Welcome back! I told you guys I had the next chapter ready to go and as promised, we have a 2 year time jump here. We will also have the first mention of Bakura's ancient counterpart. Honestly, this chapter has been basically ready to roll for quite some time now so I'm excited to finally be able to publish it.
Enjoy!
Yami was now sixteen...and still short. He knew he would not grow to be nearly as tall as his father, but he also knew his true height was still a bit taller than what he was now. Then again, Yugi, his reincarnation, didn't stop growing until he was nearly twenty… he probably wouldn't either.
The pyramid emerging from the sky, that apparently only he could see, was still present as always. It was a constant reminder that this was not really where he was supposed to be, no matter how comfortable he had gotten in this world.
Mana had proved invaluable when it came to things that kept him sane. Their charade had been dropped after only a couple of months when the Pharaoh had caught wind of what was actually going on. He wasn't happy about it, but Yami had made his point: he wouldn't get married on anybody's terms but his own. Aknamkanon hadn't mentioned it since and miraculously hadn't held it against him or Mana.
Currently he was following his father through one of the lower towns on one of their visits. Mahaddo, who had taken ownership of the Millennium Ring last year after his father's death, was now officially part of the Pharaoh's court and was usually Yami's personal guard on outings such as this. Unfortunately he had been sick over the last few days and a substitute guard had taken his place.
Maybe that was why in the crowded part of the town, somebody was actually brave, or foolish, enough to come up and grab the prince while he browsed the stalls. Yami froze in surprise; even he could sense radiating darkness from this man. The guards were vigilant as always, but were a second too slow in reacting.
"The Thief King sends his regards," the man hissed before exploding into Shadows.
Yami was thrown back with the force, landing on the ground hard just as he was swarmed by the guards. He couldn't help but stare at the place the man was. Bakura was known as the Thief King during this time; was he really out to kill him even before he became pharaoh? What did he even do?!
Pandemonium reigned around them as Yami was helped to his feet and supported by his substitute guard. Why did he feel so weak? That attack should have been easy to brush off, even without the Puzzle. The townspeople panicked and screamed while the guards were shouting orders at one another.
"The Prince has been attacked!"
"Get the Pharaoh and the Prince out of here!"
"Find the one responsible for this!"
"Alert the High Priests!"
Yami was delivered to his father who held him close while issuing commands as he guided his son away. His thoughts were racing as they were ushered away, he didn't notice being pulled onto the horse in front of his father. He did notice that something seemed to block out the sun, which was not helping him stay awake.
Gods he felt tired. That small attack really should not have taken so much out of him. He'd been in far more tense and stressful situations that required much more effort on his part and where he had taken far more damage that had not left him this drained. Maybe it was the attack from the Shadows. Without the Puzzle, or formal training in this world, maybe that was enough to tire him so much.
The loud buzzing noise was back. Somebody was trying to get his attention by calling his name. He ignored them, trying to crawl back to the alertness that was slowly creeping further away. There was also a warm feeling in his chest that was growing. At first it was comfortable, but now it was bordering on annoying.
"Isis! I need your help!" Aknamkanon called as they rushed back to the palace. His father's voice pulled Yami from the brink of oblivion and back to his surroundings. He noticed he was leaning up against his father; no wonder he was so comfortable. "He's not responding to me!" Oh, so it was his father trying to get his attention. Maybe he should have made an effort to respond.
"What happened?" asked the familiar voice of his father's seer and main healer. "Was he hit by anything?"
"I'm not sure," Aknamkanon admitted, "He might have been struck by one of the Shadow tongues when his attacker vanished."
Isis's face filled his vision. Yami met her eyes and tried to smile reassuringly, though he wasn't quite sure how effective he was.
Her hand covered his eyes, encouraging him to surrender to the sleep that was calling him. "Sleep, Prince ****. We will take care of you."
Her gentle words, that he dimly suspected were backed with a bit of magic, finally pushed him into the wonderful world of oblivion.
Aknamkanon looked at the seer with trepidation. "What is wrong with him?"
"I'm not sure, Pharaoh," she answered, forehead creased in worry, "He seemed aware that I was here, but did not seem to have the strength to speak. I will examine him further when we reach the palace. Messengers have already run ahead to warn them of our return and the events that took place."
"Isis, I need to know… he will survive this, won't he?"
"I see two futures," Isis said with uncertainty, "I feel as though the future where he survives is stronger, so I will put my faith in that. Though I cannot see with how much difficulty. I am not sure what it was that attacked him."
"I swear, he is never leaving without Mahaddo at his side again."
"This was not Mahaddo's fault," Isis said sharply. She was rather protective of the newest to their ranks.
"That's not what I meant," the Pharaoh assured, though his eyes still burned with anger, "It is no one's fault except for the one supposed to be guarding him today and the one who attacked him."
