The Millennium Ritual
Disclaimer: I don't own any of the original YGO characters. Only Aura, Maeve, Shanek, the Healer, Lucian, Rasa. . .
Millennium Anhk: Key Millennium Tauk: necklace
Chapter 28: Lucian's Origins
Kaiba opened his eyes.
He could not see anything, for all was covered with a large, bleak fog. Looking this way and that, he looked for Amunet and Y. Bakura, who moments before tried to kill him.
'What in the world happened?' He thought, rubbing his head. 'Where am I?'
Suddenly he felt something cold and hard against his skin. Looking down, he saw that he was clutching the Millennium Rod. Amazed, he wondered how the rod ever got in his hand.
Tightening his fists, Kaiba said aloud, "Well, I won't figure that out unless I keep moving." Making his decision, Kaiba walked to his right, not noticing Y. Bakura stalking in the shadows, following him.
Ishizu and Shadi were walking forward in the desert sand, slightly confused on all that had happened.
"Where are we, Shadi?" asked Ishizu, taking a handful of sand letting it float in the wind.
"I haven't the slightest idea," Shadi answered, looking around. Then, in the corner of his eye, he saw a glint of gold. Not saying a word, he walked toward it, brushing away the sand. In his possession, were the Millennium Tauk, Anhk, and Scales.
"Impossible," Ishizu breathed, as Shadi gave the necklace to her and kept the Anhk and Scales. "How in the world did these come to be?"
"And more importantly, how did we arrive here?" Shadi asked, "Come, we must keep moving."
Then so, they continued forward toward the never ending desert.
Mr. Motto stood up, scratching his head.
"Well, that is an experience that I would rather not repeat," he said, staring at his surroundings. He was back in Domino, only not everything was the way he left it. No human, dog, cat, car, or anything was outside. The city was empty, empty of life and all its wonderful pleasures.
'This must be a dream.' Thought Mr. Motto, pinching himself. 'Wake up, wake up, wake up!'
"Maybe I should go back to the Game Shop. For sure Yugi would be there." Declared Mr. Motto, smiling. Walking on the empty street toward his shop, he strolled along, whistling a happy tune.
Breathing hard, Yugi awoke, looking in every direction. Yugi was sitting on a cloud, with the sun shining brightly above him. Amazed, he tried to stand up, but could not.
'Guess I'm still recovering from Aura's attack.' He thought, clutching his chest.
Suddenly, he remembered what happened. 'Yami!' Yugi looked down, seeing the Millennium Puzzle safely on his chest. Sighing, he thanked God that he still had his Millennium Puzzle.
"But how did I get it back?" Yugi asked to the wind. It did not reply. "I have to stand up."
Slowly but surely, Yugi stood as wisps of clouds flew past his face. "Now to get out of here." Yugi said, walking toward his left. But as he was walking, he heard a sharp cry, as Yugi fell to the cloud facedown, a person on top of him.
"Get up you pathetic fool." Amunet said, kicking Yugi six feet away from her. Clutching his ribs, he looked up, realizing who it was.
"Aura!" Yugi exclaimed.
"I don't know how you got your Millennium Puzzle back, but I assure you, I will have it in my hands once more." Revealing a sword, Amunet swung it with the utter most perfection, slowly advancing toward Yugi. He scrambled away from her, fear growing in his ruby eyes.
"You're mine Pharaoh," Amunet sneered, raising the sword in the air. Yugi prepared for the attack, facing death face to face.
Suddenly a bright light consumed them, just like what happened before. The bright light consumed everyone, Kaiba, Y. Bakura, Ishizu, Shadi, Mr. Motto, Yugi, and Amunet.
Even though they remained in their places, all of them each clutched their heads, the memory of Egypt flashing before their very eyes.
Ancient Egypt, 5000 years ago
Maeve walked forward in the streets of Egypt, guards encircling her every side. It was Market Day, but she was doing much more than buying supplies. For weeks she had been healing sick peasants and lords, from the low class to the high. Tired and weak, she staggered forward, falling more than once. Carefully she hidden her face behind the hood she wore.
As Maeve began to fall once more, a strong arm stopped her from falling. Thanking the guard who helped her, Maeve straightened her back, still feeling tired but now more determined, as the palace slowly came into view.
"I long for my bed. Thank the gods that we have made it." Maeve exclaimed, as she quickened her pace. The guards smiled, enjoying her pleasant remarks. But as she walked forward, a sharp pain spread throughout her forehead. Stopping, Maeve rubbed her head in frustration.
