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PAST:
"Set! Wait for me! Don't leave me behind!" the little girl cried. Set continued walking, glancing behind him periodically. He laughed to himself. Cute. She was trying to keep up with him. "Set!" she continued to call. His father and her father were close friends so it was only natural that they would become friends as well. Still...he couldn't help but torment her sometimes. "Set, why are you being so mean? Please wait for m...ouch!" Set stopped walking and turned around quickly. In her rush to somehow catch up to him, she had tripped and fallen. He ran back to her to make sure she wasn't hurt. He felt a little guilty when he saw her tear-stricken face. "Why...wouldn't...you...wait...for...me...?" she asked between sobs. He gathered her in his arms, and she cried on his shoulder. "I'm sorry Raine."
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They had known each other their whole lives. They had played together as children, and he had protected her from the boys that tormented her. It was he who had stood by her when her father had passed away. He and the Pharaoh, Atem. Not wanting the young beauty to be on her own, Atem had moved her into the Palace...somewhat against her will at first, as a favor to Set. Even though she fought the idea, it was far better than leaving her to grieve on her own. Much safer as well. At least in the Palace they could protect her. She was lying on Set's bed as the servants prepared a room for her. She clutched onto the pillow, and curled up into a ball. She couldn't believe her father was gone. He was so strong. Now she was alone. He wouldn't be there for her anymore. She silently cried. Set and Atem sat outside of his room, listening to her sobs, neither knowing what to do. 'I swear I will always be there for you, Raine. I'll never leave you, and I will always protect you.' Set promised. He had every intention of keeping that promise...
PRESENT:
She stood on her balcony overlooking the Nile. In just three days time she would be wed to the High Priest Set, one of her childhood friends. So why wasn't she happy? Or even nervous? Actually, in truth, she did not want to wed him. They were well suited for one another, and he had never done anything to hurt her. Far from it. He had made sure she was well-protected and never wanted for anything. He never asked anything of her, and had never forced her to do anything against her will. He may never have showed it fully, but he did love her. She loved him as well, but only as a friend. How could she possibly tell him that she did not want this after all he had done for her? How would he react? 'Oh Ra' ,she thought, 'Please help me find an answer.".
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"My friend, what troubles you?" The High Priest turned his head to look the Pharaoh, his long time friend. "Has this anything to do with your upcoming marriage?" Set laughed. Atem could read him like a book. "Indeed it does. Raine has been distant lately. Even though she hasn't said anything, I know she doesn't want to go through with this."
"Perhaps it is just nerves."
"I think not. She's made it no secret that she wants no part of the court, nor does she want to be regarded so highly. So like her. All she wants is freedom, to be able to explore. The way her father had. It's been a year, and she still hasn't come to terms with what happened. What can I possibly do...?"
Atem looked at the High Priest thoughtfully. "You have given her what she truly needed. A friend. You have done everything that you could possibly do. We have both tried to ease her heart. She's a brilliant scholar. I would love nothing more than to have her join my court, but even I knew that she did not want that. I can see such determination in her eyes. She is a perfect match for you, my friend. Perhaps you should speak of this with her. Maybe then you'd both feel a little better. At least then you would both know where you stand with the other." With that the Pharaoh departed, leaving the High Priest to his thoughts. "Raine..." he spoke into the wind.
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Raine was in the Gardens the next morning tending to the lilies that the Pharaoh had planted especially for her. It was no secret that they were her favorite flower, but for the Pharaoh to plant them in his garden with his own hands just for her...?
PAST:
"What's the matter?" Raine turned only to look the Pharaoh Atem in the eyes. She carefully turned around and looked through the gardens. In a whisper she said "There are no lilies...". Atem looked at her intently. Lilies? Right! He remembered hearing stories from Set and her father about her love of that exquisite flower. Then it dawned on him that she had placed lilies all around her home after her father had passed. "Shall I have some planted for you?" he asked, not looking at her. Raine was shocked. "You don't have to go to the trouble, your highness." It was then that he looked at her. "It is no trouble at all. And please...call me Atem. We're friends, right? No need to be so formal." That smile that he gave her...
