Rising to Destiny

by Anya1

Prequel to Family History From the beginning, Yugioh and Ruia lives have been predetermined. With the fate of a civilization riding on their shoulders, can the two put differences aside and fulfill the prophecy of becoming the Divine Family?

13. Age Fifteen: The First Month, part two

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Disclaimer: I barely own my soul let alone Yugioh. :)

Anya: Well....yeah. Guess it has been some time hasn't it? Well instead of posting a very long explaination here, I ahave it posted on my profile page. Do not worry the lack of updates is not from a lack of interest, more like life simply got in the way. Though as a make up, I am posting two chapters. Not only do they complement each other, but it is always one the chapters people have been waiting for. starts humming you'll be in my heart

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Yugioh felt the warmth of the morning sun beat down on his face, slowly waking him from any form of sleep that he managed to get. Rolling over to escape the rays for just a bit longer, he brushed up against another slumbering form. Opening his eyes in utter surprise, it took Yugioh a moment to recall the events of last night. Smiling softly, he wrapped his arm around Ruia's waist and gently pulled her close, resting his chin atop his fiancée's head. She still felt so cold in his arms, despite being under several thick blankets. He slowly traced her jaw line with the tip of his finger as his thoughts wandered back to the events of last night. 'She looks so peaceful right now, but I know that could not be farther from the truth. Ruia is in so much pain and there might be nothing I can do from preventing her from slipping into the darkness again. I cannot bring back her uncle, force her father to take back all the words he said to her, but I can love her and be with her always and that alone might make the difference.'

He felt Ruia shift suddenly in his arms, her violet orbs opening. At first she looked a bit panicked, not totally remembering where she was and understanding whom was holding her so close. Her eyes darted around the room in fear and apprehension, breathing coming out in short, quick pants. She quickly recovered once her eyes settled on his face, a small smile crossing her features. Yugioh took her hand and rubbed it gently, just to quell any other fears that she might have had. "Are you okay Ruia?"

"Ai…" she softly whispered. "Somewhere during the night, I guess my mind must have decided that yesterday was nothing more than a dream, a horrible nightmare that happened to end wonderfully with a savior coming to save the confused and lost girl. You know, events that only happen in stories and fantasies. So when I realized that someone was holding me, I was afraid. I did not know where I was or what had happened. I did not want to believe that last night was real and have it all be denied from me, but now I see that I could not have been farther from the truth." She snuggled closer to him, feeling safer than she had ever felt in her life.

"You are safe Ruia, I promise this to you by the gods and goddesses above, I will never let any harm come to you. I would gladly die first than to see you in any type of pain and suffering. Last night, I thought I was going to die seeing you in such a state." He smirked. "It also crossed my mind about raising Egypt's army and attacking the parties responsible for hurting you so much."

Ruia briefly smiled before it quickly disappeared from her face. "And it turned out to be the one person who is supposed to protect me as well, my own father." She paused before continuing. "I am sorry about last night. I was just so lost, so confused, and I could feel the darkness trying desperately to claim my soul. I did not want to be a child of the darkness anymore. I did not want to be a pawn in the fate's game either." A single tear rolled down her face. "I did not want anything anymore. Everything that I wanted was gone; it seemed as if I had nothing left. I see now where I thought I was repelling the darkness, I was only embracing it."

Kissing her gently on her forehead, Yugioh stared deeply into her eyes. "You have never been a child of the darkness Ruia. The darkness knows no limits, no emotion. You my sweet know what it is like to feel pain, love, hope, and trust. You have dreams and strive to achieve them by moral ways. If you were truly a child of the darkness, you were having none of these characteristics and use any of them. Last night, you were just confused; you're whole world seemed to crash down on your shoulders. There are not too many people in this world that I know of that would have not reacted as you did. I am just forever grateful that nothing happened to you, I do not know what I would have done if I lost you. I do not even want to imagine existing in this world unless you are there beside me always."

Ruia snuggled up closer to him, appreciating the warmth that seemed to radiate from Yugioh' body. She could sense the truth in his words and his actions. 'I cannot believe I even doubt his love for a second. The darkness though, it is a more formidable opponent than I was ever led to believe. Could that have triggered the horrible events at Ptah? Is that why my uncle and the other temple priest perished, because they too believed in the teachings and underestimated the darkness? And if that is true, then maybe father and Yugioh are right, if I was at the temple that day, I too would have died. I underestimated the power and the influence the darkness can have over someone and I know now that that would have been my undoing that day. I would have fallen and not have gotten back up. Rather, I slipped and almost gave into my innermost fears. I willingly gave into the one thing I was trained to repel and now the only question remains, will I slip again? If the darkness is as strong as I felt it to be, is there anything in this world strong enough to fight back and defeat it? Can the light be stronger when all I see around me is depression and oppression?' "Is the light really strong enough?"

"The light is only as strong as we make it to be Ruia. The darkness cannot and will not ever understand the strength of the human heart and will. As long as that flame of courage, determination, passion, and strength survives, the light can endure anything. And there is one thing in this world that posses all those traits and so much more." He looked down at his lover. "Do you know what that is commoner?"

A faint smile crossed Ruia's lips. "If there is one thing in this world that I am sure of it is that. And I will admit, at one time, I doubted its power more than anything, but now I see how foolish and naïve I really was. There was only one thing that could have called me back last time, one trait that you showed me. Love."

"Exactly, rekhet." Yugioh spoke with a smirk, gently kissing her atop her forehead. "And as long as you remember that no matter what happens, what you do or do not do, or what ever the gods and goddesses throw at us, that I will always love you, the darkness can never over take you."

"Rekhet? Me? A wise woman?" She chuckled, then rolled over and snuggled up close to him. "And you got to be Pharaoh how again?"

"Through a very unfortunately aspect of life, one that has visited you quite recently. But now that I know that you are going to be at my side forever, I think the aspect as you call it of being Pharaoh just got a lot more appealing." He pulled the blankets up around them closer, snuggling close. "Though that whole ruling and having meetings still leaves a lot to be desired. I would rather lay here all day with you than deal with hostile countries, but it is my birthright and I must follow through with the decisions of the gods."

"Ai, I know that you must, but before you go, there is another problem, one of great importance that we must decide on Yugioh. I know you know what question looms in my mind and are trying to avoid, but the fact remains, it is only a matter of time before Jarha learns that I am to be your wife. We have to be the ones to break the news to him. I may not trust him fully, I never have, but it is still the honorable road to take in this manner. I know it is too much to hope that he will understand, but we have to try regardless." Ruia looked him dead in the eyes. "You do not trust him or his sister either do you?"

"Not fully, no. I cannot explain what I feel, it is just telling me to be aware of those two siblings that they are not to have my complete trust. Maybe, since you too have the feeling that it is our divinity trying to warn of some form of danger." He placed a hand over her stomach. "Life threatening danger."

"Do you really believe that Jarha and Satire are pawns of the darkness? Surely the late Pharaoh Khu would not have picked him knowing that one of his son's followers could be a willing tool of the darkness. Unless, you mean…our actions could merit the darkness taking them over?"

"No Ruia, you have over looked one possibility, the one I feel most applies to them. They may indeed be willing pawns, however they have chosen to wait for the right moment to strike. When they learn what they have been after for so long is no longer accessible to them that might just be the final straw, the catalyst to strike us down. Jarha, nor does any of my High Priest know that I am divinity, only that I posses some form of magic, but I fear that once they see us together, Jarha and Satire might just see how strong the light is between us."

Ruia paused, thinking. 'It seems like a stretch to believe that siblings are pawns in the darkness' game, and yet, it feels so right, deep in my heart. The truth lies there I know it. I do not want to believe that Jarha could be evil or even become evil once he learns that I am to be wed to Yugioh. He was so angry when I did not accept the proposal, threatened that he would have me. So much time has passed though, could those threats just been empty promises of a man with a broken heart? It seems so unlikely, not with both Yugioh's and my own divinity warning us of the siblings. Yugioh is right, when Jarha and Satire learn of the truth, that we are to be wed, that will be the final straw in all of this crazy mess. Something drastic will happen and no one's lives will ever be the same again.'

Yugioh stared down at Ruia worriedly. Her facial expression was difficult to read or maybe that was just from what he feared. She was having a hard time believing that Jarha and his sister could be a threat to their own and their unborn child's safety. "Ruia, I know it is hard to believe but…"

"It is not hard to believe at all. Jarha swore that I would be his and while time has passed, I feel that we should not just overlook them as a serious problem to our child's well being, as well as our own. No, what I am so confused about is all this time I was under the impression that I was falling under the influence of the darkness, but I am nothing like Jarha or like Satire from what you have told me, but at the same time, we all were being controlled by the darkness. I only realized now that the darkness comes in many forms, many ways to try to lure lost souls to their doom…I am worried that it could consume our baby."

