Alright, so since we're so far down the hole I thought I'd throw y'all a bone. What that is? Leave a review and you'll find out. Five earns ya a Christmas Gift! *grins* Have fun reading!
Chapter 27
A Gauntlet Thrown
Six steps forward. Turn. Six steps back. Turn. Repeat. Crimson eyes dart from wringing hands to tense shoulders. He knows why his other is nervous. He'd done this same ritual not more than a summer ago when his Father finished his journey to the Afterlife and Atem had taken the throne. Now however...The Pharaoh sighs, walking over to stand in the path of Heba's pacing. When Heba stops no more than a couple steps away Atem reaches out and pulls the teen in an embrace.
"It'll be okay, 'Ba." It's comfortingly ironic how much that one statement had helped him only now to be used to help his love. The tension coiled in tanned shoulders melts away, Heba ducking his head into Atem's chest. His arms come around to take handfuls of his tunic. Atem can feel it—the subtle tremors wracking his other's frame. When the grip on his tunic lessens, Atem gently takes Heba's chin, tilting it up to meet worried mauve eyes and he smiles softly. "You'll do fine, 'Ba. You're going to make a great Queen."
Heba swallows, searching for something within Atem's gaze as if making sure this isn't some sick prank. After a moment he gives a shaky smile, nodding. "Y-Yeah, you're right. I can do it. It's not like anyone is going to question how a servant—" The Pharaoh sets a finger to his lips to stop the statement, his crimson eyes soft.
"Don't do that to yourself. You are my Queen because I love you. If those naysayers think they can change my mind they have another thing coming." A soft growl confirms his words and he smirks, glancing at the crooked eared wolf sitting out of the corner of his eye. "See? Even Birihani agrees with me."
His soon to be Queen scowls, turning to glare at the horse-sized wolf attempting to sprawl across a daybed much too small for him. "You only think that because 'Tem gives you treats when you misbehave. See how fast the tables turn when he stops."
The crooked ear twitches to let the teens know the wolf is listening but otherwise he pays them no mind. Atem on the other hand… "And how, pray tell, are you going to make me stop?" He purrs, watching his long time friend and lover return to the cheerful, confident, person he is.
Mauve eyes flash with mischief, the flame of life burning away the worry that had been present before and Heba sets his hands on his hips, grinning at the Pharaoh. "Because I am going to be Queen I get to boss you around, Great Pharaoh, or else you face the consequences." At Atem's shocked expression he chuckles, walking up to set a hand on the massive ceremonial collar the teen ruler wears across his shoulders. "Besides, Mana bet Mahad and Seth that I'd have you sleeping in the throne instead of our bed before Horus' next turn."
The curtain leading to the balcony shifts but Atem pays it no mind, knowing Birihani will protect them from any trouble. Instead he wraps an arm around Heba's waist to ensure the slippery monkey can't escape and the Pharaoh smirks dangerously. "Keep trying my patience, my Queen. See if we make it to the feast."
A throat clearing brings them back to attention and as one they look to find their brunette friend standing beside the curtain, the emerald tipped golden staff Mahad had just given her for the anniversary of the month of her birth gleaming in the light coming through the windows. She grins, tilting her staff at them. "While you two are absolutely adorable together, Shimon wanted me to inform you, they're ready to meet the Queen."
The lovers stay like that for a few more moments before her words catch up to them. Atem sighs through his nose, reluctantly letting his arm drop away from Heba's waist. "Very well. Thank you, Mana." Mauve eyes are back on him, he knows and he smiles, extending a hand to his best friend turned lover. "Are you ready, my Queen?"
Heba makes a noise in the back of his throat, gratefully taking Atem's hand. "Ready as I'll ever be. Lead the way my Pharaoh."
Not a Pharaoh but a Queen, Yugi marvels as the last memory fades away leaving him standing in front of the spirit. You weren't just Yami's best friend. You were his first love and his Queen. He meets Heba's eyes, finding the mauve gems soft and the man nods.
Yes, A voice resembling the one he'd heard from the ball of light speaks softly. It almost matches the one from Yami's memories but there's a difference to it. Each word is spoken with confidence, a sense of weight in the tone the Queen hadn't had when he was alive. However, I'm afraid I may have spoiled him. We were so in love there wasn't much that could faze us. What we didn't know was that there would be no eternity for us. Three summers we were married, and in just one night our world came crashing down.
Yugi swallows. Show me, please?
There's movement out of the corner of his eye. Looking up from the scroll in his hands crimson eyes wander to the wolf laying beside him, his head raised and ears alert. "What is it, Ch'elema?" That's when he hears the soft giggle. Already knowing who it is, the Pharaoh rolls his eyes and returns to the scroll. At least until there's a soft clatter of something metal against stone.
