Disclaimer: Nope, no ownership here.
Anya: Sorry this chapter took so long, I blame college. I had hit a really hard week not long ago and it took time away from this story. But don't worry, with break coming up, these chapters should come out faster. Anyway, onto the story.
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Another day, another battle.
"Ruia will you please go get ready?" Sugoroku asked, tiredly placing the potted plate back on the shelf. They had been at this for five minutes already.
"But daddy, you promise." Five-year-old Ruia responded, crossing her arms over her chest, puffing out her lower lip, biting down on it gently. She refused to cry.
Sugoroku sighed. If this was going to be any indication to what Ruia was going to be like when she got older…Sugoroku shook the thought from his head. Instead, he concentrated on the task at hand. He knelt down to his daughter's eye level and placed his hands on her shoulders. "I know I did Ruia and I am deeply sorry. I really didn't want to do anything today either, but as my job as the town bursar, I have to meet with the Pharaoh once a month. I had no idea he would schedule for today."
"Can you tell the Phar - roll that you have more important things to do?" Ruia pouted, iris eyes large and pleading.
Sugoroku laughed at his daughter's attempts. She could convince anyone to do anything practically. But this one time, he couldn't afford to give in. "As much as I wish I could Ruia, it doesn't quite work that way. Now will you please finish getting ready?"
Ruia stood still for a minute, as if reviewing her options before muttering, "Why did Chrissie have to go out of town?" Without another word, she stomped out of the kitchen and to her bedroom.
"Another broken promise, when are they going to stop?" Sugoroku said to no one in particular. He moved to sit at the window. A new day had begun in Memphis. Unfortunately, it was another routine day at the Motou house; fights between Ruia and he and at some point a broken promise or two. He seemed to be breaking a lot of promises to his daughter lately. He didn't mean too, it just happened, but the one he broke today was the worse by far. Ruia had to be crushed. Sighing he took a seat next to the open window and waited patiently for Ruia to finish getting ready. A gentle warm breeze brushed against his face as he thought about his remarkable child. For only being five, Ruia was remarkably intelligent and self-reliant. She could perform a lot of task that normal five year olds couldn't. When Ruia was only nine months, she was speaking clearly and by thirteen months she was able to put complete and rational sentences together. She was indeed a special girl.
Which is why Sugoroku feared her teen years with a passion. He was having a hard enough time raising her at five. Ay, his wife's twin helped everywhere he could. Ay even started taking Ruia to the temple every afternoon to school her in the necessary subjects. Even though Ruia was younger than all his other students, Ay never had a more eager one to learn. She loved learning about the sciences, math, history, and of course religion. Sugoroku felt himself smile. Religion was Ruia's favorite subject. She loved hearing about all the wonderful and not so great accomplishment their gods and goddess had done. One goddess in particular, the goddess of War, Sekhmet, had really captured her attention. At first, Sugoroku had been concerned about his daughter's fascination with the goddess, but Ay assured him that it was perfectly natural, Sugoroku couldn't be for certain, but Ay almost acted as if he was glad that Ruia had taken an interest in the goddess. He couldn't be positive though. And Ruia was no position to join a cult or anything like that. She had explained to him that she just felt sorry for Sekhmet. The goddess was known for war, but there had to be more to her than just that.
"Ruia! Come on, we are going to be late." Sugoroku called glancing at the position of the sun.
Finally, his daughter came into the room, looking more presentable than before. Her hair was neat and robes clean. She adjusted the red robe again, huffing all the while, showing that she was obviously upset that she had to come along to the palace.
"I promise Ruia, I will make this up to you."
"You said that last time too daddy." Ruia responded, crossing her arms back over her chest. Her father may have forced her into going on to this little voyage, but she wasn't going to enjoy it, not by far. A smirk crossed her face, "maybe I can have a little fun though."
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"Sorry that we are last my King." Sugoroku quickly stated, once he and Ruia were permitted into the palace. He bowed before Khu who was seated on his golden throne a few short feet away. He nudged Ruia, who was staring down at the red carpet, to do the same.
Ruia did as directed then added. "Good morning Phar - roll. I hope the day finds you well." She smiled sweetly at her ruler. Even though she didn't want to be here, she knew how important the Pharaoh was to their land. He controlled her father's job, as well as her uncle's and many others. There was nothing to gain in making the King mad. Besides, he was a very important person; the gods had chosen him out of everyone in Egypt to rule. Uncle Ay had told her many times.
"The day finds me well, Ruia isn't it?" Khu asked. He was shocked at the child's intelligence as well as her composure. No other five year olds he had over come in contact with had this much pose, excluding his son, the crowned prince. But never had a young girl impressed him so much.
Ruia nodded her head, golden brown locks bouncing.
Khu smiled, and then motioned a young woman forward. "Athena, why don't you take Ruia with you and show her around the palace. I bet she would enjoy the grounds more than this boring meeting wouldn't you, daughter?"
Sugoroku blinked. Khu had just called Ruia his daughter, after just one meeting. Smiling with pride, Sugoroku couldn't really even begin to comprehend what was going on anymore. To have the Pharaoh call you a son or daughter was simply amazing and highly honorable. And his daughter had managed to impress the King after a very brief meeting. 'I should have known Ruia could have done it, she is my little manipulator.' he thought with a soft chuckle. Sugoroku brushed a piece of his brown hair of his face, still beaming with pride.
"I would like that quite much Phar - roll. Thank you." Ruia responded. 'Finally a way out.' She turned to face her father to make sure it was all right. Receiving a nod of approval, she grinned back wildly at her King. She bowed again and skipped over to the lavender hair child. Taking Athena's hand, the two exited the room, chatting like old friends.
Khu rose as his two daughters left the room. "She is something special Sugoroku. I can not believe she is only five years old. She speaks with more confidence and pose than most adults I know. Though I noticed she can't say Pharaoh." He chuckled. He led his bursar over to a large wooden table to start their meeting. Two servants brought goblets of the finest wine for them to drink.
Sugoroku blushed. "We are still working on that one. She is something else though. She takes after her mother in many ways. Some worse than others." He answered honestly. He placed his glass in front of him. Reaching into his bag, he pulled out the records from the town shops.
"Oh? And what is that?" Khu asked as he took the papers that Sugoroku had brought from his hands.
"She is the most stubborn individual I ever met. I love my daughter to death, but there are just times I really don't think I will be able to handle raising her. You saw yourself Pharaoh, she is smarter than she looks and she knows it. It's not that she goes out of her way to upset me; I think she just does it for attention. I know that I am not around enough for her, but I have to support us. It can't be helped."
Khu placed a hand on Sugoroku shoulder. "I understand where you are coming from my friend. There are times I wish I could spend more time with my son. But you have to remember that your daughter is only five, not fifteen Sugoroku. She doesn't realize the sacrifices you are making. You just have to be patient. I have confidence that young Ruia will be a great assert to our civilization."
"I pray to the gods that you are correct. But I fear her stubbornness will be her undoing. If she, I can not bring it under control…" Sugoroku shrugged.
Khu laughed. "You have nothing to fear, you never met my son. I bet Ruia is nowhere near as bad as Yugioh. He will make a good leader, I have no doubts there, but in order to be great, he is going to have to learn that stubbornness and force is not the way to lead a group of people."
"Maybe our children could learn something from each other." Sugoroku grinned. 'Like that would ever happen. Commoners and Royalty do not converse. Even if our case is special.'
Khu opened a parchment. "That or they would be such opposites that they would kill one another."
The two men glanced at one another. Purple eyes met with brown. Then spoke simultaneously. "Kill one another."
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"This is pretty." Ruia commented touching the cold bronze statue gently, as if afraid of damaging it somehow.
Athena stole a glance at the statue. She never really paid attention to her surroundings, she had far too much work to do since she became an adult at the age of ten, but now walking with Ruia allowed her to stop and see things she had never looked at before. "That is a statue of Queen Cleo. She passed on right before you were born."
"She was a pretty woman. I remember Uncle Ay telling me that she was a compassionate ruler too."
Athena smiled. For a five year old, Ruia was quite intelligent. Athena knew she did not use or even know some of the words Ruia had said at five. "She was very compassionate. She was always very good to my mother and me." She shook a memory from her mind, there was no sense dwelling in the past. You could not change it, no matter how much you tried or wished. "Ruia, how would you like to see the gardens? It is lovely during this season."
"Can we play a game out there too?" Ruia asked hopefully, eyes wide in suspense. She loved playing games. Impatiently, she bounced from foot to foot, waiting for Athena's response.
Laughing at her 'little sister' enthusiasm, Athena nodded. "What game would you like to play?" She knelt down to Ruia's eye level.
Ruia scrunched her face in thought. "I know, hide and go seek."
Grabbing Ruia's hand, she responded. "Hide and seek it is. Come on, I will race you outside."
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"Wow, this has to be the biggest play area I have ever seen. Anzu would die to see this." Ruia whispered in awe. The gates around the palace seemed to stretch as far and as wide as her little eyes could see. The sand even seemed different. It dusted the ground like magic, glistening in the morning rays. But the best thing about being outside was centered in the field of sand, a fountain, the biggest one Ruia had seen in her life. She moved over to the stone structure, running her hand atop the clear wet liquid, laughing all the while.
'I almost forgot this child was younger than she acts. I am glad that she is enjoying herself. When Ruia had first arrived, she seemed so down, so depressed. Thank Ra she cheered up. I hate seeing anyone so upset.' Athena closed her eyes as a sudden breeze kicked up some sand. When she opened them again, Ruia was no longer in front of her. "Ruia?"
She received no answer.
"Ruia?" she called again, a bit more urgently. Still no answer. 'Where did she go? I can't have lost her. She was right in front of me a mere second ago.' "Ruia! Answer me. Where are you?"
"Right here."
Athena sighed in relief as she turned and found Ruia standing behind her, now clutching something against her chest. "You scared me, Ruia. Please do not run off like that again."
