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Deception's Dance	By : Wicabeth Category: Yu-Gi-Oh > Yaoi - Male/Male Views: 8771 -:- Recommendations : 1 -:- Currently Reading : 0
Disclaimer: I do not own YuGiOh!, nor any of the characters from it. I do not make any money from the writing of this story.

Chapter List
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Disclaimer: I don�t own YGO!

A/N: I would have had this out sooner, but I�ve been busy with RL (fighting with my boyfriend), and now I�m fighting a kidney infection. Hooray..

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"So you've found me out. That is why I never give my name..." the boy pulled his knees to his chest, his skirt hanging between his legs like a loincloth.

Atemu was still trying to gather his thoughts. Not just with the discovery of his dancer's gender, but that they could look so much alike. It wasn't possible for him to have a brother since his mother had died shortly after his birth. Furthermore, the boy looked young. No wonder it was so easy to mistake him for a female. Yet, even though he was male, the young pharaoh still found him desirable.

He seated himself unsteadily upon his bed, deciding that he needed some answers, "Will you tell me your name now?"

The boy replied quietly, eyes averted, ".. My name is Yugi, my pharaoh."

"And a splendid name it is, little one... How old are you, Yugi?"

"Fifteen summers, pharaoh."

That surprised Atemu again. He could have sworn that Yugi had only seen twelve summers. This boy intrigued him, he needed to know more.

"What of your family? Were they a part of your clan?"

"My clan is all the family I have left. I do not know of my past. The others found me when I was just a baby, but they took me in and raised me as their own.. I would have died if not for them."

They both fell silent then. Atemu trusted his cousin enough to know Yugi's clan was safe, if not still within the city somewhere. It was time now, though, to find forgiveness. He stood and bowed to the boy, "I will have a word with my high priest for his actions, and I offer my sincerest apologies to you for my conduct, Yugi."

Yugi's brows rose into his bangs and he felt his cheeks grow warm, "M-my pharaoh.."

The teen king lifted his head and smirked, "It is a great honor to have a pharaoh bow before you. It is the least I can do." He stood straight once more, "If you would allow, I would like to show you my sincerity. You may spend the night here in my chambers. At Ra's first light, I shall summon my servants to prepare a bath, clothes, and food for you." The next part made his heart clench with despair, "Then we will reunite you with your clan...."

Yugi fell into a heap upon the floor since he could hardly believe what he had just heard. Perhaps he had been wrong about his first decision of decling to join the pharaoh.

"I will have your clothes mended while we rest," he went to the door, sending the guard to fetch a tailor.

As Yugi's clothes were taken away to be repaired, the boy changed into loincloth for the night. Atemu undressed down to his own robe kilt while preparing for bed. He never thought twice as he laid down and waited for Yugi to do the same. The shorter shifted his weight from foot to foot, nervously.

"Where would you like me to sleep, my pharaoh?"

The sweet shyness was heartwarming. The pharaoh patted the area beside him in his bed with a ringed hand.

"You shall sleep beside me tonight, Yugi. It is only fitting as my guest."

The boy wasn't sure at first and hesitated, but an insistent gaze from crimson eyes drew him closer. The moment his skin touched the soft sheets, he felt like he had died and gone to the next world. This was nothing like the hard ground he was used to sleeping upon in his travels.

Atemu was happy at last to have someone beside him, even if only for a night. However, he tried not to dwell on these thoughts. He let his gaze wander over Yugi's body as the candlelight and shadows created patterns over the lightly tanned flesh. When he looked to the boy's face, he found Yugi fast asleep. With a soft smile, the taller rested his own head.

'Rest well, my beautiful one... And may Ra be delayed to let this moment last....'

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It was the young ruler that awoke first and was saddened to find it light. He sat himself up as quiet as a thief, so as not to disturb his still slumbering bedmate. Atemu decided to take some guilty pleasure in watching Yugi's serene face while the boy slept peacefully. If this beautiful treasure was going to slip from his fingers all too soon, he was going to memorize everything he could.

Simply gazing would not satisfy him. No, the lightly carameled skin begged to be touched as well. The elder brought a hand forth, lovingly running the back of his knuckles across the baby soft face and giving a sad smile to himself. The boy truly was beautiful. He was so similar, yet so different. Atemu knew Yugi needed to be free to keep the fire in his spirit from dying out. Remembering the passion the little dancer had... how long would it survive if Yugi was forced to stay here?

As the pharaoh traced his thumb over the parted lips, Yugi's eyes began to flutter awake. His eyelids were sluggish to open completely, still fighting back the last touches of sleep. The groggy haze seemed to lift though when the boy jerked upright and was in danger of tumbling to the floor. Atemu caught the petite body around the waist and pulled him back up securely on the bed.

