Disclaimer: I do not own Yu-Gi-Oh or its characters; that right belongs to Kazuki Takahashi. I do own the OC(Original Character) used in this story and do not want her used by anyone else, anywhere else.
Author's Note: The first part of this story, the past, will be moving a bit faster due to the plotline. And characters (canon) will, at times, be (OOC)out of character. So if you do not like that, I politely ask you to turn around and leave now because I don't see the point in you wasting your time and mine.
Seven years was a lot longer than one would think, and now he stood there waiting in anticipation before his father's court. Hours ago, he had received the message while he was in combat training, honing his body and mind, that his friend, his Sunshine had returned. Though he looked calm, standing there beside his father, staring at the entryway, inside Atem was curious, excited, and nervous. Today was his 19th birthday and his Sunshine's 13th. What changes had she gone through? Would she remember the promise that they'd always be friends?
The sound of the drums rolled across the room, quieting everyone in attendance. The doors slowly pushed inwards, revealing Nenet and her sister Chione. A wave of irritation went through him that they were blocking his view as they walked through the door and up the cleared path to where he stood. Tonight he'd learn her name. Though, he already resolved to call her Sunshine when they were alone.
When the last vibrations of the drums faded from the air, Atem watched as impassively as he could as Nenet and Chione stopped before them. He could see the small smile on Chione's face since Nenet's was covered with the traditional veil that all Seer wore to hide their blindness.
"My Pharaoh, your highness, and all gathered here tonight, I am proud to present my daughter," Nenet stated loudly.
His mind barely heard her name as he watched the two women step aside and reveal his friend. Atem was shocked because there before him was a tiny, petite person. It had to be a joke because this person was barely taller than when he'd last seen them seven years ago? Is that even possible?
"I see seven years hasn't changed your lack of social graces, except your on time."
Atem had to do a double-take as several chuckles came from around him, causing heat to flood to his face. Nope, this was still the same person.
"And I see young lady you are still a brash and opinionated person," Atem's father said. "Now, come forward and present yourself."
The small downward tilt of the veiled head at his father's request was seen by all, before she walked forward to stand before her mother and aunt, lowering herself until she was on her knees before his father and himself.
"Child, you were sent away seven years ago to train and obtain control of your power," his father stated after standing and walking down the few steps to stand directly before the girl. "Have you done so?"
There was silence for but a few seconds before she replied, yes, to his father.
"You know the God who has marked you for service?" His father asked.
Once more, there was a brief silence before another yes was given.
"Then, you have completed the vessel that will bind you to my son?" His father asked.
At this, Atem felt his body automatically straighten to its full height. The ceremony had started with the first question. Now it was progressing to where the pact would bind them until death.
"Yes, My Pharaoh, the vessel is completed," she said. "May I present it? May I be allowed to bind my life in servitude to your son, Prince Atem, the next Pharaoh of Egypt?"
This time his father was quiet, as Atem watched and waited for the response.
"So be it. Atem come forward, and you, child, rise!" His father commanded. "Present the vessel you have crafted these past seven years and the pact to bind you as one be done!"
At his father's command, Atem stepped forward when his father moved back. He stared down at the bowed head as the shuffling of her layered robes was heard in the deafening silence of the throne room. When it ended, he held out his hand only to shake a little as a wrapped bundle was placed in it.
There was no mistaking that shape, though the size was much smaller, the size of a small dagger, but it was a Khopesh. With great care, Atem unwrapped the bundle and held it up for all to see. The blade was no more than three inches and crystal clear, while the handle was of bleached bone, bound in bleached leather, and holding no ornamentation. And it didn't need it; he could feel the dedication that was put into making it. The gasps and whispers that resounded at the sight of the vessel were telling.
Glancing down, he saw that her head tilted up, the veils hiding her face from him, but he didn't need to see to know that she was smiling smugly.
"This vessel is a weapon, why did you choose this?" he asked.
There was a minute or two of silence before she answered, "Because as your Seer, I will be called upon to my duty to protect you and your kingdom. To help it grow with my powers. I wish to be your weapon of choice off, and if need be, on the battlefield, My Prince," she stated in a cold, calm voice that resounded throughout the throne room.
Atem was shocked, but he felt pride swell at what she was saying. Making sure his features were still schooled, he brought the vessel down.
"Then where would you offer your blood from to bind you to me with this vessel?" He asked, curious.
