Ch 2 A Journey Begins With a Single Step
Yuugi shifted closer to the warm body beside him as a cold wind blew into the room. The canopy ruffled against one another creating a soft noise that pulled Yuugi into the waking world. Not wanting to leave his dreamland, Yuugi clenched his eyes shut and tried to burrow under the pile of blankets and furs covering him and Yami. Then he felt something step onto the bed.
At first, he brushed it off but when the soft steps drew closer, Yuugi opened his eyes to find the source. He blinked when he didn't see anything had disturbed the canopy around them, nor did he see anybody on the blankets with them; however, the footsteps continued towards him. They didn't feel heavy as a human, but they held ore wait that a rodent. They were slow too, as though each step was deliberate and held a purpose. He jumped when they stepped on his leg.
Yuugi shot up to look at the perpetrator, only to be surprised when he saw the black cat with ocean blue eyes. He let out a breath of relief as the cat sat down in his lap staring at him with an unknown expression. Beside him, Yami stirred awake.
"I figured you would still be asleep," Yami murmured.
Yuugi smiled and rubbed the sleep out of his eyes, "Yeah, but this cat scared me."
"Cat?"
Yuugi nodded as Yami sat up, "Yeah," he gestured to the cat that continued to stare at him, its tail brushing over the bear-fur blanket.
Yami looked at the spot then back to Yuugi. He remained quiet and continued to look between the two while his eyebrows slowly knit together, "What cat?"
Yuugi looked at Yami with a questioning gaze, "This cat…" when Yuugi turned back to point at the feline, it was gone. He blinked at the spot as he noticed that he didn't even feel its weight or warmth on his lap anymore.
Yami chuckled weakly, "Maybe you were still dreaming."
Yuugi furrowed his brows, "Yeah…. Maybe."
The two stayed silent for a second before Yami began to lay back down. Yuugi was about to join him and brush off the dream when a knock sounded on the door. Yami sighed and sat back up.
"My King, breakfast will be ready in a few minutes. Will you be joining the council this morning?" asked the maid.
Yami was about to answer when Yuugi cut him off, "Yes, we will."
"I shall inform the council then," her soft footsteps echoed down the hall until she was gone.
Crimson eyes glared at Yuugi, "Really?"
"Oh don't give me that look," Yuugi countered as he matched Yami's stare, "It's just breakfast, nothing bad can happen. Besides, nothing will change if we don't take the first step," Yuugi tossed the sheets from his body and he crawled out of bed, his limbs still sluggish from sleep.
"Don't get me started on 'taking the first step', Yuugi," Yami growled as he climbed out of bed as well.
Yuugi padded over to the vanity as a yawn escaped his lips, "Alright. It's too early for that topic anyway," once at the vanity, Yuugi began to use his sleeve to scrub away the day-old ma'an when Yami came up behind him and grabbed his hand. Without a word, Yami opened one of the drawers and pulled out the crystal container and a white handkerchief. The water inside was still grey and black sediment swayed on the bottom f the crystal. Yuugi took the handkerchief while Yami opened the box, "Thanks." he smiled.
The two got ready in silence, both keeping to their own thoughts. It saddened Yuugi that Yami still refused to try and make amends with the people, and that was going to prove problematic in the future. Not that he thought Yami would allow the land of Lelania to run into the ground, but he knew that it would be a rough ride keeping everything afloat.
Yuugi sighed as he drew on his new ma'an. He knew that the people of Lelanian had hurt Yami in the past and that they didn't all see eye to eye. He also knew that Yami had given the late king of the people chances to forgive but, apparently, amends have not yet been made. It just didn't make sense to Yuugi. Despite what happened in the past, the people of Lelania were his family and for better or worse, family stuck together. Family helped each other: forgave each other.
Sad thoughts of his own past crept into Yuugi's mind as he picked through the collection of rings and necklaces. He understood what it meant to be hurt by someone close to you. He felt that pain every time he thought of his own father. Granted, he was three when his father actually left but years later, when he was old enough to understand what happened, the pain hit him as if it had happened just that morning. He felt betrayed, abandoned, and hurt. He missed out on a secure father -a secure family- and instead got a turbulent mother with an ever-changing father figure; however, even though, Yuugi never liked the multiple men that his mother engaged with, he still forgave her. He forgave her for every man she brought home, for every date she left him for, and for every night spent alone as she indulged herself in another's presence. Yuugi forgave her because he knew she was hurting just as much as he was, if not worse. Truth was, she was all he had and he was the only sure thing that she had.
