Chapter 5

"Now really!" A chastising tone said.

Atem knew it was Mahado before he looked up, he could feel his friend's overwhelming presence looming. Atem and Mana were caught, once again, in one of the many vases that were decorated everywhere all around the palace. It was Mana's favorite place to hide when they chased each other and played their made-up games. Atem liked the cool of the pottery and the secluded darkness of the fired clay. The two friends sharing it came naturally. Atem had already felt his father's wrath, such as it was, for hiding in the vases before. He had already broken three, but Aknamkanon's anger was not something Atem was afraid of. The Pharaoh's displeasure was just not intimidating when it came to Atem. The little prince was given limits and had been disciplined, but like any other child, he pushed against the boundaries set before him by his parents.

"Father said I could play with Mana," Atem whined, his face contorting in a pout. It was the same look when he saw something he disliked. It was not a good look for a future king. Mahado huffed at Atem's childish response.

"You know he doesn't like you playing in here," Atem knew that Mahado wasn't going to let it go. Mahado was far too serious for Atem's liking. "You could break one, again, and get seriously cut, now out,"

"Yes, we wouldn't want the heir of Egypt dying from a small cut now, would we?"

Mana giggled at the sarcastic comment.

"Out," Mahado said, resolved.

The pair shared a look between them and Mana and Atem both grinned. Mahado didn't like it one bit. Atem shrugged and finally relenting, they climbed out of the cool vase one at a time.

"Mana, weren't you supposed to be in your lecture?" Mahado chastised, leering down at Mana. A look that would have made most people shrink only made Mana raise her eyebrows. She smiled, again sharing a look with Atem. He did not like the conspiratorial glances they kept sharing. It was as if they were communicating telepathically.

"Yes," she muttered as she lowered her eyes to the ground.

"Prince Aknatem," Mahado huffed the honorific reluctantly. "You have a horse-riding lesson right now,"

"Humph," Atem crossed his arms but started to head towards the outer courtyard where his tutors were likely waiting. "Don't get Mana in trouble," Atem said as he looked behind him. Mahado was a fierce believer in following the rules and he funneled that ferocity into discipline. "I told her to play with me," Atem said softly. He ran, taking the shortcuts he knew to get to his destination.

Mahado knew that it probably wasn't true. Mana was always instigating the trouble the pair got into. Mahado nodded anyway. Instead of disciplining Mana, he escorted her to her lesson.

"You'll never be a sorcerer with the flippant way you treat your heka," Mahado said. Mana had an inherent talent for magic. She could be great if she just worked hard enough. "You told me you wanted to be a great magician, now start acting like it,"

Mana stared at her feet, unabashed. She didn't like listening to Mahado's lectures any more than the prince did.

"Besides," Mahado's tone turned softer, but tinged with a bit of worry. "You should not be caught in such a… state with the young prince," He moved with Mana in tow, determined to escort her to her tutor.

"What state?"

Her innocent and oblivious look betrayed her naiveté. The fact was, prince Aknatem was growing into a fine young man. He may be a weedy and awkward child now, but Mahado knew that he would grow strong and fill out. The prince had inherited his father's commanding presence and physical stature. Mana, though mentally childish, was fast growing into a young woman. She was the daughter of a dignitary, a title that gave her instilled dignity, which could be easily erased if she were to be found in a less-than-savory position that dishonored her. Prince Aknatem and Mana's close antics were tolerated now, but they would not be for much longer. The prince's voice was already cracking, a telltale sign of impending manhood.

The fact was, Atem could have any woman he wanted when he wanted. He didn't show any outward interest in sex yet, but it wouldn't be long before that changed. Mahado didn't like the thought of his baby cousin being one of the many possible future sexual conquests of Aknatem. It was Mahado's duty to protect them both, but what was he supposed to do if he had to protect them from each other?

"You shouldn't be found…alone with the prince very often," Mahado said, struggling to convey the severity of their budding puberty, without actually saying the words. Why was it his job to talk about this with her? He struggled enough when he went through puberty, much less help anyone else, especially his female cousin.

"But you haven't told me why," Mana said.

