.
"Which one will you have, Yuugi?"
"Oh, I'm having the cotton candy. Usually after I go shopping for clothes I get a sweet tooth and cotton candy is the sweetest ice cream I've ever tasted."
"Cotton candy?" Yami asked. "Cotton, as in the material used for clothing?"
"No, it doesn't mean that," Yuugi said shaking his head. "It's just soft like cotton and it melts in your mouth. You can try some of mine if you like."
Yami smiled just as they approached the head of the line. Yuugi ordered his cotton candy and ordered Yami the strawberry, figuring that since he was used to eating fruits, and he liked the orange juice, it'd be better to start with the flavors that seemed familiar to him.
After they received their ice cream cups, they went to sit at the table near the window.
"The place is full today," Yuugi observed. "I guess we got here right on time."
"Yes, I guess we did," Yami said, before turning to stare down at his ice cream.
Tentatively Yami picked up his spoon, dug it into the soft, cold, pink-colored substance and brought the small scoop to his mouth. Yami's face immediately screwed up as he held his head. Yuugi couldn't help but laugh out loud.
"Is it cold, Yami?"
Yami moved his mouth a little, trying to thaw it out.
"It's freezing!"
"That's how ice cream is. It cools you down in the summertime when it's really hot, but it's still good to eat with a cup of hot chocolate in the winter."
Yami looked up, "Hot chocolate?"
"Never mind, we'll get to that later on," Yuugi shook his head.
Now more prepared, Yami began to eat his ice cream slowly. After the first few bites he paused and looked up at Yuugi.
"This tastes good, Yuugi. I couldn't taste it at first because it was too cold."
"Well of course, Yami," Yuugi giggled.
Yami smiled amused and chuckled with him. Yuugi leaned his cheek on his hand as he licked his ice cream cone. He stared out the window blankly feeling his mind turn back to the tournament. He wondered what competition he had and what the prizes were. He knew Joey would enter the contest for sure, most likely Mai, Ryuuji (Duke) and Kaiba as well. Kaiba would do anything to embarrass or defeat Jou.
"What are you thinking about?" Yami asked as he watched Yuugi staring out the window.
Yuugi tore his eyes from the window and smiled, "I'm just thinking about the Duel Monsters tournament. I should probably start looking into it to see who my competition is so I can practice a strategy."
Yami paused in scooping his ice cream, "Haruki said something about you winning a contest before, didn't he Yuugi?"
"Yeah, that was a different Duel Monsters tournament. That's how I became nick-named the Child Prodegy because I defeated Pegasus who is the creator of Duel Monsters. It's strange...I still feel like he was somehow cheating, but I could never figure out how."
Yuugi shrugged, "I guess it doesn't matter now, I won and Pegasus isn't planning on hosting a Duel Monsters game ever."
"Because he cheated," Yami said distastfully.
Yuugi nodded, "At his own game. I'm not complaining though, he wasn't just a cheater, he was a cruel man. He often bribed people to get his way. I'm glad he's out of the picture."
Yami nodded solemnly, "I'm glad you won, Yuugi. Your heart is honest and kind and people like you deserve the best."
Yuugi smiled, his eyes shining brightly at Yami's soft, sweet words.
"Thank you so much, Yami," Yuugi said reaching over to grasp Yami's hand. "Oh, would you like to try my ice cream?"
Yami smiled as Yuugi brought his cone close to Yami's face. Yami took a bite of Yuugi's ice cream and this time didn't get a cold headache.
"It's very sweet," Yami said, "but it's good."
"Yeah, it...," Yuugi suddenly stopped as he glanced outside the window. It was his grandpa and he was going into a shop, about to pass right by the window. Yuugi squeaked softly, alerting Yami who had no time to question as Yuugi pulled him down under the table.
After he passed, Yuugi sat up again and sighed with relief. Yami was looking very confused at this time, and the people's stares only confused his further.
"It was my grandpa, he doesn't know I left. He usually doesn't me going out by myself, but if I told him I was with you then I'd have to tell him everything now. We should probably head back soon," Yuugi said looking at his watch. They had been shopping for more than three hours all ready. It was enough for Yami for the day, but tomorrow was definitely a new day.
"Ready?" Yuugi asked cheerfully.
Yami nodded and the two left to walk quickly back to the game shop before Yuugi's grandpa got there first. They made it in plenty of time, since Sugoroku was probably still in the shop he went into. Yuugi slumped on the stool and sighed with relief. Yami too sat down on the stool beside him.
Yuugi turned and smiled at Yami, "Did you have fun?"
Yami's eyes softened, "This has been the best time of my life, Yuugi."
"Yami!" Yuugi exclaimed shyly, "You can't mean that."
"But I can," Yami insisted, smiling. "All my life I've been sitting on the throne, or watching my father give orders to people. I never had friends outside of the palace, and I didn't get along with my father much. Then when he died and I became pharaoh it only got worse.
"It was a lot harder for me being so young, and there were a lot of problems, like barely any food, tombs were being raided and stolen from and the people were unhappy. But suddenly just one day things began to change. It rained and crops grew and before I knew it the people were happier than they had been all their lives and I worked hard to keep it that way. I achieved that until Kontar's threats reached my palace, and then the trouble began..."
Yuugi's eyes dimmed as he saw the hurt in Yami's eyes. Slowly, he grasped Yami's hand and held them close to him.
"Oh Yami, I'm so sorry," Yuugi said sincerely.
Yami smiled and turned to Yuugi, "It's all right Yuugi, I'm still young for my age, even though I've been dead for 5000 years I'm being reincarnated at the age I died, so I have plenty of time to spend and get my life back," his eyes glimmered, "and I have more time to spend with you."
"I'm glad," Yuugi said softly.
They remained that way for a couple minutes until Yuugi heard something outside the door. The two turned in that direction and Yuugi sighed.
"Looks like grandpa's home, I guess I'm going to have to tell him now."
Yami looked at him worried, "Will he be all right with me staying?"
Yuugi nodded, "Of course, he just gets a little suspicious but I'm positive he won't ask any questions if I tell him you're an exchange student living with me. Don't worry, Yami, it'll all work out."
Yami smiled, "I know, Yuugi."
Yuugi smiled, "Grandpa should offer to help make the office room a guest room for you, then tomorrow I'll take you to the movies and other fun places! Maybe you could also help me prepare for the Duel Monsters competition."
"I would like that," Yami smiled gently.
The door to the game shop was unlocked and the doorknob turned slowly. Yuugi took a deep breath and smiled reassuringly at Yami. After all, Yami looked like a normal teenager now, so his grandpa shouldn't think suspiciously of him, especially since Yami was kind and polite. Yuugi was definitely ready to tell his grandpa.
"Well, here we go."
TO BE CONTINUED...