disclaimer: don't own Yugioh or its characters.
Prince Atemu...age 15 (FINALLY!)
Now I really do have a nasty headache. I almost do not wish to write in this, but laying down just makes me nauseous so I have to do something. I suppose I should continue upon my most recent entry.
I was not expecting the response my father gave upon catching Asru and myself in the gardens.
"Well, continue on son. If that is what you desire. I will remain here to assure that if any child is produced, I can assure legitimacy of it being from my son so it does not have to bear the mark of being a bastard."
Needless to say, I was at a loss for words. Father had embarrassed me and insulted Asru at the same time with a single, brief speech! To think of father watching me during a time of intimacy just makes my blood churn and my stomach want to heave! I kept my head down, my eyes locked upon a small weed that stood defiantly before my feet. For some reason, that weed reminded me of myself, but I shoved the matter aside. I had to think of Asru now. Whatever happens to me would happen, but I would not allow Asru to be dragged along with me.
"Father, allow Asru to return to her father please. Then you and I may continue on whatever path you deem appropriate in this matter." I replied seriously and formally. I had to sound strong for Asru, but deep down, I was unsure what was to become of well...us. I was already to be punished for the events prior to this one and now I just stacked another serious issue atop it. Surely father would ban me from ever seeing Asru again...that was worst case scenario anyway.
My noble request was honored by my father however. His tone changed as he spoke to Asru, allowing her to take her leave. I braved a glace goodbye to her just before father drew my head back to him with a strong hand upon my chin.
Once father was assurred that we were alone, he continued his conversation with me.
"What am I going to do with you son? Whatever happened to the innocent, carefree, dependent son I once had?"
Father's words caused memories of my earlier years to play in my mind. I remember his warm embrace, his caring eyes, his prideful smile whenever I did something of importance like my first steps, my first solo ride upon a horse, my first summoning of a monster, my first victory in a duel...I had only one reply to him.
"I'm not a child anymore father. You've got to allow me to be my own man."
For a reason I know not why, father's gaze softened. "You're as defiant as those spikey strands of hair upon your head. I should've know by your hair alone that you were destined to be one of a kind."
I couldn't help but return my gaze to that rebellious little weed at my feet again. Was that little plant and I kindred souls? That weed was the only weed in this maticuously groomed garden and it stood proud and obvious in its existence. Why should I be any less?
"But, I cannot punish you for what occurred here tonight. While it may be hard for you to fathom, I was once your age. I cannot punish you for something that is only natural for your body at your age."
Father was right. Trying to envision him at my age seemed impossible, but then again, no more impossible than trying to envision myself as his age now. I remained quiet, unsure how to answer and thus father continued.
"Your mother and I are only looking out for your well being. We cannot tell you who to fall in love with, who to have experiences with, nor how to proceed with your own feelings. But, we can use our own experience to try to guide you when there's a chance you may stray and cause more trouble than you can get yourself out of...as impossible a task as that is proving to be. You've outwitted me more times than I care to admit son, but it's at a cost of your own repute. Just remember that. You're the future pharaoh of this kingdom. Your past can come back to haunt you. Your people will remember things about you that you have long forgotten."
Leave it to father to get intellectually deep on me. Usually mother does that to me, but apparently father has that ability too. Must be why I'm so damn smart. I got it on both ends of the family. I returned my gaze to meet father's warm eyes. Was that a tear? Why would he cry now? I hate it when father sheds tears. It usually foreshadows something bad. Perhaps I should seek out the priestess bearing the Millenium Tauk to find out what this could mean. Or, maybe I'm just thinking too deeply into the matter. But father spoke before I could ponder the idea any further.
"Let's allow destiny to choose shall we? I'm going to alter your punishment for that little race incident. The only way to know a leopard's true intentions is to allow it to roam amongst its quarry. So that shall be with you. If you and that village girl are destined to be, than events will flow along that course as true as the Nile. I will arrange with her father for you to work your punishment off in their stables. You will muck out the stalls and shovel crap as their lowest stableboy. You will be able to see the girl everyday. How is that? Will that humble my royal son enough to prevent further altercations?"
The prince of all of Egypt shovelling shit!? How absurd is that!? But I am the one who has always stressed that rank and status should not matter. So why should I find this insulting? No. I will accept this. Besides, it is as father said, if Asru and I are destined to be, than our course will flow as true as the Nile and if I have any hand in this game with destiny, I will overflow the banks of the mighty Nile and carve a course all my own!
"Fine father. Your punishment is worthy of my error in judgement the other night." I replied solemnly. In my head however, I was already turning a negative experience into a positive one. Firstly, I get to see Asru everyday and have free reign if my father has stipulated correctly. Her father will have little say in the matter. Secondly, mucking out stalls strengthens the body and builds muscles. I have seen some of those stableboys. I desire to make my body worthy beyond godlike for any female I should take interest upon. For that is the existence of all males...to protect females so that they have someone to mate with and therefore pass on their name, blood, and traits to another generation. It is only proper for said males to bestow honor to females by making themselves pleasing to them. Not-to-mention, I need a built body if I am ever going to best Seto in every aspect of life. I may have him beat in dueling and tactics and politics, but he seems to have a slight lead upon me in physical combat. He's three years older than me and twice my height. I must compensate for those advantages of his. A nice, well muscled, but not overly muscled body should give me the strength I require plus allow me to maintain the nimble speed and agility that my smaller, lighter frame provides. I have already surpassed Mahaado and Karim in physical combat. Mahaado tends to try to use height to his advantage and Karim, brute strength. Neither survives an onslaught from an enemy they can't lay a hand on. So, okay father, this round of gaming is yours. You caught me. I accept my punishment. I will benefit from it and start the game anew.
Father and I walked together back to the main room where the festivities of my birthday were winding down. He had placed a firm hand about my shoulders as he led me in...a show of pride in me for all to see. This was perhaps the greatest gift I received that evening.
And so that concludes my tale of my fifteenth birthday. I'm already pondering how I can best it for my sixteenth. Mother says age sixteen is the sweetest year of my life. I don't know what she means by that, but I am already one more day closer to finding out.
Now I must conclude this entry as I am to report to the stables within the hour. My bath had better be prepared for me upon my return to the palace because I will not tolerate smelling like horse crap any longer than I have to!
On a final note, I am curious to see what Asru has to say about the evening of my birthday. Did her father say anything to her? Did my father say anything to her father? If so, what? How much does her father know now? So many things still to ponder! I feel another headache coming on...