"I will never let any harm come to our child or you, you have my promise." He kissed her softly, smiling. "This is not the time to be dwelling on what ifs and maybes. Yes, the road before us is going difficult and trying, especially with the siblings, but we should not let that upset us to the point where we are not happy either. We have finally made it Ruia, to our dreams, our hope, our one truest desire and that is to be with each other." He nestled his face into her neck and shoulders. "We should be enjoying this moment of peace because it is never going to last, not when the news breaks that we are to be wed. I will never get to see you most likely."

Ruia chuckled, one of the first genuine sounding laughs Yugioh had heard in a while. "You mean you aren't used to not seeing me days on end? What did you have, Honda or Jou tail me at every moment of my life documenting what I did because if you did, I want out of this engagement now because that is just strange." She smirked, knowing that he had done no such thing to her, but it was still amusing to watch the blush creep across his checks as if he had.

"I am just glad to hear you laugh again. After last night, I was afraid that I would never hear it again." He rubbed her back gentle. "And no, I did not have anyone watching you, though now I wish I did, maybe then you could have been spared so much pain and suffering by the hands of your father."

"My father, though misguided in many of his actions was not always a bad man Yugioh. Yes, I hate him for what he has forced me to choose and do, but at the same time, he has given me so much that I cannot simply ignore all that. He gave me life, an education, and even though I hate to admit it, he helped shape me for who I am. If it was not for all our disagreements, I never would have gotten my stubborn streak, formed my beliefs and values, but most importantly, I never would have met you."

"You are so forgiving, maybe that is why I love you so much. You hate what your father made you do, but yet, still love him deep down for all the wonderful gifts he gave you. Maybe, with time, you two will come to an understanding, once he sees how happy we are together, how right it is."

"No, I will never forgive my father for what he did to me Yugioh. I may not be able to fully hate him, but I cannot simply forget his words to me or the actions he choose, including abandoning me for the sake of a family name. Customs aside, I cannot forgive that he was willing to lose me to the darkness, to death over our family name. I have no problems in saying this…I do not ever want to speak or see that man again."

He kissed her softly. "As you wish my love." Inwardly, Yugioh knew Ruia was just letting her anger out. Not matter what she said, deep down he knew that she still loved her father greatly and would miss him terribly. It would take her a great deal of time to get over the hurt that he caused her, but given enough time, he was sure Ruia would have to speak with her father again. "Maybe we should stop dwelling on the past and start looking to the future, our future. We still have a wedding to plan you know."

Ruia looked at him with a small gleam in her eye. "I have a better idea. Let us skip the wedding and go straight to the private party afterwards" Despite the overwhelming sense of betrayal deep inside her heart, she could not let it consume her again. 'As long as I am with Yugioh, I know the darkness cannot claim me. He is the one person that truly believed in me, more than Anzu and Uncle Ay. He understood that no matter what, our love was stronger than anything.'

"I think I can arrange that…" He shifted his weight enough to pin her down. Kissing her softly, he nuzzled her neck affectionately.

"Pharaoh, get up all ready, I have been at your door for the last few minutes…" Setto spoke, coming around the corner. "Opps." Fighting back a chuckle, Setto could only blush deeply.

Yugioh groaned. "Ra Setto, your timing is impeccable as always." Rolling off Ruia and snuggling close, he spoke again. "This better be some natural disaster of some sort or else you will be the next human sacrifice to the gods and goddesses."

Ruia said nothing for she could not stop blushing. ' So very busted, at least it was not Jarha or Satire. I would not put it past either one to just walk into Yugioh's room unannounced.'

"Does, Jarha realized you were late for a meeting and went to get you but thankfully your good, noble and idiotic friends, also known as Bakura and myself, headed him off saying we would get you since the meeting is to plan the up coming festival and security should be top priority? I think that would classify as a natural threat if Jarha were to see you two in bed together, unmarried. Or need I continued?"

Ruia looked at Yugioh. "Is he always this cold hearted and an insensitive when he is right? Or is this only a one-time thing? Because if it is not, you are going to have to find yourself another High Priest Yugioh for I will kill him, mark my words."

Chuckling, Yugioh climbed out of bed. "Can I trust you to stay out of trouble and stay in my room while I attend these meetings? I will come back when I am done so we can break the news to the others." He paused. "Better yet, I will send Athena in, she can help you prepare for royal life."

"Why do I not like the sound of that?" Ruia asked, looking at the two hesitantly.

Setto smiled evilly. "It doesn't hurt too much, I assure you Ruia."

'If anything, that makes me fear it more….'

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Ruia fingered the soft material that Athena had brought for her to sample. Never had she seen such exquisite material or rich colors before. "This is so not for me Athena. I would ruin the gowns so quickly, or something to that affect. I just know it. Is there not an easier way to look royal without wearing such elaborate clothes?"

Athena laughed softly. "You are so much like Yugioh it is scary. I assure you Ruia, in time you will learn how to act, behave, and present yourself as royalty without losing what makes you, you. Besides, most of the time you will not wear anything this fancy unless you are either attending an important function, but Setto wants you to wear such formal attire when you are announced to the Kingdom as the bride to be to the Pharaoh. It is a clever ploy, he is planning, and it will reinforce how seriously in love you and Yugioh are." She held a purple, then a red swatch of cloth under her chin. "Both colors suit you, which is good. Purple, gold, and blue are Yugioh's family colors and red is the family's color in Rome. You might have to accompany Yugioh to Rome in a few months when they have their annual games; you could wear a red gown to those. That is, if Bakura clears you for travel."

"Rome? As in the great Empire to the North of us?" Ruia watched Athena nod. "But I would not know how to act, I would just make a fool of Yugioh and the Egyptian Empire. Ra, I was dreading telling Jarha the truth about my relationship at day's end, now you tell me about this. There are moments where I think I really have gotten in over my head, not that I really regret any of this though. It is just…scary."

"That is only natural, honestly. And to be completely straight, I never thought you did regret any of this for a moment. I know you are overwhelmed by all this Ruia, all the changes and new experiences, but Yugioh is more than eager to help you and just not in this lifestyle either." Athena's eyes twinkles mischievously

"What do you mean Athena? I do not understand. What do you mean Yugioh has more to teach me than just this royal lifestyle." She stopped fingering the soft material between her fingers and gave her full attention to her personal servant, though Ruia would never call her anything but friend.

"I mean in the ways of divinity as well. You are going to need to be at the peak of your magic if you are to defend not only Egypt, but your child and husband as well."

Ruia's mouth dropped open. "How…how did you know? I was under the impression no one knew of our heritage. Does Yugioh know that you too are carrying this burden of knowledge? Did he tell you? Oh Ra, please tell me you did not hear this outside of the palace walls!"

Athena blinked at the whirlwind of questions. Smiling, she tucked a strand of her lavender hair behind her ear. "Many moons have passed since I learned the truth of yours and Yugioh's birthright. One night my mother, Shua, and I were watching the young prince sleep, a mere week after his birth. It was my mother's duty as well as my own to care for the young child while his father recovered from the loss of his wife. During this particular night, we saw the child glow unexpectedly. A short time before, my mother had discovered a card tucked into the blanket of Yugioh's bassinet. The card signified that the gods had blessed him, Ra himself. Seeing him glow that night confirmed in my mind, the stories my mother had told me in my youth - Yugioh was indeed divinity."

"But a lot of people can glow it is a matter of sorcerer or trickery. How were you so sure that Yugioh was truly divine?" Ruia asked picking up another piece of cloth, not knowing if she could handle everything there was to being royalty. It seemed…difficult at best.

Athena smiled. "Yugioh was only a week old Ruia. There was no way he would have been able to make himself glow just using his knowledge of magic - he would not have any yet. He was guided by Ra to glow to allow mother and I to know of his destiny. That way, as his servants we would be able to protect him at all costs." She picked up the red, blue, and purple swatches. "I will send these out to the tailor immediately with a rush order on the purple gown to be done as soon as possible, not to mention a blue one for your engagement party and a pink one for the wedding."

Ruia blushed at the mention of her wedding. "Athena, wait. You have explained how you knew about Yugioh's divinity, but not my own. How did you know that I too was divinity? I mean I was just a commoner who had a little more influence those others because of my father's job. If anything, it seems more likely that the Divine Mother should have been royalty, someone in the position to make changes."

"And are you not in that position now?" Athena chuckled. "I met you when you were just five years old, a young girl who should not have been able to wield such influence as you did. Even then, I knew you were someone special. Do you not see what you have done to yourself Ruia? You have built up such a case of self -doubt against yourself that you do not see that you are perfectly capable to handle all of this. You instead, have convinced yourself that this is too much responsibility to handle. But let me assure you Ruia, I have seen and met many royals in my day and never have I seen anyone that has your ability to negotiate, to stand up against overwhelming odds, and your confidence. Now all you need to do is to have the same confidence in yourself as you do your actions."

