Heh...long time no see...or as Malik would say "hisashiburi ne, nesan?" (Yea..it coumes in later eps. Where *tee hee* Malik takes off his robe!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!) Anyway, I hope you like this chapter, seeing as it's been forever since you all have gotten to read a new one. And as a warning...don't yell at me! There's a lemon in here that'll knock your socks off (and to this day I am still wondering why I wrote it)..oh well, what's done is done...Enjoy.
~*Playing With Lives*~
When the two arrived back at the palace gates it took everything in them to keep quiet while passing the guards so as to avoid any confrontations. They sneaked silently past Yami's room because truthfully, they knew that he wouldn't be too pleased with them staying out until the wee hours of the morning. But it didn't matter. Yami had been waiting for hours for them, well, Malik, to return.
"Malik! Where on Earth have you been?" Yami's voice sounded from behind them. Both Anzu and Malik nearly jumped out of their skins. Anzu felt the skin on the back of her neck tingle. If Yami knew they were gone then surely her grandmother…she didn't even want to think about how much trouble she'd be in when Bener found her.
Together they turned around slowly to face the wrath of Yami, and they were sure that he wouldn't be merciful.
"You may leave." He spoke to Anzu as he walked closer to them.
"I'll go to your room." She mouthed to Malik and with a quick glance at him, he nodded to her signifying that he could handle it, she grabbed the bags from his hands and walked extremely quickly back to his room.
When Anzu was gone Malik turned his attention back to Yami, who didn't look angry at all, but almost…nervous. In fact, as Malik watched him, it was the same look that Yami had when he came to ask him for help about asking Athena to the temple ceremony.
"Where were you all night?!?" Yami asked with tension in his voice.
"I was…well we…erm…" Malik glanced sideways as he bit his lip.
"Uh huh." Yami said with a smirk. "Well, anyway. Malik I need your help…again."
Malik couldn't help but put on that superior 'you know you cant live without me look' as he followed Yami down the hallway and into the throne room.
Once the doors were closed behind them, Malik spoke up.
"Soo…what is it this time?" He asked with a slight grin. He loved it when Yami was like a helpless puppy dog. "Do you want to know the best way to kiss her? Or do you want to ask her out on a date?"
Yami felt his face growing hot and had to resist the urge to hit Malik upside the head.
"Be quiet. I still have that dagger in my room." Yami said menacingly.
Malik shot him a reproachful look. For some reason, Yami's threats seemed to take on a whole new meaning from this side of the back-carving incident.
"S-sorry. You were saying." Malik said quietly.
"I need your advice." Yami paused as he looked down at his feet, he was going to have a hard time saying this so he decided that it would be best if he got it over with as quick as possible. "I want to ask Athena to marry me."
He whispered so fast that it took a second for it to register in Malik's brain.
"Oh that's all… YOU WHAT!?!?" He shouted so loudly that his voice echoed throughout the cavernous throne room, and Yami had to place his hand over Malik's mouth.
"Shh! Shut up! Do you want the whole world to know?" He snapped, glaring into Malik's eyes, which by this point had tears of laughter in them.
"What's so funny?" He added, removing his hand.
"Well, it's just that…you…I…Yami, you've come to the wrong guy! I mean, I can get you hooked up and all, but marriage? It's just not my thing. C'mon! You're talking to someone who hasn't spent more then one night with any girl!"
"What about Anzu?" Yami asked, crossing his arms with a smile on his face.
"Oh, yea…well that's different." Malik said, flushing slightly.
"Uh huh." Yami walked away and looked out the balcony. "Well, if you can't give me advice, just give me some reassurance. Do you think I'm doing the right thing?"
"Oh hell yea!" He said, loud enough to make Yami turn his head and shoot him a warning look.
"I mean…yea." He repeated sheepishly. "Speaking of Athena though, how is she?"
"Much better," Yami paused, "But it was this whole incident that made me realize how precious she is to me. I want to spend the rest of my life with her. And nothing like this will ever happen again. Who ever did it is going to pay severely."
At those words, Malik's stomach did a back flip. His day out with Anzu had almost made him forget about the evil spirit. He hadn't heard from him in a while though, and Malik tried to convince himself that the spirit was long gone.
"What's wrong?" Yami asked, seeing all the color drain from Malik's face.
"Huh?" He muttered halfheartedly, looking back up at Yami.
"I asked you what was wrong."
"Oh…oh, nothing's wrong, why would there be?" He said, trying to put on a much more pleasant face.
"I dunno, I guess I'm just nervous…but, you really think I should ask her?"
"Definitely."
"Ok, thanks for your help. That's all." Yami walked over to the door and held it open until Malik walked out and vanished around the corner.
