Yu-Gi-Oh! Fan Fiction ❯ Frozen Tears ❯ New Thoughts ( Chapter 6 )

**NOTICE: Okay - I don't change the author's notes when I post on different websites. So if you are reading this story on MediaMiner.org, please don't get confused by the review number (I have about 29, as opposed to 100+ on FanFiction.Net)! If you are reading this on FanFiction.Net, then you don't have anything to worry about! ^.^ I've been sick lately, so I haven't been able to work on this too much. X___X

Randomasdf (Grace): Thank you! Thank you! The review number is increasing! ^.^ Yay! Grace is happy! Grace is VERY happy!

Malik: Grace has officially lost it.

Randomasdf (Grace): Grace has NOT lost it! Grace is just VERY VERY ecstatic!

Seto: Oh? Then why is GRACE referring to herself in third person?

Randomasdf (Grace): <click> Huh? Oh - um, never mind. ANYWAYS, thank you to all of my reviewers! And special thanks go out to Ryou-chans girl for adding me to your favorite authors list!

Yami: <mutters> Wow. Grace is scarier than Yugi when she's on a sugar rush.

Yugi: <overhears Yami> I'm scary? When?

Bakura: Always.

Yami: <gives Bakura warning look, then turns to Yugi> You're never scary, aibou! You're so cute and adorable!

Bakura: Hypocrite.

Ryou: Yami! {this is referring to Bakura, of course} This is the last time I'm warning you!

Randomasdf (Grace): Oh - and I also thank all reviewers for not flaming me! ^.^

Jou: Now that was random.

Randomasdf (Grace): Of course it was! "Random" is my name, after all.

Yugi, Yami, Jou, Seto, Ryou, Bakura, Malik, and Marik: <sweatdrops> Oh dear Ra.

Marik: Grace better get off her sugar rush before she writes this chapter - at least if she wants to keep the seriousness of the story.

Randomasdf (Grace): Yup yup! I do!

Yugi, Yami, Jou, Seto, Ryou, Bakura, Malik, and Marik: <sweatdrops again>

Ryou: Whoa - that was like two sweatdrops in the last five lines!

Yugi, Yami, Jou, Seto, Bakura, Malik, and Marik: <sweatdrops again>

Jou: Uh - make that <pauses to count on fingers> three?

Seto: <slaps forehead> I didn't think puppies were THAT stupid.

Bakura: Who are you calling stupid?! I swear -

Yugi: It's not good to swear, Bakura.

Ryou: <rushes over to Bakura before anything drastic happens> It wasn't directed to you, Yami {Bakura}!

Randomasdf (Grace): <clears throat> NOW IF NO ONE MINDS, <everyone turns attention to Grace> we will now present the disclaimer once again. Any volunteers?

Yugi, Yami, Jou, Seto, Ryou, Bakura, Malik, and Marik: <sinks down, hoping Grace doesn't see them>

Randomasdf (Grace): <to herself> So many choices - oh - how about - Seto and Jou?

Seto: Damn my cursed luck!

Jou: <sighs> Come on, Seto, let's just get it over with.

Jou and Seto: <takes deep breath and mutters incomprehensibly> GracedoesnotownYu-Gi-Oh!,butshewoulddefinitelyliketo. Ifshehappenedtoownit(whichsheprobablywon't),shewouldmakeafew"changes"inthes howifyaknowwhatwemean. Nowforchapter6,pleasereadandreview!

Randomasdf (Grace): Don't volunteer if you aren't going to say it correctly!

Jou: <interjects> But we didn't vol-

Randomasdf (Grace): No interrupting! Or else - <pauses to think> I will pair Jou up with PEGASUS! (dum dum dum)

Seto: NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!

Randomasdf (Grace): There we go. Now again please.

Jou and Seto: <sighs> Grace does not own Yu-Gi-Oh!, but she would definitely like to. If she happened to own it (which she probably won't), she would make a few "changes" in the show if ya know what we mean. Now for chapter 6, please read and review!

Randomasdf (Grace): Much better. Now - onward!

