Thanks to all the people who reviewed I never tire of reading them! Now quite a few of you said something along the lines of, "Drinking poison? That's bad! What is Isis up to?"

Now to answer that I'll tell you two things one:

It was never my intention to give you the inclination that Isis was bad. I think I should have emphasized more about what taking the poison would do. The poison would be diluted in water so it wouldn't be as potent. So it would be harmless especially to Yugi who already had an almost lethal dose. Basically when your body keeps ingesting things it gets used to it. When he drinks the poison it is harmless in small doses but once you keep increasing how much you can take then it doesn't bother your body because it is used to drinking that. If any person were to drink a large amount it would kill them, unless their body was adapted to the poison. Does that make sense? Probably doesn't, it is kind of hard to explain.

Also I want to give you a quote that answers your question and "poison" is a word that everyone assumes something.

"First of all, let's recognize that the word 'poison' has no meaning, since, in medicine, the most violent poisons become health-giving remedies when they are used properly."

That my dear reviewers is from the Count of Monte Cristo! It is true too, if you think about it. Now I'll stop being all philosophical and on to the story! I think some people will be happy….he he he (hint hint….) I like the beginning of this by the way…

I still do not own Yu-gi-oh and I won't for the rest of this story.

How do you help those you love?

It was a misted night, which was unusual for Egypt. Yugi had woken up in the middle of the night and had gone to get a drink of water from the small pitcher they kept in their room. He slowly poured a glass and though he heard a slight noise on the balcony. He snatched the pitcher as a 'weapon' and ran over towards the curtain that blocked the balcony. Upon the rail sat a man; he was talking to another man that had his back toward Yugi. Both of the men were heavily cloaked and it was impossible to see anything but their eyes. Yugi could hear their whole conversation. He considered briefly waking Atemu, but immediately threw that idea away; he didn't want the men to know he was there, nor get Atemu hurt.

"It's done."

"The whole thing right?"

"Yeah, all of it is in the pitcher." Yugi looked at the pitcher in his curiously.

"I know, we can't afford to get more."

"Don't worry he will die and this will all be over with. The town will mourn the Prince's death for a few days, then they will all come to their senses."

"Atemu will be mad, more than mad, he'll be murderous."

"No, he doesn't have the heart to get that mad. He will be so consumed by grief he won't even know what is happening. He won't have an idea till it is too late and by then we will be living as kings again!"

"Let's go, before we-." The man turned his head slightly.

"What is it?"

The curtain was suddenly pulled away and Yugi was revealed. The man grabbed Yugi around the throat before Yugi could call out to Atemu. He removed the pitcher from Yugi's hand and put it on the floor without a sound.

"I don't know what the hell you think you are doing brat, but your listening time is over." He pressed Yugi against the railing and choked him mercilessly. Yugi struggled wildly kicking his legs out at his attacker. His eyes were watering and blurring his vision. Yugi pulled at the hands at his throat: scratching the backs of them. Yugi kicked back and hit the water pitcher; it broke making a loud crashing noise. He heard frantic calls and could only assume it was Atemu. The man choking him was furious, "Damn you! You had to do that didn't you?" The man started shaking Yugi mercilessly, he was shaking him so much that Yugi's head accidentally smacked against the banister of the balcony.

Yugi's vision was starting to darken when he felt the hands release him; he fell to the ground coughing for all he was worth. He heard a few punches being thrown when he saw the man jumping off the balcony down to the sand below. His partner soon followed him after. The sound of camel's hooves filled the night air.

Dusky hands turned him over and he saw Atemu staring down at him worriedly. Yugi tried to talk but found it nearly impossible. All he could get out were rough coughs. He could see Atemu talking to him, but oddly enough Yugi couldn't hear a word. He tried desperately to speak only to find his vision turning dark. He reached out toward Atemu, but the darkness took him and he passed out.

It took a good hour before Yugi woke, to find himself on the bed with Atemu leaning over him.

"Oh thank Ra you are awake."

Yugi looked up at Atemu in confusion, his throat hurt horribly, he didn't think he could mange talking. He sat up slowly and leaned into Atemu's shoulder heavily, finding comfort in his presence. Suddenly he felt a glass filled with liquid being pushed into his hand. Upon looking to his left he saw Isis, he hurriedly drank the glass down and immediately felt a little better, though his throat still hurt immensely.

