So I said I'd probably not update this again this year, but I decided to go ahead and update the last "decent" chapter (meaning that okay, the next few chapters I have I need to reread and fix. I think chapter twenty-four is OKAY, but not SURE. However; the part where the preview is WILL be staying because I do like that part a lot!) Shit is starting to get real (more real than it has been lol) so I'll be having a lot of trouble & fun with it. Hopefully, I can start writing this story again really, really soon. I do miss writing this baby. And for gods' sake I just wanna finish it! (But definitely not rushing! If it takes me to 2040 to finish this then oh well! I'll finish it! I promise!). Pretty sure I've mentioned this already, but I have the rest of the story planned on. My biggest issue right now is not overloading too much crazy, but also not dragging things out. So as far as writing goes, I've been concentrating more on my Ace Attorney story "Thunder" because, yeah it's intense and all that (like it's me c'mon now :D ) but it's not nearly as intense as this (or Fang for that matter, but Fang is in a class by itself).

So, RL stuff: well, I have a new job. I'll be getting a call next week about my start date. It is-surprise-surprise-another factory job! (Everyone cheer!). I'll be making less than I did at my recent job, but what can you do? *sigh* I've also opened up another bank account (well, okay, it's actually a credit union). I'll be splitting my checks so I can save money for a down payment & first month's rent for a place to live. The struggle is annoying, and I REALLY wish I had the money I got from my grandparents still, but what can you do? It's been a struggle trying to save money because I absolutely suck at it, but I figured if I had another account and left that one alone! it would work out. Also, I'm looking into banking jobs because, apparently, you only need a high school diploma for that. I've also been looking into getting my notary license. I think that would be a huge help & give me another skill I can actually use because factory/warehouse work absolutely sucks! It's easy-ish, but it's STUPID! (*screams*) and I want a real fucking job! I really want to go back to school by August to get on track to becoming an editor, but we'll see. I want to get my own place first (because it's just too stressful: working, finding a place, trying to save up)

I want to thank everyone who has been supporting this story through the years. Ever since I've started this story, I've been unable to finish a story in a year. I know it's due to life, but I think it also has to do with the fact that my writing has gotten so much better, so I do a lot of rewriting or editing these days to fix things (okay, maybe not so much editing because I seriously need a beta!) but definitely rewriting, getting in the mood, having time to write, etc.

Anyway, enough of the blabbering! Enjoy! :)

Disclaimer: I do not own Yugioh. Last time I checked, I wasn't Kazuki Takahashi. Yugioh belongs to him and all of its characters. OCs belong to Pippa and me, so no stealing! ASK!

*Warning*: proceed this story with extreme caution! There will be: Violence, gore, death, rape/non-con (whatever you want to call it), incest (this is Ancient Egypt. Get real!) A bit of OCCness due to the situations of characters, prejudice against skin colour and religion, depression, suicide tenancies, hate/love relationships.

Inspiration: This story was inspired by Jollybigsis' 'Enslaved'. I absolutely love that story. Great Casteshipping story! If you haven't checked it out, then do so!

Chapter Twenty-four: Tensions

Honda

I take a small group of three thieves and two assassins out. Each of us carrying a bag. When we reach our first village and make sure no one is awake, we split off and do our job.

For the past three months, I have been in charge of giving supplies to less fortunate villages. Kisara came up with the idea during one of our meetings. King Bakura was wary of it at first, but finally relented.

He made me in charge as I go out the most of all the priests. I can do my new job and my old job at the same time. I don't mind. It's nice helping others.

I walk through the village, slipping a small bag through a broken window of an old house. The small flicker of a flame tells me that someone lives there. Someone with great need.

We're careful. Keeping our entire bodies but our eyes hidden. We only go out in the dead of night when the streets are abandoned. I start at the market place and work my way down.

Kisara believes by helping others in need, things could change in Egypt. I sure hope so. Honestly, this whole destroying Egypt thing is a bit hard to grasp. I understand King Bakura wants to make the Peasant Pharaoh pay. Hell, I want him to pay as well, but what about all these lives?

What is the point in helping these people if they're just going to die anyway?

"Excuse me, sir," an old woman leaning on a cane says approaching me with a small boy holding her other hand.

