And this, is the OFFICIAL, new update. Thank you all for the reviews, favourites, and follows. It continues to blow my mind seeing how popular this story is getting. Anyways, I do hope you all like this chapter.

IMPORTANT – The last thing I would want is for you all needing to re-read chapter 9, again, so I'm just going to summarize what has changed in chapter 9. Yugi DID NOT tell Ramose his real name, Yugi. Instead, Yugi lied and said his name was Timaeus, a Greek name, just for the sake of blending in better. So, when you see people calling Yugi, Timaeus, don't worry, that's his false name that he's going with. But if I'm still not making sense, you're always free to re-read chapter 9, again. So sorry, and many thanks for reading and having patience with this fanfic that was written by a lunatic.

RESPONSE~

i – I tried my best. The amount of times I had to edit chapter nine drove me crazy, and I don't know what the heck I'm doing anymore. But, I followed your advices because clearly I am not paying closer attention to the details in my story. There are, or were, so many plot holes. So thank you. I hope chapter 9 is better now, and it makes me happy to see that chapter 10 was perfect (as it can be). I went back and re-edited chapter 9, a teeny bit for chapter 10 (because of the naming issue). Hopefully it is much better now. :)

Enjoy!

Secrets Underground

Chapter 11

Silence greeted me as I laid on the soft cot, my head resting gently against the feather-like pillows. I moved my legs slowly across the bed, and feeling the warm sheets, I reached out to pull them closer only to suddenly hear shuffles, dirt grinding across the ground. Was Merimose awake? Lazily I stretched a bit and opened my eyes, only to have my heart drop down to the pit of my stomach. My eyes widened to see blood red irises staring into my own, and a gleaming dagger pointed at my face which was held tightly in his hands. A smirk sat on the Nameless Pharaoh's face, and he just looked down at me as he towered above my form confidently. Breathing erratically I hastily tried to sit up, only to find that I could barely move my body for some reason. I gulped, sweat rolling down my neck as I looked up at him, words foreign to my mouth. Watching him bring the knife closer to my skin, I just snapped my eyes shut from fear.

"You don't want to do this," I heard a voice say, and slowly I re-opened my eyes to see another hand protruding from my sides. This arm was fair like my own arm, and I knew that those words did not leave my mouth. "Put the dagger down. Enough of this." And the person who spoke sat up, his translucent, multi-coloured hair now in my face.

Another vision.

Realising this, I scurried off of the bed and tumbled my way to the floor to stand a good distance away to watch the scene that unfolded. And now that I saw everything, I could see a splitting image of myself sitting on the bed calmly, an arm raised towards the Nameless Pharaoh. A scowl was on the Pharaoh's face now because of my other-self's words, Timaeus's words, and instantly I watched as his thin, long, tanned fingers tightened around the handle of the blade to be sharply brought down to my other self's neck. This was the past, or what was to come because the person on the bed definitely wasn't me. Knowing this, I gulped deeply and took another hesitant step back as Timaeus closed his eyes before staring up into the Pharaoh's bloodied ones.

"Stop," Timaeus repeated, and without waiting for another word to pass my lookalike's mouth, the Nameless Pharaoh struck. Easily Timaeus dodged the attack, falling to his back and then rolling away, quickly getting to his feet. Disappointment and hurt was on his face as he glanced at the Pharaoh who only looked cold, a dark aura surrounding his entire being. With the dagger at his side, the Pharaoh jumped over the bed in one swoop and Timaeus dashed for the door, seemingly deciding not to confront the Pharaoh.

"Snap out of it!" Timaeus shouted, and as he looked back the Pharaoh grabbed the collar of his tunic, spun him around, and landed a swift punch to his nose. Startled and holding his nose, I watched as Timaeus was roughly grabbed and then pushed back until he smacked into the wall, and once again he was faced with another punch, this one to the jaw.

"You shouldn't be here," the Pharaoh said darkly. "I won't let you ruin this!" and his long fingers wrapped themselves around Timaeus's pale throat.

Timaeus stared into those red eyes of the Pharaoh, but the Pharaoh just smiled wickedly. Choking Timaeus with his left hand and the other hand holding the dagger, he didn't wait any longer to let my other-self say another word. Feeling sick, my own back pressed against the wall, I snapped my eyes shut as the Pharaoh brought the knife down, a cry ringing through the room. And then, there was quiet.