"Yugi, who were those two men?"

"I...don't know…Atemu." Yugi felt a little out of it, he closed his eyes and tried to remember what had happened. Everything suddenly came flooding back, the two men… "Atemu, those were the men who tried to poison me, they did it again. Did anyone drink from the water pitcher on the balcony?" Yugi was looking at Atemu frantically; worry was clearly evident in his eyes.

"What? They poisoned you? What happened?"

"Did anyone drink the water? Atemu please tell me!"

"No, the pitcher was broken…why does it matter?"

Yugi sighed audibly and fell back against Atemu once more. "It was poisoned, they were talking on the balcony…. They are planning to… Atemu… oh Ra!"

The sudden thought of what the men were going to do hit Yugi like a ton of bricks. Yugi broke out into sobs and Atemu held him firmly but gently. "Shh, it's all right Yugi. I'm not going to let them get you, I won't leave you I promise."

Isis gave a quick formal bow and left Atemu with Yugi, knowing full well they needed some time alone. She also went to tell their parents of the incident. Atemu held him close, while Yugi sobbed into his chest. After a half hour Yugi had stopped crying but his breathing was still irregular and he was shaking. Atemu was comforting his lover in the best way he knew how.

"It's all right love. I've got you and you are safe. Try and calm down, it will be all right you'll see."

"Atemu, I almost drank it! I was going to. I would have…then he caught me on the balcony…I thought I was going to die. I thought I'd never see you again." Yugi started crying again though not as badly as before.

"You didn't and I wouldn't have let you." Said Atemu with conviction; he lightly kissed the top of Yugi's hair. Yugi gave a small nod but he still had tears coming down his face. Atemu gently wiped away the tears that plagued his love's beautiful face. He felt so bad that Yugi had yet another close brush with death. By the sound of it, it was a miracle that Yugi hadn't died. He was lucky that Yugi had broken the pitcher or he wouldn't have been able to beat of Yugi's attackers.

Isis came in a few minutes later with a new pitcher with water; she placed in on the table and walked over to Yugi. "You should drink some more water to help your throat Yugi."

Yugi was a little more composed, but he was still sitting in Atemu's lap with his head resting over Atemu's heart. Isis gave a small smile and handed Yugi a glass, at his apprehensive look she reassured him by taking a small sip of his glass. She waited a few minutes before saying, "See? Nothing in it. Just a little fruit juice. " (Juice usually helps me when my throat is sore…so why not Yugi?)

Yugi gave a weak laugh and took the glass and drank it down. "Thank you," he mumbled quite embarrassed.

"You needn't feel ashamed, it was a legitimate fear. I already looked at your neck Yugi. You have some pretty bad bruises but they should fade fast. I suggest you two get some well-deserved rest."

She left and Atemu gently pushed Yugi down on the bed. Atemu lay down beside Yugi and turned on his side to watch him. Yugi turned over too and he just stared at Atemu trying to think of something to say. They were both tired but neither really knew what to say. Yugi finally broke the silence and said, "I love you Atemu." Atemu pulled Yugi to him and fervently kissed him.

"Love you, let's get some sleep." Yugi nodded and laid his head on Atemu's chest. Yugi was still worried about what might happen, no matter how hard he tried to forget about what was going on, Yugi just couldn't get to sleep. Atemu, sensing Yugi's distress gently ran his hand along Yugi's back in a soothing manner and soon Yugi's eyes closed and he fell in to a blissful sleep. Atemu stayed awake for a long time after, gently stroking Yugi's back and face. He couldn't help but feel worried for Yugi. Looking down at his lover he saw the vivid bruises that were on Yugi's neck and the smaller one on his head.

"I won't let them get you Yugi, I won't, no matter the cost. You are the most precious thing I have, and I won't let you go for anything." Atemu tightened his grip on Yugi; he kept a long vigil over his beloved that night and when the sun was just starting to rise, Atemu finally allowed himself to sleep.

