Unknown Person - Thanks a lot for your review; I'm so glad that you like it so far! I really hope that you all can sense the tone difference between Atemu and Yugi; it's one of the reasons why this story is written in first-person. Continuing on, thank you again and I hope you enjoy it!

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Chapter V: That Twinkle Toes Kind of Feeling

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"He's afraid of me."

"'It's nothing you should worry about, Pharaoh."

"He fears me. Maha--Black Magician." I frowned, eyes landing on the mage in front of me. He smiled gently, arms crossed. In return, I only rubbed my temples, eyes closed with frustration. "I apologize. You share a resemblance with one of my viziers. Perhaps in a past life you two were brothers…or something like that."

"I wouldn't doubt it." Black Magician chuckled softly. Mahado and he shared an uncanny resemblance. His hair was a shade light of purple to Mahado's crisp brown, skin ivory white to my vizier's delicate tan, and hid himself well under a large hat compared to Mahado's turban. His entire being was covered by a dark purple robe. From what I collected, this was Akhu's guardian.

Mana had done what I was too hesitant to do and scampered off to find Akhu. She smiled to me softly, assuring me that one way or another, she was going to get my light to come out and speak to me. I let her go, too stunned now that his existence was confirmed. It took some persuading on Mana's part, but once she was convinced she was almost as determined as I was to meet the "Nice Atemu."

To my chagrin, this was going absolutely nowhere. With an aggravated sigh, I pinched the bridge of my nose. "It was a mistake, wasn't it?"

"No, it wasn't. You have good intentions, Pharaoh Atemu." Black Magician squeezed my shoulder reassuringly. "'Tis a normal reaction from the young master."

'Normal Reaction'? "Then shan't you do something about it?!" I turned to him, eyes blazing angrily. My Akhu, my light looked like he was in pain! He was scared of me; scared of everything and this spirit dare tell me that it was normal? "Are you not his protector?"

"I was going to blast you into oblivion, if you didn't notice."

"Dare I say you lack the courage to?"

"I suppose." Black Magician waved his hand and a pool of water showed what Akhu was doing.

"He is…solving a puzzle?"

"Of the sort." This mage nodded in agreement and gestured to the petite figure next to Mana.

Beautiful, I wanted to say. Beautiful glowing skin with an intensity rivaling pearls and eyes that outshined amethysts themselves. Clad in strange clothing, I settled that his choice of garb suited him. Unlike the custom tunic that many Egyptians wore, his apparel clung to his petite body and made the firm stature shine heavenly. He did look his age--perhaps a year or two younger than I, but lacked the muscle and the self-assertion. Though that was what made him so breathtaking; his innocence.

"He is at peace," I murmured softly. My eyes fell to the smile teeming across his lips and I looked away, fists curled. "Perhaps 'tis best if I let him be."

"Don't even speak of such nonsense, my pharaoh." Black Magician's eyes narrowed to me impractically and he nested a hand on my shoulder. "'It's destiny for your paths to cross. Believe me, I know."

"I do feel the need to trust you, Maha…Black Magician. Sorry for my fault." Still, my hands writhed reluctantly and I faced the door of Akhu's soul room.

"Go on," Black Magician urged. "Knock."

My hand rattled the door before quickly withdrawing. From head to toe I stiffened, anxiety getting the better of me. After a moment, the door creaked open and I lowered my gaze to the stunning eyes that captivated the glow of Ra.

"A-Ah!" Akhu flinched, eyes landing on my form as he tried to run away. For a brief moment, I frowned, settling that this really was one of my worse ideas. He tripped over a mound of gray puzzle pieces and back into my arms.

I couldn't help but smile. This beautiful, young spirit was no doubt the cutest being I've ever seen. I gripped him tightly, noting how his form completed mine perfectly.

"Quite the clumsy one, are we?" I teased. "That explains the many bruises you leave on my body, little one."

littleone.

"For the festival methinks that allowing the young ones to dance would show them the pride of Egypt and the Pharaoh." Siamun looked to me and rubbed his chin thoughtfully with a smile.

"'Tis true, is it not? After your last decision, many of the children will arrive early tomorrow morning." Akhenadin nodded into the decision. He paled, eyebrows furrowed. "Though I am not sure if I approve of having them here."

