Hello everyone! Heh… I've returned! (How long has it been? Since July? Almost four months… Yikes.) Very sorry for the severely long delay. The reason? I guess it was my drive. I had no will to write for some reason. I think my will is back, for now, and hopefully it stays for a longer period. Also, it might be that I had no idea WHAT to write. I got stuck… So. I made a drastic change of plans. I hope you all like the surprise, because it's in this chapter. xD To be honest thought I wrote the second half the same day I last updated. O.O

Thank you all so much for your patience. I hope I haven't lost any of you… -awkward laugh-

REVIEWS~

I will just do a big one for everyone! Thank you all those who reviewed. Many of you gave your input as to how Yugi and Atem should bond, and really, THEY WERE AWESOME IDEAS! It really got my brain flowing~ I believe I have formed an idea with your help. No idea is too meaningless. Even from the little ones, I just had to go "woaaah". Haha.

I'm also glad to see that you all are really enjoying the story. I know, it might have been slow at the beginning, but now the Pharaoh will be making his debut soon so we should be up and going with excitement! Really, I'm not too fond of mystery stories, so it's quite astonishing to see that I've written one! Heck, I didn't even think it was a mystery until one of you said it. :D

i - I have read your wonderful suggestions, and have made my corrections to chapter 15. Hopefully they are up to standards! And, I will try my best to be poetic. That is a problem I'm aware I have. There's no… flow and sweetness. I guess I may be too blunt with my words. I will try my best though.

Thank you all for your wonderful help!

Enjoy!

Secrets Underground

Chapter 16

After a long and tiring wait, the day had finally arrived. The Sed Festival was here.

The Pharaoh was considered a living God to the people of Egypt. They were respected and feared, honoured and worshipped alongside many of the other Gods they believed in. When they sat upon the throne, surely the Egyptians felt absolutely safe- especially when the Pharaoh was one who controlled magic like none ever before. That was why the Sed Festival had to be created. When the Pharaoh held the throne for over thirty years, his hard work was celebrated, the people praying that he hold the throne for many more years to come, and him thanking the Gods and paying tribute to them for allowing his continuous rule.

I never could have thought, dreamed, that one day, I would witness this grand of a festival in person myself.

I took a deep breath, relishing the smell of the crisp air that wafted around me. Feeling the soft breeze against my skin and the warmth of the sand between my toes caused goosebumps to appear on my arm as I walked through the morning darkness. My insides however seemed to have disappeared, replacing themselves with butterflies that threatened to lift me off my feet and carry me off into some trippy dream in the sky.

Everything was so unreal. It was so mystifying, and absolutely insane all at the same time. I was living in a world that happened thousands of years ago. I met with those people, talked to them, fought with them and for them, befriended some. I even lived their life. I wore what they did, I ate what they ate, and I worked almost as hard as they worked. And in this time period, I even had the opportunity to witness creatures that were considered make-believe during my time. I was seeing magic, real magic, happening before my very eyes. This was what I had always wanted. Now it was all coming true.

It scared me, because hanging just on the other side of that scale was the "how" I got here, the "why" continuing to echo loudly in my mind with the end far from sight.

I had to remind myself that I was sent to this world for just one purpose, and that was to save the Nameless Pharaoh. The Nameless Pharaoh who was just discovered, and already sending a bolt of fear down the spines of archaeologists. He was so mysterious, said to be among one of the most feared Pharaohs. It was understandable for me to be terrified of finally going face to face with him after such a long wait, but I consoled myself with the gut instinct I had before. Maybe, just maybe, there was more to his story and we just haven't been able to uncover it yet.

My eyes hardened with confidence as I lifted my head and stared into the dark horizon, the moon offering the last bits of his light before the glorious sun raised herself into the sky, enveloping the world with her rays. I closed my eyes briefly, the silence that surrounded us as we walked to the palace wrapping around my form softly, comfortingly.

