Author's Note: I almost cringed when I first posted this chapter, partially because it is so AU, and also because it is the first chapter of A Proud and Bitter Crown that I wrote that didn't practically scream Yami abuse. I also know that it is a rather confusing story line, that meanders back and forth between Yami's time in the Puzzle, and Yami's out. To recap, and hopefully have less confusion, Yami has already been out of the Puzzle once. It happened right after Yugi put the Puzzle together, and accidently dropped it. That was covered in the "Cruelty of the Innocent.' chapter. Yami was almost killed and the Puzzle was pretty wounded as well.

The "Recoil of Time" covers Yami's experience after he pays his last visit to Isis, and his first real conversation with Yugi. This was not written orginally as a humor fic, and I don't know how well it fits with the rest of the whole "angst/hurt/comfort" mode. But, I was sort of hoping to flesh out how Yami sees the modern world, and this is my poor attempt at it. I hope that you enjoy it. And, yes, for those of you who were craving more Yami abuse, you will be delighted with the upcoming chapter Fracture, that will make your teeth ache. And, after the gore of the "Retribution" chapter, I thought we could all use a bit of a lighter subject.. Yugi was actually difficult to write as a character, because he's sweet and kind to the point of being a saint-somebody that I really have no ability to connect with. And, for Seto fans, I will be updating "The End of All Things," very soon. This is not really what I would consider a "fluffy" fic, but I leave that up to the reader to decide!

e Recoiling of Time--

It had been three days since Yugi had that disturbing dream-something about the Puzzle growing teeth, and gold blades flaying his flesh, were it not for that strange lookalike who threw himself in front of that glittering arsenal, and sacrificed himself so that Yugi may live on, obliviously. The dream had been so unnerving-so life-like, that Yugi left the Puzzle in the golden box, too scared of it to actually take it out, and even nervous about having it in his room. Now, Yugi lay burrowed deeply in his quilts, shivering, and achy from a sinus infection that left him too ill to go to school. His head was on the verge of exploding, his clogged nostrils were bleeding from his constant nose-blowing, and his throat felt as if he had swallowed a Brillo pad. Miserable and bored, he reached for another tissue and blew, tossing it into the overflowing litter basket by his bed.

With a sigh, he wrapped himself in a blanket draped over his shoulders as he slid on his slippers and moved to his desk. With a raised eyebrow, he opened the drawer, then, after a moment's decision, carefully, almost timidly lifted the golden box out and set it with reverence on the desk.

It had been a niggling thought he had purposely ignored over the last few days, but now, with nothing but an illness to occupy himself, or the homework, Yugi opted for the more interesting of the two. He flinched again at the warmth that seemed to permeate from the depths of the curving spiral carved on the lid. He grimaced at his carelessness of allowing that one corner piece to be chipped off when he accidently dropped the Puzzle. He had slid it back into place, but he still recoiled when he heard-or thought he heard- that piercing shriek of blinding pain from the Puzzle itself. That was three days ago. He remembered nothing after he fixed the corner piece except waking up the next morning covered with a strange, white slash of a healed over scar that went from ear to ear. It caused no pain, and he would not have even noticed it if he hadn't run his fingers over the strange raised flesh, and gaped at it with disbelieving eyes in the mirror. He knew of nothing that could leave such a mark on his skin-the cut was easily from ear to ear, and he would certainly remember something that left that sort of evidence behind. At the time, he had written it off as nothing more than a delusion brought about by his fever. The scar had disappeared after he slid in the corner piece, and unless he was losing his mind, he was quite happy to leave it at that.

Yugi gripped the Puzzle, turning it over and over on its glittering sides, running careful fingers over the Eye of Horus, mindful of the blade-sharp points that could severe a finger if he wasn't careful. "Well, Puzzle. You aren't quite as lively as you were a few days ago. Maybe it was just a weird dream, huh?"

Yugi shook his head in mockery of himself. "Not as weird as me talking to an inaninment object, though, is it?" He set the Puzzle down, and crossed his arms, with a smile. "Is there anybody in there? Helllooooo!" His voice, high and long, soared through the room, as he rapped his knuckles on the side of the Puzzle. He looked down, almost angry at himself for being disappointed. The Puzzle did nothing, for a minute. Yugi gave the golden corner one last tap with a finger tip, and pulled it away when he felt the corner once again cut into his finger. He yelped in irritation and shoved the bleeding digit into his mouth. "Why do I keep cutting myself on that thing?" He groused, as he huffed off to the bed, pulling the sheets back and

looking forward to its welcoming comfort. The small rivulet of blood slid down the Puzzle's side, ignored, patiently waiting. Yugi gave the Puzzle one last glare before dirtying another tissue, and tossing it away. He drew the blankets over his shoulder, curled up on his side, and waited to drift off to sleep.

It was either the blinding flash of light, or feeling as if his very soul was being sucked from his bones that caused him to bolt awake, and drop to the floor in disoriented panic. Yugi frantically whipped his head around towards the ceiling, to see if one of the lights had flickered and died, but to his dismay, he noticed that the lights had not even been turned on. He felt what seemed like a rush of wind-eerie, but pleasant, float across his soul and then, the bizarre, but pretty golden shower that erupted from the Puzzle in one long flow of pure light before it reverted back to its muted, dead bronze. Yugi gaped in shock to see the shadows in the room bend, curl, and roll away from the Puzzle, and then the last of the golden light solidify to a transparent, radiating form that slowly shimmered into view. Yugi scuttled backwards as he saw the form's flesh shift from shadow to a more familiar skin tone. The figure crouched, arms and knees braced together in a ball, and Yugi could hear the frantic pace of breath being sucked in and out of clenched teeth, but that was all he could make out.

"Um...hello?" Yugi ventured out of bewildered curiosity, as he slowly rose to his feet, and quickly draped a robe over his small shoulders. The figure twitched in visible alarm, before daring to raise its head above the cocoon of its crossed arms. Yugi heard a puzzled grunt, saw an eye open in a panicked glance, before the head buried itself deeper into its arms. It was the bone-rattling tremor that drew Yugi closer. Strange as the situation was, he did understand fear.

"Hey..."he whispered softly, as he dropped to what he hoped was a non-threatening crouch. "I'm not going to hurt you. You have nothing to be afraid of." He flung his arms open in a welcome, and smiled.

He was rewarded by the figure uncurling its arms, and slowly rising. Emerging from the dark corner, Yugi could see the glittering spikes of gold and red and black, the drape of blond over wide and churning violent eyes, a stern, regal mouth trembling with amazed fear, and slender, but muscular arms bracing themselves against narrow hips, as the head tilted in consideration. The figure strode forward with deliberate steps, and Yugi gasped to see the familiar face of his look-alike again. He was even more shocked to see the figure clad in a set of silk blue pajamas like his own.

"It's you! The person from my dream! You're real, after all? What are you doing here?" The figure stiffened at the strange sound of another human voice, and his eyes widened in astonishment, as he did not answer, but only stared at Yugi with an open mouth, before coiling his eyebrows upward, and firmly shutting his mouth. Apparently, what errupted from Yugi's mouth was nothing but gibberish, because the stranger did not reply, but only stared at Yugi in wary consideration. There was silence for long moments, as Yugi watched the stranger gaze around his room, with curiosity, but no alarm.

"Hello!" Yugi gave him a bright smile, as he waved the exaggerated greeting with both hands. Yami raised a regal eyebrow even higher. Was the boy swatting a fly, or was this the customary greeting of his people? Not wanting to appear hostile, Yami awkwardly flung his arms wide, mimicked the wide arc Yugi had did, and stumbled out the strange word, in a slow, grating heave. "Helllloooo." Yami prayed that was the correct response. Even the word itself sounded alien and strange.

Yugi's smile grew to radiating, and Yami was relieved to see the genuine friendliness that seemed to burble forth from him. He could detect no evil in this boy, but this situation was so novel, that he could muse over that threat later.

"So, you can speak? How did you get here? What is your name?" Yami listened, not understanding the words, but watching the boy with his flying arms gesturing in excitement. Yami shrugged and shook his head. With one finger raised, he tapped his lips, and pointed to Yugi in negation. "I offer my most humble apologies, sir. But I do not understand your language. I hope that I do not appear to be impolite." Yami said solemnly, with a bow. Yami watched as the bright grin fell, to be replaced by a polite, and confused smile.

