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Chapter IX: A Thousand Lives and a Cryptic Guise
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I wonder if he realized he was bare. Though acting as the superior in my body he retained my muddy skin, glowing flawlessly as if it belonged to him alone. He sat at the pool of my waters, trying best to calm the storm of red which engulfed his face while assuring both me and himself that everything would be okay. We'd had so many misunderstandings in the past few weeks that it tackled me in complete surprise when he finally came out to greet me. I'd been so overjoyed that the weariness I had experienced while lurching at the edge of my bathing quarters immediately disappeared and I pounced him.
Still, he continued to try and reassure me, shy eyes wandering elsewhere as he modestly looked away. Miraculous was it that he was able to speak so firmly to others and unravel so clumsily in my gaze. His fervent blushes or his occasional stammers, unbeknownst to me, sewed together the holes of my heart. What was this feeling? Why did it make me feel so…heavenly? Whatever it was, I certainly wanted more. More of his hesitant touches, more of his blazing skin, more of those delectable lips uttering my name…
And as I said, he sat naked at the side of my pool, leaning forward like a small child and obliviously hiding his crotch. A smile laced his lips, one hand pulling away a drenched lock of hair. His ebony tresses fell all around him, surrounding the entire frame of his head like the mane of a lion.
"I want you to sleep," he said tenderly. "Today, I'll take care of your duties, understood?"
Oh, brave, selfless little Yugi…my little Yugi…my little one…
I hated it. I loathe fate for having you endure so many memories so painfully even when they are memories you would cherish. I hate how someone as beautiful as you must suffer; crushed by the horrors of fate and unable to do anything about it. You deserve so much more; such better treatment and to be held high as one of the gods themselves. I put a hand to his cheek, eyes gazing at the astounding form parallel to me. 'Twas amazing; how my hand was able to touch his form the way it did. A frown enticed my demeanor and I bit back the scowl I felt.
"I would rather you rest if your memories overwhelm you." Which was true. He'd just told me himself that his constant headaches and ceaseless migraines were the product of his getting back his memories. It pained me to see him suffer.
"And I would rather you rest if my disappearance has caused so much distraught." His eyes narrowed to mine daringly and rather playfully, a knowing smirk tickling his lips. "I take care of you, the pharaoh, Atemu. It's not the other way around."
"And if I wish it to be?" Funny. It hurt a little for him to take my title into consideration. I had always seen Yugi on equal ground; if not hold him on a higher pedestal. No man-made pedestal would have ever been tall enough for his essence. It was a long time ago when my feelings for him started to change; change from admiration to outright affection and then toward a sense of protection. "If I wish for the permission to stand by your side and act as the barrier around you so no harm will ever come of your essence?"
His eyes widened, the gorgeous underlying of violet shimmering like the last rays of Ra. They briefly looked away, flickering with the mystery I still have yet to unravel. He pushed me away, once again pained as he pressed a hand to his forehead. The smile gracing his lips reeked of insincerity; of such obligation. "Sleep in your soul room," he concluded. "Or at least watch from there, got it? I'll be fine."
No, I didn't 'get it.' I wanted to be by his side no matter the cost. I wanted to pick every petty grain of sand which stood in the way of my light, crush it between my fingers and ban it to the Shadow Realm for daring to defy his majesty.
"But--"
"No buts. If you want to stand by my side, then you'll go away for a few hours." This was most likely the only time I would ever be as angry as I was at him. I hated how he asserted his independence even under the watchful eye of me, the Pharoah. I loathed the fact he regarded me as a simple person; not thinking once of how I felt about this decision. I wanted him safe; I wanted him under my eye, in my arms and visible to only me. Yugi kissed my hand, another wry glance to my psyche. "Good night, my pharaoh."
My eyes had never left his. It seemed as though every time I saw those orbs, saw the deafening glimmer or the beautiful defiance, nothing else existed. Never in my sixteen years had I ever sought a person not just for their body but for their being. 'Twas…frustrating to have someone so amazing wrapped around my fingers yet not completely. He'd built a wall between us; an impenetrable barrier with no sign of breaking. Yugi had always been the one to stand at his feet, calm, collected, and ready to pull me away from turmoil when needed. He was the entire reason why I was the person I was today.
And the only person who I would ever kiss so chastely. I pulled at his arm, embracing him protectively and I swore by Hathor, never would I hug my light and tear away like he was a stranger. I would rather die first than wake up and be told that someone like him never existed. My fingers played with the hedges of his hair, plucked few strands and then I tediously wondered if he ever bathed.
Not that it mattered. I would succumb to his lingering scent of honey every time. My lips pushed against his and hands framed his soft cheeks. Fingers searched endlessly, digging into the fluff of his ebony locks. I was dead set on pulling him into my arms, cradling and carrying him straight to the bed where I could yank away the tedious clothes, his loins, and thoroughly fuck him.
Once I pulled away, the lingering lust was visible in his eyes. They crinkled together, eyebrows furrowed as an internal battle carried on behind those lustrous orbs. He shivered, hardening erection apparent between his thighs. His mouth hung open, aching for more and fingers curled into the floor.
"Sweet dreams," I murmured. With a final flash, I disappeared, mind submitting to exhaustion with the last spark of Yugi's psyche still fresh against my lips.
