Author's Note: This is my longest chapter yet…it's actually around 15 pages typed…can you believe it? That's around the length of a one shot story! Believe or not, I actually wrote this chapter before the previous two…I'm weird? I know… Okay, all the Ancient Egypt info I mentioned in this chapter was from a novel called "The Great Pyramid Robbery" by Katherine Roberts. It's a great book and helped me quite a bit to understand Ancient Egypt…there's so many things not mentioned in other Ancient Egypt novels mentioned there…it's very interesting. I really like this chapter and it's all from my imagination. There are no spoilers in here about Yami's or Seto's past…I made them all up. Please R+R!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Disclaimer: Let's look through my personal inventory: lots of CDs, books, my original stories, tons of clothes, among those things, I see Koshi…but nope, no Yu-Gi-Oh here! So I don't own it! Those characters I mentioned such as Kane and Thet are mine and are not part of Yu-Gi-Oh at all.

More Than Just Saving the World

By Sakura Kinomoto

Chapter 10       Dream or Memories?

            She knew it was a dream. By some means, she knew it was a dream. She was re-living someone else's life and somehow, somehow, she knew it had to do with her past life. She didn't believe in past life but…or did she? Ever since she woke up with Seto beside her, she felt something had changed. Around her and within her. She didn't know what but it did changed.

            She was in Ancient Egypt in her dream. Unknown to her, it was 5000 years ago, during the reign of Yami. She, Koshi, was the Royal Scribe's daughter. Not the most beautiful girl, but pretty enough to capture men's attention. As a 14 year old, it was time for her to find a husband and get married. She didn't want to though. She was happy with her life. She was taught by her father along with the children of the imakhu[1]. Even though she was not in the same class as them, the children treated her well.

            Her father had high hopes for her though. He waned her to marry someone with power so he could get away from the Royal Scribe position. All he wanted was to use his daughter as a tool.

            One day, her father just rushed into their home and told her, "Koshi, your father I have just given you to our Pharaoh[2]. He has accepted so please, pack your things. You are moving to the Palace."

            Koshi was shocked and unhappy. She knew she could not adapt to the Royal Palace easily the fact she has just become one of the Pharaoh's wives. She didn't like it at all. Being the obedient daughter she was, nonetheless, she packed her things and followed her father towards the Royal Palace. She didn't feel anger at her father or the Pharaoh though, she knew power was something humans want naturally. Living under someone's rules has taught her lots about the nature of people.

            Before the girl went to see the Pharaoh, she was taken by slaves to help dress her up. They helped her wash her body and get properly dressed. She was given an elegant dress fit for a queen and golden bracelets and necklaces for accessories. They oiled her hair and trimmed it neatly. Then they placed an accessory, a golden chain with bells, around her head, making it like a headband. The slaves painted her eyes and coloured her lips and cheeks lightly. When Koshi looked in the mirror, she had no idea who looked back at her. She looked so different.

            Soon her father cam and led her towards the throne room. "Do not speak later, Koshi, except to greet the Pharaoh. He is not someone you want to say the wrong thing to," warned her father. Koshi nodded. Since this was not of her choice, she hadn't plan on saying anything that could make things worse.

            Once the two entered the room, they walked towards the middle and Koshi fell on her knees. "Greetings, my Pharaoh." She didn't bother to look up. She didn't want to.

            "This is my daughter, Koshi, my Pharaoh. I hope that you could take her as a gift out of my respect for you," said Koshi's father.

            The figure on the throne nodded. "Very well, Thet. I shall accept your gift."

            Koshi couldn't push down her curiosity anymore and looked up at the owner of the deep voice she heard. Once she looked, she was mesmerized. The Pharaoh was young, only twenty years old. His body was toned and firm-looking. His nose stood high on his face and his lips created a thin line. What captured her the most were his eyes. Those dark purplish-reddish jewels that were so deep and endless. Those jewels looked right back at her.

