Ra's Gift
Chapter One: Blind *~* Yugi POV *~*
"Thank you Yugi," the village elder said, taking the pots from my hands. He had asked for a set of three cooking pots, each of various sizes, to keep foods in when they need to set up their stall in the market.
"It was no problem sir," I say, bowing slightly. "I was happy to do it." He shifts his weight to his other foot, leaning back on his right. He bows his head slightly and walks out, the next person walking in, sitting on the floor in front of me cross legged. I turn away from him and work on my next project, a variety of tunics for the orphaned children in the village, and we settle into a comfortable silence for a few moments, and I'm the first to break it.
"You should be doing your job Valon," I say, putting the finishing touches on the last tunic. "I'm sure the Pharaoh wouldn't approve of your loafing about."
"No, he probably wouldn't," Valon agrees. "But I'm sure he wouldn't mind much if I was helping the village go-to guy." Valon falls back onto his back, legs spread out in front of him, and his arms folded behind his head, I'm also assuming that his eyes are closed. I step around him – though I may or may not have kicked his stomach on purpose – and set the clothes I've finished near the door.
"I don't need your help, Valon," I say, shaking my head. "I've been fine on my own before we met, and I'll be fine while you do your job."
"But Yugi," he whines, sitting up, looking much like a sad puppy. "I'm so bored! Can't I please stay and help you?"
"I've been blind since birth Val," I say, moving out of his reach as he goes to grab my clothing. "I have no need for a babysitter or sympathetic helper." 'Though I know I'm going to let him stay anyway,' I think. And he, of course, stays, no matter what I say.
*~* At the palace *~* Yami POV *~*
"Yami!" Mahad cries running into the lounge.
"Is something the matter Mahad?" I ask, looking at my childhood friend.
"It's Isis," he tells me, a few tears streaming down his cheeks. "She's fallen ill and I'm afraid that no one in the palace will be able to cure her."
"Why don't you fetch Yugi from the village?" my cousin says, lying in his fiancé's lap. "I've heard he is a remarkable healer, and has quite a few other useful talents as well."
"How do you know about him Seto?" I ask, raising a brow. "You've never taken interest in any of the villagers before…"
"I hear things through the grapevine," he shrugs, looking disinterested. "The servants who come back often have good things to say about him and they don't bother to keep their voices down about it either."
"Then we must bring him here!" Mahad demands. "I will not lose my wife!"
"I'm sorry Mahad," I say, looking at him sorrowfully. "It's too late to send the guards out tonight. But first thing in the morning I'll send out my fastest soldiers to fetch him. I promise."
"… Fine," he says, resigned. "But first thing in the morning I'm taking some of the soldiers to the village."
"Of course," I say, nodding my head. "I wouldn't dream of trying to stop you from going with them. I'm retiring for the night; see you all in the morning." I walk to my room and get ready for bed, wondering what tomorrow would bring.
*~* With Yugi *~* Yugi POV *~*
"It's getting late Valon," I sigh, looking towards him. "You should head home. I'll see you again tomorrow, alright?"
"Sure man," he says, standing. "And happy early birthday." I give him a nod to indicate I heard him as he walks out the door. I clean up my shop and wash my hands of the clay I've used today, being sure to put everything back into its proper place. It had been a quiet day, with only the village elder and kids coming in, and Valon sticking around for company, though I honestly have no idea why I put up with him.
I quickly get ready for bed and settle down for the night, deciding to read something Valon got for me. I run my fingertips over the parchment and feel the ink making different patterns, creating words and ultimately a story, though it's technically the history of the seers, or psychics, of Egypt. It's an interesting read, and I'm halfway through it by the time I fall asleep.
*~* x *~*
The next morning, I wake up at dawn, the first rays of Ra warming my skin. A powerful presence brings me from my peaceful state of mind, and I get out of bed, facing the person. They're taller than me – everyone is – and I would say is in his mid to late twenties due to his build and stance.
"Hello Yugi," he says, his voice deep and rich, exuding power. "How are you?"
"Well," I say, wary of this person. "And you might be?"
"My apologies," he says, laughing. "I am Lord Ra; it is a pleasure to meet you, young one."
"Lord Ra," I say, bowing at the waist. "I am honored. May I inquire as to why you are here?"
"I am here, young one," Ra starts. "Because myself and the other Gods have agreed that, with your service to the village and overall pleasant demeanor about your situation, we'd give you your eyesight." He takes a step towards me, but I counter with two steps back.
"That is very generous, my Lord," I say, smiling softly. "But I have no need for sight, never have, and I do not see that changing in the foreseeable future. Theoretically, of course."
"You may not need it," Ra says, stepping forward again. I remain in my spot this time, holding my ground. "But that does not necessarily mean you don't want it."
"I do not wish to have sight either, Lord Ra," I chuckle. "Not at the moment at least, I see no need. I pride myself in being able to turn a weakness into a strength, finding a way to utilize my skills."
"… Very well then," Ra says, sounding resigned. "But at least take this." A medallion materializes in his hands, hanging on a thin leather cord, the small golden coin bearing the symbol of Ra on one side, Isis on the other. "If you ever wish to have your sight, allow a teardrop to fall on the side of Isis, a drop of blood to fall on mine, and wish to see. You will have your sight back in an instant."
"Thank you, Lord Ra," I say, bowing, allowing him to lay the cord over my head.
"You're welcome," he says, disappearing in a flash of golden light. I get ready for the day, the medallion hanging loosely around my neck, and walk down into the shop. I'm about to walk out back to collect some dry pots when someone bangs loudly on my front door. I walk over and open it, greeting the people there with a smile. I open my mouth to say hello when a hand grabs my arm and roughly pulls me into the street.
AN: Please don't hate me! I know I can't keep up with my current stories, but this one wouldn't leave my mind alone! I promise I'm trying to update all of my stories in a timely manner, but I have a tad bit of writer's block and 'need-to-write-something-new' syndrome. I'm trying I am, and I will not be abandoning my stories, or the one I'm co-authoring with my friend under the account weshipitsohard, I'm just bad at doing them all at once.