disclaimer: don't own Yugioh or its characters.
author's notes: In response to a mention of the spelling of the pharaoh/prince's name as "Atemu" and the potential realistic egyptian spelling of it: Based off the manga's heiroglyphs and the fact it is a Japanese anime/manga and in Japanese language..."Atemu" is correct, not "Atem." "Atem" or "Atum" is more correct if the heiroglyphs were more accurate based of real historical egyptology. But, then again, it also depends on what language one is translating to...Latin...English...Greek or some other language? While there are vast amounts of constanants in the ancient egyptian language, the human mouth cannot pronounciate such without a vowel sliding in. So...technically the entire name could be inaccurate. It doesn't matter. It's "Atemu" in spoken Japanese as heard and spelled in Japanese in the anime and based off the drawn heiroglyphs in the anime and manga (5 symbols). If Japanese is translated into English, the name could very well become "Atem" as the "u" at the end is nearly silent and often dropped in translation. But also for me, it's a personal preference...I like "Atemu" better than "Atem." "Atem" sounds like "Ahem" or somebody clearing their throat...not a very dignified sounding name to me for such a charismatic character as is the prince/pharaoh.
Prince Atemu...age 15
Today and last night...studied 7 scrolls of political laws and regulations, 10 scrolls of spells and potions, 3 scrolls of religion and culture, and created 5 scrolls of "I will not throw papyrus wads at Shimon" written repetitively and signed in duplicate by me to be handed to father. Fine. No more papyrus wads AT Shimon. Now, I'll just make some large paddy like ones, wet them down, and stick them upon the ceiling above where he usually stands to lecture me. The results should be entertaining...for me at least. And I'll claim the properties of gravity, whatever those are as a reason for my little prank, err, experiment. I mean, if I don't do something amusing I will fall asleep during his lectures! I choose the lesser of two evils...awake with a prank. Hey, that almost rhymes. Mother would be most pleased with my improving poetry skills.
One more day of poop scooping to go. 'Poop, scoop' rhyme! Wow, I amaze myself sometimes. Where do I come up with such great lines?! Ra has definitely blessed me with talent!
And along the subject of crap brings me to another interesting, humbling, embarrassing moment for myself. I'm not really embarrassed about it, but it embarrassed another so I naturally reacted the same way. I'll explain.
Last night, it was a warm, swealtering night. Normally the desert nights are a dry heat that cool somewhat. But, last night was muggy and stifling! I finished my work in the stables and was completely soaked in sweat among other unpleasantries. Seeing the opportunity to bathe in an outlet of the Nile that wasn't far from the pastures, I stripped off everything aside from my crown, armbands, and a couple of other golden accessories. Normally nobody would dare enter the Nile and not even I was that stupid. But this appeared to be a man-made ditch that divereted some of the Nile's mighty flow into the fields for the horses and crops. It had a removable dam at its mouth so it was likely that crocs and hippos were kept where they belong...safely in the Nile. I was not about to add my royal ass to the historical records of a couple of kings and princes that died in the mouths of one of those huge beasts! And yes, I fear hippos more than crocs. They are even more territorial than a male croc and more intelligent. You cross a hippo the wrong way and he'll remember you. A croc doesn't. Crocs are opportunistic, dim-witted reptiles that are all instinct, not intelligence.
Anyway, I just diverged off my tale didn't I? Mother says I'm doing that often now, even when I'm speaking. I tell her my mind is racing and thinks faster than my mouth can spit out the words. She says that is probably a good thing. I'm not quite sure which part she meant...the mind or the mouth? Oh well, back to my story...Crocs weren't the only opportunistic creatures I should refer to. As I said, I had virtually nothing on and was enjoying the cooling waters upon my overheated, exhausted, and crap smelling body. I'm usually alert when in such a vulnerable position, but I was caught up in the feel of the waters and their relaxing properties. I failed to notice I had an observer. She (yes, I said SHE) chose to step forward and reveal her presence at my most vulnerable moment...standing at the river bank, totally nude aside from the glimmers of my golden jewelry in the moonlight. She smiled apreciatively (at least I hope that was an appreciative smile) then giggled. Now the smile I can handle, but the giggle? I'm normally not a modest person. I'm accostomed to nudity and whatnot, but for some reason I feel bashful and self-conscious around this girl. But, I'm sorry Ra, that giggle cannot go without a little game!
I cocked my head sidewards and raised an eyebrow in inquisitive curiousity. She had smiled and giggled, but she wasn't going anywhere. I took it as a playful challenge. Time for a game then. Ignoring my clothing (they were dirty and stinky anyway), I opted to move in all my splendor. Nudity forgotten, I approached her. I think she blushed. Hard to tell in only dim moonlight. I'd take a step forward, and she'd take a step back. I know this game too well. Forget the step. With the speed and grace of my cat-like agility that I had perfected in my military combat training, I closed our gap and captured her in a hug. She squealed, but it wasn't a scream...it was indeed a squeal. This meant I was safe from being called some pervert or rapist. I could see that situation now...the royal prince, arrested and thrown in the village prison while nude. Yes, father would have had a field day with that one. Good thing this wasn't that said scenario.
