As promised an update after a long time, I was planning to post this before the new year starts but there were some edits I did and it became longer than expected as I was so focused on Atem and Tea's conflict right now. I hope you enjoy this and please leave a review/comment afterwards. Thanks so much for waiting patiently.
When Atem arrived at the garden, Yugi and the others greeted him. "Hey Atem! It seems like months already passed since we last saw you" Joey joked as he put a hand on Atem's shoulders, the latter gave him an apologetic smile and replied "I'm sorry, there seems to be a lot of work and I need to study things as well."
The others gave a sad sigh but Yugi spoke up, "Its ok…you are afterall doing this for the country and Tea sometimes come to play with us, but I am surprise not to see her now."
Upon hearing Tea's name, Atem flinched and put a hand at the back of his neck. "She was still asleep when I left the room but I am sure she will see you all after she ate breakfast," Atem explained feeling a bit uncomfortable but hid it within a weakened a smile.
The others nodded but Yugi looked at Atem worriedly. "By the way Mahad, I met with Mana today and she said she'll practice more…I hope you aren't being too harsh on her, I mean I know she is your apprentice but she is also our friend" the young pharaoh said that brought the millennium ring owner's attention.
"Forgive me our pharaoh, I am only doing my job and I believe she needs it since she is still behind on her magic" Mahad explained bowing in front of the pharaoh while the latter only nodded.
"Well since you guys had been playing for a bit why not take a rest first…and the food has just arrived," Atem mentioned seeing a few servants preparing the brought foods on a long table, they placed bowl of fruits, a plate of sliced bread, some jam and two pitchers of juice.
"Wow, are they really serving this much of food each day even just for snacks? I could eat a lot" Joey asked while his mouth drooled.
"Well unfortunately they don't serve it to a dog" Tristan remarked and Joey upon hearing it smacked Tristan on the arm.
"Why you…you think I will hand Serenity over you? Never!" Joey said and the two of them started arguing non-stop while Duke sighed in disappointment as he tries to interfere between them.
Yugi laughed nervously, "why don't we just eat in peace? Here Mahad, have some."
Mahad shook his head but Atem noticed, "It is ok Mahad…besides you have nothing to do for now" Atem said and the millennium ring owner ate a bit of bread and fruit.
Two hours had passed and the gang remained sitted on ground stomach full while Mahad had left an hour ago as he was being called onto something by Shimon. "A lot of time passed but Tea didn't came…" Yugi remarked and Atem heard.
"Well why don't you all remain rested as I look for her? After I found her, show me what you all had learned from Mahad's training" Atem suggested and upon hearing that, everyone's face enlightened. "Then I guess see you in a bit, bye" the young pharaoh added and left.
Everyone waved goodbye at him but Yugi's concern even grew more. Why do I feel something's off with Atem today…I hope it isn't connected to Tea, Yugi thought while staring at the retreating figure of his friend.
As Atem was walking towards the dining area, his smile vanished. The moment he arrived, he saw it was only Isis standing there and no one else. The millennium necklace owner saw him, bowed down and asked in a calm manner "Is there anything I can help you with our pharaoh?"
Atem smiled, "I am looking for Tea and thought she was here."
"If it's the queen you are looking for…I thought she went to you and your friends, she already finished eating just a while ago in a hurry to come see you our pharaoh" Isis replied looking a bit confused but remained calm in tone.
Atem smiled but this time uneasiness could be seen, "Really? Thank you for informing me Isis…don't worry about her and go do your other duties for now."
Isis nodded and bowed towards Atem then exited the area. As she walked away, Isis looked back towards the dining room and a concerned look could be seen. I hope you both will find a solution to your problems before it is too late, Isis thought as she put her right hand towards her millennium necklace.
Atem pondered as to where Tea could be, he checked on the library as well as the animals if Tea was there but unfortunately she isn't. He continued looking even at the kitchen and everytime someone asked him what he is looking for, he only told them something that is precious to him. Although he couldn't help but notice a few of the servants are trying to hide something from him as well. When every area he could think of was already checked, he was ready to give up until he remembered their room. I don't know if she will be there but it's the only place I haven't checked, Atem thought and walked in a hurry towards the royal chamber.
Upon opening the door, the room welcomed him with dimmed lights. Even the curtains were not tied and only the balcony allowed the light to enter the room. "Tea…are you in here?" Atem asked but no one answered.
