Disclaimer: No luck with owning YGO, McDonalds still doesn't pay me enough.
A/N: It seems my strong point is Yami/Tea, so this story will be associated with that pairing and some minor pairings that I am too lazy to write in at the moment. It takes place in Egypt and well....yeah. Hmm..what else? Oh! Don't get mad at me for not using their respective Egyptian names. I just can't stand Teana (Tea) and Bel Um Fal (Yami). You'll know who they are when you see the name. *__* Enjoy my friends.
Title: Almost Royalty
Chapter I: Progress In Development
Before the coming of every Nile flood, the Pharaoh is required to hold a sumptuous feast in regard to the Festival of the Gods. During this occasion, nobles and clergymen gather together to witness an animal sacrifice, which is eaten after the ritual is complete, and partake in the ennoblement of the clergymen.
This year, however, only one clergymen was granted to advance to the next level. "Congratulations, Priest Seth."
Seth acknowledged the comment with a smile. "Humble thanks, my Pharaoh."
Pharaoh Yami frowned inwardly, knowing that his smile deceived those who did not know him that well. For within the thin curves of Seth's smile rest a cruel man who hungered power and would do anything to get what he wanted. Yami hated people like him who liked to manipulate and blame things on the innocent-
"ANZU!"
Yami shuddered out of his thoughts as a cold sensation ran against his hand before realizing that Kaiba's servant, Anzu, had spilled one of the cups, which seemed one too many cups she was carrying by the looks of it, onto the banquet table. He rose up steadily and was about to brush himself off when Seth yelled, "Anzu, escort the Pharaoh to the bathing room at once." She bowed her head in a respectable manner and gently grabbed the Pharaoh's arm to lead him to the bathing room.
"I'm very sorry, Yami." She whispered his name just in case someone was passing by.
Yami smiled to himself, knowing that even though he gave her permission to call him by his first name, she could not go by such standards around his palace. It was ill-mannered for a servant to call their master or a highly regarded figure by their first name. "You know very well you do not owe me an apology."
Anzu didn't respond as she guided him to a wooden chair, which was decorated with Egyptian notations-hieroglyphics. She looked away from the engraved symbols sadly as she reached for a bucket under the chair that contained a white wash cloth. Being a slave since the age of nine, education never was an issue that concerned her. But that didn't mean she never thought about it. "Tell me, what does that say?"
Yami was slightly baffled by her question, but nevertheless, turned to look at the symbols on the chair. "It tells the story of Osiris." He stopped, but continued when he saw a confused look on her face. "Being the god of the sun, Osiris brought growth to crops and plants around the Nile River. People praised his good deeds until he was killed by his twin brother, Set, who was the god of darkness. Being torn into fourteen pieces by his brother, Osiris became....and is still known as the god of death and resurrection." He paused, but then added, "that's why we celebrate the Festival of the Gods. Since Osiris brought a surplus of food before each Nile flood, we hold a special gathering for the sun god in remembrance of his good deeds."
"I never knew that," Anzu took his hand in hers and wiped the excess liquid that had seeped into his royal robe.
The Pharaoh stayed silent as he watched her rinse the wash cloth in the bucket, "is there something wrong, Yami?"
"Nothing to bring concern," she smiled as he continued, "should we be getting back to the feast?"
"I suppose so," she placed the cloth in the bucket delicately.
"Here, let me help you," he extended a hand out to help her to her feet. She accepted, placing her hand in his, as he pulled her to her feet. Yami never let go of her hand after this movement though, it seemed he had found himself lost in her touch....again. "Do you remember how we met?"
Tea titled her head slightly at Yami's question. "It was your fifteenth birthday, correct?"
"Yes," he nodded nervously, "we were standing right outside this room and you....you couldn't find your way back to the banquet room so I escorted you back to the banquet." He smiled and rubbed his thumb along her hand. "I remember the look on your face when you found out that I, the Pharaoh, had done such a thing. You even came up to me an apologized to me for putting me through so much trouble." He laughed and looked away from her blue eyes, "that's when we took a walk through the garden and we became instant companions. I'll never forget that night."
She smiled warmly, "neither will I..."
As soon as Anzu let those words escape her lips, Yami's eyes never left hers. "Anzu, I-"
"Pharaoh, your presence has been requested in the dining hall." Yami was startled by his bodyguard, who stood by the entrance.