The prince shifted in his sleep, burrowing deeper into his father's arms. Aknamkanon looked down at his son. He looked so small right now, so innocent. There were times when his son looked far older and more ragged than he should. A couple of times, he had caught him staring into the sky at something, but when he looked himself, there was nothing but clear skies. He had asked his son about it once when he was younger, and he had replied that there was a pyramid in the sky.
The prince muttered something in his sleep. Aknamkanon leaned closer to hear, but couldn't make anything out.
"What did he say?" Isis asked, having heard a mutter, but it was indistinguishable to her.
"I don't know," the pharaoh shook his head, "Maybe a name? It sounded like another language."
That was another thing that he had noticed about his son over the past couple of years. When he thought he was alone, his son would often mutter to himself in a language than nobody could identify. At first he thought that some sort of spirit or illness had taken hold, but all of the Item Bearers agreed that there was nothing wrong with his soul, mind, or body. At least, nothing had changed since the shift three years ago, so Aknamkanon let it be.
Suddenly, the prince gave a slight whimper, unconsciously moving a hand to his chest. Aknamkanon felt his brow; it was hot.
"Seto!"
The young Rod Bearer moved his horse closer, his face a picture of concern as the traveling party stopped. "My lord?"
Aknamkanon held out his son to the priest. "You ride fastest. Take him and ride as fast as you can to the palace. Do not leave his side until I arrive."
Seto nodded and carefully pulled the prince onto the horse in front of him, holding him tightly. "I will ride swift and sure and I will protect him with my life."
"Go!"
Seto spurred the horse who took off at a full gallop towards the palace. Throughout the entire trip, the prince did not stir, only groaning a few times as the horse weaved around obstacles. The time it took to make the trip felt like an eternity to Seto, but finally he arrived in the courtyard to be swarmed with people as he pulled the unconscious prince off the horse. However, with a glare from the priest, they scampered off, likely to spread rumors that Seto really could not care less about at the current moment.
Mahaddo was also there, undeterred by his fellow Item Bearer, and was certainly looking much better than he had only yesterday. Still a bit pale, but definitely steady on his feet. "What happened to him?" Mahaddo demanded, walking alongside the tall man, "Why is his soul tainted?"
Seto almost stopped dead in his tracks to the infirmary, but managed to only falter. "Tainted?"
"You can't sense it?"
"No. You're Item is far better equipped for that than mine. To answer your first question, he was attacked while in town."
"Attacked by what? A monster?"
"Possibly," Seto answered tightly as they entered the infirmary. Akhenaden and the others were investigating that, and for now, they could only hope and pray.
Mahaddo's face was set like stone. "I will scour my spellbooks until I find something to help," he said determined. He had been a competent magician before he entered the Court, and now that he held the Millennium Ring, his magic had increased tenfold. If anyone had a chance to undo the damage done to the prince, it would be Mahaddo.
'We're coming to find you, Yami! Just hold on!'
'Yugi?'
'Can you hear me, Yami? We're on our way to help you!'
'How-?'
"*****, can you hear me?"
"-been doing that-"
'Keep fighting, Pharaoh!'
'Ishizu? Where-?'
'Keep moving guys! The door has to be somewhere!'
"I cannot lose him!"
"Mahaddo is doing his best."
"-I think I have it!"
"Hurry!"
'How much time do you think has passed?'
'Dunno…'
"Come back to me, son."
'We're coming!'
When Yami woke, he was lying in his bed, bare chested and the sheets pulled down to his waist. He tried to sit up, but a sharp pain in his chest stopped him before he got too far. He fell back onto his pillows with a short cry, but it was enough to bring the attention of someone.
"*****! Are you awake?"
Yami looked over to see Mahaddo leaning over him with a worried, but hopeful, expression.
"Apparently," Yami rasped, "What happened?"
Mahaddo disappeared from his line of sight without answering. Yami frowned and tried to sit up again, but just like before, he didn't get very far. At least this time he managed his reaction to a painful grunt instead of an outright cry.
"Stop doing that," Mahaddo's reproach came from just to his left. Yami turned his head, happy to discover at least that didn't hurt, to see Mahaddo walking back towards him with a cup of water. "The gods have answered us and spared your life, but you are not yet completely well. I won't have you undo all of my hard work."
Mahaddo helped lift his head and held the cup to his lips so he could drink. Yami swore water never tasted so good. Once he had had his fill, Mahaddo propped him up on at least half a dozen pillows. He grit his teeth as he was moved, but the pain wasn't as sharp as before, so he bore it. At least he was somewhat sitting up now and able to look around properly.
"What happened?" Yami asked again, his voice less raspy now that his throat wasn't as dry.
"You were attacked in the lower town by a dark beast," Mahaddo explained, a myriad of emotions coloring his voice. If Yami's mind was actually working right now, he might have been able to identify a few of them. "I failed you. I'm sorry."