* * *
"So, how much trouble are you in?" Anzu asked as Malik stepped into his room. But she gave him a curious look when she saw the expression on his face. It looked as though Yami had just given him a thousand debin instead of scolding him. "Did I miss something?"
"Um, I think you should sit down for this one."
Anzu did as she was told, still with a bewildered look on her face. Malik came and sat down next to her, still smiling.
"Yami had the most interesting news tonight. He wants to ask Athena to marry him." After those words Malik nearly fell of the bed as Anzu jumped up, putting her hands over her mouth.
"Oh my! Oh jeez…uh…wow." Anzu started pacing around her room, while Malik followed her with his eyes.
"Well that's wonderful!" She suddenly shouted. "Oh, I'm so happy for Athena."
Anzu tried her best to calm down as she sat back down on the bed next to him, still breathing rather heavily.
"I never thought Yami had it in him." Malik said, to her as well as himself, almost unable to believe the events that had unfolded in the past hour.
"I think it's soo romantic." Anzu sighed with a smile.
Malik was starting to feel a little uncomfortable. Is this what Anzu wanted? Did she want a husband? If so, he wasn't sure that he would ever be ready for that. So he decided to change the subject. Rummaging through the shopping bags that were by the bed, he pulled out the skimpy little dancer's outfit that they bought earlier that day.
"You never told me why on Earth you picked out something like this." He said, holding it up. Not that he minded though. He would have loved to see Anzu try it on, because he was positive that she would look absolutely perfect in it.
"Oh, that…uh. Promise you won't laugh?" She asked, becoming more serious.
Malik nodded his head.
"Well, I've always wanted to…be a dancer." She looked at him, expecting him to be rolling on the floor in a fit of laughter. But he wasn't. "I know it sounds silly," She continued, "But ever since I came to the palace in my free time I would watch them practice. They are so beautiful and graceful, and I can imagine that their job gets a lot more respect then that of a servant."
"I don't find that funny at all. Why don't you try this on and show me what you can do?" He held up the outfit, and she, with a bit of hesitation, grabbed it from him and walked into a corner, making him swear that he wouldn't peek.
It took all of the willpower he had to stop himself from turning around. But when she was dressed, she cleared her throat, and Malik turned around, only to have his heart jump from his chest into his adams apple. She had the most amazing body he had ever seen. He wondered why she would always try and cover it up.
"Um…wow." He managed to say, before she approached him, causing his mouth to go as dry as the Sahara.
"I feel so stupid." She muttered, as her face turned a shade of pink. She felt as though Malik was looking at all of her flaws. She felt as though her legs were too long and that she was too skinny. But how wrong she was.
"You…are absolutely perfect."
She couldn't help but smile as Malik grabbed her small waist and pulled her into him. Malik was sitting on the edge of the bed, with his arms wrapped tightly around her waist, which was bare due to the fact that the dancer's outfit didn't cover much.
"I thought…you wanted me to show you…what I could do." She gasped as Malik began to kiss her neck softly. It felt so good, his warm tongue gently licking up the side of her neck until he made his way to her jawbone biting down tenderly. It caused her to moan softly, gripping her hands tighter around Malik's arms.
Pulling away, he smiled at her. "That can wait."
And before she knew what had happened Malik had pulled her down on top of him as he fell back onto his bed.
Her heart was pounding a mile a minute as their bodies pressed tightly together. She even swore that at one point when he smiled it was because he could feel her heart beating furiously against his chest. Malik rested his head on the soft pillows as Anzu situated herself, putting one leg on either side of him. Anzu still felt a bit unusual sitting, well laying on top of a sex god, when she herself was so unversed in the ways of sexual pleasures.
Little did she know that Malik was almost as nervous as she, because he wanted her to feel comfortable, he didn't want her to feel pressured into it.
He could see and feel her small body shaking, so he wrapped his arms securely around her and brought her into him, where their lips met. He kissed her softly at first, but there was no way that he could hold out any longer. He slid his tongue across her lips and without hesitation, she parted them.
They kissed passionately for the longest time, only breaking away to breath. Feeling too scared to continue, Anzu pulled away, and sat up, moving to the other end of his enormous bed. She needed to control herself, before things got out of hand.
Malik didn't say anything. He understood her fear and didn't want to press her on. Instead he sat there, quietly looking at her.
What was she thinking? How could she let something this amazing slip through her fingers? Taking in a deep breath, she made up her mind that she was just going to let whatever will happen, happen.
Anzu's heart jolted as Malik looked over at her from his position on the bed. He…was…so amazingly gorgeous. Malik was shocked when he saw her leisurely crawling her way over to him.
Taking control, she placed her hand on his chest and slowly pushed him down until he was lying on his back. He all but whined as she climbed on top of him again and raised his hands over his head, secularly pinning them down.
