Anya: Greeting everyone! Just a quick explanation of a couple things.
Rose is the Jewish translation of the name Raya. I know in this story Raya's name is Ruia but when I check for Ruia nothing came up but a spelling correction said Raya. (No I never planned it like that) So I am just going to use that translation.
Also, Ashina belongs to Sparky16. Thanks for letting me borrow!
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Ruia stared at the young boy in front of her. He wore a green robe with a gold neckpiece that had tiny blue stones set into it. The outfit complimented his green eyes and black hair.
'I will admit it. Jarha is cute but nothing will change my feelings for Yugioh. They are far too rooted in my soul to be forgotten so easily.' Ruia forced a smile onto her face however. She planned on keeping her promise to her guardian. She would not hurt Jarha so cruelly. "Good evening to you as well Jarha. Do the gods find you in favor this day?"
Jarha reached for Ruia's right hand and brought it to his lips. Kissing it softly he replied "The gods must find me in excellent favor if they granted me your" company."
Ruia laughed lightly. 'Dear Ra, I found a charmer worse than Yugioh. I did not think such a person existed.' "You are too kind Jarha. Would you like to come in for a moment? I am sure father would want to extend his greetings to you as well." She motioned for him to come inside.
Jarha nodded and walked into the Motou residence. "Good evening Sugoroku."
Ruia blinked in surprise. Jarha had called her father by his first name. That was a sign of disrespect to call an elder by their first name. 'What is Jarha doing? Is he trying to make father mad at him? Not that I mind, maybe father will see he is not the one for me.'
Sugoroku smiled. "Hello again Jarha. How is your family doing this evening?"
Ruia lit a candle and brought it to the table were her father and Jarha had gathered to talk. Dusk was settling in over the land and light would be needed to see one another. She sat down next to Jarha. Without even looking at her father, she knew that is exactly what he wanted her to do. She still did not understand what was going on but hoped the air would be cleared during this talk.
"My mother and father send their regards. Satire is still being her same young loveable self. She absolutely loves it here in Memphis. In her own words, there is so much to see and do."
"How old is your sister?" Ruia asked, still not meeting either man in the eyes. She was too scared too. If they looked too closely, she was worried that her father would guess the truth that her heart all ready belonged to another.
"Thirteen the same age as you Ruia. I am my parent's eldest heir at fourteen."
Ruia nodded this time. She could not explain it, but she could just sense that Jarha was hiding something from her. Her magic tingled through her veins. That never happened unless she was supposed to know something. Whatever that was though, she had no idea. She could feel however that whatever Jarha was keeping from her, it was not dangerous to her in anyway, but still important nonetheless. There was something about Jarha's aura and attitude but she could not place her finger on it. Stealing a glance at her father, she confirmed what her magic had done for her. Her father knew Jarha's secret and neither was talking what it was.
"Shall we take our leave Ruia?"
Snapping out of her thoughts, Ruia stood. The faster she got this evening over with, the better. "Of course." When neither man was looking, she checked inside the folds of her sash. Nestled and securely fastened was her guardian's card. She doubted highly that she would need her tonight, but then again, having her friend along wouldn't hurt.
After giving her father a quick kiss, Ruia and Jarha were off. It was a cooler evening than normal but still warm nonetheless. Ruia could see the orange glow from the fire that lit the area where the festival was being held.
"Do you know the reasoning behind this festival?" Jarha asked, trying to break the icy silence that plagued the two since leaving the Motou residence.
"No, I cannot say that I do. Father just explained that the town had enough of a surplus and decided to celebrate. Other than that, I am unsure of the reasoning."
"Well you are correct for the most part. The official reasoning is to celebrate and pray for a plentiful harvest."
The two entered the town square. Rich, sweet smells filled the night air. To her left, music played allowing villagers to dance and worship. Ruia mused that Anzu was somewhere among that crowd. To her right was the market filled with all kinds of delicious foods and items to purchase. Her eyes widened in delight. Even as a child, she had loved the festivals.
"Where would you like to begin? We could walk around the market, get something to eat, or go dancing. This is your night Ruia. It is up to you."
Ruia turned. Jarha was really nice. "I am going to sound like your sister for a moment. I have no idea where to start. There is so much to see and do."
Jarha laughed. "Ai, you do remind me of my little sister. She loves the festivals too. I bet she will attend this one at some point in the night. We did not have many in Gizeh at all.
"You are from Gizeh? I thought you lived here in Memphis though."
"Oh we do now. We moved to Memphis a little over three and half years ago when I started my training. It was more convenient if I lived here in Memphis than in Gizeh."
"Your training? Are you not starting a bit late for your trade? I was under the impression that most started there training at a young age."
"Oh no. I started my training as a metal smith when I was much younger. We moved here to Memphis because…. never mind."
Ruia turned. "You cannot do that to me. You have to tell me what you are training to be now. I am far too curious for you to say never mind now."
"I do not want to sound as if I am bragging or something equally as bad as that." Jarha walked next to Ruia as she admired the jewelry that one villager had made.
"I promise you, I will not interpret it that way at all Jarha." She picked up another necklace, made of purple and red stones. The colors were vibrant and shone like the morning sun itself. Never had she seen such gorgeous shades.
"I was chosen to train to be a future external of affairs Priest." Jarha replied, not meeting Ruia quite in the eye. He was unsure how she would react. After all, he was working with the Prince.
"Wow that is impressive." Ruia replied. "That is a very important job indeed."
Jarha blushed. 'Ruia seems okay with the idea of coming into power if she marries me. That or she does not realize what I meant before. I should check.' "I am a little nervous though. After all, I am going to be one of three advisors to the future Pharaoh. It is a little intimidating working for the Prince."
The necklace Ruia had been admiring fell from her hand, landing back on the table. Dimly she heard the merchant yelling at her to be more careful but his voice sounded so far away. 'I could not have heard what I think I did. The fates would not be that cruel to me would they?' She had to know. "What did you say?"
"I will be working with the Prince one day. You know Prince Yugioh."
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Yugioh stood outside on the flat roof of the palace leaning against
one of the many waist high stonewalls. Beside him, Setto, Bakura, and Honda
stood as well. The four were watching the festival with mild interest.
"Tell me again why you do not have to make an appearance at the festival Yugioh." Setto asked taking a sip of water from the goblet Athena had brought. "I mean you are the prince and your father is the Pharaoh. Should you not have to be there?"