"Is there something the matter, Priestess?" a guard asked, worried. Maeve did not reply, as she stared at an alleyway to her right.
"Please wait here gentlemen," she said, as she walked into the dark alleyway. Doing as they were told, they stood guard, watching closely at the Pharaoh's sister.
Just as Maeve expected, she saw a man lying against the wall, his breathing hard. Clutching her hood tightly, she stepped forward, saying, "Sir, do you need help?"
The man jerked up in surprise, as he stared up into Maeve's face. "I- I do not. . . need help. . . from a wench. . . like YOU. . ." Suddenly Maeve noticed the smell of blood clinging in the air.
"I can help you." She said, slowly advancing him. The man tried to move away, but he grunted as the pain got to him.
Crouching to the ground, Maeve saw that behind the man's white hair, was scars--many bloody scars--on his left cheek. She also saw that he had a dagger stuck in his ribs. Using a corner of her cape, Maeve wiped away the blood on his cheek, as he growled under his breath.
"What is your name?" She murmured, as she quickly released the dagger from his ribs, with the man howling in agony.
"Ba-Bakura, the Thief." He cried, as Maeve slowly wrapped the dagger in a piece of cloth and put it away in her parcel.
"Bakura," Maeve repeated, "the thief. I'll try to heal you, but it might be painful, for both of us. You also might transfer some of your memories to me in the process, but it has happened many times before, so don't fret when it happens."
"Why are you helping me?" Bakura growled, as Maeve closed her eyes and placed a hand on his cheek and rib cage.
"Because I want to."
Suddenly a bright light came from the Millennium Orb, as the light slowly transferred to the wounds. Bakura gritted his teeth, as Maeve closed her eyes tightly to avoid tears. Skin started to overlap the wounds, as the blood disappeared. This continued on for a few seconds, until the magic was complete. In place of the wounds were scars, which would be there forever.
Maeve released herself from him, breathing hard. The thief looked at her in amazement. Slowly standing up, she said with a shaky voice, "M-may your l-life be filled with hope and happiness." Giving a small bow, Maeve walked away, as the guards quickly followed her.
But Bakura still looked on, wondering, "Who was that woman?"
Priest Set was sitting on the palace steps, waiting for Maeve's arrival. For days she had been gone, healing the people of Egypt. Set twirled his Millennium Rod, wondering how long he was out there. Then in the corner of his eye, he saw a group of guards surrounding a person. Jumping up, he walked down the steps, acting formal and pretending that he never twirls his Rod.
But as he stepped closer, Set noticed that the Priestess was not walking. Instead, she was draped behind a guard's back, sleeping. Alarmed, he ran forward, saying, "What happened? Is the Priestess alright?"
The guard bowed as best as he could, saying, "She is just tired, my Priest. The Priestess had been healing many people. The last one was particularly hard, for as she was walking she fell head first into the sand!"
"That is a lie. . ." She murmured, her hair falling to her mouth.
Chuckling, Set replied, "Just leave her in her room. After all, I bet she hasn't had a good night rest for days now!"
Nodding, the guard went forward into the palace, as Maeve said lazily, "You got THAT right. . ."
Set smiled at her response.
Awaking several hours later, Maeve greeted Pharaoh Yami and the six priests Akunadin (eye), Shada (anhk), Karim (scales), Mahado (ring), Isis (tauk), and Set (rod).
Nodding her greeting toward Shimon Muran, Isis asked, "Maeve, was your mission successful?"
Putting on a blank face, Maeve replied, "Yes, it was. I healed many people in these past few weeks."
"Did you meet anyone of interest?" Yami asked politely.
Thinking about Bakura, she replied, "No, I have not."
Yami nodded, and resumed looking forward (please note that now Yami reduced his beheadings). "Bring forth the next judgment!"
And so the daily routine had begun. The six priests worked together to seal the evil ka of the men, while the people who proved to be innocent was healed by Maeve. As they repeated this process with each judgment, Maeve was getting weaker and weaker by the moment.
Noticing, Yami asked, "Are you not feeling well sister?"
"I-I am fine, Pharaoh," she replied, rubbing her eyes softly.
Concerned, he ushered her to his side. When Maeve came within ear- shot, Yami said quietly, "You may leave if you want Maeve. Someone else can do your job for you."