"I'm sorry. I guess I don't speak...whatever language that was. Hmm, that might be a problem..." Yugi's voice fell to murmuring as he looked around the room, to see if there was anything that might help him communicate with the stranger. The stranger's voice was cold, but polite, and his bow only made him more weird to Yugi. The stranger watched Yugi with interest, his eyes following him as he paced back and forth. Yami was growing frustrated by the language barrier. He did understand that the gibberish this boy had babbled was indeed a language, and from the mannerisms, he was asked several questions. It was all Yami could do to choke down a snort of howling laughter at how ridiculous it sounded. Plus, Yami had to allow the humbling thought that maybe his own native Egyptian sounded just as strange to the boy's ears. He was assuming that the boy had no way of knowing that he was a Pharoah, or that he had emerged from the Puzzle.

It was obvious that the boy wanted to communicate as much as Yami wished to. That, combined with his friendliness-unless it proved false- was indeed a hopeful sign. Yami took a step forward, with a polite, "May I direct your attention to me, sir?" The boy stopped his rummaging through the various things in the chest in the corner, and looked at Yami, questioningly. Yami sighed, considering the best way to talk to this boy. The boy looked at him, his eyes bright, and his smile growing larger. Yami offered a quizzical smile in return, as he pointed a finger to his chest and spoke in a clear voice, "I am Yami, Pharaoh of Egypt."

There was no response from Yugi except that same tolerant smile. Yami shook his head, curled his lips at dropping his formal title, and simply settled for tapping his chest again, and speaking, "Yami."

Yugi's eyes lit up, and he stepped forward, raising his own finger to gesture towards him. "Yami?" His voice was refreshingly sweet and soft, which brought forth a genuine grin from Yami, as he nodded vigorously. "Yes! Yes, that is my name, Yami! Very good!"

Yugi jabbed a thumb towards his chest, and blurted out in enthusiasm, " I'm Yugi Moto! Nice to meet you!" And he extended a friendly hand in greeting. Yami winced and scuttled backwards instinctively, remembering old pains that came about from other hands. Yugi was left eyeing his own outstretched hand awkwardly, before glancing at the Pharoah in suprise. Yami forced himself out of his protective crouch, to see the boy's cheeks flaming in embarrassment. Yami felt slightly ashamed of himself when he saw that the boy was offering another greeting. He gave Yugi's hand a wary glance, but bit his lip and thrust his own forward. He only hoped that the boy was perceptive enough to repeat his name. Yami was unable to decipher that the whole string of words was a salutation, and not Yugi's actual name. Yugi timidly clasped his hand and shook it, waiting for Yami to release his hand. Yami just watched the boy shake his hand up and down, with an impatient eye darting back and forth from his hand to Yugi, as he wondered how long the boy intended to pump his arm. Yami sighed. He sincerely hoped that the boy did not expect him to repeat his name. Ra knew it was an unintelligible mouthful he was afraid to even attempt to pronounce.

Yugi relinquished his hand, trailing off into uncomfortable silence.

"It's a real shame we don't speak the same language. That would make getting some answers to his questions so much easier," mused Yugi as he crossed his arms over his pajamas.

The stranger-Yami- Yugi hastily corrected himself, pivoted sharply, with a gasp, as he narrowed his eyes at Yugi.

"If we do not speak the same language, sir, then how is it that I was able to understand what you said with perfect clarity?" Yami spoke the question sternly, his sharp chin jutting forward in expectation of a quick answer.

"I believe that you mean no harm, but I do not respond well to being deceived about your ability to speak Egyptian-which you just did. Again, I ask you, sir. What is your name?"

Poor Yugi's eyes seemed to be in danger of popping out of their sockets as he groped for a possible explanation as to why Yami was standing over him and babbling in irritation about...something.

"Umm...is there something wrong? I'm sorry if I angered you, but I really don't know exactly what it would be." Yugi ventured, as he shrugged. Yami's eyes narrowed menacingly, as he folded his arms.

So this child wishes to play games with me? Or is this even a child? Isis said that I was to be released from the Puzzle, but what if this is just another of its tricks? I can't sense anything amiss here, and this young one seems to be genuinely harmless, aside from this appalling language he was cursed to speak. Sweet Ra, what will I do if this is the extent of his linguistics?

"Hey! I am not playing games and I will have you know that I am certainly not a child!" The high-pitched and perturbed bellow that came from Yugi caught Yami by suprise, as Yugi drew to his full diminutive height and gave Yami a masterful scowl that could rival his own.

Who is he to call me a child? He is the one who's acting childish! First he pops up in my room without an invitation, makes fun of my speaking, and then accuses me of playing games?

Yugi huffed in annoyance, as he stared up at Yami.

"Normally, I don't say this to strangers, but you are really out of line, and downright rude. Do you know that?" Yugi emphasized his point with a jab of his finger in Yami's direction.

Yami backed away, shamefaced, and very uncertain of how to handle a tongue-lashing from somebody so unexpected.

Sir, you are right. My manners have been appalling, and I do apologize.

Yugi glared, as he pouted, "I don't get it. First you call me a child, then you call me sir. Why don't you just call me Yugi like everyone else?"

Yami, however, was not paying attention to Yugi's tirade. Thoughtfully, he said aloud, "Will you tell me your name, please? It is only fitting if you find 'child' and 'sir' irritating."

Then, he thought the same statement, without voicing it. Yugi's mind blurted out the extremely rude, Idiot.

From the flinch of hurt across Yami's face, Yugi realized with sudden guilt that the look-alike was able to sense that loud and clear. Yami just looked at him, in wounded surprise, before allowing the cold, distant mask to morph his features into polite indifference.

My apologies, sir, for irritating you. I am obviously an intrusion and a bother to you, and will try to rectify this situation as soon as I find out how.

Yugi mentally berated himself, before the astonishing realization came to him.

Wait!

Yami glanced at him over his shoulder, in guarded curiosity. Yugi threw his hands up in frustration, as he groped for the words. We can read each other's thoughts, but we can't understand what we say to each other aloud. Is this true?

Yami nodded, slowly, pondering.

Okay...this is weird. This whole thing is weird. I mean, I wake up and find you here, and then start an argument.

Yami opened his mouth to reply, but Yugi just waved it away, rushing onward, Not of course, that I am not glad that you're here. I just don't know who exactly you are, or why you are here in the first place. Look..."

Yugi sighed, and looked down. I...I'm sorry for being rude. I know that you probably didn't mean anything by it, but people have picked on me all my life for being short, and it's just an issue I have. I look a lot younger than I actually am, I know. But, for future reference, I would really, really like it if you didn't call me anything besides Yugi, okay?

"Yuuu-gi?" Yami mouthed the word, uncomfortably, but was relieved to see the encouraging nod and the light return to the boy's eyes.

"Yes. Yugi is my name. Good job." Yami's brow furrowed in confusion and Yugi thought the statement.

Now, Yugi thought with a sly grin to Yami. Suppose you tell me exactly where you came from, and how you came to my room.

Yami gave him a sad nod. I will try to answer your questions to the best of my ability. But, you will find my answers less than satisfactory, I'm afraid.

The hours passed all too quickly, as Yugi sat in rapt attention listening to Yami's tale until the sun rose, and the fresh sky pinked with the dawn. Yami was interrupted several times by Yugi's apologies, as he hacked and blew his nose into a tissue. Yami did not seem offended in the least, and gave him a sympathetic smile each time. He had been laid low a few times with a nasty cold, and he was well acquainted with the unpleasantries of it. It was oddly reassuring to see that

such an affliction could still remain in this strange new world he was in. He found Yugi to be a remarkably attentive listener, never interrupting except to ask Yami to explain what he did not understand. For the most part, Yugi sat in silent contemplation, accepting the story as astonishing, but true.

Yami, however, felt the need to sanitize a few key truths about his past. He said nothing about his murder, and only vaguely hinted at the fact that he was dead. Yugi seemed to be a perceptive sort, but there was probably a limit to possibilities he was willing to accept.. There was no way for him to truly explain what he did not understand himself. Yami honestly did not think he could handle the attempt to put into words what he could barely think of without wanting to break down into sobs. So, he expounded with pride on the glories of Egypt, the bueaty of his homeland, and his friendship with Isis.

Yami stopped when he saw the quirk of a grin widen Yugi's lips, as he snickered, mysteriously.

May I ask what you find so hilarious about my country's history,Yugi?

Yugi's teasing grin only grew as he put a knuckle over his lips to keep the laughter from spilling out.

Yami...can I ask you a question? Yami nodded, solemnly.

This Isis lady...

