Betrayal and Recovery - [ON HOLD]

Egypt

Yugi's POV

I wake up from my dream. Or rather, nightmare. Yami and the gang were there taunting me, laughing at me,.....hurting me. I look out at the window and see the vast expanse if desert below me. I just sit there and marvel at its beauty.

The plane lands and I walk out to see my grandpa waiting for me. After all my experiences, I'm glad to see someone who truly cares for me.

"Grandpa!!" I shout as I wrap the old man in a big, loving hug.

"Yugi, my boy. I'm glad to see you safe and sound. Let's forget about the past and focus on the future, okay?"

"Okay, Grandpa." I knew what he was talking about. My friends and Yami. I only shake my head as I think about my pen pal from England, Ryou. He, at least understands what I've gone through, if only a little. We're not close yet, but we're still friends. This recent incident with Yami and company made me have trust issues. Oh well, enough bad thoughts. Focus on the future! Like Grandpa said!

I gather my stuff as we make our way to Grandpa's house. On the way there, we pass by the desert and pyramids. I just admire it all the way along.

Grandpa chuckles. "So, you like Egypt so far?"

"I love it , Grandpa!" I say excitedly.

"Well, you're going to love this news." Grandpa smirks.

"What?" I raise an eyebrow, suspicious.

"The pharaoh is going to visit the vill- I mean city in a little over a month."

"Really?!" I exclaim as I jump up and down in my seat. "We can meet the Pharaoh?!"

"Yes."

"Awesome!" I start celebrating.

"Calm down, Yugi. I wanted to ask you something. What are you going to do about schooling?"

"Is there a school here?"

"Yes, a free public school. Do you want to transfer over?"

"I don't know. I want to go, but after my horrible school experiences..." I look down, sad.

"I see. Well, this is a new school and bullying has been strictly guarded against. besides, this is a fresh start!"

"Okay, but, Grandpa, what about expenses and taxes and—"

"Yugi, I got it covered. Don't worry. If you really are worried about the money, then get a part-time job at this game store. I know the owner and I'm sure he needs help managing the shop."

"Fine, Grandpa. I'll go to school....and take the job."

?????'s POV

I sigh. I can't wait for the festival. I'll finally be able to roam the streets a bit. I hate being cooped up in this palace.

".....ra.....oh...!"

"Hmm?"

The voice got closer. "Ph.......oh....!"

"Isn't that..."

"Pharaoh!" called my friend and loyal servant, Mahado.

"What is it, Mahado? And please, call me Atemu when we're alone."

"My apologies, Pha- Atemu. Just a habit."

"It's okay. What is it?"

"You have a meeting in ten minutes about the recent drought in village so and so."

I let a long, exasperated breath out. "Okay. I'll be there."

Mahado chuckled. "Come on, Atemu. Cheer up! The festival is coming up soon. You'll be able to have your freedom......if only for a little while." Mahado's face darkened a bit.

"What does that mean? What's wrong?"

Mahado sighed. "Atemu, there have been rumours of a rebellion with power-hungry foes. The worst part about it is that some of the rumours have been confirmed because of multiple sightings of said rebels. Thanks to this, security will be tripled for your safety."

"......Are you serious?" I said with a flat tone.

"100% serious."

"......Well, that's just great! Now, I won't be able to explore town freely!" It's going to be tough to slip past those guards....

"Atemu, if you're thinking about escaping the guards, well, forget it. It'll be too tight, and I'll be there to make sure you're safe."

I groan. Just great. Mahado's coming! What should my next plan of action be?

My ears perk up slightly when I hear Mahado continue. "However, knowing you, you'll find a way to escape, so, if you want to go explore the town, make sure either I or Seto come with you."

"Geh!! Seto's coming too?! If I had to choose someone to travel with I'd choose you, Mahado! Rather than that block of ice."

"Well, thanks for the compliment, cousin." a voice says sarcastically.

I turn around and come face to face with my cousin and High Priest, Seto. I lock my crimson-red eyes with his cold cerulean ones. You could practically see the static clashing between us. The tension was broken when Mahado coughed loudly.

"Atemu, I believe I told you that you had a meeting.....five minutes ago?"

"Oh right! I'll you guys later!" I run away to the venue area where the meeting was held.

Normal POV

Mahado and Seto watch as the Pharaoh rushes to the meeting.

Mahado sighs in frustration. "Atemu is so troublesome."

Seto smirks. "Now you know what I have to deal with."

"By the way, what did you come here for, Seto?"

"To annoy my cousin."

"....."

"....."

".....That's it?"

"That's it." Seto replied simply. "Oh, I have to go now. See you later, Mahado."

"See you later, Seto."

Yugi's POV

Meanwhile at Yugi's new house~

"Phew~ That should be the last of the boxes." I said wiping of the sweat forming on my forehead.

"Yugi? You done?" said Grandpa.

"Yes, Grandpa, I've finished moving the boxes!"

I unpacked the boxes from that came from our Game Shop in Domino City and set up our Game Shop here. Grandpa said that I could switch between helping out here and at the part-time job place that he recommended to me. He also told me that that game shop and ours would be in a joint business, so I wouldn't have to worry about competition between the two stores. I finished setting up the shop around two hours later. At this time, Grandpa had also finished completing the papers necessary to transfer into the school. Luckily, the school year just ended, so I would starting fresh at the school and wouldn't have missed anything. The first day of school starts a month before the festival. I can't wait for the festival to start!

Little did I know that that festival would spur on a whole stream of events that would change my life forever.