Ok! I was motivated to finish this chapter so it turned out to be quite long. For the information of the readers, there are some scenes in the story that I based on the anime and of course I incorporated my own ideas on those parts. For the last chapter after the epilogue, I guess I will put every notes I did for this story regarding the five servants, etc. Anyway the story is still halfway through…Enjoy reading! WARNING: for slight swearing
Atem and his friends were riding their horses back to the palace silently. After what happened to Tea at Kul Elna, Yugi and the others decided not to bring the topic unless Atem does. Everyone had no idea what and how that happened, and felt guilty that one of their friends got taken away without them noticing. Tea's horse was tied to Atem's horse and everyone followed him behind. Upon arriving, Shimon and the other councils welcomed them.
"Welcome back our pharaoh, it seems you and your friends were tired of the journey. So after you eat and take your baths, all of you can rest" Shimon said with a smile as he bowed towards Atem.
"Thank you Shimon, but…I have no appetite so I will go to my room and rest immediately" Atem said in a sad tone as he averted his gaze towards the floor.
"Our pharaoh, is something wro-" Shimon who was asking with concern was interrupted by Isis who held a hand on Shimon's left shoulder.
The millennium necklace owner shook her head to Shimon as if telling him to stop already, she then pointed towards Tea's horse and Shimon as well as the other councils realized the current situation. Mahad came towards the pharaoh and the latter who noticed his presence, looked up to him.
"Our pharaoh, as the king of Egypt, it is important to hide your emotions in front of the people. The fear, sadness and other negative emotions of the king affects everyone, so it is better to conceal them from the people's view. One simple mistake might cause your enemies to know your weakness and that weakness itself will lead to your defeat/death," Mahad said in a serious manner.
Atem smiled weakly, "I apologize for that Mahad. I'll remember it from now on."
Mahad smiled and sucked a breath, "but…if the king loosed someone important to him, it is better to share it with another so that he/she will accompany you with what you're going through. What I'm saying is…your friends as well as your councils are here for you, if you permit it…will you tell us what happened at Kul Elna?"
Atem looked at Mahad this time and found the millennium ring owner staring back at him with a look of concern hidden behind his small smile. The young pharaoh then looked around him and saw everyone had those expressions as well, he smiled.
"Very well…I guess me and my friends will eat first and take our baths. After that, we shall gather at the throne room" Atem said and everyone nodded.
After Yugi, Joey, Tristan, Duke and Atem ate and took their baths, they all went to the throne room with the councils already there waiting. Atem and his friends then shared what happened at Kul Elna and said what Bakura promised to them in return for Tea. Although they knew Bakura isn't someone to trust with, Atem decided to follow Bakura's words just to make sure Tea won't get hurt.
"Our pharaoh, with all due respect, I know you are just doing this for the queen's safety but what about your safety? We can't let the king get hurt or get taken away by the enemy. Your father, the late king Aknamkanon did everything just so you will not be hurt. Me and the councils swore to protect the king, for whatever may happen to you will be our fault" Shimon reminded him.
Atem looked at his advisor and councils, "I know that. But I can't let Tea get hurt just because I wasn't able to protect her, she is my wife and the queen of Egypt. She is also precious to this country just as I am, I will bring her back and I promise you all that I won't get hurt. In exchange, I want you all to promise me not to interfere in this deal between me and Bakura."
Shimon and the councils hesitated first but then nodded and kneeled afterwards, "We promise our pharaoh."
Atem smiled, "thank you for listening. Lastly, I want to ask you all if you know what happened at Kul Elna? The village when we arrived was pretty much abandoned and we were attacked by the spirits in there."
The councils didn't answer, everyone was silent and the others looked at the floor. Atem noticed it and asked again.
"So something did happen there? If anyone of you knows, please tell me now. I want to know the history there before I go to Bakura. His angry at me but I know it's not just me, he's angry to the royal family…he mentioned father when he left, did…did my father ordered to kill the people there?" Atem asked with serious tone.
Again, there was no answer.
