He knew that something was wrong, as his crimson eyes opened to find no sign of life anywhere. The meadow he found himself at had burnt grass everywhere with a few common squirrel monster carcasses littering the ground. The blackened trees' branches had gnarled twisting deformities of limbs.
"Where is everyone?" Atem slammed his staff into the ground, muttering a spell to transport him away from this area of dread. He closed his areas, feeling the surge of his power run through his veins as crimson swirls danced around him. When he opened his eyes, they grew wide.
He was still in the dreary meadow.
"King Atem!"
Atem's head looked towards where the gentle voice was calling him.
"Téa? What are you doing here?" Atem asked, taking in Téa 's appearance.
She was standing there in an ivory maiden dress made of lace and silk that reached to below her feet. It was slightly low cut, exposing her chest and leaving little to imagine with the dress hugging her body perfectly. Her mahogany hair had some slight wave to it as it fell upon her shoulders. Her sapphire eyes twinkled as she smiled at him, taking a small step. The burnt grass came back to life as she took small steps to him. The entire meadow came back to life, wildflowers of every kind filling the air of their sweet smell.
"I'm glad you're okay," Téa whispered as she opened her arms to Atem, her smile and eyes filled with love. Atem closed his eyes as he took her into his arms, holding her close to himself. He opened his eyes when he felt she was no longer in his arms, gasping when he saw her.
Téa wrapped herself in Bakura's arms, her delicate right hand placed tenderly on Bakura's chest. However, something wasn't right with Téa . Her eyes had taken a dull color, void of the life that was in there just a few moments ago.
"How does it feel King Atem," Bakura sneered, putting his hand onto Téa's porcelain cheek. "How does it feel to lose your only chance of redemption to be in my arms?"
"Bakura you let her go now! She has nothing to do with this!"
Bakura's fingers ran a few strands of Téa's hair, bringing it close to his nose to inhale her scent.
"She smells just like a rose," Bakura's hand traveled to her cheek, "But alas every rose wilts my King."
Bakura's fingernails dug into Téa 's cheek as the claws of a predator would do to his prey. Crimson blood pooled out of the elongated claw marks, dripping onto Téa 's ivory dress.
Téa cried out, her eyes regaining light within them.
"King Atem! Save me!" Téa pleaded, her eyes darting over to him as she tried escape from Bakura's grip on her. Bakura smirked as he let her go, watching Atem start racing over to her.
"King At-" Téa cried out, her eyes widening. She fell to her knees, the expression of agony Téa ring Atem's heart.
"Did she honestly believe I would let her be in your arms without some price to pay?" Bakura held up his hand, dripping with Téa's blood as the claws retracted to their original size, "Humans are so stupid."
Atem fell to his knees near Téa, his hand reaching for her still warm body. 'Maybe I still have enough time!' Atem thought as he moved to grab Téa . However, his goal would never have the chance to be fulfilled.
Téa's bloodstained body disappeared slowly into light blue sparkles as the meadow returned to the lifeless land Atem had seen just moments before.
"Téa !" King Atem cried as he pounded one of his fists onto the ashy ground while Bakura threw his head back and let out a sinister laugh.
"See what happened since you tried breaking the curse? Everything will fall apart for you!"
Atem thrust his hand towards Bakura, black electricity jetting out from it. It surrounded Bakura and his screams of agony filled the air.
"You lie! You are lying to me! I will kill you and avenge Téa !"
Bakura just smiled at the king, despite all the wincing. "I don't lie King Atem. I have and always will make you see the truth." Bakura disappeared after his last words, leaving Atem alone in the lifeless field.
"Yugi! Your brother!"
"Brother! Brother! Atem wake up now!" Yugi's voice pleaded the sorrow evident in his voice.
"Yugi?" Atem rasped, watching the lifeless meadow morph into the blurry image of his brother.
"I thought you were never going to wake up Atem. It's been four days since we found you," Yugi muttered as he helped his brother up. Mahad brought over a glass of water for Atem, noting the harshness of his voice.