She shook her head, saying, "It will be fine. I believe I can survive for a few more judgments."
Smiling, Yami dismissed her, as the six priests and Priestess Maeve waited for the next judgment.
A man in queerest rags came forward, rubbing his hands in pure fright. As the guards pushed him forward, Maeve looked at him with pity.
'The poor man is scared to death.' Maeve thought sadly.
"What is the evil deed the man is accounted for?" Yami boomed, his voice ringing throughout the room.
Shaking, the man said, "Pharaoh, I am only a peasant, trying to seek food for my family. But in order to do so, I had to leave the works of the pyramid and seek grain in the fields. But, as you may know, my Pharaoh, the Nile had not been flooding much water, which leaves me to. . ."
"Let my Millennium Eye decide that, Peasant," Priest Akunadin interrupted, as his left eye glinted with gold. "Priest Shada, Karim, Mahado, if you would assist me."
Nodding, they all held out their Millennium Items toward the frightened man, as Isis, Set, and Maeve stood by, watching.
"I see no lies in this man," Akunadin announced, walking back to the Pharaoh's side.
"The Scale does not tip," Karim said, "He has equal sides of good and sins."
"His mind holds no evil thoughts," Shada replied, placing the Anhk around his neck.
"As I agree with the rest," Mahado agreed, taking his place by Karim.
"There shall be no charge against you, loyal peasant," Yami announced, smiling, "You may go back to the fields now."
As the man turned to leave, Yami continued, "Before you leave, please give High Priestess Maeve the honor of healing you." Signaling to Maeve, she stepped forward toward the man, as he trembled at her sight.
"I won't hurt you," she murmured. The peasant relaxed a little.
Closing her eyes, Maeve slowly set her hand atop his head, chanting words under her breath. As the light from the Orb transcended to the man's body, his eyes grew brighter, as he smiled happily.
Suddenly Maeve released herself from him, as she breathed very hard.
"Is there something the matter, my Priestess?" Set asked. But Maeve could not hear.
Slowly backing away from the peasant, Maeve grabbed her head, gritting her teeth. As she crumbled to the ground, the peasant ran away in horror.
"Maeve!" Shimon Muran cried, as all the priests, Yami, and himself gathered around her. Rocking back and forth, Maeve felt as if her head was splitting in two.
Then she let out an ear splitting scream, the scream sounding like a monster killing people.
Memories of all the people she had healed flashed before her eyes. Their hopes and dreams, shattered before her eyes.
"NO!" She screamed, as a woman's baby son was thrown in the Nile River, eaten by the alligators.
A house burned down. A pyramid block fell on three men. A woman was married off to murderer. All these terrible memories were the ones that Maeve saw.
That was when she saw the thief Bakura, a young Bakura, watching in horror as his village was being sacrificed to a ritual. As Maeve looked on, she saw his parents, burning in the pits of darkness. And standing above all of them, was a single man.
Priest Akunadin, the holder of the Millennium Eye.
As all the villagers but Bakura were sacrificed, seven golden objects appeared out of the eternal flame.
Stained with murder and blood, floating in the air, were the Seven Millennium Items.
Suddenly the memory stopped, as Maeve was shuddering, rocking back and forth, worrying her brother.
Yami reached out to touch her shoulder. But as his hand and her flesh made contact, Yami quickly withdrew his hand, as her skin was cold to the touch.
"Pharaoh?" asked Isis, staring at him strangely.
Akunadin walked up to Maeve, saying, "Do you feel well Maeve? What in Ra's name has happened?" As she looked up into his eyes, Maeve saw the golden eye, glinting.
Her head started to ache once more, as she clutched her staff and swung it hard toward him. Gasping, everyone moved back.
Maeve's eyes reached every single Millennium Item, as she saw the poor villagers being sacrificed for them. Bakura's face filled with anger and fear.
"How did you make the Millennium Items?" Maeve roared, still shaking.
Set said with a confused face, "What do you mean, how we made the Millennium Items?"
"Tell them, Akunadin! Tell them what you did to make seven worthless pieces of lead!" she screamed, rising to her feet and using the staff as protection. Suddenly the man's face turned a dark red.
"Tell them!! I order you to!!"
"Tell us what, father?" Set asked, staring at him.
Gritting his teeth, Akunadin replied with a face of distaste, "What was needed to be done, is done."
"Why did you do it? Do you realize how much suffering you have caused?" yelled Maeve.
