Hey guys, it's me! Took me long enough to get this up, huh? But it's here! :D Hope you enjoy! DISCLAIMER: I only own the plot.

A Line In The Sand

A gentle shake of her shoulder was the first thing she registered in her sleepy mind. Grumbling, Yugi swat the hand away. " It's Sunday, Grandpa. Go back to sleep." She mumbled. A beat of silence.

" Ah, Lady Yugi? 'Tis time to rise." It took a moment for the words to reach her brain. And when they did...she shot up quick as lightning, her heart hammering wildly in her chest. Kia and Padra were there, looking down at her in bewilderment. " Oh my! Have we startled you?" Padra asked, concern evident in her voice.

" We are so sorry, Lady Yugi! Please do forgive us!" Kia said, her voice heavy with worry. If they failed to serve her properly, they could be punished! Yugi shook her head, running a hand through her long locks as she focused and gradually gained her bearings.

" No-no, that's fine. I'm just..." She sighed sadly as she looked around the room that was not hers, at the bed that was not hers. Her ears tuned in to the sounds of wagon wheels instead of cars, exotic birds calling out and people chattering. She swallowed hard as a lump formed in her throat. " I just hoped yesterday wasn't real, and that I would wake up at home." She confessed sadly. The servant girls exchanged looks of sympathy, aware of her situation being that of a lost girl from a place faraway. That is, as Prince Judai said it. Kia nodded and offered her an apologetic bow.

" We understand, My Lady. But, know that we are here if you require anything of us."

" Yes, truly Lady Yugi." Padra said, offering her own sincere bow. Yugi smiled tiredly at them, grateful for their support.

" Thanks, you guys. If you don't mind...there is one thing I would like."

" Of course!" Padra said enthusiastically.

" Just say!" Kia added. Yugi laughed gently at their enthusiasm and stretched lightly before answering.

" If it's all the same, can you guys just call me Yugi? Calling me ' My Lady' or ' Lady Yugi' makes me feel awkward. And please, god please, stop being so ridged all the time. I'm not your master and I'm certainly not better than either of you. To you, can I just be Yugi?" Both women looked bewilderedly at her, locked eyes with one another, then back to her.

" You are certain of this?" Padra asked. Yugi nodded and smiled.

" Yes." A brief silence followed.

" Well alright then! Get up, Yugi! You don't have the day to waste!" Kia piped briskly, yanking the comfortably warm blankets away from Yugi. Padra grasped her hand and yanked her up.

" Your bath is ready, Yugi! Wash yourself clean and we shall pick your garments for the day in the meantime. When you are done, someone shall be along to fetch you." She ordered with a light shove, as Kia walked over to her vanity table and began pouring over the jewelry lay out there. Yugi laughed quietly as she looked between the girls and made her way to the bathroom.

" They adjust pretty fast." She mumbled quietly to herself. Yugi walked from her room and into the bathroom, eyebrows raising slightly to see both Jospehine and Judai in the bathing chamber already. ' Right. Judai said the bathing chamber was a part of his wing of the palace. I guess this is where all of his court members come to bathe if they live with him.' Yugi didn't mind Josephine there so much. Since she'd gotten her breast-full-to-the-face yesterday, she was already somewhat used to her. But Judai was a kid. A young teenage boy. Bathing with naked women? In her head she knew that during this time period adulthood was reached much earlier. At the age of what? Twelve? Fourteen? Somewhere around there. So then, this was probably nothing to them. But her twenty-first century sensibilities were kicking in, and Yugi wasn't quite comfortable about undressing in front of a young boy. And he wasn't the only one. Honda was there too, chatting casually with a young man with long spiked locks of black hair. His paper-white skin and dark steel-grey eyes definitely set him apart from the others in the room, especially the Egyptians.

Was this Josephine's bodyguard? He had to be. Who else could he be? Josephine spotted her first and waved at her enthusiastically. " Yugi! Over here!" She called. Her voice reached everyone's attention and the others acknowledged her.

" Yugi! Good morning to you!" Judai said, a happy smile on his face. From where he stood Honda nodded politely to her, his expression guarded and the pale man looked over at her curiously. Even suspiciously if she cared to dissect that look. Geez. What had Honda said to him about her? Hopefully not much. Knowing it was inevitable, Yugi grabbed a large washcloth and then discarded her sleeping gown. Shyly she made her way to Josephine's side of the pool and lowered herself in to the steaming warm bath. The blonde girl giggled at her and ruffled her hair lightly.

" Oh, Dear! Don't tell me you are still shy! Why, you act like a virgin maid!" She quipped. Yugi's face turned red, and Josephine instantly took notice and gasped with a teasing smile. " Ah, are you?!" She squealed.