"You had us all very worried my king. We didn't know when you would wake up," Mahad said bowing his head once Atem took the glass of water and thanked him.
"How are Téa and her companions?" Atem asked after finishing the glass of water. Mahad and Yugi looked at each other before Mahad answered for them both.
"We have not left your side for the four days you have been unconscious my King. I can call for Mana. She most likely has been keeping Téa , Tristan and Duke company." Mahad closed his eyes, muttering a small spell as Mana appeared within the room.
Her emerald eyes looked so lost until she looked at everyone in the room, noticing Atem was awake. She threw herself at him, wrapping her arms around Atem despite the yells Mahad and Yugi had. Mana buried her face into Atem's chest, sobs racking her petite body.
"My King you have to get her out of the dungeon now!"
Atem raised an eyebrow at the girl's words, pushing her back slightly so he could look at her face to face.
"Get who out of the dungeon Mana?"
"Téa ! She has been in the dungeon for the entire time you have been unconscious! Seto had Tristan and Duke sent to different parts of the castle but he blames her for hurting you. Mokuba and I have been sneaking up food to her against Seto's orders. I know she's innocent because there's no dark desires in Téa's heart for you!"
"He did what?" Yugi gasped; surprised his cousin would do such a thing. His cousin may have been cold towards people most of the time but he would never do something like this as to deprive someone of the most necessities of life.
Atem's crimson eyes blazed with anger, jumping out of the bed as he grabbed his headpiece and staff.
"Atem, you should be resting!" Yugi latched onto his brother's arm when he noticed the color of Atem's eyes. They were black, a black filled with so much anger.
"I do not permit this type of treatment towards someone in this kingdom Yugi! Let me go now," Atem shook off his younger brother as he disappeared, leaving the feeling of anger and anguish behind.
"Mana, go follow the King. I fear he may let his anger get to him," Mahad ordered as he and Yugi left to search for Seto. They knew Atem would be hunting for Seto once he knew Téa was safe.
She felt so weak and cold. The nightmares never left her mind, tormenting her constantly as she slept just for even a minute. How was she to sleep when the dreams now consisted of Atem dying by the ogres' hands? The ogres taunted her in her dreams that it was her fault she didn't wake up to stop Duke and Tristain before the ogres slaughtered them too before her very eyes.
She couldn't remember the last time she slept in the dungeon or the last time she had heard Mana and Mokuba's voices. In the dungeon, she had no concept of time anymore. Téa didn't even recognize what was reality and what was only a shadow. Each shadow now took the shape of her dead relatives and the ogres from that night; tormenting her with bloodshed along with Seto's words.
"It's my entire fault," Téa whispered to herself, clutching her head as the tears threatened to spill.
"I'm glad you finally agreed little girl," One of the shadows chortled, inching closer to her. "It's silly to resist."
"Get away!" Téa screamed, slapping the shadow away from her. "Don't hurt me! No more please! I didn't know!" She gripped her hair with her hands, shaking her head as her nails dug in her head. "I'm sorry!"
Hands gently grabbed her wrists, stopping the female from pulling her hair and to prevent her from causing more bodily harm.
"Téa, I promise I will not hurt you," A masculine voice whispered to her as Téa felt herself wrapped up into someone's arms. Téa opened her eyes as she began to struggle only to feel the arms tighten up and her face being pulled up to meet black eyes tinged with crimson belonging to a blue, black haired king.
"King Atem?"
"Are you alright?"
Téa blinked slowly, her mind slowly coming out of the dazed state it was in. She looked around, flinching slightly when she saw some shadows move until she realized it was her and the king's.
She didn't answer his question. Téa only gripped onto the leather straps on the king's chest, afraid if she let go he would be part of the tormented illusion that wanted to continue to play with her mind.
It was the rattling sound that Atem saw Téa had chains wrapped around her ankles, limiting her ability to move around this cell. Her clothing was torn and her face was streaked with Téa rs and dirt.