"What the pharaoh wants is what the pharaoh gets." Isis genuinely smiled, eyes narrowing to my form. She laughed softly and perched her head in her hand. "But the thought of having so many children at your court is relaxing, my pharaoh."

"I suppose." My eyes fell to the pendant. I caressed it softly with my hands. "And what do you suggest, Yugi?"

His name tingled between my lips and I smiled. All six of my guardians stared expectantly. As I had originally assumed, all six priests were aware of Yugi's presence as Mana was. Perhaps even to a better extent, but nothing they did would ever prove his existence. Precisely five days had passed since my first encounter with my light.

After a few short moments, the spirit of the Millennium Pendant appeared beside me dressed in his strange garb. Mahado's ring absently pointed to his essence as Shada's key glowed and Karim's scale began reacting. My eyes focused on the pink that tingled across my other's cheeks. He smiled softly, hands stuffed in his pockets knowing that all eyes were on him but only I could truly see him.

"Little kids are nice, Atemu." Yugi shuffled between the sandals he dubbed "steel-toed boots" and looked to the ground. "Don't forget…you used to be one, too."

"Of course I know that, my light." A grin lifted my lips and I watched from the corner of my eye as all of my viziers shared the same look of amusement. Yugi blushed a darker hue and I only chuckled. "Though kids can be quite the handful."

"I guess." He nodded hesitantly before those beautiful eyes scanned the room. "Sh…should I really be here when you guys are talking about royal ordeals?"

"Why should you not?" Surprise poured into my voice. Perhaps my favorite trait in this young man was his humbleness. He held a heart of gold, sheathed by honesty and adorned by his fear of crossing a fictional barrier. Innocence. Yugi's eyes held much innocence as his eyes met mine again and he looked away. "Your opinion matters most, little one."

Yugi slowly nodded to accept this little fact. "Then…it would be nice if you played with the children, Atemu."

"Ah." Isis nodded in approval and smiled sincerely to my form. "It would look good for you as the pharaoh, your highness."

"Shall you and I compete during this festival, cousin of mine?" Seth's eyes narrowed considerably and a smirk twinkled across his lips. "Perhaps that shall entice the young ones."

"All is fair by Ma'at need you be duped by my skills, good priest." I mimicked his grin.

"Do not speak out of line, son of mine." Akhenadin offered his heir a wary glower and faced me. "Need you anything else, my pharaoh?"

"Uh…" All of us turned to modest Yugi once more. He bit his lip, eyes darting elsewhere hesitantly. "N-Nevermind…"

"Come now, young one."

"Seth." I held a glower of my own to the young priest. For an odd reason there was hate between my priest and my light. I did not know what this reason was, but it was certainly no matter to joke about. "Calm yourself."

Seth's eyes narrowed irritably and he folded his arms. "I only said for him to speak up. Is it a problem, my pharaoh?"

"'Tis always a problem if you offend me, priest. Let me assure you that right now, that is the case." Our little spats had hardened recently, as well. Whatever problem he had with Yugi, I hoped for it to be solved before he had the chance to scare him away.

"The pharaoh is right, Priest Seth." Karim glanced at him grimly, eyebrow arched. "What is the problem? You have never spoken against the pharaoh so vehemently before."

"Surely understand my intentions are not to speak against the pharaoh, but with his parasitic spirit." Seth's eyes fell to Yugi once again and he frowned. "Do you really trust him, my pharaoh?"

"With my life."

"Atemu!" Yugi finally included himself in the conversation once again and rested a transparent hand on my shoulder. I could not feel it, but the sight certainly gave me the effect he had wanted. "It's alright. Restrain yourself, it's not worth it."

"It is always 'worth it' when it is about you, little one." Another frown danced across my lips and I looked to him with grave concern. "Please. Speak of your opinion."

Red brushed across his cheeks. He recoiled, settling on a far corner and away from me. As I expected, he rested a hand on his forehead and shifted between his feet--Yugi had the strange habit of doing this since the day we confronted each other. He mumbled something under his breath and looked back to me with utmost hesitation.

From the corner of my eye, I saw the smiling face of Isis and amusement tickling Seth's stoic demeanor. I looked back to him and urged on, "Go ahead, little one. We are all ears."