Yuugi wouldn't claim to be an expert on Yami, nor that he knew everything about what happened to him in the past, but Yuugi did know that Yami couldn't stay mad forever. Time can heal any wound and scars can numb with a helping hand. Whatever Yami needed, Yuugi would be there for him. Even though Yuugi knew nothing about royalty and the land of Lelania, he would stand by his lover for better and for worse and they would figure this out together.
With the last of his royal accessories in place, Yuugi stood from the vanity, "Let's go eat breakfast, shall we?" he smiled and began to walk away when Yami held him back.
"Hold on," Yami chuckled as he stood up as well and walked over to the couch, "We can't walk around without these."
When Yami held up his crown and tiara that had been forgotten, Yuugi's breath hitched, "Oh, right…" the idea of wearing the tiara still sat strangely in his stomach as well as the image of Yami baring the crown. Not that he didn't think either of them could handle the responsibility but it was still unsettling to know that very crown was once upon Yami's father's head only a few days ago. It still felt as if he should be wearing it now…
Yami shortened the distance between them, his eyes still staring at the objects in his hand, "I wish I could say that you don't have to wear it if you don't want to," crimson eyes gazed into amethyst with sincerity, "but I don't want you in any more danger."
Yuugi took the tiara from Yami's hands, "These are that big of a deal, huh?"
Yami scoffed and glared at his own crown, "Lelanian's love their traditions," his smile softened, "But this one is close to Mira."
Yuugi smiled, "You really do love your goddess."
Yami smiled back, "I always have."
Both of them donned their crowns and took a second to feel the weight they bared. The weight went deeper than the silver and jewels they wore. It was heavier than the history and symbolism that inspired their design. It was more complex than the citizens and society that bloomed around them.
Yami straightened his back and let out a hefty sigh through his nose. When he opened his eyes, his crimson orbs were alight with a hidden fire that remained masked behind whatever wall Yami deemed necessary. Yuugi suppressed his own sigh and instead offered a smile to the other who grabbed his hand and led them out of the room.
Hand in hand, the two of them walked to the dining room where the council was already waiting. Yami released Yuugi's hand and led the two of them to the end of the table where Yami sat at the head with Yuugi on his right. Even though Yuugi was glad that he would be able to meet more of the council, as well as some of the richer Lelanians that joined the royal meals, he was glad when he noticed Yusei sitting on his left like a buffer from the rest of the table.
Of the citizens that sat at the table, their eyes never seemed to leave the duo, even after they sat down. Most of them hid their emotions well with their pale eyes letting some emotions flicker by, but even then Yuugi couldn't tell if their presence was truly welcomed. Yuugi understood that there were those who preferred the old king or someone else on the throne, but he wanted to give them the benefit of the doubt. The situation was tough on everybody here but with time he was sure everyone would come around.
A dense silence befell the table as everyone fiddled with themselves. Few tried to attempt conversation, but it was nothing more than short whispers that died quickly. Yuugi sighed as he looked at Yami who was watching the crowd with a cold stare. When he looked at the table, he found that they were no different. When his purple eyes locked onto Yusei, the Neko gave a small incline of his head towards the crowd.
Mustering up some courage, Yuugi cleared his throat, drawing the table's attention, "Good morning everyone," he smiled.
An elderly woman with pale blue eyes and pepper hair smiled back at him from beside Yusei, "Good morning, Young Lover," she was dressed in finer robes that most of the table with her own set of runes and necklaces. Even among the Lelanian noblemen, she stood out with high importance and he knew that she was part of the council.
The new title brought a faint color to Yuugi's cheeks, "I'm sorry to say this, but I don't think we've properly met."
The old woman chuckled, "With as much that has gone on, it is no surprise," her warm eyes glanced over the table before they reconnected with Yuugi, "My name is Syracuse, I'm a member of the King's High Court."
The old man sitting next Syracuse cleared his thought. Yuugi recognized him from his first meal in Lelania; he was the one who tried to warn the old king about the rumors in Lelania. Yuugi guessed he was right, "I am Buron, another member of the King's Court."
