The next chapter...we are so close to the end...I just might cry.

Special thanks to Pineapplebun7284 for getting this done despite everything she's dealing with. You are awesome girl!

Special thanks to all my readers and reviewers for their wonderful support and encouragement.

Chapter LXXV: Magistrate

Even as darkness wrapped the world in her cloak, the city of Locri continued to shimmer like a starry sky.

Despite the chill of the night, every shop was open and all four Sisters were alive and vibrant. Buildings and storefronts of various colors glowed in the starlight and the Sister of Cloth and Jewel was packed with shoppers. The Sister of Salt and Bone's air was crisp and spiced with cooked meat and baked goods and fragrant herbs. Snatches of song drifted up from the Sister of Paint and Song, the melodies so beautiful and so entrancing even the diners eating by the riverside set down their forks to listen.

They walked together through the Sister of Cloth and Jewel and across the bridge to the Sister of Paint and Song. Musicians were playing in the square as performers danced and did tricks to their strange airy tunes and all the city had come out to listen. Yugi delighted in pointing out all of the places he'd visited as he waved back at the vendors and store keepers he'd seen or spoken to with a cheery smile.

Timaeus took great pride in showing Yugi everything he'd missed in his spirited escape. First, they visited the amphitheater on the other side of the river, where they'd caught the tail end of a lively play depicting some humorously abridged history of the world's origin—and juxtaposed it with other accounts. Yugi had never laughed so much in all his life. Then, there were the Sylph Dancers: airy, artistic performers who danced in the moonlight using precise and highly formalized steps and gestures that seemed to both mock and mimic the very winds. Then, the Singing Sisters: a group of brawny, busty women whose contradicting hair and eye colors brought the term "sisters" into question. They boasted loud, lewd songs in scandalous costumes to a crowd of laughing patrons and star-struck admirers. Yugi absorbed it all with ravenous enjoyment.

"You enjoyed yourself then?" Timaeus asked, music filling the air as they left the concert halls.

"It was spectacular!" Yugi shrieked with delight. "I've never seen anything like it!"

"Did they not have such performances in Per-a'ah's royal court?" Timaeus asked, surprised. "No shows or plays or symphonies?"

"Nothing like these," Yugi replied, breathless with excitement. "I mean…music was everywhere in Kemet: men and women would work in the market to singers and dancers playing, just like in the Sister of Paint and Song. And, my mother was a Singer of Amun."

He closed his eyes and concentrated on the memories: the jovial shake and sway of hips and the rattling of beads and metal plates, his mother's sunshine hair twirling all around her like a golden wind, sweat gleaming off her dusky, honeyed gold skin, and the sweet chime of her voice as she sang of the ancient stories and ballads of the gods.

"But we never had…concerts, like this. Performances were for communicating with the gods or for entertainment—even in public performances. The odes and ballads were never this lively. The closest things we'd have to a theater stage would be the platforms in the temples during festivals."

"Do you miss them?" Timaeus asked, slipping his hand in Yugi's and intertwining their fingers.

Yugi grinned, his heart fluttering at the contact. "Sometimes. They're very different."

Their performance shows were not flashy spectacles but rather pageant-like plays, religious in character and utterly devoid of drama. As a child, they'd been amazing and awe-inspiring. They had not lost their magic as he'd grown older, but some of the wonderment had dulled; the mere act of dancing became more fulfilling and fun than the strict, custodial duties of the priests and performers. They were nothing like the wildly energetic and utterly spirited pieces performed here in Locri, where actors became the characters they embodied and the stories were pockets of fiction: there was humor, there was drama, there was romance, and there was art and emotion.

"But I like these better!" Yugi beamed, his eyes brightening. Watching the wonderment expand his eyes, the widening of his smile with each startled and delighted gasp, the utter joy rolling off him in waves, Timaeus thought his heart would burst.

"If that is so," he released Yugi's hand, bent himself at the waist and dropped into a long low, courtly bow, "then I would be honored to accompany you to every show."