"You're mine." She whispered softly as she bit down on the tender part of his neck. Malik winced at the pain and then moaned softly while she sucked gently on the tender flesh, dulling the pain.
She let go of his arms and brought her hands down to the bottom of his shirt. Grabbing hold of it, she gradually began to lift it off of his tanned torso. He groaned because he could feel her deliberately grinding herself up against him.
Once she had succeeded in freeing Malik of his top he wined as he felt her cool wet mouth press against the heated skin of his chest. Malik shut his eyes as he basked in each heavenly elation. The kisses, her warm body up against his, it was all becoming too much. He decided that it was time for him to take control. There was no way on earth that something this delectable, this perfect, was going to elude him any longer.
Sitting up slightly he grabbed her around the waist and rolled over so that he was on top.
Anzu smiled coyly at him as her hands sought out his face and brought him down to meet her lips in a heated kiss. Their bodies rubbed together, sending chills through each of them. Anzu's body shivered, causing Malik to smile seductively as his moved his hands down onto her legs. Placing one arm behind her, Malik sat up, pulling her up with him.
"I want more." His words echoed in her mind, and more is what he got.
Again she ground herself into him, making him fall back slightly, until his weight rested on his hands and he was leaning back. He couldn't take it any longer. If this beautiful woman remained clothed a minute longer, he felt as if he would go crazy.
So as she made the assault on his lips again, Malik pulled her up until they were both kneeling on the bed. Ever so slowly he moved his hands up to the little dancer's top that she was wearing. It was amazingly easy to remove considering how tight it was.
Anzu felt extremely uncomfortable under the piercing gaze of the other. She felt as if all her flaws were on display.
Malik merely gazed at her, unable to tear his eyes away from the goddess that was on his bed. If he wanted her before, it was nothing compared to the feeling that he had now. Every instinct in his body was urging him to take her, like he had with every other girl. 'Go ahead,' His body screamed. 'She's here, she will submit to you like all the others.' He tried to block out that taunting voice, because he didn't want this to be anything like the others.
'What are you waiting for you fool? Take her! Claim her!' It screamed, but this time he had little trouble blocking it out, because Anzu pushed herself into him, her breasts pressed firmly into his chest. He had to take in a deep breath as he lowered her back down on the bed. He couldn't believe that he was at this place with Anzu. Never in his wildest dreams did he imagine her wanting to go this far with him, after all that he had done. And he was angry with himself for even letting that voice tempt him to claim her like it did with all the others. There was, however, something different this time. His feelings for her got in the way, and clouded the voice, giving it less power over him.
He was pulled back into reality when he felt two hands at his waist, undoing his sash. Did she really want to go that far? Or did she feel like she had to? Malik wasn't sure, but whatever she wanted, he most assuredly wasn't going to stop her. He allowed her to untie his sash and remove his garments, while he brought his lips to hers again.
"Malik…" She groaned when he started to kiss his way down her neck and onto her collarbone. She was amazed at how skilled and perfect he was. Malik was bringing her so much pleasure that she could hardly believe it.
He couldn't wait a minute longer; he slid his hands along her waist until he reached the little skirt that she was wearing. Anzu, thinking that he was going to remove it raised herself up a little, to make it easier for him. But that wasn't what he had in mind, she wasn't ready yet, he knew that she was a virgin, it was pretty obvious, and he didn't want to bring her pain. Malik continued on his path down. Reaching her inner thigh he slid his hand back up and under the skirt.
He felt her take in a deep breath, as he slid his fingers gently into her.
Anzu tightened her hold around his neck; she had never experienced this sensation before. It was slightly uncomfortable at first, but as he moved his fingers in and out, it caused her to moan softly.
Malik now knew she was a virgin. She was extremely tight, and he was glad that he didn't decide to listen to that taunting voice that told him to claim her. Because if he did, he had a strong feeling that she wouldn't be able to walk for a while.
She tilted her head back slightly, taking in a deep gulp of air before Malik once again brought his lips to hers, subduing them in a powerful kiss. Just when she was really starting to enjoy the wonderful sensation, Malik pulled his fingers out, convinced that she would be able to handle him now, somewhat.
He removed the skirt and let it fall to the floor, bringing his hands back to her waist he held her tightly before, as gently as he could, he pushed into her.
"Malik!" She whined, letting go of his arms and gripping the sheets on his bed tightly. She had no idea that it would hurt so badly. Tears formed in her eyes as she tried her best to breathe normally, but nothing could take her mind off the immense pain.