My fingers tightened themselves around the two sacks of vegetables I had slung over my back, and I opened my purple irises once more. Instead of the sand, I returned my gaze towards my three companions. Ramose, Merimose and Senisonbe walked ahead of me, each of them as soundless as the night. They were dressed nicely, wearing the tunics Senisonbe had sewed using whatever free time she had. She even made the reed slippers we all now wore, including the jewellery she painted herself. We were going into the palace, so being presentable in case we came across any nobles while we worked was important, especially on the day of the Sed Festival.

I smiled gently, my eyes lingering on the little grins Senisonbe shot Ramose's way, Merimose giggling a little, bringing an odd sense of ease after the quiet. To see them so relaxed after the weeks of hard work for this day alone was really rewarding. Hopefully all of their hard work paid off.

As I stared, I was caught by Merimose who suddenly turned around to glance at me. I had fallen behind them quite some time ago. Our eyes met, and immediately he slowed down with a knowing smile on his face, shaking his head at me. We walked together after I had caught up, and neither of us said a word.

During the walk though I found myself glancing over at him a few times. Every so often he would shift the big bag he had to hold from one arm to the next. A frustrated frown would appear as well, and as I continued to watch, I saw that in the end he decided to throw it over his shoulder to get that grip. I could tell that it was heavy for him, but if I offered to hold it, it would be as if I was stabbing his pride. The bad was ruining his nice tunic too. Contemplating, I decided to just brush off the spot of dust on his back, and in return I got a reassuring glance.

A few moments later, my eyes inevitably dropped back down to my feet. I still couldn't believe it. I was really going to finally go into the palace and meet the one I was sent here for. I should be on the verge of peeing myself, but I found no more place for nervousness after the mini heart attack I went through minutes before we left, only half an hour ago. Truly, those minutes was the most nerve-wracking, cruelest moment I have ever had the displeasure of going through.

I had woken up hours before dawn upon hearing soft murmurs. At first I thought it was my mind going crazy, but when it continued, I had to open my eyes wider and consider the possibility that what I was hearing was actually there. I peered over to Merimose to see if he was awake too, only to feel my heart drop somewhere in my gut when the boy was not in his bed at all. Immediately I heard his voice outside, and I was frozen to the cot when my memory reappeared. It was the Sed Festival! Senisonbe was telling Merimose to pack the bread properly, and Ramose was telling them to hurry, as they needed to leave soon.

I on the other hand sat up, completely ready to puke from fear, confusion, and worry. I didn't know what to do. They were all about to leave for the palace, and since they didn't wake me as well, did it mean that they were not planning on taking me? It was horrible. Sitting there, thinking that everything I was hoping for achieving going down the drain… it really fatigued me. However, my heart soared with relief when Merimose finally entered the room and urgently told me to get ready. I jumped out of bed so fast that my head spun and I stopped remembering things until I walked out of the door with them, given my own set of bags to carry.

It turned out though that they just needed an extra pair of hands. Thank goodness I were those hands.

"We're here," Merimose suddenly said, and slightly startled out of my trip down memory lane, I jerked my head around to see the walls surrounding the palace rising up before me.

It was dark.

A hollow pit replaced the organs in my torso, and the warmth I felt suddenly dispersed. I didn't know what it was. Just, it was something. Something about the palace made me uneasy. It felt as if something evil lurked within its walls, pouring out of the cracks and enveloping the entire structure like a dark fog. As if in a story, I felt that I was unprepared to face the monster.

"No, that's crazy talk!" I thought, quickly reprimanding myself. What was I thinking? It was just my nerves getting the best of me. It was still dark out. Anything would feel scary at night. I wasn't afraid of the palace when I saw it during the day, so it was just my nerves. I was the one running myself senseless.

Dealing with the unreasonable side of me, I took another look up at the palace which was slightly hidden behind the large walls. For one, it definitely did look like a palace. So royal, so strong, radiating an unknown source of pride. … I just had to stop myself. Was that weird? How could a building show strength?

"Timaeus, it's your first time entering. Are you excited?" Merimose whispered eagerly to me, and I looked at him and nodded firmly after a while. In the end, I was excited. Very excited.