Atem upon seeing their reactions got angry, he clenched both of his hands and pound it to his throne chair so hard the councils looked at him surprised.
"I'm asking you again, is it true my father ordered to kill the people at Kul Elna?" Atem asked now in an angry tone.
Shimon bowed down towards him, "I'm sorry our pharaoh. The truth is we don't know about that, but your father ordered to make the millennium items long ago just to protect this country from the enemies in the neighbouring countries."
The other councils bowed down as well and Atem sighed hearing the explanation, while Mahad glanced at Aknadin for a bit and stood when the others did.
"Ok, I understand. Thank you for answering, you're all dismissed. Yugi, Joey, Tristan, Duke and Mahad…please stay behind for a bit" Atem said in a calm voice.
The other councils bowed to the young pharaoh before they left the throne room while the ones Atem mentioned remained.
"So what do you want to talk about, Atem?" Joey asked with a raised brow while scratching his head.
"Mahad, tomorrow I'm asking you and Mana to train my friends again. I will follow for training as well but I need to search for information regarding Kul Elna with Shimon and Isis" Atem instructed.
Mahad bowed down and replied, "As you wish."
Atem smiled, "Thank you. I guess it's time to rest now, see you tomorrow guys and I'm sorry for what I did just now. I'm sure all of you were surprised."
Yugi shook his head and smiled, "it was nothing Atem. We know you treasured Tea just as we do, we feel guilty of what happened to her too so we all share the same feelings."
"Well then, let's get some rest and train so we can defeat those followers of Bakura!" Duke said with a smile while clenching his right hand into a fist.
The others nodded in agreement and left the throne room. "I guess, I'll leave too Mahad. Good night" Atem said and was about to leave when Mahad called him.
"Wait our pharaoh…" Mahad trailed looking around to check if anybody is around, "the truth is…I know what happened at Kul Elna before. I'm sorry for keeping it to you but I don't want the other councils to know for now."
Atem looked at Mahad confusedly, "Hm? Why?"
Mahad sucked in a breath, "the truth is…there is one of the councils right now that was actually involved in the incident at Kul Elna. I only knew this through the millennium ring. You see, when you were still a kid. Indeed, this country was being attacked by enemies from other neighbouring country and your father, the late king Aknamkanon asked his advisor and councils to make the millennium items as protection from the enemies. But without the king's knowledge, Kul Elna was ordered to be burned and all 99 people there were killed to be used as sacrificed in making the items. The one who ordered the killings was none other than your father's advisor, Aknadin."
"What?" Atem replied surprised.
"That is why, upon knowing what happened to Kul Elna after the millennium items were made. Your father regretted the decision and took all the blame. For now, you should be careful of your actions and I will protect you from Aknadin and your enemies our pharaoh" Mahad said.
Atem smiled, "Thank you Mahad. I will keep your words in mind, you should go to rest now. Good night."
As the two left the throne room, Atem went directly towards his room. Aknadin who left after the meeting, went into his room and was surrounded by fear.
"The pharaoh is now aware of Kul Elna. If he knows what happened there and who ordered the guards, the chance of getting my son to become pharaoh will not happen. I thought everyone died in that village, who is that Bakura the pharaoh mentioned? And if it's true that he was able to get the queen without the pharaoh noticing it, then maybe he can help with my wish. I've got to meet him" Aknadin whispered to himself.
Atem who arrived inside his room sat on his bed and sigh, he was still confused of what he heard from Mahad but he believed in his words being his childhood friend. Memories of what had happened a while ago in Kul Elna came flooding in his thoughts again. He remembered Tea's unconscious face and the words she said to him before she was taken. 'I'll always believe in you…'
Remembering her voice, Atem felt anger boiling inside of him. He felt angry to himself for not able to protect Tea, he slammed his right hand towards the wall near him. As pain begins to start on his right hand, Atem continued punching the wall and his tears began to fell. "I'm sorry Tea…I'm sorry I wasn't able to protect you. I…I promise I will take you back, just wait for me."
