Chapter 3
"Than please call me Atem, Yugi."
I smile at Yugi in what I hope is a charming way- and I think I succeeded, because he smiles back at me with a cute little smile. How is this man a demon? He stood up for me and my people, he wants to hold peace even though if they didn't it wouldn't change a thing for them. With everything he's doing I'd say he's more like an angel..
"How wonderful! Now these games will really go down in Aljahim history! The Pharaoh of Egypt participating, this will make headlines in our news. The whole realm will want to witness this event, I'd say even the human realm may wish to witness it!"
The red headed demon spoke so enthusiastically, she made gestures, twirled and expressed pure excitement in an animated manner. Who is she? I know when I came in I saw her and the prince- I mean, Yugi- went over to her happily with a bit of relief.. Hmm.. judging from her ruby silk dress she wore, thin gold belt, silver necklace with an odd symbol for a pendant, her bracelets of gold and silver, her gold earrings, the silver headdress with gold patterns and crimson gems making it seem large and royal yet pretty dull, she must be a noble? Hmm.. maybe Shimon's knows who she is he is familiar with these demons..
I turn to him and whisper so only he could hear me, "Who is that women?" Shimon turns to me with a small smile and whispers back, "That's the Demon Queen, she's a Succubi. Her crown may look dull, but the gems hold strong magic so the demons around feel like peons in her presence."
Wait! She's the queen- well I mean how haven't I seen it before. Her and Yugi do share many similarities, like the color of their eyes which is a bright violet while the King has Icy blue eyes, the color of their skins is a creamy pale while the King's is a musky coper, their both petite in size while the King is ginormous, and they both share the same kinds of horns only that the Queen's are much taller, and the King has no Horns but his ears are large and pointed. I guess I should have realized sooner..
"Now calm down, no one said I agreed to this!" the Demon King roared at his wife, who's smile is growing? How can she smile after being spoken to like that? Its like she has no fear or caution of the demon in front of her, while the rest of us- even the prince might I add- flinch at his tone.
"That's because no one asked if you did and no one plans to! Now than, there's a lot to prepare if the games are announced tonight." She turns her eyes towards Yugi, who has been staring at the box I gave him for a good while now.. was the gift really ok? "Yugi, you have to come up with at least two challenges and or games for the tournament, specifically the beginning one and the final one. Your father and I will pick two games and or challenges each! By the time the sun begins to set I wish to hear with what you've thought up. Also escort our guests to their rooms, sense one is the Pharaoh I wish to grant him security, his room will be the same one his father stayed in." Yugi looked at the Queen and bowed his head with a simple reply of: "Yes, Mother"
The Queen's eyes fall on me "or you could stay in The Prince's room with him, you know to get to know one another~"
Did she just-
"MOM!" Yugi was red like a tomato and I'd enjoy how cute he looks but I'm sure my face is no different, I can feel the heat on my cheeks..
She winks at us, much to the flustered Prince's distaste- I can't believe she just said that.. huh? I turn around to see Mana giggling with the purple haired fairy and the brunette that were with Yugi before- wait sense when are those three talking to each other?
"Oooh, you know I think that's a good fit seeing how Atem was looking at the Prince~"
I can feel my face grow hotter. What is this embarrass the young Pharaoh day!? Oh gods, give me the power to not kill Mana, I'm sure those whispers to the demon gals will be the end of me..
"Hahaha, oh calm down boys, we're only playing. You two are too stiff- you boys as well." I turn to who she pointed at: Mahaad was on alert but he seemed much calmer than before only that his glances toward Mana and the slight glare shows he thinks her behavior is out of place, Seto was stiff he was glaring lightly- well as lightly as he can manage- and he seemed to be the most alert, than to my surprise Shimon didn't seem too happy but he was hiding it, even so if you knew Shimon you'd know something is upsetting him..
"Now than Yugi go on and show our guests their rooms – oh why not give them a tour of the palace! You can show them how things work around here, it is fairly early and I'm sure you can figure out the challenges while being a good host."
Whoa, she really doesn't see us as a threat. She is willingly allowing the heir to the throne to spend the day entertaining the enemy, showing them all that they have and to have to be fairly distracted to think of challenges for a tournament.. Yugi seems a bit distracted, his face is still red and he just nods slightly. Here I thought I was embarrassed by the comment the queen made, but it seems that the prince is worse off-Wait could that mean he finds me attractive or is he just easily embarrassed?- wait, why do I care!?