" No!" Yugi protested. " I just don't feel comfortable bathing with naked strangers." She groused. Josephine blinked back at her.

" Oh. Well, does this mean you have a man waiting for you back at your home?"

" Uh...no, not exactly but, y'know still..." She trailed off. No, she was not a virgin. Out of sheer curiosity both she and Bakura had taken the plunge last year. It had indeed taken some practice, but after a few messy tries they had indeed, had sex. More than once. And when it was over while they had agreed that it would not change their friendship, Yugi always wondered if they could ever become something more. Or did he want to? Did SHE really want it? Or was last year's experiment all it was to him? Was she projecting her own want for someone special on to him? Was it-

" Yugi? Yuuugiii?" She shook herself as Josephine's teasing call brought her back to the room.

" Sorry. I was just thinking."

" About your special someone?" The blonde teased. The dark haired man had wadded over to them by this time and stood calmly by Josephine's side as he looked curiously at her. Judai and Honda had waded closer too, and were somehow now also a part of the conversation. How long had they been there? Yugi Cleared her throat and looked away.

" I don't have a special someone. I mean, I have a very close friend at home but that's all we are. Yeah, we had sex in the past but I don't think it was all that serious." She babbled, tucking a stray hair behind her ear.

" But it meant something to you." She said sagely, her warm eyes looking over Yugi kindly with a gentle smile.

" Lady Josephine, enough. You need not torture the girl any more than necessary. Her business is her own, not one of your dramas." The man said tonelessly. Yugi looked up in to his eyes while mentally chanting at herself to not look down.

" T-Thanks. And you are...?" He smiled calmly at her and offered her a small bow.

" I am Chazithius of the house of the Greek Princes'. I was in service to Prince Atticus back in Greece before I became Lady Josephine's guard." He explained. Yugi felt her brows rise. Honestly she was impressed. He had to be as good as Honda to be able to work for royalty.

" Really? You worked for the Prince? Wow, so, how'd you swing that deal?" The silence that followed was so deafening Yugi half expected to hear crickets in the background.

" Ah, I beg your pardon?" Honda said, uncertainly. Beside him Chazithius gazed down at her with open bafflement as Josephine and Judai fought to restrain their laughter with wide smiles. Yugi smiled, remembering where and when she was and giggled lightly.

" Sorry. Lemme try that again." She cleared her throat as the prince and Josephine giggled. " It is very impressive that you used to work for the prince of Greece. But to my understanding, dismissal of servitude to a royal is not done so lightly, so perchance how was it that you were able to excuse yourself from your most important position to secure thou presumably permanent place as Lady Josephine's bodyguard here?" Another lengthy silence followed, all eyes on her. " Anon?" The reaction was instant. Judai burst out laughing, holding his sides as he leaned against the edge of the tub. Josephine giggled uncontrollably, burying her face in her arms over the pool as she banged her fist on the marble. Honda chuckled quietly, pinching the bridge of his nose as he shook his head. Chazithius closed his eyes, laughing quietly from where he stood. Yugi found herself giggling beside them, just due to the sheer amount of reaction she got from them. Once the lot of them had calmed down the Greek explained.

" Prince Atticus and I are good friends, and I was raised in servitude to the prince before I was trained to become a part of his royal guard. We both have known Josephine since we were all children. When she was sold to Pharaoh, I asked to accompany her, and the Prince kindly obliged."

" Oh, well that was nice of him." She said, smiling still. " Well I'm glad you were able to bring a friend." Yugi said, turning to Josephine. Turning back to the other Greek she offered her hand she he hesitantly gave her his. Yugi shook his hand, the man donning a similarly confused look like his Lady when she first shook Josephine's hand. Both Judai and Honda were also looking at them with curious interest. Knowing what was coming next Yugi explained. " It's called a hand-shake. It's how people greet one another politely where I'm from."

" Ah." He said, shaking her hand back more confidently. They broke apart and the man offered her a slight bow.

" It is a pleasure to meet you, Lady Yugi."

" Yeah, you too... Chazimiet…?" Josephine snorted behind her as Judai and Honda smiled, Judai shaking his head at her. The dark-haired man smiled kindly at her and tried again.

" Chazithius." He said slowly. Yugi nodded and tried again.

" Chazithee...Chazitti...y'know, maybe it's just my nationality, but your name's kinda hard for me to say. No offense!" She said quickly. He smiled knowingly and inclined his head to her.

" None taken, my lady. When I first arrived, many here had difficulty with my name at first." It sounded to her like he was used to this. Tired of it definitely, but used to it. And idea popped in to her head and Yugi smiled up at him.