"M-my pharaoh! Forgive me! I did not mean to oversleep!"

Atemu smiled softly and shook his head, "It is quite all right. I am sorry if I woke you... Your clothes have been mended and are waiting for you after we eat and bathe."

Yugi joined the other as he came to his feet and obediently followed while the young king led him through the palace into a banquet hall. Delicious food had already been prepared and awaited their arrival. Only a few of the high priests were seated, holding idle chatter while they waited. Seto was gently chiding a golden haired teen that was animated with his desire to eat. Yugi drew closer to the taller teen, trying to hide behind him.

The elder priest, Shimon, was the first to notice them and rose, "Ah, my pharaoh. We were growing concerned."

The others at the table stood and bowed respectfully, but it was Seto that held a small, knowing grin. Atemu dismissed their formalities with a gentle hand before turning his attention to his cousin and crossing his arms in a minor display of serious power.

"The rest of you may begin, as I know Jono's appetite is reaching its pinnacle, but there are a few things I need to discuss with Seto first.. Cousin? If you'd please?"

Seto gave a questioning look, but came forth as asked. It was almost comical as they stood before one another, the priest's height causing him to tower over Atemu.

"Yes, my king?"

"I know your intentions were meant well, cousin, but I am afraid I cannot forgive your hasty actions. You must offer your apologies first, and once the tribe is found, you will grant them any request to receive their forgiveness." Atemu stepped to the side and brought Yugi forth, "You may start here."

Seto blinked and reeled back in shock, much like his cousin had done the night before, "What is this trick?!"

"Allow me to introduce our mysterious dancer. Seto.. this is Yugi."

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The boy certainly caused quite a stir in the banquet hall, and he had not said a word. Seto had given his apologies, even going so far as to bow upon the ground at Yugi's feet. Of course, it had been Atemu that had given a simple waving gesture that prompted the priest, but Yugi didn't need to know that.

The lithe dancer kept very silent and sat rigidly with his hands folded in his lap. He felt so out of place and that everyone was scrutinizing him because of his resemblance to the pharaoh. The food looked delicious, some that he had never seen before, but he felt rather unworthy to be eating it.

"Is the food not to your liking?" Atemu's low voice startled him.

"N-no, my pharaoh. I... do not have an appetite."

His belly chose that moment to announce his lie as it growled angrily in protest. Atemu raised a brow gently, looking more amused that angry.

"I believe your stomach says otherwise. Please to not be shy, little one. I promised you food.. but you may not have any if you wait too long. Jono's appetite is quite extraordinary."

The pharaoh chuckled at he looked at the named boy. Jono offered a sheepish grin from around a date in return, but bowed his head in respect to Atemu before leaning in closer to the diminutive boy.

"You shouldn't be afraid. The pharaoh is very kind. I'm only a simple healer, but he has still befriended me and holds me as close in his heart as his own blood," Jono said kindly.

His warm nature seemed infectious and helped Yugi to relax. Shyly, the boy reached for the closest platter and took a piece of fruit. The fig was delicious, but that was not enough to satisfy him. He saw some odd looking cakes that were very tempting. Atemu caught his gaze and brought it closer.

"Try some, little one. I'm sure you'll find it enjoyable."

Yugi picked up the sticky cake in his fingers and took a bite. One bite was all it took before he started gobbling it down as fast as he could. The delicious treat had been soaked in honey, a food mostly the wealthy could enjoy. After that, he wasn't shy about eating any more. He sampled a bit of everything from the stewed beef to the bitterly tart pomegranate wine until he felt he was going to burst.

"Have you had enough, Yugi? There is still more," Atemu asked with a smile, knowing well the smaller had most likely eaten himself sick.

This time, Yugi looked a bit green from the thought and politely declined, but gave his thanks for the wonderful meal.

"If you are finished, then we can return to my chambers to bathe."

The look-alikes took their leave to enter the pharaoh's bedchambers. Atemu summoned his servants to prepare the bath and sat with Yugi while they waited. The smaller youth looked rather uncomfortable from being so full, but he still thought the food was delicious.

When a servant girl appeared to let them know the bath was ready, the young pharaoh led them to another room. A wading pool had been carved out of stone and filled with water. Scented oils had been poured into the bath to make it more luxurious. Atemu began to strip until only his golden jewelry remained and entered the water, which came about mid waist.

He chuckled, "Come, little one. The water's fine."

Yugi was reluctant at first. Being nude around anyone other than his clan members left him feeling exposed. It meant his most closely guarded secret would be known. He realized that it was mostly out of habit since the pharaoh was already aware, and slowly stripped down too before stepping into the pool. The water was cool, but warmed enough through the desert air.