            Yami was stunned at the beauty of the girl in front of him. She wasn't the prettiest girl but he had never expected a girl that pure-looking to become his wife. He had always expected some girl that was trained to take care of men's pleasure to be given to him, so that whomever it was that gave him his wife could gain benefits through the girl. He thought wrong. This girl was different. He brushed away the thought. He sighed inwardly to himself. He was a selfish man. If it weren't to stop Thet from bothering him about his position, he would not bother accepting his daughter. He has officially ruined the girl's life. He was selfish indeed. "Nepah," he called his personal guard, "bring Koshi to her room."

            Standing up, Koshi looked at Yami's one last time. Her heart skipped a beat and she felt her cheeks grow red. Something grew within her the moment she met those purplish-reddish eyes, but she had no idea.

            During the next few days, the girl waited for the Pharaoh to call for her, but the call never came. It was as if he had forgotten her. When she thought of that, Koshi felt her heart hurt. She didn't know why she cared. After all, she only saw the Pharaoh once.

            Soon she adapted to the new environment and made friends with some of the slaves. She dropped her quiet mask and was her innocent self once again. Because of her friendliness, many slaves took a liking to her and became her friends, insisted by Koshi. The most well-liked wife of Yami, Jenesi, felt attracted to the innocent girl as well. When she came with gifts to welcome Koshi to the Palace, she felt almost relaxed at the sight of Koshi's harmless smile.

            As each day passed, Koshi learned more and more about the Palace and the Pharaoh himself. Apparently, he doesn't love any of his wives, and only looked at Jenesi as a friend. She was the one he brings to parties the most because he felt comfortable around her and needed a partner. When Koshi heard that, she felt pure joy. She had no idea of her feelings growing towards Yami and how she reacted every time she heard his name. She doesn't have a single clue.

            As days became months and months became years, Koshi grew prettier and more attractive, but she never let go of her innocent personality. In a way, she was a child living in the Palace with nothing to learn and with no restrictions. Everyone greeted with a smile and she often managed to sneak out of the Palace to explore the marketplace. The life she lives right now was most enjoyable to her.

            It was one of those days she felt like having fun so Koshi decided she would have fun playing with water. The Palace was built right beside The River[3] so the royalties could bathe there. She knew what time there would be no one there. Therefore she wore a thin linen dress with no accessories or make up and went towards The River.

            The sun shone on the land and the girl could feel the dryness in the air. She ran like a little girl towards the river and splashed right into the cool water. She laughed and giggled as she played in the refreshing water.

            Yami sighed as he finally got to take a rest from all the things his advisors told him to do. Sometimes, he really would prefer of he wasn't the Pharaoh. His fingers lingered on the Millennium Puzzle around his neck. If only he wasn't the chosen one… Suddenly, a twinkling laugh caught his attention. He followed the sound and ended up on the west side of the Palace where The River was. There, he was captured. He was stunned at the scene in front of him. An innocent girl that's not one bit dressed up playing in the water with the most wonderful smile on her face. His legs brought him down the stone steps towards the girl. He never noticed this girl before. Was she a slave or was she someone at the back of his mind? Yami stood near the river, silently watching the girl.

            After a while, Koshi's instincts finally over and she felt someone watching her. She turned around, only to be surprised to find the Pharaoh staring at her. She quickly stepped out of the water and greeted the Pharaoh. "My Pharaoh." She was about to fall on her knees when Yami caught her by the arms.

            "There's no need to bow," Yami said. Koshi stood up and dropped her head. Her heart was beating like she was in a race and heat was creeping up her neck. Why was she feeling this? Every time she saw the Pharaoh from far, she felt this way. Only this time, it's much worse. Oh Ra… "What is your name?"

            The girl looked up in astonishment. She should have known. He didn't remember her at all. "My name is…Ko…Koshi, my Pharaoh." Her voice quivered and the words came tumbling out. Oh, why was she acting this way?

            Yami lifted the girl's chin. "I would prefer if you looked at me, Koshi, when you speak to me." As he looked into Koshi's navy blue eyes, an image of a pure-looking girl flashed through his mind. A look of understanding appeared on his face. "You're Thet's daughter. I haven't seen you for three years already. You sure have grown."

            Koshi blushed at his words. "Thank you…my Pharaoh." Her eyes showed embarrassment and Yami smiled at that. "Could you please let go of…my…chin, Pharaoh?" Yami blinked and realized he was still holding on to the girl's chin. He let go immediately and said, "Oh, I'm sorry."

