I don't need saving. I'm just a slave.
no i dont own Yugioh. forgot to say that before. i do own the lullaby. DON"T YOU DARE STEAL IT!
warnings - angst, bodily harm, lemon, Yaoi
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Chapter 2 – Challenge
Joey looked around as the three boys shuffled behind him. Looking about he made sure that no shadows moved. He pulled back and turned to the boys. "No one is out dare', we can make a break for da next spot." the boys nodded and followed him quickly. They weren't that far from the palace now. The imposing stone monument loomed above them, a dark black shadow against the sky. Joey crouched as they hid in the shadow of an alleyway.
The amethyst eyed boy, Yugi, looked up at him with worry filled eyes. "Why such secrecy?" he asked tugging lightly at Joeys sleeve. Joey looked down at him and frowned.
"Gangs, drunkards, you name it we're hiding from it. The boys looked worriedly at each other. Nodding, Joey darted out and ran across the street to the guard. Hearing foot steps the guard reached for his dagger. Joey held up his hands and let his hood fall. The guard smiled and lowered his weapon. Joey returned the smile and looked back at the three boys. The guard followed his eyes. Turning back to each other Joey held out his hands palm up "I was ask'd ta escort dese slaves to da High Priest."
The guard nodded "She said you would come. I almost doubted her but She told me I'd do dat too" Joey frowned and looked the guard over, perhaps this guy was nuts? The guard just smiled and waved the small boys over. "Ok. Just walk along this path to the palace. Once inside approach the guard with the night sky band. Ask him to take you to Isis." Joey nodded and sighed. Taking the hand of the white haired boy, Ryou, he began down the path.
Minutes later the four boys stood in the entry hall of the Pharaoh's palace. Tearing his eyes from the beautifully painted walls Joey looked about. To one side a line of guards stood watching them with cold gazes. Looking them over the blond began to notice each guard had a ribbon wrapped around their forearm. Each a different colour. Furthest from the entrance four bands caught his eye. The closest a sunset red, the next a pristine white, then a deep glittering blue, and lastly a deep purple. Clearing his throat to catch the attention of the three boys beside him he approached the guard with the night sky ribbon. Stopping in front of the guard Joey noted the dragon engraved on the mans left shoulder guard "I have been charged with bringing these three slaves to the High Priest. The guard at the entrance to the palace grounds told us to ask you to take us to Isis."
Behind him Malik blinked in surprise at the flawless speech of the taller blond. The guard nodded and turned. Walking passed the last guard in the row the boys followed. Stiffening at the sound of too many footsteps Joey looked over his shoulder to see the other three guards following them. They walked further into the palace. The guards flanked the small group looking around constantly as if searching for danger.
Almost half an hour later the guard stopped in front of a set of wooden doors. Engraved into them was the same dragon on the blue guards shoulder guard. The guard din't move to knock he just stood waiting. After a few moments all four boys felt a pulsing in the air. Yugi shivered and grasped Malik's hand as Ryou gripped Joey's tighter. After a few moments the doors swung open and the guard turned to them. "Go inside and wait. Lady Isis will be with you soon." nodding to the guard Joey went to step passed him before hesitating.
"What's your name guard?" he asked and the guard looked at him.
Smiling he looked over his shoulder into the room with a look of longing "I'm Tristan." Nodding to each other Joey led the three slave boys into the room beyond. It was spacious and warm. Blue shear drapes hung in front of the large windows that looked out over the city below and in the door way of the balcony. Wooden furniture was scattered sparsely around the room. A large desk sat in front of one window, papers stacked in teetering piles with a high backed chair. The dark wood of the chair had the engraving of a large three headed dragon on the back and a dark blue cushion sat almost falling off of it. In the centre of the room was a large oval table with hard chairs situated around it. A cupboard filled with books and papyrus scrolls covered the whole wall beside the door. Other than the door they had just entered through and the balcony there was one other door. Though by the look of it they were not to enter it. Looking around Joey noticed a plush blue carpet beneath the table and a large pot plant in the corner with blue flower buds.
They approached the large table and sat down wearily. Marik and Ryou to Joey's right and Yugi to his left. Joey looked the boys over and smiled lightly "you guys, have a rest I'll wake you when Lady Isis gets here." the boys looked at him shocked.
"What happened to your accent?" Marik asked looking the blond over.
Joey smiled and chuckled lightly "its more of an act than a reality. My father hates it when I act like a freed man. I'm a slave to him therefore I should sound and act like one." Yugi lent over and gave him a light hug before yawning widely. The other three smiled and they all settled down. Joey watched over the small tricolour haired boy as the sun rose outside the windows.
Joey's Pov
Oh damn! I aint gona be getting home b'for fathr' wakes up. Looks like i'm gona be wit dese boys for a while. Waiiiiiit a mo! Why am I thinkin in street talk? I don' have to talk that way. At least not for a little while. Besides. I can feel it. These boys are special. They need this. They need the safety this place can give them. I guess I'll just have to stay with them until their safe. Damn the consequences. I can't wash the blood of my mother off of my hands but I can still do good. I can still save these boys.
Normal pov
Joey sighed and looked away from the growing light outside the windows. He felt the ache of a minor stab wound begin to throb in his leg. Looking at the faces of the sleeping boys he smiled slightly. As he watched them he noticed the flickers of fear and whimpers that came from the boys. 'Nightmares?' he pondered and shifted in his seat. After a few moments of contemplation he began to sing a lullaby softly. He didn't know where it came from but he had a feeling it may have been his mothers voice that echoed in the recesses of his mind. "Its ok, go ahead and cry. It wont matter, not here, not tonight. I'll still hold you, you can trust me. I'll be here, go ahead and cry." he paused a moment thinking he may have heard something but then continued. The fear fading from the faces of the boys as his lilting voice filled the silence, the sun rising and filling the room with clear golden light. "It's ok, cling to me if you need it. I wont judge you, they wont hurt you, not tonight. I'll protect you, you can trust me. I'll stay here, if you need to hold me."
Seth stirred in his bed. Looking at the entrance to his room he saw Lady Isis. She held a finger to her lips as the sweet voice made it into the room. "If you need me, I'll be here. If you need me, I'll be near. No need to fear, ther'll be no pain. I'll protect you again and again." Seth carefully stood trying not to make a sound. Quickly throwing on his robes he listened intently to the beautiful voice that flowed from the connecting room. "It's ok, I'll make it alright. You don't need to fear, not tonight. I'll sing to you, I'll hold you tight, you can trust me. I'll be here, I'll make it all right."
Isis smiled and looked to the High Priest. Letting the door close the voice was cut off. "Its the three slaves. And another, he is, well..." the High Priest raised an eyebrow (a huge sign of emotion for him) but waited silently. "unique" the woman finished. Seth frowned.
Joey closed his eyes as the last lines left his lips "It's ok, I wont leave you. Not till you ask me, I'll stay tonight. You can cry, cling to me, you can trust me. I'll be here, I won't leave. If you need me, I'll be here, If you need me, I'll be near. No need to fear, I'll take the pain again and again. You wont need to fear" taking a deep breath he opened his eyes and looked the boys over. They slept completely calm now.
(Oh i was also noted that Joey's name is 'wrong'. i understand that but for this fic i've decided that is his name. oh and Joey's fathers name Runihura means Destroyer.)
oh and another thing i realize i take forever to update. opps. and my spelling and grammar can be atrocious.