Yuugi toyed with the leaves of the fern growing next to them, watching Mana process the information he'd given her over the span of…well, he wasn't sure exactly how long it had been. Maybe and hour, maybe longer. She was silent, her face absent, sitting the stillest he'd seen her be since he'd met her. The quiet between them now was such a contrast to all the talking he had previously done that he found himself wanting to keep going, just to fill the silence, even though he had nothing more to say. But he stopped himself, knowing she needed a moment to process.
He wondered if she'd call him crazy...it all certainly was far-fetched, totally outrageous, and completely impossible... yet somehow true. He had always prided himself in having a level head, only believing in what could be proved. He never went against facts, but now he was stuck right in the middle of something he couldn't explain with logic or science. He hated to say it, but shit really did happen.
"Magic." Mana said, causing him to give a startled jerk back into reality.
"There is no such thing as magic." He replied immediately.
"If there is anything I am certain of, it is that magic exists." She answered, wagging her finger at him. "Look to whom you are speaking, after all."
"Um...do I need to remind you that I don't know?"
"Oh, right. Well, I am a magician." She peered at him. "Regardless, how would you explain all this if magic were not involved?" Yuugi gave a noncommittal hum. That was a good question, indeed - but old habits die hard. There was no way he could give up his way of thinking so easily. he'd have to rewire his whole brain. "So, um...Yuugi—"
"You don't have to call me Yuugi." He quickly amended. "I mean, if it's more comfortable for you to call me Heba..."
"But you would prefer I call you your real name, yes?"
"Of course...but I think it would be easier if I just accept the role I've been given. Until he get back home, anyway." Whenever that will be. He pursed his lips a little. "Also, I'm sure people will wonder why you're calling me a different name – and this would kind of be hard to explain over and over to others. You have to admit, this is all really weird."
"I have the worst feeling in my gut." Mana admitted, looking at him. "Why was the Pharaoh's spirit locked away in the pendant? The sacred items are so powerful...disaster could befall us all if they got into the wrong hands. We already lost the ring... how could we let the Puzzle slip from our protection as well? And why did you have dreams of a war that did not exist? I know we have problems with other territories sometimes, but it has yet escalated into any battle like what you have explained. There is Bakura... but how could one thief cause a war?"
Yuugi blinked. Bakura? Who was that? He felt like he had heard the name before, though he knew he hadn't. It was like his life was no longer his. To be metaphorical, it was like he was walking down a tunnel that was getting narrower and narrower, darker and darker - and now he was all hunched up and there was rock wall in front of him. The only tools he had to get through it were his fingers. Yuugi hated to admit it, but he was scared. Yami was the one who was supposed to have memory damage, and yet he was the one who really knew nothing.
"Or maybe the war is just...yet to exist." Yuugi said, his body giving an unpleasant shiver.
"So...you were seeing our future?' Mana pulled her knees up to her chest. "But, Isis has foreseen no kind of war, so how...? When?"
"I don't know any of that."
"We need to tell the Pharaoh as soon as possible." She said, jaw taut. "We absolutely cannot let any harm come to him or the items. I know he will not sit idly by and let this kingdom fall under siege. I, too, refuse to accept that this is our fate."
"I suppose it wouldn't do us much good to lie to a Pharaoh, anyway." Yuugi said, trying to sound more upbeat than he actually felt.
"Oh, we could not lie to him. Impossible. He is far too good at reading people. He calls it a gift, but I call it an annoyance." She stood up and offered Yuugi her hand, helping him to his feet. "Makes planning surprises entirely pointless, since he always suspects. Now…give me a moment." She stood still, muttering something under her breath. Yuugi nearly jumped out of his skin when the one blonde girl from earlier suddenly appeared.
'Master.' She nodded.
"I need you to find the Pharaoh for me." Mana told her. "If he is still in his meeting, wait – but make sure you speak with him as soon as it ends. Tell him everything Yuugi has said. It may take a bit, but this is important. After that, please send him to meet us here."
The girl pressed her fist over her chest and then was gone.
"So what the hell is that about?" Yuugi asked, unable to look away from where she had been just a moment ago.
"That was my Ka." Mana answered.
"What?"
"How to explain...?" She scratched her head. "Every one has Ba - lifeforce. It creates our Ka. Ka is your soul given shape. A spirit beast, you could say. A good soul begets a good Ka. And evil soul...well, you get the idea."
"She looks like you."