            The girl nearly fainted. Did the Pharaoh just apologize to her? "It's…it's alright," she replied. "I have…to go…n…now, my Pharaoh." She did a quick bow and ran up the stone steps.

            The Pharaoh watched amusingly as the girl ran off. Thoughts ran through his mind. Maybe he should get to know this girl better. Maybe he should care more about her. Then again, maybe…

            Unknown to the separated two, a pair of eyes were watching them intently, taking their every word and movement in, never forgetting them. The shadow chuckled and said to himself, "I've got a surprise for the Pharaoh."

            Once she was in her own room with the door closed, Koshi immediately placed her hand over her racing heart. The encounter with the Pharaoh had just totally thrown her off balanced. She had never expected such a strong reaction from herself when speaking to the Pharaoh. Then again, she never expected anything.

            Ever since three years ago she got her first good look at the Pharaoh, those feelings grew. At first, she didn't understand but slowly, she began to realize. This wasn't just any ordinary feeling she had towards the Pharaoh. It was…love.

            Over the next few days, Yami had a few talks with Koshi and found out more about her. The more he talked to her, the more attracted he felt towards the girl. There was something different about her. Was it her innocent smile or was it her carefree personality? Yami wasn't sure but he was certain that he didn't want to let go of her. He rubbed his temple. Right now, his advisors were bugging him about getting himself a queen. Except he didn't want to. Not that it really matters. What's the difference if he has a queen or not? Just to stop his advisors from bugging him anymore, he told them he'd think about it. Only he didn't know, this choice might cost him his life.

            The rumours of whom the Pharaoh will choose as his Queen spread all over the Palace like a storm. "Who do you think the Pharaoh will choose as his Queen?" asked Kane, Koshi's slave friend.

            Koshi froze at the question and felt pain spreading from her heart across her whole body. "What do you mean?" she asked slowly.

            "Well, you know. The Pharaoh is really close to Mistress Jenesi but will he choose her as his Queen or choose someone else? What do you think, Koshi?"

            The girl shook her head gradually. She felt tears threatening to fall out just thinking about Yami being with someone else. "I don't know."

            Kane titled her head. "Are you okay?" she asked. "You don't look so good."

            Nodding her head, Koshi answered, "I'm fine, Kane. I just need to rest for a while. Could you leave the room for a bit?" The slave nodded and turned towards the door. Koshi who wasn't facing the door didn't notice the figure that entered once Kane opened the door. The figure placed a finger on his lips and motioned the female slave to go outside. She nodded and closed the door behind her.

            The figure walked up behind Koshi and spoke up. "You don't look very well, Koshi."

            The girl turned around in shock. When she saw who it was, she gasped in surprise. "The High Priest!" She was about to kneel down when Seto stopped her.

            "Ahem! I think you forgot something."

            Koshi blinked. "Greetings…Set…Seto."

            Seto smiled. "I see that you're still not used to calling my name. How are you feeling, Koshi?"

            "What do you mean?"

            "I mean about the Pharaoh's marriage."

            The girl froze at the mention of the one she loved. "What…should I be feeling?" she asked nervously. "It doesn't really matter to me…"

            The High Priest shook his head. "You don't have to hide from me, Koshi. I know you love him. You do care about his marriage and who he chooses." He paused, "Why don't you come with me?"

            "What do you mean?" Koshi asked once again.

            The man looked at her. "Isn't it much better to be with someone who cares about you and is with you all the time? The Pharaoh would never do that to you. Come with me. I'll be with you forever and I'll be all yours." Then he dropped his bait. "Unless, have you ever thought about having the Pharaoh all to yourself?"

            Just as he expected, Koshi trembled at the thought of having her loved one looking only at her. "Have you ever thought of that?" Seto continued to lure her. "What would happen if the Pharaoh only loved you and on one else? Would you like that? Would you?" He paid attention to all the emotions running through the girl's eyes. She was tempted, he could tell. He took a little packet out under his robe and placed it in Koshi's hand. "I got this powder from the Healer[4]. I heard you could control whoever digests this powder. Maybe you could give it a try. It won't hurt anyone. Give it a thought. Then if you want to try, make some gruel[5] tomorrow and mix the powder into the gruel. Then give it to the Pharaoh. Try it, Koshi."  He patted her on the shoulder and left the room.