"I…I just meant…" Yugi fiddled with his fingers and looked back to the ground. "You…you remembered to prepare the rooms for the children, right?"

"Of course. We have one room prepared in the palace, little one." I arched an eyebrow, quite surprised actually.

I'd forgotten that the children would be staying with us until today--the very thought of children was unsettling. My council was fully aware that I had not found a spouse to bear offspring let alone get married. Now at the age of sixteen I suppose they expected me to have some plan in mind. Nonetheless one they approved of, as well.

"Only one?" his eyes doubled in size.

"Yes. Is that bad?"

"We have fifteen kids coming, Atemu. It better be a big room." He frowned, disappearing for a moment before reappearing at the table and by my side. Mahado's ring chimed at the shift of his presence. "I doubt that all of the kids are going to sit still and be willing to share either, you know."

"I suppose," I arched an eyebrow, tone full of mirth. "But if you have not noticed, we have been quite busy with the preparations for the Min Festival, my light."

"He speaks the truth." Shada nodded with approval and gestured to where I sat. "Surely the Min Festival comes first."

"Besides, they would only get in the way of the festivities, young one." I nodded to Seth's answer. Despite how he brought me so many troubles at the moment, he had a point.

"Of course! But…I mean…" Yugi sputtered. Red tingled his cheeks at the sudden outburst and I only smiled. In return, his eyebrows furrowed and those beautiful orbs fell to the ground. "Children, Atemu," he croaked. "How much better is it if all we do is cram them into one room and leave them be?"

"You're the one who wanted to help them, Yugi." The frown would not leave my lips. Had I known this decision would trouble me so greatly only hours before the Min Festival I would have never come up with it. He fidgeted again and looked at me sadly like he'd read my thoughts. "We are to feed them and offer a home until construction is done."

"What you call a home is different from what they would call a home." Yugi shook his head in refusal to my proposal and looked to the council desperately. Of course, they could not see him. "You guys are comfortable in here. We're talking about children who have never stepped foot in this palace and are scared to death! Please guys, don't you understand how terrified they must be?"

I frowned. "Yugi--"

"Atemu," he turned back to me, disregarding his earlier shyness and replacing it with concern and determination. "Children, Atemu. Children."

"He…speaks the truth, my pharaoh." Isis cast a worrisome glance and crossed her arms. "I suspect that if we do not offer them a comfortable home, they may never be able to go to Minya and face the demons haunting them after the flood."

"The spirit is right." Mahado murmured. He rubbed his sore forehead and offered me pity. "As a council and as the pharaoh, your highness, our job is to consider the needs of the people. What good are we if we cannot carry this out?"

My eyes fell to the table and fingers busied themselves with the papyrus before me. They were right. "Perhaps he makes a better pharaoh than I."

"What?! No!" Yugi tackled my shoulder and tried desperately to stir an epiphany, but I did not feel it. I made the unneeded gesture to shrug him off and the sadness in his eyes only deepened. "Oh, Atemu. You're doing fine as a pharaoh! I just…it's out of my hands…and…I didn't really need to…and…goshI'msosorry--"

"Yugi." I cast him a firm glance and did my best to smile. "'Tis okay. You needn't apologize for analyzing something that I wholeheartedly neglected."

"But--"

"I am proud of you. You shed the timid cocoon protecting you and bloomed with fiery determination."

"But--"

"But nothing. The sake of the children weighs as important as the Min Festival."

"But--"

"Surely, young Yugi--" we halted from our conversation, eyes falling on Priestess Isis. "--your heart held nothing but delicate goodwill to others in your past life. It is a compliment given by Pharaoh Atemu himself. I assure you that it is also the most sincere at that."

I nodded. There was no better way to put my answer. With a small smile to Yugi's form, I thought it best to note--"He is blushing, Isis."

Yugi darkened and looked away in attempt to hide it, but I only smiled again. He was far too adorable for his own good.

"That is always good to know," Isis remarked quietly.

"I suppose this meeting is over now," I said with a louder tone. I collected the scrolls and papyrus and smiled to my other self. "We can see each other in the morning and confirm the last of things before the festival the following evening."

"D…don't forget about the children, either."