Ruia turned red, matching the color of her robe. "I'm sorry Athena. I didn't mean too. It was just my dolly fell out of my pocket and I panicked. I didn't want someone to throw her out. She is my favorite toy. My mommy gave it to me…" she trailed off, looking sheepish.
"It is okay, nothing happened." Athena soothed. "We have nothing to be concerned about." She winked at Ruia.
"Really? Thanks!" Ruia grinned; relieved that her father would not learn she had run off without telling Athena. "Wanna see my dolly?" She held out her doll to Athena.
The doll wasn't much, just some simple cloth sewn together and stuffed with either sand or something equally as soft. But even Athena could see how important the doll was to Ruia. "She's beautiful, what is her name?"
"Aristae with an e." Ruia answered. 'Just like my mother.' she added silently to herself, hoping that she wouldn't start crying.
"That's a really pretty name." She handed the doll back to Ruia, who clutched it tightly to her. "Are you ready to play now?"
"YEAH!" Ruia smiled. "Can I hide first?"
"Of course, just make sure you stay outside. We don't want to disrupt your father and the other workers."
Ruia nodded her head, eyes searching for the perfect spot. "Count to fifty!"
"Okay." Athena closed her eyes. "1...2...3..."
Ruia took off for the far side of the palace. She had seen the perfect hiding spot there before when she went to find her doll. Dropping to her hands and knees, she crawled in between two bushes. While she could see everything perfectly because of her height, she was still perfectly covered by the plants. Athena would never see her.
She watched as Athena moved towards her. Though she knew that Athena couldn't see her, her heart still felt like it was going to explode. Finally, Athena moved out of sight and around the side of the great structure. Ruia crawled her way out and ran for the fountain. She plopped herself down and wait for Athena to return. She stared at her reflection in the water for quite some time. Another image formed beside her. One she had not seen for quite some time. She moved her tiny hand to brush the images face, a small tear dropping first, causing the image to ripple and disappear all together. 'Oh mommy, why did you have to go?'
Footsteps echoed behind her. Quickly Ruia brushed the tears from her eyes and turn to smile at Athena. Instead, she came face to face with two boys, to taller, menacing looking boys. Gulping she pushed herself up against the fountain.
"Who are you? What are you doing here?" The blond hair boy asked threateningly. His white robes barely touched the ground as he spoke to her.
His purple eyes pierced though Ruia like sharp knives. Never had she encountered someone so forward. But no one pushed Ruia Motou around. She stood and stared up at the blond, who appeared to be her age, maybe a year old. "My name does not concern the likes of you. I wasn't hurting anything. No if you don't mind, I would like to go back to enjoying the day that your presence is ruining!"
The brown haired boy's blue eyes widen in surprise. He couldn't have heard what thought he did. "Come again?"
Ruia sighed. "You heard me. Get lost. I want to enjoy my day in peace and I know you two won't let me."
Yugioh turned to Setto and smirked. Obviously this servant girl had no idea who she was talking too. The crowned prince turned to his future high priest and winked.
Inwardly Setto flinched. He knew what that wink meant, certain doom for the young girl standing before them. 'Though I have to respect her in a small way. She has guts.'
Yugioh moved around the girl, taking in every possible detail about her. She was about his age, a lot shorter, but arrogant as anything. She was definitely schooled, which surprised him. He didn't know of too many individuals who were in school before the age of seven, the age of reason. But no one treated him like a commoner, especially a servant. "I will ask you once again, what is your name?"
"I'll make you a deal, tell me yours and I will tell you mine." Ruia replied, smirk still on her face. She met this boy's glares face to face. She could tell it unnerved him some.
Setto moved to stand next to Yugioh. He leaned in close and whispered. "I don't think she is a daughter of a servant, I have never seen her before here in the palace. You'd better not upset her, she could be the daughter of a visiting King."
"My father had no meetings schedule with foreign kings. No, she is a commoner. How she got past the guards is beyond me. I will see to her removal immediately."
"NO!" Setto hissed, a little louder than he liked. "She is here for a reason let's just have a little fun with her." Setto smiled devilishly.
Yugioh bit his lip. After studying with Qaa and Sepi all morning, a little fun sounded good. "Alright, let's do it."
Setto moved to sit next to the girl. "You want to know our names, alright, I guess that is a fair trade off. I am Set." He extended his hand and shook the girl's hand.
"And I am Yugi," Yugioh responded, he too giving a semi -false name. He kissed the girl's hand, expecting her to blush. The reaction he got was far from that. She looked positively sick. "And what is your name?"
'Think you can pull the false name on me do you? Well two can play at that.' Ruia didn't know how she knew they were lying to her, she just did. The sensation was too strong to ignore. Why they were giving her a false name, she had no idea. It worried her greatly, but at the same time, she felt comfortable around them. "Ana, my name is Ana."
"Why are you here?" Setto asked, turning on the charm. At eight, he knew how to manipulate people, though Sepi tried to tell him it was negotiating. Since he was five, Khu's High Priests Sepi and Qaa had been training him to be Yugioh's top advisor. He figured he could use their teachings to get the real truth out of Ana. And if they happened to scare the young girl in the process, well that would be alright too.
Ana smiled sweetly. "My father is here on business. I accompanied him on the trip."
Yugioh's eyes narrowed. 'Either she is a really good talker or she is really here on business. But if she was royalty, wouldn't her cloths be nicer?' "Where are you from?"
"Not far, we are only here for a short time. We should be gone by mid - day. The Pharaoh was not expecting me on this trip so he allowed me to visit these gardens."
"By yourself?" Setto exclaimed nearly falling into the fountain in surprise. 'By Ra, she is only at most 6, the King couldn't, wouldn't have sent her out here alone and unguarded.'
"Of course not. I am only five. He sent Athena with me." Ana replied, laughing at Setto's stupidity. 'Boys, you think they would use that brain of theirs every once it awhile.'
"Where is Athena now?" Yugioh asked, looking around for the young woman.
"We were playing a game; she is it."
"I see, well you know what Ana," Yugioh said, moving closer to the girl. "I think you are nothing more than a liar. I know for a fact that my father has no meetings today. You are trespassing on Palace grounds. You can be killed for that!"
Ruia's eyes grew large. 'He must be the Prince, oh no. I should have known, but he isn't wearing his crown. Oh no, dad is going to be so furious at me.' Suddenly her trick weren't going to work any longer. "Well Prince Yugioh, I must admit, you caught me off guard. However, let me just say this. I am not trespassing. My father is here on business, seeing your father.'
Yugioh laughed. "That can not be. My father and I have plans for today. He would not have schedule anything. He wouldn't."
"Well guess what Prince." Ruia said hissing, "Your father did and ruined my day in the process."
"Liar." Yugioh shoved the girl to the ground. The second that he did, his hand flew to his mouth. The first rule he was ever taught, never hit a girl. And yet, he didn't feel sorry for the action. Instead, he just stared at the girl who told lies, waiting for her to breakdown and admits that she was lying to them.
Setto stood off to the side, refusing to get involved. He knew what Yugioh had done was wrong, but yet Ana had not cried or anything, rather laid there, taunting Yugioh as if. He figured that this little lady could handle herself just fine. There was no need for him to step into the middle of this war. Besides, he was eager to see how this would turn out. Never had any child dared to go against the Prince, nonetheless a girl.
Ruia stood, brushing off her tunic. "Is that the best you got? Please I have been hit worse before by a gust of wind."
Yugioh reeled back in surprise. 'If I didn't know any better, I said say she was a demon.' "You're pretty tough Ana, I give you that, but you're still a liar. And I hate liars. We have no use for them in our society. So I suggest you start telling the truth or face the consequences."
Ana stomped her foot in anger. "I am not fibbing. My father is in throne room with the Phar -roll discussing the town's intake for this month!"
"You're a commoner." Yugioh stated realizing was the girl had said. "A daughter of one of the townspeople."
Ruia turned and faced Yugioh eyes blazing. "And what is that to you?"
Laughing, Yugioh had to take a seat. "Nothing, I just find it funny. You are nothing more than a commoner. No wonder you look the way you do."
Ruia's eye widen in shock. She didn't care that she was talking to the crown prince; no one called her a commoner. "At least I am not a spoiled palace brat that gets everything had to him even if he doesn't deserve it!" She paused, and then added. "Like the crown."
The sand Setto had been holding dropped from his hand. No one spoke as Yugioh and Ruia locked eyes. 'I take back what I thought before, the girl has a lot of guts that or she is extremely crazy.'
"Take that back right now, by order of the Prince."
"No" Ruia responded. "You may think you have power over me and these people, but you do not. We are all equal, each and every last one of us. You are no better than me and I refuse to let you treat me any less."
Yugioh grabbed the girl's tunic and pulled her close. "I said, take it back."
Setto moved forward, this was getting too intense, especially for five year old. He had to put a stop to this, as a future advisor and as a friend.
"And I said no."
Yugioh dropped the girl in surprise, and then noticed the doll in her pocket. Quickly he grabbed it.
"No, give that back please!" Ruia cried. For the first time, she felt her confidence slipping.
"Why do you even have this ratty old thing? It is nothing more than cloth." Yugioh replied, rotating the doll in his hand. 'Why would she be carrying this worthless thing?'
"Please give it back, it means a lot to me." Ruia pleaded, tears forming. She had to get her doll back; it was the only thing she had left.
"You want it, go get it." Yugioh tossed into a pile of wet sand, soaking the doll instantly.
Ruia looked at her ruined doll, tears failing. "You meanie!"
Yugioh shrugged. "Next time don't insult me, especially on issue you know nothing of. Didn't your mother teach you anything? She definitely failed in her duties as a mother. "
Ruia stood, temper raging. "Never tell me again what I can and can not do! And never speak of my mother like that!" She shoved Yugioh back towards the fountain.
A loud splash echoed across the field. Yugioh spit the water that had collect in his mouth from when he fell into the water. He pushed up his blond, red, and black hair out of his eyes and stared at the girl who had pushed him in. What he saw shocked him. He expected her to be terrified at when she did, but instead she looked well proud.
