The Lost Pharaoh
Author's Note: I'm SO sorry this was delayed, but my beta-read was sick, so be understandable. Thanks again to my beta-reader Towairaito Zoon. -
Chapter 11: Sealing Fate
The feeling of warmth was so incredibly addictive that Yuugi didn't even want to move. He could feel the rays of sunlight pouring on him, lulling him from a restful slumber. He hadn't had one nightmare since back in Domino, and he was enjoying it. He only feared the time in Kemet would pass by too quickly. His semi-awake conscience allowed him to feel something warm across his neck. Slowly Yuugi opened his eyes, getting a glimpse of a glamorous view of the sun streaming in through the patio windows.
As his brilliant, violet eyes opened to take in the beautiful surroundings, including the sparkling sand covering the floor, his mind was refreshed, remembering the talk he had with Yami the previous night. He didn't ever remember going back to his room, which meant that he hadn't left. Feeling something on the back of his neck Yuugi turned on his side and took in the sight of Yami sleeping peacefully beside him. Smiling softly, Yuugi watched his serene face as he breathed in slow and even.
Yuugi hesitantly reached out to brush away Yami's bangs in order to get a better look at the crown he was wearing. Having seen it several times before, Yuugi had practically memorized every contour and design. It was the symbol of the Eye of Horus in the center, that seemed to hold so much power in itself, that intrigued him. He carefully traced the symbol with his fingers, finding the smooth feeling of the gold to be almost comforting.
A knock at the door caused Yuugi to pull his hand away suddenly, turning in surprise. Yami's crimson eyes peered open from his eyelids as he was awoken by the simple noise.
"Pharaoh?" a muffled voice was heard from the other side.
"What is it?" Yami asked, sounding as if he had been awake the whole time.
"Pharaoh, Hadi is here to see again. He says it's urgent."
Yami's eyes closed for a second before he opened them again, his expression changing from calm to stern, "Very well. Tell him I'll be down in a minute."
"As you wish," the voice responded, and soon after footsteps were heard as the figure walked away.
Yami's attention turned from the door as he spotted Yuugi fully awake and staring back at him.
Yami smiled softly, "Did you sleep well?"
Yuugi nodded, with a polite smile, "Yeah, you have a really nice bed."
Immediately after saying that, Yuugi quickly hid a faint blush that subtly appeared. He hoped it had seemed as innocent as he intended it. Yami only chuckled lightly and nodded.
"That's why it's hard for me to get up in the morning," he smiled. "I suppose I must get up now."
"Is it another meeting?" Yuugi asked curiously.
Yami nodded as he slipped out of the bed, preparing to get dressed.
"Yes, it appears something else has come up. I have a feeling of what it is. You may explore the palace if you wish," Yami said as he slipped on his main robe. "You may go anywhere you desire, Yuugi, even if you'd like to stay here and rest. I know we had a busy day yesterday."
Yuugi shook his head, smiling, "I'm fine. Grandpa usually wakes me up early to do chores sometimes anyway. Actually, Yami?"
Yami turned his attention toward him while clasping his robe on, "What is it, Yuugi?"
"What exactly did you do so that my grandpa wouldn't worry?" Yuugi asked, leaning on the bed.
Yami clasped his robe and then sat down on the bed near him.
"It's an ancient ritual that was performed to protect me when I was first ruling around the age of ten. Whenever there would be trouble stirring my viziers would go in search of anyone who had information, even if they had to capture someone who was working against me. Usually it was some lowly servant working for what they expected to be high pay to help the enemy against me," Yami explained. "Instead of torturing them, or killing them, as most cruel pharaohs did in the past like my father, my viziers contacted Isis, the priestess, to come to my aid.
"At the time, she was young herself, though a little older than I was. However, she had experience in performing rituals, as had her whole family. I had helped Isis before, without knowing it," Yami smiled slightly at the memory. "My father had ordered Isis and some of her family members to be killed because he was afraid they were working on a ritual to get rid of him, but I helped her family escape by showing them the underground passage out of the city, and then blocked it off. After that, her family kindly offered their services to me if I ever needed it. They were the ones to help me fight the war shortly after my father died, and they generously dedicated themselves part time to building and setting protections up for my tomb.
"Isis was the one to help me when an enemy was captured," Yami said, as Yuugi listened intrigued. "She hypnotized him to tell us everything he knew, which was quite a lot. He had been confident because he swore to the enemy he'd die without telling us, but he didn't expect to be forced by power. After that, Isis erased his memory so that he couldn't remember us. But the memory charm she used then couldn't be reversed, and that in the long run could've been a problem for future occurrences. So as she grew, along with her abilities, she used my blood to summon a power that would help. Horus."
"Your bird?" Yuugi asked, awed, his bright eyes widening.
