The Lost Pharaoh
Warning: mild shounen-ai. Beware of the fluff!
!!And thanks again to my wonderful beta-reader Towairaito Zoon!! -
Chapter 12: The Heart Calls
The tables that had been filled with delicious foods were soon wiped clean. Yuugi watched as the dishes were cleared by the viziers, who worked faster than Yuugi had ever seen anyone clean. After the unfortunate meeting with Hadi, Yami had asked for their lunch to be served earlier than usual. Yuugi was all ready thinking he was too spoiled with all the fancy things he was getting, but couldn't deny having lunch at the large, polished table filled with new foods of every kind.
Yami had made him try several new dishes, in which Yuugi really liked. One, however, Yami had forgotten to mention it was spicy and Yuugi had nearly gulped down a gallon of water that the viziers kept serving quickly until his mouth had been cooled. Although it was an accident, Yami couldn't help but laugh at the expression on his face.
Now the dishes had been cleared and the lunch was over with. Yuugi was somewhat disappointed because he liked sitting beside Yami and talking about anything they desired. Without having anyone else there, especially Hadi, it was much more pleasant. Yuugi was worried that after lunch Yami would have to go to another meeting, or go off on some pharaoh duties, but it turned out that Yami didn't have any of that. He was leading Yuugi toward some rooms down the large hallways on the second floor.
The hallways were still the same confusing endless passages that they had been before. Yami though explained that it was for safety issues that the hallways looked alike, in case an enemy ever got into the palace. Yuugi followed Yami, staying at his side, as they headed toward the ritual rooms.
Yuugi turned to glance up at Yami, watching how his eyes sparkled every time sunlight touched his face. Yami's crimson eyes were as unique as Yuugi's amethyst-colored. He realized he and Yami had a lot in common. They had never really been raised by their parents, though Yami had actually known his whereas Yuugi hadn't. They both believed in similar ideals, or at least believed in saving Egypt.
The sunlight poured in through the windows hitting Yami's smooth, tanned face, and illuminating the soft features that were shown. His eyelashes were dark enough to bring out the ruby-red color of his eyes, giving off a sense of beauty and mystery combined. Unexpectedly, the rare ruby-colored orbs locked into amethyst.
Yuugi smiled slightly and turned to look out the window, hiding a faint blush that dared to creep on his smooth, flawless skin. They had been walking for several minutes in a comfortable silence, as Yuugi looked around. That was until Yuugi had begun to stare at Yami, memorizing almost every feature outlined.
Why do I keep staring at him? Grandpa always taught me staring was rude, but I always find myself studying him. Maybe it's because I'm not used to seeing someone with rare-colored eyes like I have.
The hallways turned toward the right as they continued to walk, nearing their destination. Ever since Yuugi had woken up that morning a strange feeling had come over him. He wondered if it had something to do with the anxiety of being foreign or possibly nervous about Hadi's confrontation to him. But that didn't seem to be the problem whenever he thought about it. It was like a tingly sensation deep down in his stomach, like butterflies that fluttered now and then. It seemed to increase every time Yuugi was staring at Yami for more than several minutes. He wondered if perhaps it was because he was afraid that Yami would find that he was in fact the cause of all the happenings.
Yami said I wouldn't have been able to find the tomb if that was it. Then why do I feel so strange inside? I didn't feel it before.
Yuugi decided that the silence was only getting to him, creating more doubts in his mind. He was thankful when they began to slow their pace, approaching a simple polished door. There were markings on the door that Yuugi couldn't read, but he had no doubt it was one of the ritual rooms. Yami opened the door and allowed Yuugi to enter first.
Inside, Yuugi's eyes had to adjust to the dim light encasing the room. The room was covered in a soft, semi-transparent material, which was on the floor and walls. Yuugi blinked, trying to see what was inside the room. He noticed there was a placemat on the floor, big enough for one person to stand. All around there were tables filled with bottles of many concoctions that heightened Yuugi's curiosity. A small fountain was placed behind the tables in which a miniature waterfall was cascading down into a small moat that seemed to follow around in a circle.
Yuugi blinked again, trying to focus his gaze on exactly what object the moat was surrounding. As he approached lamps turned on, illuminating the statue. Yuugi let out a soft surprised scream while jumping backward. He thought he would surely trip and fall down, but he was caught by something solid behind him. Yuugi turned to see Yami holding onto him so that he wouldn't fall.
"Are you all right, Yuugi?" Yami asked, his eyes searching deeply into Yuugi's.
"Y-yes," Yuugi replied, barely over a whisper. "I…what is that?"
Yami's head turned as he glanced up at the large statue of a beast that seemed to suck the happiness out just by looking at it. It had a large head with layers of sharp teeth that filled its mouth. On top of its head lay another mouth, smaller but with teeth just as sharp. It filled up most of the entire back wall, a long tail wrapping around a column that held the ceiling up.
"That is Osiris, an Egyptian god," Yami replied, stepping toward the statue. "He is the reason for the necklace."