Yami turned away from Anzu, slightly annoyed by the interruption. "By whom?"
"Seth," he said dryly, "it seems that the newly appointed Priest wants a toast in his honor."
"As expected." Yami smiled at his bodyguard's sour expression.
His bodyguard, Jou, always had a strong dislike for Seth. He didn't blame Jou for this, after all, Seth was a hard man to get along with. If something wasn't done to his taste, there was bound to be chaos. Ra, he wondered how Anzu lasted as long as she did with Seth.
"Permission to leave, Pharaoh," Anzu's eyes didn't meet his as she bowed before him. It seemed that the more she looked into his eyes, the more she fell for the young Pharaoh...if that was possible. After all, it was love at first sight for her. Too bad he would never be hers. She was a servant, nothing more.
He nodded, though he knew he did not wish for her leave just yet. "Thank you, Anzu."
"Shall we be on our way, sir?" The Pharaoh ignored Jou's question as he watched Anzu disappear down the hall.
The muscular blonde only sighed as he watched his master lose himself within the trance of Seth's servant. He didn't blame Yami though, Anzu was quite beautiful for a servant. She had beautiful brown hair that fell a few inches beyond her shoulders and her eyes were of the brightest aqua he had ever witnessed. She was skinny, but not resembling a stick. She was filled where it was needed and wore a brilliant smile whenever they came into contact. All the servants thought she was a long-lost princess because she was captured from her home and put into labor.
"Is everything alright?"
Jou lifted his head up to meet the eyes of Mai, one of Yami's servants. Besides Anzu, Mai had to be one of the prettiest girls in the palace. She had violet eyes like his master, except for the fact that they were full of hurt and distrust. Her hair was a sheer blonde, which brought youth and color to her skin. She wore the traditional uniform for a slave, which was a plain white dress with the symbol of Ra imprinted on the front. "Jou, shouldn't you be on watch?"
"Seth requested that I call forth the Pharaoh to the dining hall." He responded, not looking at her.
"Yes," Yami snapped out of his trance, "I should be on my way."
"Luck, my Pharaoh," Jou bowed and left the room hastily.
Yami sighed, knowing that he would need more than luck to satisfy Seth. "Come, Mai."
Passing stone walls that were covered with Egyptian notations, they entered the dining hall, which was simply a room that consisted of a long table with wooden chairs. The only thing that livened the room were the many people that had come to witness the festival. They were the wealthy, coming from distant lands of Egypt and its neighboring countries. Upon his arrival, the room silenced and all eyes were on him. This meant one thing. "Silence, the Pharaoh speaks."
"Seth is correct." It was amazing how Yami kept a straight face. "We have gathered today to celebrate not only the innovation of a worthy individual, but to commemorate this occasion to Osiris, the god who brought us this fine feast before us." Seth's smile faded with every word the Pharaoh spoke. "I am pleased to say though that this feast has been a success and I value highly this evening we spend together." Yami walked toward the table and picked up one of the many cups that were generously sprawled on the table. "A toast," he turned his head toward Seth, "to our new Priest. I have faith you will serve Ra and the citizens well."
Everyone, excluding the servants, picked up their respective cups and raised them high in the air. "To Seth!" The collision of chalices reverberated through the room as Seth stood from his recumbent position, requesting for the assemblage to lend their ears.
"I thank the Pharaoh and all that have come to this splendid feast." He sipped his drink hungrily and wiped his mouth with his hand. "As the new priest of Egypt, I shall fulfill all my duties and tasks with care and circumspection." He paused and looked around the room. "Peace be with you, my friends."
"Also with you!" The congregation yelled harmoniously as they lifted their cups again.
For Yami, the feast carried on well after the speeches were made, that is, until Yami caught Seth raising a hand to Anzu when she didn't follow an order correctly. He knew not what the order was, but he did know that it was an honest mistake that clearly didn't need violence involved.
"Master, Prince Honda would like a word with you." A voice interrupted his thoughts.
"Huh?" Yami looked up to see his bodyguard. "Jou! Follow me..."
Without any questions asked, Jou followed him toward the wash room, where Yami paced around the venue before turning to Jou. "I need you to do something for me." Yami had no idea what he was about to say, all the words seemed to form as he spoke.