"It is not an official ceremony like the ones we have to honor the gods and goddesses. I think we would have gone anyway but father is feeling a bit ill. He did not want to venture out tonight." Yugioh stated simply. "Still though, I would have liked to have been there and seen what the village was doing."
"And see Ruia right?" Bakura asked with a small smile on his face. He did not turn any face anyone, rather continued looking ahead. If he was to face any of his friends at that very moment, he knew he would double over in laughter.
Three pair of shocked eyes stared at Bakura. How had he learned the truth? Accusations were bound to fly. Before anyone could start the allegations, Setto asked the one question looming in everyone's head.
"How do you know about Ruia?"
Bakura shrugged. He could not keep his laughter in much longer. How quickly his friends forgot what he was. "Have you forgotten dear Setto? I am a visionary. I have seen your Ruia Yugioh in many of my dreams now for the past several nights. Do not fear, the dreams are warning us of any danger. Ruia is who she says she is." 'And then some.' Bakura thought with a tight smile. "Do not worry Yugioh, I have not told anyone of her existence, to your father, the High Priests, or Jarha himself. Your secret is safe with me."
"Thank you Bakura. Ruia means the utmost world to me, as I am sure you well know now. It is not like I wanted to lie to you, Jarha, or father. It is just, she is not from this world." He waved his hand behind him to show the palace and the riches that came with it. "I just do not know anymore. There is something about her I cannot get out of my head or my heart. She left a lasting impression on me and I can never forget that."
"You have it bad my friend." Bakura paused. "Speaking of Jarha, where is he? I have not seen him all evening."
"I saw him leave the palace as Setto and I were returning from Anzu's and the market. I did not ask where he was off too. He seemed really excited though. Had a big smile on his face and humming a happy tune." Honda replied.
"He asked father for the night off. I guess he wanted to attend the festivities with his family."
The other three nodded. A shriek of laughter echoed outside. Minutes later, they were joined by Athena and another white haired boy.
"Ryou!" Bakura exclaimed walking over to embrace his twin. "I did not know you were in town."
"Um, surprise brother?" Ryou replied still holding Athena's hand tightly in his. The two walked outside further to join the others. At first glance, it was very difficult to tell the brothers apart. They appeared to be mirror images. On closer evaluation, Ryou's eyes were sharper at the corners while Bakura's were rounder and softer. But beyond that minor difference, the two brothers were completely identical.
"You can say that. Everyone you remember my twin Ryou right?"
"Hello Ryou. What brings you down to Memphis?" Yugioh asked pushing off the wall to face his High Priest's twin.
"Prince Yugioh! I did not know you were out here as well. My apologizes for not showing my respect before." He bowed. "I am here to visit my brother and girlfriend. That is, if you will grant her the night off."
Athena turned to Yugioh, eyes wide in hope. She brushed a piece of lavender hair out of her eyes with her free hand. She had not seen her boyfriend in nearly six months. She prayed that the Prince would grant Ryou's request.
"Athena, Athena. Of course you can have the night off. You work too hard as is. In fact, I will do you one, Ryou, and Bakura one better. The two of you each can have the nights off to visit with Ryou while he is here in Memphis."
Athena hugged Yugioh tightly. "I knew there was a reason why I did not kill you as a child. Thank you." She grabbed Ryou's hand again. "Bakura?"
"You two go on. I shall visit with Ryou later. I know my brother. He wants to be with you tonight."
Ryou whacked his brother in the head. "I came to see you as well little brother."
"I am three minutes younger than you, not three years, but you know I am right."
Ryou opened his mouth and then shut it tightly. Shaking his head he finally replied with a gruff. "Keep telling yourself that. I will see you tomorrow. Night everyone."
Setto watched the two leave. "Those two are getting serious Bakura. They have been dating what, two years now?"
"Yes. My brother has no mentioned anything about marriage, though I wish he would. Athena is good for him, even if she is older that him by three years. Still, I worry about my twin sometimes."
"Oh?" Honda asked. "Why is that? He seems like a good person." He flicked a stone off the roof and watched it land in the sand.
"Oh he is, do not get me wrong. It is just I has a vision about my brother when I was younger. I saw dark shadows all around him. And no matter what I did, I could not save him. So since that day, I have always worried about him."
Yugioh frowned grimly. "I am sure your brother will be fine Bakura. But tell me again, how accurate are you with your predictions?"
"I have never been wrong concerning a vision so far. I keep hoping though that this time, I am wrong though. It would kill my parents if something happened to Ryou."
"Does your brother have these visions like you?" Honda asked grabbing a handful of grapes.
"No, I am the only one in my family that posses any type of magic. Neither of parents have it nor my brother. There is no way he could know or have seen what I have. I did not tell him either. I do not want to worry or influence him in any way either."
Yugioh stood. "I pray that you are wrong for your brother's sake Bakura. Come on. Let's go inside. This conversation has gotten to dark for my tastes. Anyone up for a game of Senet?"
"But you never lose at the game" Setto protested.
Yugioh smiled devilishly. "You are catching on Setto."
As they shuffled inside, Bakura lingered back. 'I wish I could believe you Yugioh but at last I cannot. And unfortunately, Ryou is not the only one I see the darkness claiming as their pawn. I see another man standing off in the shadows as well. Jarha is destined to fall too.'
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"Ruia? Are you okay?" Jarha asked gripping her wrists. She raised her eyes to him. 'Ra she has the most beautiful eyes. I swear I am staring into perfection itself when I look into them. I could just sit and stare into them all evening.'
"I am all right. You just caught me off guard Jarha. I did not realize I was in the presence of someone with such an important and influential job."
"Does that intimidate you?"
'Not in the least bit. I was with the Prince himself and even kissed him and that did not even scare me.' Ruia thought. Unfortunately she knew her father would be extremely displeased with her if she scared Jarha off. Even though that was the old thing she wanted most to do, she knew she could not. 'Why do the fates torment me like this? I can never have Yugioh, no matter what my heart says. Then Jarha comes along, who is perfectly nice in his own right. Now where I could have maybe gotten to like him, I find out he is going to be the High Priest to the one I love. I could never do that. But father will really push for a marriage here I just know it. I am fourteen and unwed. And I know Jarha cares enough for me to propose. What is a girl supposed to do in a situation like this?' She finally remembered to answer Jarha's question. "I guess it does a little. I mean it is just your job not your personality. I see no reason to be intimidated by you. Or are you hiding something else I should know?" She asked mysteriously and even a little flirtingly. She tried to ignore the pain that grasped at her heart.