Malik used small steady movements as he removed one of his hands from her waist and placed it behind her back, pulling her in closer. He wanted her to be in the least amount of pain as possible, but there wasn't much else he could do. Once again, he brought his mouth down to her neck, sucking lightly on the flesh there. She couldn't help but groan a little, and Malik took the opportunity to push himself in even deeper.
"I-it hurts…" She cried into his ear.
"It won't for long." He reassured her.
But at thins point, Anzu couldn't imagine anything that felt this bad, ever feeling good. She just had to trust him.
Malik ran his fingers through her brown hair, bringing his lips to hers he kissed them passionately, but Anzu was only half into the kiss. She was too preoccupied with the pain.
Pulling away from the kiss, he gazed into her eyes, which were wet with tears and glazed over. She managed to give him a little smile, before he thrust himself in even deeper, only to have Anzu crying out from under him.
It bothered him, yet at the same time, gave him pleasure. When she screamed his name, it only made him want to push in deeper and to move faster, causing her to scream his name out even louder. At the same time, he wanted to do all that he could to comfort her, and to reassure her that the pain would all be gone soon.
He couldn't believe the beauty of the girl who was screaming out from under him. Her skin was so soft, and she felt so good. He…had to go deeper. So that's what he did, but this time, Anzu didn't cry out with a moan of pain, but of pleasure.
Anzu took deep, unsteady breaths as her hands roamed around Malik's back. He had hit that spot. It was that spot that made her melt like butter in his hands. She was totally at his mercy now. He had brought her this far, and she felt as if she would cry if he stopped. She couldn't believe that all the pain she had experienced had turned into something that felt so good.
Malik smiled a little when he noticed the look on Anzu's face. He brought his head down and whispered in her ear.
"I told you." He nipped the delicate lobe before he pulled away, moving back to her lips. This time, Anzu gave him her all, kissing him forcefully, and to Malik's surprise, she wrapped her legs around his waist, which forced him in even deeper, and caused him to groan slightly. He had never experienced anything like this before. Malik could have never imagined the pleasures of sex when it was with somebody who was important to you. When you weren't in it just for your own guilty pleasures, but also to satisfy the other person as if it was the most important thing in the world. Right now, the only thing he could think about, the only thing that was running through his mind was making sure that Anzu was comfortable, and having the time of her life.
The two were so engulfed in passion that sunrise came and went before they were so exhausted that they simply fell onto the bed, breathing heavily, but so completely satisfied. They cuddled up close before falling asleep contently, wrapped up in each other's arms.
* * *
It was sometime in the afternoon when Malik finally opened his eyes, and to his great surprise Anzu was still nestled securely in his arms. This was most definitely a first for him, but it was a feeling that he could get used to. He couldn't help but smile as he watched her sleeping peacefully. Words couldn't express the feelings he had for her. However, he wasn't quite sure what they were, because he had never had them before.
"You're awake early." She whispered, turning around to him and smiling lightly. There was an immense pain shooting through her legs and back, and it caused her to cringe slightly.
"What's wrong?" He asked, noticing the look on her face.
"I think you wore me out last night." She said.
"Aah…yes, well…I…can be a bit rough."
She merely chuckled as she inwardly agreed with him. Looking over to her nightstand she saw her little candle and the gold bracelet that was given to her by her father, but her breath caught in her throat when she realized what was missing. 'Oh my Gods! The necklace!'
Shooting up from the bed and quickly putting on a white wool dress she got down on her hands and knees, franticly looking for it, while at the same time, receiving weird glances from Malik.
"What are you doing?"
"Nothing! Nothing…" She replied too quickly. 'Shit…if he finds out what will he think? I can't believe I lost it already!'
"Did you lose something?"
"No! I'm just…I u-uh…" 'Dammit!'
"You can be strange sometimes, you know that?" He commented softly as he donned his clothing. "If you are looking for something…I can help you."
"No! No that's alright…I…well I didn't lose anything ok!" She snapped.
"Ok, ok." He waved his hands defensively. "I'm just gunna go get some breakfast, I'll see you down there?"
"Uh huh…sure." She said absentmindedly as she crawled under the bed.
Malik sighed and walked out of the room.
On his way down to the kitchens to find Bener…he had that strange feeling again.
She lost something, eh? Came the haunting voice.
Malik was so taken aback that he stopped in his tracks. It had been so long since he heard the voice he figured that whoever it was, was long gone.
Sorry Malik, I'm afraid I'm still here.
"What the hell do you want?" He asked through gritted teeth.
I know what she lost…and I know where it is. He sniggered. But I'm afraid I can't tell you…you'll just have to wait and see.
Malik continued walking, trying to ignore the voice. He knew whatever he had planned this time couldn't be good…Malik couldn't hold out any longer, he had to tell Yami, when the time was right.
