Transcending Memories: A Bond Unsealed-Chapter 4a

A Yu-Gi-Oh Fan-fiction
--------------------------------------

Author’s Note (October 2010): As of this writing, I have only managed to update chapters 1 though 4 of this story, and even in comparison to Chapter 3, I found that Chapter 4 was changed rather drastically; so much so that certain events did not occur at all! This was done for several reasons. Firstly, I simply wanted to have more interaction between Teana and Yami during the early stages of their relationship; before things became complex, and potentially problematic. Having re-read my own work, I noticed that this had begun to occur as early as the original version of chapter 5; and without solid reasoning...  So instead, I wanted to see more of the playfulness and innocence in their beginning, which hopefully served to give it a bit more depth and meaning as well. Additionally, I also hoped that the new scenes would level the pacing of their first days together, taking into consideration that I had once received constructive criticism in regards to this point; that perhaps things between them happened just a little too quickly in the original version…..

And lastly, I found that a certain event that I introduced near the latter part of this chapter could prove to be useful in terms of later developments; ones that were certainly not present in the original version of this story! In particular, I wanted to do this in order to expand upon Yami aka Atem's character in the past, while also foreshadowing many future events! Given how little we knew of the REAL Yami or Atem, I realized that this would be a rather ambitious endeavor! And yet, it is something that I had always wanted to see, what he may have been like in his true life time, and what challenges he may have faced on the road to becoming Pharaoh! Whether or not I am capable of telling his story remains to be seen, but I'll certainly do my best!

Author’s Note (June 2003): Another close friend of mine had asked me about the timetable in which these flashbacks are occurring, in relation to the real events of Yami’s life as Pharaoh, as seen within the manga. If I were to make an estimate, at this point, I would say that these incidents took place roughly a year prior to the events of the Egypt arc; rather those of the actual past, when they originally transpired in Ancient Egypt. From what I gather from the manga, I do not believe that Yami had been the Pharaoh for an extended period of time. According to the various books that I have read about this era, a pharaoh’s tomb did not begin construction until he was officially seated upon the throne as the new king. Undoubtedly, it was one of the first subject matters that the Ancient Egyptians addressed, due to the importance of their beliefs, customs, and religion. In the true Yu-Gi-Oh storyline, given that Simon had mentioned only having the general plans of Yami’s tomb completed, and that they were only tentatively scheduled to begin the process of its construction, this leads me to believe that Yami is a newly crowned pharaoh; or in other words that he was still a prince, as he is in my story, only a short time before.

*****************************************

Chapter 4a


    Yami felt as if he were only semi-conscious; his mind slowly absorbing, sifting through the incoming collective data like a modern age processor. Even the incident itself, like an out of body experience, was difficult for Yami to grasp coherently. He had a vague awareness of being both feverish and disoriented, a sense that he was disconnected, detached from everything; particularly from any tangible sensation. For this, Yami felt most grateful; having been given a merciful reprieve from the pain of his wounds, albeit temporarily. Drowsily, he then caught a glimpse of the blurred form and features of Teana, who had remained by his side, mouthing something that he was regrettably unable to hear... Before he could focus upon her face or his surroundings, Yami could feel himself being led to yet another time and place. A new memory...

                    “Thank you so much, kind sir. I appreciate your business.”  Teana smiled.

    Reaching behind from where she sat, she carefully chose one of her many hand made pottery works to give to the fair-haired young man who had stopped to approach her that afternoon. In turn, this was bartered for a small bowl of fresh vegetables, which she then happily accepted.

     It was humid, yet still moderately pleasing in terms of climate conditions in the market place that day. Patiently, Teana sat behind a simple wooden table hoping to exchange an assortment of goods that she had worked to produce, for either food or any number of items that would be of use, with a passing villager or merchant. Well, one that would make the effort to look her way at least... Many other locals were also situated in this manner; naturally with like intentions. Their own stands, however, were considerably more decorative or bountiful, with their protective canopies, the use of containers, or intricately woven baskets of various shapes and sizes, or even the use of fine linen sheets to place underneath their tradeable goods. In addition, many of the others also had a much larger selection of items for barter.