" Sooo, if it's okay, can I just call you Chazz?" His brows raised in surprise at her as Josephine's eyes lit up and the boys looked back at her curiously. The Greek soldier blinked back at her once then cleared his throat awkwardly.

"...If it suits you, Lady Yugi." He said, his tone somewhat uncertain. Yugi smiled and nodded her head.

" Great! Chazz it is, then!" She offered him a small salute he gave her a bland look in return. It was clear he wasn't thrilled with his new nickname, but he didn't seem to necessarily hate it either. The rest of the hour was spent comfortably amongst the group, with Chazz asking many of the same questions Josephine and Judai had asked her before, and Yugi giving the answers. Where was she from? What family did she have? How old was she? How did she get to Khemet? Why was she here? Yadda, yadda, yadda. Honda was also intrigued, mostly staying silent but keenly listening to her as she answered what was asked of her. By the end of the bath Chazz was smiling at her as he welcomed her to the palace, Josephine was demanding to sit with her at breakfast as Judai and Honda excused themselves to get ready. And as he left Honda seemed more relaxed around her and Yugi sincerely hoped that this meant he wouldn't look at her like Satan anymore.

Once she was back in her room, Yugi dressed in the clothes laid out for her, put on the jewelry the girls had set out, then scrutinized herself in the mirror. Her complexion seemed washed-out. Hell, she'd go as far to say she had ghost face. Frowning she decided to toy around with the make-up given to her. Not a lot, just enough to add some color to her. She lined her eyes with kohl, dabbed a little lipstick to her lips, then lightly pat her cheeks to give them a subtle flush. Eh, good enough. She swung her arms lazily at her sides, looking around. What now? No one had come to get her yet...maybe a little light reading? She picked up the first scroll she saw and decided to look it over. Mahad had said it was a part of her magic studies. Not that she was in the mood to do homework per se. But she was bored out of her mind! What else did she have to do? She sat down on the bed, began reading...and frowned. Huh?!

' The world is a being of constants, and whether seen or unseen, dictate all life and it's existence. The air from which we breathe, the water that brings life to the earth by which we live and govern. The fire that exists both to warm us and ignite our souls by which path our chosen destinies derive. These elements by which we live do also create the energy we keep to use the energy of our very spirit, in what is commonly seemed to be magic. Magic is not something which is obtained, rather it is awakened. The energy needed to expel and by such means do, is very much prevalent in all. Using this energy which is a part of the world and us all is what give the creator of such will the needs and ability to create. By this means of summoning, this can also accomplish the goal of harnessing one's spirit to guard and protect when necessary. Though our spirits are commonly unique, none are greater-than or equal-to. Rather, they are a reflection of our awareness and form of energy and the elements of mind, body and yes, spirit that both reflect and determine who we are as individuals of this life cycle.'

What in the Lord-Of-The-Narnia-Hogwarts-Marvel-Mega-Verse was this?!

" Um, excuse me?" Yugi looked up from the scroll and smiled. Standing in front of her was quite possibly the most adorable child in the universe. The boy was tiny, his large aquamarine eyes nearly as wide as his head. His pale skin hinted at his foreign heritage, his light blue hair falling in a long mop atop of his head. He wore a simple off white robe, the sleeves short and the hem falling to his knees. A red sash was tied around his waist, and a gold and red phoenix pin was affixed to the collar of his robe. Sturdy leather sandals adorned his feet, which shuffled nervously in front of her. ' That pin...is he a member of Judai's court, too?' " My name is Syrus, and I am your new page. Prince Judai says I am to take you to the dining hall when you are prepared to go." He said shyly, briefly taking in the sight of the lovely lady before him. Yugi smiled at him, and couldn't help but chuckle as his cheeks flushed with color and he looked anywhere but her. God he was so cute! Yugi stood up from the bed, placing the scroll down as she walked over to the boy. She bent low at the waist, placing her hands at her knees as she talked to him.

" It's very nice to meet you, Syrus. My name's Yugi." She held out her hand and the child hesitantly took it. They shook hands and then as soon as she let go Syrus yanked his hand down to his side and Yugi couldn't help but chuckle quietly at the sight. " So, how old are you?"

" Six years." He mumbled, looking down at the ground. ' Six, huh? I remember those days; Boys his age think girls have cooties.' That explained why he jerked his hand away. It was awkward and cute all at the same time. He kept his eyes glued down, seeming unwilling to look at her. Was he shy?

" Why do you keep looking down? Do I have something horrible on my face?" She teased.

" No my lady!" He insisted, his head shooting up to look at her utterly bewildered. As if realizing he'd broken his own rule he bowed his head down again. " I am just following the rules."