"Maybe now you'll understand what I am saying since you cooled off. You need to rule with respect and wisdom, not fear and intimidation. You know nothing about how to treat people and if you do not learn, you will never succeed as a husband or Phar - roll." Tears fell from her eyes as she stared at her doll. Taking one more glance at the soaked Prince, she turned and fled.
Yugioh sat there for a moment, pondering the girl's final words to him. He was shook out of his daze when Setto offered him a hand up.
"You really messed up this time Yugioh."
"She is nothing more than a commoner Setto. Her words mean nothing."
Setto sighed. "Maybe, but you really hurt her Yugioh and she was speaking the truth. She said the same thing Qaa was telling us earlier today."
"She is only five Setto. She isn't that smart." Yugioh stated, trying to fix his hair back up into their spikes. It wasn't working. They kept flopping back down in front of the prince's eyes. Finally he just gave up and pushed them to the side.
"You're only five too. And I tell you, she is just as smart as you, maybe smarter." Setto replied honestly as he pulled the doll out of the mud. "This doll really meant something to her and you destroyed it. She told you that you didn't deserve the crown, but she didn't take it from you. Do you see my meaning?"
"She acted with compassion were I didn't right?"
"Compassion, respect, it is all the same." Setto tossed the doll at Yugioh. "Let's get your dried off before someone sees you."
"I can handle it," Yugioh paused, "Go check on Ana. Make sure she is okay."
"Are you going to apologize?" Setto raised an eyebrow in hope.
"I have nothing to be sorry for, but I don't want anything to happen to her either." Yugioh shouted as he headed to his bedroom to change.
'You have plenty to be sorry for Prince, but even I have to admit, I think you met your match with Ana. Both of you are two of the same cloth.'
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Ruia ran from the two boys, tears falling from her eyes. She wasn't just upset that the crown prince, but herself as well. 'Daddy is going to be so mad when he finds out what I did. I pushed the prince in the fountain and I just know the Phar - roll is going to punish daddy and I. I just know it.'
Unable to control herself any longer, Ruia collapsed into the sand and sobbed. 'What am I going to do, what?' She barely flinched when she felt a hand on her shoulder.
"Child, what is the matter?" Athena asked, alarm laced throughout her voice. When she had left Ruia, she was fine, happy as can be, but now, she was anything but that. She tried to coax the young girl out of her fetal position. "Ruia, what is it? Did someone try to hurt you?"
Giving no answer, Ruia launched herself into Athena's arms; she just wanted to be held at the moment.
Athena had no idea what to do now. She had never really dealt with a child this emotional upset before. Something had happened, something grave, but what that was, she had no idea. 'Maybe I should take her to mother, surely she would know what to do.' But Athena made no movement toward the palace, the child seemed content being held. So together the two sat in the sand, offering no words to one another.
"Athena."
Athena raised her head off Ruia's to see Setto standing before her. "Setto, what are you doing here? Why aren't you in class?"
Setto grinned. "We are on break." He knelt down next to the pair. "Athena, is it alright if I talk to our young friend here alone for a minute?" he asked softly, as not to upset Ana even more.
Athena felt Ruia's grip tighten around her neck. "Setto, what did you do to this girl? Don't say nothing either. I can feel her fear towards you."
Setto grimaced. He may only have been two years younger than Athena and techniquely he held more rank than she did, but at the moment, he really felt like his mother was lecturing him. Lowering his eyes off the pair, he finally responded. "It was Yugioh mostly. However I am to blame as well for not putting a stop to what he did. I am here to apologize and make sure Ana was okay."
"The Prince, why am I not surprised? As you can see Setto, Ruia isn't okay. Whatever you two did to her, really upset her."
"I know and that is why I am here. Please Athena, let me speak with her."
"It is not my choice Setto. It is Ruia's." She glanced down at Ruia, whose tears were subsiding. "Ruia, what do you say? Do you want to talk with Setto?"
Ruia hesitated. She really didn't want too, but Setto did say he wanted to apologize, so maybe she should let him. "I will talk to him, Athena."
Setto smiled and let out the breath he was holding. "Athena, why don't you check on the Prince, the last time I saw him, he was a little wet." He winked at Ruia, who blushed and giggled.
Athena glanced at the two and mouthed 'wet' in confusion before heading into the palace.
Setto smiled and turn to the young girl in front of him. "Ruia is it? And here I thought you said your name was Ana. I guess you pulled a good one on the Prince and I too."
"Yeah" Ruia replied, not really sure what to say at the moment. She played with the sand around her, so she wouldn't have to look Setto in the eyes. He had really pretty eyes, the same color as the Nile itself.
Setto stood, reaching down to help Ruia up. "Come on, I have a place that we can talk. I think you will like it there."
Ruia grasped his hand and allowed him to pull her up. She blushed again at the contact that their hands made. 'Why am I blushing so much?'
Together, Setto lead Ruia to an area a little farther away from the palace. Here, there was a large tree, how it got there Ruia had no idea, but is was pretty nonetheless.
"Know how to climb?" Setto asked.
Ruia blinked. "Um, no. We don't have trees like this at my home."
"Well then, I am just going to have to teach you. The view is great up there. Don't worry, we won't go high and I won't let anything happen to you, promise."
Ruia brushed her hair behind her ears. "Alright, teach way."
Fifteen minutes later and a few falls, Ruia was finally getting the hang of climbing. Setto was glad that she was having fun again, but there were so many questions looming in his mind that he wanted to ask, but he had to regain Ruia's trust first.
*SNAP*
Setto jerked his head up at the sound. Only one thing could cause it. Numbly he saw Ruia falling to the ground, at an alarming speed. Acting quickly, he ran underneath her and caught just before she hit the ground. "Are you okay?"
Cradled in his arms, Ruia had lost all forms of speech. She just hoped she wasn't blushing too much. She nodded her head, to answer his question. In the back of her mind, she secretly hoped that he wouldn't put her down. He was kind of cute and sweet.
"Do you want to try it again? You don't have to if you don't want to. We can talk down here."
"No, I want to get this. I wanna climb." Ruia replied stubbornly.
Shrugging, Setto put Ruia back down on the ground and watched her climb the tree again. 'There it is again, that independence nature of hers. She is so young to have it already.' This time, he followed her up the tree; together they sat in silence on the lowest branch gazing at the natural beauty Memphis had to offer: people hurrying around the town square shopping, kids playing games, and visitors asking directions. It was a typical day in the town.
Finally Setto broke the silence. "Ruia, what I told Athena early is true. I am sorry that I didn't step in and stop the Prince from ruining your toy and for what he said."
"Thank you, but it isn't totally Yugioh's fault that I am upset. I was in that mood long before I met up with you two."
"Oh?" Setto asked, turning to face his younger friend.
"Yeah, my daddy and I got into another argument this morning and that just set the tone for today I guess." she answered honestly as she could.
Setto noted the tone of her voice with his trained ears. She soundly so sad by the fact that she and her father fought, but at the same time, seemed a little cold towards the very same man, as if she resented him for an unknown reason. "I see. Ruia, you've been schooled, haven't you?"
She nodded. "My mommy's brother Ay, teaches me at the temple of Ptah. I normally go there every afternoon to learn. But I am on break until Uncle Ay finds material harder for me to learn. He told me that everything is too easy for me anymore."
'Makes sense. Ruia is extremely intelligent for a five-year-old, much like Yugioh. No wonder the two don't get along well, it is the clash of the egos, but yet there is something more to Ruia's attitude, like it is a way of survival as if.' "Ruia, where is your mother? Did she not come too?"
At the mention of her mother, Ruia's eyes filled with fresh tears. Setto quickly gathered the girl against his side and allowed her to cry. 'That is the second time that she has acted funny to the word mother. Something serious must have happened to Ruia's mother that is what caused her to react how she did. But how did the doll fit in all of this…unless.' And in that instant, Seto felt lower that most of Egypt's enemies. He wanted to smack his head off the tree a few hundred times, and then do the same with Yugioh's. 'No wonder she pushed him into the fountain, that doll must have came from her mother. It is the only thing she had left from her mom and Yugioh and I destroyed it. Oh man.'
He was surprised when Ruia tightened her grasp around him. 'And yet, she still forgives.' He moved his arm around her shoulder and pulled her closer, hoping to console her some. 'Such a cutie she is. And a definite match for the Prince.' Setto thought with a smirk. Never did he think he would live to see that day when a girl would out wit the prince. It was a wonderful sight to see. But at the same time, he knew that Yugioh needed to apologize to the girl, especially if what he suspected was true. He started to nudge Ruia to leave, the sooner he got to Yugioh to convince him to say sorry, the better, but stop short when he notice she had fallen asleep. Gently as he could, he picked her up, cradling her in his arms. He was glad the young girl was tiny for her age, or else he never would have managed. Carefully he slipped out of the tree, as not to injure either of them. Walking back to the palace, Setto placed a small kiss on top of Ruia's forehead. 'Don't worry little sis, I'll make sure Yugioh apologizes for the pain he put you through.'
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"We really messed up." Setto said walking to Yugioh's bedchamber without knocking. He had far too much on his mind to deal with trivial actions. The first thing he noticed was that Yugioh had changed into more regal of clothing; black shirt with golden collar and baggy gray pants. The only thing that was missing was his purple cape.
Yugioh glanced up from his desk where he had been practicing his hieroglyphics. "And why do you say that? Did Athena find out that I shoved Ana down? Don't worry, I will make sure she says nothing to father." he replied nonchalantly.
Setto, for the first time in his life, lost his temper with his friend. Grabbing Yugioh's shoulder and spun him around. Blue eyes glaring like ice, Setto stared hard at his friend. "I know you are upset that your father broken yet again another promise to spend the day with you, but that is no reason to take it out on that little girl. If I didn't know any better, I swear she has been hurt just as bad as you. If you would just take the moment to talk to her, I think you would see that too."
