Chosen Pharaoh Chronicles Part 1: Longing Reunion & The Beasts Within

Based on the original Yu Gi Oh storyline. (Combination of anime & manga canons)

A/N: Hey another quick update, hopefully I can keep this going for a bit. So this is probably my second largest chapter in terms of word count. I combined what was once 3 chapters into one. I hope it flows better for you as it did for me. Please enjoy!

Rated M

Disclaimer: I do not own Yu-Gi-Oh it belongs to Kazuki Takahashi

Chapter 13: The Welcome Back Party

(Flashback)

Large granite pillars surrounded the large pool of water. Scented oils filled the air with their aroma as the young prince soaked in the waters. Atem was finishing a soothing bath in hopes the cleansing time might help clear his mind from the recent death of his wife and daughter. Yet as all other attempts, this one was a failure to ease his sorrow. A heavily huff escaped from his throat almost sounding like a growl. Reluctantly the young man emerged from the water and quickly dried himself off with a nearby towel.

Since Atem was in no mood to be bother he ordered the hand maidens to not assist him at this time and all other guards were ordered to remain outside the bath house. Human contact was something he evermore strayed from after the initial funeral. He had just applied his skirt when his ears were caught by the sound of approaching footsteps. He was soon alarmed by the crack of a whip upon the ground.

The prince turned in alarm to face this possible attacker only to realize that it was a member of the royal guard. Teana's father had his great whip in hand and was lashing at the ground as if preparing to whip his next victim.

"My prince may I have a word with you?" Teana's father requested.

Atem finished drying off his chest and turned to face the guard.

"Of course, what do wish to speak of father?"

The guard tightened his grip on his whip and revolted.

"DON'T YOU EVER ADDRESS ME AS FATHER EVER AGAIN!"

Atem was taken back by the attitude and asked again.

"Alright what do you wish to speak of Tarahnk?"

"It is the lose of my child and granddaughter. My wife and I still weep while you bathe for your own pleasure! Where in Ra's name were you when Teana was kidnapped? You were supposed to protect them from the harm of those thieves. That is your purpose as my daughter's husband and father of Keanna!"

"I was summoned by my father to discuss battle plans for the war with the invaders and…"

"And Nothing! When we offered you our daughter, we made a contract did we not! After you persuaded her to cancel her other wedding arrangements."

"Yes and I signed that contract. Not to mention I did not persuade her into marrying me, she chose that path by her own free will. She loved me as I loved her."

"And what did that contract state? Well let me remind you!" Tarahnk pulled out the papyrus contract and read aloud. "This sacred contract binds the prince with the daughter of the Arnahk family. Prince Atem must agree to provide absolute safety from any and all dangers. Teana is now the responsibility of Atem and he is to also provide for her needs and wishes. The prince must prove himself worthy of earning the trust of the family and their beloved daughter. Any and all children seeded are also under the sacred binds of this contract and its protection in any case. If the prince fails to abide to these sacred words may he be subject to the hands of the entire Arnahk family and the hand of Maat."

Atem sighed deeply and turned to lean against the closest pillar. He looked at his hands and recited the words of the contract in his mind over and over again.

"I have no excuse for what I am being judged for I should have kept her and the child indoors instead of letting them out in the courtyard. Yet they were her wishes to remain outside. She said she wanted the baby to feel the warm rays of Ra. Had I known about the robbers disguised as guards I would've told her no."

"But you didn't and now they are gone from this world. You failed to keep your word despite that all-noble saying of yours. 'My word is my bond' is all shit talk from a fuck up as yourself and may the gods deny your place in the heavens. I despise the day you are crowned as pharaoh for how can you protect a whole country if you can't even protect your own wife and child."

The man's words were aching like daggers to Atem's already damaged conscious. "I am truly sorry for everything that has occurred for I too greatly mourn the lose of their lives. It is as if the beating heart in my chest was taken out. Please forgive me and I assure you I will bring your family into high rankings as it would have if Teana had become my queen."

"Oh dear prince I ask for one more thing before our new contract is written."

Atem turned himself on the pillar to have his head in his hands.

"And what do you request?"

"Your blood!"

And with that Atem felt the dagger tipped whip on his bare back as he screamed in pain. He fell on the ground from the shock and saw small drops of blood on the ground. Lifting himself up slightly he turned his head to look at the guard.