These feelings that were surfacing for my light were…breathtaking. It was easier for me to see the way his eyes radiated with the shimmer even stars could not produce, or the way he would bite his lip when another's bluntness proved overbearing. Though at times irritating of my chest arguing with my common sense, it became part of my daily life to worry about his wellbeing. I needed to feel the sensation of his breathing, see his glowing face to live.
Whatever these feelings I had for Yugi of the Mutous, I wanted more. Never have I been this happy in my life.
littleone.
Not much had happened after I finally woke up. I had yet to reveal myself in front of my light, only watching his silhouette as he pushed a grape between his lips. Funny, I thought with amusement. Though we offered many sacrifices to the gods and those who had passed on to the other realm, it'd never occurred to me that I would ever meet a spirit who would eat before me.
He smiled softly and I caught sight of Mahado sitting across from him. My priest mimicked this grin and relaxed in his presence. "'Tis been a while since I've seen such a smile cross your features…"
"Just…call me Yugi." He giggled kindly, one hand readily pulling a bang out of his features as he ate yet another grape. "I don't really…like formalities much, Priest Mahado."
"Ah. I suppose 'tis the same for you then." My priest chuckled gently and shook his head.
"Wow," Yugi remarked. "I…I hope you don't mind me saying this, Pri…Mahado, but I think that it's the first time I've seen you smile."
"Is that a bad thing?" Mahado clasped his fingers together, eyes falling to the young boy before him. "I myself am quite honored to see you so well, Yugi. I know the pharaoh holds you with high regard."
"Erm, yeah." I could feel Yugi's blush through the pendant. A tiny smile enticed my features and I summoned a throne to sit on. Watching my light interact with the ones around him was always enticing. "But…he does with you, too. You're his most trusted priest."
"As you are his most trusted friend, is it not?" His voice filled with amusement. Mahado chuckled softly and shook his head. "I've known the pharaoh ever since we were children. We're like brothers."
"You…inherited the work from your father, right?" My light arched a curious eyebrow and busied his fingers with the material of my cape. "I know that Mana is the daughter of the head guard before he died in battle, and Priestess Isis is the daughter of Atemu's nurse…Priest Seth is Atemu's cousin…"
"Correct. My father was a priest for his father and I inherited the work. Our fathers were best friends." A bold smile crossed my priest's features and a faint glimmer I'd never seen before twinkled in his eye. Truth be told, I never did learn the story to why Mahado became a priest. He had known me ever since I was born. Isis, Seth, and he had grown up together, taking the same classes, studied under Shada and Karim, who were a good ten or fifteen years our senior.
I myself had studied under the watchful eye of my father. Now that he was gone I would occasionally continue my lessons with Mahado, but certainly the depth of my training did not strain as far as it did for Mana.
"Why did you want to become a priest, anyway?" Yugi arched a curious eyebrow and moved his hand to a plump apple at the bottom of the bowl. "I mean…a lot of roles you're limited to rise up to, but a priest is…"
"I wanted for my pharaoh to see me worthy of his guard without actually being his guard, of course." A wistful smile strummed across the lips of my priest. He smeared his fingers in the bowl of sugar and sighed. "Though…it was around the time his father died that I actually made the decision of becoming a priest. When we were little, I wanted nothing but to protect his wellbeing. He was frail, imperceptible and at times though he wanted to do the right thing, he often acted too rashly."
"Funny." Yugi reached for a loaf of bread at the center, tearing a small piece and let it soak in the saliva between his tongue and the roof of his mouth. "I've seen Atemu so many times act as the brash and ambitious ruler that sometimes I forget how sorely unsure of himself he used to be."
"'Tis quite true. He's grown very assertive over the years." Mahado smiled. "Though I'd received training from my father about the way of a priest ever since I was little, I think my true motivation came from wanting to help my best friend."
"Which is why you became a Priest of the Living Horus, correct?" My light leaned over and rested a hand to his forehead. "Before he became the pharaoh, the fact that Atemu was a kind soul was more apparent. When his father died, you took over the role of being the older brother slash father the same way Priestess Isis did as a surrogate mother and thought Pharaoh Akhenamkhanen could speak through you so Atemu wouldn't feel so insecure."
I blinked. Had that been true? I did often remember in my younger days the attachment I would feel to Mahado and likewise. He would often try to skip the lessons his father had planned out for him and once I obtained my place at the throne, he engulfed himself in his studies, ba quickly outshining his father's enough to become my priest and the new keeper of the Millennium Ring.
"Though those attempts have been proven all for naught, am I right?" Mahado smiled regretfully and shook his head. "You were able to accomplish in one night what would take me two years, Yugi. You were able to seduce him and become his drive."
"That…doesn't mean you're not worthy of his gaze." Once again Yugi's blush radiated through the jewel. His fingers rattled against the table tediously and eyes fell to the ground. "Don't get me wrong, Black Ma….Mahado. Sometimes it seems that Atemu may take you for granted, but it's the exact opposite. You're able to stand by his side, tell him what is right from wrong and he regards you well. You've got nothing to worry about."
Mahado gently laughed. "Likewise, little spirit." He rested a hand to my light's and softly squeezed it. "Worry not. Your very presence mollifies every one of his insecurities, Yugi. He holds you on a level of respect that many would envy…I, on the other hand, am content with where I am."
