Impunity

By: WhisperedSilvers

Prompt: "Within the pages of a book lie the impossible."

Summary: It was the act of friendship; at least that's what she told herself.

X

She didn't know what on Earth possessed her to look for this book. Really, it was only a matter of time before she had gone off the lam, jumped into the ocean and screaming for someone to put her out of her misery. Maybe it was the way her classmates all gave Momo Hyuuga birthday presents in class or the way Serenity shipped Joey a year supply of coupons for Shin's barbecue in south Kyoto—she could only imagine how helpless you could feel not knowing anything. Perhaps that was one of the reasons she so ardently struggled to find this book. She knew it existed—call it a gut feeling, but Téa Gardner, hook or by crook will find that damn book.

It was nearing four in the evening; she had been in Domino's national and international library since nine-thirty this morning.

Her eyes blinked blearily from the dim lighting of the library. Yawning silently, she glanced at the towering stacks of manuscripts that were nearly Yugi's height and sighed.

She grabbed all the books on the nameless Pharaoh and could not find one single thing—not one, that could help her with this task of hers. She already knew all these things; it just gave her useless information.

Scanning her last book, she flickered through an array of sentences—just one sentence that could help her.

Within the last decade, I, have found many things myself that could quite possibly change history! The nameless Pharaoh, however, lay a mystery. His tomb is thirty-five degrees north of the Sphinx, even buried beneath bountiful pounds and pounds of sand, my crew is eagerly digging up this pyramid as we speak—it is with great interest that I reveal to you, that the pyramids move, every day whether it be an inch or a footstep towards the west—

Again, useless information.

Téa groaned. She needed a break. Standing up, she nearly yelped at the pins and needles sensation, her ass was numb. Rubbing her sore bottom, she willed her legs to move, walking towards the exit of the library and she left the premise with her shoulders shrugged.

Her stomach groaned and she mentally slapped herself.

She forgot to eat!

Deciding to appease her stomach, Téa stopped near a vendor a bought a bottle of water and an apple. She couldn't even bother for a full meal now, it was getting late and she needed to find something!

Walking down the sidewalk she spotted a small bookstore, she contemplated on whether or not to walk inside. It was a bookstore, she frowned, a bookstore for everyday use. Textbooks, novels, flashcards—things that were modern, that's what they sold.

"It couldn't hurt to try," Téa said aloud to no one in particular, deciding to test her look she opened the door, a small bell twinkling and muffled half-hearted welcome from the receptionist.

She nodded and smiled politely before looking for the history section. Rome, Greece, Spain and India—were showcased in glass vaults. Browsing the selection, she skimmed for Egypt.

"I see you're looking for a particular book."

Téa jumped to see small old woman whom was smiling that motherly smile, she swallowed before smiling back, "Ah, yes," Her blue eyes flickered towards the ancient books in affirmation, "I was looking for books on Egypt."

The old woman nodded, "Project?"

The brunette quirked her lips, "Something like that, yeah."

"Well, we just got a new shipment in from Cairo," The old woman crouched down and pulled out a box underneath the last shelf, "There are a few books about, well, let's see," She began to pull out some hardcover novels that were more like textbooks, "The pyramids, King Tut, Cleopatra's reign and huh, I never heard of the nameless Pharaoh."

Téa blurted out, "Can I see that?"

The old woman chuckled before handing her the book, "So it was a Pharaoh you were looking for, girl?"

Téa suddenly felt warm, "It's for a project."

"Of course."

Her face was heating up; she quickly opened the book and scanned through the contents, before sighing dejectedly, "I'm sorry, I've seemed to have read this book before."

The old woman frowned; she went back into the box and rummaged around, "Now I know there's another book around here…oh!"

She yanked out a sage-colored book, the millennium eye insignia attached to the front cover and Téa's fingers twitched. "How about this?"

Blue eyes locked onto the book, grabbing the book she opened the contents and was pleasantly surprised to see some dust—meaning that she might have something that she hasn't seen.

The nameless Pharaoh that has rumored to defeat Zorc, the Dark One, over five thousand years ago at the age of nineteen—

Her eyebrows raised, now there was something she didn't know. Only two years older than her and her friends. Huh.