A man with black hair and light blue eyes, sitting across from Buron rose his hand to bring Yuugi's attention to him, "My name is Lazulin, Young Lover. I am a newer member of the king's court, same as Odamanai," he gestured to the women on his right. She had black hair and grey eyes that narrowed as Yuugi looked at her. Wanting to keep the peace, Yugi focused on the teenage girl across from him.
When her grey eyes caught him, she tucked a long strand of dark brown hair behind her ear and straightened, "I am the newest member of the king's court, Young Lover. You may call me Odette."
Yuugi nodded his head as he looked over the members of the King's Court. Aside from Odamanai, the rest of the members seemed to be fine with his presence. It was great to officially meet them considering they would be spending a lot of time together now. He just hoped that they could stay in good relations with each other no matter what happens.
The piercing feeling of someone glaring into his skull made Yuugi shiver and pulled his attention to the table once more. Syracuse and Buron sat next to Yusei, but there was another person sitting beside Buron who looked ancient in years. His body looked frail and his skin was cluttered with wrinkles and bags, but there was a fire that burned in those pale blue eyes. The same eyes that glared holes into his soul.
Swallowing, Yuugi mustered his best smile, "I'm sorry, are you also part of the King's court?"
The man scoffed, "Forgetful and dense. There are two of us still, but you should have already known that."
Yuugi recoiled in his seat as his words lashed at him, full of contempt. He hadn't meant to offend the man.
Syracuse let out an exasperated sigh, "Rumonbothe, the boy is new. Give him this chance to learn."
The man sitting across Ruonbothe gave Syracuse a pointed look, "He should have learned the moment he stepped foot in Lelania. If not to get used to our culture, then because he is the Young Lover."
Lazulin shook his head, "Oh, Dovai."
Yuugi studied Dovai and Rumonbothe carefully. He didn't quite remember Dovai, but he remembered Rumonbothe from the parade. He was the council member who had been adamant that he shouldn't ride in the royal carriage. Had the King not stood up for Yuugi and stopped Rumonbothe that day, things would have gotten sour fast. The man must still be upset about the whole ordeal and the recent coronation would not have helped him forgive the matter any time soon. It may take a while for him to come around, but Yuugi hoped they could find a common ground.
Taking a deep breath, Yuugi turned his whole body to face the two displeased council members, "I would like to apologize, councilor Rumonbothe and councilor Dovai. I know my lack of knowledge of Lelania's customs and culture can be a burden. I hope you will forgive me as I learn."
Yami straightened beside him, "Yuugi, don't-"
Said teen stopped him with a raise of his hand, his amethyst eyes never leaving Rumonbothe who gave him a calculating stare. After a few seconds the elder councilor 'humphed' and closed his eyes.
"It's not just you that I'm worried about," Rumonbothe quipped.
Yuugi could feel Yami tense beside him, so he prepared to calm the new king. To his left, Yusei also shifted his eyes to Yami, assessing what he would need to do to keep the peace. Luckily, neither had to do anything as the kitchen doors opened and the maids wheeled in the carts, each adorned with a silver domed plate, a pitcher and a crystal goblet.
A soon as the maids grabbed the water pitchers, the table held out their hands in the form of a cup. Yuugi watched them for a moment before it clicked in his brain that they were preparing to give thanks to Mira before they ate. He hastily held out his hands before glancing over the table hoping that no one saw him. When it appeared that everyone was focused on their own hands, Yuugi breath out a soft sigh of relief.
He jumped when he heard a soft chuckle by his ear, then he realized that the maid who was serving him and seen the whole thing. His face burned red, but she gave him a forgiving smile as she leaned forward with the pitcher. Yuugi nodded his thanks to his maid as she poured the water into his hands before he raised the liquid to his lips. The soothing water brought a smile to his face as he allowed his soft flesh to dip below the surface of the water; although, it didn't feel quite the same. It was a subtle difference like someone took the softener out of the water and left all the minerals. He didn't have time to ponder more on it as the table sipped the liquid and the ritual was over.