"No, I am not keeping anything else from you. And you do not have to worry about the Prince either. He is a great friend. You would be surprised at how laid back he really is. I am sure the two of you would get along great. Do not get me wrong though, when he has to be, Yugioh can be commanding but any other day, he is just like you and me."
'Oh no Jarha, you are gravely mistaken. Yugioh is like no one I have ever met. He is sweet and pure. He accepts me for who I am and does not try and force me to be a tradition woman of Egypt. No one can ever affect me like he has.' Ruia thought. 'Stop. You have to stop this Ruia. No matter how much your heartaches for Yugioh, you cannot have him. You cannot hurt Jarha who obviously cares deeply for you by being cold and uncaring. Sure you do not love him as you do Yugioh, but you can learn. You have too. There is no other way.' Ruia mentally scowled herself. "I am very glad to hear that. It makes me look forward to a prosperous future."
"Ai, we do have many wondrous times ahead of us." He smiled softly, hoping Ruia caught onto his hidden meaning. He was planning on having a wonderful future and if all went as planned, Ruia as his wife. 'I know Ruia is not a prize to be won; I really do care for her. However I have heard the stories that she is not typical that she despises tradition. I will have to wind her other another way. I will do it too.' "Shall we adjourn over to the dancing? I am sure you will enjoy yourself over there." He offered his arm to her.
'Be nice.' Ruia commanded herself. "It sounds like a lovely idea." She linked her arm through his. Ruia could feel the villagers curious gazes burn into her back. 'I guess we do make an unlikely pair, someone of Jarha's status with the town siren. Why is life so cruel? Setto and Jarha can have relationships with Anzu and myself even though they have high political jobs. They can do this since they are not royalty. Yugioh cannot do it though.' She thought sadly.
Jarha led her to the dancing area of the festival. Ruia spotted her uncle standing next to the fountain, which was in the center of town. She smiled and gave a small wave.
Ay waved back at his niece. His face clouded over when his eyes settled on her face. She was torn; he could tell. He could not make out who had escorted Ruia to the dance, but whoever it was, he could tell Ruia was not happy. 'Sugoroku. What have you done to your daughter this time?' He wished furiously at times that he never made that promise to his sister. He loved both Ruia and his brother-in-law but they were heading for disaster if they were not careful. Ay wanted no part of that war. It was better to stay neutral.
Ruia turned back away from her uncle. She did not miss the look he had given her. 'He knows something is up with me. I can just sense it. Oh no. What if he had a vision about Yugioh and I?' Ruia felt the redness creep up her cheeks. 'How will I ever explain that to Uncle Ay? I better go see him tomorrow before word gets back to my father.' She tried to control the redness; she did not want anyone to see her blush and think it meant for Jarha. She searched the crowd again and saw Annika dancing with her husband. Anzu was next to the couple dancing with another local boy. A quick shake of the head from Anzu told Ruia what she needed to know. Setto and Yugioh were not present. Ruia was mildly relieved. If they were there, she knew that she would not be able to control her emotions, She would have launched herself into Yugioh's arms, pleading with him to never let her go.
And if she knew Yugioh like she thought she did, he would not let her go.
She did not mind that one bit. So maybe it was for the best that he was not there. As Jarha took her other hand to dance, Ruia felt herself falling into a past memory. No longer was she in Memphis dancing with Jarha. Rather she was ten again, dancing with Yugioh in the Palace. This time, Loki did not come and they stayed in each other's embraces all night. Never once parting.
"What are you humming Ruia? It is gorgeous."
Still caught up in her fantasy, Ruia did not realize what she was whispering; truly believing she was with Yugioh.
"Our song silly."
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Yugioh grinned as Honda pounded his head off the table over and over again. Setto tried to contain his laughter. He had tried to warn Honda that no one could beat Yugioh as Senet. Of course, Honda hadn't believed him.
"Anyone else want to try their luck?" Yugioh asked with a small gleam in his eyes.
Bakura quickly shook his head. "Do not take this the wrong way Yugioh, but no. I would not even survive a minute."
"And I know what your name means. There is no way your are convincing me to play you again." Setto answered.
"What does the meaning of his name have to do with his winning?"
Setto smirked. "I figured he had not mentioned it to any of you. Yugioh's name means games of. It only suits him since he never loses at any games."
Honda eyed Yugioh. "Prince then Pharaoh. Pharaoh means King. You would be Pharaoh Yugioh or King of Games."
Yugioh's grin widened. "I never thought of that. So I take it no one is ever going to want to play me in Senet again?"
All three boys heads shook furiously. None of them were stupid enough to challenge the 'King of Games.'
"None of you are any fun." He moved to clean up the game.
"Excuse me Prince Yugioh. I am sorry to interrupt you gathering."
Yugioh turned to see a young girl kneeing and bowing to him a few short feet away. 'Who is this girl and how did she get past all my guards?'
Honda reached for his sword, which was conveniently at his side. He had just starting to unshed it when a hand clasped his wrist.
"There is no need." Yugioh stated. "Satire rise. What brings you by the palace so late? Jarha is not here. He requested the night off. I thought he would be with you and your family tonight."
"My brother requested the night off for personal reasons Prince." Satire replied, tossing her jet-black hair behind her. She smiled broadly in the Prince's direction before speaking. "Jarha is at the festival trying to court a young girl from Memphis. He asked me to stop by tonight to make sure there was nothing he had to prepare for the morning. He did not want to slack in his duties and responsibilities just because he was courting someone." She made sure to emphasis the word and look in Yugioh's direction again. She would do anything to make the Prince court her and that dream could very much become a reality with her brother in such a high political state. Life would be perfect if she could be Yugioh's wife. 'He would make the perfect husband. Sweet, caring, powerful, and rich. He needs someone with those qualities, but also with a bit of danger too. He needs someone like me. No one else can have my Yugioh.'
"Sepi left nothing for your brother that I know of. Tell your brother not to worry and just concentrate on winning that girl's heart. I would not mind have a party to celebrate."
"Oh no." Setto cried. "We know what happens when you throw parties. Or do I need to remind you."
"No Setto, you do not." Yugioh replied with a small chuckle. "My family can never throw a party without some disaster happening."
