Valkyria : Hello. Hello. Welcome to Chapter Two of Emperor's Prophecy.
Griever : We're glad you guys enjoy the first chapter of the story.
Beta'd by : Moondalian. Thanks a bunch!
Disclaimer : We claim no rights to the anime/manga Yu-gi-oh, just the plot.
"People ask me to predict the future, when all I want to do is prevent it. Better yet, build it. Predicting the future is much too easy, anyway. You look at the people around you, the street you stand on, the visible air you breathe, and predict more of the same. To hell with more. I want better. " - Ray Bradbury, Beyond 1984 : The Peoples Machine.
Chapter Two : First Impressions.
The thought of meeting Emperor Atemu Faenor had never once crossed Yuugi's mind. He didn't know anything about the man other than the fact that he was a kind and just ruler. He had been surprised when Jou had burst into his room looking alarmingly pale with a mysterious white-haired man who looked rough around the edges.
The man had introduced himself as Bakura Firimar and had quickly explained that the Emperor wanted to see him immediately.
Yuugi hadn't needed any further explanation beyond that.
He had been told to get dressed quickly and come downstairs when he was ready to go. While dressing in a simple pair of light brown trousers and white, long-sleeved shirt, his entire body shook with fear. Yuugi knew perfectly well what the Emperor was planning to ask him.
It was a firm rule within the kingdom of Elysian that all magic users of any kind be registered with the Magi Order so that they would know what kind of mages were running through lands of Elysian.
Yuugi was supposed to be registered under Ethos Being; a non-elemental type, Ethos Beings were anything ranging from telepaths to seers such as himself. Sugoroku had told him that there was no need for him to register because his Seer abilities were not very strong.
He doubted that the Emperor was going to believe such an excuse.
"Hurry along." Bakura murmured beside him. "Night falls quickly and I don't want to have to deal with whatever comes out."
"His Majesty could not have sent transportation?" Sugoroku asked with a heavy frown. "It is not healthy for my grandson to be walking in his current state."
"I apologize for myself and on behalf of Emperor Faenor. I did not know your grandson would be in such a weakened state after receiving a vision or else I would have had a carriage brought with me."
"There is one other thing you should apologize for." Yuugi muttered. "If I remember correctly, it is not punishable by death to hide your abilities from the Magi Order, so you had no right to threaten my grandfather in such a manner."
He had come downstairs after he'd finished dressing to overhear Bakura threatening his grandfather –for the second time he was later told by Jou- that by hiding him he was, in turn, committing treason against the Emperor.
"I will not apologize to your grandfather for my threats towards him." Bakura said firmly. "It seems that you do not know your grandfather as well as you should. He is well aware of what it means for this kingdom- no all of the kingdoms- to discover that we have Seer amongst us once again."
"Does the Emperor condone such actions?" Yuugi countered with a frown, confused by Bakura's statement. "Invading our home and our livelihood with blade in hand?"
"No." Bakura replied. "But I will do what I must to carry out the Emperor's orders. And I will strike down those who would wish him harm."
Though Yuugi disapproved of Bakura's ways. He would admit that he did admire the man's fierce loyalty.
The Council of Val'ista consisted of former high mages and veteran soldiers that Atemu had chosen personally. He had made sure that the leader of these wise men and women was someone that he could trust with his very life.
Face still ashen from earlier events, Seto Kaiba sat at the head of the long circular table, lips thinned and eyes dark with worry and anger.
"Your Majesty," a council member spoke from his right, "I am glad to see you in good health. Praise the gods above that dreadful assassin did not succeed."
Atemu did not miss Seto's well-hidden flinch at Yoshimori's comment. The man was indeed sincere and naïve in his worries for he did not know of Noah and Seto's relation to each other.
"Thank you." Turning back to Seto, he found his cousin staring at him intently as if he knew what question he was going to ask.
"Has he spoken?"
"Yes." Raphael, a veteran soldier, responded. "The child says the last thing he remembers is going to class three years ago before being swept off the Mage Academy grounds."
"He didn't see who the assailant was?" Mai Kujaku asked, her violet eyes not hiding the power she possessed as a high mage, nor the curiosity for the events that had been lain in their laps.
