Wow, I can't believe how many reviews I have gotten and this is my first story! I'm so happy! Thanks to all those people who review every chapter, and those who only review once. Lol I'm ecstatic that I have so many new people too! You people know how to make me feel happy! Hehe So I won't say much and here is the next chapter!
Sorry this took so long. I had a minor problem but I solved it so yay!
Disclaimer: I do not own Yu-gi-oh, but I do own this story.
How do you stop the Fire from Burning?
Two dark figures stood alone on a sandy dune. One was nursing a rather large bruise to the face.
"Now you've gone and ruined everything, there is no other way around it. If the Prince stays in the palace we will have to draw him out. You do know who will be doing that, don't you?" he said turning to his injured comrade.
The man with the bruise scowled, "I'm not doing any more of this. I'll have nothing more to do with you or your obsessed nature with Yinepu. I'm out, I've gotten nothing but this pretty coloring to my face from you."
The other man grabbed him in a fierce hold around the neck. "You will regret saying such things. I told you that this would not come easy, and that if you truly wanted it you would obey every command I gave."
"You never said anything about bludgeoning me in the face now did you?"
"That comes with the blunders you make. I asked you to throw a knife at the Prince, but what do you do? You miss. We are in this together and if you aren't going to make an effort, then I don't need you. Do you understand?"
"You said we were equals in this. Yet you treat me like servant. I'm not just some pawn for you to use. How are we in this together? You've given me no reason to trust you anymore, not with everyone gone."
His partner reached into his ragged pocket and pulled out two rings. They sparkled in the morning sunlight. One held a shimmering ruby of outstanding color. The other held a flawless amethyst gem.
"You remember then?" he asked, eyeing his partner's eyes, which were wide with shock. "I didn't lose them and I still have them. Here." He offered the purple stoned ring to him.
His partner took it hesitantly; his face took on a visage of deep regret. "I'm sorry. I should never have doubted you."
"Good then. Now come on, we have business to attend to."
It was a typical morning for Atemu and Yugi. With the exception that Yugi got his wound redressed. They pretty much had the palace to themselves, since Atemu's parents had gone out and had almost the whole company of guards with them.
Atemu and Yugi were currently trying to find Set and Jou. They were both bored and wanted some company if only to all be bored together. They finally reached Set's bedchambers only to find that Set and Jou did not need them to quell boredom. Through the door Atemu and Yugi could hear their voices.
"Did you like that my puppy? Not so bored anymore?"
"No…I mean yes but…no I'm not bored, at least I won't be soon."
Atemu raised a hand to the door and knocked rather loudly.
They heard a furious grumble and within seconds a half dressed Set was wrenching the door open.
"Now is not-Atemu! Oh I'm so sorry my Prince…" Set stood staring at the Prince embarrassedly. It wasn't until Yugi laughed that he looked away.
"Come on Atemu, I can see they are in the middle of…something." Yugi grabbed Atemu's arm and pulled him away laughing. "We'll come back in a couple hours, that enough time, or do you and Jou go at it for longer than that?"
Set blushed bright red but gave a faint nod all the same; he was still leaning on the doorframe. Jou appeared and pulled Set inside and slammed the door shut.
Atemu and Yugi chuckled good-naturedly at their friend's antics. Atemu gently steered Yugi towards their bedroom. When they reached the door Yugi stood in front of the door with his arms crossed over his chest. He could see the plan in Atemu's eyes and was not going to let him win.
"Oh no you don't Atemu," said Yugi with a finality behind his voice.
Atemu briefly pouted before shoving Yugi against the door and kissing him soundly. Yugi struggled for a few minutes before giving in to his love's kiss. They broke apart and Atemu rested his hands on Yugi's slender hips in a teasing manner.
"Are you sure?"
"You can't make me Atemu. I'm not being submissive again. I have a lot of will power, and I can resist you easily." Yugi said with a playful glint in his eyes.
"Will power? We will see about that." Atemu caught Yugi's lips in another deep kiss. Atemu's hand slowly found the doorknob. He pushed Yugi through before mimicking Jou's movement of slamming the door. Yugi backed away from him and started running.