Yugi's smile crinkled, but he could not stop himself: he started laughing and couldn't stop.

X X X

As they strolled along the riverside, the melodious tunes rolling on the breeze in slow and even staccatos suddenly turned fast and fiery like an approaching storm. Yugi stopped and spun, recognition and delight transforming his face. Before Timaeus could ask, Yugi's hand clamped tightly over his and he dragged him across one of the canal bridges and towards an open, circular theater dome Timaeus immediately recognized as the Citharede's stage.

The women were still on stage practicing scales for their delighted audience. They paused when they saw Yugi and erupted in screeches of such ecstatic surprise; Timaeus thought they might climb over each other in their quest to jump off the stage and greet him as they collectively shrieked "Magistrate!"

To his surprise, Yugi greeted their excitedness with a bashful blush and a slow, sweet wave. Inspired, they took up their instruments and started a lively jib that Yugi immediately started dancing to. His small, slender feet burst into step, his arms stood straight at his side, and he started spinning in wild, arched, asymmetrical turns. Others joined in, jumping and stamping their feet and clapping their hands; Yugi was at its heart, innocently laughing. There was no rhythm or reason to it: just soulful dancing as free and untamed as a water bird.

Briefly, Timaeus recalled the ibis Yugi had adored at the great temples in Kemet: their long legs and big wings and the way they seemed to glide across the surface of the pond water. All around him, Yugi commanded their attention. They clapped, they smiled and they laughed as though they knew him.

He'd almost forgotten how much Yugi had loved to dance. He watched his lovely consort with a mixture of awe and apprehension: he watched the confidence blazing in his once-worried eyes and that brilliant smile that had days ago had been so shy and small. The hesitance had all but vanished from his frame. Yugi was already shining like a resplendent jewel rough-hewn from the earth, freed of dust and its rough edges artfully polished so that it shone with all its splendor, or a shooting star previously hidden by the clouds that could now sparkle in the brilliant blackness of the night in all its proud luminosity. Yugi was truly radiant; he'd earned his radiance.

Without Timaeus' help.

What else had Yugi accomplished in his absence? What else did Yugi adore that he was yet unaware of? What else did he not know about him? How much of himself was Yugi still unaware of? He thought this all with a bitterness that rivaled his pride. They had promised each other honesty, but there was one truth that still remained secret between them.

He clenched his fists, resolved.

When the music stopped and Yugi finished his dance, sweat glistening like rhinestones on his brow and his face bright and beaming for all the world like a goddess fallen from the heavens, Timaeus swept him into his arms and kissed him. It was a quick, chaste kiss, but nonetheless sweet; he adored the sweet pink blush blooming over Yugi's cheeks.

Then, Timaeus took Yugi's hands and spun him into his arms. Spotting his approach, the Citharede kept the song going, and Yugi allowed himself to be swept up in his husband's embrace. Timaeus had no ear for music and even less rhythm for dancing, but he held Yugi tight in his arms, let him lead and moved when the other did and delighted in his laughter. It was chaotic and almost comical and yet, as Timaeus tried not to step on toes and Yugi tried to swallow his snorts of laughter: they'd found their own beautiful rhythm.

Timaeus decided then in that moment: if Yugi was the glittering starlight, then he would be the shadowy darkness that made his shine all the brighter.

X X X

The Citharede protested their departure but relented with great reluctance when the Magister insisted the Cook was waiting for them—it seemed that, even this deep in the city, Bakura had influence—but not before Yugi promised to return with Serenity, excited and eager to learn all of their instruments.

