Adult-FanFiction.org : Yu-Gi-OH

The Pale Savior	By : SasatheShy Category: Yu-Gi-Oh > Yaoi - Male/Male Views: 6244 -:- Recommendations : 0 -:- Currently Reading : 1
Disclaimer: I do not own YuGiOh, nor do I make a profit off of the writing of this story. It is for fan purposes only.

Chapter List
- 15
- 16
- 17
Chapter Sixteen: Atemu’s Gift

--

   Atemu made haste for the infirmary, only recently learning about the guardsman found stumbling into town, terribly wounded. When he heard the news, he went to Seth before doing anything else, knowing the grand healer was more capable of caring for the man’s physical and mental scars than Anzu.

   His weekend’s been nothing but hell, with one issue after the next, straining his brain. He’d developed much anger, plagued with guilt for taking it out on his fair Yuugi. It frustrated him, recalling raising his voice at the startled boy. Salihah did not even allow him the time to apologize. She walked in straight after his rare outburst, frustrating him further when Yuugi cleaned the mess, and left the room. He did not mind bedding Salihah to avoid temper, but he much rather would’ve taken Yuugi in her place. And Yuugi, the little darling was planning a surprise! A surprise Atemu ached to receive. He pondered what it could be on his free time.

   Rounding the corner, to his delight, Yuugi was just up ahead, returning from the game room to his own with a new puzzle in his arms to solve. Seeing the rich emerald box saddened Atemu. He wished to spend more time with Yuugi, playing games, completing puzzles, and cuddling throughout the night. His damn work! It wasn’t fair.

   Taking a deep breath, he called, “Hello, Yuugi!” Thankful when Yuugi stopped to look his way, he joined the young man’s side. “How are you feeling today? I am sorry for missing you and Salihah at breakfast. It’s been a hectic morning.”

   “I am fine, Atemu,” said Yuugi softly.

   Strange. Yuugi was beginning to react differently around him. Atemu did not fancy that. “Is that a new puzzle?”

   The servant nodded. “Yes.”

   “Perhaps you would like some company?” Atemu stepped forward, touching Yuugi’s shoulder. “We could work on it together.”

   Seeing Yuugi’s cheerful smile pleased the Lord every time. “Really? You mean it?”

   “Yes,” Atemu said, but his happiness died. He sighed, hitting himself for forgetting about the injured defender. “I cannot at this time, unfortunately.” A pin pinched its way into the depth of his heart when he saw Yuugi’s smile become a frown. “I am sorry, Yuugi, but I must go to the infirmary right away. As soon as I finish there I will come to your room. Does that sound fine?”

   Not in the least, but who was Yuugi to disrespect his Lord? He readied to answer, but his thoughts turned to the infirmary. “Is someone hurt?”

   “One of my guards from that errand I told you about has returned,” Atemu murmured. “He is the only survivor.”

   That news stumped Yuugi. He bowed his head before taking Atemu’s hand. “May I come? Please?”

   “Yuugi, I do not think that would be wise,” Atemu said. “The man is a mess.”

   “I’ll stay out of the way,” Yuugi promised. “Besides, blood doesn’t scare me. I saw it all the time back at the village.”

   Unable to resist those puppy-dog amethysts, Atemu exasperated a sigh but gave a quick nod. “Very well, but keep close to me. Understand?”

   “Thank you.” Yuugi squeezed Atemu’s hand. With his other hand, he balanced the heavy green box against his chest. This way, Atemu could not refuse building the entire image with him after business at the infirmary was concluded. “I will.”

   Before he and Atemu could reach the infirmary, they were joined by Seth. The man smoothed out his ruffled robes, but could not fix his chocolate hair. Atemu chuckled lightly, grinning at his cousin. The Lord of Intellect requested with a sharp glare that his tranquil Lord keep his mouth shut or suffer his wrath. Yuugi, not getting it, simply continued forward.

   They arrived to hear a man shrieking at the top of his lungs from within. A gathered crowd stood outside, peering over heads and shoulders to see the guard frantically screaming for help. Atemu and Seth pushed everyone back, ordering they let Seth through. Yuugi gasped as a sharp sting from someone’s elbow hit the side of his stomach. Atemu’s strong arms shielded him, and led him inside.

   Within, Yuugi stared wide-eyed to find Yami struggling to hold down the bloodied man. Deep gashes covered the man’s arms, legs, and chest. A deep cut trailed from his left cheek down to his neck. Anzu nervously worked to prepare a sedative for the man, but her hands were shaky. Seth took over for her, trying to speak gentle words to the deranged guard.