Atem's hand glowed red as he broke the chains as Téa noticed his eyes went back to their natural color.
Atem swooped Téa off her feet, carrying her bridal style as the dungeon door swung open.
"King Atem, do you know how my cousin and our friend Duke are? I haven't heard anything about them in a long time."
However she would not receive the answer to her question as Téa froze when she heard Seto's voice calling out for Atem, unknowingly burying herself into Atem further.
"My king! You should be resting now," Seto said as he stood there with Mahad, Yugi, Mai and Joey behind them. Mai and Joey refused to look up in Atem's eyes; their postures were tense as they hardly left any space between themselves.
They knew their king was furious and they were ashamed at themselves for not interfering to ensure the welfare of Téa and her companions. Seto is directly related to the two brothers. With both unable to seek for leadership, the acting title fell onto Seto. As much as Joey couldn't stand the guy, his sister was distraught over the situation and he did not want to make it worse.
Atem's eyes narrowed at his cousin, his crimson eyes slowly turning back into the angry black as his magic surged through him. Téa whipped her head to look at Atem, gripping onto his outfit, afraid he was going to hurt everyone. Atem froze when he felt a calm, soothing sensation rush into him, looking down at the mahogany woman in his arms. She was peacefully sleeping now, her expression one of content and peacefulness. Joey came over and took Téa from Atem's arms, gently holding the woman in his arms.
"We're sorry we weren't there to protect her," Joey muttered as he and Mai took their leave to get Téa resting in her room again.
Once he felt Téa 's presence was no longer in the same area, his eyes narrowed at his oldest cousin. The aura Atem was giving off was dangerous; they could all feel the anger and hate. It was as if Atem was choking them with it and he did not care anymore if Seto was his cousin or not.
"Who do you think you are Seto? When do I permit treatment of people that are guests of MY castle?" Atem growled out, his staff pointed directly at Seto's face. "I would consider it treason since you know she is the one yet you treated her as filth."
"She was the reason you sustained such injuries. If she didn't leave the castle, none of this would have happened. It's her fault," Seto replied, defiantly. He would not admit he made a mistake when he knew he had done no wrong.
"Tristan and Duke were the masterminds behind the attempted escape. She didn't wake up until her cousin tripped and fell down in the process," Mahad explained, ignoring the hate filled gaze Seto sent him. Mahad had always wondered if Seto was jealous of him ever since they were children. He was the second closest person to Atem, something Seto never was able to achieve nor will.
"And how do you know this Mahad?" the dragon lord slightly sneered at Mahad, noticing how the purple magician's eyes narrow at him.
"My wife Mana told me Seto, the one who knew what was going on yet she did the right thing along with your brother who you made cast a spell on those chains you forced her to wear and then on Téa to give her nightmares constantly. What were you thinking? You're brother is only in training still yet you had him performed such a dangerous spell. He could have plagued her with the nightmares for all of eternity. It could have led her to the point where she would become a lifeless doll."
Atem's aura flared as he lunged for Seto when Mahad and Yugi stopped him in time.
"Have you turned as ruthless as your father Seto? He didn't care for a single person but himself."
Seto's eyes narrowed. All knew mentioning that particular relatives was an unspoken rule out of respect and to maintain peace in the castle.
"How dare you mention my father! You may be king but you have no right to mention such a thing. If anything, we should be angry at you Atem for you are the reason we are under this curse because you let pride enter and stay in your heart."
Atem's brow quirked up at his cousin's words.
"That is quite the statement when you were the one wanted face each challenger as a way for you to become stronger and perhaps maybe defeat me one day."
Seto growled, saying nothing despite his desire to do so.
Yugi placed a hand on both men's chest, acting as a medium between the two before spells and fists went flying.
"We all made mistakes. Not one person is to blame entirely for this state despite what others may say. The only thing that matters now is that Téa , Tristan and Duke have suffered damage done to their hearts because of assumptions and anger. Arguing will not let us move on from the past when we have a future to worry about."