    Aside from pottery or various foods, tools such as bronze plow blades were being offered for what was perceived as an equitable exchange. Some of the larger, more successful merchants were presenting their selection of beaded necklaces and bracelets, bushels or bags of grain, clothing of varying quality, and those who were most plentiful even offered farm animals or acres of land for their asking prices. Even in terms of homemade items alone, Teana could see that the others did indeed have much more to offer than what she herself had brought to the market. She reasoned that this was likely due to the support and contributions of friends and family, who undoubtedly shared the responsibility of the heavy workload. Whether it was the number of items, or even one of the many decoratively enhancing elements put in place, these additions appeared to contribute in drawing attention to those that wandered the area, much to Teana’s dismay… Nevertheless, she simply had no choice but to make due with what was already in her possession; much less what she could manage to accomplish or arrange on her own...

     Her eyes wandering, Teana couldn’t help but notice that while the other villagers were seated closely, in an effort to utilize as much of the area as possible, they also sat far enough away from her to avoid any interaction; particularly that of friendly communication, to aid the passage of time, or the cooperative assistance between neighboring vendors. Aside from this relatively subtle display of exclusion, more often than not, Teana would be forced to endure the malicious whispers as well; talk of the infamous and her apparently inescapable past, the ranging and at times even ridiculous exaggerations about her family origins...

     And yet, there were also a considerable number of those who remembered true events; ones who had witnessed the very “misdeeds” that would forever mark her as an outsider, quite possibly throughout the entire land even. Some could argue, convincingly, that fact was far worse than any fictitious rumor conceived by the fearful or the superstitious. Perhaps such things were already in motion long before the events of ten years prior; instances that had occurred before her birth, or before her father-

     As if on cue, a few of the town’s folk had scurried by her. Civility be damned, they eyed her with unmistakable and purposeful revulsion. Normally, this utter lack of propriety would either upset or irritate her; so much so that she often questioned why she wasn’t accustomed to such treatment after so many years now. In this instance, however, she was almost grateful for the crude distraction; for it was at times far more painful to relive events in her own mind, particularly due to the distinct clarity of such haunting memories. More than anything or anyone else, this was especially true when she thought of her father...

     The only saving grace in her way of life was that a small percentage of the villagers did not remember what had transpired years ago. This was possibly due to their contrasting ages, or because some simply hadn’t seen the events for themselves. Certain individuals would at least question the outrageous rumors regarding her, while a select few would take pity on her for her perpetual solitude. Realistically speaking, Teana couldn’t help but wonder if the locals would approach her simply in an attempt to feel charitable; that it was for this reason alone that they had opted to offer an exchange, much less stopping to acknowledge her at all! On second thought...she had seen that brownish blond haired youth, the one who had left her booth previously, on more than one occasion at least... Whether or not this was, in fact, the case, as long as she could continue her efforts to support herself, she supposed that she should just accept these circumstances for what they were...


     Teana did like to believe that she was at least steadily enhancing her dubious reputation. The town’s folk did seem to genuinely enjoy her dancing capabilities, deeming her as a credible candidate in the occasional festivities; requests that were happily accepted, regardless of all else, due to her own aspirations! And though she was considered an absolute last resort as a caretaker for the neighboring children, at times, need or desperation alone would force one of the villagers to consider trusting her in this capacity.

     Much like the inquiries for her performances, however, Teana would often consent to tending to anyone’s child; and not simply to win favor or to accomplish her goals. In truth, Teana positively adored children, with their illuminating smiles and their vibrant, playful demeanors. They were perhaps the true innocents among all the individuals that she encountered, and quite possibly the only ones to show her genuine kindness and respect. Sometimes, when she did come to the market, or when she herself wandered throughout the streets, Teana would often delight in seeing the youngsters running about excitedly; making plans to play various games with their peers, or amusing themselves with their newly acquired toys and trinkets. Apparently, they would bring out the best in the adults as well. A common sight would be that of loving parents strolling hand in hand with their children, attempting to please them with promises of favored homemade meals, or when they showed pained compassion for a little one that would cry out with a scrapped knee, for instance.