"The assailant came up from behind him and apparently used a sleeping spell." Shada put in mildly. "Noah Kaiba was second in his class during his short time at the Mage Academy."
"Kaiba?" Yoshimori blurted out in bewilderment before turning to Seto. "You are related to that child?"
"Noah Kaiba is Seto's first cousin." Atemu spoke up before Seto could. "Therefore, Noah Kaiba is related to me and of royal blood."
"Could that be the reason he was kidnapped?" Mai wondered out loud. "It would make sense if that were the case."
"No." Seto said suddenly, causing all eyes to turn to him. "That was not the case, of that I am sure. No one knew of Noah's relation to His Majesty. It was most likely because he is related to me. My father had a large number of enemies and what better way to cause him pain than to kidnap his nephew and cause friction between brothers?"
Mai clicked her tongue in sympathy and disgust. "Akunadin did indeed have a large number of enemies, may his soul rest in peace."
"If I may make a suggestion, Your Majesty?" Yoshimori spoke up. "We could do a mind synch? -"
"No!" Seto roared, standing up and knocking over his chair in the process. "I will not allow my cousin to go through such a ordeal! He has been through enough!"
"You know the dangers of a mind synch, Yoshimori." Raphael said. "Though it was awfully brave for you to bring it up. You must want to volunteer to do the job?"
As Atemu expected, a heavy silence followed Raphael's question. Performing a mind synch could put both participants in danger. The caster would infiltrate the other's mind using an astral projection of him- or herself and would explore it, looking for anything they desired. There were dangers to this though. The caster could and sometimes did end up getting lost within the other's mind, even adopting traits.
"No." Atemu spoke up, "I will not have anyone, no matter how skilful they are with magic, to perform a mind synch."
"Then what do you plan to do with Noah Kaiba, Your Majesty?" Shada questioned. "I am sorry for the tragedy that the child has lived through but this cannot go unpunished. The people of Elysian will be out for this Noah's blood if that is so."
"I will continue the interrogations for now." Atemu decided, giving Seto a apologetic look. "Noah will be kept under lock and key until I am certain that he is no longer a threat to anyone. Mai, I want some of your best mages working on him to assure that whatever brainwashing was used is completely wiped from his mind."
"Yes, Your Majesty. I will get right on it."
"You have sent Colonel Firimar to retrieve him?" Raphael asked, swiftly changing the subject.
"So it is true." Mai purred with delight. "A Seer after three hundred long years."
"Do not be so excited, Mai." Shada scolded lightly. "You know what comes after the finding of this Seer."
"I have read Seer Leon von Schroeder's journal and am well aware of what is coming to our lands. However, I cannot help but be excited. We have never witnessed the power of a Seer and we only have history pages to tell us what they were like, so this is a grand opportunity."
"Do you plan to keep him here, Your Majesty?" Yoshimori asked. "The kingdoms of Atlantis and Sylvantia will become cautious of us if we were to keep this from them."
"This is no business of theirs." Seto said firmly. "The Seer was born within the kingdom of Elysian, therefore we have full rights to him."
"Do not speak of him as if he were some property Seto." Atemu reprimanded sternly. "The Seer is to be treated with the utmost respect. Do I make myself clear?"
"Yes, Your Majesty."
Atemu opened his mouth to speak again when a loud knock echoed through out the silent chamber.
"Enter." Atemu called out.
The doors creaked open and a weary guard stepped through. "Your Majesty. Colonel Firimar has arrived with your guests."
"Thank you, please Colonel Firimar to place them in the throne room. I shall be there shortly."
The guard bowed. "Yes, Your Majesty. I take my leave."
"Shall we accompany you?" Mai asked once the guard had left the room. "I would like to meet him."
"It would be best if I met him alone." Atemu said, standing up from his chair. "I expect a report from you later, Mai, on Noah's welfare. This meeting is adjourned."
The Celestial Palace was a magnificent work of art and magic that was made up of white stone and marble. It consisted of several small and large buildings, connected by long hallways and transportation runes. It reminded Yuugi of a large labyrinth. He didn't doubt for one second that without Bakura, he would get hopelessly lost.