Yami nodded, "Yes, Horus is no ordinary bird Yuugi. He is technically not even real, but made from my blood and Isis' priestess abilities. He was born from an egg and I had to raise him like a normal pet, but he was able to grant me help, the help I needed when I was too young to have the powers necessary to completely protect Kemet. One of the powers was a much more perfected version of a memory ritual, since he was also made from Isis as well. Since Isis' specialty then was memory rituals, Horus was able to acquire her power and perfect it so that it may be reversed. "Your grandfather is just suffering from a memory loss caused by Horus' abilities, Yuugi. He has forgotten everything about you, but only temporarily. Even without Horus undoing it he will eventually remember because it wears off," Yami smiled, a glint in his eyes.
Yuugi chuckled, "Well, at least he'll be able to do things normally without having to worry about me."
Yami nodded with a smile, "Yes. I am sure you have other questions Yuugi, but I must attend this meeting. We will talk later," he said reassuringly, putting a hand over Yuugi's.
Yami gave him one last smile and walked out, while Yuugi watched him until the door closed. He sighed, leaning back against the soft cushions of the bed to bask in the warm sunlight.
I hope none of my friends visit grandpa while he has temporary amnesia. That might not be so good.
Stretching softly with a yawn, Yuugi managed to remove himself from the warm comfort of the bed, realizing that he had fallen asleep in his robes. Not feeling up to going all the way back to his room to change, he opted to stay as he was and explore the palace more in depth. He was bound to find something interesting along the way.
Yuugi opened the door, giggling as he wiggled his toes through the enchanted sand before stepping out. He closed the door behind him and headed down the stairs to the second floor.
The second floor was no doubt the most complex of all the floors. Yuugi couldn't remember which hallways he had taken before, let alone remember where his own room was. The hallways were more like long corridors that were beautifully polished marble, but they all looked the same. Many doors lined the halls as well and Yuugi was too afraid to try any. He headed left down yet another corridor, looking up at the glass lamps that lined the walls. Yuugi was confused now, surrounded by passages that all looked the same. He was starting to get frightened that he'd never find his way back.
Why did I pick the most confusing floor? I should've stayed near Yami.
Yuugi turned yet another corner, finding yet another corridor lined with some doors. In a panic, he ran to the nearest door hoping a guard or someone would be there to help him find his way back. The door swung open and he ran inside, his eyes welling with tears. The room wasn't filled with guards, but it wasn't empty either. Yuugi's tears dried before they even fell as he stared up at a gigantic wall standing in front of him. It reached the very tall ceiling so Yuugi had to strain his neck up to see the captivating object on the wall.
There hooked to several golden chains, hoisted to the wall, was an incredibly large tablet. It was made from ivory, like many things in Egypt were made in the past. His grandpa had told him Ivory was the least expensive stone back in the days but was highly qualified because it preserved ancient scriptures for over thousands of years without crumbling or rusting.
Stepping toward the tablet, Yuugi's eyes were glued as he stared at the images before him. He could only read some of the symbols, not understanding exactly what they were saying. There were many symbols there he had never seen before and was sure his grandpa hadn't seen. It was a different type of scripture, from the looks of the carved hieroglyphics.
Yuugi's eyes ranked over the symbols, trying to spot familiar ones. He saw plenty with the symbol of the pharaoh, but he wasn't sure what most of it read. Yuugi looked up at the top where it looked like there had been a piece missing before and it had been put back together. The symbol of the pharaoh was there, holding something in his hand. There were strange squiggly symbols coming around him like the pharaoh was glowing, or powerful, and a round sphere was held in his hand.
Yuugi turned around abruptly as a faint sound broke him from his daze. His fear had long since disappeared as he curiously stepped out of the room. He listened closely, trying to figure which way the sound was coming from.
Maybe if I follow it I'll find my way back.
Yuugi slowly walked along the corridors listening cautiously for the sounds to grow louder. As he followed them they became more noticeably like voices. The sound was coming from down the hallway to his left. Picking up the pace, Yuugi swiftly ran down the hallways, his feet echoing against the marble floors. The voices were getting louder and louder, making it easier for him to follow them. Yuugi wondered briefly why he could hear them from so far away and realized as he got closer that one of the voices was shouting abnormally loud.
As he grew nearer the shouting got louder until Yuugi was able to just barely make out what was being said. He didn't stop his pace even as words reached his ears.
"Unhand me if you know what's good for you!"
Yuugi slowed down, making sure to not cause too much noise to alert his presence.
"Hold still," a gruff voiced sounded.
Yuugi pushed himself up against the wall preparing to peek around the corner. He heard struggling and figured one of the voices had to be a guard, but who were they holding?
"You think you tin-heads are really clever, don't you?" a voice hissed. "Well I'll have you know your high and mighty pharaoh cannot keep me under his watch forever!"
