I added more to this chapter mostly for your amusement. Well, Happy Thanksgiving Ya'll, I do not own Yugioh, enjoy! [JAPANESE and ENGLISH]
Chapter 15
BANG! BANG! BANG!
"Come on Yugi, you have to get up! The trial starts in two sun movements and your servants need to be present for it!" Yami yelled through the door.
"Alright, alright! We're almost ready!" Yugi shouted back.
"Come on Mira! I need to use the bathroom too!" Malik said pounding on the door. Yugi sighed and smiled as he put his sandals on.
"I suddenly feel right at home," Yugi said as he watched Malik argue with Mira through the door.
"Kami, Malik, you're so rude! You shouldn't rush a lady while she's using the bathroom," Mira said as she opened the door and swept past Malik. Yugi noticed she had the earrings he had given her yesterday in her ears.
"That might be true, if you were actually a lady," Malik said spitefully before ducking into the bathroom himself.
"Play nice you two," Yugi called out so Malik heard him too.
"He started it," Mira said a she came to stand by him.
"I don't really care for those details. Come here," Yugi said looking up at her before motioning her to come closer to him still. Yugi gently took her face in his hands, and turned it slightly to get a better look at the earrings. Yugi was right; they contrasted perfectly with her eyes.
"Beautiful," Yugi said brushing his hand over her pink cheek before releasing her face.
"Thank you, Master," Mira said ducking her head. Malik came out of the bathroom just then and Yugi noticed that his dagger was absent.
"Where's the dagger I gave you, Malik?" Yugi asked his eyebrows furrowed slightly.
"In my room," Malik said pointing.
"Go get it," Yugi said.
"But," Malik protested.
"Go get it," Yugi ordered.
Malik ducked his head and hurried into his room. He came out a second later with the dagger in his hand. Yugi motioned for him to come to stand in front of him. Yugi took the dagger out of his hand and started to tie it properly around his waist, while talking to his two servants.
"Alright, I want you two to tell the truth when it's your turn. Just tell the council exactly what you told me. If it helps I will stand in the back of the room, and let you two look directly at me while you speak. I will have to move to the front eventually again so I can speak, but I will try to make this as stress less as I possibly can for you. There, perfect fit," Yugi said tightening the belt a fraction before standing up.
"Yugi, I don't know how to use this," Malik said pulling the dagger out of its sheath.
"Don't worry I'll teach you how to use it," Yugi said moving to get his Katanas and strapping them to his back. Praying to Kami that he didn't have to use them.
"How does that help me for now though?" Malik asked sheathing the blade.
"All need to know right now Malik is that if you think you're in danger that that weapon is sharp, and it's going to hurt whoever is trying to hurt you. All you need to know right now is how to cut, and stab," Yugi said coming up and placing a hand on his shoulder.
"Alright," Malik said nodding.
"Are you sure he's old enough to bear arms, Yugi?" Mira asked biting her lip.
"He's the same age I was when I first took arms, so yes, I do believe he's ready," Yugi said looking at her.
"Yugi! It's time to go!" Yami shouted through the door.
"It has not been two sun movements yet!" Yugi shouted back.
"Bakura! Open this door!" Yami shouted away from Yugi. Yugi raised an eyebrow as he strode over to the door, unlocked and opened it.
"That's a great way to get on my good side. Demand that my door be opened for you by one of your friends," Yugi said Yami's back. Yami turned around and looked at him his eyes widening.
"What's with the strange outfit, Yugi?" he asked.
Yugi looked down at his outfit. He was wearing a dark blue sleeveless shirt, black airy pants, and a golden cape. Yes, he didn't wear the cape often, but he felt that it would make the right statement today at the trial. My position is higher than you, and you're beneath me. That's what he was trying to get across to Ushio Zankokuna anyway.
"I'm trying to make a statement," Yugi said brushing past him.
"Oh, you're making a statement alright," Yami said sounding as if he was trying not to laugh. Yugi heard Mira and Malik hmph at him as they followed Yugi down the hall.
"So Malik, I was thinking that since our Princes were getting together so well, we should start getting to know each other too," Marik said placing an arm around Malik's shoulders.
"Remove your arm," Malik said placing a hand on the hilt of his new dagger. Marik looked down at it. Yugi made a noise in the back of his throat, making Malik look up. He took his hand off the dagger without even having to be told.
"Where'd you get that?" He asked all good humor gone instantly.
"I gave it to him," Yugi said watching them.
"Servants aren't supposed to have weapons," Marik said looking at Yugi.
"Then it's a good thing he's my Personal Servant, isn't it?" Yugi asked in a testy voice.