While in Bakura's place…As Bakura, the dark creatures and an unconscious Tea arrived, a servant welcomed them. The creatures returned to the cages while Bakura carried Tea into a room with a comfort room and a bed, the room was sealed and only a window allows the light from outside enter inside the room. The door is locked from the outside, it looks like a room for psychiatric patients. As Bakura put Tea down the bed, he looked at her face with malice. Bakura then slowly graced Tea's right cheek and smiled darkly, "Don't worry your majesty…I will take good care of you here. I will make sure your husband will never forget this event for the rest of his life. Hahaha"
A knock came from outside the room, and then a voice spoke. "Master, I'm sorry to interrupt…but me and the others are now here" Frau said.
Bakura smiled, "Come in you four. I have someone I would like to introduce to you all…"
The four servants did as they were told. Upon arriving inside the room, the four saw the unconscious queen lying on bed while their master was on top of her. Seeing the scene in front of her, Tira felt her blood boiling up. Bakura stood up and looked at the four servants.
"Listen up, No one is allowed to touch this girl here aside from me unless I order to do so. As you all know, this is that pharoah's wife. Right now she is still unconscious but when she wakes up, I want the four of you to take turns in giving her food. There will be two servants outside to guard the room so she can't escape but in case she did escape, I want you four to get and bring her back alive. That's all your task for now" Bakura instructed and the four kneeled in front of him.
"Yes, Master" the four replied in a serious tone.
"Very well, Frau please get a hand cuff with a chain. I need to put it to her hands before she wakes up" Bakura said and Frau nodded. "The three of you should go back now and rest, I will observe what Atem is doing right now. I'm sure he is feeling guilty of what happened to his precious wife" he added and the three nodded.
Tira who went out last took a last glance at Tea, I'll definitely take my revenge on you when I have my chance. I can't allow someone like you for Master Bakura! She thought and left the room.
It didn't take long when Frau returned to the room holding a hand cuff, he gave it to Bakura and the latter put it on both wrist of Tea. "We should leave for now, you should get your rest too Frau" Bakura said and both left the room as soon as it was locked from the outside.
The weather was very hot the next day with the sun shining brightly at a cloudless sky, the ground was also hot as it absorbs the heat. Tea woke up upon feeling the light from the small window, she rubbed her eyes and sat on her bed. "Where am I?" she asked looking around the room. There was nothing inside and the room is starting to feel hot due to it being sealed. "If I remember correctly I was fighting with Atem and the others when Bakura took me and then…I can't remember. Did I black out?" she asked herself and touched her forehead. By doing so, she saw both her wrists were hand cuffed. "I guess I'm in Bakura's place…"she said and sigh.
Back to Atem…As soon as the sun rose up, the young pharaoh woke up and looked at his schedule that Shimon showed to him. He entered the dining room and sat on his chair, his friends then came in and ate as well.
"Atem, did you get some sleep last night?" Yugi asked worriedly.
The young pharaoh forced a smile, "don't worry Yugi. I did, thank you for the concern though." He then continued eating but Yugi saw his right hand wrapped in bandages.
"Atem what happened to your hand?" Yugi asked. The others then looked at what was Yugi referring.
"Hey Atem, don't tell us you hurt yourself last night thinking of what happened to Tea?" Joey asked.
"I know you feel guilty about it but we all do. Please stop hurting yourself, I'm sure if Tea was here she would get angry to you" Tristan explained in a calm voice.
"We will train hard today so we won't burden you. I'm sure wherever Tea is right now, she will be fine. She's strong" Duke said and everyone except Atem agreed.
The young pharaoh smiled, "Thank you for the concern again, this is nothing. Let's finish eating so you guys can train afterwards."
After eating, Yugi and the others followed Mahad and Mana to the garden. While Atem followed his schedule and checked on his friends during his free time. It was noticeable and expected from Atem that he won't be able to focus on his task without thinking of Tea, his councils understand him and did their best to help him.
