Ty- Here's chapter three! This chapter went in another direction than I wanted it to go, but that's fine. Anyway, I don't own anything except the plot, and my oc.
Solomon Moutu was genuinely surprised to see Joey and Anzu barrel into his game shop. That surprise instantly turned to concern at the sight of one unconscious former Pharaoh. The image stole the breath from his aged form. Atem had never looked so small, so fragile. The king's aura was gone, leaving behind the somewhat petite body that had always seemed so large. His chest shakily rose and fell with every shuttering breath he fought to take. The tan of his skin was pale and covered in a light sheen of sweat.
"Quickly, take him to Yugi's room. Make Atem as comfortable as possible." The pair rushed to the door leading up into the house. Solomon's aged lavender eyes followed them worriedly. He made a quick decision as he moved from behind the counter. The man flipped the lock on the shop door, thankful it was slow and there weren't any patrons in the shop. After turning the sign, he dragged aged muscle and fragile bones up into his home.
Amusement lightened his heart. Solomon watched Anzu as she made her one of a kind Rose and Vanilla tea. The tea soothed any frazzled nerves, aching muscles, and throbbing headaches. The liquid didn't smell as good as it tasted, but the scent also calmed anxiety. The 'mother hen' of his grandchildren's friends slowly relaxed as she moved through the steps. She paused suddenly, looking absently looking out the window over the sink. Her azure blue eyes were distant and hurt.
"This is all my fault." Anzu mumbled to herself. A tear slid down her face. Before the older male could comfort her, a loud bang echoed through the house. A blur of olive tan, black, red, and blond zipped past the pair. Solomon huffed, shaking his head. One of these days, Yugi as going to get himself hurt running that fast. As if to prove him right, a loud bang and the teen's voice yelping came from the hallway. The older male sighed.
Minutes later, gasps and labored breathing came from the living room. Solomon shook his head at the sight of his adopted granddaughter and friends spread around the room. Megan waved at him wearily from where she'd plopped onto the couch. She allowed her arm to flop back down. He knew he'd get the story as to why they were all in this condition later, but Solomon couldn't resist. "Kids these days don't know their own limits."
Groans met him as he walked into the kitchen, chuckling the entire way.
Yugi looked at his best friend as the other teen hovered over his bed. His warm brown eyes were protectively sharp. He finally settled on the edge of the bed, a relieved sigh leaving him. The teen in the doorway was glad he had Joey-and by association Honda-in his corner. The blond managed to soothe the troubled expression off the unconscious form on the bed. Atem sleepily curled toward the taller male.
"How's he doing?" Despite the worry, Yugi's tone was amused. Joey had a nervous habit of playing with hair and he'd started to play with Atem's. A soft whine was emitted by the Pharaoh when the ministrations stopped. Violet eyes rolled as he chuckled with his friend. "He'll wake up, if you don't continue. Atem loves having his hair played with. He always woke up to demand I continue during our afternoon rest." Joey hummed, but let Yugi be the one to continue by carding through the wild mane.
"He's breathin' better den when we got 'im here. Gramps told us to bring 'im up here. He knocked out 'bout a block out from the museum. If I had to guess, bein' surrounded in your chi is helpin' his to come into balance." A small smile appeared on Yugi's face. For some reason or another, Joey had an extensive knowledge of the Chinese concept of chi. The empress had to be wrong. She just had to be.
"Thanks for staying with him, Joey." Yugi said as he began removing his belt. He needed to be cuddled up beside Atem. Preferably with his ear over the ancient king's heart.
"No prob, Yug. He's important to you an' Meg, so that makes 'im important to me an' tha' crew. I'll go see who'll be stayin' an' who's gonna head home. I'll make sure to tell ev'ryone to give you love birds some alone time." Joey snickered as he left the room. He caught a baritone speaking softly, nodding in relief that Atem would be ok. A mostly empty living room greeted him at the end of the hallway. Megan cracked open an eye from her place on the couch.
"Grandpa cleared everyone out after they had a breather. They'll all be back to stay the night 'round six. He needs another set of hands in the shop." She curled back up on the couch. The blond nodded. He walked to the couch, grabbing the oldest Moutu's worn throw blanket. He tucked the blanket around her with the deft, precise motions of an older brother. She smiled sleepily. Another nod at his work, and he was walking down into the game shop.
I stir into the quiet of early evening as a soft knock echoes through the room. Yugi stirs beside me, lifting his head from my chest. We share contented smiles, arms tightening around the other. Another knock has our heads turning toward the door. Mai enters with all the relaxed grace of a lioness. That grace extends to her low bow before the bed. Yugi rises, flustered by her genuflection. She giggles, standing back up.
"Great Pharaoh, Master Nuri, dinner will be ready soon. Moutu-san wanted you both to come downstairs and join everyone. I agree that you both can't stay cooped up in your cozy love nest." The blonde woman winks at us cheekily. I sit up, leaning back against the headboard.