When she sat up straight, her hands came up and pulled at the ties that kept the robes she wore closed, Atem couldn't help his eyes widening as they parted. He saw the same pale skin she had as a child peek between the edges of the cloth. Then she was leaning back, bearing her chest to him, as her hands grasped her ankles.
"I give my heart's blood in servitude to you. My life is yours to do with as you see fit," she said, her voice that same cold, calm that carried. "Until the day I die, My Prince."
Again gasps and whispers came from all around. This was a bold declaration. Usually, the Seer would make a small crystal pendant, not a weapon. But the weapon was also based on their gift as a Seer. The place blood was offered was sacred as well. The heart's blood was precious in that it meant her life was his, so he could kill her if he so wished. She was giving up all to him, bowing to him in complete trust.
"Then, by what name shall we all know you by?" He asked, his voice coming out in a harsh commanding tone.
"Seraph'Amen," she said.
As her name registered, his body moved on its own, the power and magic of the Gods coursing through him, demanding that this bond be made and sealed. There was no hesitation as his mind registered the meaning of her name as his hand came down, plunging the mini Khopesh into the valley between where her breast would be, right over her heart. When the hilt hit her flesh, he stared down at the veiled face as he felt her body shudder from the force he had used.
After what felt like an hour, Atem pulled the vessel out of her body slowly, savoring it. When it left, there was a shimmer of golden light as the wound sealed itself, leaving nothing but a thin scar in its place and not a drop of blood to be seen on her pale flesh. When he brought the vessel up for all to see, it was now crimson, dark, and beautiful like a blood ruby.
The silence that hung heavy in the air had Atem glancing down at his Sunshine, his Seer. Then footsteps broke the silence as a calloused hand wrapped around his that held the vessel above his head.
"All here have bore witness to the binding of this Seer, Seraph Amen to my son, Prince Atem," His father intoned. "That she has placed her life and given all her trust to him. Their bond is strong. Child of Seer Nenet, rise and face the court, as the newest Seer to serve our family and as an adult amongst us."
Atem watched as Seraph'Amen stood, her hands deftly tying the robes closed and turning to the gathered mass. She was indeed still short, but she stood tall and with pride.
"And now, before the festivities can start to celebrate, not just this occasion, but my son's and this new seer shared birthday," His father said, causing Atem to stiffen. "I need Priest Seto to come forward."
Atem glanced to the side as he watched his Cousin step away from the current head priest and come to stand beside his Sunshine... no Seer Seraph'Amen. That eight-year age gap still played on his mind, but also the fact that in the past seven years, Seto had grown much taller. Almost a full foot taller than, eclipsing himself in height. Becoming distant and cold, but faithful and loyal.
"Seven years ago, I made the announcement that I had chosen Seto to be the spouse to this child," His father stated. "Now, I will make it official; both of you face me and present your hands to me."
Atem could only watch as they did as commanded. Both their hands outstretched as his father wrapped the purest and whitest piece of cotton cloth around their wrist, binding them. He was thus declaring them to be married.
"In two years, when you have reached your womanhood in all ways, Seraph'Amen will wed my nephew Seto, who will be the High Priest to my son when he is Pharaoh," his father said.
The way they both lowered their heads in acquiesce to what was being said. Atem could tell from body language that neither was happy about this, but it was tradition.
When it was all done and said, the two were turned and presented, a round of applause was given as his father told everyone to enjoy the celebration for the man blessings that the Gods had given them this day. Atem wanted to grab his Sunshine and escape, but he did his duty by talking and entertaining the others, his eyes searching out his Cousin and friend, who danced and talked with others.
It had been hard to do so, but as the dawn approached, she had finally escaped. The early morning air was crisp and felt good against her skin as it cut through her thin robes. The last seven years had been hell for her, learning to harness her ability and control it, which wasn't always a guaranteed thing. Since it still over took her body and left burns everywhere when that vision manifested itself physically to her eyes and senses. And she was sure that when her mother and auntie got her alone, she'd be getting a lecture about what she had done for the binding ceremony.
It wasn't by her choice, no, the whole time during her training, the image had been clear in her mind from the first day she had arrived in the secluded recesses of the desert. The sound of the Gods talking into her head. Telling her what her duties were to be and the be careful of the paths she walked, for she would be easily used by those who didn't have Egypt's best interest that those visions she'd had her whole life were the result of her falling from the path they wanted her to follow.
A part of her was very bitter about it. And the fact she wasn't allowed to use her real name, given at birth, but this one that was selected because of the God who had chosen her as his vessel to the people, marked her with a brand the day she was born during a sandstorm.