"Please vengeance won't bring her back and what would Teana think of you if she saw you doing this?"

"Shut the fuck up you pile of shit! That first strike was for Teana's death and this…" he struck Atem's back again with even more power. "Is for Keanna and this last strike will end it all so your pathetic legacy may never continue!" He prepared another strike for Atem's head.

A outside guard had heard the commotion and came in running to tackle Tarahnk and grab his whip. Atem was now fully on the ground groaning from the pain of the long deep scars on his back. The guard called upon the others and to get the pharaoh in the room to address the Tarahnk's actions.

"How dare you strike the future pharaoh? No matter your ranking what you have done could bring death upon you." The guard stated holding down his superior's arms.

The present pharaoh Akhenamkhanen walked into the room to see his beloved son on the floor writhing in pain from the wounds on his back. He walked to his side and assisted him to his feet. Then with a firing anger in his eyes the pharaoh turned to face Tarahnk. He had some of the other guards take Atem to the palace healers.

"Tarahnk! How dare you attack my son and your future ruler! And as a member of the royal guard it is your duty to protect him from harm! Not to afflict harm upon him yourself!"

"But the prince and I had a contract … that states it was his responsibility to protect my beloved daughter from harm. And now she and our granddaughter are gone from this world. Atem doesn't deserve to become the next ruler of Egypt!"

Akhenamkhanen gasped. "How dare you speak such filth before me and before the Gods! You shall be judged immediately!"

Tarahnk would later on be sentenced to a trial but only to be lifted of all charges. This was because Atem declared that he did not want Teana's father to be punished for his actions. Atem even stated that in a way he deserved the beating. From then on he blamed himself for what happened to his beloved family.

(Flashback ends)

Atem gasped loudly from his sleep, almost collapsing out of the small futon he was on. Wait...how did he get here? His crimson eyes dashed around the room. It looked mostly empty yet also familiar. On the lonely dresser was a photo of Yugi's grandfather. Ah yes, this was his old room but what was he doing sleeping in here. Rising up from his laying position, the pharaoh soon discovered why.

"Ahhh." Atem groaned. His abdomen was incredibly sore. Actually the whole lot of him was sore.

Looking down he also noticed he only had on his boxer briefs. That would explain the chill in the room. The rest of him was covered in bandages and gauze. Not to mention his temple felt as if it had been hit by a truck. Examining the room once more he noticed no one left any clothes for him. Then a horrifying idea flooded his thoughts. Who was the poor soul that had to undress and tend his wounds? The first person that came to mind was Tea, she was always good at shit like this. Atem could feel heat rising to his face but quickly shoved the thought from his mind.

Standing up from the futon, his bare feet meet the cold hardwood floor, yet another discomfort. Surprisingly his legs were not as sore as he thought. Walking to the door, the pharaoh slowly cracked it open to see if anyone was around to help him. Just a few feet away he saw a small group gathered around the sofa. A little girl was the center of attention. Remembering what he, Yugi, and Tea did at the mall, Atem instantly recognized the girl as their daughter Hanna. It looks like Lykaon came through after all. Yet also to his luck, his peeping was noticed by his own daughter.

Keanna put her face right into the crack of the door, which startled her father. "I see someone is awake." She whispered as to not draw too much attention. "Hey Josh, can you grab my dad's duffel bag. It should be right over there."

The young magician nodded. "Absolutely my princess."

She rolled her eyes, even after three millennia she could never get used to the formalities.

"It's okay, I never liked being called that stuff either. Even when I was king." Atem whispered through the door.

Keanna made things easier for them by entering the room. She needed to check his wounds after all.

"Yikes, it looks like I mummified you." The tri-color haired women scrunched her features.

Atem chuckled. "Well it is part of our heritage. You can say it runs in the family."

"Ew. At your current age you shouldn't be making corny dad jokes."

"Regardless of our current bodies, I'm still old enough to be your father."

Keanna gave a smile. "Yes I'm three thousand and you are three thousand and eighteen. Good job on having a teen pregnancy story too."

He too smiled at her sarcasm. "So how am I doing doctor?"