Satire smiled. She may be able to work this conversation to her advantage. "That was an interesting party to say that least my Prince. I do hope you are joking when you say that all your parties are I guess we can say, as wild?"
"They are not normally as wild I can assure you. You have my word as the future Pharaoh of Egypt that you and my guest shall always be protected at palace functions."
"Thank you. That comforts me a great deal." She purred softly.
Bakura narrowed his eyes slightly. Something about her words unnerved him a great deal.
"If that is all you need Satire, I am sure your family would want you back home. I will have Honda escort you back to your residence. I do not wish any harm to come to you and with the festival going on tonight, the danger is much greater."
Satire eye's danced with pleasure. "Of course my Prince. I am most grateful." 'Though I would rather stay here with Yugioh, I guess I will just have to bide my time wisely. Soon you will see what a perfect wife I would make for you.' She bowed again. "I bid you all good night." She turned and started out of the room.
Bakura started after her, mouthing a quick wait to Honda. He needed to talk to Satire personally and privately. Jogging to keep up with the girl, he finally caught up with her in the west wing. Grabbing her wrist tightly, he whipped her around to face her. "I know what you are up too Satire."
Satire faced Bakura with a puzzled expression. 'Oh do you now Bakura? We shall see.' "What ever do you mean High Priest Bakura? I just came by on my brother's request nothing more, nothing less."
Bakura's brown eyes narrowed further. "Oh I do not doubt that your brother requested you here, but I know for a fact that is not your only intention. Well listen to me and listen to me well Satire. I know what you want and I can assure you, it will never happen. No matter how hard you try. Your silly little flirting games will not work. I suggest you just forget your intentions."
Satire returned the glare ten fold. "I am a Imhotep Bakura. We always get what we want in the end. And there is nothing you can say or do that will prevent me from making sure that Yugioh chooses me to be his bride. No one will stop me. Not you or any eligible girl in all of Egypt. I will have what I want." She hissed.
Bakura stood his ground. "Well there is a first time for everything Satire. This is the one thing you will never be able to manipulate into your control. Yugioh is too smart for that. It is best that you forget and move on. OR ELSE."
"Or else what?" Satire toyed back.
"You will suffer a far worse fate than you can ever imagine." He replied mysteriously.
"Suffering a fate worse than I can imagine huh? Sounds like a bunch of nonsense to me." Satire spat. "I'll take my chances." She shrugged Bakura's hand off her wrist. His fingers had left a lasting mark on her skin. She smiled as Honda entered the room.
"Ready Satire?"
"Ok course." She giggled. "How can I ever thank you for taking me home?" she asked as they left. She glanced back over her shoulder one last time to stare back at Bakura.
He is mine.
Bakura involuntarily shuddered as he watched Honda and the red robed imp leave. 'I tried to warn you Satire, but you would not listen. It is your own fault now, not mine.'
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"How did it go tonight?" Sugoroku asked as he held the door open for his daughter who was sleepily walking up the path to their house. He ran his hand through his thick brown hair in anticipation. 'Please Ra, do not let my daughter ruin this perfect chance to finally find a husband who will care for her, love her, and provide for her. Please.'
Ruia pushed past her father. "It was a lovely evening, but excuse me if I never want to go on another outing with him father. It is not that Jarha is not sweet or anything like that; I just do not have any feelings for him what so ever. I know you are disappointed father, but that is how I feel."
Sugoroku sighed. "Ruia Ana, you are thirteen years old. Most young girls your age and younger are at least engaged. Jarha is obviously in love with you. He can provide you with a future we could only dream about."
"And what of love father? You loved mother with all your heart and she love you. That is what made your marriage so happy, so stable. But what of marriages that are not based on the foundation of love? Where does that leave the couples? I refuse to find out that answer father. I want to be in love with the man I marry, not be forced."
"In time daughter I am sure you will grow to love Jarha. No, I am positive of it. Yes, you shall continue to meet with him. You will learn to love him in time."
"If you believe that father, then you are gravely mistake. Love does not work like that. Now if you will excuse me, I had a busy evening. Good night father." Ruia moved around her father and head to her room. Once she was sure her father did not follow, she removed the letter from her bag and read it over once more.
'Oh Yugioh. I miss you so much. I just wish things could be different that I could be different. A royal princess or something just as powerful, then nothing could keep us apart.'
She moved over to her desk and pulled out a piece of papyrus. Her hand flew over the paper quickly, her heart telling her exactly what to write. When she was done, she noticed that a single teardrop had cascaded down off her check and onto the paper. She had not realized that she had been crying. Her finger brushed gently over the watermark. 'I have never cried over anything, not even on the anniversary of mom's death. Sure there was that one time Yugioh upset me. But these tears are different. These are the tears of hurt and sorrow, not caused by death, but of the realization of the unlived life. I know I can never love Jarha. There is just something about him. I guess I see him more as the brother I never had or something. My heart tells me Yugioh is the only one for me. I cannot just ignore that. But father is right. I am soon to be fourteen, an age at which most girls are married. What am I going to do? Marry the man I do not love or just pine for the one I can never have? Oh Sekhmet, please lend me some of your insight. Isis, I know you are the Divinity Children's mother. Hear me in this time of need. I need the Divine Father to show himself. I need answers. Who am I to be with in my life, Jarha or this supposed soul mate of mine that is the Divine Father? I understand that Yugioh is not one of my options, but I need to know with the others.'
Sighing, Ruia knew she would not get the answers that she desperately sought. The gods and goddesses did not make things easy like that. Rather it was her life to live and nothing more. She had to discover the answers for herself and just hope she did not choose unwisely.
Moving underneath the white covers of her bed, Ruia snuggled up against her pillow, clutching Yugioh's letter to her close to her heart. Before drifting off to sleep, she whispered the words she prayed Yugioh himself could hear one day.
'I love you my sweet.'
As if Yugioh could hear in across the village in the palace, he mumbled from his deep slumber.
'I love you too Ruia.'
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"Ruia, I am leaving for work now! There is a package here for you on the table!"
Ruia groaned and rolled over. Sometimes she wished her father would just let her sleep in sometimes. However, this time, curiosity was going to win out. She was dying to know what was inside. 'Maybe it is from Yugioh.'
That thought was all it took for her to spring out of bed. The letter
she had been holding fluttered to the ground. Ruia paused and stared at
it for a moment. It was then she remembered the dream she had had.