     With a touch of sadness, Teana would bear witness to it all, either resulting in the longing for a family of her own, or instead cause her to reminisce about the days in which she too was a child. Regardless, it was due to such insight, or perhaps being so in tuned with her own sentiments of the past and present, that allowed her to understand and relate to the children so acutely; so much so that they would reciprocate fondness for her as well! Visibly disconcerting for most parents, this inconvenient attachment would often lead to their children adamantly insisting that Teana be chosen to watch or play with them! In order to avoid disappointment, or their child’s resentment, the adults would, at times, eventually, yet begrudgingly, indulge them. Perhaps in this sense, there was hope for her acceptance in the future; one in which she could cease her never-ending apprehension about a damaging word or exploit...

     With that notion, Teana flashed back to her embarrassing and outlandish reaction to that very topic; particularly in the presence of the one who was truly occupying her mind, even in the midst of all else! Resisting the urge to bang her head repeatedly against the table, which she thought would deservingly add the physical to her already lingering mental torture, Teana managed to stifle this impulse; opting to rest her head gloomily within her hands instead.


     Though she felt foolish for pondering it in such detail, she estimated that this very afternoon had marked precisely three days, since her unlikely and very literal run in with the young prince. When it had ended, her life had proceeded, to her disappointment, as monotonously as the days that had come previously. It was as if it had never happened, or perhaps it had simply been an incredibly convincing fantasy; one that she had concocted instead! If that was the case, how ironic that her impossible dream was now mocking her in this fashion, rather than being her usual pillar of strength and hope...

     But no.. . It just couldn’t have been her imagination! Musing over it fondly, the parts that didn’t involve radical outbursts or looking as if she had fallen out of a tree, Teana could still remember, so clearly, how Yami had smiled at her that day...  It was an expression that had, at times, seemed innocent and child-like, yet it had contrasted, equally, with his level of maturity and self-confidence.

     And the way he had spoken to her...those briefs moments of flattery and consideration; articulately worded with a voice that seemed to resonate with both power and intensity! Losing herself in her recollections, her heartbeat beginning to quicken at the mere thought of it all, she then looked down at the direction of the table before her; though in actuality, she stared at nothing but the blissful representations that danced endlessly within her mind. Feeling her cheeks reddening, a grin forming on her face as she continued her daydreaming, she was then startled abruptly; alerted by the sound of the intentional coughing of the one who stood over her.

                     “Oh! I’m so sorry!”  Teana began, looking up. “What can I-”

     Her eyes widening, she was taken aback by the sight of the hooded, yet very recognizable face that greeted her!

                     “Ya-!”

     Immediately taking into account where she was, and exactly who she was addressing, Teana had managed to cover her mouth with both hands; quickly muffling her exclamation before she had finished pronouncing his name.

                     “Yami, you came back...” She whispered happily.

    As she continued to gaze up at him, her elation was soon replaced with curious bewilderment; as she became aware of the strangely satisfied grin that he too was attempting to hide with his hand. Realization dawning, she then contemplated, apprehensively, what she had been doing before she had noticed him!

                     “Just...how long have you been standing there, anyway?” Teana asked awkwardly.

                     “Oh, for quite some time.”  Yami said, with a feigning seriousness. “I was beginning to wonder if I would be forced to leave you and the table alone to your intimate stares.” He then continued; his voice seemingly uneven with his barely contained amusement.

                     “What?!  No!  You’re wrong!  It wasn’t anything like-” Teana stuttered, fighting yet another wave of mortification!
    
                    “Is that so?”  Yami teased gently, as he interjected. “Then what, may I ask, were you doing then?  Or even more specifically, just what or rather who has succeeded in diverting your attention so thoroughly?”

                     “Well...  I mean...”  Teana nervously attempted again.

     Unable to provide him with an adequate explanation, she opted to partly give in to her earlier inclination instead! With a half joking, though, admittedly, a mostly serious whimpering noise, she dramatically buried her head within her arms upon the table; her forehead smacking loudly against her own limb in the process.