Atem sighs, rolling up the scroll in favor of leaning forward in his throne. It's the only place he's been able to hide from his council and anyone else seeking his attention since most know he doesn't like to be in the massive chair for longer than he must. Even the servants and guards have avoided the throne room. Though that's mostly due to preparations for tonight's celebrations. Another glance at the wolf reassures the Pharaoh it's not someone he doesn't know. In fact...eyeing the swishing tail Atem chuckles, leaning back in his seat once more.
"Mana, I know you're there!"
A groan of disappointment is the answer to his declaration and he looks up, finding the apprentice sitting on the extruding ledge he and Heba once used to prank the unknowing servants and priests when they were younger. She pouts, her emerald tipped staff laying across her folded knees. "No fair! The one time I find you without anyone around and Ch'elema gives me away." She leaps down from the ledge, landing lightly on her feet. Not far behind one of her wolves, Āsimati leaps off the ledge as well, standing up to cover the apprentice's back with his own.
The Pharaoh chuckles. "The wolves are here for our protection. Of course he'll alert me to someone's approach. Though it would seem he's more happy to see his packmate than you." As they watch, Āsimati approaches Ch'elema, licking his snout before settling down not far from him. Crimson eyes make their way back to her emerald and he arches a brow. "What are you doing here? I thought you'd be preparing for Horus' Solstice with Mahad."
"I have been." She grins, waving her staff around in excitement. "Mahad said he didn't need my help anymore until tonight so I thought I'd come find you and Heba. Speaking of, where has he run off to this time?"
He shrugs. "Last I heard he was going to the kitchens to oversee the cooking for the feast and then go see Seth. Something to do with a rumor he'd heard about a powerful Ka forming."
Mana tilts her head, observing him long enough for him to shuffle uneasily before she finally frowns. "And what of you? I would've thought you'd be in the middle of the preparations trying to make sure everything goes to plan."
"And normally I would be." Atem assures her quietly, sitting up in his seat and staring at the window in the opposite wall high above where Nut's body begins to darken as Ra sets. "But something's not right. Something's—"
"Off?" She quietly asks.
He nods, one hand reaching down to comb Ch'elema's fur, a habit he's picked up since he became Pharaoh. She sighs, cradling her staff in her arms. "I'm not the only one then. My skin's been itching since Ra rose and it's only gotten worse." The very same thought crosses his own mind, a sense of foreboding so stifling it chokes his lungs, settling in his gut with the weight of a stone. She shudders, an uncharacteristic expression for the strong-willed brunette. "After this night nothing will be the same, Atem. Are you sure we're ready for this?"
"Ready or not, change is coming." Atem frowns, his crimson eyes sincere. "Until it strikes all we can do is dig our feet in and be ready to fight. Go find Heba and see how the preparations are coming. It's almost time for the celebrations to start."
Solemnly Mana bows, sweeping her arms and her staff to the side with the gesture. "As you wish, Great Pharaoh. I will see you when the celebrations begin." Rising from her bow she turns on her heel, a wave of her staff summoning her wolf to her side and they exit the throne room with a purposeful stride leaving the Pharaoh and his canine guard alone once more.
Reclining in his throne, Atem allows his thoughts and worries to take over, only paying half an ear to the commotion that begins to fill the room as servants filter in to prepare for the celebrations. If it weren't for the wolf at his side he knows he would never be able to let his thoughts wander even this much. Not for the first time is he grateful his Father granted him and his friends the pack nearly ten summers before.
By the time Horus has broken the eastern horizon the celebrations are in full swing. Dancers sweep across the floor on swift feet, nobles and their entourages feast on the foods the cooks have spent the last three Rises preparing, and even the servants have their bit of fun from the shadows of the stone columns. Chatter, laughter, and music dance through the air and Atem finds himself laughing at a joke his Queen has made about one of the priests. His worries for the night are almost forgotten amidst the revelry.
Almost.
The flow of the party is abruptly cut off when several screams echo down the hall leading from the throne room. The chamber falls quiet save fearful murmurs from several people before Mahad grunts in pain, the golden ring around his neck glowing. Atem sits up straight, Heba sliding off the armrest of the throne to stand beside him. Ch'elema rises from his position, stalking forward to partially stand in front of Atem and Heba, the wolf's ears pinned against his head and his great white teeth gleaming in the firelight.
"Mahad! Is something the matter?" Aknadin, the bearer of the Millenium eye and Atem's Uncle asks worriedly.
The Magician grabs hold of the ring, grimacing in pain as he turns to look in the direction of the screams. "Evil is coming. Pure evil." Another scream follows his statement and a dead guard is thrown out of the dark hall preceding darker laughter. Mahad's features darken, his stance changing in order to block the intruder from the Pharaoh and Queen. "Who goes there?!"