Yuugi blinked and took a couple steps forward, feeling very intimated by the statue of the beast.
"You mean…?" Yuugi glanced down at the golden pyramid necklace he was wearing.
Yami's eyes never left the statue as he nodded, "Yes, Yuugi…This creature is bound to the necklace. This was the room I was in the very first day I received the necklace. My viziers risked doing a ritual that had never been done before. It was against Egyptian policy to use any dark powers, but they had no choice at the time. Egypt was on the verge of being destroyed forever."
Yuugi's eyes widened as he unconsciously took another step forward, listening carefully. He could tell Yami was remembering something from his past by the solemn look on his face.
"Why was it against Egyptian policy?" Yuugi asked softly, not wanting to ask any questions that would upset him.
Yami sighed, lowering his head, but still faced away from Yuugi, "Back then the only source of power was by the sacred mountain: Mt. Sinai. It held powers that no one could comprehend, nor control. It was discovered, or rather assumed, that during the prehistoric age creatures ruled the earth."
"You mean dinosaurs?" Yuugi asked, intrigued.
Yami glanced at him, turning around. His expression showed more of curiosity than confusion.
"Yes, I believe so. I'm not completely familiar with the terminology yet, but Isis has been helping me. Among these dinosaurs though, Yuugi, were creatures much larger and more feared than the most vicious of dinosaurs. And that was three the Egyptian gods. They walked the earth as well, though they mostly kept away from other creatures. We are not positive that they needed food to survive, but there is yet to be discovered how they lived for so long," Yami said, turning slightly to glance back at the large statue.
"It is said that when the three Egyptian gods died they left an round object behind. It was made of some kind of gemstone or solid material that could not be broken. Left on it was ancient Egyptian hieroglyphics, ones that were not even used in my time," Yami explained turning to look back at Yuugi.
Yuugi tilted his head, "You mean that there were ancient Egyptian markings on it before Egyptians even came about?"
Yami nodded, his eyes dimming, "Yes…And many prophets, and even Isis, say that the Egyptian gods didn't die. They retreated inside the sacred mountain to remain dormant until it was their time to awaken. They were not meant for this earth. They held too much power and too much mystery that can never be completely solved. But then the time came when those that heard the legend wanted to solve its dark mysteries," Yami spoke softly, his eyes narrowing slightly causing the color of his eyes to darken.
"That was the time when I was ruling and enemies were building around me, ready to destroy Egypt. Several rebels, who worked against me and for Kontar, released the beasts into the world after thousands of years of hibernation. And that sent the entire world into chaos and destruction. Even Kontar himself knew how foolish it was to wake those beasts without knowing how to control them. That was when my viziers constructed the necklace. They needed something to overpower the three beasts. And since I was the only one with a strong enough heart to not be consumed by evil, I was the one chosen for this task," Yami said, approaching the large figure and pressing his hand softly to the stone.
"My viziers captured some of the dark elements that came from the beasts. The round object was found by my viziers and we found this object held powers; ones that had to be concealed. It was called the Shadow Realm, for those that had touched it were sent into an eternal darkness. Once the round object was broken open the powers were released into the necklace they had made from solid gold. With my blood the necklace was bound to me and I challenged Osiris. I believe I would've been defeated had Osiris not been different from the other two that reeked havoc on the world.
When I protected my people, Osiris hesitated, giving me the opportunity to defeat it. And once I did Osiris' blood was then bound to the necklace with me, which let me control the creature. With this creature I was able to seal the other two into two other items, like my necklace, that had been created. One of these items is in the hands of someone you've all ready met," Yami turned around to face Yuugi. "Bakura."
"Bakura?!" Yuugi's eyes widened. "You mean he has power over one of those Egyptian gods?"
Yami nodded slowly, "Yes, the two items originally created for the two creatures were the millennium rod, and the millennium ring, which is what Bakura stole many, many years ago. And though he has the power over the god, he does not know it. He does not fully comprehend the power of the item he wishes to own."
Silence washed over them as Yuugi tried to understand everything Yami was telling him. He couldn't believe Bakura was holding such power. Though Bakura seemed like a trouble-maker, Yuugi couldn't say that he felt any evil emitting off of him.
But would that change if he found out he could control an Egyptian god?
Yuugi hoped it wouldn't come to that decision. He stared back up at Yami.
"So…who has the millennium rod?"
"Isis' brother, Marik," Yami answered. "He also controls an Egyptian god, though I am uncertain if he knows it or not."
"If he's Isis' brother, then isn't he trustworthy?" Yuugi asked quietly.
Yami's eyes lowered slightly, "I am not sure. Her brother is very hard to read, Yuugi. There is no telling who's side he is on, or if he is even on a side. The last time I saw him was before I sacrificed myself. He had appeared to be helping the enemy, but before Egypt could be destroyed he ended up killing the army that he was supposed to set upon my kingdom. After the battle he disappeared, along with the rod. I have no way of knowing where he is, or where the rod is. I hope that it hasn't fallen into the wrong hands."