A young woman with curly hair was sitting on a tall chair singing. The
words were so pretty and amazingly, it described exactly what she was feeling.
Before running to the kitchen, she made sure to jolt the words down and
grab her response to Yugioh. A little day trip to Memphis wouldn't hurt
at all. Besides, she had not seen Setto or Yugioh for a little over a week
now. It pained her deeply. 'I cannot believe I am going to say this, but
I even miss Setto.' She shook her head and pulled on a white robe. Then
she made her way to the table. Sitting there was a small package, not bigger
than the length of her arm. Curious, Ruia opened the lid and gasped. A
red and purple necklace lay on white cloth. It was the same necklace she
had been admiring last night with Jarha. 'This must have cost him a great
deal.' Gingerly she ran her hand over the cool stones. As much as she hated
to admit it, she loved the gift. 'Is it wrong though to accept the necklace
knowing I do not love him? Is it betraying in my love for Yugioh?' Ruia
did not know. Like so many other things anymore, she did not know what
to do. 'Father probably knows it is from Jarha, which means I have to accept
and wear the gift.' She unclasped the piece of jewelry and placed it securely
around her neck. The gems brought out the color in her eyes, but still
she had her doubts about wearing it. 'There is nothing I can do. I have
to hold back my true feelings. It is for the best of the family.'
Taking the lid back into her hand, Ruia started to close the box back
up. Only then, did she see the note inside the lid.
A Queen deserves the very best. Enjoy my sweet.
~Jarha
Guiltily, Ruia hurriedly closed the box. 'He truly loves me and what do I do? Think about how much I love the Prince. Jarha has done nothing wrong. I must put aside my feelings for Yugioh and concentrate on fulfilling a life that I really do not want. But it is for the good of my family and my country.' She turned and glanced at her reflection in the water that Sugoroku had brought in. 'Is it not?'
Dejectedly, Ruia sighed. 'I need to talk to Uncle Ay that is what I need to do. But first, I have a small detour to make first.' She grabbed the letter that she had brought from her room and hurried out of her house. 'I just hope Honda is outside. I do not know what I am going to do if he is not. I cannot take this letter to the temple with me, too much can go wrong if I did.'
She walked as fast as she could through the town, carefully to avoid colliding with innocent bystanders. Her sandals crunched in the sand as she quickened her pace. Maybe she would see Yugioh or even Setto. She knew the odds were slim at best, but she could hope. Finally, she reached her destination, the Palace. It loomed in front of her. Moss clung to the walls, giving it an older look, but for the most part, looked warm and inviting. Of course that did not apply to her she after all was a commoner. 'Where is he?' she thought as she looked at the guards, trying to spot the one Anzu had described to be Honda.
"Ruia Ana I presume?"
The voice made Ruia jump. She turned and came face to face with a palace guard. "Honda?" She asked meekly.
Honda smiled. "Relax. I am he. So you are the girl that the Prince has fallen in love with. I must admit, he knows how to pick them."
Ruia blushed deeply, not from Honda's compliment, but from what he had said. Yugioh had told Honda that he loved her. It was an overwhelming feeling. "Thank you. I was informed that you help us stay in touch, correct?"
"Ai that is what I promised. Actually I am glad you came by. It saved me a trip to your house. Yugioh gave me this early to give to you." He handed her a small arm band. It was gold, but carved into it was two stars interlocked. "He said you would understand the design."
Ruia nodded. "We met under the stars and found each other again under those same stars." She slipped the bracelet on. "Will you give this to him for me Honda?"
"Of course Ruia. I will make sure he gets in personally."
"Gets what?" a voice asked. In the next moment, Honda found another body on his back.
Ruia gasped as a blond hair guard jumped on top of Honda. 'Ra, please do not have let him heard Honda's and I's conversation.'
"What do you got there, Honda? A love letter?" He looked at Ruia. "Whoa, I am impressed that you got a girl, but more impressed that you got a good looking one."
Honda shrugged the guard off his back and watched him thud to the ground. "Jou, I do not know about you sometimes. You are either the craziest person I know or the stupidest. I am just not sure which."
Jou grinned from the ground. His chocolate brown eyes danced with excited. "Well are you not going to introduce me to the lovely lady or am I going to have to do it myself?"
Ruia laughed. "The name is Ruia. And are you sure you can handle introducing yourself? I think it may be above your capabilities."
Jou blinked, then laughed. "I like you. You got sass. There are not too many girls in Memphis that could joke like that. My name is Jou. Pleasure to meet you Ruia." He stood up and dusted the sand off him. "I have to ask, how did you ever get involve with a guy like him?" He pointed at Honda.
"How did you?" She raised an eyebrow. She liked this Jou character. He knew how to easy up and have a good time.
"Aw Honda and I have been best friends since we were little. No seriously, how did you two meet?"
"We're not involved" The two replied instantly.
"Then what is up with the letter?"
"It is a love letter to the Prince. I am madly in love with him." Ruia replied with a straight face.
Honda's mouth dropped open. He did not expect that to be her answer. 'We are in trouble now.'
Jou doubled over in laughter, too much of Honda's surprise and relief. "I love you Ruia, you are a woman after my own heart, a love letter to the Prince. How do you think of these things?"
Ruia shrugged. "It just popped in my head. Actually it is a letter from my father to Honda's. My father knows Honda's through work I guess. I am not even sure what the note contains, I did not ask. My dad just asked me to deliver it this morning."
"That is nice of you."
Ruia smiled. "I better be on my way. I have other errands to run before
I return home. Honda, I have your word now right?"
Honda nodded, still in shock. 'How she ever thought of that story so
quickly is beyond me.'
"Thank you." Ruia turned and headed to her uncle's. Once she was out of hearing range, she doubled over in laughter.
"She was cool. I cannot say that I have ever met another one like her. Never could marry her, she is far too much like me, but she reminds me a sister. I could really get along with her."
"She is something else, I can tell you that. Hey, do you mind watching
my post for a minute? I want to put this inside the palace so I do not
lose it. If I did, I think Ruia would have my head."
"Sure man, go on. I do not think I would want to get that girl mad
at me either." Jou replied laughing.
Jou watched his friend run up to the palace. He then turned to where Ruia had disappeared too. 'I cannot be for sure, but I cannot help but think there is more to Ruia than Honda is letting on. I have known him since we were babies; he had never mentioned a Ruia to me before. And a girl like that, I know he would have. Still though, she is pretty quick headed. I would not mind running into her again. I have a few jokes I could use on her. Then again, I bet she has some she could use on me also.'