When he reached the bed, he saw a sleeping figure. It was none other than Tea, the young girl is sleeping quietly with strands of hair covering her face. Atem slowly walked towards the windows and tied the curtains that covered them. Upon letting more light enter the room, Atem turn around to see that Tea squirmed by the sudden brightness but remained still asleep. Atem sigh and came towards her, he noticed she is holding his cartouche the one she gave him before. Upon seeing it, Atem placed a hand on his chest suddenly remembering he didn't put it on from the day he saw her kissing one of the guards. He gave another sigh feeling somewhat sad that he had forgotten about the necklace because of his emotions and placed his friendship with Tea in a somewhat ackward and strained one. But no one can judge him, afterall he too is confused as to why he suddenly felt more emotions that he didn't before only because of Tea. When the young girl squirmed again, Atem flinched but Tea remained asleep. The young pharaoh decided to leave the room when he heard Tea muttering something.
"I'm sorry Atem…please…forgive me," Tea muttered as a small tear flowed down her sleeping face. Atem turn around and looked at her one last time, but this time he sat on the edge of the bed near her and carefully removed the bit of hairs that was covering her face. He then slowly wiped the tear that had fallen down and smiled a bit as he looked at her.
"I wish things didn't turn out this way Tea," Atem whispered as he placed a gentle kiss on Tea's right cheek. He then quietly left the room as he head out towards Yugi and the others.
When he returned, Joey and the others welcomed him. "So…where is Tea?" Joey asked noticing it was only Atem that came back.
"Oh…she is sleeping right now, I guess she is tired" Atem replied with a small smile.
"Just what did you do to her last night Atem? I know she is a friend but you are a man after all, i didn't know you would do that to her" Tristan joked as he elbowed Atem softly.
"Do that? Do…what?" Atem asked innocently.
Duke, Tristan and Joey laughed. They then came towards Atem and huddled him. "Stop acting like you don't know what we mean…that…you know, the thing that man and a woman do if they love each other" Duke said with a huge grin.
Atem looked confused for a bit but as soon as he realized what they meant, his face reddened. "You…you guys, you know Tea is a friend" he replied still with a reddened face.
"Yeah but you did marry her, so you are legal to do that with her. Besides, we entrust her to you and know you wouldn't hurt her" Joey said.
Atem smiled nervously, the boys was about to continue when Yugi stepped in. "I guess it's time to have a duel" Yugi said and Atem nodded.
The five of them formed a pentagon, Yugi and Atem were on the same side while the rest of them on the opposite side. The wind was blowing hard and after it cleared they all stared and readied themselves. "Let's…duel!" all of them shouted as their duel bracelet opened.
"I summon battle Ox!" Duke shouted and the image of the monster appeared on his bracelet while the monster was summoned twirling the axe on its hand as the monster roared.
"My turn, I summon red eyes black dragon" Joey shouted and red eyes glowed from a black smoke, afterwards two big black wings spread open and flapped strongly giving a big gushing wind to appear as the monster gave a loud roar.
"Don't leave me out, I summon command angel" Tristan shouted as the monster appeared with its angel wings completely covering the monster's body.
"Bwahaha what the heck is that Tristan? Why do you have that monster?" Joey asked still laughing.
"Hey! Don't base a monster in its looks, it may look like that but this one is strong!" Tristan replied angrily while the others only sweatdropped.
Yugi and Atem looked at each other and smiled. "My turn now, I summon silence magician!" Yugi shouted and the monster appeared twirling his staff.
"Ok, my turn…I summon chaos sorcerer" Atem shouted and the monster appeared after the flame vanished forming a ritual symbol.
"Ok my turn first, battle ox attack silent magician" Duke commanded and the monster ran towards the monster opposite to him.
Yugi smiled, "Silent magician counterattack it!" Sure enough the monster made 6 fireballs that went towards the rushing monster. The Battle Ox was hit slumping towards the ground.
"Tsk, let me show you how it is done Duke. Red eyes black dragon do your thing!" Joey shouted and sure enough the black dragon breathed out a large fire blowing it towards the two magicians.
Yugi was surprised a bit but he looked at Atem who was smiling, and at that moment he knew Atem is planning something.
"I summon big shield gardna" Atem whispered and when the fire reached the two magicians, big shield gardna arrive just in time to take all the attack.
"What?!" Joey shouted surprised.
"Joey, you never think. Well my turn, Command angel attack chaos magician" Tristan commanded and the monster followed making electricity flow out of its hand and chaining chaos magician with it.
"Well I will only place two faced down cards" Yugi said and ended his turn.
"This battle will end now, battle ox attack chaos magician!" Duke commanded and the monster followed, when it is near chaos magician three big magical hats suddenly appeared covering the two magicians. The battle ox stopped attacking and came back.
