This one was a bitch...it was actually finished MONTHS ago but somehow between editing and and getting it back it got lost in the wayside. But I finally got it back so here it is...sorry its two months late.

Chapter LV: Celebration

"That was terrifying," Yugi mumbled, exhaling a breath of relief so powerful he would have collapsed if not for Timaeus' arms. He was grateful for the Atlantian custom of carrying the bride through the city and the freedom to hide his blushing face. "It's a miracle I didn't fall flat on my face."

No stranger to war processions, Yugi recognized several of the standard protocols associated with returning war parties, and even more with the receiving of a new bride now that the introduction and indictment into the Royal Family was complete. In Kemet, however, it was Pharaoh who preceded the battalion, followed closely by his priests and commanders, and then his army and comrades—a show of status and militant power as well as acknowledgment to those responsible for the victory. Atlantis boasted the opposite and Yugi was grateful for the additional preparation time the custom allowed.

"You did splendidly," Timaeus whispered reassuringly and bumped his nose to Yugi's. Yugi blushed and buried his face in the man's neck. Timaeus chuckled. "And you would not have fallen. I would not have let you." There was a twinkle in his eyes and a smirk on his lips. His gaze shifted ahead with a single glance before returning to Yugi's eyes. "Are you ready?"

Yugi blushed again and cast a glance forward. Every member from the exhausted battalion to the youngest child of the public gave a cry of gaiety. Orders were given. Sentinels received their messages and rushed to deliver the news to their superiors, and everyone in the city prepared in a long chain for the parade of soldiers. War horns and trumpets echoed in the background, welcoming them all home. Timaeus had educated him well on the expectations of his arrival—and more so on the welcoming of the Magister's new consort.

A march around the main avenue of the city was the first and most important. It was an event so lavish and mandatory that all shops, markets, and stands were promptly closed, and all commoners—from the eldest grandfather to the smallest child—lined the streets. Unlike Kemet, however, the people were not expected to bow or remain silent; though another standard protocol was the reception of commanders and their sovereign, the Atlantian customs began the march with a welcoming ovation of their fellow soldiers and sailors. Cheers and applause that were both passionate and lively erupted from the people as the soldiers valiantly marched, welcoming them with mugs of fresh water and ale and trays of fresh fruits and baked bread. Others gifted them with bouquets and wreaths of fresh flowers, elated tears, and small trinkets and gifts as a show of thanks.

The soldiers accepted everything—their faces were full of laughter and good cheer rather than the somber dignity they used when entering battle. Some of them even left the command to reunite with their families—the wives, children, and parents of which were always given priority sitting at the front lines of the reception for such a reason. It was thanks to these armed comrades and their brave efforts, Timaeus had explained, that victory was won and bloodshed had been avoided, and it was only fitting they lead the battalion and receive their well-deserved praise, and happily reunite with their families.

The Masters of the Ship and the Commanders went next, receiving the same praise with just as much, if not greater enthusiasm. Yugi watched as Otogi, Ryou, and Malik marched on, exchanging laughter and pleasantries and acting in ways Yugi had never seen them act on the ship before. Ryou all but blushed every time he was offered a gift from a young girl, and he bowed with an almost-flustered appreciation at every piece of food and drink offered to him. Malik disappeared into the crowd, no doubt to reunite with his family. Otogi flashed a lecherous grin at a group of girls—but his eyes, Yugi noticed, were wandering. Suddenly, they flickered, and Yugi almost gasped when he slid excitedly through the crowd and was all but tackled by a shrieking dark-haired woman. Their laughter was infectious and spread to all who looked upon them. Raphael accepted everything as graciously and calmly as he always did, but Yugi saw the slightest trace of a smile on his face. Timaeus saw it, too, and Yugi watched his husband smile, warmed by the citizens' admiration and respect towards his men.

Rhebekka received the warmest of welcomes. The crowd that surrounded her welcomed her openly. The women immediately grasped her condition and offered shouts of joy and congratulatory hands. Rhebekka accepted it all with a smile. Her demeanor was nothing like the fierce and fearless creature Yugi had seen on the ship, but younger, gentler, almost sweet as she laughed openly with the women who surrounded her and spoiled her with presents. She would receive many more in the trip that followed. Her own journey would not end until she reunited with her husband and the rest of the palace staff at the manor's gates.

Soon, it would be their turn, Yugi realized with a sudden lump in his throat.

Timaeus sensed it, too, and pulled away then frowned. "I must apologize, though." He gazed quickly over his shoulder, but his foster sister's face was lost amidst the crowd. "I knew she would not be pleased, but I had not an inkling that she would react that way."