The nameless Pharaoh, true to his name, there is not much said about him, at least of what was of the battle. But he saved Egypt fearlessly, courageously, his people praised him—kissed the ground he walked on. They mourned the death of their king, even the High Priest Set—

The picture on the left looked a lot like Kaiba, her eyes narrowed, this was a joke—it had to be.

—held a painting of him above the throne, even when he became Pharaoh, he still praised him as the highest deity that the world has ever known.

Téa had to stop herself from laughing at the irony.

As I read the inscriptions that were mounted on the walls, I came to know of the little things that made the Pharaoh. For example, as a child the Pharaoh loved to play King, his servant and tutor Mahad would often play with him—just as a big brother would. He would often use a stick of some sort, as a saber.

Téa's eyes glittered with mirth, how precious.

He abhorred anything sour or anything too sweet. He would tell his father it hurt his teeth and he would pout when he couldn't rid of the tingling feeling. He was a very mischievous child; him and his cousin High Priest Set would often play pranks on the very stuffy nobles that came to visit his father.

That was bizarre, Téa concluded. Him and Set cousins. That was like—Yugi and Kaiba—she had to physically shake her head to get that image out of her head.

Despite his playful and naughty behavior—the Pharaoh was a king before his coronation. His excelled in studies, understood the trade and politics within kingdoms, understood the villagers and was kind to those who seek help. He had the makings of a wonderful king, on the mark of his eighteenth birthday, July twenty-seventh, was he crowned king—

Téa snapped the book shut, tomorrow was July twenty-seventh.

She had to get to Yugi's.

"How much is this book?" She asked the old woman as she opened her purse to retrieve her wallet.

"It's six thousand yen," The old woman said softly, "But however seeing as that you are an eager student, I'll give it to you for two thousand," She motioned her towards the counter, "We do not get much young, bright students like yourself."

She bowed slightly, "Thank you so much."

"Don't mention it girl, just bring your friends over sometime, hm?"

Téa chuckled nervously; she was one hundred percent positive that none of her friends would ever set foot into a bookstore, willingly of course. Grabbing the bag she left the store, a smile just twitching on her lips, the sun glimmered against the horizon—five was it? She needed to hurry; her excitement was ready to burst at the seams.

"I told you Tristan, the arcade closes at six and if we're late—Téa!" Joey's voice washed over her presence and she turned back to see Joey and Tristan waving at her—good, her plan would be foolproof.

He wouldn't try to brush it off.

"Hey guys!"

"What are you doing here Téa, I thought you said you had to do research for some project?" Tristan asked, shoving his hands into his pockets.

"Well yeah," Her eyes glittered with anticipation, "Just came out of the bookstore. I'm going to pay Yugi and the Pharaoh a visit. Wanna come?"

She would ask—threats weren't necessary, at least not right now.

"Sure, it's almost six anyway—the arcade will be closed." Tristan replied and the blonde next to him glared.

Joey growled, "That's because someone had to take their precious time picking out their outfit!"

"Hey! You never know when you'll see a pretty girl! Dress to impress, man!"

To Téa, their bickering was of the norm for them, right now all that was on her mind, is the Pharaoh's face when she tells him of her discovery, glancing back to the arguing duo, she allowed a small smirk to grace her features, and the boys would back her up on her plan—as soon as they catch wind of it.

It didn't take long to reach Yugi's home, opening the door to the game shop, Joey began to put his lungs to good use, "Hey Yugi! You in here man?"

"Why Joey, why are you causing such a ruckus, boy?" Yugi's grandfather walked in, his across his chest and his eyes shining in mock anger.

"I apologize Mr. Muto, we wanted to see if Yugi was in—for my project." Téa said apologetically, glaring at the blonde in the process.

He let out a hearty chuckle, "Of course, I was just messing with you. Yugi's in his room, I'll bring some snacks up later for you kids."

"Thanks Mr. Muto." Tristan responded grabbing Joey with one arm hauling up the stairs while Téa followed suit.

"Remember to knock, boys!"

"Yeah, yeah."

Téa sighed with exasperation.

When the door opened the bumbling duo basically tackled Yugi—with boy greetings. Yes. That is what she called those weird half-hugs and slaps on the shoulder—boy greetings.

Honestly, she needed some female friends.

"Hey Yugi," She said brightly kneeling onto the carpet, thank the Gods she wore shorts today, skirts were not in the cards today and suddenly she wanted to laugh, the irony.