                     *I can not believe this... Can I be any more obvious?!*  Teana contemplated, utterly exasperated with herself.

     Allowing herself a deep breath within that enclosed space, as she very slowly and reluctantly prepared to emerge from her elusive “hiding place,” she then found herself ultimately pacified by the sudden and very gentle placing of a hand upon her head... Though the action had been unexpected, Teana, whose face remained concealed from Yami’s view, felt herself closing her eyes contentedly; momentarily savoring the lightness of his touch, before he withdrew it at last. Subsequently raising herself, peeking upward just high enough to meet Yami’s gaze again rather, she found herself calmed further still by the familiar expression that he wore; the warm, reassuring smile that he had shown her when the two had parted ways previously...  With a slight shrug of her shoulders, as her tenseness dissipated, Teana proceeded to straighten her sitting position, unwilling to hide anymore; either from sight, or in regards to what she was beginning to feel again...

                     “I’m happy to see you...”  Teana said simply and openly.

     Though Yami had said nothing in response, the nature of both his smile and facial features illustrated that he had seemed pleased by her remark; despite only the subtle difference from how he had appeared beforehand. However, this was, perhaps, most evident by the slight, yet still noticeable softness in eyes...

                     “But...  Um...  Is it all right for you to be out and about again so soon? Will they come after you again?”  Teana asked worriedly, glancing from left to right.

     Though she was genuinely concerned for Yami’s well being, even in spite of being overjoyed in seeing him again, she had also made her inquiry to avoid becoming flustered; this time because of that particular look of his. Being honest with herself again, she could now acknowledge that it was an expression that she was growing progressively infatuated with…..

                     “Hmm….” Yami trailed, turning to look out into the distance.

     To Teana’s dismay, his tenderness had vanished, without warning. Though she thought what she had said had been an innocent enough of a remark, a genuine graveness had washed over him as a result. This was amplified further still by the sudden scowl that had appeared on his face; as well as his deep, fretful, furrowed brow.

                     “Admittedly, I have yet to receive answers in regards to what truly occurred that day; or even a legitimate reason why.” Yami continued.

     Crossing his arms, he appeared lost in thought, seemingly troubled by the matter; as Teana winced inwardly, now regretting her hasty decision to question him.

                     “I have reflected upon it since the very moment I laid eyes upon that ridiculous number of soldiers; though I have no doubt that they were, in fact, ordered to take me into custody. And yet, I have the strangest feeling that it was more than what it appeared to be... Though I have yet to question him directly, no matter how thoroughly I perceive or analyze the situation, I simply can not believe that Simon would-”

     Yami had then ceased his assessments, presumably taking notice of the growing anxiousness that had appeared in Teana’s face. With a remorseful sigh, Yami took steps to calm himself; closing his eyes momentarily as if to consciously shift his demeanor.

                     “Forgive me.” Yami said, his cordiality returning. “Now is most certainly not the time to evaluate such distressing notions such as these. For this moment, I simply wish to focus my attentions on you, Teana...” He then remarked, matching the directness that Teana had shown him beforehand.

     Smiling affectionately yet again; this prompted Teana, who, in the end, couldn’t contain her blushing, to respond in kind. And once more, the two simply regarded each other in a lingering standstill, before the moment was finally disrupted by Teana, who proceeded to sigh unhappily.

                     “Wow...  I almost completely forgot...  It’s just my luck too...  If I’d only known that you were coming today...”  Teana breathed, more so to herself than to him. “Not that I’m unhappy that you did come!”  She quickly clarified. “It’s just that I would have waited till tomorrow maybe to set all this-”

     As she wondered again how she should explain her situation, she began by gesturing sheepishly towards her booth, in addition to the homemade items positioned around her.

                     “The truth is, I would love nothing more than to be able to spend the day with you.”  Teana said at last. “Maybe then I can even work to redeem myself a little, huh?” She half joked. “But… unfortunately I have to finish my business here today. You see, things have been a little…scarce in terms of food lately. I really do have to try to trade as much as I can, if I’m going to be able to make it through the rest of the week.” Teana said quietly, feeling rather self-conscious due to her revealing account.