A man in an open chested robe decorated with many gold trinkets and jewels steps out of the hall, his eyes hidden under a hood. He chuckles, tilting his head up to reveal a manic grin. "Pardon the interruption but apparently someone left me off the guest list!" His words send the remainder of the gathered crowd fleeing leaving only the royalty, the priests, and the wolf remaining.
Approaching the throne it doesn't escape Atem how the man walks as a predator would, stalking across the floor with quiet confident steps. When Ch'elema's growls increase in volume the stranger pauses, raising his head to finally meet the Pharaoh's eyes. Graphite gray, an odder color he has never seen in his nineteen summers. The man's eyes are cold, reminding Atem of the great river during the dry season.
"Who are you, Stranger?!" Atem barks, his crimson eyes sharp. "Why have you come?"
The stranger smirks. "I come for one reason and one reason only. To claim the dues owed to my village by you, Great Pharaoh." He spits the title as if it is poison. Noises of outrage come from the priests.
"You dare mock the Pharaoh?!" Seth growls, stepping forward wielding his Millenium rod. "Be punished for your disgrace!"
"Don't be so sure." The stranger purrs, his eyes flashing dangerously. "I am not bound by your laws. Now hand over your Millenium items!"
Heba storms off the dais, ducking under Ch'elema's chin to glare at this cocky stranger. "Why would any of us hand over the items to the likes of you? You have no right to them!"
"I never said it would be for free." The man cackles, shaking himself free of the gold and beads adorning his figure causing them to hit the ground. When he stops his hood has fallen revealing a wild mane of white hair dancing off at odd directions in large spikes. Without the hood Atem is granted a clearer view of the large scar going from the man's right eye down his cheek crisscrossed with another two parallel scars.
Shocked by the amount of golding sitting at his feet the priests are quiet, Heba keeping one hand on Ch'elema to prevent himself from doing something spectacularly stupid. The stranger arches a brow returning his hands to his sides. "That not enough to convince you? I thought it might not, so I brought another token." Setting two fingers to his mouth he whistles a short sharp burst. From the tunnel comes the sound of hooves before a sand brown horse enters the chamber towing along something.
The horse takes a sharp turn, running back down the tunnel but it's cargo continues on, coming to a stop under the stranger's heel. Atem forces back a flinch, getting to his feet to get a closer look at the sarcophagus. The last time he'd seen it had been four summers before when he and the priests sealed it within it's tomb to finish the journey to the Afterlife.
"Ah, you recognize it, Great Pharaoh?" He smirks, his head tilting just the slightest. "You should. Say hello to your previous King!"
Anger burns in Atem's gut, boiling his veins and threatening to tear from his lips in a harsh cry. He wants to see this man torn limb from limb. To have his entrails hung from the balustrades and let the wolves shatter his bones into pieces so small there will be nothing left. Fortunately he's not the only one with those thoughts.
His Queen snarls, the hand grabbing hold of the wolf's fur falling away. "You dare desecrate the tomb of a previous Pharaoh? You have gone too far. Ch'elema, attack!" The wolf snarls in return, bounding over the heads of the priests to get to his victim. Another leap sends him on a crash course with the stranger but before he can get his jaws around the man a large purple cloud envelops the thief. From the cloud a massive white asp knocks the wolf aside, sending him sprawling against a set of columns where he collapses to the ground.
Ch'elema slowly gets up, shaking his head to shake off the blow and prowls back closer to the throne. Just a glance at the wolf's eyes tells the Pharaoh the wolf hasn't forgotten the order. It has only fallen back to collect it's wits from such a hard blow. The stranger smirks, watching from underneath the monster.
"Diabound, meet the Pharaoh. Pharaoh meet your demise!"
Yugi hits his chest, trying to remember how to breathe. He'd known the Beta did something to the Alpha in his and Yami's combined past but waging war on him? It shouldn't have caught him off guard but it has and now he's not sure what to make of the information. What? How? Where? He groans, setting his head in his hands. This isn't going to make any sense unless I go back to that memory isn't it?
Heba chuckles, his eyes almost seeming apologetic. It is a twisted game we played. To see is to understand.
And this is just the start. The teen sighs, his shoulders slumping. Alright. Hit me with it. Unfortunately for him the Queen takes his words quite literally, the memory coming at him with the full speed of a bullet train.
"Your precious Pharaoh destroyed my village trying to forge the seven Millenium items!" He snaps, insanity and anger flaring in his eyes. "How could he have been all kind and just when he sentenced the entire population of Kul Elna to die?!"