"Egypt was in great peril! I had no choice but to do so, in sake of Egypt!" Akunadin replied angrily.
"Killing innocent people won't save them, you old crone! How dare you?" Maeve said back.
"Now that's enough! What are you speaking of, Maeve? Akunadin would never do any harm to the Egyptian people!" Yami cried, walking toward his sister, "Let's stop this, right now." He reached out his hand.
Maeve slapped it away, as Yami backed away in response. "You don't understand!! You didn't see all the terror I've seen, and it all started because of the Millennium Items! We MUST destroy them, Yami!!"
Shada stepped forward, saying, "We musn't! It is our only defense against the evil in this world!"
"We can't defeat evil with evil!" Maeve cried. The ache in her head grew, as it slowly reached her chest. 'What is this. . . ?'
"That's it! I have heard enough!" Akunadin yelled, "Guards! Take her!"
Hesitating, the guards stepped forward, grabbing Maeve's arms. As she tried to struggle out, the men just held tighter.
"Set! Use your Millennium Rod to release her ka! We must see her true intentions!"
He looked shocked, as Set said, "Father, you can't make me do this to my own teacher. . ."
"YOU MUST! I AM YOUR FATHER, AND YOU MUST OBEY MY COMMANDS!"
"I follow the Pharaoh, Father! NOT you!" Set yelled, turning to Yami, "Pharaoh, you must disagree with my father's decision. . ."
But as he looked at the Pharaoh, Yami said with great displeasure, "Do it Set. I command you to." Set and Maeve looked at him in horror.
Shaking, Set stepped forward to Maeve, as she stared at him wearily. The ache turned into a deep pain, residing inside her own mind.
As he raised the rod in the air, Maeve said aloud, "If you dare touch me, Set, I swear upon my grave that you will be severely punished." But he looked on sadly.
"Millennium Rod! Show me the ka of this woman!!"
As a bright light was released from the rod, as it changed into an arrow and pierced right through her mind, as she screamed in pain. Yami looked away.
But nothing appeared. Set looked on with confusion, as Maeve slumped, lifeless.
"Wha-what has happened?" Mahado whispered.
Suddenly two phoenixes blasted out of Maeve's body, one of the light and one of the dark. They swirled around each other, fighting, as everyone looked on in awe and fear. The two phoenixes retreated back into Maeve's body, as a huge blast released her from the guards' grips, striking everyone to the walls. Yami stared at his sister, as she was breathing hard.
As Maeve stood there, her dress in shreds, her hands held her head, as another pain shot through her body. Screaming, she swung her arms, as waves of magic reached toward the ends of the earth, every human feeling it's power.
Knowing what to do, the six priests and Pharaoh Yami stood, and raised their Millennium Puzzles toward Maeve, as a ray of light blasted toward her.
But as she waved her hand, the ray of light wavered, until it disappeared in thin air. Frightened, the holders of the Millennium Items looked on in horror.
And Maeve laughed. Laughed as hard as the wolves howled.
"FREE AT LAST!!!!!" Maeve screamed, raising her hands high in the air, as a dark shadow was realased from her body. Then Maeve fell to the ground, limp.
"Maeve!" Set yelled, as Yami started to run toward her. But the shadow blocked him, making Yami get struck back toward his allies.
"Pharaoh!" they screamed, running toward him.
Looking on in horror, Yami asked, "Who—What are you?!"
Chuckling, the shadow suddenly turned into Maeve, only her figure was all dark, not one color appearing. "I am the one made from all the despair, anger, darkness, and hatred the people of Egypt ever felt. For years I have waited for the moment the wench would crack under my pressure, to release me. And now, I am free."
"Who are you!?!?" Set yelled back.
"Temper, temper," the shadow said, wagging it's finger, "Patience, weak one. It will all be revealed in time."
Suddenly it launched itself in the air, as it yelled loudly, "I AM LUCIAN, THE DESTROYER!!" Laughing evilly, he was engulfed in the darkness, as he said, "And someday, I will KILL you. . ." Then the monster disappeared, as if never there.
The priests looked at Maeve as two scars, one on each wrist appeared, one of the light, and one of the dark.
To Be Continued. . .
YES! Done! Sorry that I haven't updated in so long. . . people were hogging the computer, and I had stuff to do. So hope you like this chapter! Oh, and to answer Kristine's question, I never read Eragon, so no, I did not get the true name idea from them. I did get it from another book though. Forgot which one.