Yami scowled, and groused, Lady Isis. He corrected, irritably. You should always address a woman with respect, even if she is not in this present company.

Fine, Lady Isis Yugi thought with sarcastic emphasis, and a wag of his fingers in quotations.

Was she your girlfriend?

Yami manged to look both confused, and annoyed with equal majesty. Yugi, I thought I made it clear that Isis is a lady, not a girl. However, if you mean that she was both a female, and a friend, I would have to answer yes to both.

Yugi snickered, again. Okay, Yami. However you want it.

Yami stared at him, eyes narrowed once again. However do I want what?

Yugi just laughed and shook his head. Sorry, Yami. So, what happened to her?

From the sharp, sudden pain that twisted Yami's features, Yugi instantly regretted asking the question.

She is gone. Came the flat, dead reply, as Yami looked away.

Oh. Yugi's answer was sympathetic, and kind. I'm sorry. I didn't know.

Yami shrugged in answer,but could not keep the sad longing out of his voice.

It is alright, Yugi. There is no conceivable way that you could have known that. I apologize for burdening you with my problems, as well. It's just that...I do not know anything about this time that I find myself in. I do not know the customs, the language, or even where exactly I am...

"Japan!" Came the cheery answer from Yugi, as he clamoured to his feet, and was already flinging his numerous objects around to retrieve the stuff he wanted.

You are in Japan. And the year is... Yugi happily supplied the information to poor Yami who looked as if he had swallowed something very unpleasant.

That's...oh Ra! Yami cried, after his mental calculations were done. I have been in that Puzzle for five eons?! That would certainly explain the odd things in this room, and your language. And, I have never heard of Japan, Yugi. Is that the name of your homeland?

Yes. Umm, it's the country you're in now. I think you'll like it here, once you get used to it. But, I don't think it's anything like ancient Egypt. I mean, you probably don't have running water in your houses, or even flushing toilets, do you?

Yami raised a distainful eyebrow, with a regal huff. Only a fool would build his house where running water could sweep it away, Yugi. Your house seems solidly built, but if it is in a flood plane, you may be in for quite a bad soaking if you do not move.

Yugi shook his head with a hand clapped over his mouth to hide the giggle he instinctively knew Yami would find in bad taste. No, no, Yami. Not running water like a river, running water that you wash your hands in, and flush the toilet with. You know...from a facet? Did you have bathrooms in Egypt, or what?

Yami raised both eyebrows now, as he peered down at Yugi. As Pharoah, I had a private bathing chamber where my servants would draw water and fill a basin for me to wash. I will have you know that I bathed three times a week! As for this...toilet and ...fac---facet? I have never heard of such devices.

"Oh." It was a small astonished admission from Yugi's mouth as he smiled again. I'm sorry. I didn't mean to imply that you didn't take baths. You look clean to me! But, you have to remember, Yami...this is modern day Japan. Most people here take baths at least once a day. I take a shower every morning just to wake up. I guess it would be a bit confusing if you never had indoor plumbing before. Oh, one more thing. We don't have 'bathing chambers,' any more.

It's usually just called a bathroom. Umm...you don't have to use it, do you?

Yami stared at him, uncertainly. I am sorry, I do not understand. What would I need to use?

The..the bathroom, Yami. You don't need to...go, do you? Yugi cringed when he saw Yami shrug, and gesture, an obvious demand for more of an explanation.

Do you wish me to leave, Yugi? Do people send their visitors to these bathrooms when they are finished with them?

Yugi sighed, waved a hand in negation, as he put his face in his hands in frustration. "This is going to be more complicated than I thought..."

Yami, I'm not sending you anywhere, and I don't want you to leave. I was asking you if you needed to use the bathroom. That's what we say when we ask

somebody if they need to...um...you know.

From the hopelessly lost look on Yami's face and the scrutinizing gaze in his eyes, Yami was completely missing what Yugi was hinting at, and Yugi was far too embarassed to elaborate more than necessary.

How about I just show you the bathroom? I'm sure you can figure it out from there...I hope. Yugi offered meekly, as he got off the bed, and led the way.

It was truly the most bizzarre experience in Yugi's life, to introduce a 5000 year old Egyptian king to the most rudimentary knowledge of the modern world, but he was immensely relieved to see that Yami was not only accepting of his new situation, but also able to adapt admirably. The Egyptian had an insatiable curiosity of the new world around him, but prefered to observe Yugi in action and attempt things for himself than demand lengthy explanations that Yugi did not feel he was able to give. Yugi was immensely grateful for that. It was far easier to teach Yami that flicking the light switch made the "glass torches" go on and off as he needed, and that the facet could 'draw forth' clean water than it was to elaborate on indoor plumbing and electricity. The toilet proved to be a profound mystery to Yami, who just did not seem to grasp the concept of anything more complex than a chamber pot and a servant simply emptying the contents.Yugi had wrinkled his nose in sympathy for the poor servant. Thankfully, being a spirit, Yami did not seem to be bound by the basic needs of the rest of humanity.

It was a humbling experience for Yami, as well. While it was engrained into his heart to be just, courteous, and exceedingly polite to all-being royalty, he had little experience, and even less need to attend to daily activities. Food was simply brought to him when he requested it. His clothes were always freshly washed, and his servants were always there to assist with whatever tedious thing demanded his attention. While Yami would never admit it to Yugi, or to anybody else-his pampered existance, and his insulated status as a prince isolated him largely from the way that those "beneith him" lived. Yami, of course, would never confess aloud that he believed that servants were somehow less in status because of Ra's favor on the Pharoah. But, it was disconcerting to find himself in a dwelling with far more riches than his whole palace, and yet only house Yugi and his aformentioned grandfather. Fresh, warm water drawn each day on command? Lights at the flick of a switch, rather than the torches in their bronze sconzes? This was truly magical.Yami was awed to hear that almost all of the modern people lived in such dwellings, except for the extremely poor.

Yugi apologetically sneezed into a tissue, and tossed it away with a yawn, after giving Yami a tour of the house.

I'm really sorry, Yami. But I need to get back to sleep. I'm busy fighting this sinus infection, and I need to get some rest if I want to feel better. I hope you don't mind.

Yami gave him a polite nod. Of course, Yugi. I am sorry for keeping you away from your rest. Thank you for your patience in teaching me these things.

Yugi yawned louder, ran a hand through his tousled hair. I'm sorry I am not much for company right now. Maybe you want to watch tv?

Seeing Yugi's exhaustion, and not wanting to put him through another lengthy session of the virtues of modern technology, Yami nodded, meekly.

Only if it is not a burden for you to perform, Yugi. You clearly need your rest.

Yugi chuckled. No, it's not a 'burden.' All I have to do is turn it on. It will keep you from getting bored, and it will definitely give you a taste of modern life.

Give me a second, okay?

Yami's eyes followed him, in incomprehension. He was not sure if Yugi actually wanted him to give him something, or...what?

Yugi lay a reassuring hand on Yami's shoulder. Look. I know that this is really, really strange to you. I can only imagine what it's like to go from ancient Egypt to modern Japan, away from everything you know and all the people you love. But I will help you through this, alright? You don't have to be afraid, this modern stuff isn't that hard to figure out, once you get used to it.

Yami was nearly in tears again, but from gratitude. Thank you, Yugi. Thank you so much.

Yugi blushed, and turned his attention towards the object before him. Yami stood transfixed at the familiar glass orb in the wooden box.

Now...

Yugi squatted and gestured towards the television, and pointed out the various buttons. He would save the remote control for another time.

Umm...this button makes the tv turn on. The tv screen roared to life, and both the boys were treated to a lion baring its gaping maul in a loud snarl.

Yami bolted in front of Yugi, thrust him behind his back, and crouched as he summoned the glittering orbs of energy to his and Yugi's defense. Yugi watched in amazement as Yami strode forth, quite ready to do battle with the lion.

YAMI! Calm down, I'm sorry! That...that lion won't hurt you, it's just on the tv.

Yugi, get behind me! That cat is ready to spring! The Pharoah's shrill cry of alarm was punctuated as he stood resolute in the white glow of the tv. Yugi tried very hard not to howl in laughter at Yami's poor confusion when he hastily changed the channel to something less threatening.

Yami cocked his head to the side in amazement to see the lion's image vanish with a punch of the button, only to be replaced by a children's television show consisting of a puppet horse, a talking toilet, and a clown with a red wig and flapping shoes.