For what was probably seconds, but felt like minutes we did nothing, just stayed in that embrace. A slight breeze blew across my still damp body and I instinctively shivered. Perhaps Ra is on my side with this? It caused her to notice that I might be chilled and she draped her cloak about me and held me closer. We said nothing, but the silence was becoming awkward. So, being the gamester that I am, I opted for a new move. I had been studying her eyes with my own from the time I noticed her from the river bank. Now this is one type of studying I don't mind at all. I allowed my eyes to close in a half-lidded gaze to let her know I was comfortable in her embrace. She responded by wrapping her warming cloak and arms tighter around me. I gave a deep purr in response (I can purr!? And it comes out in a deep, manly tone...hmm, this can be beneficial!). My half-lidded gaze become total closure as I opted for yet another maneuver. I was feeling bold afterall. I leaned forward towards her warm breath. My lips seeking hers. And soon enough hers closed the gap until we met. A brief thought of a game of dueling tongues came to my mind, but I tried to shove off the gaming instinct for once in my life. Our embrace became caresses and we seemed to continue where we had left off from the palace fountain that one night. As quickly as all that happened, it also ended. We both suddenly pulled away from each other. It was a mistake that caused me the embarrassment I mentioned earlier. Both of us had felt the 'poke.' I didn't even pay attention to it until her half second before me and her quiet whisper of "oh my."
Apparently Ra still finds me a game and as much as I enjoy games, I'm not liking this one. I prefer games I can control, but a certain 'part' of my body at that moment seemed out of my control. I didn't expect it at all! In fact, I was as surprised as she was. But, I had to salvage some form of dignity out of this predicament. So, with the calmness and coolness of a regal being, I would shrug this off. She was definitely red with embarrassment. Was it for me or herself? I don't know, but I had to fix the situation quickly.
"Hey, what do you know, it likes you!" I joked, mocking my own self...but deep down I felt a little pride in myself for all this too. I'll ponder those mixed feelings someday, but for now, I have to deal with the current moments.
She giggled. I take that as a good response. Hmm, normally I wouldn't call myself or any part of me a 'dog', but it seemed appropriate at this time. "Down boy! Sit! Please?" I said as I looked down at myself and pointed towards the ground. It still hadn't quite got there and was still pointing at her. "I'm really sorry Asru, I know it's not nice to point, but my mother failed to tell me that things other than the fingers upon my hands could also do the same."
She continued to giggle. I was on a roll with my jokes. Maybe I was getting a bit cocky now (no pun intended...well, okay, there's a big pun there given the predicament I was in). "Doesn't mind very well does it?" I continued as I casually kept stepping back towards the river bank and my clothes. Then it hit me...back into the cooling waters! "I'll be right back!" I replied to Asru as I gave her a half dignified, but probably comical bow due to a certain body part. I turned and dove back into the water.
It was only a minute or so in the chilling waters to cause a certain body part to cool off and return to its normal state. As I climbed back onto the river bank once again, Asru was there with a welcoming, warm blanket. She had that all the while!? And she didn't give it to me beforehand? So, she WANTED to see me...ALL of me in all my glory!? Now I think I was the pawn in her game rather than she in mine. Yes, this girl can indeed match me wit for wit. It's a rare trait as I have found no other, not my father, perhaps not even Seto who can match me in such. Asru is so much more than a mere daughter of a horse breeder. It's just she doesn't know it. I will have to find a way to rise her to a position more fitting of her talents. I just don't know what or how just yet. But, I'm the royal prince of Egypt and heir to the kingdom. There HAS to be something within my powers that can allow that bit of destiny to come true.
Asru and I walked together back to the stables and I bid her goodnight as I had to return back to the palace. As I entered the palace gates, with only the blanket draped about me and dirty clothes in hand, there was that future high priest of mine, leaning against a wall, smirking that annoying, challenging smirk. I read it like he was a snake in the grass. He always seemed to know more than he let on, so I gave him the benefit of the doubt this time too. Perhaps he was spying on me? He probably would enjoy seeing the prince grovelling in the stables shovelling crap. So, perhaps he's seen even more than that? But I was in no mood to deal with his arrogance. I was trying to bask in the embarrassing, yet pleasant little night Asru and I had together. I'd not let one slithering, devious, high priest interfere with that.
"Here, make yourself useful." I replied to him with a shifty smirk of my own as I passed him and handed him my grubby clothes. I heard him huff in anger since I had just treated him as if he were my servant. Well, Seto, like it or not, technically you are...maybe not as lowly as a washing maiden, but there are times when your ego is beyond the scope of your head. I'm simply and mind you, subtly, reminding you of where you are...or at least where you should be...firmly planted on sands of this land. I normally don't like to pull or be reminded of rank myself, but sometimes it does have its moments and opportunities such as this instance. He'll pay me back for that in the coming days. I just know it. Perhaps it'll be a duel between us for the entertainment of the others? I must remember to suggest that to father tomorrow. The blood rises and curdles in my veins whenever I think of duels and Seto in the same sentence! I wonder why that is? Doesn't matter, there's a whole new feeling of excitement in me whenever I find reason to get Seto into the dueling arena!
I must bathe and get some sleep now. I am hoping my dreams will be pleasant this night as my waking hours have been. Tomorrow marks the end of my so-called punishment. And yet, that fact saddens me. It means I won't see Asru on a daily basis anymore. Well, guess it's time to find something to cause the punishment to be extended. Did I just say that!? Am I going insane!? I WANT more punishment!? Oh Asru, if only you knew the lengths I'm willing to go for you (and I think a certain body part agrees with me on that)!
Prince Atemu...signing off to the spirits of good dreams.