"I'm sure that if Marik was chosen to have the rod that he's the right one for it," Yuugi said. "I believe that everything happens for a reason. He might not be a friend, but I'm sure he cares about Egypt and its people."
Yami smiled softly, "I hope you're right, Yuugi. And I hope that I am able to protect Egypt again. I realize…I am not strong enough to summon Osiris again, at least not now and it seems that a threat is occurring right now. I do not know how I'm going to be able to protect Egypt this time."
Yami's voice was soft and sad, which clung to Yuugi's heart. Yuugi walked toward him until he was beside Yami, looking up at him.
"You can do it, Yami. You're not alone this time. Even if you can't summon him," Yuugi said, his eyes pleading. "You have to believe in yourself or there's no chance that your people will have hope."
Yami's eyes lifted from the statue to lock with Yuugi's, a soft expression on his face. Yami smiled, his eyes lighting up and erasing the worried look that was there before.
"I have faith as long as you are beside me," Yami said, reaching out a hand to brush across Yuugi's cheek.
Yuugi took another step forward, smiling up at him. His eyes were sparkling from the tears that were brought forth. He refused to let them fall, but against his wishes a few cascaded down his cheeks.
"I also believe there is a reason for everything," Yami spoke softly, his eyes never leaving Yuugi's. "And I believe there is a reason you came to me. You have a strong heart, Yuugi and a lot of courage. You are willing to die for those you love. You are willing to protect anyone and anything you can. It is because of you that I remember the reason why I fight so hard."
Yami's kind words fluttered through him and Yuugi couldn't control his emotions anymore. He threw his arms around Yami and embraced him, letting his tears fall as he pressed his cheek against Yami's bare chest. The warmth that radiated off of Yami was enough to melt Yuugi's heart. He knew that they had been brought together for a reason. Yuugi hoped with all his heart that once Egypt was saved that they wouldn't have to separate. He couldn't lose Yami after realizing what he would miss.
Yuugi kept his eyes closed and his face buried in Yami's robe while his right cheek was pressed softly against Yami's chest. He felt Yami's hands wrap around him carefully but firmly as he held him close. Enclosed in his embrace, Yuugi again felt safe and secure. But strangely, the security was also mixed in with another strange tingly sensation that wound in his stomach, like butterflies. Yuugi wondered about the feeling, but ignored it for the moment and concentrated more on the fear that was taking over.
Yuugi lifted his head to stare up at Yami, his cheeks splashed with tears, though no more were falling. Yuugi could see and feel the kindness and caring nature Yami's eyes held deep within. The fear was clear in Yuugi's mind, wrapping around him like a tight vine. He didn't want to think about it, but it was all he could do.
"Yami…," Yuugi choked out, his eyes beginning to water again, "I don't want to l-lose you."
Yami smiled softly down at him, one hand wiping some of the tears away.
"You won't lose me, Yuugi. Like you said, I'm not alone in this. I will be fine."
"I know, but…but what about after you save Egypt? I d-don't want to be separated from you. I couldn't bear it when I left your tomb," Yuugi said, his voice quivering with sadness. "I don't want to feel alone."
"You're not alone. You have your grandfather, and your friends," Yami said quietly, running a hand along his back to soothe him.
Yuugi's eyes watered as his lips trembled. Without thinking, Yuugi pushed away from Yami's embrace, turning the other way. He ran toward the small door near the back of the room, finding it unlocked as he entered the room, more tears streaming down his face.
The room was dark like the room he had just left, and it only increased his pain. Yami didn't understand how hard it was for Yuugi to find someone who had so much in common with him. He had his friends and his grandfather, but he couldn't always tell them everything. With Yami it was different. He wasn't afraid to talk about anything at all, no matter how important or insignificant.
Yuugi wiped at his eyes, hurrying to find another exit. He just wanted to be alone to cope with his emotions. He knew that he and Yami hadn't known each other for very long, but it was hurting him to know that they could be separated. Yuugi searched frantically for an escape, any hidden door that he could run through.
"Yuugi?"
Yuugi wheeled around as he heard Yami calling out his name, his tone concerned. He saw the door opening and ran toward the nearest thing he saw, which was a large statue of a sphinx that was almost as large as the statue of the Egyptian god Yami had shown him. He began to ascend the giant statue, feeling his shoulders shake as he held in each sob. If he could reach the top of the statue Yami wouldn't be able to reach him. That way, Yuugi could have some time to think.
"Yuugi!"
Yuugi didn't even turn as he grabbed onto the nose of the sphinx, trying to get on top of the statue. He didn't want to look at Yami, nor speak to him until he was calmed down. He was so upset he didn't see the large sharp piece of stone that was sticking out. His hand brushed against it and he let out a sharp cry, feeling the sharp piece cut his skin. His hands lost their grip and Yuugi let out a scream as he slipped, falling off the tall statue.