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Honda ran down to Yugioh's room. He figured the Prince would not be there since his father had asked him to take over some minor functions while the Pharaoh was under the weather. He was surprised to find the brown metal door to Yugioh's room closed. Unsure what to do, Honda knocked.
"Enter!"
Honda opened the door and walked in. "Yugioh, I did not expect to find you here. I was under the impression that your father had plans for you all day today."
"The meeting with the Roman officials did not take as long as we planned. They cooperated with us on every issue that we presented. If it was any other country, I would have been leery, but we have been on friendly terms with them forever now. I trust their leaders fully. But enough with the formalities, what brings you by? I thought you were outside."
"I was but I had a visitor." He handed the note to Yugioh.
"Ruia." He whispered softly running his fingers over the note. "How did she look?"
"In good spirits. We were almost caught however by Jou. All I have to say is that Ruia would make a good politician. She thinks quick on her feet." Honda sat down in the empty chair in the room. "I thought for sure we were going to have to admit the truth to him, but Ruia…wow."
Yugioh raised an eyebrow. "What did she say?"
"She actually admit that the letter was to you while keeping a straight face." Honda laughed. "She and Jou had been joking right before and Jou totally thought that she was joking again. She then said it was a letter from her father to mine. Of course that is not nearly as interesting as a love letter so Jou dropped the subject. It was amazing."
Yugioh shook his head while straightening out his armor and red cape. "That sounds like something she would say." He paused. "I hate formal wear. I hope father gets well soon. I do not think I can handle this wear much longer."
Honda laughed. "You better get used to it my friend. One day, you will be forced to wear that everyday."
"I know. Luckily my becoming the Pharaoh is a long way off. And between you and me, I am glad. These meetings are so boring, necessary, but boring. I still have two morning today." Yugioh rolled his eyes.
"But you have some free time right now right?"
"Yeah."
"Then I shall leave you alone. Something tells me you would rather read you letter from your girlfriend than talk with me." Honda stood.
"Thanks for understanding."
"Hey if I got secret love letters from a girl; I would want to read them immediately too. Going to share the contents of it later?"
Yugioh raised an eyebrow.
"Okay guess not. I better go and take my position back from Jou. Knowing him, he is either practical joking someone or Ra knows what else." He walked out of the room.
As soon as Honda was gone, Yugioh tore up the letter. He had waited days for Ruia to respond. For a while, he was being to think she was not. 'I should have never doubted her.'
Dearest Yugioh,
I too think fondly of that night under the stars, as well as the dance we shared at your party. I know we agreed to never think more of our relationship than just friends, but it is so very hard at times. I am not sure if you feel exactly the same way I do, but from you letter, I think that you must.
I was always a big believer in that there is one person made exactly for you in the world. Sometimes a person is fortunate enough to find their soul mate. I never imagined that I would find mine at such a young age. I guess you can say I fell in love with you at ten, but I bet there were they when we first met at five. I was probably just too mad at you to notice. But now, I know perfectly well what my heart is telling me. You are the one the fates chose for me. And there is no title in the word that can ever come between the love and devotion I feel for you.
And yet, I am bound by my status and my morals not to follow what my heart so deeply wishes. Maybe if we lived in another age, another time, things could have been different. People would not judge us for what we represented, rather acknowledge and support the love I feel so deeply for you. Maybe I am just the eternal dreamer that father keeps insisting that I am. But the reality of the world I live in, it is just too painful not to dream. Is it so wrong to wish that you and I could be together forever?
I wish we could just go back to the night in the cave and stay there forever, locked in one another's embraces for all eternity. Or maybe we should have just fled to parts unknown. At least then, my heart would not be constantly broken by the cruel twists of natural.
Okay, that was too depressing. Love letters are supposed to be happy. But how can I be happy when I am not with you? The one who completes my soul? The one who makes me feel like I do not have to follow tradition to be loved? The one who kissed me so tenderly and made me understand what it meant to be truly in love?
Ra, I miss you. I wish I could just be with, if
only for a second. But I cannot be selfish; Egypt must come first. Though
is it so wrong to wish to be with the one I so desperately love, even for
just a brief second? Probably. I know you have duties and I have
mine. Just promise me that you will never forget the moments that we shared,
even if they were only for a night or two. I know I never will. For in
those moments, I learned what it meant to love and be loved in return.
You are my first and truest love, Yugioh, and nothing will ever change
that.
Love,
Ruia
He ran his finger of the watermark. 'She was crying.' It comforted Yugioh for some small reason. Maybe because he finally understood that it pain Ruia as much as it did he to be away from the other. Yugioh folded the letter up tightly. 'I know exactly how you feel Ruia, for I feel the very same way about you. I never loved anyone as much as I do you. And I know that there is not another single person in Egypt that can ever make me feel like you do, the world even. I like the person you make me Ruia. I am happier, more relaxed. I feel as if I can handle anything the world throws at me. I just wish things could be different…'
He glanced down at the floor when he foot hit a piece of papyrus. "Hello what is this?" He picked the paper up and opened it. Smiling, he realized it was another note from his love.
I had every intention of leaving the letter off there palace brat, but I could not ignore what my heart and even dreams now tell me to do. I blame Loki for that. I never had visions till he came into our lives. But maybe that was a good thing in a way. I mean if he had never attacked the palace and we learned each other's identities; we would have known then that we could never be together. It might have been easier then to let go. But with three years of pining for you, my love grew stronger. So maybe Loki attack was not all bad. He brought us together, not that that justifies his actions in anyway. Attempted Assassination is a crime after all. But still, if you had cancelled the dance because of the threats, we never would have met nor had that wonderful moment under the stars. All the hardships in my life were forgotten that night. The world ceased to exist, except for you and me. And then, I had a dream last night. For the past week I had been trying to capture the words I had felt that night in either prose or lyrics, but nothing seems true enough. The emotion I felt with you that night I could not capture, till I had that vision. The words were so gorgeous, so right; I had to share them with you. Though they are not my own, this is exactly how I feel Yugioh. The next time we see one another, I promise I will sing it for you so you may have to full experience. Until then my love, I will look at these words and think of you. I love you.