What...in the name of Ra is this? Do you mean to tell me that your sanitary necessities such as toilets also sing?! Yami watched the clown, and seemed on the verge of passing out in fear. Indeed, he seemed more afraid of the clown than the lion. (Author's note: I hate clowns with a passion. They scare the hell of me!)

Yami watched as Yugi burst out with a loud guffaw, and shook with laughter until the tears came from his eyes, and he was left quivering and out of breath.

Oh, Yami! I'm sorry, I'm not laughing at you, honest! The stuff on tv? It's not real. That lion was just on the nature channel. The stuff you see on the screen won't hurt you. See? He tapped the glass for emphasis, poking the singing clown in the eye. It's not real. It's just moving pictures. See this button here?

If something bothers you, you can change the channel, or just turn it off. Now, if you don't mind, I need to get some sleep. Why don't you watch some television and relax? Come and get me if you need me, okay? I'll be up in my bedroom.

With a pat on Yami's shoulder, and one more yawn, Yugi lumbered his way back to the comfort of his bed, leaving Yami staring, completely flummoxed at the television. He could not understand any of the language, but from the continous applause, and the overwhelming number of young children in the audience, the strange performance was for their entertainment. He shuddered, as he tapped the screen, almost timidly. He found the clown to particularly terrifying. Maybe it was the exagerated mannerisms, or the fact the the clown wore a mask that hid his true intentions. Yami was always leery of those who hid themselves behind masks.

And he knew that masks came in all forms. And, to see that flapping toilet's jaw burst forth into song? Considering the poor object's fate in life, Yami could hardly consider that existance anything charming enough to sing about. He mused what exactly his own reaction would be if he heard a melody suddenly springing up from his chamber pot, and decided it was just too much of a strange and useless contemplation to bother with. With a sigh, he pushed the button, to change the channel.

The next channel popped into view, and Yami was first amazed to hear the hypnotic thump of the music, and then to see several women in extremely bright and tight outfits bouncing around in unison in time to the music. One lady barked out command after command as she bent and stretched in the front row. Yami watched them raise their ankles to their faces with eerie smiles, and he winced at their contortions. He had never seen arobics before. He allowed himself a few more minutes of viewing, finding this channel to be much more interesting than the lion, or the clown. Then, he hastily changed the channel when he found himself staring too hard, feeling both guilty and unclean. That was certainly a thought he did not need to be indulging in at the moment, however pleasant the distraction may be. Yami kept his finger on the channel button. His eyes bulged to see the swirling colors dance across the screen, their fragmented forms disolving into multicolored dots, the electronic buzz somehow soothing. Yes, here was a thing he could control, and it pleased him mightily. Even the dizzying array of distraction got boring after a while, though. With a sigh, Yami switched the television off, and rose to his feet, to examine his surroundings. He meandered over to the fireplace-pleased to note that this was something he was familiar with, and gazed abscently at the row of pictures that adorned the mantle. His eyes misted over when he saw the various stages of Yugi's life-toddling around with that bueatiful inocent smile, happily waving at the camera while hoisted high on the shoulders of the beaming, squant elderly gentleman, who cradled Yugi with obvious love. Yami almost missed the eerie sensation that rippled through him when he glanced at the photograph. With a gasp, he

saw himself peering into the beloved face of his own mentor, Shimon! Granted, the garb was odd, and his hair was swathed in a strange cloth, but everything-from the kind, violet eyes, to the grey hair and steadying arms-was Shimon. It was undeniable. Yami furrowed his brow, in wonder. Was it possible that Shimon was the promised aid from Isis? The Priest had always been fond of his young prince, indulging what he could with kindness, and stopping what he could not with a stern talk, and no more. Shimon had acted as Yami's grandfather in the abscence of his own father. Next to Isis, and his father, Shimon was one of the few people that Yami trusted without reservation, or fear.

And, it warmed his heart to see a friend across the span of so much time. Two of them. Yami thought with a smile.

Yami resolved to ask Yugi about his grandfather when he woke from his slumber, but opted to let the ill boy rest. It gave him a much needed chance to piece together some co-herent understanding of his new situation. Yami moved from his crouch on the floor to the long, soft furniture piece Yugi called a "couch,"

and draped his body across the cushions, sighing in contentment to feel both the velvet softness against his cheek, and the rare, sweet feeling of being safe. What a luxurious marvel, Yami mused, with a yawn. It is almost as soft as the silk of home. I wonder if I will ever see my country again...

Yami's thoughts drifted languidly as he fell asleep.

Yugi rose from a fitful nap, feeling oddly refreshed. He was delighted to find that his nostrils had cleared somewhat, and the cloying ache in his limbs had dulled to a tolerable level. Yawning, stretching, he slid his feet into his royal blue slippers, and tied his robe at the waist over his pajamas. Yugi padded down to the kitchen to make himself a hot cup of tea, down another swallow of his nasty cough medicine, and check on Yami. Yugi barely supressed the giggle to see Yami sprawled out on the couch, his head hanging over the side, and his mouth open in a roaring snore. With a shake of his head, Yugi gently manuvered Yami to lay flat on the couch, and covered him in a blanket, before going into the kitchen. He returned a short while later with two cups of hot tea, the steaming liquid and the honey filling the room with a wonderful aroma. He set them down on the side table with a soft clink. Yami groaned, and rolled over on his stomach before curling his legs to his chest, with a whimper. Yugi turned at the sound of his distress, and watched with growing alarm as Yami's face abruptly tensed as if he were in pain, as his hands curled uselessly at his throat. His whole body jerked in rebellion against something, Yami's hand smacked loudly against the side table. Yugi watched, helplessly, as the cup of burning tea overturned and splashed, most of it cascading down the side of Yami's face and hair.

Poison! please, not again... Blind, searing panic pounded through Yami's skull, the instinct to flee and hide and the overwhelming fear of it happening again

propelled Yami to leap off the couch with a shrill cry, as he landed in a tangled heap of sticky tea, wet blankets, and a very hard floor. Yami held his face in his hands for long moments, closing his eyes against the onslaught, waiting for the panic to stop sending him into such a weak, shaking fit.

It was the stunned, apologetic noise from the corner of the room that garnished his attention first. Yami slowly pulled the blanket away from his face, forcing away the tremor. He was embarrassed to to see a very fearful Yugi mutely holding a steaming cup of tea in one hand, and a spoon in the other, raised in a defensive gesture. Yugi's eyes darted from the spilled tea, to his own cup for several moments, before he backed away cautiously.

I'm sorry, Yami...I guess you don't like tea?

Yami's cheeks flamed in humilation, as he looked at the puddle on the floor, the sticky, scalding mess that now drenched his clothes, and most of all, the look of suprised hurt on Yugi's face.

Yami's face crumbled in absolute shame, as he helplessly surveyed the blanket, timid fingers only confirming the damage done. Wordlessly, he raised his eyes to Yugi, imploringly.

I'm... Yugi, I am so sorry. I truly did not know what came over me, forgive me, please...

Yugi gave him a kind smile, as he set the tea cup down. It's alright, Yami, really! All we have to do is throw that blanket into the wash. The carpet will dry itself out, and I've already dumped so much stuff on it, one more stain won't make any difference. Really, Yami, it's not a big deal. That tea was awfully hot, though. Are you sure you're alright?

Yami nodded, mutely as he stooped to mop up the mess and hide his tears. What is wrong with me? I must be insane to let such a thing that happened so long ago reduce me to this weeping, weak wreck.

Yugi watched the hunched Pharoah on hands and knees wiping away, uncertainly, before he went to the kitchen for a towel. He came trotting back with several towels in his arms, that he dumped on the floor, and moved with his feet, giving Yami a smile. Yugi tactfully ignored the suspect shaking of Yami's shoulders, instictively guessing that the poor king would find it even more shameful to explain his distress, if spilled tea triggered such a reaction. Ruefully, he shook his head, as Yami accepted the proffered towel with a nod, and hastily turned away. Yugi noticed his soaking hair, that was steadily dripping down his cheek, leaving a sticky mess in its wake from all the sweet stuff that he had dumped into the cup. Indeed, a tangled glob had formed on Yami's temple.

Yami? You have tea all over your face. Do you want to go upstairs and wash it off? I know it feels nasty.

Yami shook his head. I will do nothing until I have cleaned up this mess caused by my carelessness.

Yami, you already mopped most of it away. It wasn't even that big of a cup. Now, unless you enjoy having that sticky gunk in your hair, why don't you go clean it out of your hair? And, please, stop worrying about this! You act like you've never made a mistake before.