Disclaimer: I don't own any of the original YGO characters. Only Aura, Maeve, Shanek, the Healer, Lucian, Rasa. . .
Millennium Anhk: Key Millennium Tauk: necklace
Chapter 28: Lucian's Origins
Kaiba opened his eyes.
He could not see anything, for all was covered with a large, bleak fog. Looking this way and that, he looked for Amunet and Y. Bakura, who moments before tried to kill him.
'What in the world happened?' He thought, rubbing his head. 'Where am I?'
Suddenly he felt something cold and hard against his skin. Looking down, he saw that he was clutching the Millennium Rod. Amazed, he wondered how the rod ever got in his hand.
Tightening his fists, Kaiba said aloud, "Well, I won't figure that out unless I keep moving." Making his decision, Kaiba walked to his right, not noticing Y. Bakura stalking in the shadows, following him.
Ishizu and Shadi were walking forward in the desert sand, slightly confused on all that had happened.
"Where are we, Shadi?" asked Ishizu, taking a handful of sand letting it float in the wind.
"I haven't the slightest idea," Shadi answered, looking around. Then, in the corner of his eye, he saw a glint of gold. Not saying a word, he walked toward it, brushing away the sand. In his possession, were the Millennium Tauk, Anhk, and Scales.
"Impossible," Ishizu breathed, as Shadi gave the necklace to her and kept the Anhk and Scales. "How in the world did these come to be?"
"And more importantly, how did we arrive here?" Shadi asked, "Come, we must keep moving."
Then so, they continued forward toward the never ending desert.
Mr. Motto stood up, scratching his head.
"Well, that is an experience that I would rather not repeat," he said, staring at his surroundings. He was back in Domino, only not everything was the way he left it. No human, dog, cat, car, or anything was outside. The city was empty, empty of life and all its wonderful pleasures.
'This must be a dream.' Thought Mr. Motto, pinching himself. 'Wake up, wake up, wake up!'
"Maybe I should go back to the Game Shop. For sure Yugi would be there." Declared Mr. Motto, smiling. Walking on the empty street toward his shop, he strolled along, whistling a happy tune.
Breathing hard, Yugi awoke, looking in every direction. Yugi was sitting on a cloud, with the sun shining brightly above him. Amazed, he tried to stand up, but could not.
'Guess I'm still recovering from Aura's attack.' He thought, clutching his chest.
Suddenly, he remembered what happened. 'Yami!' Yugi looked down, seeing the Millennium Puzzle safely on his chest. Sighing, he thanked God that he still had his Millennium Puzzle.
"But how did I get it back?" Yugi asked to the wind. It did not reply. "I have to stand up."
Slowly but surely, Yugi stood as wisps of clouds flew past his face. "Now to get out of here." Yugi said, walking toward his left. But as he was walking, he heard a sharp cry, as Yugi fell to the cloud facedown, a person on top of him.
"Get up you pathetic fool." Amunet said, kicking Yugi six feet away from her. Clutching his ribs, he looked up, realizing who it was.
"Aura!" Yugi exclaimed.
"I don't know how you got your Millennium Puzzle back, but I assure you, I will have it in my hands once more." Revealing a sword, Amunet swung it with the utter most perfection, slowly advancing toward Yugi. He scrambled away from her, fear growing in his ruby eyes.
"You're mine Pharaoh," Amunet sneered, raising the sword in the air. Yugi prepared for the attack, facing death face to face.
Suddenly a bright light consumed them, just like what happened before. The bright light consumed everyone, Kaiba, Y. Bakura, Ishizu, Shadi, Mr. Motto, Yugi, and Amunet.
Even though they remained in their places, all of them each clutched their heads, the memory of Egypt flashing before their very eyes.
Ancient Egypt, 5000 years ago
Maeve walked forward in the streets of Egypt, guards encircling her every side. It was Market Day, but she was doing much more than buying supplies. For weeks she had been healing sick peasants and lords, from the low class to the high. Tired and weak, she staggered forward, falling more than once. Carefully she hidden her face behind the hood she wore.
As Maeve began to fall once more, a strong arm stopped her from falling. Thanking the guard who helped her, Maeve straightened her back, still feeling tired but now more determined, as the palace slowly came into view.
"I long for my bed. Thank the gods that we have made it." Maeve exclaimed, as she quickened her pace. The guards smiled, enjoying her pleasant remarks. But as she walked forward, a sharp pain spread throughout her forehead. Stopping, Maeve rubbed her head in frustration.