"I figured you'd be out here, Sunshine."
Stiffening a bit at the having her solitude intruded, she smiled beneath her veils. She was still in shock at the changes that had taken place in her friend at that time. He had grown into his lean body, toned his muscles, and tanned his skin. Though his eyes still spoke of mischief, and his hair still defied gravity and the natural color scheme. Then again, the Gods had made it clear they had chosen Atem to bring in a peaceful era. To guard the Millennium items and the God Cards that were meant to protect Egypt.
"Your Highness," she replied, giving a small bow at the waist.
When she righted herself, she saw in the dim light of the lanterns that he was less than pleased by her response. The sour look on his face spoke volumes. She knew what was wrong, why he was acting like this. And unable to help herself, she started to laugh. Teasing him was still fun.
"Your a brat, Sunshine," Atem said.
"Don't worry; I still remember our promise. It was just too tempting to tease you," she replied.
When he walked over to her, leaning against the pillar she stood by, she looked out over the darkened desert, seeing the pale golden glow of dawn on the horizon.
"I am glad you didn't forget our promise, though you're a little unbalanced with the stunt you pulled in there," Atem told her.
A quick roll of her shoulders, she shrugged it off. It was not her place to tell Atem that it wasn't her choice. That particular binding was deadly; it could have killed her if the Gods hadn't blessed it. Leaving Atem's reign to be marked as cursed and full of strife.
"So, your name, Seraph'Amen, The Messenger of Ra," he said slowly. "Now it is obvious why father didn't give you name that day you were announced to the court for the first time. A major God has made you their mouthpiece for me and all of Egypt."
She wrinkled her nose under her veils and stuck her tongue out and blew a loud, obnoxious raspberry. The chuckle she got from Atem let him know he understood how she felt.
"It is fine; you are Sunshine as far as I am concerned," Atem said.
Turning, she threw her arms around him and hugged him. Feeling for a brief second as he stiffened in shock before wrapping his arms around her and hugging her back tightly. It was odd feeling those muscles against her face through the veils.
"I am home, Atem," she whispered. "Dawn is approaching, and the day will hold many new trials. May I suggest that we retire?"
There were a few minutes of silence before he replied that he agreed. When he let her go, she watched as he excused himself first. Waiting for a good five minutes, she moved back towards the interior of the palace, slowing for a but a second.
"It is rude to spy on people. It would be wise not to speak a word of what you saw or heard," She stated in a cold tone. "And I was aware you watched and listened seven years ago."
Then she was inside and making her way towards the Pharaoh to get permission to seek the comfort of her mother's home and to sleep in her bed.
He had watched as she vanished out the side area of the palace, just like seven years ago. Biding his time, he saw Prince Atem do so as well. Curious as to see how their first meeting since their would pan out. If they'd both act as if they were strangers? Because the rumors had flown when Nenet had come back a different person and already pregnant. Though he was highly intrigued by the name the conclave of Seers had given the girl.
Staying hidden behind a long drape, he listened to their conversation, before seeing the girl, no Seraph'Amen, hug her prince. If anyone were to find out about that, they'd be kept from each other. This was wrong, friends or not because she was now promised. And he was sure her intended would not be pleased, not that he was already.
In the past few months, it had become evident with subtle comments made by the man that he wanted to have this revoked before it was made official. But a lot of maneuvering had happened to get him into that position. Thus he had been taken to task and put before the Pharaoh for his displeasure, taken to task, and punished for it. Though the Seer's power was still a mystery, having a hold on her was necessary for his plans to come to fruition.
His teacher had been angry when Nenet had come back pregnant and gave birth to a daughter at the age of fourteen. So young, but Nenet was supposed to be his bride, and it had been denied him. And then she had become the consort of the Pharaoh after the late queen had passed. Something he knew was not an accident, though many were led to believe it was childbirth that killed her and the princess who was too early.
When Seraph'Amen mentioned that they should retire for some rest, he stepped back to be further hidden from view as Prince Atem walked on by, oblivious to his presence. When he watched Seer Seraph'Amen start to pass, only to slow and speak, he felt a coldness creep its way through his body. Her tone held power, raw power. And it made another part of him giddy.
For now, he would keep his distance and use others to spy on the girl. He didn't want her to bring him and his need to observe her, or the prince, to the attention of the Pharaoh, her mother, who was a truth seeker, and the court. It would ruin all the plans that had been laid by his predecessor.
TBC!
POST NOTE: The next story to be updated is Predation!