The next morning Yugi was the first to awaken. He looked across at Atemu who held him in a firm embrace. Atemu's face showed signs of great worry and fatigue. Yugi didn't have to ask about whom. Atemu's forehead was furrowed and he seemed a great deal paler then Yugi last remembered. He immediately felt badly about making Atemu worry so much about him. Yugi gently caressed Atemu's face, "I love you." He whispered. He knew he couldn't help what had happened, but he still felt guilty. He wanted to do something for Atemu, knowing full well how much Atemu had already done for him. Smirking slightly, he thought of something Atemu would enjoy very much. Now as to setting it up without Atemu knowing…that would be the hard part. Gently sliding out of Atemu's embrace, Yugi gave Atemu a chaste kiss on the forehead then headed to the kitchen.

Atemu woke up about an hour later, he instinctively looked to his side but found Yugi to be missing. Atemu's thoughts revolved around the previous night. Guilt was starting to set in and he couldn't stop blaming himself. If only he had gotten out there faster he would have been able to help Yugi. With a sigh Atemu tiredly sat up with the intention to go find Yugi, but the only problem was Yugi was already in the room. Yugi had just walked through the door with a tray laden with food.

"Atemu, don't bother getting up. I'll bring it to you." Yugi walked over and sat the tray between himself and Atemu.

"What's the occasion Yugi?"

"Do I need to have one?"

"I would suppose not, however…" Atemu gently moved the tray and slid next to Yugi. Atemu eyed the bruises on Yugi's neck. "I do believe you are the one that should be resting."

"Hardly, I feel fine. You however look exhausted, today is all for you my love."

"Are you sure Yugi?" Atemu gently caressed Yugi's cheek. Yugi gave a small nod of his head, but it didn't seem to be enough for Atemu. Yugi pulled Atemu in to a comforting embrace.

"I swear to you Atemu, I'm fine. Don't worry yourself needlessly."

"I won't, I'm just so scared. I thought…I didn't…oh Yugi!" Atemu buried his head on Yugi's chest. They were in the same position as they had been the previous night, only their positions were reversed. His sobs reached Yugi's ears and Yugi couldn't help but feel his heart clench.

"Atemu, it will be all right. You heard Isis. I'm going to be fine. You believe that don't you?"

Atemu shifted and look up at Yugi his eyes were filled with such worry, "Yugi I don't know what to do. You were poisoned and I couldn't do anything! All I could do was sit beside you… I thought you were going to die! Then you were so scared of Osiris and what could I say when that was the same thing I feared though for different reasons. I knew you would pass the test, but how could I live without you? Then you were nearly choked to death, and I wasn't there. All these things are happening and I don't want them to tear us apart. I don't know how this happened so fast, but I love you Yugi and I can't stand being apart from you."

"I know Atemu, believe me I know. It hurt me to no end to see you so devastated, but what could I do when I had my own fears? Whoever is trying to break us apart will find that they are hard put to do so. All this is doing it bringing us closer together."

"How do you know that Yugi?"

Yugi pulled Atemu closer and sat in his lap. He gently took Atemu's face in his palms and looked straight into those gorgeous ruby eyes he so adored. "I know because I have your love. I know because you have my love. If anything happens, I know I have your protection and you have mine. What else could we need?" Atemu opened his mouth to give a reply, but Yugi closed the gap between them in a much-needed kiss. Atemu's already open mouth was a bonus to Yugi. Deepening the kiss Yugi was delighted to feel Atemu's arms encircle his waist. Atemu slowly pulled away and leaned his forehead against Yugi's.

"Gods Yugi, I love you"

"As do I."

Meanwhile, Mahado was comforting Mana.

"Oh Mahado! My Yugi could have died! What would I have done?"

"He didn't Mana, you don't have to cry. Yugi is fine and Atemu is taking wonderful care of him and you know it."

" I know Mahado, I just don't want anything else to happen to him. I know that whoever tried to kill him is definitely not pleased that he survived a second time. They will try again, I just know it!"

"We can prevent anything from happening. I promise you, Yugi and Atemu will be alright."

(I kind of realized I unintentionally left them out of the story…oops)

After a quiet breakfast Atemu and Yugi walked through the palace. It just so happened they met up with a rather disheveled Set and Jou.