"Anything, Pharaoh," came Jou's voice before the favor was asked.
"You see," he sighed, "there's this girl and-"
"Anzu, master?"
Yami's head shot up, obviously shocked by Jou's knowledge of the topic. "Yes..well...I want you to ask her to meet me by the garden near Izur's temple after she is relieved from all of Seth's duties. Just tell her that it's important....that I speak with her, that is."
"Without fail," Jou bowed quickly before carrying out his duty.
It wasn't long before Joey returned with a frown on his face. "Did she decline?" The hair on Yami's arms seemed to stand up as he waited for Joey's response. He couldn't bear to hear a refusal, especially since he wanted to tell Anzu his true feelings for her. It was time.
"No," his response brought relief to Yami's face, "it's Seth. He called me a stray mongrel again. I'll show him who's-"
"Did she say anything else?" Excitement energized the Pharaoh's tongue.
"She just said she didn't know how long it would take to get her chores finished."
"I see." Yami sat in a chair, his hands supporting his head.
"Sir, if I may ask," Jou stepped forward, "what is it about her?"
"Anzu?" Jou nodded, "well, she was my first actual friend before you started working for me last year." Yami brought himself to his feet again. "She also has this thing about seeing the goodness in people--like Seth." Jou growled at the mention of Seth's name. "There's also the way she treats me. It's like...she treats me like a normal person even when I'm in a much higher rank than her." He sighed, almost yearningly.
"You are very lucky, my Pharaoh." Jou said as Yami turned to him.
"Am I?" It seemed Jou had hit a soft spot. "We're worlds apart, Jou. It's unlikely that she'll accept my proposal-"
"There you are, Pharaoh!" A kind voice entered the room.
"Ah, Honda! Have you enjoyed yourself?" The young prince bowed respectively before nodding to Yami's question.
Being the Prince of Simbel, located within the heart of Egypt, Honda was widely respected for being the voice of the people and true to his name. Honda was also another close friend of the Pharaoh, though quite older and different in his views. Physically, Honda was a brunette by birth and he looked much older than he really was. He stood at Jou's height, but didn't have the same muscle build as him. "It's been an entertaining evening."
Yami smiled as they walked out of the washroom together. "Did you happen to run into Seth?"
"Yes," he frowned, "what a mistake."
"Running into him?" Yami questioned curiously.
Honda shook his head. "No, appointing him priest."
"I know," Yami stopped and looked at Honda, "I had no other choice."
"Was he the only apprentice?"
"Yes, that's the only reason why he has been assigned the responsibility of priesthood."
Honda shook his head and looked away, "it won't be easy for you."
"It won't be easy for him either."
His angry retaliation was followed by a weak laugh when he heard Jou whisper, "I'll make sure of it." It seemed Honda heard it too as he passed an enthusiastic smirk off to Jou, who seemed to be deathly pale due to the presence of someone before them. Seth. "Good evening, gentlemen."
Seth showed no signs of hearing what they had said about him. "How can I help you, Seth?"
"Just admiring your palace, Pharaoh."
Yami found this hard to believe, after all, Seth did live in the palace from time to time. "That's very gracious of you." Yami put on his best smile so Seth couldn't see the sarcasm printed in his voice. "Tell me, has everyone retired from the dining hall?"
"Only the drunkards are left." Seth replied, pausing for a chuckle. "Bless their souls."
A silence would have settled throughout the corridor if it wasn't for Anzu, who appeared around the corner, ferrying a large book in her arms. "Master Seth! You forgot Reira's book in the dining hall!" Yami looked down at the book, which indeed belonged to Seth's overseer, Reira.
"I don't forget." Seth's eyes matched the eyes of his prized Blue Eyes White Dragon before it attacked its opponent in a duel. To Seth's dismay, however, Anzu showed no sign or expression of fear for her master. "You are worthless."
"Sorry, master." Anzu's impassive eyes met the ground.
"Enough of your pathetic apologies," he turned to look at the three men, "gentlemen, if you will excuse me, I shall be returning to my chambers." He turned to Anzu with a face of disgust, "be on your way, girl!" She walked past Seth, casting Yami a friendly smile.
"That man has a short temper," Honda stated once the two were out of sight. "He is not qualified to be a priest."