The two older men said nothing, only glancing at each other. Mahad sighed, deciding to speak up as he knew neither one would be the first to do so.
"An apology is only the first step towards the process of healing," Mahad spoke, glancing at the two cousins. "Whether you decide the apology is to be directed to each other or not, realize that damage has been done and time is a fickle thing."
Seto said nothing, turning around to walk away. Atem watched him walk away, his black narrowed eyes watching his cousin leave most likely to fly his dragons.
"Atem perhaps you should eat a meal. It has been four days since your last one. I promise Joey will not be the one to prepare it.
Atem's facial features, relaxed as he closed his eyes. When he opened them they were back to their original red color.
"A meal does sound nice right now."
"Mai! When do you think she'll wake up?" Mana asked as she sat next to Téa 's bedside. Ever since she saw Joey bring her back into Téa 's prepared room, Mana refused to leave the girl's side.
The female harpy sighed, her patience wearing thin for the female magician.
'Why did I volunteer to be here with Mana again?' Mai asked herself, before her eyes fell on the sleeping Téa. Mai sighed, remembering the guilt she felt for not stepping in to save or even help Téa made her volunteer.
"I don't know Mana. But you should let the poor girl sleep. She's been quite through an ordeal during the last four days."
"I know," Mana adjusted her position in the chair, her chin resting in her hands, "I can't help but worry about her you know? I really wanted to get her out of there but Seto is scary when he's angry."
Mai nodded instead of rolling her eyes. As if, Seto's anger could be worse than hers could! Then again if it was so deadly she should have used it to get Téa out of there the minute Seto decided to put her in there.
'Quit thinking like that Mai!' Mai thought to herself, pushing a curl out of her face.
"Where am I?" A quiet voice asked, snapping Mai out of her thoughts.
"Yay! You're up Téa !" Mana cheered, throwing her arms around the girl, ignoring Mai's orders for her not to startle Téa .
Téa fell into her pillows deeper, her eyes wide as she gave Mana a hug. "Mana? Mai? How did I get here?"
"Don't you remember hun? King Atem woke up and got you out of the dungeon. Joey and I brought you in here."
Téa blinked a few times, allowing Mai's words to register. "I thought that it was all a dream. Better to be a dream than another nightmare."
Mai slightly frowned at those words. She did see Mana's eyes flash with sadness and worry but shifting to the usual bright emerald green that they were.
"Nope! Besides wouldn't a dream like yours consist of the king shirtless?" Mana asked slyly, giggling when Téa 's face turned bright red.
"Why would I dream of anything like that?" Téa asked, the tone of her voice hinting her curiosity.
"Well Tristan and Duke can be heard moaning and groaning certain names in their sleep. I bet that Miho girl Tristan likes would be red as one of those ribbons she wears!"
Téa smiled slightly at Mana's comment. How she missed her friend. She wished Miho was here but then again, she would be losing her mind being here and be frightened the entire time.
"Mana, Mai," A calm voice called out, causing all three girls to look towards the entrance of the room. Téa 's breathing picked up, all the blood through her body began to increase the temperature of her skin as her heart stopped beating.
'What's he doing here?' Téa thought, clinging to the covers of her bed.
"King Atem!" Mana cried out, jumping onto the king. She wrapped her arms around his neck and her legs around his waist. Atem never did loose his balance at the sudden extra weight of Mana. Mai shook her head at the girl, attempting to pull her away from the king.
"Mana what did we tell you before about doing that? You are lucky the king is used to you doing something like this."
"But Mai," Mana clung to the king as a girl would with her teddy bear, "He's my best friend and I didn't give him an official hug!"
Téa giggled slightly, perking everyone's ears. They turned to the girl in the bed, confused.
Téa noticed the sudden attention on her, her skin flushing as a result. "Sorry. It's nice to see how you all act around each other. You act like more of a family then someone who works for one person as his bureaucracy members."
Atem nodded, understanding Téa 's view. "I suppose after living with each other for many years, most of the formalities cease to exist."
