Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

Being seen was strange. It didn’t mean that people physically laid eyes on him. No, it was that they acknowledged his existence completely, as his own being instead of just the Other Yugi.

If only it hadn’t come about at the cost of Yugi’s soul.

The whole mess with the Orichalcos was over, and the stolen souls had been set free from the Great Leviathan. Yugi’s soul was back in its body, where it belonged, and the pharaoh was overjoyed at his partner’s return.

Interacting with their friends at the latest tournament had been both fun and terrifying. They knew him, and supported him, but he couldn’t quite shake his shame of losing Yugi, despite the fact that everyone had professed to forgive him.

He was very good at hiding that bit of doubt and shame that remained, even from his partner.

Still, being seen for himself, for his own soul, meant more to him than he had the words to convey. The next step was getting his memories back now that the Orichalcos could no longer interfere. Then he would truly be his own person instead of leeching off Yugi like some sort of parasite.

So here they were, with their friends, heading for the Tablet of the Nameless Pharaoh in the Domino Museum.

They didn’t reach it.

Shadi stood in the middle of the entrance to the Egyptian exhibit.

Honda tried to walk around but the pharaoh took over and threw out an arm to stop him. Everyone accompanying him froze, stopping in their tracks.

“Something wrong, Yug’?” Jonouchi asked, his tone casual.

He didn’t know how to answer. He stared at the Egyptian man. “Shadi,” he said.

“You know this guy?” asked Honda.

“We’ve met before,” he stated.

The strange ankh-like key still hung from a cord around Shadi’s neck, glinting innocently under the fluorescent light. In his hands he held a set of scales of the same gold hue, the eye design of the Millennium Items displayed proudly on the central column.

“I know what you are here for,” said Shadi.

“Do you mean to stop me?” asked the pharaoh.

“Yes.”

He blinked, nonplussed by the blunt and honest answer.

“What? Why?”

It took him a moment to realise that Anzu had actually asked that aloud instead of it being his own thoughts, or even Yugi’s. He focused on the man, awaiting the answer.

“You are not ready yet.”

Not ready? Not ready?! He had done so much, fought so many battles just to be here, only to be told by what amounted to a stranger that it wasn’t enough. He frowned, only Yugi’s calming influence prevented him from glaring.

“What do you mean ‘not ready’?”

That question was voiced by Jonouchi. A rogue thought of their friends suddenly developing telepathy made Yugi giggle for a moment.

Shadi held up the scales. The dishes on either side tilted back and forth for several seconds before one side stayed dipped by a tiny amount, just enough to be visible. Everyone was watching the scales, almost mesmerised.

“You have been judged,” Shadi announced. “The Millennium Scales confirm that you are not ready to retrieve your memories.”

“What?”

“That’s total crap!”

“How can he not be ready?”

“Who are you to judge?”

The voices of his friends kind of blended together as they verbally beset Shadi. The man appeared unmoved, his eyes focused only on the holder of the Puzzle.

Yugi appeared beside him, his semitransparent form only visible to the pharaoh. He looked confused and concerned. Pharaoh didn’t know what to think. This was the point he had been working towards for what felt like forever, and now he was here for the second time. And for the second time he was denied. What more could he possibly do to be ready? He had the God Cards, the tablet was right there, he needed only to present them.

…right?

“Do not despair,” the man said. “I am here to guide you to the next step.”

He couldn’t help but raise an eyebrow. The other brow joined it as Shadi stepped forward, Key outstretched. The end brushed against his forehead and the Key was twisted to the side, an unlocking noise echoing loudly.

Pharaoh opened his soul room’s door, standing in the doorway. Yugi mirrored him across the hall that connected their respective rooms. Shadi appeared from one end of the hallway, exactly as he had in Duelist Kingdom. The Key was gone but he still held the Scales.

“What do we need to do?” asked Yugi.

Shadi’s lips didn’t move, but the spirit got the feeling that the man was smiling at Yugi. He walked forward until he stood directly between the pair and their doors. The Scales began to glow, and the Puzzle both of them wore responded. The glow grew brighter and brighter, the gold hue giving way to pure white, and the pharaoh had to close his eyes or be blinded.

There was a tug in his chest and his breath hitched, despite not needing to breathe. The tug kept pulling, gaining in strength, as though his organs were trying to break his ribs and escape. He didn’t have any organs or bones as a bodiless soul, but that was the comparison his mind chose to make. He fell to his knees, not registering Yugi cry out for him. The pull was so strong that he collapsed on the floor, unable to make a single sound.

The pulling stopped.

He opened his eyes to catch a glimpse of Yugi’s terrified face, a hand outstretched but held back by a barrier of gold. Something shoved him; picked up his entire body and threw it with staggering force. His body collided with a surface, and he blacked out.

“Do - think -...kay?”

“- breathing - least.”

“What -...end, Yugi?”

Words flitted in and out of his hearing like a badly tuned radio, his head hurting as his mind tried to process them. His entire body seemed to weigh ten times the usual amount and he wondered what Yugi had done to leave the body in such a state, laying face down with his head twisted to the left. His chest felt as though someone was leaning all of their weight on it. Dragging air into lungs was a bit of a chore as muscles felt too heavy to move. Yugi obviously needed medical attention, and if he was the one in charge of the body right now then it was his duty to get that attention.

His fingers curled slightly as he tried to move his arm, and he groaned at the zing of over-sensitive nerves.

“He’s awake!”

“Other Me?” Yugi said softly.

Fingers lightly brushed his forehead and cheek, moving aside his fringe. He blinked, blearily focusing on what was directly before him. Yugi appeared, blurry at first but becoming clearer the longer he looked. He was solid, opaque, not in spirit form. And he could very distinctly feel the boy’s touch, and not like he was in spirit form either.

“What…?” he whispered. His fingers twitched, wishing to reach out and confirm but unable to get the muscles to listen.

“Hey, are you okay?” Anzu asked as she knelt beside Yugi. She put a hand on Yugi’s shoulder and stared at the pharaoh, worry almost visibly wafting off her.

She could see him. She could see him and Yugi at the same time. What had Shadi done? He mumbled the man’s name.

“Shadi’s gone,” Yugi said.

Curse him and his mysterious ways. There was a dull but persistent thumping he could hear with the ear that was pressed to the floor. Were people walking by? Were they partially blocking the way? No, it was far too consistent and stayed the same volume for it to be footsteps. Ugh, thinking was hard.

“C’mon, man, the floor can’t be comfy,” came Jonouchi’s voice from somewhere off to his left, just out of sight. “Can you get up or do you need a hand?”

Was Jonouchi talking to him? Yugi and Anzu certainly weren’t laying on the floor. He couldn’t see Honda, but it was doubtful he was on the floor either. He gave a small, and frankly pathetic wave, groaning as his hand dropped back to the floor. Such a small movement should not take so much effort. If it really was him laying on the floor, somehow visible and tangible to everyone, there was no way he could haul himself up right now.

“Be gentle with him, guys,” said Anzu. It sounded like an order.

Multiple hands fell upon his back, sides, and shoulders. They were like hot brands, and he gasped and flinched. The hands immediately disappeared.

“Whoa, hey, you okay?” asked Honda.

Ah, so Honda was behind him on his right. Yugi leaned down, his purple eyes flicking over his face. Pharaoh wondered what he saw as he gazed back. Yugi slowly reached out and cupped his cheek. It was a soft warmth, nothing like the branding of before. He sighed, his eyelids drooping halfway shut.

“Try again,” Yugi murmured. “Go slowly and carefully.”

If he had the energy he might have tensed up. The hands returned, fingertips almost hovering, before warm spots appeared, much less intense to his senses than before. They curled around his chest and lifted, his breath hitching for real this time. The lifting paused but resumed after a moment. He tried to move his legs, but they were just as disobedient as his hand, and he winced as skin slid against the floor. Yugi’s hand never left his cheek, and his mind latched onto the touch as the one thing keeping him afloat in deep water.

The higher they lifted him, the more the world swam even as his head fell forward, his neck unable to support it. There was a jumble of sounds in his ears, and a wash of colours in his vision. Something in his middle seemed to flip-flop, and an uncomfortable feeling raced up from that spot to his mouth. He groaned again and clenched his teeth, his eyes scrunching shut.

“Stop!” Yugi suddenly commanded.