   Yuugi hugged Atemu, afraid. He did not think it would be like this. Atemu comforted him by rubbing his shoulders. “Take deep breaths. They wish to help you, Amut.” He spoke gently to the guard, who he recognized as one of his best. “You are safe now, Amut.”

   Amut heaved loudly. “C -- can’t breath!” Panic returned. “Choking!”

   “Yami, hold his head!” Seth barked.

   Climbing behind Amut, Yami cautiously took the side of the man’s head, not wanting his fingers bitten off. Seth was quick to get the drug down the man’s throat, who drank without rebuttal. A small helping of the clear liquid drizzled the man’s chin. Seth cleaned it up.

   “He should doze off,” Seth declared. As if on cue, Amut slowly fell back, droopy.

   Carefully, Yami scooted back, sliding Amut’s head off of his leg and onto the comfort the nursery bed provided. He glanced at Yuugi, but adverted to his Lord to assist. Yuugi was too busy hiding his face in Atemu’s chest, taking occasional glimpses at the unconscious man while Seth, Anzu, and Yami tended to his wounds.

   Rubbing Yuugi’s back, Atemu shuffled back, and ordered the closest snoop to fetch his captain of the guard, Karim. The captain was a man Yuugi’s never met, but he was a man preached by Atemu’s people, a man brave and righteous, who did not fear his mortal life.

   The man came upon request, with black hair and sharp green eyes. He stood tall, his expression calm as Seth’s, stern and serious. He stood like a captain should, back straight, head held high and firm, eyes facing straight, and spear at the ready. “My Lord.” He gave a swift bow, his speed like whiplash.

   “Karim, please identify Amut’s injuries.” Atemu quirked to the guard now unconscious in bed.

   “My Lord.” Karim commended to what was asked of him. He moved over to Amut’s side, touched the passed out guard gently, taking in the cuts and bruises. Firstly, he inspected the deep gash Yami cared for on the man’s cheek and neck. “A clean cut, straight down. A dagger’s blade could be the culprit, perhaps even a cutlass, if aimed as a miss. These black bruises I say came from cupped fists. This wound on his arm, with the flesh peeled and twisted, could be where an arrow was pulled out.”

   “So a bastard or two attacked my men,” Atemu murmured.

   “More than a few, I imagine.” Karim looked at Amut’s chest. “These dark wounds are burns. Possibly from a torch of some sort.”

   “An inclination of torture,” Seth wondered, treating the burns with a special ointment. “How cruel.”

   Anzu bandaged a wound on Amut’s leg, shaking her head sadly. “Who would do such a horrible thing?”

   “A monster,” Atemu said softly.

   Seth glanced at his cousin earnestly. “Or a Lord?”

   The room grew eerily quiet. Yuugi gaped and shuddered, loosening his grip on Atemu. Yami glanced between the two Lords, then secured his gaze on Yuugi. His top lip quivered. He bit on it to silence it.

   Atemu breathed in deep, then closed his eyes for but a moment to pull himself together. “It is my fault for having you send them…” He could say no more, for many servants were watching and listening. “We must have a meeting scheduled for tomorrow.”

   “Tomorrow?” Seth scorned. “We need to speak of this now.”

   “I can’t,” Atemu declared. Gently, he squeezed Yuugi’s frail shoulder. “I promised to spend time with Yuugi.”

   Sneering, Seth glowered at Yuugi, who pressed himself further into Atemu. Seth’s cobalt stare terrified him. “You choose this servant over the plausibility of war?”

   Shrinking back, Yuugi bowed his head, startled by that hurtful statement. He stepped behind Atemu, where he saw Yami at the bedside, eyeing him sadly.

   “Let’s not jump to conclusions, Seth,” Atemu spoke firmly. “We do not know who attacked my men. War is a powerful assumption. We will discuss this tomorrow morning.”

   Entitled to follow Atemu’s rulings , Seth confirmed with a bow before leaving. He was angry with the decision, but dared not argue it, even though he, too, shared equal power with his cousin. He shouted at the audience to return to their duties. The show was over. They did as they were told, and cleared the hallway.

   Rubbing his neck, Atemu groaned irritably. The stress the week’s provided grew worse by the minute, it seemed. “Karim, double the guard.”