The quiet weighed down heavily on the room with adrenaline and fear mixed into it, and after a moment of not hearing anything, I cautiously opened my eyes to see a low, mud-dried ceiling unlike the high, painted one I had seen in my dream. Sweat soaked my skin, and my heart pounded loudly against my chest as I stared up at it, and feeling someone's gaze on me, I turned my head to see Merimose sitting up in his cot, looking at me worriedly. As soon as our eyes met however, he looked away and threw the sheets off, promptly leaving me alone in the room.

I sighed deeply as I sat up, one leg hanging off the cot and the other folded towards me. My eyes fell to my hands in my lap, and I could still vividly remember seeing these same hands reaching up to stop the Nameless Pharaoh, my voice speaking to him, and then his knife. Is he the one who killed me? Was my fate to die at his hands? Shadi did say that I would eventually die in this world and then be transported back to the future… but why? How? I continued to stare at my hands. I'm supposed to save the Nameless Pharaoh, but it seemed that he was just going to kill me. Was he successful? I didn't see him stab my other-self, but… how can I save a person who apparently wants me dead? Why would I even do such a thing?

"You shouldn't be here. I won't let you ruin this!"

I couldn't help but wonder about the words that left the Pharaoh's mouth. Ruin what? What was I, Timaeus, going to ruin? I looked up to allow my eyes to wander across the bare room. Even though he tried to kill my other-self, Timaeus was calm. He tried to get him to stop. Shadi said that my past-self was close with the Nameless Pharaoh, and that my other-self knew some things that I don't know or can't remember yet. Was that why he was so calm and spoke so carefully? Was it because of what he knew that caused him to react in such a way? Groaning, I brought a hand to my face and wiped the sweat away from my upper lip and forehead. I just didn't know what to make of all this. It was confusing. What do I pay attention to? How do I figure it all out?

Pushing away the sheets, I got off the bed. Like Shadi told me last night in my… soul room, I should just let it all play out on its own. I can't change anything so I might as well just accept what was coming whether or not it was real or fake. I would just have to deal and follow my gut when that time arise.

I was just about to leave the room when I stopped, suddenly remembering the family I was living with. I was already such a bother. No need to have them clean up after me as well. Besides, doing something productive instead of standing around clueless usually eased my mind. Picking up the linen, I shook it out and quickly folded it before leaving it at the edge of the cot. Looking over the room once more and noticing Merimose's cot, sheets disarray, I resisted the urge to fold those as well just for the sake of it. It would be odd to clean up after him, and he was already fearful of me being around. Now need for him to believe that I'm weird as well. Leaving it alone, I clenched my teeth together and just left the room.

As I entered the living area, I was met with the entire family who was already awake. Ramose was sitting on the mat eating with Merimose infront of him who was slightly wet. The boy's face was splashed with water and I watched as he used his hands to wipe the droplets away. He was conversing quietly with his father, and I couldn't help but wonder if it was about me. Was I lashing out in my sleep? Was that why he was looking at me worriedly? Shaking the paranoid thoughts out of my head, I looked on as the two shared a plate filled with bread and fruits before sparing a glance to the kitchen to see Ramose's wife crouched down on the floor, kneading what seemed to be flour. As soon as they woke up, it was time to work. It made me feel sad for them since in the future my life was quite simple compared to this. But, this was the past, something that I had to keep on reminding myself. Life was very different.

"Timaeus." I didn't pay any attention as he called my false name, but then reality hit home again and quickly I turned towards him, my eyes still wide with surprise. Seeming more refreshed after a good night's sleep, he gestured towards the washroom, not taking any interest in my delayed response. "You can wash your face in there before eating," he told me, and nodding I stepped into the washroom to see a new bowl filled with water on the ground. I kneeled down and washed my face, the cold water certainly waking me up. But, there were no toothbrushes, or toothpastes of any kind. Sure, they had toothbrushes made from figs and such, but there was no way I was going to use that. And now that I was sitting down like this, I realised something. I needed to go. Sighing, I just washed my mouth and used my fingers to clean to some degree before standing. I guess I would just have to ask, but surely it would be outside.

Leaving the washroom I walked towards the mat and sat down, my legs crossing underneath me. I just watched as the father and son ate quietly, only to see Ramose look up and point towards the plate, his mouth full. Merimose, after seeing the look Ramose gave him, took a few more grapes and left to go help his mother.

"Take some," Ramose said, and wearily I reached into the bowl he pushed towards me and took a few grapes along with two dates. I know what the stiff, course bread had done to the Egyptians teeth, so there was no way I was going to have more of those. As I chewed silently, enjoying the quiet, I looked up once again when Ramose cleared his throat.

