I really enjoyed writing this chapter so I hope you enjoy reading it!

Oh, by the way important information concerning this:

"speech"= Wesret unless of course it's emphasizing something (because I'm too lazy to look up words or make them up)

Seto yawned and rubbed his eyes, wishing that the paperwork would do itself for once so he could go to bed at a reasonable hour. Mokuba was already asleep, sprawled in the armchair which had become his usual nap chair for days like this, when he refused to head to bed before his brother but couldn't refuse the siren song of sleep. He sighed and glanced down at yet another form requiring his signature for some such event or the other. This one was for a charity ball in Domino a week from now, an event which Atem had also been invited to for 'educational' purposes. In other words, Akhnankhamun was telling Akhnadin that attacking Atem in Japan would be stupid because he was famous (supposedly).

Seto groaned, just knowing it was going to be a disaster for everyone. Yugi had left shortly after their meeting with his father, Joey lending him a hand after receiving treatment on his wrist. Atemu had spent most of the afternoon with Bakura, Marik or Ishizu, alternately blasting things to bits or meditating to gain a better control of the shadows. However, it seemed that Ishizu had noticed something Seto had seen for himself: Atem's powers were amplified here, endangering both his control and his soul. And the problem seemed to be getting worse, something that no one was comfortable admitting. Akhnankhamun didn't seem too pleased with any of the current developments and had plans to leave tomorrow, taking Mahad with him, after talking with his son (since Yugi point blank refused to return and talk to his family. Apparently he was spending the night at Joey's house, something which seemed stupidly hazardous but not particularly dangerous overall), ordering Ishizu to stay and keep an eye on Atem's growing powers. Bakura was just the same as always, if a little agitated. Seto didn't know if anything could get much worse.

There was a soft knock on the door and Seto glanced up to see his uncle on the other side. "May I come in Seto?" He just nodded wordlessly, glancing quickly at Mokuba to find that he was still out. He probably wouldn't wake up until the next morning. Akhnankhamun seemed to notice him too and a soft smile graced his features.

"Yugi used to curl up in chairs like that as well. They both did," the man said quietly as he lowered himself into the chair opposite Seto's desk. Seto set the document he was holding down and lowered his eyes to the desk. As usual, he wasn't quite sure what to say and felt awkward.

"Is there something you want from me sir?" Seto asked his eyes trained on Mokuba's foot, which was dangling over the arm of the chair, the only part of his brother he could see round his uncle. Akhnankhamun sighed and steepled his fingers under his nose, seeming deep in thought.

"I know you are very busy out here in Japan, Seto," he started and Seto resisted the urge to roll his eyes. The man had no idea. "But there are some things I would like you to clear up before Atem leaves." And here comes the part where he guilt trips me with the 'what-a-real-father-does' speech Seto thought. "I need you to make sure that there is someone watching Yugi at all times and that there is no disruption of mail from Luxor to Domino city. I also need you to keep an eye on Bakura," As if that's possible, "and carry on sending me weekly reports on my sons. The rest you know." Seto couldn't help the scowl that briefly crossed his features. For once, Atem wasn't acting like a royal extension of the thief court and yet now he was supposed to rein him in as if he was. It seemed unfair on his cousin and it certainly wasn't fair on Mokuba as this ridiculous babysitting duty over Atem (because, really, that was all it was) would take up any spare time Seto had left. Counting the precious hours Seto kept aside for sleep. But there wasn't anything he could do; after all, Akhnankhamun was the pharaoh, inside and outside of Egypt.

"Of course, your Highness," Seto said, inclining his head. Akhnankhamun rose with a smile and took one last glance at Mokuba.

"Thank you Seto. I knew I could rely on you." Seto didn't move until the man was well and truly out of the room. He somehow managed to get himself and Mokuba to their rooms before collapsing into his bed, saying goodbye to any more comfortable nights in it for the foreseeable future.