"Oh, no. She is far more beautiful." Mana said.
"European features is not the epitome of beauty." Yuugi muttered.
"It's unfortunate that I can not pull of such light hair."
"I think you're very pretty as you are."
Mana giggled a high, tinkling laugh.
"You have a spirit beast, too, you know."
"I do?"
"As I said, everyone does."
"What is it?"
"Of that, I am not sure."
"Okay? Then how do you know I have one"
"Well, Heba - you - rarely ever brought it forth."
"Why?"
"I'm not sure." She said, shrugging. "Perhaps he is blocked somehow. I sense something amazing in Heba, but he's never been able to control his Ka or magic very well. With small things, he is incredible - like when he created this garden. But bigger things..." She sighed. "Perhaps he is afraid to. I am not sure. As for your spirit beast, it's only ever been summoned once before."
"When?"
"On the eve of the Pharaoh's fifteenth birthday, a man called Akil snuck into the palace grounds. Akil had been banished to the desert, sentenced to live out the rest of his life in exile. Somehow, he had gotten his way back into the village and past the guards. He came into the palace grounds, no doubt planning to exact revenge on the very system that he felt abandoned him. The three of us were out in the outskirts of the grounds, taking a walk as Ra lowered in the sky, when—"
"Akil jumped from over the wall and grabbed the Pharaoh." Yuugi interrupted. They both stared at each other, and he wasn't sure who was more amazed. He suddenly felt compelled to explain himself: "I remember it, yet I don't. I know what happened, but I don't remember being there. I know it doesn't make sense."
"Well, yes. Akil came and grabbed the Pharaoh before he could defend himself or before we could pull him out of the way. Akil had a dagger at his neck, blood was already seeping from the cut - but then a bright light blinded us all. I heard you call out, but all I could see was a figure standing before us. Tall, and it seemed it was clad in the very light it emitted. It raised it's had and, suddenly, the light was gone. It was gone. When our eyes adjusted to the dark again, the Pharaoh and I saw both you and Akil were lying unconscious on the ground." She took in a deep breath. "We know not exactly what your Ka is, really… Though I know it was a spellcaster. I can recognize magic anywhere. As I said, I can feel something great in you, but it is blocked. Perhaps by trauma, or perhaps you just do not wish to tap into a power you may feel is uncontrollable - I am no sure. But I do know that your Ka is powerful - even more so than mine."
"Maybe it's just a life or death power?" Yuugi suggested. He still didn't fully believe in magic, so he tried not to sound like a sarcastic shit. If he did, Mana didn't mind it.
"The strength of your magic depends on your emotion." She informed. "That's why it is so important to keep your calm while using it. I think your fear just...made your magic explode. That's also why we...haven't told you something."
"What is it?"
"Before I tell you, just know that we did not want to lie to you. We just...felt like it would be a needless burden. The Pharaoh and I care far too much about you to risk...what I mean to say is-" She gave a harsh breath, threading her fingers through her hair.
"Mana, it's okay. Just say it." Curiosity was burning in his veins.
"When we were younger, before we met you, the Pharaoh and I overheard something we...should not have." She placed her hand against the palm trunk, like she was trying to keep herself steady. "As children, we had a game of hiding in the large jars around the palace. One day, as we were climbing inside one by the throne room, we heard the late Pharaoh Akhenamkhanen holding court with his council. I was already in the pot, but the Pharaoh - or, rather, the prince - thought it would have been better to abandon our game and eavesdrop on his father. I scrambled out of the jar and joined him. They spoke of a prophecy, one we were never supposed even know of until we came of age. Kids, huh?" She shook her head bitterly.
"What did it say?"
"'On the eve of the twenty-third year, the Pharaoh, whom had been given the crown before his anointed time, will have light stolen from his side. The theif will call unto the Gods, and the darkness shall answer in his favor. War will cover this land of Egypt and the high and low alike will tremble under the weight of revenge. The time of plenty will end with the slaying of lovers and the shattering of gold. The messenger of time will bring realization to the land and change that which had happened. Join the three spellcasters power and end sorrow.'"
"Um, well that's..." Yuugi furrowed his brow. "What was that supposed to mean?"
"The messenger of time it speaks of...I believe it to be you."
"Me?"
"Yes. Obviously, war has happened once already, in your past. You've come to direct us to a different path, a peaceful one. I also believe Heba was the light the prophecy says is taken." If Yuugi's eyebrows could go any higher, they'd be part of his hairline. She saw his skepticism. "Let me explain: I already figure your spirit beast is a spellcaster, but I also believe it is one of light. SO you are the light that gets taken from the Pharaoh's side."
