The Lost Pharaoh
Thanks to my beta Towairaito Zoon
I also dedicate this chapter to YoukoKurama201 because I was supposed to update on April 10th (his/her birthday) So HAPPY BELATED BIRTHDAY (and sorry I didn't get this up on time!)
Chapter 15: Shadow of a Battle
The candles that lit the dark room flickered gently as a door opened. A guard stepped inside, looking around as he did, finding a figure covered by shadows standing by the window of the castle tower. He approached silently and knelt down, as he was supposed to, despite the figure's back being turned to him.
"My lord, I have news," the guard said with his head bowed.
"My request has been fulfilled then," he heard the man reply, pleased.
The guard nodded to his back, "Yes, my lord. They have captured the young boy and are bringing him to the castle now."
He hesitated, unsure of whether he should continue or wait to be asked to speak. The figure slowly turned around, revealing his hooded face.
"I sense hesitance in your words. What else?"
The guard licked his lips and continued, "Bakura the tomb robber has also been captured. He has been sent straight to the dungeons. That…that is your wish?"
"Yes, I have no use for him. Just leave him to die. I doubt even the pharaoh would care if he went missing, but just in case make sure he can't escape," the figure replied coldly, a small smirk on his face.
The guard nodded, "Yes, my lord."
"Has Marik done as he was told?"
The guard looked up but quickly stopped himself and bowed his head, "Yes, he is ready."
"Good. Give him a message for me. He knows that I have another use for Hadi, instead of capturing the boy since someone alerted the guards at the palace. I have a feeling it was my old friend Jahi. See to it that he is watched closely and the moment Pharaoh turns his back bring him to Marik. I, unfortunately, don't have time to deal with the old man anymore.
"Once those minor details are cleared I will have the pharaoh right where I want him. If he really cares about this young boy then he'll be led right into my trap. The moment he does fall into my hands alert the second riders to do their part," he finished, shooing him away.
The guard nodded obediently and left as quickly as he had come in. The figure turned back around to glance out the window, seeing shapes drifting nearby approaching the castle.
"I must prepare to meet the young guest…" he smiled, his eyes flashing intensely.
XXXXX
The strange and very strong odor woke his senses, causing him to turn his head away from it. Yuugi could feel his muscles were sore from riding a horse for the first time. All he remembered was trying to help Thabit and then it was all a blank. He forced his eyes to crack open at the thought of Thabit, hoping he was all right. His eyes opened completely after several tries and he found himself blinking from his blurred vision, staring up at an unfamiliar face. A man stood over him with Egyptian writing tattoos on his face.
"Good, you're awake," he said, his deep voice calm and soothing.
His voice reminded him of Yami and Yuugi could feel his sadness grow, but held it down. Very slowly, he lifted himself up into a sitting position, adjusting to the dim light. They were still outside, from the looks of it, and the sky was beginning to brighten, which meant dawn was approaching.
Yami will be returning to the palace then. He'll know something bad has happened before anyone tells him. I just hope he doesn't come to try and find me. I'm sure they're only after him, so they wouldn't hurt me.
Yuugi looked up at the tall man, realizing he was still sitting on a horse. It was trotting slowly so he couldn't tell before.
"Where are we?" Yuugi asked quietly.
The man glanced down at him with frightening eyes, but replied calmly.
"We are approaching the castle."
Yuugi turned his head and saw a large, dark castle made from some kind of strange black glass substance. The horse halted and Yuugi realized they were alone. All the other cloaked riders were gone, as well as the one he remembered who grabbed him and knocked him out with some chemical. Yuugi's throat felt dry and constricted, but he kept his face neutral, knowing he had to be strong.
They approached a bridge and almost immediately the bridge began to descend down to let them in. Yuugi's heart was racing in his chest as the man steered the horse across the bridge. Yuugi saw hooded guards standing just behind the bridge, their faces concealed. The man halted suddenly, looking down at one of the guards.
"My lord has been expecting you," one of the cloaked men said. "He said to bring the boy to the tower chamber."
The man nodded, steering the horse forward as the cloaked guard glanced toward Yuugi with his dark eyes, watching as they went by. Yuugi felt unnerved that someone had known about him, when only the people in the palace knew he was there. But somehow the man who owned the castle had asked to them to retrieve him. The bridge made noise as it was brought back up, and the horse began to move forward inside the long archway leading up to the castle itself.
The horse stopped and the man got down, dragging Yuugi with him. The castle gates were opened for them as they approached and they stepped inside, Yuugi's arm being held tightly by the man. The castle was just as large as the palace Yami had, but oddly more confusing. All of the hallways were cemented and cold, each lit by a few candles and appearing the same. Eventually, they made it to a long spiraling staircase that led them up at least three floors from the feel of it.
