Chapter 19
The pharaoh stood on the midst of the field while adjusting his scant protective-gear, his exclusive gymnasium reserved in its entirety as he faced his cousin. An aggravating concern settled into his mind since the previous night, willing to assess his condition as Ra was reborn over the heavens.
The priest received the royal man into his apartments without a scheduled appointment at first light, sharing his concerns and requesting his assistance.
Their respective millennium items were present, the puzzle resting before the royal's chest while Seth's rod between his hand.
The pharaoh left his chest exposed, the habitual golden bands on his legs and arms replaced by leather straps whilst dressed in a sanguine-tone shendyt. No jewelry or cumbersome ornament adorned his smart features, the man prepared for the vehemence of battle.
"As you requested, whatever happens, nothing will leave the premises." Seth illustrated, his elegant fingers undoing the clasp of his tunic and exposing a similar armor design as the pharaoh's; the shendyt dressing his toned frame made of an azure complexion. His chest was barely exposed under the protection of a magnificent pair of crossed eagle wings, the leathered gear exquisitely crafted.
The room itself was large enough to fit a multitude, the walls assembled of stone with no existing windows that permitted the intrusion of external light. Surrounding torches were generously distributed, the inside offering abundant luminosity while originally constructed stands spread among the structure for selected audiences.
With a sharp sound, Seth's tunic was handily discarded before facing his sovereign, the solemn expression reaching his icy gaze.
"Are you ready?" He asked, Atemu answering the severity in his crimson eyes.
"Don't hold back." The baritone voice decreed, his form proudly bestowed against his rival.
Seth's short locks motioned while summoning his power, a hand raised as the rip of dimension opened, the coldness of an alternate reality slipping into the room as it caressed the pharaoh's golden strands.
A beast-like creature manifested into the sand floor, the greenish complexion clothing a powerful build as he stood at the arena while a single eye opened instantly.
The ruler's sharp gaze arrayed a mild frown, no change in his posture as he faced the monstrous giant. The sharp claws dug into the ground, threads of saliva dripping from his eerie fangs as the beast incorporated before its master, the size of his full stature easily surpassing the royal by several feet.
"Best me with a summon of your own!" The councilor instructed, not allowing the warrior to employ the dagger on the side of his calf as a means of defense; knowing full well the man would be able to defeat the creature with his physical prowess alone.
Atemu's hair stirred as a flaming hue glimmered in his keen stare, feeling the power slip through his fingertips before clashing with the obstruction of his own seal, the sensation as firm as bursting into a wall.
The back of his mind alerted him of the menace within the darkness, the whispers carefully intruding over the cracks of his mental defense.
"Don't rely on the power of the puzzle." His cousin demanded, the creature serenely waiting for his command. "Put your progress to the test."
The pharaoh felt the perspiration slip through his skin from the effort of his summoning, his scant reserves emptying rapidly while trying to preserve his strength.
He could picture the distribution of his power like the shape of a massive sand-glass, the scant flow of the gravel blocked by his doing and relying on what little remained on the bottom of the timepiece.
The static force of the rip began to emerge, the opening manifesting a silver wolf from the onyx mist.
The creature itself was modest unlike his brutish adversary, a deep growl conveyed from his throat while pulling his fangs into display.
"Begin." The priest declared, bracing for the expected attack with patience while monitoring his cousin's condition.
Brief hesitation coursed through his mind, the reluctance of his actions apparent after an extended pause.
"What's wrong?" The eldest incited, hardly bothering to expect a response. "Your wounds are healed Atemu, lift those doubts from your mind. This is not a deity, but a basic Ka even a table-knife can kill."
Like an expected response toward a previous burn, the royal wavered before the flame, aware his flow of magic was functional.
Feeling the telepathic link between his familiar, the pharaoh ultimately issued the order of attack.
The wolf's sharp ears stirred faintly before pulling back its proud head with a threatening howl, the long legs pushing it forward with impressive speed toward the cyclops before producing a notable jump.