Fine. I can see you're not in a talking mood. That's ok. I'll be back soon enough.
After the evil one left, Malik had suddenly lost his appetite. In fact, he felt so light headed that he thought he would fall if he didn't find something to lean against. So he pressed his back against the wall and closed his eyes. He was screwed. What was he going to do? He couldn't go on any longer without telling someone. But he couldn't tell Yami, that would just ruin his day. Yami had other things on his mind, what with asking Athena to marry him and all. No, Malik couldn't tell him…not yet anyway. But who…then it hit him. He could tell Anzu. She'd believe him…he hoped.
Running back to his chambers he flung the doors open and burst in only to find Anzu sitting on his bed in tears.
"Anzu, what's wrong?" He asked gently as he walked over to her and sat down on the bed.
"I lost it…I'm so sorry…I…I can't believe I'm so stupid!" She said, more to herself than him.
"Anzu…you have to tell me what you lost…it's important." He said, trying to be as comforting as possible. But he really needed to know what the spirit was talking about.
"You spent all that money on me and I lost it." She kept on talking as he asked his question. But when he was finished she glanced up at him, torrents of tears coming from her azure eyes. "The necklace." She whispered hoarsely.
Malik widened his eyes a little. He wasn't upset with her that she lost it. But he did wonder why the spirit seemed so happy about it. However, Anzu didn't take his reaction well.
"Oh Gods! Malik I'm sorry!" She said overdramatically as she flung her arms around him and buried her face in his neck, still crying hard.
"Shh…don't worry about it." He said halfheartedly, as he stroked her hair. He was still thinking about what the spirit had to do with the necklace. "But Anzu…I have to tell you something."
She pulled slowly away from him and wiped some of her tears away as she looked at him. He looked extremely worried about something.
"I…don't know how to say this…but promise me that you'll believe me."
She silently inclined her head.
"That night…in your room when you went out to get some medicine. Remember when you came back in? You asked me if I yelled. Well, I did." He paused for a moment, not knowing if this was the right thing to do. But it was too late now; he wasn't about to stop. "Anzu, I don't know if I'm going crazy or what…but there was someone there that night. And…and he was the one who…raped Athena."
Anzu's mouth opened slightly as she gasped. She was unable to say anything. All she could do was stare at Malik in disbelief.
"I know this sounds crazy but-"
"Malik you have to tell Yami! This man can't walk around free, what if…what if he decides to do it again?" She said, sounding worried.
"No. We can't tell him. Anzu…the thing is…well, even if we tell Yami, there's nothing he can do about it."
"And just why not? He's the Pharaoh…whoever did it will be dead in a heartbeat, you can count on that." She said assuredly.
"Not if he's not alive in the first place." He said morosely.
Anzu gave him and awkward look that showed she didn't understand.
"Please don't think I'm crazy. A-and whatever you do you can't tell Yami…but this guy…this, this spirit, or whatever his is-"
"Whoa, whoa, hold up. Spirit? Malik what the-"
"Just hear me out. Now, I don't know how he came here or why he's doing all this…but he's sick and demented…he wants everybody dead."
Anzu looked as if she could burst into tears again. It was almost too absurd to be believable, but Malik was being so serious…
"Malik…" She started, but he wrapped his arms around her and pulled her in close. He felt her heart pounding against his chest.
"Don't worry…there's nothing he can do to you…I wont let him."
That's what you think…heh heh heh.
"Oh Gods!" Malik yelled suddenly, pulling away from Anzu.
"What is it?!" She asked urgently.
"N-nothing." He said shakily. 'Ra, don't let this happen. Go away…please go away.'
Are you begging me Malik?
'Yes…I'll do whatever you want…just please don't touch her.'
Anything?
'Yes, yes…'
Tell Yami about me.
"Malik?" Anzu said as she shook him slightly.
"Huh?"
"What's wrong? You just spaced out for a minute there." She said, sounding concerned.
"I…uh…I…" Malik looked down at the floor. "I have to tell Yami."
"But you said-"
"I know what I said!" He snapped at her.
She narrowed her eyes as she stood up from the bed. "You know what…I think you're a load of shit!"
"Anzu..." He started as he grabbed her arm, but she ripped it free and backed away from him. "What are you trying to gain by making all this up? Who are you to joke about what happened to Athena?"
"Anzu wait." He reached for her again but she only walked further away from him. "I'm telling the truth."
"How can I be sure? I know how you are!"
He reached out for her again.
"No…don't touch me." She hissed before she walked out of the room.
"Dammit!" He yelled, slamming his fist on the nightstand.
She's a feisty one.
"Shut the fuck up." Malik growled.
Oooh…do I sense some hostility this morning? The evil spirit joked. Are you going to tell Yami about me? Or do you prefer that I-
"Don't you even think about it!" Malik growled.
