Disclaimer: I don't own Yu-Gi-Oh! or the Kane Chronicles.
Chapter 10: Council Meeting
The next day came too quickly in Mahaad's opinion. He rubbed the sleep from his eyes and looked around the room to orient himself. Because they were underground, there was no sunlight, and he didn't know what time it was. He pushed back the covers and sat up swinging his legs over the side of the bed, before standing up. "A'max, (Fire)," he intoned, and the torches flared to life. He walked over to a trunk along the wall and opened it. He pulled out the clothes he had worn as High Priest in Pharaoh's court. He dressed himself, putting on all of jewelry and armbands. Their weight felt odd yet at the same time familiar. The last article he pulled out was his khat or headdress signifying his noble status. He finished getting ready by outlining his eyes with black kohl and applying the other necessary oils, before leaving his room to see if anyone else was awake.
Even though he was a master magician, knowing his was in a tomb kind of uneasy. He roamed the hallways until he stopped at the library. He pushed the doors open and entered. He sighed in contentment. This was one of his sanctuaries. To his surprise there was someone already inside. Ishizu was seated at table a scroll unrolled in front of her and she was scanning the lines of hieratic with her finger. Mahaad moved silently and tried to read the red glyphs that made up the title of the scroll she was reading, but she started and gasped. "Mahaad! How long have you been there?" Mahaad blushed a bit at the embarrassment of getting caught. "Not long at all, Lady Ishtar," he said honestly. She too was wearing the same clothes her predecessor would have in the Pharaoh's court, except her long black hair was uncovered. Her blue eyes danced in the torchlight. "What are you reading?" Mahaad inquired. Ishizu looked down at the scroll in front of her. "I was reading over some Clan history," she replied. Mahaad nodded in understanding. "May I join you?" he asked. She smiled in response. "Yes, of course. I would appreciate the company," she said truthfully.
Mahaad took a seat on the edge of the bench she was sitting on so there was still room between them. Mahaad noticed the gleam of the Millennium Tauk at her throat. "I see the Pharaoh has returned the Millennium Necklace to you," he observed. "Yes, he has," she agreed. Ishizu noted the lack of Millennium Ring around the magician's neck, not that she had actually expected the Ring to be there after Thief had ripped it from him. Mahaad looked at Ishizu with a concerned expression, noticing the sadness that filled her eyes. "Is something wrong?" he asked softly. She shook her head slowly.
"Maahad, I want to ask you a question," she said abruptly. Mahaad raised an eyebrow, but nodded. "Go ahead."
"Did you ever love anyone?" Mahaad's eyes widened in shock at the seemingly random question. "Yes, I love the Pharaoh with my whole soul," he replied fervently. Ishizu smiled at his lack of comprehension. "I know, I do too. Did you ever love a woman?" Understanding dawned on him and he flushed in embarrassment, and looked away. "I—I—" he began awkwardly. To his surprise he felt Ishizu put her hand on top of his own. "It is alright you can trust me," she assured him. "Yes," he replied sighing heavily at the ancient memory. "I loved someone once, but it is too late now," he said sadly. "Who was she?" Ishizu pressed. "I loved Priestess Isis," he admitted, wishing that the blush would finally leave his face.
She smiled in response. "Did she love you?" she asked. "I don't know," he admitted. "I never had the chance to do anything about it, with the Thief's attack and all," he replied. "I know I am not Priestess Isis, but I have had many visions of the Nameless Pharaoh's reign. I think you are very brave for what you did," she said. He smiled sadly. "Thank you."
"I know we just officially met, but I feel like our spirits remember our past connection," she explained. "Yes, I feel comfortable around you," he said. "I know it will take time, but would," she took a breath before taking the plunge, "you be willing to court me?" Mahaad gaped at her, unsure of what to say. After he collected his thought for a few minutes, he replied. "I am too old for you," he said seriously, hanging his head. She laughed lightly. "Let me be the judge of that," she countered.