The air around him felt heavy as he was pushed toward the floor. Yuugi closed his eyes tightly, not wanting to feel any pain. Something soft swept through him, causing Yuugi to open his eyes. He saw the statue hovering above him, but realized he was no long falling. He turned to see that he was in fact floating above the ground, a soft hue surrounding him. His eyes settled to the floor where the aura was coming from. Yami was standing up, his arms outstretched as he too was glowing. The crown upon his forehead was shimmering brightly as the Eye of Horus carved into it began to illuminate a bright light.
Yuugi's body was slowly brought toward the floor. As soon as he reached the floor the aura around him broke. Yuugi looked up at Yami, opening his mouth to thank him when Yami suddenly collapsed.
"Yami!" Yuugi shouted, running over to him.
He turned over Yami's body, checking for a pulse. There was a pulse but Yami eyes were closed and he wasn't moving. Yuugi frantically looked around, seeing that there was no way anyone could hear him from in there. He didn't want to leave Yami there alone, and he knew there was no way he could find his way back by himself. His shoulders shook as more tears left his eyes. Yuugi pulled Yami's limp body toward him, resting Yami's head on his legs.
"Oh Yami, this is all my fault," Yuugi sobbed, holding him close.
Yuugi closed his eyes tightly, rocking back and forth slowly while one hand was clinging onto Yami's robe, "Please wake up…"
"Yuugi?"
Yuugi's eyes opened as he stared down at Yami who had spoken softly. His eyes were open and he was staring up at Yuugi. Yami lifted himself up into a sitting position, as Yuugi stared at him through teary eyes.
"Yami!" Yuugi sobbed pushing himself against him.
"It's all right, Yuugi," Yami said quietly, wrapping his arms around him.
"I'm s-so sorry, Yami. I d-didn't mean to make you use your powers. I know you're still weak, and…," Yuugi lifted his head to stare up into Yami's eyes. "I want to help you, Yami. I don't want you to carry this burden by yourself!"
Yami's eyes softened, "Yuugi…"
"I don't want to lose you!" Yuugi sobbed, burying his face in Yami's robe.
He tightened his grip around Yami, not wanting to let go. He didn't care who it was that was against Yami. He didn't care how hard it would be. He didn't even care that Hadi didn't trust him. He just wanted to be with Yami and help him as much as he could.
"I would like that Yuugi," Yami's voice whispered close to his ear.
Yuugi's crying stopped as he opened his eyes. He lifted his head back up, his cheeks still wet but his sobbing had subsided. Yami's expression was warm and gentle, as it always was and his eyes were shining brightly.
"You mean…you'll let me help you save Egypt?" Yuugi asked, his voice quiet but surprisingly steady.
A small laugh escaped Yami's lips as he smiled slightly down at Yuugi, "Yes, Yuugi. I want you to help me. I believe in you as much as you believe in me."
"But I…I don't have any powers," Yuugi said quietly, lowering his eyes.
Yami brought his hand to Yuugi's chin and lifted his gaze, "You have power within, Yuugi, and that's what matters. You give me strength and that is what I need. Isis told me that she was impressed by how much power I all ready had after just waking up."
Yuugi's eyes shimmered, "Really?"
Yami smiled and nodded, "Strength comes from many different places Yuugi, not just in power."
Yuugi nodded, the feeling in his stomach coming back, "Yami…what if we can't be together after Egypt is saved?"
Yami's eyes remained passive as he stared down at Yuugi, "There is no power that can keep us apart if we still need one another. There is such a thing as fate Yuugi, but it's not permanent like you would think. Fate just guides those willing to believe in it. When I was ruling it was said that it was Egypt's fate to be destroyed, and yet it never was. As long as you believe, in your heart, then fate won't rule against you."
Yuugi was staring up at him with unblinking eyes as he listened closely. He hadn't realized he was unconsciously moving closer. He still had his arms wrapped around Yami, as if afraid to let him go. The strange feeling in the pit of his stomach was growing, making it harder for him not to notice. Yuugi could see the warmth in Yami's expression and felt his kindness. The soft smile was still apparent on Yami's face, illuminating his all ready intense eyes. Yuugi could see every eyelash that lined his eyes, each almost perfectly aligned next to the other.
He was suddenly aware that he had been moving closer and closer until their noses were just about touching. His breath hitched in his throat as he stood still, afraid to even move backward. He was confused now. What was he trying to do? Yuugi was unable to break the eye contact, feeling his heart racing wildly.
Just then the doors opened in a hurry and Yuugi's head shot up, looking toward the sound.
"Pharaoh?"
Yami stood up, helping Yuugi to his feet. A guard came into view, looking around the room and finally spotted the two standing.
"What is it?" Yami asked.
"Bakura has disappeared from his room again," the guard replied, looking somewhat apprehensive.
Yami let out a heavy sigh, "All right," he said before turning to look at Yuugi, who had cast his eyes downward. "Will you be all right? He will show you the way out. I must deal with Bakura right now."