It wasn't long before Atemu had Yugi pinned to the bed. Yugi could hardly protest because Atemu kept kissing him. Each time Yugi broke the kiss Atemu would move to his neck, kissing the soft skin, letting his lover regain his breath.
When Atemu finally pulled away Yugi was panting desperately underneath him.
"Now do you give in?"
Yugi nodded his head enthusiastically, "Just this once." Atemu smirked before pouncing back down upon his lover.
"A note. You think that will solve this?"
"How many times have you doubted me and been wrong?"
"I'm sorry," came the swift answer to the rebuttal, "I just think that a note would hardly do any good, what will make him come?"
"Believe me, he will have ample reason to come and pay us a little visit."
"What are you going to do?"
"What am I going to do? No dear friend, the question is what are we going to do?"
Atemu and Yugi were sprawled on the bed, panting profusely. Atemu slowly pulled Yugi to him, "So was your last time submissive fun?" Atemu looked at Yugi anxiously, he wasn't entirely to keen on having back pain from hell for the rest of his life. (Lol)
Yugi smiled mischievously, "I …that… I might want to again…"
"I LOVE you!" Atemu said emphatically while hugging him tightly.
Yugi lightly slapped Atemu in the arm, "You idiot." Yugi knew full well why Atemu was so pleased.
Atemu chuckled, "But I'm your idiot right?"
"Exactly and I wouldn't have it any other way." Yugi laughed happily. "Let's go get some dinner"
Yugi and Atemu had been walking down the hall talking pleasantly. They reached the doors to the dining room and Atemu held one open.
"After you love." He made a grand gesture with his hands ending in a fancy short bow.
"My aren't you the gentleman!"
Yugi laughed before turning to go inside. His hand caught on the doorframe and slowly slid down. He made it one step in before the whole dining room came into view. Yugi froze on the spot. Red.
Red as far as the eye could see. Everything was dripping in vibrant crimson. The chairs, the table, the floor, there was no other color present. There at the far end of the room were two well-worn ropes hanging from hooks in the ceiling. Yugi's eyes followed the line of the rope down; grotesquely knotted to the end were the mangled bodies of two people. Their backs were toward them; blood was still dripping from the recent wounds.
Shock filled both their faces, they should have run but the natural curiosity of who had met their end in such a gruesome way was overwhelming. Atemu gulped nervously, the necks of the victims were hanging at grotesque angles. Atemu hesitantly reached his hand out and turned the figure around.
Yugi fell in a dead faint against Atemu. Atemu reeled away and fell against a chair and slid to the floor. His parents, they were dead and hanging above him and all he could do was stare. Their faces were so mangled, making them almost unrecognizable. Shock overwhelmed him and he started to shake, his hand was smeared in blood, the blood of his parents. Atemu stared at his hand in horror, letting the realization sink in. Oh Ra no, was the only coherent thought Atemu could bring to mind. Their faces stared at him blankly, their blue lips unmoving in silent agony. Their eyes were wide with fear and they seemed to be bulging in the shock of what had happened. The silence was pouring off in waves, bringing a false sense of peace. All that could be heard were the steady drips of blood.
Set appeared in the doorway and stopped dead. He observed the scene with wide eyes; it was then that he saw the two blood covered figures on the ground.
"Oh no…" Set rushed over to them, hoping against hopes that they were alive. Set took one look at Yugi found that he was breathing. With a sigh of relief he noticed Atemu was awake and staring. Set peered into Atemu's haunted eyes, "Atemu?"
Atemu seemed to suddenly realize he was there, "Set?"
Set gave a faint nod and gently helped him off the floor. Atemu was clutching Yugi desperately to find some sort of comfort from this hellish nightmare.
"Come on Atemu, right through the door."
Set cautiously guided Atemu through the door and out in the hallway. Jou could be seen at the top of the stairs. He rushed down the stairs at the sight of Set and the two Princes soaked in blood.
