Chapter 11- The Gift part 1
Yugi sat on the throne as he dealt with the last of the citizens' problems for the day.
A month had passed since the man had tried to kill the children. He had been killed the day after the attack. It was announced to the kingdom why he was executed.
After the last problem had been dealt with, Yugi said, "Is there anything more, Rishid?"
"No, Emperor. There is nothing." Rishid said.
"Then Court is dismissed." Yugi said.
Everyone started to disperse from the room.
Heba, Jou, Ryou, and Malik were the first one out of the room.
Yugi walked down the steps and turned to Rishid. "Rishid, I would like to speak with you privately for a moment in my study." YUgi said.
"As you wish, Your Majesty." Rishid replied.
Yugi and Rishid walked through the palace until they reached Yugi's study. They walked into the room, and Rishid shut the door behind them.
Yugi sat down behind the desk and motioned for Rishid to take a seat across from him.
Rishid did as he was told. "What is it that you wanted to speak with me about, Yugi?" Rishid asked.
Since Rishid had been Yugi's teacher after his father's death, Yugi had asked him to call him by his name when they were alone.
"Rishid, what do you think of us getting a new blacksmith and a new cook?" Yugi asked.
Rishid blinked. "What brought this on?" Rishid asked.
"First, answer the question." Yugi responded.
"Well, I suppose we could use a new blacksmith. The one we have is old in age and not as able as her used to be. As far as cooks, the cook for you and your family is also in old age." Rishid said.
"I thought so. You think that getting a new blacksmith and cook is a good idea." Yugi said.
Rishid sighed. "Yes, it is. What is this about?" Rishid asked.
"I have told you about my relationship with Yami." Yugi said.
Rishid nodded. He had learned a great deal about how Yami had somehow gotten into Yugi's heart. It made the older man happy that there was someone who had managed to melt some of the ice in Yugi's heart.
"Well, I know that is from the town of Manesh, and he also told me that his father is a blacksmith and his mother s baker." Yugi said.
"I see. You want to have Yami's parents come here and give them jobs so that they can be with their children." Rishid said.
"And meet their sons-in-law and their grandchildren. Yami's done more for me than he knows. Truthfully, I feel somewhat indebted to him." Yugi said.
"He's your friend, and yet, he doesn't know it." Rishid said.
"He doesn't need to deal with all of my emotional baggage." Yugi said.
"A true friend will not mind." Rishid said.
"It doesn't matter. I am going to Manesh tomorrow to make the offer to his parents, Aknankanon and Amara. I was hoping that you would accompany me." Yugi said.
"Of course I will, but we will be gone for several days. Who will we get to oversee the kingdom?" Rishid asked.
"I was going to tell Heba that I had business out of the palace, and that I would be gone a few days. He would be fine for a few days." Yugi said.
"You do not wish him to know that you are doing this?" Rishid asked.
"No. He would tell them, and this is a surprise." Yugi replied.
"I see. I think this a great idea, and I also think that you are doing a noble thing for them." Rishid said.
"They are family. I am glad to do this for them." Yugi said.
"Yugi." Rishid said.
"Yes." Yugi replied, looking into the man's green eyes.
"I was a good friend of your father's. In fact, he was my best friend. He would be proud of you for doing this." Rishid said.
Yugi's eyes widened at this statement. "Do you think so?" Yugi asked quietly.
"Yes. He would be very proud of you." Rishid said.
"Thank you, Rishid." Yugi said.
In the lounge, Crystal, Seth, and Inchan were playing together.
Jou and Seto were sitting on one of the loveseats, and Seto was leaning against Jou.
Malik and Marik were on the other loveseat.
Bakura and Ryou were sitting at a small table playing a game of chess.
Heba and Atemu were sitting on the couch. Atemu was laying down with his head in Heba's lap. Heba was gently stroking Atemu's hair.
Yami, who had finished his work, was sitting in a recliner.
"How was the meeting?" Seto asked.
"Boring as always." Jou retorted.
"Jou, you think almost everything is boring." Heba said.
"Well, those meetings are. I'm lucky that I didn't fall asleep." Jou said.
"If you would actually listen to the meetings instead of being upset that you're away from your husband and child, you might not find them so boring." Atemu said with a smirk.
"Oh, shut up, Atemu!" Jou snapped.
"Damn it!" Bakura growled.
"Checkmate." Ryou said sweetly.
"I hate playing with you." Bakura said.
"Then you could always say no when I ask you to play." Ryou replied.
"Do you two ever quit?" Yami asked.
"No." the entire group answered.
"Yami, how has it been having Yugi as a master?" Jou asked.
"It's been fine." Yami replied.
"You know that you don't have to lie to us." Malik told him.
"I'm not lying. Yugi has been fine as a master. Honest." Yami said.
"That's hard to believe. He's so cold." Jou stated.
Yami wanted to tell them that he had gotten to know Yugi, but he didn't. he knew that he didn't know much. It had been a month, but he hadn't help Yugi that much. He hadn't even been able to talk to Heba about it because Heba was always fussing over Atemu. Not that he minded.