Walking down another hallway, Yuugi glanced around for means of escape but couldn't find any. He would certainly get lost in such a maze of hallways. They finally came to a large wooden door that had another flight of stairs lying behind it. Once up the stairs, Yuugi looked around the room. It was a small chamber with no window, just the door that they were entering through. There was a small sofa up against the wall and a table that had a lamp on it. The floor was strangely wood, unlike the rest of the castle.
"Sit," the man ordered, pointing to a chair.
Yuugi sat down reluctantly, wondering why he was wanted in the first place. He suddenly yelped as his hands and feet were encased in thick metal bands that wrapped securely around him, pinning him to the chair with no way of escape. Yuugi struggled desperately, fear rising inside him as he fought against the trap but to no avail.
"Stop struggling. It will only make it worse," the man replied.
"Who are you?" Yuugi demanded, glaring up at him.
"My name is Rishid," he replied indifferently.
Yuugi breathed deeply, hoping his fear would subside, "Why am I trapped like this?"
"You are going to be questioned, that is all," Rishid replied without emotion.
"Questioned?" Yuugi looked up at him with eyebrows furrowed. "About what? I didn't do anything!"
Rishid didn't reply and instead focused ahead. Yuugi stared at him for several seconds, getting slightly annoyed at his blunt comments. He turned toward where Rishid was staring, finding nothing except the wooden door they had come through. Yuugi squinted his eyes, listening carefully as he heard something echoing a short distance away. As he held his breath, he recognized the sound of footsteps, drawing closer and closer . In mere seconds the door opened and in stepped several cloaked figures, much like the guards at the gate. They walked in silently, standing just inside the door and waiting patiently.
"Thank you Rishid, you may leave," a cold voice spoke up, breaking the silence.
Yuugi looked at each of the guards and couldn't see any of their mouths moving. His eyes caught sight of something moving behind them. His breath caught in his throat and he turned toward where Rishid was standing— only to find him gone. Yuugi opened his mouth part way, his wide eyes turning back around just in time to see a figure emerge, having walked in between the six guards all aligned side by side.
The figure was dressed in a long, fancy black cloak that wrapped around him. It was entirely velvet, the outer lining shimmering like gold in the seams. A long polished cane was in his hand with a ruby lying atop it gleaming even in the dim candle light. His face was hidden by the cloak so he couldn't see what he looked like. Yuugi felt intimidated just by his appearance but held his composure.
"You must be Yuugi," the man said, his voice sounding oddly pleased. "I am glad we finally get to meet."
"Who are you?" Yuugi asked bravely.
"Not even going to thank your host first?" the man asked, appearing amused by Yuugi's tone.
Yuugi's eyes hardened slightly, "You kidnapped me."
"Actually, you were crossing my territory," the man replied, walking forward a few steps. "Tell me, how old are you?"
"Old enough," Yuugi replied bluntly, keeping his tone calm.
The man hesitated, tapping his fingers lightly on the cane before responding, "How about we make a deal, Yuugi? You answer a few of my questions and I set you free right after."
"If you were really going to set me free in the first place, you wouldn't have gone through so much trouble to retrieve me," Yuugi stated firmly.
He heard a soft chuckle come from beneath the hood, "What a clever boy. I have no need to harm you, if that's your concern. I merely want to chat."
"Then why am I tied up?" Yuugi asked hotly, trying to calm his racing heart.
"So that you won't run away before we've had the chance to talk," the man replied instantly.
Yuugi stared back at him, feeling some of his fear dissipate, "Why do you want to talk to me? I've never met you before."
"No, but I have heard so much about you. I figured you might be able to help me with a…problem I'm having," the man said, leaning on his cane. "I'm sure you have heard about the pharaoh's return since you have been here. Tell me, do you know the pharaoh…Yami?"
Yuugi's heart jumped but he remained silent, keeping a neutral expression. He hoped he wasn't endangering himself, but he had no choice. There was no way he was going to give away anything that would put Yami's life in danger. He wasn't sure of it yet, but he had a feeling that this man was after Yami. Perhaps it was a gut feeling, or maybe just plain worry, but Yuugi didn't want to take that risk.
"Very well, how about we start somewhere else," the man said. "Have you heard the legend of the mystical sphere? It has been told for generations," he continued, not waiting for an answer. "There have been scriptures about a sphere that holds the power of the Egyptian gods; unlimited power, or so it goes. It is protected by ancient hieroglyphics, and do you know why that is?" he asked, glancing toward Yuugi but again not waiting for an answer.