Yuugi took a deep breath and peeked a violet orb around the wall to see what was going on. He spotted a guard as his back was turned to him. He seemed to be struggling from holding onto someone but Yuugi couldn't quite see who it was. He inched closer trying to peer around the guard's large frame to get a peek.
"LET GO OF ME!" the voice shouted in anger as the guard was suddenly throne backward, flying at least ten meters away.
Yuugi gasped as the guard came flying past his position and stopped, lying unconscious in the middle of one of the corridors. Yuugi turned and his eyes widened at the sight. A boy, looking no older than him, stood standing there unharmed and looking dangerously mean. The strange thing was that he resembled his friend Ryou, only this boy had longer hair that was more unruly and his eyes were darker. His face too seemed more pointed and firm, and his muscles bigger. He was wearing tight jeans and a loose white shirt that had patches of dirt of it. His eyes were narrowed toward the guard that lay motionless as he panted for breath, as if he had just run a mile. It was then that Yuugi noticed something dangling from his neck. It was a golden necklace that looked like it was made from the same material as Yuugi's necklace; the one Yami had given him.
That's strange...I guess that proves the saying that everyone has a twin out there somewhere. But who is he? Is he a criminal? Why was the guard trying to hold him? And how did he fling that guard so far?
The questions buzzed through his head as he stared at him, unable to move or breathe. He wasn't sure what to make of the situation, whether it was good or bad. If the boy was a danger to Yami then he was free to roam the castles now that the guard was down. If he was innocent...
He doesn't look innocent, but maybe I should ask him if he needs help.
Before Yuugi could completely think his plan through he stepped out from the shadows of the hallway.
"Excuse me?" he called out.
The boy, who had turned and was deciding which way to go, spun around, his dark eyes searching for the owner of the voice. His eyes locked onto Yuugi's as he appeared in front of him. The boy stared at him for a moment and Yuugi was beginning to fear he'd end up like the guard. It was only when the boy's eyes locked onto the necklace dangling from his own neck that his eyes seemed to lessen the threat slightly, staring at Yuugi strangely.
"Who are you?" the boy demanded. "You wear the necklace of the pharaoh."
Yuugi stared at him surprised, glancing down at the necklace and looking back up at him.
"I'm Yuugi," he said. "I...uh, am a friend of Yami's...er, the pharaoh."
The boy's shoulders straightened as he stood up to his full height from previously when he was bent over after flinging the guard.
"A friend? I don't recall a friend ever being mentioned in the scripture to come back with the pharaoh," he said toward him.
Yuugi tilted his head in question, "What scripture?"
The boy stared at him in question as if he hadn't quite understood, "What scripture?" he snorted. "The only scripture anyone has ever been talking about. The prophecy about pharaoh Yami coming back to save all of Egypt again."
Yuugi could hear something in his voice that he didn't like when he mentioned Yami.
"Do you...I mean...are you an enemy of Yami's?" Yuugi asked without thinking.
The boy folded his arms across his chest, "We're rivals, but for a totally different reason. We've been competing with each other in Duel Monsters for years. I figured this time he and I would have a real competition but that Yami seems to want me out of his way. He's been keeping those annoying guards watching my every move for months now and I'm getting sick of it! I want my duel!" he said clenching his fists. "I don't understand why Yami can't just forget about saving the world until after our duel!"
Although Yuugi could sense this boy and Yami weren't exactly friends, they weren't necessarily enemies either. They just had...disagreements.
And they must've played Duel Monsters before, the real Duel Monsters from ancient times. Why does he want to defeat Yami in one?
"What's your name?" Yuugi asked, hoping the boy wouldn't suddenly attack him.
He stared at Yuugi suspiciously for a minute, "You may call me Bakura. Now, can you show me the way out?"
Yuugi froze mid-breath, knowing that even if he, now Bakura, wasn't an enemy he was still trouble. Luckily, Yuugi knew the right thing to say and it wasn't a lie.
"Um...I don't know my way out, actually," Yuugi smiled sheepishly. "I was trying to find someone to help me."
"Damn it!" he cursed. "This is just great. First that guard thinks he can drag me all around the palace and now I'm stuck here!"
Yuugi gulped nervously but smiled politely, "We could...find the exit together, if you wanted."
Bakura glanced at him, his cold eyes not showing much compassion but he made a gruff sound, "Fine, let's go."
He stalked off and Yuugi quickly followed him, hoping that he wasn't making the biggest mistake of his life. Inside he was hoping that Yami would find them and deal with Bakura in whatever way he thought was appropriate. Yuugi couldn't tell anything from him but knew he was in some kind of trouble, and that unnerved him.
"So, Bakura, why do you want to duel Yami?" Yuugi asked, trying to start up a conversation.