Yami jerked his hand away from the mess as if he had been burned, before drawing himself up to his full height, giving Yugi a grim stare.

Yugi, if you knew the mistakes I have made, and the choices that led me here to this time...

Yami bit his lip, tightly and shook his head with an odd resolve. I am sorry. His voice trailed off softly, as he abruptly spun on his heel, and marched up the stairs.

Yugi watched the fleeting form, mulling over the unanswered questions. To see Yami so struck with terror over such a minor issue seemed strange. But when he considered that Yami's hands kept instinctively darting towards his throat, and the effort Yugi had to put forth to not stare at that horrible white slash..

Yugi shivered, when he remembered that Yami was indeed a spirit, and the vague way he glossed over his demise, leaving it completely open to Yugi's own

interpretation. And from that pained look on Yami's face, the embarrassment, and that panicked reaction...he could not begin to fathom what exactly had been done to him. Yugi shot a sympathetic look to the footsteps above his head, with a shrug. If Yami wanted to devulge that, he would. Yugi was never one to intrude in such a matter of private pain.

--------------

Scars--

Yami had scrubbed the stickiness off of his skin, leaving his flesh raw, and red. He had lathered his hair into a huge ball of foam, enjoying the sensation of the hot spray of water against his scalp, as he rinsed himself off, and shook droplets everywhere.He wasn't exactly sure what was in the various bottles that littered the bathtub's corner, but when he saw the smiling figure with the glittering hair on the bottle, and the cascading water on the label, he was able to deduce that this was what people in Yugi's time used to clean their hair. The stuff that came from the bottle was a vivid green, with a suprisingly fruity scent, and Yami had used almost all of it. He turned off the water, watching the odd sight of the soapy liquid swirling down the open hole in the bottom of the tub, and raising an eyebrow at the rubber fish decals that decorated the bathroom tiles. Peeking his head out to make sure that he was alone from the shower curtain, he almost stepped out of the tub, when he heard a knock on the door, and Yugi's cheerful voice muffled behind its wood.

I didn't know if Grampa did enough laundry to leave you some towels to use, so I left some sitting out by the door. I got you a bathrobe, too.

He heard Yugi pad away. Yami swathed himself in a towel, and opened the door to see a heap of towels and a wadded up robe laying in a pile. Yami hastily

shoveled them all into the bathroom, and shut the door. It was then that he saw the mirror, and saw, for the first time, how the rest of the world might see him.

(Author's note: I do know that they had polished glass in ancient Egypt for mirrors, but aside from the reflection of water, I don't think people really saw themselves that much!)

Yami stood, transfixed at his own image, as he stared down at his bare torso, of the story written on his flesh. There was the long, clean white slit crowning his sternum, where Isis had stabbed him through the heart, pale and raised against the tan of his narrow chest. He grimaced when he ran a hand down his left ribs, and felt the dent where the one had been broken during Isis's poisoning. He shook his head in confusion, knowing now that it was nothing more than a lie from the Puzzle, but still not understanding how a lie could manifest itself in the odd convex bone. He tilted his head downward, to see his face. He still retained some of the darkness of his time in the sun, but he was saddened to see the sheer weariness that languished over his once youthful features. His cheekbones were in sharp contrast to his gently rounded mouth, and he was pleased to see that he did have the same regal features as his father, had he the ability to actually grow facial hair. His eyes were still the same deep violet that either drew awe, or snickers, but new lines of care had etched themselves around the corners, and he was not suprised to see that the inocent light he knew was gone. Lastly,with a mental steeling of his nerves, he tilted his head upward to see the full damage done to his neck. It became glaringly apparent imediately why the sight had sickened Isis, and even made the tactful Yugi turn away. He had learned, from simply running his fingers over his neck and feeling the raised lines that went from jaw to jaw that Seth had left his mark. But he had no idea it was this horrible! Ringing his throat like a perverse necklace, the jagged slash marks splintered into an array of tangled scars carved out haphazardly towards the center of his neck, in a wide, vicious arch, only to splay like lightening across to the back of his neck. The sickening lines wove themselves almost from his jaw bone to collar bone. The trail of scars was a good six inches, at least, blazing his suffering in huge, visible hackings for all the world to see. With a deepening scowl, Yami shrugged his shoulders, and straightened. He had hardly expected to emerge from any of this unscathed. It only made sense that such an experience leave some visible reminder to him. In a way, he was perversely grateful for that. It was a badge of honor, tangible evidence of his sacrifice. With a nod in resolve, he fingered his throat with a surge of pride. He would ask Yugi if there were some sort of covering he may obtain to mask the lines, but it was time that he faced the pain and be done with it. It couldn't be worse that reliving that horrible moment over and over again until he broke to pieces over something that could not be altered, or changed 5000 years later. Draping the robe over his narrow frame, Yami tied the belt at his hips. Resolutely, he turned away from his reflection, and after gathering up the sopping towels, quietly exited the bathroom.

Yugi watched Yami drift down the stairs again, the wadded up towels in both arms, as he peered shyly at Yugi, with an uncertain glance towards the towels.

Yugi gave him a reassuring smile, as he rose to his feet. Those go in the hamper. Let me take them.

Yami silently handed the towels over, and watched Yugi disappear down the corner. He heard the distant roar of another mysterious machine somewhere down the

hall, and saw Yugi emerge a few moments later without the towels. The awkward silence between them spanned for long moments, as Yugi drummed his fingers

against the table, and Yami frowned in silent contemplation. With a sigh and resolve, Yami abruptly rose to his feet, his face commanding, and his voice polite, but

cold, and distantly regal.

Yugi, you do not know me at all, but you have accepted my presence without question, and you have done nothing but treat me with kindness. For that

I thank you. However, I am afraid that I have not been completely honest when I told you about my ancient past. I apologize for that. I had no intentions

of decieving you. But, I wish to make amends for it.

Yugi watched curiously, as Yami strode the few steps between them, until they were almost nose to nose. Yugi raised his eyebrows, as he saw Yami peer deep into his eyes, with a calculating tilt of his head.

Yami? What exactly are you doing?

Yami only gave him a half smile. I am not sure. But, if I am successful, you will certainly notice a most refreshing change. You are ill, correct?

Yeah. That's why I keep blowing my nose, and my voice sounds so hoarse. Why?

Yami said nothing, but only raised a hand, with the fingers outstretched, as he lay it across Yugi's crinkled forehead. Yugi's eyes seemed in danger of rolling out of

his skull when he felt the unearthly warmth trickle from Yami's hand through his body. Yami? What are you doing?

Wait. Yami's soft answer wafted between them, as his lips curled into a mysterious, and satisfied smile. Yugi muttered something, and Yami could see the fear in his

bulging eyes when the glowing eye of Horus appeared in its arching blaze across his forehead.

Yami?! Your forehead is glowing! What are you doing?! His voice was a high squeak of alarm, as Yami withdrew his hand, and stepped back in concern.

Yugi? I did not hurt you, did I? Yugi lurched backwards. Yami, what was that? What did you do to me?!

Yami was silent for a long moment, before he replied. How is your...sickness? Does it plague you still, or can you breathe clearly now?

Yugi took an experimental breath through his nose, and swallowed. He could breathe without feeling like he was attempting to inhale a spike covered wash cloth, and the dull ache from his clogged sinuses was completely gone. His throat felt cool and relaxed, and there was no raw pain from his swallowing. Gone were the chills and the throbbing head.

Wow! How did you do that? I feel 100 percent better! Thank you!

Yami allowed a smug little grin. It is my gift to you. To compensate you for the inconvience of my earlier clumsiness, and tolerating my presence.

Yami. The earnest, solemn tone in Yugi's voice commanded his attention, as Yugi gently draped a hand over his shoulder. You haven't been here long enough

to be a burden. And everybody makes mistakes, believe me. Whatever you did in the past can't possibly be so bad that it can't be made right, or at

least forgiven so you can move on.

Yami looked at him, sharply, wondering if Yugi was able to garner the horror he had endured, or if the boy was just unnaturally perceptive. Or maybe, Yami

had one of his nightmares and blurted the tale out under duress as he slept.

Yugi gave Yami a long look, and a smile of understanding. I don't exactly know why I said that, Yami. But, it seemed to be something that you needed to hear.

