The thief twisted a ring around in his hand, deep in thought. His eyes scanned his surrounding area in hopes of finding something he might have missed but what he searched for wasn't there. His search in the dark tomb was rather pointless.
"Ah, there you are." a voice mused, causing the thief's head to look up sharply at the boy who stood in the shadows watching him. "I thought you were going to start your plan today." the boy continued as the thief hopped off the sarcophagus he had been sitting on.
"I thought they might have been dumb so I was checking to see if they buried it with the Pharaoh but I guess they have enough sense to keep it in their possession." the thief scoffed as the boy smirked, leaning back against the tomb's wall.
"The item you seek lays with the new Pharaoh." the boy informed him as the thief grinned.
"That should be easy enough to get." the thief smirked as the boy looked at the thief in confusion.
"What makes you think that?" the boy wondered, making the thief grin wider.
"Last I seen of the prince, I had stabbed him with a poison dagger. The same dagger that took his father's life." the thief grinned at the thought of the dead and soon to be dead royal.
"Yeah, it's a shame that they have the cure for that poison." the boy said with no emotion making the thief look up at the boy in surprise.
"The elder specially made that poison, therefore he was the only one who knew the cure and hid it away. So tell me. How is it that those damn royals have the cure when the only man who could tell them is dead?" the thief demanded growling in annoyance.
"His daughter obviously knew where he kept his research." the boy waved his hand as if to wave the thief's anger away.
"The girl from the temple of Ra..." he hissed in anger. The boy slowly vanished into the shadows leaving the thief in anger.
X
"Mahado?" the young priestess walked into the room were the priestess and priest worked to find a cure for their new Pharaoh. The young priestess's blue orbs roamed about the room before landing on the magician who's head lay against the wooden table. Isis frowned slightly before smiling at the man. Walking forward she tapped him on his shoulder causing him to stir from his sleep.
" Mahado, have you been here all night?" she asked worriedly as Mahado rubbed his head before turning to look at her. He stared at her lost in thought before standing and quickly remembering.
"I figured it out." he said grabbing something that looked like a cup from the table and headed to the door.
"Mahado, please find time to rest before-" she stopped, noticing the man had already left. Isis sighed, sadly staring into the direction her tired friend had disappeared to.
X
Emi smiled happily at the sight before her. She wasn't sure how but she was no longer in the desert. The smell of cut grass and flowers filled the air around her. She walked forward along a dirt road that stretched out ahead of her. Small wooden fences lined both sides of the road and large fields and crops could be seen on both sides. Cows and horses could be seen eating grass in the fields. The sky was a light blue hue with tons of big, white, fluffy clouds that covered the sun. The sun never fully shined here. A sense that she'd been walking awhile filled her mind making her curious. Out of that curiosity, she glanced over her shoulder to see a large, stone city in the distance. How she wished to just have the strength to keep walking till that city was no longer in sight! Oh how she wished to leave this region, but knew it was impossible with him here... She sighed sadly at the thought.
"Are you getting tired?" a gentle soothing voice came from beside her. She turn her head in the direction of the boy and stared up into familiar butterscotch eyes before smiling sheepishly. She knew this boy but for some reason the boy she knew and the boy in front of her was different. The boy in front of her seemed less angry and more gentle. Something about how the boy was now reminded her of Atemu...
"A little. We have been walking for quite some time now." she replied as the boy looked around before smiling.
"Over there." he pointed to the right a little ahead of them. She eyes quickly followed the direction he pointed to before tilting her head.
"What's that?" she questioned following him to it. "Oh, isn't that a wheelbarrow?" she asked as the boy nods. "I heard these are what farmers use to move things they cannot lift." she explained examining it.
"I guess they don't have them in the palace, huh?" the boy figured as she shook her head.
"I'm not sure. The slaves might use them." she informed as the boy sighed.
"Well?" he asked after a while of waiting for something.
"What is it?" she asked cluelessly tilting her head.
"Get in."
"In the wheelbarrow?" she widened her eyes making the boy laugh at her expression.
"Yeah, you said you were tired, so I'm going to push you." he chimed as she nervously moved a little away.
"But you'll-" she started to protest before squealing as he quickly picked her up and gently sat her down. She moved so that she was sitting on her legs which was more comfortable in it. She was also thankful for the hay in it making it so she didn't have to sit on the hard wooden surface. She grew more nervous as he began to push but quickly started smiling in enjoyment.
" See? This isn't so bad." the boy said smiling as she made a sound of agreement.
"Yeah, it's kinda fun." she slightly turning her head to smile at him.
"Want to go faster?" he suddenly asks as she nods gleefully. The way the wind blew through her hair and the feeling she had filled her with wonder. The boy's shout alerted her as he tripped, falling down as they were going down hill. The wheelbarrow flipped over making her fall out. She slightly twisted her body making herself roll the rest of the way down hill. Finally, she stopped landing on her back before bursting out in giggles.