"I...know.." Yami scrunched his fists together angrily, NOT for what Honda said, but for what he had just witnessed. He knew of slave masters that treated their slaves as such, but Seth stood out more because he was supposed to be the "forgiving" Priest of Egypt. It wasn't only this that bothered him though. It was the fact that he was hurting Anzu. His Anzu. The one that talked about seeing the decent side of Seth when others could not even get past his frost-blue eyes.
"Hopefully what you know will prepare you for what you don't." Honda walked ahead, leaving his firmation for Yami to think about.
*~*~**~*~*
Drawing a candle toward his bedside, Seth brought the book to reading level and traced his finger along the wise words of Reira. "Where is it? I know Master Reira told me stories of--hold everything." Seth leaned in closer and reiterated his master's words, "after being subjected to prophetic visions of three powerful Gods, I sought advice from my close friend, Bel Saf, who was said to be the next in line to emerge as Pharaoh. As expected, Saf understood the dream and fed me the story of seven ancient relics that would bring the three Gods to abeyance." Seth paused, but resumed shortly, "being the owner of one of the seven relics, he told me that the relics could either bring Egypt into a new era or destroy the means of one."
Seth delayed his eyes to turn the page, ".........the next day, Saf led me to his father's cenotaph, where we met Shadi, one of the tomb guards. Locked within the corridors of the cenotaph, Shadi directed Saf and I toward a room where a tomb rested. As we neared the tomb, six relics rested within their respective slots, while the seventh slot was left to collect dust. Shadi directed me to select one of the millennium items."
'Terrible evil will soon beseige Egypt...'
'Saf can not face them alone. Fate has chosen you to rid the evil...'
"I didn't need anymore instruction, my hand guided me toward a long, gold-plated rod. As soon as I gripped my hand on the rod, I felt an unknown energy surge through me." Seth noticed that Reira's handwriting became more disheveled, as if he was...trembling. "That day....a...part of myself was corrupted with power....my mission became not to unleash Egypt from peril, but to unleash....my power among Egypt." Seth eyes widened, but not as visible than when he read the last line to his master's writing.
"Little did I know, this intention would lead me to my ruin......"
~To be continued....~
Slow, but that was only the introduction. Again, sorry about mixing up the names. I'm a picky person, so it's to be expected.
A/N: It seems my strong point is Yami/Tea, so this story will be associated with that pairing and some minor pairings that I am too lazy to write in at the moment. It takes place in Egypt and well....yeah. Hmm..what else? Oh! Don't get mad at me for not using their respective Egyptian names. I just can't stand Teana (Tea) and Bel Um Fal (Yami). You'll know who they are when you see the name. *__* Enjoy my friends.
Title: Almost Royalty
Chapter I: Progress In Development
Before the coming of every Nile flood, the Pharaoh is required to hold a sumptuous feast in regard to the Festival of the Gods. During this occasion, nobles and clergymen gather together to witness an animal sacrifice, which is eaten after the ritual is complete, and partake in the ennoblement of the clergymen.
This year, however, only one clergymen was granted to advance to the next level. "Congratulations, Priest Seth."
Seth acknowledged the comment with a smile. "Humble thanks, my Pharaoh."
Pharaoh Yami frowned inwardly, knowing that his smile deceived those who did not know him that well. For within the thin curves of Seth's smile rest a cruel man who hungered power and would do anything to get what he wanted. Yami hated people like him who liked to manipulate and blame things on the innocent-
"ANZU!"
Yami shuddered out of his thoughts as a cold sensation ran against his hand before realizing that Kaiba's servant, Anzu, had spilled one of the cups, which seemed one too many cups she was carrying by the looks of it, onto the banquet table. He rose up steadily and was about to brush himself off when Seth yelled, "Anzu, escort the Pharaoh to the bathing room at once." She bowed her head in a respectable manner and gently grabbed the Pharaoh's arm to lead him to the bathing room.
"I'm very sorry, Yami." She whispered his name just in case someone was passing by.
Yami smiled to himself, knowing that even though he gave her permission to call him by his first name, she could not go by such standards around his palace. It was ill-mannered for a servant to call their master or a highly regarded figure by their first name. "You know very well you do not owe me an apology."
Anzu didn't respond as she guided him to a wooden chair, which was decorated with Egyptian notations-hieroglyphics. She looked away from the engraved symbols sadly as she reached for a bucket under the chair that contained a white wash cloth. Being a slave since the age of nine, education never was an issue that concerned her. But that didn't mean she never thought about it. "Tell me, what does that say?"