That brought his head up again. She instinctively moved closer to him so that they were side by side, she still hadn't removed her hand from his. He looked at her fondly. "I would have to get permission from Master," he finally replied. She nodded encouraging him to continue. "I cannot do anything of the sort without his permission. If I was fully human again, there would be no problem. But since I am a Duel Monster, one that is bound to his own soul, I need his express permission," he said. "I can respect that. But I beg of you to at least consider it," she said. "I would love to," he said, allowing the corners of his mouth to move upward in a genuine smile. She rested her head contently against his shoulder and he moved his left arm around her. She snuggled up to him in response. She loved feeling close to him and she felt warm and safe in his embrace. He rested his head on top of her own. They remained like that for awhile, neither of them speaking, just content to be in one another's company. Mahaad inhaled the scent of her flowery perfume that smelled like lotus flowers.
Ishizu was the first to break away, and Mahaad let her go, already missing the closeness they shared. Ishizu stood and squeezed his hand in reassurance before letting it fall. "I must go make preparations for the meeting. It will start in about an hour," she said. Mahaad nodded and inclined his head respectfully. "Very well. I hope to see you again soon, Lady Ishtar," he replied.
Mahaad sat on the bench watching her until she had closed the door behind her and Mahaad finally rose. He was happier than he had been in awhile. He hadn't gone more than a few paces from the library when he heard a voice call out to him, "Mahaad, there you are," he turned to see the Pharaoh walking up behind him, still dressed in his blue PJs with yellow stars. "I should have known you'd be in the library, it was next place I was going to check after your room. Good call, Yugi," he said to his lighter half who was walking beside him in spirit form. "You look especially happy this morning," the Pharaoh commented, a note of suspicion present in his voice. Mahaad prayed to Horus that he wouldn't blush, and it appeared the falcon god actually heeded his prayer. "Thank you, my Pharaoh," he examined the teenage king's clothing. "May I assist you in getting ready for the day?" he asked. "Yes, you may," and Yami and Yugi started heading back the direction they had come. "Although, I do want to remind you that it is beneath your station as my High Priest and especially as my vizier," Yami said allowing slight displeasure to creep into his voice. "I am still your servant—" Mahaad began. "—Yes, but I am Pharaoh, and you are what I say you are. I am Egypt, Mahaad don't forget that. You might still technically be my slave, but you are my friend too. Don't forget that." Mahaad bowed his head, frustrated with himself for angering his king. "Don't beat yourself up about this," the Pharaoh reprimanded sternly.
He opened his door and all three of them stepped into Yami and Yugi's room. Yami sat down on what appeared to be one of the nicest chairs in the whole tomb. Mahaad walked over to a chest like the one he had opened earlier that morning, and removed the Pharaoh's robes. Mahaad bowed elaborately before presenting the Pharaoh's royal kilt. It was now Yugi's turn to blush as Yami moved to remove his pants. "Face the wall!' Yugi shrieked in alarm, his voice an octave higher than normal. Mahaad hastened to obey, a bit chagrined at the reprimand. "You may turn around now," Yami had just finished tying the kilt. The Pharaoh seated himself on the chair while Mahaad went to work. Mahaad placed the waresh a large golden collar around his king's neck and fastened it closed. "You never said why you were so happy this morning. I would have thought with the upcoming meeting involving Bakura you'd be less than pleased," the Pharaoh mused. Mahaad almost dropped the armband he was carrying. "I went to the library," he said vaguely.
The Pharaoh raised an eyebrow. "I enjoy the library as well. But you look especially happy this morning," the Pharaoh pressed. Mahaad shifted uncomfortably as he fastened an armband around the Pharaoh's left bicep. Mahaad was at least spared from having to look at the Pharaoh while he retrieved the next armband. "Lady Ishtar reviewed the Clan history with me," Mahaad said as he approached with the next armband. Yami raised both eyebrows in response.
/I didn't think there was anything that interesting in there./ Yami had to agree with his lighter half. Mahaad was acting strangely. But he was happier than he had been in awhile, so the Pharaoh decided to let it slide for now. "That's great Mahaad. I'm glad you found something new to read." As soon as Mahaad finished with the armbands he uncorked a jar of premixed kohl. He dipped a reed inside and knelt before the Pharaoh so they were eye level. As much as Yami hated to see Mahaad act beneath his station, he secretly liked having the priest help him. Mahaad had a steadier hand and never poked him in the eye, like some of his other servants in the past, much to their horror.
After that, Mahaad looked at the Pharaoh for permission to touch the Millennium Puzzle that Yami had taken off when he had changed. Mahaad reverently put it over his king's head. Last of all he placed the double crown of Egypt on his head. The Pharaoh was ready. He wore the white crown of Upper Egypt and the red crown of Lower Egypt.
