Author's Rant: At the speed we're going, this story will be finished in no time. Enjoy my loves!
Chances
Neo shifted uneasily because of the scrutinizing glare he knew was burning into the back of his skull. He turned his head just a smidge. The very intensity of Atem's gaze could very well make him burst into flames.
That was really fair. It wasn't like this were his idea in the first time. Yami was to blame. For some reason he was either ignoring the tension filling the house or he was truly oblivious to how uncomfortable Neo was.
Neo decided to continue his personal tour of their home instead of focusing on spontaneously combusting on the spot. It was easy to get lost in admiring the décor inside. It wasn't at all like the interior in Heba's home. Everything in here seemed to have a place and meaning.
The living room's furniture and walls were all a matching off cream color to accent the dark tan coffee table, lamp stands, and twisted wooden sculptures placed in the four corners of the room. Two of the walls, one by the front door and the one straight across were both covered in tribal masks of various shapes and colorations. Some resembled animals, others took on the appearance of a God, or human.
Potted plants aligned the windows, the step area toward the kitchen and down the hall. It was a personal jungle within the hut, but not tamed. Neo bent his head back to blink at the spiraling ceiling fans made of woven straw. He wondered why Heba didn't have the same luxuries. Was it a matter of authority? Neo did notice that some huts were more elaborate than others, especially the ones built closer to the center of the village. Maybe Heba chose to keep it simple.
Neo walked over to a zebra printed vase filled with coiling stalks of dry grass. He was impressed. Lots of these looked to be handmade. A stool made of stringed shells impressed him so much he reached out to run his fingers over the bumpy surface, mouth forming a nice O.
What a magnificent home. He could get lost with merely staring at the design and—Neo blinked, his smile growing to wider margins. The view outside their window was gorgeous, capturing just the right scene of the sun setting over the landscape.
"Your home's beautiful," he complimented softly.
Yami, who'd been watching Neo wander all around their home from the dinner table, smiled brightly. "Thank you. Atem does lots of decorating. More like woman than man when he does."
"He has great taste." Neo didn't feel as compelled to keep his eyes away from Atem as much now.
In fact, he didn't feel that hellish glare on him anymore. He turned around and found the chief's son with his back to them, fixing something delicious smelling in the kitchen. Neo inhaled deeply and sighed. "That smells good. What's he cooking?"
Yami cupped his chin in his palms, eyes crinkled with glee. "Is my favorite. Yassa chicken and rice. You will like too. Atem is good cook."
From the smells of it, Atem was more than good. This is a dish Neo wasn't familiar with. He may have eaten it, but it could have been called something else. He carefully walked a little closer to the kitchen, stalling in the entrance and watched where Atem stood over a large stove with a pot or pan over each burning eye. Chicken sizzled in one pan while the other contained sautéed vegetables seasoned and smelling divine.
Atem didn't lift his head to acknowledge Neo's presence and that was either because he wanted to stay focused on his task or he was still sour over the occurrence from this morning. At least he wasn't scowling as hard as he normally does. Neo thought he looked nice when he was concentrated on something other than holding an angry face.
Atem moved smoothly between dishes, adding spices where they were needed without measuring, doing taste tests and murmuring quietly to himself over what more needed to be done. Maybe he really didn't notice Neo there.
"Neo, you hear me?"
Neo blinked, startled and jumped out of his skin when Atem looked up from his cooking and found he'd been spied on. Neo swallowed, chuckled nervously and robotically spun on his heel. "Huh? What'd you say, Yami?"
Yami laughed at the awkward way Neo came walking toward the dinner table. "I say you want to play game with me?"
For some reason that excited Neo. "Sure, I'd love too!" He pulled up a chair and scooted over to Yami's side. "What kind of game?"
Yami reached under the table and came up holding a large, flat, square board with the pieces already set in place. The side with forty black pieces was turned on Yami's side and he angled the white pieces on Neo's. Each individual piece sat in the center of the tiny squares drawn on the board, except for a single space in the middle.
"How do we play?" Neo asked.
