Yeah, I know I said that I wouldn't update 'til June, but you gotta admit that cliff-hanger was a little…stupid. So I thought I'd write the next chapter before I go back to school and before the revision sessions begin (oh joy…).

Thank you so much Green Phantom Queen for reviewing. I'm glad someone likes this story!

'Thoughts'

"Speaking"

Remember: In Ancient Egypt, the tunics that the men wore were a bit like skirts, so basically, they were topless. This is an important factor for this story, especially in this chapter.

Disclaimer: I do not own Yu-Gi-Oh! and I do not own the Prince and the Pauper

I-

The Pharaoh and the Pauper

Chapter 6: A Prince Named Yugi

I-

Yugi searched his mind in hope of finding a word that perfectly described the view in front of him. He could only find one that came close enough…

"Wow…"

What else could he say? He had lived in the city all his life, and now here he was, standing on a balcony in the middle of the Palace of the Pharaoh's, watching Ra light up the city before him as he rose in the sky. Yugi watched in silence as the bright rays shone down onto the buildings below him, giving off a soft glow. It was amazing, and Atemu got to see this everyday…

So why did he want to leave?

When Yugi had woken up that morning, he had momentarily forgotten where he was. He was surprised to find himself lying in a magnificent bed, with golden furniture around him, and an amazing view from the balcony, until he remembered that this all belonged to Atemu. He remembered what had happened yesterday: working near the palace, being sent to Atemu's chamber, meeting Atemu himself and swapping lives, it's just didn't feel real to him. It felt like this was all a dream. How was it possible for a Prince and a peasant to look so alike anyway? And would they really be able to live each other's lives?

Yugi sighed heavily, his mind filled with so many questions that remained unanswered. Atemu had everything: a safe home, food on the table everyday, wealth, friends; so why did he want to leave it all behind and life the boring life of a peasant, if only for a week?

But then Yugi remembered something Atemu had said last night. When they had first met. Atemu had mentioned that he felt trapped inside the palace. He had never been outside the palace walls. And as Yugi stared at the city below him, it looked so welcoming and inviting, he couldn't help but feel sorry for Atemu, for he realised now what he meant. Even though he had been in that city for 16 years, as he watched it from the balcony, he couldn't help but feel an urge to jump over the walls and escape into the city…but there was no way that was going to happen, because 1) the walls were about 15 foot high and 2) Yugi had to stay here and pretend to be the Prince.

He reached up and loosened the cloak slightly that hung round his neck and flowed down his back. Atemu had told Yugi countless times last night that it was important for Yugi to wear this cloak, so that it hid the scars on his back. If someone saw them, the whole plan would be ruined. After all, how many Princes had whip marks on their back? But although Yugi didn't mind wearing the wonderful clothes Atemu had given him, he couldn't help but wonder why the cloak was made out of such a heavy material. Not only did it feel uncomfortable and itchy around his neck, he found himself feeling just a little too hot.

As Ra continued to rise into the morning sky, Yugi found himself fiddling with the Millennium Puzzle around his neck. He had expected it to be heavier, since it was made out of gold, and he expected the leather strap to dig into his neck. But when Atemu had given the sacred item to him last night, he found that these things did not occur. And as he stared into the eye on the front, he found himself longing for Atemu to come back, for the Millennium Puzzle did not belong to him. He did not know how to use its powers. Not only that, but he was starting to miss his grandfather.

'Maybe it won't be as bad I think it will,' Yugi thought. 'After all, it's only for one week. I just hope grandpa will be alright without me. Atemu said he'd take care of him for me, and I trust him, like he trusts me. I just have a bad feeling that something bad will-'

KNOCK KNOCK!

Yugi turned around at the sound of someone knocking at the door. He swallowed. Well, this was it. It was time to be a Prince.

"Come-er, I mean…you may enter," he quickly corrected himself. He could feel the sweat trickle down his face.