Yami stood and exited the room, Mahaad not too far behind him. Instead of going to the council room, like Mahaad expected, the Pharaoh headed for the kitchen. "Pharaoh?" Mahaad inquired. "I'm hungry and I know you are too. I heard your stomach growl several times," Mahaad blushed yet again, while the Pharaoh just smirked. "And besides, the meeting can't start without me. Until I am there, everyone else is simply early." Even though Yugi had taught Yami a lot about being humble, Yami would forever be Pharaoh.
They ate some leftovers from their dinner the night before. Yugi saw Yami's mental image of Ishizu freaking out, thinking they only had leftovers for breakfast and giggled at it. Luckily for them, no one disturbed them as they ate. Once they had finished their quick morning meal, they set off for the council chambers.
The Pharaoh motioned for Mahaad to enter first which he did, silently taking his seat to the right of the head of the table. Everyone stood when Yami entered. He took his seat and then told everyone to do the same. Yami's eyes swept over the assembled group. There were all males seated around him except for Ishizu one seat down from her brother Marik, at his left. Odion was seated along the wall away from the table, as he wasn't an official leader in the Clan, but Yami had requested that he be present for the meeting anyway.
After bidding them all good morning, Yami started the meeting off by giving everyone an order. "I want you to swear your loyalty to me as your Pharaoh and king. We will start with Mahaad," he instructed. Mahaad quickly did so. That started a chain reaction at the table as other Clan leaders swore their allegiance. Mahaad scanned the table, there were quite a lot of people in the room. There were the 21 nomarchs plus Mahaad, Yami and the other Item Holders, except Shadi. Yami's reasoning for doing this became apparent when they got to the nomarch from nome 15, a bald man who was wearing too much kohl. He was seated about halfway down the table on the left side, by the name of Nemtynakht.
The man hesitated slightly, and Yami held up a hand to silence him. Unbeknownst to them they had all been judged while doing this. Shadi emerged from the shadows holding the Millennium Scales. "He lies," the Spirit confirmed the scale's reading of the man's soul. Nemtynakht tried to play it off, but was again silenced by Yami. "I've heard enough out of you, Nemtynakht. Shadi, peer into his mind and see the depth of his disloyalty." The man looked terrified as Shadi approached him with the Millennium Ankh and pressed the tip to his forehead and turned it. Everyone waited for Shadi to move. Shadi returned from the man's soul room and frowned, lowering the Key. "He does not think a Japanese teenager is fit to be king. He wants Mahaad to lead us."
All eyes turned to either Mahaad or Yami. Mahaad looked thoroughly shocked Yami looked angry. "Thank you Shadi for those enlightening results. You may take your place at the table." The Pharaoh waited for Shadi to be seated before he continued. "You had plans to talk to my servant after the meeting to conspire against me. That is treason, and you will be punished accordingly. Nemtynakht, I hereby strip you of your office as a nomarch as well as all titles, rank and land you may have. You will be held in prison until a full trial can be held. "Get him out of my sight!" The Pharaoh spat the last part in ancient Egyptian, and Odion detached himself from the wall to remove the shocked man from the room. Nemtynakht sputtered and tried to justify himself but to no avail. His screams fell on deaf ears.
As soon as his cries of protest had faded away, Yami directed everyone to continue. Obviously the Millennium Items' didn't have any effect on Bakura, so he was spared from having to swear his loyalty to the Pharaoh. He just sneered when it was his turn, but didn't say anything.
"Now that, that is out of the way, let us begin," Yami explained about their past couple of weeks and their knowledge of the Serpent's uprising. He also informed them of the immediate threat of the rebels' attack from their base at Abu Simbel. "How many troops from each nome do we have?" he asked. The scribe in the corner was keeping detailed notes of the meeting's proceedings. From all 21 nomes they only had 15 magicians. Yami was clearly displeased with this. "My Pharaoh, may I have permission to speak?" Ishizu said looking at Yami for confirmation. There were dissenting cries at the table that she shouldn't even be allowed to speak.