Atemu was not happy as he listened to his father detail out his new plans for his protection while in Japan. Seto looked as if he was in need of a good night's sleep but that was probably now extremely elusive which just added to his guilt. It was bad enough when he looked at Marik and Odion, both of whom tried to make him feel better to no avail, but now he was putting his cousin through hell as well. And all because of one stupid fight in a park with a policeman's son.

"Don't you think you're going a bit overboard with this?" Bakura said from his residence on the window seat. It seemed to be his favorite spot in the house and Atemu couldn't blame him. After all, it was a brilliant exit.

"You of all people should know that this event will have brought my brother's attention, putting not one but both of my sons in trouble. It is both yours and Seto's duty to ensure their safety, a job which you seem to be rather lax in," Akhnankhamun snapped and Atemu winced at the wording. Seto had a job here. He was running a company and yet his father still asked for babysitting duties of his sons as if they weren't able to look after themselves.

"Father, it wasn't their fault and the boy had nothing to do with Uncle anyway," Atemu argued in his cousin's defence before he or Bakura could begin any kind of fight. Bakura especially if he wanted to stay in any vicinity of Ryou. Akhnankhamun turned his eyes towards his son and underneath the anger Atemu could see the worry without any real effort. It was his fault, he knew that much, but he didn't like seeing his father so worked up.

"Atem…you know that my brother will do everything in his power to prevent you from returning home. And now he will know of your brother too." Atemu ducked his head and trained his eyes on the floor. All he seemed able to do at the moment was feel guilt. Guilt over Yugi, guilt for Joey, guilt for Seto and guilt for his father. Heck, he even felt guilty about Ryou and he barely knew him! But there was little he could do to argue because his father was right.

"I know," he said quietly, not raising his head. "I will do as you say and keep out of trouble. I promise." Akhnankhamun nodded his head and, with one last hug from Atem and hand shake from Seto, he left Japan.

Yugi couldn't help thanking whatever gods there were out there for friends like Joey. He had spent the past two nights at Joey's house, keeping out of Mr Wheeler's way as much as possible, and was glad of any distraction from news of his father and brother. A note had turned up that morning from Kaiba stating that his father had left the country and that he was welcome at the Kaiba mansion whenever he wished (not that Yugi ever planned on heading back). Mokuba had called that morning to check that the message had gotten through and Yugi could hear the confusion and hurt in the boy's voice. No one had filled Mokuba in on what had happened and so he couldn't understand why Yugi had fled and not returned. But it was just too much. Now, he was spending the day at Tristan's house with the rest of his friends when the doorbell rang.

It was Tea who got up to answer it to reveal a man dressed in black with dark glasses. He wore a name tag reading Daisuke. He was also holding a large package in his hands.

"Uh… can I help you?" Tea asked nervously. The man turned his shaded eyes towards her before answering.

"I'm looking for Yugi Motou." That was it, nothing else elaborating on that fact. Tea glanced behind her towards where Yugi was and he sighed, knowing that the peace wouldn't last forever. He supposed this would be when he would be dragged back to the Kaiba mansion for good.

"That's me," he said, moving towards the door. The man nodded and stepped into the house.

"My name is Daisuke Hashimoto. Mr Kaiba sent me here with instructions to give you these," with that he took a slip of paper from his pocket and handed it over along with the package. Yugi blinked as the box was given to him, wondering what it was.

"Err… thanks." He waited for the man to leave but he remained where he was. Yugi turned to look at his friends and Joey stepped forward, putting a hand on Yugi's shoulder.

"If that's everything, you can go back to rich boy now," Joey stated angrily. Daisuke barely noticed.

"I was told to stay here. Mr Kaiba stated he had explained everything in his note." Yugi glanced at the sheet of paper in his hand. It was typed, not hand written and was most probably done by one of Kaiba's many secretaries. There wasn't even a signature that he could see. Sighing, he wandered back into the living room and dumped the box on the floor and settled himself next to it to read the letter.

Dear Yugi Motou

Your father has given orders that you are to be watched at all times in terms of security. Daisuke Hashimoto is one of my best security guards and has been given strict instructions to accompany you wherever you wish to go and will swap with another, less personal guard during the night. He will be at your service and will follow any order other than to leave you completely and just in case you believe you have the worst end of the bargain Atem has orders not to leave the mansion. Be glad you still have some semblance of freedom.