" Rules?"

" One must not gaze equally with one of higher value or status, lest we forget our place. That's what Master Aknadin says." He mumbled. Yugi scoffed and rolled her eyes. Figures he would enjoy emotionally bullying little children.

" Yeah, well, Aknadin's full of shit, so I wouldn't listen to him." The boy gasped, looking up at her again in awe-then dropping his head back down. He didn't fully understand what she had said, but her tone easily meant that she had just insulted a high member of the court. Could she do that?!With a small sigh Yugi slowly knelt down to his level then reached out to gently lift his chin so that aquamarine and violet met in a warm gaze. " Hey, you don't have to be afraid to look at me. I'm no better nor worse than you. Don't ever let anyone tell you you're not worthy." The boy's eyes clouded over in confusion.

" B-But-"

" You said you were my new page, right?"

" Um, yes Lady Yugi." He said, his tone confused and wary. Yugi gave him a sincere smile, and knelt down to his level.

" So if that's true then that means I'm in charge. And I say you can look at whoever you want, because you're just as good as anyone else. Especially me." That did it. Unknown to her at that moment she had gained Syrus's complete loyalty and trust. The boy smiled brightly at her and smiling back she felt no resistance from him when she pulled the child in for a hug. He held on to her tightly, the feeling of comfort and safely infectious and making Yugi wonder. Had anyone ever treated this little boy kindly? Syrus rested completely in the arms of his new mistress, feeling completely safe for the first time in what seemed like forever. Who had last held him like this? Mother? Father? Yes, it felt for a moment as if he was in the presence of family. Emotions thickening his throat the child pulled away, blinking his eyes rapidly as tears encompassed of both everything and nothing shined in his eyes.

" I'm sorry." He sniffled embarrassedly. Yugi shook her head and wiped at his tears with the hem of her dress.

" You don't have to apologize for crying. Crying only means that your hearts still works." She said. Syrus blinked up at her in surprise as if this had never occurred to him before...and then he smiled. That was something her grandpa would tell her when she would come home from a day of being bullied and would try to hide her tears, just like Syrus. Once the boy was calmed, he jolted up as he remembered something very important.

" Ah! The breakfast feast! Lady Yugi we are meant to be there now!" He cried in alarm. Was he going to be punished?! Yugi sighed heavily as she stood, Syrus watching her nervously.

" Honestly, I don't want to go."

" Why?" He asked breathlessly. How could anyone NOT want to eat all that yummy food?!

" Well..." She trailed off. Honestly, she didn't want to have to be in the same room as them. ( Atemu, Aknadin and Seto mainly.) But if she didn't go, the kid might be blamed for it. " I guess it can't be helped, huh kid?" The boy mutely shook his head. " Alright," She sighed, taking Syrus' hand as she straightening her back as if preparing for a western town show-down. " Let's mosey." The boy nodded, gently pulling her to the door. As she pulled back the handle, his little face scrunched in confusion as another thought popped in to his head. What did ' Mozie' mean? ' Let's MOZIE?' He looked up at her, his confusion written all over his face.

" Let's what?"

Yugi laughed.

When Yugi entered the room, everyone turned around to her. They simply couldn't help themselves. Atemu's eyes were transfixed on her-he couldn't look away even if he had wanted to. Her hair was brushed to silken perfection, the sides of her hair pulled back in to a simple tail. A pink jeweled flower pin adorned her dark locks there. Two gold bangles glinted on her pretty wrists, and two gold lotus flower earrings dangled from her ears. A simple gold collar was draped around her neck. She wore a lavender dress which flowed around her effortlessly. Black kohl lined her eyes, bringing out their lovely violet hue. The barest hint of red rouge painted her lips, just enough to add color. All in all, she looked absolutely stunning. She looked like a princess of the palace.

She looked like Heba.

Atemu threw back a hearty gulp of wine, determined to wash away the sudden bitter taste in his mouth.

Mana waved her over to sit beside her at the table, and Yugi obliged the young woman and took a seat beside her. Which worked out fine because Josephine was able to take the seat beside her, so Yugi was comfortably sandwiched between the two. " Good morning, Yugi! Did you sleep well?" Mana asked. Yugi shrugged as she took a piece of bread from the platter, trying to ignore how many eyes and ears were on her now.

" As good as I could have, all things considered." She answered. Mana blinked at her, tilting her head to the side.

" So, not well...?" Yugi shook her head.