It was when a few servant girls entered the bath, completely nude, that Yugi blushed lightly. They didn't appear to be much older than either of them. The girls pulled him to a hidden rock ledge to sit him down before they started washing him. More scented oils and some creams were scrubbed into his tender flesh and through his spiked locks. He gave a squeak of surprise when one of them went to wash his genitals, causing the girls to giggle.

Atemu leaned back where he sat, completely relaxed, and let the servants do their work. He chuckled a bit as well when he heard the squeak. He, on the other hand, was used to it, so he hardly gave a twitch when his own body was scrubbed down. Yugi squealed again and splashed away the next time.

"I'm clean enough!"

Another round of giggles came from the young girls before they finished and exited, leaving the doppelgangers alone in the pool. They dressed and waited at the side with fresh linens for the pharaoh and his guest. Atemu took his time, trying to extend the precious time with Yugi for as long as he could. Nevertheless, they finally exited and were dried off and dressed. The boy looked over his new outfit, admiring the quality of the tunic wrap as well as the soft sandals upon his feet. The servant closest to the pharaoh provided a hooded cape.

Atemu gave a soft smile, but sadness could still be seen in his eyes, "This way no one will know and you will not have trouble for resembling me.. Seto will go with you in search of your clan... I.. hope that I have helped you enjoy your stay here...."

Yugi replied quietly, ".. Yes, my pharaoh." He pulled the hood up around his face. He was going to return to home where he belonged.... Why did he feel so terribly though?

After gathering his belongings, the boy was led to the stables with Seto for horses. The young ruler kept quiet while he helped Yugi prepare. As he was readying himself to mount his horse, Atemu placed a hand upon his shoulder.

".. I will never forget you, Yugi... I would like to give you something to remember me by as well." He removed one of the rings upon his hand and lovingly placed it into the other's palm before closing the slim fingers around it.

Yugi looked at the gold ring, lightly running his thumb over the detail of a winged scarab. His heart began to clench and he questioned now if he truly wanted to leave.

'It is for the best....'

".. Thank you, my pharaoh... I shall never forget..." he bowed his head gently then turned and mounted his horse.

Seto was the first to ride out with the dancer following behind along with a few guards. Just before they cleared the palace gates, Yugi looked sadly back one last time and could have sworn he saw something glittering upon Atemu's solemn face.

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The riders searched the streets of the village for any sign of the wandering tribe. When nothing could be found in the village, they journeyed into the desert. It was almost sunset when they happened upon Yugi's clan making camp for the night. Seto did not have a very welcome reception at first, but when their missing member removed his hood and dismounted his horse, the priest was completely forgotten.

Everyone flocked around the boy, several people speaking their native language all at once. The women hugged him tightly and kissed his forehead, blessing the gods for his safe return. They asked him what happened and he was quick to tell his tale of the pharaoh's kindness.

The high priest understood the language through his studies. As his horse began to grow fidgety, he cleared his throat to gain Yugi's attention. Yugi spoke quickly to let his clansmen know why Seto was here then gave the attention back to the blue-eyed teen. Seto dismounted his horse and came forward to the leader again.

Tension grew in the air until Seto gave a deep bow and offered his apologies. "Also, as commanded by the pharaoh, Atemu, I shall grant you any request."

Murmurings spread through the others, some wondering the true intentions of the priest since they had been fooled once before. Their leader quieted them before he turned back to Seto.

"I shall need some time before I decide, after I speak with everyone. It shall be dark soon and the return journey to the palace is long. On behalf of Yugi's safe return, we offer you and your guards what we can. You may camp with us tonight and start fresh at first light."

The offerings were meager compared to what Seto was used to, but he had begun to learn from Jono that the gesture of kindness was worth more than the material gain. It was very interesting to him to see the young dancer in his element however. He was quiet at the palace, but now seemed so much more alive and vibrant with the ones he knew. Yugi was also the celebrity of the hour as members of his clan begged him to tell more stories of being in the palace, in which he was happy to oblige.

Seto was not the only one watching the boy. The tribe leader was watching as well and could see a change in Yugi. The young one was first to grow drowsy and bedded down with the women, since they were still fussing over him. The men gathered with the leader around the fire as they spoke of the request. Gold and supplies were at the top of the list and the leader agreed with the practical choices as he thought over what was best for everyone. He brought up Yugi directly and noticed a few of the elders had seen the boy's change of demeanor as well. It grew late and he adjourned the meeting. He would present the request in the morning.

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When it was light and the camp had awoken, Seto and the guards prepared for their return to the palace. The clan had again offered what they could to help them on their way when the leader stepped forth.

"I have made my decision, high priest. If we are allowed any request, I ask for gold and supplies for our journeys."

"Then it shall be done," Seto gave a brief nod to the other man. "You may send members to accompany me to fetch what you seek and return to you."

"I shall. Two of our strongest men will ride with you... But there is a second request that I hope you will grant as well." This time, the leader bowed his head, knowing he was asking for much.