"Absolutely NOT!" we all turn to the King who clearly doesn't agree with the Queen's idea. So she sees us as a joke but the King holds us as a possible threat? Could that be?
"Why not?" that came out as a whine from queen. "Why not?! Because, dear, need I remind you that they are our enemy! You're putting Yugi in their hands as if they held no threat to us! Remember they are liars and thus not trustworthy. I know what you want but I won't give in to it, honey." Knows what she wants? I stare at the Queen questioning her, and it seems I'm not alone. Everyone other than the king and Shimon look at her this way.
"Oh well I never." She's making a look that says she's taken offense but her body language says otherwise, if anything I think she's laughing to herself about this. "There is nothing to worry about, sweetie. Come now, we have a peace treaty-"
"Expired treaty."
"Treaty non the less, sugar bunny. We aren't enemies we are friends, we've always been. Aknamkanon was always nice to my baby, so I will return the kindness." The King scowled. So my dad really was invested with these creatures.. I still don't understand why I wasn't allowed to know of them or why Shimon was forced to make that promise.. why did he hide this? They all seem to hold him in high regards- which makes me happy- but why didn't he hold them in the same standards?
" If I may your majesty," We turn to Shimon who stepped forward, the eyes of the demonic royals were now all on him. "I believe that Prince Yugi has a lot of responsibilities to attend to, I don't believe that he should have to act like our entertainment. I'd also like to ask that we continue discussing the treaty, I don't think the tournament is the best way to settle this." What? But the tournament could be the easiest and most entertained way to deal with it. What could be the problem.. Shimon seems serious about this..
The queen's smile changes, it loses its shine slightly. "I agree with Shimon. There is no need for a human to join in the games, we should find another way to deal with the treaty or better yet forget it completely. I know what it is you want, mon amour, but it won't happen. Besides there is a higher chance of this young Pharaoh to met a fatality than a victory."
Did he just call me weak!? He did not just call me weak.
"With all due respect, this is MY choice, and I accept the offer given to me and my people by the queen. I am not some weak child, and I will prove to all of Aljahim that my people and I are powerful. If you wish to find another way of settling this treaty than you may tell me, but I believe you won't reason with us and no matter what we offer it won't be to your standards because you are hurt that my father told a lie- of what I am not sure but a lie is a lie, I suppose."
Those shocked looks will be even better once I prove to them in the tournament just how strong I really am.
"Well said, Pharaoh! Now than, dearest , will you continue to be hard headed or are you seeing what I am."
Huh? Seeing what she is seeing?
The King stares at me, I hold my ground. I really hate being called weak or being underestimated. I've prove more than once just how strong I am, I beat the Thief King after all and saved Egypt. I ain't some weakling.
"Hmph. I believe I do, my queen. Alright, Atem, you have proven to me that you have at least guts or you're just stupid, I'm leaning towards a mix of both. So I'll allow you to fight in the tournament, and if you win I'll allow a partnership between Egypt and Aljahim, much better than any ordinary peace treaty, and as a plus you will obtain the prize that every other demon will fight for."
I grin proudly and hold out my hand for a shake to defind this as a done deal.
"Thank you Demon King for giving my people a chance. I also would like to apologize on my late father's behave for the lie he spoke, my father must have not understood well what you wanted and thus made the choice to try and secure his people."
The king takes my hand in his, it covered my hand entirely. I would fear that he crush my hand, but I don't find any need to.. well maybe there is a need to his grip just hardened..
"Please , Atem, call me alab."
Alab? Odd, but fair enough, maybe that's his name. I continue to grin and slightly press on the large hand that's around mine.
"Very well, alab."
After I let go of his hand I realize just how sweaty it is now. He has a rather tight grip.. At the sound of gasps and a squeal I look to see that the members of the king's court, Yugi, the demon gals that were with Yugi before, and Shimon all were shocked. The queen was the one who squealed and she seemed happy with the turn if events.. Still not understanding but hopefully I will soon..
"Well than you can call me, 'um!"
The Queen's name is also rather odd, if that is her name. Judging from the second round of gasps I think that either its odd for someone to call the King and Queen by name or those are titles that no one should actually call them.. I don't know which I'm leaning towards honestly.
"Now than, Yugi go and show Atem around! This will be fun!"
I look towards Yugi, who somehow has grown redder, how is that possible- oh how cares he looks so cute.. no no! Atem what are you thinking!?
"A-alright. I'll be their guide.." He finally looks up and seems to put on a posture, expression and all around attitude that showed power, its kind of cute -OK, Atem, seriously stop!