Yami started with a simple explanation of how each player's main goal is to eliminate their opponent's pieces. The black pieces would advance first, known as the men pieces and the white pieces, known as the women pieces—much to Neo's despair—were to move second. In a way, the rules reminded Neo of how a game of checkers would go, except this game possessed far more pieces. The person to reach the opposite end of the board would be crowned the Mullah or Sultan and will have the power to move in any direction they wanted. Crossing over the enemy's pieces destroys that piece from the game.
Neo got the hang of it after the first couple of games, both of which Yami won without much trouble. By the fourth game, Neo had mastered his own pattern of moves that left Yami having to really concentrate and create new strategies to counter. On their sixth game, Neo sat scratching under his chin while studying the board. So far, he had Yami outnumbered with Mullah. He had three while Yami only had two, but Neo was cornered with less pieces. He'd only won two of the games and he refused to lose again.
Yami leaned back, arms folded and lips cockily curved upward. "You lose again, Neo," he taunted. "Make easy on self and give up."
"No way," Neo murmured, tapping his chin. There just had to be an opening. Taking out even one of Yami's Mullah would help a whole lot, but Neo had to worry about his mini soldiers as well. If only there was a way to rebound.
Suddenly a tanned hand appeared out of the corner of Neo's eyes. He jerked back just as the rest of Atem's arm came into view. What on earth was he doing? Neo follow the long bare arm upward, inhaling a nice helping of Atem's musky smell; a tantalizing aroma that smelled . . . quite nice.
Atem touched over Neo's Mullah Piece and moved it over three black pieces, plus a Mullah, collected the captured pieces and moved them to the side of the board. Neo gawked and Yami, well, he was caught up in his trap being ruined and his mouth hung open.
"Yeye mafanikio, wewe kupoteza, mpendwa," Atem murmured and winked at Yami's stunned expression.
Neo's cheeks warmed at hearing mpendwa said so affectionately. He knew it to be a word only shared privately amongst the married villagers.
Yami didn't care one bit about the endearment. He touched over the lost pieces as if their value was irreplaceable and reduced to ashes. He pouted, cupping his chin in his palm and glaring off to the side.
"Poepol,"Yami bite off. "Kak, Mimi nilikuwa kwenda kushinda!"
Good Lord, Neo thought alarmed and shocked. Who knew Yami had such a foul mouth.
Atem threw his head back in a short laugh. "Better luck next time. Perhaps you'll learn not to take advantage of the less experienced."
Neo cleared his throat and smiled kindly up at Atem. "Thank you for helping. I didn't see that opening."
"It takes practice," he grumbled like speaking to Neo was painful. "Learn to look past Yami's trickery. He's easy enough to beat." Then he placed a yellow plate covered in steaming Chicken Yassa and rice in front of Neo.
The smell alone was mouthwatering, but Neo's mind was split between admiring the delicacy placed in front of him and the fact that Atem had actually spoke to him. Neo looked over his shoulder. Atem was at the stove, fixing two more plates with rice and the chicken mixture on top. He put Yami's down in front of him and his on the other end of the table. He went back to the kitchen for a glass pitcher with a red liquid and orange slices inside.
Yami stood up grumbling and went to retrieve their glasses from the cabinets. He stuck his tongue out at Atem before taking the pitcher and pouring them all a drink. Neo felt a little out of place, not being able to help with the dinner preparations. He kept his head bowed, looking up only to thank whoever gave him something and twiddled his fingers under the table.
Neo suddenly realized, as he was tapping his feet on the wooden floor, that he still has his shoes on and quickly excused himself to go toe them off by the door next to Yami's. Goodness, he'd almost made a rude gesture in front of Atem. He returned to the table and sat down to eat.
A hand reached out to smack the spoon from his hand. Neo covered his palm, confused.
Atem glared. "Wash your hands first."
Oh, Neo forgot that part too. He bowed and left the table to do just that and dried them on a paper towel. When he returned, he kept his toes pointed downward, away from the food and others as that was a big sign of disrespect.
While he'd been gone a large round plate of golden crisp Puff Puffs to accompany the yassa chicken. Neo bowed and quietly thanked Atem for cooking the food, of which, he received a grunt in return. Yami picked up the tray and past the bread around. Atem took one and then Neo reached out to take one from the top.
Yami, pulled the tray out of his reach, wagging his finger.
"What's wrong?" asked Neo.