Jou tried pulling Yugi away but Atemu's grip was too tight, if not desperate. Jou looked questionably at Set, why were they all bloody? They weren't injured were they? Jou tried to look around Set into the dining area but Set blocked him in a heartbeat.
"No, take them to Isis. I don't want you to see this Jou. I won't have it." Set closed the door with a loud snap.
Jou normally would have argued but his concern Atemu and Yugi were far greater then his need to argue. He gave Set a small nod before setting off with Atemu and Yugi towards Isis.
Yugi had woken to the gentle face of Isis, but he immediately tried to find Atemu. Isis didn't argue with but instead carefully led him to his love.
"Try to be quiet. I only got him to sleep a half hour ago. I had to use some calming herbs on him."
"Will he be alright?" came the worried response.
"Yes, I suppose it was just shock acting upon him. I doubt either of you will get the disturbing image out of your thoughts for quite some time. I for one am pleased you two didn't see the murders happen."
Yugi gave a small shudder, how much more had Atemu seen? Yugi silently berated himself for losing it like that and leaving Atemu alone to deal with something like that. Yugi gently sat on the bed and pulled Atemu to his side in a half embrace filled with comfort. Atemu stirred and opened his eyes.
"Yugi?" he asked and tried to sit up, but Yugi pulled him back against his side.
"I'm fine, sleep. I'll be right here, don't think about anything just yet. I've got you."
Atemu gently placed his head against Yugi's shoulder, but didn't close his eyes. Yugi lightly caressed Atemu's back, "Sleep," he silently ordered.
Atemu tried to fall asleep but he couldn't do it. He felt strangely calm, but only unnerved him. He just sat there in Yugi's embrace, drawing from Yugi's strength and compassion.
Set came in not too long after; his face was pale and drawn. He looked much the bearer of bad news.
"My Prince," he said bowing to each in turn. "Your parents…their…hearts are…gone."
Atemu turned away; Yugi gripped him closer. When Atemu finally turned his head back his face was an impassive mask, he let out a short sigh.
"You are sure?"
"Yes, I'm terribly sorry Prince. Do you still want them…mummified?"
"Of course." He said with an odd coldness that did not suit him at all. After a moment Atemu gave another sigh, "I'm sorry Set. But yes I do want them…after all…they deserve it. Even if…it's all for nothing."
"I understand." Set gave another short bow and left Atemu and Yugi alone.
It was utter silence for a few minutes. Both were still digesting the news. Atemu leaned back against Yugi, trying to hold back tears.
"Oh Ra Yugi. What are we going to do?"
Yugi held strong for Atemu because that was what his love needed most. "We are going to have a proper ceremony and they will be honored."
"They aren't going to be in the afterlife Yugi! They never should have been…" Atemu trailed off as tears started rolling down his cheeks. Atemu furiously wiped them away, but they just kept coming and tumbling down in an onslaught of sorrow.
Yugi gave a sad smile before enfolding Atemu in his embrace. "Hush love, it'll be alright. Hush now nefer mery." (Beautiful love, for those who forget what mery means!)
The new Pharaoh, of Upper and Lower Egypt and his partner in life stood on their balcony contemplating how things had gotten so bad so fast. The mummification process had been started. It would take the traditional 70days. It was more of a ceremonial thing, but Atemu had said it would be done, if nothing but to honor his parents.
Atemu and Yugi's coronation would be held by the end of the next week at the very least. He and Yugi would be the youngest to rule Egypt for two dynasties. Though they both didn't feel ready for such a job, they both held a certain diplomatic streak that would serve them well in the times to come.
As Atemu and Yugi watched out the window a falcon of mighty grace flew above the sands of Egypt. He had a mission, a letter more precisely to deliver.
He flew in and landed gracefully on the balcony's railing. He dropped the letter unceremoniously before taking flight once again.