Sensing his guilt, Yugi placed a hand on Timaeus' cheek lovingly. "It's not your fault," he assured, then sighed. "Nor is it hers. Who knows what lies Critias had poisoned her with?"

Timaeus snorted bestially at the mention of his corrupt comrade's name. "Yes," he growled. "And I plan to rectify that very soon."

"There's no need for that," Yugi mollified, frowning. "I don't fault him for hating me. He adores you—you're his treasured comrade—and I was the wailing insolent brat you were forced to marry."

Timaeus lifted Yugi's face before he could lower it. "It does not matter," Timaeus said gravely. "Whatever happened then, I chose you for myself. It was not his decision nor did he have any say in the matter. And even if he did, the choice was mine and it does not give him the right to speak negatively of you or to allow such rumors to spread in my absence. He dishonored my trust, as well as yours. He is a dear friend but with his actions, and however good his intentions may be, I am not likely to forgive him easily."

Yugi gulped at the darkness—the severity—in those words. Briefly, his mind returned to that day in the temple. The day he'd met the Trierarch for the first time and witnessed the ruthlessness of his justice. He recognized that same look now: those eyes of unquestionable honor, and whose command was harsh and cruel, but fair and just. He'd almost forgotten that side of his husband—it had been so long since he'd last seen it, but it was still there, whether he was in command of his ship or at his city amongst his people.

Yugi slowly smiled comfortingly and rested his head against the man's shoulder. "Let's not think of such things," he murmured, running his fingers in slow circles over Timaeus' chest. "It's our wedding day, after all. We can think of that later." He sealed the words with a kiss to his cheek.

Timaeus exhaled through his nose and shook his head, smiling. "Have I married a prince or a temptress?" he teased, arching a brow.

"Temptress?" Yugi cocked his head with bird-like indignation. "I thought I was an imp?"

"You are," Timaeus corrected, hitching the boy up higher in his arms. "You're an imp, a minx, and a temptress all at once!" His smile curled at the corners and he bore straight into Yugi's eyes—fluttering amethyst frozen by a lecherous emerald and a secretive pearl. It made Yugi's heart pound.

"And I'm going to enjoy having all three in my bed come sundown." Timaeus confirmed his promise by halting the parade and kissing him.

Yugi surrendered at once. All thoughts and anxieties vanished with a wisp, replaced only by the memory and feel of those lips and the way they made his heart pound. His skin shivered. His thighs trembled. Had he a conscious thought left, Yugi would've groaned. How was it just a single touch from this man and all he was melted in Timaeus' arms?

There was an echo of snickering behind them. They broke the kiss to look—Yugi red with embarrassment, and Timaeus sharp-eyed and frowning irritably.

"My word, Commander…" It was Rhebekka, grinning in that sly, impish way she grinned—like she knew a secret. "You really can't keep your hands to yourself, can you?"

A crowd of their soldiers had gathered around her, as well as the people. Men chuckled heartily, women giggled behind their hands, children hid their shy or disgusted faces, and the soldiers flashed bawdy smiles.

"Can you blame him?" Ryou giggled. "When he's got our sweet Prince all to himself now?"

"Aye, but must they torture us?" Otogi groaned mockingly. "He's had his spouse all season and we have yet to reunite with ours!"

Timaeus rolled his eyes. "I released you all already. Don't bother me if they're happier without you lot to disturb their peace," he said in such a wild, joking manner that Yugi blinked through his shock. Timaeus shifted Yugi's weight to one arm, and with the other, shooed them off as if he was sending a nosy dog away. "Now be off with you all. Go bother your own wives with your mischief."

Suddenly, everyone laughed. Yugi blushed darker and Timaeus kissed his cheek. "Don't mind them. Their teasing only means they accept you. Did you not hear Ryou?" He winked. "They're calling you their little prince."

Yugi snorted and crossed his arms. "I'm not little," he snapped.

Timaeus wagged his finger back and forth. "Tut, tut, you're a Magistrate now, as well as a prince. Neither of them pout."

Yugi harrumphed and looked away stubbornly. Timaeus frowned, not liking the lack of attention, and spun the boy in his arms and kissed him. Determined to be stubborn, Yugi fought the embrace, but Timaeus licked his lips and slipped his tongue into his mouth, and Yugi melted like snow. He pulled away, groaning, and playfully punched the man's arm.

Timaeus caught it, grinning. "Don't want them to think we've quarreled now, do we?"

Yugi snorted then smirked. "I'm sure if we did, they'd think it's your fault."