Arrangements are mainly made around your grandfather's shop and Mr Wheeler's home. Please refrain from staying anywhere else until this matter has been cleared up.

Yours Sincerely

Seto Kaiba

P.S. The box holds your missing letters, all 500 of them. Happy reading.

Yugi stared at the letter and read it again. This could not be happening. He had a bodyguard as if he were in some sort of danger. Well, there went the idea to stay at Tristan's house that night. Speaking of which…

"Err, Daisuke can you, um, wait outside?" Yugi asked glancing up, trying to ignore his friend's stares. Daisuke simply nodded turned and left the room but not the house since he didn't hear the door open or close.

"What's going on? Why is one of Kaiba's security guards here? And what is in that box?" Tristan cried once the man was gone. Yugi sighed and glanced from the letter to the box, wondering whether or not he should open them.

"My father has asked that Kaiba keeps a tighter hold over my life apparently," Yugi muttered and passed the letter to Joey who had been reading it over his shoulder anyway.

"You mean we're stuck with ol' brick face wherever we go?" Joey asked, dismayed. Yugi couldn't help feeling annoyed too. He liked being able to go places without being constantly watched.

"Yeah."

"Wonder what he considers freedom to be," Joey commented as he gave the letter back. Yugi shrugged, not really feeling up to pitying Atem at the moment. If he was locked away in the Kaiba mansion that meant he was unable to bug Yugi. This was worse than believing that Atem was a spoilt brat. Now he knew that Atem actually had tried to make contact, it seemed harder and easier to stay mad at him in a strange way. Hard because it showed that his brother had cared enough to write. Easy, because he probably hadn't mentioned the royal stuff in the letters anyway.

"Don't know. Don't care. Can we just get on with games night now?" Yugi asked, pushing the box and Kaiba's letter away from him. Right now he just wanted to be Yugi Motou, not the son of an Egyptian pharaoh. Joey nodded and they returned to the game they had been playing.

Later on that night (after Daisuke had been replaced by a European looking man who said his name was Pierre) Yugi returned to the Game Store for the first time since he had found out his family's 'little' secret. Grandpa was waiting at the front door with a sorrowful look in his eyes.

"I'm sorry, Yugi," he said once Yugi had gotten out of Tristan's car, duffel bag at hand. And he looked it too, with dark shadows under his eyes from sleepless nights. That just made it harder for Yugi to stay mad at him.

"I suppose I wouldn't have believed you if you told me," Yugi said quietly before accepting his grandfather's hug. "I'm sorry I didn't call." He could feel Grandpa's sigh as he clung to his grandson almost for dear life.

"It is alright." Then Grandpa suddenly frowned as if realising something. "Where is Atemu?" Yugi scowled at the mention of his brother.

"Still at the Kaiba mansion." Grandpa's eyebrows lifted for a brief moment and he murmured something that sounded like, "Ah, under house arrest," which just made Yugi frown harder. The thought that things were more difficult for Atem was ridiculous. After all, he was used to dealing with stuff like this and should be capable of dealing with bodyguards and the need to be watched at every hour of the day. To Yugi it was weird and a little creepy having some stranger follow you about all day and then stand outside your house all night.

Grandpa left him alone after that and Yugi heard him call the number that Kaiba had left them before all of this had begun. Yugi left him to it and took his things upstairs to his room, placing the box with the 500 letters on his desk. He wasn't quite sure whether he was ready to open it and find out about his brother's life but he supposed it couldn't make things much worse. Even so he put off opening it until after he had unpacked, finished up his homework, gotten ready for bed and re-organised his Duel Monsters deck about three times. When it got to the point that there wasn't anything else he could do to distract himself from it, he pulled the box forward and peeled off the brown paper that had concealed it.