After the maid filled his crystal chalice, a silver tray was placed in front of Yuugi and he couldn't help but get excited. It had been a while since the last meal he had in the dining room and even though he knew there was tension in the air, he couldn't help but be reminded of meals with his mother. Most nights were fine but there were some nights when her boyfriend or her new husband would sit and join them for dinner and change the dynamic. It was weird seeing someone sit where his father used to be, but it was all overshadowed by knowing he would finally have some time with his mother. If it meant spending time with her, he would bare the other men's presence. Meal times were a time to bring everyone together no matter what.
The maid removed the silver cover, revealing the hot meal below and allowing its fresh scent to waft into Yuugi's nostrils. Yuugi couldn't help but stare at the food while his senses were influenced by the cinnamon an apple scent: it did not match the savory looking quail on his plate. Each porcelain plate held a single quail that sat on a glistening biscuit and was topped with various fruits that almost glowed neon.
The maid giggled and whispered in his ear, "It's braised sugar bird with fresh fruit and a honey biscuit,"
Yuugi smiled, "Thank you."
With a final nod, the maid returned to her cart and fell in line with the other servers as they retreated to the kitchen. The nobles on the end of the table kicked up the conversation again as they gorged themselves in the divine food; meanwhile, most of the other council members began to chat amongst themselves. Seeing the fight defused, for now, Yuugi began to cut into his small bird.
"So, Young Lover Yuugi?" Syracuse asked.
Yuugi paused to look at the older women, "Please, Yuugi is just fine."
She gave a soft chuckle, "You'd best get used to it, Young Lover. Everyone here will respect you with it," after Yuugi nodded, she continued, "I know that you and our King Yami are to stay here in Lelania, but I can't help but wonder what it was like on Earth?"
Yuugi tilted his head, "Have you never gone before?"
Yusei cut in with a shake of his head, "While it's okay for Lelanians to visit other realms, it is illegal for us to go to Earth. Some instances can be excused but most are not."
"Why is that?" Yuugi inquired, "What makes Earth different? Is it bad?"
Syracuse laughed, "Nothing is wrong with Earth. It's just that there isn't magic there. It's hard to keep balance in a word where that system doesn't exist."
"Oh," Yuugi cast a sad look towards his sugar bird that he poked with a fork. He guessed they were right, that it would be hard to keep magic in check if Earth didn't have it naturally. There were a lot of things that Earth didn't have that Lelenaia did, and while he loved his home, he couldn't help but feel that it was inferior in so many ways. Earth held many beautiful places but none as beautiful as Lelania. Earth had many unique cultures but none as unique as Lelania. Earth even held many different foods and fashion but none as different as Lelania. It felt like nothing that Earth did was ever up to par with Lelania; Earth was always second place. Compared to this land, Earth seemed bland.
Yuugi jerked his head up when he felt Yami grab his hand. After a few seconds of searching, Yami flashed Yuugi a quick smile that he was sure no one else saw before he turned to Syracuse with a blank face.
"Simply put, Earth is nothing like Lelania. It has many special and unique aspects to it, it's hard to imagine what it's like," his voice was even, but his crimson eyes were alight with a passionate flame that could bring the dead and mundane to life. The fire sparked a warm feeling in Yuugi that made him smile at his lover.
Syracuse seemed to bask in the information, her pale eyes portraying a youth that betrayed her elder appearance, "Oh my, now that sounds like a marvelous place! Please, tell me more. Where did you live, Young Lover?"
Yuugi smiled, "I used to live above my family's shop with my mother. It was small and hard to manage at times, but I enjoyed it."
Across from him, Odette chimed into the conversation, "A game shop? What kind of games?"
"We would sell all kinds of games from board games to video games to card games, even to games that were popular in ancient civilizations," Between the comfort of Yami's touch and his memories of home, Yuugi couldn't help but relax and smile as they continued to fire questions at him. At first, they focused on his game shop and the contents within it, but it soon extended further into his school life.
"So this Domino High School, this is where you two first met?" Lazulin who had joined in asked.
Yami nodded his head, "It was already the middle of the school year when I first joined, but we actually didn't talk to each other very much."
Yuugi chuckled with a fond look in his amethyst eyes, "No, but we watched each other from a distance. I was too scared to approach him, so I just settled with watching."
Odette leaned forward and swirled her goblet in her hand, "Then how did you guys get so close?"
A soft blush dusted Yuugi's cheeks as he smiled, "Over time I grew a crush on him, but I was still so scared to talk to him. Yami would often try to start a conversation with me, but they never lasted long. It actually wasn't until I asked to eat lunch with him that we spent a lot of time together."