The trip through the lower town slowly came back to Yami. He remembered being attacked and he certainly remembered it being not Mahaddo's fault. He opened his mouth to dispute Mahaddo's unnecessary apology, but was cut off by the sound of running footsteps.
Aknamkanon burst through the door, looking frazzled. Yami offered a small smile and tried to wave, but was taken aback at how weak he was that his arm trembled with the gesture. It didn't seem to matter though as he was suddenly, but gently, engulfed in his father's embrace.
"Thank Horus and every god above," Aknamkanon whispered hoarsely, "I thought I had lost you."
Yami returned his father's embrace with the little strength he had, glad when he discovered moving his arms did not hurt. It seemed so long as he didn't try to move his upper body too much or support his own weight, he was fine.
"I am alright, Father," Yami assured, "Or, I will be."
Aknamkanon only held him tighter. Yami allowed it, not that he could do much about it right now anyway. Mahaddo had backed away a respectful distance; far enough to give the two of them a sense of privacy, but close enough so that he could keep a watchful eye on Yami.
"I'm sorry I worried you so much," Yami broke the silence as his father finally pulled away.
"Never do that to me again," Aknamkanon commanded, voice full of emotion "I don't think my heart could take it."
"I'll do my best. I doubt Mahaddo will let me out of his sight anytime soon," Yami smiled at his friend. Mahaddo looked away guiltily causing Yami's face to drop into one of concern.
"He's been blaming himself," Aknamkanon said softly, noticing the exchange, "He's upset that he wasn't there to protect you."
"It wasn't his fault!" Yami protested loudly enough for Mahaddo to hear. There was no way Yami was going to let his friend wallow in guilt over something that was definitely not his fault.
"I know," Aknamkanon said gently, gesturing Mahaddo to come closer, "But you have to understand, it was quite a shock when Seto came galloping into the courtyard carrying you. Mahaddo was the one who found the spell to undo the damage. We thought it might be too late."
Yami stilled as he digested that. He had nearly died, before his time. He hadn't gotten so close to death since he got here, including the time he had led a war against the Syrian army. Had this happened the first time around, or was his presence altering the past? Did his enemy know that he was almost powerless and take advantage of that?
"We've also been trying to locate your attacker. Do you remember much of anything?" Mahaddo asked quietly.
Yami shook his head, "Visiting the lower town I think I stepped over to one of the stalls...and then…"
The Thief King sends his regards.
The only 'Thief King' Yami knew was Bakura, but as far as he knew, Bakura's vendetta started after he became pharaoh. Besides, the Bakura of this time really couldn't be that much older than Yami was, could he really be considered a 'Thief King' so young?
Aknamkanon and Mahaddo waited patiently while Yami appeared to wrack his memory.
"He said…" Yami started slowly, deciding it wouldn't do any harm to reveal it, "'The Thief King sends his regards.' Do you know who he could have been talking about?" Yami looked up at his father, searching for any sign of recognition at the title.
"I have heard of no such person," Aknamkanon replied, "But I will scour Egypt and when we catch him, he will be punished for his crime."
Mahaddo bowed, taking the initiative, "I will send a messenger to alert the Court and we will send soldiers to hunt down this man."
Yami watched as Mahaddo disappeared just outside the door, knowing he wouldn't go too far right now. If the Bakura from this time was anything like the Bakura he knew, the search would be in vain. Then again, the Bakura from this time didn't have the Millennium Ring, maybe Mahaddo would actually be able to pull this off.
"I think that is enough excitement for now," the pharaoh said standing up, "By now news of your recovery is probably spreading like wildfire throughout the palace. Once you are strong enough, we will have a feast in celebration. All of Egypt will be celebrating!"
"That may take a while; considering I can barely move. Perhaps you should hold the feast without me and have a servant bring a plate," Yami offered. If they waited until he was fully recovered, the triumph might have long worn out its welcome.
"Nonsense!" his father declared, "The moment you are able to sit on your own you will join us, even if I must carry you myself!"
Yami flushed with embarrassment at the thought of being carried by his father like a young child. He was about to voice his concern about the prince appearing so weak publicly, but was cut off by Mahaddo reentering the room.
"Hopefully that won't be necessary, my lord," Mahaddo said, making his way back over to the bed, "With the right spells and potions, and with the gods on our side, I hope to have ***** walking within a week or so. Not for long periods of time, mind you," he said to Yami sternly. He was more than familiar with Yami's tendencies to exert himself past his limits. "He will likely need help getting to the dining hall, but he should be able to enter and make his way to his seat on his own. No embarrassment necessary."
A quiet knock at the door drew their attention away from preemptively planning a feast and Yami's role in it. Mana stood there nervously.
