disclaimer: don't own Yugioh or its characters.
author's note: This was just a short little random fic I felt like writing. It's going no where and doing nothing. All just for fun and amusement. ;P
IMPORTANT Since I am continuing this continuity, for those of you who read the 2 chapters of "Nobody's Son", I have had to discontinue that story due to this one, "A Day in the Life". The two are too similar in plot and to prevent inconsistencies in the plots between the two fics, I have opted to cease "Nobody's Son." This fic here is basically the same as that one, just from Atemu's perspective rather than from my 'made up' characters. Easier for me to write this from his perspective anyway and it seems more popular to write from a known character than somebody's made up one. And based off reviews or lack thereof, "Nobody's Son" didn't seem to have a large readership anyway (so, sometimes I do look at reviews and see if a fic is being 'read' or not, so if you read and don't review, well...it's just best to even drop just a word or two in the review just so I know you're out there and reading my fic. Otherwise, I'll consider it a 'dud' and possibly remove it).
Prince Atemu...age 14 (and a half!)
With only a mere two days before my birthday, I have given my parents my request for Asru to be in attendance as my special guest. My mother grinned warmly while my father snickered. I don't know if snickering is a good or bad thing, but it doesn't matter what they think anyway. Well, perhaps it does matter in some form, but in my mind and heart, I could care less of their opinions. What matters is my own and Asru's. For all I know, she may still be so mad at me that she won't even accept the invitation.
I tried to see her this morning. I was at my father's side beside the throne when she and her father arrived to discuss some breeding schedules for the royal mares. As they did so, Asru was there writing upon a scroll the schedule and which times, stallions, and mares would be bred. I tried to get her attention several times, but she ignored me and just continued on with the business at hand. Guess that means she's still mad at me. I could have pulled rank and ordered her into a private discussion, but I have already sworn to myself that I will never use my rank in that way, especially not on her. But seeing her give me the cold shoulder is starting to anger me as well. I wish to discuss the matter, to communicate. Father says the best solution to a problem is found through communication and no other way. But how do you do such when the opposite party does not wish to open communication!? Yes, the throne room felt very chilly this morning and it wasn't the morning breeze either.
Fine then, if she will not come to me on my grounds, then I will go to her on her own grounds. It is against my better judgement to corner her like that, but she has given me little option. I have written her and sent messages to her by falcon and the falcon returns with no replies from her. I have seen her now within the palace and she acts as if I do not exist.So now, I must take the matter up on her own turf. She can't run or ignore me there. It is a very dangerous endeavor for me though. I have her sister and father who both no doubt, will side and support her. Well, her father might not, but if he's anything like my father, he'll likely stay out of the matter citing that us 'young adults' must learn to solve matters on our own. Her sister however is another matter. They seem very close and I know how girls are, especially when one is wronged. They gather like a pride of lionesses and are equally as deadly. Father once told me of two brother male lions who once ruled a pride and were ousted by the very females they ruled. Yes, lionesses are very deadly creatures. Human females are no less. My mother has had my father, the mighty pharaoh of the most powerful kingdom in the known world, on his knees begging before. I know not why, but if she has that much power over a man like my father, then my wisest course is to be wary of females and their ways. But I wonder, what draws us males to them? I once told myself the easiest way to avoid them is to not associate with them aside for business matters, but I find myself drawn to Asru anyway. Mana is different all together though I have no doubt in my mind that one day, she too, could be a force to be reckoned with...she just doesn't know it yet and I'm not about to make her privy to such information.
Shimon and Mahaado seem concerned with me. In my studies today and the previous days I have been a model student. They think something is seriously wrong with me. My mind is just elsewhere so I simply am doing what I'm told so I don't have other issues to contend with on top of the big one I'm trying to work through. They must have spoken with my mother however because last evening, at her request, I was served one of my favorite meals and allowed to snack prior to going to bed for the evening. Is it pity, sympathy, both, or none? Regardless, if I don't take care of this issue with Asru soon, the whole palace and then the village will know of all this. The walls have ears that carry into the desert with only the slightest wind. It is embarrassing enough that I of all people have such an issue like this. I have never been defeated in a game or sport. I am always above others in my scores in all subjects of study. And to let one village girl unnerve me to the point where I falter? No, she may have the upperhand in this 'game' now, but I will eventually win. I always do. I do not wish to know what defeat feels like in any respect...ever.
But no matter how confident I feel, my gut tells me otherwise. I keep thinking about her, dwelling on her, even fantasizing about her. Did I just say that? Guess I need to go take a cold bath upon completion of this entry.
Is there anything else I can talk about other than her? It seems like she's all I think and write about now. There's got to be more to my life than one village girl! Isn't there? What was I doing before I met her? I remember, getting into trouble. For some reason that seems so immature now. Wait, why do I want to all of a sudden be mature? Oh Atemu, you really are so messed up aren't you!?