Yami chuckled and smiled at Yuugi, "But that day didn't go quite as planned either."
"What do you mean?" Syracuse inquired.
"Well, Yami wasn't always very welcomed at school," Yuugi started, avoiding eye contact, "There were a lot of people that made fun of how he looked and what he wore, but most of them made fun of the ritual he did before every lunch."
Lazulin looked puzzled, "You mean that one we do to honor Mira?" when Yuugi nodded his head, the councilman's mouth dropped.
"Most of the time, Yami ignore the bullying, but they went too fart that time," Yuugi looked at Yami who was watching him intently.
His crimson eyes never left Yuugi as he continued the story, "There isn't much to say on what happened but, in the end, they emptied my last bit of holy water. Not wanting to disrespect Mira, I tried to run back to Lelania and gather some, but I didn't know that Yuugi had followed me."
Odette's grey eyes flashed as she put the pieces together, "That was the day you both got caught and put on trial."
Rumonbothe grunted, "It serves you right, coming here and stealing our water. You should have just stayed there."
Yami's eyes hardened as he stared at the elder, "Would you rather have me disrespect my goddess?"
Rumonbothe narrowed his pale eyes as he matched Yami's glare, "You already have."
Yami fell silent but his glare spoke volumes. Yuugi watched with concern as Yami's muscles tightened and his teeth ground together. The hand that was holding his became a vice grip and Yuugi's fingers were beginning to change color as the blood supply ran thin. Not knowing what to do and more concerned at keeping Yami at bay, Yuugi cast a pleading look to Yusei. The Neko seemed to understand and turned to Rumonbothe.
"Councilmen, I have recent news from the other kingdoms that I would like to discuss," his tone was strong and left no room for argument; luckily, the other council members didn't fight against the change of subject.
With the other members distracted, Yuugi let out a sigh of relief. Sadly, the change of subject didn't have the same effect on Yami. Instead of relaxing and taking a moment to collect himself, his body stayed rigid and his stare was hard. The only reprieve Yuugi got was when Yami moved his eyes downward to the table.
Looking around, Yuugi noted that the servants were walking back in and retrieving the empty dishes from the table. At the end of the table, the noblemen were all saying their farewells and leaving the room. Most ignored the royal court, but some cast concerned glances before hurrying out. Yuugi bit his lip before he stood from his chair, careful not to draw the others attention, and stood beside Yami.
When the other refused to look at him, Yuugi used his free hand to turn the other's head towards him, "Hey, don't let him get to you."
Yami spared a second to glare at the elder councilmen before he reconnected with Yuugi, "I've dealt with worse."
Yuugi smiled, "Will you be okay then?" Yami was hesitant, but eventually, he nodded and Yuugi's smile grew brighter. The teen rose their connected hands to show his almost-blue fingers, "Then do you think you can let go?"
Yami released Yuugi's hand as if it burned him. Yuugi sighed as he felt the blood rush back into his fingertips and shook it to help the flow. When his hand was warm and back to normal, Yuugi used it to cup Yami's face as he placed a soft peck on his cheek.
"I'm always here if you need me," Yuugi commented as he sat back down in his seat. Before he could sit down, however, Yami stopped him by grabbing the other's hand. Without saying anything, Yami brought the pale limb to his mouth and kissed the soft palm. The sensation sent a warm shiver down Yuugi's body as he glowed with happiness.
"Sorry," Yami whispered into Yuugi's palm, but Yuugi heard it.
The teen smiled at his lover as he took his seat and focused on the conversation that the remaining Lelanians were engrossed in.
"I still think that we should not invite Caira," Dovai scoffed with crossed arms.
"If we do that then we risk losing our alliance with them. They have been generous with their end of the deal as we have provided them great service. If they don't get an invitation, then they will grow suspicious," Odette reasoned.
"Besides, all of the other kingdoms should be coming. They would surely notice Caira's absence," Lazulin added.
Dovai scoffed, "The people of Lelania are still upset. Not all of them are ready to welcome the Cairains so readily."
"The kingdom of Caira will be invited and that's final," the sound of Yam's voice drew everyone's attention.
Rumonbothe looked displeased, "It sure took you long enough to join in these important matters."