"What are your plans for the day? Did you come to Egypt for business, or for other reasons?" he asked, and immediately I decided to just stick with the story I had told Mana. I already said one lie, and I wasn't going to make it two any time soon. I paused to think for a moment before finally answering.

"I came here for travelling purposes." I gulped, trying to gather as much information I knew about Athens before continuing. "Since my studies have been completed in Athens, I decided to take some time off to travel and, learn new things." Ramose nodded, drinking some water out of his cup just as Senisonbe brought mine. I thanked her silently as Ramose went on.

"Did you leave a family back at home?" he asked me, and my eyes widened. He assumed that I was married and had kids! Resisting the urge to react, I took a deep breath before shaking my head.

"No, afraid not."

Ramose handed Senisonbe his own cup before standing. He glanced at me and shrugged. "Life is different, there," he said, and unable to think of a proper response, I just nodded mutely.

"Father, let's go," I then heard Merimose call from the doorway. He was holding a spear and a few other farming materials in his hand, along with a jug. As Merimose held the door open, my eyes widened to see that it was still dark outside, the sky a dark blue colour, the sun on its way to grace Egypt's sky. Ramose coughed and nodded towards him.

"Alright," he said, and then he turned towards me as I got to my feet. "I am going to work. I have a farm to tend to." He then stopped and began to stare at me intently, our eyes locked on each other. "You can wander the village if you like, or you can come with me," and from his tone, I understood that those were my only two choices. There was no way he was going to leave me alone with his wife at home.

"Um, I'll just wander the village," I said. I needed to get a feel of this village. I had no idea about the place I would be living in for who knows how long, so I might as well look around and become familiar with my surroundings. "I can learn more about the village if I look around," I explained further, and Ramose nodded, looking satisfied with my answer.

I watched as Merimose slipped through the door, Ramose holding the door open for me to leave as well. Stepping out of the doorway, my feet touched sand, and Ramose stepped around me after locking the door. It was cool, but with the impending sun, I knew it wasn't going to stay cool for long. I looked up as Merimose walked alongside his father, the two heading to the back of the house. Curious, I followed them only to stop and stare at the patch of farmland that say behind the home. Green could already be seen shooting out from the earth.

"We need more water," I heard Merimose mumble from the distance, and a few clanks of jars later, Ramose began to head out with a hum, no doubt towards the Nile. Merimose followed, and just when I looked away, I caught Merimose looking at me. Our eyes met, and just as quickly as they did, he turned away, pretending he had never seen me. I sighed, watching as they got farther and farther. And just like that I was left on my own.

Turning around, I stared at the village that laid before me. More rows of mud-built houses sat side by side each other, each one a different style and shape to suit the builder, and most with a patch of farmland behind their homes. There weren't many people out, walking down the sandy road. Only a few men were seen pushing their shop carts towards their designated areas with the help of their donkey's, and because of how quiet the early morning was, I could even hear the clacks of bowls and buckets in the homes. One by one I then spotted fathers and sons making their way out of their homes to begin their chores. The women were no doubt still inside with their younger children who were still not up, along with preparing meals for the day before doing their other duties. As a soft breeze blew past, I looked down the road to see two men talking to each other from one side of the street to the next, the outline of their body the only thing seen with faint details of their clothes because of the darkness. However, with the tint of orange in the far distance, I knew it wouldn't be long until the glob of fire burned down on the village.

I breathed deeply, inhaling the foreign, but yet familiar, scent of animals and wood. I had all day to do whatever I wanted, and knowing that rested my mind greatly, but I would have to return to spend some time with the family I just intruded on. I needed to feel comfortable with them instead of being left to feel so alienated. I'd hate to think that I was a bother to them.

Sighing, I began to walk towards the right, trying my best to ignore the feeling of the gritty sand between my toes. As I looked around I could faintly remember the places Mana and I had passed by last night while she brought me to Ramose's home. We walked along a Main Street before turning into a smaller street which went deeper into the village. And the more I walked, the chatter level increased, a sign that I was nearing the Main Street where villagers set up their shops. A few more moments, and I was standing at the edge. It was just like I remembered it, but this time a bit more deserted. There was a clearing right in the middle of the much wider street, no doubt a place where official statements were read to the people from the palace. It was right there where Priest Set had stood as well. Remembering him, I shuddered.