Yami was slightly baffled by her question, but nevertheless, turned to look at the symbols on the chair. "It tells the story of Osiris." He stopped, but continued when he saw a confused look on her face. "Being the god of the sun, Osiris brought growth to crops and plants around the Nile River. People praised his good deeds until he was killed by his twin brother, Set, who was the god of darkness. Being torn into fourteen pieces by his brother, Osiris became....and is still known as the god of death and resurrection." He paused, but then added, "that's why we celebrate the Festival of the Gods. Since Osiris brought a surplus of food before each Nile flood, we hold a special gathering for the sun god in remembrance of his good deeds."
"I never knew that," Anzu took his hand in hers and wiped the excess liquid that had seeped into his royal robe.
The Pharaoh stayed silent as he watched her rinse the wash cloth in the bucket, "is there something wrong, Yami?"
"Nothing to bring concern," she smiled as he continued, "should we be getting back to the feast?"
"I suppose so," she placed the cloth in the bucket delicately.
"Here, let me help you," he extended a hand out to help her to her feet. She accepted, placing her hand in his, as he pulled her to her feet. Yami never let go of her hand after this movement though, it seemed he had found himself lost in her touch....again. "Do you remember how we met?"
Tea titled her head slightly at Yami's question. "It was your fifteenth birthday, correct?"
"Yes," he nodded nervously, "we were standing right outside this room and you....you couldn't find your way back to the banquet room so I escorted you back to the banquet." He smiled and rubbed his thumb along her hand. "I remember the look on your face when you found out that I, the Pharaoh, had done such a thing. You even came up to me an apologized to me for putting me through so much trouble." He laughed and looked away from her blue eyes, "that's when we took a walk through the garden and we became instant companions. I'll never forget that night."
She smiled warmly, "neither will I..."
As soon as Anzu let those words escape her lips, Yami's eyes never left hers. "Anzu, I-"
"Pharaoh, your presence has been requested in the dining hall." Yami was startled by his bodyguard, who stood by the entrance.
Yami turned away from Anzu, slightly annoyed by the interruption. "By whom?"
"Seth," he said dryly, "it seems that the newly appointed Priest wants a toast in his honor."
"As expected." Yami smiled at his bodyguard's sour expression.
His bodyguard, Jou, always had a strong dislike for Seth. He didn't blame Jou for this, after all, Seth was a hard man to get along with. If something wasn't done to his taste, there was bound to be chaos. Ra, he wondered how Anzu lasted as long as she did with Seth.
"Permission to leave, Pharaoh," Anzu's eyes didn't meet his as she bowed before him. It seemed that the more she looked into his eyes, the more she fell for the young Pharaoh...if that was possible. After all, it was love at first sight for her. Too bad he would never be hers. She was a servant, nothing more.
He nodded, though he knew he did not wish for her leave just yet. "Thank you, Anzu."
"Shall we be on our way, sir?" The Pharaoh ignored Jou's question as he watched Anzu disappear down the hall.
The muscular blonde only sighed as he watched his master lose himself within the trance of Seth's servant. He didn't blame Yami though, Anzu was quite beautiful for a servant. She had beautiful brown hair that fell a few inches beyond her shoulders and her eyes were of the brightest aqua he had ever witnessed. She was skinny, but not resembling a stick. She was filled where it was needed and wore a brilliant smile whenever they came into contact. All the servants thought she was a long-lost princess because she was captured from her home and put into labor.
"Is everything alright?"
Jou lifted his head up to meet the eyes of Mai, one of Yami's servants. Besides Anzu, Mai had to be one of the prettiest girls in the palace. She had violet eyes like his master, except for the fact that they were full of hurt and distrust. Her hair was a sheer blonde, which brought youth and color to her skin. She wore the traditional uniform for a slave, which was a plain white dress with the symbol of Ra imprinted on the front. "Jou, shouldn't you be on watch?"
"Seth requested that I call forth the Pharaoh to the dining hall." He responded, not looking at her.
"Yes," Yami snapped out of his trance, "I should be on my way."
"Luck, my Pharaoh," Jou bowed and left the room hastily.