"I suppose it is," Marik said removing his arm from around Malik and moving away to stand behind Yami. Yugi motioned for Malik and Mira to go ahead of him. As soon as they were Yami darted forward and grabbed Yugi's arm, pulling him into a secluded room, which was vacant of use.
"What?" Yugi asked wrenching his arm out of Yami's grip.
"One, don't talk to my friends like that. Two, there is a reason we don't give servants weapons," Yami said sternly looking down at Yugi.
"And that reason would be?" Yugi asked.
"We used to give weapons to servants so they could protect their Masters, but they ended up using them to protect themselves against their Masters. Under no account is a servant now allowed a weapon under our laws. I'm sorry Yugi, but you must repossess that weapon from him," Yami explained firmly. Yugi sighed and looked away.
"I can't do that. Where I come from its tradition to give a boy of 13 years a weapon, to prove he has reached that stage of becoming a man. To take it away would be turning my back on my heritage, and saying I don't think of Malik as a man. I'm sorry about what happened between the servants and the Masters of this country, but I can't repossess something that is no longer mine. It was a gift, I will not reclaim it," Yugi said moving into the room before turning to face Yami again with understanding and pensive eyes.
"Yugi, there will be an uproar from the Council if you don't," Yami said in a begging tone.
"Don't worry, I'll be dealing with them soon enough," Yugi said back smirking slightly his eyes lighting up with mirth.
"How?" Yami asked a tad bit worried.
"You'll see," Yugi said moving past him and out the door.
"Yugi!" Yami yelled after him. Yugi just laughed and sped up until he had caught up with Mira and Malik.
"So do either of you remember the way to the throne room?" Yugi asked them slinging his arms over their shoulders.
"You're joking right?" Mira asked. Yugi laughed.
"Come on, this way you lot," Yami said grabbing Yugi's hand and dragging him along the hall.
"So what are you planning for the Council?" Bakura asked Mira.
"Well, if you're good, perhaps we won't send you through it," Mira said back.
"Through it?" Bakura asked confused.
"Mira," Yugi said his tone warning her to be quiet.
"Sorry, I've just been hushed," Mira said back.
"So what will this trial entail exactly?" Yugi asked.
"Each person will have to give a story of their account. The Pharaoh decides who's telling the truth, and then with the Council a suitable punishment is made," Yami said.
"Mmm, that seems reasonable," Yugi said thoughtfully as they came upon the throne room to discover that most of the council was already there.
Yugi noticed that a lot of them were giving Malik filthy looks, or rather the dagger on his waist filthy looks. Yugi freed his hand from Yami's grasp and went to stand in front of Malik, blocking him from view. The Council turned away then, as if no longer interested in him. Yugi saw Yami climb the steps to whisper something in his Father's ear whilst pointing at Malik. Yugi saw the Pharaoh's eyes drop to the belt around his waist, and frown, but nodded and looked away. The Pharaoh stood, and clapped his hands twice, the chattering hall fell silent.
"Mahad, you may begin," Akunumkanon said motioning to the Priest before sitting back down in his chair.
"The charges that are being brought forward before the Council and our Pharaoh today are against one Guard Ushio Zankokuna, for wrongfully harming the Personal Servants under his Highness Prince Yugi, without proper cause or provocation. Bring in the prisoner," Mahad read from a roll of papyrus before rolling it back up and motioning to the two guards by the door.
"Stupid cowardly servants, I did nothing wrong! Now I order you to tell the truth!" Ushio roared as he was brought into the hall. Yugi grabbed Mira's arm, and placed a hand on Malik's chest backing them both up the steps and out of reach of the Guard. The Guards that had brought him in forced him to his knees in front of the Pharaoh. Yugi didn't know why, but he felt a rush of pride seeing that one of them was Jono.
"First up is the Servant Mira Kiryu's testimony," Mahad said.
Mira clutched Yugi's arm tightly, making Yugi wince slightly at the strength she put into it. Yugi worked her hands off of his arm, and gently guided her up to the front here Mahad was pointing she should be. Yugi whispered light words of comfort, kissing her hair, before moving back to stand beside Malik. Mira glanced back at them, and Yugi nodded at her while mouthing 'just tell the truth'. Mira took a deep breath before facing the Council and beginning.
"Malik and I were packing the last of our things when the Guard Zankokuna burst into our room. He raised his whip and attempted to hit me with it, but I was able to deflect it with my arm. Malik pushed me out of the way after that and took three lashings to his back as he protected me. Yu-Master came in then and slammed the Guard onto his back, and placed one of his Katanas at the base of his throat. Shortly after that the Master's Fiancé, Crown Prince Yami, came into the room, and restrained Master from killing the Guard. More Guards were called in and the Guard Zankokuna was hauled away," Mira said all of this while shaking like a leaf that was about to fall from a tree.