"You truly believe I can do this, do you not? I wish I could feel the same as you do. Maybe I am just worried about living up to everyone's expectations. Yugioh is putting a lot of faith in me by asking me to be his wife, I do not want to ruin that trust. I do not want to disappoint him or Setto or Bakura or even the people of Egypt. They deserve someone who can rule without fear and hesitation. I am not sure I can be that person. I am not sure I have what it takes to be that person."

"Ruia, do you not understand yet? You do not have to be any body but YOURSELF. Yugioh loves you for you, not the person you think you have to be to rule this country. The person that Egypt needs as Queen is the Divine Mother and that person is you. And there is no reason to change yourself when you were chosen to be the Divine on what you are ready are. You want this country to accept and trust you? Then promise me, be yourself. They will see what myself, Setto, Bakura, and most certainly Yugioh, have always seen in you." She gave Ruia's shoulder a soft squeeze then moved over to a small box and removed its contents. Walking carefully back over, she placed a small crown atop Ruia's head. "Look into the water there, tell me what you see."

Ruia peered into the water, watching her face stare back up at her. "I see…myself." Her voice sounded a little surprised. "I…I understand. The crown does not make the person; rather, I make the crown. It is my destiny, my job, my responsibility and no one can change that, not even myself. That is what you meant all along. I have to be willing to change, but not who am I. If I were to do that, no one would trust me as you say. Instead of being royalty, I would be the pretender to the throne, the one thing I was trying to avoid."

"Exactly, you understand now. And if I may speak freely, caught on a lot faster than Yugioh did." She winked with smirk. "You are a fine match for him Ruia, you two complete one another on levels that many married couples only dream of reaching. You understand each other with just the smallest glance and can know what the others are thinking and feeling great distances apart. Ruling together will be a learning process for both of you, but together I am the utmost confident that you can overcome any adversity."

"Even Jarha and his sister?" Ruia asked, facing her friend again. She watched as Athena pursed her lips into a straight line, deep in concentration before she answered.

"The siblings…will be a challenge, but I fear…" she paused momentarily. "I fear that they may not be your biggest threat."

"The siblings may not be our biggest threat? If that is true, then who or even what is?" Ruia stopped suddenly. "You mean Jarha and his sister are not our biggest problem, rather what they may represent, the darkness. The darkness is Yugioh's and mine greatest problem, as it does not care who it attacks, what it attacks, as long as it can feed off people's self doubt and loneliness, as we saw in myself."

"Exactly my friend. While Jarha and Satire will react horribly to the news, their actions afterwards will still be more predictable than that of the darkness, for the darkness is truly the most vile and sneakiest enemy Egypt and even the world has ever seen. It can turn friends against one another, even lovers."

"Nothing can come between Yugioh and I, the darkness tried and…nearly won. "

"The darkness knows no boundaries Ruia, it will use every means possible to conquer the light, and even it resorts to killing the person. You have to be on guard at all times Ruia. Where all the siblings could do is simply kill you, the darkness can do so much more. It can torment you long after death."

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Yugioh watched with mild amusement as Ruia rocked on her heels next to him. He could see the nervousness etched onto her face and the sense that she would rather be anywhere but in the throne room at that very moment. Grasping her hand tightly in his own, he brought it to his lips and kissed it softly. "Just breathe love. It will be all right, I promise. Why do you not sit down here next to me and try to calm down before Jarha and Satire come?"

Ruia sighed. "I would rather stand, easier to escape this meeting if need be. It is just…I really do not want to hurt Jarha like this." She straightened a wrinkle in her gown. "It is not his fault that I all ready found my soul mate, the one who makes me complete." She smiled softly, relaxing slightly at the sight of Yugioh's calm nature. Though, at the very same time, unnerved her as well. 'How can he remain so calm when he is about to destroy lives with just one simple phrase?' She knew she could not sit down; if she did everyone would see just how scared she really was.

"It is okay to be scared Ruia, I know this is not going to be easy, especially on you for you have a history with Jarha. You spent time together and you do generally care for him, despite what your intuition is warning you of. You just do not want to hurt him and that is admirable, but we do have to do this. I do not want to hide our feelings anymore. I just want to shout to all of Egypt how much I care for you." He pulled her down into his lap and nestled his face into her neck.

It was then Ruia finally understood. The gesture had made her finally see what Yugioh was saying, though not directly. He was just as terrified as she was and holding her, was his only source of comfort. "You are…worried too?"

"Just because I have had formal training in dealing with situation like these, does not make them any easier. In fact, I believe this may be harder, for Jarha has been my High Priest for some time now and despite his sister's unique methods of pursuit, I still do not want to hurt her. That is one fear of mine, but the other, well that should be apparent. I am worried about you and our unborn child." He placed his hand across her stomach. "I fear for our child, why I do not completely know. Is it the reaction the siblings may have? Possibly. Or is it simple that I am concerned about being a good father and good husband."

Ruia smiled, and then softly kissed him. "You will be a fine husband and father and I do not need my divinity to tell me. We can do this, I know we can, as long as we are together, right?" She winked and stood again, breathing deeply to calm her racing heartbeat. Gently she traced her hand over the delicate carvings on the far stonewall that depicted the Goddess Maat judging a trial, a fitting design for the throne room. 'Ironic, today Yugioh and I will be judging our own lives, as well Jarha and Satire. I never understood how one moment, one decision could affect so much. Now though, I am not nearly as naïve. My actions have caused a great deal of suffering but at the same time escalation. I may have regretted my decisions before, when I was sure Yugioh would follow through with our traditions, but now I see how blind I was to the truth. Dear Maat, you have opened many eyes to the truth, but none more than mine. I beseech you, please bless Jarha and his sister Satire with the same insight as you have given me.'

"Pharaoh Yugioh, you wished to speak to my sister and…RUIA?"

Ruia turned slowly, coming face to face with Jarha, who stood speechlessly next to his sister, whose eyebrow slightly rose at the site of Ruia being alone with the Pharaoh. Ruia glared back, hoping desperately the intimidation she felt in her stomach did not show on her face. 'I cannot afford to get into anytime of fight, verbal or physical, not when the health of my child is at stake.' "Good evening Jarha, Satire. I pray Ra finds you in excellent health this fore night?"

"The day finds my brother and I in excellent health, Ruia. Now run along, the Pharaoh has some business to attend with my brother and I and not with traitorous backstabbers like you. I am not sure how a manipulative being such as yourself ever found work as a servant to such a decent ruler as Yugioh himself, but I guess you just have a way of getting yourself into favorable situations. You might as well head home wench, I will make sure to tell Yugioh of all your heinous acts against my family and see to it that Yugioh makes you pay for hurting my brother so." Satire smirked suddenly. "If I did not know any better, I bet you took this job just to try to sleep with the Pharaoh knowing you could never find a person that would truly love you."

"HOW DARE YOU SPEAK TO MY FIANCEE IN SUCH A MANOR!" In a flash, Yugioh was to his feet glaring viciously at Satire. He disliked the woman before for her distasteful behavior, but now all he felt was rage. 'How dare she speak so ill of Ruia, she knows nothing of her characteristics or she could never speak such harsh words.'

"Fi…Fiancée?" Jarha stuttered in disbelief, finally able to speak. "Ruia…is this true? Is he the one that your heart belonged too?" He took a step towards her. "My sweet, do you not understand that the Pharaoh is just using you? You are nothing more to him that just a harlot, he will leave you to the streets the moment he is bored with you. I…and only I my love, can truly understand the needs and desires that you so righteously deserve. Please Ruia, wake up from this delusional dream. He could never love you like I do. I am your destiny, not he."

Subconsciously, Ruia took a step back, pressing her back against the cool stonewall, glancing at Yugioh who now was blocked from her by Jarha's approaching form. "No Jarha, no one could love me like Yugioh does. He appreciates me for whom I am and does not try to force me into being someone I am not. Yugioh would never use me and I have more than enough proof to back my claims." She felt her throat tighten in fear as she realized that she had no means of an escape route. Jarha totally had her trapped in the against the wall and knowing Satire, from what Yugioh had told her, would do everything in her abilities to keep Yugioh from helping her. 'Sekhmet, if need be I WILL make you proud.'

"Get away from my wife, Jarha before I personally send you to the realm my grandfather locked away." He watched Jarha stiffen. "That is correct Jarha, I can tell by your face you know what I am taking about. I will send you to the Shadow Realm if you touch my wife." Yugioh moved forward. "Now…move as…" Yugioh stumbled back as Satire launched herself into his arms.

"Oh my love, let the two lovers over there bond, though I still do not understand what my brother sees in that tramp. But I shall not let his personal matters concern the likes of me. I have more pressing matters, namely you. Pharaoh Yugioh, you do not have to associate with the likes of Ruia, I am here now, and you do not need to waste your time on foolish beings like that commoner." She pressed up closer to Yugioh, wrapping his arms tightly around his neck and purred gently. "Let us slip away to more, intimate rooms."