Isis ignored the cries of derision around her and focused her attention instead on her king at the head of the table. "You have permission to speak Lady Ishtar," Yami affirmed formally. That quieted the protests for now. "I also wish to remind the rest of you that Lady Ishtar not only holds a place of authority within my court, but she also has been appointed to the position of God's Wife of Amun." If the pharaoh intended to get a reaction by revealing this information he got one. There were cries of outright shock which both Mahaad and Ishizu shared. God's Wife of Amun was one of the highest offices a woman could hold. Ishizu outranked nearly every man that surrounded her.
Ishizu forced herself to focus on that task at hand. All attention had shifted to her. Her eyes swept the assembly, lingering briefly on the faces of the other Item Holders. "I would like to suggest that we consider additional sources of support as well. We could enlist help from Duel Monsters too," she proposed. The pharaoh nodded his agreement. "That is an excellent idea, Lady Ishtar. We will discuss the implications of such a course of action as soon as the rest of this meeting is over," he stated.
The Pharaoh ordered all of the remaining 20 nomarchs to put their magicians on high alert and have them ready to transport at at a moment's notice. The Pharaoh then dismissed the 20 nomarchs. "The Item Holders will remain behind," Mahaad rose to his feet as that statement no longer applied to him. "And of course, you as well, Mahaad and Odion." That Pharaoh amended his original order. Yami waited until they had all exited leaving Yami, Ishizu, Shadi, Marik, Bakura, Odion and Mahaad. "I want all of you especially to be wary of these magicians from the House of Life. They have one named Setne among them. He was a powerful magician in his own right, as well as a prince. He may target you for your Items." Yami Bakura gave a snort of disgust. "I would like to see him try baka Pharaoh," the Thief said glaring at Yami. The Pharaoh rolled his eyes in response. Bakura could be really annoying at times. "Yami sent the Tomb Robber a glare of his own. "Look Tomb robber, Setne manipulated Disturber in the Hall of Two Truths," the Pharaoh warned.
The Tomb Robber laughed darkly. "So? Did you forget that I humiliated you and your court with Diabound?" He spat. Mahaad looked angry and gave a death glare to Bakura. "Besides Pharaoh, you can't order me around like one of your subjects. I am under no one's authority," the Tomb Robber said smugly.
"Bakura!" All heads turned to see that it was Marik that had spoken, clutching the Rod unconsciously. "You and the pharaoh obviously have very different ideas on how things should be done, but we have to remember who the real enemy is. The Serpent is going to be harder to defeat than the demon Zork," Marik reminded them. Bakura just huffed but didn't say anything in response. But everyone knew that, by so doing he had acknowledged Marik's words as the truth. He didn't want the world to end. There would be no more Pharaoh to torment or people to steal from.
The Pharaoh dismissed the rest of them. "Mahaad and Ishizu I want to speak with both of you; the rest of you are dismissed," the Pharaoh said. Mahaad looked slightly alarmed. The rest of them filed out. Marik gave Ishizu a questioning look as he passed by her on his way out. She didn't acknowledge him as he left. The Pharaoh cleared his throat. "I asked you both to stay behind because I wanted to talk to you about Ishizu's proposal. First of all, thank you for speaking your mind Ishizu. Mahaad, can you go back to my Deck Nation and alert my monsters there?" The Pharaoh looked to Mahaad for confirmation. The magician nodded his assent. "Consider it done, my king. When do you want me to leave?" The Pharaoh zoned out for a minute, consulting his lighter half. "Yugi and I think that you could leave in the after lunch and be back in time for us to meet back with the Kanes." Mahaad nodded again. "As you wish, my Pharaoh."
Yami scooted his chair back and stood prompting the others to do the same. Mahaad saw the opportunity and took it. "My Pharaoh, may I speak with you privately?" He asked. Yami smiled. "Of course. Lady Ishtar, if you would excuse us?" The priestess nodded and bowed before leaving the two alone. Yami sat back down at the head of the table. Mahaad returned to his seat too. "What is on your mind, my friend?" Yami asked looking at Mahaad who was suddenly nervous.
"May I ask you a question, my king?" Mahaad asked. Yami gave him a smile in response. "You just did, but you may ask another." Mahaad ducked his head, but forged on. "I know this is quite presumptuous of me, my king, but may I have your permission to court Lady Ishtar?" Several emotions crossed the Pharaoh's face but Mahaad missed most of them. The Pharaoh gave him a knowing look, before Yugi phased out of the Puzzle. Mahaad was even more nervous now. "I know I need your permission my king. I know that it is proper for me to ask for her father's permission, but seeing as her father is in the West," Mahaad rambled. Both Yugi and Yami were smiling conspiratorially at each other, while Mahaad continued his rant.