"Lowly servants shouldn't even have their own room," Ushio sneered.
"Thank you, Mira. Next is Servant Malik Ishtar," Mahad continued on like Ushio's low tones hadn't even been uttered.
"Be strong," Yugi whispered in Malik's ear as he walked on wobbly legs to take Mira's spot. Mira rushed back to the safety of her Master's arms. Yugi didn't care what the Council thought, he held the shaking girl, while trying to calm her down. As expected there was an outbreak of whispers amongst them. It didn't matter, he'd deal with them soon enough.
"Mira and I were packing the last of our things when that Guard Ushio Zankokuna came into the room whip already raised to strike. He seemed to be aiming for Mira, so he didn't pay attention to me, as he brought the whip down upon her. Mira was able to raise her arm in defense, and it twisted around her arm leaving a nasty bruise. As soon as the Guard raised the whip again to attempt a second strike against her, I pushed her out of the way and protected her with my back. I took three lashings before I heard a large thump behind me, and no more lashings came. I turned around to see Master standing over the Guard, one of his Katanas at his throat. As Master went to raise it to take the Guard's life Crown Prince Yami rushed forward to restrain him. More Guards were called and the Guard was taken away," Malik said, in a surprisingly strong voice considering his knees looked as if they would tumble Malik to the floor at any moment.
"Thank you Malik, Prince Yugi," Mahad continued on.
"Liars! Those servants are liars!" Ushio shouted.
Yugi moved to the head of the room, as soon as Malik was back by Mira. He held his head high, but looked down at Ushio coldly. The sooner this matter was dealt with the sooner his servants would be safer.
"I was talking with Prince Yami up on the deck when I felt as if something was wrong, and went to find my servants. I ran through the halls to get to their room, and when I opened the door, I was less than pleased with what I saw. I saw the Guard down there standing over my servants Malik and Mira, Malik whom had fresh whip marks on his back, about to bring another lashing down upon my servant. Perhaps my actions were less than dignified, but I couldn't just stand there and do nothing. I acted quickly restraining the Guard against the ground. When I went to deliver a fatal blow in my anger however, my Fiancé restrained me, twice, in my attempt to kill the Guard. More Guards were called into the room, and I put my weapons away and left the room after the Guard had been dragged out," Yugi said in a loud voice that carried through the room demanding attention. Turning to walk back to his servants he saw that even Yami was impressed by his display of power and authority that he seemed to command.
"Next we have Crown Prince Yami to give his account," Mahad said.
"Must I Mahad? We're just going to be hearing the same thing over again," Yami complained folding his arms across his chest. Mahad's eyes narrowed at the Prince in question. Yami sighed and moved to the front, sparing Ushio a glance before looking away.
"I was talking with Yugi on the Helm when he suddenly excused himself to go find his servants. Thinking something to be off I followed him. When I got into the room, Yugi had just said something to Zankokuna and had raised his, Katana was it, to deliver a fatal blow, when I rushed at him and grabbed his hand. Yugi merely raised the other hand also holding a Katana and attempted to finish the job with that one, I grabbed it as well. While I was trying to calm my Fiancé I heard someone yell for more Guards behind me. More Guards came and took Zankokuna away, Yugi leaving not to shortly after, putting away his weapons before he left," Yami explained in what could only be described as a bored voice. Yami moved back up the steps to stand by his Father.
"Now we will here from the Offender," Mahad said looking down at the Guard. He was dragged to his feet, and turned to face the Council.
"Here's what really happened. I was on my way to the kitchens when that girl servant tripped me. I spilled all my dishes along the hallway, and then I turned on her. She smiled mockingly at me, and said she was safe from me because of her Master. I simply sought out to teach her a lesson. I raised my whip to hit her with it, when that boy servant shoved me, laughing. I wasn't about to take this lying down so I shoved him back, and he happened to fall on the girl servant. I was able to deliver three lashings upon him, before the Prince came running into the room howling like a banshee. He used his sword to force me on my knees, and attempted to cut off my head. If our dear Egyptian Prince hadn't shown up when he had, I'd be dead man before you now. And that's what really happened," Ushio said in a very unconvincing way.
"Step forward Guard Umeda," Pharaoh ordered. A tall dark muscular Guard stepped forward and bowed to the royals on the steps and at the throne. Yugi's eyes narrowed in confusion. Wasn't he one of the Guards from Yugi's own Palace?
"Guard Umeda, did you see any of what Ushio just described anywhere in or near the room where this incident took place?" Pharaoh asked.
"No, Pharaoh, I did not," Umeda answered formally glancing at Yugi and away again. Those eyes, they were a vivid blue; he was the same Umeda from Yugi's own Palace. Yugi smiled slightly, he had company he could trust here too it seemed.