The lifting stopped. A second hand cupped his other cheek, as gentle and warm as the first. He forced his eyes open and found himself almost nose to nose with his partner.

“Hey there,” Yugi said, barely above a whisper.

“Hey,” he replied. It came out as more of an odd sounding breath than a word, but it made Yugi smile.

“Can you move your feet? Can you stand up?”

He seriously doubted it. But he wanted to disappoint Yugi less, so he concentrated on getting his feet under him. Slowly, so horribly slowly, his feet moved, dragging across the floor. His left got into position, the sole firmly against the floor, and his right followed several long seconds later. He was still being held, so only a fraction of his weight was resting upon his feet.

“Great job!” Yugi praised. “Now, guys, let him try and stand on his own.”

The hands loosened and gravity clawed at him, doing its utmost to reacquaint him with the ground. His knees flexed under the strain, his feet loudly complaining under the weight. He would have buckled if his friends hadn’t quickly snatched him back up. The pharaoh’s breath whooshed out and he locked his knees in place. He straightened up in increments, leaning more weight on his legs and relying less on Honda and Jonouchi.

“What happened?” he finally asked.

Jonouchi snorted. “Those scales and the Puzzle started glowing like crazy, then you came flying out of the Puzzle and landed pretty hard. That creepy guy vanished, and here we are, trying to see if you’re okay.”

The words made sense individually, but his aching brain was still having trouble processing them all together. He had…come from the Puzzle? Well, yes, that’s where his soul dwelled. But when he exited the Puzzle, he was either in spirit form and visible only to Yugi, or he became visible and tangible to everyone by possessing Yugi’s body.

He was outside the Puzzle, visible and tangible to everyone, and yet he was clearly not possessing Yugi.

Pharaoh twitched his right hand and managed to move it into his view. Sun-kissed bronze skin seemed to stare back, his palm and the underside of his fingers several tones lighter. He knew that he was Egyptian, but his visage had always echoed Yugi’s.

He…had his own body?

He had his own body.

He had his own body.

His breath caught as his mind finally caught up. His breath. He was breathing with his own lungs! His eyes widened. His eyes. Shadi had given him his own body. What was he supposed to do with it?

Yugi’s hands were still on his face. “You okay?” the boy asked.

Was he okay? He blinked. His ribs heaved as his body reminded him that oxygen was a necessity. He blinked again. “Uh…”

The hands on him shifted. One pair disappeared while the other snaked around his chest, a warmth at his back as he was held in place by a hug. Honda stepped up behind Yugi, watching him closely. Ah, Jonouchi had him.

Being held felt…strange.

“Speak to us, bud,” Jonouchi said right near his left ear.

Speak? And what should he say?

“I think he’s overwhelmed,” Honda said, his voice quiet.

“Pharaoh? Please say something,” Anzu pleaded.

He swallowed. His mouth felt as dry as a desert. “I’m…okay,” he said slowly.

No one looked reassured by his words. He couldn’t blame them, he didn’t even know if they were true. Yugi’s gaze pierced him. He couldn’t hear his partner in his mind and had no idea what Yugi was thinking. Yugi was right there, in physical contact with him, yet he seemed to be a whole ocean away. He gazed back, wondering what his partner saw.

“Are you sure?” Anzu inquired.

He saw her fingers twitch, as if she too wished to reach out, but she held back. Pharaoh frowned, his eyes pleading helplessly with Yugi.

“You don’t know, do you?” Yugi said in wonder.

He shook his head slightly. He regretted it as his head pounded, and his middle flip-flopped again. A tiny whimper escaped his lips before he could quash it.

“Should we head back to your place, Yug’?”

Pharaoh could feel the rumble and vibration of the words as Jonouchi spoke. It was like having a large, purring cat draped over his back. Or he imagined it would be like that. Going home sounded nice. If he fell onto a couch or a bed, he doubted he would be getting back up any time soon.

“I don’t think he can walk,” said Honda. He was eyeing their new addition in assessment. He moved in front of the pharaoh, gently nudged Yugi aside, spun around, and crouched down, arms held out behind him.

The move was a familiar one, and his mind supplied the name piggyback when Jonouchi all but picked him up and plonked him into Honda’s waiting clutches. Honda easily grabbed his legs and stood up, making his head spin. He closed his eyes and groaned, his arms and hands automatically locking loosely around Honda’s neck. He already missed Yugi’s warm and grounding touch.

“I’ve got you,” Honda said, tone reassuring.

“Maybe we should take him to be looked at medically,” said Anzu. “I mean, he did appear out of nowhere. What if something is wrong?”

“Can’t,” Jonouchi said curtly. “They won’t look at him without some sort of ID or guardian they can talk to.”

Anzu bit her lip. “But your grandpa can…” she trailed off.

Yugi frowned. “We should go to my place and try to explain things first. My mum and grandpa can look him over. I don’t want to spring this on them by calling from the hospital or whatever. Will you be able to carry him that far?” he said, directing the last part at Honda.

“Of course I can!”

Pharaoh opened his eyes again. The group began to walk, quickly leaving the museum. They garnered quite a few stares but didn’t stop or slow down. His eyelids drooped to halfway once more, hazily taking in the familiar views with his own eyes. The sights, sounds, and smells whirled together in a storm that continuously buffeted him. He lacked the energy and focus to weather it, so he let it wash over him as best he could.

“Honda, you good?” Jonouchi asked when they were a few minutes away from the Kame Game Shop.

“He’s really light,” Honda remarked. There was an undercurrent of concern to his words.

Anzu smiled at them, though a bit of strain shone through. “We’re almost there,” she chirped.

Were they? Wonderful. He was almost asleep now. Soon he could properly rest. Something tapped his right knee. He ignored it. More taps.

“Hey, stay awake, okay?”

That voice. Yugi. He tilted his head enough to bring his partner into view. After a moment there was more tapping.

“Stay awake. Can you hear me?”

Yugi didn’t want him to rest. Why not? He was sure Yugi had a reason, so he would follow his lead. “I’m awake,” he said.

“Barely,” Jonouchi said with a snort.

He heard a door open with a cheery jingle and Yugi called for his grandfather. He managed to raise his head so he could peek over Honda’s shoulder. The old man’s gaze locked with his. Grandpa’s expression gave nothing away – a great poker face – and he suddenly wondered if he would be rejected.

This place was his home; Yugi’s family was as good as his family too. But Yugi was the only family member that he was sure knew of his existence, so there was every chance he would be turned away.

Suddenly he was wide awake.

Honda turned his head to look at him, but the pharaoh couldn’t look away from Grandpa. His fate by Yugi’s side was now hanging by a thread, a sharp blade hovering perilously close, and Grandpa’s hand held the hilt.

“It’s you!” Grandpa exclaimed, pointing a finger.

“Me?” he said, startled and uncomprehending.

Grandpa scrambled out from behind the counter and almost ran up to Honda. He reached out and snagged the pharaoh’s hands, practically on the tips of his toes. “Yes, you. Now I can properly thank you!”

Judging from the faces everyone else was making, the pharaoh was not the only one completely confused.

“I don’t know how you’re here like this, but you’re welcome to stay as long as you like,” Grandpa said happily.

Well, his fears of rejection from the elderly man were apparently totally unfounded. He had no clue what he was being thanked for though.

“I was going to ask if he could stay. Thanks Grandpa!” Yugi said. The relief was audible. “But how do you know him?”

Grandpa let his gaze roam over the pharaoh. “A tale for later, I think. Is everything alright? Come in and sit down. Someone flip the sign to ‘Closed’ for me.” He led them into the house and told them to make themselves comfortable as he shuffled into the kitchen.

Jonouchi helped the pharaoh off Honda’s back, and he sank into the furniture with a sigh. Yugi immediately sat on his right, while Jonouchi sat on his left, leaving Anzu and Honda to claim chairs. His eyes fell on his own body for the first time. He was wearing a white linen sleeveless tunic with a belt, or perhaps it was a dress. His head hurt too much for him to think about it. On his feet were shoes made of the same white linen, with leather soles. With his darker skin, he looked like he’d stepped out of a history book about Egypt. No wonder people had stared.

Explanations about his presence, and what happened at the museum, were given to the elderly man. Pharaoh let the words wash over him, his brain too fuzzy to pay attention. His eyelids closed. The couch was comfortable, and he let himself sink into it. And then…nothing.