Yuugi nodded without looking up, unable to say anything. He heard Yami's robe swish around as he turned and left the room. For a moment, Yuugi just stood in the silence, his anxiety growing. He really had wanted to say something to Yami but nothing would come out.
"Master Yuugi, this way."
Yuugi jumped slightly, not realizing the guard was still there. He looked up as the guard gestured for him to leave. Yuugi nodded wordlessly and walked out, letting the guard lead him back to his room. It only took no more than ten minutes for Yuugi to be led back, and he thanked the guard politely before closing his room door.
The floor was soft with the feel of the enchanted grass on his bare feet, and the sunlight streamed in through his window, lighting up the room. But Yuugi saw none of it as he made his way to his bed and sat down. He leaned backward and fell on top of the silky-soft covers, sinking into them as he stared up at the tall ceiling.
What is this feeling? I've been around Yami the whole time I've been here and it never happened until now.
Yuugi turned over on his side. He couldn't figure out how he had moved closer to Yami without realizing it. What confused him more was that he hadn't known why he had done it. His emotions seemed like they were on overdrive and he couldn't tell one from the other. The sunlight faded as Yuugi's eyelids fluttered closed, taking him into a light slumber.
XXXXX
The sky was filled with colors of pink and purple as the sun began to set. Some people were bustling about the streets cleaning up their supplies and some were heading to their homes to relax. As the sun began to drift low in the horizon, shadows covered the lands as the bright rays turned into a dim orange. On the outskirts of the city, hidden by the shadows of the evening and the trees, figures were lurking in silence awaiting the night.
People were entering their houses as dusk turned into early night. Lamps were lit inside homes as the sky darkened to a deep red-orange, the sun barely visible beyond the horizon. Standing atop a large hill, overlooking the small village on the outskirts of the city, figures dressed in black cloaks sat on the backs of horses as if waiting for something to take place.
Most of the horses were either a dark brown, or light caramel colored, but the one up front, standing just at the edge of the hilltop was a beautiful black stallion that camouflaged with the night. The figure in a long black cloak atop the stallion turned his head to look behind him at the many waiting a ways back.
"Just scare them. I want this to only be a warning," the figure said, a smirk settling on his lips.
The riders behind him nodded wordlessly, turning the horses around to descend off the hilltop and down below toward the houses. The figure atop the black stallion turned to look below at the village, watching as horses leaped through bushes toward the unsuspecting people.
The sky was darkening even more now until it settled into a dark blue. In the darkness light appeared below, giving off a orange glow. The figure watched as one by one the orange lights grew until each rider had their own. In the dark of the night, the flames were cast toward the homes as the riders shouted and yelled, alerting the people inside the houses. Screams were issued as people looked fearfully through windows or stepped out of houses.
The torches were released and sent flying toward each of the homes on the outskirts of the city just below the tall hilltop. The small torches turned into huge flames as houses were caught on fire. Some of the houses that weren't made from wood were surrounded by the flames but not completely engulfed. Black clouds of smoke rose as people left their houses running and screaming, heading away from the village just as intended. The riders chased behind the people, only approaching so close as to swipe at them, directing them farther and farther away.
The black stallion neighed loudly as if in triumph as its hooves broke through the ground, causing billows of dirt to rise. The cloaked figure atop the stallion stared with watchful eyes at the burning village, cold eyes glinting even in the darkness.
"Soon, pharaoh…you are going to regret ever crossing me," he said into the night, pulling on the reigns and steering the horse back away from the village to ride to his next destination.
Part 2: Love Blossoms
A chilly gust of wind blew through the open window, stirring the slumbering figure. Yuugi opened his eyes, blinking through his sleep until he was completely awake. He sat up in his bed, looking around as if not quite sure what had happened. His eyes were cast toward the open window as he caught sight of the night sky.
"I must've fallen asleep," Yuugi mused, sliding from the bed.
The enchanted grass had gone away for the night to remain dormant until the morning sun. Yuugi approached the open window, feeling the night chill run down his skin as he peered out. He saw lights on below in the houses nearby the palace, signaling the busy day had ended. Yuugi shivered, pulling his robe closer to his body to cover the goose bumps now spreading over his arms.
When did it get so chilly?
Yuugi reached out toward the window handle to close the window when his caught sight of a light in the distance. Yuugi stopped, squinting to make out what it was. It was glowing, sending light around the area it was in, but Yuugi couldn't tell what it was. A second later he noticed something entering the sky because of the flash of light that lit up the sky. Black clouds of smoke were issuing up, signaling to Yuugi the source of the light.
Forgetting about the window, he dashed out of his room, running down the stairs as fast as he could. He passed by startled viziers and guards, heading toward the main room, which was also the dining room, to find Yami. He burst through the door, stumbling slightly as he panted for breath.
"Yuugi?" Yami stood up from the table.