I stop, turning around halfway. Great. This isn't good. I wish Otogi were here. He's always good in such situations. I just need to keep my cool and my guard up. Gentle and guarded. That is the way of a great spy helping those in need.

"What is it? You shouldn't be out this late at night. Please go back to sleep."

"Are you here to save us?" the little boy asks softly.

"Now, Husani, I'm sure this nice young man was simply passing through."

I turn to them completely. I stare at the elderly woman. Something isn't quite right here. I can't put my finger on it, but…

I grip the bag slung over my shoulder. "It doesn't matter what I'm doing. Please return to your homes. It's dangerous to be out so late. Especially for the two of your conditions."

"I apologize. My grandson is very ill and I woke up to him coughing. I saw you through the window."

"I see. I must take my leave. Please don't tell anyone I was here."

"If that is what you wish, kind sir."

I turn and walk away, tossing a small bag of medicine and money on the ground. I hear the elderly woman picking up the bag and opening it.

"It's medicine and some money."

"Thank you very much for your help, mister!" the little boy exclaims.

I smile slightly. Whether they're truly as they seem to be or not, I have a feeling I did the right thing tossing that little bag down.

I continue to drop supplies off. By the time I'm done, the woman and the little boy are gone. I return to my horse, meet with the others, and we return to the hideout.

"Anything interesting happen tonight?" Otogi asks, slurping at his soup.

"I suppose you could call it that," I say with a shrug, biting into my sandwich.

"Oh? Mind sharing with the rest of us?" Amane asks.

"Yes, I'd like to hear it as well," King Malik says, biting into a fig.

"How's your arm?"

Malik shrugs. "It's sore, but it's nothing I can't handle."

"Yeah, I'm making sure he doesn't overdo it, and he promised not to go out until the poisons are done."

"Those poisons are mine." Mai smirks.

"Get your own, Assassin Princess."

"I was just about to say that to you, Assassin King," she teases.

Who would have thought that all of us would be joking and carrying on as if we've been friends forever. It's been nearly five years since I've come to live with Bakura, Malik, and Ryou, and I have to say, I wouldn't trade it for anything in the world.

"Weren't you going to tell us about what happened?" Peasant Pharaoh asks.

"I will-"

"Honda." King Bakura warns.

It seems those two have gotten… close. I really don't know what to think about it. Their relationship is confusing. Does King Bakura hate the Peasant Pharaoh or not? One moment he's forcing him to clean under our watch by whoever is watching him hold his stupid leash and the next the entire clan can hear their screams of passion.

It's a bit… unnerving…

"An elderly woman and young sickly boy saw me." I reply, pouring myself some beer and gulping it down.

"Ah, that's very interesting." King Bakura says. He puts his goblet of wine up against Peasant Pharaoh's lips. "Want some?"

"Bakura, I can take it myself. You don't need to do that."

"Aww but I like to." he teases.

The man takes the goblet, drinking from it.

Why he's allowed to not only drink King Bakura's personal wine, but from his personal goblet is beyond me. And judging from everyone else's faces, I'm not the one one flabbergasted by such an event.

"Amyway," I say, clearing my throat, "the elderly woman claimed to have woken up to her grandson's coughing and saw me in the street passing by their house."

"Did you at least give them something to help with the child?" Kisara asks, slurping at her soup.

"Naturally."

"It could be a trap." Otogi points out.

"A trap? How so?" Peasant Pharaoh asks.

"Well, don't you have magicians?"

King Bakura's hostage slams his fists on the table, causing some of the table to rattle, some contents nearly spilling. "My magicians would never do that! They'd never change their appearance to trick anyone for money or anything! They're honourable, respectful people! How dare you assume they would-"

"Atem."

And now we're on a named basis with him? King Bakura, what is going on with you two?

The man looks beside of him. "Yes, Bakura? Can you not see I'm trying to knock some sense into Otogi?"

"Knock some sense into me? I didn't say anything of the sort. You're just assuming."

"It's what you're thinking!"

"Last I checked only the Millennium Eye can read minds," I scoff.

"You stay out of this!" Peasant Pharaoh hisses.

"Well, it is my business seeing as how I'm the one who interacted with the woman and boy."

"I don't care! I'm not going to sit here and let anyone disrespect my best friends! I know them! You do not!"

"And you're still assuming that I was even going to say anything," Otogi scoffs, twirling a lock of his hair.