"It doesn't matter why," Mahado said, a blush forming on his cheeks. "Just… do as I say,"

To Mahado's first point, Mana did want to be a great magician, she had the talent to be great. The lessons were getting more difficult and her heka was getting more and more difficult to control, especially since… her bleeding had started last winter. The priestess who bore the Millennium Tauk had informed Mana that it was normal for magic abilities to get stronger with budding puberty. That day, Mana had just telekinetically thrown ink and paintbrushes everywhere which had taken hours of labor to remove.

"But I don't know what you're talking about. How can I follow a command if I don't know the purpose?"

Mahado huffed.

"Isn't it obvious?" He asked, losing his patience.

"No! That's why I'm asking,"

"I don't want to find you in bed with the prince someday! You're a dignitary's daughter! You're not some common whore," Mana blanched at his outburst.

Well, she didn't have anything to say to that.

It wasn't that they didn't know about sex. They did. They weren't ignorant of the topic, but for Mana, she just didn't have any interest in that yet. As far as she knew, neither did Atem. He didn't look at any of the women in court or look at her in any sort of appraising or lecherous way.

But Mana was older than the prince by a year. She was more developed than he was, maybe he wasn't there yet.

Mana kicked a pebble in front of her path. She wanted to ask more from him, but Mahado had a stout habitual resolution of keeping his thoughts and intentions very close to himself. He wouldn't tell her anything else that he didn't want to share. Mana glared at the back of his head, frustrated at his words. She stuck her tongue out at him. Aknatem wasn't a womanizer, he wouldn't just take women, take her, left and right whenever he wanted.

But what if he becomes like that. He was royalty, after all, no woman would turn him down if and when he asked. Now that the topic of sex was on her mind, she had noticed some of the older girls looking at her prince with smoky expressions. He had ignored them, which filled her with delight.

After dropping off an unusually silent Mana with her teacher, Mahado left to attend to his own lessons. He was moving quickly through the rankings. His skill and heka blossomed under tutelage. It wasn't until later that evening that he remembered the looks shared between Atem and Mana, like cats who ate the canary.

Oh well, what possible trouble could they get into?

…

"No! Again!" The slap of a thick wooden staff hitting stone echoed throughout the courtyard as Atem was thrown from his horse for the third time. "You're not focusing,"

"I'll show you focus, you old bastard," Atem said under his breath. Rubbing his sore legs and backside, Atem dusted himself off and reached for his mount. His horse had trotted off a few paces away, and shook its head as if it was irritated with him too.

"What was that, your highness?"

"I said, I'll show you focus you old bastard," Atem said loudly without remorse, meeting his tutors eyes with his. "I have been 'focusing' all afternoon. When is this lesson going to end, Tonte?"

Tonte shrugged, not insulted by the young prince's rude comment. He was used to the young man's bad mouth. Atem smirked at him. He knew that Tonte wouldn't take offense, the bond between them was firm. Tonte was an old friend of his family. Emphasis on old. Tonte had taught Atem's father how to ride when he was a boy many years ago. Atem was pretty sure that Tonte had taught his grandfather too.

"When I get tired," Tonte said, leaning on his staff. There was no way the old buzzard would tire anytime soon. He had the stamina of a stallion.

"Fine," Atem said. Taking the reins, he stood up, swung his leg over, and sat firmly onto the saddle.

…

Later, as twilight moved into night, the corridors were eerie and quiet. The foot traffic was light and a small female figure paid no attention as she waited patiently against the alabaster stone pillar. Mana rocked back and forth on her feet nervously. Mahado's earlier comments didn't bother her so much at the time, but now, as she had the time to digest them, they gnawed at her. The thought of Atem having sex was… filling her stomach with a weight that she didn't like. She wasn't sure how she felt about it yet.

"Mana,"

The sudden appearance of a voice behind her made Mana jump in alarm and land on her ass.

"Sorry," Aknatem giggled and appeared from the shadows behind her. He smiled sympathetically at the scared expression on her face. "I didn't mean to scare you,"

"Your laughter would suggest otherwise," Mana waited for her heart to return to a normal speed. "Why are you sneaking around?" Earlier that day, before Mahado had caught them in the vase, they had made plans to meet that evening. She had agreed immediately, thinking that the prince wanted to give the slip to his caretakers again, an almost weekly occurrence.