Atem can't believe what he's hearing. Had his Father truly done what this man, Bakura is saying he did? He doesn't want to believe it. He can't. HIs hands clinch into fists, the urge to strike back at the thief growing with each word spoken. "You lie! My Father was no murderer! He cared for all the people of Upper and Lower Kehmet." Ch'elema's run off, slinking through the shadows in the corners of the room while they keep the thief and his Ka distracted. It'll only work for so long though… A flick of his wrist and his dia dank is ready. He bares his teeth in a semblance of his wolves. "If you wish to duel then so be it."
"Pharaoh!"
"Please allow us to deal with this intruder for you!"
The Pharaoh ignores them, stalking to the front of the group and his Father's sarcophagus the thief had kicked toward them. "You tread upon sacred ground and tarnish the name of my ancestors! I cannot let this go on any longer. Gods above heed my call! In the name of every Pharaoh before I beseech thee. Obelisk the Tormentor! I summon you!"
It hurts, the amount of energy flowing through every fiber of his body. Atem grits his teeth, staring down the thief as the God takes shape above him. "Attack, Obelisk the Tormentor! Fist of Fury!" The thief calls his own attack, the sound lost amidst the growls of the great monsters. Powers collide and Atem has only a few seconds to spot his ever-loyal wolf leaping at Bakura before the light becomes blinding.
When his eyes clear he finds Bakura fleeing on his horse, Ch'elema laid out against another set of columns and Diabound nowhere in sight. The one thing he doesn't miss, however, is the large tear in the thief's robes before he disappears down the hall. He turns back to his priests, finding all six of them slowly getting to their feet and frowns. "Is everyone okay?"
"Not everyone." The murmur catches his attention and he turns, crimson eyes landing on Heba slowly approaching the wolf that is currently attempting to rise only to fall back down. It hurts his heart, watching the great wolf attempt and fail several more times before lying still, his chest heaving with panting breaths. Atem follows his Queen, stepping into the wolf's view to calm him and Heba crouches, gently running a hand over the wolf's chest. At one point the wolf whines, the sound closer to a whimper and Heba shakes his head, meeting Atem's eyes. "It's not good. That last hit knocked at least a couple things loose. Atem…" He inhales, crystals forming in the corners of his mauve eyes. "I don't know if he'll make it to the next rise."
A flash of red catches the Pharaoh's attention and he crouches beside the wolf's head, running a hand along his snout as he pulls a scrap of fabric from Ch'elema's mouth. Recognizing it as belonging to the thief's tunic his features darken and he stands back up, turning to the priests awaiting his orders. "He will not get away with this. So help me he will pay for what he has done. Mahad!"
The Magician snaps to attention, his sapphire eyes sharp. "Yes, my Pharaoh?"
"You and Mana take two of the wolves and find him. They'll be able to track him for a good amount of leagues but you'll need to leave right away in order to have the freshest trail."
"Yes, Pharaoh." He agrees, taking the fabric scrap from Atem before leaving the chamber at a near run.
Taking a deep breath, the Pharaoh turns to the others, his crimson eyes alight with anger. "Secure the palace, count the casualties and report back as soon as possible. Aknadin, Seth, see to it my Father is taken somewhere safe until we can return him to his rest." He gets agreements and gestures of respect from each priest before they run off then turns back to his Queen only to find him missing. Knowing where his friend will have run off to he can only sigh, kneeling down beside Ch'elema's head once more.
In the few short minutes Atem was turned away, the wolf has already become much weaker. The extent of the damage clear in the struggle he takes for each breath. Ch'elema whimpers, trying to push his head further in Atem's hands and the Pharaoh runs one through his thick fur. He'd watched the massive wolf grow from a pup the size of his hands, trained him, raised him with care to be a loyal pet but somewhere in that time he and the pack have become more to Atem. Feeling his heart constrict in grief at watching his friend fade he bows his head, resting it against the wolf's snout. "Thank you, my friend, for everything. You did your best and for that I will always remember you."
The head in his hands moves, dark eyes recognizing the end, and Ch'elema presses his snout to Atem's chest. A spark like lightning races through his body and the Pharaoh has his breath stolen as magic so familiar yet so different—feral, wild, instinctively primal—floods his body. In the same breath it came the magic is gone, the wolf's body going lax as his breath leaves him for the last time.
Yugu gasps, unable to keep his tears in check. No. No. It's not fair! A gut feeling tells him this is only just the beginning and all the teen can wonder is just how much worse it will get before it gets better.
Slim fingers fumble with straps and buckles, eyes nearly blind with tears are no help with his task. He has to stop after he realizes his hands are shaking too hard to fix one horse's reins. With a shallow breath he leans his head against the ashen neck in an attempt to control his emotions. A simple look at the others is more than enough to know Ch'elema is gone, his injuries too much for even the wolf to bear.