Grasping Satire's wrist tightly in his hand, he pushed him off her and sent her tumbling to the ground. "The threat I made to your brother applies to you as well Satire. Leave my family alone. I wish to have nothing to do with you, intimately or socially. The only person that I ever want to be with is Ruia; get that through both of your heads. I do not care that she is of less rank than I am, most of Egypt is, however, I know she is my soul mate and no one will ever change that." His eyes flickered darkly back at Jarha. "I said move away from her Jarha."

"I do not believe I will Pharaoh. I cannot in good consciousness allow you to continue to manipulate Ruia's emotions like this. She is too pure, too sweet to be seduced by your actions." He tenderly reached out and ran his fingers against her cheek. "Please my love, do not be fooled by his words of 'love'. It is imperative that you break the spell that he has over you. Yugioh does not love you, I and only I can love you in the ways that you need to be…" He fixated his gaze on Ruia. "Please…"

A twinge of awareness shot up through Ruia's back. 'Magic! Jarha is trying to use magic on me!' Reacting faster that she thought possible, Ruia smacked Jarha's hand off her face. "Your attempts will not work on me Jarha." She whispered icily, trying to allude that she knew exactly what he was trying to do with his magic. "Now my husband to BE asked you to kindly remove yourself from me. I suggest you and your sister listen to his threats unless you would like to spend the rest of eternity in this Shadow Realm."

This time, Ruia had no time to block or prevent Jarha's actions. The force of the slap sent her reeling to the ground in shock. "Little wench, you act as if you are my equal; you are NOT. I will teach you proper ranks and respect yet woman." He raised his hand again. "You will re…" he trailed off as the point of a dagger rested against the back of his neck, digging slowly into his flesh.

"She will what, Jarha? Could you speak a little louder? None of us can hear you now or have you reconsidered finishing that sentence? Personally, I would like to slit your neck right now for threatening my wife and child, but you are not worth my time." He whispered menacingly, pushing the dagger in a little more, drawing a little blood.

"CHILD?" Satire roared, glaring venom at Ruia. "You harlot! Yugioh did not seduce you, but rather you seduced him! Made sure you got pregnant so YOU could have his HEIR!"

Looking up from the ground, Ruia blinked. "No you both have it wrong. Yugioh and I LOVE each other. He does not try to dominate me or change how I am. He loves me for me and our unborn child!"

"HARLOT!" Satire lunged at Ruia, removing a dagger that was concealed beneath her gown. "Yugioh will be mine!" Slashing downwards, she grinned wickedly. "Die wench."

'I have to protect my child, at all costs." Rolling to her side, the blade only ripped the loose part of her robes, barely touching her at all. 'Have to get help or something. I cannot let Satire harm my child.' Kicking out with her leg, she prayed that she at least hit the dagger out of Satire's hand.

"RUIA, JUST GET OUT!" Yugioh yelled, feeling the panic rise in his voice. He had to protect her and their child.

Jarha smiled wickedly. The Pharaoh was distracted, leaving him the perfect opportunity to attack. Throwing his elbow back, he managed to catch Yugioh off guard, causing the young Pharaoh to gasp in shock and pain. Not wasting a moment, Jarha pulled Yugioh forward and flipped him. Smirking to himself, he picked up the discard dagger. Flicking it outward as he watched Yugioh shakily climb to his feet. "I would have thought you would have been more of a challenge Yugioh for someone as weak as you does not deserve to marry someone like Ruia. You shall never have her. I will kill you first."

"Then you will have to kill me. I all ready have her, though she is not really mine. She belongs to no one Jarha." He smirked, the quickly resumed his glare. 'I have to end this quickly. Ruia is not trained yet, I have to protect her at all cost.'

Ruia inched slowly away from Satire. 'Armed to unarmed, this is so not fair odd.' She slowly let out a breath. Satire was a lot stronger than she looked. 'It is their magic the darkness is making it that much stronger. I was unaware that they possessed such skills such as magic. I can sense it though, deep with in them, the magic, their souls black as night. This is why Yugioh and I felt so much dead surrounding this meeting. Satire and Jarha are adept magic users, black magic.' She glanced up at her enemy. Satire's lips had curled into a twisted smile, one that sent shivers down her spine. The woman had no qualms or doubts about killing her or her unborn child. "I will fight you Satire and you will not win. No matter what you do, Yugioh will never love you like he does me and I have the utmost proof." Her back hit against the wall. 'NO! I was not watching where I was going…'

"He will learn in time what he was truly missing. You will be a figment of the past, once I rid you of this world." The dagger came down once again, this time drawing blood down Ruia's arm. "Pitiful excuse for a Queen, you cannot even defend yourself against a simple attack. You are weak. Yugioh needs someone strong, cunning, and manipulative by his side, namely me. Farewell harlot." Satire brought down the dagger again.

Ruia's eyes widen and opened her mouth to scream; yet no sound came. 'I failed my child…' She closed her eyes tightly, afraid to watch.

Yet, no pain came. Slowly Ruia opened her violet eyes and gasped in shock. Satire had been pinned to the ground, a sword across her back. The guard raised his head. "Never a dull moment with you and Yugioh is it?"

Ruia blinked, then let out a small chuckle and shook in relief. "Jou…" Her nervousness quickly returned. "Yugioh" she gasped. Scrambling to her feet, Ruia scanned the room, looking for Yugioh. Watching the fight between Jarha and Yugioh made her stomach churn. 'All because of me… I have to help.' Ruia looked at Jou. "Watch that wench."

Yugioh dove out of the way, narrowly avoiding Jarha's latest attack. "I do not know what is funnier Jarha, your weak attempts to kill me or your delusion that Ruia actually will marry you ever." Thrusting out his palm, Yugioh could feel his divinity flow through his veins. He would not allow anything to threaten his family. "Mind Crush!"

A black void met Yugioh's attack, causing the Pharaoh's eyes to widen in utter shock. 'He…he blocked my magic, but how?' Involuntarily he took a small step away from the void, hoping to avoid not only the void itself, but also to see Jarha who was conveniently hidden by the giant black hole. 'Where is that coward hiding now?' His eyes flickered about the room quickly, trying to sense where Jarha would strike next.

'He does not even realize that I am behind him, that the void was cast by my sister to allow me time to slip behind him.' Jarha smiled and slipped quietly up to Yugioh, dagger raised to deliver the final blow. 'Good night Pharaoh…. forever.'

"SOUL MYSTIFICATION!"

Jarha screamed as he went flying back into the wall, utterly shocked. Yugioh turned to see the dagger that Jarha had been clutching fall from his hand. Turning back slowly, realizing just how close he was to death, his gaze settled on Ruia. Her palm was out, shaking uncontrollably. 'Such raw power she wields…and she saved my life.' "Ruia?"

"I…could…not…let…him…harm…you" Ruia stuttered, still shaking. She was not sure where the attack came from only glad it had come. Never had she been so scared as she was when she watched Jarha come up from behind Yugioh, dagger raised. "You are all right?"

"I am fine love. Are you okay?"

"I am now that I know you are okay." Her eyes fluttered as she fell limply to the ground.

Springing from his position, Jou caught Ruia before she hit the cold stone ground. Within seconds, Yugioh was next to her as well, concern plastered on his face. "Ruia? Ruia!"

"I am fine, the siblings…" she whispered, tiredly.

The two men glanced up. The siblings had somehow managed to regain their strength and regroup. Moving protectively in front of Yugioh and Ruia, Jou held his sword out. "Get out, both of you."

Satire laughed. "One measly mortal against us? I am sorry, but my brother and I could destroy you Jou. Now move out of our way, we have unfinished business to complete with the Pharaoh and his dear harlot."

Jou grinned recklessly. "One mortal? My dear Satire, your math leaves something to be desired."

"What are you talking about guard?"

"Is that not apparent Satire? Jou is not alone." Honda spoke up from behind the two siblings. Next to him, stood Setto, eyes narrowing at the two traitors.

"In fact, Satire, Jarha, we are all present and willing to fight." Bakura spoke. "I warned you to watch your actions. You carelessly ignored my warnings and now you shall pay for them." Athena moved out of the shadows and stood next to Bakura. She too was willing to risk all for the royal family.

Jarha looked at his sister. "It seems dear sister that the odds greatly disfavor us."

"Ai, it does brother. But this fight is far from over Pharaoh. Mark my words. We will return to destroy your family and you will be mine and that harlot will pay for her actions."

Setto chuckled. "This fight IS over. You have no hope of escape."

Raising her hands above her head, Satire brought them down at lightening speed, causing a large cloud of smoke to appear.

Yugioh gripped Ruia tighter with his arms. "SOMEONE find them! NOW" Coughing, he clutched Ruia's shaking form closer, afraid as if, of losing her.

