I do not own Yu-Gi-Oh or any of its characters and plots.
However the following characters (their powers and such) used in this fan fiction ARE mine:
Lady Aurora Phoenix
Lady Natara Fear
Lady Sapphira Star
Blaze
Chaos
Havoc
Now I know this will be different from typical stories thus the reason it is in the fantasy genre but I wanted to give Atem a family and have a way to keep an eye on him even while he was nothing but a spirit in the Millennium Puzzle... This way I could do just that. This is my first fan fic so forgive me if it is not to your liking.
"A New Day"
Lady Phoenix slowly opened her eyes and blinked in the bright sunlight pouring through the balcony opening. She moaned softly as she stretched her aching muscles. She never expected to be so sore from the day before. Carefully, she peeled off her covers and slipped out of bed, stretching again. A silver glint caught her eye and she turned toward the table beside her bed. Tears threatened her eyes as she saw Blaze's Flaming Wrath ring. Gingerly, she picked it up and stared down at it. She knew Blaze had left it for when Atem was ready for it. A smile touched her lips and her eyes softened as she recalled her moments alone with Atem. She no longer felt hesitant about her feelings for him. She felt odd that it happened so soon after her husband's death, but he had told her it was ok. He told her that he chose Atem. So the Pharaoh could not be all bad. As if in a dream, Lady Phoenix stood and reached for a pouch near her gown to place the ring in. Then she got herself dressed in the same long, white gown. It had a tank like top so her arms were bare. Bringing her arms out in front of her for inspection, she wished she had an armband or two for decoration.
"If only I was still back home," she murmured. "Then I could have all my jewelry and my scented oils again. Now I have to start over." She dropped her arms to her side again and sighed. Lady Phoenix wondered if she would ever be able to call this place home. Then she remembered something. Going to the balcony, she glanced out past the palace gates and saw what she was looking for. The market place. She was bound to find a few things to help her settle in better. The question was how she was going to get what she needed. She had no idea what they used for currency on this planet. Her own fortune meant nothing here. A knock at her door made her tense and straighten. Turning cautiously, she stepped back into her room. "You may enter."
The door crept open. The dark haired head of the girl she spoke to the day before poked inside. Mana, Lady Phoenix remembered. The girl looked down as she entered.
"Good morning, milady," her soft voice said as she lowered her gaze to the floor. Lady Phoenix was surprised. It had been a while since anyone had called her that. Her tension eased slightly and she took a breath.
"Mana, is it?" She knew she was correct when the girl looked up at her with a smile that not only lifted her lips but touched her eyes as well.
"Yes, milady."
"What can I do for you?" Mana stood straighter.
"Actually, I am here with a message for you."
"A message?" Lady Phoenix tilted her head and raised an eyebrow.
"Yes, my Prince wishes you to join him for breakfast."
"Prince?" Realizing her mistake, Mana gasped and blushed.
"I sometimes forget he is no longer the Prince. We spent so much time together growing up. He is like my big brother. It is hard for me to call him by another title when I have called him Prince my entire life." Lady Phoenix stepped forward and placed a tender hand on Mana's shoulder.
"Do not fret, my child. I can understand. I will never tell." Mana grinned up at her again.
"Oh, thank you milady!"
"Please, you may call me Lady Aurora. It was my title back home."
"Really? I can?" Lady Phoenix nodded.
"Yes, you may." The smile on her face was genuine. The girl's innocence was truly touching. "Now, what was that you said about breakfast?" she asked, suddenly realizing how hungry she was.
"Oh, yeah! My Pri…uh… Pharaoh wishes your company in the main hall." Seeing her begin to hesitate, Mana grew worried. "You do not wish to join him?" Lady Phoenix shook her head.
"It is not that, Mana. It is just… Others. Some of the Pharaoh's people do not want me here. I can sense that. I do not know who all will be there and I do not wish to impose. The Pharaoh and his people have many things to go over. I would only be a distraction to them all."
"No, you would not. Besides, it will only be my teacher Mahado, High Priest Set, Kisara, the Pharaoh, and myself there. The others have already gone into the market place to check into a few things…" Mana pleaded.
"Are you sure?" Mana nodded. "Very well then." Lady Phoenix went to get her cape and swung it around her shoulders. She quickly clasped the cape at the base of her neck and stood ready. "Shall we go?" Mana jumped up and down with excitement, and cheered. Lady Phoenix smiled as she followed the girl down the hall. When they reached the entrance to the hall, Mana stopped her.
"Wait here, please, Lady Aurora, while I announce you." Lady Phoenix nodded. She watched the child go forward and disappear around the corner. After a soft cough, she heard Mana speak. "My Pharaoh, at your request, Lady Aurora Phoenix has arrived," she said with a bow.
