Chapter 20
The sole prisoner lifted his head toward the source of noise with scant attention, various steps resounding among the bleak dungeon.
An aristocratic figure advanced with still composure, two palace's guards at his back as they approached his cell, the severe features belonging to the magistrate of his previous trial.
It didn't take long for Karim's impressive stature to envelop Ryou's over the floor, his eyes reflecting a faint state of sorrow at his assumption of the judge's presence.
Karim found the small prisoner seated while pressing his legs against his chest, an apathetic air hanging over him without bothering to stand before his presence.
Past injuries had healed long ago, his shaved locks currently reaching the tip of his ears. His constitution, however, reflected severe collapse, his skin adhering to the bone while heavy bags dressed his sunken eyes.
It was hard to believe at first sight that such feeble creature managed to harm two palace guards and even attempted to hurt the pharaoh, anyone else but their accomplished ruler fated for certain demise.
The child's age reflected the appearance of a few harvests, the priest venturing to assume his youthful expression conveyed even an innocent allure.
"Finally going to get rid of me?" He whispered after an extended pause, no life present on his broken gaze.
"Not quite." The man answered plainly, his unexpected answer lifting the prisoner's face from its resting place. "The pharaoh decreed a special pardon for you."
A flash of shock was reflected in his expression, the drastic change evident as his body launched forward, his pale hands audibly grasping the metal bars.
"What?" Unable to believe his ears the boy gnawed the inside of his mouth in an attempt to confirm his state of consciousness.
"You will be released and returned to your previous assignments as the prince's personal escort." Karim's stern expression enhanced, the severity of his warning clear in his deep voice. "I'm certain you are aware that any distrustful activity will be settled with the ultimate price for both of you."
Ryou's fade complexion turned almost translucent, his heart beating at a fleeting pace as his body rose without warning.
"Did something happen to him?" He almost yelled his inquiry, the guards' spears reflectively pointing toward the prisoner at his desperate rush.
Karim raised his hand after tensed seconds, the soldiers at ease at once.
"His royal highness is perfectly fine and I trust you will make sure to keep it that way." He informed with even features, undisturbed by the reactions of the prisoner.
"I'll do whatever you order just let me return to his side." The boy begged, his urgency enhancing his already youthful appearance.
'This goes beyond mere service.' The priest thought with distrust at the conviction of the prince's servant, unable to voice his suspicions over a direct order of the pharaoh. 'I dare think he could even rival Mahado's loyalty.'
"I'll brand a special seal before your release. You are smart enough to assume what will happen if you try anything."
"Chain me if you must, I don't care." His grip over the bars was desperate, unwilling to suffer his friend's absence any longer. "I swear I'll protect him."
"We'll see." The man voiced ominously, his head relaying a simple nod so both guards approached the cell's door.
There was no objection nor resistance as the soldiers clasped his wrists and ankles, the boy compliant as he was taken away while pulling the heavy chains, the painful road to his release just commencing.
Yugi felt his concentration drift, letting the soft chatter of his servant girls block his perception as his rumbling thoughts flowed aimlessly.
Resembling a living doll, the girls dressed his slender figure in a long mauve dress, the neckline reaching the middle of his stomach while exposing the marked line between his abdomen, the piece held in place by an oval necklace of coral gems.
Taking his slender wrists with utmost prudence, they slid matching golden bracelets, his right bicep already clasped by a golden snake to dispel any lingering curse from his previous injury.
Even his long hair was decorated by Aurelian rings, the affliction of his extensions no longer tormenting him as they passed an ivory comb through the fibers.
The mellow touch of the girl's hands caressed his long neck, a sweet fragrance of the scented oil reaching his nose with relieving effect.
"I will apply some powder under your eyes, your grace." The woman in charge of his cosmetics coated a burgundy line over his eyelashes, the teen reflexively blinking repeatedly while enduring the drying touches of Kohl.
He appreciated her tactful suggestion, avoiding any offense with her remark of the pronounced bags under his eyes due to his lack of sleep.
"Should I fetch some tea for your highness before the audience?"
"That won't be necessary, Master Shimon will arrive soon." He answered after a slight pause.
His interest hardly returned as he faced the mirror, the perfect reflection of his character as 'Queen' staring back into his weary eyes.