"Mahaad!" Yugi tried getting the magician's attention, but failed.
"Mahaad!" The Pharaoh said loudly. This time, Mahaad jumped and went quiet. "Before Yugi and I give our answer, I want to tell you a few things. First of all, you and Ishizu know that I am Pharaoh. This means that I am and will be the first priority in your relationship. If I ever need either of you to do something for me, it will take precedence over everything else," Mahaad nodded. He was already bound to do that. "Second, I want you to tell me if things get serious enough for you to get married," Mahaad found it a bit strange but readily agreed to it. "Finally, no matter what happens, you are to treat Ishizu with respect. She has been through a lot with her brother's darker half, as well as losing both of her parents. If I hear that you are failing in any of these areas you will be punished accordingly," Mahaad nodded again.
The Pharaoh smiled knowingly again at his friend. "Then you have our permission to court Ishizu." A large grin spread across Mahaad's face. "Thank you my Pharaoh, my Prince!" he said softly. He rose from his chair only to bow deeply. The Pharaoh acknowledged the magician with a curt nod, before leaving the room.
They joined everyone for lunch in the dining hall. The Pharaoh's eyes twinkled mischievously in the torchlight before he handed control back over to Yugi. The short teen made his way over to the dining table and sat down, his stomach growling. "I never knew politics could drain my appetite!" he said laughing. "You have no idea!" Marik said from his left. Mahaad moved to Ishizu's side and conversed with her in low tones for a moment. By the joy on her face, he had just given her the good news. After talking for several minutes they took their respective places at the table.
After lunch, Mahaad rose from the table and left the room. He disappeared in a swirl of purple mist. He emerged in front of the main gates of his Pharaoh's Deck Nation. He entered the gates and exchanged greetings with the monsters he encountered. Some of them gave him odd looks, not bothering to hide the fact that they were wondering why he was back. He explained he was on a mission and hurried on. They of all people should understand.
Mahaad moved swiftly to the council chamber near the Great Temple of Karnak. He knew that the quickest way for him to contact all of the monsters in the Pharaoh's Deck was to come here. He entered through the heavy wooden door and climbed up a light of stone steps. He opened another door that led to a large circular room with several tall windows, overlooking the city. There were several chairs placed behind a semicircular table. There was an intricate carving of the attributes of Duel Monsters on the floor in the middle of the semicircle. Mahaad took his dark magic staff and touched the butt of it to the stone carving, and it flared to life in a green color.
Mahaad wasn't surprised when his fellow monsters rushed to the courtyard outside the council chamber. They had had more than their fair share of Shadow Duels and as a result they had to be ready for anything at any time. Within a few minutes everyone was there. Mahaad anxiously scanned the crowd of familiar faces, searching for the familiar blue and pink garb of his apprentice, Mana. But to his dismay she wasn't there. He spotted Karim, the Celtic Guardian, near the front of the pack, and they exchanged glances.
Mahaad told everyone what had happened and warned them to stay alert; and that there might be demons and other monsters that would try and harm them. They took it fairly well. In their view, they had been in much worse situations than this. After Mahaad dismissed everyone, he waited patiently while the elven warrior trotted up to him. "Greetings Mahaad," the Celtic Guardian, said. "Greetings to you too, Karim. Is Mana any better?" he asked his fellow priest. The warrior's eyes darkened. "No, she opened her eyes a few hours ago, but she is still very weak. She will need a few more days to recover at best. She was hurt by some powerful dark magic," Mahaad nodded gravely. But there wasn't anything he could do about it now. He thanked his friend and closed his eyes and returned to the world of the living.
"Mahaad!" Ishizu cried when he entered the room, having changed from his Dark Magician robes into the clothes he had worn in life. She stood. Mahaad nodded in her direction before approaching the Prince who was currently dueling Marik. The teens looked up from their duel. "I have passed on the information from the meeting to the monsters of your Deck," Mahaad reported. "Thank you Mahaad," Yugi flashed him a big grin. Mahaad bowed before turning his attention to Ishizu. He walked over to her and she impulsively gave him a hug. His eyes widened in surprise before he returned the gesture.