            Koshi stood by her couch, the packet still in her hand. She was stunned and scared. Did she really want Yami to be all hers? She didn't know what to do at all…

            The next day, she stood in front of the Pharaoh's room's door with a tray in her hands. Was she sure about this? Her hands trembled as one of the salves opened the door for her. The Pharaoh laid on his couch and smiled at the sight of Koshi. "Ah, Koshi. What have you brought me today?" He waved his arm, signalling his guards and slaves to leave the room.

            "Some gruel…my Pharaoh," Koshi replied. "Some gruel that I made just for you." Her voice trembled and her whole body shivered as she walked towards Yami. The Pharaoh stood up from his couch and went to take the tray from her. Once his hands touched hers, it sent a jolt through her. She immediately dropped the platter. "I'm so…sorry…my Pharaoh." She grabbed the cloth she brought with her and started wiping the mess. Before she could finish cleaning, a hunting dog that didn't leave licked up some of the gruel. Koshi's eyes widened as the dog fell down right before her eyes.

            Yami stared at Koshi disbelievingly. "You tried to poison me?"

            Desperate, Koshi shook her head. "No, I…that's not what's supposed…I didn't meant to…I didn't know..." Her eyes became misty and tears came tumbling down her pale cheeks. They stayed like that for a while, Yami staring at Koshi, Koshi weeping silently.

            Slowly, the room filled with some sort of smoke-like substance. Yami took one look and realized what it was. He took a few steps forward and pulled Koshi toward him. He buried Koshi's face in his chest and whispered into her ear. "Try not to breathe." Then he buried his face on to her shoulders.

            Koshi had no idea what was happening but she could feel Yami's thumping right beside her and she enjoyed the security she got in Yami's arms. Her lips touched his bare skin slightly and she had to fight the urge of planting a kiss on his chest.

            The Pharaoh, on the other hand, was also enjoying the fact that his face is buried on Koshi's shoulder. He could smell a sweet scent around the girl and feel the soft skin right beside his cheek. Oh, how much he had to calm himself down from kissing her on the neck He could feel her lips on his chest as well. Oh Ra! He knew this was not a good time to arouse his sexual feelings.

            Soon, the smoke ceased. Yami walked back towards her couch with his hand over Koshi's mouth. Once he laid down on the couch, he whispered into the girl's ear, "Pretend you fainted." The girl obeyed and laid her head on the side of the couch, kneeling on the ground and pretended to be out cold.

            They both heard the door creak open and the footsteps of someone walking towards them. "Are they unconscious?" asked a male voice.

            Another voice answered him. "Looks like it. Let's just get them out of this room now. The High Priest won't be happy if we don't do things properly." Koshi stiffened, hearing that Seto was behind all this. One of the men lifted her and carried her over his shoulders. She tried her best not to struggle but it was hard. She didn't like him touching her at all.

            Once the henchmen carried the two out of the room into a less populated area of the Palace, they started talking again. "So, did the High Priest say that the Pharaoh is now poisoned?"

            "Yes. He said something about a slow poison that would take around three days to kill him." Koshi felt her whole body shiver in fright. The man didn't notice though. He was too engrossed in the conversation. It was poison Seto gave her after all. He used her selfishness and…thank Ra that the Pharaoh didn't eat any of her gruel.

            Then the henchmen stopped in front of a room that was previously used as a prison. "I thought the High Priest told you to get two separate rooms."

            "I couldn't get another one but I'm sure it'll be fine."

            "If you say so." Yami and Koshi were then thrown into the room and the door was locked.

            Koshi sat up immediately and rubbed the back of her head, trying to soothe the pain caused by the throw. "They couldn't be any harsher could they?"

            Yami placed his finger on his lips. "They might be still outside guarding us. We have to talk with low voices. Are you okay?" He moved to the back of the girl. His head rubbed where the girl was rubbing before.