"That's good to know." Yugi's entire demeanor fell and he cast a solemn glance to my priest. "So…how are things with Mana?"
"Perfectly well. She misses you."
"I hope you realize that even you, the Pharaoh, can be considered rude for eavesdropping." I turned my head to the new voice, immediately tensing before the figure could be made out. Black Magician, one of Yugi's many appointed guardians followed by a small toddler nestled safe in his arms.
"I would have thought you to be the one trespassing," snorted I. I lifted myself from my chair, arms crossed with narrowing eyes. "If you haven't noticed, Maha…Black Magician, it is my soul room."
His entire demeanor reeked of amusement. A small smile curtsied his lips and the small child he held peeped from the mane of illuminating white locks. "Then I take it that offering you company was a bad idea."
"It could be if not executed properly." I smirked. Silent Magician. That was the small child whom I vaguely recognized from the days long ago when Yugi and I first met. He slid away from Black Magician like a child from his father, quietly waddling up to my form before latching onto my leg.
"Hi." A smile spread from cheek-to-cheek across the tiny spirit's face, if not larger.
"Hello." I bit back a grimace, eyes falling to the large blue orbs staring up to my form. Black Magician only laughed, one hand digging into his hip as he urged for Silent Magician to return to his side. "Your son?"
"Heavens, no." Black Magician's eyes widened in horrid contemplation, cheeks blazing. Whoever he was regarding my light's memory, I was already convinced Yugi was a king with Black Magician part of his court. It seemed like a valid answer, did it not? "He is another one of Master Yugi's memories, of course."
"Ah." I murmured quietly. One hand to my head, I could only sigh as trouble wandered through my mind. "Is it true? Do his memories tackle him so barbarically that they reduce him to incoherency?"
"…All in all." Black Magician slowly nodded, eyes immediately blazing with an unidentifiable emotion. He ushered Silent Magician to return by his side, but there was no avail. The young mage held on tightly, cheek brushing against my knee.
"Then why," I yelled, suddenly defiant, "do you let him endure it by himself? You are his guardian, are you not? On top of that, both of you are magicians who I assume have healing capabilities and--"
"Slow down." Black Magician put a hand in front of him, tone emitting sternness. His eyes flickered with irritation, albeit amused, but quite perplexed. "Though I understand your well-placed concerned for Master Yugi, Pharaoh Atemu, it does not mean that your logic reigns supreme to all of ours."
Silent Magician smiled brightly and pulled me down to his level until I finally sat across from him. Black Magician obligated, kneeling nobly while his eyes never left mine. The young toddler retreated to the arms of his surrogate father and perched on his lap.
"Are you sure you are not the father?" I mused.
"The closest I ever get to actually having an offspring is a counterpart, my pharaoh." Black Magician's apricot cheeks yet again emitted a fervent blush; very much like who he protected and his doppelganger. He closed his eyes, pinching the bridge of his nose in order to calm himself and tucked Silent Magician in his arms. "Master Yugi has recently gained a new, more…demonic spirit. In order to calm Silent Magician I thought it best to bring him to the outskirts of Master Yugi's mind."
"And into what overlaps with mine?"
"Precisely."
"But I like Gandora, Papa Black Magician!" Silent Magician pouted, eyes shimmering in protest. He crossed his petite arms, harrumphing ever so cutely. "You just don't trust him, 'cause…'cause…'cause he's my best friend!"
"Your 'best friend' tried to obliterate me into oblivion, young one." Black Magician comically shivered, eyes once again falling to my form. A smirk dwindled at my lips. The little 'papa' slip was enough to prove how fatherly Yugi's guardian truly was. "Perhaps it's best to explain the way Master Yugi's lost memories unravel."
I nodded in agreement. "That would be nice."
"The Young Master's memories are not exactly lost per se, my pharaoh." Black Magician crossed his arms, eyes narrowed to my form as he especially struggled to find a way to word this. "They are…scattered."
"And what do you mean by that?" How could one's memory simply 'scatter'?
"It has to do with the way he ended up here, locked in the puzzle and found by you." He grimaced, turning a decadent hue of purple to match his robes as Silent Magician tugged at his long hair. "His only memory for the longest time was his name, and even then it called out to him like a horrid little tyrant. His type of amnesia is not one of a blank mind. He's able to recall things from the slightest recollection to the longest, droning reminiscence. They're memories triggered by….certain events."
"How so?" I looked to him inquisitively, head tilting to the side. "Is there a way to prevent this trigger?"
His demeanor altered completely. Sarcasm dripped plainly like the venom of a snake across his features as he clicked his tongue. "Yes and no. Unfortunately for you, my pharaoh, Master Yugi has ordered specifically that I do not disclose that information and made it quite clear for me to stay quiet."
"If I am to honor his wishes…" For a moment I remained upset that Yugi dared keep a secret from me, but the next I'd realized how little I knew about my little light compared to how much he knew of me. It was unjust and unfair.
"Any more questions?" He struggled to keep Silent Magician calm underneath his arms and sternly held him tighter.
"I suppose I do have one." My fingers tangled through the lace of my pendant, eyes steady to Black Magician's torso. "Even like the last time, your ka reeked of my vizier, Black Magician. Must I really believe 'tis only a coincidence?