Yami ignored the comment in favor of leveling Dovai with a steady stare, "It has been generations since Lelania has forbidden a kingdom to come to the ball. We have no reason to now, so we shall not break that record."
Dovai shook his head, "My King, I must implore you to see this from my perspective. There is still great upset amongst the people over Caira."
Buron nodded his head hastily in agreement, "Should we do anything to prompt these unsteady emotions, our relation with Caira could be in danger."
"I have yet to see anyone show grievance or unease towards Caira," Yami commented, "therefore, they shall come."
Rumonbothe scoffed, "You have hardly been here, my King, you have not been able to see what the people think."
Yuugi held his breath as his gaze moved from Rumonbothe to Yami. They were both staring at the other with contempt in their eyes and tension clearly between them. None of the other members seemed to mind the tension; in fact, it seemed that the remaining members were split on the same decision. Syracuse, Lazulin, and Odette seemed to side with Yami, while Buron, Dovai, and Odomanai all seemed to side with Rumonbothe. While Yuugi wasn't quite sure what the problem was with Caira, he knew that it would be up to him and Yusei to tip the scales.
Yuugi cleared his throat, but no one seemed to pay him any mind, "Well, within my first few days in the castle, I ran into some Lelanians who seemed fine with the idea of Cairains being in Lelania."
That grabbed everyone's attention.
"Who?" Odomanai challenged.
Yuugi took a deep breath and locked onto her imposing grey eyes, "Kalo, Kora, Kelst, Khloe, Kannon, Kley, Kore, their mother Kalytpo and her husband Kura. None of them seemed displeased with Caira."
The council seemed to ponder that for a moment before Buron spoke up, "Well, that is only one family out of the many here in Lelania. It is not enough to disprove the displeasure towards Caira."
"Unless Caira launches an attack on Lelania, abuses the alliance, or threatens the people of Lelania, then they are to remain invited. Between the little upset that neither Yuugi nor I have felt, there is no real threat to Caira coming to the ball," Yami stated with a voice of finality. Still, a single whisper floated into the quiet room.
"That's just what thing last King said."
Yami whipped his head towards Buron who shrunk back under that King's threatening stare. Yuugi didn't bother trying to stop Yami and instead pitied the worrisome old man. It was good to have someone as cautious as he because they would be able to sense when something has too great of a risk. The only downside was that they could be pessimistic at the best of times. Yuugi knew the man meant well, but the decision was made. There was no use trying to fight it. Only to prepare for it.
Beside Yuugi, Yusei pulled a small black book out of his cloak and began to jot something down without any utensil. When Yuugi peered over his shoulder, he was mystified to see wherever the Neko moved his finger, words were left in its wake. Without looking up, Yusei addressed the table "Then it's settled. All the neighboring kingdoms shall come to the ball. It's just a matter of when to have it," his deep blue eyes peered at Yami over the book, "What day did you have in mind?"
Yami placed an elbow on the table and placed his chin in his palm, "I was thinking the end of the week."
A bark of laughter startled everyone, "Do you think that our people are incapable of preparing for the ball so quickly, my King?" Rumonbothe asked, "They may have been grieving, but the ball brings great joy to the people: they would not want to wait."
Yami didn't look at the elder man as he spoke, "It wasn't a matter of the people's mindset. It was a matter of time. Things have been moving so fast, I figured a few days delay on the ball would give enough people a chance to settle and then enjoy themselves," his crimson eyes rose to meet ancient blue, "Wouldn't you agree?"
The elder looked away with his nose held high, "Our people shall be fine and would rather enjoy upholding the tradition. It would be better for the ball to happen sooner."
Yami nodded stiffly, "Alright. How about in three days?" he looked over to Yusei, "Would that be enough time for the town and the invitations?"
Yusei's ears flicked forwards, but he didn't otherwise react, "That shall be plenty of time, my King."
Yami smiled at the Neko before he turned back to the council. Yuugi sat back in his chair, content with how the conversation was going. Was it rocky? Yes, but at least everyone seemed to have some sort of feel for the others… mostly. At the very least, he didn't feel like the kingdom would collapse over a disagreement. Still, there was one thing that was bothering him: what was this ball?