"To not be seen," He came close to her and pulled her up and close, dragging her into the shadows with him. He smelled like horse and sweat.

"Sorry I'm late," He whispered. "Tonte thought he should include archery with my horse-riding lesson," Atem's back and legs were sore. Trying to hit a target while you were the one moving was difficult and he had only hit three of the possible ten, which annoyed and irritated him to no end. Everyone expected so much from him, he expected a lot from himself. Atem was a natural when it came to most subjects. Languages, war tactics, strategy, history, magic, science, philosophy… There were few subjects that he didn't excel at.

"What's wrong with that?" Mana said a little awed. She'd love to learn archery, but she wasn't allowed.

"Tonte can be a real jackass," Atem said. "He knew I was anxious to leave. He kept me late to irritate me,"

Anxious to leave? Mana thought. "I thought you liked Tonte?"

"I do," Atem said. "But he just… he likes to take advantage of my father's friendship. I think he enjoys lording it over me,"

"I think he sees a lot in you," Mana said. "And just wants the best for you," She had seen the relationship between them. Tonte could be vindictive, but was ultimately harmless. Atem waved his hand, dismissing the comment.

"Well, I'm here now, let's go. I want to get started," He took her hand in his and led her down the hallway.

Mana nodded her head and ignored the sudden and unfamiliar flutter in her stomach at the lasting touch of his hand in hers. She didn't know what that feeling meant and chose to ignore it, swallowing the lump that suddenly grew in her throat. She couldn't feel the blush that painted her cheeks. Maybe Mahado's comments were getting to her more than she thought.

"Of course," She squeaked. If Atem thought her voice was suspicious, he didn't show it.

The pair walked together clandestinely. Atem peeked around corners before moving quickly into an empty room that was seldom used. The irritating smell of neglect and dust filled their noses. She followed quietly and quickly behind him. When he shut the door gently, he lit a candle and turned a mirror towards the light to amplify the light in the dim room. Mana could see ribbons on the ceiling, looking ghostly in the feeble candlelight. The room shared a balcony that let in the fading outside light. It was massive and beautiful. Why was it abandoned?

"What is the place?" She asked, her meager voice echoing in the room.

"I came across it once," Atem said taking in the scenery. "It's not used anymore, I checked. I think it used to be my grandfather's harem,"

"Your—

The blush deepened on her face, her cheeks felt hot. Atem didn't seem to care though, his demeanor as blunt and straightforward as always.

"So," Atem said, changing the subject. "Did you bring what I need?"

"Yes, though I don't know why I need to keep it a secret," She pulled a few vials out of her knapsack and handed them to him. He took them and moved away from the door into the more natural light from outside. A small caldron that she hadn't noticed before was partially hidden. She could tell whatever it was had been boiled, but what had been previously warm was now cold. The small purple ooze that sat in the caldron turned brown when Atem added in the ingredients Mana had handed him.

"I need your help," He said. "What I have planned will take two people,"

So he had naturally thought of me. She was the biggest keeper of his secrets. They were best friends, co-heirs in mischief and pranks, much to the chagrin of their victims. It was all harmless fun.

"What are you brewing?" she asked, peeking into the cauldron. There was a used mortar and pestle. Despite the brew being cold and the lack of flame, it started to bubble with the added ingredients.

"I need to change my hair,"

"Oh," she said. "Why?" Atem stumbled a little bit at her question.

"It's a…secret," he muttered.

"Even from me,"

Especially from you. Atem thought.

"I promise I'll explain later, but I need to leave the palace for a little bit,"

"Leave the— why? Can't you just walk out with your escorts and get whatever it is that you want? Or send for someone to get it for you?"

"I don't want anyone to see me," Atem said annoyed. "And I don't want to go with an escort. That would ruin the whole point,"

Mana crossed her arms. "Are you…running away?" She would not help him with that. It was preposterous in her mind. Atem wouldn't run away, but it was the only explanation she could think of for his secretive behavior.