Unfortunately, starting a conversation about Yami wasn't the best thing. Bakura glared sideways at him and his muscles tensed unconsciously. Yuugi's eyes lit up with fear, hoping he didn't strike a nerve that would cost him. Bakura though seemed to change his mind and turned his eyes forward again, speaking coldly.
"That pharaoh and I go a long ways back. When he first ruled Kemet, inheriting everything from his father I was a tomb robber, a thief," he said, glancing down at Yuugi who nodded slightly. "Yami's father was a particular nasty pharaoh and gave me a lot of trouble. I managed to slip from his grip many times until one day his father ordered some maniac to hunt me down. They captured me and weren't friendly as they hauled me off towards their master."
Bakura smiled bitterly, "I was so jealous of Yami and the line of pharaohs because they had everything and I was a poor street rat. Yami's father decided whether or not to kill me, finally choosing to send me off to the desolate desert to die slowly from thirst and hunger. However, right before that, I had stolen a prized possession from the palace that they hadn't caught from me yet. That treasure was the only reason I survived. It had been my greatest mission to sneak inside one of the main chambers in the Great Hall and I had stolen the emblem that seemed to me only a small prize compared to the other treasures there. But this was special," he said gripping the necklace tightly, "and gave me the ability to find my way back. I didn't need to seek revenge, Yami's father got what he deserved."
Yuugi could hear the glee in his voice and shuddered, catching his eye. Luckily, Bakura didn't say anything toward him as they kept walking turning random corners as they went.
"I wanted to keep this treasure because it had saved my life, but as rules went the treasure belonged to Yami after he took over. So I opted to duel him for it. During our battle we were interrupted by an enemy force that Yami had to take care. Instead of waiting to see if he would survive or not, I stole it again and shortly after Yami sacrificed himself for the people.
"When I stole this I didn't realize the price that came with it," he said, narrowing his eyes. "This piece was connected to the pharaoh's necklace that you wear, along with several other items also created by the priestess Isis, who also made one for herself to help control the power of her gifts. Once Yami had been destroyed with his powers all the other items followed suit. Against my will I was put into a deep sleep and woke up 5000 years later. When I did wake up I was caged in a brilliant light that had protected me, but I didn't know where I was, what year or time. I was very confused," he said, as Yuugi watched him intrigued.
"With the help of my new gift I was able to figure out what time period I was in and what had happened. Each and every individual that held a piece of the pharaoh's ultimate power, separated into many items, was woken up in order according to when that item was made. The first item made, that holder would wake up first, and last came Yami. So I was prepared for his return after hearing he would come back to protect Egypt again. And I was waiting to finally finish the duel that we started back thousands of years ago."
Yuugi's eyes were wide by the time he finished, staring up at him in surprise, "That means that you were also reincarnated."
Bakura shook his head, "Not reincarnated. I'm not someone else, I'm the same person I was then, except I no longer need to steal. This necklace all ready gives me enough, except I am often reminded that it is not yet mine for keeps," his eyes narrowed.
"And, Yami won't let you keep it?" Yuugi asked curiously.
"Even if he did want to give it to me he can't," Bakura snorted. "An ancient power protects these items and they follow a code. If I don't defeat Yami in a duel for it then it will one day disappear. I've gotten close to losing it, especially that day I felt the pharaoh had reawakened."
Yuugi nodded silently, glad Bakura wasn't so extremely cold that he didn't want to talk at all. It was interesting to hear things about the past. As they walked, Bakura's eyes latched back onto him.
"So where did you come from?"
Yuugi glanced up, not wanting to tell him the truth but feeling that Bakura could tell if he was lying. And Bakura probably wasn't nice when he was lied to. Yuugi swallowed hard and smiled nervously.
"Um, well, I...I actually...," he looked up at Bakura, who rose an eyebrow slightly in question. "I was the one who awakened him."
Bakura had suddenly stopped, both his eyes now focused on Yuugi who shifted uncomfortably from the gaze. Yuugi bowed his head slightly and closed his eyes not wanting to watch if Bakura was going to hurt him. The minutes passed and Yuugi felt no pain, but a rough voice made him jump.
"You? You awakened him?"
Yuugi glanced up, seeing that Bakura was staring at him with a mixture of curiosity and something else.
At least it's not anger.
Yuugi nodded slowly.
"That's interesting. A boy without powers was able to reach out toward a very powerful pharaoh and awaken him ahead of schedule. You must be a perfect little angel," he smirked.
Surprised, Yuugi blinked at him with confusion, "Why would you say that?"
"Because, the pharaoh obviously is too soft for his own good. He's always been that way, probably because he hated his father, which I don't blame him. I hated my father as well, but unlike him I needed to be strong in order to survive. Yami was always the sentimental type. He valued every type of kindness, trying to make a perfect world so everyone could live happily together. Anyone that had the same kind of ideals, or that he valued was close enough to perfect, would be able to find him," Bakura glanced down at him, a sly smirk on his face. "You look like you could pass for innocent all right."