Chapter Text

There was something on his shoulder. It was warm, but it shook him. The world tilted one way, then another, going back and forth like a tennis match. A loud SNAP went off right next to an ear and he jolted awake with a gasp.

“Sorry, bud, but no sleeping just yet,” said Jonouchi.

“My mother knows first aid,” said Yugi. “I’ll get her to have a look at you.”

Grandpa waved him down. “No, you stay here. I’ll fetch her.”

Pharaoh sat up and leaned his elbows on his knees. There was less chance of him falling asleep like this. He was kind of impressed that all of their noise hadn’t drawn her attention already. Looking around at his friends, including Yugi, made many of his remaining doubts recede. Yugi’s mother entered the room, ushered along by Grandpa, and immediately spotted him. Her eyes widened even as she frowned, and he could only imagine what she thought of this foreign stranger that resembled her son.

“I know basic first aid,” she said. “I’m not a nurse or a doctor. If you think something is wrong, why haven’t you taken him to a medical professional?”

Grandpa cleared his throat. “Poor lad lost his ID and other papers.”

The woman sighed. “I won’t be much help. You need to get your things replaced as soon as possible, young man,” she said, aiming the latter words at the pharaoh.

He nodded, unsure of what to say. It seemed to be enough for her though. She shooed Yugi away and sat in his place. He turned to face her as best he could, and she bid him to sit still. Her hands went for his throat, and he couldn’t help but flinch. She paused for a moment and then started moving slower. Her fingers began to palpate his throat and under his jaw. She told him to look up, leaned in close, and pulled down his lower eyelids. The back of her hand rested against his forehead, clearly checking his temperature. Then she ordered him to open his mouth and stick out his tongue. She placed two fingers on his throat and, with the other hand, grabbed his wrist, two fingers firmly over the pulse point there.

“No fever, nothing swollen, no visible injuries, and a strong, steady pulse. As far as my limited knowledge goes, he’s physically fine. Are there any symptoms of anything?” she rattled off.

“He keeps falling asleep,” said Jonouchi.

She didn’t look impressed by that answer and focused back on the pharaoh. “How are you feeling? Are you tired? Do you have a headache?”

“Tired,” he answered easily. “My head hurts. It’s…hard to think.” He didn’t want to admit it, but it was for the best. Especially if she could help. He just wanted to sleep.

“Did you hit your head?”

Did he? He had no clue. He shrugged helplessly.

“Hard to say,” said Honda. “He did go flying.”

Her eyes narrowed. The next thing he knew, her fingers were running through his hair, checking every inch of his scalp. “Does it hurt anywhere in particular?”

“No, not really,” he said.

The woman removed her hands and gently patted his shoulder. “Sounds like a bad headache. Hopefully it’s nothing that a good sleep won’t fix.”

“So, I can sleep now?” he asked eagerly.

“You should get some rest as soon as you can. Do any of you want any snacks or drinks?”

Requests flew through the air, and she left to go to the kitchen. Pharaoh gracelessly fell on his side, claiming the free couch space, and brought his legs up, curling up like a child. His eyes shut and he waited for sleep to snatch him.

Jonouchi whistled. “Damn, he really is tired.”

“And just as tiny as Yugi,” said Honda.

“Really? I thought he was taller,” Anzu sounded sceptical.

“We can have ‘em stand next to each other when he wakes up,” Jonouchi said.

“I would wager gaining a physical body of his own took a toll,” Grandpa stated softly.

Someone sat down and leaned back against the couch. Their hair lightly tickled his arms. “Hopefully he feels better after a nap then. This is uncharted territory, even for us,” Yugi said quietly.

He wasn’t asleep yet. He moved an arm until his fingers found Yugi’s hair, and he gave a couple of light pats, leaving his hand there. Yugi squeaked and everyone else laughed. Someone asked if he was awake and he hummed. His hand was removed and held, and he basked in the warm touch. The pharaoh couldn’t remember ever feeling this tired, not even when Yugi had been taken by the Orichalcos. Everyone made an effort to be quieter, and his consciousness faded a minute or two later.

He was surrounded by comfort and warmth, his muscles lax. He was content to stay here as long as possible. Something squirmed inside him and a loud gurgling growl sounded. He cracked his eyes open.

“He must be starving,” came Grandpa’s voice.

Yugi’s bright laughter made him focus. He was still on the couch, although someone had thrown a blanket over him. Pharaoh groaned and lazily rubbed his eyes.

“Are you hungry?” Yugi asked, stepping into view.

“His stomach has already answered,” Grandpa said with a chuckle.

“That noise was me?” he asked, his sleepy tone bordering on incredulous.

Grandpa grinned. “It sure was.”

That was kind of embarrassing. “How long was I asleep?” he asked as he slowly sat up, the blanket pooling in his lap.

“It’s been nearly four hours,” Yugi said. “You missed lunch, but Mum told us not to wake you since it seemed like you really needed the rest.”

“She saved some for you. Go along and eat,” said Grandpa.

Pharaoh pushed the blanket aside and rocked up onto his feet. The floor tilted under him, and Yugi snatched his arm. Oh, it wasn’t the floor, it was him. With Yugi keeping him steady, he stood tall on his own feet for the first time today. After a moment, and a concerned look from his partner, he took a step. Then another and another. Yugi let his arm go and led the way into the kitchen, a proud smile on his face as the pharaoh followed without trouble.

Yugi ushered him into a chair at the table, then began to bustle about. A glass of water was quickly placed in front of him. He grabbed it, quietly marvelling at his hand gripping the glass. The water was cool against his lips, and a great thirst suffused him. The water had a slightly metallic taste, but he ignored it and drained the cup in several gulps. He looked at the empty cup and mourned. He was still thirsty.

Oh. He was in the kitchen. The tap was right there.

Feeling foolish, he left the chair and went to the sink, filling the cup almost to the top. He downed the water as though he’d found an oasis in the desert after days. He was a bit too hasty at the end and the last bit of water poured out of the sides of his mouth and down his chin as he coughed and spluttered. His eyes closed automatically, and the cup was taken from him. A hand rubbed between his shoulder blades.

“Whoa there, take it easy,” said Yugi.

The pharaoh got himself under control and wiped away the moisture with a forearm. “Sorry. I was just so thirsty.”

“Having too much liquid without any food in your stomach could make you sick. Sit back down.”

He raised his brows at the order and grinned as he did as he was told. Seeing and hearing Yugi be so authoritative was very rare, and also very amusing. So many people underestimated his partner. So few got to see him at his best, without the spirit’s interference. It was a shame, but the pharaoh was glad to be among that tiny number.

A couple of sliced sandwiches on a plate was placed before him. “Lunch was light since everyone was here. Mum sort of kicked them all out after so you wouldn’t be disturbed. They all wanted to stay,” Yugi said with a shrug. He sat directly opposite.

Pharaoh wasn’t sure what was in the sandwiches, but the roaring hunger that reared up told him not to care. He tried to stay calm and collected, but his hand flashed out and his teeth were sinking in before he could blink. 

“Go slow!” Yugi urged.

It was good advice, and he tried very hard to follow it. Flavours and textures exploded upon his tongue. He had eaten and drunk while in possession of Yugi’s body, but this was on a whole other level. He saw Yugi pull the plate away to his side. Pharaoh did slow enough that he wouldn’t choke although the piece he was eating still vanished in record time. He stared at the plate, his fingers itching to snatch more, fidgeting in his chair.

“Slowly,” Yugi reiterated. The plate was pushed forward.

His partner was being such a mother hen. It was rather endearing. Pharaoh made sure to take another piece like a regular person and not a starving, feral creature. Both sandwiches were gone in short order.

“How are you feeling? Still tired? Does your head still hurt?”

Those were good questions. He took stock of the body he had been granted. “I feel fine. Not tired, and my head no longer hurts.”

Yugi seemed to slump as tension slid out of him. The relief was almost palpable. “That’s great. Our friends wanted me to let them know how you were when you woke up, but Mum told me to leave it for tomorrow. I think she didn’t want everyone back for the rest of the day.”

“Our friends are great, but they can be noisy and exuberant,” he said.

“You mean Jonouchi can.”

He snorted. “And then Honda gets involved.”