"Mahaad, Yami says that we are going to be leaving to meet the Kanes in a few minutes. And he says that he talked it over with Ishizu and her brothers. She will be coming with us," Yugi informed them. Mahaad and Ishizu thanked him. Ishizu left the room to say goodbye to Odion and grab the supplies she had packed. When she returned, the teens had put their duel mat away, Yugi had just wiped out the last of Marik's life points. "Good duel Yugi!" Marik praised. "Not bad, yourself Marik," Yugi said.
The group parted ways and headed for the surface. The sun was directly overhead and it blinded all for them for several seconds as they climbed out of the tomb.
As soon as the group emerged from the tomb, they covered that entrance with sand again, so it wouldn't be found by the random passerby. "Where are we meeting the Kanes?" Ishizu asked, not having been with them the first time. "We'll be teleporting to the spot we met them at last time. We are actually going to scry them now," the Pharaoh explained. Mahaad took that as an indication that he should pull out his scrying equipment. He summoned his leather satchel and removed a copper bowl and a jar of oil. He poured the oil into it and waved his hand over the oil speaking a spell. The surface of the oil shimmered and the teenage face of Carter appeared. His hair was sticking up at odd angles and he appeared to have slept in the same clothes he had been wearing when they had last seen him. "Hi Carter, where are you guys?" The Pharaoh didn't mince words when it came to diplomacy. "We are still on the Egyptian Queen sailing down the Nile. We'll tell you that full details later, but we were attacked by a hippo, and we have been drifting ever since. Our ship is damaged," Carter reported. "But we are south of Cairo and heading to Memphis. We're heading to the serapum, " he said. Mahaad nodded. "We are near modern day Luxor. We'll be there shortly, and I'm sure we'll run into you," the Pharaoh assured. The oil went black and Mahaad put his supplies away.
"Mahaad we need a way to get there," the Pharaoh said. "Yes we do," Mahaad agreed. He pulled an amulet out of the Duat and activated it once they had reached the Nile's western bank, leaving the land of the dead. As Ishizu stepped cautiously on to the magical chariot she was impressed. It looked just like the royal chariot the Pharaoh had used in life.
"Good work!" The Pharaoh praised. "Now both of you make sure you prepare your mental defenses. Setne will try and breach your mind and manipulate you. This is especially true of you Mahaad as you don't have a Millennium Item to assist you," the Pharaoh cautioned as he mounted the chariot. As was his divine right, Yami was the driver and Mahaad took up the bow and Ishizu just hung on to the front of the chariot. "How are we—?" Mahaad didn't even get to finish his question before it was answered. There was a bridge that spanned the Nile for tourist purposes and Yami directed the chariot in that direction. Yami opened a portal to the Shadow Realm and they set off.
They reemerged on the outskirts of Memphis. The ride was bumpier than Ishizu would have liked. She kept having to brush strands of hair out of face, that threatened to obstruct her vision. They rode in silence for the most part and arrived at the serapum and Yami slowed the chariot to a stop before getting off, and descending part way down into the tomb. "Where are they?" Ishizu asked. Almost as if on cue, two liquid puddles at their feet morphed into the recognizable human shapes of Carter and Zia. Carter and Zia had seen better days. Carter was dressed in tan shorts and a blue t shirt, while Zia was dressed in her combat fatigues. "Carter!" Yami helped him to his feet where he promptly threw up his breakfast.
Ishizu didn't do a very good job at hiding her disgust, as she covered her mouth. "Never again!" Zia cried obviously disturbed at their method of travel. "How did you get here?" Mahaad asked curiously. It was one method of magical transportation he wasn't familiar with. "We took Hapi pills," before Mahaad could respond, a voice from the top of the corridor rang out, "It was a lot of fun!" Mahaad spun around and glared at Setne, who looked immaculately clean, compared to the two, Nile soaked teens in front of the Pharaoh.
Setne looked like he could have given Bakura a run for his money. He was dressed in jeans, a sporty leather jacket, with a white shirt underneath. He had a large diamond encrusted ankh hanging on a golden chain around his neck. Setne's perfect tennis shoes obviously didn't sit too well with Carter either and he promptly made his way over and retched all over them too—or would have if Setne had had a body. The ghost shrank back. "That's the thanks I get. I just helped you guys!" he whined. Carter's eye twitched. "Helped you how? Carter what is going on?" Yami demanded.