Oh, I already have…I've watched her a lot…she's quite beautiful…but if you do me a favor…I'll leave her alone.
"I don't trust you…how do I know you won't go ahead and do it anyway, even if I tell Yami?" Malik asked skeptically. "Why do you want me to tell Yami about you anyway?"
Don't worry about it. Just do as I say and you'll all be safe…for the time being that is.
"I'll think about it."
You've got one week.
"But-"
See ya, Malik.
"Dammit!" Malik could see that this was going nowhere fast. He was very cautious about telling Yami. Evidently something bad would come out of it; otherwise the spirit wouldn't be so enthused about it.
He had one week to think about it…and in that time there was nobody that he could talk to. Anzu was now pissed at him…Yami was the one he had to tell, and well, he didn't really want to talk to Athena just yet, and she probably wouldn't want to talk to him either.
* * *
"Come in." Yami said when someone knocked on his chamber doors.
Sheepishly Anzu popped her head in and looked around the room.
"F-forgive me Pharaoh…I was just wondering if I could speak to Athena?"
"She's not here." He said, sounding unusually happy. "She's in the gardens."
"Oh? You mean she's finally better?" Anzu couldn't help but smile at him after hearing that good news. It completely took her mind off what Malik had said.
"Not fully, but she was tired of being cooped up in this room, and I don't blame her. I think a visit from you will just make her day." He smiled at Anzu.
"T-thank you Pharaoh." Anzu bowed her head and closed the door. Once she was well out of Yami's hallway she started running at full speed to get to the gardens.
Athena sat alone on the grass soaking up the midday sun. There wasn't a feeling like it in the world. It had felt like an eternity since she'd been able to go outside, and even today, Yami was reluctant, but after much begging and pleading he had finally given in to her, like he always did.
"How have you been?"
Athena turned her head around at the sound of her best friend's voice and smiled. Anzu stood there, with a small grin on her face, but she couldn't control herself much longer. After a moment of silence she threw herself to the ground and wrapped her arms around the dark haired girl.
"I've missed you." She whispered.
"Same here." Athena replied as her eyes started to water. She was so happy that things were starting to go back to normal. Here she was, in the palace garden with Anzu, the way it had been day after day for months. This was how she liked it. The calm serene Egyptian days, when all there was to do was sit and talk, or goof off, with not a care in the world.
But it would never be that way again. No matter how "back to normal" things would seem, everybody else would go back to their lives, and she was stuck with the image of those icy grey eyes that she could never forget. He would never let her forget how painful it was, or how much he beat and tormented her. He would never give her a peaceful night's sleep. He was dragging her under; to the point where she didn't know who she was anymore. Just a pawn, a little piece for him to use in his horrible plan...what exactly that plan was she didn't know, but she couldn't warn Yami, because she feared what would happen if she did...
Sighing, she turned away from Anzu and forced her attention on something else. Anzu was beginning to look at her strangely. Then again; Anzu would probably never be able to look at her normally again...
"Athena, what's wrong?" Anzu asked, placing an arm around her.
What could she say? There was no way that she could explain it and have Anzu, or anyone understand. They weren't there; they didn't know how evil this man really was. And most certainly none of them would believe that he could still speak to her in her dreams. He wouldn't leave her alone. Every time she slept he would come and haunt her. He would keep telling her that he wasn't done with her yet. It was to the point where she was afraid to close her eyes at night. How could she get anyone to understand her? But when she saw the look on Anzu's face, she knew she had to say something.
"I can't stop thinking about it." She said in an undertone. She couldn't say anything more.
Anzu gazed at her best friend. She thought about what Malik told her earlier. But she didn't think it was necessary to tell Athena that cock-and-bull story. So she just did her best to try and comfort her.
"We just need to do something to take your mind off of it then!" She tried her best to sound cheery, but it came out kind of weak. 'Gods Yami, when are you going to pop the question?' She thought desperately. That would surely take Athena's mind off of it.
"Thanks Anzu, I don't know what I'd do without you." Athena gave her a weak smile. She appreciated Anzu's efforts, even though they weren't working too well. But she didn't feel like being around her, she didn't feel like being around anyone. Her mind just wasn't focused. She had too many horrible thoughts about that night circling around in her mind.
Anzu could tell that it would be best if Athena were left alone. Evidently Yami was wrong. Athena wasn't happy to see her...she wasn't happy at all.
"Athena...I'm, going to go now." She stood up and started towards the exit. "If you need to talk, you know where to find me."
Athena didn't turn around and watch her friend leave. She didn't even pay attention to what Anzu was saying, because suddenly she felt a cold wave sweep over her body. It could only be one thing.