A/N: Okay - here are my decisions about this story: I don't think I'm going to put Anzu and Mai in, it's kind of hard to with the storyline I'm aiming for. They MIGHT show up as really minor supporting characters, but I'll have to see how the plot comes out. I have no idea what an Ancient Egyptian temple looks like - please just go with it. Remember: Methk is Yugi's father. Also, there is more cursing - since it fits. Sadly, I do not know if there will be any fluff in this chapter. Please don't kill or flame me!

Here's chapter six - please read and review!

~*~*~*~*~*~ = Scene Change

|-|Frozen Tears|-|

By Randomasdf

~CHAPTER SIX - NEW THOUGHTS~

{A/N: I don't usually put these notes in, but I just had to mention that this first part of this chapter was written by me under the heavy influence of "The Odyssey" by Homer. The writing is a whole lot more formal - don't worry, I'll be back in the more informal style after my sugar rush fades - which is any minute now. Please don't get mad!}

Seto pulled the ruby-orbed royal away from the slaves, out of their earshot.

"Yami," he whispered with a firm stare. "How much do you know about that little slave yours - Yugi, I believe?"

The Pharaoh regarded his friend with a coolly. "My honorable Priest, does it matter? A slave is a slave, no matter whether or not I know anything behind him or his motives."

`Though I wonder why he resembles me,' he added in his head.

The sapphire-eyed priest kept his intense gaze upon the king of Egypt. "Friend, aren't you even a bit curious? Surely you've noticed the inflictions that mar his pale skin? In fact, do you even know why his skin remains unkissed by the blazing Egyptian sun? Tell me you've at least noticed his fear around you."

The blood-red color of Yami's irises deepened to a malicious claret hue as his regal brows furrowed in contemplation. Thoughts of his small slave plagued his mind - each image flashing vividly. Come to think of it, Yugi DID have an abnormal skin tone for this part of the world, AND he did observe traces of healing bruises and lacerations earlier this morning (when he was changing).

Realization delivered a blow to the Pharaoh, her iron fists shattering his daze, jolting him back into reality. The High Priest smiled as a new expression of awareness crossed the ruler's features.

"Yugi!" he said sharply. "Come here!"

The round-eyed boy stumbled over to Yami, obviously frightened, but willing to face those uncertainties.

"O Exalted One," the amethyst-orbed teen addressed, bowing slightly.

"Take off your shirt," the Pharaoh ordered.

The youngest of the group blushed furiously at the command. "Why?," he choked out, forcing the flush aside.

Yami narrowed his angular crimson eyes. "Do not question your Pharaoh, unless you wish to face the consequences."

Yugi shut his bright violet pools, shuddering slightly at the deep rich tone of his master's voice. Very slowly, he lifted the hem of his white shirt over his head, revealing a smooth chest with faint hints of abuse faintly disfiguring his otherwise perfect form.

"Turn around." Yami issued another command.

"I can't," the fifteen-year-old replied plainly, hoping that he wasn't going to be killed on the spot.

"You aren't going to be killed on the spot," the teenaged king assured him, while maintaining a stolid mask.

Yugi looked up curiously. "How -"

The Pharaoh tapped the Millennium Puzzle impatiently with a long graceful finger. "Turn around," he repeated.

VERY gradually, the young slave began to turn his feet.

Jou entered the scene as he hurried over to help his best friend.

"Yug!" the golden-haired slave called.

Yugi ignored the protest and completed the one hundred eighty degree turn. A sharp intake of breath was heard from Seto - the cobalt-eyed priest wasn't able to hold his gaze upon the boy's slashed and abused back. Yami, on the other hand, hadn't changed his facial expression at all, but on the inside, his heart was trying to burst from its icy depths, but the blockade was far too strong.

"Tell me, slave. How did this happen?" the Pharaoh demanded more than requested.

Jou glanced nervously at Seto - his honey-amber orbs shining with unshed tears.

`Please,' he begged silently, `Don't let him hurt Yugi!'

The Master of the Millennium Puzzle stared hard, examining the harshly battered petite teen. Yugi's clear violet pools began to brim with sparkling tears, threatening to spill at the recollection of painful childhood memories.