One summer night
We ran away for a while
Laughing, we hurried beneath the sky
To an obscure place to hide
That no one could find
And we drifted to another state of mind
And imagined I was yours and you were mine
As we lay upon the grass
There in the dark
Underneath the stars
Young Love
Underneath the stars
Weak in the knees
Wrapped in the warm gentle breeze
So shy, a bundle of butterflies
Flush with heat of desire
On a natural high
As we drifted to another state of mind
And the feeling was so heady and sublime
As I lost my heart to you
There in the dark
Underneath the stars
Young love
Beautiful and bitter sweetly
You were fading into me
And I was gently fading into you
But the time went sailing by
Reluctantly we said goodbye
And left our secret place behind
And I lay in bed all night and I was
Drifting, drifting, drifting, drifting
And I was yours
And you were my own
My own baby
As we…
Lay underneath the stars
He grasped the notes tighter in his hands. The pain he felt in his heart was just too deep, too intense. There was no medicine or cure in the world that could stop that hurt either. There was only one thing that could even come close and that was to see Ruia one more time, even if it was for the briefest of moments. 'But with father under the weather, there is no way I can leave the palace to meet her, not like we used to at least. I cannot abandon my people and country like that. They are just as important as she, but what it all comes down to is our status again. If only things were different, then maybe…' Yugioh mentally slapped himself. 'Enough wishing,' he commanded. 'There is nothing either you or Ruia can do about your present conditions. No matter how much your heart yearns.'
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Ruia bounced up the temple stairs. She was not completely sure where Ay would be. She was pretty sure he was not downstairs in the schoolrooms, but she could not be totally sure. 'I guess I can check the main hall and then downstairs for him.'
She moved allow the stonewalls looking curiously at each temple worshipers hoping to find her uncle among them. 'I hope he is here and has not left Memphis for the day or something.' After not seeing him upstairs, she walked down the steps that lead to the schoolrooms. It was there she finally found her uncle, in the mist of training a young boy in the arts of medicine.
Seeing the sight made her remember one of her schoolmates she had known when she was little. Tragically, she was gone now. She waited to her uncle was finished then walked inside.
"When I came downstairs and saw you teaching that young boy medicine; it made me think of Ashina. I remember we used to sit in this very same room; you trained me while Achilles trained her. Those were happier times, weren't they?" She ran her hand over the book Ay had been using. She recalled Ashina reading it many times when they had breaks.
Ay smiled, remembering the remarkable girl who posed an amazing gift of healing. She had so much promise, but tragically had been killed during the raid in Alexandria when Ruia was only ten. So many lives were lost that day. "You miss her, do you not?"
"Of course." Ruia smiled. "She was a scholar like me. We both strived for the very best. Besides, she was one of my best friends; Anzu's too. It is not the same you know?"
Ay nodded. "It is, but I doubt very highly that Ashina is the reason why you came by today. It is neither your practice nor schooling day so I know something else is on your mind. Tell me child, what troubles you so?"
"Uncle Ay, you saw the boy I was with last night, correct?" She watched as her uncle nodded. "Then you must have recognized him. He is Jarha Imhotep, future high priest to Prince Yugioh."
"Ai I did realize who he was. You are a very lucky young woman Ruia. He can give you a life that most only dream of." He studied his niece's façade. "And yet, I can tell this does not make you happy. Why child?"
"I do not love him. It is as simple as that. I care for him, but more as a friend, not as a future husband. Father however feels that I can learn to love him in time. I am not nearly as confident. I mean does love really work that way? I thought when I met my husband, I would instantly know, not learn to love him."
"You have asked the greatest rhetorical question of all time Ruia; what is love? I guess it has several different meanings, applying differently to each individual person. Some people find their spouses instantaneously. Others fall in love with their best friends after years of friendship. Can you love Jarha in time? I guess it is a small possibility. But if you feel so strongly that he is not the one you seek, then most likely it is because it is true. There is some one more right for you out there in the world."
"My heart tells me that Jarha is not the one. I do not know Uncle. I have not had visions warning me that he is evil or anything like that, there is just something there I do not trust. Maybe it is just because he is not the one for me, like you said I would know."
"Ruia, what does Sugoroku say in all this? Have you told him what you feel?"
Ruia laughed. "Of course. But you know dad. I have a chance to move up in the social standings. He wants me to leap at the chance. I understand his reasoning I guess. I mean it is just frustrating some times." She handed back the book to her Uncle.
"You remind me of your mother so much at times."
"Mom? How come?" She was surprised to hear that. She knew that she looked like her mother, but acted like her, well that just shocked her.
"Do not look so shocked little Rose. You and your mother are very similar. She too believed that life should not be so traditional. She wanted to change the world too, much like you do."
"So what happened? Did she settle down and follow tradition or still keep alive her views?"
"Well around this time your mother was engaged to your father. She still wanted to do so many things with her life but then she realized a very important thing Ruia. Even though she did not particular agree with tradition, it was a necessary link to our survival. Aristae knew that she could not totally change the world, but start small. And do you know what she did?"
"Besides marry dad? No."
"She had a daughter. And by having this special little girl, she instilled her views into you, so that you too could learn that world was yours for the taking. However, you have to remember that even newer ideas are founded on traditions."
"So you are saying that even if I marry Jarha, I can still change the world?"
"I know you Ruia. You never let anyone trample your fighter's spirit. Do not let this situation be your undoing. You have to understand where your father is coming from. He is just trying to protect you from the harsh realities of this world. Sugoroku is just looking out for your best interests. You can live in comfort for the rest of your life. That is a life that only our people can dream of. I know you say that you do not love Jarha in a romantic way. But in time you can learn to love Jarha. Love is a funny thing. One minute, a person can be your best friend and the next, your spouse."
Ruia nodded and tucked a piece of her hair behind her. She sat on top of her uncle's desk. "So you think I should give Jarha some time, to see if anything comes about?"
"You have to do what you want to do Ruia."
'Well what I want, I cannot have.' Ruia thought desperately. "Does life get any easier with age?"
Ay laughed. "If anything it gets harder. But let me give you a piece of advice that has never steered me wrong. If all else fails you, logic and your mind, there is always one thing that will lead you to the truth, and that is your heart." He made sure to stare into his niece's pain-filled purple orbs. "Your heart can never betray you Ruia."
Ruia held her uncle's gaze. 'It is as if he is staring into my soul. Does he see the truth? That I am in love with the Prince?' She quickly jumped off the desk. "Thanks you uncle. I will take heed of what you said, but I better return home. I...I have chores to do." Ruia hastily ran from the room.