" No, I just...hoped that yesterday wasn't real and that maybe I would wake up back home." A small sigh breathed through Mana's lips as she looked at Yugi with heartfelt sympathy. Beside her Josephine nodded knowingly and gently placed a hand over hers. Giving a self-deprecating laugh Yugi shook her head and placed a nice chunk of ham on her plate next. " I know. Lofty goals, right?" Josephine hummed contemplatively as she began loading her plate with heaping helpings of whatever was in reach. As Yugi placed a sliced orange and grapes on her plate her eyes widened. Josephine had nearly three times as much food on her platter!

" Well don't fret, Love. I assure you; The palace shall feel like home before you know it." She stated confidently. Choosing not to comment, Yugi simply hummed as way of answer and then a thought struck her. Where was Syrus? The moment she entered he had let go of her hand. She briefly looked around and found him standing at the wall, straight as an arrow and eyes on her. As her page she assumed that meant he was supposed to follow her wherever she went, unless Judai said something to him. It didn't escape her notice when she caught the little boy eyeing the food with barely concealed longing. Had the boy even eaten yet today? She waved the little boy over and Syrus curiously walked to her side. Turning away from the chatter of the table around her Yugi spoke to the child quietly.

" Hey, Syrus? Have you eaten yet today?" She whispered. The little boy shook his head.

" Nay, my lady. I am only permitted to eat when my morning errands have been done." Yugi frowned at that. How was he supposed to do anything on an empty stomach? No wonder the little one was so thin! Indignant anger bristled under her skin and Yugi impulsively urged him closer.

" Come on." She gently guided him to her side with a gentle nudge of her hand, then once he was standing right beside her Yugi lifted the surprised child up to sit comfortably in her lap. The boy looked up at her in shock...and he wasn't the only one. Aknadin looked at her as if she had just spat in front of him. Karim and Shada looked at her with varying looks between shock and curiosity. Mana, Josephine, Judai and Mahad looked at her with curious smiles as Isis and Shimon continued on in their own casual conversation, only sparing the happening before them a brief glance. Mahad paused in mid-bite of his own meal, simply looking at them with casual curiosity. And at the head of the table Atemu and Seth openly glared at her, suspicion written all over their faces. Syrus blushed at the amount of attention on him. Yugi ignored it all. " Eat what you want and when you're full, you can start your chores." Yugi instructed quietly. Torn between what he had been told was proper and his lady's wishes Syrus looked to Judai for confirmation. The prince smiled at the child and silently nodded.

" Do as your lady says, Child." Judai instructed calmly. Yugi reflexively gave a small snort, finding it funny that a fourteen-year-old kid was calling any one else a child. Especially in such a serious tone. Smiling brightly Syrus nodded.

" Thank you, your highness! Lady Yugi!" Without further ado, the boy began picking at Yugi's plate. She piled on more food for both of them and then turned to Mana, who was smiling down at the precious cargo in her lap.

" And who is this? I have seen you before, but I do not think I have your name, little one." Syrus swallowed his honeyed bread politely before answering.

" I am Syrus, Miss. I am Lady Yugi's new page." Mana giggled and touched his warm baby cheek affectionately.

" It is certainly nice to meet you!" Mana ruffled the little boy's hair as Josephine joined in.

" Look at him! He's positively adorable!" Josephine cooed.

" Look at those eyes! Why, he could bring an entire army to heel with those!" Mana sighed, lightly pinching his cheeks for good measure. An annoyed whine escaped him as he lightly shooed them away with a hand before shyly turning in to Yugi to bury his face in her shoulder. All three women laughed at the adorably shy display as Judai and Mahad chuckled where they sat. The rest of the meal was eaten peacefully ( As long as Yugi ignored the glares shot her way.) Once breakfast was done, Yugi set Syrus down and sent him off with a light tap to his bottom. Syrus lightly tugged on her skirt, and Yugi knelt down to his level. Blushing furiously the little boy quickly pecked her cheek, then with a quickly mumbled ' thank you' he took off like a rabbit before she could even blink. ' Aww! He is too cute!' Yugi mentally squealed. A tap to her shoulder made her stand up and Mahad calmly smiled down at her.

" It is time for your training to begin, My Lady. If you will be so kind as to follow me?"

" Uh, sure." She began walking with him out of the room, down the labyrinth of halls, and then paused as she realized that Atemu was hot on her heels, pausing when she did and looking down at her with cool indifference. He stood close to her, so close to her that she could feel his body heat. " Can I help you?" She asked flatly. Atemu lifted his chin arrogantly and regarded her with all the consideration of a peasant.

" Does your hearing impair you? We are to accompany him to begin your training." He said smoothly. Yugi fought the urge to growl at him and instead stood to her full height and glared him down.

" MY hearing is just fine. He said I was supposed to follow him. He never said anything about you."