Yugi laughed. “And then poor Anzu tries to break it up and ends up louder than both of them.”

Pharaoh could only smile, his fondness for them bubbling up in his chest and spreading through him as a gentle warmth. He wondered what he had missed while asleep. What had been spoken about. “Oh!” he said suddenly. “Did Grandpa ever explain?”

Yugi nodded and began to clear up. “As you know, the Millennium Puzzle was found in a gold box in a tomb. Presumably yours.” Both of them made a face at that. “A man who was with him betrayed him, and fell to the traps, leaving Grandpa to die. Someone dressed like an ancient Egyptian noble, or royalty, appeared out of nowhere to save him, and disappeared just as quickly and mysteriously once he was safe. Grandpa always wondered if the spirit of the owner of that tomb was who saved him. He kept an eye on me since I resembled his saviour. I think that’s a huge part of why he let me have the Puzzle. And then he saw you today, and he said it was like seeing a ghost.”

His head was swimming as he took in Yugi’s words. “The one time I’m not a ghost and I get mistaken for one,” he said with a low chuckle. Yugi shot him a sharp look, and he shrugged helplessly.

“Do you remember that?”

He shook his head and sighed. “Even if I don't recall, I’m glad he was saved. It does explain his reaction at least. He wants to return the favour.”

“Mum doesn’t understand, but Grandpa was adamant about letting you stay here for as long as you want.”

He frowned slightly. “I’m grateful, of course. But I do feel bad about taking advantage of a debt owed when I don’t remember what I did to create it in the first place.”

Yugi walked over and put a hand on his shoulder. “Trust Grandpa.”

The pharaoh blew out a breath. “I do.”

“Good, because I already pulled out the spare futon and set it up in my room,” Yugi said with a grin.

He pushed away from the table and stood up, Yugi’s hand naturally falling from his shoulder. They were looking directly into each other’s eyes. They were exactly the same height and they both realised it at that moment. Yugi looked highly amused, and he probably mirrored the expression. “You don’t mind me intruding in your space?” he asked.

Yugi stared at him as if he’d lost his mind. “It’s your space too. It has been since I first finished the Puzzle.”

He nodded in concession. “I have always appreciated your amazing generosity. But now is different,” he said, looking at his hands and flexing his fingers. “Now I am actually taking up physical space…and I can’t return to the Puzzle to give you privacy.” Pharaoh could still feel his connection to the Millennium Puzzle, but he couldn’t retreat to it anymore. He had just tried and failed.

“It’s fine. I think I like it better this way. Now everyone else can see and hear you all the time!” Yugi poked his right palm.

The pharaoh’s hand snapped closed like a Venus fly trap, gripping Yugi’s finger. He blinked in surprise and let go, smiling sheepishly as Yugi laughed. “Oops. Thank you, partner.”

“Those are some reflexes you have there!”

He hummed, contemplating his body. He had yet to explore what he could do, what limits his body had, what he could achieve and experience solely for, and by, himself. At least he was now steady on his feet, his balance no longer a problem. A clock drew his attention. It was almost three o’clock in the afternoon. Far too early to retire, and he was no longer tired enough to sleep. He couldn’t retreat to the Puzzle to wander its labyrinth for possible answers. How was he meant to spend his time?

“At least my clothes will fit you,” Yugi pondered, dragging the pharaoh from his thoughts.

Pharaoh looked down over his own outfit again. “I’m glad I appeared with clothing, no matter how outdated it may be.”

Yugi’s cheeks blazed red, and he smacked a hand over his eyes as he groaned.

He had to grin at that. “I must say, I didn’t expect to look like an Egyptian. I’m surprised I didn’t appear with your skin tone and a copy of your school clothes.”

His partner lowered his hand and let his eyes rake over the pharaoh. “It’s definitely different but it really suits you. Did you know your eyes are more red than purple?”

“Oh?”

Yugi grabbed his wrist and tugged him along, letting go once he was sure the former spirit was following. They went upstairs to his room and Yugi eagerly ushered him in front of the mirror hanging on the left wall.

There he was, plain as day, reflection perfectly clear. His hair contained streaks of gold aside from his fringe, which Yugi lacked. He still had the same three colours in his hair, along with the style, though his black, burgundy tinged locks seemed a bit more wild than Yugi’s. His darker skin really highlighted his eyes. Their hue seemed to shift as he moved his head, with varying levels of red overlaid on a base of dark purple. His face was thinner and his cheekbones a bit higher, giving him a more mature look than his partner. Even as used to Yugi’s appearance as he was, his own appearance seemed somewhat exotic.

This was him. A long dead ruler of a lost society. Was this how he had looked back then? Did this new body mimic his old one? The Tablet of the Nameless Pharaoh showed his hair and height well enough, but no details about what colour his hair and eyes were. There wasn’t anyone he could ask either, aside from the evil spirit bound to the Millennium Ring. He had been cast away into the shadows, but who knew if he had managed to return yet again? There was no way he was going to willingly seek him out anyway.

He poked his cheek, watching the action and feeling it. Even if he didn’t remember his original body, he had one now. The biggest question was why. Shadi had done this but for what purpose? What was he meant to do with it? Right now, it seemed like a ridiculously generous gift with no supernatural strings attached. There had to be a catch. He saw himself frowning, then shook his head and twisted a lock of blond hair around a finger. Despite its coarse appearance, his hair was silky soft.

“What do you think?” asked Yugi.

“I wonder if this is what I originally looked like,” he said casually. There was no need to worry his partner with his deeper thoughts. “My hair is much softer than it appears.”

Yugi reached out and rolled some strands between his fingers and thumb. He looked surprised. “Wow, it really is! What’s your secret?” he asked playfully as he let go.

Pharaoh snorted out a laugh. “Ancient magic.”

“Shame we can’t bottle that to use.”

He grinned, turned, and gently shoved Yugi’s shoulder. They both froze as he took half a step back. Yugi blinked. Pharaoh blinked. Yugi snickered and poked his nose with the tip of one finger. He wrinkled his nose and leaned back, making Yugi laugh.

“Everyone’s going to be so happy to see you at school tomorrow!” Yugi exclaimed happily.

The pharaoh tilted his head, much like a curious cat. “I can’t go like this. I’m not enrolled. They couldn’t do anything to a spirit but…”

Yugi’s face fell. “Oh, yeah…”

Pharaoh hated being the reason for the emotional one-eighty. He began to reach out but stopped, curling his fingers awkwardly. “I can walk with you?”

“But you’ll have to walk back all by yourself!”

“And?”

Yugi pouted. “What if something happens?”

He raised an eyebrow. “I can take care of myself.”

“I know,” Yugi said. He crossed his arms and stared at the floor.

Pharaoh sighed. “I won’t if you don’t want me to.”

“I do want to walk with you but…”

“Sleep on it,” he suggested.

Yugi groaned but nodded. “School is going to drag so much tomorrow. Maybe I can convince Mum to let me stay home.”

“Don’t you dare. School is important and you miss enough of it already,” the pharaoh said sternly.

“Wow, Mum, you look so different!”

Pharaoh huffed but grinned. “I know all of your ticklish spots.”

Yugi’s eyes went wide, and he squeaked, backing away. “No. No, you wouldn’t.”

He raised his hands and wiggled his fingers. He gave a low and vaguely ominous chuckle. “Care to bet?”

The boy froze, but the nervousness faded quickly, replaced with a smug smirk and a glint in his eyes. “Yeah. I bet you’re ticklish too!”

Oh? Yes, he very well could be. What a small but novel thing. Did he really want to find out? Well, he was not one to back down from a challenge. He smirked right back. All that was missing was an Old Western soundtrack for their standoff.

Yugi pounced. 

Chapter Text

Various thuds and thumps could be heard between carpet-muffled footsteps. Squeals, shouts, laughs, and exclamations added to the unusual symphony, interspersed with peals of laughter. The noise from that one room echoed through the rest of the house, making Mrs Muto frown while Grandpa chuckled.

Yugi’s room was a bit worse for wear. The bed was rumpled, the futon half kicked aside, clothes used as projectiles littered the floor, a pillow was somehow wedged atop a partially open wardrobe door, and the two boys looked as though a whirlwind had picked them up and spat them out. The pharaoh had managed to tear off Yugi’s left shoe and sock, his jacket discarded, while Yugi had twisted the pharaoh’s white linen tunic halfway around the slender body.