PRESENT:
He had planted the lilies for her the following day, as he had said he would. It warmed her heart. She had been living in the palace for only a year. However in that year she had won the affection of all who resided within. Even those who visited the Pharaoh had warmed to her immediately. One of which was the Dark Mage, Malik, who didn't seem to really care for anyone. He had taken to Raine quite quickly. She could recall their first meeting clearly even though it was four months ago. He had entered the Palace to visit the Pharaoh and the High Priest.
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"PHARAOH ATEM! PREPARE YOURSELF, FOR I HAVE COME TO STEAL YOUR THRONE!" All eyes darted to the entrance of the throne room, and Raine was surrounded by guards. The Pharaoh stood, quite shocked, with the High Priest at his side ready for battle, when suddenly Atem let out a hearty laugh. "Malik! It is wonderful to see you, old friend! Are you back from your travels so soon?" he asked as he hugged the platinum blonde mage. "Indeed Atem. After traveling for so long I began to miss being around you idiots. Especially this one." He said pointing to Set. "Hold your tongue, or I'll have it cut out." The three old friends laughed and began to ask questions of the other until Malik set his eyes upon Raine. "By Ra, who is this beauty?" He walked over to where she stood and gazed into her eyes. "Violet eyes like mine. Quite rare. But also quite stunning. So what is this Angels name?" He smiled down at her making her blush at his words. He was quite handsome. More handsome than Atem or Set. His platinum blonde hair was also quite amazing as it stood straight up and out. She found that she could not answer his question. "This is Raine, a childhood friend of Set." Atem answered for her. Then, in a whisper to Malik, he said "Careful. Set is rather protective of her so I wouldn't overstep my boundaries if I were you.". Malik nodded slightly as not to let Set know they were whispering about him. Almost as if on cue the High Priest was at her side. He placed his hands on her shoulders. 'Raine is the daughter of Husayn. She is quite the scholar herself."
"THE Husayn!?" Malik asked with widened eyes. He looked down at the Angel before him. She knew. There was no-one in Egypt that had never heard of her father. He was regarded as almost royalty to most, and many expected her to follow in his footprints. "Your father is indeed a great man. His knowledge was only second to his compassion." Now Raine eye's widened as she looked at the Dark Mage. "You knew my father?" she asked him. Malik nodded. "I had the high honor of meeting him a few times. I was saddened by the news of his death. My condolences." She smiled up at him and nodded her head. Her smile had stirred feelings inside of him. Feelings that should not be felt. Later that night as she was strolling through the halls she ran into him...quite literally. "I'm terribly sorry! I was not watching where I was going. Forgive me!" she said breathlessly as she bowed. Malik cocked his head to the side. "Please. There is no need to bow." He rolled his eyes. "I'm a mage, not a royal." She stood up quite suddenly. "Sir!" He reached his hand up and covered her mouth. "I believe 'Malik' will do just fine, love." he chuckled. "Is he bothering you Raine? If so then I could have him taken care of for you."
"Atem, I am merely holding out the hand of friendship!" Malik replied in mock surprise. "You're acting as if I meant to harm her in some way."
"Were you?"
"I wasn't planning on it today."
"Mmmhmm...but you had planned on it."
"Maybe."
Both eyes darted to her, whose own eyes held a shock all their own. This got a laugh from them both. "Fear not, my friend. Malik is harmless."
"I am!? That's news to me." Atem smacked the back of his head. "Is it your wish to scare this girl?" Malik dramatically paused and began to think. Atem took Raines hand and began to lead her off. "Since he's thinking, we have ample time to escape. Come."
"What!? Hey! At least wait for me! WILL YOU TWO QUIT RUNNING!?"