**FLASHBACK**

"Where the hell are you, stupid whore?" Methk shouted angrily, pacing around the dusty room.

A seven-year-old Yugi hid, cowering in a small dark corner - praying that he wouldn't be found.

"Damn you! You don't deserve to live! Move your ass now - or when I find you, you will be flayed within an inch of your wretched life!" the angry father roared.

Still, the small boy remained huddled silently, hoping desperately for a miracle.

But no miracle came -

as Methk stormed furiously over to the curled up figure. Grabbing the child's tri-colored hair with an agonizing grip, he jerked upward - forcing his deep lavender orbs to meet the dull gray gaze of his so-called father. Each strand of his silky locks seemed to be ripping slowly out of his scalp, causing Yugi to yelp in throbbing pain.

`Oh no,' was Yugi's only coherent thought as he was slammed into the wall behind him.

Methk advanced slowly upon the doubled over form lying on the ground.

"Get up," he commanded with a bitter tone.

"Make me, FATHER," Yugi hissed weakly, attempting a sneer.

"Ha ha ha!" Methk roared. "Pathetic weakling. But - you DID ask for it."

The young child shivered violently, cowering under his father, who was currently drowning in a drunken stupor. Whimpering, the amethyst-eyed one tried to crawl away, desperate to get away from the fuming man.

"Get back here, boy! You WILL suffer the consequences!" he man screeched.

Picking Yugi up by his brilliant gold bangs, the boy was backhanded across the room once again. Looming over him with a sadistic grin plastered upon his thin rough lips, Methk laughed manically.

"Come, little slut, playtime is FAR from over," he smirked as his fingers began to unbutton his shirt.

**END FLASHBACK**

"No - no! Stop father! STOP!" Yugi muttered under his ragged breath, his eyelids shut tightly over his glittery violet orbs.

Yami's crimson gaze enlarged considerably. No - it couldn't be - the pain, the suffering - the memories stung his glacial heart.

Seto watched carefully as the almighty Pharaoh's stance faltered.

"Yugi," Jou murmured softly, not exactly knowing what to say.

~*~*~*~*~*~

"Come on, Malik! We're going to be late!"

Marik pulled the reluctant slave behind him. The nearly identical pair raced down the hallway, not knowing where it lead to. They both had left the room and turned the corner before realizing that they had to meet the Pharaoh in the meeting foyer for further instructions on their first day in the palace.

"Where the hell are we going?" Malik inquired, not knowing that they had passed the same door three times already.

Marik shrugged. "No idea. We'll find it sometime. I hope. We better find it soon."

The two now-lovers sprinted down the long corridor, their fingers entwined loosely.

~*~*~*~*~*~

"Bakura! Wait up - please wait!" Ryou scampered behind the former tomb robber.

The white-haired counsel member stopped momentarily before mumbling a soft "hmph" and continuing at his brisk pace, not looking back.

A red-faced, panting slave caught up with the impassive figure. "I - gasp - don't - gasp - know - gasp - where - the - meeting - gasp - foyer - gasp - is."

"Not my problem, worthless slave," Bakura replied emotionlessly.

Ryou flinched visibly.

"You're more pathetic than I thought," he continued, scoffing.

The Millennium Ring began to glimmer a soft emerald hue as Bakura looked down.

`Ah yes - this thing - I wonder what it does,' he mused silently.

He directed its magic at Ryou, and in turn, a thousand different thoughts and feelings rushed at him.

`I want to be loved,' echoed Ryou's gentle voice.

Startled, Bakura backed away. `This Ring must have the power to see into people's souls. My, how interesting.'

`By him,' the tender voice reverberated in his head once more.

"By WHO?" the ex-thief was surprised at his own outburst and a strange pang of - jealously?

"Excuse me?" Ryou was confused.

"Nothing," Bakura growled, trying to calm his racing heartbeat. "And stop following me - Ra damn it!"

"But we're going to the same place!" the pale slave reasoned gently.

"I don't give a shit to where you're going - just stay out of my way."

The two white-haired teens walked silently, one ahead of the other, lost in their own thoughts.

