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Darkness Before Dawn	By : SangoHuntress1977 Category: Yu-Gi-Oh > AU - Alternate Universe Views: 3356 -:- Recommendations : 0 -:- Currently Reading : 0
Disclaimer: YuGiOh and the characters thereof are the sole domain of Kazuki Takahashi and all rightsholders. I'm only borrowing them for entertainment purposes and am deriving no profit.

Chapter List
- 18
- 19
- 20
Friday, June 17, 2005…

Yugi was busy working on his online courses, when his phone vibrated. Upon seeing the caller ID, he promptly flipped it open.

“Hi, Grandpa. How’s everything going?” Yugi asked.

“Everything’s just fine, Yugi,” answered Sugoroku. “How are you and Atem?”

“We’re OK. Atem’s making lunch right now,” answered Yugi.

“You still have him cooking for you? You should take lessons from him,” joked Sugoroku.

“He tried to teach me. It’s hopeless,” smiled Yugi.

“Ha ha! I see,” laughed Sugoroku.

“Yugi, lunch!” Atem’s voice called from the kitchen.

“Food’s ready. Gotta go,” Yugi said as he sat up.

“I hope to see you soon. I’ve missed our visits,” said Sugoroku.

“Me too, Grandpa. We’ll see you first thing when we get back. I love you,” said Yugi.

“I love you too, Yugi,” said Sugoroku warmly over the phone.

“Bye,” said Yugi.

“Goodbye, Yugi,” said Sugoroku before they hung up.
Atem dished the fresh caught shrimp and lobster tail up between him and Yugi before sinking gracefully onto his cushion.

“Itadakimasu!”

“Sea food’s so awesome. I just wanna live here so we can eat this and nothing else,” Yugi announced as they ate.

“You would soon tire of an unvaried diet,” advised Atem. “Besides, I’ve been thinking.”

“Of what?” asked Yugi.

Atem took a deep breath and fixed Yugi with those hypnotic ruby eyes.

“Thanks to you and this quiet place, I feel more at peace now than I have in years,” Atem began.

“Yeah! This place is too awesome!” cheered Yugi.

“Remember what I said about letting people finish their thoughts?” asked Atem with a smirk.

“Sorry,” apologized Yugi with a dip of his head.

“I'm ready to go home if you are,” Atem finished without preamble.

Yugi gasped at Atem’s sudden statement. He wanted to leave, just like that?

“Already? Dontcha at least wanna stay the weekend?” he asked unhappily.

Atem shook his head gravely.

“The longer we remain here, the harder it will be for us to return,” he explained his reasoning.

“Aw!” whined Yugi.

“Perhaps we can return next year,” soothed Atem.

“Aw, OK…” Yugi hesitantly conceded.

“Thank you, habibi,” murmured Atem.

“Yeah, yeah. I’ll text Jou that we’ll be ready to go tomorrow,” sighed Yugi as he pulled out his phone to text Jou. “I just wish we could stay here forever.”

“As do I, but we both have lives to return to,” rumbled Atem. “Plus, I’ve no intention of hiding forever. Now that… everything is settled, I should transition back to campus and it would help me a great deal if you went with me.”

“Alright, Até. I guess it’s back to school,” sighed Yugi with a smile.

“Mmmm. Perhaps we should bring a clam for the teacher, instead of an apple,” chuckled Atem.

“Ha ha ha!” laughed Yugi in response.
That evening…

Feeling the ocean’s misty breeze in his hair and tickling his skin with its dampness, Atem sat on a large rock by the seashore, watching the setting sun cast its brilliant incarnadine light onto the clouds, making them seem aflame. The rush of the water breaking on the rocks filled his ears. On his lap sat Yugi, large eyes also enjoying the spectacle.
Saturday, June 18, 2005

Yugi and Atem packed their clothes into their backpacks and suitcases, then set about tidying up the house, sweeping, dusting, polishing and putting everything away, until at last, it was time for their departure.

“It was just a week, but it feels like we lived here a lot longer,” said Yugi, suitcase in hand, backpack on his shoulders.

“A lifetime,” rumbled Atem as he shouldered his backpack.

The tricolors stepped out onto the wooden patio and into their waiting sandals.

“Yeah. I hope we can come back here someday,” murmured Yugi with a fond glance toward the seashore.

“We will, habibi,” promised Atem as he held up the house key.

With one last look around the small wooden house that had been the birthplace of their true happiness, Yugi and Atem shut and locked the door, leaving the little beach house to its memories.
“Hey, dudes!” greeted Jou upon seeing the tricolors heading around the hill to his car.

“Hi, Jou!” called a grinning Yugi as he waved in greeting.