Yami sighed, knowing that he would need more than luck to satisfy Seth. "Come, Mai."
Passing stone walls that were covered with Egyptian notations, they entered the dining hall, which was simply a room that consisted of a long table with wooden chairs. The only thing that livened the room were the many people that had come to witness the festival. They were the wealthy, coming from distant lands of Egypt and its neighboring countries. Upon his arrival, the room silenced and all eyes were on him. This meant one thing. "Silence, the Pharaoh speaks."
"Seth is correct." It was amazing how Yami kept a straight face. "We have gathered today to celebrate not only the innovation of a worthy individual, but to commemorate this occasion to Osiris, the god who brought us this fine feast before us." Seth's smile faded with every word the Pharaoh spoke. "I am pleased to say though that this feast has been a success and I value highly this evening we spend together." Yami walked toward the table and picked up one of the many cups that were generously sprawled on the table. "A toast," he turned his head toward Seth, "to our new Priest. I have faith you will serve Ra and the citizens well."
Everyone, excluding the servants, picked up their respective cups and raised them high in the air. "To Seth!" The collision of chalices reverberated through the room as Seth stood from his recumbent position, requesting for the assemblage to lend their ears.
"I thank the Pharaoh and all that have come to this splendid feast." He sipped his drink hungrily and wiped his mouth with his hand. "As the new priest of Egypt, I shall fulfill all my duties and tasks with care and circumspection." He paused and looked around the room. "Peace be with you, my friends."
"Also with you!" The congregation yelled harmoniously as they lifted their cups again.
For Yami, the feast carried on well after the speeches were made, that is, until Yami caught Seth raising a hand to Anzu when she didn't follow an order correctly. He knew not what the order was, but he did know that it was an honest mistake that clearly didn't need violence involved.
"Master, Prince Honda would like a word with you." A voice interrupted his thoughts.
"Huh?" Yami looked up to see his bodyguard. "Jou! Follow me..."
Without any questions asked, Jou followed him toward the wash room, where Yami paced around the venue before turning to Jou. "I need you to do something for me." Yami had no idea what he was about to say, all the words seemed to form as he spoke.
"Anything, Pharaoh," came Jou's voice before the favor was asked.
"You see," he sighed, "there's this girl and-"
"Anzu, master?"
Yami's head shot up, obviously shocked by Jou's knowledge of the topic. "Yes..well...I want you to ask her to meet me by the garden near Izur's temple after she is relieved from all of Seth's duties. Just tell her that it's important....that I speak with her, that is."
"Without fail," Jou bowed quickly before carrying out his duty.
It wasn't long before Joey returned with a frown on his face. "Did she decline?" The hair on Yami's arms seemed to stand up as he waited for Joey's response. He couldn't bear to hear a refusal, especially since he wanted to tell Anzu his true feelings for her. It was time.
"No," his response brought relief to Yami's face, "it's Seth. He called me a stray mongrel again. I'll show him who's-"
"Did she say anything else?" Excitement energized the Pharaoh's tongue.
"She just said she didn't know how long it would take to get her chores finished."
"I see." Yami sat in a chair, his hands supporting his head.
"Sir, if I may ask," Jou stepped forward, "what is it about her?"
"Anzu?" Jou nodded, "well, she was my first actual friend before you started working for me last year." Yami brought himself to his feet again. "She also has this thing about seeing the goodness in people--like Seth." Jou growled at the mention of Seth's name. "There's also the way she treats me. It's like...she treats me like a normal person even when I'm in a much higher rank than her." He sighed, almost yearningly.
"You are very lucky, my Pharaoh." Jou said as Yami turned to him.
"Am I?" It seemed Jou had hit a soft spot. "We're worlds apart, Jou. It's unlikely that she'll accept my proposal-"
"There you are, Pharaoh!" A kind voice entered the room.
"Ah, Honda! Have you enjoyed yourself?" The young prince bowed respectively before nodding to Yami's question.
Being the Prince of Simbel, located within the heart of Egypt, Honda was widely respected for being the voice of the people and true to his name. Honda was also another close friend of the Pharaoh, though quite older and different in his views. Physically, Honda was a brunette by birth and he looked much older than he really was. He stood at Jou's height, but didn't have the same muscle build as him. "It's been an entertaining evening."
Yami smiled as they walked out of the washroom together. "Did you happen to run into Seth?"