"You're Yugi aren't you?" asked a breathless Jou.

"Yes, Jou right?"

"Yeah, so what are you doing around here?"

"It's Prince Yugi Jou, and they can go anywhere they want, considering their status." Set turned back to Atemu and Yugi and bowed in apology, " I'm sorry for his rudeness Prince."

Atemu laughed, "How many times do I have to tell you Set? You are my friend and that therefore makes you Yugi's friend too. You do not need to resort to formalities. The same goes for Jou."

Jou laughed at Set's ruffled disposition, he started laughing harder at the glare Set was giving him "It's okay Set, I can laugh at you due to my status." Jou laughed uproariously, however his mirth was short lived. Set grabbed Jou and pulled him into a deep kiss. After pulling away Jou looked mad that Set had gone so low as to steal a kiss from him.

"I can do that due to my status Jou."

Yugi laughed at the irony of Set's words, "So I take it you and Jou are together then?"

Jou took that moment to pull Set's arms around him and proudly proclaimed them lovers. "Set is mine as I am his, so sorry Yugi, you can't have him, though I can see why you would."

Yugi blushed hotly and Atemu wrapped an arm around his waist. "Sorry Jou, Yugi isn't looking, he has me as a lover already." Atemu kissed Yugi's red cheek murmured something into Yugi's ear so that Set and Jou couldn't hear. However they did hear Yugi laughing at Atemu's 'comment'.

Jou looked quite lost, he cocked his head to the side and asked, "What did you say?"

Yugi laughed even harder leaning against Atemu. "See I told you," murmured Atemu.

"You're right Atemu."

Set was starting to get angry, "What did you tell him Atemu?"

Atemu kept his arm on Yugi's waist and started walking off down the hall. "Temper, temper Set, now remember your status."

Yugi giggled and turned around, "If you are really that curious then I'll tell you. Atemu told me that I wouldn't want to be with Set, because I wouldn't be able to walk knowing how busy the two of you get, if you know what I mean. Oh, and that Jou would act like a dog because he was confused about what happened.

Jou's mouth dropped open and Set beside him colored brightly.

"You are so dead Atemu, and don't think I'll take mercy on Yugi. No one talks about my puppy like that and gets away with it." Said Set who looked murderous.

Yugi laughed, "You call him your puppy? Jou really is a dog isn't he?" Seeing how mad Set and Jou had gotten he and Atemu ran off. Jou took off immediately in pursuit. "You are going to regret that!"

Atemu shouted back while running, "I doubt that Jou, Ra knows how you can even walk, Set might have to help you. Though I don't think he will be able to keep his hands off you without-" Yugi covered Atemu's mouth suddenly, once he was sure Atemu wasn't going to finish his statement he grabbed Atemu's hand and they both sped up and ran out of the palace.

Right behind them was Set and Jou and both were extremely embarrassed. They weren't really mad but they weren't going to let Yugi and Atemu get the last laugh.

"You think we lost them?" asked a breathless Yugi.

"Maybe, but I can't run much more what about you love?"

"No, me neither." Yugi promptly fell to sand below him with Atemu following the suit. They took a few minutes to catch their breath on the sand.

After a quick glance around Yugi saw how far they had come.

"You know how far we ran Atemu? We ran from the other side of the palace all the way through the courtyard and now we are at the Nile. That must have been at least four miles."

"Well then we probably lost them then."

"Yeah I bet. Jou could barely walk you really think he could run four miles?"

"No, it would be impossible." They both laughed at the small joke. Yugi moved closer to Atemu and gently picked up his head and placed it on his chest.

"Not that I'm not uncomfortable but why am I laying my head on your chest Yugi?"

Yugi smiled and kiss the top of Atemu's head. "Because I moved it there silly, comfy?"

"Yes as a matter of fact I am."

"Then why are you complaining?"

"I'm not."

"Good."

They lay in silence for a while; Yugi was gently run his hand through Atemu's hair in a soothing gesture. The sun was just starting to set and neither could come up with the energy to get up and go home. It wasn't long before Atemu fell asleep from Yugi's gentle caresses. Atemu looked better then he first had that morning. The many lines of worry that were on Atemu's face were now mostly gone. Yugi smiled happily before laying back and closing his eyes.