"I heard ***** was awake. Can I see him?"
"Hey, Mana," Yami greeted as his father moved so he could see her better.
"*****!" she exclaimed and before he knew it, she had crossed the room and pounced on him.
"ARGHH!" Yami yelled as the movement tore at his chest.
Mana was quickly removed as Yami tried to catch his breath. Part of him wanted to curl into himself to escape the pain, but moving to get there would be excruciating so he had to settle for clawing at his chest trying to find some relief.
Mahaddo moved quickly, casting spell after spell on him while simultaneously berating Mana for her careless actions. Mana was apologizing repeatedly, tears in her eyes at the pain she had unintentionally caused.
Finally the pain dulled enough for him to catch his breath and he was able to focus on Mahaddo and his father, who looked caught between concern for Yami and anger at Mana.
"It's okay," he rasped out, extending his hand towards Mana, inviting her closer, "You were excited and you didn't know. Just next time, be gentler."
Mana grasped his hand with both of hers and fell to her knees, sobbing her heart out. Yami winced at the sound of her knees making contact with the stone floor before looking at Mahaddo, bewildered at the reaction. Mahaddo just sighed and helped Yami readjust so he was more comfortable. "You are far too forgiving," he muttered.
"Only because she's my friend and didn't mean to hurt me," Yami replied, offering a reassuring smile that likely came out as more of a grimace as his chest throbbed.
"Mana," Aknamkanon drew her attention, "You are fortunate on many counts that your actions do not see you taken to the dungeons. I trust you will be more cautious around my son, your future king, while he is in such a fragile state?"
Yami wanted to argue the word 'fragile', but he really didn't have any ground to stand on considering what just happened.
"Yes, Exalted One," Mana bowed, her face inches from the floor, "You are most gracious."
Mana may be so close with the prince and the pharaoh that she could get away with ignoring protocol most of the time, but even she knew when she needed to be formal and do as she was supposed to.
Aknamkanon's nod went unseen by the girl. "I leave things in your care, Mahaddo," he looked up at the boys, "*****, I will be back tomorrow. Try to get some rest."
Mahaddo bowed as the pharaoh left and Mana stayed with her nose to the floor until she was sure it was safe.
"I've never really understood why people cower before him until now," Mana whispered, sitting up.
"You hurt his son," Mahaddo replied curtly, "Did you expect him to just wave it off? I've told you time and time again that you can't just go around jumping on people!"
Mana's head lowered in shame, tears still flowing down her face.
"Mahaddo, that's enough," Yami ordered softly, "She won't do it again, right?"
"*****," Mahaddo cut across Mana's frantic nodding, exasperated, "You are the crowned prince! Your health and safety is the primary concern of Egypt. Mana's reckless behavior could have had much greater consequences! You would think after an incident like this, it would finally sink into your head."
"It's hardly the first time someone's tried to kill me."
"That doesn't make it better!"
Mana let out something between a sob and a giggle at the exchange while Yami rolled his eyes and changed the subject. "How long until I'm actually able to move on my own?"
Mahaddo frowned at the obvious redirection, but answered anyway. "You'll probably be able to move and sit on your own tomorrow with little to no pain, if you manage to stay in bed and rest until then. That means not doing anything that will aggravate your chest."
"Fine," Yami sulked, but was in no hurry to try to prove Mahaddo wrong. His chest still ached dully from before, "At least have someone bring me something to read."
"Sure," Mahaddo gave a wiley grin, "How about I bring someone to ready you the tax reports so that you can fall asleep?"
"That's mean."
Mahaddo turned serious again, "I wasn't kidding. If you want to get back on your feet quicker, you need to rest as much as you can now to allow your body to recover."
"Fine, I don't exercise that privilege enough anyway" Yami surrendered, "Bring me the person with the most boring voice to read me the most boring documents so I can sleep the world's most boring sleep. If we're lucky, maybe I'll dream of nothing but numbers instead of something interesting."
"With great pleasure," Mahaddo bowed deeply. If Yami had anything within arm's reach to throw, it would have certainly been airborne and on a direct path with Mahaddo's head. As it was, Yami could only mentally swear to get him back one day.
After re-adjusting Yami so he was laying back down, he turned to leave. "Come on, Mana," Mahaddo headed towards the door, "Let's go fulfill the Prince's orders."
Confession time: I originally had Yami able to get up and walk around right away, but honestly, I like this version better. I mean, he almost died, was he really going to get up like that didn't happen? This just makes more sense to me.
We'll have another time skip coming soon, it might be next chapter, it might be the one after. I will say that with the next time skip, Yugi and Co. will be joining Yami. I'm also considering once this arc is over, posting it as its own separate story, we're already 10 chapters into it. Thoughts?
Anyway, hang in there guys. We're getting through this story, we're making through this year, we've got this!
Please review :)