"To be fair, Otogi, you do tend to run your mouth a bit too much," Ryou says, making himself a sandwich. "Do you want one, Kisa?"

"Sure," his twin smiles.

He makes her one, putting it on her plate.

Otogi growls. "Still, I never said anything of the sort. All I said was that this Peasant Pharaoh has magicians. Nothing about whether they'd use their powers to do evil deeds."

"But they wouldn't!"

"That's the exact same thing that you said about your father, but look what happened to Kul Elna," I say.

"Honda! Otogi! That is enough!" King Bakura exclaims.

What the fuck?! Why isn't he yelling at that idiot?!

"Both of you need to calm down. Stop getting Bakura worked up. You know Kul Elna is a touchy subject and we shouldn't talk about it at the dining table," King Malik says. He looks at Peasant Pharaoh. "And you shouldn't assume someone is going to say something. Although," the Assassin King says, glancing at my best friend, "you're not wrong in assuming Otogi would have said something of the sort."

Otogi runs his spoon through the bowl. "No I wouldn't," he mutters bitterly.

"Regardless, I want to hear what your thoughts were regarding the two people you saw without unnecessary commentary between the three of you. We are adults. Please act like it," King Bakura says.

"Yes, my King," I say.

"And Atem, please don't jump to conclusions. Let Honda speak."

"Fine," he mutters, picking at his food.

King Bakura wraps an arm around Peasant Pharaoh's waist, whispering something in his ear.

He blushes, and King Bakura chuckles.

Really? Does he not care about us anymore?

I shake my head. It doesn't matter.

"Well, I thought they seemed off. I'm not sure how to describe it entirely. I could feel both of them knew how to summon their Ka. We all know that wouldn't be possible if they were truly who they appeared to be."

"But King Bakura knows how to summon his. Perhaps they were able to learn somehow?" Ennos says.

"I doubt it. I learned on accident and then I had strict training with a god." King Bakura says.

"But I learned mine on accident too," Kisara points out. "We can't write that option off completely."

"You want me to look into that woman and child, don't you, King Bakura?"

"Perhaps. I think knowing more information would suffice. We can't write it off completely of the possibility this woman and child could possibly summon their Ka, and yet…"

"We can't write off the fact that they could be magicians in disguise." King Malik says, drinking some wine from his own special bottle.

"But my magicians-" the Peasant Pharaoh starts.

"I'm saying that they were in disguise because they're looking for you."

Peasant Pharaoh frowns, slurping a spoonful of soup. "And why would they pretend to be an old woman and sickly little boy?"

"Because they saw me," I say. "They must have been trying to find clues on your whereabouts, came across what appeared to be an abandoned village, and saw me. They changed their appearance, and approached me to ask me questions. They knew they couldn't ask where you were. For one, they didn't know if I knew where you were, and two, that would've blown their cover. If they are your magicians, I have to admit, they took me off guard."

"Yes, and so we must keep an open mind about what's going on here. Perhaps we should be more careful when giving out supplies? I'm not sure how much they'll show their hand if they're actually magicians, or if they're just as they appear to be, and you just happened to run into an elderly woman with her sickly grandson, who by chance, just happen to have awakened their Ka."

"By the way, I'm not sure if any of you know this or not, but Ka can be awakened, but the Summoner could still not be able to actually summon their beasts," King Malik says.

"Oh really?" Kisara asks.

"Yes. It takes years normally to go from the awakening stage to the summoning stage. It depends on how strong the Ka and their Summoner is of course. Danger makes them come out prematurely, which is why in cases like yours and Bakura's, neither of you went through the awakening stage, Kisara."

"Oh. I didn't know that. Guess we learn something every day," she smiles.

"Indeed."

"So what is the plan?" I ask, finishing off my soup. "Do I back off on supplying the villages?"

"You better not! Those people need supplies!" Kisara exclaims, hitting her fists against the table.

"Now, now, Kisa, please don't break the table. We just got this new table," Amane teases.

Kisara sticks her tongue out at our head cook. "I'll break if I wish to, Ama!'

Everyone laughs

"I think the best option would be to send more people out to scout and see if we can't find this old woman and boy. King Malik and I can easily hit up villages before or after an assassination," Mai says, pouring herself a beaker of King Malik's wine.

"I think that would be a good idea. When we go out, we can keep our eyes peeled for anything we deem suspicious." King Bakura says.