"What are you doing here King Atem?" Mana asked, moving away from her best friend. "Weren't you supposed to be eating with Mahad and Yugi?"
"I finished my meal with them but I wanted to ask Téa something," Atem turned towards Téa , "Would you like to go patrolling with me to visit a few of the local villages?"
Téa blinked a few times, the words registering in her mind. "You have villages around here?" came out of her mouth.
"A kingdom is usually made up of more than the king and his bureaucracy Téa ," Mana joked only to receive a small glare from the human girl.
"Yes we have villages around here but they are hidden within the many different landscapes. We maintain contact with them all by patrolling to each village at least twice a week," Atem explained.
Téa's mouth formed a small o, reeling in all the information. It would be nice to get away from the castle. Not that it was a bad place but she wanted to get away from the dark especially now as she was starting to watch some shadows as if they were going to morph any minute into something.
"I'd love to join you King Atem."
Before Atem could reply, Mana shoved him out of the room and covered the doors with locks to prevent him coming back in.
"Mai start getting her ready! It's her first date with the king!"
Téa blinked in confusion as Mana pulled her out of the bed and shoved her towards Mai.
"Umm… I have been confused from the very start on how do you people know so much about the outside world. Can you please tell me how you know about it?"
Mai sat the girl in front of a vanity mirror as Mana explained.
"Well we had explored the minds of Tristan and Duke when they were first brought here. They did not feel anything of course but don't tell them about that. We don't need them worrying about us being zombies."
Mai rolled her eyes at Mana's comment. "Of course we are not zombies. The zombies live in the graveyard."
"There's what in what?" Téa screeched as Mai brushed Téa 's hair.
"Don't worry. They are harmless until you get them mad. Joey, Mokuba and I learned that the hard way," Mana pulled out her wand, "Ready for your first date outfit Téa ?"
Before said girl could reply, Mana's magic swirled around Téa , covering every inch of her skin.
"Mana you may want to hurry up before the king gets impatient. You did after all shove him out quickly," the harpy told the magician as she watched the pink magic swirl around the human girl.
"Okay!" Mana chirped, waving her wand away from herself to remove the magic from Téa 's body. "You look pretty Téa !"
Téa stood there, her bright sapphire eyes shining as she stood in front of the magician and the harpy. Her clothing was not an outfit she would wear on a daily basis but maybe she would for Halloween. But these clothes were probably something the others would wear prior to this curse.
Her top was a slightly loose white cotton shirt, the sleeves barely touching her wrists. She had her shoulders exposed as the shirt had a scoop like neckline. Over the shirt was a black corset, lined with a fabric that mimicked the color of her eyes in the middle of the corset.
She wore black pants that fit her perfectly, showing the worse that she had the hard-earned body of a dancer with a small sapphire skirt just below her corset to match. Her black boots reached to her knees only.
"I swear if this doesn't make the king go crazy with lust Téa we have failed our duties as a best friend," Mana shoved Téa out of her bedroom, locking the door behind her. Téa didn't pay attention to that however as she was pushed into a warm chest covered in leather, knowing exactly whose chest it belonged to.
"Téa ?" Atem asked, noticing Téa 's body had become stiff as the poor girl was just ejected from her own room.
Téa pushed herself away; her face turned the opposite direction as the blood rushed to her face.
"Sorry about that King Atem. Mana just shoved me out too quickly," Téa said, turning towards him when she felt the warmth of her cheeks dissipate.
"Mana can be overly excited," Atem, offered her a gloved hand, "Should we take our leave before Mana shoos us away?"
Téa noticed the sincere looks in those crimson eyes, before she nodded in agreement. "I think that would be best," Téa placed her hand in Atem's hand, "I don't want to feel her wrath."
Atem had a small smirk on his face, bringing Téa closer to him as he raised his staff into the air. Téa closed her eyes at the sudden magic, tightening her hold onto the king as the surroundings around her began to change.
That's the end of this chapter!