A/N: The Ancient Egyptian unit of measure was the cubit (approximately 524 mm or 20.6 inches), but while writing this I assumed it would be best to use more modern standards for the sake of comprehension. In this chapter (and throughout the rest of the story if it comes up) I will be recording length in my homeland's unit: feet. Sorry, rest of the world! If it makes you feel any better, I have been a firm advocate of switching over to the metric system from the start. Who came up with the random number 12 inches per foot? Everything would be so much easier in increments of 10!
Disclaimer: Not that much changes in a week.
Chapter 13: The Lengths I'll Go
The Ministers' leader raised a hand and signaled the two men behind him to step forward. "Make sure those priests do not interfere. I will deal with the Pharaoh."
"Of course, but if you don't mind, I'd like a few words with his Highness before I do." Turning towards Atem, one of the Ministers slowly removed his hood, revealing a familiar head of tousled sandy hair and a pair of vibrant green eyes.
"You!" Atem spat out.
"Yes," Husani agreed, "it is I. How very observant of you to notice, Pharaoh. I must confess, I am curious as to how you found this place. No doubt Isis told you? Ah, I can see that must be it. I never should have trusted that bitch. And make no mistake, once you are out of the way no one will be able to protect her from my wrath. All the same, she has been quite useful." A sick smile spread over his face. "She disclosed to us all your strengths and weaknesses, there is no hope of your victory. She has given you over to us on a golden platter, Pharaoh!"
"That's enough, Husani," Atem growled from between clenched teeth. "It was because of you that she did those things! But you won't ever get your slimy hands on her again—I'll make sure of it."
"I'm sensing a little hostility, Pharaoh. Was that a threat? You forget that I already know the limit of your powers! There is no way you could defeat me in a duel."
"Unfortunately, Husani," Kek broke in, "the honor of crushing him is not yours. Now go give Runihura a hand with that pathetic excuse for a royal escort."
With one last glance at Atem, Husani strode over to stand beside Runihura, who had already positioned himself before Seth and the other priests. "You and I will have our fight, Pharaoh. If there's anything left of you after Kek's had his way, that is."
"Alright now, Pharaoh," Kek's raspy voice was heard again. "Where were we? Oh yes, you and I were just about to engage in a Shadow Duel so that I could claim your soul for the darkness! So, because I'm feeling generous today, why don't you make the first move?"
Atem had already been preparing to do just that. "I summon Gazelle the King of Mythical Beasts!" A resounding crack echoed through the hall and the mighty animal appeared before him, letting loose a deafening roar.
"Not bad, Pharaoh, but you'll have to do better than that!" Kek raised his hands above his head. "Come forth, Disgraced Mage!" With a bright flash of light, the monster materialized. "Now my Mage, destroy his pathetic Gazelle!"
Kek's creature lifted a hand and sent a burst of dark energy speeding across the hall towards its opponent. Within moments, Atem's Gazelle was destroyed, the echoes of its wounded cry lingering long after it had vanished.
Atem clenched his fists and exhaled sharply as his Gazelle's pain was reflected on to him. "You didn't think you could defeat me with one attack, did you? I'm not done yet."
Several yards behind him, Seth rushed forward to take up a position beside his king, but was intercepted by Runihura. He glared at the hooded man before him. "Out of my way!"
"No. I will be your opponent, High-Priest." Summoning up his energy, Runihura cried, "I call upon Newdoria!" In an instant, the fiendish monster stood before its master.
"This won't take long," Seth snapped. "I summon Koumori Dragon!" The purple dragon bared its teeth at the Minister's monster, its yellow eyes narrowed into yellow slits. "Koumori Dragon, eliminate his creature!"
The monster was quick to obey his command. It promptly shot a spout of red flames towards its opponent and hardly had Newdoria raised its arms to defend itself when it was engulfed in the fire and destroyed.
Seth smirked. "Had enough?"
Runihura did not deign a response, instead calling forth another monster to do his bidding. "Lord Poison, I summon you!" With a loud crack, the terrifying creature appeared in the chamber. "Rid the room of his oversized lizard!"
The monster ran towards Seth's dragon, its fangs bared for the kill. Lord Poison grappled with Koumori Dragon, struggling to gain a hold on the beast's scaled body to no avail. After several seconds, both monsters disintegrated, leaving there masters defenseless.
