Authoress' note: Greetings everyone! About the late update… I had my reasons! (Everyone holds up shovels) Well, at least I am going to update now right! It's quite a long chapter, considering how busy I am these days.

Oh! I really want to thank all my reviewers and those who have read my stories. Thank you for your continual support and your patience! I'm really sorry for updating this late and this is how I show my gratitude. As of the new rule, I can't thank each of you all individually, but I want to say that each and every one of you has been a source of encouragement and support! Thank you very much!

Disclaimer: Do I look like I own Yu-Gi-Oh! Duel Monsters? If I do, won't this be in the manga and the anime already? Haha! You get the drift.

Enjoy!

Chapter 5- when one situation leads to another

----Atem's diary entry-----

Dear diary,

Remember what I imparted on you a week ago about this mysterious yet lovely girl named Tea? Actually, I got more news to notify you about her! Well, to start things off, she has been such a helpful being around the palace, coordinating various tasks with their problems. Everyone seems to be attached to her, and I am strictly not excluded in this area, dear diary.

She always seems so cheerful and she releases a jubilant spirit whenever we are close to her. Funny thing is, just recently, her mood has changed quite a lot. I am not certain if this is due to the environment, or whether she misses her family. Maybe it's something terrible that she experienced from the past that is coming back to harm the poor girl. I sincerely hope that she would be able to open up to me more, so that I can assure her that I would always be there to lend a helping hand.

Not only do I want to help her in her problems, I wish to also analysis her behaviour and learn more about this wonderful adolescent. I dare say that my feelings for her have grown since the first day I laid my eyes on her. Maybe this feeling is just a strong bond that I feel. Maybe this is just a gesture that my friendship with her is growing rapidly. I am not sure of this feeling, but what if it's something else? Whatever it is, I hope I understand this myself before I consolidate her.

What else can I lift off my chest? Oh yes, my duties definitely are pressurizing me. External affairs are always pushed to me and I feel that I'm locked up in a cage, with no where to run! Shimon even told me that I have to find a suitable bride soon as I'm about to reach a mature age of 17… That's what they all say! Why can't they let me do the things that I so sincerely want to do just for one day! Sometimes, I wonder why my father would interpret this role as "easy". He did mention its essential qualities to Egypt, but, shouldn't he have spoken the truth about this leadership role, instead of using my gullibility when I was at a tender age of 10 to his own benefit! What can I do now though? Everything is made by the Gods, I clearly cannot defy God.

I better stop here, my meeting starts after the candle burns out, I better prepare for my long and tiresome event. Until Next Time

Atem

(Scene change)

On a peaceful night in Egypt, silence engulfed the magnificent city. Despite all the activities taking place within the walls of the palace, mainly, servants scrambling around aiding the priest, nobles or the Pharaoh, the city that bypasses the palace was still and uneventful. The mighty Sun has sunk low into the horizon, leaving the country with a cool and chilly night. Some candles shimmered through the windows of the palace and the houses, providing warmth to its citizens.

Tea sighed drastically. This was a time for her to really steal away from her daily routine of plastering a smile on her face. Her heart still ached whenever her mind wondered back to the past. She could never understand how such a thing could be hovering over her even after a full week in the palace. She has had a great experience in the said place, with Atem around, everything should be stable. She has enjoyed his company, yet no matter whatever happened, those horrifying thoughts would creep back into her mind. She was cursed, cursed with the fact that she could never escape her mother.

"Maybe there's someone who could make me feel better now…" Tea whispered to no one in particular. As if on cue, someone did enter her room. It was done other than Shizuka, the servant girl who became fast friends with her once they met. Tea beamed at her friend. Shizuka was a sweet and understanding young girl, who is also full of compassion. Her auburn hair fell to her back in smooth untangled locks. Her emerald eyes presented innocence, just the kind that represented her significant nature. Tea personally saw her as her sister, although she was fully aware that Shizuka was a sister to Jou. This young girl would always accompany Tea when she was in a state of sadness, like how she so often was with her past problems, as Tea once stated, although Shizuka was still clueless about the whole situation. She did try to cheer her up, but Shizuka could not comprehend Tea's tongue, which was the key factor that prevented them from conversing at first. Atem was not always available, but he made sure that she was well-taken care of. Oh, anything for Tea, he would think.