`Gods - why are you so bitter, Bakura? Can't you see that I'm trying to help you? Why can't you open up? I'm only trying to be your friend - maybe more.' Ryou's musings were directed to his look-alike, but they remained in his head.

`Stop it! Stop it! Don't you have ANY clue to how you are affecting me? Stay away!' Bakura screamed mentally.

He took off, dashing away from his slightly younger companion.

"No - wait!"

Ryou ran as fast as his legs would carry him.

~*~*~*~*~*~

Yami was taken aback, but he managed to retain a diplomatic persona, addressing his personal slave composedly. "Yugi. Your father, he -"

`MY father,' he added mentally while frowning.

"I don't need your sympathy," the violet-eyed one cut in.

"You mean empathy," Seto mumbled incoherently as Jou shot him an odd look.

At that moment, two tanned figures stumbled into the meeting foyer, panting breathlessly.

"You're LATE," the young Pharaoh stated coolly.

Marik bowed slightly, motioning for Malik to do the same. Grudgingly, he did so.

"Pharaoh. We got lost - we apologize for the tardiness," Marik replied curtly.

Yami waved it off.

Just then, Bakura sauntered in, tossing a careless, "Morning." Yami glared disapprovingly at the informal greeting. A slightly upset Ryou followed him in, but he immediately brightened when he saw his best friends.

"Good Morning Yugi! Good morning Jou! Good morning Malik!" he called happily. Bowing low, he continued. "Pharaoh Yami. High Priest Seto. Lord Marik."

Bakura received a somewhat distant nod from the cheerful slave.

They all nodded in turn at Ryou's presence (with the exception of Yami, who did not acknowledge slaves), and Yugi beamed up at his jovial friend, although the smile was not genuine.

`I wonder why everyone is so happy today,' the short, tri-colored-haired teen contemplated. `Well, with the exception of me,' he added gloomily.

"Your assignments," Yami announced regally. "Marik, you will adjourn to the counsel's meeting hall, as will you, Bakura. Malik, you and Ryou will be tending to the sheep - if I find one missing, you'll have hell to pay."

The Pharaoh paused, laughing to himself, thinking of the deaths of the previous shepherds, as Marik tried to conceal his expression of horrification. Bakura shrugged and remained indifferent.

"Seto, you will continue your regular duties with your slave. And Yugi -"

Yugi's head snapped up at the sound of his name.

"Just follow me," Yami finished, his icy voice sending a chill down his slave's spine.

They split up silently, and Yugi turned his purple gaze onto the floor, hoping to avoid the crimson stare that belonged to Yami.

"Come, Yugi. You don't want to keep your Pharaoh waiting."

Yami turned, his sapphire robes flapping behind him.

~*~*~*~*~*~

**ABOUT 30 MINUTES LATER**

"This is SO DAMN STUPID!" Bakura complained for the millionth time. "What the HELL are we supposed to do?"

Marik rolled his eyes. "Stop cursing, Bakura."

A raven-haired man stepped up to the two new counsel members. "The counsel basically does nothing - Pharaoh Yami does everything - he trusts no one. The only reason why he still has a counsel is because there is a rule that his father installed previously," he explained with a calm shrug.

"Stupid. Stupid. Stupid. Stupid. Stupid. Stupid. Stupid," the ex-tomb robber repeated under his breath.

Marik sighed. He wondered how Malik was faring.

~*~*~*~*~*~

Malik slumped against the bales of hay, watching the boring sheep graze.

"Oh come on, Malik, cheer up! It'll be over soon," Ryou assured his friend. "AND THEN, you can see Marik," he added with a wink.

Malik sat up quickly. "How did you -"

Ryou laughed. "It doesn't take a genius to figure THAT one out."

Sighing, Malik replied. "I hope Yugi and Jou are okay. I mean - Jou looks like he's fine with the High Priest, but I feel so sorry for poor Yugi!"

Ryou sighed as well. "Did you see him this morning? He looked so - tired and sad. Not to mention that smile of his was COMPLETELY fake."

"Yeah - I noticed," he paused. "Just out of curiosity, why are you so HAPPY today?"