"No!" Atem seethed. "I just need…would you just help me? Please?" He said, feeling like he didn't need to explain himself. Of all people, he expected Mana not to grill him with questions. "I need you to put this in my hair," He handed her a comb. "I can't get it all in by myself,"

Giving him a face, she took the comb and doused it in what she now knew was a temporary hair dye. A temporary spell that only lasted twenty-four hours. Harmless. What possible trouble could he get in with it?

"Fine, sit down," He did and sat in front of her, waiting for her to start. The brew felt hot on his scalp despite the hours that it had sat cooling. It took several minutes for her to get it all in his hair, by the time she finished all of the dying sunlight had faded and the moon had risen. His natural spikes were now subdued, like he had gotten it wet. The beautiful tri-colors were gone, disguised to look like her own brown locks. He didn't look like himself at all. Nothing in his eyes or face had changed, but Atem was wise to want to change his hair to sneak out of the palace. With his hair changed, no one would recognize him.

Atem looked at himself in a mirror.

"Satisfied?" she asked.

"Hmm," He replied thoughtfully, scrutinizing his own reflection. "I think it'll be fine,"

"It only lasts a day," she said, happy that she knew the answer to a question no one had asked. "By this time tomorrow, you'll be back to yourself,"

"I know," he said. "I won't need that long," Rising, he took his leave. Opening the door and peeking around the corner. She couldn't blame the prince for wanting some time to himself without watchful eyes. As a dignitary's daughter, she was used to a level of distant supervision, but it must be nothing like what he endured. He was the crown prince, the only heir, and the Pharaoh had taken his safety seriously. There were always teachers, tutors, peers, guards, or Mahado looming somewhere nearby. She was suddenly aware of how Aknatem must feel.

He must feel so lonely sometimes…

He reached for her hand and squeezed it.

"Thank you, Mana. I appreciate your help,"

His eyes glittered in the candlelight. Their unique amethyst color drew her in. Have his eyes always glowed? They drew her in and hypnotized her, a good characteristic for a future king and politician. She mentally shook herself before he could realize she was staring at him. Stupid Mahado. Putting such thoughts in my head! It would have been better if Mahado had never brought up the topic in the first place.

Aknatem was still wearing the comfortably common clothes he had been horse riding in. If not for the dirt, he could pass for any servant in the palace. Most of the nobles and priesthood barely gave a glance to the servants.

"I'll always be there to help you," she whispered.

Atem nodded appreciatively and changed his posture to something she had never seen in him before. He looked demure. Long gone was his confident and prideful stride. He looked as if they were never there. Casting his gaze to the ground and all servants did, he no longer had to sneak around. His strategy and tactics courses had taught him well.

He was hidden in plain sight.

Suddenly she wasn't so sure that she should have helped him.

…

Without another moment's hesitation, Atem walked right past all of the people who would have normally looked at him with fear or reverence. Now they didn't give him another glance. Hmmm. He'd have to look into the palace security. If it was this easy, anyone could walk around the palace doing whatever they wanted. He had to guess the servant's normal pathways and corridors. It took him longer than he would like to admit, but he finally found an open hall that housed the servant's quarters in the lower levels of the palace. Borrowing a cloak from a nearby hook, he moved swiftly down a hall he believed would take him outside.

This is easy. Too easy. Atem thought, rounding a corridor and shuffling through an open door. I guess I didn't have to bother with—

"Hey, you!" A voice shouted from behind him.

Shit!

Atem didn't bother looking back, he just took off. Stupid! He thought. Now you look guilty. It didn't matter anyway. He ran and he could hear the rapid pitter patter of one set of footsteps running after him.

"Stop!"

The other person was faster and before Atem knew it, he fell forward as a force took him out at the legs. He came near to cracking his skull open on the floor, but remembering his horseback riding lesson that day, he moved to protect his head. A wrestling match ensued between the two on the ground, by the other person's build it could only be another man who had hit him like that. It was a small miracle that no guards had arrived to break them up. Atem's borrowed cloak hid his face, so he could still get away if he could just—

Atem planted his foot in the other man's chest and kicked as hard as he could to get him off of him. It didn't supplant the attacker completely, but it did cause the hood to fall off of his head. Atem got a good look at his attacker.