“Hi, Jou. Our thanks for coming for us,” rumbled Atem.

“No probs. You two look great! Da beach house obviously agreed witcha,” observed Jou as Yugi and Atem stowed their luggage in the trunk.

“Sure did!” chirped Yugi as he and Atem slid into the backseat.

“Dat’s awesome,” said Jou as he threw the car into gear and they peeled out.

“Jou, did the house fall apart during my absence?” Atem asked, only partially in jest.

“Actually, nah. Me ‘n Mai’s been keepin’ it spic ‘n span,” answered Jou.

Atem and Yugi looked at each other in startlement. This was certainly a new state of affairs!
Sunday, June 19, 2005

Two tricolors exited the bus and walked toward the game shop that reposed at the end of the block. Yugi opened the door and he and Atem stepped into the shop, where Sugoroku looked up from the magazine he was reading on the counter.

"Yugi, Atemu-kun, welcome home! How was the beach house?" inquired the old man.

"Peaceful," Atem answered for them. "How have you been, Mutou-san?"

"Hm? Oh. I've been fine," answered Sugoroku. “Atemu-kun, did you hear the exciting news from Egypt?”

At the mention of his homeland, Atem perked up.

"What exciting news from Egypt?" he asked, a mixture of excitement and wariness in his eyes.

"I'm sure you've heard of Pharaoh Atem?" Sugoroku asked.

"Yes. One of the last pharaohs of the 18th dynasty, ruled from 1270 to 1200 BC, an extensive reign, to say the least. My father named me for him," answered Atem.

"As I thought. It's strange that, for the length of his rule, there was never a single picture of him ever found," said Sugoroku.

"Yes. We used to wonder about that," agreed Atem.

"Found, until now, that is," announced Sugoroku, turning the page of the archeology magazine on the counter.

Atem and Yugi leaned in to look at it, both their eyes going wide at the sight of the carving of an ancient pharaoh with hair that stuck up in a starfish shape identical to theirs. An awesome and mighty sight, he sat, hand raised in judgment of people who genuflected at the foot of his throne.

"Woah! No way!" breathed Yugi as he looked at what appeared to be an upside down pyramid hanging from the Pharaoh’s neck.

"By Ra!" gasped Atem.

"Atemu-kun, I would say it's no coincidence that you were named for Pharaoh Atem," declared Sugoroku gravely.
Atem only continued to stare in wide-eyed enthrallment at this image of his 3,000 years departed twin.

"Grandpa, can we take this home and scan it?" asked Yugi.

"By all means. Just rip the page out. I've already read the article," smiled Sugoroku.

"Thank you!" said Atem as he carefully ripped the page out and held the picture up for him and Yugi to gaze at again.

"That's so cool," declared Yugi.
Yugi watched closely as Atem and Sugoroku hunched over the table, locked in mortal combat with their Duel Monsters cards, only 90 life points separating them. At long last, Atem executed a deadly card combination that even Sugoroku, as masterful at the game as he was, had never seen before, dropping the old man’s life points to zero.

“What a wonderful game as always, Atemu-kun,” Sugoroku said in congratulations as he put his cards away.

“It was an honor to play you, as always,” Atem returned with an inclination of his head.

“That was so cool!” declared Yugi happily.
Monday, June 20, 2005

BEEP BEEP BEEP BEEP BEEP BEEP!

Yugi grabbed his phone and wrathfully pressed the key to dismiss the noisome alarm, then dropped it back to the table and closed his eyes, wanting just five more minutes of sleep. He never heard the door open or the bare feet crossing almost noiselessly over the wooden floor.

SPLASH!

“AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHH!!!!!! ATEM, YOU BASTARD!!!”

“Ha ha ha! Guten tag!” Atem laughed as he fled the room, a pillow flying through the air in his wake.

“Sounds like ya doused ’m good!” grinned Jou as a chuckling Atem emerged from Yugi’s room.

“He’s soaked,” smirked Atem as he and Jou slapped each other a high five before heading to the kitchen, Yugi’s invectives ringing in their ears.
Domino University

Jou cut off the engine and the three young men emerged from the car. Yugi and Jou started forward, but stopped when they realized that Atem wasn't following them. Yugi looked back and saw Atem standing by the car, staring at the school, wariness dancing in his eyes.
Yugi walked back to Atem and held out his hand.
"C'mon, buddy. Me and Jou are right here with you," he declared.
Atem blinked then, with a smile spreading slowly across his handsome features, laid his hand in Yugi's and permitted his boyfriend to lead him toward the school.
Yugi and Atem made their way through the throngs of students toward their classroom. Turning the corner, whom should they run into, but the two large bullies whose attack on Yugi had lead to their relationship, leaning against the wall, arms crossed to look as badass as possible. Upon seeing Yugi and Atem, the two big bruisers pushed off from the wall and glared at them.