"No! Leave me alone!" She yelled aloud as she tried to stand up. But something was wrong. She couldn't move, she couldn't feel her body, nothing except the coldness, that is.
It felt like that night all over again. She was cold and she couldn't move. Athena could almost feel the chains on her ankles and wrists again.
"No..." She knew it was him. But she was alone in the garden; there was nobody there to hear her scream.
Calm down my dear. I'm only here to make sure you've got it.
"I do! I do! Now please go away!" She cried.
I'll do as I please. You're mine, not vise a versa .
"I'm not yours!" She protested, still struggling to stand, but it was to no avail.
Oh, but I'm afraid you are. Don't worry, you'll see in due time.
"Please, please don't hurt me...just let me be...I beg you...please." She whispered hoarsely as tears started streaming down her face.
Stop this; you're driving me crazy with all of this begging! You know how I simply can't resist it. But don't worry, I'm not going to hurt you...I need you still. He chuckled slightly. That's all for now. Good bye, Athena.
She lay there in silence for a while, listening closely to make sure that he had really gone. Within moments she could feel her legs again. With effort she stood up and bounded out of the garden. But had she been paying attention she would have noticed a very frightened Bener, standing in the shadows, completely caught off guard by what she had just overheard...
* * *
Bener's hands were shaking slightly as she tried her best to go on with her day. The water that was in the blue lapis lazuli vase kept on splashing out over the top with every violent shake that racked her aging form. She mumbled little prayers and ancient incantations as she walked down the main palace corridor, with a little trail of water following behind her.
'That was other worldly; some fiend form the netherworld must have possessed her.' Seeing Athena in the garden earlier that day, screaming and struggling, and talking to thin air had really shaken the elderly woman to the point where she had half the mind to call the palace mage and have him perform an exorcism on the girl. Then again, she didn't know how well that would bode with the Pharaoh. To tell him that his girlfriend was possessed by a demon...well, you might as well go stick your head in the mouth of a crock and tell him to enjoy...
No, no she didn't want to get on Yami's bad side, not after all that had happened. He had enough on his plate anyway. He was already worried enough about Athena as it were.
Maybe that was it...maybe Athena was still disturbed after what happened. After all, it must have been horrible. Yes, yes, that had to be it...she was just having a flashback or something of that nature...nothing to be really worried about, it would all go away in due time.
"Grand ma!"
"Oh Ra!" Bener screamed as the vase of water went flying out of her hands and careening to the floor, landing with a loud crash as what was left of the water went all over the place.
She placed a hand over her racing heart and leaned against the wall, taking in deep breaths as Anzu walked up to her, looking quite worried.
"Good heavens child, don't scare your old grand ma like that..." She huffed, "I don't think this heart can take it anymore."
"I-I'm sorry...are-are you ok?" Anzu asked as she bent down to pick up the broken glass.
Bener sighed before she gave a hefty nod. "You just caught me off guard...that's all."
"Sorry." Anzu stood up and handed her the blue fragments. "I just wanted to ask you if you had seen Athena. Last I saw her she was in the garden, I just went back to see if she wanted to play senat and she wasn't there."
"No...no I haven't seen her all day." She lied as she started walking away. "Besides, I think you should leave her alone for a while...you know, so that she can have time to recuperate." With that, the old woman rounded the corner and as soon as she was out of sight, she walked as fast as her legs would carry her back to her room.
* * *
Athena had found an empty room to go into after she had left the garden. She needed a quiet place to really think. To think about her life...and if she should end it herself. It was too much for her to take, and she felt as if the only way that she could get away from him was by death. Maybe then, when she closed her eyes for the final time, then he wouldn't come to her. He wouldn't be where she was going. He was a demon, trapped in the underworld, hopefully her heart would be lighter than the feather of Ma'at and she could go and join those others who were pure in the Field of Reeds.
She reached into her robes and pulled out the dagger that she had taken from Yami's nightstand. The same blade that had pierced Malik's skin, the very blade that had caused him so much pain would bring her redemption. She stared at it and contemplated the outcome of her actions. It looked so welcoming, so tempting...all it would take was one swift slash across her neck, and this time around, she wouldn't make the same mistake that her tormenter did. She wouldn't mess up. It would work, it had to.
But did she really want to do this? Did she want to make Yami and Anzu and Bener suffer because she was not strong enough to deal with her problems? Surly this wasn't the only option...
However, the more she sat there and thought about it, the more she realized that this was her only option. Nothing she could say or do would get him to leave her alone. There was no one she could talk to because they wouldn't understand. There was no alternative.
So with a shaking hand she brought the blade up to her neck, where a healing scar was just visible from her last encounter with a knife. Pressing it firmly against her flesh she began the mental countdown.