Yugi smiled, "I will place another faced down card. End of my turn!"
"Well my turn again, red eyes attack the hat on the middle!" the dragon breath out fire and burned the middle hat but the two other hats remained. "Tsk! Looks like I missed, end of my turn" he added.
"My turn now, I activate yugi's trapped card" Atem shouted and suddenly the ground opened swallowing duke's battle ox.
"No way! My monster" Duke shouted and the other two was surprised.
"Next, chaos magician attack command angel!" Atem shouted and the monster came out from the left magical hat and produced a laser beam from its staff that destroyed the opposite monster.
"My turn, I summon launcher spider! End of my turn" Tristan said.
"My turn now, silent magician attack duke directly" the monster followed and duke crouched in pain.
Duke tried standing up but is still in pain, "I summon…spike bot"
"Sorry duke, my turn again…silent magician attack launcher spider!" Yugi commanded and the monster attacked destroying the opponent's monster.
Joey smiled but it is obvious he is pressured, "My turn red eyes attack silent magician!" the monster blowed fire again but suddenly thousands of knives came out from nowhere and hit the dragon making a loud roar that destroyed the dragon one knife also came straight towards joey.
"Sorry joey, I guess we need to end this. Big shield gardna attack spike bot" atem commanded and the monster followed destroying the monster. "Not yet over, I activate yugi's magic card" after atem shouted, the placed down card flipped up and both magicians stand together pointing their staffs towards the trio. Two big laser beams appeared on the end of their staffs and combined together as it hit the trio.
"No way!" the trio shouted and was hit by the beam. After they were hit, they collapse and both yugi and atem smiled.
"I guess it is our win" Yugi said and he clapped his right hand towards atem's own right hand.
"We will win next time!" joey muttered and fell unconscious. The two only laughed and atem called servants to bring them on their rooms.
"Well that was a good fight," atem said as he looked at yugi.
The other agreed, "yes but I think we worn them out. Maybe next time we should take it lightly."
"Ok but this is needed to test our strength, since they are resting why don't the two of us fight?" Atem asked and Yugi smiled.
"It will be my honor," Yugi replied.
When the two are preparing for the duel, a servant arrived. She bowed down towards Atem and said, "Our pharaoh, your advisor Master shimon is looking for you."
"Oh…then I guess I need to go now," Atem said. "Sorry Yugi, I guess our duel needs to be postponed" he added with an apologetic look.
Yugi smiled and shook his head, "Its ok. I know you are busy, very well then I guess I'll rest at my room for now. bye"
Atem smiled back, "Yeah. See you"
After the two went to their respective ways, Atem was led towards a room full of fabrics and clothings. As his presence was felt, all the seamstress that were busy working on his royal clothes stopped what they were doing and bowed down towards him. The servant who led him also bowed down before leaving, while Shimon who was smiling gently towards the young pharaoh stood beside a big mirror.
"I hope I didn't interrupt something important our pharaoh" Shimon said with a worried face but his smile remained in place.
"Well not really, I was just about to duel my bestfriend Yugi" Atem replied with a smile of his own and a raised brow.
Shimon laugh, "Forgive me for that then but I would like to have you try the clothes you will be wearing for tonight's event. You know how important this event is, our pharaoh."
Atem was confused, "Event?" he pondered for it for a bit while Shimon looked at him with expectation. "Ah! You mean my birthday celebration?" he added and laughed afterwards. "Shimon I do know how everyone is looking forward for this but I don't want a grand celebration…besides, how come there is a celebration without presenting the idea to me?" Atem asked with a teasing tone and a raised brow.
"That would be our fault then our pharaoh, but believe me it isn't something grand. Besides…someone important to you helped in organizing this event and emphasized to us to maintain the celebration in a simple yet open to all. I believe this would be one of the greatest event in history to be recorded" Shimon replied with excitement.
"How can a mere birthday celebration be one of the greatest event in history? And may I know who this important person of mine you are talking about?" Atem asked.
"Forgive me again but the person asked that its identity be left unknown for now until the person itself revealed that to you, our pharaoh" Shimon replied.
Atem sigh, "very well then. Show me my clothes and afterwards…show me the outfit Tea will be using as well."
Shimon smiled widely, "with pleasure our pharaoh."
30 minutes had passed after Atem went to try his outfit for tonight's event, he then followed his schedule for the day which ended at 3 in the afternoon. He felt tired after he finished his duties and decided to get some rest before seeing the venue of his birthday. The moment he came inside his room, he realized he wasn't alone.