"Are you excited, Meri?" I asked. "This is your first time too," and Merimose returned a vigorous nod.

"Very," he said brightly, but as he turned to look at his father, the glow disappeared and was replaced with confusion and worry. Seeing the change, I rose a brow too and turned to see what the cause was.

Ramose had stopped walking all of a sudden. He looked panicked, a frown plastered on his face along with fear. Senisonbe was looking at him with concern as he hastily counted the bags we all had, and started re-checking what was in them. He was scratching his beard, completely fidgety.

"What's wrong, Father?" Merimose asked, and Ramose took a glance towards the palace gate that was guarded.

I looked too, and noticed four guards standing watch. There was also four gate-houses. One at each side of the gate, and two more, slightly smaller ones, at the corner of the walls. The palace was definitely heavily guarded. I turned back to Ramose who gestured for me to give him my sack, and as I gave it to him he hastily opened it. Ramose returned it a few seconds later, paler than before.

"What? Did you forget something?" Senisonbe asked quietly, and at that Ramose nodded. A hand went to his head with despair.

"I felt that something was amiss, but I don't know why I ignored the feeling," he groaned lowly. "Oh Ra… I can't believe I forgot."

"Forgot what?" Merimose asked.

"I forgot to pick up the bread," Ramose exclaimed. "Now what are we going to do? There has to be bread at the feast."

"But you did pick it up," I suddenly said, and all of their attention was turned towards me. Ramose had picked up all of the bags. He counted them and everything before we left. "You gave us all our share to carry, and you picked up the last four and walked out the door after us, only…" My eyes widened, the memory playing itself out in my mind, "…only to put it down near the wall to lock the door."

My heart sank.

"I knew it," Ramose hissed, and he rubbed his forehead, letting out a suffering sigh. "I guess I'll just have to go back and get it then."

"If you leave, we won't be able to get into the palace," Senisonbe said to him, and he looked at her with even more anxiousness.

"What shall we do now then?" he murmured, and seeing the conflicted expressions, I knew I just had to help.

"I can go back and get it," I offered.

Once more, all of them looked at me with surprise.

"Really, I don't mind," I insisted.

"Then how will you get into the palace walls?" Merimose wondered.

"Well, I could return to the gates to get you," Ramose said. "If I tell them that you're supposed to be with us, helping with the festival preparations, you should be able to get in. I've been serving them for years, and I'm well acquainted with the guards. Everything should be fine."

I nodded with agreement, even though I wasn't too sure about the "should" part. But, for the sake of the family I had to risk it. I didn't really like the idea of Merimose or Senisonbe wandering off again through the village to get the bag anyways, especially since it was still pitch black outside. It wouldn't be right to me, even if they do know the entire village like the back of their hands.

"Okay," I confirmed. "I'll go get it."

Ramose let out a sigh of relief, looking at me with eyes that were now free of worry.

"Thank you, Timaeus," he said, and nodding once more, I smiled and watched as they began walking towards the gate. Merimose flashed me another concerned look. I reassured him with a wave of my hand and a tiny grin before turning away, staring at the village. My smile disappeared, and I slumped my shoulders.

It was going to be a long walk back.

I didn't waste any time. I quickly began walking through the sand and towards the edge of the village. Since the palace was a short distance away from the village, there was just a stretch of land with nothing but sand separating the two. Maybe it was used whenever there was a gathering or a ceremony of some sort at the palace, or maybe it was used just to give some room between the two. Either way, the walk back into the village seemed to take forever.

It was getting chillier, and with no structures to protect me, I was at the mercy of the air that now whipped against me. Whatever happened to the nice wind just a few minutes ago? Oh well, there was nothing I could do about it now. I pouted childishly and gazed up at the sky before looking back at the village. It was still dark and void of all life when I entered. People were still sleeping, except for the few that I heard within their homes. Not everyone could afford to sleep in after all. Many would be up during this time, all making their own preparations for the celebrations.

It would have been fun to just enjoy it today like everyone else. Unfortunately, every time I found myself with nothing to do, I would be thrown into some kind of vision or come across something that would leave me with more questions than answers. That was why I spent some time before going to sleep simply wishing for Shadi to appear and give me some answers.