The box containing the letters was pretty plain, just a simple cardboard box that you could buy at any store. Small and unassuming, with nothing to suggest any kind of important content, not even a 'This way up' sign. Just a boring old normal box. Yugi bit his lip, feeling the edges to the lid wondering if he really wanted to be doing this. After all, there would be nothing but hurt in it. Nothing but either more lies or stark truths. But he would have to read them eventually so he closed his eyes and pulled the lid off quickly before he could consider doing anything else.

The box was filled with papyrus, something that surprised Yugi for only a moment until he remembered: New Thebes was supposed to be cut off from the modern world and live as the Ancient Egyptians did. Which obviously meant no paper. Some of the papyrus was in a better condition than others, presumably the more recent ones. Deciding that he would rather revert to a time when he was younger than read about the here and now, Yugi dug around until he found one in a suitably decrepit state. Frayed but still readable, like the ancient papyri, except instead of hieroglyphs, there were Japanese characters; something that was so weird, Yugi couldn't really describe it. Taking a deep breath Yugi began to read through the messy, smudgy scrawl that had been his brother's handwriting.

Hi Yugi

So it's been a couple of years since I last saw you and it seems really strange now to think about Japan. I suppose that you don't really notice the days going by having modern entertainment and stuff to keep you busy but out here everything is so boring. Everyone's nice as you know it's just that they're all so busy that no one really has time for me. Mana's started magician training and Mahad says that if she studies hard she could be as good as him, although I'm not too sure about that because only the other day she turned Shadah purple and didn't know how to change him back! It was funny though.

Anyway, something new happened today. I met this kid called Akhefia and he's from this village called Kul Elna. I don't think it exists anymore because when I asked Shimon during my geography lesson he told me that it had been destroyed some years ago by a sandstorm. I guess Akhefia and his brother were lucky to get away and, anyway, they're getting along just fine. Father would say that being friends with a thief and a peasant is wrong but Akhefia is the most interesting thing that has happened since I got stuck here. I might ask to be let out of the palace tomorrow but then Shadah will follow me round the market place for ages and people just bow when you walk past and give you stuff for free… it's really annoying actually because they treat us like some kind of god and not a person. I suppose that's why I like Akhefia so much, because he treats me like every other rich kid he tries to steal from, except you know, he normally succeeds.

I should explain how we met, because it also explains why this letter is late. So last week, I was playing in the garden (this was the first day Mana had started magicians training) with the kitten father had got me (I called him Hotep because I couldn't really think of anything else. Father seemed to approve) when this huge snake slithered out of nowhere and bit me. Most of the snakes in the desert are poisonous and I didn't know what to do because the guard was changing and everyone else were in some big meeting with Father and Uncle and I'll tell you what Yugi, I've never been as scared as I was then. It's horrible to be bitten by poisonous things because you can feel the venom in your veins and there's nothing you can do about it. But then this kid just suddenly dropped out of nowhere and I still don't know where he was hiding that day. Anyway, he just dropped out of nowhere and sucked all the venom out (because that's what you have to do with snake bites). I couldn't really get up and thank him and these guards kinda came down on him and started shouting at him about attacking the prince and I couldn't say anything back. In the end he got taken away and I had to wait three hours until Father came to see me from the meeting. I was really tired but I told him that he had to release Akhefia (well he was the boy in the dungeon then) because he hadn't done anything wrong. Father had the guards bring him to my room and after he heard Akhefia's side of the story he ordered them to let him go outside the palace. Didn't stop him from getting back in later though for some food.

The best part about knowing Akhefia is that he doesn't care that I'm a prince (I think I've said this before) and he's the closest thing to a friend I've had since Mana and Mahad. He knows how to get in and out of the palace without getting caught and that's where I've been today. The market is so much better when you see it without bodyguards announcing to everyone that their prince is there. They sell loads of stuff like fish and fresh fruit and bread and everything! And Akhefia then took me to the place where he and Ryou (that's his brother's name by the way) live. It's not much, an orphanage in all honesty, but it's so much better than the palace and there are loads of other kids there. Ryou's really nice, not as rough and tumble as his brother, but he is only five years old. You'd like him.