"Umm Bakura?" Peasant Pharaoh asks, looking down at his half eaten food.

King Bakura looks at him. "Yes?"

"If by chance the two people Honda met up with are my magicians…" he trails off.

King Bakura closes his eyes. I can tell he's struggling greatly. I don't really understand it. Shouldn't we kill them if they are magicians looking for their owner? Before, King Bakura wouldn't have batted an eye taking them out. But now… now it's like he's not the same person anymore.

I just don't get it!

King Bakura opens his eyes, looking at all of us. Seriousness envelops the room. "Do not kill them. Send them off course. Do not engage in battle unless they provoke you. Protect yourselves if you must, but do not kill them. Do I make myself clear?" he says, eyes locked onto mine.

I know he's speaking to all of us, but since I'm the one who goes out the most and am in charge of supplying villages, the demand is more directed at me.

"Yes, King Bakura." everyone echoes.

Isis

I groan, falling back against my and Mahaado's bed, sweat covering my body. For the past two and a half weeks, I have been feeling very ill. I've been suppressing it the best I can, but it's becoming too much. I can barely concentrate. The Tauk's visions are showing me nothing of use, and as soon as I see something that may be useful, it disappears because I can't concentrate.

I must go see Lady Teanna. I have an important job, and I must ensure I am healthy enough to do so. I could be our only hope in finding Pharaoh.

I sit up a bit too quickly and I vomit in the clay bowl beside the bed. Ugh. Maybe I ate something bad? Yes, that must be it. I simply have food poisoning and I need Lady Teanna to clear it.

I place the pot down and slowly walk into my wash room. I dip my hands in the cool pot of water, splashing it on my face. I stare at myself in the mirror hanging above. I look as if I hadn't slept in days. Which, honestly, I haven't.

Being sick, worrying about Pharaoh and my brother and my husband's condition. How could I possibly get any sleep?

With a semi-decent appearance, I make my way to the medical chambers.

"Oh dear, Lady Isis," Lady Teanna says, helping me onto a bed, "You look awful, dear. What ever is the matter?"

"I… I don't know." I gasp. "You have an empty pot, yes?"

Lady Teanna quickly gets me on, handing it to me.

I grab it, vomiting into it. I set it down, falling on back against the bed, panting.

"Yes, you are quite sick. Let me check you over and then I'll see what I can do to relieve your pain."

"Thank you, Lady Teanna." I say, closing my eyes, taking slow, deep breaths.

Pink heka glows under her palms as she runs them over my body. I keep my eyes closed, waiting.

"Well, it certainly is your abdominal region," she says, pressing gently on my stomach. "Does this hurt?"

"A bit. I feels sore and tender."

"I see." she muses. She continues checking me over.

"I was thinking it could be food poisoning, but I'm not sure."

"What have you been experiencing?"

"Nausea, vomiting, lightheadedness, fatigue. That sort of thing."

"Any migraines?"

"Not really. Maybe one or two at most."

"And when do you experience the most nausea and/or vomiting?"

"In the mornings. Sometimes late at night."

"Lady Isis, I need to ask you something personal. Do you mind if I do?"

I look at her. "Sure, Lady Teanna. I don't mind. Go ahead."

"Have you had sex recently?"

"Yes. I don't remember exactly when it was. Maybe a week or so ago?"

"It's possible that you are pregnant."

"Oh wonderful." I groan, throwing my arm over my face. "We don't have time for this."

"The gods would not allow you to have a child if they believed it wasn't the time. I assume you saw a chance for a child in one of your visions?"

"I saw it during one of my first visions when I received the Tauk, but I didn't think anything of it. Mahaado and I are always careful."

"The gods wanted you and Master Mahaado to have a child. So whether you had protected or unprotected sex, it would not have mattered."

"Well, I wish I would have known that because unprotected sex is so much better." I mutter bitterly.

She chuckles. "We can't always know what the gods have planned."

I smile. "I suppose-"

Lady Teanna grabs the pot, handing it to me.

I grip it, vomiting into it.

She rubs my back. "I can give you something to help with this sickness."

"That would be great," I groan.

"Of course, anything for you."

"Would you mind checking to make sure I'm pregnant?"

"Certainly. When you're done, lie back down."

A few more vomits, and a nice cool beaker of water, and I'm able to lie back down.