"Heba? What are you doing here?" Swallowing, the wild-maned teen turns at the question to find Mahad and Mana slowly approaching. His lifelong friend steps up beside him, finishing the task he's unable to.
He scrubs his eyes hard with a hand to clear his sight. "I'm going with you." Mahad opens his mouth to protest and the Queen glares, his mauve eyes hard. "I don't care if I'm Queen. That bastard attacked the kingdom, hurt my love, interrupted his Father's rest, and Atem's favorite wolf is dead because of him. I'm going to find him and haul him back here myself if I have to."
Sapphire eyes gleam with hidden amusement, the Magician's lips quirking up. "That wasn't what I was going to say, Your Highness. I was merely going to ask which wolves we should take. You two have the best idea of who is better for the job."
"Oh." Heba swallows, the fire taken out from under him. The Queen turns away, ducking under the horse's head to move over to his own mare and frowns in thought, his eyes dancing over the remaining wolves. After a moment he makes his decision. He mounts his horse, gaining the pack's attention and calls out, "Āsimati! Birhiani!" As they pad over he turns to the others, finding them mounted as well and holds out a hand for the scrap of fabric from the thief's cloak. When Mana sets it in his hands he holds it out to the wolves, allowing them to thoroughly scent it.
He never even has to give the command. The wolves take off at a run, nearly trampling the guards. They race after them, gravel and sand kicking up in their haste to keep the black-furred canines in their sights. Through the fire burning it's way through the city, through the ruins of homes and markets that had been whole merely hours earlier, through thick clouds of smoke and the wails of the grieving and the injured they follow the wolves out of the city into the desert.
Unlike the times before where their trips had always been fun-filled and used for letting the wolves get exercise, now they run as if Ammit the Devourer herself is on their tails. It isn't long before they enter a canyon of a kind, the rock walls steep and foreboding. When the wolves slow their pace so to do the trio slow their horses, their eyes wandering over the black walls in their search.
"The Valley of the Kings," Mahad murmurs, gaining their attention. Heba looks over, finding the Magician's eyes darting from wall to wall. "Of course that scaleless snake would choose to hide here. Why would he go anywhere else when he has all the gold he could want within these walls." Now that Heba knows what he's looking for he can see the familiar structures subtly carved into the rock indicating the entryway of various tombs.
Most have been worn away over time leaving only outcrops of rock that look no different than the surrounding walls but the further they move in the more distinct they become until Heba recognizes the very same indicator standing beside the opening to Atem's Father's tomb. When the wolves begin sniffing around the opening he calls them back, worried they may set off any traps in their pursuit.
Mahad dismounts, looping his reins around a small bush growing from the wall. He and Mana follow his lead before he turns to Heba. "My Queen, I implore you to stay here. You do not know the traps and spells that line the walls of the tomb and the Pharaoh would be angry with me if you were to get hurt."
Heba scowls, wanting to argue though knows it's useless when it comes to the Magician. "Very well, but at the first sound of trouble I'm coming in after you." Mahad nods and steps up to the opening of the tomb, glancing back only once to check the Queen isn't following.
Mana frowns, looking at him with apologetic eyes. "I'll make sure the old coot doesn't go too far." With that she races down the tunnel after their teacher, the sound of her sandals rapidly fading away.
Settling for sitting on a rock on the lookout for possible enemies, Heba keeps an eye on the wolves now sniffing around the area. He can see it in their body language they're not as happy as they should be. This night has shaken everyone involved but a gut feeling tells the Queen this is only just the beginning. He sighs, folding his arms across his legs. "Gods above I just hope they come out of this alive."
Twin growls are his only answer. Realizing they're the 'danger is coming' not the happy responsive growls Heba turns to the wolves. He finds them standing side by side, glaring at the opposite end of the canyon the trio had come from. A few seconds later the thundering of hoofbeats reach his ears. Heba slides off the rock, reaching for his sword even as he glares at Nut far above. "You just can't ever make it easy, can you?" Not expecting a reply he turns to the wolves. For once he's grateful they had taken the time to learn how the pack hunts. "Āsimati! Birhiani, flank and spook!"
At his call the wolves seemingly disappear into the shadows of the walls, it becoming difficult for even him to see them in the darkness. They may be animals but they are extremely intelligent animals, able to think for themselves outside of the pack. When they are together the intelligence multiplies to the point they are as cunning as their masters. As such, when the group of bandits rounds the turn, coming into sight of the tomb, Heba stands alone to guard; they never see their death slinking along behind them. The horses are on edge, scent alone sending them skittering as they approach.