Yugi found himself calmly settled before the lovely heiress, unable to let his eyes rest while admiring the finely detailed arrangement of her radiant apartments. A soft breeze caressed the delicate curtains of the massive arched windows, the abundant furniture spread among the room and balcony. A private garden was provided for her exclusive use, the fragrant scent of jasmines filtering over the ambiance and mixing with the humid sea-air coming from ashore.
Unlike alternate rooms this one permitted access of ample light, the walls painted and decorated in alabaster tones. The spacious bed was dressed in cobalt sheets and curtains while crafted stars of glass and silver hanged from the ceiling.
"You have such a lovely room, I'm so happy you offered me an invitation." The prince mentioned with a velvet smile, the action reciprocated by the girl at the other side of the table.
"You are always welcomed your grace, but please there is no need for formalities, call me Kisara."
Yugi was thankful his servants procured his appearance with spare care after the daily service by the temple of Ptah. The goddess before him wore an exquisite lavender piece over her milky bodice, the piece fastened by an emerald and golden belt in her diminutive waist while her shoulders held an ample necklace of the same material, crafted lotus flowers displayed in a loop-like direction. He noticed that she rarely wore jewelry, preferring a modest presentation like the uncomplicated settings of her room.
"Oh, please just call me Yugi." The prince closed his eyes with an embarrassed look in his small face, his hands expressing the emotion with urgent shakes. "To be honest I have never been addressed so formally until my arrival in Khemet."
The small dancer wore an elegant dress of olive tonality, the liquid fabric dancing with each movement. His waist was covered by two crossed wings of golden textile, shiny jade stones beautifully attached to each feather.
His hairdresser had arrived earlier that day to procurer further experiments on his extensive locks, the heavy fibers straighten and his golden and crimson bangs arranged in braids with the symmetricity of the Egyptian forelock cut into it from his extensions.
A golden choker and arm bands were secured over his pale skin, his eyes dressed in heavy kohl to accentuate his long eyelashes and golden dust with a beryl tint drawn into his eyelids.
"I been meaning to request some of your time before, but I understand how busy you must be." The heiress mentioned while her delicate hands held a small golden kettle, the piece pouring a fragrant amount of koshary tea into her guest's glass. "I'm sorry for selfishly bothering you from work."
"No!" Yugi launched forward, half his body inclined over the table as his hands held Kisara's between the tea set. "Of course not! I'm really happy you called me, please, I'll always make time for you, princess!"
Kisara reflected her surprise through her ice-shade gaze, the impression soon replaced by the loveliest of smiles.
"Thank you, Yugi." She answered, the dancer himself noticing his forward actions and an evident blush appearing on his face as he let go of her hostess' soft hands.
The fragrance of the tea helped cleared his fluster as the girl offered a crystal container with cane sugar inside, mint leaves taken between her delicate fingers and placed inside her own drink. He made sure to sip the hot beverage carefully, the sweet aftertaste drawing a satisfying gleam into his amethyst eyes.
"It's delicious." He whispered mostly to himself.
"I'm glad you enjoy it, this is actually my personal favorite." The tips of her fingers touched in a pleased expression, the genuine affection reaching her eyes.
"I prefer the sweet kind over black tea, I feel a little embarrassed to put too much sugar during tea time." The prince recalled the numerous meetings with royal guests, too shy to reach after honey or further sweetener especially when the pharaoh indulged in fresh mint-water or diluted wine.
'I look feminine enough as it is, I don't need more of his teasing over my drink preferences.' The eldest thought with a faint pout on his tender lips.
"I know what you mean, my father scolds me every time I break protocol at public appearances. He says I resemble my uncle a little too much." She giggled angelically, her slender finger bent before her lips in modest amusement.
"I'm sure he didn't mean that as a compliment." The teen raised an eye-brow, strongly disagreeing with Priest Seth in such regard.
The princess was delicate and overly beautiful, overflowing with kindness and procuring a serene aura like the calmly washing of the waves over the shore. Unlike her, Atemu was the manifestation of fire itself, victim of his demonic outbursts and lustful advancements.
"Indeed, but even so…" The girl mentioned, her crystal gaze reflecting a caring devotion. "He is the kindest man I have ever met besides my father. I love his confidence and generosity. Always moving forward with honest conviction. He rightfully earned everyone's respect and admiration."