   “My Lord.” Karim left to proceed to the barracks.

   “Atemu, if this is important, I’d understand if…” Yuugi tried.

   “No, no,” Atemu smiled. “I said I would build a puzzle with you, and that is what I intend on doing. Besides, I much rather be with you right now, then anywhere else. Come.”

   Yuugi retook his Lord’s hand, grateful for Atemu’s kept promise, but grievous of Seth’s formality. Was he simply a servant in Atemu’s eyes? Did he matter at all? Did his title mean nothing? He followed Atemu, giving a single glance over his shoulder to find Yami smiling his way, and he returned it heartily.

--

   Slumped in his throne early that next morning, an onslaught of political badgering made Atemu wish that his immortal blood prevented him from obtaining excruciating migraines. His hellish morning urged him to hire more mortal souls willing to become defenders of the people, from what happened to Amut and the four others missing. That morning, Amut awoke, and with the medicine’s job a success, told his Lords exactly what happened to the men.

   “Captain Gahiji,” he had said, “And a good number of his men spotted us. They surrounded us, took out two of us. I managed to get away with Siorin, but they took Hebet. Siorin -- I don’t know what happened to him. I fell unconscious.”

   The moment he and Seth heard this, the two Lords knew of the danger. Gahiji was a ruthless, evil man; a mortal feared by mortals. Thinking that that very man once owned his precious Yuugi made Atemu cringe.

   Seth’s radical proclamations judged him as a man of little compromise. He insisted they ready the troops in case of an unexpected assault, and insisted on a search party for the probable dead on savage territory. He mostly just murmured to himself, pacing in circles, clearly upset.

   Sighing, Atemu picked up his slouch. “Seth, please stop. Your traipse is dizzying.”

   “I cannot help it!” Seth fisted claws, his posture like a wild animal anxious to kill. Snorting, he did not stop his long strides, flailing his gold and blue robes, trying to force a plan to come to mind. “This is a crucial matter, my Lord. What if Captain Gahiji is in service with the fifth of our rulers?”

   “We cannot be certain,” Atemu murmured. “We have no knowledge of the fifth Lord. He keeps his identity hidden well. But if it is a mortal we must defeat, then that will be an easy task. Captain Gahiji, as he is called so easily, will be no match for us.”

   “He runs his trade in the fifth Lord’s terrain,” said Seth worriedly. “And his trade is supreme. You did not see it like I did, my Lord. When I went there to search for the Puzzle, I was amazed by how large his ruling was. The villages, the barracks in the distance. What if…?”

   “Seth,” said Atemu, “Calm yourself. For now, all we can do is see to it our guards are many and trained. If we were the ones who trespassed onto his land, then perhaps we were seen merely as a threat. Let’s not rush to the finish line.”

   “My Lord, sometimes I feel you are a little too soft.”

   “And sometimes I feel you rely too much on your wisdom, Seth.” Atemu trapped a chuckle in a line of Magic’s rough black skin. He ran his hand over the cat’s bumpy spine.

   Going red in the face, Seth scoffed. He crossed his arms. “I suppose we both depend on our titles too much.”

   “Perhaps,” said Atemu. “But I still stand by my decision. We will tighten the guard, and we shall hold a ceremony for the men we lost.” He summoned for a scholar to make note of this. “If any of them have family, wives or children, see to it that they are informed immediately, with my condolences.”

   Atemu shoved Magic off his lap, then rose from the auriferous throne. He stepped down to confront Seth’s rage, setting his comforting hands on the man’s chattering biceps. “There is nothing more we can do,” he told him.

   “I know,” grumbled Seth.

--

   Those passing days which followed bestowed unto Yuugi memorable, wonderful moments with both Atemu and Yami. He cherished his new skill, taking it slow and reading for Yami from thin tomes written for young children. Yuugi had no shame, in fact, he rather translate the tale of a young peasant boy who lost his father’s ewe over one on historical violence or drama.

   His reunion with Atemu pleased him greatly. His Lord’s not been as busy as of late, and wasted many hours away with Yuugi in either bedroom, playing games and completing puzzles. The Lord, to Yuugi’s unawareness, did not ask for sex in such a long time. Atemu missed it, but decided to be settle with his cravings, knowing he could take Yuugi whenever he wanted. It would be good of him to give the boy a break, once in a while.

   But to the Lord’s unknowing, Yuugi was participating in an event mischievous and raunchy. His lips meant for Atemu’s alone were having an affair with another pair. With Yami’s pair, to be exact.