                     “Well then, if that is the case, please allow me to assist you.”

                     “What?! No! I mean- I can’t ask you do that!”

                     “Ah, but you’re mistaken, my dear. You aren’t the one that is asking this of me. Rather, I am the one that is asking your permission. Will you allow me to do so?”

                     “But I-”

                     “As long as I remain hooded, there should be no reason why anyone would question my identity. Naturally I will do all that is necessary to maintain this pretense, but that alone will not prove to be beyond my capabilities, I assure you. Yes... I can see it...  It should proceed exactly as I envision...” Yami remarked thoughtfully.

     As Teana continued to watch him, she briefly allowed herself a half smile; for she found the sight of Yami’s supposed mental preparations amusing, in its way. Crossing his arms again, he nodded several times as he seemingly reflected upon the idea. It was as if he was now strategizing each course of action, each premeditated word.

                     “As I had mentioned during our last encounter, I’ve since decided against limiting my interactions with the people of this village, thanks to you.” He said playfully. “Or rather... I could view this as a rare opportunity to freely indulge in an unlikely whim; much like a scenario in a game of make-believe, I suppose...” He then continued; wistfully this time.

     Moments later, Yami’s expression had changed once again... It had passed quickly, but it was as if he had attempted to mask what appeared to be a genuine trace of discontentment and...bitterness, maybe?

                     “How very unlike me...” Yami said again, briefly massaging his temples. “Though I am uncertain why I am admitting this to you...the truth is, it has always been my wish to be treated as an equal; to simply be among others without the stipulations of social status or the weight of one’s lineage to consider...” He then sighed, as he uncomfortably looked away.

     With those words, coupled with his fleeting vulnerability, Teana had felt a tightness in her chest; a sudden longing to reach out to the young prince, or, at the very least, a need to question him further. Yet, almost immediately afterwards, she chided herself for such an audacious notion! Still...she had been pleasantly surprised and even touched that he had opened up to her in this manner, despite his apparent uneasiness in doing so. Did he somehow sense that she would empathize with those inclinations? Or maybe...just maybe, his feelings overlapped with that of her own, she thought, as she humored those perceptions...

     Much like she had been, perhaps Yami had, in some way, also been on his own, regardless of the significant quantity of those who may had only looked to him as the, “great and all powerful” heir to the throne. At best, Teana reasoned, he had to have been severely limited in his social connections, which could possibly explain why he felt compelled to perform these infamous escapes from the palace to begin with! But when it came to voicing his thoughts or feelings… Did he have anyone that he could go to? His family? Friends? Or if he did, were his mounting obligations now restricting those relationships too?

     She couldn’t help but wonder, as crude as it may have been to make such a comparison, if it was similar to her position at the market place, for instance. She, of course, knew full well how a person could be surrounded by so many, and yet not a single one of them would have even the slightest interest in knowing what was underneath the surface; or even how affecting such indifference could be...

     Dismissing her own unpleasant emotions, Teana smiled up at Yami again, this time in an attempt to lighten both of their moods, which he soon reciprocated, appreciatively. Though Teana still had her misgivings about his proposal to assist her that afternoon, she also welcomed the chance to spend more time with him, as she had been hoping to do from the start! In the process, maybe she could discover even more about the enigmatic young prince. She could also determine if any of her insights about his character had been accurate, or if she was simply projecting her own feelings on to him instead...

     With the tension broken, Yami returned to being hopeful, and even a little impatient; as he awkwardly waited for Teana to respond to his earlier suggestion. It was so evident, that she could now see the eagerness on his face as well; strengthened further still by the rhythmic tapping of his fingers on his newly crossed arms. Shaking her head as she surrendered to his restless habits, she marveled at seeing so many ranging facets to his personality... Judging from what she had seen of him so far, it felt strange thinking of the generally calm and collected prince in such a manner, but in spite of herself, she had to admit that the expression he was now giving her could be considered cute...

