They stood, shocked and horrified by the massacre that lay before them.
Atemu watched, stunned, as wisps of colored smoke began to rise from the bodies of the girls.
They swirled in the air, and then merged to form a dazzling column of haze. "What is it?" Atemu whispered to Isis.
"It is their ka. The essence of their being, their spirit." Her voice shook.
The colored mass shot past Seto and Isis then circled around Atemu. Terrified voices screamed for help, pleading.
It then roared on up into the air and dispersed. Atemu fell to his knees, shaking.
"What? What is it?" Isis knelt before him. "I – I heard them." He said, his face pale.
"I tried to help them, I did. There was too many –" He gasped and collapsed.
An arrow lay embedded in his collarbone. Isis caught him as he fell and sat him up.
With a combination of twisting and pulling, Isis finally managed to tug the arrow free.
She tore the hem off her dress and quickly pressed it to the wound to stop the bleeding.
"Seto, bring Mahaado. He is our best healer. Not here, to the Pharaoh's chambers." The High Priest nodded and left.
"You," Isis said to the guard who had led them there. "Take the Pharaoh to his rooms. I have business to attend to."
"Yes ma'am." The guard hoisted Atemu onto his shoulders and carried him of down the hall.
'Now to find out what happened here.' Isis thought to herself. She tapped into the powers of her Millennium Necklace and closed her eyes.
Images flashed before her eyes: shadowy figures, a glint of bronze, screams, and blood.
Lots of it. Red. The color of blood. But also the color of betrayal. "Guards!" Isis cried, opening her eyes.
"Search the entire palace!" She told the men that assembled before her.
They spread out and began combing the palace for clues. Jou came up to Isis, looking concerned.
"What happened here?" He asked, eyeing the slaughter of the harem girls.
"We have a traitor in our midst." Isis said grimly.
*
Mahaado leaned over the Pharaoh, worry lines etched on his face. Atemu's breathing came ragged and fast.
"Will he be okay?" Shinzuka asked. She, Jou, Honda, and Anzu had gathered around Atemu's bed, along with Isis, Mahaado and Seto.
"I'm not sure, little one. There is nothing more I can do for him. Wait," he said, and rolled Atemu onto his side.
The skin on his neck near the wound began to bubble, spreading out further and further.
The bubbles were colored an ugly purple. There was a gasp from the Pharaoh and his body convulsed several times.
Mahaado lifted one of Atemu's eyelids and nodded grimly. "No pupil." He said and showed Isis and Seto the Pharaoh's eyeball.
The pupil was reduced to a mere speck, Atemu's amethyst iris glazed. Mahaado blinked in realization.
"Isis! Hand me the arrow." He turned and faced the startled priestess. "This? But I already checked it –"
"Just give it here." Isis obeyed. Mahaado lifted the bronze tip to his nose, grimacing at the scent.
"Look here." He said, and showed Isis and Seto the green liquid covering the arrow tip.
"Poison!" Seto said with a shock. "Indeed," Mahaado said severely. "This has been an assassination attempt."
"We only have a maximum of several hours left before he passes into the underworld."
Seto looked at Isis and nodded. "If even that." Seto turned to Mahaado.
"There is only one thing that can be done right now." He said. "What's that?" Honda asked.
"We must take him to the Shadow Realm. Only then can he get the proper care needed."
"The Shadow Realm? Excellent! Let me get my papyrus!" Anzu said excitedly. "No need." Seto said, frowning. "You shall not be going."
Anzu stopped and narrowed her eyes. "And why not? Atemu is our friend."
"That may be true. But only I can go to the Shadow realm with the Pharaoh."
Seto turned on his heel and walked over to Mahaado, indicating that the conversation was over.
"Mahaado, can you take Atemu to the tower for me? I wish to speak with Blue Eyes."
Mahaado nodded wordlessly and picked Atemu up. He could easily carry the Pharaoh.
"You stay here," Seto told Isis. "Get the guards to make a complete search of every home in the entire city."