Tea was sitting on the bed reading the list of royalties who will be attending tonight. She is trying her best to recognize their faces so she wouldn't need any help from her husband, although Isis told her that it is not needed but she insisted. When she heard a click, her attention was now pulled towards the door. She was surprised at first but then turned serious after seeing who was standing at the door, Tea returned to what she was doing before and tried her best to concentrate. Atem upon realizing her change of reaction to him came towards the bed and sat beside her.
"Wow, are you trying to memorize their names and faces? I remember when I was a child I also did that since father wanted me to not cause any mistakes on his 40th birthday" Atem said as he peeped into the papers lying around Tea. His wife didn't reply and continued reading. "You know you can just ask me the names of the royalties tonight, I will be always beside you Tea" He added with a worried smile as he glanced at her.
When Tea still didn't reply, he sigh and completely laid on the bed making the papers around Tea scattered. The quiet girl who is trying her best to concentrate snapped and looked at Atem who was resting calmly with his eyes closed. Tea dropped the papers she was holding and went besides Atem, she then suddenly slapped his left hand hard enough to woke him up.
"What are you doing Tea?!" Atem asked surprised with a bit of anger on his tone.
"Oh so now it's my fault?! You see me busy reading and you decided to sleep here and made a mess out of the papers! I wasn't even interrupting you on your work while you are ignoring me but now you do this!" Tea replied angrily as she pound Atem angrily in the chest.
Atem exhaled, "I am sorry ok…I didn't mean to do that, besides I am tired right now because of my work."
"Really? Then shouldn't you just stay and rest with Mana?! Besides she had been with you longer than I am and knows you more" Tea asked and immediately turned around the moment she realized her tears are about to fall down.
"Mana? Why is she suddenly dragged in here?" Atem asked confused.
"Nothing…forget it," Tea replied in a hushed tone as her hands formed into a fist. She then resumed to read and wiped her tears.
Atem noticed it and sat up on bed facing Tea's side profile. "Why are you crying?" Atem asked confused as he reached out to wipe her tears but Tea slapped it off.
"I said nothing, now let me do my job because I don't want to burden you your majesty" Tea replied with a sarcastic tone.
"Tea…I told you I will be with you for the whole night, I will help you in greeting the royalties so you don't need to memorize them all. Besides, I need to know why you are crying. It is not just nothing if you cried, there must be a reason" Atem explained.
Tea gave a sarcastic smile, "Reasons…then I guess you should give me one too. Why were you ignoring me?"
Atem was surprised but then remained silent, he then looked the other way. Tea shook her and more tears fell down. "See? You can't even give me one, so why should I?" Tea said and added, "Anyway you are disturbing right now my work so I ask you to please leave me alone. You can find another room to rest right? If not, then I will be the one to leave."
Atem didn't respond. Tea gave a long deep breath and slowly gathered the papers on the floor, "Then I will be leaving. Have a nice rest, your majesty."
As she was about to leave, she was stopped when Atem grabbed her arm. She turn towards him and asked with a bit of anger in her tone, "what are you doing?"Atem's head was lowered down so she can't see his expression, suddenly she was pulled towards him making her fall on his chest. "Just what are you doing now?" Tea asked angrily as she tried to get away from his grasp.
Atem made his grasp more stronger which made Tea squirm. "Hey you are hurting me," Tea said as she tried to get free. Atem suddenly pulled her much closer than before and his other hand rested on her back. "Hey…atem!" Tea shouted.
"Please…just relax and listen," Atem said in a hushed tone.
"No! I need to…I need to finish this!" Tea replied and tried pushing him away but Atem only hugged her more.
"Why don't you just listen to me? Please…this won't take long" Atem said.
Tea gave up and relaxed after struggling for a few minutes, Atem smiled and rested his head on her shoulders. The girl flinched feeling the warmth of her husband onto her shoulders but she remained calm after feeling his heartbeat and smell. Somehow, the situation they have now made both of them feel comfortable and they both wished to stay like this for a long time. "Tea…I want to apologize for the days that I ignored you, I know it was wrong" Atem said but thought, you are also to be blamed for making me feel that way,I don't even know why I am so angry by what you did when you did more intimate things before towards Yugi and the others. "Anyway, since it is my birthday tonight I hope we could reconcile and just forget about those things" he added with a smile.
Tea nodded, and he let her go. Tea then stood up and was about to leave when she suddenly spoke without facing Atem at all, "only for now…I am still angry at you for ignoring me and I want to know the reason. So you better give me one tonight or I will have to divorce with you." She then left before Atem could speak.