There were more people in this part of the village, everyone busy with setting up their stalls to begin the new day. No one paid any attention to me, but I knew that as soon as the sun was high enough, their eyes would naturally be drawn. I looked around for some time, leaning against a wooden post that held a shed roof up, and quietly with my arms wrapped around my body I watched as the sun raised. The sun slowly decorated the horizon, the sky getting brighter. It wasn't strange to me, but I was still surprised to think and realise that the very same sunrise that I saw at home five thousand years into the future is the exact same one the Ancient Egyptians see every day, just like the people in the future. And it wasn't only the Egyptians. So did the Greeks, the Mayans; all of the people that lived such a long time ago saw the same thing and will most definitely continue to see the same sun, moon, the sky. No wonder the Ancient Egyptians worshipped all of those things. It was fascinating.

I stood there, watching the sunrise until a soft, yellow glow enveloped the village. The sun though, at the moment was hidden behind the palace that loomed over the place, casting a big shadow. It was far away, the entrance probably farther down the main road and then surrounded by a ton of guards. And now that the thought of the palace crossed my mind, how in the world was I to get in there? How was I going to meet the Nameless Pharaoh? I shook my head, trying not to let myself worry about those things. It will happen as it should. I just have to go along with life and it'll take me to him.

I didn't want to stick around the Main Street for too long. More people were scattered around, and the stares were becoming unnerving as they saw me just standing idly around. Making up my mind, I began to walk across the Main Street towards a smaller street which I could see hidden between two tall shops of some sort. From the looks of it, it seemed to be a cavern, most likely one filled with beer for the men without a family to get drunk off of all night. Walking past it, I made a mental note anyways. The village was no doubt like a maze, so I needed to map out as much as I can so I didn't get lost.

The more I walked the more I saw. Children now escaped their homes to go out and play in the morning sun, along with mothers who had little bags at their sides to start shopping for some ornaments or whatever it was that they needed. And just like I predicted, as I walked along the street, glances were given and way was made so that no one bumped into me. It was saddening to see them all look away as soon as I made eye contact with them, and to see them just ignore my presence. Again though, it was understandable. I was, to them, a Greek. And frankly I hadn't seen another Greek ever since I got here. Surely there were more, but where?

The street I was walking upon soon became larger, and as I looked around I noticed a large opening between the homes which made two curves around the area before the street continued on. It was similar to the one on the Main Street, but a bit smaller. I stopped and watched a group of boys who were clustered together in the middle of the area. There were seven of them, each in shendyts and all looking around the ages of seven years old and below. They seemed to be arguing about something quite heatedly, a frown on all of their lips.

"You can't play!" one boy, the older looking one, shouted to another boy, and the boy he shouted to immediately yelled back at him, a finger raising.

"I want to play. I sat out last time so someone else has to sit out now!"

"He should sit out!"

"No!" And like that the yells and shouts jumped back and forth between the boys.

I kept watching, still unsure of what their argument was about. But so far, it had to do with something about their game. Looking closer I noticed the long, palm tree branches that were held in their hands and dragged on the sand, the bent ends drawing lines in the dust. And on the ground, laying a short distance away was a papyrus-made ball, torn up and battered, but still useable. I grinned to myself, understanding the game the boys were, or planned on, playing. It was the ancient version of what we in the future called Floor Hockey. The boys would split themselves up into teams, the ball was their puck, and the palm tree branches were used as the hockey stick. I bit my lip with glee, excited to see how they would play. However, their argument didn't seem to have an end.

I looked around only to purse my lips together when I saw no adults in sight to help them solve the problem they were having. And again, they were just young boys. One of them looked to be only five years old. I watched anxiously as the shouts raised, and in a short moment the youngest boy of them all was pushed out, everyone grabbing a palm branch and hurriedly taking their places.

"I want to play!" the little boy shouted at them, but he was ignored by everyone except one who decided to just stick his tongue out at him.

The boys started their game. Two players went up to the middle, the ball was thrown between them, and with a count of three, they begun, the ball being hit and sent flying to the other team's "field". While I eyed the game, I kept most of my attention on the little boy. He stepped away from the game having realised they weren't going to let him play, and with a frown he walked over to a bench that was on the side and just plopped down, his small palm branch being held before him on the ground. He didn't watch the game. He stared at the palm branch and moped silently to himself, and I could see his reddened eyes and puffy cheeks as he forced himself with all his might to stop himself from crying. Pouting, he looked up at the boys and scratched the side of his temple agitatedly. The urge to cry was still there on his features.