            The girl pouted. "It hurts."

            Smiling, Yami said, "Here, I'll help you soothe your pain and you tell me why the High Priest wants to poison me."

            She shook her head and replied, "I don't know, my Pharaoh. He never told me. He said the poison was something else. He tricked me."

            "Oh?" Yami raised his eyebrow. "Then tell me why the Priest chose you to do his dirty work for him. Also, call me Yami will you?"

            "I can't call you that, my Pharaoh."

            The Pharaoh ordered, "You will call me what I tell you to call me."

            Koshi paused, then finally stuttered. "Very will, Ya…Yami. The High Priest was like a brother to me when I was younger. He was often nice to me and played with me every day no matter how busy he was. It all changed when he became the High Priest formally. He neglected me and never greeted me anymore." As she spoke, without realizing it, she leaned on to Yami's chest, snuggling into a comfortable position. Yami also stopped soothing her pain and instead, was caressing her skin. "Then three years ago, he started to pay attention me again. At that time, I was happy because my brother was back. But now that I think of it, he probably had some sort of intention. Now I know…If he didn't tempt me…if only he never changed…" Tears started to create a veil over her eyes and rolled down her cheeks.

            Yami rocked her body lightly, comforting the girl in his arms. "There, there…don't cry. Now tell me, what exactly did he tempt you with?"

            "He…" Koshi blushed. She couldn't tell Yami how she wanted him for herself. Then she realized she was in Yami's arms and her face got even redder. She pushed Yami away quickly and mumbled, "I'm sorry, my Pharaoh."

            The Pharaoh chuckled at Koshi's red face. "Well…I guess you don't have to tell me if you don't want to but really, call me Yami." He walked towards the girl and cupped her face in his hands. His thumb grazed her cheek ever so lightly, wiping her tears off. "Now, we don't want tears to make such a pretty face ugly, do we?"

            Quickly, Koshi scrambled back a few steps. Did the Pharaoh just tease her? "I can't stand it…" she thought as she felt her cheeks grow even hotter. As Yami followed her forward, she scrambled backwards until she hit a wall.

            "You really do get embarrassed easily, don't you? Are you afraid of me?" asked Yami.

            The girl shook her head. "No. I mean…"

            "Good." Them at an amazing speed, Yami circled Koshi's waist in his arms and kissed her right on the lips. Koshi didn't know what to do and wanted to protest. Once she opened her lips though, it gave Yami the prefect opportunity to slip in his tongue, exploring her sweetness. Slowly, she melted and hugged Yami's neck for support. One of Yami's arms still held her waist but the other hand already was caressing her back. His lips slid from the soft lips to the girl's nape, nibbling it. Koshi's lips opened and a small moan escaped from it.

            Almost abruptly, the Pharaoh pushed Koshi away from him. "I'm sorry Koshi. I… Oh Ra, I don't know what I would do if I continued to hold you like that."

            Koshi sat on the ground, blushing madly. She knew what he meant and nearly fainted at the thought of it. "It's alright…" The words slipped out before she could even cover her mouth in time.

            Yami grinned. "So you don't mind? Ah, you really are an interesting girl. Come over here." Koshi sat on the ground, reluctant to go forward. "Just come over here. I promise I won't kiss you, okay?" She looked at him and slowly inched towards him. He pulled her head on to his shoulders and said, "I just want to hug you, okay?" he felt her nod so he draped his arm over her shoulder and soon, sleep took over the two.

            The door creaked open and in walked the High Priest, Seto. He frowned at the sight of Yami holding Koshi, sleeping. "I thought I told those two to get separate rooms…" he muttered to himself. Yami who was sensitive to sounds, woke up the moment the door opened. He opened one eye and looked at Seto. "I suppose you want to speak to me?"

            Seto looked at Yami. "Yes, I do. Actually, I've got a question for you. Do you really thing you're a good Pharaoh to the people?"

            "Why do you ask?" asked Yami, raising his eyebrow. He was not sure if he's a good Pharaoh but the people were certainly satisfied with him. At least, so he'd heard.

            "Do you not think someone with great power should be the Pharaoh instead?"