Moments later, the smoke cleared. Yugioh did not even have to ask. He all ready knew the answer to his question. The siblings were gone.

---

A single candle flickered dimly in the damp, musty room. Silhouettes danced against the stones, giving off the illusion spirits moving, planning misdeeds. A sole figure stepped into the poor light, her eyes glaring venom. "They will pay for their trickery brother. I do not care whether they live or die now; both shall pay dearly for making such fools of us all this time."

A voice spoke up from the shadows. "What do you have in mind dear sister? A simple divide and conquer?"

Satire chuckled. "No Jarha, I feel the Pharaoh's and his harlot's actions require a much more painful punishment. Simply turning them against one another is not enough, nor do I think we could ever achieve it. No, rather we must strike them where it will hurt most, play on their greatest weakness…each other."

Jarha smiled. "Instead of turning them against each other, we take from them their only stability. I take what is rightfully mine, dear sweet Ruia Ana, thus leaving you the Pharaoh for your pleasure. Though, that power Ruia seems to posses, than could be a problem."

"She is quite untrained in her magic. That one simple spell weakened her condition greatly. If I did not know any better, I would think that Ruia had never attempted that spell before. Still, even though her magic is raw, it is quite a threat, especially if her magic transfers to her unborn child. And if what you say is true as well, that Yugioh posse's stronger magic than he lets on, their child can be the biggest threat. He or she could posse immense power; power that I am afraid the two of us may not be able to stand up against."

"I do not understand Satire. What are you suggesting?" Jarha asked, turning his dagger over the flame, watching the heat warm the blade. 'Even though she has betrayed me to the highest degree, I cannot help but feel that Ruia has been manipulated by Yugioh's influence. She loves me; I know it. I will not let my sister kill her, rather I will just take the fair maiden away from here, away from her beloved Yugioh.' He stabbed the dagger into the table.

Satire's eyes flickered from the blade to her brother, then back to the dagger. 'If I had my way, I would kill the harlot instantly and enjoy watching her bleed slowly to death. However, her being with child complicates matters. Yugioh is not stupid; he will not leave her alone for a moment.' "The plan is simple Jarha. Ruia will not be left unattended, especially while she is pregnant. However, once that child is born, then it will be easy to make our move. Let us use these next few months to prepare our attack. If we plan this correctly, we shall lure the royal family into a false sense of security, thus giving us the element of surprise."

"Surprise and time to raise quite a force against the Pharaoh, I feel that not many will take to this union between Ruia and Yugioh. A relationship between a commoner and royalty will never be accepted and surely others will look to strike back. People like those may help our cause greatly."

"Indeed brother. In fact, I have heard of a group not far from Memphis that maybe able to lend their aid, experience, and their wealth to us. But let us not discuss our plans here. The walls have ears after all. We have gotten the books that I needed before we exited the palace. Now that we have taken them, let us move silently into the night. The longer we are still present in this palace, the more likely one the Pharaoh's idiot guards will stumble upon us."

"I thought you said no one knew about this hidden room Satire. That no one had used it in ages or knew about the passage way to get here, that is why it made it the ideal room to practice our magic." Jarha asked quizzing.

"No one knows of this particular room, yes this is true, however, the fates have not been kind to us this day brother. I do not feel like tempting them further. If we are to achieve that our goals will be accomplished, we first must make sure we are living. Soon though, we will return and all we have ever wanted will be ours for the taking…including our loves."

Jarha moved into the light finally, a sinister smile etched upon his face. "Ours for the taking, either by choice or by force. The fates dear sister may not be smiling on us today, but the war is not over. We will have them like you say. It is our birthright, our destiny."

Satire nodded, eyes dancing in the light. "Exactly brother. In less than nine months, Egypt will see an up rise that it has never seen before. Friends will turn on friends, family against family, and if we plan this right…lovers will fall from one another forever." She moved to her brother's side, gripping his arm tightly. "I can hardly wait Jarha. The act of revenge makes me feel so alive. I only hope that the Pharaoh and his new family do not fall to someone else's hand. I would rather have that pleasure."

Pulling the dagger from the table, Jarha stared at the blade. "Indeed sister, I to long for that pleasure." 'Soon Yugioh I will return for you and when I do, you will pay for hurting Ruia…pay with your life.'

"Let us go brother." Whispering a soft spell, a black void appeared before the two siblings. Leading her brother through the portal, the void closed tightly around them.

Unknown to the two siblings, a figure moved silently from under the table. His dark eyes scanned the room once, his dark mopped hair damp with sweat. 'I thought for sure they would realize that I was under that table.' Scurrying quickly from the room, half in fear that Satire and Jarha would return to harm him, Ducky fled from his secret playroom. 'I have to find my brother. I know he will want to know what those evil people said.'

---

Ruia gingerly propped herself up against the pillows that seemed to surround her whole body. She glanced up at Bakura, waiting for the lecture to come. She had not moved much, but it was still enough to alarm Yugioh, whose eyes were wide in fear. Though, now that she thought more about it, his eyes had been the wide since she collapsed.

"Ruia, it is imperative that you stay still, at least for a little bit. I just want to completely sure that you and the baby are in no danger from this little spell of yours." Bakura said, moving back over to her. "I promise, this will not take long. I just need you to finish that medicine that I brought you and rest."

"How do you know that nothing is wrong with me and my child just by that medication?" Ruia asked, with a glance.

"You are not the only one with magic, my dear future queen." He smiled. "I have seemed to posses some magic as well, though mine is not as defined as yours. Normally though, I can tell at just a glance what ails a person and from there I can brew a suitable medication. Granted, it does not always work, nothing with magic is ever certain, but it is affective enough that I have learned to trust it and in my visions."

"A visionary as well, I should have guessed. All this time, the answer was right in front of me about you and it never occurred to me that you had the same gift as I, the gift of foresight." Ruia leaned back into the pillow. 'As much as I trust Bakura's medical opinion, he does not know of my divinity like Ashina. I should send a letter to her post haste telling her of this latest news.'

"Now, I have a question for you Ruia, you as well Pharaoh." Bakura spoke, interrupting Ruia's internal thoughts. He moved to the door and motioned Setto, Jou, Honda, and Athena in. "Something that I feel we all need to be made aware of. For if what I suspect is true," he glanced back at Ruia, "your unborn child just may in fact be the key to preserving our civilization."

Yugioh looked down at Ruia, before moving beside her, sitting down upon the bed. Grasping her hand tightly, he smirked. "I think they are on to us love."

"Ai, I am." Bakura laughed. "So the legends are true, as another in this room knows as well." He looked over at Athena, who was turning bright red.

"My mother and I knew of Yugioh's hidden birthright a week after his birth and I suspect Ruia's when I met her at five. I know I should have spoken up sooner, but I heeded my mother's wise words, even long after death. It was best that no one knew just exactly whom Yugioh and Ruia really are."

"For the rest of us in the room who have no idea what is going on, what is so special about Ruia's and Yugioh's magic? It is just normal magic, right?" Jou asked, shooting looks to Setto and Honda as well, who had just as clueless looks on their face.

"If their magic was simply just magic, then yes Jou, we would be overreacting. But their magic is more unique than that, in fact it is legendary, Yugioh and Ruia are divinity, also commonly referred to as the Divine Children." Bakura smiled at the two. "I should have realized the truth long ago, much like Athena had. The bond those two pose is intensely strong, so strong that it even transcend class."

Setto blinked. "The legend of the divinity children is true? You mean to tell me that Yugioh here is the Divine Father and Ruia is the Divine Mother?" He paused. "That means then their child would be the legendary divine son. Amazing."

Jou looked at the two closely. "So that means, I remember the stories that my mother told me, you two each are protected by a deity and have some form of a guardian, correct?"

"Ai and we both also have a realm of influence as well and I think I just discovered mine today. I am able to control the realm of the soul, light or dark I am not sure at all. I am protected by the goddess of war and protection, Sekhmet and my guardian is the Mystical Elf, though beware of her magic, it is just like mine - sporadic." Ruia chuckled, feeling no illness about telling her closest friend her moment heavily guarded secret. 'I will have to tell Anzu as well…'

"I guess that is my cue to continue. Father knew what I was as well, most likely Shua told him what she and young Athena saw. This is why he put me through intense magical training because of what I was. Through this training, I found out that I control the realm of the mind, the dark side of it. My guardian deity is the Almighty Ra himself and my monster guardian is the Dark Magician. I hope you all understand why we kept this information a secret for so long. If news of our divinity were to reach public ears, both our lives would be at great risk, especially Ruia's. In fact…I am glad you are here Jou."

"Oh? What do you need Pharaoh?"

"I want you to be Ruia's guard. I am not going to take the siblings threats lightly, especially when her magic is far from controlled. I want to make sure that when my duties to country call me away, she will still be protected."

