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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
- 18
- 19
- 20
Chapter Nineteen: The Inevitable Truth
--
   Malik readied the horses for a journey to be taken. Unfortunately, said journey involved his brother, their worn down wagon, and satchels of coin to venture across the land and bribe any fine young women willing to give themselves to Lord Bobasa for a handful of riches. Month after month, year after year. He grew bored of his duty, wishing he could remain at the lazy Lord’s palace to keep by his lover’s side.
   He brushed his hand over one of the two mare’s fine ebony mane. A gentle hand caught his shoulder, and he smiled when he saw Mariku standing with him. From the corner of his right violet eye, he saw Rishid spreading out a blanket in the wagon, to make it comfortable for any eligible women to rest on.
   “I’m going to miss you,” Malik whispered. He turned around, swift to press his face into Mariku’s strong chest.
   “We had some good fucks.”
   Flustered, Malik pushed back and slapped the man’s arm. “Could you be anymore louder! I don’t think the people at the village’s edge heard you!”
   “So what if they do?” Mariku lowered to his smaller twin’s ear, and gave a gentle blow.
   “That tickles,” shuddered Malik, moaning softly.
   Mariku shuffled his lips down, pushing them at the base of Malik’s tawny neck. His slithering tongue sneaked its way out, giving that almond fragrance a good, long lick.
   “Stop,” groaned Malik. “My brother is right over there.”
   “Does it insinuate that I care?”
   “No,” Malik giggled. He pushed Mariku back, and smiled up at him. “But I rather he not know about all the mischievous things you do to me.” Purring, Malik couldn’t help himself, needing those rough lips one last time before he had to depart. He slammed against them, his moan oscillating like a pig’s squeal when a hand clasped his butt-cheek. Another feeling jabbed him in the stomach. He knew that familiar stabbing, breaking away to peek down at the Sennen Rod. “Stupid thing.”
   “Sorry,” chuckled Mariku. “Sometimes I feel it has a mind of its own. Can’t always control where it decides to prod.”
   That comment could make anyone run a fever, and Malik was quick to blame the sun for the heat on his face. He still did not trust the object since that time it shimmered bright, and he still found Lord Bobasa to be absolutely repulsive.
   “I wish you could come with us,” Malik pouted, fiddling with a wild strand of his lover’s blonde hair. “Is there no way to persuade you?”
   “Oh, believe me, there are ways,” Mariku sighed. “Sadly, I must refuse, and remain here. But we will see one another soon enough.”
   Knowing Mariku was right, Malik squeezed his arms tightly around the other’s waist for one last hug. When he heard a rough cough not too far off, he grumbled lowly. “Damn it, Rishid.”
   “Malik, it is time we were off,” Rishid said. He stepped up onto the wagon, taking his place at the reins.
   “That’s your cue,” Mariku grinned. He winked at Malik, stepping back. His robes swayed in a light breeze. He brought the gleaming Sennen Rod to the base of his chest, gracefully erect, as an assistant to a Lord should be. “You take care of yourself.”
   “Same with you.” Backing up, Malik gaped as he bumped into a horse. Embarrassed, he scratched the back of his head, apologized to the startled mare, and joined Rishid up on the wagon.
   Rishid nicked the reins. The two horses started down the path in a gentle trot, trailing the rocky path and away from the limestone palace. Turning in his seat, Malik looked back at Mariku and waved his arm as high as he could reach. Mariku returned it with a nod, not returning inside until the wagon was a speck over the expanding wasteland.
--
   The Lord of Tranquility came to a decision.
   An hour he waited to ensure that the little charlatan had a bite to eat. Close to dusk was when he returned, opening the door to find Yuugi sound asleep at the table, his head in his pillowed arms, the Sennen Puzzle still shattered, with not one piece reassembled. Atemu quietly flowed to the table to find the tray half empty, to his delight, and the copper cup vacant of any pomegranate juice with the exception of one forgetful drop. Rounding the table, he peered down at Yuugi’s peaceful figure, and no matter how emotional his anger earlier commenced, he knew he could not stay angry with that preferable soul.