Yugi’s first inclination was to run, but Atem’s hand at the small of his back stayed his steps. For his part, Atem drew up to his full height and leveled a glare at the bullies.

“Yami, where the hell’ve you been?” asked Ushio.

“And why are you hanging out with that?” added Hirutani, casting a glare at Yugi. “You going soft?”

“Where I go and whom I choose to keep company with is none of your affair,” Atem growled, eyes narrowed as he glared at the two bullies.

“If you’re letting that tag around with you, you ain’t what you used to be,” glowered Ushio. “Time to show you who rules this school!”

“Sounds like a plan!” agreed Hirutani.

“Yugi, stand back,” said Atem, gently nudging Yugi to the side.

“Be careful,” advised Yugi even as he edged toward the wall.

“Yes,” answered Atem, eyes fixed squarely on the two thugs before him.

Flattening himself against the wall, Yugi watched wide eyed as the two bullies approached Atem. Within range, Ushio took a swing, which Atem dodged by jumping backward.

“Ushio and Hirutani, you should have learned when I beat the shit out of you last year,” Atem growled before charging back at them.

As Yugi watched, Atem used his diminutive stature to his advantage, easily dodging the bullies’ attacks, then getting into their zone and landing blow after blow on their hulking bodies. For the first time, Yugi saw firsthand why Atem had the reputation he did and shook. This was the Demon of Domino, the young man who, fueled by rage, could lay out upperclassmen much larger and stronger than himself. Ushio and Hirutani charged at Atem from either side. Just as they were about to close in on him, he ducked, allowing them to collide bodily into each other, knocking the breath from their bodies. When the dust cleared, the two bullies lay in a bruised, twitching heap on the floor. After wiping his palms together, Atem turned to pick up his backpack.

Yugi’s eyes widened as, unseen with his back turned to them, Ushio had awakened and was lunging toward Atem.

“No!” Yugi yelped, jumping up from his place against the wall, swinging his backpack and braining Ushio one on the head, sending him back down next to Hirutani.

“By Ra! Yugi, you were stupendous!” smiled Atem, who had been just in time to see Yugi’s backpack make communication with Ushio’s thick skull.

“Thanks, Até,” chirped Yugi, coming to stand beside Atem, who turned on the bruised and battered bullies with a withering glare.

“Approach me or any of my friends again and it’ll be much worse for you! My patience is quite limited!” Atem growled at them. “Understood?!”

“Y-yesh…” was all Ushio was able to articulate before his eyes rolled back in their sockets and his head lolled to the side.

“Come, habibi. We’ll be late for class,” said Atem with a gentle gaze and sweet smile as he took Yugi’s hand and led him away.
12 o’clock

Yugi was surprised to see Atem and Jou waiting for him as he exited the building.

“Let’s all eat together under the oak,” Atem immediately suggested.

Yugi couldn’t believe his ears.

“Alright! Lead the way, Até!” he said happily.

As Atem turned to lead them to the tree, Yugi and Jou exchanged a secret smile.

“Itadakimasu!”

Yugi, Atem and Jou sat in the tree’s welcoming shade, the tricolors eating their bento leisurely, the blond cramming his in as fast as he could.
Tuesday, June 21, 2005

Yugi and Atem walked about Domino Park, enjoying the warm evening air. As it was later in the day, most of the children were gone and the park was populated by other young couples like themselves.

Atem’s eyes fell on a small stand where frisbees were being sold, face lighting with glee.

“Wait here, habibi,” he said, disengaging from Yugi’s hand.

As Yugi watched, Atem bought a frisbee from the vendor, then returned to his habibi, all while ripping off the plastic covering.

“Let’s play!” the Egyptian declared, grinning like a child.

“OK!” chirped Yugi, running on ahead.

When they were a good few yards apart, Atem threw the frisbee, watching as the wind caught it, sailing it toward Yugi, who leapt up and caught it before launching it back to Atem, who jumped up to catch the disk that was now flying back to him.
After wearing themselves out tossing the frisbee back and forth, Yugi and Atem retreated to the shade of the maple by the pond. Yugi snuggled up against Atem's side as Atem leaned against the treetrunk, grateful for the feeling of Atem's strong arm around his shoulders.
Content, they closed their eyes and drifted off.
Wednesday, June 22, 2005
After classes

"Yugi, Atem! Welcome back to the circle!" gushed Bakura.