Timaeus flashed his own dangerous smirk, eyes lighting with challenge. "We'll see then, won't we?" His gaze flashed ahead, and Yugi spun around and gulped, trying not to pale. Suddenly, they were surrounded by commoners and townsfolk, all bowing praises and offering congratulations and gifts of food.

Timaeus whispered. "It's our turn."

X X X

Timaeus carried Yugi through the marketplace street with such pride that he absolutely radiated from it. Yugi himself tried to look dignified, but at once, they were swarmed by villagers and townspeople—cheering, laughing, greeting, congratulating. Within moments, Yugi found himself surrounded by faces of strangers and tried not to scream, grateful for the shelter of Timaeus' arms.

A woman offered him gifts of food, and he blinked and turned to Timaeus still holding him in one arm. Timaeus nodded and took a sample for himself. Yugi also took some of the treat—it was fluffy and soft and looked like bread, but tasted sweet like dates, only with more of a tang. It tasted delicious and he told her so. Her face lit up with excitement and thanks. Other women swarmed after her, offering treats and cups of water. They tried each one, Timaeus nibbling while Yugi gorged himself on the delicious foreign foods. Drunk of his compliments, the women shrieked in delight.

Others offered him gifts of fine cloth. The women's husbands gave finely crafted-jewels. Yugi blushed and humbly accepted them, unsure what else to do, as he left Timaeus to offer them praise. Children weaved through the crowd, offering crowns of flowers.

Timaeus stopped, smiled, and bowed for them to place the flower crowns on their heads or arms—some even placed them around Yugi's feet. Other children attacked the pair with hugs and tight embraces. Timaeus shocked Yugi speechless by simply laughing and hauling the children up with one arm to greet his lover face-to-face. So stunned was he that Yugi could only blush and accept their sweet-sounding hellos and shy welcomes. His heart swooned when Timaeus stopped to let the smaller children hug the Magistrate's ankles until their parents ushered them away.

Everything was lively and full of laughter, even when they left the market and entered the city streets. Timaeus carried Yugi over bridges and arches, through stairways and alleys, and people were quick to greet them in the streets or from houses and present their gifts and cheers. But unlike the royal processions Yugi was used to, the aura here was much more relaxed and passionate—less formal, less mandatory. Yugi had never doubted his father and brother, as both kings and men were loved, but not even when his father and brother returned victorious from war had things ever been so lively in Kemet. This was not like when the Pharaoh enters a town, hoisted high on his golden royal litter like an untouchable god, while all who had gathered bowed their heads and dropped to their knees.

That's right, Yugi reminded himself. The Pharaoh is a god among them. That is why they bow and refuse to meet his eyes. But Timaeus was no god—he was their leader, their Magister, and they truly love him.

In every way the fearsome Trierarch was a firm commander and merciless enemy, he was also a kind and gentle ruler. Honorable not only as a Magistrate, but as a man. It made Yugi love him even more.

The procession stopped on the edge of a massive river, and a gondola painted gold and draped with royal silks was waiting by the shore. Timaeus set his lover inside the floating litter then entered himself, offering thanks to the townsfolk who carried and loaded it with their gifts. As the ferryman pushed off, Yugi waved a heartfelt goodbye to the people as he passed and they returned it with teary eyes and bright, hopeful smiles.

"They really adore you," Yugi said, breathless and blushing but still dizzy with delight.

Timaeus beamed at him, emerald and pearl eyes gleaming with pride and love. "No, little one, they adore you, because they see how happy you have made me. I can hide it from them no more than I can hide it from my King and comrades."

Yugi blushed even darker, and distracted himself by peeking through the curtains. His eyes bulged with mystification.

Only now was he truly able to witness the wonders of his new home. Having only glimpsed the Western Isle from the distant waters, and unable to fully examine it upon arrival, he found himself fascinated and stupefied by the strange new world around him.

Like the rest of Atlantis, Locri and the west was a city of water and stone, but unlike the rolling marshlands of the south and floating cities of the north, Locri was built from mountains and streams. Fascinated by the capital city of Atlantis' central island—where the main city and roads spiraled up and around the mountain itself, crowned by Dartz' castle—Yugi was astonished that the north-western section of the continent had not one, but three massive mountains encircling her entire western border. Though the first and second of the West's land wings were no different from the floating cities and lagoons connected to each other by massive bridges and high walls, the third moat was larger, and instead, larger ferries ushered back and forth between the islands.