The only entry point was a large stone bridge that connected the city and palace together. If there were any other entry points other than that, he hadn't seen them and he had a feeling that Bakura would rather jump on his own sword than reveal them.
They had made it across the bridge just as night fell and Yuugi had been relieved when they had entered the main hall. His feet had been aching and no doubt they had blisters on them.
"What do you think?" Bakura asked from beside him. "Nice place eh?"
Yuugi cast a quick look around and wasn't surprised at the fine floors that shined under the lights or the elaborate staircase that led up to the upper floors. He imagined servants running left and right during breakfast and lunch hours, cleaning and serving nobles and soldiers anything they desired.
"It's beautiful." Yuugi replied, finally turning back to his escort and grandfather. "Will we be meeting the Emperor now?"
"Yes." Bakura replied, nodding his head towards the stairs. "The throne room is just a couple of floors up."
"More walking?" Yuugi moaned. "Why can't we use a transportation rune? I saw a couple on the way in."
"There are no transportation runes leading directly to the throne room from the first floor." Bakura explained. "It would be too easy to gain access to the Emperor otherwise."
"That does make sense." Yuugi said, before he started up the stairs, ignoring the pain in his feet. He didn't want to think about the trek back home he would have to make later.
"By the way, never come up to these floors without the proper authorization."
"Why?"
Bakura gave the both of them a dark smirk. "The magic in the air here is very active, making casting very easy. We also use the free energy as a defensive mechanism. If you are not allowed on these floors then the magical energy will take the oxygen from your lungs, making it harder to breathe. The force of the magical energy will also crush you to death."
"That doesn't sound too pleasant." Yuugi remarked carefully. He didn't know why Bakura was giving him all of this information; Ii wouldn't matter later on. It wasn't as if he'd be staying or anything.
He felt a hand grab the back of his cloak roughly. He glanced over his shoulder to see Bakura raising an eyebrow at him.
"You passed it." Bakura said, gently dragging him back and setting him in front of a set of double doors.
Yuugi blinked and fought the urge to tell Bakura that for a throne room entrance, it certainly looked plain. He watched as the older man placed his hand against the door and pushed it open.
"You go on alone from here." Bakura said firmly, nudging him into the doorway.
Yuugi cast a panicked look at his grandfather, who smiled sadly at him.
"I'm sorry, my boy. I'm afraid he is correct. You aren't very attuned to magic so you didn't feel it, but when we entered the palace the magic that is here surrounded you and gave you access to every part of the palace, including the throne room. I was only able to get so close because Bakura here is with me."
"T-that doesn't make any sense! Are you telling me that this palace is alive?"
"Sounds absurd, doesn't it?" Bakura remarked casually. "But it is true. This palace has been like this for generations. There have been cases where the damn thing kicked out people it didn't like. Now, go on. You mustn't keep the Emperor waiting."
Before he could ask anythiing else, Yuugi was harshly pushed all the way into the throne room, the door shutting harshly in his face.
"Talk about rude..." Yuugi muttered.
"You are the Seer, correct?" a deep, smooth voice asked.
Yuugi whirled around to see a taller, tan version of himself standing behind him. His look-alike was adorned in a long-sleeved black shirt, leather pants and boots, and a dark, scarlet-red cloak with silver runes sewn in that barely hid all of this. Looking into familiar, crimson eyes, Yuugi felt his entire body start to shake.
He couldn't believe that he was standing in front of the Emperor himself!
Remembering his manners, Yuugi quickly bowed. "M-my name is Yuugi Motou, Your Majesty. I-I am p-please t-too meet-"
"Enough."
Yuugi pressed his lips together to keep himself from babbling like a silly fool. He jolted backwards when he felt a warm hand on his shoulder.
"There is no need to be frightened." Atemu soothed. "I have a few questions that I want to ask you. I trust Bakura escorted you here safely enough?"
Remembering the way Bakura had introduced himself to him and his grandfather along with Jou caused Yuugi to frown heavily. This response seemed enough for Atemu.
"…Bakura has a different meaning of finesse. I deeply apologize if he offended you."
"No disrespect to you, Your Majesty, but I think he owes my grandfather an apology. He did, after all, accuse him with treason and threaten him with death."