He stayed awake for most of the previous night in an attempt to speak with the pharaoh, unable to summon the courage to knock on his door after treating the wound on his arm, no trace left of the previous affliction.
Any time he could afford would be spent at the healing chambers, repeatedly assured that Mana was out of danger even in her sleeping state. Kisara, on the other hand, was concealed in her own chambers, the girl unharmed and kept from visitors by direct order of Priest Seth.
'I should apologize to Atemu.' The prince decided, unwilling to leave things unresolved between them.
He recalled the hurt expression in his eyes, the small dancer venturing to assume the man was genuinely worried about him.
'I don't want to ever see him make that expression again, especially because of me.' His heart twisted in pain inside his chest, the unexpected question of his partner still circling over his head.
Eventually, one of the girls approached the door after the conventional knock from the guards stationed outside his apartments, the others restoring order into his powder room.
"Priest Shimon's assistant is here to escort you to the audience chamber, your highness."
"Where's Master Shimon?" The prince asked with faint curiosity, turning his slender form in direction of the entrance.
"He is currently with the pharaoh, it seems our ruler is still indisposed and sends his apologies." The man expressed from the entrance, offering a deep reverence after conveying his reasons. He wore a traditional tunic of alabaster shade, a well-trimmed beard dressing his kind smile.
Yugi's eyes shook with concern, his body unconsciously standing slowly.
"Is the pharaoh ill?" He inquired, everyone in the room rooted as they felt the tension of their master's tone.
"I don't have the full details your grace but it seems he suffered a slight collapse. I was under the impression you knew…"
Without warning the prince rushed into the halls, leaving his servant girls and the assistant perplexed in the midst of his sentence.
'Is that the reason he didn't come to my room?' The prince thought frantically, ignoring the bizarre glances over his rushed strides as people stopped to offer their reverences.
His vivid piece flowed with each step while his heart beat hastily, the scant distance between the royal apartments preventing a sprint at full speed.
The stationed guards acknowledged his presence while offering a formal salutation at his approach, the dancer disregarding the standard protocol of his announcement to the figures inside the room as his hand reached for the handle.
"Are you out of your bloody mind!" Yugi's hand froze as he recognized the startling voice of Priest Seth, a strident battle currently resounding inside the suite.
"Sir, please." Shada attempted to appease the counselor, his efforts falling over deaf ears.
"Regardless of what that fool orders, any medical procedure must be informed to the council and approved by it." The man persisted, Yugi's heart jolting as his eyes expressed his disturbance. "How did you just overlook that, Isis?"
"Medical procedure?" He repeated, the serious revelation about his lover's state fueling his current apprehension.
"I did not overlook it, counselor." The priestess offered in a collected manner, the prince able to portray the woman's serene features in his mind while facing the intensive fury of a man such as Seth.
"Well, let me remind you, this is the ruler of the Eastern Empire. Not even your life would suffice to compensate his loss if you failed!"
"Counselor!" Shada objected, a new voice immediately pacifying the tense atmosphere.
"Please your grace, let's all settle down for now." Shimon suggested, his warm tone retrieving some order into the chaotic scene. "What's important now is to monitor the pharaoh's condition and prevent the matter from spreading."
"Wishful thinking after parading our unconscious ruler on the halls last night!" Seth growled, the ring of his words growing clearer as his steps approached the entry.
The prince's heart beat frantically as the door opened without warning, promptly shoving his own figure away before it claimed his nose.
The councilor's tall frame almost collided with the sovereigns', his glare evolving into a look of bewilderment.
"Your Highness!" Shada exclaimed as his eyes recognized the unexpected visitor.
Clicking his tongue in displeasure, the counselor left without so much as a greeting, his anger enhanced as Yugi's presence confirmed the inevitable results of the unpreventable rumors.
"Please come on in your grace." Shimon appealed with a reverence, offering his hand in a welcoming gesture.
Both members of the council stood before the royal, offering their respect through deep inclinations.
"Atemu!" Yugi called from the entrance, his gaze immediately seeking the figure of the pharaoh while his slender hands rested over the bed as soon as he reached him.