"Thank you," Pharaoh said dismissing him.
"The verdict upon this Guard?" Mahad asked looking at the Pharaoh.
"Guilty, and exiled," Pharaoh said swiftly. Yugi was hoping for death, but exile was good too he guessed. Yugi stepped away from his servants as he rushed to grab Guard Umeda before he could leave.
"Umeda!" Yugi called out.
"My Prince," Umeda said stopping and turning to bow.
"Why didn't you come forward and tell me of your presence here?" Yugi asked curiously.
"I was merely to watch, but not intervene unless your life was in danger," Umeda answered formally.
"Is Akiha here too?" Yugi asked.
"Yes, my Prince," Umeda answered.
"Tell him I said hello?" Yugi asked more than said.
"I will make sure to pass on your message," Umeda said grinning slightly.
"I won't keep you from your duties any longer, but I hope to see a little more of you both around the Palace life, ok?" Yugi said dismissing him and giving him a slight order at the same time.
"Of course my Prince," Umeda said bowing again before leaving.
"Was that the Guard Daisuke Umeda?" Mira asked as soon as he was within earshot.
"Yes, Mira it was," Yugi said smiling and plugging his ears already knowing what was coming next and seeing Malik do the same.
"Oh, my Kami, he is so gorgeous!" Mira squealed.
"Yes, and now everybody knows it too," Malik said taking his fingers out of his ears. Yugi laughed at his servant. She had the biggest crush on Guard Umeda, and was constantly found staring out the windows back at home at him working out. Yugi had had to drag the girl away one time just to get her to eat.
"Who's gorgeous?" Bakura asked.
"Guard Daisuke Umeda," Mira answered dreamily.
"Crushing much?" Bakura asked Yugi.
"Just a bit," Yugi said sarcastically.
"Well, the trial is over and unless you want to keep Yami and the rest of us company while we sit through a tedious meeting, I suggest you back out now," Bakura whispered to them watching as Yami frowned.
"Thanks Bakura. Bye Yami, we'll see you later!" Yugi whispered back before waving to Yami and running out.
"Yugi!" Yami shouted after him.
Yugi just laughed and stopped a passing servant and asked if they could show them where the Guard Jono was. The servant said they could not show them exactly where Guard Jono was, but they could show them where he would come back from. Yugi just had to promise that they wouldn't go down the corridor, or the servant would get in serious trouble. Yugi nodded his had in agreement, and followed the servant to a downward spiraling staircase. There the servant left them, and they waited for Jono to come up out of the staircase.
;p;p;p;p
Yugi sighed as he stared up at the ceiling counting the cracks in it. Sure there could be a number of other things the Prince could be doing right now, but honestly what could be more fun that counting the cracks on the ceiling? Mira sighed running her fingers through Yugi's hair, again. His head was in her lap, and Malik was snoozing in Yugi's.
"How much longer?" Mira asked.
"The servant never said," Yugi said back. They'd been waiting out in the hall for who knew how many sun movements. Certainly not Yugi, there were no windows in the vicinity, he would know, he'd checked.
"Don't let Seth hear you say that Tristan, he'd throw a hissy fit," Jono's voice sounded from the spiraling staircase making Yugi jolt up, waking Malik in the progress.
"Well, it's true," a voice said back most likely Tristan's as a mess of blonde hair came around the corner. If Yugi had been any less dignified he would have sprung at the blonde crushing him in hug. Instead he settled for a more respectable manner to show his relief at finally seeing the blonde.
"Jono, at last," Yugi said in a more than relieved voice from the ground.
"P-Prince Yugi," both men stuttered out in surprise and shock, quickly bowing to him.
"Have you been waiting long?" Jono asked as he straightened up.
"No not at all," Yugi lied through his teeth standing up. Jono and Tristan helped Malik and Mira to stand as well.
"Was there something you wanted?" Jono asked.
"Yes, can you keep a secret?" Yugi said before turning to the other Guard.
"As long as it doesn't endanger my Pharaoh, Prince, or yourself, yes I can," Tristan answered.
"Oh good, it only endangers the Council," Yugi said cheerfully.
"Ah…" Tristan trailed off.
"Is that a problem?" Yugi asked his eyes narrowing.
"No, they're bunch of pricks. What can I do?" Tristan said back before offering his help.
"Ah, Yugi, I'm not so sure of this prank anymore," Jono said rubbing the back of his head.
"What if I promised Seth's safety?" Yugi asked raising his eyebrows at the Guard.
"Okay, so I got barrels about this big and this wide full of oil. I managed to sneak ten of them, do think that'll be enough?" Jono said showing with his hands how big the barrels were. Yugi had to admit, they were much bigger than Yugi thought they would be.