Lady Teanna lifts my robe, pressing her heka powered hands over my abdomen. She presses gently, yet firmly in various places against it.

"I can definitely feel there is another energy within your body. It's safe to say that you are indeed pregnant. Congratulations, Lady Isis.'

I close my eyes, tears falling.

Marik

Red-eyes blasts a ball of fire at Revival Jam. My Ka splatters against the stone of the courtyard. I close my eyes, giving it a bit of Ba. It uses my energy to fuse itself together.

"You seem to be using less Ba for your Ka's reformation. Seems your training has really paid off." Captain Jono says.

"Yeah. I nearly got wiped out saving Ra from Diabound." I say. "Let's go again."

"Alright, but don't overdo it. I know how you are."

I roll my eyes. "Fine. But don't go on easy on me just because we're friends, Cap-"

"Jono."

"Jono."

He grins. "Good. You can't forget what I said before. We're not in battle. We're simply training as friends. Nothing more, nothing less."

"Well, I wouldn't say that. We're training so we can fight to bring back Pharaoh." I say.

Red-eyes gives two blasts to Revival Jam before it falls apart. Once again, I give some energy to my creature and it reforms.

"Yeah, that's true, but we're fighting for our friend by training as friends. We don't have to do this. We could simply ignore that Pharaoh is gone. You could train with someone else, but you ask me to train because you trust that I'll push you hard enough to improve your skill, but not so hard you fall to pieces like Master Seth would."

"What? You think I can't handle Master Seth?" I scoff.

Jono shrugs. "That I can't say. I mean I could totally go up against him, but…"

I laugh. "You two are ridiculous, you know that?"

He laughs as well. "Well, someone's gotta keep that sobby high priests on his toes."

We continue to spar with our Ka. Each time, it takes more blasts from Red-eyes to completely destroy Revival Jam and less Ba I have to give him to reform.

"How is Prince Heba doing?"

"He hasn't come to talk to you?"

Jono shakes his head. "Nah. I haven't really talked to anyone but Sis lately. Been really busy making sure Mana has enough guards and magicians."

"You're taking care of that?"

"Yeah. Master Mahaado asked me to because he has some strict personal training he has to master and it wears him out."

"Oh. Well, do you need any help? I mean when I'm not watching Prince Heba that is."

"Sure, kid." he says then he smirks. "But I'm gonna work your ass off, so be prepared."

"I think I can handle it." I say, crossing my arms over my chest.

"Yeah, yeah. Break time? You look worn."

"Nah I can-"

"No, you park your ass on this wall, mister!" Jono shouts, plopping on the top of the wall, Ka returning to his body.

I return Revival Jam, sitting beside him with a sigh.

"So? How's Prince Heba?"

"He's still worried about Pharaoh, and he's struggling to keep up with all of the papyrus-work that Pharaoh would normally take care of. Master Shimon has taken up the organizing of them, but Prince Heba still has to sign them."

"Ah. I'm sure he'll get the hang of it. Maybe by the time he does, Pharaoh will return." Jono half jokes.

I smile. "Perhaps."

"And how are you doing? Have you been eating and sleeping as you should?"

"As best I can. I still have my nightmares."

"You didn't go see Lady Teanna for a sleeping remedy?"

"No, I did. She's the reason I can even sleep, but sometimes it's not enough…"

Jono places a hand on my shoulder. He knows better than to touch my back. Even though everyone knows what's on my back, I still hate when someone touches it. Everyone but Prince Heba, Isis, and Malik that is…

Malik…

Why can't you just bring Pharaoh back? Why can't we just be together? It feels so wrong not to have you with me.

"I know you blame yourself for what happened to Pharaoh, but as many of us have said before, myself included, you're not to blame, Marik. You did all you could. It's all any of us can ask. We must have faith he'll return."

I sigh. "Yeah, I know. I don't know… I just feel like I'm not doing anything to really help. Mana and Mokuba are out there looking for Pharaoh. Master Mahaado is doing personalized training with his Ka. Master Seth is… whatever he's doing. I'm just not sure what I can do to really help. I know I guard Prince Heba, but that's not really contributing to finding Pharaoh.'"