"I do not see a problem with it. We used to spend hours merely basking in the other's company." Mai shakes her head as she exits. Yugi curls back into my side. I smile, shaking my head before managing to detangle from my beloved. My body shivers in the slightly cooler air outside of our blanket cocoon. I search for the clothing Marik had obtained for me a year ago. They would fit me better than Yugi's own.
"Try the left side of the dresser and closet. I kept your clothes just in case. I missed you so much. I slept in your shirts, still do sometimes. I think Meg has one that she cuddles, when her night terrors are bad. I hate listening to her scream at three-seventeen in the morning." I frown, slipping into my clothes. "And before you ask, Megan doesn't remember what she dreams." As Yugi shook his head, I decide to drop the subject for now.
Moments later, I follow Yugi into a warm cozy living room. The friends my family has made in my absence fill the room. I go to the plush throne like chair, slipping onto the seat beside Megan. We wrap an arm around each other. She leans into me, pressing close. Yugi settles by his blond friend, the white haired teen on his other side. Telena's reincarnation appears in the doorway for what I assume is the kitchen. Meg stiffens beside me. Yugi does the same in his seat. The brunette woman kneels before me.
"I'm very sorry for everything I did to you, Yugi, and Megan in my past life. I know it will take time for you to forgive me, as I remember you were more wary than my siblings from other parents. I'm willing to work for your forgiveness and trust in this life, just like I have with Moutus one and two." She pauses to flash impish grins to my love and child. Megan meets her gesture by childishly sticking out her tongue. Yugi smirks. "I honestly and sincerely hope we can start over. After all, this is a new life for me, with a clean slate."
I gaze at her, stunned beyond words. Why could she not have been like this before? But, she is correct. For Telena, this is a new life, with a new slate. If my husband and child could forgive and forget, should I not also? A nudge has my attention settled on blue eyes, as the woman at my side nods. I smile, willing to follow her and Yugi's choice. I slide to the floor, placing myself on the same level as Telena's reincarnation. "Good eve, my lady. I am Atem, former Pharaoh of Kemet and spouse of Yugi Moutu. My I have your name?"
"Tea Gardiner, but I prefer to be called Anzu, as my given name is similar to my past life's name. Oh, that spouse of yours? He's my best friend and my brother in all but blood. I like what I've heard of you, but it would really dampen any possible friendship, if I had to kick your ass. Also, warning, you'd have a few others after you too." Anzu smiles as she straightens. I glance around the room, watching as the crystals dance around Ryou's hands. Joey and the brunette male both crack their knuckles.
"Duly noted, and I am relieved to see my consort and the reincarnation of our child have been in capable hands. For that I am immensely grateful to you all. I like your chosen name, as Anzu fits you far better than your given name. I shall be sure to be on my most courteous behavior, but you have nothing to fear. I would rather die than break Yugi's heart." A throat clears when I fall silent. As one, all our heads turn to the kitchen to face Solomon. He smiles like a man who feels his family is finally complete.
"Dinner's ready, but first I believe we need to welcome our new addition," He motions to Mai, who looks surprised, "and welcome Atem back. Family hug, everyone!" In a flurry of movement, Mai and I are surrounded by the press of bodies. My eyes widen at how quickly those we don't know well have accepted us into their fold. Yugi's arm around me tightens as I look at him. I managed to swallow past the lump forming in my throat. "The next time you two address me it better be as 'Grandpa'."
"I thought I already did?" I reply cheekily. Solomon laughs as he breaks away to return to the kitchen. Everyone peels off one by one to form a line behind him. Mai and I are left in the living room. We share smiles before I place my head in my hands. Fierce pain pounds through my skull, causing my vision to swirl violently. My steps falter as I reach out for the blonde woman's aid.
"Master Nuri!" I wince as Mai calls for Yugi. Her alarmed shout echoes in my ears and around my head. Two sets of warm arms take me from my friend. Gentle heat worms in to surround my heart, while blessed chill dulls the pain in my mind. Both work softly, easing away not only my headache, but body aches I was unaware of. When the pain has relented enough, I open my eyes, unaware of when I even closed them. Ryou's hands generate that wonderful cold, one carding through my hair, and the other molded to my forehead. Yugi's hands are cupped over my heart, his half divine magic warming my bones.
"She didn't lie." He murmurs softly. "We need to consult our parents; the divine ones."
Atem- -violently shaking Ty- What is wrong with me?! Why won't you tell me!
Yugi- Stop that! She can't continue the story, if you shake her! Also, good job on making your first deadline, Ty! –Ty smiles in Atem's grip- So what's going down next chapter?
Ty- Next chapter we meet with a few familiar divine faces from Mummy and at least two new ones. What our demi god trio is told may send them on a trip to Egypt. Which is the reason why this is like –is interrupted as a tuft of messy white hair starts to come through the door- NO! –muffled shouting and cursing is heard as Ty viciously slams door closed-
There's a reason this story is a mix of both Mummy Returns and Tomb of the Dragon Emperor. As for what's wrong with Atem, you'll get a hint next chapter. I'm out, so please R&R. Any and all questions can be asked in a review, a PM, or my tumblr page, Dragon's Den. I will answer all questions, as long as the answers will be spoiler free.