WHEN MEMORIES WOULD NEVER BE ENOUGH

Chapter Two: The Compromise

As Shimon stepped out from Xandra's room in search of the young Pharaoh Atemu, she rested on her bed and stared at the ceiling. Her mind still ran on overdrive, wondering about the days that were ahead of her, Atemu, and Egypt.

"I did not know that you feel that way, too," piped a familiar voice from the corner of the room.

Xandra bolted out of bed and saw Atemu sheepishly peeking out from the decorative woven basket at the corner of her room. Seeing her younger adoptive brother in one of his entertaining antics made her sit on the bed while he fully emerged out of the basket. She scolded Atemu, "You have been making Shimon and the palace worry for the past week. They are still searching for you, wondering if you are all right."

Once Atemu was out of the basket, he brushed off the fibers from his clothing. With his customary frown, he then complained, "All that I have been hearing everyday was how important it is for us to get married soon. Wedding this, wedding that... By the gods, we already said yes to them. What else do they want from us?"

Xandra said with an understanding smirk, "Was it necessary, though, to put Shimon and the others through such torment?"

Atemu sat beside her by the foot of her bed. Facing her as he spoke, a semi-pouting Atemu remarked, "I just do not want to talk about it anymore. I feel that no one really understands me. I thought that I was the only one who thinks that this marriage between us was a bad idea. I find out that you feel the same way."

"Funny how it did not feel that important or pressing when you and I were children, huh?" Xandra then quietly chuckled. "Well, I am not a child anymore but you are."

"I am not a child anymore, either!" retorted Atemu, his gaze defiant and transfixed on his adopted sister.

"I mean no offense, Atemu. You are wise beyond your years. You always possessed an innate sense of curiosity, and Father as well as the others trained you as long as you could remember. That is why your age has never been the issue here. However, you are still a child even if it will be only for a couple of years more."

Xandra then sighed as she looked down on her hands, adding, "I am sorry that you had to hear my earlier words. My opinions have nothing to do with you as a person. I just feel that this whole matter is unfair to us."

Remembering what he just heard from eavesdropping, Atemu quietly added, "I did not know that you had doubts, too. I did not say anything about how I feel because I do not want you to be upset with me. Just as you said, my opinions have nothing to do with you as a person, either."

After minutes of silence, Xandra gazed into her adopted younger brother's amethyst eyes. "You and I may have our apprehensions, but we also know that Shimon is right. I still feel that everything is so premature. Father was just sealed in his tomb. However, you and I have a responsibility to our people as well as the throne. Father would not have it any other way."

Resentment flared up within Atemu as he quipped, "Resigning oneself to responsibility alone is similar to running away. It is the actual act of running away from life's opportunities. For example, just look at what happened to you. You were sent away for your own safety because there were others who wanted to kill you before you assume your kingdom's throne. You also have gifts from the mystical ones, but you flatly refuse to use them."

A tight-lipped Xandra deadpanned, "I do not call parlor tricks as gifts from the mystical ones. They are more of a curse, if you ask me. How do you know that I have those gifts, if I have never dared to use them?"

"I would not call your gifts as mere parlor tricks. If I had your gifts then I would be using them," Atemu countered. He then innocently blinked a few times and then teasingly said, "Oh yeah, I do have those gifts, too. I owe them through the Millennium Puzzle."

With a bittersweet smile, Xandra replied, "You, Brother, have power within you to control these mystical forces. I am not like you. My ancestor was forced to kill his own Queen once the power tainted her. Atlantis was destroyed because most of her citizens were corrupted by the very power that the gods gave them. The handful of virtuous ones was not enough to appease the gods, so they had to stop the pestilence. I do not wish to tempt the Fates by heading towards the same path."

Youthful amethyst eyes probed deep into hazel-brown ones as their owner asked, "How many times do you have to keep running away from who you really are? Sure, you give your all in training for weapons even though the court and Father himself opposed it. You were so willful that there was no talking you out of it. Yet, when it came to magic it is the total opposite. You shrink away from it like a coward. Is that why you would not want to use your magic? Is that why you refused Mahado's proposal to train you, even after many times that Mana begged you to join her and me? Is that why you do not want to become Co-Regent of Egypt and reign with me?"