"You job is the utmost important. No, perhaps you're not directly out there searching for Pharaoh, but your job isn't that. Your job is to protect Pharaoh's little brother at all costs. Protecting him and helping him through this ordeal is what you can do, Marik." Jono says, putting a hand on top of mine. "Besides, I said you could help me ensure that Mana has plenty of guards and magicians if she needs them. You can help me train the guards here as well. There are things you can do that don't seem like much, but are a great help. You're way too hard on yourself, kid."

I look at the Captain of the Guard. It's crazy when he gives such great advice. Sure, sometimes he acts like a dumbass fool, and his and Master Seth's fights are way too childish for someone of Jono's age especially, but now all I see is a man who has experienced much in his life. A man who can give meaningful advice. A man I can call a friend.

"I… thank you. I really appreciate it. I feel better now. Thank you, Jono."

"Anytime, kid." he smiles.

We sit in silence for a bit, staring out at the garden. It feels so peaceful. I close my eyes, letting the sun beat down against my face. I never want to lose this feeling. But I know if Bakura wins…

I shake off the thoughts. No, I mustn't think like that! I must believe in my friend and my brother. Believe that both of them will find their way back to me.

"How is Lady Shizuka doing?"

"She's doing great. Actually, she told me she discovered she has some sort of heka ability."

I turn to face Jono. "Really? Is Master Mahaado going to train her then?"

"Nah. Seems Lady Teanna will be doing that."

"Ah that makes sense. What kind of ability does she have?"

"Not sure, honestly. She said something about seeing the Prince but not supposed to be able to see him? I don't get that at all."

"Huh. Seems interesting. I suppose we'll just have to find out what she can do."

"Indeed," Jono says, jumping off the wall. "You ready for more training?"

I jump off as well. "Naturally." I grin.

Ennos

Mai, Honda, Otogi, and I are gathered in the game room. The room has a large blanket, some tables off to the side, and piles and piles of various games. Apparently, the Pharaoh enjoys games, and King Bakura has been stealing them so they can play them.

We're sitting on the blanket with a board game on the blanket. Our beakers of beer and some snacks are beside us.

"Your roll, Mai," I say, passing her the dice.

She rolls it and takes her turn.

"Can you believe it?" Honda hisses.

"Yeah, I can totally believe I got a six," the Assassin Princess scoffs, flipping her curly blonde hair over her shoulder.

"No, not that. I meant what happened the other night." Honda spits.

"Oh, you mean what happened when King Bakura snapped at us when that idiot accused us of claiming his stupid magicians would use their magic to trick us into giving our money to them?" Otogi scoffs, twirling a lock of his hair, and taking his turn.

"Yeah. I mean what the hell man!"

"Well, he has gone through a great change since Pharaoh has come here," I say.

"Yeah, and that's what's so concerning," Mai says. "It's only been three months since we captured the fool. Amane and Kisara seem to have gotten close with him too. Apparently, Kisa told him her story."

"Really? She trusts him that much?" I ask, taking the dice from Otogi's hand and taking my turn.

"Yes, it seems like it. Amane said she's going to talk to him about what happened with us. I got upset about it, and we got in quite the fight." Mai sighs.

"Do you think we're being too hard on him?" Honda wonders.

"We're not really doing anything to him. We can't just have open arms for someone who ignored us this whole time. You know as well as I do he wouldn't bat an eye to help us if he was up in that palace getting fanned by a bunch of naked whores." Mai spits.

"I don't think he's as bad as we seem to make him out to be, honestly. I don't like that he's here. King Bakura has been treating everyone differently, but I still think we shouldn't take it out on the Pharaoh."

"And this is why you're the softest among us priests," Otogi scoffs.

"I am not! If I were soft I wouldn't be King Bakura's second in command!" I snap.

"You tell him, kid. Don't let Otogi put you down. He's just a bitch." Mai says.

"I'll show you a bitch in a minute!"

"Do you want to test me?" Mai hisses, gripping the handle of her whip. "I think I need not remind you of who I'm second in command to."

Otogi growls, slumping down.

We continue playing the game in silence, drinking and snacking on occasion.

"I still don't like it though," Honda says, breaking the silence. "It just feels… wrong."

"I think King Bakura is going through a change. Perhaps he's confused and we need to be more supportive." I say, biting into my fig.

"Supportive of what? His bitchiness?" Otogi scoffs. "He's been treating that little princess with love and care and has been ignoring us."