"What's this?!" One thief calls out, yanking hard on his reins. Even underneath his cloak Heba can hear the sneer in his voice. "The Great Pharaoh has sent the Queen to do his dirty work. Looks like we get a treat to play with, men." Heba hides a shiver of disgust, simply choosing to glare at the riders, his sword held low at an angle in front of him.
"If you think I can't defend myself you've got another thing coming." And he grins, his eyes flashing with mania. "I may be a Queen now but I was raised with the commoners. I know more tricks than you could ever possibly think of." Like he had hoped, the thieves dismount to try and take him out with overwhelming numbers.
They don't get far.
The horses react first, screaming out in terror, kicking, lashing out, and knocking out several riders in their terror. They turn and flee, scattering down both sides of the valley in response to the growling slowly rising in volume. In just those moments a quarter of the group is taken out. Heba smirks, pointing his sword at the lead thief. "It would appear your horses have fled you. Your escape is cut off and if you proceed your lives will be forfeit. Lay down your weapons and surrender or die here in the shadow of Horus' light. Which will you choose?"
His enemy is stubborn, he decides as he watches the group charge forward swords raised high. The back edge of the group never notices what befalls them as the wolves take their pleasure in rending them limb from limb. As the leading edge falls upon Heba he reveals his worth, all the summers as his lover's sparring partner clear in the efficiency he uses to take down the attackers.
A wildly swinging sword almost takes his head off but he avoids the swing causing the sword to sheathe itself in another thief instead. Turning, he catches the thief behind him in the chest with his hilt before following through with a slash across the chest that sends the man flying. On quick feet he spins once more, holding off another sword. The screams have gotten quieter, there's maybe three thieves left but Heba can't relax yet. In the time it takes him to hold off one sword the other two have gotten much too close and while Heba is good he's not good enough to hold off three swords at once.
Fortunately he only has to do the impossible for a handful of seconds before the wolves appear behind the thieves. They each grab a thief by the head, lifting them high enough off the ground for their feet to dangle. Their swords flail dangerously but Heba pays them no mind, working on dispatching the final enemy before twin sickening cracks fill the suddenly silent night air.
Panting Heba steps backward, his sword hanging at his side and watches the wolves drop their catch. Their heads sit at unnatural angles, the wolves having broken their necks. The Queen returns his sword to his sheath, before stepping up to his furry companions. Raising one hand to both he allows them to take the step forward to push their heads against his hands before a small worn smile quirks his lips. "Thank you, you two. You did very well."
Birihani sniffs, lifting his head from Heba's hand and licks the man's cheek causing him to wince. He hadn't exactly gotten away scratch-free. Even with the wolves helping to dwindle their numbers there had simply been too many thieves for Heba to avoid every sword swing. He considers himself lucky the injuries are nothing more than skin deep and he still has his head let alone all of his limbs. Wiping away the slobber Heba sighs, looking at the entrance to the tomb. He doesn't know how long it has been since Mahad and Mana entered but the fact they have yet to return worries him.
He makes a decision and turning back to the wolves raises a hand. "On guard. No one enters." As expected Birihani plods over to one side of the tomb and sits, his ears on a swivel. However, Āsimati surprises him. The male approaches Heba, eyeing him before pushing his nose into Heba's palm. Heba inhales sharply, a bolt of lightning flashing through him at the contact. As quickly as it occurred the odd feeling is gone leaving Heba wondering what happened. Āsimati steps back, the wolf's dark eyes showing unknown depths of knowledge before he turns away to join his packmate on the opposite side of the entrance. Flexing his hand in an attempt to get rid of the sudden numbness in it, Heba enters the tomb.
The descent into the darkness seems as if it takes an eternity but the Queen knows better. The last time he and his Lover came it took little time to reach the main chambers. Now, though, as he passes another worry begins gnawing at his nerves. Every trap from the blades in the walls to the falling slabs has been disabled. Even as he passes over a shadow monster tablet he feels no magic rise from the creature within.
At last he enters the main chambers and his eyes go wide. Mahad, the normally strong and unflappable magician lies on the stone, his life blood seeping across the floor from severe gashes and wounds. "No." He rushes forward, coming to kneel beside Mana where she leans over Mahad's chest, her hands glowing green with her magic. He's unsure what to do, his hands hovering over the bloody torn tunic until finally he sets a hand on Mana's shoulder. "Mana, what can I do?"
Normally fierce emerald eyes clouded with fear turn to him, tears trailing her tan cheeks. She pauses only long enough to run a bloody arm across her face to clear her sight before returning her focus to the Priest's wounds. "H-Help me. I don't have enough power to heal these by myself."