"Ten will do perfectly," Yugi said grinning like a Cheshire cat.
"Now the hallway you showed us Jono, is that the only way to the throne room?" Mira asked.
"No, there's a roundabout way too, but hardly anyone uses it," Jono replied.
"Show us?" Yugi requested.
"Why?" Jono asked.
"Well, unless of course you want Seth to have a fun trip outside then, by all means, you don't have to show us," Malik said.
"Ah, this way," Jono said leading the way.
"What exactly is this prank you have in mind? I mean I heard that they cause the most havoc as possible without actually causing injury," Tristan whispered to Yugi as they walked down the hallways.
"The prank basically includes a good start and the ability to fly, however brief," Yugi said still grinning in that Cheshire cat way.
"Huh, it sounds like fun," Tristan said.
"Yes, but I'm almost positive the Council won't see it that way," Yugi said his eyes alight with revenge.
"Okay, so this is the one that we're going to slick up. In order to avoid the trap though, we go straight. Until we come to this second hallway, and turn here, and halfway down the hallway we have the doors leading into the throne room," Jono said showing them.
"Excellent. We set it up tonight. You're more than welcome to join us, Tristan," Yugi said moving past the two Guards and making his way towards the main doors. He had to make sure this was perfect. He hadn't picked that hallway for nothing.
;p;p;p;p
Walking around the palace Yugi eventually found that window again thanks to Jono, who was standing by it and gave him thumbs up. Yugi returned it, and started to collect little stones that were lying around with Mira and Malik helping. When Yugi figured he had enough he started to spell out the words 'whispering is rude' with them. Once he was sure they were in the perfect spot, he stated to cover them up with sand, he didn't want anyone to see them just yet, that would ruin everything. A good prank was a flawless one. Yugi bumped into Bakura on the way back in, and the male caught him by his upper arms holding him in place easily.
"Yugi, where've you been?" Bakura asked.
"Exploring," Yugi answered simply.
"Where?"
"Everywhere," Yugi answered vaguely.
"Well we've been combing the palace for you for the past sun movement," Bakura said clearly not believing him.
"Then perhaps you weren't looking in the right places," Yugi said coolly wrenching himself away from Bakura's grasp and continuing on his way.
"All right, where was he?" Bakura asked Mira and Malik.
"What?" Mira asked pretending not to understand him.
"What was that?" Bakura asked. Yugi stopped, and turned back, listening and watching what looked like would be a good show.
"I can't understand you. What are you saying?"
"Okay, I know you speak Khemet. I just heard a beautiful display of it in the throne room quite a few sun movements ago. So, out with it, where was he?"
"Are you insulting us?" Malik asked. "It's impolite to speak in a language that no one understands."
Yugi snorted, making Bakura turn to glare at him. He turned back to Malik and Mira.
"Listen here, you little servants, you best start talking in Khemet, or I will have no choice but to assume that you're either insulting me or threatening me."
"Maybe he's asking us what we would like to eat?" Malik guessed.
"Oh, yes! That must be it!" Mira said in a joyful voice.
"I said speak Khemet!"
"I would like some onigiri, and tonkatsu," Malik said licking his lips.
"And I shall take the kaiseki ryori, with sushi," Mira said with a smile.
"Ugh, now I know what Yami was complaining about so much when Prince Yugi did this to him. Terribly annoying. You're just lucky you have your Prince to look after you, because if you'd been in the care of anyone else, they wouldn't have tolerated such behavior."
"Are you threatening them?" Yugi asked in a warning tone.
"No, I'm not, you stupid Japanese," Bakura muttered before starting to walk off to find Yami.
"Baka."
"What?" Bakura asked in a tired sigh turning to him.
"The correct term for that word is, Baka."
"Baka. Wait, what word?"
"Goodbye! Come along you two!"
"What word?!" Bakura shouted after them. He let out an aggravated sigh, running his hand down his face, "Japanese…it's a language we all need to learn. And quickly."
;p;p;p;p
Somehow Yugi, Mira, and Malik found their way back to Jono, only to find him talking nervously with Seth and Yami. Yugi decided to help him out instead of leaving him to flounder. Sneaking up behind his fiancé, he wrapped his arms around his middle, and pulled him close. Yugi felt Yami twist around to see who had a hold of him.
"Yugi, where've you been?" Yami demanded once he figured out who was hugging him.
"Exploring," Yugi said nuzzling his chest with his face slightly.
"In the palace grounds I hope," Yami said as evenly as he could.
"Of course, I'm not game enough to venture out into the city on my own quite yet. I'm afraid I'm not as adventurous as you were in your youth," Yugi said looking up at him grinning.
"You're lucky you're cute, Yugi," Yami said hugging him back.
"What do you mean?" Yugi asked.