The moment she left, Atem was speechless. You better give me one reason or I will have to divorce with you! Tea's last words were left stuck onto his mind. He couldn't believe what was happening, he looked at the door hoping to see Tea come back and say it was all a joke, but when he didn't see her he knew she was serious. He slowly laid down on the bed and kept thinking of her last words, he couldn't help but feel afraid. This is the first time he is afraid of losing someone aside from Yugi and his family, nonetheless it's the first time he felt like his time stopped the moment Tea left the room. He couldn't believe how she managed to affect him greatly even though they only had been married for less than a month. Although she confuses him a lot, one thing he knew was that he doesn't want to let her go. Not right now, he gave a long sigh. "I better tell her then or else I would lose her" Atem said to himself and closed his eyes.
Night came and the surroundings around Memphis are quiet, no light can be seen in every house of the villagers and not one of the people living there can be seen roaming around. Contrary to outside of the palace, many of the guards are posted around the palace but they aren't just standing like they usually do. The guards were all drinking wine and some are seen dancing and singing, although there are those that choose to eat only and guard the palace for the safety of the pharaoh.
Loud noise and laughs can be heard echoing inside the halls of the palace as the villagers eat and drink in the same place as the Pharaoh and his councils. Just for tonight, news proclaimed that the palace is open to all for Atem's 18th birthday. The villagers got dressed in their best as they enter the palace with big smiles. Of course even though the celebration widely accepts anyone to enter, the councils especially Council Aknadin pushed the idea of having guards to inspect everyone who enters even the royalties aren't exempted from it. The others like Council Mahad, Isis and Advisor Shimon opposed to the idea saying the people aren't needed to be checked that much since it is just for a day but Aknadin reasoned it is better to be secured for the villagers might get the royal family's treasure and the neighbouring countries' rulers might hold a surprise attack considering the bonds of Egypt with the neighbouring countries aren't yet tight and secured to be free from war.
Atem had no choice but to agree with Aknadin's idea in order for the elder council to stop future arguements with the other councils. So before the villagers and royalties come inside, they are obliged to have a security check by the guards. All sharp objects like knives and swords were taken from them and put into a room guarded well. Other suspicious things that were found were checked by Mahad and Mana by the use of their magic. Those who passed are lead to the big hall while those that had ill intentions were pretty much held up by the guards and put to the underground prison. Upon entering the big hall, every corner of the room was placed with long tables full of foods. Dancers wearing white tubes and white slitted skirts danced elegantly in the center entertaining everyone. The people inside are pretty much merry making and interacting with one another, social status were forgotten for this night as they all mingle. Atem and Tea sat in front of all the guest while the councils sat beside the couple.
"I thought this is a simple celebration" Atem said to himself as he sat on his throne.
"Forgive us our pharaoh but if you look at the scenery, you can see they all enjoyed this! You yourself look more dashing as ever, I am pretty much sure our queen is falling more in love with you. hohoho" Shimon teased referring to Atem who was wearing purple clothing and purple cape, the outfit is the same as what he usually wears but was just changed into a different color and of course his waist was placed with a golden belt that had a scarab on the center. His head was placed with the eye of horus and golden armbands were placed on his upper arm while a golden snake bracelet encircled his right lower arm.
Atem blushed a bit upon hearing it, he looked at Tea who had been sitting beside him with her face now flushed. Atem smiled upon seeing her, she herself looked more beautiful with her outfit. The purple clothing that traced her neck and fell all the way downwards, showing her shoulder and arms while a golden belt the same as Atem also hugged her waist showing her curves. The dress was simple but Tea's face made it more elegant, it didn't loose its charm even when her hair was tied in a bun and her forehead was placed with an eye of horus as well. Small golden bracelets were also placed on her lower arms that move as she let her hands fall down and a golden snake bracelet smaller than Atem encircled her upper right arm. She is becoming more and more like a queen and no one would suspect her not to be a part of the royal families with her looks, Atem thought to himself as he smiled and looked at the young girl proudly.
"Is something the matter Atem?" Tea asked as she faced him calmly.
Atem shook his head, "No. Let us just enjoy this celebration. I gotta say the councils outdid theirselves again this time by surprising me with this…isn't that right Tea?" He asked as his right hand held Tea's left hand to which the latter removed quickly.
"You are right and I want to enjoy this more with meeting the neighbouring rulers, so can you help me with that dear?" Tea asked not looking at the young pharaoh.
She is still angry, Atem thought but still smiled. "Sure…anyway, Shimon and the others please enjoy yourselves while me and my wife talk with the others. Again I am very grateful for this idea, Thank you" Atem said as he held Tea's hand tightly so she wouldn't escape his grasp this time.