I needed guidance. All the things I learned on my own about the Nameless Pharaoh were unimportant to me supposedly rescuing him. They held little to almost no clues as to what I had to save him from and just who he truly is as a person. Heck, I haven't even seen him yet, though that may change when I finally entered the palace.

I did have one opportunity to find out more about him. Mana was a good source. I could have asked her. In the end I decided against it. It would have been odd interrogating her about him. She was strict when it came to responsibilities and upholding the pride of the royal family. She would get suspicious due to my endless amount of questions. Anyone would be suspicious of me, so how could I find answers? It was too complicated.

Scrunching my face as the thoughts brought me to the brink of agitation, I pushed them away and tried to focus on the task I was given. There was no point dwelling on things I couldn't control. I just had to get the bag and hurry back to the palace, and hopefully there I might gather some information. How much closer could I get to the answers? Shadi told me to just be me, and everything will reveal itself on its own time. I just had to follow that.

Curving through the opened area where the houses all faced each other just at the edge of the marketplace, I slowed and searched for the small street Ramose had used earlier. He explained to me that it was a shortcut to the palace. Who would have thought that it would come in handy for me so soon? Besides, it was still dark and I was all alone. However, I shouldn't have to worry about any thieves. Morning was soon here, so surely they must have scurried away back to whatever hole they came from, therefore leaving the village free of the nightly dangers. Taking the path shouldn't be dangerous.

Mind made up, I entered the slightly narrow walkway. It was shrouded in shadows because it was tucked away and squashed between the back-sides of the houses. It was fine. I was still able to see where I was going, and in just a few minutes the shortcut proved its purpose. I exited, glad to see Ramose's street right before me. I could actually see his house from where I stood.

I broke out into a happy jog, and as I got closer, I spotted the sack. I grinned. Just like I had thought, the bag sat next to the doorway slouched over like a sad little puppy. With a sigh I went over and fetched it, slinging it over my shoulder. The bread loaves were actually a lot heavier than I expected them to be, but I was able to carry it. The bread here was obviously a lot different from what I was used to. Weight as well. Adjusting it better on my shoulder, I gripped it tight and began the walk back.

The calming silence returned to the air, the harsh winds dying down momentarily again. My eyes were feeling droopy, but I smacked myself awake. Ramose and the others must already be preparing with the palace servants, so I had to get the as soon as possible. When the sun made its full appearance in the sky overhead, the festival would begin whether we were ready or not.

As I was walking though, I suddenly felt a familiar, horrible feeling creeping up within me. My stomach churned uncomfortably, and instinctively I found myself slowing down, trying to draw as little attention to me as possible. It was the same sensation I felt when someone was intently staring at me. Unlike the others however, this one was a little bit different. While the other two stares from Priest Set and the mysterious one during the game incident made me feel afraid, cold, and heavy, this one made me squirm. I was cringing and trying to make myself as small as possible while I walked, a part of me even screaming "run". It was as if this gaze was filled with nothing but untamed anger. The question now was "why"?

Feeling utterly daring, suicidal in fact, I took a chance and looked behind me, and it didn't take me long to spot a person following me closely. From the silhouette and haunting eyes alone I was able to recognise just who it was. It was Ameneman. He was lurking on the dark path, hiding not-so-secretly behind a stack of clay pots he dove behind as I turned around.

Slowly, I turned my head back around a d clutched the bag as if my life depended on it. My eyes were impossibly wide, and I could hear my heart picking up speed and thumping loudly inside my chest. I started to tremble with fear when I heard the shuffling footsteps in the sand behind me. I quickened my pace, refusing to turn around and face him directly.

Why was he following me? Merimose had told me that the man was insane, so could that be it? Could Ameneman just not be aware of what he's doing? Sweat dripped down my forehead. Either way, I wasn't going to stick around and find out what his intentions were.