But Locri… Oh, the city herself was a mystifying sight! Ideally situated directly beside the third river, the castellated buildings and stone archways were built directly into the face of the massive cliffs that overhung the lagoon. From somewhere secret inside the mountain, a long massive river spiraled and flowed like a waterfall down the slopes, and the whole city moved and curved with it. Buildings, roads, and houses flowed down with the waters to the shore, where the stone quays stuck far out into the mouth of a large river feeding into the southern ocean and moat, keeping the boats floating a good few meters from the rocky shores. The beaches had pebbles instead of sand, and the few dunes were rich with an understory of sand and shrubbery and green life. Ramous trees, bushy and pinnate with leafage like Yugi had never seen before, shielded the city from the shores, and the marketplace above was built on long, narrow platforms of petrified wood.

The marketplace, he saw, bordered the pier: shops formed a single row on either side of the river's mouth facing the water, and the sidewalks and streets were a series of corbelled cobblestones beaten and flattened into the smooth ground. It stretched for miles on either side—Yugi had to crane his neck to see where it ended, and even that was but a faded blur.

Instead of roads, aqueducts and archways of green stone formed man-made rivers. Houses were built on stilts to avoid flooding, and branches of the river fed canals, their dalles controlled by high walls of green stone. By the corner of his eye, Yugi saw small sections boarded off with wood and stone where boats rose and fell with the waters locked inside, turning them in the direction they wanted to go. Their own royal gondola entered one, and he gaze with absolute fascination as wheels and cranes closed the doors and the small box was filled with water. Once the box was full and their boat aligned with the rising waters, the walls opened and turned them onto a higher waterway—aqueducts and small boats carrying people and supplies up and down the canals.

He watched people cross them on bridges of green stone shaped like archways; some a simple arch over a small stream, others built high into the sky on tall pillars weaving through the city. They even floated under one and he darted across the gondola landing in Timaeus' lap, to the older man's amusement, to see the whole thing. Many square-shaped houses and green-stone towers were either domed, flat-roofed, or topped with triangular hats with alfresco-style roof decks or belvederes beneath. Many were connected by wrap-around decks and arch-like bridges, like roads built into the air. Staircases of petrified wood spiraled throughout the city and under arches, connecting levels of stone and water alike.

Off in the corner, Yugi saw a flash of gold and the outline of a structure so tall and majestic it could only be a temple, and he wondered which of Locri's deities it belonged to: the fearsome and fair God of Death and Riches, or the beautiful Iron Lady who ruled at his side, the judge and executioner to her jury husband? Above the cliffs' steep steps led to the top of the cliffside where an enormous mansion stood tall and regal over the villages and city below. Castellated with oculus windows and several open-aired belvederes, it spoke of something both ancient and modern. At least three floors tall, with roofed wrap-around decks and connecting staircases spiraling between the different levels, and the grounds boasted a beautiful botanical rich with towering trees, magnificent fruits, crowns of festoon shrubs and colorful flowers, the secrets of ponds and hidden pathways and the shadows of a stable that may have been for horses or birds. It shamed the gardens of the Great House and Mut's Precinct and he blushed, recognizing it immediately for what it was.

"Beautiful, is it not?" Timaeus whispered in his ear.

Yugi gulped, having been caught staring. "Yes, it is," he said, trying hard not to sound as breathless as he felt. "Is it yours?"

Timaeus laughed. "Oh, no, it was here long before I came to Locri, and it will be here long after I am gone. It is the Magister's house, and every Magister Locri has had has called her home." His rakish smile softened, though his eyes were still bright. "And I hope, in time, it may be your home as well, Lord Ujalah, Magistrate of Locri."

Yugi blushed again and tried to hide his face in Timaeus' chest. Why did the man always have to tease him? "Tell me about the mountains again, Timaeus," he asked, hoping to change the subject.

Timaeus snorted, obviously not fooled, but answered anyway. "As you wish." He shifted Yugi's weight to one arm and pointed to each of the three massive structures. "That one is sacred to our Iron Lady, the one next to it is for her husband, the Lord of the Dead, and the third further still," he pointed to the farthest mountain, so far south it was but a mirage, "is sacred to Poseidon, God of the Sea. They say he raised Atlantis himself out of the mighty ocean and his sons were the first Kings, and every King of Atlantis since then has had the blood of the sea-god running through their veins—not unlike your own king being a descendant from the Sun."

Yugi blinked, glimpsing the mountain—having heard the story but witnessing the massive monument was an entirely different beast. "Does anyone live there?"

"Oh no," Timaeus laughed. "The whole mountain is a single island, much too rocky for life, I'm afraid—and if not, the god would be angry if we built our houses there. Locri is the furthest south the West goes. Try not to look so disappointed," he teased and Yugi snorted.

"Then you'll just have to show me everything this fair city offers," Yugi boldly declared, realizing suddenly that he was still in Tim's lap, and tried to hop away, but Timaeus was faster and pulled him back with a yelp.