"Are you all ready? Please think of this training as a real battle, even though our pharaoh asked us to train you we will expect you all to take this seriously" Mahad said, he then looked at Mana who in return nodded.
"We will be summoning our ka which will reflect our strength, so you all should be prepared" Mana said and summoned Dark magician girl while Mahad summoned Illusion Magician. Yugi and the others upon seeing the two mage felt their strong power within their monsters.
"We won't back out, I summon Silent Magician!" Yugi said and his disk activated as the silent magician's image appeared on it.
"I summon Red eyes black dragon!" Joey shouted.
"I summon Cyber commander!" Tristan shouted.
"I summon dark assailant!" Duke shouted.
"Let's battle!" everyone shouted and prepared to fight, while Atem watched them from the library. Tea, just wait…please be strong and stay alive, the young prince thought and tried concentrating on his work again.
Back to Bakura…The door suddenly opened and Bakura came in, "Good morning. Did you sleep well?" he asked smiling darkly.
"Of course I did, because you knocked me out! You bastard!" Tea shouted angrily. "What do you want from me?" she asked.
Bakura laughed, "Relax…it's not good for a queen to get angry early in the morning. I brought you breakfast and some change of clothes, eat well…don't worry, if you think I put poison in your food. Rest assured that there wasn't because I have a good use for you after all."
"…you bastard…you won't win against Atem! I know that evil always gets defeated by good, so do whatever you want but you won't win. If you think kidnapping me will give you a chance to defeat Atem, then you're wrong" Tea said staring at Bakura intensely. The latter brought the food on her bed and put her clothes as well.
"You know, I will not hurt you because I promised Atem but I know I did him great damage because of you. I know he will come to get you, after all you are his precious wife. Well then, enjoy your majesty…" Bakura said and left.
Tea smelled her food, she didn't want to eat it but she has no choice for she was very hungry. She ate the food cautiously and then went to take a shower even with the hand cuffs, she then changed her clothes into that of a plain white sleeveless dress that stops just above her knee. She sighed after seeing her look, "I guess it's better than wearing long sleeved clothes."
Throughout the morning, Tea did nothing inside the room. She tried thinking of ways to escape but found out that there was none except through the door, she expect it to be guarded so she needs to have the strength to fight them all if she wants to escape alive. When afternoon arrived, Bakura came inside her room again.
"Are you bored? I'm sure you are since there is nothing here that you can play. If you're thinking of trying to escape, then I recommend that you shouldn't. It will only result to your demise, besides…I promised Atem to take you back tomorrow so just be patient. For now, I have something I need to confirm" Bakura said as he came towards Tea.
"You have powers like that of the princess I want, plus surprisingly, it seems like you and that princess have the same aura and face. Tea…just what is it your hiding? I'm interested to know" Bakura said as he touched Tea's chin while the latter backed away to avoid it.
The young girl stared at Bakura eyes, "powers? Are you crazy? I'm normal and I don't even know who that princess you are talking about."
Bakura smirked, "Oh? Let's see about that shall we?"
After saying that, Bakura stood and took out a steel bar with two pointy heads. He pressed the button from the handle and the heads produced electricity. Realizing what was Bakura planning, Tea felt afraid. She tried backing out but was cornered in her bed, Bakura smiled darkly. "Don't worry, this won't hurt that much. I'll stop if you show me your power" he said and pointed the bar at Tea's stomach.
"I told you I have no power" Tea replied seriously and Bakura just laugh, "fine…be stubborn as you want." Bakura then pressed the button and the electricity hit Tea's stomach spreading to her entire body. At first, the young girl can tolerate the pain. But as Bakura continued pressing the button, the electricity she receives becomes stronger and stronger to the point she feels like she was about to lose consciousness again.
"Are you gonna admit it now?" Bakura asked again seeing Tea's condition.
The young girl smiled weakly but stared at Bakura seriously, "I told you…I…don't…have…powers."
"Tsk, such a stubborn girl. For now, I'll let you off. I can't risk killing you if Atem doesn't arrive here" Bakura said and left the room.