"To be honest I only did some of these dressings, Tea helped with a majority of it. But from the looks of it..." She slowly removed the long straps that was tied across her father's chest. "Whatever beast ka Lykaon gave you has a hell of a healing bonus."

Atem frowned. "It's strong but honestly not really my style. I wish I could change it."

"Oh you can but we have to take you to the Ka archives in the other realm." Keanna continued removing more of the bandages.

His brow raised. "Other realm, you mean where the Divine Council is and gateway to the monster dimension?"

"The one and only. That's how Joshua got his current beast Ka anyway. Not sure if he should keep it though."

Atem felt her energy sullen a bit. "You don't sound to happy about it. Did something happen?"

She stopped pealing the gauzes for a moment and gave a sigh. "Well for one, some of the members on the Council don't approve of Joshua trying to marry me. Two, because of that, he wasn't really allowed to acquire a beast ka until he is officially named a royal priest."

"He stole it didn't he?" Atem could easily connect the dots.

"Yup."

He nodded. "Well, I'm sure you guys can work things out, if anything now that we are together, you will have my full on support."

Her crimson pools met his. "Thanks pa, that means a lot."

Joshua then entered the room with the duffel bag. The two looked at him wondering what took so long.

"Sorry guys everyone was wondering if the man of the hour woke up. Both Hanna and the booze have arrived. Not to mention Joey is taking everyone's order for take out. Keanna we tried sushi right?"

Keanna raised a brow. "Well yeah if we have been in Domino for the last few months then I'm sure we ate it at least one."

Atem grabbed the duffel bag and searched for some decent clothes to wear. "I wouldn't necessarily call myself the man of the hour but alright."

"Oh sweetheart you didn't tell him about the party did you?"

Keanna twisted her lips. "Whoops."

The pharaoh stopped after he put on a pair of black jeans. "Wait what party?"

Joshua scratched the back of his head. "Well the guys wanted to celebrate you coming back so they bought booze and the food is on its way." Then he heard a catchy beat sound from the living room. "And there is the music."

Atem quickly dressed the rest of himself. A grey v-neck t-shirt adorned his torso and black skater sneakers covered his feet. He braced for what was in store for him outside. He hadn't been to a celebration in quite some time. Let alone have it be about him. Well, not since he was pharaoh.

Finally, he reached for the door and opened it fully, only to find everyone staring at him with glee.

"SURPRISE! AND WELCOME BACK!" Everyone exclaimed in unison. Joey and Tristan even gave a few whoops and whistles.

They were all here, Joey, Mai, Tristan, Serenity, Mahad, Mana, Yugi and Tea. All his friends from both this time period and the past were here with him for this chance at a new life. Even the newcomers were giving a warm welcome as well.

"Wow I don't know what to say other than thank you. Really thank you all." Atem gave a bright smile. "It is good to back with you all again and this time for good."

Yugi walked up and grabbed a bottle of champagne from the make shift cooler they placed next to the sofa.

"With everything you have done for us and with the blessing of your return, I think it is only appropriate that you pop this thing open."

Atem grabbed the champagne bottle. He couldn't remember the last time he indulged in alcohol. Again it was probably in ancient Egypt. He would be lying if he wasn't excited about enjoying the simple pleasures of life again. "Of course Yugi, I am honored."

Curling his fingers around the round cork top, Atem pulled with minimal effort and the loud pop sounded. The built up foam flowed out and again everyone cheered. Serenity rushed to give everyone their glasses before anymore champagne spilled on the floor.

"Thank you sis." Joey walked up to the two star headed men. Atem poured into the blonde's glass and then he raised it. "A toast for our man Atem here and may we get dis party start'd!"

Tristan raised the volume of the music on the large pill shaped Bluetooth speaker. As everyone cycled for their champagne, Tea approached Atem with the child he saw earlier clinging to her leg. The pharaoh bent down to the girl's level and extended his hand.

"And who is this little angel. Looking just as beautiful as her mother." Atem stated coyly.

The child shook his hand. "My name is Hanna. Yours is Atem. Lykie and Ro talked about you a lot."

His face beamed and he glanced up at Tea. "She certainly isn't a shy." Returning his gaze to Hanna he nodded. "It is a pleasure to meet you."

Tea giggled. "Hanna you can consider Atem your uncle if you want."

Hanna squealed in glee and clapped her hands rapidly.