"It is because the power is so great that it can make a person entirely complete; invincible, as the legend goes. The kingdom has searched for it for thousands of years, even before Pharaoh Yami's rule, but it was never found. Do you know why Yami is so protective about Egypt? He wants to discover where this sphere is hidden and acquire the power of the three powerful Egyptian gods."
"Liar!" Yuugi shouted suddenly.
The man seemed amused, "Liar? If you've never heard the story why do you say that I'm lying?"
"He would never want that power! He told me the Egyptian gods were sacred and meant to be alone…" Yuugi trailed off, his eyes widening.
The man laughed lightly, "So you do know the pharaoh then?"
Yuugi's eyebrows narrowed and he stared angrily at the man who tricked him into revealing part of his connection with Yami.
I've got to be more careful.
"Everyone knows the pharaoh, and about how he sacrificed himself for all of Egypt. He's not selfish," Yuugi said firmly.
"So, you know about the past as well? You know a lot for a foreigner to this country, Yuugi," the man replied quietly, his fingers tapping the cane again.
Yuugi froze, "How do you…?"
"I know a lot about you, Yuugi Mutou, enough to know that you and your grandfather go on quite a lot of…expeditions. Coincidentally enough, Yuugi, the last expedition you went on was the day that the pharaoh rose, was it not?" the man asked.
Yuugi gritted his teeth, hoping to not lose his control and give something away. What right did the man have to invade his personal information? And how did he find out?
"I take your silence as a yes," the man said. "I have heard about your…heroic efforts in freeing the spirit of the pharaoh and remaining by his side to help him fulfill whatever he thinks his destiny is. You were the one that woke him, instead of the ancient prophecy that was foretold about him waking up on the eve of the millennium of the day he died; except 5000 years later, only…you, a small boy changed the entire prophecy of what everyone was expecting. I find that fairly unusual," the man said, his tone hiding something Yuugi couldn't place.
"No normal boy could've done it, Yuugi," the man said, his hand resting back on the cane. "Tell me, Yuugi, did you also find the mystical sphere?"
Yuugi blinked. The man thought he had got the powers from the Egyptian gods and that was how he woke Yami? Yuugi wasn't even sure if it was he who awakened him. All he did was read Yami's name. Anyone could've done it…though he did realize that no one ever found his tomb. But Yuugi definitely had no magical abilities; he was quite sure of that.
"No, I didn't. And even if I had found it, I wouldn't have used its power," Yuugi replied. "Nor would I have given it to you."
The man's fingers stopped tapping the cane and silence fell in the room like a dead weight.
"Are you implying something, Yuugi?" the man asked amused.
"You want that mystical sphere, don't you? That's why you wanted to talk to me. You thought that I have powers because I woke the pharaoh so you thought I'd have the mystical sphere, or know where it is. But I don't. I am a normal boy and Yami woke because Egypt needed him now, not later!" Yuugi said, feeling his emotions rise. "And you…you're the one causing all the trouble; the one who is after Yami. Why do you want to hurt him? All he has done is good for Egypt!"
"Yes, Yuugi, defend your hero," the man drawled. "Everyone does. They only see one side of the pharaoh and they refuse to acknowledge any flaws. But I know that he has done something in the past. He has stolen something very precious to me and I intend to get it back, even if I have to kill him for it!"
"Yami wouldn't steal!" Yuugi snapped.
"Yami?" the man asked, his voice dropping. "You use his real name. No one but his viziers or closest friends do that out of respect for his royalty. So it's true that you're close to the pharaoh; closer than any citizen who's been waiting for his return. You're a friend…someone who Yami cherishes deeply."
Yuugi's eyes widened at the implication as he tried to move his hands, knowing that he was securely trapped.
"Yami won't fall for whatever you're planning!" Yuugi said, with a determined expression. "I bet he already knows who you are. He'll know it's a trap the moment he sees you!"
The man laughed coldly, sending shivers down Yuugi's spine. "You're mistaken, little Yuugi," he said, approaching slowly. "Yami would never suspect it was me. He thinks he defeated me all those years ago," he said stopping a foot away from him. "And as for the trap," he said, using his cane to lift Yuugi's chin upward, "you're going to be the bait."
Yuugi's eyes widened, shimmering with fear. The man laughed coldly, bending down to whisper near his ear.
"Yes, Yuugi…you are going to help me destroy the precious pharaoh."
Yuugi's violet eyes dimmed as he tried to shake his head, "I would never help you destroy Yami!"
"You have no choice. If Yami cares about you he will come and try to save you, like the predictable hero he is. And I'll be waiting."