The prince's eyes opened in surprise, his heart skipping a beat as he recalled those soft lips resting on top of his heartbeat as they returned to bed the previous night of his weakened state, his arms embracing his middle as both settled into a dreamless sleep.
"You must truly love him." The teen expressed without malice or jealousy, surprising himself at the colossal progress of his feelings over the man that was once considered his most hated enemy.
Kisara's pale complexion flashed a glowing red in a demonstration of embarrassment, frenetically shaking her hands in disclaiming motions.
"Please don't misunderstand Yugi, I didn't mean that in a romantic way." The girl mentioned hurriedly, the prince surprised at the contrasting expression of her calmly manner. "Actually, I always loved my uncle very much but I…"
"You didn't see him as anything more than family." The teen finished for her, lastly understanding his own lack of apprehension whenever he saw both of them together.
Kisara's hands rested on top of her lap, a sorrowful grimace reflected in her delicate visage.
"Since I was born I was meant to marry the next heir of the throne. As a princess, it was my duty and I never dared to contradict such expectations. But…' Her hands pressed harder into her dress, the confession of her deepest thoughts struggling to surface into the open.
"I was glad when they announced that he was going to marry a Nubian heir, and now that I met you I couldn't be happier for him. I can tell you truly love him!"
Yugi's face resembled the same shade of the girl, fearing some heat would escape from his ears.
"I get it, Kisara! It's fine, you don't have to explain yourself." The prince mentioned, trying his best to recover some composure.
"You are not mad at me?" The girl asked, the sad reflection replaced by concern.
"Why would I?" The eldest questioned, trying his best to procure some security in his expression. "I have no reason to doubt you and I thank you for been honest with me about this."
Kisara took a slight breath, her fingers resting over her delicate chest as a smile returned to her lips.
"I just want things to be clear between us, after all, we will be family soon and I couldn't be happier."
Yugi's blush rebounded, his heart skipping a beat as he turned his look sideways. A part of him faintly understood Priest Seth's comment, the pharaoh's smooth approach clearly engraved in his linage.
"I guess it was impossible to speak our minds about the subject at all. Especially since our last meeting, I honestly thought Mana was going to faint with the tourney champion there." The prince laughed over the edge of his glass, the remembrance of the apprentice's scarlet face gleaming from under her wild hair during the private dinner with the royal company, both champions present.
"It was refreshing to see Jonoh rush towards Master Duke when he caught him speaking with his sister."
"I really thought he was going to punch him." Yugi admitted.
"Nonetheless, that evening wasn't nearly as magnificent as the night when you danced for us. You surely took everyone's breath away with your performance, I was so impressed!" Kisara exclaimed with a beautiful glim in her eyes.
"It was nothing!" The dancer proclaimed with shyness, Kisara hardly agreeing with such sentiment.
"Of course not! It was truly wonderful. I'm a terrible dancer myself so I really admire your marvelous gift." The girl admitted, the prince surprised to hear the perfect creature before him not excel at something.
Their pleasant mood was interrupted by a knock on the door, the heiress permitting the entry of the visitor.
A royal servant-girl bowed respectfully, the symmetrical edges of her ebony wig flowing against her shoulder as she inclined.
"Please excuse the interruption, your grace. I merely brought the fabrics you requested." Her small voice clarified while keeping her reverence.
"Oh, yes of course." The teen reacted with a hand over her lips, offering her guest an apologetic look. "I'm deeply sorry Yugi, would you excuse me for a few minutes?"
"Not at all, please take your time!" The prince motioned sincerely.
"Shall we order more tea as well?" The girl suggested with a wink as she stood, the prince agreeing with a smile as his hands rested over his empty glass.
He could listen their faint voices in the background mixing with the shifting of the flowers, a peaceful feeling satiating his heart after an abrasive week of duties. His frame rested against the back of the chair, shifting his small feet over the stool under him as he let the soft breeze caress his skin.
He was thankful for the opportunity of an audience with the princess, her presence and smile awarding him with much-needed peace of mind.
"Yugi." A whisper drew his attention, his name called repeatedly as the teen opened his eyes in confusion.