"I've been worried and angry all morning, but just one smile from you and those emotions vanish," Yami complained.
"Then I should smile more often, yes?" Yugi asked.
"Yeah, smile all the time. I'm happier knowing your happy," Yami whispered back.
"Then tomorrow you should be bursting with joy," Yugi muttered.
"Huh?" Yami asked hearing Yugi say something but not what was said.
"Then I'll smile every day, just for you," Yugi said louder.
"Wonderful," Yami said kissing his brow. He raised his head to see Bakura come arund the corner. He looked very agitated.
"Oh, Bakura, I still want that tonkatsu, and Mira still wants the kaiseki ryori," Malik nearly shouted down the hallway.
Yami noticed Bakura making strangling motions with his hands.
"That's enough you two. You've agitated him enough already. Don't push it," Yugi said in a scolding tone.
"Yes, Master," they responded.
"Uh, why does my friend look ready to kill?" Yami asked.
"I really couldn't tell you. He was like that when we bumped into him earlier."
"You liar!" Bakura shouted behind him.
"Is he always this easily upset?" Yugi asked in a sly tone.
"Depends on the day actually," Yami replied rubbing the back of his neck.
"What fun that must be for all of you." Yugi then turned and walked away.
"What did he do to you?" Yami asked as soon as he was out of ear shot.
"Nothing. It's those servants of his. They were pretending that they didn't know a word of our native tongue, and could only speak Japanese. I was also told that a word I used was pronounced 'baka' in Japanese, but failed to learn just what word it was."
"They're going to keep all of us on our toes, aren't they?" Seth asked with a slight sigh.
"They're foreigners in a strange country, how else will they get all their entertainment?" Yami asked.
"Have Jono tell them more stories about you?"
"You know I think I might actually prefer the Japanese/Khemet conversations."
;p;p;p;p
"It's all set up; all that's left is getting the Guards outside our door to drink this," Mira said holding the two cups full of water up. It wasn't just water though; there were powerful sleeping herbs in them, tasteless, but powerful.
"Excellent, give those to me, I'll deliver them," Yugi said grinning taking the two cups.
Mira opened the door and Yugi walked out of the room and handed each Guard a drink, while saying things like being such wonderful Guards, and must be so thirsty from standing in such a hot hall all day. Both Guards shrugged and took a cup two minutes later they lay at Yugi's feet, completely knocked out. Jono and Tristan came into play then and dragged the Guards away to a random closet, and took their places. This way, no one would pass and question why the Guards were on the ground, and where Yugi and his servants were. Jono told them that the barrels were in an alcove by the window, out of sight. Yugi nodded, and the three shadows slunk off to go do the dirty deed.
"That should do it," Yugi said as the last barrel was poured on the ground.
"What about the words?" Mira asked.
"I'll go uncover them, you two get back to the room. If anyone asks why you're wandering the halls tell them you were restless and didn't want to wake your Master," Yugi said quickly and quietly. Both nodded and took off back to the room.
Yugi snuck down to front doors, and with some work snuck past the Guards there, and maneuvered around to the window that had a barrel hanging out of it. Yugi uncovered the words, fixed a few stones, and used a Katana to cut the rope making a very loud noise that was sure to attract attention. Moving along the edge of the wall, Yugi was able to sneak back inside due to the Guards at the front entrance looking down at some other Guards trying to hear what they were saying.
The prank set up had gone flawlessly, now all he had to do was get back to his room, grab some smelling salts, wake up the other two Guards, the ones that were supposed to be outside his room, and it would be perfect.
"Get them back in their positions Jono and Tristan," Yugi said as he passed the two Guards. Yugi rushed into the room, and dug through the herb box they'd brought along to find the sea salts. Finding the green nasty smelly strong ones, Yugi dumped a few into his hand, and went back into the hall.
"You sure they weren't switched?" Tristan asked.
"Yeah, this is how they were," Jono said back.
"It doesn't matter prop them up a little," Yugi said. Jono and Tristan did as asked and Yugi waved the sea salts under the first Guards nose. The reaction was almost instant as he jerked his head away to smash it into Tristan's.
"Holy Ra! What is that?" he exclaimed.
"Would you hush, my servants are sleeping," Yugi reprimanded.
"Ah, yes, your Highness," the Guard said as he stood up with help from Tristan.
"You're lucky these two Guards came and got me instead of someone else. I won't tell anyone you fell asleep on the job. Everyone needs some sleep at some point," Yugi said quietly as he moved to the next Guard. Yugi waved the salt under his nose and Jono jerked his head out of the way as the Guard jerked his head back. The Guard stood up with help from Jono and both looked around.
"You both are very lucky nothing happened while you were taking your nap on the ground," Yugi said as he walked past them and back into his room winking at Jono and Tristan behind their backs.