"Thank you, Bakura. It's good to be back," smiled Atem.

"You've no idea how much we've missed you!" the white hair continued.

"Ya had me," pointed out Jou.

"You really have no idea," emphasized Bakura.

"Wuzzat s'posed t' mean?" glowered Jou.

Yugi and Atem looked at each other, then at their friends, and burst into hearty peals of laughter.
Friday, June 24, 2005
Burger World

“Welcome to Burg… Yugi, Atem! It’s been so long! How’ve you been?” asked Anzu.

“We’ve been OK,” answered Yugi politely.

“That’s good. Lemme show you to your booth,” said the waitress.

“Thank you,” said Atem as they started toward the booth.

“The usual?” asked Anzu.

“Yep,” answered Yugi.

“My usual would be a hamburger and an iced tea,” ordered Atem.

“I’ll be right back with your drinks,” said Anzu, going to fulfill their order.

“Thank you,” said Atem.

When Anzu had gone, Atem turned his attention to Yugi, reaching across the table and squeezing his hand with a smile, which Yugi returned promptly.

Soon, Anzu returned with their drinks and set them on the table before going off to await their food. Yugi and Atem were soon eating their hamburgers and shared fries in companionable silence, every now and then glancing and smiling at each other.
Wednesday, July 13, 2005
Obon

With Atem out shopping for special food for that night’s dinner, Yugi decided to take the bus over to the game shop to fetch Grandpa over for the big meetup at the white house. As the bus drove along, Yugi gazed out the window, a mixture of happiness and sorrow dancing in his heart.

Obon was always a fun time, with dancing, burning lanterns, and just a general carnival atmosphere. However, since the loss of his parents, it also brought a tinge of sadness to his mind. However this year, everyone would be together for the whole three day festival, starting with the Bon Odori dance tonight and culminating in the lantern sailing three days hence.

Yugi was roused from his thoughts as the bus pulled to a stop and opened its doors a block away from the shop. After exiting the vehicle, Yugi walked the remainder of the way, heart lightening in glad recognition as the familiar yellow shop with its green roof and red front door came into view. The Closed sign hung in the window, as today was a festival day.

Using his key, Yugi entered through the side door.

“Grandpa, I’m home!” he called.

Not a second later, Sugoroku appeared from the staircase and smiled upon seeing his grandson.

“Welcome, Yugi!” he declared.

“Hi, Grandpa. You almost ready to go?” asked Yugi.

“Yes!” answered Sugoroku, holding up the bag that contained his lantern.
The lanterns were lit, the pine needles burning on the porches and the people out and about for the three-day festival to welcome the dead back. Behold, the entire group together: Yugi, Atem, Jou, Mai, Shizuka, Bakura and Grandpa all ambled slowly through the carnival atmosphere, gazing at the rides, games and vending booths.

Yugi flung his arms out, screaming in sheer terror and delight, while Atem watched him warily and Jou covered his eyes with his hands and screamed in sheer fear, as the roller coaster began its rapid descent, carrying them in loopty loops through all of time and space.

Moving in perfect synch to the rhythm of the drums, everyone twisted, turned and clapped to the swaying music, dancing in a circle around the red and white striped bandstand in a bid to welcome their dead relatives back from the afterlife to visit for three days. Atem and Yugi’s thoughts were of their parents, while Grandpa’s were of his departed wife and son. While not having experienced losses of their own, Jou, Bakura, Mai and Shizuka all danced in support of those who had.
Saturday, July 16, 2005

At long last, it was time to bid the spirits of the dead a fond adieu until next year. To that end, Yugi and Atem waded out into the ocean’s water up to their knees. Each one carefully placed a delicately wrought lantern with their parents’ names neatly written on the rice paper, which surrounded a small, candle whose flickering flame made the kanji seem to dance. Standing hand in hand, the couple watched as the ocean’s tide caught the lanterns, bearing them away to join the other souls on their way back to the afterlife, a sea of tiny, brilliant flames, all pointing the way home.
Try as he might, Yugi could fit no more pieces together, leaving the puzzle only half complete. As he sat glaring in irritation at the pieces lying innocently on the desk, his thoughts turned to the frequent dreams of Ancient Egypt he had experienced since the puzzle had come to him. The Pharaoh Atem in the dreams had always worn the beautiful 3D pyramid around his neck and the carving of him in Grandpa’s magazine had also shown a pyramid. As he picked up the eye piece and looked it over, Yugi’s mind had no doubts as to whom the puzzle truly belonged to.

‘Ten more days,’ he thought as he put the pieces back in their box and set it on the window sill.
- 18
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Darkness Before Dawn