"Anzu, Miho, Pharaoh and the Pharaoh's companions, follow me."
Yugi why are you making this harder for me.. hips swaying when you walk and its starting to drive me crazy!
Getting tapped in the leg brings me back to reality, where my companions wait for me to follow Yugi. Shit now their staring at me oddly.. Just walk and ignore them!
"I can't believe it pharaoh! You just made the impression Miho never thought you'd be able to make!"
Whoa! I take a step back. This fairy nearly knocked me down.. Wait, I made a surprising impression?
"Oh! I made a real impression on them? How can you tell?"
She flies to my side, and the glares she's getting are anything but friendly.. She doesn't seem like she's offended so maybe it will be alright.
"Oh Pharaoh Atem! They told you to call them: alab and 'um! Miho is sure everyone agrees that is a BIG surprise, right Yuu chan!?"
Yuu chan?
"Y-Yea, it was a bit shocking to hear it come from alab, but 'um.. well from h-her it isn't that much of a surprise.." Yugi's nickname is Yuu chan?! That-That-That's just so adorable.. Gyah! Atem concentrate!
"Is that so? Well, I am glad that I made a good impression with the king and queen. I don't wish for conflict so this way things should be easier.."
Yugi nods and continues to lead us. Hmm.. Its rather odd, Mahaad and Seto haven't said a word all day.. Normally, Seto would have said something by now. At least Mana seems lively as normal it makes their silence seem less heavy on my back. She really seems to get along with those demon girls- hmm?
The brunette doesn't seem too happy as she did before.. what could her problem be? Well no matter, I'm sure its not of any importance to the situation at hand.
"My Pharaoh, once we are in your room we need to speak. There are things you are not understanding.. especially with what your father's final wishes were.. now there is no way of reconsidering this offer but all you need is to make it as a finalist to earn the treaty. The prince is a sweet boy, I know he can help you reach that point, but he has always been like his father and thus will help out in the works of a certain deal." Shimon whispers to me in an incredibly low voice.
Huh? But what could I possibly not be understanding? Its win the games and give my people a new treaty that assures them a partnership and security with the demon realm. What could I possibly not be getting from this? At least he might tell me now what that promise he made to my father was.
I nod at him but I keep my eyes forward and after a minute or two, Yugi cones to a stop in front of a series of 5 doors lined up.
"Alright, here we are." He turns and is now facing all of us with a soft smile. "These are the guest rooms that the pharaoh and his companions always use." He points to the door in the middle that was made from wood and decorated with drawings of the god dragons in gold. It was a beautiful door.. "This is the Pharaoh's room, were the Pharaoh will reside alone- ah that is unless he chooses otherwise." Well if he'd like to stay I wouldn't complain- whoa, Atem, get your head together! What's wrong with you!
"The guards can share one of the two rooms that are in the end of this line of doors. Shimon, High Priest Seto, Royal Magician Mahaad and Magician apprentice Mana, you can choose from the rest of the rooms were you would like to stay. Now I have to take care of somethings real quick, make yourselves comfortable, I'll return with news about how you will get back to the human realm to advise your people of the situation, and in the rooms there are extra clothes that you may all use as you like. Once I return if there is anything you need do not hesitate to ask. Now if you will excuse me." With that Yugi bowed and began to walk off with his tail and hips swaying slightly.
"Miho never heard Yuu chan had to do anything- ow!"
Huh? The brunette jabbed the fairy with her elbow.. hmm, what was Yugi lying about have something to do? I guess even though he seems nice, I should be alert he is a demon afterall.
"What my friend is trying to say is, the prince may take a while, so we'll be at your dispense until said moment. I'm Anzu Mazaki and this is Miho Nosaka, I'm a mage class demon rank A. Miho is a familiar escort class demon rank S. If you are in need of anything you are to ring one of the bells that are in your rooms, once you do a familiar of rank E, D or C will appear and you will ask for one of us. Than we will come as soon as we can. If you will excuse us Pharaoh, companions of the Pharaoh." She bowed and taking the fairy with her they left.
"Bye Miho, Anzu! See you guys later!"
"Bye bye Mana chan!"
Mana sure made two new friends. Well it's a good sign.
"Now that we are alone lets go into the room so we can cht, cousin." And theres that sharp tongue that I wasn't really missing. Well at least I know his tongue didn't get cut off by some demon, his silence was worrying me.. slightly.