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A voice called out to her and she was brought back to the present from her memories. "Raine?" She turned around and saw Set. "I'm sorry, I seemed to have spaced out. Did you need something?" she laughed. Set smiled. That was so like her. "I did need to speak with you." Even though he was smiling, it was a fake smile. Raine regarded him with quizzical eyes. "Are you alright? What's wrong?" she asked. A sigh escaped his lips. "About our marriage..." he began. "I know it is not your wish to marry me, and I do not wish to force you into it. I want to know exactly what it is that you want. If you want out of our marriage then tell me so now." There was no anger in his voice. Simply the tone of a worried friend. "Set...".
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"Set, have you seen Raine. I found a book I think she'll want to take a look at." Set turned to Malik. "What book? She's read all the one's in the Palace, so I doubt you have one that she has not read." A smirk appeared on Maliks face. He held up the book, and Set smirked too. "I had originally wanted to give her this as my gift to her on your wedding day, but I doubt I can wait that long." Set nodded. "She's in the Gardens. I'm sure she'll be happy to recieve that." As Set began to walk off Malik stopped him by grabbing his arm. "You ARE still getting wed, correct?"
He found her in the gardens ,as Set had said, next to the lily's. She looked so serene sitting there among those flowers. The wind gently played with her chesnut hair, framing her face and, if at all possible, making her look even more angelic. He shook his head. He couldn't have these thoughts about her. She was off-limits to him. She would always be off-limits. "Raine?" She looked at him and smiled. "I have an early wedding gift for you. I think it's something that you'll truly enjoy." he said as he crouched in front of her. She smelled of sandlewood. By Ra, she was beautiful. Set was a lucky man. "What is it?" she asked, bringing him back to reality. He held out a book. "This. The last thing your father ever wrote. He entrusted it to me, to give to you if I ever met you." As Raine took the book from Malik's hand a tear rolled down her cheek. Without thinking, Malik wiped away the tear and caressed her face. 'Set...you are truly a lucky man...'.
Atem caught up with Set on his way to the throne room. "Have you spoken with Raine about your wedding?" he asked. Set nodded. "And?" Set stopped and looked at Atem. He let out a sigh and answered. "As I thought it's not what she wants, but she also doesn't want to call it off. She said that we should let Ra decide our fate for us.". Atem contemplated this for a moment. "She cares for you, that much is certain. Perhaps that is the only answer that she could come up with without hurting you.". As he looked at his friend he couldn't help but notice that he still seemed upset. "I know this, but I don't want her to marry me if that's not what she wishes. I only asked for her hand so..." but he was cut off. "I know, you needn't explain yourself to me. Do as she wishes now, and let Ra decide for you." Set nodded. Only Ra could decide now. So why did his heart hurt so much? Why did he feel that something awful was about to happen?
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"Oh ho, what have we here?"
"Is that not the fiance of the High Priest?"
"I do believe it is. And my old friend Malik as well. How fitting. This should indeed be fun."
"Your orders sir?"
"Find out when this wedding is supposed to happen. We may have to come and share in on this special occassion."
He stood atop the stone wall that seperated the city from the Palace, un-noticed. His crimson brown eyes stared down, watching Malik and Raine. He pushed a piece of crimson hair from his face and laughed. "Perhaps she'll be the greatest treasure that I plunder."
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A heavy rain was beginning to fall and Malik and Raine were caught out in it. By the time they had reached the Palace both were soaked to the bone, and cold as well. The only thing that hadn't gotten wet was "The book!" Raine yelled. Malik chuckled and removed it from his cape. "It's fine, love." As she was about to thank him Jyonouchi ran up to them. "The hell happened?" he laughed "You two decide to go skinny-dippin or somethin?" Raine gasped, and Malik narrowed his eyes. "Talk like that gets you thrown to the bottom of the well." Jyonouchi quit laughing. "Yea, yea, take it easy. Teana wanted me to fetch Raine so she could get dried off, and Atem wants to see you as soon as you're dried off as well. Don't kill the delivery boy." He muttered something about no sense of humor before lightly grabbing Raines arm and leading her down the hall to Teana. Malik watched them walk off, feeling a bit empty. He returned to his room and changed, then he made his way too the throne room. As he entered he saw that Set was there as well. Atem looked as he walked through the door. "Malik, we have need of you." was all Atem said. That was all Malik needed to hear as he approached two of his oldest friends.