   Yuugi could not help that his body was satisfied whenever he and Yami touched lips. Kissing the pallid man relieved him of any unwanted pressure, which he often obtained whenever he saw Atemu with Salihah. Yami’s individuality closed that meddlesome gap like a perfectly concocted glue, and he would do so over and over again, no matter how often it pried itself back open. The kissing did more than simply save Yuugi from his life beyond Yami’s bedroom. It gave to him an incredible new warmth never before experienced.

   Close to afternoon one day, Yuugi lay beneath Yami on the older man’s bed, moaning softly as the two kissed. Yami was the one to always deepen it, to go beyond Yuugi’s expectations. The shorter male shuddered. He parted his lips as Yami’s slick tongue eagerly licked his lips, wanting to explore that wondrous cave, to greet the gentler tongue with little skill. This was all they did. Yami’s yet to push it a step further, not wanting to eat his delightful fruit until it was good and ripe. He concurred that would be soon. He enjoyed having Yuugi wrapped around his finger.

   Smirking, Yami soon pulled back, glad when Yuugi sighed happily. Yuugi’s soft hands pressed against his slender chest, rubbing his skin gently.

   “Mm,” Yuugi moaned, smiling. “I like kissing you.”

   “I like kissing you, too,” chuckled Yami.

   Massaging Yami’s shoulders, Yuugi sighed softly. “I wish we could be like this forever, but I don’t want to be away from Atemu for so long.”

   “Because you love him?” Yami sat up, sitting on the edge of his bed. He pulled Yuugi up to sit with him, wrapping his arms around the other’s sensitive waist.

   Yuugi did not answer. He could not say that he loved Atemu, like he so easily could before. He found it difficult to mutter, to believe. All he did was shrug his shoulders, his act like a fantastical production to Yami’s malicious crimsons.

   Yami leaned down to kiss Yuugi’s cheek, satisfied when Yuugi released a joyous moan. “Hmm. Yuugi, I’ve been thinking…” He trailed his tongue along Yuugi’s neck, trailing until he found a tender earlobe. He nibbled on that yummy pendulous skin.

   “About what?” Yuugi shivered, giggling a little. Yami’s risk tickled.

   “Well…” he drew back, intoxicated by Yuugi’s beautiful laugh. “About your many stories you’ve mentioned about the puzzles you’ve put together, and about this kitten you own. It makes me hopeful to see your bedroom.” Placing his fingers underneath Yuugi’s chin, he gently turned his head. “I would love to see it.”

   “I don’t know,” Yuugi gulped. “What if Atemu finds out?”

   “You could show me at nighttime,” Yami encouraged. “I could sneak my way over, and you could let me in. Lord Atemu will never know, if he is asleep.”

   “Sounds dangerous,” Yuugi whispered. He swayed his legs, thinking it over. It would be fun to show Yami where he slept, to show his many accomplished works, and to introduce him to Puzzle. The darling kitten was growing up so fast. She’s had such a growth spurt in under two weeks. “I do want to show it to you, though.”

   “It will be fine,” Yami assured. “I promise.” He took Yuugi’s hand and gave it a friendly peck. “Tonight.”

   “Tonight?” squeaked Yuugi, flushing lotus pink.

   Yami nodded. “Try to stay up when you go to bed. Atemu usually escorts you after mealtime, right? Just as it is turning dark?”

   “Yes,” Yuugi confirmed, nervous by the idea. “But I don’t think he goes to bed until a little later.”

   “Okay.” Leaning back, Yami thought it over. “When you feel certain he is in bed, come out then and meet me about halfway. If you get caught, simply tell him you were on your way to the shit hole.”

   “You mean, tell him that I need to pee?”

   “Correct,” chuckled Yami, enclosing his hand around Yuugi’s. “If I spot you two, I’ll know we failed for the night, and if he sees me up and about, I’ll say I was on my way to help with a task. He’ll ignore me, anyway. He does not like me, I think.”

   “I’m sorry.” Yuugi frowned. “I think he does.”

   “Well, perhaps…” Yami shrugged. But he did not like the Lord, and he did not plan on telling Yuugi this. “So then, are we on for tonight?”

   Rubbing his arm, Yuugi looked to his hand in Yami’s. He squeezed Yami’s hand, then leaned into the man, smiling. He did want to share his life with Yami. All that he acquired as a courtesan to Atemu. “Yep.”