"I shall talk to Bakura about his behavior at a later date. You, on the other hand, I have something to discuss with now. If you would walk with me?"
"Yes, Your Majesty."
Following behind the Emperor, Yuugi took the chance to look around. The floor was made of onyx, shined to perfection and covered by a thin, navy-blue and gold carpet. The walls were lined with windows which were covered by heavy curtains made of velvet and colored a deep black. The only light was coming from the torches that were placed on the columns in the corners of the room and a beautiful, crystal chandelier placed in the middle of the ceiling.
They both stopped before two thrones that were both made out of gold and onyx with two very comfortable-looking red, velvet cushions.
Yuugi blinked in surprise when Atemu simply passed by the thrones and continued onwards to a door that was hidden behind them.
"Come." Atemu commanded, opening the door. "We still have a ways to go."
"W-where are we going?" Yuugi asked softly, not moving from his spot beside the thrones.
"To my office." Atemu responded, moving out of the way. "I do not want any prying eyes or ears. I have told you before, I am not going to hurt you, Yuugi."
"I know that!" Yuugi blurted out. He felt heat rush to face when Atemu simply raised an eyebrow at him.
"Then we do not have a problem." Atemu waved his hand towards the empty, dark hallway. "After you."
"This place is nothing like I remember it to be." Sugoroku commented quietly.
Bakura snorted and leaned back against the couch. He had taken the both of them to a drawing room close to the entrance of the palace to wait for the Emperor and Yuugi to return, but Bakura had a feeling that it would indeed be a long wait.
"The air around you always feels better when there is less corruption about." Bakura replied after a short pause. "You have not told your grandson about your time here as a Council member?"
"There are many things I have not told my grandson." Sugoroku said and released a weary sigh. "It shames me that Yuugi thinks the world of me when I have been lying to him almost his entire life."
"I do not know you as well as some of the others that reside in the palace but I can tell that you are a good man and an even better grandfather. I'm sure Yuugi thinks the same."
Sugoroku threw his head back in laughter before he erupted in a rough coughing fit. Bakura smoothly stood and fetched a bottle of water that was sitting on a small table. Pouring a glass, he walked back over and handed it to the older man.
"Thank you." As Sugoroku moved to take the glass, Bakura's hand shot out and grasped Sugoroku's other wrist and pulled the worn sleeve up to reveal several purplish-orange runes.
"No wonder the palace didn't recognize your familiar, magical signature." Bakura hissed, releasing Sugoroku's arm. "Your body is degrading from the Twilight Plague. What stage are you in?"
Sugoroku released a bitter chuckle. "The final one."
"You should be dead." Bakura stated bluntly. "Bedridden at least."
The Twilight Plague was a horrible disease. Its very name made mages of all kinds cringe in fear. It had appeared during the war between Elysian and Atlantis, steadily wiping out mages from both sides and severely weakening both armies. It attacked one's magical system first, gradually depleting it. As the stages progressed, runes the color of the sky during a setting sun appeared upon your skin, marking you and making family and allies weary of you. The end result was a death as a normal man and an outcast to mages.
"Do not look at me with pity in your eyes, child." Sugoroku said, giving Bakura another bitter smile. "The only reason that I am not in my grave right now is because I am using whatever magic that resides in my body to hold the disease off."
"What ability do you have?" Bakura questioned curiously, finally tearing his eyes away from the older man's rune-riddled arm.
"I control the power of Time. My body is surrounded by a barrier that slows the progression of the disease down."
"Isn't that dangerous?" Time magic was indeed rare, not only because it was dangerous magic, but also because there was no one left to teach it.
"Indeed it is." Sugoroku said softly, setting the now empty glass aside. "But I will do what I can to see my grandson off to a happy, bright future."
Bakura forced down a snarl. That was a blatant lie and they both knew it. There was no happy future for Yuugi, not when the Council and Emperor knew that he was a Seer.
"It…will be a very long time before anyone has a happy future, Sugoroku." Bakura forced out through clenched teeth.
Sugoroku gave him such a sad smile that it wanted to make Bakura, who had a heart of steel, shed tears.
"Then I will bear this pain until that happy future comes to this land."
"Please, take a seat."