Meanwhile Teana had drawn a hot bath for Raine and had found her some dry garments to put on afterwards. They were as close as sisters so Teana already knew Raines reluctance to wed Set. She loved him as a friend but that wasn't enough. "It's not that we wouldn't be happy, but he can't give me what I need, nor can I give him what he needs. He sees this too. His decision to ask for my hand was to protect me, and make sure I was always cared for. I think so anyway." Teana smiled as she brushed Raines hair. "Hmmm...how about Malik? You two seem pretty friendly with one another." Raine nearly choked. "TEANA! How could you say such a thing!?". Teana was laughing so hard she dropped the brush. As it fell to the floor someone knocked on her door. Teana went to see who it was as Raine, still blushing from Teana's comment, tried to compose herself. She dressed quickly and made her way to see who had called upon her. As she stepped around the corner she ran into someone. Her hands went up to staedy herself and they met with quite a nice set of abs. Then violet eyes met violet. " I have come to steal you away, my lady." he said as he smiled and bowed. With that he picked her up, ignoring the tiny gasp that came from her mouth, and walked out.
"Malik, where are we going?" No answer. "Malik?" Still no answer. She was becoming rather aggitated at this point. "MALIK?" She heard him chuckle. "Calm yourself down. It's not as though I'm going to take you to my chambers and have my way with you...though I'd like to." he joked. "I'm merely taking you into town so you can relax and get away from whatever is bothering you." He put her down as they stepped into the city. "So what do you want to do first, love?".
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"They've been gone for hours. What could they possibly be doing?" Set asked himself while pacing about. Atem laughed. "Is this jealousy?" Set stopped. "No. I just worry. I trust Malik to take care of her, I just don't trust the people that are out at this time of night." The door to the throne room opened and Atem and Set looked to see Malik and Raine walk in. However..."WHAT THE HELL HAPPENED!?" Set yelled as he noticed that Raine was bleeding and so was Malik. Atem quickly called for a healer but Malik stopped him, shaking his head. Raine looked at Malik then to Set, a worried look upon her face. "While we were in the town square some theives ambushed us." was all Raine could say. Ra, how could she tell Set what really happened. Malik looked at Atem, quickly at Set, then back to him. Atem caught on quickly. "Set, take Raine to Teana to have those wounds taken care of. I'll tend to Malik." Set didn't waste any time. As soon as he left Atem asked Malik what really happened. "Bakura's theives. He was there as well. They surrounded us and somehow they managed to seperate us. After I had dealt with them, I turned to look for Raine. When I found her though..." he stopped. He felt so guilty, as if it was his fault. Atem pushed him on. "Malik, what happened to Raine." Malik looked into Atem eyes, and the Pharaoh saw an emotion he had never seen in his friends eyes before. "He raped her." The feeling he saw...was guilt.
Down the hall, in Set's chambers, the High Priest was tending to Raines wounds. Neither were bad, but she kept flinching whenever he tried to touch her. She hadn't said a word since they left the throne room. He wanted to question her, but a force kept holding him back. Why did he NOT want to know?
"Malik...you don't mean...?" Malik nodded. "The theif King Bakura. His damned flunkies seperated us. I heard her screams but I couldn't get to her. By the time I did...it was too late. She just sat there, crying..." Atem closed his eyes, pain filling his heart. 'Oh Raine...'. He himself had asked Malik to take her into town as a way of trying to cheer her up. Had he known that this would have happened he would never have asked. Bakura hadn't been seen in years. So why show up now? Atem could only imagine how Raine must have felt. "We have to tell Set..."
"She doesn't want him to know. I know he has the right to know, but is it right for us to go against her wishes?"
"She'll never tell him on her own. She keeps pain bottled up."
"...I'll tell him then. But Atem...she needs someone with her." Atem nodded.