Atem stood from his position and gave Tea a surprised look. "Seriously? I'm not really related to Yugi..."

Yugi nudged him. "We certainly look like it. Related or not we get to choose whom we call family. Besides I would love it if you could be her uncle."

"Well, technically you would be like her step-uncle and Keanna is kinda of her half sister. Although considering how many millennia that is a stretch but hey family is family." Roman chimed in.

"What are yo..." Yugi stopped and felt a rather large lump in this throat. He just remembered the conversation they all had not but an hour ago. "Oh about that Tea..."

The brunette tilted her head. "What are you guys going on about? Is there something I haven't been informed about?"

Atem was also a bit confused but in noticing this man seemed to know so much information caught his attention.

"I don't think we were properly introduced. Considering we were fighting and I ended up unconscious."

Roman shook his head. "Forgive me I should have remembered. I know father didn't mention me much considering my mother's standing but I'm your half brother. Name's Roman."

Instantly Atem's eyes widened. "My brother? Never thought my father to be the type to seed the field in such a manner. Do we have any other siblings?"

The jackal knight cackled at Atem's phrasing. "Nope. We are the only ones but again you are of purer blood than I."

Atem figured this was a conversation for a different time. "Well anyway I couldn't help noticing that you consider my daughter and Hanna half sisters? How is that pos..." Then it hit him. His eyes darted back to Tea.

Yugi took another gulp of his champagne and poured more into his glass. "Here we go."

Tea decided to let Hanna mingle with the others while the adults discussed seemingly important matters. "Okay seriously can someone just be straight up with what you are talking about?"

Roman took a sip of his beer. "Okay I'll be plain. You are Teana's reincarnation. Probably got her memories deep down too."

A few seconds of silence fell upon the four of them. Atem walked out of the bubble with a zombie like expression and grabbed the nearest stool or chair he could find and planted firmly on it. Quickly he gulped the champagne in his glass and placed the object on the floor. His head rested in his hands. Then a low groan escaped him, although the music was able to cover the obnoxious noise.

His brother placed a hand on his shoulder. "I'm really sorry. We had only recently figured this out ourselves. This was why she wasn't in the afterlife waiting for you. She was down here all along."

Yugi finished his champagne and quietly grabbed a beer for himself and Tea. He noticed his girlfriend was just staring at her hands. For once he was happy the music and alcohol was distracting everyone else from the current drama. He placed the bottle and an opener in Tea's hand to snap her out of her trance. Quickly she snapped the cap off.

"So if I am her reincarnated, what does that mean? Like what happens?" Tea asked Atem's brother.

He shrugged. "Nothing really. If you really want to we can arrange to give you the memories of your ancient self. But the only major thing that has to happen is Atem has to fill out some paperwork. Basically annulling his old marriage since you are now a different person and well... with Yugi."

"Funny thing is they aren't that different." Atem finally lifted up his head. "Hell if anything Tea has more gusto than Teana did."

"Well you get what I mean brother." Roman looked at Atem sympathetically. He could easily see his good mood disappear completely.

Atem scoffed. "Ever since I got back I wondered if she was really her, but I shook it off as being a look alike. You know kinda like how Kaiba is with my cousin. But no, I was right all along. It really explains a lot too."

Yugi took a swig. "Explains what?"

The pharaoh shook his head. "Don't worry about Yugi. It's nothing major now."

Quickly he stood up and walked over to Joey and Tristan.

His lighter half knew something was terribly wrong, but like Roman said, there was nothing to be done about this situation. "I guess on with the party huh?"

Tea nodded and began to indulge her beer as well. She couldn't have too many drinks though, after all she had a little one to watch over. But a little something to take the edge of what she just found was always nice. She had to agree with Atem on this one, this revelation did explain a lot, especially with her feeling for him.

'No Tea, you have been good for the past couple of years we are not doing this again.' She mentally struggled with the voices in not only her head but her heart. Oh that familiar ache and how she had learned to hate it over the years. It caused so many issues between her and Yugi in the past. There was no way she could let it creep in now, not with their daughter back in their custody. She then overheard Joey and Tristan coxing Atem into one of their drinking games.

"You thinking what I'm thinking?" Joey gave a devilish grin.

Tristan matched the grin with his own. "Oh hell yeah!"