   Yami surprised Yuugi with a kiss. “Mm. Perfect. I can’t wait. It is going to be… Fun.”

   Getting to his feet, Yami took Yuugi’s hands and pulled the lovely boy to his feet. He guided a sneaky hand behind Yuugi’s back, letting it slide low. His wickedness remained shielded, gone unnoticed by Yuugi’s curious desire.

   Yuugi grabbed his bag, checked to make sure he had everything, including his first tome. He hugged his work happily. When he felt Yami’s chin on his shoulder, he blushed lightly. “Yami?”

   “You know,” Yami purred. “I think that you are at that point where you should consider giving Atemu his gift.”

   Nervous by that idea, Yuugi jumped forward and spun around. “What?”

   “You don’t have to,” Yami said defensively. “The choice is yours. You’re doing so well, Yuugi, with your words and letters and numbers. I feel you are at that point where Atemu can easily help and read with you.”

   Frowning, Yuugi bowed his head a little, saddened. “You mean you don’t want to teach me anymore?”

   “No!” Yami trudged forward, embracing Yuugi. “No, of course not. I will teach you for as long as you want me too.”

   “Thank you,” Yuugi whispered, relieved.

   “But do consider it,” Yami said. “I’m sure he’s been anticipating your reveal.”

   Ending the embrace, Yuugi gleamed. “He is. Maybe you’re right. Maybe I should give him his present.”

   Yami ran his hand upwards, tracing his fingers across Yuugi’s cheek. “He will be elated, I’m sure.” Withdrawing his hand, Yami walked over to the door. “Now, you must make sure you remember about tonight. I’m looking forward to seeing your bedroom.”

   “I’ll remember,” smiled Yuugi. He caught up with Yami, who opened the door for him. “I wish you could walk me to my room today.”

   “Me too, but I have some work I have to catch up on. You will see me tonight.”

   “Right,” beamed Yuugi. “I can’t wait!” Waving, he ran down the empty corridor, bag in hand, his heart pounding like a drum.

   With Yuugi gone, Yami leaned on the doorframe, and grinned coldly. His vision turned cruel, his true colors showed. That’s right. You look forward to it. Because tonight, I’m going to fuck you like the little slut you are.

--

   Yuugi nervously picked at the table in his room, fiddling with a loose piece of wood, not worried about getting a splinter. He would be called to join Atemu for dinner soon, with Salihah present. His bag was in sight, no longer concealed underneath his bed or one of his fluffy red pillows. He had decided to take Yami’s advice. He was going to give Atemu the gift of a lifetime.

   Leaving the table alone, he stumbled over to the bag, and took it in his arms. He cradled it as one would an infant, rocking nervously on his heels. Any minute now. It scared him. What if he wasn’t ready? What if he hadn’t practiced enough? What if Atemu wouldn’t be proud of him? All these horrible thoughts came rushing like rocky rapids clear across his vision, scaring him. He tilted his head left, then right, hoping to pour out every bad thought. He mustn’t think that. He growled out.

   Two solid knocks at his door resulted in a loud gasp. Yuugi fell onto his bed, startled when his door opened wide, and Atemu entered.

   “Yuugi?” Atemu worriedly went over to the bed. “Are you all right? I thought I heard you scream.”

   “Fine,” Yuugi trembled. He got to his feet, holding his bag close. “I -- I’m fine.” His distress strengthened when he saw Salihah cautiously peek into his room, surprising him by appearing worried.

   “That’s good.” Atemu reached out, taking Yuugi’s hand. His gazed lowered to the bag his darling courtesan clutched, it partially open. He could not get a good look, unfortunately. “The food will be by shortly. Come along.”

   Atemu moved forward, ready to lead Yuugi across the hall, but he was tugged back. Startled, he turned to Yuugi, arching a brow. Immediate concern emerged. Yuugi stood with his feet planted on the hard floor. His eyes lowered, his fingertips dug into the leather bag, causing it to screech like a chair leg on wood, only not as painful to the ears.

   “I…” Yuugi strained to talk. “Uh… I…”

   “What’s wrong, Yuugi?” Atemu placed his other hand on top of Yuugi’s.

   All Yuugi needed to gather his courage was to briefly close his eyes and imagine Yami encouraging him with that deep, handsome voice, and wonderful smile. That was all it took. “Nothing’s wrong, Atemu. Actually, I -- I finished your gift.”