Black Magician smiled. "So you've noticed."
"The resemblance is uncanny. Though where the replication starts and ends is another story." A pained smile fell across my features and I crossed my arms. "I was going to leave it alone, though 'tis getting the better of me. Are you in some form, my best friend, Black Magician?"
"Of the sort." He chuckled softly, one hand petting the drowsing Silent Magician. "Though it will be a long time from now before we meet, Pharaoh. What makes you want to ask this question?"
"I…suppose 'tis just by the way you act." I gestured to the crevasse where Black Magician's doppelganger languidly grinned to my light. "I always did notice he lacked the tense air around Yugi that he gains with me. Now that the secret truly is out and in the open, all masks are shed."
"Oh?" A sad smile strummed across his features and he once again laughed. "Mahado had spent a better part of his life working for you to see him as your equal. Sadly, I'm sure that's what he will be doing for the rest of his life; devoted to you and only you."
"'Tis a shame." I clicked my tongue and shook my head. "Hopefully he evolves enough that he gains the courage needed to court my priestess."
He choked on whatever was buried in his throat and laughed. "Sadly, no…in this lifetime, he doesn't. Let me assure you that eventually, he courts…someone."
"Oh?" I turned to him curiously. "And who is this woman that he eventually cour--"
There was a slam. Both Black Magician and I turned our heads back to the pool showing us the outside world and immediately the one to catch Yugi's vision was…
"Mana." Yugi smiled.
She panted, hand squeezing the daylight out of her bosom as her other clutched the door hinge. Tears filled her luscious emerald orbs and she faltered at the. "Y-Yugi…N…Nice Atemu…" She made a break for Yugi, immediately tackling him in a hug and clutching him tightly. Wildly did my surroundings shake back and forth, the soft sobs of Mana's relief echoing quietly in the pendant. "Oh, Yugi! I've missed you so much!"
"There, there…" Red swooped along Yugi's features and he hugged her tight. "Just think of it as…a game of hide-and-seek. Only…I was the one who was able to fit in the tiniest object ever for three weeks and you weren't able to find me."
"That's…not…fair!" She squealed. Mana pulled away from him, hands nested tight on her hips. "First of all, we never agreed to play hide-and-go-seek! Second, Shada wouldn't let me use his key for anything, so obviously I wouldn't be able to go wandering in there looking for you and third…third…Mahado! Why didn't you tell me that Yugi was back?!"
"I forgot how quirky she could be," muttered Black Magician.
I arched an eyebrow. "I take it you've had the privilege of being away from her?"
"I've had worse."
Mahado smiled apologetically--something that surely was new. Normally he was disapproving of Mana being here instead of studying like she would promise the day before. "I simply ran into him before you, Mana."
"Hmph." She pouted and only clutched Yugi tighter. "I've…really missed you, Yugi."
"I…I know." He lightly blushed, sheepish smile stretching from cheek-to-cheek. Yugi held her close and protectively. "I've missed you too, Mana. I'm so sorry for leaving so unexpectedly like that."
"Promise me that you won't leave me again!" She frowned childishly, eyes narrowed to his form as she sat in the chair next to his. "Promise me that no matter what, you're not going to dash off and do something stupid ever, ever again!"
Yugi was pained. He smothered a hand through her wild, chocolate locks and looked to her sadly. "I…dunno if I can promise that, Mana. But, I can try." He wiped the petty tear running down her tanned cheek and giggled gently.
There was that emotion again; one that I'd seen so many times across one's features yet never truly grasped. Seeing it in the point of view as I was, it reminded me of how I felt of my light, though far stronger. I'd always said that Mana and Yugi fit together like a puzzle. Easily would they be able to fall into each other's arms, confess every livid emotion and still appear to others with matching cheerful smiles. Though he may have just been a spirit, my light had still once been a human being. It was only natural for him to experience these emotions…
Such as falling in love with Mana.
It'd always been there, hadn't it? The way he would coyly blush in her presence, how she would fit perfectly in his arms and the way they exchanged laughter. Mana was easily able to pull him out of any depression with one of her fervent grins and as enacted just now, Yugi was capable of digging through the true emotion of her being.
No no, I shouldn't be so ridiculous…then again; there was no telling what would happen. Maybe I was the one who caused it; constantly shoving the pair together to better myself and rid the ringing of in my ears. Yes…that…seemed plausible.
What was that pain I was feeling my chest now, where the birth of my strong feelings of Yugi once was?
"Oh, wowzers! I've never seen you so jealous, Pharaoh!"
I turned my gaze, meeting with yet another magician who was clad in similar robes to Black Magician. Strange, I muttered to myself, for a brief moment I actually thought I was turning to meet Mana. Their vocal patterns appeared the same, the pitch of their voice and even their personality.
Black Magician noticed my sudden interest and gestured lightly to her. "Black Magician Girl. My…apprentice."
"Ah." Apprentice was an understatement. Black Magician Girl pulled Silent Magician out of her mentor's grasp, softly cradling the young one like a mother. I looked between the two suspiciously and then back to the scene. Apparently in the middle of my shock, Mana had finally moved away from Yugi, finally serene enough to sit by her lonesome.