"Alright Seto. Make sure you're careful. The shadow realm can be a dangerous place."
"I'm always careful Isis." Seto left the others and followed Mahaado up the winding steps leading to the Shadow tower.
*
"I need you to take Atemu and myself to the Shadow Realm."
"You what?! Are you crazy?" A deep, harsh voice said. It belonged to a massive bluish white dragon.
The creature stretched out its long neck and inspected Seto. "Why do you think I'd agree to that?"
"Because," Seto replied sternly. "If you don't I can always send you back to the daycare center."
"Alright! I'll do it. Anything but looking after those little brats again." The dragon shuddered and turned around with its back to Seto.
"Climb on." Seto turned to Mahaado, who was still supporting Atemu's unconscious body.
He took the Pharaoh from Mahaado and lifted him onto the Blue Eyes' back.
The great dragon shuffled a bit, making sure Atemu wouldn't slide off. Seto shifted Atemu onto the dragon's shoulders and climbed on behind him.
"Good luck," Mahaado told Seto. "You too." The dragon flashed a brilliant white, and then disappeared.
"I only hope we are not too late." Mahaado whispered softly.
*
The Blue Eyes White Dragon took them to a large valley, full of trees, lush grass and flowers.
Caves had been scattered across the cliffs, providing residence for the Fairy and Spellcaster monsters that lived there.
"Here," the beast said gruffly, and let Seto slide off his back. He then placed Atemu beside him.
"If you continue on through that path through the forest you'll come to Dian Keto's clinic. He can help you."
"Thank you, Blue Eyes." Seto said gratefully. The dragon huffed and flew off.
Seto walked threw the forest, carrying the Pharaoh on his back. Soon he came to a clearing.
The High Priest heard whispers around him, and blurry shapes moved through the trees.
"What have you come here for, stranger?" The soft, musical voice belonged to the Amazon Archer.
She stepped out of the tree. Her light brown hair glinted in the sunlight, by her eyes glinted maliciously.
She raised her bow, ready to loose the arrow and put a stop to Seto's life.
"Leave him, Alaya." The Lady Assailant of Flames pushed the bow back down.
"I know him. At least, I know the person who accompanies him." There were murmurs of recognition throughout the trees.
Three more women joined the two already: Lady Panther, Crimson Sentry and The Unfriendly Amazon.
They moved toward Seto and took Atemu off Seto's back. Bending over him, the Lady Panther let out a cry of anger.
"Our friend! What have you done to him? He does not waken." She thrust her spear inches away from Seto's face.
"You, you know Atemu?" He asked. 'Of course we do, fool. Now what did you do?"
"I did nothing. He was shot by a poisoned arrow." The Crimson Sentry scowled.
"Alaya, he must see Dian Keto. Take them." The Amazon Archer looked on in shock.
"Why do I have to?" She asked. "Because you know the quickest route to the clinic."
"Fine." She retorted. "I will. But I'm not happy about it." She glared at Seto.
"Come on. And keep up. I won't wait for you." She hoisted Atemu onto her back and leapt onto a tree branch.
Seto watched, amazed by her strength and agility. He did his best to keep up, but by the time they reached the clinic he was out of breath.
"How, how do you manage it?" He asked, gasping for air. Alaya smirked. "You get used to it. I guess we're just stronger than you."
She entered the clinic, motioning for Seto to follow her. Inside there were monsters of all kinds bustling about.
Seto looked on in wonder. Never in his life as a sorcerer had he seen so many Shadow Monsters.
A robust, cheerful man greeted them. He had bright green hair has a pleasant smile.
"Well now, what can I do for you today?" He asked, then tutted when he saw Atemu.
"Ah, it seems our young friend has returned. But in a very poor shape indeed."
"How does everyone here know Atemu anyway?" Seto asked, confused.
"He often came here when he was a young prince." Alaya answered.