Despite the feeling of protest, Yuugi knew there was no use arguing. He had done plenty of mistakes in his life so he didn't deem himself perfect at all, but compared to most others his mistakes were thought of as small. Even the first day he had met his friends they had all thought him to be a cute, innocent little child and had been shocked when he showed up in their homeroom at Domino High.
They were suddenly stopped as they came to an end in the hallway. There before them were double doors, larger than the rest of the doors they had passed by. Since it was the only way out, unless they tried going back, Bakura pushed the doors open violently, muttering something about long unnecessary passageways.
Yuugi's heart leaped as he saw that they had come into a exquisite throne room, the tiled floors a soft golden color that glimmered when sunlight touched it. The space was mostly empty without furniture but gorgeous pillars held the room up with more intricate lamps that hung from the ceilings. Yuugi also noticed a chandelier, which was no doubt a small touch of something modern that Yami's viziers had put in. At the moment there were guards and Yami's main viziers standing around quietly. Yuugi noticed that Isis, the priestess, and the old man that was currently cleaning the bookshelves that lined the walls, was there. Yuugi's eyes caught sight of the man, Hadi, who was speaking with Yami at the moment.
In his excitement, Yuugi's eyes lit up immensely at the sight of Yami, who had his back turned.
"Yami!" Yuugi shouted happily and with relief.
Yami turned suddenly, a look of surprise on his features as Yuugi ran toward him and leaped into his arms. Yami managed to catch him, wrapping his arms securely around him in a gentle embrace.
"Yuugi?" he asked surprised. "What are you doing here?"
Yuugi glanced up at him and blushed cutely, "I got lost. Bakura helped me, though."
Yami's eyes narrowed as they settled directly on Bakura who was sneaking quietly past the guards.
"Bakura," Yami warned. "Get back here."
Bakura was stopped before he could reach the exit and spun around, crossing his arms coldly. Yuugi felt guilty from giving away Bakura's position after he kept him company, even though he knew Bakura was probably in trouble for a good reason.
"Yami?" Yuugi asked, glancing up at him with eyes shining with worry. "Bakura's not going to get locked up is he?"
Yami's eyebrows rose high into his bangs, "Locked up? Of course not, Yuugi. Bakura is here because I am protecting him from being captured by the culprit who invaded my tomb. They might want him to make some kind of deal since the culprit failed, and Bakura is well-known for his tomb-robbing. I suppose I am forcing him to do some community service to atone for what he did in the past," Yami smiled lightly. "But once the culprit is caught and he does his time, Bakura's allowed to be set free."
Yuugi's eyes blinked innocently before they narrowed slightly and turned toward Bakura.
"Bakura, you made it sound like you were being treated horribly," Yuugi said, staring at him harshly. "You lied to me?"
Bakura snorted and looked away, "Just being near Yami is enough torture for me, thank you. And I didn't lie, I fibbed. There is a difference. Fibbing is just exaggerating the truth and that's what I did. It was how I felt. And pharaoh," he glared, turning his attention away from Yuugi. "I have been doing things for you day and night! I barely get to leave this confounded palace! I feel like I have paid five times over for the wrong I did, and am getting impatient! We should be dueling!"
Yami didn't seem the least bit fazed by Bakura's ranting, and only stared patiently at him.
"You signed a contract, remember Bakura? A contract that states you will do community service for five months in order to atone for five years worth of stealing from tombs, temples and other places around Egypt. Then of course stealing an item that possesses ancient magic from the scriptures. And once all of your community service is paid and I am sure Kemet is safe, then we can duel."
Yami kept his arms around Yuugi, but glanced at Bakura with raised eyebrows, "And as I'm told you have a very comfortable room. One of the better guest rooms like Yuugi's. You get meals every day and you are allowed to go anywhere inside the palace, except for ritual rooms. I don't think I'm mistaken when I say I have given you more than a fair punishment."
Bakura just continued to glare at him, obviously not in any mood to admit he was right. Despite his cold glare, he let the guards lead him back to his room without a fight.
Yuugi, who was watching Bakura exit along with everyone else, turned to see Hadi was staring at him distrustfully. Yuugi immediately held on tighter to Yami, pushing his cheek against his bare chest as he tried to hide. Once Bakura had left Yami smiled down at him, squeezing him tightly and let go, turning back to Hadi.
"Now, Hadi, about our discussion. I do not believe there is any need to summon an army. That would be too suspicious to whoever is against me, and frighten the people as well. I don't want to send panic everywhere, but rather leave Kemet out of it as much as possible. Whoever is behind the raiding of my tomb is no doubt against me, so I will handle this problem," Yami said.
Hadi nodded casually, his eyes glancing back down at Yuugi, "Of course my pharaoh, I understand. However...if I may say, don't you think it's a little suspicious that Yuugi was the only one able to find your tomb? Or how your tomb was raided after he arrived?"