"Right." I nodded and turned to Mahado. "Tell the servants to prepare better beds and a feast in the morning upon their arrival."

"Of course, your highness."

"Wait!"

We all abruptly stopped from leaving our chairs. Before the realization had even set in, the Millennium Pendant illuminated with unbelievable light and Yugi was in my place. I blinked, wondering specifically why I hadn't seen this coming and watched as the red across Yugi's cheeks was not only apparent to me, but to the rest of them.

A glint appeared in the eyes of my six priests as they caught on to the sudden change. Akhenadin was first to speak: "Yes…young one…?"

"Y-Yeah…it's me…" Yugi grumbled something inaudible to even me under his breath. Mahado's Millennium Ring shook gently to my presence and my light's beautiful eyes fell to the ground. "I wanted to apologize."

"To apologize," Seth repeated, obviously not caring.

I growled, but Yugi made a wafting motion in implication to slap my arm. "It was my decision in the first place for having the kids come here. I know that the council has a lot to deal with at the moment; I just hope that the kids being here won't be too much of a burden. I'll do whatever I can to make them feel comfortable, it's my responsibility..."

I snorted. With what body? He looked at me, suddenly faltering again and I shoved the sarcastic quip aside. With a small smile I forced him to go on.

"With all due respect, honorable spirit," Shada flashed a light but stern look and chuckled softly, "You are not only the pharaoh's specter, but a representation of the Pharaoh himself. So long as he approves and goes along with it, you shan't ever be at fault."

"But…" he weakly uttered, "I'm not a pharaoh."

"You are as much a pharaoh as Pharaoh Atemu, spirit." Karim grinned and shook his head. "For five years the Gods have given us your presence as a gift through the Millennium Pendant. Do not speak of yourself with such disdain."

"R…right. Okay, right." Yugi slowly nodded and turned to me with hesitance. I nodded in approval. "Then…I guess we're really all dismissed."

littleone.

"You didn't need to switch bodies with me, you know."

"Er, right. That was totally not on purpose, I swear."

A small chuckle left my lips. In fifteen minutes time the entire council had dispersed leaving me and my light all by our lonesome. He possessed my body while I followed beside him with quaint interest. This was…new. Now that we had come to accept this fate between the two of us, he was able to roam as a true spirit so long as he stayed near the pendant. When he was host and I was parasite, I too was able to lurk around like a ghost.

It was barely a thought, either. The simple desire to stand next to Yugi let me near his presence without creating disharmony.

"'Tis fine." I paused for a moment, eyes narrowing with utter curiosity. "That does explain a lot, does it not?"

"Oh?" Yugi halted and looked directly to my essence. I smiled at the benevolence shimmering in his gorgeous orbs. His skin fit fair and tan as it was my own and the tunic that once was mine clung to his body and fit his appearance. Here in my realm he was not just a spirit but a wonderful Egyptian. In any skin, really, showed how radiant his soul could be. He recoiled again, hands pressed against his temples and red powdering his cheeks. "A-Atemu…stop staring, it's…weird…"

"Sorry." I nodded earnestly and pressed both hands to my hips. "'tis one of the things that makes you who you are. You never really had the intention of taking over my body, did you?"

He coyly smiled and shrugged. "I guess not. A lot of the times when it happened was because I was putting my opinion before yours. Sorry about that, by the way. I didn't mean to bruise your ego."

"'Bruise my ego'? What could you possibly mean by that?"

"…Atemu." Yugi rolled his eyes and nestled both hands to his hips. "I embarrassed you in front of your council."

"What?" I almost shouted. My eyes widened and I couldn't hold back the grin tickling my lips. "You honestly think you embarrassed me?"

"Oh, I don't think. I know." He giggled; one of the more charming qualities about his being. "I disrupted your court."

"No, you did not."

"I told them an entirely different opinion than what you had in mind."

"No, you did not."

"I practically said your opinion was wrong."

"No, you did not."

"Atemu! I made you look like a narcissistic idiot for neglecting what the children really needed!"

"No, you di--alright, perhaps you did overstep your boundary there." I looked back to him and bit back the smile tingling at my teeth. "But it wasn't like your thoughts were wrong, little one. They enjoy your company."