Yugi sat next to her, a warm smile across his features and that grotesque feeling clawed at my underbelly again. I suppose it was, as Black Magician Girl said, a type of jealousy to have dug a knife through my chest and leave a bloody scar. I certainly had no idea what else to call it. "I'm glad that you've made up with Atemu, Mana."
Made up with me? Mana shrugged nonchalantly and rested her head to her hands. "We had fun yesterday…He almost seemed…human again."
"He had to grow up really fast." His smile softened and he rubbed small circles in Mana's back. "Many unfortunate tragedies tend to occur when not handled properly. Sometimes…erm, never mind."
"What?" She perked immediately, emerald orbs curious to my light's choice of words. "'Sometimes' what?"
"W…well," he stammered. A blush appeared across his features and his eyes fell to the ground. "Sometimes I just feel…sorry for you all. You've had to grow up so fast, not exactly experiencing all of your childhood and endure so much."
Mahado's eyes widened in fascination and he gently shook his head. "That may be true, Yugi, but I suppose that is what makes us appreciate the memories we have much more. Though they have been long ago, it does not mean that they are long forgotten."
"Yeah…" Mana giggled softly and lightly shrugged. "And it's okay to see how everyone has turned out. And having you around certainly helps too."
"Me?" Yugi looked back and forth between priest and priestess-in-training with clear astonishment.
"Out of all of us, Atemu was the one who had to grow up soonest." Mana clicked her tongue and swiped the apple in Mahado's clutches. She grinned mischievously and wistfully sighed. "You smile so sincerely compared to Atemu's smirks and there isn't a bone in you Ma'at would despise. I think before you actually decided to come out as your own being, no one really cared you used him as a vessel. It was nice, even for a while, to see that smile across Atemu's face and show he was a kind ruler."
"Erm. Thanks." He blushed again, one hand fiddling with the crown of his head.
"Strange," I heard behind me, "no matter how much I try, I never was able to recall this memory…" Black Magician Girl hovered at my side, one cheek comfortably pressed against mine while Silent Magician still sat comfortably in my arms. She smiled cheerfully and looked across from her. "What about you?"
Black Magician shook his head and folded his arms. "Perhaps it's time we get back. It would be bad to let Silent Magician stay away from Master Yugi's mind too long."
"Yeah…that's kind of true." Black Magician Girl giggled softly and kissed my cheek. "Bye, Atemu!"
"Wait." I turned my head, halting both magicians. Slowly, I bowed with one hand to my stomach as I paid respect to both magicians. "I humbly thank you for allowing me in your presence, Black Magician, Black Magician Girl and Silent Magician."
There was no sound. As I peered up, all three spirits watched my actions like a hawk. Resisting the urge to frown, I only looked into Black Magician's eye, challenging him to find a lie through my declaration. Before I could even blink, Silent Magician awoke from his slumber, ultimately hugging my leg while both Black Magician and his apprentice silently watched.
"Love you, Mister Pharaoh King, sir."
I blinked. "Um. Likewise."
Silent Magician softly giggled and toddled back to the safety of his surrogate mother's arms. Black Magician sheepishly smiled and waved me off. "Go ahead and join my ward, my pharaoh. Surely he's sensed your presence by now."
"One more thing." Once again, he halted, eyes landing to my form. I searched between him, Black Magician Girl, and the young toddler she held affectionately between her arms. "Is it possible that you and she are…"
"Yup," chirped Black Magician Girl. She grinned mischievously to the red Black Magician and laughed. "And if that doesn't give you a hint to what's going on, then you're no smarter than you are in the present time, Atemu!"
Before I had a chance to question that, the two were already away from my soul room. And what could she have meant by that? What if Black Magician and his apprentice had become more than mentor and student? Deciding to push that thought away for later, I returned my attention to the crevasse where Yugi and Mana pleasantly spoke. In a light glow, I summoned myself, standing by his side as a ghostly specter.
Mahado's ring lightly chimed to my presence, all arrows pointing at my essence. Mana halted from her conversation, curiously looking over, but unable to sense me. Yugi, on the other hand, shyly smiled with one hand pressed to his head.
He laughed softly, hands curling at his robes. "Good morning, sleepyhead."
"Good morning." I arched a wary eyebrow between all three spectators and gestured toward the door. "Now that I am fully rested, maybe 'tis best if I am the one doing my duties, little one."
"Not likely," he wryly snorted. Yugi rolled his eyes, a small smile to my form as he shook his head. "I told you to rest for today, Atemu. Your so-called catnap only lasted for a few minutes, anyway."
"If…you're sure." I reached out to touch his arm, but he quickly recoiled. Yugi's eyes darted elsewhere and he scooted his seat away from me. A frown fell across my lips and I felt my heart sink.
"S…sorry," he stammered once he realized the actions. "That was instinct." Ouch. "W-Wait! No, it wasn't instinct, I was just…I mean…just…can you not touch me right now?"
I slowly nodded, knowing best not to go against his wishes. My eyes lingered to the fact his arm was against Mana's and I bit back the temptation to frown. Mana looked onward with concern, closing even more space between them as she pressed a hand to his forehead. "You okay, Yugi? You just totally spaced out on me and then scooted over here."
"Y…yeah. I'm fine." He offered an apologetic glance to my side and quickly shook his head. Instead, I crossed my arms, schooling myself to remain as apathetic while he continued to chatter with Mana and Mahado. Finally they realized how much time had passed, saying their simple goodbyes to Mana before Mahado and Yugi dismissed themselves. Though wary of my presence, neither took mention of it.
