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The Pale Savior	By : SasatheShy Category: Yu-Gi-Oh > Yaoi - Male/Male Views: 6233 -:- 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
- 20
- 21
Chapter Twenty-One: The Man Behind the Mask
   At Lord Atemu’s palace, Yuugi sat cross-legged on the floor in his Lord’s bedroom, grouchily twirling the completed Sennen Puzzle between his hands. Now that task one was completed, his second, as commanded by Atemu, was to somehow figure out how to force it away into his heart. He had to get it back under his skin. It was the best way to keep the Gods relic protected.
   It seemed impossible and painful. The first time, it had magically gone in without his requirement. He did not comprehend how he was supposed to trigger its power. It was not some dog to be trained.
   His head hurt. He groaned, agitated.
   A light chuckle sounded behind him. Turning, he saw Atemu enter the room with a tray of food. “Frustrated?”
   Getting to his feet, Yuugi slowly walked up to Atemu. “I don’t know what to do,” he muttered, helping himself to a grape.
   “Give it time.” Setting the tray down, Atemu took the Sennen Puzzle from Yuugi’s tired hands. “It will come to you.”
   “But when?” Yuugi chewed, having asked with his mouth full.
   “All in good time,” Atemu smiled. He was baffled by how keen Yuugi unexpectedly was trying to negotiate with the Sennen Puzzle. As soon as he discovered just how quickly Yuugi pieced it back together, the tranquil Lord did not clash when his courtesan required step two of this drastic change they both had to endure. “Take a break with me. Let us have a snack.”
   Yuugi grabbed a few more grapes, fitting four in his mouth. Atemu placed the Sennen Puzzle next to Yuugi, then joined him at the table. Atemu last spoke with Yuugi the other night, when Yuugi showed him the completed Sennen Puzzle. It was a brief conversation, and neither said much during their evening meal. At bedtime, Yuugi took to his own room, and Atemu remained in his. He regretted not spending that morning with Yuugi, but he wanted to assign Yami to a few chores. The slave no longer belonged to Seth alone, and Atemu planned on working the bastard to the bone.
   Speaking of which, he knew Yami would be along shortly with fresh sheets for his and Yuugi’s beds. Desperate to speak with Yuugi on a matter of importance, he knew he had to discuss it then and there.
   “I am glad we have this time alone,” Atemu opened honestly. “I’ve been eager to speak with you concerning something that has been bothering me.”
   “What’s…?” Yuugi began with his mouth half-full. He apologized with a faint blush, and hurried to chew and swallow before speaking again. “What’s that?”
   The Lord suddenly did not know how to go about his dilemma. Since discovering Yuugi gave his body to another man, Atemu has had difficulty pulling himself together. He looked a mess, his hair barely brushed (though it hardly needed it, with how straight and perfect it was), but his clothes were a wrinkled mess, and he stank of a variety of perfumes since he’d not bathed in three nights, two days. To most everyone, he probably smelled rotten.
   Atemu fixed his chair. Its feline-carved feet screeched obnoxiously whilst sliding against the hard floor. Hearing Yuugi giggle at the sound darkened Atemu’s cheeks, and he coughed slightly.
   “Sorry,” whispered Yuugi, holding back a few more giggles as he hid a smile behind a couple of grapes.
   “Yuugi,” Atemu said softly, “I want you to call me not by my title, but by my name.”
   Hearing Atemu’s requisition, Yuugi bowed his head, avoiding eye-contact. He popped a grape into his mouth to avoid talking. It rolled over his tongue. He refused to bite into it.
   “I would prefer it,” Atemu murmured. “I rather you see me more as a friend than as your Lord.”
   Biting into the grape, Yuugi winced, having gotten a sour one. When he finished eating it, he languidly rested his chin in his hands, and kicked his legs under the table. The rings on his fingers cooled his skin. “Do you think of me as a friend?”
   Leaning forward in his seat, Atemu nodded graciously. “I do. And, well… It would make me feel…” He was interrupted by a knock at the door. Grumbling, he welcomed the nuisance into his room. “Enter!”