"Yeah…well," he shifted between his feet and looked to the ground. "Sometimes I'd wish you would just --Mana?"

Mana? I blinked, eyes following his as they turned to the large vase resting near the wall. He stared at it contemplatively, one hand strummed around the lace of my pendant as the other reached out to touch the urn. "I think you're mistaken, Yugi. Mana is in her classes right no--"

"Mana never attends any of her classes, silly." A smile spread across his lips as he walked over to the pot and lightly shook it.

"See?" I said once there was no reaction. "That inane girl would already be up and about after that one little--"

"Yugi!"

Squealing. A surplus of squealing. Before I even had the chance to blink, a flash of messy brown hair blinded my vision. Yugi squeaked softly before my best friend clung to his body affectionately.

"Is that where you've been hiding for the past few hours?" He was not surprised. I, on the other hand, caught my breath from the sudden rush of adrenaline and watched as I drifted into the background under the conversation between both friends.

She perched two hands on her hips with a playful grin. "You're the one who wanted hide-and-seek, Yugi! And I for one am a really good hider."

"I can tell. We were playing hide-and-seek after dinner last night." Yugi laughed softly and wiggled out of her grip. "I'm surprised you were able to stay in there all night."

"Oh, I'm chock full of surprises!" Mana latched on tighter and smiled. "But you win! Wanna play again?"

"Not right now…" he blushed again and shook his head. "I don't think I could ever win in a game of hide and seek with you, Mana."

"Mmkay." She nodded understandingly and tapped her chin. "I was actually curious about something, Yugi."

"Oh?"

"After the giant ceremony of Min, I'm sure that Aemu will be pretty tired. This is the first time that we're actually aware of your presence so," she smiled again and giggled. "Would you allow me to be your escort?"

"H…huh?" Yugi's eyes doubled in size.

"For the dances and celebration. I can teach you the dances and we can go together as a couple. That is…if Pharaoh Atemu will allow it." Mana pouted again and stared at the Millennium Pendant.

"You know," I piped in after a moment of silence. He looked at me expectantly, Mana only staring at him. She was not an experienced enough of a priestess to sense my presence, I assumed. "That actually is a good idea."

"Wh--what?" he shook his head and stumbled backward. "I couldn't…possibly…"

"Oh yes, you could." I pressed both hands to my hips and arched an eyebrow. "'She is rightful in saying that I am exhausted after my duties. This is also the first Min Festival that you will attend as a guest. I would bring you myself if it were physically possible."

"I can teach you right here and now, Yugi!" Another smile stretched across her lips and she wrapped one of his arms around her waist. "It'll be fun!"

"But it's a pharaoh thing…" Red overtook his cheeks and he whined once more. "There's no way I could actually dance at something like this!"

"Yes, you could." My eyes narrowed to him in the same amusement but an underlying of irritation came for his humble insistence. "I order you to come to this dance, little one. Now that you are given a quest by the pharaoh, you must fulfill it."

"I'm not a pharaoh, you know." Mana pouted obliviously and tugged at his arm insistently. "But I'm going. Besides, the pharaoh needs an escort as it is."

"I-I…okay…" Yugi nodded once again, his eyes falling to my essence. I grinned in approval and watched as he was tugged off in a direction known only to Mana. They made a good match; Mana and he.

Another smile fell across my lips and I blissfully sighed. Whatever made the pharaoh happy goes. When my precious light was happy, I was happy.

littleone.

"Your moves are much better than I could have ever imagined, little one."

"I-I'd…app-preciate it if you stopped staring." He squirmed under my gaze, his phantom hand going straight through my bed as he continued to dance. Yugi stepped forward and faltered into my arms. Although only a spirit, I caught him with still grace and smiled. Red tingled across his features and he picked himself up.

"I suppose that is one good thing about being a spirit, correct?" I nestled both hands on my hips and wily grinned. "You cannot be harmed no matter the situation."

"Yeah, I guess…" he mumbled quietly.

I frowned. "What is it, little one?"

"Nothing." He quickly turned back to me with panic settled across his features. Slowly it faded and he shook his head. "Okay, no. It's not 'nothing,' but…it always hurts for you, doesn't it?"

"And what," I asked with sudden interest, "could you possibly mean by that?"