"Well it isn't just us who planned this our pharaoh, truth is your-" Shimon spoke but was interrupted by Tea.
"Thanks so much for this everyone, I am also grateful to see my dear happy. We'll be leaving now, so please enjoy this time. You all deserve a rest for a job well done" Tea said with a smile and walk towards the guests while Atem followed giving the councils an apologetic smile.
Arriving in the center, the couple was met by a group of villagers who bowed towards them with thankfulness. Atem thanked them for coming and left to interact with the other rulers.
"Happy birthday Pharaoh Atem! It seems this celebration is different from your previous celebrations, you even invited your people here!" Adar said as he rose his cup of wine towards Atem.
The young pharaoh smiled, "Thank you King Adar. It's an honor to hear you say that, I hope you enjoy your visit here in Egypt."
Adar laughed, "Oh no need to hope. I am enjoying right now, assure yourself that the bond between Syria and Egypt will continue. By the way, is this your beautiful wife I am hearing about? She's really young just like you and the words I heard weren't a lie."
"Ah, thank you. She is not yet accustomed in royalty life that's why please forgive her in advance if she hides from you" Atem replied with a smile.
King Adar laughed some more, "No need for that. It's really hard to get accustomed to this life if she didn't grew up in this kind of lifestyle…does this mean she is not from a royal family?"
Atem didn't answer and just smiled, meanwhile Tea who heard it bowed towards King Adar and faced him with a smile. "Forgive me King Adar if I am not like you. I grew up in an ordinary family and worked hard to earn a living for myself, I don't know if you had experience that as well but I am proud to share my achievements in life even if it's only small" Tea explained still with her sweet smile.
"Goodness, I can't imagine you doing labor at such a young age. I know am not in the right to say this but what you had achieved are really something to be proud of, I haven't experienced hard labor as a child but I am truly grateful to all those that worked hard to make my country flourish as it is now. I know it is not just us royalties that should be given recognition for that because it is those workers that made it happen, that is why…Atem, take good care of your wife. You found someone so admirable" King Adar said.
"Yes, I will remember your words King Adar. Please enjoy your drink, there are tons of foods here too. Forgive me but me and my wife need to talk to others right now" Atem replied as he gently encircled his arm around Tea's waist and went away leading her towards the crowd. King Adar smiled as he thought, you are very protective of her Atem…I am excited to see both your future.
Meanwhile the two were walking towards the balcony after interacting with the people when suddenly two balls of fire entered the room going straight towards Atem, the pharaoh notice it just inches away from him when he pushed Tea away while he crashed to the opposite direction. The two balls of fire missed him and went crashing towards the floor, forming a large smoke causing the people inside to panic. Atem stood slowly from the floor and pulled Tea close to him.
"Are you alright?" Atem asked as he scanned Tea for injuries, thankfully there is none.
"Worry about me later and focus on the people here! They may be injured because of the panic" Tea replied.
Atem nodded and shouted, "Please calm yourselves!"
The people upon hearing his voice stopped running and pushing. "I am very sorry for this commotion, but please be assured the guards will escort you all out of here safely!" he added and afterwards, the guards stationed outside that aren't drunk came in assisting everyone out. Mahad who noticed the ball of fire before it fell towards the floor already casted a spell to blow out the smoke, the other councils also run towards the pharaoh and guarded him and Tea.
Just as the people were about to exit fully, a group of cloaked people entered each windows and held some villagers as hostage. Soon afterwards a black smoke emerged near the throne and a loud menacing laugh was heard.
"You really thought this would end fast? Didn't I say before that I will meet your beloved wife again? Now here I am making that come true! Everyone should cower in fear as I show my gift for you Atem" Bakura shouted as he stood with open arms.
Shortly afterwards, large groups of insects entered the hall. They attacked the people trapped inside and those outside were greeted by lions stationed near the exit. All the people panicked and some were injured because of the pushing, the guards faced the lions with their spears but they also feel afraid thinking how to survive the attack. Inside the hall, many more people were injured because of the insects. The councils did their best to protect those inside with Mahad and Mana chanting spells to form shields, Kisara stood beside Seto looking worriedly at the scene. She was planning to use her Ka when Seto held her left arm and pulled her closer to him.
"It's better to keep that for now, just stay here with me" Seto whispered towards her and Kisara obeyed as she held his hand tightly.
"Bakura, if you want to take Tea away from me then I am sorry to say I won't hand her to you. Why don't we just have a duel? If I win you better leave the palace now…" Atem said.