"BEER PONG!" The two yelled at the top of their lungs.

Atem followed them into the kitchen with the whole beer case in his hands.

Then the doorbell rang.

"Even betta! The food is here too!" Joey rushed to the door.

The group had order numerous bento boxes, rice balls, and noodles for their dinner. Of course Joey and Tristan had to have enough for second helpings. As everyone passed around their selected food items, unbeknownst to them all, a certain couple of magicians were quietly observing the events folding before them. The two had seated themselves on folded chairs in the living room. Yugi's work desk would have to do as a table to eat on for now.

Mana opened her beef teriyaki bento box and offered her partner his yakisoba order.

"Well now we can eat as we watch the drama unfold even more."

Mahad nodded as he separated a pair of chop sticks. "Yes as I'm still getting used to this modern food."

The magician girl laughed. "But its so good!" She then looked toward Atem, Joey, and Tristan as ate and prepared cups for a game of beer pong. Despite the trio appearing to have a good time, Mana could see Atem was burying his emotions from the previous conversation.

"You think Roman delivered the news a little too abruptly."

Mahad stopped chewing his noodles for a moment and gulped. "Perhaps but the pharaoh and Tea needed to be informed as soon as possible. Like he said, there is really nothing any of us can do."

"Yeah but..." Mana's eyes wandered over to Tea and her daughter. "I can't imagine having to wait millennia for the one you love only to find out they are beyond your reach."

"Well, according to what Mr. Wheeler told us, perhaps she is not so completely gone."

This caught Mana off guard, usually she was the one to make such assumptions. "You think she still loves him?"

"Oh I'm almost sure of it. But that is why we seated ourselves right here. We must continue to watch them carefully tonight."

A certain princess carrying a bottle of wine and stacked party cups walked straight to Mahad and Mana.

"You guys are being pretty anti-social. I thought this wine might help change that." Keanna moved some paperwork on the desk and placed the cups and wine next to the couple.

Mana gladly poured herself a cup of the beverage. "Well, you see your aunt and uncle are trying to make sure your father and his best friend don't do anything stupid."

Mahad glared at the woman. "You didn't have to put it like that Mana."

"Hush, that is basically what we are doing and you know it."

Keanna laughed. "Let's see alcohol, a young child, and one woman. What could possibly go wrong?"

The Dark Magician's mouth formed a thin line. "Yeah, this is all fucked." He quickly reached for a cup and poured the red wine for himself.

The other two women were taken aback. Very seldom did Mahad use profanity. Keanna's expression then turned more somber as she eyed her father in the kitchen engaging in beer pong. He down one cup after another. Surely this behavior was not for the fun of the party.

"I miss mom too but at least she was with me all those years. Dad didn't even know who we were for the longest." She took a quick sip and her gaze dropped to the dark red liquid in her cup. "And now his soulmate is with his best friend."

Mana placed a hand on her shoulder. "Look I know things seem dire for your father but we have discovered things aren't so perfect in this house either."

The princess's crimson eyes darted toward Mana. "What do you mean?"

Mana was slightly shorter than Keanna so she tip toed to whisper in her ear. "Tea has always been in love with your father."

Keanna scoffed and whispered back. "Well we all knew that, but she is with Yugi now."

"But Yugi told her that she didn't have to relinquish her feelings for him."

"Oh shit." Keanna took another swig.

Mana gave a mischievous smirk."Exactly"

"So basically we are waiting for all of this to just blow up in their faces."

Mahad nodded. "Precisely."

Two hours then passed. Everyone was engaged in light hearted conversations and friendly party activities. The beer pong match had gotten pretty competitive once Atem had gotten the hang of it. But in the middle of their third game, Joey and Tristan pleaded to stop. The amount of alcohol they had consumed threatened to churn up their dinner.

"Aw man… my stomach hurts like hell." Joey said rubbing his belly.

Tristan blenched but he quickly covered his mouth. "Fuck, I think I threw up a bit in my mouth."

"Giving up already guys?" Atem questioned after a slight hiccup.

"Ya know what I am gonna throw in da towel. I don't feel like hugging da toilet tonight."

"Too late for me." The brunette rushed to the bathroom holding his mouth again.

