Yugioh belongs to Kazuki Takahashi.

Slight Atem/Mana fluff

"You want to what?" Mana asks, not really taking in what she just heard. Maybe there is something wrong with her ears or something. She squints her eyes and turns her head slightly so she can hear a lot more clearly.

"I want to take over or at least assist you in ruling. I suppose you've heard the news?" Atem asks, standing across from Mana in the hallway.

"Yeah. There's a big battle coming up and we need to begin the preparations. But I still don't understand."

"You're going to need as much help as you can get. This battle sounds very serious and I don't want you to get hurt."

"Oh…" Mana says with her head turned and Atem looks at her with a questionable expression.

"What's wrong?"

"Well…I was just hoping that I could handle this on my own. Besides, how will you help during battle? You're still in no condition."

"I am in perfect condition," Atem says as they start toward the throne room. He tries to put on his best walk for Mana but it isn't working. He couldn't fool her. She can tell when he's at his best or when he's sick or down. She looks at him with a smile and shakes her head.

"Look at you Atem. You're sweating already and you've only taken a couple of steps. If you don't watch it, you'll be back in the same position as you were before." They stop at the entrance where the curtain is closed and they turn to look at each other. "I still want you to take it easy."

"Don't worry about me."
"How can I not? You're always pushing yourself too hard."

"Like you do with your magic?" Mana sighs as Atem wraps an arm around her waist and pulls her closer to him, their faces inches apart from each other. "I promise I will not 'push' myself too hard."

"Why don't I believe that?"

"Because you worry a lot."

"And I have a good reason for worrying so much too. Like I said, you're always pushing yourself and Cairo's always getting into some sort of trouble. I swear you two wear me out." Atem rolls his eyes before leaning forward and capturing her lips in a kiss. She growls in frustration, still into the kiss before she closes her eyes and kisses back.

"I mean it Atem," she says before being interrupted by another brief kiss and they finally pull back when they are out of breath. They stand side by side as the green curtains are finally drawn and they walk into the throne room. The servants and high priests are all bowed down in respect as they make their way to the throne. It is a little strange sitting next to Atem in the throne room. It is very, very rare for them to being sitting on the throne together. She would usually be practicing spells or mostly looking after Cairo since she doesn't want any servants watching over or raising her own daughter. Shimon signals them all to stand up again and they begin talking and planning on how to win the battle that is coming up.

"We must station our troops in numerous areas just in case Marik decides to send out any intruders," says Seto and Shimon nods in agreement.

"He's right my king. And it would also keep the villagers safe from any harm," he says.

"Mahad, you might want to prepare your magicians as well," says Mana. "I will assist you in preparing them."

"Yes, you're highness," replies Mahad making Mana shutter and feel uncomfortable on the inside. She is still not used to him calling her that. It just sounds weird to her but he seems to have gotten used to it quite quickly.

"And the rest of our troops need to be prepared as well," says Atem. "Seto, Karim, Aknadin and Shada, you will take care of that."

"Yes my king," they all reply.

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Mana exhales heavily after coming inside from practicing with the other magicians. To think that she used to be in their same position. But to her though, she still thinks that she is an apprentice to Mahad since she is still learning many things from him. She brushes her hair back as she goes past her daughter's room just to check on her for a split second. She is still sleeping peacefully to Mana's relief. Cairo's kidnapping had given her quite a scare. But she is just glad that she is safe and sound and back where she belongs.

She gasps slightly when she feels a pair of arms go around her waist but she soon relaxes when she realizes it is only Atem. She continues to walk to their room that night with him still attached to her. "Atem, you're going to make me trip and fall on my face."

"I won't let you fall. Don't you trust me?"

Mana chuckles and turns her face to him. "Of course I trust you," she says as he kisses her on the lips. They pull away when they finally reach their room.

"Have I ever told you how much I love you?"

"Yes, countless times," she replies as he kisses her again before she pulls back suddenly. "Atem, what if I catch your fever? Aren't you still a little sick?"

"You've kissed me plenty of times before this and you're still fine. Besides, my fever has gone away."

"Sure it has."

"We have a lot of preparing to do."

"I know. I've been training with Mahad and the other magicians all day. I just can't wait to lay my head on that comfy pillow."

"You can say that again," he agrees before kissing her again, this time deeper and more passionate than before. Mana wraps her arms around his neck and brings her closer to them as they continue. Still into the kiss, Atem opens the door to their room and she pulls back.

"Have I ever told you how much I love you?" Mana asks him. Atem chuckles before closing the door with a smirk across his lips. Sure this night is going to be passionate, but after this, everything will have to be serious for there is a battle coming up.

Meanwhile, far out into the desert, Marik stands in front of his men with his arms folded. "You all are despicable! You all need more training! But we are done for the night! Now get out of my sight!" yells Marik before turning his back. 'It looks like the pharaoh and his kingdom have gotten luck and they have more time to train. Even so, I still plan to win my crown. They won't stand a chance once I'm done training my men.'

Sigh, I am done with another chapter! Please review! Things are going to start getting intense in later chapters!