It was a draw! Seth glared across the expanse at Runihura and braced for the expected energy drain. I must summon an even more powerful monster and defeat him quickly so I can help the Pharaoh. "Alright, time for me to get serious. Vorse Raider, come forth!" With the clang of metal, the axe-wielding beast appeared before him. "You're finished."
Sparing a moment from his own duel, Husani called out, "You're delusional if you think Runihura can be defeated that easily, Seth." Then with a wave of his hand, he commanded his monster to attack and a cry of anguish rang out in the hall as one of the Pharaoh's priests was struck down. "Four on one is hardly fair, but to tell you the truth, all of your skills combined couldn't defeat me!" He grinned into the frightened faces of the three remaining magi. "Prepare to die."
"No, Adofo!" Atem cried as he saw the priest collapse in a cloud of dust.
"Pharaoh," Kek barked, "pay attention to your own duel or face the consequences. Disgraced Mage, attack him directly!"
The force of the Mage's attack hurled Atem halfway across the room before his body skidded to a stop in front of one of the many statues lining the walls, his head cracking against the sharp stone with a sickening thud. But his bodily injuries were nothing compared to the spasm of pain that gripped his heart as the shadow magic struck home. He placed one hand over his chest in an effort to steady its violent beating.
"Pharaoh!" Seth shouted from across the hall. "Are you alright?" Once again, he tried to run to his king's side, but was stopped by Runihura and his newly summoned Helpoemer.
Atem struggled to get up. "I'm fine, Seth. Don't worry about me." Gently, he dabbed at the blood slowly oozing from the gash in his skull. A searing pain stabbed through his head and he was forced to lean against the statue to steady himself.
Kek laughed boisterously in his opponent's face. "Come now, don't tell me the mighty Pharaoh has had enough already. You haven't even put up a fight!" He prepared to send his Mage in for another strike. "Disgraced Mage, attack him again!"
The monster swooped in for the kill, but was cut off from its target by a blinding flash of light. With a screech of rage, it turned to face its new opponent and prepared to direct its attack towards the great beast.
"Behold," Atem shouted, "Curse of Dragon!"
"No!" Kek cried. "Stop your attack, my Mage!" But it was too late. His monster shattered before his eyes as Atem's dragon retaliated with a blast of fire. Kek dropped to one knee and wildly clutched his chest to alleviate the pain his Mage had suffered. How could the Pharaoh still have enough energy to summon a beast of such great power?! He suffered a direct hit just moments ago which should have drained his energy completely! "You will pay for that, Pharaoh," he growled.
Husani glanced at his master with brief concern before turning back to his own duel. Oh well, if Kek cannot defeat the Pharaoh then that means there will be more left over for me. He turned back to his remaining three opponents. And these pathetic priests won't last much longer. "Go, Earl of Demise!" With a sharp hand gesture, he directed his creature to strike down another of the magi.
The wounded priest's cry rang out in time with Seth's as the High-Priest's monster was crushed by Runihura's Helpoemer. Breathing heavily, he held a hand tightly over his chest. Vorse Raider is one of my strongest monsters and he defeated it like it was nothing!
It was true, Runihura hardly looked drained at all by the battle. He even had enough energy to taunt Seth to his face. "It appears the mighty High-Priest isn't so powerful after all! Your monsters are nothing in the face of my strength. You have yet to see the full extent of my abilities!"
"You haven't defeated me yet." Seth shot him a vicious glare. But how long will it be until he does? The Pharaoh is badly wounded, two of my best priests are down, and I myself am starting to feel the strain. We can't hold out much longer!
Isis flopped miserably onto her bed. She had told the Pharaoh everything she knew, there wasn't much else she could do except endure the interminable wait until he got back. Rolling over onto her stomach, she propped her head up on her hands and tried to stem the tide of unanswered questions flowing through her mind. Had he made it to Haji's temple already? Had he run into trouble on the way? Was he fighting Husani and the others right now? Was he winning? And what about the city? Had Asim managed to subdue the monsters at the gate? She shifted her gaze to the open balcony, but was unable to see anything of the battle. She sighed, but really hadn't expected anything different, for her room faced in the exact opposite direction of the eastern gate.
"Memphis is under attack, the Pharaoh is fighting against the Ministers' leader, and here I am, stuck in this room and unable to lift a finger to help anyone," she said angrily to herself. "Atem is so busy saving the world, but who's going to save him? The Ministers of Set are too strong!" As if on cue, the wind carried the terrified screams of civilians and the roars of monsters into her room.