'O-one...' She tightened her grip around the dagger, 'Two...' Taking in a deep breath, she closed her eyes , 'Thr-'
Oh come now, you can't be serious! The evil voice chuckled.
"Holy Amun!" She screamed as the blade fell from her hand and landed with a clank on the floor. "Go away! Just leave me alone!"
I'm not all that bad, am I Athena dear?
"Yes, you are I'm sorry to say." She said grudgingly as she got off the bed and bent down to pick up the knife. Why couldn't she even kill herself without him there to taunt her?
You're such a bitch you know that?
She just rolled her eyes as she placed the blade right between her breasts. With him there or not, she wanted to end this torture as soon as possible.
Oh, don't do it there! He cried out. It's such a shame to ruin such perfect breasts!(1) He teased.
"Don't tell me you've come here to say your good byes." She snapped cynically.
Nope. I've come to save you.
Athena lowered the blade slightly, with a look of utter bewilderment on her face. "You are insane."
No, I'm just practical, unlike you. He paused and watched the expression on her face. He had her right where he wanted her. I don't want things that belong to me to get ruined until I've had enough of them.
"For the last time, I'm not yours!"
You don't really want to kill yourself. He stated. Think of your son...our son. He paused, and allowed his words to sink in, almost unable to wait for her reaction.
"You just-" At that Athena felt her blood run cold as her heart fell all the way down to her feet. Her body followed suit, as the blade once again slipped out of her hand she fell to the floor. With her arms resting on the edge of the bed, she buried her head into the thick blankets and screamed. The sound was muffled slightly, but at this point she really didn't care who heard. Once his words registered in her mind she had no desire to remain alive whatsoever. She didn't want to bring into this world a byproduct of her pain and torture. She didn't want to give birth to the very evil that had destroyed her life.
This couldn't be happening to her. How could there be a child? Why? Had he planned on this all along? No...he had to have been lying...he just had to be. There was no way on this earth that she could bear his child. He was lying, he just wanted to mess with her mind like he always did...that's it, he was probably bored or something and so he decided to make up this shit just to get a reaction out of her.
The evil spirit smiled satisfactorily. This was good. He was causing her more pain...but for his plans to go accordingly, she needed to be taught a lesson. One that she wasn't learning as well as he had hoped.
Yes, I'm glad to be the one bringing you such joyous news, as always...but it's time to get down to business. I asked you earlier today if you had gotten what I had asked you to get, and you said yes, am I correct?
Athena lifted up her tear stricken face and nodded slowly.
Do you have it with you now?
Again she nodded, as she pulled out a golden object from under her robes.
Good, now put it on.
"Go to hell." She snapped nastily.
You're forgetting who you're talking to. I was born and raised there. Now...be a good girl and put it on before I have to get nasty.
"I'd rather die first."
Yes, you made that quite apparent, but see, I just can't let that happen.
It was silent for a moment and Athena raised her head up and pushed away from the bed. It wasn't like him to be this wordless for such a length of time.
Suddenly, she felt a burning fire shoot through her body. It was as if molten lava was coursing through every vein, causing her to shake violently. Against her own will she felt her hand raise, followed by the rest of her arm as it reached for the little golden object that she had placed on the nightstand.
"N-no!" She screamed, the heat and pain was stabbing her like a thousand knives. But still, she had no control over her body.
You didn't listen to me the first time, and I'm afraid I have no patience for this kind of shit. He chuckled, knowing that she was in extreme pain. He could almost feel what she was feeling just by gazing at her face, and he loved every moment of it.
Put it on. He commanded.
Without realizing what she was doing her hands lifted the object up and secured it tightly around her neck.
As soon as it was on, she felt her arms drop to her sides and the pain instantly vanish. Not only did the pain vanish, but so did all feeling in her body. She could no longer feel pain, but she couldn't feel anything else either. Again she fell to the floor; heat was evaporating from her body as sweat poured down her skin. Faintly she could here his evil laugh before she totally blacked out.
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
(1) If any of you have seen The Princess Bride, then you know what I'm talking about...Wesley is soo hot! And I love saying the name "Humperdink"...heh heh heh.
Sorry that it took over three months to update...but I'm lazy. Plus I've been working on the Evil One all the time, and I just got an idea for a new story which I'm posting along with this one today. Woo Hoo! Check it out it's my first "first person" fic. And of course, I'm assuming the role of none other than the great Egyptian himself Malik Ishtar! It's another humor fic, which means that it will take me forever to update because I have no sense of humor, but I like to think I do, therefore it takes me an obscene amount of time to try and come up with something funny for a chapter. You know what I'm talking about if you've ever read Bakura's Eviction Notice.
Ok bai bai!