   The door screeched as it flowingly opened. In stepped Yami with a pile of sheets in his arms, coming to his chin. He bowed best he could without risking dropping the clean wool to his Lord, and to his Lord’s courtesan.
   “Yami!” Yuugi gleamed, happy to see Yami though they visited the other day for a long while.
   How cheerfully Yuugi seemed whenever Yami came into the picture discouraged Atemu’s disposition. With a wave of his hand, he motioned to the naked mattress. “You may proceed.”
   Bowing again, Yami placed the sheets on a stool at the foot of the bed, then began to dress it. As he worked, Yuugi stumbled to a stand while grasping the Sennen Puzzle at the same time. He tripped, just about dropping the item, but regained his posture as he hurried to Yami’s stand. Atemu fell back to rub at his temple.
   “Look, Yami,” beamed Yuugi. He held out the Sennen Puzzle directly in Yami’s face. “I put it back together. It’s whole again.”
   Entranced by the brilliant relic before him, Yami ached to reach out and take it. “That is great, Yuugi.” He could feel Lord Atemu’s eyes on him, stabbing into his back with much hate.
   “Now I have to learn to control it,” Yuugi said. He twirled the lustrous phenomenon in his hands. “When I learn that, Atemu said there is two others like it we have to find. Then I can help him.”
   “Two others?” Yami gaped. “Wow, that’s…”
   “Yuugi --” Atemu pushed to his feet, making his way over to them with a powerful march. “-- It is unwise to batter about the Sennen Puzzle. We do not know whom in this palace we can trust.” He glanced straight at Yami, his expression stern. “I think it is best you keep everything I told you to yourself.”
   Ashamed knowing Atemu spoke wisely, Yuugi bowed his head. “I’m sorry. But can’t we trust Yami?”
   “No,” Atemu said. “We can’t.”
   Illustrating an obnoxious smile, Yami went on with his work, patting down the sheets to smooth them out. “He is right, Yuugi. You never know who may want to get their hands on the Puzzle. Best keep it at your side at all times.”
   “That is enough,” ordered Atemu. He walked around Yuugi, pressing his hands into the boy’s shoulders. “Come Yuugi, finish eating, then continue with your own work. Leave Yami to his.”



   Slouching, Yuugi dragged his way back over to the table. He sat down, but did not take anymore grapes. The Sennen Puzzle he held to his chest as he took occasional side-glances at Yami. When Yami finished making Atemu’s bed, he scooped up the sheets for Yuugi’s bed and took his leave. Not having permission to speak with Yami about the Sennen Puzzle was no fun.
   “It is for the best,” said Atemu, as if he read Yuugi’s mind.
   “I trust Yami,” Yuugi murmured.
   Atemu sighed. He picked a ripe grape from the bunch. “I know you do, as I trust Lord Seth and my guardians, but we must be careful. Okay?”
   Nodding, Yuugi took another grape, feeling slightly better about it. “Okay.”
--
   In the late hours of the night, the silhouette of someone unknown crept their way like a black mass along the corridors of the palace. The dead silence influenced the perfect crime, as most of the guard patrolled outside the walls when the moon was awake. It bestowed unto the shadow the perfect opportunity to thief its way unnoticed, stepping lightly on the polished marble, with both eyes and ears vigilant.
   It embarked on a quest, one dangerous and most likely impossible to conquer. But it pressed on, diligently avoiding being seen, and if happened to be, pretended like it, too, was simply running a late evening errand any one of the young servants would regard and bypass.
   Eventually, the shadow came to the place of its operation. Looking back and seeing no one tailing from behind, it quietly made its way into the hall where the Lord of Tranquility slept. Every door was sealed shut, but none captured its attention besides the final particular on the left. That which he knew lay within was not the Lord, but the Lord’s adorable courtesan.