"Hey, Téa, Joey, Tristan—what are you guys doing here?" Yugi's light voice asked with curiosity.

"What? You're not happy to see your best friends?" Joey asked in mock sobs, Tristan patted his back.

"It's not that I'm not happy to see Joey," He chuckled nervously, "It's just that it was unexpected."

Téa interjected before an argument could take place, "Actually, I have discovered within my research something—very interesting," Her eyes twinkled impishly, and Yugi knew her long enough to never trust that look, "So would you please Yugi, put the Pharaoh through."

Yugi blinked a taken back, he knew for a fact that she was always hesitant in speaking to the Pharaoh, she must have found something, and he replied slowly, "Alright."

It took a second, but the puzzle flashed.

The Pharaoh's hair was wilder, blonde locks that curled upwards, his facial structures were sharper, a hard jaw, well-defined cheekbones, and exotically slanted lashes that hid burgundy-colored orbs that held such a intensity, that suddenly, she felt an inkling of anxiety.

"Is there something wrong, Téa?" His voice was a deep rumble and she had to mentally slap herself.

"Give me a sec," She rummaged through the plastic bag and held up the green book. Opening the book, she flipped through a few pages, a grin playing on her lips.

The nameless Pharaoh that has rumored to defeat Zorc, the Dark One, over five thousand years ago at the age of nineteen—

"What? You were nineteen when you were sealed?" Joey exclaimed, he pointed to him with shock, "You're older than us by like, two years!"

"Technically, he is over five thousand years old." Tristan remarked dryly.

The Pharaoh looked over at her in shock. Just how did she acquire all this information?

"Ahem," She coughed, her eyes narrowing at the two of (her) morons in the corner, "Guys, please."

The nameless Pharaoh, true to his name, there is not much said about him, at least of what was of the battle. But he saved Egypt fearlessly, courageously, his people praised him—kissed the ground he walked on. They mourned the death of their king, even the High Priest Set—

"By the way Set is actually Kaiba, in a past life." Téa added in quickly, flipping the page.

"You know, I'm not too surprised." Tristan deadpanned.

As I read the inscriptions that were mounted on the walls, I came to know of the little things that made the Pharaoh. For example, as a child the Pharaoh loved to play King, his servant and tutor Mahad would often play with him—just as a big brother would. He would often use a stick of some sort, as a saber.

Téa was now giggling—too precious.

He abhorred anything sour or anything too sweet. He would tell his father it hurt his teeth and he would pout when he couldn't rid of the tingling feeling. He was a very mischievous child; him and his cousin High Priest Set would often play pranks on the very stuffy nobles that came to visit his father.

"Kaiba and Yugi—er the Pharaoh are cousins?" Joey was incredulous, his eyebrows were raised so high, and he thought it might get stuck there.

"Trust me, I nearly laughed at the absurdity, is this where your sibling rivalry comes from?" Téa asked the spirit with a quirked eyebrow.

The Pharaoh was still absorbing the facts that Téa had managed to get some sort of book that gave him some insight on his past or in any case—knowledge about himself. It was quite odd, Kaiba and he—cousins?

"I'm not exactly sure," He answered his eyes flickering from the book and back to a point on the wall, "Perhaps it would explain our disagreements."

She snorted, "Right."

Despite his playful and naughty behavior—the Pharaoh was a king before his coronation. His excelled in studies, understood the trade and politics within kingdoms, understood the villagers and was kind to those who seek help. He had the makings of a wonderful king, on the mark of his eighteenth birthday, July twenty-seventh, was he crowned king and what a remarkable king he was.

"Tomorrow is July twenty-seventh and you will be having a birthday party. No objections!" Téa commanded sternly, her eyes daring for the King himself, to argue with her.

Of course, he tried, "Téa, understand that I—"

"Yeah! A party! Just what I need," Joey grinned, "Can't believe you're gonna be twenty. Er, well physically, I mean you probably do have the mind of a twenty year old, even though you were sealed—didn't age and whatever! Where should we go? Water Park? Arcade? Switzerland?"

"Ahh, a day of relaxation—no evil, no spirits, no psychos trying to take over the world. This is totally what I need." Tristan sighed, leaning on the floor, "How about a barbecue?"