He had apparently interrupted a meeting for the table was full of the same people he had seen before, including Hadi who stared disapprovingly at him, along with many others he had never seen before. The man who sat beside Yami had beige robes on, tied in a unique way around his waist and shoulders. His eyes were a subtle blue and from the distance Yuugi almost thought he had no pupils. He wore a golden necklace, like Yami's, only it was strangely cross-shaped. Yuugi had seen the symbol before in temples with his grandpa and looked similar to the ankh, the symbol of life.
Isis was there as well, sitting next to the man with the necklace. The others wore robes like Hadi and his group, only instead of maroon they were dark blue. Yuugi was embarrassed for interrupting something so important that he almost forgot the reason he came.
"We are in the middle of a meeting young man," an elder man, dressed in a dark blue robe, said.
Yuugi nodded politely but turned his attention quickly to Yami.
"Outfarwayfire…quick," Yuugi stumbled over words as he tried to catch his breath.
"What is he saying?" the elder man asked, turning to the others. "Is he speaking another language?"
"Pharaoh, if you please, we don't have time for this," Hadi said.
Yuugi was getting frustrated as several of the others nearby murmured agreements. He felt a hand on his shoulder and saw Fidil standing next to him, looking concerned.
Yuugi took a deep breath, feeling more relieved with Fidil standing there, "There's a fire!" he shouted.
Several of the people stood up as they looked to one another, clearly surprised. The man sitting with the necklace was the only one, beside Isis, who didn't stand up.
"A fire!?" one man exclaimed.
"The check around the city just ended a little bit ago," another said.
Soon a conversation broke out into an argument as several believed it and several didn't.
"Quiet! We mustn't panic," Yami said, holding up his hands.
The chatter died down so that he was able to be heard.
"But we don't even know if it's true," Hadi said, his eyes flickering toward Yuugi. "I say we get on with the meeting and if there really is a fire we will be alerted."
Few murmurs of agreement went around and Yuugi felt anger boil beneath his veins. It wasn't strong, but enough for him to feel a disliking for Hadi who was clearly against Yuugi being there at all.
"I disagree," a soft voice said.
All heads turned toward the end where sat the man with the ankh-shaped necklace. The chatter had died down completely as all eyes were on him. He was sitting quietly with his hands at his sides.
"But Shadi, the meeting!" Hadi insisted.
Shadi closed his eyes for a mere second, shaking his head, "I am aware of the meeting, Hadi, but situations like these should not be taken lightly. If there is a fire and we wait until we're notified then lives could be at stake. We have more chance stopping it now."
Hadi appeared not to be the kind to give up too easily, "And if there is no fire?"
"Then we would rather hold off the meeting a little longer and be safe rather than sorry," Shadi answered. "But I sense no dishonesty in Yuugi."
Yuugi turned, his bright eyes widening toward him. Shadi had known his name and Yuugi had never seen him there before. There was a chance he heard from someone else about Yuugi's arrival, but most news didn't exit the palace for everyone's safety.
Perhaps Yami spoke to him before I arrived.
Hadi looked as if he wanted to retort but fell silent, staring down at his plate. Yami nodded in agreement with Shadi, looking at him with respect and turned toward Fidil.
"Send out guards immediately."
Fidil nodded and left the room immediately, leaving Yuugi standing by the doorway feeling a little unnerved. The room was silent for a few minutes as the men sat back down in their seats.
"Yuugi, you are welcome to sit down," Yami said, gesturing to the seat next to Isis.
Yuugi nodded and seated himself beside her, folding his hands in his lap. He didn't want to intrude on any private conversations since he all ready felt awkward. He hoped that it had been his imagine, even if Hadi would feel happy about it. Yuugi didn't want anyone to get hurt.
"Shall we begin?" Yami suggested. "Minkah, I believe you were up."
The elder man at the other end of the table nodded, "Yes. I would like to know why you say, Shadi, that our circle is breaking up, and what that has to do with the millennium items that were created with our help.
"One of the items has been misplaced," Shadi answered, staring at the man with unblinking eyes. "I have not been able to track it down since the millennium items have again woken after all these years."
"Are you saying that it's the cause for the problems that have risen in Kemet recently?" the other man, beside him wearing a red robe, asked.
Shadi shook his head, "I can't be sure. I am only allowed limited knowledge and with Isis' millennium necklace working, I have no way of telling what is happening. I do know that my shadow was captured only a short while ago."
"Your shadow?" Minkah asked as he leaned forward.
Yuugi unconsciously leaned forward too, curious to know what they were talking about. He was unaware of the pair of eyes watching him instead of on Shadi, which all other eyes were.
Shadi nodded, "Yes, with the power of my ankh I am able to keep track of all millennium items created. That is because the ankh was the very first item created and others were based upon it. One of the abilities my ankh gives me in keeping track of the items is the power to be in more than one place, spiritually. I can focus amounts of energy when I'm in the sanctuary and create images of myself that are really just apparitions. These apparitions can trace those with millennium items.