"Is there something the matter, Priestess?" a guard asked, worried. Maeve did not reply, as she stared at an alleyway to her right.
"Please wait here gentlemen," she said, as she walked into the dark alleyway. Doing as they were told, they stood guard, watching closely at the Pharaoh's sister.
Just as Maeve expected, she saw a man lying against the wall, his breathing hard. Clutching her hood tightly, she stepped forward, saying, "Sir, do you need help?"
The man jerked up in surprise, as he stared up into Maeve's face. "I- I do not. . . need help. . . from a wench. . . like YOU. . ." Suddenly Maeve noticed the smell of blood clinging in the air.
"I can help you." She said, slowly advancing him. The man tried to move away, but he grunted as the pain got to him.
Crouching to the ground, Maeve saw that behind the man's white hair, was scars--many bloody scars--on his left cheek. She also saw that he had a dagger stuck in his ribs. Using a corner of her cape, Maeve wiped away the blood on his cheek, as he growled under his breath.
"What is your name?" She murmured, as she quickly released the dagger from his ribs, with the man howling in agony.
"Ba-Bakura, the Thief." He cried, as Maeve slowly wrapped the dagger in a piece of cloth and put it away in her parcel.
"Bakura," Maeve repeated, "the thief. I'll try to heal you, but it might be painful, for both of us. You also might transfer some of your memories to me in the process, but it has happened many times before, so don't fret when it happens."
"Why are you helping me?" Bakura growled, as Maeve closed her eyes and placed a hand on his cheek and rib cage.
"Because I want to."
Suddenly a bright light came from the Millennium Orb, as the light slowly transferred to the wounds. Bakura gritted his teeth, as Maeve closed her eyes tightly to avoid tears. Skin started to overlap the wounds, as the blood disappeared. This continued on for a few seconds, until the magic was complete. In place of the wounds were scars, which would be there forever.
Maeve released herself from him, breathing hard. The thief looked at her in amazement. Slowly standing up, she said with a shaky voice, "M-may your l-life be filled with hope and happiness." Giving a small bow, Maeve walked away, as the guards quickly followed her.
But Bakura still looked on, wondering, "Who was that woman?"
Priest Set was sitting on the palace steps, waiting for Maeve's arrival. For days she had been gone, healing the people of Egypt. Set twirled his Millennium Rod, wondering how long he was out there. Then in the corner of his eye, he saw a group of guards surrounding a person. Jumping up, he walked down the steps, acting formal and pretending that he never twirls his Rod.
But as he stepped closer, Set noticed that the Priestess was not walking. Instead, she was draped behind a guard's back, sleeping. Alarmed, he ran forward, saying, "What happened? Is the Priestess alright?"
The guard bowed as best as he could, saying, "She is just tired, my Priest. The Priestess had been healing many people. The last one was particularly hard, for as she was walking she fell head first into the sand!"
"That is a lie. . ." She murmured, her hair falling to her mouth.
Chuckling, Set replied, "Just leave her in her room. After all, I bet she hasn't had a good night rest for days now!"
Nodding, the guard went forward into the palace, as Maeve said lazily, "You got THAT right. . ."
Set smiled at her response.
Awaking several hours later, Maeve greeted Pharaoh Yami and the six priests Akunadin (eye), Shada (anhk), Karim (scales), Mahado (ring), Isis (tauk), and Set (rod).
Nodding her greeting toward Shimon Muran, Isis asked, "Maeve, was your mission successful?"
Putting on a blank face, Maeve replied, "Yes, it was. I healed many people in these past few weeks."
"Did you meet anyone of interest?" Yami asked politely.
Thinking about Bakura, she replied, "No, I have not."
Yami nodded, and resumed looking forward (please note that now Yami reduced his beheadings). "Bring forth the next judgment!"
And so the daily routine had begun. The six priests worked together to seal the evil ka of the men, while the people who proved to be innocent was healed by Maeve. As they repeated this process with each judgment, Maeve was getting weaker and weaker by the moment.
Noticing, Yami asked, "Are you not feeling well sister?"
"I-I am fine, Pharaoh," she replied, rubbing her eyes softly.
Concerned, he ushered her to his side. When Maeve came within ear- shot, Yami said quietly, "You may leave if you want Maeve. Someone else can do your job for you."