   Smiling warmly, Atemu gently leaned Yuugi back, attentive not to wake him as he carried the boy over to the bed. Yuugi lay sound asleep as he was placed upon the soft mattress, and blanketed snug. Atemu acquiesced a finger to brush back those golden bangs, twirling the single middle curl before pulling back. As much as he wished to give a kiss, at least to the forehead or to a cheek, he did not risk the temptation.
   He gathered the tray of dirtied ware, then permitted Yuugi to sleep alone in the king’s bed as he quietly left the room. He would bunk in his lover’s bed that night, though not too thrilled by the idea, after learning Yuugi shared said bed with Yami the night before. But he’d digress. After all, it was his Yuugi’s bed, and Yuugi’s scent filtered the entire room.
   Lamentably, the Lord acquired little sleep, tossing and turning, his mind on the happenings of what the week’s delivered to him. As he lay there, he deliberated what type of relationship Yuugi’s formed with the man locked tight in the dungeon, wondering if the two could quite possibly had fallen in love, to his remorse. How Yuugi could care so strongly about Yami’s penance, about that man’s safety, was mind blowing.
   Atemu recalled his meeting with Yami. How dark that man’s eyes had been, how dark of a look he showed off, fitting well with the cell’s disagreeable gloom. He did not see a man in love. He saw a monster out for disaster. Something about that man screamed untrustworthy. Knowing this and knowing he could never hurt Yuugi helped Atemu to conjure a plan.
   Only after getting four hours of sleep, Atemu awoke with motivation. It was not as if his body needed the sleep, anyway. Leaping off of Yuugi’s bed, he groaned loudly when a streak of bright rays blinded him from the partially opened drapes at the smaller balcony. Grumbling, he stumbled forward, rubbing away a sparkle of spots before leaving for his own chamber. It would take time for him to rejuvenate. Even being mortal, his body reacted to certain things, such as him feeling pain when he bled, though the cut would heal itself. Opening the door of his bedroom, he immediately straightened up to discover Yuugi up and sitting at the table, the Sennen Puzzle before him and he with a look of determination. Atemu was quite pleased.
   “Good morning,” he said softly to the other as he closed the door. He was ignored, as he was that previous night.
   Yawning, he ran a hand down his tired face. He must look like shit, having slept in his royal clothes, but that was unimportant, at the moment. All he worried about was Yuugi.
   He stepped over to his chair, and helped himself to a seat. By this time, surely Yuugi believed him when he said Salihah left. He was certain the boy did. He rubbed his face again, struck by another yawn, this one long and loud. Excusing himself quietly, he looked at Yuugi. That face was so very beautiful, even in the morning when it first tiredly flutters alive, tire-eyed and wet from drool. Not at all envious, Atemu was, in fact, lucky. He had enjoyed having Yuugi share his bed.
   Clasping his hands softly together, Atemu, slightly uncomfortable, decided it was now or never to devise with Yuugi an arrangement he was willing to except. This was, to him, a difficult task, not just as a Lord, but as a man in love.
   He nibbled his lip. “Yuugi, last night, I thought about what I could do to help make this easier. I know that this is completely bewildering, what with the Sennen Puzzle choosing you as its carrier, and with the argument we had. I don’t want to be apart from you. I also don’t want you hating me.”
   Smiling, Atemu was thankful when he caught Yuugi’s attention. The boy glanced up from the zero progress made on the Sennen Puzzle.
   “So, here’s my offer,” Atemu said softly, “Because I do not want to force you to stay in here, but the Puzzle must be put back together. I want you to tell me exactly what I can do to make you happy, and I will give that to you, but you must promise me that you will complete the Sennen Puzzle.”
   Leaning back, Yuugi pondered it. “You mean that?” His voice was soft and gentle.
   “Yes,” Atemu said. “But before you tell me --” he paused, nervous, “-- I want you to also promise that you will remain my courtesan. I don’t want you hating me.”
   “I don’t hate you,” Yuugi said, sniffling.
   “You don’t?” Atemu smiled warmly.