"Now then, you bring the lad in here. Lily! Ward 3 please!" Dian Keto motioned for them to come into a small, clean room hat smelled like disinfectant.
A Fairy Lily checked Atemu's temperature and briskly inserted a needle into his arm.
Seto watched, fascinated by all of this new and modern equipment. He made a mental note to tell the palace healers about all of this.
"It looks like we'll need Cure Mermaid." Lily said as Atemu let out a small sigh.
"Okay Lily, take him out." Seto turned to Dian Keto. "Out? Out where?"
"Out to the lake. Cure Mermaid deals with most of our poison cases."
Relieved, Seto followed Dian Keto and Lily outside. Alaya hung back, her tanned face emotionless.
In the middle of the lagoon, a blonde-haired mermaid was sunning herself on a rock. Her rose-colored tail flapped lazily.
She was chatting to several Flying Fish, playing with a shell that hung around her neck.
"Ina!" Dian Keto called. Ina turned round and smiled. "What is it?" She slipped into the water and swam over to them.
"Prissy little bitch." Alaya muttered as she stepped outside. "We need you to help our young friend here." Dian Keto gestured to Atemu.
"Okay, sure thing Dian." Ina sat herself on the edge of the pool and took Atemu's head in her lap.
"Aw, poor baby. Look at him." Ina hugged Atemu tenderly. She closed her eyes and began to sing. "Slut." Alaya said.
The song has no words, just high-pitched whistles and cries. The melody made Seto feel sleepy.
He closed his eyes and rocked back and forth to the music.
When he opened his eyes Atemu's flesh and stopped bubbling and his face was resuming its normal color.
The bloody wound on his throat healed over in exceedingly quick time.
It changed from a cut to a scab, then a scar, and then disappeared completely.
As Ina finished her song, Atemu struggled against her grip and opened his eyes.
Looking into Ina's smiling and beautiful face, he let out a shriek.
"Aaah!" He cried. "Isis help me! The mermaids have gotten me at last!" Seto rolled his eyes.
"I forgot that he's afraid of mermaids." He told Dian Keto. Ina watched, surprised, as Atemu leapt up and raced over to Seto.
Tugging on his robe, Atemu cried fearfully "help me cousin! The mermaids are going to get me!"
"The lad will probably act a bit odd for a while, but it's only natural." Dian Keto told Seto.
"You're fine!" Seto said cheerfully, and pulled Atemu up. "Thank you, Dian Keto. And you too Ina."
"No problem. It was my pleasure to help the poor baby."
"Now then, Seto, I hope you realize that you only had several minutes left before Atemu died, don't you?" Dian Keto nodded at Seto.
"I do, Dian Keto, and thanks for your help. We better get back. People will be wondering where their Pharaoh has disappeared to."
Seto took Atemu's arm and led him back into the clinic and out through the front door.
Alaya followed and stopped in front of them. "Well?" She demanded. "Aren't you going to thank me?"
Seto sighed. "Thank you, Alaya. Now if you excuse me, I really must get back to the real world and Egypt."
"The real world?" Alaya asked, her eyes shining. "I've always wanted to see the real world."
She looked directly at Seto. "I've decided." She declared. "I'm coming with you."
"What?!" Seto cried. "You – you can't come! You don't know what it's like there!"
"Hurry Seto! The mermaids are coming!" Atemu said dramatically, his eyes wide and fearful.
Sighing, Seto turned to Alaya. "Look, I don't have time to argue. You can come, but don't blame me if you don't like it."
"Excellent!" Alaya smiled. "Let's get going!"
*
Okay, review time!
Meg (anonymous) – That's okay. People tell me I have a descriptive mind. : )
NeferNeferi – Thanks so much for reviewing. You're my best critic!
Jedi Spiderfan – Hehe I know it's gross. That's the fun of it! Thanks for reviewing!
Also, I need you guys' expert opinion on something. I'm thinking of pairing Seto with someone.
Who do you think is better: Alaya or Isis? Or tell me if you don't think he should be paired with anyone.