Yuugi's eyes widened at the implication, his bright eyes shimmering with fear as Hadi stared at him suspiciously. The old man who had been cleaning stopped and turned, feeling an argument starting.
"For your safety, Yami, I think maybe it would be safer if he were sent back to— "
"He is a guest," a soft, but firm voice interrupted.
Hadi turned to stare at the priestess, who wore a long white gown that resembled a robe in that it flowed around her and tied in the back. Isis' eyes were firm but didn't hold any malice as she stared at him unblinking.
"But trouble didn't start until after he arrived, priestess," Hadi argued. "There has to be some connection!"
Isis shook her head, "I am afraid the reason trouble has started is because this is the time when it is assumed the pharaoh is at his weak moment, not fully complete."
"Hadi," Yami warned, his eyes darkening. "If you are implying that Yuugi is in league with whoever is against me, then you are mistaken. If he had any malice or grudge against me he would've never been able to find my tomb in the first place."
"And he has been by the pharaoh's side the entire time," Fidil spoke up coolly. "He has not shown anything but kindness and selfless acts toward the pharaoh and people of Kemet. He is also a stranger to these lands. If he were working with the enemy he would know Kemet better."
"How do you know that?" Hadi asked distastefully.
"Because whoever broke into the tomb knew exactly its layout, despite it being one of the most complicated and secretly built tombs in the history of Egypt," Fidil said, nodding toward Yuugi when Hadi turned away.
Yuugi nodded back, his throat tightening from the uncomfortable feeling growing. He would never hurt Yami, nor would he want to. Kemet was an amazing place, so amazing that Yuugi didn't want to leave. Hadi's expression didn't soften but he nodded, not wanting to upset Yami.
"I will let you know if anything else occurs," he said, glancing one last time at Yuugi before turning around and walking out.
Yami's expression softened after he left as he stared down at Yuugi apologetically, "Forgive him, Yuugi. He is one of the stubborn men of the group that helped bring us all back. He is just being cautious."
Yuugi nodded and pushed his feeling of awkwardness away and instead stared back at him curiously.
"What do you mean he's one of the men that helped bring you all back?" Yuugi stared at Isis and Fidil, as well as the couple other viziers standing around. "Does that mean they were the ones that summoned your viziers?"
Yami nodded, "Yes, Yuugi. They were to be the ones to awaken me on the eve of the millennium since the ancient items were created. For generations after generations they have been watching for signs, waiting until it was their time. Hadi's ancestors were the ones that first helped seal my viziers into a deep sleep using a very complex ritual that's done in one of the ritual rooms. If you like, sometime I can take you around to see them and tell you how it was done."
Yuugi
smiled up at him gratefully, "I'd like that."
Yami smiled,
"Yes, well it was very hard and it took months to complete. They
had to do it by a specific time or else my viziers would eventually
rot and die, not able to come back to aid me."
"How did they wake up?" Yuugi asked curiously, looking up into his eyes.
Yami reached out a hand to brush back Yuugi's bangs as he smiled softly, "They woke up because the leader of the group had an ancient item as well. The ankh. His name was Shadi, and he was one of the several that helped Isis and others complete the ritual to make the items in the first place."
"So, that means that Hadi was born in modern times. His ancestors were the ones that knew you and watched over Kemet while you were away," Yuugi said, his eyes looking intrigued.
Yami nodded, "Yes, Hadi is not from my time, he is from this era. Shadi, however, is not. He was the most powerful of the group because his ankh is connected to each one of the items. He always knows who has each item and how it is being used. It is only because of the ankh that each of my viziers were able to be frozen in time and not age until they were needed again. His ankh didn't need any special power in order to wake him up once he was sealed by the group Hadi's ancestors were in.
"His ankh feels the power of the items and when evil stirs the items know. The ankh woke before you freed me because it was able to sense Kemet needed me now instead of on the eve of when I was supposedly destined to wake up. It was able to alert all the other items, including Isis'. And Isis woke the others up with her millennium necklace," Yami explained.
Yuugi nodded, tiling his head slightly, "So who else has the other items? And how many are there?"
Yami smiled, "I will explain that all to you tomorrow Yuugi. For now it is time for lunch. After lunch I will be able to take you to the ritual room and tell you everything then."
Yuugi nodded with a smile and followed Yami as they were led by Fidil into the dining area. Isis followed them as well, leaving the guards and the old man alone in the throne room.
The old man, who had stopped cleaning listening to everything that was going on, began to clean again, except more quickly. One of the guards turned to him.
"Sir," the guard addressed, causing the man to jump and turn around in surprise. "A message came from your family. They say that they need you to go home for a little while. If you like we could tell the pharaoh you'll be back by dinner."