At least the Pharaoh has Seth with him. The High-Priest is strong, he will protect Atem. She made an effort to banish all suspicions about the priest from her mind. After all, he had proved his loyalty just now, hadn't he? His outrage at her betrayal and desire for swift retribution had certainly fooled her.
Slowly, the hours passed and the moon rose ever brighter in the sky. Isis tried passing the time with sleep, but the combined force of her anxiety and her nightmare made it very difficult. She fiddled with her belongings, paced about the room, and finally ensconced herself precariously on the balcony rail, hoping the brisk night air would ease her mind.
As she sat there, she prayed to the gods, asking them to bestow their favor and protection upon the Pharaoh. "Give him the strength to get through this trial and save the world from evil! And please goddess Isis, if I have ever served you well, then hear my plea now. Keep him safe! Don't let any harm befall him." She looked skywards as if expecting some indication that her prayer had been heard. "At least give me a sign! Please, I need to know that he's alright," she added softly. But only the cries of pain and terror floated back to her on the breeze.
Just then, a sudden fierce pain stabbed through her heart and she clutched her chest to contain the agony. This feeling was unlike any other she'd experienced, it wasn't the dull ache she'd become so familiar with over the past few days, but the pain of an open wound. Immediately, she recognized it for what it was: the goddess's sign. Unfortunately, it hadn't been the one she was hoping for.
"Atem!" she cried into the night. He's hurt! I need to go to him!
She ran back into the room and paused with her hand on the heavy wooden door. There was no way the guards would let her past, the Pharaoh's orders had been clear. But how else am I to get out? Her gaze swept the room, finally alighting on the balcony. Hurriedly, she stepped back outside and glanced over the edge. It was difficult to judge the distance in the darkness, but she estimated it was a drop of about fifteen feet. Gulping nervously, she swung one leg over the rail. Sure, I can make that. Besides, the plants below will break my fall…I think. She looked down once more, steeling herself for the jump.
"Wait, hang on a second!" she said to herself. Going back inside, she tore off her veil and ran to open the ebony box which she always kept on her dresser. Brushing aside the papyrus tissue paper, she picked up the stunning ivory lotus clip Atem had given her and swiftly pinned back a few strands of her hair. "Alright, now I'm ready."
Taking a deep breath, she walked back outside and swung her legs over the balcony rail. Closing her eyes, she said, "Okay, I jump on three. One, two, thr—whoa!"
With a crash, she landed in the bushes below. Apparently, the goddess had thought it prudent to bolster her priestess's courage by sending a swift gust of wind to help her on her way. Daintily, Isis picked herself out of the prickly shrubs, ignoring the twinge of pain in her ankle. She quickly brushed herself off and unsuccessfully tried to remove all the twigs and leaves from her hair. So even when I'm not with Husani I manage to look terrible. Fantastic.
She glanced briefly upward towards her room. There was no sound coming from inside, evidently the guards hadn't heard her fall. Good. Now I just need to get out of here. She had definitely gotten better at navigating her way through the garden since her first embarrassing experience there, but doing so in the dark was another matter. Using the pale moonbeams to light her way, she headed off in the direction she assumed the exit was in, and was surprised to find that her feet didn't lead her astray. Granted, she took a few wrong turns here and there, but arrived safely inside the palace within twenty minutes.
Most of the halls were empty since all the soldiers and guards had been called down to assist in defending the gate, so it was fairly easy for the priestess to traverse the passageways unnoticed. Slipping quietly out one of the hidden servants' entrances, she ran across the grounds towards the stables. This building too was virtually empty—of people as well as animals. Ever the practical one, she grabbed one of the empty satchels hanging on the wall and threw in a water-skin as well as small clay jar of healing balm and a box of poppy seeds.
Slinging the leather bag across her back, she gathered the necessary tack and rushed over to one of the few remaining stalls which housed a horse. She entered softly and quickly threw a cushioning blanket over the mare's back. Finally, she bridled her mount and led it outside where she adroitly swung up into the saddle. Then, digging her heals into the animal's sides, she galloped out of the still open gate and towards the city outskirts.
I've ruined my career, broken the Pharaoh's trust, and betrayed Egypt to her enemies, but goddess, believe me when I say though it may kill me, there's no counting the lengths I'll go to atone for my sins. With desperate determination, she urged her horse still faster and was soon swallowed up by desert night.
I'm coming, Pharaoh, just hang on until I get there. I won't lose you!