"I don't have time to deal with commoners." Yugioh stated sharply. He didn't understand why he was being so cold today. He normally wasn't like this, but after he learned that his father had yet again broken another promise to him, well that had done it.
"Yugioh, drop the attitude. I know you are hurt, but so is she. You know that doll that you ruined? It was a gift from her mother, her dead mother."
The quill Yugioh had been holding dropped from his hand. "Her mother is dead?" Yugioh sharply turned to Setto, eyes wide with shock and dismay.
"Ruia never came right out and said it, but yes I believe that is what happened. That doll was the last thing her mother gave her before she passed away and we destroyed it."
Yugioh grimaced in pain. "I didn't know. Ra, if I had only known." He too knew what it was like to lose a mother, but the pain was a little less for him. He had never known his mother, only heard the stories, however, Ana had known hers.
Setto sighed and took a seat on the bed. "Well we didn't and now we really scared that child. She forgave me and I bet she would forgive you too if you just went and talk to her. Explain what you did and why you did it. She's a pretty smart kid."
A playful grin crossed Yugioh's face. "Why Setto, if I didn't know any better I would think you have a crush on our little friend."
Setto felt his cheeks redden. "She is only five Yugioh, far to young for me."
"Un huh. That is why you are turning bright red too? She'll be seven when you turn ten, that isn't an uncommon age difference for a marital arrangement."
"That won't be necessary my friend, I see her more as the little sibling I never had than as a future wife."
"I must admit, she is unique. She has a lot of guts to stand up to me the way she did."
Setto chuckled, only to be whacked in the head by Yugioh's pillow. "So you do respect her. Why not swallow your pride and go and talk to her at least? You owe Ruia that much."
Yugioh sighed. It wasn't that he didn't want to apologize to Ruia anymore; it was more that he was actually scared of her. Never had he encountered someone with as much stubbornness and spunk as he. "Where is she? I shall go and speak with Ana…Ruia is it?"
"Yeah, she gave us a false name too. She is down in Athena's room sleeping. That emotional outburst she had with us must have drained her energy."
"Alright, I have to take care of something urgent first, then I will go and see her." With that, Yugioh left his room.
Setto sat on the bed and sighed in defeat. He may have convinced Yugioh to talk to Ruia, but he still didn't grasp that even commoners were important. How quickly Yugioh forgot that at one time, he too was common. 'What my friend, can be more important than making someone you hurt happy again?'
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"Go away" Ruia mumbled and rolled over onto her side, refusing to wake up.
The other person in the room sighed and shook the slumbering child a bit harder.
"What, who is there?" Ruia flipped back over, only to come face to face with Yugioh. "Oh it is you. Definitely not the first thing I would have liked to have woken up too, but whatever. Come to yell at me some more?"
Yugioh held back on what he was thinking. 'Definitely not a rise and shine person either.' Finally he answered Ruia's question. "No, I am not here to yell or complain. Rather, I have something for you."
"Something for me?" Ruia sat up, pushing the blue covers from the bed down some. Curiously, she looked at Yugioh, surprised that he had actually gotten her something. Warning bells were going off in the back of her mind that this was a trap, but something about his eyes made her think differently.
"Yeah, for you." Yugioh replied, pulling his hands out from behind his back.
"Aristae!" Ruia exclaimed. There was her doll, sitting in his hands. She was still a little dirty, but for the most part, she was good as new. Without thinking, Ruia grabbed the doll, hugged it tightly, and then launched herself into the Prince's lap, hugging him to death. "Oh thank you. You don't know how much this means to me."
Yugioh felt his check redden. He wished that Ruia wouldn't make such a big deal about this; it made him feel, well uncomfortable. "I think I do understand how much this means to you. Ruia, this was a gift from your mother wasn't it?"
"Ai, it was my Prince." Ruia whispered softly.
Caught off guard, he didn't reply right away. That was the first time Ruia had shown him the respect that his title demanded, though in his mind, he did not deserve it as of late. "You will have to excuse me, I am not the best at making apologies. I haven't had much practice at them. However, you are entitled to one. I acted foolishly before. I should have never taken such a precious gift from you. I was wrong and I am sorry." He was amazed how easily the words came. 'That wasn't so bad.'
'I should be the one who should be sorry. I did not show you the proper respect and I know I forced you into your actions. There is no need to say sorry to me, rather I should say it to you."
'Maybe, this girl isn't so bad.' he thought. "Then maybe we both have something to be sorry for. I hope your doll is okay; I scrubbed as hard as I could to get the mud off. I am afraid that I was a little too late to get all of it though."
"You cleaned Aristae?" Raya exclaimed.
Yugioh laughed. "I know what you are thinking and yes I did. I was the one who almost ruined it; I should be the one to fix it. Gifts from mothers are very special things, especially if it is all you have to remember them by." he concluded softly.
That did it. The tears Ruia had been fighting back streamed down her face, creating little rivers. Yugioh surprised himself when he wrapped his arms around the smaller girl, trying to comfort her. Gently he rocked her back and forth. 'This feels right somehow…'
"How did you figure it out that this was from my mommy?" Ruia sniffled.
Yugioh cupped the smaller girl's chin and tipped it upward so he could see her better. "It was not I, Setto figured it out. And I see know that he was correct in his judgment. How long ago did your mother die?"
Ruia blinked. "I was only two when she died. I don't remember much about her. My father said I take after her most of all. I have the same stubborn attitude. She gave me this doll right before her death, or so father told me. While she was bed ridden, she made it for her little girl."
"I never knew my mother either." Yugioh confessed. "She died giving birth to me. I know as much about my mother as you, probably less. I…I…miss her. There are so many things I would have liked to know, like to have asked her and yet I shall never get the chance."
"I am so sorry."
"No, I am the one who needs to be sorry. I should have never said those things about your mother the way I did. I am sure she was a wonderful mother, no I am positive of it."
"I don't blame you for what you said. I was upset long before I came here. I acted too without thinking."
"Are you still upset?" Yugioh asked.
"Not at you or Setto, I understand what you did and why. And if you can forgive me, I can forgive you. No, I upset with my father." Ruia replied, disdainfully.
"Your father? May I ask why?"
More tears fell. "Today is the marking of my mommy's death. We were supposed to visit her grave and spend the day together, but plans changed this morning. We had to come here. I don't blame your father or even mine really. A job is a job, but sometimes I wish he would spend more time with me."
"I know your pain. My father too promised me a day together. And once again, it seems that he has forgot that promise. I guess we have more in common that I imagined." Yugioh replied thoughtfully.
Ruia nodded in response and snuggled deeper into Yugioh's warm embrace. While she had a crush on Setto, she felt safe in the Prince's arms, like nothing could harm her. "Who would have ever thought it possible?" she finally answered, with a small laugh.
"Setto figured we would get along." He didn't miss the blush that crossed Ruia's face. "You like him, don't you?"
"He was sweet to me and didn't judge me for what I represent, rather looked at the real me."
"I understand. I guess I still have a lot to learn to be a good ruler and how to be a friend, eh?"
"Maybe on how to be a great ruler yes, but you're a pretty decent friend already." Ruia yawned. She could feel her eyelids growing heavy again. She could rest them for a minute or two. No one would mind much.
Yugioh was about to respond when he notice the young girl had fallen asleep in his arms. Smiling softly, he lifted Ruia back into Athena's bed and tucked her back in, laying her doll next to the slumbering child. 'Like an angel.' Yugioh smirked at his next thought. 'But a devil when awake.' Quietly, he tiptoed out of the room, as not to wake Ruia. Before totally leaving the room, he stole a quick glance back. 'If only…' he didn't finish the thought, just turned and left.
Unknown to Yugioh, two shadows stepped forward into the light. "What do you make of this Zemti?"
Zemti sighed. "You know Athena I am bounded by my oaths not to reveal anything about the future unless it is life threatening and this is not the case."
"I know, but I can't help feel that Ruia is something special. That she is destined for great things. And whatever her involvement, revolves around all of our lives too."
"That can not be possible Athena, you know that. She is a commoner and while she does hold more rank than most, it is not enough for her to be involved with any of our lives. It is best that we forget about Ruia."
"Are you sure Zemti? I mean I can not be for certain, but I think she has a crush on the young Setto."
Zemti didn't answer. There was no real way to answer Athena's question without giving away what his visions had revealed to him. 'I wish I could tell you Athena the truth about young Ruia. You are indeed correct that she will play a direct role in our of lives, however, not in the way you would expect. I can not help but be afraid that she will cause all of our downfalls. She is the light that my dreams were warning me of, I know it. She is what my dreams referred to as the Light of Destruction. She must not have any contact with the Prince or the Royal Family. Or else, our civilization is lost forever.'
"Zemti, are you alright?" A touch of concern was etched in Athena's face.
"I am alright. And you are correct as well Athena; she does appear to have a small liking to Setto. But it is best that we forget this young girl ever came into all our lives. I very much doubt any of us will ever see her again anyway." Zemti replied. He started walking away. "I will see you at dinner, no?"
Athena nodded. She watched at Zemti walked down the hallway. 'You're wrong Zemti, Ruia is already a part of all our lives. She has shown Yugioh so much; she simply can't just disappear from all of our sights. No, the fates do not work like that at all. She came to us for a reason, and what that reason is, I am not sure, but meetings like this are never just coincidences.'
She watched as Ruia slept. A smile crossed her lips. Children were so pure and innocent. Then she heard the words that froze her to the ground. "Sekhmet, I will make you proud. Your gift will not be wasted."
Athena's grew large. 'Could it be? Could Ruia be the one mother talked about all those years ago? It can't be, Ruia isn't the second child of the divinity. She isn't royalty at all. It is only a dream, that is all nothing more nothing less.' Athena smiled again before shutting the door so Ruia could sleep undisturbed.
But if she had waited just a moment longer, she would have heard the words that shook the Egyptian culture to the ground.
"Don't worry mama Isis, Sekhmet. I will be a great Divine Mother, just you wait."