"I am laying right here you know. I can hear you word for word. I am not some helpless flower either, but I would appreciate the extra protection as well Jou."

Jou blinked. "She agreed to that too far quickly Pharaoh. You sure she is okay in the head?" He smirked. "It will be my honor to guard the future Queen, Yugioh. And do not fret Ruia. I promise I shall let no harm, unless done by me, come to you."

"Speaking of the future," Athena broke in, "I almost forgot. The plans that you wished to have for your wedding Pharaoh have been given to the temple priests per request. Their replies have been placed on the table in here." She pointed to four scrolls on the table, now that Ruia had noticed them, seemed greatly out of place.

"Thank you Athena. Until Ruia is feeling better, however, I do not wish to continue those plans." Yugioh spoke softly, holding Ruia's hand tightly in his own.

"I…AM…FINE." Ruia accented each word, hoping to drive home the point. She hated this feeling, that everyone just assumed she was weak. It annoyed her greatly, but yet, she still understood everyone's concern. She was alarmed too when she collapsed, but more for her child than herself. She felt fine now, despite everyone thinking she was still too weak to do much.

Yugioh raised his eyebrow. "Must you be so stubborn?"

"Must you not listen to a word I am saying? I will listen to Bakura's wishes, but honestly I feel fine, really. I would not risk my unborn child's health like that and it really bothers me that you and the others think I would."

"We do not think that Ruia, honestly. I think I speak for everyone here when I say we are just concerned for your health. To just collapse like that, from using magic is not healthy in the least bit." Honda countered.

"BIG BROTHER! BIG BROTHER, WHERE ARE YOU?"

Setto quickly turned. "In the Pharaoh's room!" He glanced apologetically at Ruia and Yugioh before being knocked to the ground "Duckie, what is it," noting his brother's panicked expression.

Throwing his tiny arms around his brother's neck, Mokuba Zaki buried his face deep into Setto's shoulder. "I…heard them…they want to hurt them."

"Who did you hear Duckie?" Yugioh asked softly. "Who did these people want to hurt?"

"You and her…" he replied, pointing a finger at Ruia. "Those were bad people Setto. They talked about dark magic and how…"

"Ruia?" Setto asked.

"Yeah, Ruia's magic was weak and untrained. They are coming back to hurt them after they have had time to plan." He burst into tears. "I do not want anything to happen to Yugioh or Ruia."

Yugioh moved off the bed and knelt down next to Duckie. "I promise you young one. Nothing will happen to Ruia or me. The people that you saw will be stopped, I assure you. Okay?"

Mokuba nodded. "All right."

Athena came forward. "Why do we not head to the cook and see about getting you something special for being so brave? Would you like that?"

Nodding slowly, he took her hand as Athena led him from the room. Once they were out of earshot, Ruia found herself exclaiming "They were still in the palace? I thought this whole place was searched!"

"We searched the rooms we know about. However, this palace is filled with several passages way, with literally dozens of hidden rooms. There are not many people still living that know of all these rooms. Apparently, Satire and Jarha were in one such room and is seems that Setto's brother knows of this room as well." Jou explained, a thoughtful expression on his face. "So they are planning to come back. I wonder why they are waiting."

"That should be apparent Jou, they were caught off guard, by Ruia nonetheless." Bakura answered, with a smiling appearing. "I mean, she caught all of us off guard with her magic, undoubtedly she scared the siblings as well. She has strong magic, one it seems that they have underestimated and have to plan for."

"But Satire or Jarha called my magic weak, which it is. Why would they give me time to enhance my skills, unless they think because of my pregnancy I would not risk it?"

"That may be part of it commoner, though I also think they are looking for allies. They know full well they cannot stand against us. They are waiting until they can build an army against us, but thanks to Duckie, we will be waiting for them. And I think training should begin immediately for Ruia. Even if it is defensive training, her gifts need to be brought under some form of control. To keep it raw like it is endangers not only her health, but also the child's as well. I cannot in good health allow her to be exposed like that." Yugioh replied, moving once again to Ruia's side.

"Hold up a moment. What type of training we discussing here? I know I need to learn magical defense, but should I not learn physical defense as well? I need to know that as well, just in case too. I mean everyone in this room saw it. Satire and Jarha not only have magical abilities, but it also seems that they are both skilled with weapons."

Honda looked over at Jou. "We can handle that quite easily if you would like Pharaoh. Jou and I have trained guards in the past, teaching Ruia simple maneuvers to avoid unarmed to armed combat should be easy enough. Maybe we should even teach her some minor armed lessons as well. I know you have your magic, but some times, in close combat it might not be a bad idea to have a dagger near you."

Yugioh nodded in agreement. "I agree full heartedly. So that just leaves the magic, which I will handle. Once you feel better that is Ruia. Until then, rest and we can plan our wedding out more. I have all ready sent notices to Rome and Athens, but by the time they receive it, I hope to be married. I thought a small affair would be best and before we make our announcement to Memphis and the rest of Egypt."

"Do you think…I mean, is that a good move? Should we not tell your people first?" Ruia asked, a bit confused. 'Does he feel that no one will accept us and this is his only option? Or is it more complicated than just that?'

"I am tired Ruia of putting other needs before my own. For the first time in my life, I am going to do what I want to do. I do not need the people's permission to marry the person I want to spend the rest of my life with. I all ready know those answers and I do not want to wait any longer than necessary. Once you are well, we shall marry and start your magical training. I promise."

"And the siblings…"

"Will be dealt with in time. Right now, just concentrate on getting stronger so we can have our wedding. Honda, Jou, Setto, Bakura, and I will deal with the siblings right now. You just rest right now and I mean that Ruia." Yugioh stood. "Athena, will you stay with Ruia and make sure she does not doing anything overly rash?"

A scream echoed behind him, then muffled by something, most likely a pillow. He waited for something to hit him, surprised when nothing came.

Not even flinching, Athena nodded briskly. "It will be an honor Yugioh. After caring for you and Setto for most of my life, it will be a nice change of pace to watch someone who will actually listen to me for a change." She winked at Ruia, who wore a huge smile on her face.

Setto blinked. "I listened! Most of the time…never…but that was because we were close in age!" He chuckled. "Okay, I never paid attention to a word you said and was an absolute terror to you, but even you have to admit this Athena, I was NOTHING like Yugioh. He was far worse than I was."

Yugioh's mouth dropped open. "I was not bad at all! I was a perfect…" A pillow hit him in the back of his head. "What was that for?" He turned a shot a smirk at his fiancée knowing full well what she was going to say.

"A perfect target for a dip in the fountain you spoiled palace brat." She shook her head. "You had to be an absolute terror to poor Athena."

"A terror that you are marrying. What does that say about you?" He replied with a twinkle in his eye, leaning close.

"She is someone with no taste. Now move Yugioh!"

Ruia smiled. "ANZU!" She launched her arms around her best friend and hugged her tightly. "I have so much I have to tell you about!"

"First things first. Are you sure you are all right? Nothing is wrong with you or the baby right?" Anzu scanned over her friend with a sharp eye. 'She seems to be all right, yet the letter that Setto had sent me seemed so urgent. It does not make any sense, unless there is something I am not aware of.'

"I am fine Anzu, as is my child, as long I rest, which I will Yugioh! Do not give that look!" She growled. "Actually, I am glad that you are here my friend. I can finally tell you the secret I have carried with me all my life. I am sorry that I did not tell you before, but it was to protect you. Now that this secret may get out, it is imperative that I tell you, for your own good."

"Another secret? What is it this time Ruia Ana? I know you; it must be something huge if you even kept it from me for this long. So what is it, a long lost sibling?"

Ruia shook her head lightly. "Do you remember, when we were small and we would listen to the temple priest tell us the story of the Divine Children and their guardians of the past?"

"Sure, their guardians were the Duel Monsters, I always thought the Magician of Faith acted like the Divine Mother while you believed it was the Mystical Elf. We used to pretend that we had the legendary power and would be able to travel to far off places, live the ultimate dream." Anzu trailed off in the memory. "That was so long ago, we could not have been older than six. And when you father heard us talking about the monsters from the shadow games, I thought we were done for." She shook her head to clear her thoughts. "Why do you ask anyway?"

"That dream came true Anzu, though I think it more of a curse than a blessing at times." Ruia sighed. "I was chosen, as a baby Anzu to be the Divine Mother of Egypt and Yugioh here is the Divine Father. That is why our connection is so strong with each other, we were bonded as divinity together." She took Yugioh's hand in her own. "Uncle Ay tried his hardest to train me in secret and only myself, father, and he knew of my heritage, until today when Jarha and his sister learned the truth as well. You must understand my friend; I kept this a secret to protect everyone in my life. IF you knew the truth, you too would be in utmost dangers. Now that Satire and Jarha know, you are in danger by knowing me, I had to let you know my secret so you would be aware of the risks. I am so sorry Anzu for all of this, honestly."