"Now I summon Swordstalker!" Seth cried. With a loud crack, the warrior monster appeared beside its master, the dim light reflecting eerily off of its sharp blade.
"A pathetic attempt to stall for time, High-Priest," Runihura called. "Our creatures are equal in strength and would both be destroyed in a battle. But perhaps that was your plan? You think that by eliminating my powerful beast you could finish me off? Surely you realize that when your own monster was destroyed you would have sealed your fate? Just look at you! You can hardly stand, there's no way you would survive the loss of such a powerful being. I, on the other hand, would come away unharmed. Face it, your energy reserves are nothing compared to mine. The outcome of this duel is inevitable."
"You're right," Seth replied, "the outcome of this duel is inevitable: I will win!" But he has a point. I was going to attack him with Swordstalker and hope that the destruction of his monster would wipe him out, but I'm not so sure that will work now. He is still at full power, but I am already reaching my limits. The backlash of an attack would destroy me while hardly incapacitating him. And if I fail to survive, who will protect the Pharaoh? He glanced over at his exhausted king. I need a better plan.
"Can't make up your mind? Allow me to help you out. I release my Helpoemer back to the darkness in order to summon an even stronger creature!" With a wave of his hand, he permitted the beast to cross back over into its own world unscathed. "And now come forth, Serpent Night Dragon!" Where Runihura's fiend had been standing moments before, a huge dragon now appeared, its narrow red eyes staring menacingly at Seth's beast. "Now you don't have such a tough decision to make. No matter who attacks, ultimately it will be you who loses. So, why don't I do the honors? Serpent Night Dragon, attack Swordstalker now!"
Launching itself off the ground, the dragon sped towards its opponent. Wrapping its body tightly around the warrior-beast, it squeezed with increasing force until the monster shattered.
I can't breathe! Seth gasped painfully as he felt an invisible band tightening around his own lungs, squeezing the life from him. When Swordstalker was destroyed, the pressure around his chest was released, only to be replaced by an equally sharp pain in his heart. Sucking in air greedily, he tried to suppress the cry of agony that threatened to break free. "I'm not done yet," he panted out.
"High-Priest Seth!" one of the two remaining escort magi called out fearfully.
"If I were you I wouldn't pay attention to distractions," Husani advised nastily. "Earl of Demise, eliminate him!" With an evil laugh, the monster mercilessly crushed the priest. "One down, one to go," Husani said remorselessly.
The remaining priest looked at the young Minister with wide, terrified eyes. Within hours, three of his comrades had been struck down by this man who seemed impervious to their attacks. For every strong monster they summoned, he would call forth an even more powerful one. The winner of this duel seemed obvious. Suddenly, the Pharaoh's strong voice reached him from across the great expanse.
"Don't give up, Musim! The fate of the world depends upon the outcome of this battle—we cannot let the darkness take hold! You are one of the few strong and brave to defeat him. I know you can do it!" Atem was relieved to see that his words had the desired effect, for the priest seemed to be rallying his courage. Husani underestimates my people if he thinks they can be defeated so easily.
"Quite a touching speech, Pharaoh," Kek scoffed, "but allow me to open your priest's eyes to reality. We are not the dark ones—it is you who is the evil one! You and your father!"
Atem glared at his opponent. "What are you talking about?"
"Your father ruined my life! He destroyed everything I held most dear, even my family and my home. You are his son, and so carry on his legacy of evil and lust for power. And now, the son will pay for the sins of his father, for I will destroy you! You should have attacked me when you had the chance, Pharaoh, for now I summon Dark Necrofear!" In an instant, the dark fiend appeared in the room, its form swathed in shadows.
"I don't know what you're talking about. My father was a just and honorable man! He only ever did what was right and good for Egypt."
"Ah, but that's where you're wrong, Pharaoh. Don't you know the origins of that item around your neck? The Millennium Puzzle was only one among the seven forged from the blood of ninety-nine souls from the small village of Kul Elna. Your father mercilessly wiped out an entire town in the name of peace! I am only returning the favor. With Set's arrival, the era of the pharaohs will come to an end and a new age will arise from its ashes. There is only one more thing I need to complete my plans, and you know what that is. So give me your soul! Dark Necrofear, eliminate his beast!"
Black tendrils of shadow reached out from around Kek's monster and slowly enveloped Curse of Dragon. With a screech of agony, Atem's creature unsuccessfully struggled to break free before finally giving into the darkness.