My day has not gone well. Prior to returning to my chambers to write this, I crossed paths with Seto. What is it with that cocky grin of his? Just because he has a guaranteed spot as a priest doesn't make him a king. Yet, he acts like the world is his throne. Is it arrogance or confidence? Probably both with him. Strangely, I wish I could become closer with him, as if he was my big brother. I'd like to confide my troubles to him and hopefully hope that he has had some experience or advice on the matter. But no, that will never happen. Just upon seeing him, I feel like we are facing off in some competitive game. Is this how it's going to be when I become king? Does he think himself better than I? Will I have to one day put him in his place? Will I even be able to do such? His skills rival my own in many respects. Father has even said something along the lines that I now have someone worthy enough to challenge my own abilities. How can that be a good thing!? If we are rivals, then how can we work as a team? Teamwork is a fundamental key to working with the Millenium Items. All feed off each other. All need each other. A unified force is absolute. If just one breaks from the fold, all will falter. This isn't just the Millenium Items either...this is standard in life and military as well. Our kingdom's strength is built on unity. Its foundation can crumble if unity breaks. And, it is the king's responsibility to maintain that unity...from priests to peasants for within unity is harmony and prosperity. See, not all studies flow in one ear and out the other. Take that father!
Father and mother have some ceremony this evening. A allied king and queen from a neighboring kingdom is arriving tonight. I hope they do not have daughters. I'm so tired of hearing talk of potential queens and having the girls coo and giggle whenever I am in their sights. How infantile! I have more important matters to attend to than to be entertainment for a bunch of giggly princesses. Yes, I will risk another escape this evening. I know my absence will be obvious to father and mother in this situation, but maybe it'll send the message home to them as well. I don't want one of these giggly, bubbly high status girls. I have sights on one wily, assertive, village girl that could give me a run for my money any day.
Did I just say that? Oh Atemu, your heart really is lost!
Ah wait! I just come up with the perfect diversion to make my escape too! Prior to the internal festivities, we are holding some races and sport for entertainment of this royal visit. Naturally, I'll compete. The chariot race actually exits the palace grounds and rounds into several of the main streets of the village. If I enter, I can actually divert to Asru's upon the return leg to the palace. My slow return to the palace can be an excuse of a lame horse or thrown sprocket. But, this is bad. Then I'd have to lose the race. I NEVER lose! But that may be the only chance I get to see Asru! Is she worth it? For me to lose for the first time ever? I must ponder this one. But first, I need to go take that cold bath. My thoughts are wandering just thinking of her again. I can envision me losing the race just for her. She being so overtaken by the deed that she throws herself at me and we...yes, must go take a cold bath.
Back now. Mahaado saw me as I was returning to my chambers after the bath and inquired why I was bathing at such an unusual hour and shivering at that when it was scorching hot inside and out. For him being a male too, he is so clueless! I told him I didn't feel like re-enacting the creation by Ra in my namesake's form so I took a cold bath instead. He looked even more clueless! I'm not sure if he's denser then the blocks that built the pyramids or emptier than a jug of free beer! I shrugged him off and told him I'd meet him later in the paddock for our horsemanship lessons.
What is it with me and my run-ins with my future priests today?! First Seto and now Mahaado. Or is it, pick-on-the-prince day again. It wouldn't be the first time and certainly not the last. I think father plans those days out to test my patience and tolerance. A good king must be able to overcome and ignore taunts, jeers, pranks, and other forms of mockery. Doesn't father know that eventhough I am a prince by title, I am a KING and master of these such things! Each and every one of those days where I was tested in such a manner I managed to flop the situation over to my favor...and with relative ease I might add. Usually the last prank I pull is on my father himself. You would think he'd learn by now. I'm simply better at games than he is. Other point of father...he has no sense of humor! He's too serious most of the time. I told him he doesn't have to be in 'king' mode all the time. When we are having time alone or as a family, then he can be in father and husband mode. I think mother has told him the same thing. The man needs to lighten up!
Anyway, during my horsemanship lessons, I will scout the arena and other areas to and from the palace that the chariots will use during the race. Perhaps there is a way I can see her and STILL win! Father always tells me to exhaust every possible option or alternative before making a decision. So be it. I'll use his own advice, just not in the context he was teaching it in. I just hope that during the race...no poor villager spends his months wages on a bet for me to win. I'm not guaranteeing the win this time around.
I must go now, lessons await and I look forward to my little 'game' with Mahaado. Wow if my father, mother, or Shimon ever got a hold of this journal my behind would be so raw that I would not sit for an eternity! Guess I'd better start rotating my hiding spots.