"I wouldn't say he's ignoring us per se. It's more like he's paying more attention to Pharaoh." I say.

"Yeah, but he's treating him like he's made of glass most of the time." Mai says, taking her turn.

"And did you notice Peasant Pharaoh no longer has chains or mancles?" Honda asks.

"Yeah, that's really weird! What if he escapes?" Otogi exclaims.

"He should know better than to test us. I'm sure King Bakura has a reason for undoing them." Mai says.

"Do you guys think we should even be mad at Pharaoh?"

The others look at me.

"What do you mean? Of course we should be mad at him!" Otogi exclaims.

"Yeah! He didn't help us when we needed help, and his father destroyed King Bakura's home!" Honda hisses, clenching his fists.

"But isn't blaming him just wrong? I mean…" I trail off.

"I'm tired of being angry. I'm trying to give him the benefit of the doubt, but it's hard to when King Bakura can't make up his mind on what he wants, and he hasn't apologized for failing this country." Mai says, gulping her beer down and slamming the beaker beside of her.

"But he was a baby when this stuff was happening to us…"

"So you're okay with him, Ennos?" Honda snaps.

"I'm not sure. I mean I'm upset that I had to live the way I did, but at the same time… I don't know. I just… I guess I'm tired of being angry all the time."

The others look at each other then at me.

"Well yeah, but being here with King Malik and Bakura and all of you has helped me be less angry." Honda says.

"Exactly. I feel I have a purpose in life." Otogi says.

"And I can destroy fools who think it's a good idea to use and abuse the weak." Mai hisses.

"Yes, and I don't have to use my powers for a man who was upset because he didn't make guard captain. I'm able to use it to make King Bakura stronger and fulfill my role in helping him change Egypt." I say.

And yet, something just doesn't feel right. I'm angry with Pharaoh for what I've been through, but then I'm not. I'm not sure which is right and which is wrong…

"Maybe we shouldn't be so harsh with him. It's as you say, Ennos, he just became Pharaoh four, nearly five years ago." Honda sighs.

"On top of that, he hasn't been able to truly rule as Pharaoh. King Bakura and King Malik have been attacking him and his passe of idiots." Mai smirks.

"Exactly. So I think we should lay off and maybe get to know him. There must be something about him that makes King Bakura treat him like some glass princess." I say.

"Yeah, a glass princess he wants to shatter and destroy." Otogi scoffs.

"That's what's pissing me off!" Honda exclaims, throwing the dice, and taking his turn. "It's not so much King Bakura likes him. If he does, whatever. More power to him. I want him to be happy, but I'm getting whiplash from his constant mood. It's like he's a bitch on her period."

"Hey! Watch it, fool," Mai hisses.

"Yeah, sorry. You know what I meant." Honda scoffs.

"I do admit it's a bit strange. It seems he's… confused."

"Well, we need to get him "unconfused"." Otogi says, downing his beer.

"And how do you expect us to do that?" Mai scoffs.

"I don't know yet. I'm sure we'll think of something." Otogi snaps.

"I think it's best just to lay off. We don't want to upset King Bakura." I say.

"Hm. True. Maybe we should just keep an eye on how they interact. Ask around the clan if they seem anything strange about King Bakura." Honda suggests.

"Oh yes that'll go off well. You know the thieves and assassins can't shut up." Otogi scoffs.

"Fine then! Well, we could ask Kisara or Amane if they see anything different about King Bakura or if that fool talks about King Bakura." Honda snaps.

"That could work." I say. "We should also see if Pharaoh acts differently around others than he does with King Bakura. Like Kisara, for example."

"Well, okay. Let's just keep our eyes peeled and ears open." Otogi says.

"That's what I do." Honda scoffs.

"You're not the only one, kid." Mai says, taking her turn.

Mahaado

For the past few weeks, I have had Master Seth help me train. The spell I cast on myself and Illusion Magician has worked wonders, but it causes me to collapse from fatigue if I push myself far too much. And with Pharaoh gone and Mana out there looking for him, that is easy for me to do.

I had been training with Master Shaadah and Master Karim, and while they are great high priests and have helped me a great deal, I chose Seth for the task of giving me just the right push I needed to force my Ka to do as I needed it to do.

And it worked.