"Alright, if you say so." Atem started gathering the cups and tossing the empty ones in the trash. "Good game guys."

Noticing the trash can was getting full from the food containers, Atem reached into the sink cabinet to grab another garbage bag. Rising up from his bent position, Atem couldn't help but feel the intense head rush. Luckily he didn't stumble but he definitely had to hold on to the countertop for a moment.

While regaining his balance, Atem noticed a couple of other wine bottles in the corner. He smirked and grabbed a bottle. Wine was one of his favorites to drink during ancient times. He opened the bottle and poured a glass for himself. The old pharaoh wouldn't admit it but the alcohol was greatly affecting him. He may have better control over his speech but his decision making and motor skills were definitely dulled. Every step took a lot more brainpower than it should. Shit when was the last he was drunk? A part of him even felt incredibly giddy and something in the back of his conscious was nagging at him.

"Hey man, I know dat you are proly feelin some typa way. Ya know wit dis whole girl ting." Joey then blenched.

Atem had an idea what Joey was referring to. Perhaps his excessive drinking made it a little obvious that he wasn't feeling one hundred percent.

The blonde tried his best to sit up. "Aw fuck, man I can't keep it from ya anymore."

"Keep what from me?" The pharaoh tilted his head.

Joey sighed trying to gather his thoughts. "I dunno wa Yuge told ya. But Imma sure he said nothin bout wa he told Tea to not stop lovin ya. Twas a promise he made up long time ago."

Crimson eyes widen greatly, Atem couldn't believe his ears. "She loved me?"

Wheeler cackled. "Duh dude, was it not obvious? She always did man." He started to hiccup. "I jus didn't wanna keep dat secret no more. Ya know? Guilt."

Atem nodded. He was sure Joey was done for the night. But regardless of how intoxicated they were, why would he be so bothered to tell him such information. Perhaps he had to do some investigating of his own.

Without much thought his feet shifted into the living room. Everyone was engulfed in their own conversations so no one paid his presence any mind. Atem found an empty space of wall next to the television and rested against it. Sipping his wine, the pharaoh observed those in the room.

Although that's what he told himself, he was really staring at Tea. Carefully watching her ever movement. His long absence from the company of any woman really got him riled by her easily. Atem always admired her but now his desires had become something more. Something primal and yet also so familiar. He grew the urge just to pin her against a sofa and have his way with her.

'Ugh what the fuck am I thinking.' Atem shook his head and scolded at himself internally.

Instead of walking away, he insisted on finishing his the rest of the wine. The burn of gulping the alcohol all at once wasn't enough to steer the dark thoughts away. Perhaps another drink would help. Ignoring his own daughter and priest, the ruler's focus was on their wine bottle. Mana's eyes widen with concern over Atem's zombie like appearance.

"Holy shit dude, how much have you had to drink. Your eyes are so hazy." Mana grabbed his arm which was holding the blue party cup.

He gave a short chuckle. "I'm fine. Just need another drink." Surprisingly he poured it without any trouble.

Mahad could smell his highness's breath from where he was sitting. "My king you should probably stop drinking. I know you are upset..."

"Ha, who the hell said I was mad?" He flashed a smirk and took a gulp. "Not an angry bone in me."

Atem's eyes reverted back to Tea who was making her way to the hallway. 'Good she's alone.'

Those damn voices were back. But it couldn't hurt to hear them out. His felt his feet wanting to move again but he wanted to be rid of his cup so in another gulp the wine was gone. After placing the cup on the desk, Atem returned to his mission. He wanted Tea...badly. Smirking at the thought Atem began to look for his prey. His state of drunkenness completely drowned out the knowledge Tea solely belonging to Yugi. At the moment he felt like the alpha male in the room and no one would get in his way. If anything he had to tell her how he felt.

Keanna tried to get her father's attention but she may as well have been talking to a wall. She leaned to follow him but Mahad held her back.

"We have to let things play out dear. We can only interfere if things get hairy."

Her blood colored eyes threw daggers. "You don't this is hairy now?"

Mana shook her head. "I don't like this either but Tea can handle herself. He won't her hurt."

The girls were in the middle of the living room still chatting away and also enjoying the wine. Roman and Marcus accompanied them in their discussion as they all got to know each other better.