"Do not pin this on me alone, Atemu. You are not enthusiastic about marrying me, either..."

An impish grin curled from Atemu's lips as he said with truthful challenge, "I just think that the whole idea about marrying and having children with you is too weird. I also do not like the idea of marrying a coward. How about you? What is your reason other than Set?"

Hazel-brown eyes glowered at Atemu as Xandra snapped, "I am not a coward, and what does Set have to do with this conversation? Leave him out of this!"

With one raised eyebrow, Atemu's simple and curt reply was, "Fine, I struck a nerve. I will leave Set alone...not that I have any opposition about any feelings between you two. He is a good friend of ours. I may be the youngest one of us three, but I notice how you two are when you are together."

"Set and I are just friends!"

"I know you are," said Atemu with an understanding smile, and matter-of-factly adding, "But if it were not for this betrothal of ours, matters would most probably be so different between you two. I might end up calling him Brother instead."

"Leave Set out of this!"

"Fine, but you are still a coward."

Xandra's eyes burned as she demanded, "I am not a coward! Take back what you have just said!"

Atemu then nonchalantly interjected, "You cannot live your life worrying about what bad things will happen next. Only cowards live in fear and worry."

"Atemu, you have just crossed a fine line," warned Xandra through gritted teeth. "You do not understand my predicament. Do not judge me until you know all the facts. I simply do not wish to tempt the Fates. I do not wish to be damned like the rest of Atlantis."

"I understand plenty. For once in your life, Sister Xandra, get a backbone! You may be older than I am, but you foolishly let too many opportunities pass before you by worrying too much. You cannot rule our people and protect them by being a coward. I gladly embrace the throne because I love our people, but I cannot accept to rule with someone who has half a heart."

Xandra retorted, eyes burning with anger, "I do not appreciate your words or insinuations, Atemu. I am not running away by blindly adhering to responsibility alone. I love our people, too. I may have my worries, but our people come first."

As Atemu saw sadness and hurt crawl over Xandra's face, he then relaxed his tone and said with a slight pang of guilt, "I mean well with my sharp words, Sister. It would be a shame if you live life the way that your father did. Refusing to use your gifts is an outright defiance of what the gods have in store for you."

Silence dominated between them as Atemu sat and stared at Xandra for a while.

Minutes later, Xandra broke the ice and said, "Come with me, Brother..."

As the two adoptive siblings stepped out to her balcony, they looked at the activity below them. By this time, Xandra had already calmed down. She then inquired while her thoughts slightly drifted toward focusing on a handful of innocent children as they played below, "What do you propose for us to do after the ceremony, Atemu?"

Understanding that their mutual reason for marrying each other were the people, Atemu responded, "Our fathers saw a future with us together, leading our peace side by side. They pictured our kingdoms joined together as an example that peaceful co-existence was a possibility. Atlantis may be gone but Father, the previous Pharaoh, saw that future much brighter as he saw us grow up together. Do you still see that bright future?"

"I do," Xandra replied, her heart aching for being reminded that she once again lost a father that she loved so much. "I believe in it. My five senses and much more make that so vivid for me. It is not just their dream. It is mine, too. I would have dreamed for that reality on my own. I would support and devote my all to that very person who would make that dream a reality. It would not matter what capacity I would have. If the gods plan for me to be that very instrument to make that dream come true, then I welcome it as well."

"Then you and I share the same dream, Sister. Our fathers might have been the first ones who talked about it, but that dream lives in me as long as I can remember."

The two adoptive siblings looked on, mulling over their respective thoughts and getting engrossed over the children now squealing in delight as they engaged deeper in play.

Atemu then contentedly sighed, telling Xandra with such confidence, "You and I need to be strong, Sister Xandra. We need to be strong as individuals. We need to be so strong that you or I can rule, command respect, and ensure peace, even if the other is not around. I also agree with Shimon about the two of us working together as a team. That is why I am nudging you now to rise up to the occasion. Accept the ruler's scepter along with me. I see how you are with the citizens. I see how they are with you. They are your people, too. They are depending on us to rule them towards peace and prosperity."