I was speed walking now, trying to pretend that he wasn't there, when after a short moment I realised that his footsteps had suddenly vanished. I strained my ears to hear if I could catch the shuffles again, and it unnerved me endlessly when I still heard nothing. I risked another glance, and my suspicion was correct. Ameneman was gone, but that didn't put me completely at ease. I quickly scanned my surroundings, expecting him to be hiding somewhere, but I couldn't see anyone. I was alone once more.

Now I could calm down. Thank goodness. He was gone for now, but who knew when he would show up again. I continued my walk and tried as hard as I could to forget about him. Whatever he wanted, I would never know. His behaviour was so strange, and so unpredictable.

I couldn't help but scowl a little at myself when I remembered that at one point I thought the strange man would have been a person to go to for information about the Nameless Pharaoh. It was just that he knew so much about the palace, and from Merimose's story, Ameneman found something within those dark walls. However, thankfully, I eventually tossed the idea aside because there was the issue of validity. I couldn't trust his words because he was simply insane. As if just now wasn't proof of that already.

I could finally see the end of the path as I looked up. Getting a better grip on the bag, I was just about ready to sprint the rest of the way when suddenly a large shadow jumped out from within the darkness and stood directly infront of me. My heart reached my throat in a second, and I stopped where I stood.

It was Ameneman.

My heart racing, I tried to keep calm and eyed him carefully. I was at a loss. What was I to do now?

As I pondered hastily on my course of action, Ameneman gave me a hint, one that my gut told me earlier to do. His grimy face twisted into rage, and seemingly out of nowhere he produced a sharp-looking spear. My eyes shot open upon seeing it, and the sack dropped from my hands.

I quickly broke into a scurry when he came barrelling towards me loudly. I barely had time to react due to how sudden his move and speed was, and so in seconds I was knocked to the ground before I had a chance to run. I landed hard on my stomach, his heavy body flattening me completely.

I gasped, struggling desperately to get away, but to no avail. It was during this moment when I recalled Merimose's words that day in the market. Ameneman was a big and powerful-looking man. He may have lost some weight and muscle, but he was twice as large as I was. Still, I tried my best to fight back.

Ameneman gripped my arms in a crushing hold, turning and dropping me so that I was facing the sky, only to shove the spear towards my neck. Somehow I wrenched loose one of my hands and grabbed the spear. With all my strength I forced it back mere centimetres from my neck.

"Stop," I said lowly through my teeth, my breath almost gone, but in return I was met with his foul stench and a good look at his rotting teeth. My eyes only started to water, weakening my already poor state even further. I groaned, feeling things piercing me on the inside.

"You vile demon!" Ameneman spat, but I was too busy trying to get him off of me to contemplate his reason for cursing me.

I breathed through my teeth carefully until I found some strength. Using my leg as a leverage, I jabbed my knee into his gut and twisted my body around, somehow successfully throwing his body to the side. Instantly I sat up and scrambled to stand, but yet again he was quicker. He used the spear and tried to strike me, but luckily I dodged it just in time. I didn't know whether or not it was his plan from the beginning, because as soon as I swerved to the side, he kicked my leg, once more throwing me to the ground.

I cried out painfully and held my arm that had taken the brunt of my fall, and I could feel the throbbing sensation quickly taking over.

"Die, you snake! Stay away from here," and with each word, Ameneman thrusted the long spear towards me. In his haste and anger, he kept on hitting the same places in the sand. All I had to do was move, but when he pulled it away for the sixth time, I didn't decide to continue waiting it out. I rolled over and stood up, only to have him grab the collar of my tunic and lay a punch to my chest.

It felt as if my heart stopped for a couple of seconds, and with my mouth agape I struggled to breathe. I wheezed, my legs shaking. I was seeing black spots, but I blinked rapidly to get rid of them. I was not going to die or get injured in any way here. Not now anyways.

"Pl-Please, stop!" I managed to yell, but Ameneman didn't listen. With my eyes half closed he grabbed my shoulder and pulled me closer to him, his hands finding my neck and quickly wrapping themselves around it and tightening stiffly.