Nodding, Heba calls on his own magic as he sets his hands to Mahad's chest. Almost immediately he can tell it's a losing fight. The Magician's Ka is already fading from the wounds it had suffered and if the Ka is fading the Ba will be much worse off. Even still he pushes more magic into the spell, trying to help as much as he can...until something within him changes. The tingling in his hand that he'd ignored since Āsimati's odd actions increases, his hand feeling as if it's going numb again. That same bolt of lightning that shocked him earlier shocks him again, only this time it's somewhat dulled and he feels as if he's the sender instead of the receiver. Below him, Mahad's body jumps and Heba instinctively jerks back.
Whatever happened seems to have helped, the magic Mana continues to feed into the Magician's body sealing the wounds. A glance over shows his friend hadn't seen what occurred, her focus entirely on their mentor. With the knowledge he isn't safe yet Heba returns to aiding the healing spell, warily eyeing his hands in case something else out of the ordinary happens.
After a few tense moments, a quiet groan catches their attention. Mana looks up, her spell fading from the lack of focus and gasps. "Mahad!" Heba sits back on his feet, his eyes on their mentor's face as his eyelids flicker and sapphire eyes finally open. Mahad frowns, confusion clear in his expression. Then he attempts to sit up, one hand rising to a spot in his torso where one of the worst wounds was.
"Mana?" His eyes wander to Heba and the Queen frowns, his hands curling into fists in his lap. "Heba? What are you doing here? Where is the thief?" Something else occurs to the Magician and his eyes go wide as his hand clenches the empty fabric of his tunic. "My ring! He took it!"
With strength Heba isn't sure the Magician has, he surges to his feet before stumbling, Mana racing to his side to hold him steady. Heba follows her lead, coming to Mahad's other side as he raises a hand to his head. "My ring." He groans, shaking his head. "We must get it back."
"But Mahad!" Mana pleads, her fingers tight around his bicep. "You almost died the first time. Even if you have your full powers there is no way you'll be able to face him on your own."
Normally Heba would be with Mahad on the choice of going after the thief but now...He knows the stubborn look in their mentor's eyes. He and his friends have all worn it more than a few times growing up. It also means that Mahad would blindly walk into the line of fire to get back what is his. Knowing what he needs to do, Heba takes a deep breath and steps out in front of the Magician. Hardening his glare into the same expression he uses for unruly servants he crosses his arms over his chest.
For all that Mahad is being bullheaded he's still loyal to a fault. That loyalty causes him to flinch back from the angry Queen instead of risking harming him. Almost immediately his eyes dart to the floor and Heba lifts his chin. "Mahad, if I have to order you I will." He doesn't like having to use his title on others. He'd much prefer being friends with the lower ranks because at one time he had been part of the lower ranks. But in situations like this he isn't afraid to use what he must if it saves the lives of those he holds close.
Mahad bows at the waist, one hand pressing against his stomach, the other still firmly within Mana's grasp to keep him from falling over. "Forgive me, my Queen. I had not meant to anger you. What will you have me do?"
"We will return to the palace." Heba finally sighs, the air of royalty shedding off his shoulders with as much ease as one would change their clothes. "Atem'll be getting worried about our whereabouts, you need to see Isis, and I need to see how he's dealing with Ch'elema. Will you be able to make the walk back to the surface by yourself?"
When Mahad almost topples over in the process of standing up straight Heba decides to take that as a resounding No and returns to his place by Mahad's other arm. Together the three of them leave the tomb behind, disappearing into the darkness of the tunnels.
When Yugi comes out of that memory he frowns, turning toward the Queen with a confused expression. That wasn't one of Yami's memories. That was one of yours, wasn't it? Why?
As much as he thinks he does, Atem doesn't have all the answers or the information to cure your curiosity. The spirit quietly explains, turning his head to look at the wolf still laying on the ground. The fear in their link has died down so it confuses the teen why Yami still lies in his position. In answer, Heba chuckles, turning back to Yugi. He is still watching us. I only froze him so he could not interfere with something that is for his good.
Yugi arches a brow in question. Has he always been this stubborn?
For as long as I've known him his stubbornness has run the length of the Nile and back many times over. As Heba states this the area begins to change and the teen prepares himself for what he might find next.
It isn't so much a shift in the air—the air has felt much too heavy since the thief broken into the palace earlier—as it is T'ila and Fīdeli stiffening in aggression that catches his attention. The females aren't prone to reacting out of anger unless anger is shown to or around them. To Atem this is a red flag if ever he's seen one and he sets a hand on T'ila's shoulder. "Find them, girl."
T'ila takes off down the hall, Fīdeli right behind her, and Atem sprints after them. If it's just a servant or someone from within the palace misbehaving he'll have a stern word, sentence a punishment and be done with it. But if there's even the slightest chance Bakura has returned then Atem plans to cut the thief off before he can do any more damage.