Atem shivered as the cold of Dark Necrofear's shadows was reflected onto his own body, and fell to one knee breathlessly as his dragon was shattered. "You dare call me evil when you are ushering in the very incarnation of wickedness? Or are you too insane to see the consequences of your actions? My father made a grave mistake when he ordered the destruction of that village, but I truly believe he did it only to save Egypt. And even so, you cannot take your revenge on the innocent inhabitants of this world!"
"Is that so? And I suppose you're going to stop me?" With a bark of laughter, he strode over to his fallen adversary. Wrapping one tanned hand around Atem's neck, he lifted the Pharaoh back onto his feet and slammed his body against the wall. "I hardly think so. Look at you, look around you. You are too weak to even protect your priests, let alone yourself."
He's right. Out of the corner of his eye, Atem could see the destruction the battle had caused. Three of his priests lay unconscious or dead on the floor, Seth stood defenseless before a raging dragon, and the once beautiful temple had been brought near to ruins. But I can't give up. I won't give up. The fate of the world depends on me!
The spark of defiance in the Pharaoh's eyes only fueled Kek's hatred. "You don't know when to quit, do you? Well, perhaps I'll make you watch as Husani eliminates your last priest and Runihura crushes your loyal friend, just so you can see how powerless you truly are." Without loosening his grip, he violently twisted Atem's head towards the battlefield.
Black spots began to swim before the Pharaoh's eyes, Kek's strong hold around his neck was slowly suffocating him. "I don't understand," he choked out. "All this to get your revenge?" He struggled to stay awake, but he was gradually slipping into unconsciousness. "Just who are you?"
"Who am I? To my underlings I am known as Kek, the mortal embodiment of the darkness. But I will tell you my true name, Pharaoh, so when you reach hell you can tell the gods who sent you. Remember this name, for it will be the last one you ever hear." With his free hand, he pushed back his hood to reveal a head of erratic white hair and a pair of wild eyes. Then, bending his head down close to Atem's ear he whispered one word.
"Bakura."
A/N: Bet y'all didn't see THAT coming!
Animelover1002 - As you can see, everyone survived this chapter more or less intact, and hopefully nobody will go off dying...yet. But I guess you'll just have to wait and see what happens, lucky you! =P Wait, minor correction, after your little rampage I'm not so sure Husani could be called "intact." lol
Cindy-shan - Yeah, I got teary eyed in parts of Season 4 too. For Atem, losing Yugi must really have been like losing a part of himself. Whoa, scary thought there. Anway, I hope this chap lived up to your expectations. Hopefully my descriptions got the image across. Just think about Kaiba's giant holograms taking over the world...yeah, that'll work! And don't worry, this wasn't the final battle. There's still plenty more to come!
Cam Flynn - Aww (now that was a cutesy 'aww,' =D), thanks! I do try my best to please. I'm glad you found Asim's words meaningful, I try to put what little wisdom I have to share in his mouth, although there isn't that much rattling around up here. =P I really like Asim's character, though. He's like the old yet lovable uncle of the group who always has his heart in the right place. Anywho, hope you enjoyed this!
Girl of Games -Ah, there you are! You're my little shadow reader who occasionally pops in for an appearance. A much appreciated appearance, let me tell you. I must say, I was a little worried we'd lost you, it's hard to see what goes on in the darkness over there where my chibi readers hang out. ;-) I'm glad you're loving the story, I write it just for that reason. Hopefully, this chapter lived up to your expectations.
Pharaoh'sJewel - Whoa, two intense chappies in a row! I'm on a roll! And no worries, we still have a long way to go! Don't think you can shut me up that easily, lol.
little runaway - Oh yes! Authors ditching their stories right in the middle of the good part is one of my pet peeves too. You have permission to hunt me down if I ever disappear for too long. ;-) Oh and speaking of Season 4, although the whole Atem losing Yugi thing was really sad, I thought it had its funny parts too. Some of their lines just cracked me up. Like when Dartz pointed out how Atem always makes these inspiring speeches and asked him if he ever got tired of being right, or when Seto comments on how he always draws the right card when he's about to lose. I always wondered if the characters noticed those things themselves, but I guess they do! Anways, vielen dank for the cookies. I will treasure them always...well, until I eat them, that is.
And of course, where would I be without all my chibi shy shadow readers who enjoy the story but don't have time to review? Thank you all so much! You make my day every time you drop by.
Alright then, your reviews inspire me to continue so please leave a comment if you're enjoying this fic. See you next time!