"After each millennium item has been traced the apparitions come back to me and report where each millennium item is and who holds it. I noticed that one of my apparitions did not come back right away like intended. I figured the apparition had been stopped by someone, unable to get out of whatever place. I had the intent to find the place after several days, but my apparition came back to me. However," Shadi said, looking around the table, "when the apparition did come back it did not report to me the same item that it was sent to look for. It reported a different millennium item."
"What does that mean?" Yami asked, staring at him seriously.
Shadi turned to him, "It means that there are in fact two millennium items out of my reach. The second one that was reported back to me was supposed to not even have been awakened with the rest of the millennium items. This particular millennium item has been used in the past to judge though with sinful natures to their rightful punishments, but it was sealed away from the other items because it held darker shadow powers than the others. I feared that someday it could be used for different purposes."
"Which millennium item is it?" Minkah asked, as heads around the table nodded.
"The millennium wpi (1)," Shadi said. "Or also known as the millennium scale. That was the item delivered to me by the apparition when it was tracking down the millennium rod."
Another murmur of voices broke out, questioning how the particular item had been released. Yuugi sat in his seat, stunned by all the information he had heard. He leaned back in his chair and found that Hadi was staring directly at him as if Yuugi had been the cause of what happened. Yuugi sank into his chair just as the doors to the room burst open, several guards entering behind Fidil. Yami immediately stood as they all turned to hear what had been found out. Yuugi's heart was racing, not wanting to be right but at the same time hoping that no one blamed him if he was wrong.
"Pharaoh! A village has been set on fire by night riders!" Fidil exclaimed.
Yuugi's eyes widened, his stomach fluttering violently. The men around the table gasped in shock and Yuugi turned to see Shadi staring at him with an unreadable expression.
"We must go right away! Bringing as many helpers as possible. If anyone is hurt we may have to treat them right there," Yami ordered, as the men got up from the table.
Fidil nodded and followed the guards and the others out through the door, getting ready to leave immediately.
"I'll help as well," Isis said, standing up. "Will you accompany me there, Shadi?"
Shadi stood up as well nodding, "Yes, I should. Perhaps I can get a feel of the one behind it," he said, then he turned to Yami. "We will be waiting for you, pharaoh."
He took one last look at Yuugi, nodding politely in which Yuugi nodded back before he left alongside Isis. Yuugi stood up as well, standing by the door as Yami approached.
"You were right, Yuugi," he said, putting a warm hand on his shoulder. "None of them should have doubted you."
Yuugi nodded solemnly, "I didn't want to be right, Yami. I don't want anyone to get hurt…especially not because of me."
"Yuugi," Yami said firmly, bending down to meet his eyes, "you are not the cause of this trouble. It is because the millennium items have reawakened. Their powers are what cause trouble in this world. Shadi was explaining early in the meeting that we should find a way to seal all the millennium items permanently in a sacred place where they will be watched closely and never found, without having to seal ourselves with them. And we will find a way," he said smiling softly.
A small smile graced Yuugi's lips as he stared at Yami, feeling relief wash over him. Yami then stood up and turned to leave.
"I will be back as soon as I can."
Yuugi's eyes widened, "Wait! I want to come with you!" he said, grabbing a hold of Yami's robe.
Yami turned and lifted his hand off his robe, clutching it close to him, "You have to stay here where you are safe. You won't be alone. Hadi and his men are staying here as well to keep watch over the palace, as well as some of my guards and viziers. You will be safer waiting in the palace."
"I don't want you to go!" Yuugi said, tears filling his eyes.
Yami brushed a strand of hair out of his face, smiling down at him with softened eyes, "I promise I will be back by dawn, Yuugi. There is just nearly seven hours left. You should probably get some sleep."
Yuugi held back his tears, nodding slightly. Yami brushed across his face once more before turning to leave.
"Wait, Yami!" Yuugi said, grabbing his wrist.
Yami turned, staring down at him still with gentle eyes, "Can you…I mean…," Yuugi said, looking down. "I would feel better if you kissed me goodnight…so I could get to sleep better," Yuugi felt his cheeks heat up with embarrassment. "My grandpa used to when I was younger to make me feel safer…I know it's childish."
"It's not childish, Yuugi," Yami said, his soft smile appearing once again. "Your heart is full of love but you also need love in return."
Yuugi looked up at Yami as he bent down closer. Yuugi turned his head so his cheek was facing Yami. He still felt embarrassed, but managed to keep from blushing as he felt Yami press his soft lips to his cheek. Without realizing it, Yuugi's eyes fluttered closed. The feeling of security, love and protection washed over him, filling him with the same fluttery feeling that had been in his stomach before, only it was a much more gentle sensation. As Yami lifted his lips from Yuugi's cheek, he could feel his cheek tingling from the touch.
Forgetting momentarily where he was, Yuugi turned his head expecting a kiss on the other cheek since that's what he was used to and found that Yami wasn't prepared for that. Instead, Yuugi's face bumped into Yami's, his lips brushing across Yami's like a feathery touch. In just that second, Yuugi could feel the silkiness of Yami's lips and the warmth that they held.