"Me? I guess Yugi rubbed it all off on me," Ryou answered with a slight shrug.

Suddenly, the white-haired slave turned to his bronzed friend, chocolate eyes bulging. "Malik?" he asked slowly. "Why are there only eighty-nine sheep, when there are supposed to be ninety?"

"Oh shit."

~*~*~*~*~*~

"Come on, Jou. You'll be helping me at the Temple of Anubis today," Seto informed the golden-haired slave.

"Anubis? Doesn't that involve DEAD people?" Jou shuddered at the gruesome images conjuring up in his imagination.

"Uh - that's kind of the point," the cobalt-eyed priest explained.

The slave and master stepped down from the golden palace steps onto the temple stretch, a strip of land that was reserved for the beautiful holy buildings.

"I will be at the altar, assisting the people who come to pray. Why don't you go clean up the remains of the offerings from the day before? Here - use these cleaning tools I brought for you. And don't forget - I have to put my `mask' back on," Seto told Jou, finishing with a small wink, causing the honey-amber-orbed one to redden.

The High Priest hurried over to the gathering citizens as Jou straightened his posture. Seto was so nice to him - he should at least try to do a good job. Nodding to himself, he gathered the numerous brushes and walked over to the offering table, gasping slightly at the mess of blood and ash that lay in front of him. Growling, he picked up a hand broom.

"This is SO not pretty."

~*~*~*~*~*~

The crimson-eyed Pharaoh sat on his gold throne, encrusted with rubies and diamonds to match his collar. He yawned, bored out of his wits as he listened to the news bearer drone on.

"- and the annual harvest festival begins at noon tomorrow," the messenger stated blandly.

"Hold it," Yami commanded, interrupting. "Cancel the festival. The people have not pleased me this year - they do not deserve the reward."

There was a loud CLANG as all attention was drawn to the small violet-orbed slave who was carrying a gold platter of fruit, but it was now facedown upon the ground.

"Come here, Yugi." Yami gestured over to the petite teen.

Everyone else in the room drew in a sharp intake of air - NEVER had their Pharaoh addressed a slave by their name!

Trembling, Yugi made his way up the raised platform, his head lowered in respect. The teenaged king of Egypt examined his personal slave.

His first instinct was to execute the boy - to sentence him to a slow, painful death. But gazing into those round innocent orbs and with nightmares of his father still plaguing his thoughts, Yami faltered.

"Do not interrupt me, Yugi. Next time, you WILL suffer punishment for your actions."

Everyone in the room let out a sigh of relief and disbelief. They were glad that the boy was not hurt, and they were surprised at the fact that their icy Pharaoh had let him off so easily. Maybe there was something special about this "Yugi".

"Anyways," the crimson-eyed one continued, turning his attention back to the news bearer. "I change my mind. Just make sure the festival doesn't get out of hand - or there will be blood spilt."

The messenger nodded, wondering what had caused this miraculous change.

`Why did I change my mind? Is it because of Yugi? No - it couldn't have been. It was MY decision - but allowing the festival to continue would make my people HAPPY. Well, if it makes Yugi happy - NO! It is NOT because of Yugi!' the Pharaoh fought a mental battle with himself.

Meanwhile, Yugi was VERY puzzled. What was going on? True - he didn't want the festival to be cancelled, but he seriously didn't think that Yami would change his mind! And why wasn't he a bloody pulp yet? Sighing, the young slave continues to prepare fruit for the Pharaoh.

Yami was angry with himself. His fury was practically seeping through his skin - he was being too nice.

"You bore me," he stated calmly at the messenger.

He raised a graceful hand, motioning for his guards.

"The usual, my Lord?" the chief guard asked, sinking low in his knees.

The Pharaoh smirked widely. "Be creative."

The man was dragged out - his eyes pleading for mercy, but Yami gave none.

"Get back to work, slave!" the crimson-eyed one barked at Yugi, who stood there, gaping in horror.

Everyone who remained in the room sighed again, murmuring that it was too good to be true.

Yami turned his handsome face forward, his ruby gaze narrowed in frustration.