Anya: Sorry this chapter took so long, I blame college. I had hit a really hard week not long ago and it took time away from this story. But don't worry, with break coming up, these chapters should come out faster. Anyway, onto the story.
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Another day, another battle.
"Ruia will you please go get ready?" Sugoroku asked, tiredly placing the potted plate back on the shelf. They had been at this for five minutes already.
"But daddy, you promise." Five-year-old Ruia responded, crossing her arms over her chest, puffing out her lower lip, biting down on it gently. She refused to cry.
Sugoroku sighed. If this was going to be any indication to what Ruia was going to be like when she got older…Sugoroku shook the thought from his head. Instead, he concentrated on the task at hand. He knelt down to his daughter's eye level and placed his hands on her shoulders. "I know I did Ruia and I am deeply sorry. I really didn't want to do anything today either, but as my job as the town bursar, I have to meet with the Pharaoh once a month. I had no idea he would schedule for today."
"Can you tell the Phar - roll that you have more important things to do?" Ruia pouted, iris eyes large and pleading.
Sugoroku laughed at his daughter's attempts. She could convince anyone to do anything practically. But this one time, he couldn't afford to give in. "As much as I wish I could Ruia, it doesn't quite work that way. Now will you please finish getting ready?"
Ruia stood still for a minute, as if reviewing her options before muttering, "Why did Chrissie have to go out of town?" Without another word, she stomped out of the kitchen and to her bedroom.
"Another broken promise, when are they going to stop?" Sugoroku said to no one in particular. He moved to sit at the window. A new day had begun in Memphis. Unfortunately, it was another routine day at the Motou house; fights between Ruia and he and at some point a broken promise or two. He seemed to be breaking a lot of promises to his daughter lately. He didn't mean too, it just happened, but the one he broke today was the worse by far. Ruia had to be crushed. Sighing he took a seat next to the open window and waited patiently for Ruia to finish getting ready. A gentle warm breeze brushed against his face as he thought about his remarkable child. For only being five, Ruia was remarkably intelligent and self-reliant. She could perform a lot of task that normal five year olds couldn't. When Ruia was only nine months, she was speaking clearly and by thirteen months she was able to put complete and rational sentences together. She was indeed a special girl.
Which is why Sugoroku feared her teen years with a passion. He was having a hard enough time raising her at five. Ay, his wife's twin helped everywhere he could. Ay even started taking Ruia to the temple every afternoon to school her in the necessary subjects. Even though Ruia was younger than all his other students, Ay never had a more eager one to learn. She loved learning about the sciences, math, history, and of course religion. Sugoroku felt himself smile. Religion was Ruia's favorite subject. She loved hearing about all the wonderful and not so great accomplishment their gods and goddess had done. One goddess in particular, the goddess of War, Sekhmet, had really captured her attention. At first, Sugoroku had been concerned about his daughter's fascination with the goddess, but Ay assured him that it was perfectly natural, Sugoroku couldn't be for certain, but Ay almost acted as if he was glad that Ruia had taken an interest in the goddess. He couldn't be positive though. And Ruia was no position to join a cult or anything like that. She had explained to him that she just felt sorry for Sekhmet. The goddess was known for war, but there had to be more to her than just that.
"Ruia! Come on, we are going to be late." Sugoroku called glancing at the position of the sun.
Finally, his daughter came into the room, looking more presentable than before. Her hair was neat and robes clean. She adjusted the red robe again, huffing all the while, showing that she was obviously upset that she had to come along to the palace.
"I promise Ruia, I will make this up to you."
"You said that last time too daddy." Ruia responded, crossing her arms back over her chest. Her father may have forced her into going on to this little voyage, but she wasn't going to enjoy it, not by far. A smirk crossed her face, "maybe I can have a little fun though."
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"Sorry that we are last my King." Sugoroku quickly stated, once he and Ruia were permitted into the palace. He bowed before Khu who was seated on his golden throne a few short feet away. He nudged Ruia, who was staring down at the red carpet, to do the same.
Ruia did as directed then added. "Good morning Phar - roll. I hope the day finds you well." She smiled sweetly at her ruler. Even though she didn't want to be here, she knew how important the Pharaoh was to their land. He controlled her father's job, as well as her uncle's and many others. There was nothing to gain in making the King mad. Besides, he was a very important person; the gods had chosen him out of everyone in Egypt to rule. Uncle Ay had told her many times.
"The day finds me well, Ruia isn't it?" Khu asked. He was shocked at the child's intelligence as well as her composure. No other five year olds he had over come in contact with had this much pose, excluding his son, the crowned prince. But never had a young girl impressed him so much.
Ruia nodded her head, golden brown locks bouncing.
Khu smiled, and then motioned a young woman forward. "Athena, why don't you take Ruia with you and show her around the palace. I bet she would enjoy the grounds more than this boring meeting wouldn't you, daughter?"
Sugoroku blinked. Khu had just called Ruia his daughter, after just one meeting. Smiling with pride, Sugoroku couldn't really even begin to comprehend what was going on anymore. To have the Pharaoh call you a son or daughter was simply amazing and highly honorable. And his daughter had managed to impress the King after a very brief meeting. 'I should have known Ruia could have done it, she is my little manipulator.' he thought with a soft chuckle. Sugoroku brushed a piece of his brown hair of his face, still beaming with pride.
"I would like that quite much Phar - roll. Thank you." Ruia responded. 'Finally a way out.' She turned to face her father to make sure it was all right. Receiving a nod of approval, she grinned back wildly at her King. She bowed again and skipped over to the lavender hair child. Taking Athena's hand, the two exited the room, chatting like old friends.
Khu rose as his two daughters left the room. "She is something special Sugoroku. I can not believe she is only five years old. She speaks with more confidence and pose than most adults I know. Though I noticed she can't say Pharaoh." He chuckled. He led his bursar over to a large wooden table to start their meeting. Two servants brought goblets of the finest wine for them to drink.
Sugoroku blushed. "We are still working on that one. She is something else though. She takes after her mother in many ways. Some worse than others." He answered honestly. He placed his glass in front of him. Reaching into his bag, he pulled out the records from the town shops.
"Oh? And what is that?" Khu asked as he took the papers that Sugoroku had brought from his hands.
"She is the most stubborn individual I ever met. I love my daughter to death, but there are just times I really don't think I will be able to handle raising her. You saw yourself Pharaoh, she is smarter than she looks and she knows it. It's not that she goes out of her way to upset me; I think she just does it for attention. I know that I am not around enough for her, but I have to support us. It can't be helped."
Khu placed a hand on Sugoroku shoulder. "I understand where you are coming from my friend. There are times I wish I could spend more time with my son. But you have to remember that your daughter is only five, not fifteen Sugoroku. She doesn't realize the sacrifices you are making. You just have to be patient. I have confidence that young Ruia will be a great assert to our civilization."
"I pray to the gods that you are correct. But I fear her stubbornness will be her undoing. If she, I can not bring it under control…" Sugoroku shrugged.
Khu laughed. "You have nothing to fear, you never met my son. I bet Ruia is nowhere near as bad as Yugioh. He will make a good leader, I have no doubts there, but in order to be great, he is going to have to learn that stubbornness and force is not the way to lead a group of people."
"Maybe our children could learn something from each other." Sugoroku grinned. 'Like that would ever happen. Commoners and Royalty do not converse. Even if our case is special.'
Khu opened a parchment. "That or they would be such opposites that they would kill one another."
The two men glanced at one another. Purple eyes met with brown. Then spoke simultaneously. "Kill one another."
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"This is pretty." Ruia commented touching the cold bronze statue gently, as if afraid of damaging it somehow.
Athena stole a glance at the statue. She never really paid attention to her surroundings, she had far too much work to do since she became an adult at the age of ten, but now walking with Ruia allowed her to stop and see things she had never looked at before. "That is a statue of Queen Cleo. She passed on right before you were born."
"She was a pretty woman. I remember Uncle Ay telling me that she was a compassionate ruler too."
Athena smiled. For a five year old, Ruia was quite intelligent. Athena knew she did not use or even know some of the words Ruia had said at five. "She was very compassionate. She was always very good to my mother and me." She shook a memory from her mind, there was no sense dwelling in the past. You could not change it, no matter how much you tried or wished. "Ruia, how would you like to see the gardens? It is lovely during this season."
"Can we play a game out there too?" Ruia asked hopefully, eyes wide in suspense. She loved playing games. Impatiently, she bounced from foot to foot, waiting for Athena's response.
Laughing at her 'little sister' enthusiasm, Athena nodded. "What game would you like to play?" She knelt down to Ruia's eye level.
Ruia scrunched her face in thought. "I know, hide and go seek."
Grabbing Ruia's hand, she responded. "Hide and seek it is. Come on, I will race you outside."
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"Wow, this has to be the biggest play area I have ever seen. Anzu would die to see this." Ruia whispered in awe. The gates around the palace seemed to stretch as far and as wide as her little eyes could see. The sand even seemed different. It dusted the ground like magic, glistening in the morning rays. But the best thing about being outside was centered in the field of sand, a fountain, the biggest one Ruia had seen in her life. She moved over to the stone structure, running her hand atop the clear wet liquid, laughing all the while.
'I almost forgot this child was younger than she acts. I am glad that she is enjoying herself. When Ruia had first arrived, she seemed so down, so depressed. Thank Ra she cheered up. I hate seeing anyone so upset.' Athena closed her eyes as a sudden breeze kicked up some sand. When she opened them again, Ruia was no longer in front of her. "Ruia?"
She received no answer.
"Ruia?" she called again, a bit more urgently. Still no answer. 'Where did she go? I can't have lost her. She was right in front of me a mere second ago.' "Ruia! Answer me. Where are you?"
"Right here."
Athena sighed in relief as she turned and found Ruia standing behind her, now clutching something against her chest. "You scared me, Ruia. Please do not run off like that again."