" I need no invitation. This palace is mine, and as such I need no one's permission." He replied. Yugi huffed and then stepped away, harshly shoving the Pharaoh in the chest away for her for good measure-an action that affronted both Mahad and Atemu.

" Then dude what the hell?! Why are you stalking me like some creepazoid?!" She snapped. Atemu's eyes narrowed dangerously as he balled his fists in anger. Who was she to touch him?! The living Horus! The king of the land of gold? A god?! How dare she...how DARE SHE?! He raised his hand, ready to slap the living light out of her. Recognizing the threat Yugi ducked with her fists raised, fully prepared to had the king the ass-whooping he'd been asking for since day one! As each one moved to strike, a shimmering wall shot up between them, and when each one struck the wall both were thrown back several feet away from one another. All of this took place in the span of five seconds. Yugi blinked, fighting to stay on her feet as he body jarred from the impact. What in the hell was that?! Opposite of her Atemu was slightly crouched, his stance firm even as he breathed hard from the force of the impact.

Both of them looked to Mahad, who's face held all of the calm anger of a parent disciplining little children. His hand was still raised, his palm out and his Sennen ring shimmering dimly. Sensing the impending fight he had quickly cast a reflecting wall between them, which had sent the energy of their impact back on both of them. " That is enough, Yugi." He said, careful to not mention the Pharaoh. Though he was just as at fault, being told so would not go over well. " As you are new to the palace, you shall be pardoned this time. But do keep in mind that you are in the Pharaoh's house and as such, violence against the king will not be permitted." He advised, casting his eyes disapprovingly at his king. " Even if the action is provoked." He added slowly. Atemu and Yugi regarded Mahad for several moments, then slowly relaxed. " Now apologize..." Atemu grit his teeth. The last thing he wanted to do was be cordial around the wench. But Mahad was right. Fighting was no use here. And was not the mission to use her to defeat her shadow? Animosity would only diminish her already scant desire to aid them. Swallowing the string of curses he wanted to throw at her Atemu contented himself to stare at her and stand rigidly straight before her.

"...I acted rashly. It shall not happen again."

...

...

That was as close to an apology as she was ever going to get. Yugi tsked and folded her arms before facing away from the man.

" Yeah, me too. Sorry about that, Dude."

Both Egyptians looked at her with utter bafflement. They recalled her saying ' Dude' before, but what in the world was a 'Dude'? Nonetheless the men recognized that she had issued an apology of sorts and mutually decided to leave it at that. She had done as she was asked. That was enough. " Seriously, though. This is my class. Why are you coming?" She groused.

"...You are a novice magician with unstable magic at your disposal. As a king I am accompanying you to witness your progress. As a Sennen item wielder, I feel my presence necessary to assist Mahad should your magic reach beyond your control. You realize you may injure someone during your training today." He said, his tone condescending. Yugi opened her mouth, ready with a retort, but with one look from Mahad Yugi promptly clamped her mouth shut with a click of her teeth. In all fairness he was right. She had no idea what she was doing, and if she screwed up she just MIGHT hurt someone. Still though, from what she had just seen Mahad was more than capable of handling himself. As for the ' Witnessing her progress', Yugi personally took that as; ' I want to watch you fall on your ass.' The trio continued silently through the palace, both Yugi and Atemu determinedly looking anywhere but at each other. Inwardly Mahad sighed. He already suspected that he would have to stand between them on many occasions to come. They entered the magician's training room, and wordlessly Mahad pulled a chain near the entrance. Yugi watched as light banging noise came from under the floor and Yugi had to keep her jaw from dropping as she watched the mechanism come to life.

The floor shook slightly as the circular door slowly split apart. A beautiful golden fountain rose to the surface, depicting a noble lion standing in the center, it's face serene but powerful. To the left of the lion stood a falcon, it's wings open as if ready to take flight. Wrapped around the rock they stood on together was a large cobra, the snake's head level with the lion's shoulder. The structure, nearly three times her own height loomed over the three of them impressively. It was beautiful, and Yugi mutely wondered just how long it had taken the artist to craft this impressive piece. The fountain settled in to it's new place with a hollow thud as the mechanism ended, the floor still once more. Once the fountain had settled, Atemu walked over to a beautifully carved chair in the room, pillowed with a deep blue cushion. He settled in to the seat like a cat as he watched the scene before him. " This shall be the tool we use today for your training, Lady Yugi. The task is simple. All you need do is lift an orb of water from the fountain. It need not be big, and it need not be perfect. It need not be even for very long. For now all we shall concentrate on is your center of control. Now, lift the water." He instructed. Yugi looked between the fountain, to the water, to the Pharaoh's expectant gaze, then back to Mahad.