"The terms were a single request! Do not try to take advantage of Pharaoh Atemu's generosity!" the young priest barked.

Slowly, the leader raised his head, "I do not wish to ask for anything else. My request is to give." Everyone watched while the two men talked, but remained quiet as they tried to listen. The leader cast a glance to Yugi before he spoke again, "My request is to let Yugi ride with you as well, but he will not be returning."

Seto looked stunned since it appeared the man had changed his mind about giving up Yugi. However, Atemu had made him right his wrongs.

"For what reason are you giving me the boy?"

"The way he has spoken of the pharaoh does not match what is in his heart. There is a loneliness there that I have never seen before with him. The pharaoh is truly kind to give Yugi freedom and that is the kindness we all have hoped for Yugi to find." The elder man spoke softly, "Ever since I found him as a babe, I knew his fate was destined for greatness. You see, he was found at a holy temple with a mark of the gods upon him. The priestess there gave him to me and said I was to find his true place.. We have been traveling an endless journey in order to find that place and I believe now that he has found it with the pharaoh."

The young priest looked skeptical at first, but began to wonder if this really wasn't the gods' work to answer his prayers for Atemu. "Show me this mark."

Turning back to the group, the leader beckoned Yugi forth and stood him before Seto, the boy's back facing the priest. "Show your mark, Yugi."

Yugi knotted his face up some since he was very self-conscious of it, but did as he was told. He pulled one side his tunic wrap down from his waist as he leaned over a bit. Upon his lower back, near his left buttocks, was a slightly darker patch of flesh. The mark was easy to cover up with clothing, even when he danced. Seto stared at the marking in shock. It appeared to be an eye. In fact, almost identical to the eye of Horus that was found on the sacred items!

Seto dropped to his knees to inspect it closer. Yugi flushed slightly as he was prodded, but remained still. The mark appeared true, unlike that of tattooing inks. Yet, the common tattoos upon dancers were that of the god Bes, but only upon actual females. Quickly, the young priest stood and gave a prayer of thanks to the gods.

"I shall fulfill your second request. Yugi, prepare yourself. We shall be leaving soon."

The boy gave a confused look, then looked to his clan leader, who clarified for him. He placed both hands upon the teen's shoulders as he spoke, "Dear Yugi, I have asked that you return to the palace with the others, but.. you will not ride back after. I want you to stay with the pharaoh."

His mouth gaped in shock, trying to deny himself that his heart skipped with some excitement, "B-but.. why do you ask for such an action? I belong --"

"--You belong there. We have raised you and protected you, but your true place is with the pharaoh. Your mark.. is from the gods, Yugi. It is your destiny."

Tears began welling in his amethyst eyes. How could he simply leave all he had known? The elder man embraced Yugi tightly and let a long sigh.

"You are our special treasure, Yugi, but we cannot keep you."

He returned the embrace as he began to cry, "Will I never see any of you again?"

"Your clan is welcomed guests at the palace whenever you wish, Yugi," Seto spoke, knowing his cousin would say the same thing. "We must leave soon before it grows any later."

Tears continued to roll down the boy's face as he reluctantly freed himself from the embrace and went to both gather his possessions and bid his clan farewell. The leader walked beside him, a loving hand resting upon his shoulder for strength. Yugi tried to speak in their native tongue, but was too overcome with emotions to do so, so the elder spoke instead. He explained to the rest of their tribe of the requests made and of Yugi's departure.

Yugi ran to the grief-stricken women and hugged them tearfully. To him, it was saying goodbye to his mothers, sisters, aunts, and grandmothers. They had raised him, loved him, and taught him well, and he was going to miss them all. They sobbed as they cradled the teen one last time and said prayers for him while kissing his forehead.

Each woman went with him to pack and gave him various small tokens to keep with him. Seto waited patiently, understanding that this was a difficult task for Yugi. Once Yugi had packed, he moved on to bid farewell to the clan's men. They too said prayers for the boy that they had come to know like a son.

Saa and Jahi were the men chosen to ride back to the palace. Saa readied the horses and packed Yugi's things away before mounting. Giving a final goodbye to the others, Yugi asked Jahi if he could ride with him. Saa was carrying their packs, so there was little room for Yugi there and he wanted to spend this last ride with one of his own. The elder male accepted and mounted his own horse before helping lift Yugi up as well.

"Let us go and you shall be able to return before dark," Seto commanded.

After giving a little bow of the head to acknowledge a 'goodbye' to the clan leader, Seto rode off with the guards flanking him. Saa rode next followed by Jahi and Yugi with the boy keeping a tight hold to Jahi's middle so he would not be jostled off. He looked over his shoulder and watched until the camp faded away completely into the distance.
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Deception's Dance