"You no take from top," Yami smiled. "You take from side closest to you."
Oh, he hadn't known. Neo nodded and carefully plucked the Puff Puff closest to him. Now he really felt out of place. He'd thought he'd mastered most of the dining etiquette he needed to know, but here he was fuddling about like a child. These weren't necessary manners he had to practice in Heba's house, so it was extremely disorientating to say the least. Heba only kept up with a few of the manners, but this was on a whole other level.
Neo knew to pick up the main utensil with his right hand and that he wasn't supposed to eat with any other unless it was offered to him. He chanced a glance up at the silent home owners. They were both silently eating their meal. Boy, this was super off.
Neo picked at his meal before digging his fork under to gather a helping and scooped it up to his mouth. It tasted as good as it smelled, better even. The chicken and sautéed vegetables had just the right blend of spices marinated in to bring out that brilliant flavor. Neo hummed delighted and chewed with fat cheeks, biting between the Puff Puff and scooping the rice and chicken in his mouth. The two went well together.
The plate was empty before he knew it, but his stomach was far from full. Neo lightly nibbled on the last of his Puff Puff, and shifted, inwardly debating if it was polite to ask for seconds or if that would go against their customs. Maybe it would be rude to ask for more. They'd already offered him a cooked meal out of the kindness of their hearts. Well out of Yami's heart. Neo wasn't entirely sure Atem had one.
After finishing off the last bite, Neo scooted from the table. "Thank you very much for the dinner," he bowed. "I appreciate you inviting me here."
"Sit down," said Atem.
Neo scrambled to pull the chair back out and flopped back down, wondering what he'd done wrong. His plate was taken away into the kitchen, but not to be put in the sink. Atem started filling Neo's place with more rice and yassa.
"I . . .um," he looked to Yami for help and only found the other man smiling. How had Atem known he'd wanted more to eat?
"Here," Atem returned the plate and retook his head. He cast a sharp look at Neo who couldn't stop staring at his face. A faint blush touched his cheeks and his eyebrow twitched. "Kuacha kuwa!" he snapped.
Neo shook his head to clear out the thoughts clouding his mind. "Sorry. Thank you," he said and started eating his second helping.
Atem grumbled under his breath and went back to eating his meal too. Yami, meanwhile, looked between them, still smiling and relaxed. The rest of dinner was relative silent, no small talk or anything. By the end of it, all of them had enjoyed two helpings and eaten all of the Puff Puffs from the tray.
Satisfied with a good, home cooked meal, Neo stretched, back flexing like a sleepy feline and stood from the table. Yami started gathering the dishes. Neo went over and eased the plates from his hands. "Let me," he said, smiling. "I can do it."
"No, you guest. It not polite," Yami argued. "I no mind. You rest in living room. Be done soon."
Well, there went his excuse not to go into the living room with the devil's favorite minion. Neo sighed and resided himself to having to deal with Atem's company a little longer. He leaned his head back to see Atem sitting on one of the cream colored couches, setting up the Zamma Dhemat board.
"Get in here," he grumbled.
Neo almost jumped out of his skin. Was Atem talking to him?
Atem snapped his head around, eyes ablaze. "I said get in here!"
"Right, sure!" Neo stumbled over himself to reach the living room in record time and took a seat on the opposite couch, legs tightly pressed together and fingers curled over his knees. Holy Mother of God, his stomach hurt like no one's business. What did Atem want with him? Did he want to personally kick him out himself or maybe talk about what happened this morning?
Atem waved him over and pointed at the Zamma Dhemat board. "Play me."
"Huh?" Neo blinked. "Y-you want to play with me?"
Atem rolled his eyes. "Isn't it obvious?"
Neo twisted his mouth to the side. At this point he'd just about had it with Atem's attitude, but he kept his own temper in check and nodded. "Fine, I'll play." He assumed he was going to play the woman pieces again.
The game started with Atem moving the black piece towards the center. Neo played it safe and slid his piece on the opposite side instead of taking the opportunity to jump. That would lead to two of his own pieces being captured right away.