"Okay, but still. That's only two spellcasters. Your magician and my...whatever it is."
"Master Mahado was a great man." Mana's fingers clutched at the bark. "I miss him more than I can say. Mahado gave his life to protect the Pharaoh, to protect all of us. And, in his death, he was given new life as a spirit beast. The Pharaoh's. So, there are three spellcasters. You, he, and I." She pushed away from the tree. "When Mahado took on the role of Protecter of the Ring, he changed. He told me there was some kind of darkness inside the ring that he had to keep at bay. And now, it is in the hands of Bakura." She shuddered. "Please do not be upset...we thought we were doing what was best. When you saved the Pharaoh that night...we both knew that somehow your destiny was intertwined with ours more so than we had thought. Of course, we should have told you then, but it just seemed...too much."
"It's fine." Yuugi assured her. "Really. I think I can understand the want to...protect something important."
"Now, ore than ever, I am sure the prophecy is true. It matches us too well not to be. He appointed Pharaoh before he was supposed to - his father dying untimely. And there are three spellcasters. The theief...Bakura aligns himself with the darkness, and he hungers for revenge. The Pharaoh is almost twenty-three...I am to become his new priest on that very day. All of it is coming true, and I have dreaded - feared - this for so long." Yuugi gripped his fists, feeling closer to Mana now. She hid more pain in that smile than she liked to let on.
'Master, I have done as you requested.' Dark Magician Girl said, appearing next to them. 'The Pharaoh says he will see you shortly.'
"Thank you." Mana said, giving her a small smile. "Say hello to Master Mahado for me."
With a bow, Dark Magician Girl was gone again - back to where ever spirit beasts went. Yuugi sighed; he needed a distraction before his head exploded.
"So, um…what's the Pharaoh like?" He asked awkwardly. Nice subject, Yuugi. Couldn't pick anything else?
"Well, the Pharaoh…" She said thoughtfully, "…is an idiot." Yuugi blinked, taken aback. "He hides his true feelings behind his regal mask, and he enjoys to tease. When something sets him off, he can have quite a temper. He loves to pester you when you're working, and he always has us cover for him - which has gotten us in hot water with the council a few times." She smiled. "But that is what family does - annoys you, yes?" Yuugi laughed in agreement. "He knows right from wrong, and he judges fairly. He is one of the most reliable men I know. And he loves his home. He loves Egypt. There is no better ruler." She tucked a strand of hair behind her ear, lowering her voice, "He will very surely curse me for saying so, but he is for more needy than he lets on."
"Yeah...that all sounds familiar all right." Yuugi said. "Like a child."
"Yes! Exactly!" She grinned. "Out of the three of us, I would say you are the most level-headed, therefore, the Pharaoh likes to mess with you until you finally stop what you are doing and play along with him."
"That's Yami, all right."
"Yuugi...it makes me glad to know that you are not different. Just as you say Yami is the Pharaoh...I believe deep down you truly are Heba. You are just like you were before." She paused, gaining an odd knowing glint in her eyes. "And, before you ask, the answer is no - the Pharaoh is single. He turns away any consort that presents itself."
"What?" I could feel my face getting hot. "I never even thought of asking -"
"Mana." A new voice called and they both turned to see the very subject of their discussion walking toward them. "Dark Magician Girl told me everything." Hs aze immediately locked on Yuugi. "Quite the situation we have on our hands."
"Ah, before that. I, um... kind of told him the prophecy." Mana admitted.
"We should've told him a long time ago." He replied, looking unbothered. "He would have found out eventually, he is smart like that. And it would take an idiot to not notice how hard it was for you to keep it hidden."
"Go feed Ammit." Mana muttered under her breath, and Yuugi gave an inelegant snort.
"Yes, he most certainly is Heba." The Pharaoh declared. "No mistake about that. Look at him - so stuffy." He reached out and poked Yuugi in the cheek, and he rolled his eyes back at the Pharaoh. "Oh, there is that blazing look I know so well."
"You are not taking this seriously." She chided.
"You wound me." He adopted a hurt look. "I am taking this very seriously."
"Hey, Heba. You want to know a secret about our ruler here?" She asked.