            The Pharaoh glared at him. "Are you suggesting that my powers and the fact that I'm the chosen one is not enough?"

            The High Priest replied, "I'm not suggesting anything. I'm just asking did you ever think about it."

            "No." Yami smirked, "Even though I'm not the best Pharaoh, I am chosen and the people seem to be satisfies with me. We don't want to disagree with the people now, do we?"

            Eyeing Koshi, Seto asked, "What about Koshi? What do you want from her?"

            "What do I want from her?" Yami repeated. "Well, I believe she wants something from me too." He turned and shook awake Koshi. The girl's eyes blinked open and looked at Yami sleepily. She noticed Seto and the look Yami was giving her.

            Koshi blinked her eyes and smiled. "Yami…" Before she could continue, the Pharaoh covered her lips with his. Since she had some experience not long ago, her arms moved up around his neck and she responded to his kiss.

            Seto's eyes flared at the couple right in front of him. His plan hadn't work after all. When he used Koshi, he thought he didn't care about her a lot. Now, he knew he though wrong. His plan backfired.

            When Yami let go of her, Koshi's face was red. Yami only smiled at her shyness. "Who's going to be your Queen?" Koshi stiffened at Seto's question. The Pharaoh her tensed body and smiled inside. He knew how to answer the question. He pulled Koshi to him. "Koshi's going to be my Queen."

            Both Koshi and Seto were surprised by the response. The girl looked at Yami in shock while Seto asked, "But Koshi is not part of the imakhu. No one will agree to your decision."

            "Who says? I am the Pharaoh so I can do what I want. Besides, Koshi was given to me three years ago. She is part of the imakhu." Yami gave the girl a peck on the cheek. "No one can change my mind." Suddenly, Seto ran forward and pulled Koshi away from Yami. "What are you doing?" shouted Yami.

            The High Priest smiled, "I'm just borrowing Koshi to ask her about this whole Queen thing." Just then, Koshi noticed a glint behind Seto's back. She pushed Seto away and screamed as she covered Yami with her own body. She felt her heart was tear apart and felt her back started to get wet.

            Yami's eyes widened and shouted, "Koshi!" He quickly turned the girl's body and looked into her eyes. "Koshi, why'd you that? That dagger…" He looked up and stared hatefully at the man who tried to attack. He recognized him as Seto's personal guard. He looked back down when he heard Koshi whimpered. "Koshi? Talk to me," he ordered.

            "I wouldn't mind being your Queen, Yami." Koshi tried to smile, instead, coughed out blood and a dribble of blood ran down her chin. She continued to talk. "You know why I was tempted? The High Priest told me the powder allows me to control whoever digested it. He asked me did I want you for myself. Guess what my answer is? Yami, I…" Before she could finish, she coughed out more blood and fainted.

            "No!" Yami carried Koshi in his arms and commanded Seto and his guard, "I'll deal with you two later. Don't you dare go anywhere." Then he ran off with the girl in his arms to find the Healer.

            Seto turned to his guard once Yami left. "Why'd you do that?"

            The guard bowed his head. "I'm sorry, High Priest, but I'm familiar with the poison and knew the Pharaoh was not poisoned. So I…" His words died down.

            "Well, I suppose we'll have to see if she survives this first…"

            Fortunately, Koshi did survive. Under the Healer's and Yami's care, Koshi gradually recovered and survived. The dagger didn't go through her body nor did it harm her heart, so she was able to stay alive. Once he was told Koshi would survive, Yami immediately announced her as his future Queen. He realized how important she was to him. He could never let her go.

            The guard was condemned for attempting to kill the Pharaoh and harming the future Queen. Seto was not condemned though because there was no proof of him doing anything wrong to the Pharaoh. His guard had took every responsibility on to himself, claiming that he was the one who wanted to poison the Pharaoh, killed two of the slaves, and locked in the Pharaoh and Koshi.

            It's been two months since Koshi got hurt, but Yami was still not finished worrying about her. She wasn't officially the Queen yet since Yami didn't want to bother with any ceremonies yet, but everyone called her Queen Koshi out of respect.

            In the Pharaoh's room were Yami and Koshi having some private time together. "Have I told you how much I love you?" asked Yami as he pecked Koshi's nose.