The heavy door opened, giving loud creak. Yugi heard someone enter the room. He looked up…and smiled when he saw whom it was. She smiled back at him, and began to walk over, her blue eyes sparking in the light, her short brown hair swaying from side to side with each footstep. She was carrying a tray full of food. There was enough food to feed Yugi and his grandfather for a whole week! Yugi felt himself drool, and quickly wiped away the saliva before Téa, the only person Yugi recognised around here, could see it.

"Good morning Atemu," she greeted, placing the food down. "I see you're up early."

Yugi looked around the room, expecting her to be talking to someone else, before realising that she thought he was Atemu. It looked like the plan was working after all.

"Err, yeah…" said Yugi. He deepened his voice slightly, trying to sound more like Atemu. "I couldn't sleep."

"Again? Atemu, have you been having those nightmares again?"

"Err…yes?" Atemu didn't mention anything about nightmares. What else was Yugi suppose to say? He sat down on the bed, next to where Téa had placed the food.

"Atemu," she sighed, sitting next to Yugi. She rubbed his back in comfort. Yugi winced as her hand passed over his wounds, but he quickly hid his pain. "You know your father's illness is not your fault. And, when the time does come, I'm sure you'll make a great pharaoh."

Yugi didn't say anything. He didn't realise Atemu was so worried about being the pharaoh. Was that why he wanted to escape? Was that why he swapped with Yugi, to run away from it all?

'No. He'll be back. He promised me he would, and I trust him.'

Téa saw that 'Atemu' wasn't going to answer any time soon. That was so like him, always keeping things to himself. She wished he would tell her what was bugging him; after all, they were best friends. They could tell each other anything. But she didn't want to intrude in his personal business. Instead, she got up, picked up the tray of food that lay on the bed, walked back to her seat and held up the food to 'Atemu'.

"Come on, eat," she said, holding up a large piece of bread. "It'll make you feel better."

Yugi looked at Téa, then the bread, then at the food, then back at Téa as if saying 'is this really all for me?' When Téa nodded at time, encouraging him to eat (though Yugi swore she read his mind), he beamed and starting scoffing down the food in front of him.

Téa laughed as 'Atemu' downed the food. She'd never seen him this hungry before. It was rather amusing. It was as if he'd never see food before. But as she continued to watch him, she noticed that 'Atemu' seemed…different. It was the only word she could think of.

"You seem…different, Atemu," she said, deciding to share her thoughts.

Yugi coughed as he chocked on the fruit he was eating. He swiftly recovered, swallowing the fruit before looking up at the servant girl. He was afraid this would happen. "Different?"

"Yeah." She began to scan 'Atemu' over, looking for anything unusual. Yugi felt uncomfortable as she did. "I'm not sure what, but there's something different about you this morning."

"Err…" Yugi stuttered. He had to think of something, quickly. Otherwise Téa would figure everything out, and then he'd be in a how load of trouble. "It's…er…probably because of…er…my lack of sleep! Yeah, that's it!" He laughed nervously and rubbed the back of his neck.

Téa eyed him suspiciously, but decided to let it pass.

"I guess you're right," she sighed, standing up. She picked up the empty food tray. "Well, since you're finished, I'd better be off. See you later!"

Yugi watched Téa walk away. "Bye!" he said, just before she walked out the door. She smiled before closing the heavy door behind her.

Once Yugi was sure she was gone, he flopped onto his bed. He wiped the sweat from his forehead. "That…was a close one."

"Oh, and one more thing," said Téa suddenly, popping her head round the door. Yugi jumped up in surprise. "Don't be late for your lessons! You know how much Kaiba hates you being late. Bye!" And with that, Téa disappeared once again, but this time, she didn't come back.

When Yugi was 100 sure she was really gone this time, he flopped back down on his bed. He'd forgotten about his lessons with High Priest Seto Kaiba.

"How can things get any worse?"

I-

He shouldn't have said that. He should not have said that, for things DID get worse.