A strange bush of wild hair sprouted from the vegetation, Mana's playful eyes calling for the prince whose heart almost jumped out of his chest. She placed a finger on top of her lips as her opposite hand motioned for the teen's approach, the dancer turning toward Kisara who was still engaged with her current task.
"Mana why are you hiding?" The eldest questioned while kneeling close to the intruder, certain the avid apprentice would have busted through the door unannounced under normal circumstances.
The girl shushed him again, lowering her voice even further as she approached the prince's face.
"I need your help and I don't want Kisara to find out." The teen began, her face uncharacteristically pale after finishing her sentence.
"Find out about what?" The velvet voice of the princess questioned, Yugi's heart again threatening to escape as he almost lost his balance.
Unable to answer, both teens remained frozen, Mana's expression sulking without able to face her friend while her body withdrew deeper into the bush.
"Mana you have always told me everything, why are you suddenly acting so distant?" The beautiful girl asked with a sad tone in her voice, her hands searching for her best friend who still couldn't face her. "Did I do something to offend you?"
"Of course not, idiot! You could never do something to hurt me!" The apprentice exclaimed, her hazel gaze turning from anger to disappointment at flashing speed.
"Is it something you can't tell us together?" The prince asked as he recovered his composure, patiently waiting for an answer as the girl debated her options.
"Atemu and Seth are dueling in the gymnasium." The girl lastly began after a prolonged pause, looking into each of their eyes with a fiery determination. "It's supposed to be a secret, but I know how to get in without anyone finding out!"
"Why would want to see them Mana?" The prince asked with confusion.
It was common knowledge the pharaoh permitted visitors during his sparing and training exercises, wondering if there was a connection about the secret duel with the previous night events.
"Because…" The girl struggled to answer, a clear frustration displayed in her eyes while recalling the regretful words toward her master. "I don't want to disappoint the people I care about anymore."
Both royals opened their eyes in surprise, one of them unable to understand Mana's feelings while the other recalled the oasis' scene from previous days.
"Mana, what do you mean by 'disappoint'?" Kisara asked, sadness and confusion clearly displayed in her diamond gaze.
"I would get a better idea of Ka summoning if I could witness it myself. The best masters in the country are battling right now. I'll never have an opportunity like this again!" The pupil admitted, forcibly closing her eyes under her bangs as small tears threatened to spill.
After a prolonged pause, Yugi exhibited a faint frown on his slender face, his eyes burning with determination as his hand rested on top of Mana's shaggy hair; her eyes opened in surprise at the unexpected touch.
"It's alright Mana, if it's that important to you then I'll help you." The dancer encouraged, his heart beating quickly as he saw the apprentice's gaze glim with hope and excitement.
"I'm terribly sorry Kisara, but I guess I cannot stay for another cup of tea." The teen apologized sincerely, regret displayed in his amethyst's eyes.
The princess pressed her fists against her chest while shaking her silver hair in denial motions, her eyes burning with a fierce conviction of her own.
"I will go with you guys!"
Both dancer and apprentice opened their eyes in surprise, the pupil quick to voice her opposition to their suggestion of trouble.
"Kisara you can't, if you go missing and Jonoh finds out he will…" Her objection was cut short as the girl took her hand.
"Please Mana, there's something I must see for myself." She answered plainly, not offering further explanation and neither willing to back off.
"Mana is right, we could get in so much…" Yugi tried to reason, his efforts wasted by the apprentice's answer.
"All right."
"What?" The prince's eyes reflected his disbelief, not willing to put the heiress into any dangerous situation.
"It's fine Yugi, if anything happens I'll take the blame and whatever punishment they throw at us." The girl resolved, unable to argue as the strong-will brimmed from her gaze.
Unable to hide his concern the trio settled into their small adventure, Yugi's stomach fluttering with uneasiness and praying to the gods for their success.
He experienced Atemu's anger once, unwilling to additionally suffer through priest's Seth fury if they were caught sneaking in.
'So much for a quiet day.' The dancer thought as he followed after the pupil, helping Kisara stand as they headed back into the inviting room; the fresh tea gone cold over the table.