"Yes," he frowned, "what a mistake."
"Running into him?" Yami questioned curiously.
Honda shook his head. "No, appointing him priest."
"I know," Yami stopped and looked at Honda, "I had no other choice."
"Was he the only apprentice?"
"Yes, that's the only reason why he has been assigned the responsibility of priesthood."
Honda shook his head and looked away, "it won't be easy for you."
"It won't be easy for him either."
His angry retaliation was followed by a weak laugh when he heard Jou whisper, "I'll make sure of it." It seemed Honda heard it too as he passed an enthusiastic smirk off to Jou, who seemed to be deathly pale due to the presence of someone before them. Seth. "Good evening, gentlemen."
Seth showed no signs of hearing what they had said about him. "How can I help you, Seth?"
"Just admiring your palace, Pharaoh."
Yami found this hard to believe, after all, Seth did live in the palace from time to time. "That's very gracious of you." Yami put on his best smile so Seth couldn't see the sarcasm printed in his voice. "Tell me, has everyone retired from the dining hall?"
"Only the drunkards are left." Seth replied, pausing for a chuckle. "Bless their souls."
A silence would have settled throughout the corridor if it wasn't for Anzu, who appeared around the corner, ferrying a large book in her arms. "Master Seth! You forgot Reira's book in the dining hall!" Yami looked down at the book, which indeed belonged to Seth's overseer, Reira.
"I don't forget." Seth's eyes matched the eyes of his prized Blue Eyes White Dragon before it attacked its opponent in a duel. To Seth's dismay, however, Anzu showed no sign or expression of fear for her master. "You are worthless."
"Sorry, master." Anzu's impassive eyes met the ground.
"Enough of your pathetic apologies," he turned to look at the three men, "gentlemen, if you will excuse me, I shall be returning to my chambers." He turned to Anzu with a face of disgust, "be on your way, girl!" She walked past Seth, casting Yami a friendly smile.
"That man has a short temper," Honda stated once the two were out of sight. "He is not qualified to be a priest."
"I...know.." Yami scrunched his fists together angrily, NOT for what Honda said, but for what he had just witnessed. He knew of slave masters that treated their slaves as such, but Seth stood out more because he was supposed to be the "forgiving" Priest of Egypt. It wasn't only this that bothered him though. It was the fact that he was hurting Anzu. His Anzu. The one that talked about seeing the decent side of Seth when others could not even get past his frost-blue eyes.
"Hopefully what you know will prepare you for what you don't." Honda walked ahead, leaving his firmation for Yami to think about.
*~*~**~*~*
Drawing a candle toward his bedside, Seth brought the book to reading level and traced his finger along the wise words of Reira. "Where is it? I know Master Reira told me stories of--hold everything." Seth leaned in closer and reiterated his master's words, "after being subjected to prophetic visions of three powerful Gods, I sought advice from my close friend, Bel Saf, who was said to be the next in line to emerge as Pharaoh. As expected, Saf understood the dream and fed me the story of seven ancient relics that would bring the three Gods to abeyance." Seth paused, but resumed shortly, "being the owner of one of the seven relics, he told me that the relics could either bring Egypt into a new era or destroy the means of one."
Seth delayed his eyes to turn the page, ".........the next day, Saf led me to his father's cenotaph, where we met Shadi, one of the tomb guards. Locked within the corridors of the cenotaph, Shadi directed Saf and I toward a room where a tomb rested. As we neared the tomb, six relics rested within their respective slots, while the seventh slot was left to collect dust. Shadi directed me to select one of the millennium items."
'Terrible evil will soon beseige Egypt...'
'Saf can not face them alone. Fate has chosen you to rid the evil...'
"I didn't need anymore instruction, my hand guided me toward a long, gold-plated rod. As soon as I gripped my hand on the rod, I felt an unknown energy surge through me." Seth noticed that Reira's handwriting became more disheveled, as if he was...trembling. "That day....a...part of myself was corrupted with power....my mission became not to unleash Egypt from peril, but to unleash....my power among Egypt." Seth eyes widened, but not as visible than when he read the last line to his master's writing.
"Little did I know, this intention would lead me to my ruin......"
~To be continued....~
Slow, but that was only the introduction. Again, sorry about mixing up the names. I'm a picky person, so it's to be expected.