" Annnd...how you expect me to do that?" She asked. From his mock throne Atemu scoffed, chuckling at her. Was her show of spirit guardians merely a pretty spectacle then? If she could not perform such a simple task...

" You must channel the energy inside you." Mahad answered patiently. Yugi huffed in irritation. What energy? Was it psychic? kinetic? How was she supposed to use it anyways? Was there an instruction manual somewhere? Yugi frowned. She had skimmed through some of the books Mahad had gifted her the other day, but they all said various differences of the same; Use your energy. Channel your energy. Feel the flow of your inner strength and soul. Use ' The Force.'

" How?" She pressed.

" Feel it."

" But HOW?!"

" Channel your energy to the water." He insisted. Yugi growled in anger. HOW was she supposed to feel it? When would she know? Direct it HOW?!

" But HOW?!" She yelled.

" Concentrate!" Mahad urged. He could feel her irritation, and in turn it was taking so much to maintain his patience now. Yugi shook her head, deciding then and there that this was a waste of her time. And besides, the way the Pharaoh was smirking at her was itching at her last nerve. " Concentrate, Yugi!" He snapped. And with that her anger burst free.

" I CAN'T!" She screamed, and then it happened. The water from the fountain burst out in a great wave, then exploded everywhere, drenching the three of them to the bone. Yugi sputtered and gasped for breath as the water fell from her-around her. It felt like she had just surfaced from a dive in a waterfall. She rubbed the water from her face and pushed her sopping wet hair from her eyes. Blinking away the water's blur she saw Mahad wringing his robes and Atemu looking at her with so many negative emotions it was hard for her to tell which one was most prevalent. To his credit however, he didn't move. Rather, he acted as though the water had no effect on him whatsoever. But the way his now soaked clothing clung to his muscular chest and the suggestive V below his hips definitely had an affect on Yugi, and she swallowed hard and sought to look anywhere but at him. She looked around at the whole room, taking in the water leaking from shelves, dripping from the ceiling like gentle rain and pooling the floor to nearly completely cover their feet.

" Uh...anyone got a mop?" She asked weakly. Mahad sighed, a small smile tugging at his lips.

" Well, this isn't what I had in mind, but the task had been done." He offered. Both Yugi and the Pharaoh turned to look at him with disbelief as they voiced their opinions at the same time.

" Has it?"

" Say what?"

" The task was for you to lift an orb of water from the fountain. This was to see if you had enough skill to move objects outside of yourself. Recall that I said it need not be perfect or for very long, we just needed to see that it could be done. YOU, my dear, have managed to move all of the water from the fountain. You kept asking ' How' and I think you have just given yourself the answer. Emotion is one of the greatest sources of inner energy. That, accompanied with your will, your sheer desire to do is what creates the essence you need to make thing possible. So, as you channeled both your desire to do the task and your frustration, you expelled the energy you wanted to perform the task. And, well, the results are quite literally, all around us." Yugi blinked owlishly at him. So all this time all she'd had to do was simply wish for it? Just want it and it would happen?! Well hell-why hadn't he just SAID SO from jump?!

" Yes, her incompetence is very present." Atemu drawled. Yugi fixed a glare his way and Mahad swallowed. Oh, no.

" Ooooh, so I'm 'Incompetent' am I? Is that it? Because," Yugi barked out a skeptical laugh as she held up a finger. " I thought you came to make sure I didn't hurt anyone. You can't have it both ways, King. Am I a threat or am I incompetent? Which is it?" She challenged, resting both hands on her hips. Atemu glared hard at her as he rose from his chair to stand at his full height challengingly.

" Watch your tongue, witch! Remember I hold your very life in my hands!" He sneered, balling his hands in to fists.

" Oh, go ahead then! Kill me! I swear to every deity out there that if you kill me I will be the worst poltergeist you've ever had!"

" IS THAT A THREAT?!"

" IT'S A PROMISE! I SWEAR I'LL HAUNT YOU SO BAD YOU WON'T EVEN BE ABLE TO GET IT UP IN BED ANYMORE!"

" Enough!" Mahad commanded. Hough he did not shout, both Yugi and Atemu heard him clearly. " I swear to Ra, you two behave worse than children." He said, looking down at them both like a disgruntled parent. Yugi crossed her arms and pouted back at the magician.

" He started it." She groused.

" Untrue!" Atemu shot back, folding his own arms as well as he turned away from her.

" I SAID ENOUGH!" Mahad said, snapping his finger at the both of them to hammer in the point. " In this room I expect the utmost control of you, Yugi. And I certainly expect better of you." He finished lowly, addressing the pharaoh. Atemu turned back to glare at the magician, letting his folded hands fall to stare angrily at the older man. Asserting himself over Yugi was one thing. But to command him? To think to control HIM? No. Never. No one would ever hold sway of him, and Mahad needed to remember that. He was the king! No one commanded him!