"I'm so sorry. Are you okay?" the boy shouted in concern running over and sliding onto his knees examining her to see if she's alright.
"I'm... fine..." she spoke between giggles. She took in a breath and finally stopped laughing. "Are you okay?" looking over to the boy as he nod. She smiled at his slightly, dirty face. "That was fun." she gave a tiny smile looking up at the sky.
"I suppose so." the boy replied leaning back on his hands.
"I wish I could have fun like this all the time." she spoke softly as the boy watched as her eyes fill with sadness making him mirror that sadness.
"I know, but you can't just give-" the boy quickly stood as he spoke but got cut off. A girl was running toward them shouting. Emi quickly sat up as the boy held out a hand to help her stand up.
"My lady, you must return to the palace now. The lord is looking for you!" the girl quickly said huffing and puffing for air.
"Thank you for informing me. Go, I'll be right behind you." Emi said as the girl bowed and left.
"I must go now." she said turning back to the boy who was frowning at her. She looked down not liking the frown on his face. "Goodbye..." she bowed quickly, turning to leave. The warmth of his hand quickly filled her with sadness as he pulled her back into his arms. Confused at his actions she turned to face him in the embrace. As soon as she was facing him he leaned down and gently pressed his lips to hers. She became more confused at both his actions and the way her heart was reacting to them. Before she could figure any of that out, he broke the kiss, gently brushing her hair behind her ear.
"I promise I'll find a way for us to be together. Somehow..." he whispered into her ear as everything went dark.
Emi's peaceful sleep was interrupted by a knock on the door and a groan of annoyance beside her making her giggle. She opened her eyes and watched as Atemu sat up and slipped into his shoes that were beside the bed before replying to whoever was knocking. Mahado entered and bowed.
Atemu and his priest began to talk by the door as Emi tried to wake herself up. She watched tiredly as Mahado handed Atemu something.
"Thank you, my friend." she heard Atemu say as Mahado lightly blushed in embarrassment at the king's gratitude. Mahado bowed once more and excused himself. By the time Emi had fully woken up and gotten out of bed, Atemu had completely downed the contents of the cup. She quickly hugged him from behind which made him tense for a moment before relaxing.
"Today's going to be a long day." he sighed making her giggle and release him from the hug.
"Ah, yes. It must be so bad to listen to people congratulate you and give you gifts." Emi teased making Atemu slightly chuckle before shaking his head.
"You'll see. It's going to be boring and somewhat annoying." Atemu stated, turning his head toward the balcony to see the position of the sun.
"Annoying? Wait... What do you mean I'll see?" Emi questioned, staring at Atemu who turned to look back.
"What? You're not going to come keep me company?" Emi could see the smile he was holding back that made her sigh. He knew there was no way she'd turn him down.
"All I have to do is stand beside you, right?" she asked as he nodded, causing her to sigh again. "Very well then. I shall go with you." she decided.
Atemu was right to say the least. He had started out presenting himself to his people by standing on a balcony that was at the front of the palace. Emi stood back amused at him. He was a great leader when it came to a lot of things but public speaking wasn't one of his strong points. The speech he gave wasn't so bad once he got over his nerves. Afterward Shimon, Atemu and Emi made their way to the throne room. There they were greeted by the Pharaoh's six high priests. On one side was Seth, Mahado, and Akunadin, and on the other side stood Isis, Shada, and Karim. Atemu took his seat on the throne as Emi stood on his left and Shimon on his right.
This must have been what Atemu had been referring to as annoying. Emi was growing more and more annoyed and uncomfortable. People came before the throne one at a time to congratulate and to give an offering to the new pharaoh. Emi wished for nothing more than to have her cloak and hide. It seemed everyone that came to stand before them gawked at her and all the stares were uncomfortable to her. As for what was annoying to her, it seemed obvious to everyone there. It seemed that the most popular gift for the girl nobles was to try and talk the pharaoh into giving themselves to him, which Atemu always politely declined.
One stare that Emi didn't mind came from a couple. A young king and one of his wives came forward and Atemu instantly stood and went to greet them, which surprised Emi. He hadn't done that for any of the other people. Shimon noticed the look of curiosity that crossed Emi's face and explained that they were both good friends of Atemu from an allying kingdom. Being so far away, Atemu rarely saw them. Emi watched curiously as he greeted his long time friends before noticing that the girl stared back with curiosity filling her eyes. They were interesting people to Emi. The girl wore clothes that covered her entire body along with a hood that covered her head. She even wore a cloth over the bottom half of her face. Nothing but the girl's eyes could be seen. Once Emi noticed the girl was staring back, Emi timidly smiled. Atemu suddenly turned to her making her nervous as he waved her forward.