"Prince Aknatem?!"

Dammit. Atem thought. Of course, he would recognize him through his disguise.

"Hello Mahado,"

…

Mahado's stunned expression rapidly changed from indignant outrage into one of inquisitiveness.

"What are you doing here?!" Mahado's voice was too loud, so Atem placed his hand over Mahado's mouth

"I could ask you the same question," Atem muttered, smiling his cocky grin. He couldn't believe his luck, Mahado wouldn't give him up, but Mahado had no reason to be this far into the servant's quarters. At least, there wouldn't be a legitimate reason. Atem wasn't the only one sneaking around the palace.

"I, well…" Mahado blushed. "I – It's none of your business,"

"Smooth," Atem said. "Get off me Mahado. I'm not into men," Mahado's blush got even redder and he scrambled to disentangle himself. Atem reached up a hand, expecting Mahado to help him up. The two boys rose and tried to appear as if they belonged there, not trying to draw unwanted attention to themselves. So far, they had been undiscovered.

"What gave me away?" Atem muttered. "I walked past almost everyone to get here and I wasn't recognized until now,"

"I'm training to be in charge of palace security. I know all of the servants in the palace, but I didn't recognize you,"

Atem grunted. He thought of Mahado's blunder. Mahado could have given a legitimate excuse for being where he was but hadn't thought to share it in time to cover his tracks. Atem chose to ignore Mahado's uneasiness, for now.

"You work too much Mahado,"

Mahado huffed. "We'll see if you say the same thing when it comes time for you to take the throne. I'll be in charge of your security,"

"A task I'm completely looking forward to," Atem said, his voice dripping with sarcasm.

"So why do you look like… this?" Mahado asked, pointing to his dyed hair and composure.

"I need you to keep a secret," Atem said. "Otherwise, I'm going to tell you to mind your own business,"

"If it concerns your safety, I cannot keep secrets. Your father trusts me to keep you safe,"

Atem said nothing. He couldn't guarantee that he was going to be completely safe. Anything could happen. I'm not going to do anything dangerous. Atem reasoned. To him, it was worth the risk to have some freedom from the watchful gaze of others.

"You're not going to tell me, are you," Mahado sighed, resigned.

"For now, no," Atem muttered, deciding not to share his plans with his friend. "Do I have to order you to keep your mouth shut?"

"Does it have to come to that? What is so important that you need to sneak around your own home?"

Atem's gaze didn't give Mahado anything. He had an amazing game face.

"Then I'm ordering you," Atem's face instantly changed from friendship to authoritarian. "To not say a word of this,"

"I cannot lie to my Pharaoh,"

"I'm not asking you to," Atem raised an eyebrow. "I'm just telling you not to raise the alarm. I'll be back before anyone notices I'm gone,"

"I could go with you, keep you safe. I made an oath to Pharaoh—

"For the life of Ra, Mahado!" Atem's voice turned angry. "Can you just let me be a normal man for one night?"

Atem didn't like ordering his friends around, but he knew Mahado and his level of obedience to the Pharaoh. The only person who could trump an order from the prince was a direct command from the Pharaoh. Atem turned, not liking the expression on Mahado's face, but he kept moving until he found the exit he was looking for.

Atem breathed in the fresh air and stretched out his arms.

Doffing the cloak he walked confidently past the guards and moved into the night. The faint scent of horseshit and smoke wafted into his nostrils. Moving further into the night with each stride away from the palace, each step felt a little lighter. Eventually, the palace loomed like a watchful, distant monolith behind him instead of the massive building that it was.

The city of Thebes unfolded in front of him. There wasn't much time, so he had to be quick. The markets would be closing soon. The taverns started to fill more and more with boisterous people looking for an alcoholic sanctuary. He didn't want to be out more than he had to.

But isn't it nice to be on your own for once?