"Although I experience the pain that's inflicted on your body--"

"Our body."

"Your body," red brushed across his cheeks again. Yugi fiddled with his fingers and looked to the ground with a saddened expression. "You're always the one who gets most of it. It's not right; my not experiencing the pain and you are."

"You…" I blinked, mirth brimming at my tongue. "Do realize that despite your constant lapse of grace, you never actually have ever caused physical harm to our body, correct?"

Yugi squirmed and disappeared. He quickly materialized further in the bedroom and cast a glance toward a random corner. "Still. I'm lucky I haven't tripped over my own two feet yet."

"Of course you have, little one. You kept stumbling with Mana."

"That's not the kind I'm talking about!"

Another grin lifted across my cheeks. With a brief chuckle I only shook my head and rested a hand on my hip.

"What's so funny?"

"You worry far too much, my light." Once the mirth left my system, I only smiled with a glance toward this humble fellow. So beautiful, so naïve. My entire being softened and I made an attempt to rest a hand on his shoulder despite knowing I could not. "Don't you think that if I had a problem with you in the first place, I would have told you?"

"I…I guess…"

"You can trust me, Yugi. I will never let anyone harm you."

He backed away and pressed a hand to his head. With a quiet sigh, he nodded with acceptance and struggled to smile through the bashful red. "It's getting late. I think I'll go to bed for now."

"Right." I chuckled softly and busied myself with peeling off my clothes. I contemplated on his shy ways as my cloak fell to my feet. The sandals left my toes and tunic began to rise. There was a reason why Yugi, my stunning light, was so quiet and shy. It went along with the fact that many of the times he did not want to take command of my body. Though most of his outbursts were coherent and determined, he would immediately wither and regret his act of justice--"Yugi? Are you alright?"

I looked to the dwelling figure that stood parallel to my form. His eyes flickered with an unreadable emotion before doubling in size. Yugi was swept by another blush as his eyes scanned the stature apart from his before looking away. "S-Sorry. 'Night, Atemu."

I watched as his ghostly figure disappeared. A smile enticed my lips and I only chuckled once I was stripped of everything but my skirt. "Good night, my light."

littleone.

"Atemu," he cast a wary glance and resisted the urge to smile, "be nice."

Only a glare made it to his form. Even then I was unable to create the proper expression because of the many children that surrounded me. The children surrounded me like the many grains of very, very short sand.

"King Pharaoh, Sir!" A girl, one who I was positive had given me her name not too long before, grinned excitedly and clung to my leg. "You're so cool, King Pharaoh, Sir!"

"Neferti." Yugi disappeared and reappeared a foot away from the crowd of insolent children. "She and her brother Akiiki were the ones you meant to give food to."

I really was not a children person. I did not like children of the sort, did not approve of them and certainly the last thought to cross my mind was to help a child after the last incident involving one seven years my junior kick me in the shin. Still, I only smiled to the one Yugi addressed as Neferti, only to realize that even she was lost in the bunch.

"Must I really endure this amount of stress?" I murmured under my breath. Luckily these children did not hear me.

Isis softly laughed and held out the bananas safe in her and Mana's grip. "Come, children. It was a long trip and I assume that all of you would like to eat, correct?"

"You can crowd the pharaoh later," Mana snickered. She bent over and offered one of the little boys an apple before offering me a haughty glance. "Mister King Pharaoh over there is too busy growing a gray beard for you guys!"

"Oh? While I waltz around with the wisdom that exceeds many you continue to descend backwards 'til you be nothing more than a baby in your mother's belly." I rolled my eyes and shivered, finally away from the sugary sweet tyrants. Yugi laughed softly and shook his head.

"At least I know the joys of being a child, King Pharaoh Mister Old Man!" Mana stuck her tongue out and raised her nose to the air. "I swear, I don't know what Yugi sees in you!"

"'Sees in me'?"

"I live in side of you. I see many puzzle, Atemu." Yugi arched an amused eyebrow and grinned. "Far be it from me to defend you, though."

"Oh, hush." I laughed lightly and shook my head. "As it is, I have much to do today."

"Do you guys want to attend the Min Festival and watch your king honor the great god?" Isis smiled and perched a younger child on her hip. The others jeered happily and looked to me with excitement.