I'm sorry if I overstepped my bounds, or anything like that. But, 5000 years is a long, long time to live with something. And I don't know of anybody who lives their lives without getting a few scars along the way. Yugi said quietly, with a pointed look at Yami's neck. Scars are nothing to be ashamed of. I noticed you keep picking at those lines around your neck. Maybe it would make you feel a little less self-conscious if you saw some of mine.

Yugi rolled up the sleeve of his pajama shirt, of his left arm to the elbow, to show a curious pattern of darkened dots that went from the inside of his wrist to his

elbow. Yami looked at them, questioningly. This is where my mother put her cigarette out on me when I was a little kid. They're burn marks, Yami.

Yami's eyes darted up to him in horrified understanding.

Your own mother burned you? Yugi gave him a sad smile of old pain, and quite different from his usual bright cheer. She did much more than burn me, Yami. I'm not going to get into it, now, but this is a big reason why I live with Grampa and not my mother.

Yugi drew the sleeve back over his arm, silently buttoning it into place, before he unrolled the other sleeve. His bare flesh showed nothing but a curious white line,

much like the one that Yami bore over his heart.

Does this look familiar, Yami? It came from the Puzzle. I would have had much more than a scar, if you hadn't stepped in the way and blocked that attack.

That's why I'm not afraid of you. Because you took the brunt of that whole thing for me. I know we haven't talked that through, and, at the time, I thought it was nothing more than a dream, but now that you're here...do you not feel like we've known each other forever? Look at us. How many people in Egypt ever had hair as wild as ours? How many people do you know have these weird purple eyes? We both resemble each other enough to be twins, and we can even read each other's minds. Yami...

Yugi's eyes suddenly filled with tears, and Yami rose to his feet protectively. Yami, I have something to tell you, about that attack. Yugi bit his lip, looking as

if he were going to collapse. I accidently dropped the Puzzle. There was a corner piece that was chipped away, and I heard this scream coming from the

Puzzle...was that you?

Yami was rigid, his jaw quaking, and his eyes hardened into considering realization. Yugi...was it after you dropped the Puzzle that you had this dream?

Yugi nodded. Yugi, please bring the Puzzle here. Yugi stared at him for a moment, but trotted up the stairs to retrieve the golden object, while Yami crossed his arms and continued his troubled thoughts.

Yugi came thundering down the stairs, with the Puzzle balanced in one hand, and a book in the other. Shyly, Yugi held the Puzzle out, as Yami reverently lifted it up.

The warmth and the shimmering glitter that danced over its golden points as if in welcome made Yami even more afraid. Yami felt the loose corner piece wobble

beneith his palm, and he carefully turned it over in his hands. The overwhelming hunger that poured forth from it...greedy hunger, baring its fangs back to drink his anguish, and the sheer malice made his stomache lurch in alarm as he fought the urge to throw the cursed thing at a wall.

Yami? Are you alright? Yugi saw Yami's face harden into a look of fear and hatred, as he hastily passed the Puzzle to Yugi before he followed his more foolish instincts.

It is a thing of evil, Yugi. And if you bare scars that came from its attack on you in a dream... Yami swallowed hard. Then it has the power to manifest itself in this realm as well.

Yami gave a bitter, sad, wry sigh, as he crossed his arms, and stared at the Puzzle in resignation. Then I am no more free here than I was when I was alive

in Egypt.

Yugi said nothing, but only gave Yami a comforting smile. Maybe we should get some sleep. This couch is nice, but not as comfortable as a bed. Why don't

you come upstairs with me, and find you a place to sleep, huh? I mean, there's not too much to be done about this right now, anyway, is there?

Yami relunctantly shook his head, and silently followed Yugi with a bowed head, and eyes fixed firmly on the floor.

-

It was the odd sounds of pans being slammed downstairs, and the delicious smell of something sizzling that awoke Yami. He lay bundled up on the floor

in a sleeping bag, and a pillow by Yugi's bed. Yugi had offered the Pharoah the use of his bed, but he gave a stoic refusal, and was actually asleep too quickly

for Yugi to argue. Puzzled, Yami rose on his elbows, and cocked his ear to listen to the sounds that were coming from downstairs. Yami watched Yugi mutter

something, and roll over, burrowing deeper into the covers. Yami smiled fondly at him. Clearly the boy was not an early riser, and from the bright shaft of sunlight

wafting through the drawn shades, Yami could tell that the morning was well on its way. He yawned, rose, and silently began to roll the sleeping bag into a neat ball,

replacing Yugi's pillow on his bed, and tidying up the mess of the rumpled sheets. A soft knock at the door interupted his task, and he froze. The knock grew louder, and Yami heard the deep, but kind rumbling of an old voice announcing, "Yugi, my boy, breakfast is ready, sleepy head. It's time to wake up!"

Yugi groaned, and his muffled voice emerged from his face that was buried deep in the pillow, "Okay, Grandpa, I'll be right there!"

Yami heard footsteps coming to the door, watched in fear as the doorknob turned, and, to his shock, vanished into thin air.

Solomon Moto's grey head appeared from the open door, as he narrowed his eyes to see Yugi still curled up in the bed. He was vaguely troubled by the afterimage he thought he saw-a strange figure that looked just like Yugi, that was gone too quickly for him to even believe it was there at all. He shook his head, as he tapped Yugi's shoulder gently. Yugi stirred, and bolted awake when he saw Solomon standing over him, with an impatient foot tapping. "Breakfast is ready, and waiting

for one hungry grandson, if he can get his little keister out of bed. I happened to make blueberry pancakes, which I believe is his favorite, if he can manage to make the long journey downstairs." Yugi smiled up at him, yawned apologetically, and scrambled out of bed, as he tried to smoothe the sheets over into some semblance of order. Solomon sighed, fondly, and waved his attempts away. "Leave it for now, Yugi. You know that I would never deprive you of food because of an unmade bed."

Once Yami had gotten over the dizzying disorientation, he opened his eyes in numb horror to once again see the glitter of the Puzzle's bricks, as he stared stupidly

at them, not understanding what he was doing there. All he knew was that he wished for an escape, and then he felt the strange pulling sensation to find himself

flung into the Puzzle. He was perversely grateful that his golden prison was hiding his presense from the one Yugi called "grandfather" but it was disturing, none the less.The appearance of his old tutor, Shimon, was indeed welcome, and from the way the old man's eyes lingered in his direction after he disappeared told Yami

that he had been seen. But, he did not know if Shimon had any memory of him, and if not, how the grandfather would react to a spirit lingering around his grandson.

Yami shook his head, resolving to muse over that thought much later, when he had the time to devote to it. Now, he had the most disturbing question of how he

was back in the Puzzle. He could sense its presence shuddering, retreating with a silent entreaty for him not to hurt it any more. Yami was flummoxed by that change, and thought it was yet another trick. But, from the rapid fleeing, and the desperate fear that shimmered from its depths, Yami could tell-however strangely-that this

was no trick. He, however, was hardly in the mood for mercy when he wanted answers, and not eager to forgive for all the pain that the Puzzle had mindlessly inflicted on him. Yami commanded the Puzzle to present itself with a sneer and a gesture, and he was perversely gratified to see the shadow slinking towards him

like a retreating cockroach.

Yes, my king? May I serve you?

Yami made no attempt to hide his disgust. "Why have you drawn me back into this place? You seemed so eager to have me free, and yet you attempt to

imprison me once again?"

The answer was soft, hesitant,and very afraid. My king, I did not draw you forth. I no longer have the power to do so. It was by your wish that you

reappeared here.

Yami's mouth twisted into a scowl, as he considered this information. "Really? Very well, then. If you provide a satisfactory answer to my question, you will not

be punished. Why, after fighting for nearly 5000 years to escape this golden hell, would I want to come back? Is this a logical course of action to you?"

My king, I am no longer in control over your thoughts, and have not been for some time, now. Surely you have noticed the change in my essence, and

the strong magic necessary to keep you here. If you wish to debate logic, my king, I have my own question for you? If I were so powerful to keep you

caged here, why would I let you escape in the first place? Why would I allow you to linger so long in the world outside, and why would I suddenly

draw you back at your wish, and not my own?

Yami's eyes slid up at the walls in relunctant thoughts, as he sighed. What the Puzzle said made perfect sense, and it certainly would not risk injuring itself to

maintain the illusion that it still held power, if Yami was strong enough to control it.

"So, you are saying that I now have the ability to move freely from the Puzzle as I wish? How is this possible?"