   Shaking his head, Yuugi rub one eye with the ball of his fist. “No.”
   “Yuugi, I am so glad to hear this. I…” he was interrupted when Yuugi suddenly leaped out of his seat, and ran around the table in order to welcome Atemu with an astounding hug. Exceedingly grateful, Atemu returned it, holding Yuugi close.
   Crying, Yuugi whimpered, “I’m sorry.”
   “It’s okay,” Atemu cooed. He kissed the top of Yuugi’s head. “I forgive you.”
   They remained still, for about five wonderful minutes. Rubbing Yuugi’s back, caressing the blue fabric, Atemu soon pulled back. “Well now, about my offer… Do you accept?”
   Swiping the back of his hand beneath his nose, Yuugi nodded.
   “Good,” Atemu said. “So tell me, what is it I can do that will make you happy? What would you like?”
   Yuugi knew exactly what it was that would elate him, and though he feared telling Atemu the truth, he was certain if he lied, Atemu would see right through him. So, he bravely climbed to his Lord’s level. “I want to see Yami.”
   It was as Atemu expected, and so he would permit it. “Alright. Come with me.”
--
   Atemu did not especially fancy Yuugi beholding the dungeon. Then again, he never expected Yuugi would have to. He told Yuugi to tread cautiously down the coiling stairs, arduous and dreadful. Yuugi took each step one by one, not wanting to risk tripping and breaking his neck. This area of the palace was eerie. He hated that Yami spent the night down here.
   At the final step, Yuugi almost desired to kiss the cold ground, thankful that trek was over. Surely, going up would be easier than coming down. Being so far below the palace, it made him feel as if he stood in the earth’s core, though the travel down took only a few minutes.
   Tackling the entranceway, Yuugi followed Atemu into the block of cells. He stayed close, afraid of touching anything. They did not have to go too far down, to his appreciativeness, coming to a cease at the second cell to the right, its shape seeming in better care than those farther down.
   “He’s in here,” Atemu said.
   Having to stand on the tip of his toes to peer into the cell, Yuugi was relieved when he saw Yami standing in the dim center. “Yami!”
   “Yuugi?” Yami was not sure how to react when he saw Yuugi’s bug eyes peering in from the available slot.
   “Let me in.” Yuugi gave Atemu and the guard a pout as innocent as a puppy’s. “Please?”
   The guard glanced to his Lord for permission, who gave a slow nod. With the cell door soon open, Yuugi hurried in as Atemu walked in to stand far behind. He watched the two embrace. When Yuugi leaned his head enough, resting it on Yami’s shoulder, Atemu caught the sight of a small smile. So then, it was like that? The two had foolishly fallen in love. Atemu desired to rip out Yami’s beating heart. There was no helping his jealousy, but even with how murderous he felt, he knew there was no betraying his title. Plus, he could not bring himself to harm Yuugi. As the Lord of Tranquility, he conjured what he felt to be the best punishment for the man he saw as an enemy.
   “I’m so glad you’re okay,” Yuugi whimpered. “I thought…”
   “How could they hurt me,” wondered Yami, smiling, “When they know it would hurt you? Do not worry, Yuugi. I am fine. I am glad you are.”
   “Yes,” Yuugi smiled. “But you had to sleep in this yucky place.”
   “The rats and spiders made for good company.”
   Cringing, Yuugi stuck out his tongue. “Ew.” He motioned with a finger for Yami to lean in low, then whispered, “I’ll get you out of here. I won’t leave here unless Lord Atemu promises to let you out, and I think he will. We made a deal.”
   Curious, Yami looked to the Lord, who stood with his arms crossed and back slanted. “Will it benefit for us?”
   “Just leave it to me.” Smiling, Yuugi whirled to hold strong in front of Atemu. “Can’t he be free from this place? Please?”
   Atemu disliked such a request, but as he administered, for Yuugi’s happiness, he said, “He may, but only if he accepts his position as my slave. He will do every chore asked of him, and he will do so efficiently and without argue. And he will continue to live in and sleep in his own room. I will not have the two of you sharing a bed.” He dispensed for them both a rigorous stare. “Do I make myself clear?”