Atemu watched, stunned, as wisps of colored smoke began to rise from the bodies of the girls.
They swirled in the air, and then merged to form a dazzling column of haze. "What is it?" Atemu whispered to Isis.
"It is their ka. The essence of their being, their spirit." Her voice shook.
The colored mass shot past Seto and Isis then circled around Atemu. Terrified voices screamed for help, pleading.
It then roared on up into the air and dispersed. Atemu fell to his knees, shaking.
"What? What is it?" Isis knelt before him. "I – I heard them." He said, his face pale.
"I tried to help them, I did. There was too many –" He gasped and collapsed.
An arrow lay embedded in his collarbone. Isis caught him as he fell and sat him up.
With a combination of twisting and pulling, Isis finally managed to tug the arrow free.
She tore the hem off her dress and quickly pressed it to the wound to stop the bleeding.
"Seto, bring Mahaado. He is our best healer. Not here, to the Pharaoh's chambers." The High Priest nodded and left.
"You," Isis said to the guard who had led them there. "Take the Pharaoh to his rooms. I have business to attend to."
"Yes ma'am." The guard hoisted Atemu onto his shoulders and carried him of down the hall.
'Now to find out what happened here.' Isis thought to herself. She tapped into the powers of her Millennium Necklace and closed her eyes.
Images flashed before her eyes: shadowy figures, a glint of bronze, screams, and blood.
Lots of it. Red. The color of blood. But also the color of betrayal. "Guards!" Isis cried, opening her eyes.
"Search the entire palace!" She told the men that assembled before her.
They spread out and began combing the palace for clues. Jou came up to Isis, looking concerned.
"What happened here?" He asked, eyeing the slaughter of the harem girls.
"We have a traitor in our midst." Isis said grimly.
*
Mahaado leaned over the Pharaoh, worry lines etched on his face. Atemu's breathing came ragged and fast.
"Will he be okay?" Shinzuka asked. She, Jou, Honda, and Anzu had gathered around Atemu's bed, along with Isis, Mahaado and Seto.
"I'm not sure, little one. There is nothing more I can do for him. Wait," he said, and rolled Atemu onto his side.
The skin on his neck near the wound began to bubble, spreading out further and further.
The bubbles were colored an ugly purple. There was a gasp from the Pharaoh and his body convulsed several times.
Mahaado lifted one of Atemu's eyelids and nodded grimly. "No pupil." He said and showed Isis and Seto the Pharaoh's eyeball.
The pupil was reduced to a mere speck, Atemu's amethyst iris glazed. Mahaado blinked in realization.
"Isis! Hand me the arrow." He turned and faced the startled priestess. "This? But I already checked it –"
"Just give it here." Isis obeyed. Mahaado lifted the bronze tip to his nose, grimacing at the scent.
"Look here." He said, and showed Isis and Seto the green liquid covering the arrow tip.
"Poison!" Seto said with a shock. "Indeed," Mahaado said severely. "This has been an assassination attempt."
"We only have a maximum of several hours left before he passes into the underworld."
Seto looked at Isis and nodded. "If even that." Seto turned to Mahaado.
"There is only one thing that can be done right now." He said. "What's that?" Honda asked.
"We must take him to the Shadow Realm. Only then can he get the proper care needed."
"The Shadow Realm? Excellent! Let me get my papyrus!" Anzu said excitedly. "No need." Seto said, frowning. "You shall not be going."
Anzu stopped and narrowed her eyes. "And why not? Atemu is our friend."
"That may be true. But only I can go to the Shadow realm with the Pharaoh."
Seto turned on his heel and walked over to Mahaado, indicating that the conversation was over.
"Mahaado, can you take Atemu to the tower for me? I wish to speak with Blue Eyes."
Mahaado nodded wordlessly and picked Atemu up. He could easily carry the Pharaoh.
"You stay here," Seto told Isis. "Get the guards to make a complete search of every home in the entire city."