" Watch your tongue, Mahad. Remember that I am your King..." Mahad swallowed hard, then slowly offered Atemu a stiff bow.

" Apologies, my Pharaoh."

" Uh-Uh!" Both men turned to Yugi as she shook her head and then stormed to Mahad's side to push him back in to a standing position by the shoulder. " Don't you do that! Respect is something earned, not guaranteed! Don't bend your ass for him just 'cause he's king!"

" And you think yourself so powerful, so important that you have more of a right to his loyalty than I? You think yourself so superior to us all then? Ha. For all the good it will do you. How do you expect to use your magic to defend yourself or others when you can't even handle the simplest of spells? Even a child magician holds more talent than you do." Atemu snarked. Yugi laughed mockingly at him in return.

" Oh, so you wanna call me out on my magic now?! Well that's some nerve you have, King. Your own fucking high magician is hiding behind the girl!" She snapped, jerking a thumb behind her to a very bewildered Mahad.

" Yugi!" Mahad breathed, true fear ghosting over his features. Didn't she know how powerful Atemu was? Did she not realize that he was a descendant of the very gods themselves? Lesser men have been whipped to death for even hinting at disrespect to the Pharaoh. Who was she to think to command a living god?! Mahad briskly walked around her, placing his hands on her shoulders as he stood behind her to speak quietly in her ear. " Yugi he is our king and the living Horus of all the land. Every descendant of the gods to this land have protected, served and blessed us with their grace. His respect has been earned and yes, it is to be expected." He explained, both Yugi and Atemu able to hear every gently word spoken. Yugi's eyes could not roll any farther back in to her head.

" Nuh-uh. He hasn't done jack shit. He's just piggy-backing off the people who came before him. People better than him." She shot back. That was it. His patience had snapped. The Sennen eye on his puzzle and on his crown glowed simultaneously as the shadows of the room grew longer, darker. The sunlight from the glass dome was suddenly covered by a thin dark veil, shrouding the room in shadow but not complete darkness. Behind her Mahad tensed. Atemu stormed forward, and Yugi stood her ground as her anger pulsed through her veins like poison and her heart hammered harshly in her ribs. Atemu's hand shot out, intending to grab her and Yugi reacted at once.

" Back off!" She shoved her hand out, intending to shove at his chest when he got close enough. Instead, to everyone's shock, Atemu was thrown back nearly thirty feet across the room with a painfully audible SMACK. His back and head slammed in to the opposite wall, then he fell to the ground and he gasped as the air was stolen from his lungs. Yugi's jaw fell open with a gasp, a hand coming up to cover her mouth as her eyes widened in shock. The shadows around the room dimmed slowly as the glowing eyes adorning the king flickered. Oh god, she hadn't meant to do that! Atemu slowly stood back up, grunting in pain as he leaned against the wall for support.

" Pharaoh!" Mahad cried, running from Yugi's side to attend to the king. He braced a hand to Atemu's arm and looked over him worriedly. " Are you alright? Is it serious?" He murmured urgently. Mahad felt terror seize his heart at the sight of blood dribbling down the side of his head. Atemu looked in to his eyes with determination and clenched his jaw.

" I am fine. If that changes I will see Isis." He assured quietly. That was so character of him. Atemu would never allow anyone to see him weak. Never ask for help or ever pretend to want it. Not for some time now. Not since her. Uncertain, Mahad slowly nodded to him and together they stood up fully.

" Is he okay?" The quietly anxious voice called and both men turned to look at Yugi. She looked pale, her eyes wide and true fear on her face. Mahad's heart swelled for sympathy and pity for the girl. It was clear her control was weak. Paired with the dangerously strong magic inside of her, he was absolutely certain that she had not meant to harm the Pharaoh in any way. She had only wanted distance... and she got it. These things did not matter to Atemu as he calmly strode forward, his crimson eyes lit with smolders as he approached.

" Shit-Atemu I'm sorry! I didn't mean to-" She didn't even get to finish. Atemu strode past her, the room hollow with his cold dismissal as he walked away and quietly left the room. The door shut softly, the sound ringing in the silence. Yugi felt her heart clench as ice settled in her stomach. She didn't want to hurt him. The thought had never even crossed her mind. And this non-response, this quiet, the utter silence he had left her with...

It hurt more than a slap to the face ever would.

Anon is an old-world term often found in Shakespearian writing. Depending on how you say it Anon can either mean soon or later.

Soooo! That happened! Poor Yugi. :(

Please R&R and as always bless your happy happiness!