"And if I win? Will you give me your beloved wife?" Bakura asked with a mocking look.
Tea clenched her necklace while Atem glanced at her and took her free hand. "No! Just take me instead" Atem replied.
"I know you would say that…fine, you will do" Bakura said and smiled. Foolish Atem…I am sure she will give herself instead though for your own sake, Bakura thought to himself.
"Alright, let's duel Bakura!" Atem shouted and summoned his Ka, the black luster soldier.
"Hehehe" Bakura sat on the throne and summoned his Ka as well, the diabound.
"Let us finish this fight immediately, let's go black luster!" Atem shouted and the monster followed attacking the Diabound.
As soon as black luster readied himself to slice the monster, the Diabound kicked it with its tail letting the monster flew and hit a wall. Atem clenched his heart, the moment his monster was hit.
"Our pharaoh!" Mahad shouted, he readied himself to summon his Ka but was stopped by Isis.
"We shall do that Mahad, you are already busy protecting the people together with Mana" Isis said and summoned her Ka. The other councils followed as well and attacked Bakura with their monsters but then a group of monsters counterattacked their Ka. It was none other than Frau and his group and Bakura's other servants also summoned their monster.
"It is unfair towards our Master if you all fight him, we will fight you all and protect him!" Frau shouted and summoned his monster.
"I will battle you then!" Yugi shouted, "let me join you Yugi!" Joey added and stood beside him.
"Well my brother will surely win" Mikhail said with a serious look as he summoned his monster.
"Think again you looser, face us and lose as well!" Tristan and Duke shouted as they summon their monsters.
"Well…I will be your opponent, your ma-jes-ty!" Tira shouted and summoned her monster.
Tea looked around her surrounding, she then let go of her necklace and pulled away her hand from Atem. The young pharaoh looked at her worriedly but she only gave a small smile. "I will be fine, Atem" she whispered towards him and faced Tira. "Alright lets duel!" she added and summoned fairy's gift.
"How about me? Let me join you sis" Chocolate said with a smile as she summoned her monster.
"Let me be your opponent then!" Mana replied and summoned her Ka dark magician girl.
"Mana, be careful with using your Ka!" Mahad shouted and Mana looked at him with an assuring smile.
"I will, master!" Mana shouted.
The two sides battle with all their might and everyone is not backing out. Each time their monsters were hurt, the owners that used their Ka would react in pain more than those that summoned already. The councils that fought the servants already took a lot from their group but the insects attacking the people inside added to their opponents that need to be beaten.
"Our pharaoh, it seems this battle will be a bit long" Shimon shouted as he tried to stood up but grimaced in pain as his monster is being defeated allowing him to take some hit as well.
"Shimon just rest already, I will handle this!" Atem shouted back.
"Master Shimon! Wake up" Kisara shouted as she came towards the council advisor who fell towards the ground and was now unconscious.
"Hey! You get back here" Seto shouted towards her, as soon as he realized she slipped away from him.
"But Master Shimon is…" Kisara mumbled.
"You really are a handful, don't do anything stupid" Seto shouted to her and commanded his monster to defend him as he walk towards Kisara and Shimon.
Tea who looked at Shimon worriedly felt her anger rose up, she heard the cries of the people injured and she felt her consciousness slowly fading away. She clenched her necklace tightly and mumbled, "I hope everyone will be safe."
Tira who noticed her opponent standing quietly and didn't made a move laugh, "So planning on giving up now?"
Suddenly Tea's necklace lightened, it slowly grew brighter and brighter until the light was too bright to be seen. Atem noticed it and tried running towards the young girl, "Tea! Stop it!"
It was too late, for Tea was already floating in the air. Her eyes glowing white, she looked at Bakura and mumbled something that can't be heard. Big white balls came out of her and attacked the opponent's monsters, those that were missed was hit by white lasers. The attack she made didn't miss anything that stands in her way, the damage produced was so great it made a big smoke each time her attacks hit something. As soon as the smoke clears, the light disappeared and everyone was silent. The room was in a mess and the floor as well as the walls had huge cracks.
"Tea!" Atem shouted as soon as he saw her unconscious on the floor. He hurriedly ran towards her and held her close to him, listening to her hearbeat. "Tea, please tell me you're alright!" he added.
Tea's right hand flinched and it slowly moved to cup Atem's face. The moment Atem felt her warmth, he looked at her who was staring back at him with a weak smile. "Thank goodness you're alive" Atem said as he hugged her tightly.
Bakura laugh as he stood, "well our fight has been interrupted again. But remember this pharaoh, I will return again and this time…I will take your wife successfully. You better be prepared for the greatest battle that will soon happen in the history of Egypt."