During the next few positions taken, Neo quickly realized that Atem's skills differed greatly from Yami's. Their strategies weren't the same, and neither was the time it'd take one of them to move a piece. Yami used trickery just as Atem mentioned and focused on trying to lure his opponents into unsuspecting traps before springing it. However, Atem didn't give his opponents the chance to think. As soon as Neo would figure out which piece to move, Atem was there in a flash to slide his piece into position and wait.
Once he figured out their abilities, countering it with his creative technique should be easy. Neo leaned away from the table, fists balled over his knees and eyes crossing over the board in hopes of finding a weak defense. He glanced up at Atem and found he'd grown bored already, resting his cheek on the back of his knuckles an, crossing his legs, impatiently rocking his foot.
Atem yawned. "Before I grow old, boy."
Neo snorted. "You mean you aren't already?" He decided to simply push one of his edge pieces toward the center and as he straightened, only then realized what he'd just said. Still, he folded his arms, and narrowed his eyes just as potentially as Atem was able to.
"Watch your mouth. You don't bite the hand that feeds you." Atem moved a piece.
Neo pressed his finger over a piece and moved it as well. "I've already thanked you for the dinner. My gratitude can't extend much further than that since you haven't exactly earned it."
"You're living in this village aren't you? I say that well enough qualifies me for much more than your gratitude."
"I live here because of your parents' decision, not yours. You don't want me here."
"I don't. That much is plain to see, but I have no choice to deal with it. As long as you wander around here aimlessly claiming to have your lost your memories, you're a threat."
"I haven't done anything to make you think I am. Paranoia is a daily burden for you isn't it?"
"I have responsibilities to protect this village. My father and uncle—"
"Built it from the ground up, yes I know." Neo sighed, a frowning creasing his brow as he moved another piece into position. "I hear it enough from the rest of the villagers to know the whole story. When you're forced to watch the village from the outside, all you can do is listen and learn."
Atem pressed his lips in a thin line. "It's hard to believe you really lost your memories."
"I gave up caring whether you believe me long ago. I don't need your approval or trust."
"Keh, you'd be wise to do your best to earn it. It'll get you along well with the villagers."
Neo's irritation tingled like the first spark of a fuse, slowly winding toward the explosive device. He calmly sucked in and released his breath, carefully focusing on the few pieces remaining on the board. He couldn't believe this man's arrogance.
"So, you think I should . . . grovel and beg just to be in your good graces?" Neo said.
"Begging and groveling are much too strong of words," Atem's English broke a tad in amusement. "It'd be in your best interest to still try. Otherwise, expect your stay here to be as difficult as it's been."
"You mean like it's been for the past four months? Having to be careful about what I say? Not able to join in any of the conversations or help because of the language barrier?" Neo chuckled humorlessly. "I've done just fine on my own. I don't expect pity from you. I doubt you'll ever be able to comprehend the difficulties I go through everyday just waking up and knowing you'll never fit in. I have no memories of a family, friends or a home I may have. There's no telling who I left behind in my past, but it can't be helped. I make do by getting through the days building on new memories. I have none to call my own and sadly the ones I'm creating so far haven't been pleasant . . . well, some have." Neo smiled to himself, thinking of Heba, Ms. Desta and Yami. They'd been the best help.
Atem gazed up at the far off expression on his guest's face and wondered for the briefest moment if the young man was indeed telling the truth. And if so, had his stay here really been as uncomfortable? No, that couldn't be helped. He's treated just as any other person with no background. He straightened up on the couch, prepared to make another move.
He did, and slowly took in the board . . . when had that happened?
Neo smirked, moving one of the four Mullah he'd earned during their conversation and captured five of Atem's pieces. "You can try to break me all you want since that seems to be your favorite past time. I'll just keep in mind that when I do recover my memories, that you are the most unpleasant person I'll gladly forget."
"The feeling's mutual," Atem quietly growled, doing the only move available on the board. With a lost game and mind spiral of thoughts on what was said, Atem climbed to his feet and angrily stomped off down the hall.
Neo slowly rose up, stretching his arms and then cupping his elbows as he stared at the floor. So, he supposed there will never be a time that he and Atem will get along. In truth, he was tired of trying anyway. Neo wasn't going to keep kissing someone's ass who barely acknowledged him as a human being to begin with.
He felt a hand cup and squeezed his shoulder. Neo closed his eyes and turned into Yami's side, burying his face. "I want to leave."