I walk to my and Isis' bedchambers. I stifle a yawn before entering. My wife is sitting on our bed, facing the door, hands folded on her lap, Millennium Tauk and her headdress on the table.

"Isis," I say with a smile. I walk over to her. I take my own headdress off, placing it on the table. I sit down beside of my wife, and I caress her face gently.

"Mahaado," she whispers, touching the hand upon her face, smiling. "How are you?"

"I am a bit fatigued, but not as much as I have been. I have been trying to take it easy as Lady Teanna has instructed of me. And yourself? You look ill. Have you seen Lady Teanna?"

"Yes, I saw her this morning and I have been resting in here as she instructed."

"I see. And whatever is the matter? Did you eat something to upset your stomach."

"No, Mahaado. It's not something I ate…"

"I see. Perhaps you are overworking yourself too and have become ill from the strain of using your Item."

"That is.. part of it…" she trails off, taking her hand away.

I remove my hand as well, taking hers hand. "What is going on, Isis? Please tell me. I wish to know so I can help."

Isis looks at me with those gorgeous blue eyes. She has always been so kind and gentle. She and I practically grew up together. She, Master Karim, Master Shaadah, and I trained to become Item keepers and High Priests together. Isis and I became the closest.

If I must be honest, I fell for her the moment I saw her. I knew I wanted her to be my wife. And, four years ago, I made her mine.

It was not a large ceremony. Neither of us wanted such a thing. A nice, small ceremony with our closest friends and family. Mana was sobbing the entire time. I smile. My sister is silly.

"Well, I'm not sure how to tell you this, but…"

I grip her hand gently. She places her other one on top of mine and I do the same to that one. "Whatever it is, I promise I will help you."

"Well… I'm pregnant."

I blink. "You are?"

"Yes. I'm not far along, of course. Just a week and a half, but I am. I had Lady Teanna check multiple times, and she confirmed it."

I stare at my wife for a moment. I stand up, pulling her into my arms, and spin her around. "You.. I cannot believe that you…" I whisper, tears falling.

Isis smiles as I set her back down. She puts a hand on her abdomen.

"Oh, I am so sorry, Isis! Here, let me-"

She holds a hand up. "It's okay, Mahaado. I know you're excited. I'm just a bit nauseated is all. It will pass."

"Still, I should not have done that…"

"Well, I always did bring that wild side out of you; it's why we're in this situation in the first place," she smirks.

I blush. "I… I suppose.'

She punches my arm lightly. 'Lighten up. I enjoyed every moment of it. I don't regret anything."

"I do not either, but with you being pregnant, you cannot perform your normal duties as you would like…"

"Lady Teanna said I just need to rest more and make sure to eat properly. She has given me some medicine for nausea and vomiting as well."

"Have you taken it?"

"I have to take it now, actually. So thank you for that reminder." she says, starting to get up.

"Where is it? I can retrieve it for you." I say.

She sits back down. "It's just over there on the dresser." Isis says, pointing to the pot with a label and a beaker. "I just need a quart."

I nod, getting up, and walking over to the dresser. I pour her the diagnosed amount, then return to Isis, giving it to her.

She takes it, gulping it down. Her face scrunches up. "Ugh!"

"Is it that bad, love?" I chuckle.

"Yes! Medicine is always horrific."

"Well, it is either that or vomiting."

"Yes, I suppose that's true. I'll have to take my chances with the medicine." she says, placing the beaker on the bedside table.

"Indeed, and it will be worth it." I say, turning to face her. "All of the pain, disgusting medicine, mood swings, feeling lost and hopeless, happiness…"

"Yes," she whispers, touching my face. "All of it for our wonderful, beautiful child."

"And Pharaoh will return when the child is born."

"You promise?" she whispers, pressing her forehead against mine.

I press my lips gently against hers. "I promise."

So... we have everyone getting upset with Atem, Bakura acting "weird", Isis being pregnant, and Marik and Jono training! If anyone has any ideas for a baby name/gender, let me know! I haven't thought that far ahead just yet! I'm pretty sure I know around the time the baby will be born though, but I'll have to check.

Anyway, I hope yáll enjoyed and have a Happy New Year! Let's make 2020 an amazing year!

Preview

Mana

He pulls out the Millennium Rod from his belt, pointing it towards me.

I back away. "W-what are you going to…?"

"You don't need to know," he says as it glows.

Then my world goes dark.