"I will never let this happen again Bakura! I will definitely defeat you!" Atem shouted.
"Hahaha, just try. As for you my dear, if you are getting hurt…why don't you just join me. We will rule Egypt with our strengths combined that people will cower in fear" Bakura said looking towards the young girl who was laying weakly on Atem's chest.
"Never…" Tea mumbled back.
"Hmph, we will see. Goodbye for now" Bakura said and disappeared in the big black smoke together with his servants.
The moment they vanished, everyone looked dazed. "They won't be back right?" King Adar asked.
Atem nodded. "Forgive me for endangering your lives tonight, as payment…allow me to heal your wounds" Atem shouted and the door was opened for everyone to come inside.
"Mahad, I am sorry to push this towards you…I have a bigger priority right now" Atem said and looked at Tea who is now sleeping on the floor.
"It won't be a problem our pharaoh, Mana is here to aid me…Have a good rest" Mahad replied as he bowed towards the pharaoh.
"Attention everyone, the pharaoh and his wife will rest so for today the celebration would go on till morning!" Karim announced the moment he saw Atem lifting Tea in a bridal style.
Mahad chanted some spell which repaired the damages in the palace, while the other councils helped the injured people in alleviating their pain as well as bringing Shimon in his room. Mana did her best in healing those that needs priority and Kisara took a cloth from a servant to help wipe the blood of those badly injured. Everyone continued the celebration trying to forget the horrible event although a lot of them wondered what really happened and who saved them.
Inside the royal chamber, Atem slowly placed Tea on their bed. He then brushed away the streaks of hair that covered her face. He saw her wounds and gently caress her face as he lowered his own and rested his forehead on Tea's forehead. "I am sorry I was not able to protect you…" he whispered as a tear fell down from his eye and landed on Tea's face. The young girl clenched her hands resisting the urge to hug him. The moment Atem finished crying, he slowly lifted his face and casted a spell to heal Tea's wounds. He looked at her sleeping figure one last time before he went inside the bathroom to take a bath. 15 minutes had passed, and Atem went out of the bathroom door topless. He came towards their bed and was surprised to see Tea sitting looking at the sky full of stars. He slowly sat on the bed and acted coldly towards her remembering they had a fight this morning. The moment Tea felt his presence, she looked at him.
"Atem…let's have a talk right now" Tea said in a hushed audible tone holding both her hands together.
"Is it that important? If it is not, then let us talk tomorrow. I am tired right now" Atem replied coldly as he faced the other direction on which only his back is facing Tea.
"No…Its not, look. I want to apologize for my behaviour before the celebration, if you don't want to forgive me then it is alright but…I did my part in the party and I think…" before Tea could finish her sentence Atem sat right up and face her angrily.
"You think what? Tea, what you did in the party is your job as a queen. No matter what happened in us privately, that is not allowed to be shown in public. So even if we aren't in good terms right now, showing the public that we are still madly in love with each other is our job. If we show them even just one weakness, the enemies would use it against us…so don't think that what you did at the party needs a compensation" Atem answered with a raised voice.
Tea was speechless at his words, she doesn't know what to say or rather she wants to reply to his words but her heart stings so much she cannot utter the words she wanted to say. Instead, she clenched her necklace and fought back her tears. "I…am…sorry then," Tea said in a hushed tone and looked back at the sky.
Atem knowing he hurt her resisted the urge to grabbed and hugged her on the back tightly, he wanted so much to kiss her on the lips and plant more soft kisses on her skin which was wounded. He wanted so much to wipe her tears, knowing he was the reason who caused it. But he cannot let Tea be pampered by him, she needs to be strong on her own. If he can, he would want to just let Tea stay beside him forever so that she won't be hurt by others. But no matter how much he wanted to, he doesn't have the right. I am sorry I'm hurting you too much, if I have a wish right now…I only wish for your happiness Tea, but I am selfish for wanting it to be with me. So please be strong right now, when the time comes we need to separate…it wouldn't be hard to do so. "Ah…I forgot to tell her the reason why we had this fight to begin with…maybe I will tell her tomorrow" Atem whispered to himself before closing his eyes.
To be continued…
Ok, I am sorry for the fight scene looks lazy right? Anyway I will repay it with the next fight scene to be a bit interesting. I really felt bad on making this chapter since I don't want Tea and Atem to fight but it is needed. A note from this chap is that I used the name of the king I used on my other story "My master's wish", since both stories revolved around Egypt I decided to just reuse the name.