The exertion was evident on the pharaoh's burdensome breathing, unable to conceal it in its entirety while perspiration slipped through his rough muscles.
Seth noticed the struggle in Atemu's control over his Ka, the creature attacking his cyclops with animalistic blows rather than the expected clean strikes employed by the royal.
The man clicked his tongue in displeasure, his familiar shaking his head in annoyance as he rebelled against his orders.
"Call it back, Atemu." The priest advised, damaged hardly bestowed over the brutish muscle of his own conjure.
The royal offered no answer, a cumbersome sting felt through each fiber of his skin like an electrified mantle.
Once more the wolf shook its proud head, its amber eyes closing while snapping at the air in irritation. The creature felt the dominating pressure over his back, his fur standing on the edge while growling dangerously.
Presently, the trio utilized an alternate exit from Kisara's room, the same the apprentice used to avoid detection of both guards and Jonoh outside of the heiress' room.
The vast gardens offered a perfect camouflage throughout their way, the girl's amber look spotting the quartet of guards standing over the ample doors of the private gymnasium, the only means of entrance evidently blocked.
"What now?" The prince asked in hushed tones, his hands unusually damp from the inner excitement in his chest.
"Over here." The apprentice took both of their hands without hesitation, their slender frames embracing the stone-wall against the massive vegetation.
A ventilation tunnel with slim metal bars was revealed among the shadows, the brilliant girl previously casting a spell that left a loose rail. Yugi kneeled over the entrance for a closer inspection, noticing the confined passage and aware that no adult would be able to fit through the narrow space, a fresh breeze cooling his hot face from the previous exertion.
"Once we go through we can hide between the stands, they won't spot us unless we stand." Mana whispered with confidence, her eyes noticing the numerous ornaments on Yugi's skin.
Understanding her unspoken point, the prince quickly discarded everything that could raise the slightest alarm, the small treasure hidden at the rear of a nearby stone.
"You'll ruin your dress Kisara." Yugi motioned as his amethyst eyes spotted the rich fabric of her vestment, the girl's clear eyes displaying a persuasive sentiment while closing her fists before her chest.
"It's all right." She answered unperturbed.
The prince responded with a simple nod before extending his right leg, the fabric of his dress quickly restraining his movement before his slender hands took hold of it.
A ripping sound rang between them, both girls' eyes opening in surprise and turning their heads toward the royal; his exposed leg bare among the ruined fabric, the tear reaching the root of his pearly thigh.
Unable to speak, Mana manifested her concern through her eyes at the prince's ruined dress, the teen himself offering a silky smile while petting her head.
"We don't have time, don't worry about it." He comforted, his hand reaching for a golden clasp confided on the side of his dress and effortlessly wrapping his hair in a high-tail, the beautiful band commonly employed during his dancing practices.
A soft blush emerged from Kisara's pale cheeks, her heart skipping a beat at the prince's display of kindness.
"Let's go." The apprentice whispered, placing her knees and hands on the floor as she entered the tunnel.
Yugi offered a hand toward the heiress, the girl taken by surprise.
"Whatever happens just stay close to me." He instructed, his feminine appearance dispelling before the unexpected gallantry of his words. Her flush enhanced as the girl took his hand, bravely following after the apprentice without hesitation, her skirt ruined by the time she found herself inside the room.
Yugi's eyes took a moment to adjust into the darkness, no thought of care spared as the damp earth under him ruined his manicure, the top of his massive hair brushing the ceiling of the passage.
He could listen the battle cries echo amid the premises, a terrifying growl threatening to freeze his body as he reached the opposite side.
Both girls were waiting for him by the time his head poked from the tunnel, Mana placing her finger in her lips as her head lay hidden under the cover of the public sittings.
Recalling her instructions, the small dancer approached them without rising. His hands reached for the top of the railing while spying from the edge with caution, marveling the stunning presence of the monstrous battle.
Unaware of the unexpected visitors, the pharaoh relayed an order of attack, the silver wolf throwing a strenuous howl before black static manifested from its mouth.
Seth called for a defensive stance as onyx lightning escaped from the were-beast, feeling the sting of the attack as the cyclops's forearms transmitted a faint trail of smoke from the hit.