Yuugi slowly eased into the chair that was offered to him. They had made it to the Emperor's office, which was on the utmost top floor of the Palace.
"I am curious about something, Yuugi." Atemu began once he had sat down. "Why have you hidden yourself for so long?"
"I-I didn't hide myself-."
"Not registering with the Magi Order is, in fact, hiding yourself and your abilities, young one." Atemu cut in sharply.
"Why am I so important?" Yuugi asked with a bit of curiosity and weariness. "I know Seers are rare, but my visions have never been anything special…"
"I am afraid that I am going to have to disagree with you on that, little one." Atemu leaned forward on the desk and folded his fingers together under his chin. "Your latest vision was quite special. It saved my life just in the nick of time."
"Is that why I was summoned here, Your Majesty?"
"It is part of the reason. I wanted to thank you for what you have done, young one. If not for you I would not have been alive, talking to you right now."
To say that Yuugi was overwhelmed at the Emperor himself thanking him for something would be an understatement.
"I-I was happy to help, Your Majesty."
Atemu gave him a small smile before continuing. "The other reason as to why I called you here is to inform you that I think it would be best if you remained in the palace from now on-"
"Wait, what?" Yuugi blurted out, cutting off Atemu's words. "Y-you can't be serious."
"It is too dangerous for you to be outside the palace, young one." Atemu explained firmly. "Do you even know what you mean to this kingdom?"
"No," Yuugi swallowed the lump that had formed in his throat. "No one took the time to inform me, actually."
"Then allow me to explain. You have heard of the last Seer, Leon von Schroeder, correct?"
"Yes, I have heard of him. I don't know much about him except for the fact that he left a journal and a prophecy behind."
"That's a start." Atemu muttered, rising from his chair and walking up to the bookcase that was near the window. He pulled out a small leather-bound book that was extremely worn and walked back towards his desk.
"This." Atemu started, sitting back down. "Is Leon von Schroeder's journal, which also has his last prophecy."
Yuugi reached over to touch it, looking up for permission to do so. When Atemu nodded his head Yuugi cautiously took the small journal in his hands. He could not believe that he was holding the journal of one of the most powerful Seers to have ever lived.
"To divert panic among the people, this journal has only been read by the royal family and the Council of Val'ista. We never believed that the Seer would come during our lifetime, but it would appear that we were wrong."
"…I discovered my Seer abilities when I was just eight years old. My first vision was of my grandmother's death."
"I am sorry," Atemu whispered with slight pity, "that your first experience with such a blessed gift had to be the death of a loved one."
"Thank you. What happens now, Your Majesty?"
"As I stated before, I think it would be best if you would remain here in the palace. Word has already spread of your appearance and the attempt to take my life."
Yuugi gripped the journal until his hands turned white. "May I return home first, Your Majesty? To retrieve my things and to say good-bye to my friends?"
Atemu shook his head and smiled. "It is not a goodbye, Yuugi. This is only temporary. As for you returning home and retrieving your things, yes you may. I will be sending Bakura with you again. He is a man I trust with my life. I will apologize to your grandfather for his behavior. What is his name?"
"Sugoroku. Sugoroku Motou."
Atemu jolted backwards as if he had been slapped across the face. "Pardon? Sugoroku you said?"
"Yes, Your Majesty. Is there something the matter?"
Atemu frowned and stood from his seat. "No, nothing is the matter, little one. Your grandfather's name sounds familiar. Did he come with you?"
"Yes, he did. He did not want me to come alone because I was still feeling weak from receiving my vision."
"The visions hurt you?"
"Sometimes. Nothing too bad." Yuugi lied. The Emperor was so kind to him. Somewhat demanding, but still kind. He did not wish to burden the older man with his pain.
"I see…" Atemu mumbled. "Come, little one. I will escort you back to your grandfather. I wish to meet him and ask a few questions."
At Atemu's words, Yuugi felt a clammy hand wrap around his heart. He didn't want his grandfather to get in trouble for not registering him and hiding him.
"No harm shall come to him." Atemu spoke up, reading his mind. "That I promise."
Heart still beating harshly against his ribcage, Yuugi nodded his head and followed Atemu out of the office.
-End Chapter Two-