She shook her head, saying, "It will be fine. I believe I can survive for a few more judgments."
Smiling, Yami dismissed her, as the six priests and Priestess Maeve waited for the next judgment.
A man in queerest rags came forward, rubbing his hands in pure fright. As the guards pushed him forward, Maeve looked at him with pity.
'The poor man is scared to death.' Maeve thought sadly.
"What is the evil deed the man is accounted for?" Yami boomed, his voice ringing throughout the room.
Shaking, the man said, "Pharaoh, I am only a peasant, trying to seek food for my family. But in order to do so, I had to leave the works of the pyramid and seek grain in the fields. But, as you may know, my Pharaoh, the Nile had not been flooding much water, which leaves me to. . ."
"Let my Millennium Eye decide that, Peasant," Priest Akunadin interrupted, as his left eye glinted with gold. "Priest Shada, Karim, Mahado, if you would assist me."
Nodding, they all held out their Millennium Items toward the frightened man, as Isis, Set, and Maeve stood by, watching.
"I see no lies in this man," Akunadin announced, walking back to the Pharaoh's side.
"The Scale does not tip," Karim said, "He has equal sides of good and sins."
"His mind holds no evil thoughts," Shada replied, placing the Anhk around his neck.
"As I agree with the rest," Mahado agreed, taking his place by Karim.
"There shall be no charge against you, loyal peasant," Yami announced, smiling, "You may go back to the fields now."
As the man turned to leave, Yami continued, "Before you leave, please give High Priestess Maeve the honor of healing you." Signaling to Maeve, she stepped forward toward the man, as he trembled at her sight.
"I won't hurt you," she murmured. The peasant relaxed a little.
Closing her eyes, Maeve slowly set her hand atop his head, chanting words under her breath. As the light from the Orb transcended to the man's body, his eyes grew brighter, as he smiled happily.
Suddenly Maeve released herself from him, as she breathed very hard.
"Is there something the matter, my Priestess?" Set asked. But Maeve could not hear.
Slowly backing away from the peasant, Maeve grabbed her head, gritting her teeth. As she crumbled to the ground, the peasant ran away in horror.
"Maeve!" Shimon Muran cried, as all the priests, Yami, and himself gathered around her. Rocking back and forth, Maeve felt as if her head was splitting in two.
Then she let out an ear splitting scream, the scream sounding like a monster killing people.
Memories of all the people she had healed flashed before her eyes. Their hopes and dreams, shattered before her eyes.
"NO!" She screamed, as a woman's baby son was thrown in the Nile River, eaten by the alligators.
A house burned down. A pyramid block fell on three men. A woman was married off to murderer. All these terrible memories were the ones that Maeve saw.
That was when she saw the thief Bakura, a young Bakura, watching in horror as his village was being sacrificed to a ritual. As Maeve looked on, she saw his parents, burning in the pits of darkness. And standing above all of them, was a single man.
Priest Akunadin, the holder of the Millennium Eye.
As all the villagers but Bakura were sacrificed, seven golden objects appeared out of the eternal flame.
Stained with murder and blood, floating in the air, were the Seven Millennium Items.
Suddenly the memory stopped, as Maeve was shuddering, rocking back and forth, worrying her brother.
Yami reached out to touch her shoulder. But as his hand and her flesh made contact, Yami quickly withdrew his hand, as her skin was cold to the touch.
"Pharaoh?" asked Isis, staring at him strangely.
Akunadin walked up to Maeve, saying, "Do you feel well Maeve? What in Ra's name has happened?" As she looked up into his eyes, Maeve saw the golden eye, glinting.
Her head started to ache once more, as she clutched her staff and swung it hard toward him. Gasping, everyone moved back.
Maeve's eyes reached every single Millennium Item, as she saw the poor villagers being sacrificed for them. Bakura's face filled with anger and fear.
"How did you make the Millennium Items?" Maeve roared, still shaking.
Set said with a confused face, "What do you mean, how we made the Millennium Items?"
"Tell them, Akunadin! Tell them what you did to make seven worthless pieces of lead!" she screamed, rising to her feet and using the staff as protection. Suddenly the man's face turned a dark red.
"Tell them!! I order you to!!"
"Tell us what, father?" Set asked, staring at him.
Gritting his teeth, Akunadin replied with a face of distaste, "What was needed to be done, is done."
"Why did you do it? Do you realize how much suffering you have caused?" yelled Maeve.