I sigh, "Yes I've noticed from your silence that you weren't pleased with something. I'm going to guess that you also want to talk Mahaad, correct?" he nods with a serious look. "Alright, lets all have a chat than." I open the door to the room I'd be staying in and found that it was a near exact replica of the Pharaoh's room back home.. everything was the same from the closet, to the violet sheets of the bed. The grand difference was only the lack of a balcony but instead a large window with a windowseat.
"How is it that this room is an exact replica of mine back home.." Shimon laughs at my amazement. "The demons allowed the first Pharaoh to sign the treaty to design this room any way he wanted, he made it look like the Pharaoh's room back in egypt because it made him feel more in place in Aljahim."
"So than the demon realm is called Aljahim?" I hear Mana ask Shimon. Dear Ra am I tired.. I think I'll take a seat.
"Yes, Mana! The demon's realm is known as Aljahim, and within Aljahim there are four Cities: the Capitol Alqamar, the Forest of Familiars Zuhur, the Dragon Mountains Fakhar, and the Waters of Divine power Sumuu. Aljahim's demons are all separated into classes of demons which will depend on your species and jobs. Than there's the ranking for the demons, E is the lowest and S is the highest, each rank is different depending on your species and it says more of how you are in power and viewed socially. For example Miho is a garden fairy meaning her class is Familiar the lowest of all demon classes, while her job is to be an escort the highest paying job a familiar is allowed to obtain, and finally her rank is S meaning that she works for only demons of rank S and A because of her power and skill in her area."
"So you're saying that the fairy is weak species of demon, who works as a prostitute for only powerful and rich demons? Sounds like she's just the favorite of someone's harem." That was harsh even for you Seto.. but I agree, it doesn't sound like she is anything other than that, but she didn't look like a prostitute.
"Yes well Miho is Prince Yugi's personal familiar. She works as his exclusive escort and is his teacher within the area of social interactions, fashion, and sexuality."
Whoa wait- Yugi has an escort?!
"That little kid has an escort? Does someone so young even need one?"
"Little kid? Mahaad, there is no such thing as a little kid having the form that he does. Sure he has innocent big childish eyes, but he is no kid from what I could see. I mean a child doesn't have the slender curve he has, his face may be round but its rather defined showing his age to be older, not to mention that his voice is rich with no show of going through a change. Not to mention I've never seen a child with teeth as white and charming, or hands as big, firm and delicate, and- what?"
Their all looking at me with odd looks, Mana had on a teasing smirk, Shimon looked at me with a slightly shocked look, Mahaad had a knowing look on his face, the guards looked at me shocked and Seto just looked annoyed-Ok all odd looks except for Seto, he never looks different.
"Oooo! Sounds like someone likes the prince~" I blush at Mana's claim.
"Wha!?"
"Atem, you've been staring at him sense he's come to your point of vision."
Has it been that obvious?! Oh Ra..
"Hahaha! Atem's as red as wine!"
"I will admit that your attraction to Yugi wasn't surprising, but at this degree- well its more than simple magic."
Eh? Magic?
We all turn to Shimon with questioning looks. "Oh Ra, that's right you all don't know. Whoops"
"What don't we know old man? What's this about magic?" Seto gives Shimon a sharp questioning look. Magic? I didn't feel any magic.
"Well you see, Prince Yugi is half beast-dragon, half Lilian- more specifically the seductive lilian demon type known as Succubi for women and Inccubi for men. Succubi and Inccubi have special scents that cause creatures to become attracted and or infatuated with them. I'm surprised that the genetic magic of the scent has effected you, Atem, so much."
I'm infatuated with Yugi because of some scent that causes it?! But I never smelled anything, and it doesn't make sense that it seems to only be effecting me..
"But my Pharaoh, back to the important part. You cannot win this tournament."
Again with that..
"Why can't I Shimon? Do you think I'm not able to?"
He shakes his head "no I don't think that. But your father did lie to the Demon King, he lied to him about you being alive."
"What!?" I wasn't the only one shocked by this, everyone seemed to be having said it with me.
"The demon king had told your father about the treaty being not just expired but that the only way to fully resign it and gain an alliance between both realms that he'd have to give them his wife's first born child. The demon king wanted to give the child as a present for his son, your father didn't agree to this condition, but it was the only thing the demon king would take."
Whoa, wait, the Demon King wanted ME to give as some birthday present to Yugi?!