They all talked as if it was a normal thing, but Yuugi had not heard anything about plans for a ball throughout the past few days. Even though the past few days were nothing but a blur of noise and color, he figured he wouldn't have glossed over such a topic as this.
Seeing Yami and the council members in a conversation once more, Yuugi bit his lip trying to figure if he should interrupt what they were saying to ask. In the end, he settled against it seeing as they were all too engrossed to spare a moment for him. He wouldn't want to interrupt something so important anyway for something so trivial. Looking to his left, he hoped that Yusei would be open to answering his question, but alas, the Neko was nose deep his notebook as he frantically wrote notes and memos inside it.
With a sigh, Yuugi settled with having to wait to ask later even though the question circled in his mind like a hungry hawk. As his eyes scanned the empty table he found himself blinking as he looked at the chair opposite of Yami's. There, sitting prim and proper on the mahogany table, was the black cat. It stared back at him as its tail swished back and forth, back and forth, back and forth. The longer Yuugi stared at it the more his head began to hurt, but he couldn't tear his eyes away. there was something mesmerizing to the redundant motion.
The feline stood up and began padding its way down the table towards him. His paws fell silently and the other members in the room seemed oblivious to the feline's presence. Yuugi watched it intently, taking note of every step that it took and every swish of its tail as though his life depended on it. He couldn't quite tell, but there was something different about the cat from before. There were moments that its figure went fuzzy before coming into focus; however, every time he thought he saw the distortion, it was over almost as quick as it came. It remained elusive as the cat seemed to mock him with his unblinking eye.
Then Yuugi saw it.
Every time a dainty paw befell the table the wood would ripple as if it were nothing but water. With every flick of its tail, the air would warp as if someone ran their hand along the surface of a lake. The reflection was distorted then there would be a brief second where everything would still and become just as it once was, only for it to warp once more.
Then Yuugi heard it.
It was subtle at first, but as the cat came closer, the more the sound of dripping water rung in his ears. The echo was loud and harsh as if he were in a dank cave. It reverberated in his ears and shook his thoughts as the mysterious sound repeated itself over, and over, and over, and over, and over, and over, and over, and over-
The cat was in front of him now.
It stopped moving, but its tail continued to skim over the waters surface and the image bent and warped only to return to normal a second later. The sound was unbearable now and caused him to flinch with every drip. Then the table began to melt as though it were wax.
It began to cave under the cat's feet first, as though he were the wick and it melted in an outward circle. Despite the lack of surface, the cat remained where it was, floating above the growing pool of wax. The drops of woods would splash and hit his shoes, but Yuugi refused to move. He couldn't. The cat kept him pinned there in his chair without so much as an escape.
Yuugi began to shake as the dripping came closer and closer. No longer was it in some far-off cave, it was in the same room as him. It was falling on top of him. He could hear it as it whistled through the wind and could feel the shadow of something large encompassing his body. If he didn't move he would surely be crushed.
With a strength he didn't know he had, Yuugi broke free from the cat's stare and pushed away from the table. His chair resounded with a loud screech and almost toppled over with the force it was under as he stood up. His breath came out if heavy gasps and his hands were clenched so tight that his nails broke the skin of his palms began to fill with blood.
"Yuugi?"
When he felt a soft hand on his shoulder, Yuugi jumped away, nearly toppling over as his back hit another chair. The occupant of the chair stood and held his shoulders steady. He could feel something brush against his mind in a soothing manner.
Yuugi looked at the table to find everything just as it was during the conversation, but the cat was gone. When he looked behind him at who was holding his shoulder's he found Yusei standing with a seemingly blank look in his eyes, but Yuugi could see the concern hidden in their depths.
"Are you alright?"
The question brought his focus to the person in front of him. It was Yami and he had worry written all over his face.
Yuugi swallowed despite his dry mouth, "Y-yeah. I'm sorry," he ran a hand through his hair, "I think I-I'm just a bit tired."
Yami lifted his chin so that they could look at each other. Yami searched the younger face, but Yuugi refused to let anything show. The other didn't need to worry about it. He was probably just tired with everything that was going on: it was nothing to worry about. Yuugi struggled to keep his face straight and void of emotion in front of Yami. Those crimson depths could read him like a book and, for once, that was not a good thing.
Just as Yuugi thought he would break, Yami released him and looked at Yusei, "I'll take him back to our room."
