Hey hey hey! Yes I am finally back with another update! Sorry for the long wait. Believe me when I say I was really busy. I just finished my tests and that's why I can concentrate on this fanfic now. Anyways, here's the update and I hope you enjoy it! I'll be updating my frequently. In the meantime, here's chapter 9 for all of you! Thanks for waiting! Thank you all for reviewing my previous chapter and a big shout out to all who have helped me in this fic! Thank you very much!

Disclaimer: I do not own Yu-Gi-Oh or any of the characters stated here accept the Queen…. Unfortunately. So don't sue me!

Chapter 9-a twist of fate.

Mana fixed her eyes on the vast dark sky as it wandered from star to star. Her mind was never at ease and her once chirpy composure dampened to the extend of no return ever since Atemu departed for Teana She signed heavily and lowered her gaze to her clenched fists that were resting on her lap. Her eyelids slowly shut while she whispered a gentle prayer to the Gods, asking for the safety of her two treasured friends. Mana's sixth sense warned her of an impending danger that might come upon Atemu. The main question is, would he be able to survive through the unforeseen challenge?

000 000

"I really should have remembered that crocodiles do live in the Nile!" Atemu screeched to himself as he paddled forward rapidly, trying desperately to escape the snapping jaws of the monsters. They were advancing towards him… and fast! Their dark green scales were the most noticeable in the chalky waters and their beady eyes were fixed on their prey, mainly the struggling Pharaoh. These terrible creatures do look like they have yet to satisfy their hunger until they have sighted their prey, a large prey I might add.

Atem pushed himself over his limit, fighting away the fatigue that was about to consume him. No matter how fast he swam, the crocodiles would never leave him. Soon, the creatures gave a powerful push, sending themselves straight for Atem! He looked back just as they enlarged their jaws and changed his direction abruptly, moving down towards the riverbed. He glanced up as the crocodiles came to a halt and dived down towards him again. The Pharaoh turned to his left, only to find another monster closing in on him. Everywhere he turned, the ferocious beasts were hot on his tracks, preventing him from escaping. "Is this how I'm going to die! Oh God help!" He saw his life flashing past, all his memories flooded into his mind as the beasts prepared to engulf him. Finding Tea, his time with Tea, with his family, Mana jumping around, his magician counseling him… he would not be able to see all of them in a moment's time.

"I'm sorry Tea, the only mistake that I will forever regret, was not to save you… …" He closed his eyes, ready to let fate take over.

The crocodiles' movement suddenly became aggressive as they beat waves towards the Pharaoh. He reopened his eyes, a confused and surprise look crossed his features. The once ferocious beasts seemed to have been reduced to shrieking mice, whimpering and struggling against an unknown force that seemed to have emitted from the young Pharaoh. Atem blinked and looked at his hands. They were glowing a light purple! He suddenly recalled the potion that he took.

"It must have been the potion that saved me, why didn't Mahado inform me about this?" However, he didn't have much time to spare. He took this opportunity and fled the scene, entering into the abyss of the Nile.

"Wait for me Tea, I'm coming…" Atem said silently as he kicked his legs, propelling himself to what seemed to be an underwater palace, only, it was overcast with darkness as Atem could feel once he came into full view of the place. He twitched at the sight, but shook it off once thoughts of Tea clouded his mind again. He put on his most determined front and entered the place, hoping to find Tea there.

000 000

Tea felt extremely weak and numb, as though her life force was slowly drained out of her every passing second. She could barely feel her hands and legs that were chained against the cold stone wall. The Queen plastered a devious smile on her face, taking quick glances at her step daughter every so often. This was not the first time she sacrificed her kin to claim absolute power. She has even sacrificed her own blood before! Her greediness is one that no one can compete or even match up to hers. Tea feared that she would slowly be devoured by this nemesis. She closed her eyes, her chest heaving as she felt an acute pain in her chest. "Is this the end of me? Will I ever live to see another day… all my life I've wished for freedom, yet I'm held captive here again… Why? Why must I suffer?" Her hopes fell as a train of negative thoughts rushed through her mind.

"Well well, looks like our little princess is awake? How do you feel my dear? Painful?" her menacing voice pierced through the stillness. She swiftly glided towards the helpless girl, lifting her chin up roughly causing Tea to stare into her cold amber eyes. "Get use to this wrench! No one ever respected me until your father died! Good thing I got rid of him before anyone could track down his killer… … now dear girl, feel the wrath of the Queen for I and I alone shall rule this entire world and you will help me," She bore her white pearly teeth, an evil glint evident in her eyes. She let go of Tea's chin suddenly, reaching out to a small knife next to the wall. She placed it threateningly at Tea's throat as she gasped, her eyes widened in fear. Queen Ekans pressed it into her skin as Tea shrieked in pain. The witch pressed it deeper until it drew blood and it rose with the current. Tea gave a horrifying scream, hot tears started streaming down her cheeks but they were soon mixed with the surrounding waters. The Queen laughed hysterically as she drew back her knife, ready to finish the poor girl off. "Any last words?" she asked Tea mockingly. Tea strained to face her but a sharp pain in her throat prevented her from doing so. She panted and her chest wheezed, as if trying to suck in as much oxygen from the waters around her, yet she knew the amount was limited. Her species could do that but they could not grasp any air if their skin is punctured. Tea hung her head low in defeat, preparing for the worst.