"A few more of those and I 'might' feel a scratch." The priest mocked, his cold stare contrasting with a provocative smirk in his sharp lips.
"I'll tie both of my arms next time you spare me, perhaps that will put us on more equal terms." The pharaoh answered, raising an elegant eyebrow while his shoulders flowed in slow motions from the endeavor.
Yugi felt the heat reach his face, enjoying the rare sight of the pharaoh's rough appearance.
Although he knew the man had impeccable taste, he would never voice how becoming the battler genre suited him.
"Finish this in a single blow." Seth ordered, unwilling to prolong the battle if Atemu's proximate attack failed to vanquish his conjure.
Such suggestion was hardly necessary as the royal himself felt the remaining traces of his essence vanish swiftly, any further stalling endangering his consciousness.
Tensed seconds trailed after exceptional concentration, the pharaoh's eyes wide in shock as he felt something amiss, the link over the creature hardly distinguished in his mind.
"It can't be." The man muttered as the Ka held physical presence after the severed connection, the wolf unmoving as it sniffed the air.
Seth noticed the disturbance on his cousin's face, unable to question him as the prompt creature flashed toward the stands, the beast clearly disengaged of the master's control.
"Watch it!" Mana warned as her arm conjured a shield a second too soon, the creature crashing directly against it and unable to sink its fangs over the hidden prey.
Dust blocked the royals' view after the impact, rubble scattered over the ground from the magical blast.
Yugi coughed heavily, lightheadedness blurring his vision after the strength of the blow pushed him away.
"Mana!" Kisara called frantically amid a coughing fit, her body sheltered by the young apprentice after taking the full hit and knocking her unconscious.
Overhearing the unexpected voice of his daughter among the chaos, the minister bared a look of dread.
"Dispel it!" He urged, unaware of Atemu's unceasing attempts.
The creature stood slowly, shaking its massive head and growling into the air, rage displayed in its keen eyes.
The princess' dread faded her already pale complexion after continuous efforts to wake her friend, her eyes shifting from Mana's senseless body to the creature, sharp fangs menacingly displayed.
Pulling its back paws, the wolf attempted a repeated attack, the speed so immediate it rendered all useless.
Unaware, Kisara's conception of time halted, her vision blurring as her mind refused to abide her command. The glim of her frost-shade eyes vanished, her small frame unmoving before the danger as all noise dispelled.
Inexplicably, her silver hair drifted on its own as a slight aura manifested from her pale skin.
A faint cry drifted into the air, the wolf thrown anew after something pushed against it amid its jolt.
Yugi gasped as he pressed his right arm close, a slim trace of blood flowing from an open wound. His hair dropped disorderly over his face, painful waves erupting from the muscle in his shoulder and bicep.
"Kisara run!" The prince ordered while facing the beast, the creature recovering from the fall immediately.
Responsively, Atemu ran after the ka, taking hold of the knife on his side while sprinting toward the creature.
Seth followed directly after him, pulling the hidden dagger from his Millennium Rod.
The wolf, noticing the increased opponents, summoned a dark bolt of energy; the attack flashing straight to the priest.
Hesitating briefly, the royal turned his flaming eyes toward his cousin, smoke pouring from his arms with faint static sparking against his armor.
"KILL IT!" He urged, the hit scarcely harming his skin as his sharp reflexes transferred the damage into the cyclops.
"Kisara!" The dancer ultimately noticed her state of trance, her form unmoving over the floor while deaf to his call.
Powerless, the prince faced the wolf, unwilling to abandon his friends into harm's way. He knew it was futile to regret his actions, absurdly able to foretell their current predicament.
'Atemu will save them while I buy him some time.' The teen resigned, unable to process further as he braced for the impending torment; holding his remaining arm in a defensive posture.
'I won't make it!' The pharaoh growled internally, the strain on his legs felt as he pressed further toward the creature, no essence left in him to summon a defensive spell.
Unexpected energy manifested between the royal and were-beast, a forceful spell freezing the Ka midair.