Atemu suddenly grimaced.
Heba noticed and said, "Atemu, are you all right?"
"I'm fine, but this baby likes to kick." Atemu replied.
"Been there." Seto, Bakura, and Marik said.
The door to the lounge opened, and Yugi walked in.
"Oh, hi, Yugi." Heba said.
Atemu started to sit up, but Yugi motioned for him not to bother.
"I can't stay long. I'm going to be leaving the palace for a few days. I have a few things that I need to do. Heba, I need you to watch over the kingdom while I'm gone." Yugi said.
"Uh, what do I do?" Heba asked.
"Don't worry. The council will weak you through everything. Besides, I'll only be gone fro two days, and then everything will be back to normal for you." Yugi assured him.
"Okay. When are you leaving?" Heba asked.
"Rishid is going with me, and we are leaving at daybreak. We should be back by nightfall on the second day." Yugi answered.
"Okay, Yugi." Heba agreed.
Yugi turned and left.
"Wow. You're in charge of the kingdom." Ryou said.
"I don't know if I can do this." Heba said.
"Why not?" Atemu asked.
"I'm not a leader. I can't control an entire kingdom!" Heba exclaimed.
"Heba, like Yugi said, the council will walk you through everything. It's not like you have to do it all alone." Yami said.
"He's right, and we'll help out if you need is to." Jou added.
"Thanks, guys. I may be taking you up on yurt offer." Heba said.
Yami stood up and said, "I'd better go and see of Yugi needs any help." He left the room.
"Well, at least we'll have a few days without the cold Emperor around." Jou stated.
Heba frowned, but held his tongue at the demeaning comment directed at his brother, but said nothing.
Atemu noticed and squeezed his husband's hand to let him know that he was there for him.
Yami walked into the chambers to find that Yugi was packing a bag. "Yugi, do you need me to do anything?" Yami asked.
"No, Yami. I have everything under control for the moment.' Yugi replied.
"What will I be doing while you are gone?" Yami asked.
"I want you to stay close to Atemu. Heba won't have as much time to be around Atemu, and I now that he'll feel batter knowing that someone is with Atemu when he is not." Yugi answered.
Yami smiled. "Yeah. Heba has been a mother hen lately, and I think Atemu would appreciate the breather." Yami said.
"I'm sure he will." Yugi agreed.
"What is it that you're having to do?" Yami asked.
"I can't tell you right now." Yugi said.
"Okay." Yami agreed.
Yugi and Rishid left early the next morning.
Heba found out quickly that being Emperor wasn't a piece of cake. He was thankful that Yami was looking after Atemu.
Jou, Ryou, and Malik had kept their word and were helping Heba out.
Aknankanon entered his home to find that his wife, Amara, had dinner ready.
"How was your day?" Amara asked.
"It was fine. The business has picked up some." Aknankanon replied.
Amara nodded.
Aknankanon could see the pain in his wife's eyes and knew that she was thinking of their five sons that they had not heard from.
Yami was the only one that they knew where he was, but they hadn't heard from him since they left.
"Do worry, my dear. I am certain that Yami is fine." Aknankanon said.
"I know that he is strong, and that he will be fine, but I wish I knew he was. I worry because he is the only one that we know is alive." Amara said as tears filled her eyes.
Aknankanon pulled her into a hug and rubbed her back. It will be fine, Amara." Aknankanon assured her.
Aknankanon was a man was six foot. He was also in good shape. His hair was grey, and he had a beard. He also had blue eyes.
Amara was about five feet four inches. She was slim and also in good shape. He had tri-color hair like Yami and Atemu which came to her knees. Her bangs were also blonde, but they were straight and parted. She had chocolate brown eyes.
There was a knock on the door.
Aknankanon went and answered it to find two cloaked strangers in the doorway.
"Is this the home of Aknankanon Sennen??' the smaller one asked.
"Yes." Aknankanon replied.
Amara quickly said, Please come in out of the rain."
The two walked in, and Aknankanon shut the door.
"Thanks you." the older said.
The two removed their cloaks to reveal who they were.
"Your Highness, forgive us." Aknankanon said as the two bowed.
"Please. There is no need for the formalities. I am in your home." Yugi assured them.
Aknankanon and Amara stood back up, but did not look at him.
"You can look at me." Yugi said.
The finally looked up at him. They were astonished at how much like their twin sons that he looked.
"This is Rishid. He's the head of my council." Yugi said.
"It is a pleasure to meet you." Rishid said respectfully.
"The pleasure is ours. Please, join us for dinner." Amara said.
"Please forgive us. I did not mean to interrupt your meal." Yugi said.
"Please join us, Your Majesty." Aknankanon said.
"If you wish." Yugi said.
Yugi and Rishid joined the couple for dinner.
"Your Majesty, may I inquire as to why you are here?" Aknankanon asked.
"Yes. I came to speak with you both actually about several matters." Yugi said.