The man laid over his back between the ample bed, his bare torso flowing in ascending motions while breathing through his mouth. His skin gleamed due to the heavy perspiration while his expression manifested the pain despite his sleeping state.
"The pharaoh is well your grace, he merely needs rest." Shada explained calmly; his look, however, revealing the massive concern over the leader.
"What happened?" He asked as his gaze fell over those in the room, the pause growing uncomfortable as they kept silent.
Before demanding an answer, Isis turned her ageless eyes into his, the woman's calming aura for once incapable of relieving his affliction.
"Over a year ago, the pharaoh cast a seal on himself to control his immense power. He sought my help to remove it and as expected his body is now exposed to the unending flow of his own energy." The woman resumed the complicated procedure of the case without effort, the prince turning toward Atemu's restless face.
The back of his fingers rested gently over his soaked brow, able to perceive the flaming temperature of his skin before touching him.
"He is burning." The small dancer whispered nervously, watching the ruler's slight endeavor to breath normally.
"It's a contemplated symptom, his body will eventually stabilize." The priestess answered as her tall figure approached the nightstand, her hands compressing the cold water from a new cloth before offering it to the prince.
His grief manifested between his slender brows as he cleaned the sides of Atemu's face with delicacy, a gentle gasp exhaled from his lips as he felt the relieving effect on his skin.
The young dancer couldn't help himself as he took responsibility for the ruler's present state.
The beast that attacked them evidently had broken out of Atemu's control, the prince's careless actions forcing the Pharaoh to pursue drastic means.
"It's my fault." He whispered out loud, his voiced thoughts leaving everyone perplexed.
"Your grace…" Shada began, stopped by the priestess as her gentle hand rested over the prince's shoulder, lifting his face into her enlighten eyes.
"The power of the Millennium Items is both wondrous and dangerous. Regardless of the events that transpired, he alone made the choice to accelerate this procedure instead of letting it fade as I advised him."
Yugi's gaze softened, still unable to mend the pieces of his broken self.
Regardless of the pharaoh's choice he was convinced that his decision to encourage Mana's idea had led to their current predicament.
'I'm still the eldest, I should have known better.' He thought to himself, realizing that he never considered another viable option at the time to help the apprentice.
"Isis is right, your grace. Until he wakes up it would be best that we take care of present matters." Shimon offered, a soft smile spreading on his weathered face.
"Yes, of course." Yugi answered after a slight pause, his fingers rubbing away the frown on his skin, evidently forgetting his duties as he rushed from his room.
"Until the pharaoh awakes it would be best for the 'queen consort' to handle his future audiences. Both Shimon and myself will advise you in anything we can." Shada pointed out.
"Me?" The prince asked with apprehension in his look, a nervous flutter spreading inside his stomach.
"Don't worry your grace, we'll make sure to guide you on every step of the way. Councilor Seth will handle anything that must bear the seal of the pharaoh himself." Shimon encouraged, not the least concerned over the prince's expertise to handle formal affairs.
"Your presence will help us keep rumors contained. We would like to keep this matter from spreading unnecessary trouble." Shada illustrated with severity, his spoken point supported by all present members of the council.
Yugi turned his concerned look toward the figure on the bed, his lover gasping faintly as the golden bangs of his hair adhered to his wet skin. He used his slender fingers to brush them aside, his caring actions noticed by the eldest as his eyes contemplated the loving phenomenon.
No hesitation was perceived from the royal as his back straightened, his reluctance put aside as he transmitted a regal conviction.
"I'm at your service, councilors." The prince offered a formal reverence, the action illustrating his utmost respect for the present figures in the room and gratefulness for their support.
Shimon asserted his incredulity, a sense of pride spreading inside his chest as he took in the massive change of the figure before him.
No trace remained of the scared child that arrived into their country as a political prisoner, instead, a powerful entity manifesting the gracious influence of his power without losing his humble spirit.
Like his master, Shada shared the mutual opinion of the royal before him, Isis' eyes closing while a sincere smile spread in her lips.
"And we at yours, your highness." The young master bowed, the action reciprocated by the others.
Yugi revolved his attention toward the royal, his hands grasping his burning palm as he watched his lover's jaw press with instinctive force. He felt a slight pressure returned against his fingers, seeking the coolness of his skin as the prince brushed the cloth against his neck and shoulders.