Atemu opened his eyes and straight above him were the stars. He gave a small yawn and gently slid his head off of Yugi's lap. He took a moment to gaze at his lover's face that was bathing in moonlight. He lifted Yugi's head and put it in his lap and started stroking the side of Yugi's face. Yugi slowly opened his eyes and looked into breath-taking crimson.

"I could get used to waking up like this." Yugi sat up and gave Atemu a sweet kiss. "Good evening."

Atemu pulled Yugi to his feet and they both headed back to the palace hand-in-hand.

Atemu and Yugi had made it back just in time to catch dinner. They had raced in and had just sat down before their parents came in.

"Are you feeling better Yugi?"

"Yes, very much so mother."

"I presume Atemu has taken good care of you." Yugi's mother stressed the word 'care' whilst grinning broadly.

Yugi blushed, thinking about his plans for taking care of Atemu tonight. "Wonderful care. I don't think he has slept much, due to his worry though."

"Well at least we know he is dependable."

Atemu's father smiled before saying that there was an announcement to be made. "This evening, your parents Yugi will be leaving for home."

Yugi sat up a little straighter, "Is Mana going with you?"

"She will be coming with us. She will help us get settled again."

"She…isn't coming back? I can't see her anymore?"

"She may visit Yugi, it all depends on how things go."

"Why are you leaving so soon?"

"The people there need us, Yugi. We have to go, the raiders struck there too."

Yugi sat there numb in disbelief; he had never been away from Mana for long and even when he was it was extremely sad for him. Yugi quietly excused himself before running to Mana's room.

"Mana!" Yugi ran to her and threw his arms around her crying.

"Oh Yugi, I take it they told you." Mana hugged him back just as fiercely. She too was just as sad; she was leaving her surrogate son and Mahado.

"I'll never see you again!" Yugi wailed. He loved Mana so much and with everything that had been happening he hadn't spent much time with her which was something he know deeply regretted.

"Don't say that Yugi. I promise you I'll come back. I don't care what your parents say I'll come back. I'm not going to abandon you."

Yugi gave her a watery smile, "What about Mahado? I know there is something between you two."

"I have to go say good bye to him soon."

"Then go." Yugi gave her a parting hug and smiled sadly. Mana started to head out the door, she stopped halfway. She turned back to Yugi and kissed his cheek. "I love you Yugi."

Yugi felt a few more tears leak out, but he brushed them away, "Love you too."

"Besides, I heard you had plans for Atemu…"

"Yes I do, I need to get that ready."

Mana gave him a sly smile before waving goodbye and running off to see Mahado.

Yugi was waiting outside of the dining room. It wasn't long before Atemu found him and hugged Yugi tightly.

"Are you going to be all right?"

Yugi pulled away from Atemu and looked up with a smile. "Yeah, I have you and she promised she will come back. How did it go with them?" he asked gesturing to the dining room. Yugi was now feeling slightly guilty leaving Atemu to deal with their parents by himself.

"I covered for you, I had to stay long enough to endure a few comments."

"I'm sorry."

"Nothing to be sorry for. Why don't we head to bed?"

"Yeah you look tired."

"I'm not tired."

"Well dear Atemu, if you aren't tired then…first one to the room wins!"

"What? Wait wins what?" but Yugi had already ran off in the direction of their bedroom. Not wanting to lose to a challenge Atemu ran off after him.

(Just to let you know, men usually didn't wear shirts. They usually only had a kilt on…so...for this scene they don't have shirts on and I know some of you are drooling…let me tell you. You are not the only one! Lol)

It was a fairly close race, considering the dirty tricks that were involved. Atemu had even gone so low as to grab Yugi's rather…err… personal area. It ended up that Yugi beat Atemu by an inch, though it wasn't really fair. Yugi had stopped Atemu before the door and kissed him saying that he was just kidding about the contest. Atemu believed Yugi full heartedly, that is until Yugi pinched his butt and showed him his crossed fingers. Atemu tried to catch Yugi but he couldn't quite beat him through the door.

"I win!" Yugi proudly announced.

Atemu was panting heavily, "Cheater."