   Setting a hand on the smooth handle, Yami quietly turned it before pushing the door open. He squeezed inside, not wanting to risk causing the door to squeak. He saw in the bed Yuugi sound asleep, resting comfortably in a haven of pillows and blankets. A rush of moonlight pouring in from between the open drapes cascaded over Yuugi’s fair body, reminding Yami of a soundless doll, fragile and beautiful. Stepping over to the bed, he loomed over it, blocking a portion of the moon’s silver streaks. He gazed at Yuugi, conducting a sad smile. He lowered his hand to graze Yuugi’s neck, but when Yuugi moaned and snuggled deeper into his covers, Yami receded.
   Yuugi, he frowned softly. I hope you can forgive me.
   Just behind him was what Yami risked sneaking through the palace for. The Sennen Puzzle glowed faintly atop the round table of scattered puzzle pieces. Yami assumed Yuugi would have been told to hide the glorious piece, having not expected to find it resting out in the open. No matter. It made his job easier.
   Quietly backing away from the bed, Yami moved over to where the Sennen Puzzle glimmered, resting there like a serene nightlight protecting Yuugi from any monsters lurking in the dark. Yami crept his way closer to it. It was what he feared. He could hardly believe that it’d been right under his nose, in the heart of the boy he manipulated. A long while back, he was told to steal it, his purpose reasonable, in his mind. It would be a gift for his true master, and then he would finally be able to return to where he truly belonged: home with his loved ones. Not here, at the palace, not with the two Lords who think they owe him, and not with Yuugi. His sweet, caring Yuugi.
   How strange. Suddenly, taking the Sennen Puzzle for himself deemed harder than he imagined it would be. With his hand caught midair, it felt as if an invisible hand squeezed his wrist with a strength to inflict damage. As mightily as he tried to tug it back, it would not budge.
   What’s wrong with me? A drop of sweat drizzled his nose like morning dew on a leaf. I have to take it. I have to!
   A mysterious mew startled him. With his hand freed, he looked down to find a silvery fuzz in the night brushing in between his ankles. Yuugi’s damned cat, Puzzle, was up to her mischievous self. She took quite a fancy to Yami when introduced to him just yesterday after Yuugi helped him from the dungeon. He reminded her of her master by that wild star-tipped hair, but really only found him trustworthy since Yuugi did.
   She meowed once more, louder this time. Her large diamond eyes never looked away; a deep purr resonated from the pit of her furry stomach; she stood on her hind legs to balance against his calf, wondering what he was waiting for. Apparently, she wanted to be adored, and she would not take no for an answer. But Yami was in no mood to give it to her.
   Puzzle would ruin everything. He quietly shoved her back with his foot, hushing her softly. He looked to the bed, where he heard shuffling, and saw Yuugi stretch in his sleep.
   Shaking his head, Yami reached forward, finally taking the Sennen Puzzle in his hands. Pulling it back, he admired its rich luster, and he ran a finger along that sculpted eye. Breathtaking! He could see why his master longed to have it, but did not know what good it would do, besides being a well-placed ornamental to bring out the cheeriness his master’s abode could definitely use. Unless, perhaps it was worth a profit grander than gold? Or perhaps his master knew of the legend of the Lords? Whatever the reason, it meant him being free of a contract he’d made long ago.
   With the Sennen Puzzle now his, Yami turned for the exit, but a gentle groan abandoned his chance at escape.
   “Yami?” he heard Yuugi mumble. “What are you doing here?”
   Clutching the Puzzle in his arms, Yami slowly looked over his shoulder. Yuugi sat up in the glow of the moon, rubbing tiredly at one eye. Puzzle leaped up onto the bed to join Yuugi, meowing loudly.
   “Just checking on you,” Yami lied, trying his best to hide the glimmering item.
   “At this hour?”
   “Yes,” Yami sighed. “Well… I was worried about you, but knew there would have been no other time for me to see you. Our Lord has kept me busy. But I must go. I do not want to be caught.” He turned away, ready to depart.
   “Wait…”
   Sighing, Yami murmured, “I must go, Yuugi.”
   Crawling out from beneath his cozy fort, Yuugi stumbled to his feet. He placed Puzzle on the bed, then stepped up behind Yami, who had not moved an inch. “Yami, why are you taking the Sennen Puzzle?”