Queen Ekans raised the knife at a long distance away from Tea's heart, ready to puncture it as well. However, her joy was interrupted when a figure dashed towards her, sending her to the next stone wall. Due to the impact, the ancient walls crumbled to the river bed, crushing the Queen as she screamed in terror. Tea's head shot up as she felt the chains around her hands and feet loosen. She stared at her saviour's face, trying to regain her view. Then, it struck her, it was Atem himself! Once the lsat chain was off, she pushed herself off the wall and into Atem's arms as he gladly welcomed her. She ignored the pain on her throat as she continued to cry over the Pharaoh, delighted to see him again. Atem clasped her back and no words needed to be exchanged as they absorbed each other's warmth.

However, their reunion was terminable. Both heard rumbling coming from the pile of rocks and an enraged Queen charged towards the couple.

"I won't forgive you for this!" She shrieked, her long orange hair flying behind her as she swam towards Atem. She grabbed her shirt and pulled him towards the ground. Her fist immediately connected to his jaw and ribs. Atem could not fight back, he was pinned to the ground and could not escape her fury. Tea stoned and gasped, not knowing what to do. "No stop please! Leave Atem alone!" Tea exclaimed, trying to rescue her lover from the witch's wrath. She pushed herself towards the queen and tried to dislodged her form the Pharaoh, but to no avail. Tea glanced around the room fast, praying that there was something she could use to stop the witch. Suddenly, a glint of sliver caught her eye. It was that knife that the witch was holding. Tea swam quickly to the knife and aimed it at the witch's back. The knife flew through the water and pierced into her skin, causing the witch to freeze and cast a ferocious glare at Tea. No, what's going on, the witch did not perish? Why? Queen Ekans rose to her feet and accelerated herself towards Tea. However, she stopped in mid track, her face paling. She let out a terrifying shriek as parts of her body became dust. Her face stretched, her eyes showing agony as she pleaded with Tea to save her. Tea looked on in disgust and covered her face as the Queen was slowly reduced to nothing. This was the end of her horrors.

000 000

Tea resurfaced, along with Atem's limp body. She placed him on the river bank, her eyes starting to water again. "Please Atem, please wake up," she pleaded. Atem's eyes remained glued together as Tea whimpered in despair. She placed her cold hand on Atem's bruced fast, sobbing quietly. When the Queen attacked Atem, the spell was already used up, therefore Atem could not breathe underwater. Tea did not notice this until much later when she realised that his chest was bloated. She pressed her hands on his chest, bending down to breathe air into his mouth. She stayed in that position until she heard Atem's wheezing. She disconnected herself from his lips just in time as he spat out huge amounts of water. Atem rolled to his side and opened his beautiful violet eyes as he clutched the sand. He slowly rose from the ground and turned to see Tea's delighted face beaming at him. He sat up straight and smiled at her. Before he could utter a word, he was pushed down again by Tea. Atem felt air being knocked out of his lungs and hacked loudly. Realising her mistake, Tea got up sheepishly. "Atem, are you alright? I'm so sorry. I shouldn't have been so careless… did I hurt you, are you…" but before she could end of her sentence, Atem has already pressed his lips against hers, hushing her. Tea let a pleasurable moan escape her lips when she felt Atem's hands stroking her sensitive neck. They pulled away after the need for air aroused and faced each other. Tea's cheeks turned scarlet.

"I was getting a little impatient when you asked me too many questions," Atem mocked playfully. Tea glared and punched his arm teasingly, burying her head into his chest. Both giggled as they held each other in their arms, feeling that all their burdens were lifted up. Soon, Atem broke the silence.

"Tea, what happened to that witch?" he asked inquiringly. Tea looked up at the Pharaoh and responded. "You wouldn't see her again. Her time was up and she couldn't kill me in time, so she perished. I guess it was just good timing that she lost her mortal form," remembering how ferocious her step mother was, she shivered and pulled herself closer to Atem.

"Aww, my little baby is cold," Atem whispered into Tea's ear. She giggled and pushed him down again, this time pinning him to the ground, not letting him get up. "A baby you say? Then why did you scream like one when that maniac woman punched you?" Tea teased. Atem knitted his eyebrows together and rolled to his side, taking Tea with him till he was on top of her. "Oh yeah, I really don't remember screaming like one, unless you were talking about yourself?" Atem countered. Tea frowned and looked away, refusing to look him in the eye. Atem knew he has emerged victorious and decided to stop toying with her. He bent down and blew into her ear, making her shiver from his soft breath. "Tea, I love you so much and I never want anything to harm you, sorry for leaving you the other time… … I guess I thought you didn't like me at first so I stopped myself. I…" "Atem, did you just say you love me? I always thought it was just that immense attraction due to my background but not anything else. Are you certain?" Tea cut in, her smile widened in ecstasy. Atem nodded slowly, blushing seven shades of red. Tea squealed in delight and kissed his lips, all the while pulling him closer to her. The Pharaoh knew that Tea shared the same feelings for him. This was not any magic, this was no joke, I Pharaoh has finally found his one true love. As if on cue, the thought of the annual ball entered his mind. He voiced out the event to Tea and requested for her to join him. Her smiley eyes spoke a thousand words as she gazed at him lovingly. Atem predicted that this year's ball would be the most splendid in his entire life.

00000 00000

To be continued

Hey, I'm done with this chapter! Once again I'm really sorry for keeping you all in suspense. I was just really busy everyday. Now that the school holidays have commenced, I seek this opportunity to update my fics! Thank you all for reading and please review! Thank you! Have a nice day everyone!