"Alright Seto. Make sure you're careful. The shadow realm can be a dangerous place."
"I'm always careful Isis." Seto left the others and followed Mahaado up the winding steps leading to the Shadow tower.
*
"I need you to take Atemu and myself to the Shadow Realm."
"You what?! Are you crazy?" A deep, harsh voice said. It belonged to a massive bluish white dragon.
The creature stretched out its long neck and inspected Seto. "Why do you think I'd agree to that?"
"Because," Seto replied sternly. "If you don't I can always send you back to the daycare center."
"Alright! I'll do it. Anything but looking after those little brats again." The dragon shuddered and turned around with its back to Seto.
"Climb on." Seto turned to Mahaado, who was still supporting Atemu's unconscious body.
He took the Pharaoh from Mahaado and lifted him onto the Blue Eyes' back.
The great dragon shuffled a bit, making sure Atemu wouldn't slide off. Seto shifted Atemu onto the dragon's shoulders and climbed on behind him.
"Good luck," Mahaado told Seto. "You too." The dragon flashed a brilliant white, and then disappeared.
"I only hope we are not too late." Mahaado whispered softly.
*
The Blue Eyes White Dragon took them to a large valley, full of trees, lush grass and flowers.
Caves had been scattered across the cliffs, providing residence for the Fairy and Spellcaster monsters that lived there.
"Here," the beast said gruffly, and let Seto slide off his back. He then placed Atemu beside him.
"If you continue on through that path through the forest you'll come to Dian Keto's clinic. He can help you."
"Thank you, Blue Eyes." Seto said gratefully. The dragon huffed and flew off.
Seto walked threw the forest, carrying the Pharaoh on his back. Soon he came to a clearing.
The High Priest heard whispers around him, and blurry shapes moved through the trees.
"What have you come here for, stranger?" The soft, musical voice belonged to the Amazon Archer.
She stepped out of the tree. Her light brown hair glinted in the sunlight, by her eyes glinted maliciously.
She raised her bow, ready to loose the arrow and put a stop to Seto's life.
"Leave him, Alaya." The Lady Assailant of Flames pushed the bow back down.
"I know him. At least, I know the person who accompanies him." There were murmurs of recognition throughout the trees.
Three more women joined the two already: Lady Panther, Crimson Sentry and The Unfriendly Amazon.
They moved toward Seto and took Atemu off Seto's back. Bending over him, the Lady Panther let out a cry of anger.
"Our friend! What have you done to him? He does not waken." She thrust her spear inches away from Seto's face.
"You, you know Atemu?" He asked. 'Of course we do, fool. Now what did you do?"
"I did nothing. He was shot by a poisoned arrow." The Crimson Sentry scowled.
"Alaya, he must see Dian Keto. Take them." The Amazon Archer looked on in shock.
"Why do I have to?" She asked. "Because you know the quickest route to the clinic."
"Fine." She retorted. "I will. But I'm not happy about it." She glared at Seto.
"Come on. And keep up. I won't wait for you." She hoisted Atemu onto her back and leapt onto a tree branch.
Seto watched, amazed by her strength and agility. He did his best to keep up, but by the time they reached the clinic he was out of breath.
"How, how do you manage it?" He asked, gasping for air. Alaya smirked. "You get used to it. I guess we're just stronger than you."
She entered the clinic, motioning for Seto to follow her. Inside there were monsters of all kinds bustling about.
Seto looked on in wonder. Never in his life as a sorcerer had he seen so many Shadow Monsters.
A robust, cheerful man greeted them. He had bright green hair has a pleasant smile.
"Well now, what can I do for you today?" He asked, then tutted when he saw Atemu.
"Ah, it seems our young friend has returned. But in a very poor shape indeed."
"How does everyone here know Atemu anyway?" Seto asked, confused.
"He often came here when he was a young prince." Alaya answered.
"Now then, you bring the lad in here. Lily! Ward 3 please!" Dian Keto motioned for them to come into a small, clean room hat smelled like disinfectant.