Instead, Yugi only laughed, fingers at his side.
Mahado arched a cautious eyebrow. "Need I ask why you give me that look, Yugi?"
"It's nothing, it's nothing," he assured mischievously. The childish gleam reappeared in his eyes, shimmering with absolute chivalry. "It's just…been too long since I've been out here, I guess."
"You sent Atemu in a wide panic once he realized you were not there," said my priest.
Yugi halted, eyes doubling in size. "I…I did?"
"I suppose 'tis because he is able to sense your presence every day and had grown up with it for six years, Yugi." Mahado gestured to my form, finally taking note of my presence. "You've become like a second skin to him. A drug, I suppose…but in a good way. Your presence relaxes him. When you disappeared for quite some time, it put him in a lapse of disarray and left him distraught."
"I…did." Yugi's entire demeanor flickered with pain. He turned to me, guilt surging through his eyes like he was begging for an apology that would never be given. I smiled, only shaking my head and happy that he took my feelings into consideration. "I'm so sorry…"
"You are off the hook with that one. Do not beat yourself up over the matter, Yugi." Mahado's eyes narrowed daringly before he gestured to the throne sitting curtly at the end of the room.
"He speaks the truth," I mumbled in his ear softly. "Though I prefer to be in your presence more than anything, 'tis my country that I rule and therefore my fault for letting my emotions get the better of me."
My light blushed, red blooming from both cheeks as he stumbled with his next step.
"He," Mahado continued, oblivious to my words, "has drowned his sorrows with his concubine, Teana. Though I'm sure that did more harm than good, it is his way of coping with things."
"Oh." Just as the newfound bliss crossed my light's features, it quickly disappeared, twisting into an unidentifiable turmoil. Yugi made himself comfy in the throne, shocking my five other priests as they watched him there. He looked between all of them and smiled. "Hello."
"Specter Yugi…" Akhenadin's voice trailed off with surprise, eyes widening.
Isis smiled gently and rested a hand on his shoulder. "How nostalgic…it's like you've never left the court, Yugi. We've missed you."
I disappeared, quickly reappearing by his side and leaned against my throne. Yugi sheepishly grinned and shook his head. "All things considered, I think it's best that I rid Atemu of his duties today…"
"He has been under quite some stress lately," grumbled Siamun. I snorted, noting the large bump on his forehead. Obviously he had become victim of one of my tantrums while Yugi was away. Yugi reached out to touch this said bump, quietly apologizing for a crime he had not even committed.
"'tis a good idea," Karim grinned gently, hand high on the Millennium Scale. "You have high judgment as if you were the living Horus himself, Yugi."
"Hopefully he'll agree with my judgment, too…" Yugi directed a nervous glance to my side and I only shrugged. They were right in calling him a good ruler. Yugi did not lack righteousness when it came to making decisions. In these terms he was even a better ruler than I, and it brought me back to the conclusion that in his past life he surely was a king.
"Come, now." An icy voice mocked. My teeth grinded together, eyes landing to the tall priest in possession of the Millennium Rod. Seth provoked Yugi further, a smirk enticing his features. "Surely we should celebrate with the return of our substitute king."
Yugi quietly shivered, hands digging into his throne. I put a hand on his shoulder in assurance, but he forcefully shrugged it off, one hand to his forehead. "And," he trembled quietly, "what do you suggest?"
"A Game, of course. Priest Mahado, since you're so attached to my cousin's specter right there, why don't you join me?" Seth cruelly chuckled, arms crossed with amusement as he gestured to my other vizier. "And then you yourself, Specter Yugi, may join me in one of these games."
"A…Game…" Yugi steadily mumbled. He looked to me for an answer, obviously confused.
"Where we use the powers of the Millennium Items to summon the ka of others in battle," I explained lightly. A small smile crossed my features and I crossed my arms. "Go ahead and observe, little one. No harm will come of it."
Yugi nodded, accepting Seth's invitation. He sat higher in his seat as Mahado exchanged a look of grave concern. Finally, he appeared parallel to Seth's side, Millennium Ring high in his hands.
"Truly, I wish you would not stress the spirit of the Millennium Pendant as you do, Seth." Mahado looked to him disapprovingly and frowned.
Seth haughtily laughed and shook his head. "All pharaohs are stressed with something, I assure you of that, Mahado. If Yugi truly wishes to continue to possess the Pharaoh as he does, he must prove himself worthy."
Yugi sighed softly and shook his head. I looked to him curiously and he only shrugged. As all was finally said and done, Mahado and Seth let out an aggressive cry: DIAHA.
The Game began, Seth summoning his ka, Duos while Mahado's Illusion Magician appeared to battle. I felt a subtle pang run sharp at my neck, but shrugged it off.
Both were the original ka of both men, having trained harshly before they became the priests they were now. Illusion Magician delved into his surroundings, quickly dodging an attack from Duos. He quickly used Afterworld Warp, changing the harsh attack of Duos and sending it right back.
"How petty," Seth snickered.