`What is happening to me?' he questioned himself, closing his eyes, as a brief image of his amethyst-orbed slave flashed through his mind, the picture causing his stomach to be tied in knots and his knees to feel weak.

Good thing he was sitting down.

He opened his eyelids and saw a curious Yugi peering at him. Seeing the Pharaoh's expression, he slave yelped and looked away.

"Your fruit, Pharaoh," he said, almost timidly.

Yami looked down at the plate of food. Extending his hand to the grapes, his hand brushed Yugi's. He gasped at the sudden jolts of electricity coursing in his veins. Yugi felt it as well - balancing the platter on one hand as he withdrew his quivering hand.

The Pharaoh forced down the growing heat in his cheeks, and ordered that he be left alone.

`No - it can't be. Mother had always said -' he mused, remembering his conversations with the kind queen.

His thoughts turned to Yugi once more. He imagined the delicate featured of his face - those soft tantalizing lips that beckoned to be kissed.

He snapped out of his trance.

`No - it can't be.'

~*~*~*~*~*~

Randomasdf (Grace): Okay, okay - I admit - that wasn't one of my better chapters. And yes - sigh - I know - more fluff is drastically needed.

Bakura: <rolls eyes> No duh!

Randomasdf (Grace): WELL - you don't have to be all mean about it! <to readers> ANYWAYS, before I was rudely interrupted <cough*Bakura*cough>, I wanted to set the stage for Yugi/Yami fluff! So - watch out for the next chapter - because it will be the festival and new events!

Yugi: <smiles cutely> So please review! And please TRY not to flame Grace! <chibi eyes> PWEASE?

Yami: Let me rephrase that: no POSITIVE reviews = no fluff of any sort <gasps> I can't believe I just said that!

Randomasdf (Grace): YAMI! Stop threatening the readers!

Ryou: And Me/Bakura fluff is on its way - Grace has a GREAT idea!

Malik: And what about me?

Marik: I'm sure Grace has a good idea for us too.

Randomasdf (Grace): Yup! I have good ideas (I hope they are good, anyways) for all the parings!

Seto: You better stick to your word!

Jou: Seriously!

Randomasdf (Grace): Don't worry - don't worry! I'll take care of it! The festival in the next chapter will be a fluffy chapter! ^.^ <to readers> Just keep reading please! I SWEAR - I'll make it better! PLEASE - GIVE ME A CHANCE! I know this chapter was a bit boring - but I need something that sets the stage for fluff (a.k.a. the festival)!

Bakura: <grumbles incomprehensibly about the lack of fluff and Grace's poor writing>

Randomasdf (Grace): <sniffs> You're so mean, Bakura! I TRY - I honestly do!

Bakura: Er - you weren't supposed to hear that.

Ryou: <slaps Bakura, but not too hard> Yami {Bakura}! Now she'll NEVER write the chappie!

Yugi: No chappie? <eyes start to water>

Yami: Nooooooooo Yugi! There will be a chapter seven! <glares at Grace>

Randomasdf (Grace): And ONCE AGAIN - I am overpowered by the death glare. <to readers> PLEASE don't lose interest in this story! PLEASE!

Oh - um - I know the first part of the chapter was weird with the whole "Odyssey" thing, but that was just the effect of a sugar rush. PLEASE DON'T KILL ME!

Marik: Grace is now a little too hysterical.

Malik: Breathe! Breathe!

Randomasdf (Grace): <gasps, eyes closed like experiencing a nightmare> NO! PLEASE! COME BACK! PLEASE GIVE ME A CHANCE! DON'T KILL ME! NOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!

Seto: Ummmm -

Jou: I think that she wants readers to keep reading this story.

Yugi: <to readers> PWEASE review! It would make Grace VERY happy - and it'll inspire her to write more fluff! She's honestly trying!

Yami: Yup.

Randomasdf (Grace): <still in nightmare> NOOOOOOO!!!!! I'LL TRY HARDER - I PROMISE! JUST KEEP READING!

Bakura: <sweatdrops> Okay - what she said.

Randomasdf (Grace): <click> I think I'm okay now - but please don't lose interest!

I'll be working on chappie seven - so please keep reading!

Until next chapter, everyone!