As of this conspiracy, Shizuka decided to just always stick to coming up with cheerful topics for some entertainment. Today though, Shizuka was feeling a tad playful.

"How's our Pharaoh's pet today?" Shizuka teased her friend, sticking her tongue out.

A tinge of pink highlighted Tea's cheeks, before she shook her head. "Shizuka, stop it! Atem's…" Tea started, but soon remembered that her young friend found her tongue difficult to comprehend as she stared at the older with that puzzled and bewildered look. Tea sighed and lifted her hands.

She waved her hands around, showing various signs. Shizuka studied her gestures, and giggled lightly.

"Oh come on! Don't try to hide the fact that you like the Pharaoh and vice-versa. Don't tell me that eventful incident is at the back of your mind by now. It just happened a day ago… if I'm not wrong; it happened at dusk yesterday, eh Tea?"

Tea thought hard, well, maybe not that hard, but she soon heard a click in her head, finally comprehending her friend's interpretation.

Flashback

The afternoon was peasant and the breeze blew gently against the twosome's face. Atem and Tea sat by the pond, soaking up the Sun and enjoying each other's company. Tea had her head back, with her beautiful cerulean eyes closed, letting the Sun kiss her delicate skin. Atem fixed his gorgeous violet eyes on the sky, trying to contain his stress from his busy schedule. Just having a friend beside him, he felt relaxed and contented, especially if the friend was the sweet and cheery adolescent he met 6 days ago. He inhaled in the fresh aroma of the flowers surrounding them and gazed at Tea.

She was still closing her eyes, and her pose suggested her oblivion to the world, so it seemed. He let his eyes wander around her features, but halted abruptly. "What am I doing? She's just a friend… friend!" He literally screamed at himself. Guess it was Jou's influence that rubbed off on the Pharaoh. That must be the reason, he contemplated.

A small giggle alerted him and he turned to witness Tea looking at him, currently engaged in letting her giggles roll pass her lips.

"What is it Tea?" He asked in that smooth, yet deep tone that Tea so loved. She decided to play around with the clueless Pharaoh, just for some entertainment.

Tea remained silent letting her eyes stray away from Atem. A sly smile spread across Atem's perfect features.

"Tea! Hey, don't try to be funny with me… there are consequences you know…" Atem spoke in his playful tone. Before he could wrap his strong a and muscular arms around her petite form, Tea shot up, suck out her tongue and exclaimed, "I'll see you try to catch me! Haha!"

They were off before the wind could whistle, with Atem tailing his prey, and her sprinting away from the charming Pharaoh. What could be more pleasing than this amiable scene? The garden was soon filled with joyous laughter, as Tea dodged Atem's swift movements while he tried to grab her by all means. The Pharaoh always liked to be in the winning stride, even if the game was just an innocent game, though things did make a hundred and eighty degrees turn with just a plain movement.

Tea soon sighted a tree looming before her. A sly smile marked her features. She could make a turn at the tree and maybe, just maybe, that would slow down her predator. She decided to take the risk, after all, what could happen?

With a sudden move of her feet, she missed the tree and darted towards the other direction. Unknown to her, Atem was already one step ahead of her. His ingenious mind has already predicted her move, and before she could head towards her destination, he lugged himself onto her, stopping her in her tracks. However, the impact was too massive for her small frame, and both went tumbling down to the ground in each other's grasp. (A/N: Smirk)

Tea gasped. She never thought this would happen in just a split second. Now Atem was directly on top of her, clinging onto her waist, gazing adorably at her cerulean eyes that depicted shock and surprise. Just the kind of look Atem loved to see, as this reminded him of his first encounter with this beauty. His deep and serious violet diamond cut eyes burned into her eyes, which was currently darting across his face, examining the closeness of their faces. She blushed a deep crimson, adding some flavor to her current expression. Atem smirked. It was amazing how his mutual feelings for her have developed to this stage.