   He did not answer. How could he? It pained him having to do this, to his utmost surprise. He truly never had a friend like Yuugi, someone who seemed so strongly to care about him, and who wanted to be with him.
   “I told Atemu that I trust you,” Yuugi said softly. “And I still do. If you need it, please tell me why.”
   Bowing his head, Yami shook his head. “I can’t do that.”
   “Why?” Yuugi caught Yami off guard. He placed his hand over Yami’s, together holding the Sennen Puzzle.
   “Because I can’t,” Yami shuddered, not sure why it was so difficult for him to not just push Yuugi aside and run. “You wouldn’t understand.” He did not move, entranced by Yuugi, who moved around to face him. He was stunned when those small hands further allowed him to keep his own enfolded around the Sennen Puzzle. “Yuugi?”
   “If you need it,” smiled Yuugi, “Then take it.”
   Stunned, Yami warily stepped back. Even Puzzle, who knew nothing about the human language, let slip a confused gentle meow. “What of your promise to Lord Atemu?”
   “I’m sure he’d understand,” Yuugi said. “Besides, I know you will bring it back.”
   That smile contained foolish confidence. How could Yuugi be so blind? Yami would never return the item if he was to leave. If he was to leave, he would never again see Yuugi. By the Gods, what if he was in the wrong? The palace was the homiest shelter to ever protect him. It was home.
   Slowly, he loosened his attachment, reaching out for Yuugi to take it. “I can’t.”
   “Yami…”
   “It chose you,” Yami whispered. “If I were to take it for my own greed, that would be wrong.”
   Happy but confused, Yuugi gently smiled. He reached out to take back what rightfully was his. When he was the one cradling the Sennen Puzzle, Yuugi drew forward, running one arm around Yami’s waist to hug the man close. “I do not know why you want it, but thank you for giving it back to me.”
   Yuugi touched his lips to Yami’s chest, kissing the man’s slim stomach. He gaped when Yami pushed him away. Glancing up, Yuugi became worried. Yami’s face went ghastly pale.
   “Yami?” Yuugi frowned. “What’s wrong?” A sudden hand to his shoulder caused Yuugi to shriek. He nearly dropped the Sennen Puzzle but managed to keep a tight hold on it. Spinning around, he drooped back seeing that the culprit was a very disappointed Lord Atemu.
   “First, you bed the one person I’ve ever loved, and now you dare try and steal the Sennen Puzzle?” Atemu marched straight up to Yami, violently swaying a hand in front of him. “Do you have something against me, slave?” When rewarded with silence, he growled. “Answer me!”
   “No!” Yami shouted, seeming, for the first time since Yuugi met him, possibly scared of the Lord of Tranquility. “No.”
   Atemu only calmed down when Yuugi touched his arm. “You will explain yourself, slave. You have gone too far.”
--
   At the rise of the sun, at an hour hardly preferred by anyone to rouse themselves out of slumber, was when Yami stood in the throne room of his Lords, qualified for judgment.
   He did not stagger, inclined to ensconce the foreboding despair of his punishment to be. Lord Atemu and Lord Seth spoke quietly in the far opposite of the room, discussing him at the base of the prosperous throne. They tied his hands with sturdy rope. He unhappily shared Atemu’s bedroom after getting caught in his attempt to steal what was not his, leaving Yuugi to worry across the way about what would happen to him. His manipulative slut worried too much for his welfare, yet Yami did not deny that Yuugi caring for him prevailed dubious senses. Ones which greatly bothered him as he stood there quietly in the widespread room.
   Behind him standing watch were two guards, including the masterful Karim. None moved, them stiller than Yami. Like statues at their marks, they held spears in their hands in case Yami decided to mistakenly fight or run. If only he hadn’t struggled to take the Sennen Puzzle in the first place. If only he hadn’t handed it back to Yuugi. He would be on his way to the unidentified he served to accept his reward. What a fool he was. If he did not want to be beheaded, he would need a plan.
   Lord Atemu quickly glanced at him, then back at Seth. Yami despised those men so much. If he could, he would take a spear and stab at their hearts, and he would laugh as they bled all over the floor. He would not stop until the very last feeble beat.