My king, I was initially created to house your spirit until the time came for you to be released...and you have been released. It was by the hands of that

child you befriended, when he put the pieces of me back together. Since you are spirit, you are no longer subject to the rules of the flesh, and you now

have the ability to pass through solid objects...such as my gold. You wished to disappear, and I had no choice but to obey your command. That is how

you reappeared here. If you wish to leave this place, then simply wish it to be so, and you shall find yourself back with the boy.

Yami stared at the Puzzle, with a considering eyebrow arched. "No. I will not be leaving until I recieve some forthright answers from you, you cursed trinket!

You have the power of deception, as I well know. But, are my fragmented memories the result of your bedamned manipulation, or was I truly betrayed?"

It was the Puzzle's dreaded silence that truly unnerved him. He felt its sick, smug satisfaction burbling forth, briefly, before it was choked down by a mask

of gloating.

My king, what actually happened, and your perception of past events vary greatly. You speak so highly of my manipulative powers, but consider this:

you believe the lady Isis to be your friend, and had faith in her ability to see the future. Would the one you called friend lock you away in a piece

of gold that had this ability? I cannot altar the future, nor do I change the past. I can reflect memories, bend them to my will, if I wish. But to actually

altar time itself is a power forbidden for mortals or their items to attempt.

"And I am a ressurected spirit from 5000 years ago, living in a corrupted piece of gold, and now dwelling in the 21st century. I daresay that the firm and fixed

beliefs no longer apply in my situation. How can they?"

They do not. If it pleases you, my king, I will acknowledge your existance to be out of the bounds of normalacy. But I have no more knowledge of

this than I have already given you, so do not expect the answers you seek from me. Seek your answers from the old and the wise, my king. Recall

how beloved Master Shimon once guided you through confusion with a steadying hand so long ago. Seek him out now.

With that, the Puzzle went silent again, and Yami found himself staring again at the walls, the words still lingering. Yami was both sated and irritated of the Puzzle's

answers. It heartened him mightily to know that he was no longer subject to anybody's mercy and delighted with his new friend, Yugi. The modern time he was

now residing in seemed to be enchanting with all of its power, and Yami was quite eager to explore his new existance. He heard the deep mumblings of Yugi's

grandfather as he shuffled around the kitchen banging various metal pieces together, through the strange connection he discovered with Yugi, and wondered

if Yugi's grandfather would tolerate his existance, forgetting that Yugi was able to understand his thoughts.

Yami?! Where did you disappear to? Yugi was pivoting around frantically for some trace of Yami, as he stooped under the bed. I'm sorry if my grandfather

startled you, but you don't need to be afraid of him. He won't hurt you. Yami, please, come out!

Yami closed his eyes, exhaled and felt the waft of wind again, as he suddenly reappeared in the room, once more. Yugi stared, mutely, his eyes rolling in a wide,

confused arc between the Puzzle, and Yam, and back again, as he shook his head. Yami, did you go into the Puzzle?

Yami nodded. Good came Yugi's answer. Maybe you can explain it to me one day, but not now. Now, are you going to come downstairs with me for

breakfast, or do you want to stay up here for a while before meeting my grandfather? We can't exactly hide you here forever, especially if you keep

vanishing into thin air and popping out again. What is it like in the Puzzle, anyway?

Yami turned abruptly at the question, as he stared down with hardened eyes and a bent spine in a preditory crouch over the bedamned gold, and shook his

head, slowly, before he turned to Yugi with infinite pain in those eyes once more.

It is not unlike existing on the inside of a tomb. There is nothing there but golden bricks that spiral endlessly into ever confusing corridors, and

memories of mine littered along the way. I think you might find it rather...redundant. But, after 5000 years of seeing the same scenes over and

over again, I may speak with a bit of a bias, Yugi.

Yugi stared at the Puzzle, warily with a raised eyebrow. I guess Grandpa got a bit more than he bargained for when he brought the Puzzle home, didn't he?

Yami turned to Yugi sharply. Master Shimon..er...your grandfather was the one who discovered the Puzzle? Is that how it was removed from Egypt?

Yugi flushed awkwardly. I'm sorry about that. My grandfather was a great Egyptianologist...um...somebody who studies Egyptian history, and he

loves to go on archiological digs when he gets time away from the game shop-that's how we support ourselves-and he brought the Puzzle back

to Japan, and gave it to me. But, Grandpa isn't into desecrating sacred items. He's always big on leaving the tombs alone as much as possible.

Yami frowned in confused irritation, only able to understand about half of Yugi's words. He shook his head in dismissal, he would have time later to piece that

information out for himself, if it were necessary. Yugi, your grandfather...how will you explain my presence here? If you wish me to leave, I shall.

NO! You can't go, Yami. You don't know the first thing about surviving in this world-not that I don't think you would eventually figure it out, of course,

but I want you to stay. You can go back into your Puzzle if you think that would be easier for a while, but we could only hide this for so long, and I know that Grandpa will handle this much better than you give him credit for. As to how we would explain this? Well...I don't really think we can, Yami.

Yugi gave him a wilting smile at the admission, before he brightened again. But, I don't think we'll need to, though. Once he sees you, and you do your magic

with the Puzzle...I don't think it will be a problem, Yami. Now...have you ever eaten blueberry pancakes?

--

Solomon's Wisdom...

Solomon grinned tolerantly at Yugi's footsteps making their way down the stairs, as he heaped several pancakes into a small mountain, and dribbled an obscene

amount of syrup over them with a pat of butter. He put the plate at Yugi's usual spot, the small barstool that sat underneith the counter that was centered in the small,

humble kitchen, along with orange juice, and silverware. He hummed as he took off his apron, and made a plate for himself, then took his customary spot across

the counter facing Yugi.

Yugi emerged with considerable trepidation, hoping for his grandfather's understanding, but fearful of the consequences. Yami had retreated into the Puzzle, and he

could feel the waves of fear, and hope radiating in equal intensity, as Yugi carefully set the golden object down on the counter for Solomon's inspection.

Solomon gave a grin of triumph, as he rose to pat Yugi's shoulder. "Well done, my boy. It seems that you have solved the Puzzle at last. A chip off the old block.

You weren't up all night playing with that, now, were you?" He scolded, gently. Yugi yawned, then blushed. "I was up late last night, Grandpa. But, I had a really

good reason. Grandpa, I need to tell you something." Yugi figited worriedly, as he stared up to see Solomon's concern. "I don't know exactly how to say it, either."

Solomon put down his fork, and rose on his elbows.. "Yugi, I am your grandpa. You don't ever need to be afraid to come to me if something is troubling you. And from those circles under your eyes, young man, I dare say that something is.Now, then. What is it?"

"Um...well...it's the Puzzle, Grandpa." Yugi stalled, as he tried desperately to grope for the words to explain the impossible. "When I completed it, something happened.Something really good, but sort of scary, if you don't believe in that sort of thing. I mean, you have an open mind, but, I don't think you would really

go for this.."

"Yugi." Solomon's steady voice rose, as he grasped the small hands in understanding over the counter. "You never were good at lying to me, and you have never

been able to babble your way out of telling me something you really needed to, young man. Why not just tell me out right and let me be the judge of what I believe,

hmmm?"

Yugi sighed. "Alright, Grandpa. But promise me you won't freak out, alright?" Solomon smiled tolerantly, thinking that poor, embarrassed Yugi had done something

minor, like chip the Puzzle, or lose at a duel.

Yami? I have the Puzzle sitting out on the counter, right now. I know this is a dumb question, but do I need to set it on the floor so you don't wind up

breaking the kitchen table?

Yami's irritated squawk came forth. Yugi, I am perfectly capable of emerging from the Puzzle where I choose without resorting to standing on your kitchen

table. I can even emerge fully clothed if you wish, in my ancient garb. Would your grandfather prefer that?

Well, Yami, excuse me for not knowing how exactly an ancient spirit emerges from a puzzle, or what clothes you wear. You weren't really planning on

coming out ...naked, were you?

Yami did not deem it necessary to reply to that, but he chafed under the audacity of the question. He was a very modest person, to the point of being shy, and

would be absolutely mortified if that was even a remote possibility.He was no prude, of course, but revealing his flesh in such a balant and obtrusive way made him

recoil at the very thought.

Yugi...Rest assured, please. I have no intention of being anything less than fully clothed in the presences of anybody.

Good, good. Then, could you please come out? There was silence across the bond, and Solomon seemed to be perfectly flummoxed at Yugi's facial

expressions as he mentally chatted with Yami. "Are you that lost in your thoughts, Yugi?" Solomon asked with a raised eyebrow.