Ruia turned red, matching the color of her robe. "I'm sorry Athena. I didn't mean too. It was just my dolly fell out of my pocket and I panicked. I didn't want someone to throw her out. She is my favorite toy. My mommy gave it to me…" she trailed off, looking sheepish.
"It is okay, nothing happened." Athena soothed. "We have nothing to be concerned about." She winked at Ruia.
"Really? Thanks!" Ruia grinned; relieved that her father would not learn she had run off without telling Athena. "Wanna see my dolly?" She held out her doll to Athena.
The doll wasn't much, just some simple cloth sewn together and stuffed with either sand or something equally as soft. But even Athena could see how important the doll was to Ruia. "She's beautiful, what is her name?"
"Aristae with an e." Ruia answered. 'Just like my mother.' she added silently to herself, hoping that she wouldn't start crying.
"That's a really pretty name." She handed the doll back to Ruia, who clutched it tightly to her. "Are you ready to play now?"
"YEAH!" Ruia smiled. "Can I hide first?"
"Of course, just make sure you stay outside. We don't want to disrupt your father and the other workers."
Ruia nodded her head, eyes searching for the perfect spot. "Count to fifty!"
"Okay." Athena closed her eyes. "1...2...3..."
Ruia took off for the far side of the palace. She had seen the perfect hiding spot there before when she went to find her doll. Dropping to her hands and knees, she crawled in between two bushes. While she could see everything perfectly because of her height, she was still perfectly covered by the plants. Athena would never see her.
She watched as Athena moved towards her. Though she knew that Athena couldn't see her, her heart still felt like it was going to explode. Finally, Athena moved out of sight and around the side of the great structure. Ruia crawled her way out and ran for the fountain. She plopped herself down and wait for Athena to return. She stared at her reflection in the water for quite some time. Another image formed beside her. One she had not seen for quite some time. She moved her tiny hand to brush the images face, a small tear dropping first, causing the image to ripple and disappear all together. 'Oh mommy, why did you have to go?'
Footsteps echoed behind her. Quickly Ruia brushed the tears from her eyes and turn to smile at Athena. Instead, she came face to face with two boys, to taller, menacing looking boys. Gulping she pushed herself up against the fountain.
"Who are you? What are you doing here?" The blond hair boy asked threateningly. His white robes barely touched the ground as he spoke to her.
His purple eyes pierced though Ruia like sharp knives. Never had she encountered someone so forward. But no one pushed Ruia Motou around. She stood and stared up at the blond, who appeared to be her age, maybe a year old. "My name does not concern the likes of you. I wasn't hurting anything. No if you don't mind, I would like to go back to enjoying the day that your presence is ruining!"
The brown haired boy's blue eyes widen in surprise. He couldn't have heard what thought he did. "Come again?"
Ruia sighed. "You heard me. Get lost. I want to enjoy my day in peace and I know you two won't let me."
Yugioh turned to Setto and smirked. Obviously this servant girl had no idea who she was talking too. The crowned prince turned to his future high priest and winked.
Inwardly Setto flinched. He knew what that wink meant, certain doom for the young girl standing before them. 'Though I have to respect her in a small way. She has guts.'
Yugioh moved around the girl, taking in every possible detail about her. She was about his age, a lot shorter, but arrogant as anything. She was definitely schooled, which surprised him. He didn't know of too many individuals who were in school before the age of seven, the age of reason. But no one treated him like a commoner, especially a servant. "I will ask you once again, what is your name?"
"I'll make you a deal, tell me yours and I will tell you mine." Ruia replied, smirk still on her face. She met this boy's glares face to face. She could tell it unnerved him some.
Setto moved to stand next to Yugioh. He leaned in close and whispered. "I don't think she is a daughter of a servant, I have never seen her before here in the palace. You'd better not upset her, she could be the daughter of a visiting King."
"My father had no meetings schedule with foreign kings. No, she is a commoner. How she got past the guards is beyond me. I will see to her removal immediately."
"NO!" Setto hissed, a little louder than he liked. "She is here for a reason let's just have a little fun with her." Setto smiled devilishly.
Yugioh bit his lip. After studying with Qaa and Sepi all morning, a little fun sounded good. "Alright, let's do it."
Setto moved to sit next to the girl. "You want to know our names, alright, I guess that is a fair trade off. I am Set." He extended his hand and shook the girl's hand.
"And I am Yugi," Yugioh responded, he too giving a semi -false name. He kissed the girl's hand, expecting her to blush. The reaction he got was far from that. She looked positively sick. "And what is your name?"
'Think you can pull the false name on me do you? Well two can play at that.' Ruia didn't know how she knew they were lying to her, she just did. The sensation was too strong to ignore. Why they were giving her a false name, she had no idea. It worried her greatly, but at the same time, she felt comfortable around them. "Ana, my name is Ana."
"Why are you here?" Setto asked, turning on the charm. At eight, he knew how to manipulate people, though Sepi tried to tell him it was negotiating. Since he was five, Khu's High Priests Sepi and Qaa had been training him to be Yugioh's top advisor. He figured he could use their teachings to get the real truth out of Ana. And if they happened to scare the young girl in the process, well that would be alright too.
Ana smiled sweetly. "My father is here on business. I accompanied him on the trip."
Yugioh's eyes narrowed. 'Either she is a really good talker or she is really here on business. But if she was royalty, wouldn't her cloths be nicer?' "Where are you from?"
"Not far, we are only here for a short time. We should be gone by mid - day. The Pharaoh was not expecting me on this trip so he allowed me to visit these gardens."
"By yourself?" Setto exclaimed nearly falling into the fountain in surprise. 'By Ra, she is only at most 6, the King couldn't, wouldn't have sent her out here alone and unguarded.'
"Of course not. I am only five. He sent Athena with me." Ana replied, laughing at Setto's stupidity. 'Boys, you think they would use that brain of theirs every once it awhile.'
"Where is Athena now?" Yugioh asked, looking around for the young woman.
"We were playing a game; she is it."
"I see, well you know what Ana," Yugioh said, moving closer to the girl. "I think you are nothing more than a liar. I know for a fact that my father has no meetings today. You are trespassing on Palace grounds. You can be killed for that!"
Ruia's eyes grew large. 'He must be the Prince, oh no. I should have known, but he isn't wearing his crown. Oh no, dad is going to be so furious at me.' Suddenly her trick weren't going to work any longer. "Well Prince Yugioh, I must admit, you caught me off guard. However, let me just say this. I am not trespassing. My father is here on business, seeing your father.'
Yugioh laughed. "That can not be. My father and I have plans for today. He would not have schedule anything. He wouldn't."
"Well guess what Prince." Ruia said hissing, "Your father did and ruined my day in the process."
"Liar." Yugioh shoved the girl to the ground. The second that he did, his hand flew to his mouth. The first rule he was ever taught, never hit a girl. And yet, he didn't feel sorry for the action. Instead, he just stared at the girl who told lies, waiting for her to breakdown and admits that she was lying to them.
Setto stood off to the side, refusing to get involved. He knew what Yugioh had done was wrong, but yet Ana had not cried or anything, rather laid there, taunting Yugioh as if. He figured that this little lady could handle herself just fine. There was no need for him to step into the middle of this war. Besides, he was eager to see how this would turn out. Never had any child dared to go against the Prince, nonetheless a girl.
Ruia stood, brushing off her tunic. "Is that the best you got? Please I have been hit worse before by a gust of wind."
Yugioh reeled back in surprise. 'If I didn't know any better, I said say she was a demon.' "You're pretty tough Ana, I give you that, but you're still a liar. And I hate liars. We have no use for them in our society. So I suggest you start telling the truth or face the consequences."
Ana stomped her foot in anger. "I am not fibbing. My father is in throne room with the Phar -roll discussing the town's intake for this month!"
"You're a commoner." Yugioh stated realizing was the girl had said. "A daughter of one of the townspeople."
Ruia turned and faced Yugioh eyes blazing. "And what is that to you?"
Laughing, Yugioh had to take a seat. "Nothing, I just find it funny. You are nothing more than a commoner. No wonder you look the way you do."
Ruia's eye widen in shock. She didn't care that she was talking to the crown prince; no one called her a commoner. "At least I am not a spoiled palace brat that gets everything had to him even if he doesn't deserve it!" She paused, and then added. "Like the crown."
The sand Setto had been holding dropped from his hand. No one spoke as Yugioh and Ruia locked eyes. 'I take back what I thought before, the girl has a lot of guts that or she is extremely crazy.'
"Take that back right now, by order of the Prince."
"No" Ruia responded. "You may think you have power over me and these people, but you do not. We are all equal, each and every last one of us. You are no better than me and I refuse to let you treat me any less."
Yugioh grabbed the girl's tunic and pulled her close. "I said, take it back."
Setto moved forward, this was getting too intense, especially for five year old. He had to put a stop to this, as a future advisor and as a friend.
"And I said no."
Yugioh dropped the girl in surprise, and then noticed the doll in her pocket. Quickly he grabbed it.
"No, give that back please!" Ruia cried. For the first time, she felt her confidence slipping.
"Why do you even have this ratty old thing? It is nothing more than cloth." Yugioh replied, rotating the doll in his hand. 'Why would she be carrying this worthless thing?'
"Please give it back, it means a lot to me." Ruia pleaded, tears forming. She had to get her doll back; it was the only thing she had left.
"You want it, go get it." Yugioh tossed into a pile of wet sand, soaking the doll instantly.
Ruia looked at her ruined doll, tears failing. "You meanie!"
Yugioh shrugged. "Next time don't insult me, especially on issue you know nothing of. Didn't your mother teach you anything? She definitely failed in her duties as a mother. "
Ruia stood, temper raging. "Never tell me again what I can and can not do! And never speak of my mother like that!" She shoved Yugioh back towards the fountain.
A loud splash echoed across the field. Yugioh spit the water that had collect in his mouth from when he fell into the water. He pushed up his blond, red, and black hair out of his eyes and stared at the girl who had pushed him in. What he saw shocked him. He expected her to be terrified at when she did, but instead she looked well proud.