Mahado scoffed, hand further directing his ka. All the while, Yugi sat at the edge of his seat, eyes flickering in surprise at the fervent use of magic. Occasionally I would look at him, watch those amethyst eyes flicker with surprise and claw into another, harsher emotion that even he did not quite understand.
Once I finally looked back, Illusion Magician lay limp on the ground, Seth still reigning high. Mahado silently cursed, his ka disappearing in stone. Though a worthy win, not much could be said. Seth and Mahado had always been very competitive with each other, even through childhood. There was no apparent to who was the better priest.
"So," I mumbled to Yugi, "What do you think?"
Seth mimicked my question. "Do you dare to enter this terrain, specter?"
"Perhaps it would be best if I were the one to fight him, little one." I looked to him, still concerned of the emotions rattling his mind. At the pit of my stomach I felt him plucking apart all reasonable explanations before they made full sense. My fingers grazed his shoulder and I bent to his height in grave concern. "You do not seem well."
"I'm…fine…" Yugi swatted away my hand and pushed himself out of his seat. "I'd like to try it, if you don't mind, Priest Seth."
"Very well." Seth's smirk did not leave his demeanor. His arrogance shined through harshly and he gestured to the playing field.
Yugi's gaze returned to me, begging of my presence and with no hesitation I obliged. He briefly met with Mahado, hugging my priest close before setting both feet firm on the ground. "So," he murmured to me, "what monster do you think I should summon?"
"An Egyptian God, most likely." I scowled, eyes narrowed to my haughty vizier. "If he truly wishes to intimidate you I would rather you daunt him."
"Right…" Yugi nodded slowly, their unison cry of 'diaha' echoing through the room. He held my pendant tight between his fingers and yet another sharp pang shot through the back of my neck. Duos stood high and firm on Seth's ground. For a while, Yugi only sat there, eyes to the Millennium Pendant as the images surfing his mind ran through mine.
He wasn't planning to summon an Egyptian God, I realized. He was planning to summon something else--"Yugi, wai…"
"I summon the Sentry of Zelda, Obnoxious Celtic Guardian!" In an illuminating flash, the pendant incandescently glowed before a new ka, one I'd never summoned before, appeared before us.
An elfish warrior, one with a large sword and intimidating look. Though well-fit, his stature as a capable warrior faltered compared to Duos. I watched my light, convinced he had gone insane for wasting so much energy to summon one as weak as he. The elf guardian smiled broadly, like he himself was a true guard to Yugi.
"Trust me," Yugi whispered softly. "Obnoxious Celtic Guardian, attack!"
The battle went on. Obnoxious Celtic Guardian darted toward Duos with no mercy, sword high in his hand, but his moves were too slow. Duos swiftly dodged, one hand shoving the elf soldier to the side as he retreated to Seth's plane.
"For a spirit, you can't seem to handle them well." Seth smirked, eyes narrowed to my light's form.
"Don't listen to him," I said encouragingly. But Seth was right. Though Yugi probably had good intentions sending one such as Obnoxious Celtic Guardian out to battle, he obviously lacked the prowess to fight against Duos.
Obnoxious Celtic Guardian lay limp on the ground, teeth gritted as he winced in pain. Duos hovered over him, high and mighty before he unleashed a powerful attack--which immediately backfired. Seth's jaw hung open in unison with mine and I watched a force field appear at the elf guardian's side. He faintly glowed, sending the attack right back before he propped himself up with his sword. A smirk played across his features and within moments, Duos was diminished, disappearing into his master's rod.
Yugi smiled triumphantly as Obnoxious Celtic Guardian disappeared within the pendant. "I told you to trust me."
"I…right." I arched an eyebrow. Had that really just happened? I winced once more as a sharp pang shot through my neck and clutched my duplicate puzzle. "You're far more capable with Games than I accounted for, my light."
"It…reminds me of something." He blushed modestly and looked over to Seth. "Do you want to play again?"
Seth scowled for a moment. He slowly smirked, arms crossed as he admitted defeat and nodded. "Just because you win once does not mean that you will win a second time, specter."
"Good to know." Yugi's expression teemed with excitement. He looked to me, personally pleading to let him continue and I could not deny him this freedom. Still, I felt another stab at my neck and grimaced. An annoying buzzing appeared between my ears and I clutched my head in order to calm myself, but no avail. Sweat matted the back of my neck and I caught my breath.
The searing burn appeared at my skin and I shuddered. My vision was slowly fading as the glow of both pendant and rod became faint. Yugi halted, immediately concerned. "Are you okay?"
"I…" My voice wasn't even audible. I choked my words, hand digging into my chest as even the beating of my own heart sounded like it would kill me soon. "Yugi, I do not think…"
He caught his breath, hand to my own and I felt my pain transfer across to him. He squirmed, hand tight around my wrist and collapsed into my form.
"Yugi! …Ph-Pharaoh Atemu?!"
I'd already escaped consciousness by the time my priests caught sight of what was happening.
littleone.
When I awoke, I was in my soul room. There was no crevasse telling me of the outside world or even a sign that Yugi was awake. My mind remained cold and desolate, entire essence disheveled from the stress before… What…what had happened? I looked around, desperately trying to recall what misfortune had occurred when my sight fell onto the limp body before me. "Yugi," I whispered. "Yugi!"