Yami nodded. "Alright."
Another month passes without much communication between Neo and Atem. Yami had hoped to kindle a possible friendship between them, but felt the strand had worsened thanks to his meddling. Neo kept more to himself and trailed behind Heba, helping with whatever chores needed tending to. It was one of his most admirable attributes.
Neo was always working, always looking for ways to earn his place in the village. He's gotten so well known for being handy and eager to please that the villagers begun to call upon him like a member of the family. It's a mild relief for Yami. For so long he'd worried that Neo would never find his place in the village.
But he seemed best suited with aiding Ms. Charlize in her medical hut. He was a quick study, handling the medicines with exceptional care and fixing up whatever patients came in with an injury or sickness. With the Great Harvest a few days away, they'd need every able body man and woman and healthy and strong to help.
There hadn't been much report on Makunga's whereabouts since last month. Yami had no doubt the crafty lion had given up on his quest and could only pray there wouldn't be an unfortunate attack soon. Things were peaceful for the most part. He wanted to keep it that way.
"Maua."
"M-maua."
"Hmm, Maua."
Yami crossed his arms where he stood watching Neo follow behind Ms. Desta, carrying her big basket of plucked flowers. It was adorable, seeing how bright the young man's eyes would sparkle as she walked around her garden, picking flowers and teaching him the colors and types in their language.
Neo's face could erase the darkest cave with his smile as sweet and innocent as African Violets. It's always a treat to be a recipient of that expression. And that, in a way, worried Yami a little. The more time he spent around Neo, the more he desired to have that smile all for himself.
It's why he'd decided to keep his distance for a while. It pained him to do so, but if what those fluttery feelings in his gut were what he expected, then he couldn't afford to let them develop further.
With that heavy decision in mind, Yami cast a longing gaze at Neo before drifting into the shadows, out of sight.
The rainy season was upon them, the time of great wealth and blessing, but also a time of heavy burden. Atem held the reins on his horse firmly as the beat of rain slapped across his face. The winds whipped and spun violently around the seven men he brought along the patrol, including Timeaus and his younger brother.
Atem knew how dangerous it was to be out here in the middle of a monsoon, but when one of the village men alert them to sighting Makunga, it was a risk worth taking. This was the perfect time for that devious lion to attack, but Atem wouldn't give him the opportunity. He curled his arm over his face to shield his eyes from the watery onslaught, being sure to keep his ears peeled and vision clear.
Shattered lightning tore away the darkness, revealing an empty savannah. That didn't tame the uneasiness Atem felt in the pit of his belly. He couldn't explain the ominous sensation, but he just knew something was going to happen.
The sky flickered from blue to black, black to blue as more lightning snaked across the heavens. The ground noisily slushed next to him where Heba's horse Raja came trotting over, neighing nervously from the violent thunder.
"The storm's gettin' worst, Atem." Heba patted the side of Raja's neck to ease some of the tension building in her muscles. "It's not wise to be so far away from the village. We should turn back."
Very wise words, but Atem wasn't hearing any of it. They weren't needed at the village now. Seth, their father, uncle and Akefia were there to protect the people if anything happened. "No," Atem called over the booms and claps of thunder. "Just a little further. Another round between the east and south perimeter, than we will call it a night."
"It's foolish to stay out here." Heba argued, rolling his eyes. He flinched against the flashing sheets of rain threatening to leak into his raincoat. "We should regroup and come up with a plan later. The storm will be upon us soon. Even Makunga has the sense to stay away from lightning!"
"Then you go back and take whoever else wants to return home." Atem urged his horse forward. "I'll search alone!"
Heba shifted Raja forward until she blocked off Atem's path. "And have Father wring my neck for leaving you to kill your fool self? Stop being stubborn and let's go!"
"I told you to go on without me. I never needed your help to begin with." Even through the walls of rain falling from the sky, Atem's penetrating glare stabbed straight through. "Now move."
Heba stayed put, glare just as strong. He gripped Raja's reins, silently commanding she not budge an inch. The brothers stared each other down, the crash of thunder and rushing winds echoing the tension spiraling between them. It grew on, building from years of pent up rage towards the other. There was never peace between them and even the tiniest spark of anger between them would set a fire to the eternal feud.