   “Perfectly,” Yami mumbled.
   Atemu nodded. He headed for the exit, placing his hand against the rough handle.
   “Wait,” Yami sputtered. “Lord Atemu, I… thank you.”
   Saying nothing more to Yami, Atemu took a precautious glimpse at Yuugi. He saw that the young male was very happy with the decision. That prominent smile shattered every hope Atemu had long dreamt to obtain. “Yuugi, I’ll expect you to join me for dinner tonight. We’ll need to discuss the Sennen Puzzle further. Until then… do as you will.”
   “Yes, Lord Atemu.”
   Trembling, Atemu took his leave.
   Yuugi took Yami’s hand, leading him out of the smelly cell. With Atemu in the far lead, Yuugi and Yami did not rush making their way back upstairs. Yami worshipped the crisp air and bright light. Once out of there, with them alone in the corridor, Yuugi blissfully leaned on Yami, releasing a drawn-out sigh. Yami was quite surprised by Lord Atemu’s good-willed declaration, skimming the hallways uneasily, in case of some ordered ambush. To his gratitude, nothing but serenity was welcomed.
   “I thought you were…” Yuugi sighed. He nuzzled his head against Yami’s warm chest. “I am so happy you are safe.”
   “As am I,” Yami said. “We should thank the Sennen Puzzle for its successful timing.”
   “I remember Atemu telling me about the story of the Five Lords,” whispered Yuugi. “He told me that the Gods became tired of their ruling, and so gave the responsibility over to five men that they thought were worthy. And the Items… I never thought that something like this was…” He drifted off quietly, not positive if Yami was even interested in it all.
   However, Yami shortly whispered, “Possible?” as he finished speaking for Yuugi. “I do not blame you. It seems like one messed up fairytale to me.”
   “Yup,” Yuugi sighed. “I’ve never seen Atemu hurt though. His skin is perfect.”
   “I’m not discerning the story of the land. After all, you and I both saw the Puzzle come out of you. That had been startling enough for me to think that there is truth, and I think you should do as Lord Atemu said. You should work to put it back together.”
   Nodding, Yuugi bowed his head. “I guess you’re right.”
   An hour’s passing returned Yuugi to the object which saved Yami’s life. Within his bedroom, he sat working on his bed. His room was a mess still, after the fight between Atemu and Yami, but Yuugi did not cry over spilled milk, knowing he could smoothly put them together again. The Sennen Puzzle continued to mock him as he struggled to piece it together, however. His failure was strenuous, his determination to fix the Sennen Puzzle was decreasing.
   “I don’t get it,” he grumbled. “Why won’t they fit?”
   A second hour came and went. Yuugi clunk two of the golden menaces together. He was utterly bored with them, his brain scrambled by the dreading time, and the complexity the item had to offer. It was smirking at him, truly testing his wit.
   “Stop it,” he glared. “Don’t look at me like that. I’m trying.”
   In seconds he heard a low click. He peered down to find that the two pieces had connected perfectly together, and he gasped in surprise. “Oh!” He took a better look, examining the how, and was startled to realize he had been going about the puzzling in the wrong light. “A pyramid,” he reminded himself. “It’s going to be a pyramid. It won’t be flat like those others I’ve worked on. So then, if these parts fixed together in this design, then perhaps…”
   And sure enough, piece by piece, Yuugi began receiving click by click. The Puzzle started to take on its pyramid shape once more. Embarrassment overrun Yuugi, and he was damn glad no one but his Lord had witnessed his dire frustration. It easily formed its shape, and when a servant came to inform Yuugi that dinnertime was soon, he had only three lonely pieces left to reattach.
   “Thank you.” Hopping off the chair, Yuugi gathered the Puzzle, and final three pieces before racing into the hallway. He could not wait to show Atemu, knowing the Lord would be very surprised.