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He entered Raines room just as Set had finished applying the last bandage. The look on her face showed that she knew...knew that Malik had told Atem. He wouldn't tell Set. He wouldn't betray Raine in front of her like that. Right now, for whatever it was worth, he was simply going to be a friend and comfort her as best he could. But...how could he get Set to leave so he could talk to her alone? "Is Malik alright?" Snapped out of his thoughts, Atem answered immediatly, an idea coming to him. He just hoped that Malik would be wise enough to catch on. "His wounds may not seem that bad but he suffers great pain. Ra only knows what kinds of spells and curses Bakura and his lackeys know." Set looked worried. "Would you please go tend to him? I'll stay here with her, don't worry." Set nodded, looked at Raine, and gave her a kiss upon her forehead. "If you need anything, don't hesitate to ask." With that he had left. Raine held her head down, not wanting to face the Pharaoh. He walked over and crouched down in front of her. He raised his hand and placed it on her chin, tilting her face upwards. She said nothing. She didn't have to. He already knew how she felt, and there wasn't a damned thing he could do to erase that. No matter how much power he had as a ruler, he could never change what happened. He stood, sat down beside her, and wrapped his arms around her. "I am so sorry, little one..." She cried in his arms until sleep overtook her. But her dreams would haunt her far more than either realized. Set came to her often that night to check on her, and held her when she cried. He just assumed that she was upset over being attacked.
The next morning, when Raine awoke, she found a pair of arms wrapped around her, holding her tightly. 'So Set fell asleep holding me, did he?' she thought. However it wasn't Set. It was Atem. Atem himself that had wrapped his arms around her. 'W-w-what!?' Raines mind screamed. Why was Atem holding her like this!? He began to stir and as he did so, his grip around her waist tightened. "Are you feeling better, or do you plan on crying some more?" he asked. Her eyes widened as his stared into hers. "You cried in your sleep all night. I knew of nothing else to do. Had Set been here...". Now Raine looked guilty. She could not bear to tell Set. How could she? "I can not force you to tell Set, but I advise you too. What is holding you back? Or need I ask?" She shook her head. "I can't." was all she said as she once again began to cry. Atem pulled her into his arms and stroked her hair. It wasn't because Set would call off the wedding. It wasn't because Set would keep her at arms length, or treat her any differently. It was because Set would be enraged and Raine had seen his anger once before...and it had scared her. "Please...don't tell him. I don't want to see that again..." she cried. Atem sighed, his heart heavy. Set hadn't questioned him. He could only surmise that Malik had been successful in his attempts to stall Set before he told him. "Set walked into my room and began asking about what kind of magicks they were using. I caught on quickly enough. I know I should have told Set then...but I couldn't. I knew full well why Raine didn't want him to know. I didn't want to see "that" again either." Malik had told him when he came to check on Raine as well as the others. That power...Atem himself feared that power a bit. It rivaled his, but was far more deadly.
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"SHE WAS WHAT!?" Set screamed as Malik told him what had happened the night before. Not by choice. Set had pushed him constantly to tell him what had happened. "Do not do anything rash. Let the guards handle them. We can deal with Bakura afterwards. Just not in front of her."
"I'll execute him myself."
"Set. Right now you should be worrying about her...not him."
"Why did you not tell me sooner!?"
"She didn't want you to know. She said that she didn't want to witness it again. I do not blame her."
'She doesn't want to see my power again.' he thought.
"Just go see her. I left her with Atem. He knows what happened. Set...do not do anything to scare her."
Malik walked away leaving Set standing there, feeling worse than he ever had. When he finally made his way to Raines room he simply walked in. Raine looked up nervously, as did Atem. But Set never said a word about what he learned. "Are you okay now? The wounds haven't reopened have they?" Raine shook her head, and Set smiled. "Not in any pain?" Again Raine shook her head. "Good. Wouldn't want anything to ruin our big day, now would we?" This got a half-hearted smile from Raine. "No, we wouldn't."