The storm raged, the lands wept beneath the chaos and because of the lightning's streaking reach over the savannah, that's the only reason Heba backed down, snarling. "Fine," he growled. "Get yourself killed for all I care. I'm taking the men back."
"So be it." Atem rocked his horse to the side to guide him deeper into the darkness, never minding the call of his name from Timeaus or the rest of the men.
Heba hesitated, turning in his saddle to watch his older brother disappear into the cloaking shadows. He sneered, and spat on the ground. Clapping horseshoes approached him on the right. He looked to the side and found Timeaus with the grimiest expression.
"We can't let him go alone," he said.
"I know," Heba sighed, pulling Raja's reins back and angling her in Atem's direction. "Take the men back."
"Wait, think man," Timeaus mimicked Heba's earlier move, using his stallion to keep the young man in place. "It's not a good idea to go out there. Let's think of a plan and we'll all go."
Heba shook his head. "It makes no sense to have so many out on a wild goose chase. Atem's stubborn enough to keep us out here until dawn." He reached out and touched over Timeaus's wrist and smiled softly. "Don't worry about me. Get these men to their families. We'll be back." He winked and leaned back, tapping his heels under Raja's belly.
She kicked into a light trot, speeding forward into a fast gallop before Timeaus had a chance to further argue against this idea. He sucked in deeply and sighed, inwardly praying for the Bellos brother's safe return. Rounding up the men, Timeaus ordered them all to follow the path back. He looked over his shoulder in secret, maybe hoping to catch a glimpse of Heba, but saw only the vicious winds and rain tearing at the landscape.
Gods, he hoped he was doing the right thing.
Neo felt his muscles loosen and his senses dull under the spray of cool water trickling down his body. It'd been another tiresome day, well into the evening with having to sandbag so many of the vegetable gardens and fences. The storm raging outside rattled Heba's entire house so that Neo had to grip the edges of the shower stall to keep from slipping.
The wind forces charged against the walls and lightning sparkled in nettled streaks. The last of the rationed water poured from the overhead spout into a bucket. Neo turned the knobs and kneeled to dunk the water over his body, rising off the last remnants of soap and shampoo.
"Gah, cold, cold, cold," Neo shrieked, shuddering. With the coming rains, he was sure glad this would be the last cold shower for a while. Warming the water always took too long and his body was so worn from today's workload that all he wanted to do was crash under the sheets and snooze.
He stood, sliding back the curtains. Neo listened for any signs of Heba having returned from patrol. His housemate had been gone for hours. And from the sounds of it, the storm was only getting worse out there. Neo hoped everything was OK.
Neo strode across the hall to the bedroom, jumping at the sound of clashing thunder and splattering raindrops. He hated this storm. He felt jumpy and uneasy. The lightning pierced the ground in the distance, shaking the earth.
He dunned on an oversized white t-shirt and cotton pajama pants before going to observe the happenings outside. Trees swayed, anything not anchored down became a victim of the sweeping winds, tumbling away into the scary darkness. Neo rubbed up and down his arms, thankful for the shelter. He pitied Heba and anyone else forced to be in this mess.
A furious howl blew against the window, as loud as a train racing through a hollow tunnel. It's why Neo wasn't sure he heard right when shouts and screams echoed outside. He gathered at the window, tipping his head forward until the cool surface pressed into his forehead.
He hardly had the time to register the faint amber glow reflecting off one of the huts before speckles of the light whipped into the winds and carried onto another hut. The roof instantly smoked and that's when Neo saw with horror and fright that a fire had started outside.
There was a fire in the village. . .
Glossary:
Yeye mafanikio, wewe kupoteza, mpendwa~ He wins, you lose, loved one.
Poepol~ Asshole.
Kak, Mimi nilikuwa kwenda kushinda!~ Shit, I was going to win!
*Zamma, Dhemat~ Popular board game very similar to our Americanized version of checkers, though I'm sure many of us have added our own rules such as long jumps and other BS that doesn't make sense lol.
*Puff Puff~ Fried bread batter that is somewhat thinner than bread dough. Very yummy!
Kuacha kuwa!~ Stop that!
Maua~Flowers