"This is Emi. We are soon to be married." Atemu introduced her while she walked over. A blush quickly spread across her face as she reached them and bowed.
"How interesting. I've never seen anyone so pale. You are quite a rare beauty. I wish you both happiness for your future." the king had said in a cheery voice. The two were a happy and interesting couple Emi come to realize as she listened to them talk. Emi and the girl questioned each other excitedly about the difference the kingdoms shared.
After the two left, the annoyance and uncomfortable stares started up yet again. Emi finally had enough and slightly tapped Atemu on the shoulder as a group of nobles left.
"Pharaoh, may I be excused?" she timidly whispered as Atemu looked up at her.
"Is everything alright, Emi?" he asked back unsure why she wanted to leave making her nod in response.
"Yes, everything is fine. I've just grown tired and wish to go to my room to rest." she quickly thought up a reply and Atemu nodded looking back ahead.
"Mahado!" he called, making Emi tense as the priest walked forward and bowed.
"Please escorte Lady Emi to her room." the pharaoh ordered as Emi shook her head.
"I don't need an escort. I'm not a child!" Emi argued making Atemu look back to her. He opened his mouth to argue back but stopped as Shimon chuckled.
"Dear Emi, you shouldn't argue with the Pharaoh." he informed making Emi blush and sigh. Atemu quickly grabbed Emi by the hand and smile softly.
"I know but the palace is full of nobles and foreigners right now. I'd feel better if Mahado walked you there." he explained as Emi quickly returned his smile.
"Shall we go, Lady Emi?" Mahado asked as Emi nodded and left the throne room with Mahado.
"I'm sorry if I'm causing you any trouble Mahado." Emi quickly said once in the hallways.
"It's no trouble, lady Emi." he replied making Emi smile.
"You're a good and loyal friend Mahado." Emi stated remember stories Mana and Atemu both told her. However Mahado's reply didn't reach Emi because at that moment she stopped walking and forced all her attention to a familiar pull that suddenly came to her.
"He's here." she muttered turning to walk back toward the throne room.
"Lady Emi?" Mahado stopped and turned to her confused as she looked to him and smiled.
"Shall we?" she quickly continued walking making her way to the room quickly.
"Thank you for escorting me Mahado." she slightly bowed and entered her room without waiting for Mahado to reply. Emi quickly walked over to grabbed her cloak and put it on before peeking out her door. Emi slightly moved the cloth that hung over the doorway back to peek through making sure Mahado already left before leaving her room. That mysterious boy that seemed to plague her dream was nearby. She made sure the hood of her cloak covered her head before entering the main hallway. Emi was careful not to bump the nobles that seemed to crowd this part of the palace. With a sigh, she followed the pull out of the main hall unnoticed before freezing near a large pair of doors. The pull seemed to lead her out through these doors but these doors would lead her outside the palace. Should she continue her search or head back? Atemu would be furious if she left and it was dangerous, but if she didn't she would always wonder. Biting her bottom lip she continued forward leaving the safety of the palace.
"Caw!" The birds called out around her. Emi made her way along the outside of the palace walls. The sudden sound made the nervous girl jump and place her hands over her heart. "Caw! Caw!" It sounded louder causing her to shriek as a falcon swooped right by her head landing on the palace wall. Emi looked up at the bird wide eyed as it flapped its wings just before standing on the wall. It almost felt as if that falcon was watching her. Emi bit her lip ignoring her gut as it told her to return to the palace.
"Caw!" the falcon called again flapping its wings as Emi started walking again. She sighed in relief when she no longer heard the annoying bird. A strong wind blew kicking the girl's hood off her head but the pale girl paid it no mind, stepping forward. The young girl walked on. A tiny bit of weight was felt on her head suddenly. Much to the girl's dismay and horror, the falcon quickly landed on Emi's head.
"Caw!" it sounded loudly as Emi waved her arms around trying to scare the bird away. She hissed in pain as the bird started to fly the way she came with it's claws wrapped and entangled in Emi's hair.
"Let me go!" Emi shouted angrily trying to reach for the bird as well as turn to face it, but neither was working. Since when have bird's been so smart and annoying!? As if she had been hit by a brick or maybe something more like a soundless voice giving her a answer, Emi stopped.
"Horus?" she asked the bird who screeched releasing Emi's hair and flying to the palace wall again. Emi opened her mouth to speak but no words came. In a flash the falcon cried out as a knife flew through the air and hit it making the strange bird vanish into a bright blue light. Laughter filled the air. Emi quickly turned to the source and stared in surprise at the boy before her. Her gaze glued to the roof where the figure stood. She had expected the stranger that plagued her but not him, not Bakura.