Yuugi's eyes snapped open, realizing what had happened and he blushed crimson blinking widely at Yami.
"I…I'm really sorry, my grandpa usually kisses both my cheeks," Yuugi said quickly, his eyes widening.
Yami's deep crimson eyes locked with his as he chuckled lightly, "That's my fault. As pharaoh, I should be prepared for everything."
Yuugi's embarrassment washed away slightly at Yami's comment. The sound of murmuring down the hall at the front door meant that the guards had all been set up and they were ready to head to the fire to put it out and tend to any wounded. Yami's head turned slightly at the sound, realizing that it was time to go.
"They're ready to leave. It shouldn't take more than a few hours. I only hope that we get there in time," Yami said. "Are you all right now, Yuugi?" Yami asked, staring at him.
"Um…I…," Yuugi lowered his eyes to the floor, feeling goose bumps rise on his skin. "C-could you kiss me again…for both cheeks?"
Yami's eyes softened as he smiled kindly, "Of course, Yuugi."
Yuugi turned his other cheek as Yami bent down again, cupping his cheeks this time as he placed another warm, soft kiss to Yuugi's other cheek. The same tingle was left on his cheek that filled him with warmth and love. Yuugi felt Yami's lips leave his cheek as he turned back to stare at him. Yami had pulled away a short distance, but was still bent down with his face inches from Yuugi's.
"Thank you," Yuugi said quietly, looking up into Yami's eyes timidly.
Yami's eyes brightened slightly as he smiled, "Of course."
Yuugi felt Yami's hands still cupped around his cheeks, the warmth they provided almost the same as the kiss on his cheeks. Yuugi had never before felt so much love and care in one person, believing entirely that Yami was a very special person and the right leader for his people.
The strange fluttering was now in his stomach once again. Yuugi realized that he wouldn't see Yami for quite a while and had to bear being without him since they met. The thought scared him, along with the worry of Yami's safety. Yuugi searched Yami's eyes only finding strength residing in their depths. He felt Yami's hands, which were cupping his face, squeeze him gently.
"I need to go but I will be back in time for breakfast," Yami said quietly, his smile still apparent.
"I know," Yuugi whispered, staring back at him.
Yami's eyes glistened, "If you need anything let my viziers know, Yuugi. They know how much I care about you and they will watch over you."
Yuugi nodded, feeling more tears beginning to come, but not from sadness. Yuugi lifted his hands and placed them on Yami's face in the same gesture. Yuugi looked at him tentatively before leaning closer. The close proximity caused Yuugi's lips to brush across Yami's, but he didn't back away. Yuugi backed away just an inch, the light touch disappearing. His eyes were hooked only on Yami's lips, following the feeling that was fluttering around inside him.
Uncertainly, Yuugi brushed across Yami's lips with his again but at a different angle as he tilted his head. Yuugi had never kissed anyone on the lips, and was nervous as he pushed forward, his lower lip slipping between Yami's lips and his upper lip closing just above Yami's top lip. Yuugi's eyes had fluttered closed the second before his lips had even touched as he used his instincts to feel what he was doing. Yuugi was too afraid to even move his lips, afraid of his inexperience. The fluttery feeling intensified as he felt Yami's lips clamp more securely around his bottom lip. Yuugi felt so warm as if he were curled up in his bed, safe and secure and oblivious to the world.
Yuugi felt his lips slowly being released as he heard their kiss break apart. Yuugi's heart was beating rapidly and he opened his eyes, unsure that it had even happened. His throat felt dry but he managed to speak.
"I can sleep now," Yuugi said, his voice soft.
Yuugi saw Yami's lips curve into a smile as his eyes stayed locked into his, "I'm glad. My viziers have dinner saved for you," Yami said, standing up.
Yuugi nodded in thanks watching as Yami turned to leave.
"Yami?" Yuugi asked, pausing as Yami turned around to face him. "I love you."
Yami's eyes softened immensely as his crimson orbs glistened brightly despite the dim light, "I love you too, Yuugi. Take care and sleep well."
The door closed softly behind him as Yami left to help his people. Yuugi's heart was beating what felt like a hundred beats per second. He pressed his small fingers to his lips, feeling the warmth still lingering. A small blush appeared as he realized he had actually kissed Yami. He wondered if it was because of their unusually strong bond that they were so connected.
He always felt safe and happy around Yami and he knew that ever since the day he met him, he had felt a deep powerful link toward him. Ever since that day in the tomb he had never wanted to leave Yami's side. Part of him was afraid of being separated, even for a short time. But Yuugi knew he had to be strong if he was going to help Yami.
Come back soon, Yami.
Yuugi took a deep breath and finally left the room to head toward the kitchen for some dinner before he hopefully fell into a peaceful sleep and awoke to find Yami waiting for him.
TO BE CONTINUED…