Atemu gently unfolded the letter, it read:
Yinepu and your nedjes mery, (1)
I'm sure you realized who might be behind the murders of your family; you know it was my doing, though my identity shall remain unknown. This is an invitation; to a certain…get together shall we call it? If you should think it wise to refuse my gracious offer, then your people will suffer. There are certain terms to this invite. You will bring no one but your dear Prince Yugi. Do not tell anyone any of this information, and do not have anyone follow you dear Prince. I send you this so we can reach a compromise, if anything a decision on where we stand. Farwell for now, Pharaoh
Amen and Binemwase
"What do we do now?" Yugi whispered lightly, with no trace of fear in his voice.
"We pay them a visit."
"I wonder who they are."
"My guess is that these are aliases of their real names. I think it is more of a message."
Yugi turned to look Atemu in the eyes, "What do you mean by that?"
"Look," he said pointing at the signed names, " Amen means "The hidden one" and Binemwase means "Evil in Thebes" It seems we will be traveling to find this hidden one and his friend."
"To Thebes."
1. Royal Child and your small love
2.Amen means "The Hidden One" and Binemwase means "Evil in Thebes".
In case any of you were confused about the taking out of the heart. What that meant is without the heart intact the person could not go on to the next life. The Egyptians thought the heart did all the functions of the brain and that to retain your memories in the past life you needed it. They actually took out the brain in the mummification process through the nose with a hook.
That is why Atemu and Yugi were so horrified about the whole thing. The After-life was everything to Egyptians and if you were denied it, it was a crushing blow. Then the scales by Osiris would weigh their heart, if your heart was lighter then the feather of truth then you continued on to the after-life.
Responses: (A lot of them!)
Yami Yuugi: Aw…shucks. lol Thanks to you too!
Sarah Costa: Did you get the lemon? I'm not entirely sure I sent one to you. Thank you!
Atemu Yugi Lover34: I'm watching your story! Lol I did have a lot of fun with my friends.
Citrus lover: Yep the title is for something else. He he most people thought it was their eyes! YAY! I got people guessing, I like your theory, but you will just have to find out! You probably have a better idea of what those "gems" are. But there is more to it and the reason of why they want Yugi dead.
HappyDevil: YAY! Thanks so much! You made me happy!
Daikaio: lol funny, you made me laugh with your review! Does your name mean something? Lol Like Japanese? Maybe it is just me but it looks like it. Lol Thanks for being a faithful reviewer and the next chapter will be out sooner then this one did.
Fluffys-sidekick: Sorry this took so long the next chapter wont take as long.
Ailisa d. frieson: Thanks !
MysticMaiden 18: Thanks so much! I'm feeling much better. Though really tired from band camp.
Ravenna's Soul: Thanks! Hehe
Yugi and Mai: Ha ha. You always make me laugh. Well now you probably have a better guess at why the story is called "Gems…" hehe I gave a clue. And to the very observant reader they could guess why…hehe I'll stop hurting Yugi…maybe…
Animestargirl: Are you going to update soon? I love your stories! Hope you liked this chapter.
Xamosy: I'm glad I got you laughing. That's wonderful! Thanks for the review I really appreciate it.
Spidy007: Thank you so very much! I'm very glad to hear that.
Quill Masters: Thank you for the wonderful advice Abbey. Ha ha get it? Dear Abbey advice column. Lol , like you haven't heard that before. I hope I did well in this chapter. I worked really hard on the part when they discover the dining room. Was it good? I never got your e-mail! When is the next chapter coming? What is this fifty questions? Lol
Princess Nefertari AKA Krysta: Thanks so much! I love your stories and I appreciate you reviewing mine! Thanks for reviewing all those other chapters! Yeah I do tend to rely on conversation to get a point across.
Zeldacat: Aw… you made me blush! Lol thank you so much. It means a lot! Thanks for the awesome review.
Ria, the person in the shadows: Thank you. I probably wouldn't have guessed you were this Ria. Lol
Sarah Henderson: Thanks keep reviewing it makes me happy! And all fuzzy inside!
Thanks to all the reviewers this is the most I've gotten for a chapter. I hope you liked this chapter. Again I apologize for the lateness of it. But the next chapter will come soon.