--
   Yuugi observed the indication of sunset by the hallways gloomy atmosphere. The day had swiftly sped by, he having spent most of it with Yami. His stomach rumbled loudly, hungry for missing both breakfast and afternoon snack time. Though a part of him dreaded having to eat with Atemu, it was his duty. He was exceptionally happy knowing Yami was somewhere in the palace, most likely eating dinner with some of the average-classed workers. Still, Yuugi wished he could eat with Yami instead of with Atemu.
   He left his room to hurry across to the master bedroom, seeing it was open a creak. A low rumbling made him giggle. He patted his stomach and walked up to his master’s chamber. It was time to indulge his taste buds.
   As he reached for the handle, an icy noise rang in his ears. He could hear a muffle of pleas between violent sobs. The voice he recognized. Could it be Atemu? No, it couldn’t be Atemu. The sounds were terrifyingly stomach-quenching, and Yuugi had an urge to dart off and find help. It sounded as if Atemu was suffering deeply. How could he? Yuugi then thought. The man was immortal, was he not? So who was inside? Who was crying out in pain?
   Daringly, Yuugi peeked inside. As soon as he had, he regretted it.
   On the cold floor, Lord Atemu rested upon the shaky cups of his knees. He was bent over, his face strained with actual emotion. His face bemoaned with ferocious anxiety. He did not notice Yuugi watching him, those frightened amethysts which lowered to gaze at a particular spot on the floor, where Atemu desperately tried painting red with his own blood.
   Atemu held a meat knife in one hand, sawing repeatedly at his wrist. Bone cracked and muscle tore. Blood fell in droplets to the floor. There was a sick determination on the Lord’s face all the while. Again and again Atemu whimpered, “Come on. Come on.” as he eagerly tried to decapitate his own hand. But no matter the number of sawing he committed, Atemu could not get the hand to remove itself. The blood on the floor moved with a mind of its own, swirling, becoming slippery slugs which slithered their way back into Atemu’s body. Flesh and muscle sewed up with an invisible thread as the bone cracked back into proper shape.
   “Please,” Atemu growled, willfully accepting the excruciatingly meaningless pain. “Please. P -- please.”
   And the fucking knife would not stay bloodstained.
   Yuugi watched on, deeply mortified by the horror he was witnessing. He did not want to believe that this was the Atemu he’d known since Seth’s purchase. This Atemu was insanely crippled by what he was. The other Atemu, Yuugi’s Atemu, was… Well…
   Never once had he thought Atemu would do something so extreme, so dark. Did Seth know of this? Did anyone know? Was this not the first time Atemu’s gone mad with distress?
   Suddenly, Atemu withdrew the knife. It dropped to the floor as he angrily stared at his healing wrist. In seconds time, the hand was as it should be. Unmarked and unharmed. There was no blood. Yuugi was stunned. It was as if the nightmarish scene never even happened. Yuugi realized that it was his first time actually seeing Atemu heal from any sort of wound. He was blown away. Every doubted belief he had thought of on the legend evaporated.
   Lord Atemu was truly immortal, and truly depressed.
   After watching Atemu fall back, whimpering, Yuugi moved away from the door. He pressed into the wall, and slid to the floor. He pulled his knees to his chest, breathing away the sickness building up in the pit of his stomach. On the floor he had set the incomplete Sennen Puzzle.
   It was all true. The Five Lords, the Sennen Items, every vile bit of history. And he, some fragile Pale Face, had been appointed as the one destined to place the legendary Puzzle into the slab of its grave. It was his place to save the world from its corrupted, darkened lifestyle.
   Yuugi developed a blossom of new, remarkable feelings for the devastated Lord. It was like he could feel the other’s sorrow and pain. He wanted to care for him, and be there for him. He had to. Atemu had suffered over one hundred years, yearning to live the life he once had. He wanted to live as a mortal, and die peacefully.
   Now understanding, Yuugi knew what he must do. It was his duty to find the other two Sennen Items and their wielders, and he had to make sure that the Gods retook their rightful place above the skies. But his final duty was what he believed to be the most important of all.
   It was his destined right to free Lord Atemu.
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The Pale Savior