"Maybe now you'll understand what I am saying since you cooled off. You need to rule with respect and wisdom, not fear and intimidation. You know nothing about how to treat people and if you do not learn, you will never succeed as a husband or Phar - roll." Tears fell from her eyes as she stared at her doll. Taking one more glance at the soaked Prince, she turned and fled.
Yugioh sat there for a moment, pondering the girl's final words to him. He was shook out of his daze when Setto offered him a hand up.
"You really messed up this time Yugioh."
"She is nothing more than a commoner Setto. Her words mean nothing."
Setto sighed. "Maybe, but you really hurt her Yugioh and she was speaking the truth. She said the same thing Qaa was telling us earlier today."
"She is only five Setto. She isn't that smart." Yugioh stated, trying to fix his hair back up into their spikes. It wasn't working. They kept flopping back down in front of the prince's eyes. Finally he just gave up and pushed them to the side.
"You're only five too. And I tell you, she is just as smart as you, maybe smarter." Setto replied honestly as he pulled the doll out of the mud. "This doll really meant something to her and you destroyed it. She told you that you didn't deserve the crown, but she didn't take it from you. Do you see my meaning?"
"She acted with compassion were I didn't right?"
"Compassion, respect, it is all the same." Setto tossed the doll at Yugioh. "Let's get your dried off before someone sees you."
"I can handle it," Yugioh paused, "Go check on Ana. Make sure she is okay."
"Are you going to apologize?" Setto raised an eyebrow in hope.
"I have nothing to be sorry for, but I don't want anything to happen to her either." Yugioh shouted as he headed to his bedroom to change.
'You have plenty to be sorry for Prince, but even I have to admit, I think you met your match with Ana. Both of you are two of the same cloth.'
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Ruia ran from the two boys, tears falling from her eyes. She wasn't just upset that the crown prince, but herself as well. 'Daddy is going to be so mad when he finds out what I did. I pushed the prince in the fountain and I just know the Phar - roll is going to punish daddy and I. I just know it.'
Unable to control herself any longer, Ruia collapsed into the sand and sobbed. 'What am I going to do, what?' She barely flinched when she felt a hand on her shoulder.
"Child, what is the matter?" Athena asked, alarm laced throughout her voice. When she had left Ruia, she was fine, happy as can be, but now, she was anything but that. She tried to coax the young girl out of her fetal position. "Ruia, what is it? Did someone try to hurt you?"
Giving no answer, Ruia launched herself into Athena's arms; she just wanted to be held at the moment.
Athena had no idea what to do now. She had never really dealt with a child this emotional upset before. Something had happened, something grave, but what that was, she had no idea. 'Maybe I should take her to mother, surely she would know what to do.' But Athena made no movement toward the palace, the child seemed content being held. So together the two sat in the sand, offering no words to one another.
"Athena."
Athena raised her head off Ruia's to see Setto standing before her. "Setto, what are you doing here? Why aren't you in class?"
Setto grinned. "We are on break." He knelt down next to the pair. "Athena, is it alright if I talk to our young friend here alone for a minute?" he asked softly, as not to upset Ana even more.
Athena felt Ruia's grip tighten around her neck. "Setto, what did you do to this girl? Don't say nothing either. I can feel her fear towards you."
Setto grimaced. He may only have been two years younger than Athena and techniquely he held more rank than she did, but at the moment, he really felt like his mother was lecturing him. Lowering his eyes off the pair, he finally responded. "It was Yugioh mostly. However I am to blame as well for not putting a stop to what he did. I am here to apologize and make sure Ana was okay."
"The Prince, why am I not surprised? As you can see Setto, Ruia isn't okay. Whatever you two did to her, really upset her."
"I know and that is why I am here. Please Athena, let me speak with her."
"It is not my choice Setto. It is Ruia's." She glanced down at Ruia, whose tears were subsiding. "Ruia, what do you say? Do you want to talk with Setto?"
Ruia hesitated. She really didn't want too, but Setto did say he wanted to apologize, so maybe she should let him. "I will talk to him, Athena."
Setto smiled and let out the breath he was holding. "Athena, why don't you check on the Prince, the last time I saw him, he was a little wet." He winked at Ruia, who blushed and giggled.
Athena glanced at the two and mouthed 'wet' in confusion before heading into the palace.
Setto smiled and turn to the young girl in front of him. "Ruia is it? And here I thought you said your name was Ana. I guess you pulled a good one on the Prince and I too."
"Yeah" Ruia replied, not really sure what to say at the moment. She played with the sand around her, so she wouldn't have to look Setto in the eyes. He had really pretty eyes, the same color as the Nile itself.
Setto stood, reaching down to help Ruia up. "Come on, I have a place that we can talk. I think you will like it there."
Ruia grasped his hand and allowed him to pull her up. She blushed again at the contact that their hands made. 'Why am I blushing so much?'
Together, Setto lead Ruia to an area a little farther away from the palace. Here, there was a large tree, how it got there Ruia had no idea, but is was pretty nonetheless.
"Know how to climb?" Setto asked.
Ruia blinked. "Um, no. We don't have trees like this at my home."
"Well then, I am just going to have to teach you. The view is great up there. Don't worry, we won't go high and I won't let anything happen to you, promise."
Ruia brushed her hair behind her ears. "Alright, teach way."
Fifteen minutes later and a few falls, Ruia was finally getting the hang of climbing. Setto was glad that she was having fun again, but there were so many questions looming in his mind that he wanted to ask, but he had to regain Ruia's trust first.
*SNAP*
Setto jerked his head up at the sound. Only one thing could cause it. Numbly he saw Ruia falling to the ground, at an alarming speed. Acting quickly, he ran underneath her and caught just before she hit the ground. "Are you okay?"
Cradled in his arms, Ruia had lost all forms of speech. She just hoped she wasn't blushing too much. She nodded her head, to answer his question. In the back of her mind, she secretly hoped that he wouldn't put her down. He was kind of cute and sweet.
"Do you want to try it again? You don't have to if you don't want to. We can talk down here."
"No, I want to get this. I wanna climb." Ruia replied stubbornly.
Shrugging, Setto put Ruia back down on the ground and watched her climb the tree again. 'There it is again, that independence nature of hers. She is so young to have it already.' This time, he followed her up the tree; together they sat in silence on the lowest branch gazing at the natural beauty Memphis had to offer: people hurrying around the town square shopping, kids playing games, and visitors asking directions. It was a typical day in the town.
Finally Setto broke the silence. "Ruia, what I told Athena early is true. I am sorry that I didn't step in and stop the Prince from ruining your toy and for what he said."
"Thank you, but it isn't totally Yugioh's fault that I am upset. I was in that mood long before I met up with you two."
"Oh?" Setto asked, turning to face his younger friend.
"Yeah, my daddy and I got into another argument this morning and that just set the tone for today I guess." she answered honestly as she could.
Setto noted the tone of her voice with his trained ears. She soundly so sad by the fact that she and her father fought, but at the same time, seemed a little cold towards the very same man, as if she resented him for an unknown reason. "I see. Ruia, you've been schooled, haven't you?"
She nodded. "My mommy's brother Ay, teaches me at the temple of Ptah. I normally go there every afternoon to learn. But I am on break until Uncle Ay finds material harder for me to learn. He told me that everything is too easy for me anymore."
'Makes sense. Ruia is extremely intelligent for a five-year-old, much like Yugioh. No wonder the two don't get along well, it is the clash of the egos, but yet there is something more to Ruia's attitude, like it is a way of survival as if.' "Ruia, where is your mother? Did she not come too?"
At the mention of her mother, Ruia's eyes filled with fresh tears. Setto quickly gathered the girl against his side and allowed her to cry. 'That is the second time that she has acted funny to the word mother. Something serious must have happened to Ruia's mother that is what caused her to react how she did. But how did the doll fit in all of this…unless.' And in that instant, Seto felt lower that most of Egypt's enemies. He wanted to smack his head off the tree a few hundred times, and then do the same with Yugioh's. 'No wonder she pushed him into the fountain, that doll must have came from her mother. It is the only thing she had left from her mom and Yugioh and I destroyed it. Oh man.'
He was surprised when Ruia tightened her grasp around him. 'And yet, she still forgives.' He moved his arm around her shoulder and pulled her closer, hoping to console her some. 'Such a cutie she is. And a definite match for the Prince.' Setto thought with a smirk. Never did he think he would live to see that day when a girl would out wit the prince. It was a wonderful sight to see. But at the same time, he knew that Yugioh needed to apologize to the girl, especially if what he suspected was true. He started to nudge Ruia to leave, the sooner he got to Yugioh to convince him to say sorry, the better, but stop short when he notice she had fallen asleep. Gently as he could, he picked her up, cradling her in his arms. He was glad the young girl was tiny for her age, or else he never would have managed. Carefully he slipped out of the tree, as not to injure either of them. Walking back to the palace, Setto placed a small kiss on top of Ruia's forehead. 'Don't worry little sis, I'll make sure Yugioh apologizes for the pain he put you through.'
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
"We really messed up." Setto said walking to Yugioh's bedchamber without knocking. He had far too much on his mind to deal with trivial actions. The first thing he noticed was that Yugioh had changed into more regal of clothing; black shirt with golden collar and baggy gray pants. The only thing that was missing was his purple cape.
Yugioh glanced up from his desk where he had been practicing his hieroglyphics. "And why do you say that? Did Athena find out that I shoved Ana down? Don't worry, I will make sure she says nothing to father." he replied nonchalantly.
Setto, for the first time in his life, lost his temper with his friend. Grabbing Yugioh's shoulder and spun him around. Blue eyes glaring like ice, Setto stared hard at his friend. "I know you are upset that your father broken yet again another promise to spend the day with you, but that is no reason to take it out on that little girl. If I didn't know any better, I swear she has been hurt just as bad as you. If you would just take the moment to talk to her, I think you would see that too."