"Hush, you harpy!" The Pharaoh leaped forward and covered her mouth with his hands. Mana simply gave him a dirty look and bit his finger. He yelped, but kept his hand in place. "As I stand here, risking another finger, you shall not say another word." He demanded. She immediately stopped trying to talk, instead blowing her nose against his hand. He jerked away from her, disgusted.
"That was just unsanitary." He muttered, wiping his hand on his garb.
"I am teasing you a bit." She said.
"Torturing, I think you mean." The Pharaoh folded his arms. "Nevertheless, you are forgiven because I am a nice guy."
"Are we allowed to be acting like this?" Yuugi asked, confused. "Shouldn't we be...fearing the Pharoah?"
"Urgh." The Pharaoh curled his lip. "No. My friends needn't walk around me like they have reeds stuck up their backside all the time."
"He is right, though." Mana said. "Us not being respectable with you is highly improper."
"People cannot relax unless I tell them to do so. People cannot look at me in the eye unless I tell them so. Respectful? No. It only makes me feel as if I were a leper that everyone avoids. Cons of the job."
"Poor, misunderstood king." Mana cooed.
"I never said you may mock me, mind you." The Pharaoh replied.
"Could I know how you guys met Heba?" Yuugi asked, unable to hold his curiosity back any longer.
"It is not a happy tale." Mana said.
"I'd like to know anyway."
"It was nearly fifteen years ago, the Second of Shemu. The guards found you wandering in the desert, so they brought you forth to my father." His face twisted a little. "You were...covered in blood, which is why everyone was on such high alert with you. One priest even thought you to be a spy." He shook his head, as if it were the most ridiculous thing he'd ever heard. "But it was not a very nice first impression. My father knew better, but he could not get an answer from you. I admit, I acted brashly then. I interrupted the meeting and told my father that I'd watch over you. I cannot say it was a good first impression."
"Didn't you pause to think maybe I was a crazy ax murderer or something?"
He just shrugged.
"I knew he could trust you."
"Did I say that?"
"Actually, you never spoke. It was like you were living with something terrible. It took hours for you to even fall asleep the first couple weeks - and you had terrible dreams when you did. I read some old texts to you, and it seemed to help. But finally, you did speak. You told me 'sorry' and then you cried. I wonder if you cried all the tear you had in that one night, because I have never seen you lose it like that since. All I could do was hold you as you shook, and it felt like it would never end - but it did eventually, as all bad things do. Then, finally spent, you fell asleep, and you slept peacefully until Ra rose high in the sky." He folded his arms. "From then on, you were much more open with Mana and I. But you still had some issues."
"I have many issues." Yuugi muttered, to low for them to hear.
"One day," the Pharaoh continued, "I fell out of a tree and got a large gash in my leg. You came to me, worried, but as soon as you saw the blood you...just froze up."
"Yeah, I have a fear of blood." Yuugi informed. "I've never known why, though."
"I know not what happened to you, or why you came to us like you did. You have never said. I am not even entirely sure you remembered... Regardless, I try my best to keep you from seeing blood now." The Pharaoh paused. "During your nightmares, you mentioned Kul Elna sometimes."
"What's that?"
"It was a village that the thief - Bakura - accuses my father of authorizing his priest to wipe out the village in some kind of ritual, and he has sworn revenge against the crown - against Egypt."
"What do I have to do with Kul Elna?" Yuugi asked.
"That, I know not." He shrugged.
Yuugi sighed; the more he discovered, the more he didn't know. This seemed to be a mystery he couldn't solve. All he had was countless questions: how was Heba connected to Kul Elna? What had Heba been through? Did the former Pharaoh really do as Bakura accused, or was it all a misunderstanding? "Am I here to point you to the future, or am I here to discover my past?" Yuugi asked to no one in particular.
"I wish I could say." Mana said, giving his shoulder a light squeeze.
"What about the sacred items?" Yuugi asked. "What are they, exactly?"
"They were made a long time ago, very shortly after my birth, I believe." The Pharaoh explained. "There are seven items, one for the king and each priest on his council. The pendant, rod, eye, tauk, scales, key, and the ring. However, why we have them or how they were made, I am not sure. My father never told me, if he did know. He died before I could know for sure. The items are powerful, so much that it could be the end of everything if they wer to fall into the wrong hands...and one has. The ring."
Yuugi rubbed his head, feeling like it was going to explode. Or implode. Either way, it was going to be messy. It looked like he had to accept the truth: he was stuck here, and he wasn't leaving anytime soon. Lord, give him strength.