With sadness laced in her voice, Xandra remarked, "Our Fathers, each other, our people, and Egypt are the very reasons why we have agreed to undergo the ceremony. The people love you, Atemu. Do you think that they...Egypt...is ready to accept a foreigner to be beside you as your queen and co-regent?"

Atemu stared at the same sight with longing, envy, and pity in his heart. Finding the sight as an opportunity to drive his point home, he inquired, "Agreement to proceed with the marriage is not enough. Once you ascend the throne beside me, you also have to do whatever it takes to protect them. Would you reconsider using your magic, if it meant saving them or much more?"

"I could not answer that question at this time," Xandra admitted with a sigh. "However, rulers are the people's servants. If it needs be that either or both of us should sacrifice comfort or well-being for the sake of many, then so be it..."

Turning the tables to him, Xandra then asked, "How about you, Atemu? Would you use the Millennium Items and unleash their powers, if it meant saving them?"

"If it needs be, then yes. I will give up everything for them," Atemu replied with conviction and without hesitation.

Xandra gave Atemu a hopeful smile. "No matter what happens, Brother, we will go through thick and thin together. I will help you and our people in any way that I can. You and I will always work together for the kingdom and for them. Father believed in you, and I believe in you. Then allow me to support and devote my all to you, because I believe that you can make our dreams into reality."

"Through thick and thin, Sister," Atemu murmured with a gentle grin as he nodded in agreement with her words. "I vow that we will tackle every obstacle together. From here on out, let us be honest with each other. No more secrets. You and I owe that to each other."

Xandra nodded, resting her hand on Atemu's shoulder with sisterly affection. "You will make our people proud, Atemu. That, I know...because I have always been proud of you. Proud to be called your friend and your sister..."

The entire land of Egypt just died down after its last of three nights' worth of festivities. The wedding ceremony between Pharaoh Atemu and Xandra was one of the grandest throughout Egyptian and Atlantean history.

The ceremony and festivities were graced with the presence of nobility from many lands as well as the citizens who anticipated the nuptials for many years. With the exception of Akunadin, the high priests and Shimon were happy with the union.

Now that the entire palace and land were soundly sleeping, a white mist seeped from the doors of the Pharaoh and Queen's bedchambers. Once a loud thud reverberated through the hollow halls, the bedchambers' heavy doors opened.

A fully-cloaked and solitary figure stepped out, studied the unconscious sentries, and walked past them. The mist, at this time, had spread throughout the palace. Without fear or worry, the figure walked through the hallways -as everyone fell in a deep and restful slumber.

The secretive figure then went to the study as a ball of white light illuminated the way. Standing at the inconspicuous corner of the room, the figure chanted.

In response to the incantation, multi-colored lights illuminated the study and a pentagram appeared on the marbled floor.

The mysterious figure then waved a hand.

A passage, as well as a long staircase leading towards the bowels of the palace, appears from nowhere. Once darkness engulfed the figure upon descending the stairway, the pathway disappeared.

The mystical ball of light followed as its master's footsteps echoed for each step taken down the stairs. Reaching the foot of the stairs, the cloaked figure then walked through long series of cavernous hallways mystically lit by palm-sized floating fireballs.

Finally, the figure reached the destination - a vast empty space in the heart of the cavern.

Once the figure took the first step within the empty space, a circle consisting of four cloaked figures appeared from the void.

In the middle of the human circle were two pedestals that stood side-by-side, and on the pedestal were two books made out of gold.

"We have waited many years for your response," said a masculine voice that belonged within the circle.

"You shall have it tonight," mumbled the new arrival to the first wizard.

"What shall it be, then?" asked the second wizard from the circle.

After a long period of silence, the newcomer replied, "I will join your group. That is, if you will have me."

The third masculine voice then remarked as the fourth member of the circle nodded in satisfaction, "You have decided well. Many have tried to belong within our inner sanctum, but we have sent them all away empty-handed. We have always held this fifth place for you. This fifth place has always been meant to be for you."

With a voice laced in doubt, the first cloaked wizard probed, "You have said 'no' to us before. You have turned your back before from who you really are. What made you change your mind?"