"How about a barbecue and the water park?"

"Guys!" Téa snapped, "Let the Pharaoh decide."

Their heads snapped towards the nineteen year old. Realizing that he was being backed into a corner, the fact that Yugi was outright laughing at him in the Soul room, and Tea's newly, acquired manipulation—where in the world did that happen—he was suddenly pressured into appeasing to their demands.

"What… Joey said?" It sounded like a question even though it was acceptance, his eyebrows furrowed.

"Alright!"

"Okay, now that, that is settled," She rolled her eyes, "Let me finish."

Unfortunately due to an accident or rather faith itself has shown that the Pharaoh is extremely allergic to octopus. However, he has an acquired taste for those of cherries and almonds that come from the trade of the Roman Empire.

"Don't worry man, octopuses are gross." Joey stated seriously.

Tristan scoffed, "They taste like onion rings."

"And you will be deep fried if I don't get through this book, Joey, Tristan." Téa said sweetly.

The Pharaoh chuckled and she had to stop the blood that was rushing towards her cheeks.

His friend Mana, persuaded the young king to travel into the village disguised as a peasant, for what reason? Some say it was to see how his village acted without his appearance others say it was to understand the folk of the village—whatever the reason may be—a few months later he had abolished slavery.

"Awesome job, Pharaoh!"

Téa nodded, "Slavery is forbidden in this time. It's considered an act of cruelty."

The Pharaoh nodded, "I understand. I do not believe in the prospect of slavery. I know that I would have done everything I possibly could to prevent such wickedness."

"Children I have some snacks downstairs, the pizza will be here in ten minutes as well!" Mr. Muto's voice broke the light atmosphere as he called up the stairs.

"Alright!" Joey ran towards the stairs with Tristan hot on his heels, "Race you Tristan! C'mon Yuge."

"Tch." Tristan grumbled as they raced down the stairs.

It was quiet now and she had to hide a soft smile at their antics, really what was she going to do with her boys, but the Pharaoh caught the slight quirking of her lips and as she turned the page, she sighed, "The rest is in hieroglyphics. I guess you can read these by yourself, hm?"

Téa stood up and handed him the book.

The Pharaoh was silent for a moment; his burgundy-colored orbs flickered to catch azure orbs and he grabbed her hand that was holding the book. "I cannot express my gratitude enough, Téa. You cannot fathom how much this means to me. But I must ask why would you go to such lengths to help me, I am not worth the risk of your health."

She was startled to say at least, "Pharaoh—"

"Do not lie to me Téa, I can see the dark circles under your eyes."

Téa pursed her lips and paused. Crouching low, until she was almost kneeling on the ground, she took his other hand grasped the book, ignoring the way his other hand felt against the bare skin of her wrist.

Her lashes brushed her cheek before she flickered her sapphire orbs and locked onto wine-red one's. She bit the inside of cheek, before answering him in an honest, soft tone, "I know what it's like to feel useless," She ignored the way his eyes fractionally widened and continued, "Ignorant even. I know that it's hard to watch the people you care about—just be in trouble and you can't help them—you can't do anything. And sometimes you just don't understand."

Téa inhaled shakily before she dropped her gaze to the book, "But I think that you deserve to know something—anything about yourself, just to make your thoughts seem a bit brighter, perhaps a bit more positive, and you gave up so much, sacrificed so many things—just for the future—people you didn't even know. You are an incredible king, and I know it may not have many facts about yourself or who you were… but it's a start."

She squeezed his hand, "We're your friends, we'll stand by you—we want you to be happy, so just don't ever doubt yourself, okay?"

The Pharaoh looked at her something akin to awe, he didn't know what he had done to deserve friends like this, to deserve someone like Téa, but he thanked the Gods a million times over—he truly was grateful.

One hand grasped the book with strong fingers and the other ran his thumb over her knuckles.

"Thank you, Téa." He smiled at her, gently and the way his burgundy-colored orbs twinkled, it looked gold itself, glinted in flecks.

Her heart lodged deep in her throat—

She knew she should've jumped into the ocean from the start.

note1: Still pissed at the lack of character development for our main female character.

note2: There are so many Téa/Anzu bashers—like bitch, really?

note3: Need to spread the love for our queen~

note4: Possible sequel.

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