The door opened. Both boys whipped around to see Mrs Muto standing in the doorway, hands on her hips. “What is going on in here?” she asked, in that oddly demanding tone all mothers seemed to have.

“Nothing!” Yugi answered immediately. “We’re just playing.”

“Yes, like a herd of elephants,” she stated. “Keep it down and clean up this mess.” Yugi agreed, and Pharaoh nodded. She gave them one last look and left, closing the door behind her.

“You know, I’m glad she hasn’t asked for my name,” Pharaoh said.

Yugi gave a strangled noise and shot him a scowl, but his lips were twitching upward. The pharaoh merely shrugged. He didn’t mind dark humour at his own expense. The pair surveyed the mess.

“Good to know your sides are a weak spot,” Yugi said with a grin. “Now, where’s my sock and shoe?”

Pharaoh fixed his clothes. Learning that his sides were ticklish was a revelation, and he knew Yugi had delighted in his unrestrained laughter before the tables had been turned. “I’m afraid your room has eaten them.”

“My room is not the dryer. Help me find them.”

The former spirit had to shake his head at that. The dryer had somehow managed to eat several of Yugi’s socks over the time he had been around, thoroughly messing up the memory game Yugi liked to play with them. Clothes were picked up, the pillow was recovered, the futon was fixed, and the search began.

“Found your shoe,” Pharaoh announced several minutes later. His voice was muffled as his entire upper body was under the bed. He wriggled backward and stood up, pulling his clothing back down where it had ridden up his thighs.

Yugi was frowning as he crawled out from under his desk. “Where is that sock?” he muttered. “I refuse to lose another one.”

“I didn’t see it near your shoe.”

“You’re the one that took it and threw it somewhere,” Yugi said. “Where did you throw it?”

The mad half scramble, half dance that had ensued in his quest to tickle Yugi’s feet had taken all of his attention. Well, most of it. He had great spacial awareness and when he had torn off the sock Yugi had been heading toward the bedroom door. Therefore, the sock had to be in the direction of the window. Pharaoh hummed and walked over to the window. He reached up and patted around the sill. Something soft hit his questing fingers and he grabbed it. He spun around and held out both of his prizes.

“Yes! Thank you!” Yugi cheered, taking his possessions. “Any chance you could get the missing ones from the dryer?” His tone was playful.

Pharaoh grinned, though he arranged his expression to be solemn. “When it comes to socks, the dryer is a foe no one can defeat. You must allow yourself to mourn your loss,” he said sadly.

Yugi doubled over with laughter. “Oh my god!” he wheezed out.

Such humour was not something he indulged in often, if at all, but he was having a lot of fun. Making Yugi so happy gave him a sense of accomplishment that only winning a good game had managed to do before. Having his own body should not affect his personality. Had Shadi done something after all? Yugi straightened up and he made sure to paste a smile on his face.

“Hey, is there anything you want for dinner?” Yugi suddenly asked.

“I’m not going to take over just to eat a meal,” he replied, mostly on autopilot. He got a pointed stare. Several seconds passed in utter silence. Yugi waved at his middle, and he looked down.

Oh. Right. He had his own body that needed food. He groaned, smacking a hand into his face.

“It’s okay, it hasn’t even been a day yet,” Yugi said consolingly.

“You’d think it would be obvious,” he said flatly.

“It isn’t?” There was genuine confusion in his voice.

Pharaoh was now very aware of vaguely sore muscles, his lungs and ribs in constant motion, the beating of his heart, and the pull of gravity. “It wasn’t until I just stopped to think about it.”

All of these sensations were not new. Every time he possessed Yugi, all of the body’s functions hit him. He was used to it. But he was also aware that those things belonged to the body’s true owner, he was merely a guest that borrowed them. Now though? Now they were his and only his. That simple distinction made it all feel different somehow.

“Okay, but you never gave me an answer,” Yugi prompted.

Food was never a priority for him. The pharaoh didn’t need food, and most of the time he was not in charge of Yugi’s body long enough to need a meal. Yugi loved burgers, but Pharaoh had no preference. He lacked a lot of culinary experience. He shrugged and tried to relay this to his partner.

Yugi hummed, tilting his head from side to side. “We’ll just have to experiment. Did you even taste the sandwiches you inhaled earlier?”

“Not really,” he admitted.

“Please don’t inhale dinner.”

“I’ll do my best.”

“Want to play a game in the meantime?”

Pharaoh raised a brow and smirked.

“Not again!” Yugi said loudly. He moved his token down the length of the snake, ending up two rows back from where he’d been.

Pharaoh was now four rows ahead. “Snakes are clearly not a creature that favour you,” he said with a chuckle.

Snakes and Ladders was an old classic, but it was very fun. Especially when the players became invested. Both of them were definitely invested. They were much quieter at least and hadn’t managed to attract Mrs Muto’s ire again.

“I know snakes are a symbol of power or something in ancient Egypt. They’re biased in your favour!” Yugi exclaimed, pointing dramatically at the ancient Egyptian.

“Lies and slander!” the pharaoh replied like a poor actor overdramatising a line. Both boys stared at each other and laughed.

“I’ll catch up,” Yugi stated firmly. “You just wait.”

“My turn first,” Pharaoh said. He rolled the large die and moved his token three spaces forward. The head of a snake was on the next space, ready to plummet the unfortunate down six rows.

“Bias,” muttered the youngest Muto. He took the die and –

“Dinner!” Mrs Muto called.

They exchanged a look and silently promised to get back to the game after dinner. Yugi placed the die down and the pharaoh followed him out of the room and down the stairs into the kitchen. A delicious smell filled the kitchen, and his mouth started to water. He eagerly sat next to Yugi, across from Grandpa, and kept his gaze on the food that Mrs Muto was serving. He missed the amused expression that the two male family members were sharing.

Dishes began to cover the table. Rice, fish, vegetables, sauce, and even a pot of tea. He mimicked Yugi and soon had a very tempting meal just waiting to be devoured. They gave thanks for the meal and dug in.

“Excuse me, dear, but I don’t know your name. Are you a new friend of Yugi’s?” Mrs Muto asked.

Ah, there it was, the dreaded question. A bit of rice got caught in his throat and he coughed and spluttered, unable to answer.

Yugi patted the pharaoh’s back. “No, we’ve known each other for as long as I’ve known Honda and Jonouchi. His name is… Uh…”

“Bennu,” Grandpa interrupted. “His name is Bennu.”

“Lovely to meet you, Bennu. Though I do wish it had been under better circumstances,” she said, giving him a nod and a friendly smile.

“Likewise,” Pharaoh said after catching his breath.

“Bennu?” Yugi murmured, just loudly enough for Pharaoh to hear.

The newly dubbed Bennu took a bite of food as his mind raced. Grandpa had stepped in and given a name the moment Yugi faltered. He was grateful for the save, but why had Grandpa stepped in at all? And what did Bennu even mean?

“How are you feeling?”

This question, at least, was much easier to answer. “I feel much better, thank you.”

“That’s good to hear,” she said. “If you don’t mind me asking, where are your parents?”

Either in a tomb or in a museum would be his guess. Not exactly an answer he could give her. “In Egypt,” he said casually. He had no idea if they were still there, but it was essentially true. That was definitely where they were when he was alive millennia ago if nothing else.

Mrs Muto’s eyes narrowed. “You’re here in Japan by yourself?”

“My parents may not be here, but my friends certainly are,” he replied.

She was now frowning. “Do you have a place to stay?”

Yugi shifted beside him. Honesty was the best policy, but it was not something he figured the woman would accept. What ordinary person would? He would have to lie. The best lies were those based on truth, he knew, so he had to weave his tale carefully. “I did have a place sorted, but something came up unexpectedly and I can no longer access it.”

Yugi agreed with the declaration and her frown turned to pity. “Is it related to your lost papers?”

He nodded, his expression sad as he rounded his shoulders and curled in on himself. “Yes, unfortunately.”

“I’m sorry that you’re having such troubles. You are welcome here while you sort things out,” she said gently.

“Thank you. I’m very grateful,” he said earnestly.