The newcomer intently said, "The circumstances before me makes it necessary."

With a deeper voice, the third wizard remarked, "Then you must complete the ritual to become one of us."

Without hesitation, the new arrival said, "Whatever it takes..."

"Very well, then." After clearing his throat, the first wizard motioned the figure to approach the pedestal.

The figure then approached the two golden tomes as the second wizard said, "The ritual to join our circle is within one of these books. Unlock its secret, speak the incantation, and follow its bidding. Once it is performed, you will become one of us and our circle will now become complete."

The mysterious new arrival placed each hand on top of each book. After minutes' worth of silence, the figure uttered ancient words that were unknown to the others.

Immediately after the chant, the two tomes illuminated. A small fiery cyclone appeared on top of each golden book, formed into a fireball, suspended in mid-air to join its peer, spun out of control, and collided with each other.

The collision caused a massive explosion that rumbled the cave walls, and stirred fear within the other four figures.

The new arrival, however, was unfazed.

Moments later, hieroglyphics were emblazoned in the air and made the new arrival chuckle and say, "You cannot hide your secrets from me, wizards...no matter whether you have scattered your combined knowledge between these two tomes. Osiris, however, would still be pleased with you for keeping his secrets with such ingenuity."

With words unspoken, the fourth wizard handed the newcomer a gemmed golden dagger.

After accepting the gleaming knife, the figure quickly exposed an arm. Without any forethought or hesitation, the new arrival mercilessly sliced the flesh and allowed the warm blood to drip on the two golden tomes. The figure then loudly read the inscriptions written in the air which marked the beginning of the ritual and the incantation:

I stand and plead before the four other mystic gods

Glorious Osiris, Isis, Anubis, and Horus

I now step forward to proudly join thy mystic star

As thy vessel, member, student, and as avatar.

I, the fifth to complete thy pentagram and circle

May the mystic Thoth's spirit flow into this vessel

To release thy vessel's powers that now lay latent

And serve as mentor for thy vessel's mystic talent.

For Isis and Osiris to hear my earnest plea

I now pour out my lifeblood for the four to all see

And now that I unlocked thy deepest secrets untold

I place petition to belong in thy arcane fold.

Pour out thy infinite wisdom of the universe

Of all powers good and evil that humans immerse

And Anubis, who crosses the gates of death and life

Reminds that for every harmful act, there would be strife.

I seal this covenant with my blood - never to break

For this oath, my very life and soul I place at stake

This newest member of thy circle would never spill

The gods' darkest mystic secrets that now within fill.

Once they were completely covered with blood, the tomes then illuminated the entire cavern. When the blinding light had died off, the two books sat in its respective marble pedestal and remained in its pristine golden condition.

With the ritual being completed, the other four then circled around the new arrival.

"Welcome to our fold," warmly remarked the third wizard as the fourth one covered the newcomer's fresh wound with bandage soaked with yarrow tea.

"Introductions are in order," said the first wizard as he took off his hood and revealed a handsome, middle-aged, and dignified-looking Egyptian. "I am Nabil..."

The second mage – well into his early twenties – removed his hood and nodded his head. "I am Djer."

The third and fourth members removed their respective hoods, as the third – an elderly man with silver hair – said, "I am Kamose, and this is Narmer…."

Nabil motioned towards the fourth member – a lanky youth who is barely in his teens, "Please pardon Narmer's silence, for he is mute. The gods have compensated for his misfortune by blessing him with many mystical gifts as well as a good heart."

"Forgive me for my hesitation many years ago, my Brothers..."

Upon removing the hood, Xandra then continued with a gleam in her eye, "I am pleased to meet all of you face to face, my Brothers. Now I am truly one of you and our mystic pentagram is now complete..."

Author's Notes

If you are wondering whether this story is part of the Lost Souls Story Arcs, the answer is a resounding "yes." However, surprises are in store along the way. Let me know what you think.

Yu-Gi-Oh is the copyrighted property of Kazuki Takahashi. Xandra / Alexandra Emrys and this fanfic are properties of the author.

Thank you for reading and constructively reviewing.

Warmest Regards, Zatken