"Wait a minute. Don't tell me… but, I just met her a week ago… well, almost a week ago. Could it be?" HoweverAtem's actions betrayed his own thoughts, as he soon found himself leaning in towards the bewildered adolescent. Closer and closer he went, to the extent that their individual breaths tickled each other's lips. Tea anticipated the moment as Atem began to slowly close the gap between them, until

"Pharaoh? My lady? Are you there?" Mana and Shizuka called out simultaneously, before gasping loudly at the sight. Atem literally rolled off of Tea, leaving her in a state of confusion… and is that sadness? Atem hurriedly dust off the grass on him and stood up, regaining his composure.

"Might I ask what it is that requires my assistance?" He questioned in his normal emotionless tone. Tea soon got up from her position, hiding in the Pharaoh's shadows.

Mana was the first to let out a chuckle, before Shizuka nudged the magician's apprentice. Mana pouted at her auburn haired friend, and moved on to curl her brown and silky locks. Shizuka bowed before his majesty, echoing out the information that Priest Seto has entrusted her with, and to tell you the truth, Seto does not just give out any information to anyone, unless he trust a certain character or, he is required to rush off to another meeting. In this case, it was a mixture of both.

" My Pharaoh, the counsel seeks your presence immediately, we apologise for any inconvenience caused," Shizuka stated, smiling at the Pharaoh. Pharaoh Atem nodded and breathed out a "thank you" before brushing past the two ladies.

End flashback

"and then you and Mana started to tease me… and forced me to tell you everything. Thanks a lot Shizuka!" Tea ended sarcastically, rolling her eyes. Tea didn't even bother to translate what she just said, knowing that her friend would not comprehend her, but Shizuka seemed to understand, like how she did when Tea explained the incident just the other day using sign language. Shizuka tried to suppress laughter, but it just came out naturally. If Mana was there at that present moment, expect more than just fits of laughter.

"Alright, I won't tease you anymore Tea, or should I say, my lady?" Shizuka mused. Tea sighed, but joined her friend, letting her laughter bounce off the walls. Shizuka finally settled down and made it clear her real intentions why she was in Tea's room.

"The Pharaoh asked if you would join him for supper. It is quite late and it looks like he wants to spend some time with our guest today." Shizuka winked. It appears that our young friend did not keep to her word. She still wanted to play around with Tea. Tea let out her final string of giggles, before nodding her head, signaling that she'll join the Pharaoh later. Shizuka beamed, before exiting the room.

Tea laid back on her bed, a warm smile spreading across her face. Although this situation seems all complicated and bizarre, she found herself liking every bit of it. Who knew what would happen between her and Atem during supper later on. As she rose from her bed and started towards the wash room, deciding to have a rinse before she met her friend, she never thought how wrong she was, when she thought good things would blossom… …

(Scene change)

Shizuka's footsteps echoed through the corridor as she made her way to the dinning room. The vital thing now was to inform the Pharaoh of Tea's late-coming, hopefully not arousing uneasiness from the fatigued Ruler. A silly grin still engraved her face while she pictured the scenes that flashed just recently in Tea's room. How Shizuka loved to get her friend all flustered, which was her specialty, something she picked up from Mana. Of course, no one could best Mana at those, they were her uniquely hers.

However, her grin was soon wiped away from her features, and was instead replaced with a flush of pink, as his Excellency appeared, namely, the arrogant Priest Seto. Nobody could distinguish his gentle interior from his cold and emotionless front, not even his own cousin, the Pharaoh himself. Although, this theory was proven wrong after one girl notice it, and that was none other than Shizuka. What would her older brother Jou think of this?