A lot worse

After Téa left, it had taken him almost an hour to find the room in which his lessons were to take place. He had entered countless rooms, either to find that they were empty, or they were occupied by the many servants and guards that worked in the palace. In the end, one of the guards had to show him the way. Frankly, it was embarrassing. A Prince should know where his lessons were held. But Yugi was no Prince; he was just pretending to be one.

When he finally did arrive, Priest Seto was furious. But his anger soon turned into surprise. When he had asked the Prince what had taken him so long, instead of expecting the usual answer where Atemu replies with a witty comment making fun of Seto, the answer he got was "I'm sorry" and "I won't do it again."

To say that Seto was surprised by this answer was an understatement. The Prince was never kind to him. Who could blame him? After all, they hated each other's guts. So why was the Prince being so kind to him now? Was his father's illness affecting him somehow? Or was there something else?

That morning, Yugi found the lessons rather difficult. Seto had set him the task of reading some text. Unfortunately for Yugi, he couldn't read it, since only important and powerful people, such as Atemu, were taught these scriptures. He tried his best, managing to read a few words here and there, but it was no use. He couldn't understand any of it.

Seto noticed this, and as 'Atemu' continued to try and read, his patience worn thin. Atemu, even though Seto hated to admit it, was very intelligent and could read easily, so why was he finding this difficult? And just why did Atemu look different?

After a while, Seto gave up and sent 'Atemu' back to his room, saying that he needed to see someone. Once he was sure the young Prince was gone, he left the classroom and made his way to the courtyard.

'I just don't get it,' he thought as he slowly wondered around the courtyard. His grip tightened on the Millennium Rod in his hand. 'Just why is the Prince acting this way? Not that I'm complaining. I always enjoy seeing the little worm squirm. But, he was fine yesterday…until that little peasant got involved. Wait a minute…' He stopped at the sight of the old temple, the one that had been destroyed during the Shadow Game. 'That peasant, the one that looked exactly like the Prince, he was working here yesterday, and Atemu had called for him to be sent to his room. Could it be? Would Atemu be that stupid? There's only one way to find out.'

Seto immediately turned round and made his way back into the palace, knocking any servants and guards that got in his way. He quickly made his way up the stone stairs and down the corridor, until he came to Atemu's room. He stopped outside the door. It was slightly open, and he could hear someone inside. He peeped through the gap, and saw 'Atemu' inside.

'Atemu' was pacing up and down the room, looking troubled. He was muttering something that to Seto sounded like "how could I be so stupid?" and "Atemu's not gonna like this". He had removed his cloak, which now lay on the bed. The Millennium Puzzle swung as 'Atemu' continued to pace up and down. He soon stopped. He ran his hand through his hair, and turned round so that his back was to the door. That's when Seto saw it.

The whip marks.

'So, Atemu was dumb enough to switch places with a lowly peasant. How stupid of him…and yet, maybe not. This could be just what I'm looking for! Yes! This is perfect!'

Seto stood up, straightening himself up, before knocking on the door.

KNOCK KNOCK!

Yugi spun round. "Shit!" he cursed, as he quickly put the cloak back on. "You may enter!"

Seto smiled as he entered the room. He bowed as the so-called Prince.

"I do hope I'm not interrupting anything, your highness," he said, a little too enthusiastic on the 'highness'

"N-not at all, Priest Seto," Yugi answered, trying to sound as tough as he could.

"I just thought that you should know, you will not be having lessons with me this afternoon, for I have to…take care of a few things." Yugi sighed in relief. Seto's smile only grew bigger. "So, instead of having your normal lessons, you will be spending the after noon with Priestess Ishizu, in the main hall. It is her turn to help the people of Egypt today. I thought this would be good experience for you." Seto heard the boy gulp, loudly. 'Perfect.'

"I-is that all, Seto?"

"Yes," Seto bowed again. "I will leave you know. Ishizu expects you in the main hall soon."

Seto exited the room, closing the door behind him. He walked down the corridor, a new plan forming in his head. 'By the end of the week, I will have my revenge. Then, I'll finally claim what should have been mine from the beginning.'