"You have no right to become King! I won't allow you to cause your chaos and destroy our Ra. Go back to the underworld, you filth!"

As he continued to spout things that I was currently unable to comprehend, only one word stuck in my mind. King? Who did he think I was?! Pushing that thought once more aside for now, I grabbed his hand and bit it as hard as I could. That got him to drop me, and I gasped heavily for breath yet again as he howled in pain.

My eyes locked on him. Ameneman… his insanity began during his stay at the palace, and since then he had been forever shouting slurs about the Prince, the Nameless Pharaoh. Is that who he thought I was? He thought I was the Prince!? He was trying to kill the Prince?! This wasn't good. Not good at all.

"Look, I am not the Prince," I tried to explain, standing, hoping the he would stop. I was backed up into a corner. There was nowhere for me to run. I had to talk my way out of this. "I'm not the Prince. I only look like him."

Upon hearing my words though, Ameneman's eyes turned towards me and just flashed sinisterly. He gave me a wolfish, toothy grin.

"You're right. You can't be the Prince. You can't be the future Pharaoh. You can't become anyone! I won't allow you to bring destruction to Egypt, therefore, I will have to kill you here myself," he roared, and in a second he grabbed his spear and charged.

I gulped, feeling my body quivering with fear. I was frozen to the spot, unable to move until he was a foot away from me. I swerved out of the way, trying my hardest to run around him. I was too slow though. My legs refused to work. I received another punch, this one to my face that shot me to the ground. And as I laid there, I came to a distressing realisation. I was exhausted. All of my energy was spent.

Helplessly I turned my head to face him, and I drowned in regret when I saw him lift the spear, prepared to stab me straight on. "Please," was all I could whimper, and when he brought it down, my vision of him disappeared. I had shut my eyes instinctively, but when I felt no pain, I reopened them and looked up.

A dark silhouette infront me was the one that hid Ameneman from view.

Blinking blearily, I tried to get my vision to stop showing me glittering spots of light, and as they did, I pushed myself into a half sitting position. What had happened? Looking up, I immediately noticed the worn sickle sword that was clasped tightly in my unknown rescuer's hand. He was unknown because around his head and shoulders was a long linen cloth that hid him completely from view. To make him seem even more secretive, the darkness further hindered me from seeing his face.

I sat straight up with a start when I then noticed the amount of force he was using to stop Ameneman's wild attack, but that suddenness of sitting up only caused me to gasp as a sharp pain shot through my chest. I trembled, groaning lowly.

"Go," the person simply said in a soft yet firm voice, and as I looked up at him with surprise and an overwhelming amount of gratefulness, his head turned slightly towards me. He was still hidden, but he gestured with his head down the street.

I wanted to thank him, but of course couldn't hesitate. Ameneman was not down. He was only holding him off for me to escape, so therefore I had to run with my tail tucked between my legs. Standing up with some difficulty, I took notice of the fallen sack, consequently remembering my task, and quickly picked it up. Just as I was about to take off though, I couldn't help but steal one more glance at him.

As soon as he had appeared, something familiar tugged within my heart. The sensation pained me and gave me comfort all at the same time, but I couldn't figure out where it was coming from, or why. Just who was he?

My question seemed to have been answered because he suddenly moved his hand and pushed Ameneman back as the other tried to shove him away, and the movement revealed a golden band around his upper arm.

As the sun peeked over the horizon, casting its first glow across the land, I caught it. I caught the glint of a few hieroglyphics engraved on the gold, sparkling as if they were symbols presented to me from the sun itself. As I ran down the street, my body aching, my mind only swam with the translation. It seemed to be a name. His name.

Atem.

Ahhh! There we have it! I hope this decision to introduce Atem like this was a good one. Of course, Yugi doesn't know that he's the Nameless Pharaoh as of yet. I think I will prolong that mystery for another chapter. :D

I will try my best to update as soon as I can. I hope you all liked the chapter, and once more, very sorry for the severe wait. I hope I've made up for it.

Tell me of my errors, because you know I enjoy reading about them. After all, I do want to improve!

Thank you for reading, and please review~