"Yes." Aknankanon said.
"I understand that you, Aknankanon are a blacksmith. Is that true?" Yugi asked.
"Yes, Your Majesty. That is true." Aknankanon confirmed.
"And I have been told that you are a cook, Amara. Is this true?" Yugi asked.
"Indeed, it is, Your Majesty." Amara replied.
"I am in need of a new blacksmith and a new cook. I came to personally offer the positions to you." Yugi said.
"Your Majesty." Aknankanon and Amara said in shock.
"Before you answer, there are a few other things that I need to speak with you about." Yugi said.
The group had finished eating and moved into the moderately furnished living room.
Aknankanon and Amara sat back to listen.
"You have fine sons, do you not? Their names are Seto, who is the oldest, Bakura and Marik, who are twins, are the next oldest, and Yami and Atemu, also twins, who are the two youngest." Yugi said.
Aknankanon and Amara looked shocked that Yugi knew so much about their family.
"If I may ask, Emperor, how is it that you know si much about our sons? We are merely commoners." Aknankanon said.
"Aknankanon. Amara. Would you like to see all five of your sons again?" Yugi asked.
By his tone and expression, they knew he was not tormenting them.
Yugi was serious.
"Very much. Not a day goes by that I don't wish I could see my boys." Amara said.
"Yami was the last one we saw, and that was over a month ago." Aknankanon added.
"Your sons are very much alive." Yugi said.
"They are? Do you know where they are?' Amara asked, hope shining in her eyes.
"Your sons, all five, live in my palace, and they are well cared for. I know that they would love to see you again." Yugi said.
"They are at the palace." Aknankanon said.
Yugi nodded.
"Thanks goodness. My sons are all alive." Amara said.
"What do they do?" Aknankanon asked.
"Seto is married to my cousin, Jou. Marik is married to my cousin, Malik. Bakura is married to my cousin, Ryou. Atemu is married to my brother, Heba. Yami is my personal servant." Yugi explained.
"I didn't think that commoners could get married to Royalty." Aknankanon said.
"I will let your sons explain that to you when you see them again. If you accept the offer of jobs, then you will be able to see your sons." Yugi assured them.
"It's what I have dreamed of for so long." Amara said.
"How will we see them, though?" Aknankanon asked.
"I will have your bedroom in the same wing that they sleep in." Yugi replied.
"Emperor, this is such a generous offer. Why give it to us?" Aknankanon asked.
"I'm am doing it for the sake of your sons. They have said nothing, but I know that they want to see you again. Also, Yami has helped me in ways that not even he knows about. I want to repay him, and this was the best gift I could have given him. Any of them." Yugi said.
"Yes. We will accept your offer." Aknankanon said.
"Good. All I ask is that you not tell them why I truly did it. Please tell them that you were offered jobs at the palace that you accepted." Yugi said.
"Why do you not wish them to know you did this for them?" Amara asked.
"I have my reasons, and I will tell them in my own time. Please do not tell them. That is all I ask." Yugi said.
"We will not, and thank you for this opportunity." Amara said.
"I am glad to do it." Yugi said.
"A few guards will be sent to help you move your things into the palace. They will be here in a week." Rishid said.
"Yes. Thank you." Aknankanon said.
"I am not going to tell them you are coming. It will be a surprise to them." Yugi said.
"We understand." Amara sad.
"We should get to a hotel." Rishid said.
"Please, stay with us for the night." Amara said.
"We could not impose on you." Yugi said.
"Emperor, you have given us a great gift in allowing us the chance to see our sons again. The least we can do is offer you a place to stay for the night. Please stay with us." Aknankanon said.
"Very well." Yugi said.
Yugi and Rishid did stay that night.
It was late, and Heba walked into he lunge before he flopped on the couch.
Atemu looked at him and said, "Problem?"
"I don't see how Yugi does this day in and day out." Heba mumbled into the couch.
A moment later, the door opened.
"Yugi, you're back." Jou said.
Heba sat up to see his brother. "Yugi, I am glad to see you." Heba said.
"Are you ready to take over the throne permanently?" Yugi asked.
"No. You can have it." Heba said.
"I thought so. I was just letting you all know that I was back. I'll take back over tomorrow." Yugi said.
Heba nodded.
"Did you get done what you needed to?" Ryou asked, curious.
"Yes, I did." Yugi replied.
"What were you doing?" Seto asked.
"You'll find out in a bout a week." Yugi said before leaving the room.
"Okay. Did Yugi make a joke a moment ago?" Malik asked.
"I think he did." Ryou replied.
"Yami, I don't know what you've done to Yugi, but keep it up." Heba said.
"Heba, I haven't done a thing." Yami replied, astonished.
"Hmm. Wonder what's up." Marik said.
"Who knows." Bakura replied.
They would have to wait a week for their answer.
I thought that I would bring Aknankanon and Amara into this. I think it'll be a help later on.
The next chapter is the second part to The Gift, where Seto, Bakura, Marik, Atemu, and Yami see their parents again.
R&R.