Yugi put on a face of mock anger. "Me a cheater? NEVER! How dare you say such a thing?"

"You pinched my butt!" (Haha. I bet some of you wish you could.)

Yugi laughed heartily, "You know how loud that was? Our parents probably heard. Besides, you never said I couldn't."

Atemu laughed with him and collapsed facedown on the bed exhausted. Yugi however smirked and saw his chance. Yugi straddled his lover's waist; feeling Atemu tense beneath him Yugi leaned down to Atemu's ear and softly reassured him. "Relax, tonight is for you."

Yugi gently started massaging Atemu's bare back, hearing Atemu groan as he hit tighter spots. Yugi pressed on the small of Atemu's back, feeling how tight Atemu was there Yugi spent suite some time there. Yugi was thoroughly enjoying this. He was relishing Atemu's sun tanned skin. He grinned slyly and glided his hands up Atemu's back on to his neck. Yugi bent down and kissed Atemu's neck tenderly, while gently kneading his shoulders. Atemu was almost completely limp beneath him. Turning Atemu over Yugi was met with one of the most breathtaking smiles he had ever seen.

Atemu brought Yugi's head down for a chaste kiss in thanks. Yugi smiled mischievously and grabbed Atemu's hands and brought them to his lips to kiss tenderly.

"It isn't time for sleep yet my love."

And this is where it ends.

One thing, if you want the lemon, then say so and I will e-mail it to you ASAP, as soon as I get your review. I know it was long awaited. I would post it but due to the rules I will not risk having my story deleted! Especially my first one! Wow, this was a 14-page chapter! I'm really sorry this was late so the long ness makes up for the lateness! I was rather proud. I read this through at least 12 times. So if I missed any grammatical errors then they must be very small for me to have missed!

Another chapter done. I wonder who will be my 100th reviewer! Ah so exciting! If you haven't checked out "The Challenge of Life or Death: Love" by Quill Masters, then you should go check it out. It is the first part of a trilogy and the second book comes out June 30th! It is wonderful story. One that I am proud to beta for! I thank her profoundly for giving me such a wonderful opportunity!

RESPONSES!

Daikaio: I'm glad you enjoy the history! Good update for you?

Hikari Skysong: Happy now? I wrote a lemon! Muahahaha!

Citrus Luver: So someone is suspicious of Isis! Interesting…though I'll say nothing more on that account.

Yami Yuugi: Glad you enjoyed the whining. I rather enjoy writing those kinds of things!

I love athrun: "It is good but do a new chapter!" Dear me you are impatient! Lol

Lady sakura cosmos: Thank you, hope you enjoyed!

Xamosy: I thought that Atemu couldn't always be so suave like in everyone else's story. It is rather cliché! With Yugi helplessly in love with the daring bold handsome Atemu! Lol Yes I thought it would add a little humor because you can't make a story so sad as to be devoid of humor! Besides my goal is not to make you guys depressed! Lol

Quill Masters: Ah dear friend what can I say? Thank you so much, for putting that note on your last chapter of the first book. I am eager to read the first chapter of the second book! I can't wait to beta it! I'm so excited! Hope you are pleased with this chapter! I was!

Goddess Chloe: I'm glad you like this story! A beta eh? I'll think on that thank you for the wonderful offer! And might I say that was quite the serious threat!

Fluffys-sidekick: Thanks!

Midnightdark: One compliment after another! I'm blushing. Thank you so much.

SoulDreamer: I'm afraid you lost me! Lol "Another parady unlocks." By what did you mean? I am so lost!

KkwyDragonflame: haha yes your evil laugh needs work! Glad you liked the teasing!

Atemu Yugi Lover34: haha yes you did click the flippin button! Your second chapter rocked!

Hikari's-dark-side-08: How could you leave me with that much of a cliffy! OH NO! Please update again soon. I love your story "For that Reason". Thanks for the wonderful review!

Yugi and Mai: That's okay for the late review. This is a late posting! My AC died and it has been hotter than hell. So yeah it is hard to write in a hot and humid house!

Yami Riyunoa: Yay! A new reviewer! Welcome to the story. Hope it was drool worthy for you. It was my first one!