   “My…?” Atemu blinked, pretending he had forgotten. He flashed his teeth, smiling. “Oh? Have you now?”

   “Yes, I have,” Yuugi said excitedly. “Well, actually, it’s not completely finished, but I want your help on the rest.”

   Stepping into the room, Salihah coughed lightly to make herself known. “Um, perhaps that can wait for after we eat? The food’s arrived. My Lord?”

   “In a minute, Salihah,” he waved her off. “I want to see what Yuugi made for me.”

   Yuugi smiled, ready to dig into his bag and show Atemu the goal he’d accomplished. He hesitated when Salihah pushed forward.

   “My Lord,” she tried, “It will get cold.”

   “Hush!” Atemu sounded offended by Salihah’s persistence. He angrily glanced at her, startling her. “If you’re so concerned about the meal, then go on and start without us. We shall be in soon. In fact, that is not a bad idea. Go.”

   Salihah covered her mouth, humiliated for allowing it to fall open. “M -- my Lord?”

   “Go,” he ordered.

   Bowing her head, Salihah spun on her heels, fleeing from the room. Yuugi swore he hinted a sparkle in the corner of one emerald hue. He glimpsed up at Atemu, who was already proud of whatever it was Yuugi hid just out of reach. The Lord’s smile returned, having only abruptly vanished when insulted by Salihah.

   “Sorry, Yuugi,” he urged excitedly. “Go ahead.”

   With this being his one true chance, Yuugi removed the tome he had been reading, as well as many of the tests he took. Atemu’s expression reflected mixed interest, apparently not sure what to make of the gift. Yuugi became afraid to explain. He glanced at the top of the pile in his hands, seeing that the very first test he ever took was on top. Staring at all his incorrect answers delighted him since he knew them now, and could never fail again.

   Slowly, he held out the pile of parchments and the tome he was learning to read for Atemu to take. The Lord did just that. He turned the papers around, examining the top of the stack. “Well, this is…”

   “They’re what I’ve been working on for you,” Yuugi interrupted quietly. “It is what Yami’s been helping me with.”

   The Lord examined each parchment, interested but confused. “Yuugi?”

   “I didn’t want you to know that I couldn’t read,” Yuugi said nervously. “Or count numbers or spell.”

   “Oh, Yuugi,” Atemu gaped, understanding now what the papers meant. “Oh, I see. This is wonderful, but… Why did you not want me to know you could not read?”

   “Because…” Yuugi twiddled his fingers. “I didn’t want you to be ashamed if you found out.”

   Atemu placed the tome and papers on the bed. “Yuugi…” He brought his arms out, hugging Yuugi with all the support he could dish up. “I could never be ashamed of you. Not in the least. And I am very proud of you for wanting to learn.”

   “Really?” Yuugi looked at his work.

   “Yes,” Atemu smiled, cupping Yuugi’s cheek. “This is a wonderful surprise. I just wish I could have been the one to teach you, instead of… What was his name?”

   “Yami.”

   “Right. Him.” Atemu scorned, jealous of what he had not been asked to undertake. Shrugging it off, he took the many tests in his hands and smiled, examining each one carefully. “These deserve a proper gloating. What do you say we put these someplace where we can both view them? Perhaps half in here, and the other half in my room?”

   “You mean that?” Yuugi queried with gaiety.

   “I do.” Atemu set the papers on the provided table, alongside Yuugi’s other masterpieces. “There. That is a good place for them.” He motioned Yuugi over, and took the boy’s hand. “Perhaps Yami would not mind if I finished teaching you?”

   “It might sadden him,” Yuugi said softly. He knew it would sadden him, to not be able to visit Yami, but this truth he kept to himself. “But I don’t think he would mind.”

   “Not at all.” Atemu grasped the tome in one hand, leading Yuugi out of the boy’s bedroom and into his own, where their dinner sat getting cold. Salihah was nowhere to be found. “Let us eat. Then after supper, you may read to me.”

   Brightly excited by that idea, Yuugi sat in his chair and glanced around. “Where’s Salihah?”

   “She probably ate and then left for her chamber,” Atemu decided. He saw no dirtied plate where his female lover usually sat, but said nothing further on the matter. “Let’s not worry about her. Eat.”

   Yuugi ate with glee. When he and Atemu finished, he sat with Atemu on the bed, and enlightened the man with how much he’d learned. He read only bits and pieces of the first chapter, struggling here and there, only to have Atemu help him along the way. He knew he must thank Yami for encouraging him to share this treat with Atemu, it sweet and wonderful.