"The King had to agree, if he didn't the demon king was going to start war. He never told your mother and when she died your father just told the Demon King that you died along with her, because of that the Demon King allowed us a treaty and sent his apologies. After there were many meetings between the two and that's when your father and I met Yugi. He cried when the demon king told him that you and your mother died. He's not a bad fellow, but your father seemed to change his mind from fixing for a better deal after he learned what the Demon King wanted to give you to Yugi for, so your father asked me to make sure that the Demon King didn't get you or allow you to be involved with Aljahim."
So my father didn't only lie he completely betrayed the king and Yugi cried over the lie he told- well it would be more of a half lie.
"What was it that they wanted Atem for? Did the demon want him to become a slave to his kid? Makes no sense to want a human for anything other than that." Seto is right it does seem like that would be the case.. I mean I can't be of any more use to them.
"Well I'm actually not sure what he wanted Atem for. The former pharaoh never told me, he never got the chance to.. but I may have an idea now as to what he wanted. After that meeting with the demon king, I think it might be clear to what the games are for and what he wanted you for."
Hmm? "And what could he have wanted me for, Shimon?"
He shakes his head. What he isn't going to tell me!?
"Shimon, I believe I know where your thinking is heading.."
I turn to Mahad- Wait sense when was he holding the scroll?
"What does he mean? Someone tell me what the purpose of giving me to Yugi would have been!"
Seto goes over to Mahaad and his eyes widen slightly, but soon he just scowls at the scroll.
"Should have known. Seems pretty much obvious now.." he slightly smirks laughing "Well it would also be funny."
Mana runs over to them. "I wanna see I wanna see!"
I want to see as well!
"Oh my! Well this makes some sense! Huh? No Atem you can't see!" she lightly pushes me away and I have to hold up my hand to keep the guards from lashing at Mana.
"Why can't I see? Come on, tell me at least!"
Seto was about to tell me but Mana had to go covering his mouth.. and she did the same to Mahaad.. Shimon your my last hope.
"Shimon, tell me, I want to know."
He shakes his head, "Atem I-"
"You were going to be given to Yugi to be his escort."
We all turn to the new voice in the room. It belonged to a light brunette girl, she had long hair and she was dressed in a silk dress with a silver belt and jewelry. She had a warm smile. .. how and when did she get in here..
"Gyah! Who are you!?" Mana jumped and yelled.
The girl chuckled and now that I look at her better, this girl has ears and tail of a canine.
"My name is Serenity, I am a demon class familiar werewolf of rank S. Yugi asked me to tell you that there is a lunch prepared for all of you."
"I was to be an escort for Yugi?!"
She looks at me and nods, "Yes, but because of what happened between your father and the king, well that never occurred. I would go on but really there's no need to think about the past that hasn't happened."
"No.. I guess there isn't .."
Even though this is a shock.. wait if she knows than that means Yugi must know too- I wonder, is he angry at the out come of this? Well no, he seemed perfectly ok with how things are.. why does that thought make me feel.. sad? Disappointed?
"Is there a place we have to go to have the lunch?"
Would it have been that bad if I had become Yugi's escort? .. the thought should bother me but it doesn't.
"No, you can have it were ever you'd like. I see you guys found some scrolls that the former pharaoh had kept reserved in his room- oh maybe you would like to have your lunch in the grand library! There are all sorts of material there that you can use to read up on and learn more of our kind, there are private reading rooms in the library were I can have your lunch sent to."
Go to the library for lunch? Sounds like a bore..
"Ah, that would actually be wonderful. I would like to do more reading on Aljahim, to learn more of the land."
Of course Mahaad is interested. Well I'll just have lunch with Mana, Shimon and Seto-
"I'll join you Mahaad. There is something I want to search for, this library might contain the information I'm looking for."
Ok I'll have lunch with Mana and Shimon-
"Oh oh! That may be the place that Anzu told me about! She said I could find some good guides for my magic! I'll join you two!"
Fine, I'll have lunch with Shimon-
"Oh, before I forget lord Shimon, the King and Queen wanted to have lunch with you in order to have a talk about the trip back to the human realm. They said that it wasn't necessary for the Pharaoh to be present, with you would be enough."
You're kidding me right..
"Oh well alright. Please lead the way."
Three familiars come in, they were some weird small creatures with pale green skin, big hands and feet, pointed ears and they were bald creatures. Pretty ugly creatures..
"They will actually." With a nod from Shimon, my three friends are escorted out.. now I'll have to eat alone..
"Pharaoh Atem?"
I turn to Serenity, "Yes?"
"Prince Yugi wanted me to invite you to come have lunch with him."
Or maybe not. This could be a good chance to learn more about the games and about my father's relationship with Aljahim.
"Very well. Lead the way."