"The Prince was kind enough to let you two off with a warning this time. Don't make us regret his leniency," Jono said firmly before Yugi had shut the door all the way.
"Sir!" both Guards said at the same time. Yugi smiled, checked on Mira and Malik, and then climbed into bed himself. Oh, tomorrow was sure to be entertaining for certain.
;p;p;p;p
Yugi stretched as he woke up, oh today was beautiful for pranking in the early morning. He got up and got dressed in a casual outfit. White tunic, gold belt, and sandals. He woke up Mira and Malik, and told them to join him in the Prince's room when they were done getting ready.
Yugi walked out and saw both Guards stiffen out of the corner of his eyes before he went to go wake up Yami. Instead of knocking like the Prince had for him, Yugi opened the doors, and bounded in. Running to get a head start Yugi jumped onto the bed landing on the elder Prince perfectly, and bounced slightly as he awoke with a start.
"Morning koi!" Yugi said cheerfully.
"Yugi?" Yami asked squinting his eyes up at him.
"I had a dream about us last night," Yugi said laying his head down on his chest and starting to draw circular patterns on his chest.
"You did?" Yami asked surprise and distracted at the same time.
"Yeah, I dreamed that you let me lead you to the throne room today just to prove that I knew how to get there on my own. Do you mind if we reenact it? It was such a lovely dream," Yugi said looking up at him through his eyelashes.
"Uh, no, not at all," Yami said after a few beats of silence where he was just staring down at Yugi.
"Wonderful," Yugi said letting his breath purposefully ghost over his chest. Who said Yugi was innocent to the ways of seduction?
"Yugi, if you're trying to make me want you, it's working, flawlessly," Yami moaned out.
"And why should you have the need to want me, when you already have me?" Yugi asked pulling away from his chest to look down at him.
"Doesn't mean I still can't want you," Yami said sitting up and slipping a hand behind Yugi's head drawing him close for a kiss.
"Master?" Mira said from the doorway.
"Yes, Mira?" Yugi asked leaning his forehead against Yami's and turning to face her.
"The slaves say it's time for breakfast," she said dutifully.
"Oh, that means you need to get dressed Yami, I'll leave you to it," Yugi said scooting off him and bounding back out the door.
"I don't just need to get dressed, but I need a cold bath too," Yami muttered before the door had fully closed making Yugi grin.
"What did you do?" Malik asked.
"Apparently I aroused him," Yugi said laughing into his hand.
"Did he go for it?" Mira asked.
"Like leading a turtle to water," Yugi said smiling.
"Perfect, we just have to grab the Pharaoh and Seth and we're good," Malik said as they walked into the dining hall.
Yugi dutifully pulled away from his servants and made his way formally into the dining hall. He sat down at his seat, and watched as Mira and Malik became two statues behind him. He just hoped that the Pharaoh and Priest Seth would let them lead them away from the trap set up for the rest of the Council.
As soon as breakfast was over the two servants attached themselves to the arms of Seth and the Pharaoh. This caused a lot of dirty looks from the Council, but Yugi grinned, they'd be taken care of soon enough. Yugi led Yami out of the dining hall, and straight past the one hallway that led to the quickest way to the throne room.
"Ah, Yugi, you just passed the hallway," Yami said pointing back at it.
"You don't want to spend more time with me before you have to start your Royal duties?" Yugi asked looking down as if he was sad.
"Oh no, of course I do! Lead on!" Yami said joyfully.
"Okay," Yugi said in a still solemn voice.
"Yugi, I love spending time with you. I'm just confused as to why we're going this way is all," Yami said pulling him into a hug and kissing his hair.
"Is there a reason why we're taking the long way around little servant?" Seth asked as he passed them.
"I thought you'd want the scenic view," Malik said back.
"There's no windows," Seth answered shortly.
"So basically, you're telling me you don't find the walls to be scenic?" Malik asked stopping and facing the Priest.
"No," he said swiftly.
"Then you don't come this way often enough," Malik said re-taking his arm and leading him on.
"I don't think I even want to know what was shining down that other hallway," Pharaoh said as he passed by.
"Yeah, probably not," Mira said smiling up at him widely.
"This prank better not cause injury," Pharaoh warned.
"Prank?" Yami asked pulling away from Yugi.
"I don't know what he's talking about," Yugi said blinking up at him a little too innocently.