"I must finish preparations for the pharaoh's care, I will take my leave for now." The priestess excused herself with a reserved bow.
"I'll accompany you." Shada offered, the urgency of his duties noted on his features. "Your grace, Master."
With a simple nod, Yugi watched the councilors exit the room, Atemu's strong grasp against his palm drawing back his attention.
'Even in sickness, he is such a fighter.' He couldn't help as a gentle smile spread on his angelic features, the action done unconsciously.
The eldest offered no pleasant talk to fill the silence that trailed after the departure of the ministers, his quiet figure motionless as he observed the prince with great attention.
"It's almost humorous how I used to hate him." He admitted without lifting his view. "Even after everything that happened, I unconsciously just rushed to his side when I heard he collapsed."
"There's nothing comical about your concern your grace. In fact, it's admirable." The old man eventually approached after a respectful pause, clasping his hands behind him as he answered. "Although he is far from perfect, both of you share a self-sacrificing nature which brought you together and made you the great rulers you are today."
"You are wrong, Master." The prince denied with slight motions of his head, the rings on his hair chiming softly. "I have done nothing that deserves such praise."
Shimon's wise look sought the royal's, the disgrace reflected in his amethyst gaze.
"I don't believe your grace gives himself enough credit." He began, a keen fire burning in the back of his orbs with avid intentness. "I have seen that boy, since the moment he was born, become the man that now bears the responsibility for thousands of lives. Never once, did I stop praying for him to find the true happiness he truly deserves.'
Taking his pale hand between his Yugi felt the warmth of the councilor envelop his skin, a gentle fondness spreading slowly inside his chest.
'I cannot express my joy through words, as he finally found the person capable of bringing back that kind smile I thought I would never see again."
A faint sense of vulnerability touched the advisor's features, his hand shaking slightly from emotion as Yugi saw the man's endeavor to keep his composure, taking a deep breath through his nose before facing him again.
His body bent into a deep reverence, his brow resting over the prince's palm without breaking his hold of it, the clear sign of humbleness stunning the prince.
"I beg you, my lord, even if he doesn't express it I can see he truly needs you."
The prince's eyes opened in revelation, the flashing face of the pharaoh's anguish coming to his mind as the question pop into his head.
'When will you learn to value yourself more?'
A gentle smile spread into his lovely face, freeing his remaining hand discreetly so he could envelop the councilor.
There was no reluctance in his heart in regards to the man's kindness, the inexplicable sense of faith in him producing an unbreakable bond of trust. It was the same man that freed him of his chains when he first arrived into the hostile capital, altering his impression of his dire circumstances. An undeniable ally and the first person to offer him a place to call 'home'.
"Thank you, master." He offered gently, his gratefulness clear in the soft tone of his voice.
"No, your grace, it's you I'm grateful to." The man responded, a sense of relief finally giving rest to his tired soul.
Mana opened her eyes slowly, an overwhelming heaviness felt as reality broke into her consciousness.
She could feel a banging inside her head, the focus of her eyes drifting continuously.
"...ana." A mumble struggled to reach her, the sound eventually repeated with more clearness, distinguishing the call of her own name.
Eventually, the soft gaze of his master appeared before her, his gentle fingers caressing the side of her face.
"Mana." He called with apparent joy, the evident relief exhaled from his tensed shoulders.
With no answer, the apprentice made a massive effort for her brain to assimilate her surroundings, a blank memory still blocking her understanding.
"Master?" She called after him.
"I'm here." He answered promptly, his body inclining. "How are you feeling?"
"What happened?" She asked in a daze, holding the side of her head as the rough texture of the bandages touched her fingers.
Her own question removed the barrier of her disorientation as recent memories poured at once, a sharp fear stabbing her heart.
Her eyes shook in panic as her back rose immediately, ignoring the full pain banging inside her brain as she desperately sought answers.
"Kisara! Yugi! What happened to them?" She despaired, her concern evident on the firm hold on his master's arms before her eyes drifted, her rushed lift almost claiming her consciousness again.
"They are unharmed." The mentor assured, holding the girl as he felt her body waver. "It's you I'm worried about."
A wave of nausea threatened to bend her over, pain pouring from her chest as she succumbed to the startling attack of her own emotions.