   “Step forward.”
   The demand given to him came from the Lord of Intellect. Remaining calm, Yami obeyed. He walked up to the throne, stopping just at the bottom of the golden steps. He said nothing as the two Lords eyed him with concern. The gracious Lord, so tranquil and true, probably worried still about upsetting darling Yuugi, not wanting his servant to hate him if he decided to castigate Yami rashly. Yami would not suffer until he knew their declaration. He knew his own, and would use it one way or another.
   Atemu moved his left foot down one step, directly set on chastising Yami. “Before Seth and I tell you of our decision, we first would like to know why it is you wanted to steal the Sennen Puzzle. What is your intentions, slave? Why risk so much for it?”
   That was his cue to not give himself away. Yami stuck up his chin to peer up at the ceiling.
   “So, you refuse to answer.” Lord Seth sneered. “You have balls, Yami.”
   “Since you wish for it to be that way,” said Atemu, “I’m afraid we have no choice. I hate to do this, but…”
   “I want to make a deal.” Yami cut in before Atemu could finish.
   Angered by this, Seth swished back his robe to take a step down. “You do not deserve…” But before he could finish, he was cut off by a gentle hand to his shoulder. He looked to Atemu. “My Lord?”
   “Let him speak, Seth,” said Atemu. “I am curious.” Atemu removed his hand, then gestured for Yami to explain. “You have my attention.”
   “Thank you,” Yami bowed. “Here is my comprehension. I will gladly accept punishment, but I wish to decide my punishment. I am certain you will be pleased with my request, once you hear it.”
   “You expect us to agree to this?” Seth gaped. “How misfortunate of you.”
   “Go on,” urged Atemu, stunning his cousin. “What is it you feel will justify what you’ve done?”
   Staring straight at Atemu, Yami gave his surprising entreaty. “Banishment.” He proudly watched as the two Lords’ jaws dropped to the floor.
   “I must not have heard you right.” Atemu ran a hand over one ear, shaking his head in disbelief. “Did you say banishment?”
   “Yes,” Yami said calmly, eyeing the two. “I wish to be taken to the far south, at the reaches of the fifth Lord’s land. It is there I grew up, and it is there I prefer to go. It was there I planned on going to before my gracious Lord found me.”
   “You’re insane,” Seth muttered. “That is treacherous territory. No. Unacceptable.”
   Folding his hands in front of him, Atemu quietly considered what Yami wanted. He knew that location well. It was where the glow resided for the first time, where his Yuugi labored away for Captain Gahiji, and where much of his man were slain by the hands of that very ruthless captain. Something fishy filtered the air. Atemu rubbed at his chin, in deep concentration.
   “My Lord.” Seth took hold of his cousin’s skinnier arm to tug him around, facing their backs on Yami. “You are not actually considering allowing this, are you?”
   Atemu glanced at Seth, lowering his hand. “If I am?”
   Seth gaped. He, a man of mentality, did not appear too attractive when baffled. “I will not allow it. Letting him go free there is too far-fetched. My Lord…”
   “Seth?”
   “I smell a rat.” His voice was so low -- so well rehearsed -- that Yami could not hear.
   “About time.” Atemu patted Seth’s hand, then re-faced Yami. He gave the slave a nod. “Very well, Yami. I hereby banish you from my dominion -- to the land owned by the fifth Lord.”
   Yami bowed. “As you wish, my Lord. Will I have a troop of escorts?”
   “The very best,” Atemu nodded. The glint of a smirk did not go un-passed by him. This man before him had revealed his true colors, had revealed to them the man behind the mask. He was a man of evil. “We shall prepare for your departure. In the meantime, I will have you escorted back to that cozy little cell of yours in the dungeon. Guard!” He snapped his fingers, summoning for the two at the doorway. They marched over to take Yami, still tied up, back to the dungeon.
   Yami turned to glance at Atemu. “Do I not get to say farewell to Yuugi?”
   “Perhaps…” Atemu sighed softly. “Perhaps.”
- 20
- 21
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The Pale Savior