Response to Comment:
Kuruelna Kahini Kilani - I'm sorry about that. I tried to find a link on the story with Simplified characters but I couldn't find one. Maybe you could use a word processing program like NJStar to convert the characters. But I hope you'll continue reading this fanfic though.
Chapter 3
On this day, Akunadin had gotten up much earlier than he usually did. He had deliberately chosen to arrive when the Pharaoh was meeting with his chancellors … if this were to happen, his plan would be even more persuasive power.
{In the Palace}
A palace guard reports –
"Your Majesty, Priest Akunadin wishes to see you."
"Akunadin? Tell him to come in."
The old Pharaoh had a feeling of uncertainty because from what he knew, Akunadin wouldn't come see him in the early morning while the courtiers were assembling unless something major had happened.
"Your Majesty... Have you been in good health?" Following etiquette, Akunadin paid his respects to the Pharaoh.
"Has something important occurred to cause you to come so early today?"
"Your Majesty, I do not wish to conceal this from you … Yesterday, I prayed for the two children using astrology that was handed down from our forefathers."
"Oh. I thank you for your hard work. What was the outcome? What did the gods say?"
"About that …" Akunadin purposely put on a hesitant look, making the old Pharaoh feel that something was definitely odd.
"What was the result, Priest Akunadin?"
"The gods say … that between the two children … one of them is the reincarnation of a demon spirit. That spirit will bring to Egypt an endless scourge…" [1]
"What did you say?!" The old Pharaoh was very confounded about this piece of information and his voice unconsciously raised a notch.
"I am sorry …" Akunadin intentionally misinterpreted the meaning of the old Pharaoh's words and falsely began to beg for forgiveness.
"Stand up. I never meant to blame you, Akunadin. But … what should we do about this? Is there any way we can resolve it?"
"Of course, I had asked this to the gods yesterday. Their response was, 'The demon spirit is very tenacious. Ordinary repelling and sealing ceremonies can not control it. Only one method is feasible…' "
"What method?"
"That is … to kill it."
"What?! Priest Akunadin, are you saying we should …"
"The gods said, 'The only way is to kill the demon spirit! You can not allow it the opportunity to mature or else everything will be too late!' They add that 'Your best chance to act is two days later at midnight.' We must get started on this as quickly as possible."
"But …!? But … Priest Akunadin, if we were to kill it, then …"
"Regrettably, Your Majesty, you must sacrifice that child as well."
Hearing this news, the old Pharaoh felt as if his strength had left him and he sat, paralyzed in his seat.
"Your Majesty! Please think of the country and order the killing of the demon spirit!" Akunadin abruptly began to cry out to the Pharaoh.
'Indeed … what Akunadin says is true. I must put the country first, but … if I do so, I have to sacrifice my child. How can I …'
The old Pharaoh's plight at this moment was not very enviable. As the master of a country, he had to consider as a priority the affairs of the kingdom. As a father, he would not wish to let his children suffer from any danger, no matter what.
After going through a process of consideration from every angle, eventually he reached a decision.
'Forgive me, my children…'
"Fine … I entrust this matter to you, Akunadin."
Just as Akunadin was happy that his plan had gained momentum, there was a priest who was casting suspicious looks in his direction. This priest was none other than the aged High Priest Meti. [2]
'How odd … this guy Akunadin … how can he be so certain that this demon spirit will befall on us? Not only that … there wasn't any stars in the sky several days ago! They were completely shrouded by the clouds … He's simply speaking nonsense! Akunadin keeps mentioning about killing a royal child … what is your real goal?'
"Your Majesty, please allow me to speak …" At this moment, Meti spoke and the old Pharaoh gave his assent.
'I would like to see … what game you are playing, you old fox …'
"Your Majesty, in the last several days – according to the results of my observations, the skies was covered by a burst of black clouds. The stars would naturally be concealed by the clouds as well. Therefore – Priest Akunadin, may I ask when did you make an astrological divination?"
Meti looked towards Akunadin as he put forward his query and found a trace of an odd emotion quickly flutter across his face. That was – a panicked, angered expression. When he caught this facial expression, his doubts about Akunadin deepened.
"Your Majesty …" At this moment, Akunadin spoke …
Translator's Notes:
[1] There was an extra line after this that didn't sound right no matter how I tried to translate it. It went on along the lines of "That Akunadin! How dare he lie in public …" or something like that.
[2] This isn't the original name used in the fanfic. Heh, it was actually the same name as a certain blue-eyed duelist that will appear later in this story. I decided against having two people with the same name to avoid confusing readers as to who's who when both appear in the same scene.
By the way, the name Meti means 'righteous' in Egyptian. You'll see why I chose this as the story unfolds.
First posted on March 28th and updated on May 6th of 2004 by Rika.