"I don't have time to deal with commoners." Yugioh stated sharply. He didn't understand why he was being so cold today. He normally wasn't like this, but after he learned that his father had yet again broken another promise to him, well that had done it.
"Yugioh, drop the attitude. I know you are hurt, but so is she. You know that doll that you ruined? It was a gift from her mother, her dead mother."
The quill Yugioh had been holding dropped from his hand. "Her mother is dead?" Yugioh sharply turned to Setto, eyes wide with shock and dismay.
"Ruia never came right out and said it, but yes I believe that is what happened. That doll was the last thing her mother gave her before she passed away and we destroyed it."
Yugioh grimaced in pain. "I didn't know. Ra, if I had only known." He too knew what it was like to lose a mother, but the pain was a little less for him. He had never known his mother, only heard the stories, however, Ana had known hers.
Setto sighed and took a seat on the bed. "Well we didn't and now we really scared that child. She forgave me and I bet she would forgive you too if you just went and talk to her. Explain what you did and why you did it. She's a pretty smart kid."
A playful grin crossed Yugioh's face. "Why Setto, if I didn't know any better I would think you have a crush on our little friend."
Setto felt his cheeks redden. "She is only five Yugioh, far to young for me."
"Un huh. That is why you are turning bright red too? She'll be seven when you turn ten, that isn't an uncommon age difference for a marital arrangement."
"That won't be necessary my friend, I see her more as the little sibling I never had than as a future wife."
"I must admit, she is unique. She has a lot of guts to stand up to me the way she did."
Setto chuckled, only to be whacked in the head by Yugioh's pillow. "So you do respect her. Why not swallow your pride and go and talk to her at least? You owe Ruia that much."
Yugioh sighed. It wasn't that he didn't want to apologize to Ruia anymore; it was more that he was actually scared of her. Never had he encountered someone with as much stubbornness and spunk as he. "Where is she? I shall go and speak with Ana…Ruia is it?"
"Yeah, she gave us a false name too. She is down in Athena's room sleeping. That emotional outburst she had with us must have drained her energy."
"Alright, I have to take care of something urgent first, then I will go and see her." With that, Yugioh left his room.
Setto sat on the bed and sighed in defeat. He may have convinced Yugioh to talk to Ruia, but he still didn't grasp that even commoners were important. How quickly Yugioh forgot that at one time, he too was common. 'What my friend, can be more important than making someone you hurt happy again?'
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
"Go away" Ruia mumbled and rolled over onto her side, refusing to wake up.
The other person in the room sighed and shook the slumbering child a bit harder.
"What, who is there?" Ruia flipped back over, only to come face to face with Yugioh. "Oh it is you. Definitely not the first thing I would have liked to have woken up too, but whatever. Come to yell at me some more?"
Yugioh held back on what he was thinking. 'Definitely not a rise and shine person either.' Finally he answered Ruia's question. "No, I am not here to yell or complain. Rather, I have something for you."
"Something for me?" Ruia sat up, pushing the blue covers from the bed down some. Curiously, she looked at Yugioh, surprised that he had actually gotten her something. Warning bells were going off in the back of her mind that this was a trap, but something about his eyes made her think differently.
"Yeah, for you." Yugioh replied, pulling his hands out from behind his back.
"Aristae!" Ruia exclaimed. There was her doll, sitting in his hands. She was still a little dirty, but for the most part, she was good as new. Without thinking, Ruia grabbed the doll, hugged it tightly, and then launched herself into the Prince's lap, hugging him to death. "Oh thank you. You don't know how much this means to me."
Yugioh felt his check redden. He wished that Ruia wouldn't make such a big deal about this; it made him feel, well uncomfortable. "I think I do understand how much this means to you. Ruia, this was a gift from your mother wasn't it?"
"Ai, it was my Prince." Ruia whispered softly.
Caught off guard, he didn't reply right away. That was the first time Ruia had shown him the respect that his title demanded, though in his mind, he did not deserve it as of late. "You will have to excuse me, I am not the best at making apologies. I haven't had much practice at them. However, you are entitled to one. I acted foolishly before. I should have never taken such a precious gift from you. I was wrong and I am sorry." He was amazed how easily the words came. 'That wasn't so bad.'
'I should be the one who should be sorry. I did not show you the proper respect and I know I forced you into your actions. There is no need to say sorry to me, rather I should say it to you."
'Maybe, this girl isn't so bad.' he thought. "Then maybe we both have something to be sorry for. I hope your doll is okay; I scrubbed as hard as I could to get the mud off. I am afraid that I was a little too late to get all of it though."
"You cleaned Aristae?" Raya exclaimed.
Yugioh laughed. "I know what you are thinking and yes I did. I was the one who almost ruined it; I should be the one to fix it. Gifts from mothers are very special things, especially if it is all you have to remember them by." he concluded softly.
That did it. The tears Ruia had been fighting back streamed down her face, creating little rivers. Yugioh surprised himself when he wrapped his arms around the smaller girl, trying to comfort her. Gently he rocked her back and forth. 'This feels right somehow…'
"How did you figure it out that this was from my mommy?" Ruia sniffled.
Yugioh cupped the smaller girl's chin and tipped it upward so he could see her better. "It was not I, Setto figured it out. And I see know that he was correct in his judgment. How long ago did your mother die?"
Ruia blinked. "I was only two when she died. I don't remember much about her. My father said I take after her most of all. I have the same stubborn attitude. She gave me this doll right before her death, or so father told me. While she was bed ridden, she made it for her little girl."
"I never knew my mother either." Yugioh confessed. "She died giving birth to me. I know as much about my mother as you, probably less. I…I…miss her. There are so many things I would have liked to know, like to have asked her and yet I shall never get the chance."
"I am so sorry."
"No, I am the one who needs to be sorry. I should have never said those things about your mother the way I did. I am sure she was a wonderful mother, no I am positive of it."
"I don't blame you for what you said. I was upset long before I came here. I acted too without thinking."
"Are you still upset?" Yugioh asked.
"Not at you or Setto, I understand what you did and why. And if you can forgive me, I can forgive you. No, I upset with my father." Ruia replied, disdainfully.
"Your father? May I ask why?"
More tears fell. "Today is the marking of my mommy's death. We were supposed to visit her grave and spend the day together, but plans changed this morning. We had to come here. I don't blame your father or even mine really. A job is a job, but sometimes I wish he would spend more time with me."
"I know your pain. My father too promised me a day together. And once again, it seems that he has forgot that promise. I guess we have more in common that I imagined." Yugioh replied thoughtfully.
Ruia nodded in response and snuggled deeper into Yugioh's warm embrace. While she had a crush on Setto, she felt safe in the Prince's arms, like nothing could harm her. "Who would have ever thought it possible?" she finally answered, with a small laugh.
"Setto figured we would get along." He didn't miss the blush that crossed Ruia's face. "You like him, don't you?"
"He was sweet to me and didn't judge me for what I represent, rather looked at the real me."
"I understand. I guess I still have a lot to learn to be a good ruler and how to be a friend, eh?"
"Maybe on how to be a great ruler yes, but you're a pretty decent friend already." Ruia yawned. She could feel her eyelids growing heavy again. She could rest them for a minute or two. No one would mind much.
Yugioh was about to respond when he notice the young girl had fallen asleep in his arms. Smiling softly, he lifted Ruia back into Athena's bed and tucked her back in, laying her doll next to the slumbering child. 'Like an angel.' Yugioh smirked at his next thought. 'But a devil when awake.' Quietly, he tiptoed out of the room, as not to wake Ruia. Before totally leaving the room, he stole a quick glance back. 'If only…' he didn't finish the thought, just turned and left.
Unknown to Yugioh, two shadows stepped forward into the light. "What do you make of this Zemti?"
Zemti sighed. "You know Athena I am bounded by my oaths not to reveal anything about the future unless it is life threatening and this is not the case."
"I know, but I can't help feel that Ruia is something special. That she is destined for great things. And whatever her involvement, revolves around all of our lives too."
"That can not be possible Athena, you know that. She is a commoner and while she does hold more rank than most, it is not enough for her to be involved with any of our lives. It is best that we forget about Ruia."
"Are you sure Zemti? I mean I can not be for certain, but I think she has a crush on the young Setto."
Zemti didn't answer. There was no real way to answer Athena's question without giving away what his visions had revealed to him. 'I wish I could tell you Athena the truth about young Ruia. You are indeed correct that she will play a direct role in our of lives, however, not in the way you would expect. I can not help but be afraid that she will cause all of our downfalls. She is the light that my dreams were warning me of, I know it. She is what my dreams referred to as the Light of Destruction. She must not have any contact with the Prince or the Royal Family. Or else, our civilization is lost forever.'
"Zemti, are you alright?" A touch of concern was etched in Athena's face.
"I am alright. And you are correct as well Athena; she does appear to have a small liking to Setto. But it is best that we forget this young girl ever came into all our lives. I very much doubt any of us will ever see her again anyway." Zemti replied. He started walking away. "I will see you at dinner, no?"
Athena nodded. She watched at Zemti walked down the hallway. 'You're wrong Zemti, Ruia is already a part of all our lives. She has shown Yugioh so much; she simply can't just disappear from all of our sights. No, the fates do not work like that at all. She came to us for a reason, and what that reason is, I am not sure, but meetings like this are never just coincidences.'
She watched as Ruia slept. A smile crossed her lips. Children were so pure and innocent. Then she heard the words that froze her to the ground. "Sekhmet, I will make you proud. Your gift will not be wasted."
Athena's grew large. 'Could it be? Could Ruia be the one mother talked about all those years ago? It can't be, Ruia isn't the second child of the divinity. She isn't royalty at all. It is only a dream, that is all nothing more nothing less.' Athena smiled again before shutting the door so Ruia could sleep undisturbed.
But if she had waited just a moment longer, she would have heard the words that shook the Egyptian culture to the ground.
"Don't worry mama Isis, Sekhmet. I will be a great Divine Mother, just you wait."