"NO! You can't make me!" Yuugi shouted angrily.
The man pulled away just far enough so that his hidden face was facing his. Yuugi had no time to react as the man grabbed his chin tightly, holding his face in place as he leaned forward.
"We'll see," he hissed venomously.
Yuugi's gasp was stifled by the force of his chin being held as he saw the flash of crimson red, dark as blood and glimmering intensely.
No…it can't be…
The man stood up, releasing his hold on Yuugi's chin as he turned around, facing his guards.
"Tell Marik that Hadi is needed now," he ordered and several guards immediately dispersed.
"Hadi…?" Yuugi whispered.
The man turned partially around, his hooded face again facing Yuugi, only this time Yuugi could clearly see a sinister smirk on his face.
"You will see, Yuugi, that it is futile to fight me," he sneered at him, his eyes flashing into Yuugi's fearful violet gaze as he turned and left the room, followed by the rest of the guards. The door closed and Yuugi was left alone, hearing different footsteps approaching from a distance.
XXXXX
The palace stood as it normally did against the dawn atmosphere. The news of the attack on the small village on the outskirts of Kemet had spread, taking with it the fear and insecurity that spread like fire around Egypt, especially Kemet. Although the outside of the palace looked the same, the people that were inside it weren't. The joy that they had felt the day the pharaoh arrived, and even before that was dwindling, especially since the news of the young guest's disappearance: Yuugi.
All the windows and balcony doors were shut and locked inside the palace, except for the balcony door in the room facing the east. As the sun began to rise, the floor began to shimmer before stems of grass sprouted up, filling the entire room. A figure stood at the balcony, intense, determined eyes settling on the city that had begun to wake. The people were restless, knowing that a battle was coming, and possibly a war. Even with the bad news, the people were strong, determined, and willing to help in any way they could. The figure watched as horses were saddled, food and water hitched to the bags tied to the saddle sitting atop the horse.
The door to the room opened as another occupant walked in. The footsteps treaded softly on the enchanted grass before halting nearby the figure at the open balcony door. A warm dawn breeze swept in, blowing the curtains and the thick crimson and dark blonde locks, allowing the crimson eyes below the golden crown to shimmer intensely while watching the sunrise.
The second figure didn't speak immediately, but waited for a minute before approaching a little closer.
"Pharaoh, the horses have been saddled as you requested. Several spies have all ready begun to search the trails left behind in order to find out who is behind this."
For a long moment there was no reply. Slowly, Yami turned his eyes around to settle on Fidil who was standing patiently before him.
"And the army?"
"Prepared for battle, Pharaoh," Fidil answered immediately, a determined look on his face.
Yami nodded slowly, turning a bit to look outside at the sky.
"I should've known better than to leave Yuugi here without my protection," Yami said calmly, though his expression was of sadness and guilt.
Fidil nodded in understanding, "I know, but it wasn't your fault. You thought it was safer for him to remain here with the guards. No one was even supposed to know about his arrival."
Yami sighed heavily and turned to glance at him, "Are there any leads on how or why Yuugi was taken?"
"There has been a confession from the older gentleman, Jahi, who began working here several weeks ago. He told us everything. He was a prisoner from some evil man, as he said. He said the man had great power and was the cause of everything that has been going on. He was kept in a dungeon for a couple months. He wasn't fed much and he was occasionally hit or tortured. Most of his wounds healed nicely and he'll be fine, but he said it was the man who had imprisoned him in the first place, who threatened his family if he didn't work here in order to keep an eye on you. And then…" Fidil hesitated, "Jahi was forced to tell him about Yuugi's arrival and how he was connected to your reawakening. He said he is willing to take any punishment necessary for his inexcusable crime."
Fidil watched as Yami leaned against the balcony door, letting the wind drift around him. Finally he turned back toward him, a determined look on his face.
"There is no need for punishment. If this man has been the cause of everything then he is powerful and clever. He must have been planning this for some time; waiting for me to come back," Yami said, his eyes narrowing as he gripped the door. "I have no idea who he is or what he has against me, if anything, but he would've found out about Yuugi eventually. I am just grateful no more damage has been done.
"I only wish…" Yami's eyes dimmed, "that Yuugi hadn't gotten involved. He is the kindest, bravest boy I have ever met in my years of being pharaoh but he is also the purest. He is untainted and the last thing I wanted was for him to be in the midst of a war that doesn't involve him."
"If I may say so, Pharaoh, I believe that there was a reason that Yuugi was the one to reawaken you. It is true he is brave and pure and wise, but there is a reason. Perhaps the reason is that he was meant to help you with this burden. You fought before, but you are still not at your same strength," Fidil said quietly. "And you cannot blame yourself for what happened to Master Yuugi. He stayed because he felt determined to help you. Sending him back wouldn't have changed anything."