"Ruia…how can you think I would ever be mad at you for something this important? I do no blame for you at al for your actions. Really." She paused. "Divinity that certain explains a lot. Is that why Ay would train you, because of you magic?"

"Indeed, but as you can see, his training was in vain. I need to undergo far more intense practices if I am going to be able to live up to my title, as well as my role as a mother." Ruia paused, "that is if Bakura and Yugioh ever see fit to let me attempt it. After this last little spell, I have my doubts."

"Do not worry my love, we will start off small and work out way up to that level of magic you performed this evening. Just be patient a little longer. Why do you not try and sleep some? I promise I will wake you the moment we hear news about the siblings." Yugioh smiled softly, the tension that he had felt earlier was slowly melting away every moment he watched his lover laughed and smiled. She was all right. Everything was going to be all right, he would make sure of it.

"I will try, in a moment. There is something I would like to ask Anzu to do for me, a huge favor really."

"Anything Ruia…"

"Can you deliver a message to a friend Gizeh for me?"

Anzu shifted slightly, casting a small look of doubt at her best friend. "Sure, I can straight there tomorrow morning. But I have to ask Ruia; all of our friends are present here in Memphis. Who do you know in Gizeh that you would want to alert them of your present situation or location too?"

"An old friend of the family and the healer I went when I was trying to confirm I was indeed pregnant. My friend wanted my word that I would send notice if anything happened to me or my condition." She looked over at Bakura. "It is not because I do not trust your judgment, I just gave my word, and I do not wish to break that at all. "

Bakura smiled and nodded his head slightly. "I take no insult in your actions. You made a promise to a friend and you wish to uphold your end of that promise. Why do I not send out a letter with Anzu with my diagnoses as well? This way, your healer an feel at ease about your care and pregnancy."

"How much does this healer know about…us Ruia?" Yugioh asked, eyes staring deeply into Ruia's. 'This healer could be a threat to Ruia and I. He comes from the same village as Jarha and Satire. He could claim allegiances with them, rather than with myself and Egypt.' He glanced over at Setto and could see he was coming to the same realization as he was.

"Pharaoh, permit me to accompany Anzu to Gizeh. I would feel at ease, as well as her parents no doubt, if I followed along. With Jarha and Satire on the loose, there is no telling what they may do, even attack mutual friends." Setto broke in suddenly.

"Then you need to leave for Gizeh immediately!" Ruia cried out, before Yugioh could give his blessing. 'I doubt anyone knows of my connection to Ashina, but I refuse to take such a risk, not when a person's life is at stake'

"Why Ruia? Why is it so urgent they leave tonight?" Yugioh said slowly, the fear building back in his stomach. 'Dear Ra, please do not let her say what I think so is …she could not have been that careless, though if she learned she was pregnant and that caused her world to crash down on her, maybe it is not as hard to believe as I thought.'

Ruia refused to look at anyone as she weighed her options. 'Do I let them know that Ashina knows everything or just say part? The truth is bound to come out. I cannot betray all of them like this, not when they have done and risked so much for me all ready. I just cannot.' She looked up. "She knows who I am, what I am, who the father is."

"The healer knows everything!" Yugioh's eyes widened. "Wait…she?"

"The healer I went to in Gizeh is a female, yes Yugioh. I trust her with my secret, she will not tell a soul. I swear to you, I would not put us in danger like that if I did not think she could be trusted. Please believe me everyone."

Yugioh nodded. "I may not agree with it, but I do believe you." He turned to Setto and Anzu. "You are to go to Gizeh and bring this female healer here to Memphis. I know you trust her Ruia and you judgment is normally sound, but I want to see and her it with my own eyes. Only then will I personally feel better about this whole situation."

"I understand my love, I expect nothing less from you."

"Does this female healer have a name that we can address her by" Setto asked, looking curiously at Ruia.

"Ashina." She looked at Anza with tears. "Our Ashina has returned to Egypt my friend, that is why I wished you to go. To see her once more."

"But she died in the raid of Alexandria, I thought!" Anzu placed a hand to her forehead in disbelief. "Did she not?"

"Divine intervention that is the only answer I have for you Anzu, the only thing I can think of myself. Go to her, talk with her. She has come home for good."

"This Ashina, I take it a childhood friend of both of you?" Jou asked.

Anzu and Ruia both nodded quickly. "The very best."

"I would still feel at ease if I could speak with her. Setto, Anzu, my wife to be is correct. Ashina needs to be reached tonight. You need to leave as soon as possible. Take Honda or Jou with you as well. The more protection you have, the better I will feel and the better Ruia will sleep."

Setto turned to Anzu. "Let us inform your parents of your trip and leave immediately after." He looked back at the Pharaoh. "Will you two be all right if I am gone for the night and part of the day tomorrow?"

"We will be fine. Just hurry and bring back this Ashina. I will sleep better knowing that she is not in danger or anything like that." Yugioh added, knowing Setto would understand what the anything like that stood for. "Report back to me the moment you arrive back in the city gates."

"We will Yugioh. Let us depart Anzu, before he literally throws us of the city boundaries." He grasped Anzu's hand and pulled her up. "We will be back as quick as we can, I…we swear." Setto hurried from the room, Anzu falling into step right beside him.

As she watched her two friends off, Ruia sighed and turned to look at Yugioh once more. "Just once, I wish things could just be simple."

---

"Thank goodness Gizeh is not as large as Memphis or we may have never found Ashina's home." Anzu spoke, tucking a piece of her reddish brown hair behind her ear. "At least now, we have some form of a chance of convincing her to come back with us."

Setto did not reply right away. 'I am still not convinced this Ashina character can be trusted especially with a secret such as divinity. Jarha came from this very village, who knows where Ashina's alliances lay.' He placed a hand on Anzu's shoulder. "Tell me about Ashina. Why do you and Ruia still trust her after so much time has past?"

"She is our friend; she would never betray us, Ruia especially. The two had such a deep bond and I think I may understand why now. Ruia was schooled and trained by her Uncle Ay. Ashina went under rigorous tutoring by Achilles at the Temple of Sekhmet. Maybe she too is a magic welder and that is why they had that unspeakable bond of trust. Neither really had much of a childhood, but Ashina especially. She was always busy learning how to become a healer, which is why she was in Alexandria at the time of the raid. She was there with Achilles for a healer seminar and we all thought she had perished, I guess we were wrong."

"A female healer is a unique situation, though not totally unheard of either. She must be very strong willed to overcome the ridicule she surely endured from other heal…we are here." He straightened his violet robes. "Hello?" he called out.

"Just one moment and I will be right with you. Please, take a seat in the living room." A happy, but tired sounding voice called out.

Setto grasped Anzu's hand and led her inside, taking note of every little detail that he could possibly find. Nothing seemed out of place or screamed a threat, but he could not afford to let go of his suspicions so easily. Not only because Anzu was with him, but also because the lives of Yugioh and Ruia rested on his very shoulders. There was too much at stake to be careless, even if this Ashina was an old friend.

"Setto, you act as if she is guilty of something." Anzu whispered sharply. "I know you and Yugioh are worried about Ashina knowing the truth and telling the wrong people that information, but please, PLEASE, try and keep an open mind. "

"Was I being that obvious?" He asked with a sheepish grin. "I do not wish to think ill of your friend Anzu, but we have to be cautious as well. Years have passed, people change, especially if she was raised in Greece. Ruia may have made a mistake trusting her so quickly." He ran his hand through his hair, noting the icy glare he was receiving. "I take it you do not agree."

"You do not trust Ruia's judgment? I have never met another soul who could read another's intentions so accurately as Ruia does. Take into consideration her assessment of Jarha. She knew before anyone else what a bastard he truly was. If she trust Ashina, then I have no doubts in my mind that we should as well." Her eyes lowered. "I know it does not make complete sense, but it never did to me either. Though, if she is the Divine Mother, then maybe it does."

"Maybe you are correct, but I will feel better seeing it and hearing it for myself." He trailed off as footsteps approached the couple. "We will discuss this later."

"Now, what can…ANZU" Ashina exclaimed. "What are, how did you…did something happen to Ruia? Is she okay?" Her thoughts whipped through her head. The latest thought more jumbled than the previous.

"She and the baby are fine, Ashina. She had a bit of a spell, related to her magic, but is healthy. Bakura, a healer for the palace, is taking excellent care of her." She paused, wiping the crystalline tears from her eyes. "It is good to see you again my friend."

Ashina smiled, brushing her copper hair behind her. "As it is too see you. And who is traveling with you? Your husband perhaps?" She watched as a blush crossed both their faces. 'It seems I have struck a nerve.'

"No, we are not married. I am Setto, High Priest to Pharaoh Yugioh miss…"

"Thaddeus. Ashina Djoser-Thaddeus."