They walked in silence along the riverbank, Yugi with his beaming smile and Timaeus all adoring eyes and proud, pleased glances. A red-haired cook from one of the Sister of Salt and Bone's many food stands inquired about the leftovers he'd taken, and Yugi had not hesitated in telling him it was the most delicious thing he'd ever eaten. Knowing well the nature of Yugi's appetite, Timaeus hung back and assured him that his little bride spoke true, and was rewarded with a small pouch of cookies half-dripped in chocolate and half in pale lemon frosting for the compliment. They were gone by the time they reached the road leading out of the Sister Squares and into the labyrinth of canals and adjacent sidewalks. Yugi, of course, offered him one, and even Timaeus' own lack of a sweet tooth could not deny the scrumptious taste.

"You have been busy," Timaeus teases, awed by the sudden popularity. True, everywhere they passed, everywhere they turned, someone was offering Yugi a bright-eyed smile of recognition and a kind wave; all the while, Yugi blushed but eagerly returned the attention.

It made Timaeus adore him even more.

A small smile tugged at Yugi's lips. "The people here are very kind," Yugi agreed, smiling back when passersby were offering them waves. "It's so much more open than what I am used to." He did not speak of Kemet but Timaeus knew what he'd meant

It struck Timaeus then, how lonely Yugi must've been growing up. Despite being surrounded by his parents and siblings, duty and their country diverted their attention, leaving Yugi in the company of servants who treated him with the same indifferent respect they'd show his siblings. It wasn't only in the temples and the palace, but in public as well. He remembered when Yugi had shown him and Rhebekka the marketplace. He had not bothered to wear a disguise, then, as everyone already knew his face. He recalled the stiff formality they'd used when addressing him, how their eyes never met his, and the careful choosing of their words. Lonelier, Timaeus thought, than those long nights he'd found himself sitting alone in the roof top garden with only the stars for company and the sea beyond to sing him a lullaby.

Brightness returned to Yugi's eyes and a happy smile plumped his cheeks and curled apart his lips. "I like it. I think I can certainly become used to it, even if sometimes I must be serious."

It was a mature statement, but all Timaeus cared for was the earnest radiating in that smile. "I am glad. You've become quite popular in my absence, haven't you, love?" Timaeus teased with a wolfish grin, laughing as they crossed the street. "I imagine half that concert hall is already in love with you—and the other half are in denial."

Color flooded Yugi's cheeks as he shyly tucked away a loose lock of hair behind his ear. "I'm not that popular," he protested, though it was a weak whisper and nothing could mask the small smile curling his cheeks into a sweet heart.

Timaeus would have none of that and swept in front of him, leaning down and lifting Yugi's face to his, his emerald and pearl eyes grave and burning. "Yes, you are. And never let anyone tell you otherwise."

The sheer and utter certainty empowering those words made Yugi tremble, but he did not look away—and neither did Timaeus. Looking at the other like this, so close that they could take in every detail—every curve of a smile or sharp point of a cheek, every emotion blazing behind round blue orbs and sharp, green and clear gems—their lips parted, moving subconsciously closer.

A burst of light stole both of their attention: a sudden cloud of colorful flowers rained down from the sky to the wonderment of the applauding crowd gasping in amazement. The illusionist bowed graciously.

"Wow," Yugi gasped, admiring the trick. "There truly is everything in this city."

"There is," Tim agreed with a wistful sigh. "Is there anything else you'd like to see before we leave? I would like to show you something before returning home."

Yugi was about to shake his head when remembrance flashed across his face. "Oh, yes, there is!" He whirled around and let his eyes rove, scrutinizing the city streets until recognition alighted his gaze and he dashed off before Timaeus could catch him. He watched Yugi slip inside a small shop whose storefront boasted paper painted with decorative borders, rolled up scrolls tied with loose leather ribbons, wax tablets, papyrus sheets, and ink pots alongside reed brushes and quills made from the feathers of large birds.

"What did you buy, love?" Tim asked, curious as Yugi joined him on the street, slipping the purchases into the bag Solomon gave him for the masks. "Papers," Yugi explained with the slightest tint of color in his cheeks. "And a pair of quill pens. And some ink. I…" He paused again, his cheeks darkening to pink. "I want to write letters home to my brothers and sisters, all of them. I want to tell them how well I'm doing and that I…I miss them…even Menk and Maat."