"It would be my honor," the Knight promised and sealed the promise with a kiss. It was a chaste one but Yugi returned it and hugged him tightly.

"Do you think you'll be happy here?" Timaeus asked suddenly.

Yugi shot up, confused, then blinked sadly. "It is beautiful," he admitted, gaze wandering once more to the strange world of water and stone—a rupestrian kingdom of tors and dalles and lacustrine things. "It's so different from Kemet—like how different Horus is from Seth?" He couldn't think of any other comparison. How else could he describe this place of rocks and trees and water and life to his world of sand and dunes and heat and a single river? A wave of homesickness suddenly came over him and he felt himself shake. All those years, he'd complained of it, but he truly had loved his home in the desert as much as he had the Delta. The Red and Black Lands had played such an intricate part of his life. It was only now, so far away from them, that he realized they truly had been home to him. At least at some point in his life.

Would this place, so foreign and new and exciting and terrifying, ever feel the same? Would it ever invoke in him the same longing and sense of loss?

He felt the arms around him tighten, and Yugi relaxed into their warm embrace. "I understand, little lotus," Timaeus whispered gently. The new nickname made Yugi's heart quiver as well as beat. "I was once a stranger here. I know how frightful it can all be." He kissed Yugi's hair and petted it softly. Yugi hummed contently and lifted his face to meet Timaeus' loving gaze.

"It is not that which frightens me." He frowned but did not look away. "In Kemet, I was a prince. Had I stayed, I would have inherited that destiny—part of a royal family but never destined to rule it. Here, that is not my fate. Here… I am not only expected to rule… but to triumph at it."

"And that frightens you?" Timaeus asked gently, but did not push.

Yugi shook his head. "… I'm afraid I'll fail you." The confession hung heavy on his heart, but admitting it somehow made him feel lighter. "Not just as your ruler… but as your partner. I don't know how to be a lover or a ruler. I was never trained, and you have accomplished both already. Your people love you, your men respect you, and your enemies fear you, but all this is foreign to me. What if I am not strong enough to stand at your side?"

His eyes bore deep into Timaeus'. The empty pearl reflected of all his doubts and fears, but its emerald twin was blazing. Stoically, he cupped Yugi's face in his hands and rubbed his cheek with his thumb.

The gesture was gentle, but all the more powerful for it. Yugi trembled in his touch.

"… Perhaps I am all of that," Timaeus confessed, his eyes soft and his voice loving. "But that was not always the case. There was a time I was wild and savage and no one thought anything of me, and like you, I was alone and untrained and felt burdened by what was expected of me." He pressed his forehead to Yugi's and their eyes locked. "But you are not alone in this journey, and already you have the makings of a great leader, far more than I ever did." He added a chuckle to the last part. "It is alright to be afraid, but do not lose heart, my dear one, for whatever trials may lie ahead, I will always be by your side."

Tears came to Yugi's eyes the same time he felt a laugh bubble in his throat, and unsure which one he wanted to release, he did both and wrapped his arms tight around his Magister. "Thank you," he said, his voice croaking.

Timaeus returned the affection and kissed his hair. "Think of it no more," he said. "For now, all that matters is us—and what happens tomorrow can wait."

The gondola rocked and slid to a halt, and Timaeus saw they'd reached the end of the river, and the litter was pulled and tied to the stones along the quay. Through the veil of silks, Yugi saw the city below and the bright gardens and towering windows of the manor above.

"We're here." Timaeus scooped his little bride into his arms, and waited for the ferryman to open the silks and usher them out. Yugi dried his tears and flashed his brightest smile as he and his husband arrived to greet their guests.

Given the last chapter was in Cristina's POV I really wanted this one to be an echo of the last chapter but in Timaeus and Yugi's pov-plus i couldn't resist writing more Knightshipping.

This was such a fun chapter to write: Yugi and Timaeus and also the whole ship coming home to everyone they love: the tension is gone, they're no longer captain and soldiers and rulers and servants but now they're all people with families and home and neighbors making jokes. It was a nice change and it was fun to show more Locri as well.

Next time, we get their "wedding ceremony" and Yugi is first introduce to the Manor and the staff, so they're not out of the woods yet...

NEXT TIME: Yugi meets the House of Locri, Gifts and Vows are exchanged, alliances are made, secrets are revealed, all preluding to a night neither Timaeus nor Yugi will ever forget.

The next few chapters have been prewritten but need serious editing to I will do my best to get them up in a timely fashion but I make no promises...only four more chapters left of Timaeus Part 2! As always, read, review, critique, comment ask questions, post theories and go nuts!