   “Bedtime,” Atemu shortly confirmed. “Time to go to… Unless you’d like to stay here with me for the night?”

   Atemu nudged Yuugi’s head with his, prepared to deliver a special type of gratification. He rubbed Yuugi’s arm, trailing his fingertips up to tickle the skin. He was quite startled when Yuugi jumped by the touch and withdrew, staring at him as if he’d caught a bad case of the flu. “Yuugi?”

   “I’m sorry,” Yuugi said quietly, thinking about Yami coming to visit that night. “I’m really tired. Do you think maybe…?”

   “I won’t force you.” Smiling, Atemu got to his feet.

   “Thank you.”

--

   With Yuugi tucked in for the night, Atemu traveled the hallways, set on figuring out why Salihah dismissed supper. Her room was not too far. A corridor or two down in a quiescent wing of the palace, where most rooms were empty, and little workers traversed through.

   He neared her door. Seeing it partially open conducted concern, and he stormed inside, shocked to discover her stashing folded dresses in a traveler’s sack. Most of those pieces belonged to her far longer than when she and Atemu were first introduced. A lot of them he initialed as ugly, awful peasant cloth not suitable for her princess figure. Quietly, he closed in on her.

   “Salihah,” he gaped. “What are you doing?”

   “Packing,” she muttered.

   “Why?”

   “Because I’m leaving,” she cried out, trembling. “I’m going to move back in with my father. I already asked a servant to ready a wagon for me.”

   “What?” Atemu quickly took a dress she aimed for, getting her to look at him. “You can’t mean that.”

   She reached forward, pulling the poorly woven dress from her Lord. “I am and I will. I cannot live this life anymore.” She hid her eyes from him, not wanting to exhibit an array of fresh tears. “I can’t be with you anymore.”

   “Don’t you say that!” Atemu bellowed, grasping her wrist. “Why would you even mutter such a horrible thing! Salihah, I need you.”

   “No!” She pulled her hand away, freeing it from Atemu’s loose grip. She wanted to glare at him, but it was impossible. “No. You don’t need me. You only need Yuugi. He’s the one you really want. I see that now. I’m second to you, have always been, even before that boy entered our lives.”

   “That’s…” Infuriated by Salihah’s revelation, of informing him she plans on leaving, and insisting he only had feelings for Yuugi, Atemu fought to find rage. Alas, none came, his fury low. “…Not true.”

   Salihah placed a hand on her hip, eyeballing her Lord. “Do not lie. You are bad at it.”

   “Come now, Salihah, this is foolish,” Atemu feuded. “You know I care for you! If this is about earlier, I did not mean to raise my voice. Please. Unpack your belongings, and let’s sleep this off.”

   “Stop it,” she whimpered.

   He did not. His pestering continued. “Come on, let’s go to bed. Yuugi’s asleep, so you and I have it all to ourselves.”

   When he worked to motivate her away, planting his firm palms on her arms, and guided her backwards, he received a heap of shock when she shouted for him to release her using his actual name. “No, Atemu!” Stumbling forward, she fell, saved by the bed as she caught it with her hands. Crying softly, she grabbed the sack and knotted it tight, knowing Atemu was watching her, baffled.

   Taking a deep breath, she turned to finally face him. “I have never loved anyone as strongly as I do you, but if you can never love me back, I do not want to live this life you’ve given me, no matter how wonderful it is. I know that you love that boy, and rather be with him than you would me, and I am fine with that. I will not be alone. I will return to my father, perhaps find a man who will love me, who will want to wed me, and start a family. Someone I can grow old with.”

   The truth hurt. Atemu stepped back, silent as he watched Salihah take her sack of items and make her way over to the open doorway. Before leaving, she looked back at him and smiled gently. “Be honest with me before I leave. Who would you rather spend your everlasting lifetime with? Him or I?”

   Straightening his imperious self, Atemu openly answered with a firm, “Him.”

   With her smile one of remorse, Salihah gave a slight bow of her head. “Goodbye, Atemu.” And she left.

   Alone in his fair ex-courtesan’s bedroom, Atemu breathed deep. He closed his eyes, not sure whether she being gone was good or bad. But one thing was certain. He at least had Yuugi still to call his own. “Goodbye, Salihah.”
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The Pale Savior