"But he is in danger, Fidil!" Yami said harshly, his eyes flashing dangerously. "I'm sorry," he said quietly, calming his anger. "I didn't mean to yell at you. It wasn't your fault."
Fidil stepped closer to put a hand on his arm, loyalty and friendship shining in his eyes, "Please, Pharaoh, you must stay strong; for Kemet and Yuugi. Jahi said that the man didn't want to hurt Yuugi. He's using him to get to you."
"But he will kill Yuugi if I don't do what he wants me to," Yami said, his intense gaze still lingering on the orange sky.
Fidil sighed and nodded, "I understand, Pharaoh. This is what you have to do. Your horse is saddled as well and the guards are ready to escort you the moment any traces of Yuugi's whereabouts are found."
"Thank you," Yami said kindly, smiling weakly.
Fidil nodded encouragingly, "Of course, Pharaoh. Your people will stand beside you. You didn't ask for help five thousand years ago, but this time you are not alone in your fight."
Yami closed his eyes and nodded gratefully. When he opened his eyes, his expression was more determined and prepared for what was to come.
"Is there any trace of Bakura?"
Fidil shook his head, "None. The others say he was missing shortly after you left which was before Yuugi's disappearance. He could have escaped and be in hiding. There is suspicious evidence of a guard having been knocked out and his cloak taken. I have a feeling it was Bakura."
"We will have to search for him as well," Yami said, staring at him. "We will need Bakura's item that he harbors the powers for and his help in order to protect Egypt. How many millennium items do we have?"
"So far we have Millennium Eye, Necklace, and Ankh. We had to track down the Millennium eye with Shadi's help, who gave a man the eye as a test in the first place. But Bakura still has the Millennium Ring and Isis can still find no trace of Marik who holds the Millennium Rod. The Millennium Scale is still missing and Shadi can't find a trace of it like before," Fidil said. "And…Yuugi holds the pyramid."
"We need at least six of the seven items together in order for this to work," Yami said. "Keep looking for both Marik and Bakura; they should turn up eventually. I will make sure Yuugi gets back safely. If it's me they want they should let Yuugi go."
"Yes, Pharaoh," Fidil said gravely.
"Pardon me."
Fidil and Yami turned to see Isis standing in the doorway. She walked in, approaching them and bowed her head toward Yami.
"What is it Isis? Is there any word?" Yami asked.
"They believe a trail has been found, but they will know soon enough whether it'll lead to where the enemy is hiding or not," she replied calmly.
"Good," Yami nodded.
"There is another thing, Pharaoh," Isis said, staring at him evenly. "It has come to our attention, through Horus, that Yuugi's grandpa has reclaimed his memory."
Yami closed his eyes, nodding silently. He opened them and directed his attention to both Isis and Fidil.
"I am afraid we have no choice but to send a message to his grandfather and have him escorted here so that everything can be explained to him. I know it's risky," he added from Fidil's look. "Yuugi's grandfather has been looking for me…but I have to take that risk. Yuugi's life is in danger and his family deserves to know it."
"What about his friends? They seem to be taking great steps in finding him," Isis said.
"Yes, they are trying to help the grandfather," Yami replied.
Isis nodded, "Yes…and one of the friends was with the grandfather when he temporarily forgot Yuugi."
"His friends are all ready suspicious then that something is going on," Fidil nodded.
Yami sighed, "They will have to come along as well. Perhaps there is a way they can help. I am not sure if I will be here to greet them myself. If the war has already begun make sure they remain in the palace. Send out the message immediately."
Isis nodded, bowing again, before departing. Fidil stared at Yami as he stepped away from the balcony.
"It has begun," Yami closed his eyes. "I cannot promise you that I won't sacrifice myself again."
"I know this, Pharaoh," Fidil said softly.
Yami nodded, "At all costs though, I must save Yuugi and make sure the power of the six millennium items are placed together to protect Egypt so that the enemy may not penetrate and destroy it. If I survive, then I will worry about Yuugi's grandfather."
"Yuugi will be much aggrieved if you die. He is still young; death is incomprehensible to him."
Yami shook his head, "He's wise beyond his years, Fidil. And he has been through so much, I can feel it. He may not fully comprehend death, or accept it, but he is strong and I know no matter what happens we will win."
Fidil nodded, "It is time then, Pharaoh. We must prepare for the soldiers' departure for when we find the hideout."
Yami nodded sternly, his expression determined, "Let's go. Yuugi is waiting."
TO BE CONTINUED…