"Egypt was in great peril! I had no choice but to do so, in sake of Egypt!" Akunadin replied angrily.
"Killing innocent people won't save them, you old crone! How dare you?" Maeve said back.
"Now that's enough! What are you speaking of, Maeve? Akunadin would never do any harm to the Egyptian people!" Yami cried, walking toward his sister, "Let's stop this, right now." He reached out his hand.
Maeve slapped it away, as Yami backed away in response. "You don't understand!! You didn't see all the terror I've seen, and it all started because of the Millennium Items! We MUST destroy them, Yami!!"
Shada stepped forward, saying, "We musn't! It is our only defense against the evil in this world!"
"We can't defeat evil with evil!" Maeve cried. The ache in her head grew, as it slowly reached her chest. 'What is this. . . ?'
"That's it! I have heard enough!" Akunadin yelled, "Guards! Take her!"
Hesitating, the guards stepped forward, grabbing Maeve's arms. As she tried to struggle out, the men just held tighter.
"Set! Use your Millennium Rod to release her ka! We must see her true intentions!"
He looked shocked, as Set said, "Father, you can't make me do this to my own teacher. . ."
"YOU MUST! I AM YOUR FATHER, AND YOU MUST OBEY MY COMMANDS!"
"I follow the Pharaoh, Father! NOT you!" Set yelled, turning to Yami, "Pharaoh, you must disagree with my father's decision. . ."
But as he looked at the Pharaoh, Yami said with great displeasure, "Do it Set. I command you to." Set and Maeve looked at him in horror.
Shaking, Set stepped forward to Maeve, as she stared at him wearily. The ache turned into a deep pain, residing inside her own mind.
As he raised the rod in the air, Maeve said aloud, "If you dare touch me, Set, I swear upon my grave that you will be severely punished." But he looked on sadly.
"Millennium Rod! Show me the ka of this woman!!"
As a bright light was released from the rod, as it changed into an arrow and pierced right through her mind, as she screamed in pain. Yami looked away.
But nothing appeared. Set looked on with confusion, as Maeve slumped, lifeless.
"Wha-what has happened?" Mahado whispered.
Suddenly two phoenixes blasted out of Maeve's body, one of the light and one of the dark. They swirled around each other, fighting, as everyone looked on in awe and fear. The two phoenixes retreated back into Maeve's body, as a huge blast released her from the guards' grips, striking everyone to the walls. Yami stared at his sister, as she was breathing hard.
As Maeve stood there, her dress in shreds, her hands held her head, as another pain shot through her body. Screaming, she swung her arms, as waves of magic reached toward the ends of the earth, every human feeling it's power.
Knowing what to do, the six priests and Pharaoh Yami stood, and raised their Millennium Puzzles toward Maeve, as a ray of light blasted toward her.
But as she waved her hand, the ray of light wavered, until it disappeared in thin air. Frightened, the holders of the Millennium Items looked on in horror.
And Maeve laughed. Laughed as hard as the wolves howled.
"FREE AT LAST!!!!!" Maeve screamed, raising her hands high in the air, as a dark shadow was realased from her body. Then Maeve fell to the ground, limp.
"Maeve!" Set yelled, as Yami started to run toward her. But the shadow blocked him, making Yami get struck back toward his allies.
"Pharaoh!" they screamed, running toward him.
Looking on in horror, Yami asked, "Who—What are you?!"
Chuckling, the shadow suddenly turned into Maeve, only her figure was all dark, not one color appearing. "I am the one made from all the despair, anger, darkness, and hatred the people of Egypt ever felt. For years I have waited for the moment the wench would crack under my pressure, to release me. And now, I am free."
"Who are you!?!?" Set yelled back.
"Temper, temper," the shadow said, wagging it's finger, "Patience, weak one. It will all be revealed in time."
Suddenly it launched itself in the air, as it yelled loudly, "I AM LUCIAN, THE DESTROYER!!" Laughing evilly, he was engulfed in the darkness, as he said, "And someday, I will KILL you. . ." Then the monster disappeared, as if never there.
The priests looked at Maeve as two scars, one on each wrist appeared, one of the light, and one of the dark.
To Be Continued. . .
YES! Done! Sorry that I haven't updated in so long. . . people were hogging the computer, and I had stuff to do. So hope you like this chapter! Oh, and to answer Kristine's question, I never read Eragon, so no, I did not get the true name idea from them. I did get it from another book though. Forgot which one.