"My apologizes. We have come to request you presence at the palace for a meeting. Pharaoh Yugioh would like to meet his fiancée's long lost friend." Setto replied, without a trace of his fibbing appearing on his face.

Ashina looked at Setto with a critical eye. "I take it I have no real choice in the matter. You want to assure yourselves that I am not a threat to Ruia or the Royal Family knowing one of their greatest and most guarded secrets."

"Exactly." Setto replied, not missing a beat. He was a little caught off guard by Ashina's quick nature, but he did not want her to know that. Though, in the back of his mind, he was sure she knew exactly what his game was.

"My husband Marc and I were actually planning to return to my deceased father's house at the end of the season. I see now that it is probably in our best interests to do it sooner." She pursed her lips together in thought.

"Ashina, Setto and I have been instructed to bring you by this evening. Pharaoh's orders you understand."

"Then who am I to deny Pharaoh Yugioh's orders? Allow me one moment to leave Marc a papyrus with where I am. If I up and left with no notice, he would be most concerned."

Setto nodded and watched Ashina scurry from the room. "She is a smooth talker that is for sure. She gave me all the answers I wanted to hear and even the ones I did not. I wonder what her true motives are? No wonder Ruia believed her so easily. Without training, anyone would."

"True motive? Setto can you not tell how genuinely concerned about Ruia and her unborn child. She is willingly coming to Memphis with us. How can you still doubt her word like that still?" Anzu whispered harshly, eyes narrowing.

"Anzu, think just for a moment. Every answer she gave us was too convenient. She just happens to be moving back to Memphis. How do we know it is not from learning Ruia's secret? We do not. She agreed to quickly, never put up an argument. Again, why did she not? It does not make much sense when you think about it some."

"Unless she is being truthful. An option you do not even want to consider!"

"I am ready to leave…" a voice spoke from the doorway, eyes not giving away whether she had heard any of Setto's and Anzu's conversation.

Silently, Anzu stepped away from Setto and grasped Ashina's arm, leading her outside. "Ignore him Ashina…" She glanced over at Honda. "Ashina, Honda, Head guard for the Pharaoh. He will be escorting us back to the palace. Fair warning, he will not be on our side either…"

Ashina smirked. "I guess some things never change."

---

"You wished to speak with me, my Pharaoh?" Ashina asked bowing before Yugioh, whose eyes had narrowed the moment she had entered the room. Ashina remained in her position, sensing that Yugioh neither trusted her word or her presence. 'Everything must seem convenient to him as well, as it did Setto. He must know that Ruia told me their secret like I thought. There must be a way to convince him of my allegiance, but how?"

"Arise." Yugioh studied the woman before him. She did not seem like much, yet he could faintly sense her own magic. 'She is a craft user, this is fact, yet it does not seem offensive based at all.' "You are a female healer, from Gizeh, originally from this fair village of Memphis?"

"Ai, my Pharaoh. From the age of four, the High Priest Achilles has trained me in the arts of a healer. When I was ten, I was taken to a conference in Alexandria. I was separated from Achilles and his family during the raid on the town. I was taken hostage and to be sold into slavery. On the way, our ship sank and I managed to float to banks of Greece. There, I fell under the care of a Grecian healer. I remained there and studied with him until I was able to make my way home to Egypt with his grandson Marc, my husband you see. We settled temporarily in Gizeh when money became tight, but once I have straighten out my family affairs here, we planned on coming back to Memphis and settle up practice here. We are both healers."

Yugioh leaned back against his throne. "You answered that a little too quickly Ashina, maybe too quickly. Are you giving me the answers I want to hear or are you being genuine?"

Ashina opened her mouth to defend herself, but found herself being cut off by another's voice.

"Do you trust in me and my magic so little Yugioh?" Ruia glided into the room and sat next to her husband to be. "I had a feeling you were going to try something like this to Ashina."

"Ruia, you should not be out of bed yet, not so soon after your episode." He placed a hand to her check. "What am I going to do with you?" A faint smile crossed her lips.

It was then Ruia knew she had won the argument. "I am okay palace brat. I promise I will go back to our chambers once you here my piece. I do not understand it, but I can sense people's intentions, as you know. Ashina is on our side. I trust her completely with our secret. She will not betray us to Jarha or Satire. My magic, though weak, tells me so."

Yugioh sighed. "If this is how all our disagreements end, I am going to be the laughing stock of the palace."

"Already are, love. But if you would like proof of Ashina's allegiance, I know how to do it." She reached across Yugioh's waist and pulled out his dagger. "Nice sharp blade, good." She took the blade and made a small slice across her finger.

"RUIA!" Yugioh exclaimed, watching the crimson liquid seep down her finger slowly. "What are you doing?" He stared at her in wonder. 'Maybe she is not as well as I thought.'

"She is doing this Pharaoh." Ashina moved over to Ruia and placed her hand over Ruia's finger and glowed.

Yugioh watched in amazement at the light that seemed to pour from Ashina's body as if she too had some unexplainable magic. Unless Ruia was pulling something with her own magic, which seemed highly unlikely. Ruia was neither that skilled to control it like that nor was she that cruel to trick him into trusting Ashina like that. The glow was too intense to be created by Ruia, which only left one option; Ashina was performing the magic. What the light was actually doing, Yugioh could only speculate. 'Could it be? Ashina must have a small form of healing magic. Ruia cut her finger in order to prove that Ashina as loyal because she knew of Ashina's own secret.'

Ashina stopped glowing and removed her hand from Ruia's finger. The slash mark that had been there previously was now completely healed. "You are foolish Ruia, you do realize this right?" She stepped back slightly and looked at Yugioh then back to Ruia. She had no idea what Ruia was planning or even hoping to achieve pulling such a stunt. 'She was trying to prove to Yugioh that I had magic as well that must be it. But why would Ruia do self a thing? If anything, the idea of me having magic will probably make Yugioh distrust me that much more.'

"Now do you understand my love?" She waved her hand in front of his eyes. "She knows what it is like keeping a valuable gift hidden from public knowledge. Sure divinity is rare and unmatched by any known magic, but a healing magic is just as useful. It would give a person a feeling of invincibility if in the wrong hands. This is how I know Ashina will not betray us. She is in the same boat as we are Yugioh." She smirked slightly and bit her lip to hold in her laughter. She had outwitted Yugioh at his own game; she knew it. "Top that one."

Yugioh chuckled and took her hand and kissed it. "All right commoner, you win." He turned to Ashina, a faint smile still lingering on his chiseled face. "After witnessing the events that transpired here this afternoon, I have no choice but to accept the idea that you mean Ruia and I no ill harm. You must understand my previous hostility. The secret we bear is great and heavy in responsibility. It would be costly to both of Egypt and us if the information were heard by unworthy ears. However, you and Ruia have made in clear that I have no reason to consider your presence a threat. I look forward to the day you return to Memphis for good."

"As do I, another healer and friend at our side will be a great relief to my mind."

"She is not taking care of you…"Yugioh whispered quickly.

Ruia smiled and softly replied back. "Keep telling yourself that. I still want Bakura by my side but we cannot ignore Ashina's gift either. Why should we overlook a blessing in disguise? Her magic will be a great aid to my pregnancy; I know it. She does not have to remain in the palace. Her home will be Memphis, but…" she trailed off.

"Just because I do not view her as a threat Ruia does not mean I trust her fully, not yet, especially with something as valuable as you and our unborn child. However, we will discuss this later. Now is not the best time for these personal matters."

Ruia simply nodded. 'This may be one discussion I cannot win. I cannot force Yugioh to trust someone just because I do.'

"Ashina you are dismissed. Setto and Honda will escort you back to Gizeh as soon as you are ready." He did not miss the look from both Ruia and Ashina about the travel arrangement. "It is not from a lack of trust mind you, just for safety. Ruia and I have many enemies and if they know you are loyal to us, that makes you a willing pawn in their games, that is all."

"Ai, my Pharaoh." She bowed. "I will be in touch Ruia. Please keep me informed of your condition, especially if it changes rapidly again."

"You can believe that I will Ashina." Ruia spoke quickly, before Yugioh could cut in.

Ashina nodded. "Until then my friend." Exiting quickly, Ashina could not help but let out a small breath of relief. 'That could have went a lot worse than it did. Thank Ra for Ruia's input…or maybe I should say influence.'

Ruia watched as her friend left the room and opened her mouth to speak. "I…"

"I will think about it Ruia." Yugioh interrupted, rubbing his temples gently. "That is the best I can offer you right now." He smiled. "But I can hardly ever say no to you either. But we can finish this discussion later. You are supposed to be in our chambers resting, not gallivanting around the palace as if you rule it, which you do it seems." He lifted her to her feet. "I will stay with you for awhile if you wish. Maybe we can finally put the finishing touches on our wedding plans. I do not think I can wait much longer…"

"Nor can I…"

He kissed her forehead softly. "Soon my Love, soon the day will be here."