It had been so long since Yugi had spoken of his family, let alone by the names they'd had as children—in particular the two siblings whose selfish actions had unintentionally sealed his fate that Timaeus was taken aback. Determination met his silence as Yugi asked firmly, "Can I make certain they will be delivered? I do not want them to become lost."

Timaeus nodded the promise. "If you finish them tonight, I have no doubt Anessa would be more than happy to send the birds right from the capitol. They are the best of their breed."

"Truly?" Yugi's heart fluttered.

"Absolutely," Timaeus winked and offered his arm. "Come, I want to show you something."

Yugi took his arm and found himself all but swept up in the wind of the other's run. With skillful weaving, Timaeus led him through the many maze-like corridors and alleys and down towards the bridge stretching wide over the mouth of the river dividing the Sister of Paint and Song from the Twins.

Timaeus slowed the pace as they approached the heart of the bridge. Beyond the shipyard, Yugi spied the glittering sea, glowing black and violet in the moonlight, the pale horizon wispy like curls of navy and charcoal blue smoke, and almost stumbled as he spied the glimmer of color across the water.

He spun around back to the city and found Timaeus already leaning against the railing of the river walkway looking out towards the city. "Look." He pointed by way of invitation.

Yugi followed his directions and gasped. The Four Sisters glowed like a fistful of jewels scattered over a cloth of silken midnight: houses and shops were brilliant with color as though the paint had awakened in the moonlight and orichalcum lanterns sparkled and shimmered like fallen stars suspended in the air. Below, their reflections wobbled on the surface like brightly-colored fish struggling against the current. And above them all the sky sparkled with frosty white stars.

"This is my favorite view of the city," Timaeus explained with an adoring awe in his voice. "I love the view from the Palazzo as well, but this one…I like being in the heart of the clamor sometimes."

Yugi leaned against the railing, fumbling for the right response to the unusual quiet in those words. Watching the way the moon and the lights shimmered reminded Yugi of the colored glass windows of the Palazzo. Music and glamor flittered in the air all around them: the people, the river, the music, the night insects, the clank of silverware and the shouts of vendors—it was the most beautiful sound Yugi had ever heard. It was so much like the city of Waset, whose sounds he heard through the pylon walls, and Djanet, whose marketplaces he'd caught in glimpses.

It struck Yugi then that this was the first time that Timaeus had come here since his fateful voyage to Kemet all those months ago—months since he'd seen his beloved city, since he'd been here on this bridge, and even longer since he'd been called away to escort the royals…and their Redemancy, he thought with a blush. How much had Timaeus missed in those long months he'd been away? How many times had he envisioned this city on the journey? How long has he envisioned this every moment, unsure when he would glimpse it again?

How often had he thought of sharing this very moment with Yugi?

"I think I understand why," Yugi said leaning into his side. "You can't see the heart of the city from the Palazzo, but here…you can't miss it."

"Yes," Timaeus smiled and pulled Yugi closer. Together they watched the city. Their city.

It could've been hours or moments they stayed like that, leaning against the other, watching the stars and the lights and the city's glittering heart—until a loud, obnoxious rumble destroyed the mood.

Yugi hid his red face in the folds of his cloak.

Timaeus only chuckled. "Seems your stomach wants attention, love. All's well. Knowing Bakura, she has dinner waiting and she won't forgive us if we miss it."

They walked in silence along the waterways and across the bridges. An entire day of exploring caught up to Yugi and he groaned into each slow step, though he fought well to hide them. Catching sight of the Palazzo still miles up the steep hills, the boy's entire body shuttered in violent protest and an undeniable ache exploded from his desperate feet.

"Tired, love?" Timaeus' amused chuckled earned him a vicious growl.

"You'd be too if you spent all day walking and running through a city!" Yugi retorted forgoing all thought of maturity and complained "My feet are throbbing, my back aches, my legs hurt, and my thighs are tight." A low grumble. "Though I doubt that one's just from walking all day."