A Fairy Lily checked Atemu's temperature and briskly inserted a needle into his arm.
Seto watched, fascinated by all of this new and modern equipment. He made a mental note to tell the palace healers about all of this.
"It looks like we'll need Cure Mermaid." Lily said as Atemu let out a small sigh.
"Okay Lily, take him out." Seto turned to Dian Keto. "Out? Out where?"
"Out to the lake. Cure Mermaid deals with most of our poison cases."
Relieved, Seto followed Dian Keto and Lily outside. Alaya hung back, her tanned face emotionless.
In the middle of the lagoon, a blonde-haired mermaid was sunning herself on a rock. Her rose-colored tail flapped lazily.
She was chatting to several Flying Fish, playing with a shell that hung around her neck.
"Ina!" Dian Keto called. Ina turned round and smiled. "What is it?" She slipped into the water and swam over to them.
"Prissy little bitch." Alaya muttered as she stepped outside. "We need you to help our young friend here." Dian Keto gestured to Atemu.
"Okay, sure thing Dian." Ina sat herself on the edge of the pool and took Atemu's head in her lap.
"Aw, poor baby. Look at him." Ina hugged Atemu tenderly. She closed her eyes and began to sing. "Slut." Alaya said.
The song has no words, just high-pitched whistles and cries. The melody made Seto feel sleepy.
He closed his eyes and rocked back and forth to the music.
When he opened his eyes Atemu's flesh and stopped bubbling and his face was resuming its normal color.
The bloody wound on his throat healed over in exceedingly quick time.
It changed from a cut to a scab, then a scar, and then disappeared completely.
As Ina finished her song, Atemu struggled against her grip and opened his eyes.
Looking into Ina's smiling and beautiful face, he let out a shriek.
"Aaah!" He cried. "Isis help me! The mermaids have gotten me at last!" Seto rolled his eyes.
"I forgot that he's afraid of mermaids." He told Dian Keto. Ina watched, surprised, as Atemu leapt up and raced over to Seto.
Tugging on his robe, Atemu cried fearfully "help me cousin! The mermaids are going to get me!"
"The lad will probably act a bit odd for a while, but it's only natural." Dian Keto told Seto.
"You're fine!" Seto said cheerfully, and pulled Atemu up. "Thank you, Dian Keto. And you too Ina."
"No problem. It was my pleasure to help the poor baby."
"Now then, Seto, I hope you realize that you only had several minutes left before Atemu died, don't you?" Dian Keto nodded at Seto.
"I do, Dian Keto, and thanks for your help. We better get back. People will be wondering where their Pharaoh has disappeared to."
Seto took Atemu's arm and led him back into the clinic and out through the front door.
Alaya followed and stopped in front of them. "Well?" She demanded. "Aren't you going to thank me?"
Seto sighed. "Thank you, Alaya. Now if you excuse me, I really must get back to the real world and Egypt."
"The real world?" Alaya asked, her eyes shining. "I've always wanted to see the real world."
She looked directly at Seto. "I've decided." She declared. "I'm coming with you."
"What?!" Seto cried. "You – you can't come! You don't know what it's like there!"
"Hurry Seto! The mermaids are coming!" Atemu said dramatically, his eyes wide and fearful.
Sighing, Seto turned to Alaya. "Look, I don't have time to argue. You can come, but don't blame me if you don't like it."
"Excellent!" Alaya smiled. "Let's get going!"
*
Okay, review time!
Meg (anonymous) – That's okay. People tell me I have a descriptive mind. : )
NeferNeferi – Thanks so much for reviewing. You're my best critic!
Jedi Spiderfan – Hehe I know it's gross. That's the fun of it! Thanks for reviewing!
Also, I need you guys' expert opinion on something. I'm thinking of pairing Seto with someone.
Who do you think is better: Alaya or Isis? Or tell me if you don't think he should be paired with anyone.