"We got attacked by a giant hippo and we were saved by Hapi," Carter recited. "Where's my credit?" Setne demanded. "I am the one who gave you the spell to summon Hapi. If it weren't for me you'd both be dead at the bottom of the Nile by now!" he said, his face flushing red with anger.
"Let's get going we're burning daylight! You're going to love this place!" Setne exclaimed. No one did. The group followed behind as he led the way down the stone steps. There was evidence of the modern world in the form of light bulbs and reinforced steel beams, that were supporting the caving ceiling. There were chambers either side of the main hallway every so often. Carter peered into one of them and noticed that the large scarcophagus was much too large to be human. "What is in here?" he asked. Mahaad shook his head. "These are the tombs of the Apis bulls," he said in a semi-annoyed tone, he usually used when Mana asked too many questions. "Apis bull?" Carter asked.
"They were sacred bulls dedicated to Osiris. They were seen as a representation of Osiris during important festivals," Ishizu picked up where Mahaad left off. Setne moved into one of the chambers and touched one of the stone sarcophagi. "These bulls got the royal treatment. They got all the food they could ever want. Every twenty-five years or so, one was killed in a big ceremony and buried like a pharaoh," Setne said. "I am the one who built this place for them," he said matter-of-factly. I hid the Book of Thoth down here, because you would have to be completely crazy to steal it," he said.
Yugi phased out of the Puzzle and looked at the narrow corridor that surrounded them. His brows were furrowed in thought. /I wonder if Bakura could break in here?/ He wondered. Yami laughed darkly down their bond. /I'm sure he would have at least tried./
They followed the ghost deeper into the tomb. He led the group through a false wall. This part had not been excavated. There were cobwebs and dust everywhere. Zia lit her staff so they could see again, since there were no longer any electric lights.
Setne directed them to deactivate the many traps laced though the tomb. Having been the one who designed Yami's tomb, Mahaad was impressed with the sheer number of traps they had to deactivate. Setne did some of them himself using a command word, yet there were other times when he made Mahaad, Yami or Carter do them. All of them suspected he would find it quite funny if they all died in his home turf. Setne didn't make it any easier to concentrate; he kept giving all the details of a particular trap or spell. "That one would have made you blind…this one would have chopped your ears off!"
"Wonderful," Carter said sarcastically. They finally reached the end of the narrow corridor and found two statues of Osiris in a larger room. "I am going to have to cast a disenchantment spell to open this wall," Setne said. "It will take a few minutes. I can't have you freaking out on me, and binding me with the Ribbons of Hathor or anything else. Half finished spells are very dangerous," he wanted them. Mahaad narrowed his eyes, he knew that all too well, form his own experiences teaching Mana.
'I am warning you, Setne, I know what a proper disenchantment spell sounds like and I promise you I will destroy you if you attempt to betray us," Mahaad warned and his staff materialized in his right hand to give credence to his threat. Setne held up his hands. "Take it easy. Take it easy." Setne turned to face the wall and began chanting.
When Setne finished the spell the wall crumbled to dust revealing a circular room behind it. The walls were painted with scenes of Egyptians celebrating festivals, and waving palm branches as well as shaking sisturms. In the center of the room on a raised platform was a statue of a bull. It was carved so well it could have been alive. Mahaad got the creepy feeling he was being watched, and clutched his staff tighter. There was a golden cap drapped over his shoulders and he was wearning a crown with the sun disk and a cobra too.
Setne focused on Carter and pointed out how they were alike. "My father is Ramses II. My father was the greatest pharaoh to ever live. He built most of the temples in Egypt. Your father was a world renowned archaeologist, then he became a god. You and I are alike," Setne pointed out. "Enough of this!" Yami snapped, glaring at the ghost again. "Come on. You're no fun. Back in the old days Pharaoh during the Sed festival—" Yami took a step forward. "—I know. The Pharaoh would have a ritual contest with a bull—" But Sente wasn't listening. "They were contest of life and death," he finished.
Once he said death the bull started moving. "Setne!" The Pharaoh hissed angrily. "Call off your beast now!" Setne just laughed. "You guys have to distract the bull while I retrieve the book, or you'll get hit with a dozen different curses," he taunted. "Prove you are the true pharaoh Yugi! Win or die!" To Carter's surprise the Pharaoh perked up at the word win. /If we could turn this into a game…/ Yami thought as he herded the others ahead of him. Yugi was at his side, running as well. /How?/ The Pharaoh smirked. /We just have to distract it long enough for Setne to get the book. Yami instinctively reached for his Deck and began flipping through it.