His menacing laugh echoed through the palace.

I-

Yugi walked into the small room located behind throne room, thankful that he found it all on his own. He saw a woman waiting for him. She looked a few years older than him, and wore a long white gown, with golden brackets and bands on her arms. Yugi could tell from her clothes that she was important, like a Priestess. She had long, jet black hair and blue eyes. Around her neck was the Millennium Necklace.

'This must be Ishizu,' Yugi thought as he approached her. 'She doesn't look as mean as Kaiba, hank Ra!'

"I see you're on time for once," Ishizu spoke. He turned around and began to walk towards some silk curtains. "Come."

Yugi obeyed and followed, not saying a word. Ishizu soon stopped just in front of the curtains. Yugi came to her side.

"Now, I know Seto expects you to stay hidden behind these curtains, but I believe that you should see your people. So, you will be seated next to me, but you will not speak unless I tell you to, is that clear?"

"Yes Ishizu"

Ishizu looked down at 'Atemu'. "I know that seems cold of me, but I don't want a repeat of what happened with Seto yesterday, OK?"

Yugi looked up at Ishizu. He was right, she was kinder than Seto. "It's alright Ishizu, I understand." Unfortunately, he didn't. What did Atemu do yesterday with Seto? Was it really that bad?

Ishizu smiled. "Good. Now, lets go."

Ishizu lifted up the curtains and walked through. Yugi followed her into the main hall, and was amazed at the sight before him. Hundreds of people were lining up, waiting for the Priestess to help them. Most of them were peasants, but Yugi spotted a few guards from the temples, and a few farmers. And then there was a man near the middle of the line that looked awfully familiar to him-

"Atemu," Ishizu called

Yugi looked to his right saw Ishizu sitting down in one of two large throne-like chairs, waiting for 'Atemu'. Yugi quickly walked over and sat in the empty chair next to her. Once he was sitting down, Ishizu called the first person up.

Yugi watched as Ishizu dealt with the public, impressed at her skills. She spoke to each person in a kind voice, and listened to each of their problems. Once they had finished explaining, she used her Millennium Necklace to either look into the future, or to help communicate with the Gods. She would then advise the people, telling them what they can do to help themselves. The people were very grateful and always left in a happier mood than they were in when they arrived.

But although Yugi was fascinated by Ishizu's skills, his attention soon turned to man he had seen earlier. As the queue became shorter and shorter and the man came closer, Yugi began to identify him. He had wild blonde hair, was pretty tall yet still quite young. Yugi guessed his age to be 16 or 17. It wasn't until said man was making his way up the steps to speak to Ishizu that Yugi finally realised who it was.

'Joey! What's he doing here? Oh, I hope nothing's happened back home.'

Joey kneeled in front of Ishizu and 'Atemu'. Yugi wanted to run, run away before Joey saw it was him. But he couldn't. If he left, people would start to ask questions. Besides, the guards would just catch him and bring him back in moments. Instead, he just sat quietly and watched Joey, hoping he wouldn't recognise him.

Joey bowed his head in respect at the Priestess and the Prince, before raising his head. Now, he wasn't completely stupid, as everybody thought he was. He noticed that Prince Atemu looked a lot like Yugi, and he knew that there was no way this could be Yugi, since Yugi was with Tristan back at the 'building site'.

So why did he have the strangest feeling that this was Yugi?

"And what may your problem be young man?" Ishizu asked

Joey looked away from the Prince up at Ishizu. He bowed his head again, before speaking.

"Priestess Ishizu," he said, still kneeling on the floor, "please help me. My problem is this: my best friend is acting strangely, and I don't know why. I call his name, but he does not answer. When he looks at me, it is as if I am a stranger. And he does things that us peasants are forbidden to do. I feel there is something wrong with him, and I want to help, but I don't know how. Please, tell me what to do."

Yugi swallowed, hard. It seemed Atemu was having as hard a time as he was. But what did Joey mean by 'he does things that us peasants are forbidden to do'? Has Atemu blown his cover?