Yusei shook his head, "No, you need to stay and continue the meeting. I'll take him back."
Reluctance passed through Yami's eyes before they harden and he nodded. With a final look of concern, Yami sat down and watched as Yusei led a half-dazed Yuugi out of the dining room.
As soon as the dinning room door was shut, Yusei turned to Yuugi, "What happened?"
Yuugi blinked at the Neko, "It was nothing, really. I'm just tired with what has been going on, that's all. I should be fine with a bit of rest."
Yusei looked skeptical at first but caved under those large pleading eyes. The pair stayed silent as they walked through the castle towards the King's room. Yuugi could feel the other's occasional stare despite the fuzzy feeling in his head. Yusei was worried for him but knew not to push Yuugi. That or maybe he figured he could figure it out without Yuugi telling him what happened. Either way, Yuugi appreciated the silence. It gave him a chance to think.
Still he felt bad about pulling Yusei from the meeting that they all seemed engrossed in. It obviously held great importance and he didn't feel the need to be lead back to his room; however, he knew that Yami wouldn't allow him walking alone at a time like this. Hell, the thought of Yami being alone sent a cold spike a fear to stab at his stomach. Tensions were still high from the King's parting and the new coronation, anything could happen in a time as delicate as this. Still, the ball seemed like it was something big that required immediate attention.
Yuugi blinked as he remembered his previous question, "Hey, Yusei?" the Neko flicked his ear, "What is the ball that everyone was talking about?"
"It's customary for Lelania to throw a royal ball after the coronation to allow neighboring kingdoms and allies a time to greet the new leader and make a good impression."
Yuugi's eyes lit up, "That sounds amazing."
Yusei glanced at him before looking forward, "I have yet to go to this ball myself, but I figure it will be just like the others."
Yuugi chuckled as a soft smile formed his lips and his eyes cast down at his feet, "I've never been to any ball before."
The concept of a ball both thrilled and scared him. This biggest party he had ever gone to was Anzu's sweet sixteen and that only consisted of a handful of people. It was a small party at her house with a pinata, dancing, and a cake that could feed twenty. It was lavish in decorations and the music was a constant noise in the background: just what every girl wanted. Yuugi had enjoyed spending time with his friends all in one place; however, the night hadn't ended as well as he hoped. Anzu's boyfriend at the time, Zorro, had his own plans for her birthday and tried to get her to sleep with him as a gift. When she refused, he turned violent and tried to force her into it. If he and Jonouchi hadn't heard her screams from the bedroom, Yuugi hated to think what could have happened that night.
A frown curled Yuugi's lips as he heard Anzu's screams in his mind as if they were new. It had been a long time since he thought about the event: it was something that none of the group talked about. The screams began to grow louder as if the source was running at him. He shook his head to try and rid the noise from his ears but it did nothing to deter the screams. Just as they were about to crash into him, Yuugi looked up only to be met with an empty hall.
When he glanced at Yusei, the Neko didn't seem to have heard the screams and instead continued walking foreward. With uncertain eyes, Yuugi glanced around himself to make sure that they were really alone. They only thing that his eyes found was a potted glorean plant that was scattered all throughout the castle.
The sight of the iredecent plant sent a shiver up his spine as memories from the cave raced towards the front of his mind. His skin became clammy and the syrupy sweetness coated his tounge like wax. His muscles tensed against the flavor and his heart began to pump as though it were trying to rid his system of the poison. He guessed his face turned pale because Yusei grabbed his arm and sped them past the idle plant.
With a turn around the corner, the door to the King's room was in sight and Yuugi sighed in relief. His muscles relaxed and his heart slowed to a normal pace as the safety that the room held flooded him though he were already inside.
They stopped in front of the door and Yuugi turned to the Neko, "Thank you, Yusei. I know the meeting was important."
The other swished his tail across the floor and Yuugi had to blink to make sure that the ground stayed solid, "If I hadn't, Yami would have never stayed focused."
With a soft hum of agreement, Yuugi turned the door handle and began to slip inside, "I won't stay in here all day. I'll come out once I feel better."
Yusie nodded an began to walk back down the hall. Yuugi lingered by the door as he watched the Neko leave. Then he rubbed his eyes and stared after the slender body. His stomach churned and his hands gripped the door tighter.
The cat from before was walking alongside Yusei.