Jonoh's eyes flashed a murderous glare, the soldier vaulting into assault as his sword pierced the demon's thick coat, the wolf's howling conveying its agony as the pharaoh thrust his dagger into its back a second later; smoke enveloping the form of the demon as it vanished.
Yugi opened his eyes instantly, Malik's presence manifesting from the shadows after Jonoh managed to force his entry from the guarded entrance.
The mentor approached both girls hastily, a frown featured in his serene appearance as he took in Kisara's state.
Seth ultimately reached their group, his tall frame eclipsing the veteran as he pulled back his arm.
A punch echoed amid the room as the hit connected over Jonoh's face, his skin cut-opened by the brutish strength of the priest before grasping the edge of his armor.
"HOW DID YOU LET KISARA OUT OF YOUR SIGHT?" The man's fury froze everyone in the premises, the unexpected outburst making the small prince shiver.
The guard offered no response, avoiding the look of the councilor while reproaching himself over his incompetence.
Eventually, the princess' eyes reflected a sign of life. No remembrance dwelled of her hypnotic state, watching events unfold as her perceptive mind interpreted the current situation; an expression of horror manifesting in her artistic face as she saw her father's crushing hold over Jonoh.
"Father, wait!" The princess rushed between both men, her arms extending laterally in a protective stance. "Jonoh is not to blame, it was my fault!"
Seth's glare evolved into a confused scowl, the priest unwilling to appease his fury even from his own daughter. "What were you thinking?"
"I convinced Yugi and Mana of this mischief, please forgive them, I'm…"
The princess' orbs once again lost their focus, her eyelids shutting as her slender frame fell into Jonoh's reflexive arms, her silver hair cascading between the fall as her consciousness faded.
"Kisara!" Seth called after her, Jonoh's eyes shaking as he held the small girl against him.
Malik approached immediately, his hand covering the princess' brow.
"She'll be fine, best we taken them to Isis." The mentor urged, going back toward the apprentice lying on the floor, Yugi by her side.
The slender caster took her carefully into his arms, his lavender eyes falling into the royal.
"Your grace is injured as well, it would be best you accompany us."
"I'll be fine, please watch over Mana!" He begged, the pain lessened as his heart beat frantically over their condition.
"Of course." The mentor assured calmly, Jonoh lifting the heiress as well before rushing into the exit.
Seth's piercing gaze sought the sovereign's before following after the group, the pharaoh's scowl evident between the frown of his sanguine eyes.
Yugi felt a crushing pressure constraining him as silence returned, a tremor crawling over his skin while pulling away the loose locks obstructing his vision.
He managed to stand from the ground as the room filled with stillness, his legs weak from the shock, his heart twisting painfully while taking responsibility for his friends' state.
"I shouldn't have allowed this to happen. If anything…" His words were interrupted by the firm grasp of Atemu's hand under his wound, flinching as waves of pain beat under his skin.
Atemu's tongue clicked in apparent displeasure, his anger evident on the gleam of his piercing gaze.
"I'm fine, it's just a scratch." He objected, unable to pull back his arm in a ridiculous attempt to conceal it.
The pharaoh pulled the little one closer, his grasp adding further strain as his eyes burned with the ferocity of a demon. Like a mouse before a snake, the teen stood petrified, the sheer pressure of the sovereign rooting him to the ground.
"I'm in your debt for protecting them." He began, his voice low and menacing. "But why are you always so willing to jump into danger for others?"
"I…" The royal stuttered, unable to find a concrete answer for the unexpected question.
Softening his grip, the man placed some distance, anxiety filling the teen as he felt his heart shatter.
Atemu's eyes no longer revealed anger but fragile grief; the expression so extrinsic Yugi would never conceive the stoic man capable of producing such a broken look in his regal face.
"When will you learn to value yourself more?"
The prince's gaze opened in shock, his orbs trembling after the pharaoh pulled away. An icy clasp shook his body as he listened to the fading steps exit the room, silence once again ruling over the walls.
The teen pulled his hands into his chest, pressing his teeth in anguish while his lotus eyes gleamed faintly.
Yu-Gi-Oh! Is the property of Kazuki Takahashi and is not Maiko's intellectual property. This is for entertainment purposes only. No financial gain was made from this nor will any be sought.