"Do not go near that… that spoilt priest and whatever you do… remember to show.. who's … BOSS!" Jou would always remind his sister, ending off showing his muscles, which Shizuka found awfully embarrassing. She had no time to mingle with her thoughts, as Seto soon towered before her.

"Anything I would like to know about our new guest?" He spat out. Shizuka fought to regain her composure.

"Well, to start things off your Excellency, Tea seemed less troubled now since I have cheered her up a notch just recently, and she also said that she'll join the Pharaoh shortly," Shizuka answered in her calm and relaxed tone, but all the time facing the floor.

Seto let out a nasty grunt. He murmured his response to her report, but it was loud enough for her ears to pick it up.

"I know that Tea came from out of some mysterious place, but she has been with us for a week. Clearly all doubt of her should vanish by now!" Shizuka half exploded, half replied softly. She paused once she saw the threatening look on Seto's face, and she knew she was in grave danger.

"Never raise your voice at me peasant!" Seto whispered, his voice sending chills running up and down her spine. He turned swiftly, making it clear that he would inform the Pharaoh of this girl, and swept past the Shizuka, who was cowering in fear. She watched his form disappear past the bend of the corridor, finally relaxing her shoulders. Good thing he did not intend to do anything to her. However, he darted back, causing her body to stiffen again.

"I forgot to mention… get some of the Egyptian tea ready. The Pharaoh has asked for it," Seto spoke in a less audible tone, before finishing his journey to the dining room. Shizuka turned stiffly, before a lone sweat drop rolled down her face.

"Yes Sir," She mused, finally regaining her normal innocent yet teasing self again. She started towards the kitchen, relieved that she could once again escape his clutches.

(Scene change)

The dinning hall was peaceful, not a single sound broke the stillness. Atem's eyelids drooped ever so slightly, wanting to get a decent sleep. Yet, he fought his exhaustion, as this was the only time he had to really explain some things to Tea, hoping that she did not mistake his true intentions, although he knew that he himself wanted to lock lips with her. There he went again, thinking about the incident. He could never believe how this has turned out and he had the strangest feeling that it would stay a mystery to him.

The sudden knock on the massive doors finally snapped him out of his daze, and at the same time, got him off his train of thoughts. He straightened his back, and rubbed the sleep out of his gorgeous eyes, before confidently granting permission to his visitor. Seto entered and cleared his throat, making it known to Atem that he was there. Atem wheeled around, registering his cousin. He nodded his head solemnly and questioned, "How's Tea?"

Priest Seto sighed, "I assure you your highness, that you little female pet is doing fine. According to Shizuka, she is doing better than before. She will make her way here later Pharaoh, I am sure of it." Seto concluded.

Atem rose from his seat and headed towards the doors, only to be stopped by his cousin once again.

"May I clarify my doubt little cousin? Why are you so meddlesome with her affairs?" Seto narrowed his eyes, while his back still faced Atem's. Atem let out his infamous grunt before answering, "why should you care Seto? You don't even understand her as much as I do. You don't even trust her while I do. You don't even want to aid her, while I do. What more can I state dear cousin."

This angered the priest. He never liked it when others responded sarcastically. Usually, he would tolerate Atem's tone, but not today of all days. He gained on Atem and grabbed his shirt. Having a stubborn cousin is one thing, but being stubborn and demanding yourself, is another.

"I had it with your nonsense Pharaoh! Tell me why you even wanted to take the girl anyway! You had your duties at hand and yet you decided to burden yourself with a simple girl! You're making the wrong decision Atem!" Seto growled, his grip tightening around the Pharaoh's sleeveless top. Atem growled back with more power, unable to take his cousin's deductions anymore. Unknown to both gentlemen, the said girl was just outside the door, picking up whatever she could from their little argument.

(Scene change)

Tea made her way out of the guestroom, subconsciously skipping towards her destination. Her mind always happened to wander back to that fateful day and a grin plastered itself on her beautiful features. Unknown to her, Shizuka was just heading towards the same direction, and Tea went straight into her. Shizuka missed a step and toppled, but held the drinks up, rescuing the aromatic tea. Of course, that also resulted on her landing on her bottom. She let out a small cry of pain, before squinting up to see who she fell victim to.