"Well if it isn't the girl from the temple of Ra." the thief hissed in greeting before suddenly smirking at the girl. "Sorry to disappoint you, but I'm the only one here." he mused jumping off the roof he'd been standing on with ease. Emi flinched at the movement and tensed, cursing herself for leaving the palace.
"Leave now, Bakura." she ordered making the thief stop and laugh.
"I've been hearing some terribly interesting things, Emi. Such as you and the prince loving each other." the thief spat in disgust making Emi glare harshly at him.
"If you have a point thief I suggest you make it and leave." Emi spat trying to tap into her inner Sethcausing Bakura to scoff.
"Humph, fine. Tell me dear light, what do you think the Pharaoh would give to get his love back?" Bakura wondered as Emi covered her mouth to try and keep from having the thief see her laugh, but he had seen anyway and glared daggers at the girl. "And what the hell is so funny?".
"Really? Your master plan is to kidnap me and get some type of ransom? That's just so…hm.. unoriginal? Is that the word I'm thinking of?" Emi tapped her finger against her chin before shrugging. "Regardless, it won't work. You'd only be setting the board in the Pharaoh's favor. A game which you could never win." Emi finished confidently as the thief growled in annoyance. Emi was really surprising herself. She usually wasn't so confident and fearless. Where was the sudden change coming from?
"We shall see about that..."
From the corner of her eyes she saw light glimmer off the blade as it moved toward her from the right. Quickly realizing this she flung herself back barely dodging the blade as it whisked by her. She didn't even get the chance to register anything else as he pushed himself forward forcing the blade back to the left catching Emi's shoulder with it. Using his other foot he pulled back while Emi winced and grabbed her now bleeding shoulder. Bakura chuckled darkly before moving forward again.
The thief's eyes slightly widened making him jump back as something that looked like a black energy ball rushed passed, barely missing him. The white haired thief hissed as a figure ran toward them.
"Lady Emi, are you alright?" the figure asked suddenly by her side. Glancing in the figure's direction, Emi easily recognized him.
"Mahado?!" she questioned in surprise as the priest moved protectively in front of her.
"You shall not hurt the future Queen any longer. Your fight is now with me, thief." The priest spoke in a calm but deadly manner making the thief growl. The two grew confused as the thief suddenly burst out laughing.
"This could not be more perfect. Your Sennen Ring shall be mine Priest." the thief declared launching himself forward to attack. Mahado readied his sword. Emi did her best to focus on their fight. A deadly dance of swords began. Twisting, dodging, parrying, and waiting for the right moment to strike was the two's main focus. They had been at it for some time, making small cuts all over each other. Bakura was able to slice Mahado's leg making it harder for the priest to dodge the thief's attacks. Mahado gave Bakura a deep cut along Bakura's forearm that held his sword. Their little dance seem to be never ending until the thief kicked Mahado's injured leg distracting him long enough to make a large cut along the priest's torso. Emi cried out in worry as Mahado fell down to his knees in pain. Bakura smirked in triumph as he stepped forward, ready to deliver the final blow. Without a second thought, Emi launched herself forward tackling the thief and knocking his sword out of his hand before biting the wrist of his dominate arm.
Bakura cursed to himself as he started hitting the top of Emi's head trying to get her to release him. Blood slowly trailed down her head as she continued to hold on.
"You curs-ed hard headed woman! Release me" Bakura roared. The girl gasped out at the contact his fist suddenly made with her gut allowing him the escape. Before any of that could register in her mind, he threw her roughly to the ground and grabbed his sword.
"Farewell wretch." he smiled wickedly as he pushed his sword forward. Emi's eyes widen in disbelief. In the blink of an eye Mahado was there taking the hit. Bakura's sword pierced all the way through Mahado's stomach. The thief ripped his sword from the priest.
"Mahado!" She glared at Bakura. "You monster!" Emi shouted at him while running to her friend. Before she could get to him Bakura knocked her into the palace wall. He then turned to the priest, taking the Sennen Ring as his prize.
"Mahado! Emi!" a voice shouted as several feet were heard running to them.
"And that's my cue to leave." the thief announced spotting palace guards running for him as he ran to make his escape.
"Mahado." the voice spoke as movement was heard. "Emi." Priestess Isis came into view checking her wounds.
"Lady Isis, we've lost track of the thief and are currently combing the city for him. We shall do our best to capture him!" a guard informed her with a bow. Isis nodded.
"Go fetch Priest Shada and Priest Seth. Have them meet me in the consulting room." Isis ordered the guard as he bowed and left.
"You three! Assist me in taking these two to the consulting room." she ordered some nearby guards as they instantly obeyed.
Disclaimer: Guess what... I do not own Yugioh!
Sorry it took so long to update. R&R!