I'm really really sorry that I've taken so long in updating! I still don't own anything. Also, this won't really be following the manga or anime series, except for bsics. Mostly, 'cause I have no clue what happens in them, so, please be content with my version.
Atemu sighed, and picked at the string around his neck. Isis, using the power if her necklace, had bestowed each of the priests guardianship of an item. He had gotten the Millennium Puzzle. Admittedly, it was very sparkly, pretty even, but it was gaudy and heavy.
Seth had possession of the Rod, Muhaado had the Ring, Karim had the Scale, Shada had the Ankh and Akunadin had the Eye. Each of items had mysterious powers, but Isis had refused to divulge specifics about individual items, stating that each guardian would find out by themselves what their items were capable of.
Contemplating the future, he didn't watch where he walking, and ran right into a shorter body. He managed to stay upright, but knelt to help Mana up.
"What are you doing running around? This is no time to be pulling pranks." Mana looked up at him. Her eyes scared him. They were frightened. Mana just didn't get frightened. "Mana? What is it? Is everything alright?" She shook her head.
"Oh, my Pharaoh! Something terrible has happened! But the guards won't believe me, and I can't find Muhaado, or Isis, or anyone lese, except you, so I guess I have to tell you and…"
"Mana, calm down. Tell me what happened." She gulped and slowed down her speech.
"Very well. Simply put, Teana almost got kidnapped by a thief who's lurking around the palace trying to steal the items." Nothing could have prepared him for that. Atemu stood, shocked. After a moment, he regained composure.
"Mana. Did you leave Teana alone?" She nodded, fearing his wrath if she spoke. Still in a controlled voice, Atemu continued. " Get Isis. She should be at the temple. Tell her what happened. Both of you got o Teana, and stay there until you hear otherwise, do you understand? I will immediately form a palace search, including the grounds. I don't want any of you getting caught in it." Mana nodded mutely again, and ran in the direction of the temple. Atemu stalked to the nearest guard posting.
"Tell me you have not heard Mana's story of an intruder." The head guard bowed shakily.
"My Lord, we heard, but…but, we presumed that it was simply another ploy…"
"Is it not your job to investigate everything? No matter how insignificant, no matter how foolish?"
"Yes, my Lord…"
"I suggest that you get on it this very minute."
"Right away my Lord. He will be found." The guards bowed, and retuned to their posts, will reserves were called upon to search the castle. Atemu himself, called upon the priests to also begin their own search, and to take extra care with the items, as it seemed that's what the thief was after.
"Really, there is no need for both of you to keep me company…" Isis gently glared at her.
"My lady, there is, as you have told us, a ruthless killer on the loose. Who is willing to try anything, including kidnap you, to take the millennium items. No one will begrudge you if you take two female companions to guard yourself. Especially as you may be carrying the hope for our future." Teana turned away at the mention of the child she might or might not bear.
She knew that it was too early to ask for confirmation, but, she halfway hoped she was. If so, she would not have to endure the pain of Atemu entering again. However, if she was, she would be terrified. Her mother had died in childbirth. Could not she as well?
Sensing Teana's discomfort with that topic, Mana suggested that she teach Teana some simple spells. Much to her surprise, Isis did not argue.
"I agree, it may be prudent to know how to defend oneself if this ever happens again." So, on a safe discussion, they showed Teana a number of useful spells that drew power from surrounding objects, to compensate for the fact that she had little magical power of her own. During that time, they tried their best to ignore the constant pounding of footsteps as the search for the thief continued. Finally, Mana snapped.
"That is it! I'm going to see what news they have!" She ran to find someone who would tell her. Isis did not stop her, though Teana called after her to return. Laying a hand on Teana's shoulder, Isis spoke to her.
"Teana. There is a spell I feel you will need. There is great strife coming. But, the consequences for using this spell are dire. Only use it when you have absolute need. Do you understand?" Teana nodded slowly. Isis showed her the spell in it's written form. "I dare not speak the words aloud. Can you read?"
"Yes, but…what exactly does this spell do?" Isis looked at her solemnly.
"That I cannot tell you. The outcome is dependant on the intent. But, believe me, you will know when the time comes what you must do."
Atemu and Muhaado were searching the grounds just outside the palace. The gardens, to be exact. They had been searching for an hour. Buy now, there was very little chance they would find the thief, but continued searching, just in case.
"So, the thief was apparently after the items?" they returned this subject many times, trying to find out who it could be. After all, few people knew enough about the items to want to steal them and not other treasure around the palace.
"Yes. Mana said that He was planning to use Teana as a lure to get guards away the items. It was pure luck that Mana was around to save her, and the items were with us." He was mad that Teana had been dragged into this. She had no sin on her hands.
"Speaking of Teana is there any…news?" Atemu shook his head.
"Isis tells me that it is too early to tell." Muhaado looked at him oddly for a moment, as if about to say something, but then shook his head.
"Well then, I guess we must believe her." After another few moments of quiet searching, Muhaado spoke again. "Do you love her?"
"Who?" Atemu was caught off guard by the sudden question.
"Teana. Do you love her?" Atemu turned to look at the sun, which was setting.
"I…am unsure. Love is a strong word. I do not have enough knowledge to know whether I truly do, or not. But, I feel more for her then, say, Mana."
"But, there is something?" Atemu nodded.
"There is something. Whether it is love, lust, or even something fleeting, I do not know."
"That's all that I needed to know. As long there is some sort of bond between you. I am sure that the outcome of the future will be as it should be." Atemu turned to look at Muhaado
"What do you know of the future?" Muhaado shrugged.
"I myself do not have diving powers. I only know what Isis has divulged to us ,and to you. A time of great strife lies ahead of us. That is no secret. However, she has hinted that the victory or defeat lies solely on you. It is good for you if you have someone that you can lean on." Atemu nodded.
"As Pharaoh, I will do what is best for my country, whatever way I can." Muhaado smiled at him.
"I know you will. And I know that we will stand behind you in whatever course you choose." Atemu smiled back.
"I thank you. It means a lot to know that you trust me." A shadow moved where no shadow had been before. Out from it, stepped a young man. Instantly, both Muhaado and Atemu stepped into battle positions.
"Well, that was unnecessarily nauseating. You people sicken me at times." He had mid-length white hair, ice-blue eyes, and two scars on one cheek.
"State your name and business."
"Oh, so we're being formal are we? Very well. My name is Bakura. I am a thief. I'm after those pretty things around your necks, though I'll gladly the heads above them as well. Anything else you care to know?"
"What did you want Teana?"
"Oh, her? Nothing personal. She just happened to be in the right place, at the right time." He grinned, showing sharpened teeth. "So, are you going hand over your items or is this going to get messy? I do so hate messes."
Again, I'm sorry. I know I keep adding new layers and questions, but,I promise that they will all eventually be answered.