The wolves lead him to the east wing, where his and the priests' chambers lie. While he can't quite comprehend the reason for being led here a larger part of him knows the pack wouldn't be wrong. So he follows them down the hall to the doors leading to Aknadin's chambers. Together the wolves ram the doors open and Atem storms in, his eyes going wide when he catches Bakura straddling the priest's waist in an attempt to grab the Millenium eye.
"Pin!" He barks, T'ila moving swiftly to knock Bakura off of the priest while Fīdeli stands over Aknadin, growling low. Atem eyes the thief warily, ensuring the wolf has a firm grip on him before sparing a glance at his priest. "Aknadin, speak to me!"
The priest groans, small movements telling Atem he's alive if not completely okay. "Pharaoh?" He attempts to sit up only for the female above him to growl a warning. Getting the hint he lays back down, remaining still beneath the massive paws.
Atem scowls, turning away from the thief for the merest of seconds. "Stay put, help will be here—" A blast of green magic illuminates the darkness of the night and Atem turns back around in time to see a large black mass coming at him. He isn't quite sure what happened but when his head is cleared he finds he's pinned under T'ila and Bakura is fleeing from the chambers. Almost immediately T'ila's unsteadily rising to her feet, the wolf shaking her head to clear it. The Pharaoh is up soon after, resting a hand on her shoulder.
When the wolf snarls, taking after the fleeing thief, he and Fīdeli are hot on her heels. Their chase has them coming out near the stables. Atem skids to a halt, his eyes darting across the yard. He watches the thief race by on a stolen horse, a black blur following only a few lengths behind. Realizing who it is, Atem turns to one of the horses in the stable. "T'ila, Fīdeli follow Ch'ewata!" He doesn't bother with a saddle, jumping onto the mare's bare back and slapping the reins against her flank. As he follows the wolves out the palace gates he snarls at the sight of the fleeing thief. A flick of his wrist unravels his dia dank. Glaring at the running thief he calls on his magic, reaching out to one of the tablets within his sanctuary. "Gods of Kehmet, hear me!" The pain from the rush of energy isn't as bad this time. The blood rushing in his ears is more than enough to distract him from it. A growl shakes the air overhead and he glances up finding the black belly of the never-ending dragon God.
The massive dragon shoots ahead suddenly, and is struck by a burst of green light. Atem grimaces, rubbing at the pain emanating from his chest but doesn't cease his pursuit of Bakura. Slifer can take care of himself, it's the Pharaoh's responsibility to capture the thief that has caused them so much trouble. Or so he believes. Another blast of green magic fires wide, crimson eyes unconsciously tracking it into the city and he pales.
"No! Slifer, protect them!" The dragon veers off from his pursuit, flashing in front of the children the attack had been aimed at. Atem gasps, leaning over at the wave of pain washing over him. He grits his teeth, closing his eyes against it before finding the strength to sit up. When he does he finds Bakura standing on the roof of a hut ahead. The wolves are gone, seemingly having disappeared into the shadows leaving no trace of their whereabouts. However...Atem knows better.
He's spent almost ten summers with these wolves. It's simple for him to search the darkest corners and recognize the flickering light as black fur. The soft growls and snarls are easy to detect beneath the louder screams and growls of the shadow monster. Unbidden, his lips quirk and he smirks at the thief. "Give it up, Bakura. There's nothing you can do that I can't stop."
Bakura grins maddeningly, sitting back in the saddle in a wholesome picture of smug arrogance. "Don't be so sure, Pharaoh. Your connection to the God is so close that every hit against him is a hit against you. I could simply wait until Diabound wears you both down then take the puzzle and destroy this entire city but..." His grin darkens, graphite eyes flashing menacingly in the light of the fires. "I think I'll make a bargain with you instead. Give me your Millenium Puzzle and I'll leave the city in one piece."
Unseen in the dark of the night Atem pales, one hand grasping the leather cord keeping the golden inverted pyramid around his neck. He'd inherited it from his Father, not only as one of his Father's possessions but also a necessity for protecting all of Kehmet. To give it up he'd lose a piece of his Father and one of the seven points of protection for his kingdom. An idea he entertains only for the amount of time it takes to catch a glimpse of Fīdeli moving closer. Atem snarls, clutching the leather cord even tighter.
"I refuse your bargain!"
Does anyone else remember that kid's show, Between the Lions? One skit I always remember is the one that goes something like "CLIFF HANNNNGGGER" *cackles* Cruelty is oft found hand in hand with amusement when it comes to writers. Several I know are very good at it. Which, coming from the view of a reader, makes me want to murder them all the more for it. That said, remember five reviews earns y'all a Christmas Gift. I'll see ya next week!
Grizzly out for the night.