I groaned again and pinched the bridge of my nose in attempt to mollify my headache. Not enough, apparently. With a sigh, I opened my eyes and looked to the amusement plastered across my other's face. "And what is that face for, little one?"

"Nothing. I'm just proud of you." Yugi's grin widened and he stuffed his hands in the pockets of his strange clothes. "Years ago you wouldn't have wanted to do anything that involved being a pharaoh."

"I owe it to my people."

"I know. That's why I'm proud of you, silly." He sighed again, happily and rubbed his head. "Well, duty calls."

"You're leaving?" I frowned. "The festivities have only begun, my light."

"I'll be back," Yugi promised. His clench over his head became tighter and he nestled his free hand on my shoulder. "I just need to take care of a few things in the puzzle before I make my grand entrance. Sorry, Atemu. Later."

"Alright…"

"Atemu? Atemu! Yoohoo, Atemu!" Mana tapped at my shoulder repeatedly before finally getting my attention. With a satisfied smile she tugged me closer to the door and became fixated by my crown. "Alright! You ready for the festival, dear sweet Mister Old Man Pharaoh of Mine?"

"As…ready as I'll ever be." I nodded reluctantly and followed her out the corridors.

The Min Festival was simple. It involved my going to the Min Festival, followed by my wife (one I lacked), my royal family (again, another thing I lacked unless my uncle and cousin could be considered), and then my council.

We each brought many offerings, burnt the incense for the gods, and I along with my six priests plus fifteen more carried his statue to the alter outside where it was placed in front of two sculptures of me.

"Looks nice."

I smiled and looked to my side as Yugi reappeared. I gestured to the one on the left and could only chuckle. "Methinks that has an uncanny resemblance to my light, little one."

Yugi giggled softly and shrugged. "Wonder how that happened."

"'twas an accident, presume?"

"Probably. These statues were made a long time ago." He scratched his head and offered me a curious look. "How'd you know that it was me?"

"How could I not?" I gestured to the amazing replica of his essence and raised an eyebrow. "You are far more beautiful than I could ever be, Yugi."

"…oh." His ears brimmed bright pink and he squirmed. "Gosh, you can be so blunt sometimes."

"'Tis a gift. Now," I gestured to Mana, who dressed in beautiful robes to mark the occasion. "Go ahead and dance with one of my future priestesses, my light. You would not be a proper friend if you did not."

"R…right."

The beautiful light of my pendant illuminated once more and in my place stood he. Yugi stumbled in my formal attire and looked around the whole room uncertainly; shyly. I gently pushed him in the correct direction and he obligated.

Mana giggled once they met. "Looking for someone, Yugi?"

"It's actually pretty easy to find you. Next time you won't have it so easy when we're playing hide-and-seek." A wily grin of his own swooped across his features and he held out a hand for her.

I smiled, happy that he was away from the stress that'd been nibbling at him for days, but a little saddened that unlike with Mana, he was unable to overcome his shyness when confronting me. Oh well, I sighed. So long as he was happy, I was happy.

For a few more minutes, my eyes watched as he stumbled with his moves before gracefully taking Mana into his grasp. What I'd come to know about my light, my other self and Yugi, was the pace he set for himself. He was able to overcome any obstacle with little to no difficulty once he tried. What bound him from completing these said goals was his timidity.

It was also what proved that he and I were not the same person. Yugi quickly apologized for stepping on Mana's feet once again and focused solely on getting the right footsteps. A smile fell across his features as he succeeded with the next dance move and they pressed onward to the next series of difficulties.

His gentle spirit remained untainted. I laughed softly as Mana overwhelmed him in an embrace. We were two separate parts of a whole; him and me. His innocence to my ferocity; my wrath to his serenity.

Strange; being as dumbfounded as I was when in his presence. I paused from my thoughts as Yugi abruptly halted from the dance. He apologized quickly to Mana and scampered off to an unknown direction.

Under obligation, I followed curiously with Mana before he brought a child to the altar.

"It's not fun when you're dancing by yourself, Neferti." He coyly smiled and bent to her level before offering a hand. "Would you like to dance?"