"So tell us more about yourself Roman. What's it like being the forgotten brother of the king?" Mai asked sipping her wine. She enjoyed the attractive stranger's company for he was quiet entertaining and lighthearted.

"Well, my ladies I've had my share of adventures over the years." Roman flashed a charming smile.

Mai laughed. "Anyone special at home?"

"Oh unfortunately no, but I've had quite my fair share of women. You can consider me a bit of player."

"Wow you don't seem like most players though..." Serenity added.

"I'm not actually. I am like any other man looking for love its just finding someone that doesn't just want to sleep with me is a bit difficult. But it's not that I mind all of the action in the night life. Orgies are always fun too"

Mai and Serenity gasped and gave loud 'ooos' to Roman's statement. They all shared a laugh.

Serenity looked at the white haired male. "What about you? I swore you were Kaiba but I don't remember the CEO sporting such lush silvery hair."

The Blue Eyes smiled. "Why thank you. I know who Kaiba is but he isn't my real father. That would be his former incarnation and Atem's cousin. He chose to stay with my mother. As for me I grew up with Keanna and wanted to be in good company down here."

Mai nodded. "So your mother is the first Blue-Eyes White Dragon?"

"Why yes."

"No wonder that asshole likes the damn card so much. It's a woman." Mai began to laugh hysterically.

They all engaged in the laugh and Roman raised his glass slightly. "I like you girls. You are just too funny."

Then Roman couldn't help but notice his brother slowly walking toward Tea, who was waiting in the hallway for the bathroom. He continued his conversation with the women, but one eye remained on what was about to transpire.

"Well hello there, Tea." A deep voice sounded to the brunette's right.

She was surprised to see Atem beside her. "Oh hey, I haven't seen you all night. Been with the boys?"

He smiled. "Yeah, it looks like I'm good at that ball in the cup thing."

She giggled and took a sip of her wine glass. Whatever Lykaon bought was quite popular with everyone tonight. "Yes you mean beer pong. Well, someone had to beat them eventually, why not the former king of games."

"Ouch former? Just because Yugi beat me at cards I'm suddenly the former king of all other games?" He chuckled. "I reign over all games Tea."

The two shared another laugh. Tea had never seen Atem intoxicated but it was quite fun to say the least. He was a lot less serious.

Atem had a hard time gathering his thoughts in this tight space. "Hey I've been wanting to talk to you about something. In private preferably, I don't want anyone else chiming in." He really didn't know how he was staying so articulate with his words.

Her blue eyes softened with concern. "Oh sure, just when Tristan gets out. I really need to use the bathroom." She shook her glass a bit. "Alcohol makes the bladder overact."

Just on queue the other brunette slowly walked out of the bathroom. He looked exhausted. "Sorry about that. I sprayed freshener so it didn't smell like puke." Tristan then walked away and collapsed on the sofa.

Tea quickly ran into the bathroom and re-emerged a minute after. There was no way she was going to take her time in that funk. Luckily she just had to urinate.

"Okay, so what is it you want to talk about?"

Atem looked around. "Not here, it's too close to everyone."

She nodded. "Alright, let's go to the store front."

Finally they were going to be alone. Their disappearance did not go unnoticed. Mahad, Mana, Keanna, and Roman were all on high alert.

Tea didn't bother turning on the store lights, the ones in the streets gave them enough light to talk. She finished off her wine and set the glass on the display case next to the wall.

"Hey, it seems like something is bothering you. What is it?"

Atem gave a dry laugh, but a slight hiccup emerged. "Alright then…I was wondering about something that pertains to you …only you"

Tea noticed the hiccup and could now smell the strong scent of alcohol in his breath. "Ok…I see you have had a bit more to drink tonight than I thought. But go on ask away."

He licked his lips. "I've heard from a couple you guys that you were upset when I left. I want to say that I'm sorry, really really sorry."

She was having a hard time discerning whether this was Atem or the alcohol talking. But his tone of voice made him sound sincere enough. "It's fine Atem. You didn't belong here at the time. I'm not mad about it."

Atem chuckled with a board smile. "Maybe… yet that doesn't matter. What does matter is that I know you still like me. The way I do for you. Actually I always have." His eyes glazed at her gently half lidded.

This really caught Tea off her rocker completely. She had to extinguish this fire before it got out of control. "The fuck… look Atem you had one too many of those damn beers. By the way I am so not interested." She said coldly.