"I'll call the attendant." The man settled, attempting to make the girl lay down again before her hold returned with spare strength.
"Mana?" The priest questioned before his eyes open in consternation, the pupil shaking as heavy tears poured through her cheeks, the sobs obstructed behind her clenched teeth.
"It's all my fault!" She raged, her voice breaking. "I told Yugi… I wanted this so desperately… and almost got them killed! It's all my fault!"
Her hands covered her face in devastation, the pressure of her sobs afflicting her injured head.
Mahado's distressed look darkened, feeling her trembling against his skin.
"I'm sorry Mana." He whispered to her. "I have failed you as your mentor."
His words seemed to deepen her suffering, unable to speak as she shook her face in denial against his neck.
"I left your preparation in hands of others, even if it's my duty to serve the pharaoh your education shouldn't be less important."
Mana's face was lifted gently by his master's hands, a sad smile transmitted as he looked at her directly.
"I promise to make this right, so don't cry anymore." He bowed, the sweet girl letting her brow rest against his as she closed her eyes.
The mellow silence enveloped them as the pupil surrendered herself into her mentor's arms, laying her down into the bed again while his fingers roamed over her hair, a wave of exhaustion evident in her swollen features.
"Try to get some rest, I'll tell everyone you woke up." He encouraged patiently, settling back into his seat.
"Everyone?" She inquired, rubbing away the remaining traces of tears.
"Prince Heba was by your side any opportunity his schedule permitted. Make sure to apologize when you see him, he was truly concerned."
The girl agreed at once, a gentle nod affirming her understanding.
"Is Atemu angry?" The fear was clear in the cue of her question, Mahado's expression carefully guarded.
He recalled the troubled look in Isis' gaze the previous evening, unable to refuse the pharaoh's direct order as both helped him into his apartments, the man obstinately refusing to lay over the stretcher.
"No." The reserved man answered, keeping the news of Atemu's condition from his apprentice.
Surely, he understood that any light on the issue would only enhance her grief, the rashness of his childhood friend still evident even after all these years and unfit to stop him.
'Something must have happened to provoke his impatience.' Mahado thought, a slight frown evident while remembering the dormant state of the pharaoh's power, no danger evident yet as Isis continued to treat him.
"I'm sorry master." The apprentice whispered, regret filtering into her exhausted expression. "I keep disappointing you."
"You could never disappoint me." The man answered firmly, an exasperated sigh almost escaping his lips at the absurdity of her statement. "Where would you get that ludicrous idea?"
Mana paused slightly, her half-closed look reflecting a state of vulnerability in her usually cheerful face.
"I'm just…not good enough." She admitted, the sentence breaking the remnants of her defenses. A new trace of tears slipped slowly over the corner of her eyes as her palm rested against her brow in a futile attempt to conceal them.
Mahado's usual calmness was replaced by slight resentment, his long fingers aiming to soften the frown as he rubbed the bridge of his nose.
"No one truly believes that." He began, struggling to keep the accumulated stress from recent events from bursting out. "I told you, you must be patient Mana. No one in their right mind would expect you to equal our strength, you are still an apprentice."
"That's not true." She objected, a frown of her own appearing in her face. "You were inheriting the Millennium Ring by the time you were my age."
"Yes, and I was rash. The last thing I want is to expose you to things your body and soul are not ready for yet." The man explained, the cost of his arrogance almost pricing his sanity as he went through the trial of the items.
His gaze softened as he watched the unsatisfied look in his pupil's face, his finger caressing her cheek gently while clearing the trace of her tears.
"Please have some faith in my judgment." He implored, his hand still against her skin. "I merely want you to enjoy your freedom a bit more. You have the rest of your life to commit to your mission."
Mana's hand enclosed his master's, her eyes shutting at the comforting sound of his voice.
She was unable to oppose him as she surrendered to sleep, a lock of her hazel hair brushing against her skin as the priest smoothed it away gently.
"Both of you never stop making me worry." The priest whispered to himself, the serenity returned to his ageless features as he left the girl to her rest, resolved to inquire about the pharaoh's condition as he rose from his seat.
He spared a further look into her peaceful expression, retreating from the room as the door closed soundlessly behind him.
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.