With that out of the way, Bennu could pour all of his focus onto the food. The temperatures, textures, and flavours hit him like a truck, each mouthful almost overwhelming his senses. He kept his word and actually ate somewhat slowly, savouring the experience. He could feel Yugi’s gaze on him frequently, watching him closely, probably ready to intervene if needed. Dinner ended without incident, and the boys went back upstairs to continue their game.

“So, what was your favourite thing from dinner?” Yugi asked as they sat down.

Pharaoh hummed. “The fish,” he said.

“That’s a good start. Now, it’s time for my comeback.” Yugi rolled the die and moved forward five spaces.

“I wonder what Bennu means,” the pharaoh said. He rolled and moved forward two spaces, once again avoiding the snake by a hair.

Yugi huffed at the near miss and rolled, grinning brightly as his three moves led him up a ladder that spanned three rows. He was now only one row behind. “I have no idea. We’ll have to ask Grandpa when my mum can’t hear us.”

“I was grateful for the save.” He moved forward one space, frowning lightly as his opponent closed the gap by four more spaces.

“Me too. We really should have planned that beforehand,” Yugi said with a sigh.

“Hindsight is always twenty-twenty, is it not?”

The high school student groaned. He then threw his hands up in the air and fell back on the floor as the pharaoh claimed victory. He gave the pharaoh a thumb’s up after a few seconds. “Another round or should we try something else?”

Bennu raised an eyebrow that Yugi didn’t see. “Don’t you have some homework due tomorrow?”

“...crap.”

“If you finish it quickly we can manage another game.”

“Why does that feel like an ultimatum?”

The pharaoh snorted. “Because it is.”

“It’s blackmail!”

“Is it working?”

Yugi groaned, a long, low, drawn-out and dramatic sound. “Ugh…fine.” He got off the floor, plucked his homework out of his bag, and sat at his desk, the dreaded papers innocently laying before him. “Math is fine, but algebra is evil,” he grumbled.

Pharaoh stood beside him and peeked at the work. “I never understood the need for letters in a field that should belong to numbers.”

“Me either. It’s not like I’m going to use algebra after I graduate,” Yugi said. He began to slowly work through the problems, scribbling out his workings on a separate sheet of paper. “I wonder if you ever had homework,” he pondered after a minute.

“If I did, I seriously doubt algebra was involved,” Bennu replied.

“I don’t suppose you can help me with this?” Yugi almost begged.

The pharaoh shook his head. “I don’t tend to pay attention to any of your lessons unless they interest me.”

Yugi’s head thunked into the desk. “Okay, that’s fair. What subjects interest you then?”

“I’ll give you one answer for every problem you solve.”

Yugi raised his head, a faint red mark marring his forehead. He narrowed his eyes. “I see what you’re doing. Fine, I’ll play!” Some scribbling ensued and a problem was completed. Yugi looked at him expectantly.

Bennu smiled. “I enjoy your history lessons the most. Learning about the world between my time and yours is very interesting. I also like science, music, and art.”

“Music and art? I had no idea. Why those?” Yugi asked, clearly bewildered. The page in front of him was tapped with a finger and he finished the next problem quickly.

The pharaoh shrugged and tilted his head. “I don’t have any particular reason; I just feel drawn to them. Art catches my eye and music catches my ear.”

“Well, art was a huge deal in ancient Egypt,” Yugi said. “Not sure about music though. So, since you pay attention to those lessons, would you help me with any homework for them?” He solved another problem.

“It’s still your homework,” Pharaoh stated. “But I suppose I can offer my aid.”

Yugi grinned brightly and solved another one. “What kinds of music do you like?”

Bennu hummed, leaning his hip against the desk. “Orchestral music. Some traditional folk music. I’m not a big fan of rock, metal, rap, or techno.”

“Oh? I wonder if that’s a subconscious thing since you would’ve been used to traditional instruments and stuff,” Yugi contemplated. “People playing just for you while mostly naked dancers performed, that sort of thing.”

The pharaoh smirked. “Stop thinking about it.”

Yugi’s face lit up red. “I’m not!”

“You’re a terrible liar, partner.”

“Shut up!” Yugi pleaded. He hunched down to hide his blush and began to work on his remaining problems as if they held the answers to the universe.

Bennu laughed, patted Yugi’s shoulder, and left him to it. He sat down cross-legged on the futon and absently ran his fingers over the material, intrigued by the texture. The carpet was coarse in comparison, though his own clothing was softer than the futon. He poked at his skin. It was softer and smoother than he thought, including the fine hair on his forearms. The former spirit took a lock of his blond fringe between his fingers and teased the strands apart. His hair was the softest thing he had encountered today.

Yugi slowly uncurled and sat up straighter, like a turtle coming out of its shell. A couple of minutes later he put down his pencil and slumped, his head lolling over the back of the chair. “Done!” he exclaimed. “What game should we play?”

The door opened. “None,” said Mrs Muto. “Both of you need to wash up and go to bed. Do you have any other clothes, Bennu? Pyjamas?”

Pharaoh blinked then shook his head. “Unfortunately, no,” he answered. Did the people of ancient Egypt even have sleepwear?

“He can borrow mine,” Yugi chimed in.

“Very well.” She nodded. “Grab him an extra towel too.” She walked away, leaving the door open.

“I guess we’re playing Pick Pyjamas,” Yugi said. He half climbed, half rolled off his chair and went over to the wardrobe. He threw the doors open, and his hands disappeared inside.

Something was thrown in Bennu’s direction, and he snatched it up. Something else quickly followed, which he also caught. It was his partner’s set of plain, light blue pyjamas. Another set, almost the exact same colour but adorned with little yellow stars, was thrown onto Yugi’s bed.

Yugi froze. “Uh… Are you… I mean…”

The pharaoh raised an eyebrow. “Whatever you want to ask, just ask.”

“Areyouwearingunderwear?” he blurted out quickly.

Pharaoh shifted. “...yes.”

A groan came from the wardrobe and then something else was thrown at him. A pair of underwear. He chuckled. “We have been in many dangerous positions, and saved the world before, and this is what flusters you?” he inquired.

“This is different!” Yugi protested.

“Yes,” he agreed. “We are both perfectly safe.”

“You know what I mean! Do you want to go first?”

He shook his head. “No, you go first. You’re the one that needs to be ready for tomorrow the most.”

Yugi stepped back, shut the wardrobe, and made a face at the reminder of school tomorrow. “Alright then. I won’t be long.” He swiftly ducked out of the room.

The former spirit was left alone for the first time all day. Usually, he would wander the labyrinth of his soul, trying to glean any answers to his past and identity despite how often he had trod the same ground. He could still feel his connection to the corridor that separated his soul room from his partner’s, but he couldn’t access that space. It was as if it was locked behind an invisible shield, impenetrable to all of his efforts. He sighed.

What was he meant to do now? Shadi said this was the next step to his destiny, but what did he need his own body for? All the steps he had taken before had guidelines. He knew what the end goal was and how to get there. This time there was nothing. He was adrift at sea with no boat and no land in sight.

How could he move forward?

Chapter Text

This place was not as familiar. He wasn’t in the bathroom much. He didn’t need the facilities, and he had no desire to intrude on his partner’s privacy. The pharaoh looked around, inspecting the space. A cupboard was over the sink, with mirrors for the door panels, that contained various medications, toothpaste, and a small first aid kit. He did a double take as he caught his reflection, not used to the darker skin and different eyes. It wasn’t Yugi. 

The air was damp from Yugi’s shower, and it felt mildly stifling. He toed off his shoes, nudged them aside with a foot, and took off the simple belt around his waist, setting it on his shoes. The tunic was lifted over his head with a bit of wiggling. His underwear was little more than a piece of linen folded and twisted. Pharaoh added it to the pile and quirked a brow. He had no idea if he could recreate it after it was washed.

He stepped up to the shower and stared at the taps. One was for hot water and the other for cold, but they weren’t labelled in any way, and he had no idea which was which. He turned one. Cool water rained down, and he left his hand under the spray. It swiftly heated up, and he yanked his hand back, shaking it out to disperse the heat. He turned the other one, waiting for several moments before cautiously sticking his hand in the water again. Once he was satisfied, he stepped into the shower.