                     “Well, if you insist on helping, then it’s all right with me.” Teana said at last. “It’s not really that hard anyway.” She began, turning to regard the items behind her. “All you have to do is-”

     Before Teana could even finish what she had been saying, Yami, who was now beaming with enthusiasm, had almost immediately raced behind the booth, adjusted his posture, and had rather loudly requested for everyone’s attention! Completely stunned by his impulsive actions, though more so due to his booming tone, in particular, Teana spun around clumsily; nearly falling out of her chair as she, again, motioned towards him!

     Recovering from the initial shock, she contended with her new feelings of insufferable embarrassment! As more and more of the villagers stopped to look in their direction, Teana began to gesture frantically for Yami to cease his antics; or to lower the considerable resounding of his voice, at the very least! But alas, as he fully immersed himself in what he was doing, seemingly becoming one with the role that he played, Teana soon realized that any additional efforts to interrupt him would be undoubtedly, yet inoffensively disregarded...

     Though she never would have believed it to be possible, there was a certain prominence, some undeniable element in the meticulous choosing of his words... Or, perhaps it was, in fact, the impressive volume; the tempting allure in his voice. But in either instance, Yami had indeed managed to attract the interest of the surrounding spectators, perhaps even the village as a whole! Much like those within the midst of the crowd, Teana was nothing short of mystified by the scene that had begun to occur, right before her very eyes! It was like magic! It was now an indisputable fact, that the young prince had been given the extraordinary gift of articulacy; as demonstrated further by each passing moment! Though Teana had seen a sampling of this quality beforehand, it had been nothing in comparison to the way he had stirred his ever expanding audience now! He was so amazingly convincing! So persuasive! So splendidly charismatic!

     Feeling as if her own assistance was all but unnecessary, she merely remained in her seat, watching as Yami compelled the residents that he had called forward into trading for each of her goods, one by one! He had even managed to sway a number of customers into exchanging for even larger portions than she would have been able to, as he insisted that her dresses and textiles of “fine linen,” that her “skillfully crafted” pottery, or that her own “ripened” crops were, “of the very highest quality, unable to be acquired anywhere else!”

     In time, Teana found that she could be of some use after all; namely in the sorting of the newly acquired items which included a number of different foods, in addition to various household materials that she, at best, had only hoped to acquire! As she attempted to systematically organize what was now increasingly cluttering her table, at first glance she could see that her original goods had been traded for her own bushels of barley and wheat, as well as baked bread, milk, vegetables, an array of spices, and even meats such as fish and fowl!

     And yet, what Teana had found more surprising than even that, was that Yami had actually managed to obtain rarer commodities; items desired by any number of those who traded within the market place! Recognizing only a few of those transactions, as she too became steadily engaged, Teana noticed the acquisition of precious metals like copper, silver, and a pot of honey too! Her favorite! Beyond that, however, Teana still had much more to categorize and identify, and in the meantime, she had come to the conclusion that she should put her trust in Yami’s abundantly proficient abilities, and simply allow him to proceed as he wished.

     Having positioned herself at the opposite, and the much less crowded end of her table (in an attempt to give Yami even more room to conduct his dealings) Teana then became entirely engrossed in her own activities; so much so that she had failed to notice, to her displeasure, that she had been approached by the very people that she had hoped to avoid that day...

---------------------

Chapter 4b: 

Transcending Memories: A Bond Unsealed- Chapter4b
A Yu-Gi-Oh Fan-fiction
---------------------------------

Author's Note (May 2013):  Hello again everyone! How are you? I hope that you're doing well!  Though this was not the author's note that was *originally* included within my Chapter 4, it would seem that Deviantart has size limitations in regards to posting text files; at least if I'm utilizing the Sta.sh Writer options on this site, correctly....  As a result, I was forced to divide my Chapter 4 of my fan-fiction into two parts, given that it was much longer than my first 3 chapters combined!  For the first part of this chapter, please visit the following link: 

In any case, this may actually serve the telling of this tale, taking into account that the second half of the chapter had a very different feel and tone in comparison to the first half!  However, I