At this point, I just didn't know what to do. The boy reminded me so much of my younger self, the one who was bullied and teased for my height, weaknesses such as sports and other athletic things I wasn't good at during that time, and because I sat by myself and had no friends. Each day I would sit like that boy all alone, feeling sorry for myself. That is, until someone finally spoke to me without pity. I sighed, pressing my lips together. I so badly wanted to go over and talk to him, but what if I just ended up chasing him away? But, what if this was the moment when he needed someone to listen? Back and forth I threw the thoughts around. Shadi said I should just do what I usually would. Follow my heart and it'll lead me to my destination. And frankly, right now my heart was telling me to speak to him.

Making up my mind, I stepped forward and walked towards the little boy, my heart hammering away in my chest the closer I got to him. His short, brown locks of hair was matted against his head, and that tiny nose of his sniffled, his dark brown eyes filling up with tears before they were cast down to his lap. Gathering courage, I stopped behind him.

"Hi. Is it okay for me to sit here?" I asked cheerfully, and I resisted the urge to cringe when the boy jumped, his eyes widening as he spun around to take a look at me. He stared at me with unblinking eyes for a moment, but I stood patiently, waiting to hear or see his response. My smile got bigger when I saw him nod slowly before shifting over. "Thank you," I said as I sat down, and with my hands in my lap, I gave the boy a look. His eyes were now locked on the game, trying his best to ignore me as much as possible.

"Are you alright?" I asked, choosing my words carefully so that he would be able to understand, but he looked over at me and looked away. I sighed, but continued. "I saw you crying. What's wrong?"

"I wasn't crying," the boy said quickly, and as he spoke he shot me a glare. A smile escaped and made its way to my face at the defensive, but oddly cute tone.

"Really? Your eyes were a bit red," I said quietly, and seeing the embarrassed look cross his face, I watched as he twisted his lips and looked at me sternly.

"Who are you?" he asked boldly. Gulping before I spoke, I answered.

"My name is, Yu-" I froze to correct myself. "Timaeus. My name is Timaeus."

"What are you doing here?" he questioned. "I haven't seen you here before," and at that I nodded, a bit surprised by the boy's strong attitude. I guess I was too quick to judge his nature. But, I answered him anyways.

"I'm new in the village. I'm here all the way from Greece to learn about Egypt," I explained, and at that he seemed less cold and more interested.

"Really?" he asked, and I nodded. I watched as his eyes went back to the game, the small frown returning when one team scored a goal. I watched silently too, the similarities of the past and present versions of the game too strong to think otherwise.

"They never let me play," he said suddenly, and I looked towards the boy to see his chin resting on his hands which were at the end of the palm tree branch. "They always have to have even number of players, and I sit out all the time because I'm the smallest." He sighed. "It's not fair." I nodded, but remained silent. I'm just glad that he was talking and telling me what was on his mind. It showed that he trusted me, to some extent.

"Khamet!" a woman then shouted from the doorway of one of the houses behind us. The little boy looked at her, and it was my turn to look away when she made eye contact and shot me a dark glare.

"Yes, mama!" the boy who I now knew was named Khamet, answered. I didn't hear her say another word, but from the way Khamet's face scrunched up, I knew that it meant he had to go. He stood up and looked at me.

"Bye," I said, and without saying another word, Khamet turned and walked away, his palm tree branch dragging across the sand as he pulled it along behind him.

Looking back at the game, I grinned when one team whooped loudly for joy while the other team scowled, their branches thrown to the ground. I chuckled and stood, and it was then when I noticed the sun was shining down hotly on the village. I was sweating, and the second my feet touched the sand, I yelped and just sat back down. How was I supposed to get to Ramose's home? I watched the other boys who ran across the ground, barefoot as well without yelling. They were obviously used to it though, but me? Steeling myself, I stood up and ran to the nearest shady spot where the sun didn't burn to crisps. Rubbing my feet against my legs, I looked up at the boys once again. I was supposed to head back home now. I looked up to the sky, and then down the street. What was I going to do? As I looked around for the other nearest shady spot, I grinned when I spotted a canopy. And just when I was about to speed walk towards it, I was frozen to where I stood because from the corner of my eyes I saw icy, cold blue one staring directly at me.

Oh my gosh, the end of the chapter. Ugh, I think I'm going to be sick with worry. -.- The struggles I had when writing this chapter? Well let's just say that I had no idea where I was going with it. All I knew was that this chapter Yugi was going to explore the village, and that's it. But I added in that little bit with the boys because I didn't want it to be too boring to have him just describe things for half the chapter, right? I don't know. Should I have had Yugi say nothing and do nothing, or was that scene okay? How can I make it better? Oh, and how did you all find the vision in the beginning? Tell me what you think!

Review please. Thank you for reading and being so patient with me.

Bye~