'Ah my little Rose. You may think you are concealing the truth from me, but I can see it clearly in your eyes. You will never love Jarha. I just wish Sugoroku could see what I did in you. Your eyes sparkle with excitement. Your heart already belongs to someone else.'
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"I am literally going insane!" Ruia shouted, heading hitting the table in Anzu's kitchen.
Anzu smiled sympathetically. "I do not know Ruia; I mean I would not mind being showered with gifts from a boy."
Ruia raised her head and glared. "There is a thin line between gifts and obsessiveness. Everyday it is something new, jewelry, a poem, or flowers. Do not get me wrong, it is very sweet of him and all, but it is still a little creepy. Even you have to admit that."
For the last three weeks, Jarha had been at her house day after day. Each time, he brought some kind of extravagant gift. Of course, that had impressive her father further. It never failed that after Jarha left; her father would make some type of insinuate that she should just declare herself engaged. After about the sixth fight, Ruia learned that the best course of action was just to keep her opinions to herself. Her father did not care that she felt no feelings what so over for Jarha. And it did not help matters any when her heart was longing for Yugioh, despite not seeing him for over a month. There was occasional letters here and there, but it was not the same. Seeing the one you loved in person meant so much more.
"I guess it is a little weird in your opinion. But in Jarha's, he is just trying to win your heart. Do not worry, I know that is the impossible task." Anzu replied bring over two cups of juice for them. She sat down next to her long time friend.
"I miss them."
Anzu did not have to ask whom Ruia was speaking of, she knew. "I miss them too. I cannot believe it has been a month since we last saw them. It does not seem like that long."
"Oh it has, believe me." Ruia mumbled into the table. She sighed. "Okay, I promise. I will stop feeling sorry for myself. I know you must be sick of hearing about all this."
Anzu shook her head. "Ruia, you are my best friend. I know how much this situation upsets you. It is okay to talk about it. I know you would not get any support at home over it. I understand that it helps to talk."
"Ai, it does. I just wish I could get over him and move on with my life."
"But you cannot." Anzu gripped the cup tighter. "Sometimes I envy your patience Ruia. I mean, here you are denied your one true love and you are not going on a rampage. Your best friend is allowed to date the man she loves, who happens to be the best friend of yours. And yet, you remain supportive and calm. I have no idea how you do it."
'My divinity helps a great deal. It definitely gives me more patience that most humans posse.' Ruia thought as she took a drink. "Luck I guess."
"Maybe…" Anzu trailed off as someone knocked at the door. She quickly jumped up to answer it.
Ruia paid no attention to who was at the door till she heard a shriek of laughter. Standing, she moved over to the door. It was a sight to see, Anzu crushing Setto to death. "Hey Anzu. I think he needs some oxygen." She said laughing as she saw that Setto was turning a shade of blue.
"Opps." Anzu loosened her hold. "Sorry. What are you doing here Setto?"
"I came to visit. Hey Ruia." He wheezed.
"Hi yourself. Come on in since Anzu in obviously to wrapped up to think of that." She waved him in.
After the teens settled in, Setto got down to the real reason why he had come by.
"I am glad you are here Ruia, the news I bring concerns you as well." Setto explained.
Ruia and Anzu glanced at one another. Questions loomed in their eyes, but neither spoke.
"I know it has been a long time since Yugioh and I have been able to meet with you at the meeting spot. I assure you though; we have our reasons. It is not like either Yugioh or I do not wish to see you. It is just an unfortunate circumstance that prevents us. I would have disclosed this news to you or Ruia in a letter, but I felt it was better left to a face-to-face meeting than in a letter. That is why I made sure to free up some time to come speak with both of you. I am just relieved I do not have to track down your house now Ruia."
"You would have found it. It is not that hard. Now tell us, what is this news you bring?" Ruia asked, a deep fear settling in her heart. Was something wrong with Yugioh? Was he sick? Or worse, did he find a wife?
"For the past month, the Pharaoh has been feeling under the weather. We assumed, as did all the healers, that he would eventually get better. That has not happened yet. So Yugioh has been taking over more and more of his father's duties. This is why we would never escape from the palace; our jobs prevented us from doing so. And it seems…"Setto gulped.
"Setto, what ever it is, just tell us." Anzu whispered.
Setto nodded and accepted the water Ruia brought him. "And it seems that Yugioh's reign as Pharaoh may start sooner than we all thought. The healers are now saying that his father will not live much longer."
Ruia and Anzu gasped. "How is the Prince handling all this?"
"Not well to be all honest. His father is all he has left in the world. The news devastated him. But you know Yugioh; he keeps a smile on his face. He has accepted his destiny. When the time comes, he will be ready to become Pharaoh of all Egypt. Now that day may not come for months, we just do not know. Zemti and Bakura have foreseen nothing. But when he does come Pharaoh…" Setto stopped and stared at Ruia. He watched as a single tear cascaded down her face.
"I know Setto, you do not have to say it. Once Yugioh becomes Pharaoh, I can never see him again."
Q and A
Black Unicorn: I use a lot of different resources when I search for information. I am working for a history minor in college, so I have many textbooks at my use. But one of the websites I use is www.mce.k12n.net/ancient_egypt/egyptaindailylife.htm . It is a really fun site with a lot of information and games. Now to answer you other question. Age ten is just a relative guess for adulthood. Some cultures said age ten, others were 12. I never found a exact age for Egyptian Life. However, since girls were married normally between 12 and 14 years of age, I picked a year before that were the children would become adults. Is it accurate, probably not. Though an interesting little fact I learned was that most Egyptian children started learning their trade starting at four. So maybe they were treated as adults at even a younger age. I hope that answers your question.
Melody Hoshi Sugar – Um, I plead plot hole. Actually, Honda and Setto are the same age in the story, that being 16. Setto is three years older than Yugioh. So I guess Setto could still be older than Honda, but I can see where the discrepancy comes in. I just overlooked that detail when I went through Family History.
Melissa and Yami Melissa Melissa and Yami Melissa: Maybe the website is wrong. You really got me stumped on that one. LoL
Katya- That happens soon, it is in the next age of fourteen.
YumeTakato- chemistry eh? You have my condolences. In my chemistry
class back in high school, I was not allowed to play with anything. Catch
water on fire and they do not trust you anymore. Good luck with the project.