            The soon-to-be Queen giggled. "I believe you just did a few moments."

            "Are you feeling well?"

            "Of course I'm feeling well. It's been two months, Yami!" exclaimed Koshi.

            Yami smiled. "I know. I'm just worried." He kissed her lips gently, then started to nibble on her neck. Koshi sighed in contentment. Just then, a knock on the door broke into their' private moment. Yami frowned and said, "Come in." An advisor hurried in and whispered in Yami's ear. Whatever he heard made him frown even more. "Wait here, Koshi. There's something I have to tend to."

            When he left the couch, Koshi pulled on Yami's hand. "You'll come back, right?" Her eyes were full of fear.

            "Don't worry. I will." With that, he left the room.

            "Oh Ra," thought Koshi. "Protect Yami…"

            The Pharaoh didn't return for a long time though. It got Koshi worried she left the room and headed towards the throne room. She sent Kane ahead of her to find out what's going on. She looked up as the girl ran back towards her frantically. "What's the matter, Kane?"

            Kane breathed deeply. "The Pharaoh and the High Priest are duelling in there!"

            "What?" Koshi exclaimed. She ran towards the throne room and entered the room. What she saw shocked her. The legendary Blue Eyes White Dragon. She ran in front of the monsters about to be attacked. "Seto, don't you dare attack!"

            "Go away, Koshi," said Seto to the girl in front of his opponents' monsters.

            A stern voice spoke up from the throne. "Koshi, move it!"

            "Yami," pleaded Koshi. "He's crazy, can't you see? Someone has to stop him." As Koshi spoke, Seto ordered his Blue Eyes to attack. When the girl turned, she stood there, shocked. Before anyone could save her, the attack hit her. Fire engulfed part of the room, destroying the monsters and surrounding an unconscious Koshi.

            The Pharaoh stood up and shouted, "Koshi!" He didn't listen to anyone's warnings and rushed towards the fire. Without thinking, he ran into the fire to save his loved one.

            Seto stood at the platform looking down at the frantic Pharaoh. How come he's not feeling that worried feeling? Did he not care about Koshi enough? Before he could think of an answer, he saw Yami moved out of fire's harm with Koshi in his arms. She looked terrible. She was burnt and bruised in spots while she looked horribly pale.

            Looking at Seto, Yami declared, "Seto, our duel will have to wait after Koshi is well again. "Without waiting for a reply, he ran off to find the Healer once again.

            The Healer though said Koshi's situation was grave. She was not fully recovered and she's hurt once more. The Healer suggested that Yami to use his powers to save the Queen. Yami was willing to do anything to save her so he did just that. He and Koshi stayed in his room for five days and five nights. At the end of that time period, Koshi was saved and as a result, had a part of Yami's power. No one knew how Yami used his powers but he did save Koshi.

            The ceremony to make Koshi officially Queen and the duel Seto and Yami were postponed till Koshi was well. Seto was really annoyed by that but Yami wouldn't do anything about it. All he wanted was for Koshi to be well.

            Another two month passed and Koshi was up and well again. She snuggled beside Yami trying to get some sleep. "So…when's the duel?" she asked.

            "A month from now."

            "Oh," said Koshi. "You worried about it?"

            The Pharaoh chuckled. "I don't have the time to worry about it." He hugged Koshi close to him. "I have enough to worry about with you around."

            Koshi stuck her tongue out. "Don't you want to worry about me?"

            "Well sure, I'm not complaining am I?" Yami asked. "If you don't appreciate it…"

            Before Yami could continue, Koshi kissed him on the lips. "Who says I don't appreciate it?"

            "You better appreciate it," he said, his voice hoarse.

            Their night together has just started…

            A month has passed and tomorrow was the day that Yami and Seto will finally have their duel. Koshi wasn't feeling well thought, but she didn't tell Yami. She didn't want to get him worried just before the duel. She intended to keep it a secret until after the duel and did not plan to go and consult the Healer. Kane managed to persuade to go nevertheless. She said, "That way you might feel better before the Pharaoh noticed you are ill and get all worried."