Pharaoh gasped and flinched; his skin tingling and his brain being flooded with sensory input. He stood there, frozen, as the water hit him, gliding down his skin in rivulets. After a dozen or so heartbeats, he moved, standing properly under the deluge. It was…nice. Very nice. His brain kicked into gear, and he looked around for soap or body wash. Should he wash his hair?

He hadn’t even been in this body for a whole day yet. Surely his hair wasn’t dirty enough to wash. He went through the motions with strict efficiency, trying not to waste time or water.

How had he managed three thousand years ago? Ancient Egypt did not have indoor plumbing. There were no taps, no shower heads. He wasn’t sure about baths. He did know that nobles and royalty had servants that performed various tasks. The pharaoh watched the water hit his hand and tried to imagine being surrounded by servants while he was naked. The servants might have been naked too. He frowned.

Bennu liked doing things by himself. Well, with Yugi. But that might be modern views affecting his behaviour. He may have had completely different views back then, in line with the era and societal opinions.

Ancient Egypt was so incredibly different from modern Japan in almost every way. When or if he did get his memories back, how would that affect him? The pharaoh knew he was capable of dark and violent behaviour. What if he became a haughty, entitled, spoiled tyrant that treated his friends like mere peasants or servants?

He shuddered and turned the shower off. Dartz had told him that the Atlantean had been in Egypt during his rule. He called the pharaoh a harsh and evil king. Yugi had vehemently protested this, and their duel in that valley had proven that he could defeat the darkness within.

But that was how he felt and behaved now. There was no way for him and his friends to know what he was like when he truly was the pharaoh, seated upon a throne and ruling a kingdom. After all, he had gotten off to a rocky start when Yugi had first completed the Puzzle and released him. Was that vengeful judge and lover of Shadow Games his real nature?

There was a towel, folded on top of the bench with the sink, waiting for him when he stepped out. It was soft from many washes, and he eagerly wrapped it around himself, relishing the feeling and texture. Did normal, living people enjoy this? Or did they take it for granted? After all, it was such a mundane, everyday task.

He changed into his borrowed pyjamas, refolded the towel and placed it back on the bench. Yugi’s door was still open, so he walked straight in, his partner smiling at him while sitting on the bed.

“Seeing you in pyjamas is strange,” Yugi commented. “Even when both of us went to the Dominion of the Beasts, I was in my pyjamas while you were wearing a copy of my school clothes.”

Pharaoh looked down at himself and plucked at his shirt. They were very different to the school clothes he usually ended up wearing. They were softer and comfier. Why were day clothes not as comfortable, not counting that black tank top Yugi was fond of? He would wear these during the day. Well, around the house at least. No one would likely take him seriously if he did wear them outside. It might affect Yugi’s reputation too, even if his new eye, skin, and hair style and colour differentiated the two.

“Wearing pyjamas feels strange,” he said.

“I’ve never asked, but did you ever sleep in the Puzzle?”

He shrugged and sat on the bed, knees almost touching his partner’s. “I could. I did. Not every night, but sometimes I did feel tired. Other times it had been a long day, or I simply didn’t want to wander or sit around anymore.”

Yugi frowned lightly and looked at the futon. “I hope you can sleep tonight. Please don’t wander around the house if you can’t, you’ll spook Mum and Grandpa.”

“I promise not to haunt your house tonight,” the pharaoh said solemnly. Then he grinned as Yugi rolled his eyes. 

Time ticked on and the conversation wound down as yawns replaced words. The former spirit almost fell off Yugi’s bed and crawled gracelessly into the futon. Yugi got up, turned out the light, and tripped over Bennu’s covered foot on the way back. Bennu chuckled, earning himself a light swat that he barely felt through his covers.

He could hear Yugi breathing. There had been numerous times when the pharaoh sat on, or near, Yugi’s bed while its occupant slept. Listening to Yugi breathe brought some measure of peace. Yugi was right there, alive and well, despite all of the dangers that seemed to plague them. It was comforting now, although his own breaths could also be heard. If Yugi’s sleep was not peaceful, the spirit couldn’t do much. Touch was possible between them, but it was heavily muted. It felt like a slight pressure and lacked any warmth.

But now? If nightmares invaded his partner’s sleep, Pharaoh could reach out, shake Yugi awake, or try to soothe him with more than words alone. He had stood vigil many nights. The urge to watch over Yugi was just as strong as ever, but his eyelids kept drooping, the pull of sleep stronger than he could ever remember. This was his first night in this new body. Who knew what would happen? Perhaps he would awake in the morning as a spirit once more. Perhaps his body might move on its own once his mind fell into slumber. He could end up a puppet of Shadi, like Jonouchi, Honda, and Anzu had before.

His mind grew too sluggish to continue his thoughts, and everything fell into total darkness as his eyes closed. He would face whatever awaited him in the morning. 

An annoying ringing buzz, like a hive of robotic bees, drew him from the heavy depths his consciousness had sunk to. He was so warm, so comfortable, and they dared to disturb him. The Dark Magician should be able to silence them easily. He was about to summon the loyal spell caster when there was a groan, a few light thuds, then a smack that cut off the noise immediately.

Oh. It was Yugi’s alarm clock.

Yugi groaned again, crawled to the edge of his bed, and stood up, stumbling right into the body on the floor. “Wha-!”

“Ow!”

Both boys flailed as Yugi fell on the pharaoh, and various words and noises were emitted as they got themselves untangled. Pharaoh groaned, rubbing the spots that Yugi had landed on, sitting up and curling over.

“Sorry, sorry!” Yugi babbled a stream of apologies as he got to his feet. “Are you okay?”

“That might bruise,” Bennu said lightly. “I’m looking forward to it.”

“What?!”

“I wonder what colours will appear.”

Yugi let his face fall into his hands. “Bruises are bad. Please tell me you’re not going to do anything stupid.”

Pharaoh levelled a look that Yugi saw through his fingers. “I’m not going to do anything stupid.”

Yugi blew out a gusty breath. “Right, I’m sorry.”

“Stop apologising, it’s fine.”

“Sorry.”

Bennu snorted. “I will go for your kneecaps,” he stated flatly.

There was a knock on the door. “Yugi, are you and your friend up yet?” came Mrs Muto’s voice.

“Yeah!”

“Come down and get breakfast when you’re both dressed.”

“Yeah, we will!”

The pharaoh stood up and leaned against the desk, keeping out of Yugi’s way as the boy raided his wardrobe and got ready for school. Pants and a t-shirt were thrown onto the desk, clearly intended for him. He rubbed the sleeve of the pyjamas and mentally sighed at the loss of the comfortable clothing. Both teenagers got changed, heedless of the other. With all they had been through, modesty was not exactly a priority between them.

Still, it was strange to be changing clothes as Yugi was, instead of ending up in his school uniform or a copy of whatever Yugi was wearing at the time.

An object was thrown, and he flashed out a hand to catch it before it beaned him in the head. It was Yugi’s hairbrush. Pharaoh snorted softly and attacked his own hair with it. A few knots made him wince, but the brush glided through his hair smoothly a minute later. Yugi led the way downstairs and both boys took a seat at the table, next to each other and across from Grandpa. Mrs Muto served toast and several spreads for breakfast, and both thanked her before digging in.

“Bennu, do you have a plan for today? Any place you need to go and errands you need to get done? Are you enrolled in a local school?” she asked. The questions came one after another, leaving no room for him to reply until she was done.

“I’m not enrolled,” he said, answering the easiest question.

Grandpa sat up straighter. “He’s going to walk with Yugi to school, then come back and help me in the shop.”

He was? Game face on. “Yes, that’s the plan for today,” he said smoothly.

Mrs Muto raised an eyebrow. “Shouldn’t you work on replacing your papers and ID?”

“The lad can’t do that by himself. He’s a minor. Getting hold of his parents is proving extremely difficult though,” Grandpa said casually. “He agreed to help me in return for the food and board.”

Yugi looked impressed with the quick thinking, but Bennu forced his expression into something sad and embarrassed, nodding along dutifully. Putting on an act was oddly easy, even on such short notice. 

Mrs Muto softened immediately. “Of course, I should have known. Don’t let him take advantage of your help though, alright?”

He nodded again, ignoring Grandpa’s snort and eye roll. He ate at a regular pace and breakfast was finished in peace. A couple of different jams were smeared on his toast, and he liked all of it. A pair of Yugi’s shoes were handed to him and the two set off for school. The pharaoh was pleased to be accompanying his partner, even though Yugi had been worried about it last night. Yugi couldn’t protest it now; Grandpa had spoken. 