"Oh no, I'm so sorry Shizuka! I didn't mean to hurt you! Are you alright?" Tea asked worriedly. Shizuka held the tray in one hand and rubbed her back with the other. She winced at the sharp pain. However, that did not interest her one bit.

"Tell me Tea, what did you just say?" Shizuka questioned, puzzled. Tea let out a aggravated sigh. Oh yes, she almost forgot, Shizuka could not understand her. Tea moved her hand to her own behind and shrugged her shoulders, gesturing if she was alright.

"Happens all the time, don't worry about it," Shizuka reasoned. Tea sniffed the air and the sweet aromatic fragrance reached her nose. She really adored fragrances. Noticing her friend's difficulty with the tray, Tea offered to carry it. Knowing that she could not cause their guest any burden, Shizuka refused politely, stating that she has to make it to the dinning hall quickly. That gave Tea all the more reason to live up to her offer. She insisted that she send the drinks to the Pharaoh, after all, she was heading towards that specific direction. After much persuasion and adorable looks, Shizuka finally gave in to her special friend. Tea gladly accepted it, and made her way down the corridor.

Tea finally reached her destination, but what disturbed her the most, was that Atem did not sound all too gentle, like he was around her. She debated and soon came to a decision to peep into the hall, and he eyes widened at the sight of two men bickering, and frequently mentioning her as well…

(Scene change)

"Seto, you would never understand! Tea might be in trouble now for all we know, and she might need me for assistance. I decided to take her back so that hopefully I could solve this bizarre mystery surrounding her, and tell me Seto, would you leave such a lovely girl out there, where all the bandits roam around at night?" Atem spoke out, shoving his cousin's hand off him.

Seto closed his eyes and started yet again, "Enough with your hollow excuses Pharaoh! What do you take me as, a fool? Your performance as a Pharaoh has not been of standard lately and I think that's because of your little girl friend." Once again, Atem exploded, his anger building up within his chest.

"I have planned out everything for the month! The people have enough food to last them for a while. I have personally seen to it. Although you're older than me Priest Seto, I would like to let you know that I rule with my instincts and I have the right to think for myself and do what is necessary. Plus, let me make it known to you that I am a man who looks out for his friends, if Tea needs me, I'll be there to help."

"Ha! Don't try to hide from me the simple fact that you want her next to you on the bed! You're growing up little cousin, don't tell me you can even resist her after what happened yesterday!" Seto shouted, his words echoing through the hall. Atem was stupefied. How could his cousin know? It could not be! No, Priest Seto has once again stalked the Pharaoh. Judging by the look on Seto's face, he was not suppose to blurt that piece of information out. Before they could continue their debate, the cling of ceramic hitting the floor alerted both of them and they realised their eavesdropper, it was done other than Tea herself. She was stunned by everything that she heard, not to mention confused. Her head whirled and her eyes were at the brink of tears. She uttered a single word, before dashing towards a different direction.

"Tea, wait!" Atem yelled after her, sprinting towards the door. A hand reached out and grabbed him, followed by Seto glaring at him. Atem turned his head and shot his own death glare, before speaking, "no one gives me orders, not even you!" With that, Atem freed himself from his cousin's grasp, taking off towards Tea. Seto fumed and settled down on the chair. No matter what he tried, Atem would never listen. Could it be that there's more to this girl than meets the eye?

So, what do you think of this chapter? I told you it's a LOOOOOOG read! I stayed up all night typing this for you guyz. Have pity on me and… review please (goofy smile). Thank you for not giving up on me! Just a gentle note, I'll be having my exam soon, so I would not be updating till after the 11th fo October… I know, it's yet another looong update, but after my exams, I'll try to update frequently ok. Thanks again and hope you enjoyed reading this chapter! Good night! (falls on bed and sleeps) ----snorez----