Tea stared at the door checking if Bakura indeed left already, she then held her necklace and close her eyes. Just be patient Tea…trust in your friends, I know they will come here she thought to herself and cried softly as she tried ignoring the pain in her entire body.
When nighttime came, Tea woke up when she heard a click from her door. A man with blond hair and blue eyes came in, the young girl looked at the man for a bit. She forgot his name but she remembered he was one of the four servants who fought with them at the village they were visiting. The man came towards her.
"Here is your food and a change of clothes if you want, you should eat first and I'll treat you afterwards your majesty" Frau said in a serious tone and sat at the floor just near the door.
"There's no need to treat me, I'm not injured" Tea replied as she took a bite from her meal.
Frau sighed and brushed his hair upwards with his hand, "I've heard from Master Bakura that you are stubborn, but I didn't know you were this stubborn. Even if you hide it from me, what is hurting will still hurt if not treated. Forgive me for not introducing myself your majesty, I'm Frau."
Tea didn't reply and continued eating her dinner, as soon as she finished it Frau took the plate and placed it on the floor. He then sat on the bed in front of her and took out a bandage, a cotton and a disinfectant. Tea sigh, "I told you I wasn't injured…why are you being so pushy?"
Frau smiled, "shall I confirm then your majesty?"
Upon seeing Frau's smile, Tea felt uncomfortable. Damn it! why does he have to be so handsome? I feel like I'm cheating on Atem even though it's just an act, she thought to herself. "Fine, confirm it if you want but like I said I don't have an in-"
Tea was cut off when she felt sudden pain rushed through her entire body. "Still won't admit it?" Frau asked when he touched Tea's right leg. The young girl looked at the part where Frau was touching and indeed she saw it reddened.
"I didn't notice it," Tea replied and Frau sigh.
"Obviously you won't notice it since you're too focused on not admitting to our Master, I'll treat you now so relax" Frau said and started the treatment on Tea's left leg, right arm and shoulder. He left the stomach to be treated by Tea herself.
Upon observing Frau, the young girl asked him. "It seems you are a gentle person, why are you serving Bakura?"
"Because he saved me…the truth is, he is our saviour. I wouldn't serve him if I don't have a debt to him, even Mikhail, Gopher, Tira and Chocolate has the same reason" Frau replied continuing the treatment.
"Saviour?" Tea asked with a raised brow.
"Yes, you see. Even though Master Bakura seemed evil to you and the pharaoh, he has a reason for it. He did it to avenge his family and friends at Kul Elna, while we serve him in exchange for saving us during our pitiful days. I had siblings before, but…during the famine that happened here and the war from the neighbouring countries, my other siblings died as well as my parents. Because of that, I became an orphan and had to do everything alone just to live. I met Mikhail, Gopher, Tira and Chocolate at a market for slaves. The people who found us wanted to sell us as slaves for the enemies. Upon meeting them, I learned that they had the same situation as me. We became close while waiting for someone to buy us, but later that time, Master Bakura arrived killing the people who tried to sell us and took us five as his servants. The other children who were also there decided to become his followers as well. He said if we accept, then he will give us freedom to do what we want but we should swear our loyalty to him in exchange and follow his orders" Frau said.
"But isn't it the same as being a slave?" Tea asked.
Frau shook his head, "It may seem that way but he remained true to his words. Since we are still kids at that time, we never got to learn things that normal kids does. He gave us books to read in order to learn and taught us how to fight and defend ourselves. Because of the mission he gave us, we got to travel on different places we hadn't been before."
Tea sighed analysing everything she heard, "I seem to get your point but it's just unbelievable. I can't imagine Bakura doing that."
"Believe what you want to believe, I already finished treating you. The injury in your stomach shall be treated by yourself. Goodnight your majesty" Frau said and left.
"I guess people have different opinions," Tea said and decided to sleep.
To be continued…
Atem and Bakura meeting up will be next! Thank you for reading~ also I'll try to update fast on the next chapters before I start working again this june. I already had the ideas, I just need to type it up and make it into a chapter.