"That hurt." Atem slowly drew himself closer. "I know you are lying Tea. You don't have to hide it anymore. Please be honest with me. I know you can feel it too."

He gently grabbed her hand and flashed a seductive smile. Tea couldn't keep up her guard. He could somehow see right through her. Or someone gave him this sensitive information. Remembering who Atem was playing with, she suddenly made a realization.

"Okay what the fuck did Joey tell you exactly?"

"The fact you are upset about it confirms my suspicions." He felt his urges reaching the limit of which he could control. Atem moved his face to her neck slowly brushing his lips over her soft skin

"Oh c'mon darling you know you want me." He said in a seductive manner.

"Atem you are so fucking drunk and let me the fuck go!" Tea began to struggle.

He returned his face to hers. "I'm not hurting you Tea, look." He showed the gentle grip he had on her hand. Closer and closer he leaned in his face. "Oh Tea... I love you and I always have."

Atem crashed his lips over Tea's as he pressed her against the nearest wall. He snuck his tongue in her mouth to savor her sweet taste. A soft grunt came from his throat as his inner arousal increased greatly. Yet, Tea was quite terrified. She was actually enjoying it. But she couldn't let him think that. Everything was happening so fast it took her a bit to react. She felt herself about to kiss him back. It felt as if his dominant energy was seeping into her body. Like a deep trance. But that mesmerization was broke when Tea felt something warm and stiff press against her waist. A good kick to the groin had him break the embrace. He grunted pretty loudly. Enough for the people in the living room to hear. Still he kept the grip he had on her and he attempted to kiss Tea again. She didn't know why she felt frozen, he wasn't even holding her that tight.

But lucky for her she didn't have to make anymore decisions. Yugi was the first to check on the store front. Then Tea grabbed her wine glass with her free hand and smashed it in Atem's face. The broken edge gave him a long scar over his left eye. Atem growled in pain as he held his hand up to the bleeding cut. Tea was finally free of his grasp. Yugi then proceed to grab Atem's shirt and drag him back into the living area.

"Get the fuck off my girlfriend you son of a bitch!" Yugi yelled in anger.

Atem raised his head to face Yugi. "What the..."

He couldn't finish his sentence as Yugi socked him hard in the jaw. Atem fell off balance and landed on the floor with a loud thud. Everyone moved out of the way of the fight and surrounded the two. He was officially in fumes and snarled an inhuman growl at Yugi. Within seconds he stood up tried to make a swing of his own. But his lighter half was too quick and delivered another punch, this time having him crash into a coffee table. That was the pharaoh's last straw… he turned to his warwolf form and roared loudly at Yugi.

"She's mine!" Atem growled.

Tea screamed in fear and Yugi took a protective stance in front of her.

Mahad and Mana stepped in and grabbed Atem's now furred arms and tried to throw him on the floor. But he was able to hold both of them back. Marcus and Joshua then joined the magicians and finally the king was at least kneeling on the floor.

"What the fuck does this guy lift?" Joshua groaned. "Mountains?"

Marcus shook his head. "I could handle him but I don't think having a dragon in the living room is a good idea."

Lykaon approached the struggling Atem from behind. "He's entered a beast ka rage. The guy must have a lot of pent up emotions going on. I'll handle this."

The Greek held out his hand and mutter a spell in his old language. Atem froze before reverting back into human form and collapsing. Atem breathed heavily in trying to regain his composure. The four holding him down backed away and Atem slowly brought himself to his feet. It then suddenly hit him what had just occurred. Realizing his own actions he stared at his hands thinking of the monster he had become. How could he let his emotions get him into such a rage.

"What have I done?" Atem then looked at Tea and Yugi. Yugi of course was still writhing in anger. "Please forgive me I –I –I don't know what came over me."

So rereading the old version of that thing with Tea and Atem sounded kinda aggressive, and I didn't want it to come off that way. Though I decided to keep the cliff hanger. Gotten keep everyone on the edge of their seats. Oh a note for the next few chapters ahead, since I rearranged when important plot points were delivered, the rewriting is going to become a lot more extensive. Like A Lot. At least until the climax of this volume. Anyway...Please leave some reviews! See ya =)