I better wrap this up now, otherwise Shimon will tell me off for using too much ink (like that's ever going to run out). Please write back soon. I understand that the mail is messed up but I'd love a reply off of you or mum or grandpa, even if it is just to say hi. Please.

Love Atemu

Yugi placed the letter down once he had finished reading suddenly wishing he hadn't opened the box. The innocence that permeated from the page seemed to be in contrast to how mature the letter sounded. It could have been written by a twelve year old rather than someone who was seven or eight which made it harder to relate it to his own life. When he was eight, he had spent the year in a strange daze, being unable to believe that his mother had just died in a car crash to pick up some stupid groceries. But the letter also left questions. Who were Mana and Akhefia? He had heard the name Mana passed once or twice between Atemu and Mahad and it was clear she was a friend from the letter, but then there were mentions of things like 'magicians training' which only confused Yugi more. Deciding to pick out a slightly more recent one rather than puzzle things over, Yugi picked out another letter from the box which was considerably shorter than the last.

Dear Yugi

Today has been the most awful day ever! So Uncle recently found out that his wife, who moved over to Japan years ago had died and that his son was still alive. However he also has this step-son as well because she married another guy out there but I haven't met the kid. So anyway, Uncle decided he needed to get to know his son and arranged with this man named Gozeboro Kaiba to get him sent over here so that he can learn about his new home. I thought it would be great because he's only two years older than me and he wouldn't have to go to magicians training or anything but he's nothing but a complete ass*! He even told me that the whole city was backwards and barbaric and that our customs were stupid! He also started ragging at me about how pathetic you were and how short I was. I got told off by Father and punished by Uncle for breaking his arm.

Otherwise things are normal here. Seto (that's our cousin's name by the way) got frozen by Mana, which was hilarious (I got punished again like it was my fault Mana accidently froze him while he was walking past as she was practicing) but Mahad unfroze him after an hour because he said it was mean. Course he changed his opinion after Seto spent the next hour shouting about how ridiculous the idea of magic was and that we had done nothing more than some kind of illusion or trick. Then Mahad froze him on purpose.

Things are the same with Akhefia, although he says he still hasn't found Ryou yet. I think he's terrorising everyone at that school he has to go to in Japan because he's trying to get everyone to call him by his surname. I told him it was stupid because no one really knows his surname and people get confused when he asks them to call him Bakura like he's just come up with it on the spot. But it is Akhefia so he'll find some way to make it catch on eventually (or probably just in Japan).

I have to go now since Seto's wandering around looking lost and I'm supposed to be looking out for him. Perhaps I should just feed him to Hotep and be done with it.

Love Atemu

P.S. Seto says that mother is gone. He's only telling lies, right?

Yugi stared at the page for a while, more questions floating around his head. What was that all about? Clearly it was the day that Atemu and Kaiba had met but the rest was just bizarre. Freezing Kaiba in place? Practicing magicians? None of it made sense. That, and the comment that 'Bakura' was only a surname which confused Yugi all the more. He had thought that Bakura only had the one name and he had never mentioned anything else. But that also meant that Bakura had a sibling (which was terrifying. One Bakura was enough) wandering about somewhere and at some point they had become separated. And then that last part…

The letter was dated back to when they had been twelve. Atemu had been twelve when he had discovered that their mother was dead. Four years after she had been killed. It was no wonder he had never turned up to the funeral. He hadn't even known about it. Yugi thrust the letters back into the box, unwilling to read anymore. They confused him and instead of resolving his feelings about his brother, they only got more and more messed up. On the one hand there was something incredibly lonely to the first letter, the happiness and desperation for a new friend, along with the enjoyment of being outside of the palace. But the second letter was more arrogant, with some nonchalant comment about breaking Seto's arm. Yugi was fairly certain normal people did not do things like that to their cousins.

He sighed and shoved the box under his bed hoping that somehow, he would forget about it for the time being.

Oh the torture I put my characters through. I think I should stop giving them shitty lives and give them nice ones instead (at some point).

Thank you Aqua Girl 007. You are officially my favorite person at the moment and your review put a smile on my face on a really crap day :)