No, he couldn't have, otherwise the guards would be on him like vultures are to a dead carcass.

Yugi looked over at Ishizu. Once again, she was using her Millennium Necklace, but for what? For communicating with the Gods, or for seeing into the future?

'If she's looking into the future, I really hope she's not seeing me and Atemu swapping places at the end of the week.'

"Hmm…interesting," Ishizu spoke after a while. "The Gods have given me an answer to your problem. They suggest talking to your friend-"

"NO!"

A silence filled the room, and all eyes turned on 'Atemu', whom was now standing up. Yugi swallowed as he felt all the eyes on him. He'd done it now.

"I'm sorry your highness," said Ishizu, trying to hide her shock. "Is there something you would like to say?"

Yugi looked at Ishizu, then down at Joey. He had to think of something quickly.

Luckily for him, an idea always seemed to pop up at the right time.

"Err…yes. As a matter of fact, there is something I'd like to say."

"Proceed then, your highness."

"It's just, some people have secrets they do not wish to share."

'Like me!'

"But I'm sure in time, if you show him that you are trustworthy, he will trust you, and reveal his secret."

The silence that filled was so tense; you could hear a pin drop and it would sound like a large bell. Ishizu soon broke this silence by clearing her throat.

"Well said, my Prince." She turned to face the peasant kneeling in front of them. "I hope this has helped you young man."

"What?" Joey blinked. He torn his eyes from the Prince and looked back up at the Priestess. "Oh, yes. Thank you."

Joey bowed once again before leaving the main hall, but not before having one last look at 'Atemu'. 'Wait until Tristan hears about this.'

Once Yugi saw Joey leave the hall, he sat back down in his seat. He sighed and wiped the sweat from his forehead. He was starting to get sick of these close calls.

Ishizu looked at 'Atemu'. Something had happened to him, and she was going to find out what.

I-

"What a day," Yugi sighed. He looked out over the now darkened city. Ra had set long ago, covering Egypt in a sheet of darkness.

After the incident with Joey, Ishizu had announced that the Gods were tired and needed to rest, thus sending the people home. The rest of the afternoon was spent performing all the different rituals Atemu was expected to do, since his father was too ill to take part himself. Afterwards, Yugi had enjoyed a relaxing bath to cleanse himself, before Téa brought up the evening meal. This time though, instead of eating it all by himself, Yugi had shared his meal with Téa. After all, he had to thank her some how for helping him with his injuries last night.

Not that he told Téa that. He just said he wasn't as hungry as he thought he was, and didn't want the food to be wasted. Besides, Téa looked tired, and could use a break.

Now everyone had turned in for the night, tired from their days work. Everyone except Yugi that is. He couldn't sleep, not when all the events from today were rushing through his mind. So much had happened today, and not all of it was good. He had managed to get lost, made a complete fool of himself, and he almost blew his cover in the main hall. And he was pretty sure that Priest Seto suspected something. Why else would he cancel the rest of the day's lessons? Today was just not his day.

He knew Atemu wasn't having fun. After all, why else would Joey turn up like that? He suspected something, and Yugi couldn't blame him. It was very difficult to pretend to be someone whom you only met the day before.

"Maybe things will get better tomorrow," Yugi said, making his way back to bed. He crawled under the sheets, and closed his eyes. The last thing he remembered was seeing his grandfather's face, before sleep finally found him.

I-

Over the next few days, things began to settle down, and both Yugi and Atemu settled into the routine of their 'new lives'.

Atemu, even though he still wasn't used to working in the heat of the desert, soon got used to working in the 'building site', taking on different jobs each day. He became friends with Joey and Tristan, and even began to joke around with them (even though he had a feeling Joey still suspected something). He also got used to Yugi's daily routine, doing all the chores in the morning and evening without making too many mistakes. Though Atemu knew that this wouldn't have been possible without the help of Yugi's grandfather. And to show his gratitude, he kept his promise to Yugi and continued to take care of Solomon.