The old man's eyes lit up with fear, unnoticed by the guards, but he nodded reluctantly and was escorted to the door.
XXXXX
The lamps that were lit in the dungeon were dull, giving off only specks of light. Shadows danced along the bars of the cells and across imprints on the cell floors that once held bodies atop it. It was the most dreadful place to be. The power that was held there surrounding the entire fortress was too incredible to fathom. Those that went in never came back out.
A blood curdling scream echoed throughout the dark chamber, filling the place with an eerie and deathly aura. In less than a second a thud was heard as the scream was cut off, dying away with the spirit that had once lived within the body. Red filled the cell floor, spilling into even the slightest cracks as if to escape the horror even in death.
There was no sign of a weapon, nor anything that could explain the mysterious death, except a cloaked figure that stood by the cell door with a raised hand, watching as the blood seeped around the body. The hand was brought down as the hood was too, revealing eyes that resembled blood and brought death.
"What a shame it is to kill even one of your men," a cold but soft voice spoke from the alluring figure. "But like every ruler if someone fails it is only proper to give them punishment, wouldn't you agree Jahi?"
The cloaked figure turned, a sneer on his face as he stared at the old man being watched by the two guards behind him. The old man was staring down at the blood, his eyes wide and terrified just like all the victims.
"Look at me, Jahi," the cold, yet captivating eyes locked onto his face, bringing the old man to look up against his will. "You act as though you're surprised at the outcome. I told you that's what happens when people fail my requests, did I not?"
The old man, Jahi, hesitated but slowly nodded, his face paler than usual.
"Very good. Now, my guards tell me you have gotten into the palace as asked and are working," the cloaked figure said, walking across the length of the hallway peering in cells as he spoke. "It seems that no one suspects you are nothing more than a harmless, poor man looking to take care of his family. And of course the pharaoh would give you a place in his home. That's just how he is."
The man laughed coldly, sending shivers down Jahi's back. Slowly, he came back toward him, standing in front of him like the shadow of death waiting to take him.
"Have you found any information out?"
Jahi's stomach gave a flip, knowing that the question was coming. His eyes darted to the body laying lifeless on the floor, the blood having been spilt everywhere. The eyes of the body were lifeless and the mouth open as if still in a scream. Would it be better to end up like the lifeless body on the floor to protect the pharaoh, or was he all ready in danger no matter what? Perhaps even after telling the cruel man it wouldn't make a difference. After all, no one could defeat the pharaoh...at least not directly.
The cane from the cloaked man's hands touched his chin raising Jahi's face to look him in the eye.
"Do we need some more obedience training or will you answer my question cooperatively?"
Jahi took a shaky breath, all ready being able to feel the guards posed to cause him harm if he stalled any longer.
"There...there wasn't much going on. There was a meeting. I tried to get as close to the room as I could without being noticed, a-and they talked about the pharaoh coming back. They said that he is incomplete, not yet fully human."
"Yes, yes, I know this. Is there anything that can help me with my goal or not?" he asked, tapping his fingers on the cane.
Although it didn't seem threatening Jahi knew the man better after being cooped up as a slave and a prisoner for so long. Any simple act even could mean the death of anyone this man looked at. Jahi didn't want to tell him. He had children at home, so what he knew the man wanted to hear was not what Jahi wanted to tell him. He couldn't bear that; not an innocent. It was bad enough watching former slaves for other masters die painfully and the man's guards that couldn't keep up with his demands. But not an innocent life...not pure blood. And not the one responsible for bringing back the hope that was lost to the people over the years since that fateful day.
"T-there...," Jahi choked, biting his lip to keep from crying.
The cloaked man tapped on the cane a few more times before stopping.
"It seems you are debating on telling me something that you learned. You even seem to be willing to die the same way my poor servant did. So this must be important, no? After all, your family is very important to you. Could this be so important that it's worth risking the life of your children?" the man asked, his tone soft but frightening.
"But it is a child!" Jahi blurted out. "It is...he reminds me of my son who's only five!"
"Come now, Jahi. What is this about a child?" the man asked, studying him.
"Please...please...you wouldn't be willing to spill innocent blood, w-would you? I understand the servants, t-the guards, but not a child," Jahi stuttered, going down on his knees.
"What makes you think I'm after a child? I told you my goal...where my anger lies, did I not? I don't believe that has anything to do with a child. You aren't avoiding my questioning are you?" he asked, his eyes glinting threateningly.
Jahi finally couldn't take it and began sobbing. The cloaked man patiently waited until he was finally able to take deep breaths, staring into the cold, cruel eyes that he had grown to fear so much in such a short time.
"It is a boy...a child no older than fourteen," Jahi spoke softly. "He is at the palace, as a special guest to the pharaoh..."
"A guest? I don't remember viziers wanting to invite people. Why would they do this?" the cloaked man asked.