Maybe he could take a few minutes to explore. No one paid him any attention. He had only been in the city center during the day, as the center of attention lifted high above the people on his chariot. Now, he was on the same level as anyone else. He perused the stalls that were still open. Vendors selling birds of paradise, fruits and vegetables, herbs and spices, spiced wine and beers, and exotic fabrics and dyes were everywhere. Several stalls were starting to close as the buying crowds thinned. He scoured for what he needed, not realizing the danger he had put himself in. Atem was oblivious to the furious eyes that watched him from the darkness.

…

Domino City – Modern Era

Yugi's and Anzu's kiss was never brought up. Their friends had noticed that something had changed in their dynamic. Yugi and Anzu were kind and polite to each other, too polite. Their natural easiness between them had disappeared.

Jounochi studied the two of them periodically as their group, plus Amy, hung out in the food court. Yugi had just laughed at something Bakura had said and Amy and Anzu were chatting to themselves, but a chasm of monumental proportions had divided Anzu and Yugi and it bothered him. Later, when they were all walking together the wedge was even more obvious. It was like Yugi and Anzu were intentionally avoiding each other.

"Hey Yug—

But an arm around his neck stopped Jounochi from speaking further.

"Let it go, man," Honda whispered. "Can't you see something happened?"

"That's the whole point. Why don't they just talk about whatever it is?"

"With stuff like this Jou, it's best if we let them handle it,"

"Stuff like what?"

But Honda just shh'd him.

Jounochi didn't like it. He always tried to tackle problems head-on, this instinct had gotten him out of some tough problems in the past. Of course, it had also gotten him into some heavy trouble too. Maybe Honda was right. But after another week of no resolution, Jounochi had had enough. It was when he and Yugi were alone, looking at a potential three-bedroom apartment that his tolerance snapped.

"What the hell is going on with you two?!" Jounochi snapped.

Yugi, who was looking at the kitchen just stared at Jounochi with a stunned expression.

"What are you talking about?" Yugi said.

"Don't play dumb Yug," Jounochi took on his heavy bravado. "You know what I mean. Why have you and Anzu been treating each other like you each have some disease or somethin'?"

Yugi looked away, suddenly very interested in the kitchen floor.

"Nothing happened," Yugi muttered. "That's the problem,"

Jounochi was going to interject but the property manager interrupted.

"So," said the bubbly little mouse-like manager. "Does this look like something you would be interested in renting?"

"We'll get back to you," Jounochi said. The rent was steep, but it was the perfect size for the three of them to live comfortably. If they pooled their funds together, it wouldn't be a problem. They couldn't do anything without Honda to co-sign the lease anyway.

"Can we have a few moments?" Yugi said politely to the stiffed manager. When she disappeared, Jounochi continued his interrogation.

…

Thunder rumbled above when Yugi was heading home and he hadn't thought to bring an umbrella. He picked up his pace to not get caught out in the summer rain again. Jounochi gave him a lecture of epic proportions. Yugi was surprised that such a long-winded speech came from him. Jounochi was right though. Yugi did have to fix things and get some things off his chest with Anzu. He had to explain that kiss...

But that was precisely the problem!

Yugi thought, defeated. If he shared his feelings with Anzu, he wasn't sure he could believe that any response from her would come unbiased. Atem and Yugi had shared a similar body build and reflection. It was easy to get the two of them confused. Yugi remembered that small moment they had shared on Pegasus' island.

"Anzu, I think you're thinking of the other me…um…I understand…I'll go away to that you can talk to him for a while,"

"Yugi!"

"Hang on a minute…I'll call him with my heart… He usually comes out,"

But before Yugi could summon Atem, Anzu grabbed his shoulders and pulled him close.

"Stop Yugi! It's ok!"

"Huh?"

"Of course at first, I…But never mind. It doesn't matter which 'side' you are! It doesn't matter if your voice is deeper! It's all you Yugi!"

She interlaced her fingers with his as they sat in the moonlight, smiling at him.

"You're just fine…The way you are…"

Yugi had wondered what would have happened if Mai's scream hadn't interrupted their moment that night. At that time, they both thought that Atem was just another part of Yugi that had been brought to the surface because of the Puzzle. But that hadn't been the case. Atem was more than just the "other side" of Yugi.