This was Neferti? This young child looking no more than eight? I blinked alongside Mana and watched with delicate interest when she gasped happily and took his hand.

"S-Sorry," he sputtered once they reached the dance floor. "I'm not very good at dancing and stuff."

"Thank you so much, Mister Pharaoh King, sir!" She squealed and embraced him tighter. "This is a dream come true!"

Yugi laughed shyly and looked up to my essence with an apologetic smile. He then turned to Mana with the same look and red tickling his cheeks. Mana only giggled, encouraging the decision and I chuckled.

We watched silently, side by side as he shifted between his feet and continued the whimsical dance. My scrutiny continued to his young form. Why did those many years go by without us addressing this bond? Yugi was as amazing as a simple sip of red wine. Once the first sip was taken, a second was soon to follow, then a third until finally one realized how much they needed this wine; this boy.

His amethyst eyes glistened curiously as he continued to spin the girl. I lowered myself ever so slightly, eyes falling to his and lay my lips across his own. Later I thought to this as utterly impulsive and embarrassing for him, but the way his lips tingled to mine blocked all common sense. I savored the nonexistent taste, inhaled the scent of his light and slowly pulled away.

He stared at me with those unbelievable jewels, having halted from this dance. A spark shimmered in his eyes and he squeaked.

Another moment went on and once I blinked, he was gone and I was in his place. I looked at the little girl who was in my grasp as realization set in.

"Yugi?" I murmured in attempt to get his attention. He was nowhere to be seen. I frowned. "Little one?"

"Mister King Pharaoh Atemu sir?" Neferti gave me a clueless glance and she tilted her head to the side with confusion. "Is everything okay?"

"…ah." I gave up on the hunt for my light. "'Tis nothing, dear girl. Let us continue with the dance."

The procession continued without hitch. Normally by the end of the festival Min himself would appear and I gave him the correct offerings. He danced with the many girls while I continued to look at my pendant. There was still no sign of my light even at this hour in the evening. As the God of Fertility, he thanked me before returning and I was left with bundles of rice that bless me and my many future children.

Still no sign of Yugi.

"Well it is your fault for scaring him!" Mana punched me playfully in the arm and frowned disapprovingly. "What did you do, exactly?"

"Something you needn't worry of," I grumbled. I caressed the gold pendant between my fingers and handed her the last of the rice. At least in the morning it meant that the children would not starve.

"But Atemu!" she sighed in exasperation and rolled her eyes.

"You've waited five years for him to make a name for himself, Mana," I mused. "I assume you can wait a few more hours…assuming that is how long it will take until he appears again."

"I guess…" her voice trailed off. "But can you?"

I opened my mouth to speak, but was never given the chance.

"My Pharaoh?"

"Teana?" I was overtaken by an embrace. She smirked happily and ran a hand up my arm. "I am surprised to see you here."

"Oh? I was one of the dancers, my pharaoh." Teana positioned herself in front of me and respectfully bowed. "You promised me that we would spend a night together, Pharaoh."

"I did, didn't I?" That was the same night where Yugi and I first met face-to-face. Had it been different, I was sure that Teana's constant pleasure would have been better placed in my mind.

Mana made a gagging sound and rolled her eyes before finally leaving. She always did this once Teana came into the picture.

"You spent all your time dancing with one whom you do not even see as a possible consort and yet you wouldn't dance with me?" She whimpered and wrapped her arms securely around me. "You are tense, dear Pharaoh. Shall I fulfill my obligations?"

"Yes, that does seem nice," I agreed. With the struggle between my disappearing light and having to run the festivities, the stress had finally caught up to me. She smiled in satisfaction and moved my hand to her waist.

"I assure you, my pharaoh. This will not be a night you will forget so easily."

"The night is still young, is it not?"

She laughed and softly crooned as she tugged me to my chambers. Little did I know, it would be far too long before I saw the light of my life again.

--

Author's Note:

Hooray, hooray! I got an update out before having to go to bed! This chapter came out a wee bit rushed since I tried to cram everything needed in Atemu's POV in one chapter, but I think it was also pretty set-paced. I know it was a bit of a time jumper, but this story isn't going to recall every single day in the lives of Yugi and Atemu; just the important ones. Thank you so much for your reviews and I hope you enjoy this chapter!