Yugi, too, got used to life at the palace. He soon managed to learn Atemu's normal routine, and even remembered where each of his lessons took place, only getting lost a few times. He remembered the names of the different Priests and Priestesses, and the other holders of the Millennium Items. Not only that, but he felt himself become more confident, and wasn't afraid to give out orders when he had too.

Something else that Yugi found was that he soon became good friends with Téa. Over the next few days, he learnt many things about her: how her family had worked in the palace for many generations, how she would love to live outside the palace walls, and how she would love to discover the world. He soon found that Téa was not just another pretty face, she was intelligent and funny too, and his feelings for her began to grow.

At the end of the 4th day, Yugi was in his chamber with Téa. They were discussing Priest Seto. He had not been seen for a few days now and some people were beginning to worry, apart from the people who hated his guts, like themselves. They were just discussing different ways in which he could have been tortured by bandits in the desert, when Ishizu walked in.

"Téa, do you mind if I speak to Atemu alone?" she asked the young girl

"No, not at all," Téa answered. She turned to face 'Atemu'. "We'll finished this later. Bye!" Téa gave a quick bow before leaving the room, closing the door behind her.

"So, why do you need to see me Ishizu?" Yugi asked. "Is it about my father."

Ishizu didn't answer. Instead, she walked up to the young man before her and starting circling him, studying him. Yugi just watched her with confused eyes. Just what was she doing?

But all too soon she stopped in front of his, crossing her arms. She didn't look happy.

"So, your name's Yugi." She said

"W-what!" Yugi said, alarmed. "W-what are you talking about Ishizu? It's me, Atemu."

'This can't be happening!' Yugi thought, panicking.

"Don't lie to me!" Yugi gulped. In the torchlight, Ishizu looked pretty scary. "I know all about your little swap with Atemu."

"Y-you do? But how?"

Ishizu tapped her Millennium Necklace. "This showed me. I saw when you and Atemu swapped, when you discussed your plan a few nights ago. I have to say, I'm outraged that he's done something as stupid as this," Yugi prepared himself. He had seen Ishizu mad, and it was not a pretty picture. "But, then again, I'm rather impressed that you've lasted this long."

Yugi looked up at the Priestess. Was she praising him? For swapping with Atemu?

"Excuse me?"

Ishizu just laughed. "I've known for quite some time now that you and Atemu had swapped. I started to notice the night after you swapped. You have been acting rather strangely."

"I have?"

"Yup."

"Oh, well that's because-hey, wait a minute. You've known that I've swapped with Atemu, and you didn't help me?"

"Err…yes?" Yugi stared at Ishizu, more than a little annoyed. Ishizu just gave a small laugh. "I thought it was funny! Besides, I wanted to see how long you would last."

"I can tell you that it was NOT funny!"

"Well, I'm here to help you now." Ishizu placed a hand on Yugi's shoulder.

"Really?"

"Uh-huh. I'll help you get through the rest of week, and I'll help you and Atemu switch back. Though don't think he's off the hook. When he gets back here, he's in a lot of trouble."

Yugi just laughed. It seemed that Atemu would be the one to face the 'rath of Ishizu'. He wished him luck.

KNOCK KNOCK!

Yugi looked up at the door. "You may enter!"

The door opened and Téa walked in, but instead of wearing her usual welcoming smile, she looked sad and apprehensive.

"Téa?" Ishizu asked in a motherly voice. "Is something wrong?"

"I…I'm sorry to interrupt," Téa spoke in a quiet voice. She looked down at the floor. "Someone has sent me to collect Atemu. He is needed immediately."

"And who has sent for him?" Ishizu asked

Téa looked up, straight into Yugi's eyes. Yugi saw a tear fall down her cheek.

"Pharaoh Akunumkanon."

I-

To be continued…

I-

And yet another lame ending. Oh well, at least things are starting to get more exciting. Sorry if this chapter seemed rushed. If there are any mistakes, tell me and I'll correct them asap. If not, see you in June/July!