Yami narrowed his eyes and started to drag Yugi along to the other door. They entered to see the other doors already opened, and the Pharaoh and Priest Seth watching as Council member after Council member went flying down the hallway on a slippery surface before going out the window on the far end, landing them in the pond at the bottom. When they climbed out they would see the words 'whispering is rude' spelled out with little stones. Yugi felt a little bad putting Mahad and Isis through this, but he only had so many arms, and to save any more than the three they had, would have raised suspicion among the rest. Yami let go of his hand to stand by his Father, and Yugi motioned to his servants that it was time for them to leave. While the three watched, Pharaoh looking angry, Yami exasperated, and Seth amused, Yugi, Mira, and Malik snuck out.
"Prince Yugi, I demand to know where they're going!" Pharaoh said whirling around to face an empty room. "He's gone!"
"Well, you didn't expect him to stick around did you?" Seth asked.
"Yami, go fetch him! And take the long way round," Pharaoh ordered adding the last part like an afterthought.
"Yeah, cause I'm going to take that way, that looks fun," Yami said sarcastically before making his way out of the throne room and back to Yugi's room.
"Yugi, my Father wishes to see you," Yami said opening the doors.
"Yami, close your eyes and open your mouth," Yugi said his eyes alight with happiness.
"What?" Yami asked confused as Mira shut the door behind him.
"Just do it and I promise you'll enjoy every second of it," Yugi said. Yami sighed and did as Yugi asked. He felt Yugi slip something in between his lips and into his mouth. It tasted sweet, and milky, and melted so easily on his tongue. Yami opened his eyes, licking his lips.
"That was delicious, what was it?" he asked.
"Chocolate, want some more?" Yugi asked as he popped a piece into his own mouth.
"I'd love some," Yami said drawing him into kiss and stealing the chocolate from his mouth. Yugi sat on his bed staring at Yami, with his mouth open, as he swallowed his chocolate.
"That was mine," Yugi whined.
"Which made it all the more delicious," Yami said grinning.
"Hmph," Yugi pouted and reached for another piece and putting it into his mouth. Yami swooped forward and stole that too.
"No!" Yugi yelled smashing his lips onto Yami's and trying to get it back. So started the war to acquire the one piece of chocolate between them which just turned into a make out session. Or at least that's what the Pharaoh saw them doing when he came to investigate what was taking his son so long to return with the Prince.
"Prince Yugi?" Pharaoh asked.
"Mm, yeah?" he asked pulling his head away from Yami's.
"You're under room arrest," Pharaoh said simply.
"Why?" Yugi asked pouting as he saw Yami snag a few pieces of chocolate and pop them into his mouth.
"Because I don't care how rude you think my Council's whispering is, you are never to do that again," Pharaoh said sternly.
"All right, for how long?" Yugi asked pulling the container away from him.
"A month," Pharaoh said before walking away leaving Yugi to gape after him.
"Don't worry Yugi, I'll visit you," Yami said stealing a piece of chocolate.
"Gimme that," Yugi said stealing it from his mouth which started another long make out session.
;p;p;p;p
Two weeks, two weeks and Yugi was bored out of his mind. Sure he had gotten little enjoyments like sitting on his railing and having Yami freak out concerned that he was going to fall to his death. Or when they tried to steal a piece of chocolate from each other's mouths, which more often than not, turned into a make out session. Or just yesterday when he had freaked out because he couldn't find Yugi. Yugi had enjoyed watching him run around the room from his position on top of the bed canopy. Still, he was extremely bored.
"Prince Yugi?" a Guard asked from outside the door.
"Yeah, is lunch here?" Yugi asked.
"No, but a servant here says your presence alone is required in the throne room," The Guard said back.
"Excellent!" Yugi said hopping off the bed and opening the doors quickly.
"We'll guard them with our lives," One of the Guards said.
"Make sure you do!" Yugi said as he grabbed the servant's hand and started to drag her down the hallway.
"Slow down your Highness," the girl complained.
"Oh, right, sorry. I guess I'm just excited to get out of that room," Yugi said releasing her.
"It's quite alright," She responded.
"What's your name?" Yugi asked.
"Amelia Theory," She said softly.
"It's nice to meet you, Amelia," Yugi said politely.
"Is it true that you sent the Council out the window and into a pond, simply because you thought they were being rude?" Amelia asked shyly.
"Yes, I did," Yugi confirmed sending her into a fit of giggles. They came outside the doors to the throne room a minute later.
"Goodbye, Prince Yugi, and everyone's right, you really are too nice," Amelia said bowing before running off to do something else. Yugi smirked before opening the doors to be faced with a head of white.
"RYOU!" Yugi shouted across the room making the other teen turn to him.
"Yugi, apparently, I'm unexpected company," Ryou said back smiling at him just as widely.
Wow, that was a lot of reading, and we made 100 REVIEWS! Yeah! Next up we have Ryou fun! Thanks to everyone who have/are favorited/following this story. Also thanks to everyone who reviewed Guest and User alike. Please review. Midnight ;p