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The day of the wedding finally arrived. As Atem and malik helped Set ready himself, Teana and Mai were helping Raine. "This dress is so gorgeous!" remarked Mai. She held up a long, flowing while gown with gold stitching and adornments. "You are going to be the most beautiful bride in all of Egypt!" Raine blushed. "Thank you, but I doubt that." Teana huffed. "Of course you will be! We're going to make sue of that!" Raine, now worried, looked at her two friends. "By Ra, what are you planning to do to me?" They just laughed as they walked towards her.
Set was having problems of his own. He couldn't shake the feeling that something was about to go horribly wrong. The others sensed this. "Worry not, my friend. We have enough guards posted to ensure that nothing happens. Only a fool would attempt to defy them." Malik told him while helping him with his headdress. "Indeed. I doubt anyone would want to risk their lives trying." Set looked into the large looking glass. His robes, a dark purple with gold adornments, fit his physique nicely and would make a good contrast to Raine. As he slipped on a pair of gold shoes he looked at himself one last time. 'Please Ra. Whatever you have in store for us...please don't let anything happen to her.'
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The wedding began beautifully. The "Ooo's" and "Ahh's" that people uttered upon seeing Raine warmed her heart. She walked up to the altar and past Malik who looked rather dissapointed, but smiled anyway. Her gown flowed behind her like wings, and her bouquet was made of the most exquisite lilies in the Palace gardens. Atem had seen to that. She stood before Set and smiled as he took her hands into his. The Priest began the ceremony. Then, as both were about to say their "I do's" an explosion shook the grounds. "Sorry, but I object to this union!" a voice yelled above the flames and screams. Instinctively Set stood in front of Raine to shield her. However that was exactly what he wanted him to do. Without warning something hit Set and Malik hard, knocking them down the altar stairs. They heard Raine scream. As they looked up they saw "BAKURA!" Malik yelled. Bakura had an arm around Raines waist and his free hand was clasped over her mouth. "Malik, I'm dissapointed. We used to have such fun together. Now you're their little lap-dog. Tsk tsk. And I thought you had balls."
"Damn you, Bakura! Release her!"
"Not a chance. I think I'll take this one. The most beautiful spoil in the world..."
"Bakura!"
"...Soft skin and hair..."
"Damn it, Bakura!"
"...Her exquisite scent..."
"LET HER GO!"
"The way she feels underneath of me...she's all mine."
"RELEASE HER THIEF."
Bakura quit his taunting long enough to stare at the Pharaoh. He was standing mere yards away, looking at Bakura as if he were nothing more than a fly. "Release her and I may show mercy. I will not allow you to harm her again." Bakura sniggered. "You show ME mercy, my Pharaoh? Quite the opposite. Back off and I may show YOU mercy." Atem smirked. "You had your chance, theif." Suddenly Bakura was knocked backwards, and his prize ripped from his arms. "Malik! You dare defy me!?"
"I dare." Malik stated in a low, dangerous tone. The two were stuck in a deadly stalemate, neither's eyes leaving the others, and Malik never once relaxed his grip on Raine. His eyes were dark now, no trace of the Malik she knew. She knew that look only too well. He had the power as well. Then without warning, something struck them. It had come out of nowhere. A bolt of electricity hit Malik causing Raine to flinch at his screams of agony. "MALIK!" Before she could run to him, Bakura once again grabbed her. "Next time I won't be so caring." With that he disappeared into a cloud of black that had entered the grounds. "MALIK! SET! ATEM!" Raine screamed. But soon they could not hear her at all. Atem ran to Malik, while Set just sat there. He hadn't moved. He hadn't tried to stand up and fight. He just sat there. A firm hand was placed on his shoulder, but he didn't look up. Another hand, yet he still didn't look up. "Raine..." he spoke softly. "Is this truly the will of Ra?" he asked into the wind. Atem looked at Malik. Weakened, and in pain, but otherwise conscious and fine. "Can you find him?" Malik shook his head. If the King of Thieves did not want to be found, then he would not be. Malik placed his arms around Set's shoulders. "I'm so sorry..." he whispered as a single white lily fell to the ground.