His form lay weak, curling into himself like a small child. I ran to him, desperately shaking his body in order to wake him up. Relief caught my breath once I realized he was still breathing. Yugi groaned quietly, finally stirring as he awoke in my grasp. "Ate…mu?"
"Yes, little one." I smiled softly and hugged him tight. "Are you alright?"
Though he hugged back, he quickly regained consciousness enough to lightly push me away. Yugi pressed a hand to his head and shivered. "This is…your soul room."
"Yes. We must have both ended up here after the game." He'd pulled away from me again; disgusted by my presence. Surely…he would have felt better if it were Mana by his side. I shook the thought away, hand running through my hair. "Perhaps 'tis better if you rest, little one. I will return to my body…and see what has happened while we were gone."
He was not listening. "Is…that your mother?"
"My mother?" I repeated. Slowly I cast a glance to the large tablets hanging high as my ceiling and caught sight of what he saw. Yes…my mother. There hung an intricately carved tablet, no doubt of the woman who'd given birth to me. She had large, alluring red eyes; what had originally captured the heart of my father. Her hair was as beautiful as the Goddess Isis, spiraling down in blond locks to her waist.
Kohl marked her eyes and a beaded wig dangled in her hair. Her necklace was made of silver, one of the rarest metals found Egypt. I had only seen my mother once; as a newborn in her arms. She had died at birth, proving frail and delicate. From the word of my friends and father, she was said to be someone sweeter than honey, but headstrong, named the living Seshat for being the only woman who could write so exquisitely.
"She's really pretty," murmured Yugi.
"Yes," I mumbled, twice as surprised. "She is." The tablet slowly moved itself, glowing faintly before it joined another group of carved images.
"What's happening?" Yugi asked in panic. The entire temple shook violently before my mother, Queen Seshat, made it to her destination. When the shaking ceased, my mother was tucked under the various images of other things. Ra's sunset, the grains of Egypt… "What…is that place?"
"I suppose this is the section of my mind where my heart's desires lay." I nodded logically. The moment I lay eyes on my mother, she had moved into the group of things I adored most in life. I loved the beautiful colors of Ra's sunset and never took the land of Egypt for granted.
"Why…am I the centerpiece?" He slowly gestured to the very center where as he had said, a carving of his face lay.
My eyes widened in surprise. Had he not known? "'Tis a place with my heart's desires, little one," I smiled. "My heart, of course, desires you."
"…Oh." He slowly nodded, eyes remaining as they were at that centerpiece before he was engulfed by a blush. "We…should be getting back, Atemu."
I agreed, noting quietly how he once again scooted away from my grasp awkwardly before recollecting himself. With a brilliant flash, we left my soul room, the last thing visible in my mind being his awed smile and shy glow.
littleone.
We were alone in my room once I awoke. I pushed myself off the bed, hand running through my hair as I noted the lit candles. There was no visible sun in the sky, so I assumed that we were out for quite some time. Yugi appeared next to me in my bed, pushing himself up quaintly as he looked to the moon.
"Surprised?" I whispered.
"More like…confused." He scratched his head and looked to me. "I guess…It's just bad for me to be around the Millennium Items for very long. Especially when I'm the one in control of your body."
"The original purpose of the Millennium Items is to rip out the ka of one. Since you technically are a spirit, I suppose the items rip you out instead of my actual ka." The reason why he was confused was not what I had meant, but he brought up a valid point. "I apologize if it brought you pain."
"What? Oh, no." Yugi's eyes widened in size and he shook his head. "You were the one who looked like you were suffering, Atemu. I should be the one apologizing. If I hadn't been so caught up in the game…"
"If you are fine, then I am fine." I pushed a beautiful bang away from his amethyst eyes. If I hadn't been so busy ogling his form I probably would have taken note of the weight he was pressing at my bed. "Should you really be out, little one? Perhaps it would be better if you rested."
For the umpteenth time, he shrugged my hand off, lightly clenching his head with a small smile. "Just like you, Atemu…if you're fine, then I'm fine. But I suppose they thought it best to leave you alone."
"You could give me your company, if you would not mind."
"I…could." Yugi clutched his head tighter, nervously wavering back and forth and he sighed. "Look…Atemu…I--"
"Nice Atemu! Atemu! Are you okay?!" The door barged open, revealing Mana, Mahado, and the rest of my priests. I looked to them curiously; how did they know I was awake? Once that shock died down, I noticed another thing. They hadn't just been looking at me, but the pale spirit next to me.
Who…certainly was not a spirit. My eyes fell to Yugi, who lacked in his usual opacity. He looked to his own self and then to me, one palm pressed against my cheek. "Atemu…"
"Atemu?"
"Yes, Mana?"
"Why are there two of you?"
--
Author's Note:
So...those of you who haven't read AiaCR, my computer's been acting up. Monday virus. Monday Night to Tuesday Night, five different virus protection programs running in order to delete virus. Wednesday night to Thursday night, clear registry five times. Today, still struggling because the computer will end up freezing on me no matter what. Parental units are convinced I should just take it to the shop and get it reformatted, because it is a netbook and therefore, I cannot actually insert a disk to fix it. Bah unfair. I probably will just end up reformatting it if nothing I do will work; but this is gonna take a while and I think you won't get any updates from me soon. Sucks, right? We'll have to wait and see; until then enjoy your update. Reviews would be nice! :D