Yugi knew that Anzu's feelings had been confused between the two of them. Now, that Atem had moved on, Yugi didn't think that Anzu could untangle those feelings without Yugi getting emotionally torn apart.

I know where I rank in Anzu's heart and it's not at the top.

He refused to cry again, instead, he got some vending machine tea, chugged it as fast as he could, and ran home. He was so wrapped up in his mind racing the weather that he didn't pay attention to the nice car parked on the street next to the game shop.

"Grandpa! I'm home," Yugi shouted into the dark, empty shop, which he found odd. The sign on the door hadn't been flipped to CLOSED. Yugi swapped the sign himself and went further in. The back room was lit and the smell of freshly brewed tea wafted into his nose.

"Yugi!" came Sugoroku's voice. "Back here my boy. We have guests,"

"Oh, rea—

Yugi stopped short.

"Hello, Yugi-boy,"

Pegasus sat in his grandfather's kitchen. Pegasus had not changed much since Duelist Kingdom; in fact, he looked like he hadn't changed at all. The only difference was the expensive eye patch he wore instead of the Millennium Eye.

"Wha—What are you doing here Pegasus?" It wasn't rude, exactly, more flabbergasted.

"We came to share something with you Yugi-boy,"

If Pegasus sitting in his kitchen had been a shock, Yugi was completely floored by the next surprise.

"We?!"

"He means me, Yugi,"

A familiar, beautiful Egyptian woman whom Yugi hadn't noticed because of his shock of seeing Pegasus, was waiting in the corner at the table, sipping tea.

"Ishizu? What are you doing here? What are you doing here with Pegasus?"

"We came to share some news with you, Yugi," Ishizu said quietly. "With both of you," Ishizu said, pointing to Sugoroku.

Sugoroku's expression turned grave.

"Kaiba's hunt for the Millennium Puzzle has turned over Kul Elna,"

Yugi's heart sank a little hearing of Kul Elna. The gateway to Atem's resting place was a complicated place. The site of a massive genocide by Atem's uncle became the resting place of the Items. It was a place of grief and sadness for more than just Yugi and his friends.

"And because of this, the other Items have been discovered, and now lost,"

"Lost?" Yugi said, taking a seat opposite Ishizu and his grandfather.

"Stolen," Pegasus said simply. "Absconded for purposes unknown,"

"Purposes," Ishizu added. "That can only be nefarious,"

"Bu—But not the Puzzle. When Atem…appeared, he took it with him, wherever he went,"

"A small blessing," Ishizu said. "That the centerpiece Item was not lost to thieves,"

"What happens now?" Yugi asked, his eyes going back and forth between the three people in front of him.

"I have asked Pegasus to help in my investigation. I have attempted to reach Kaiba, but Mokuba claims that Seto is 'unreachable' at the moment,"

"But why Pegasus? He's rich, sure, but he's not the police or a detective,"

"Ah," Pegasus raised a finger, like a happy-go-lucky teacher. Pegasus acted like he was at the beach, fully enjoying himself.

"But I am one of the few people in recent existence that has used a Millennium Item successfully,"

"I believe," Ishizu added. "That people like us, those who bore the Items, are forever connected to them. We can find them again," Yugi wasn't sure that he believed her. After the Items fell in Kul Elna, Yugi hadn't felt anything like the Millennium Items ever again. All the magic was gone, fallen away into the darkness. Even when the Puzzle had reappeared in the duel against Kaiba, he only felt the familiar pull of Atem's presence because Atem had chosen to return, not because Yugi had any ability to bring him back.

"And do what with them?" Yugi said, his heart racing in his throat. Surely they didn't intend to put them back. They'd just be stolen again since their resting place had been discovered and placed on public display.

Sugoroku answered gravely.

"Destroy them,"

Author's Note: For those who haven't seen Yugioh: DSOD, Kaiba is "unreachable" at this point in the story because he used the plana to travel to the afterlife to duel Atem.

The italics scene is directly from the manga Yugioh: Duelist Vol. 3

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