Timaeus' snort erupted into a full laugh. Yugi's burning eyes and furious snarl only making him laugh harder. Before the boy could open his mouth to snap, Timaeus scooped him up in the cocoon of his own cloak and waved down one of the boats. Yugi blinked, surprised one was still sailing despite the dark, then remembered that Locri's canals were manmade branches off the river: no risk of sandbars.

The boatman greeted them cheerfully and Timaeus set his little lover down on one side and carefully climbed onto the other as he told the ferryman their destination. It was a small, simple boat compared to the larger ones Yugi had ridden in earlier: more private and more durable and, as Timaeus explained, much faster. Just as their little boat disappeared up the higher stream and into a shaft that filled with water, propelling the boat upward to the next aqueduct, a crowd of onlookers gathered together waving cheerful goodbyes.

Staring out into the sea of faces, a strange pride tightened in Yugi's chest, absorbing it all so that the emotion nearly overwhelmed him. "Your people truly love you," Yugi smiled, brushing at his eyes, but Timaeus caught the small glimmer of tears. "Thank you for showing me the city this evening, I suspect it was nice to just enjoy it again after being away from it for so long…"

Timaeus nodded. "It was," Timaeus squeezed his hand, "but even more so because you were here to see it with me. That is why I wanted us to see it together." He gazed out over the descending city with a wistful sense of pride. "But I'm afraid you are mistaken, Yugi."

Yugi perked up at the use of his name and not some sweet appreciation.

Timaeus grinned and poured all his trust and pride into the soft, loving whisper of his next words. "They love you."

Yugi stared back at him, disbelieving.

Timaeus quickly erased the doubt. "I have only been gone five days and already you've won the hearts of all these people." He threw out his arm, waving it over the city in gesture. Yugi looked over his shoulder at the people, but doubt still clouded his eyes.

Timaeus caught the protest in his mouth and continued, "It's true, Yugi. One day. One day and that was all it took for them to see you as the kind and loving soul that you are. They know now that you are their Magistrate, their representative, their caretaker as I am their protector. They now know why I chose you and no one else. They. Love. You." He punctured those last three words with a pause.

Yugi's hand brushed his chest, as if something was quivering there, pulsing; his fingers clenched and unfisted as the truth of Timaeus' words sank in. Timaeus squeezed his hand, and with it, the last of Yugi's doubts faded and his eyes fogged with tears of bliss and gratitude and happiness. "You mean that?" It wasn't a question.

Timaeus' heart swelled and he leaned to show Yugi exactly how much he believed it. Their foreheads pressed together, their lips a mere breath's apart. Timaeus' worked into a pleasantly wicked smile. "At this rate, you'll have replaced me by the end of the year. I'd best be careful."

Yugi frowned at that, pulling back. "I have only become who I am because of you, Timaeus." The declaration was as firm and passionate as the flames burning those blue eyes violet and the light tears glittering like tiny stars. In the darkness and the flicking orichalcum lanterns, they sported a hazy, twilight glow like the misty ocean beneath a star-strung sky. "I would never have become the person I am without you, Tim." His voice broke on that last word, on his name, and Yugi's gaze dropped to the floor. His body quivered but the hand gripping Timaeus' only tightened. A single crystalline drop fell from his eyes. "Never."

In that moment, Timaeus thought his heart would burst.

Lifting Yugi's face to meet his, he brushed away the wetness with his thumbs and kissed away Yugi's last tear. "Nor I you, atashe-del-am." He slid next to him, wrapping his arms around Yugi's shoulders, heart swelling as Yugi leaned into the embrace and leaned down to kiss his cheek. "Nor I you."

One chapter left...

(For Real this time)

NEXT TIME: Yugi has come a long way on this road of self-discovery and has become a true Magistrate ready to rule at Timaeus side-but a secret still exists between them. Every thing and question you'd ever wanted to know about Timaeus will finally be answered...