The group kept running, hoping that the thick walls would stop the bull, but he ended up crashing through them anyways. They passed by what seemed like hundreds of Apis bulls. The bull was gaining on them and Ishizu pulled them down a corridor to their right and they ended up in another circular chamber, with a shaft of sunlight streaming down on them. There were more images of bulls being worshipped along the walls. "Crap!' Zia shrieked.
Yami stood in front of the group and smirked as he held up a card. "I activate Swords of Revealing Light!" To Carter and Zia's surprise, glowing white swords materialized in front of them, and the bull seemed really agitated now, and tried to paw his way through them, without success. "Now we need to figure out a plan," the Pharaoh said, looking at Mahaad, who nodded resolutely. "What are those?" Carter asked, gazing at the swords. "It is a spell that will temporarily delay our enemy," Mahaad explained vaguely.
"Now is our chance to launch a counter attack," Ishizu said, reaching for her Deck as well. "Go Mahaad!" The Pharaoh commanded. Mahaad was too happy to obey. He ran forward and blasted the bull with his signature Dark Magic Attack. It hit its target and appeared to cause some damage and chipped a chunk of black basalt from the bull's shoulder.
Before they could come up with a better plan the swords flickered and died. The bull snorted and charged at Mahaad, who cast another spell to protect himself. He and Yami were on the same brainwave and the two cried in union, "I activate Magical Hats!" Zia raised an eyebrow and Carter looked bewildered as four large black hats appeared concealing Mahaad. The bull was confused too, but shot a laser beam at the left most hat. When the smoke cleared, there was nothing there. The bull took aim again and destroyed the hat next to it. This one wasn't empty but contained a counter spell. "You've fallen into my trap, Spellbinding Circle!" Yami said, smirking. A circle of purple magic surrounded the bull, who bellowed loudly in protest.
Mahaad emerged from the hat next to it, and hovered several inches off the ground. The bull wasn't out of the game yet, even though he was weaker now. He took aim and shot a laser at Mahaad, who leapt out of the way, just in time. Yami was starting to show signs of being tired. He had beads of sweat forming on his forehead and wiped his brow with the back of his sleeve.
Carter stood there anxiously, and wishing that he could do something to help. But he couldn't summon his avatar, or he might collapse the whole room on top of them, and his sword was currently at the bottom of the River Nile. Zia shot a column of fire at the bull, but it didn't have any effect on the creature, much to her amazement. Yami had activated his duel disk and was examining his cards. "I summon Spiria!' Ishizu summoned her first monster to the field.
Mahaad looked at her gratefully as her blue skinned monster appeared next to him. "Attack!' Yami and Ishizu cried together, and their monsters obeyed, merging their attacks together. The bull was destroyed in a flash of light, and the shock wave sent everyone sprawling. Yami remained motionless for several seconds, before slowing opening his eyes. Mahaad was kneeling over him. "Are you alright?" he asked. Yami blinked a few times, his vision coming into sharper focus. "Yes," he said. Yami was sure he was going to have several bruises and minor cuts from his five foot skid across the floor.
He was the worse one though. The rest of the gang was pretty much unharmed, except for Carter's tennis shoes, they had melted in a stray blast from the bull. "That is bad luck," Zia said. They didn't waste any time and set off down the corridor, as the system began to collapse. They passed Setne coming out of the one of the tunnels. "I got the Book!" he said triumphantly, waving it in the air. "Great! Come on!" Carter yelled at him.
They made it back to the Egyptian Queen, and Carter was distracted enough, that he mistakenly let Setne give Blood Stained Blade orders. "That was a rash decision Carter," Yami said as he leaned against the railing. Mahaad hovered nearby.
"Let's look at the Book!" Zia exclaimed. Setne grinned and opened the scroll. As he did so the grin slid off his face, and the papyrus dropped to the floor. Setne was shaking with fear or anger, Carter couldn't tell. "What?" Yami demanded irritably.
"This isn't the Book of Thoth!" Instead there was a long sheet of papyrus with a note written in demotic.
Author's Notes:
Thank you for reading this and please review!
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