It was a mostly clear day, the sky decorated with some clouds scattered about. Pharaoh paused outside, the warmth and light of the sun on his skin, soaking up every sensation. Yugi looked back, having inadvertently walked ahead, and he quickly caught up. The former spirit had plenty of time to enjoy the weather during the walk after all. He did not want to be the reason why Yugi arrived late.

Anzu, Jonouchi, and Honda were heading toward them. Yugi grinned and waved, catching their attention. They met a few seconds later and Jonouchi froze, eyes flicking between the two short boys. Honda stared at them, tilting his head, while Anzu looked like she was trying to figure out a mathematical problem.

“Told you so,” Honda said, smirking at the blond.

“Huh. Well, whaddya know. He is just as tiny as Yugi,” Jonouchi said. He grinned as Yugi pouted a bit and the pharaoh smirked back, raising one brow delicately. He poked Anzu’s arm.

She shook her head. “He always just sounded taller.”

“How the heck can someone sound taller?” Jonouchi asked. He wasn’t the only one that looked confused.

While Anzu was saying that she had no idea, Yugi leaned over and whispered, “Teach me your ways!”

Pharaoh snorted and did his best to stifle his laughter. He straightened up and placed his hands behind his back, projecting a regal air as he winked. He stumbled half a step to the side as Yugi leaned against his upper arm, giggling under his breath. They scrambled to get control of themselves and earned odd looks from their friends.

“We should start walking or we’ll be late,” said Anzu. Her words got them all moving.

“So, Pharaoh, are you joining us at school?” asked Honda.

“No, I’m only accompanying you there. Grandpa said I’m helping him in the store when I get back,” he replied.

Yugi nodded.  “Yeah, and Grandpa named him Bennu.” He frowned lightly. “We still need to ask him about that.”

Now it was Bennu’s turn to nod. “I intend to do just that when I get back.”

“You’re lucky, you get to skip class. Can I join you?” Jonouchi asked, tone hopeful.

Honda grabbed Jonouchi around the neck and shoulders with a firm arm. “Nice try, pal, but you actually are enrolled, and you can’t afford to miss any classes.”

After a moment to sort themselves out, the teens set off. The pharaoh knew the way there as well as the others, but it was now…different. Yesterday he had been far too addled and tired to truly appreciate the walk. Especially as he had not actually done any of the walking. Bennu glanced down at his feet, feeling and seeing every single step, marvelling at the complexity that went into such a simple action.

The weather was fine, the crowds were light, and the familiar chatter of friends was a treasure he was beginning to value in a whole new way. His friends kept peeking and glancing at him, and he found himself oddly exposed and shy, even as Yugi smiled brightly.

“This is so weird,” Jonouchi said.

Honda snorted at that. “We practically live in the weirdness. You draw the line with this?”

Jonouchi rolled his eyes. “Yeah, yeah, we’ve been through a whole lot of crazy and weird things. But someone gaining a body out of nowhere is still weird, even for us.”

“That is a good point,” Pharaoh mused aloud. “Usually wanting a body is a villain’s goal that involves some sort of battle and ritual. Whatever Shadi did to me, it certainly didn’t look or feel like a battle or ritual. I hope no gods have been offended.”

Yugi looked at him, concern obvious in his amethyst eyes. He was likely remembering the whole thing of Shadi intruding upon the corridor that joined their soul rooms. It had been incredibly painful and somewhat scary for the pharaoh but seeing him like that and being unable to help had to be a horrible experience and memory for Yugi. He smiled gently, getting one in return, though the concern did not completely vanish.

Jonouchi started looking around, scanning the buildings, the people, the sky, and even spun to walk backwards for a dozen steps.

“What are you doing?” Anzu asked. She sounded a little resigned, and the day was still young.

Jonouchi began walking forward again. “Keeping an eye out for bad guys, crazy weather, giant monsters, some sort of magic phenomenon. You know, the kind of stuff we usually deal with.”

Honda opened his mouth and raised a finger. No words came out, and he shut his mouth with a tiny click of teeth. He tried again. “I wish I could refute that. I wish I could say you’re just being paranoid. I hate that I can’t.”

The words were like a splash of freezing water, sending chills down Bennu’s spine and his breath hitched as his lungs froze for a second. The only reason they were looking around for crazy and magical threats was because the pharaoh had brought countless trouble upon them the very moment the Puzzle had been finished the first time. Pegasus turned his attention to Yugi because Pharaoh had influenced him to take on Kaiba. Pharaoh had imposed a magical penalty on Kaiba, which led to Mokuba being kidnapped, as well as Grandpa’s soul. Things had only spiralled from there.

The pharaoh had handed down many judgements to various people since Yugi set him free. Rafael had judged him and the pharaoh had been found wanting, even if he had beaten the darkness within after. Who was there to judge the judge? To hold him accountable?

Without his presence, Yugi and his friends would have been spared from all the risks, trials, threats, and moments where they could have easily been injured, suffered a magical penalty, or have their lives on the line. Jonouchi had even stopped breathing after his dark duel with the crazy secondary personality of Marik!

Yugi and his friends put up with so much because of him. He could never pay back all of that trust, that faith, and that loyalty. He was merely a spirit. Sure, he had a body now, but it would probably only bring more negative things into their lives. Bennu kept his expression open, though his shoulders slumped a bit as he walked. He looked just like Yugi, only without the school bag to weigh him down. Was there even a way to fix things? The past was the past, and nothing could change that. The dead, amnesiac pharaoh was more aware of that than anyone.

The sun’s warmth on his skin was so at odds with the dark and cold his new body was holding within. Still, he was here, for better or worse. He would do all within his power to keep his beloved friends safe, especially Yugi. The pharaoh’s resolve flooded through him, chasing the chill from his insides.

While he was here, he would do his utmost to keep them safe.

The school came into view and many of the students around were staring at their group. Whispering and speculation surrounded them all the way to the gates. Pharaoh let it wash over him, though Yugi shrunk in on himself a little. He would probably be approached and asked about the lookalike throughout the day. Despite his fame the poor boy didn’t particularly enjoy being in the limelight.

“It would be an interesting day if you joined us in class,” Anzu said. Her eyes kept glancing around, catching bits and pieces of conversations between other students.

“I will settle for hearing all about it later. I have a job to go to,” said Bennu.

“You sound like an adult,” Honda said with a chuckle.

Bennu raised an eyebrow. “I am several thousand years old.”

“And technically born yesterday!” Jonouchi announced, patting him on the shoulder. “You’re both tiny, but… Bennu, was it? You’re, like, an actual baby.”

Yugi, Jonouchi, and Honda all snorted and laughed while Anzu rolled her eyes and put her hands on her hips.

The pharaoh straightened once more. “I’m advanced for my age,” he stated. That set them off again, even Anzu hiding some giggles behind a hand. “If you children are done, I have to go and be a responsible adult.”

“Aww, man, I wish you could stay with us,” Jonouchi said with a vaguely whiny tone.

“You can always come back to my place after school,” Yugi offered, shrugging.

“Good idea,” said Anzu. “We need to move though or we’ll be late.”

Yugi immediately turned his concerned gaze to the pharaoh. “Be careful on the way home, okay?”

Bennu nodded, serious. “I will.” He smiled. “Have fun at school,” he sing-songed. While they were spluttering, he started walking away, giving them a cheeky wave before Anzu dragged them inside the school yard.

Now he was alone, properly alone, for the first time in ages. No friends beside him, no brush of soul against his own. There were people and vehicles all around, noisy and busy, but he was a tiny island amongst the turbulent waves of the ocean. He was a misfit, a soul that didn’t belong in this time or place. The pharaoh should have been surrounded by painted stone structures, a desert of sand cradling his home. The glare from shiny metal and glass buildings only helped to reinforce the feeling.

The walk seemed longer, and was much lonelier, but he made his way back safe and sound. The bell above the door jingled merrily as he entered the game shop. The atmosphere was much cosier in here and Grandpa greeted him eagerly. Grandpa waved him over to the counter.

Pharaoh swallowed a bit nervously. “May I ask what Bennu means?”

Grandpa blinked and smiled. “Of course, lad. Let me explain.”