Jahi was sweating now, licking his lips, "H-he...the boy, h-he is the one who woke the pharaoh. He has no powers but somehow he was led to the sanctuary, the pharaoh's tomb. And he released the pharaoh ahead of schedule...He doesn't come from our lands, but a foreigner, born in these modern times. T-there...," Jahi paused.
"Continue," the cloaked man urged.
"There were rumors among the palace guards and lower viziers that he was some reincarnate of someone with power...or perhaps given powers for some unknown reason. They say that his eyes are an unusual color, a-and I have seen him and they are. Though he looks like a child he speaks wise beyond his years, but he is innocent in every way. His blood is pure," Jahi whimpered slightly. "And h-he...he has been given the best guest room in the house and is always by the pharaoh's side..."
"Ah...So, this boy, a foreigner you say, he was the one to wake the pharaoh up instead of that group sworn to protecting the powers of the millennium items and their keepers. How interesting...for so long ancient scriptures have been worshipped and believed to come true no matter how many years passed and yet something unusual like this happens. What do the people think?" the man asked curiously, leaning on the cane.
"They think that he is connected to the pharaoh in some way. That he harbors some kind of gift that has something to do with the pharaoh. The viziers that I heard spoke of how it is possible that during the ritual in order to preserve the pharaoh's body so that he could come back, that somehow the ritual affected a specific generation that led to this boy. They believe there is a reason why the boy was the one who summoned the pharaoh and not the priestess nor the leader of the group.
"They believe that perhaps the ritual that was supposed to hold the key to Kemet's savior and protector, the pharaoh of Egypt, has found another key to preserving the future of Egypt," he finished, his eyes watering with tears. "But please...sire...I beg of you please don't hurt that boy. He has a good heart and never meant for any of it to happen."
The man smiled, "I don't kill people for sport, Jahi, that would be a waste of my time. I only kill if it will help me and I find that this boy intrigues me. I would get nothing from his death...but I would like to meet him. What is his name?"
Jahi whimpered but seeing the guards tense he shivered, his lips trembling, "H-his n-name is...is Yuugi, sir."
"Yuugi...yes, what an interesting name," the man smiled, tapping his cane slowly. "And you say he is being treated in the highest respect which means he is very important to Kemet...and to the pharaoh. But yet no one understands still why he was able to free the pharaoh ahead of time. It's strange that they should trust him so easily. Perhaps there is something about him, but I won't know until I meet him," the man's eyes locked onto Jahi's. "Tell me...is there anyone there that distrusts the boy?"
Jahi froze, his lips quivering. With a nod from the cloaked figure the guards strode forward and grabbed the man by his arm, twisting it behind his back. He screamed out in agony, tears falling freely down his face. The cloaked figure motioned to stop before his arm could be broken, bending down to look the kneeling Jahi in his eyes.
"If you tell me this, Jahi, you won't have to worry about doing me any more favors. You and your family can live happily ever after like you wanted, as long as you don't blurt anything out or make yourself suspicious, which means that you'll have to continue working at the palace for a while. But until then, you must do me this one last favor," he spoke quietly, his tone holding no threat but as if trying to convince him what he was doing was the best.
"You see...the reason why so many people have failed is because they come across a mission I assign them that proves to be their weakness. This, Jahi, is your weakness. This strange affection for a boy you don't know. Is it because you pity him? Or is it because he reminds you of your son?" the man said, tilting Jahi's head up with his cane. "Just imagine your son in his place and tell me you don't feel any different. Just say the word."
Jahi sobbed but managed to speak between his shaking shoulders, "H-Hadi...Hadi doesn't trust the boy."
Jahi lowered his head as the cloaked figure stood up, "I knew you'd see it my way. I'm sure that if this man, Hadi, doesn't trust the boy he will be around the palace again. Once he comes I want you to make sure he gets a message. I will write a meeting place and a time on it, saying it is urgent news about the pharaoh. You will lead him there and I will take over. Hopefully, Hadi and I can make some...agreement," the man smiled. "And you are free to be with your family after this, so long as you keep your mouth shut. Just be thankful you learned quickly and survived unlike all the others that have failed me."
The cloaked man signaled for a guard to get the paper and he came back in no time. The cloaked man scribbled something down and folded it, holding it out to Jahi.
"Give this to Hadi, and once you do you'll be free."
Jahi stared at it as his arm was let go, looking up at the man fearfully. His heart was aching but he had no choice, for now anyway. He reached up a shaky hand and took it, sealing the fate of those who would be connected. Jahi knew that he was powerless now, but there was always a reason for everything and he truly believed that. He had faith that this cruel man would, in the end, not achieve his twisted goal...but for the time being, Kemet was no longer safe and neither was the innocent boy that had pulled Kemet out of its darkness by bringing back its light.
TO BE CONTINUED...