Yami?! My grandfather is going to think I am absolutely insane if you don't come out. Please, make your appearance, or something already!

You sincerely believe that my appearance is going to improve this situation at all? The wry answer hid Yami's fear, as he shored his defenses for the leap of

faith.

I will come out, Yugi. But forgive me for the consequences. With a sigh, Yami braced himself, and emerged.

He heard the soft clink of metal as Solomon dropped his fork, and his jaw, staring in disbelief with a small shake of his head.

"Grandpa?...meet...Yami." Yugi whispered weakly with a gesture towards the Pharoah, who stood shimmering in the aftermath of the spell, and cloaked in

his Egyptian garb of gold and white. Solomon scowled, deeply, and huffed to his feet as he waddled over to Yami, with narrowed violet eyes full of confusion.

"Yugi." Came the bark of his grandson's name. "Yes, Grandpa?" Solomon did not take his eyes away from Yami at all, but gave Yugi the order "Go into the kitchen,

and fix another plate. I'll come for it when I am ready, understand, my boy?" Yugi gave a quick nod as he scrambled away. He paused behind Solomon to give Yami a quick apologetic look of reassurance.

Don't worry, Yami. It's going to be alright. Just be honest with him, okay? Yami watched the small retreating back as it disappeared, with desperate longing.

From the annoyed sigh and the pointed cough coming from the old man, Yami gulped, and stared with tredipiation under the baleful weight of Solomon's stare.

The old man said nothing, only cocked his head to the side to ponder the situation with infinitely irritating patience, and Yami fought the urge to flee. Solomon noted

with concern that Yami looked small, embarrassed, and miserable. What was most unnerving about the situation was the complete lack of suprise from the old man.

Indeed, Solomon was watching with the air of somebody who already understood far more than Yami liked.

"So." began Solomon in the ancient Egyptian tongue, "You are Yami.You came from the Puzzle, did you not?" Yami's eyes shot open wide at hearing his own

language, and he answered, unthinking, "Sir?! How do you know my tongue? I thought it was no longer spoken in your modern times."

Solomon gave a rich, warm, pleasured chuckle. "Maybe not spoken, my boy, but certainly studied by those who love your country's history. This is certainly an

interesting situation."

"Interesting is not what I would deem this situation, sir. I am 5000 years out of my time, and away from all that I have known and loved. It is not a fate that many

would be pleased with." Yami admitted with a rueful twist of his lips.

Solomon looked at him with compassion. "You sound like you have learned the bitter lesson that fate doesn't really bother itself with what we want most of the time. But it still doesn't explain what you are. Are you a spirit, or a ghost? Unless I am going senile or blind in my old age, I know you're not a hallucination. Do you remember dying in Egypt?"

The tears that welled up in Yami's eyes made him regret the words. "Yes, sir." Yami's fingers curled unwillingly at the golden clasp of the cloak, as he slowly

peeled the material away to reveal the scars. "It...I...It was not an expected death, sir, nor was it a pleasant one."

Solomon stared at Yami's mutilated neck in horror as Yami hastily moved the cloak to conceal it again. "I am sorry if I disturbed you, sir. But you seem to know

a great deal more about me than you admit to." Solomon nodded, slowly. "That may be, Yami. That may be in deed. If you don't mind me asking, how was it

necessary for your neck to be sliced to the point of decapitation? Being sealed away certainly did not involve undue suffering to the victim. Certainly not violence

of that sort!"

Yami bowed his head, wearily, as he murmured, "I do not feel completely comfortable disclosing that information, sir. I do not mean to be inpolite, but this issue

is an extremely personal and painful one. Will you tell me how you know of the Sealing?"

Solomon gave him a coy, secretive grin, as he rose without answering imediately. "I think it best we allow Yugi to hear this, don't you? My grandson would not

appreciate any of this being kept a secret, unless you have reasons for why he shouldn't know?"

Yami faltered.."Is he not a child?" Solomon huffed as if offended, before facing Yami squarely. "Never call him that, Yami. That young man in there has been through

hell and back, and has not lost his sweet nature, or his compassion. He's displayed a great deal more maturity about his life than most people. Believe me, he looks

small, but don't let that fool you. My grandson is a very tough young fellow, and you'd be wise to remember that. Besides," he grinned, gently."I think you both

have a great deal in common, Yami. I think you will find that he can help you, and vice versa, if you will let him."

"You have not known me for more than an hour, sir, yet you are demanding that I share some of my most intimant memories with you. How do I know that I can

trust you?"

Solomon drew himself up sharply, with a smug allowance. " And you are a 5000 year old spirit who claims to be an Egyptian pharoah, who just appeared from a

golden triangle in my kitchen. Exactly who should be dealing with the issue of trust here, Yami? I will tell you this, though. If I ever find that you mean harm to Yugi,

I will happily smash the Puzzle, and end your existance permanently-spirit or not. And, rest assured, my boy, I know how to do so."

For a moment, Solomon looked more like a bulldog than an old man, and even though Yami had to look down to see him, he was still very much alarmed. With such

a sway of power over Yami, it was little wonder the old man had such ready acceptance of his presence.

"Yes, sir. I promise that I mean no harm to Yugi, nor will I ever permit any to fall upon him." Solomon gave him a wide, welcoming smile.

"Good, good. Then we should get along fine, Yami...And, oh, yes. I know about you because of the hyrogliphics that are carved into the box that the Puzzle came in. They are not that difficult to read if you have studied Egyptian as long as I have. I think that you were meant to be here, Yami."

"Sir? How is it that you just accept that I am who I say I am, without any need of proof? I appreciate your more than generous hospitality, of course, but I find

myself a bit unnerved at this unexpected kindness, and I can't help but wonder what your intentions are." Solomon looked at him for a long moment, then gave

a gleeful, beaming smile. "Knowledge, my boy! To have my curiosity sated! I have studied your country's history as a passion for the past 30 years, and no

story intrigued me more than the one that was carved on the Puzzle's sides. Besides..." Solomon's voice dropped to a conspirital whisper as he heard Yugi's

timid knock on the door. "Yugi is not the first person I have met to have an item with a sealed spirit, you know." Yami inhaled in shock, as he turned to Solomon.

"Do you mean that there are others who have been sealed away? That there are more in this time who have survived the eons to exist in this present day? But why?"

Solomon waved the questions away, as he rose to holler, "Yugi, you may come in now! Your young friend and I have finished our chat, my boy."

He turned to Yami with intense worry, and whispered, under his breath. "Not all those sealed away have such masters, Yami. You are a very lucky young man indeed." He then turned to Yugi with a welcoming gesture as he staggered in with another plate loaded with pancakes. Yami stared down at the alien bread, as Yugi

handed him a fork and took the liberty of dumping a massive amber glob of syrup onto Yami's plate. "Dig in!" he said cheerily, as he sat down across from Solomon

and proceeded to wolf down the pancakes with happy abandon. Yami watched in amazement as Yugi plowed through the food and promptly piled his plate with

another heap. With a curious look to Solomon, he whispered, "Sir? Does Yugi always consume that much food?"

Solomon chuckled. "It is a rather curious thing, isn't it? How in the world can somebody so small possibly eat that much? It makes me wonder where all his food goes!"

"It goes into my stomache, you two! Where else would it go? Just because I'm small doesn't mean that I have to have an appetite to match!" Yugi answered with

an irritated wave of his fork. "Yami? You don't like pancakes?" Yugi stared at Yami as if the poor Pharoah had just sprouted a second head in dismay.

Yami stared curiously at the food on his plate, and awkwardly manuvered the fork as he stabbed the first pancake and brought the whole thing up to his mouth.

He gnawed at it, nervously, before Solomon gently nudged his shoulder, and sawed the pancake into pieces for Yami's convience. Yami flushed again, but

smiled his gratitude as he timidly brought the food to his mouth. Yugi's grin widened when he saw Yami's suprise, then rapture as he chewed in wonder, then

looked, wide-eyed at Solomon. "Sir? This is ...absolutely manna for the gods themselves. How on earth did you manage to concieve of such a thing?"

Soloman gave him a wry look, as Yugi supplied, "All you do is mix stuff in a bowl and put it in a skillet, Yami. Even I can do that." Yami paid no attention, though.

He was too busy gorging himself on the pancakes and relishing the sensation of tasting food again. The finest court banquet could not compare to this glorious

fare before him! And, together, the three ate their first breakfast together. Yugi looked at his grandfather and Yami, with a smile. It was good to see that they

were getting along this well already.