            What the Healer said surprised Koshi. "Congratulations my Queen. You are pregnant with a child!"

            The Queen stared at him, dazed. "Me? With child?" Then her dazed face changed to a happy and joyful one. "Oh Ra, I'm with child!"

            Kane, who was beside her, smiled and said, "See, my Queen. I knew you should have come to the Healer. You weren't sick after all, but with a child! Are you going to tell the Pharaoh?"

            Tilting her head, Koshi thought for a moment. "No, I can't tell him now. That would only distract him."

            "I think that might encourage the Pharaoh though," suggested Kane.

            "I don't want to risk it," said Koshi as she shook her head.

            That night, Yami sensed something different about Koshi. "You alright, Koshi? You seem a little different tonight."

            She gave him a small smile and said, "Of course I'm fine. I'm just worried about your duel."

            Yami raised his eyebrow. "You seem to be the opposite of worried though."

            Slapping Yami playfully on the arm, she cried, "So you think I don't care about you?" She leaned closer to Yami and whispered in his ear. "You better know that I care every bit about you. "Her hand traced circles lightly across his chest. "I care about your very much."

            Grinning, Yami stopped Koshi's playful hand. "You better not regret this, I'll show you what real care and love is…"

            The day of the duel finally arrived. All members of the imakhu including Koshi herself, gathered in the throne room to watch Yami and Seto duel. Both of the duellists stood on either side of the room on stone platforms with stone tablets prepared in front of them The duel was about to begin,

            Koshi sat on her throne, anxious to see the duel. He consciously touched her abdomen. Somehow, she felt something was going to happen. Her fingers twisted around until the Overseer declared, "Let the duel begin!" She watched as monsters were summoned and were destroyed. All these went back and forth, back and forth and each monster only seems to get stronger.

            The duel was getting intense. Anyone could see that the Pharaoh and the High Priest were ready to summon their most powerful monsters out. The Blue Eyes White Dragon and the Dark Magician.

            Just then, Koshi felt something pulling her towards the platform, towards Yami. She unconsciously stood up and walked until she was behind Yami. "Yami…" His name slipped out of her mouth.

            The Pharaoh whipped around and exclaimed, "Koshi, what are you doing here? Get back up there!"

            "I…" Koshi was lost for words. She couldn't tell him that some mysterious force pulled her here could she?

            Seto, on the other side, cried out, "Pay attention, Pharaoh!" He lifted his Millennium Rod, planning to use it. Koshi ran in front of Yami, protecting him. Was she silly? She knew he could use his Millennium Puzzle, but she didn't want him to get hurt…

            "Koshi!" shouted Yami as he caught her falling body in her arms. "You idiot! I could have blocked it with my Puzzle! Why'd you do that?"

            The Queen smiled weakly. "Are you sure you could have used the Puzzle in time?" Yami couldn't answer her. "See, this was probably Seto's plan. I felt something pull me here…that was probably his Rod…" She coughed. "I forgot to tell you something, Yami. I'm with a child…but, I don't think I could…"

            Yami placed his hand over her mouth. "Don't talk. I don't care if the child survives or not, I just want you, Koshi. You hear me? Only you. I love you, Koshi."

            "I'm so sorry, Yami. I'm so sorry. I love you too…" Then, Koshi closed her eyes one last time.

            "Koshi!" cried the Pharaoh as he tightly hugged the body of the girl.

*&*&*&*&*&*&*&*

            Koshi bolted up on her bed. She breathed in heavily as she tried to calm her racing heart. That dream… Ancient Egypt… Seto was in it, except he wasn't the good guy. The on they called Yugi was it…except his name was Yami in the dream. Why did she have this dream? Those feelings she had…they were all so real. It was as if the dream was actually real and she was dreaming right now. Yami…why did this name made a ripple in her heart? Why?

*&*&*&*&*&*&*&*

[1] Imahku is the term for the members of the royal family and important civil servants. It's the third class after the Pharaoh and his son. Then come the scribes, the hemutiu (craftsmen), the mertu (labourers in the fields and on building sites) and slaves (foreigners captured in war).

[2] Pharaoh actually was not called Pharaoh at that time. He was called the Lord of the Two Lands. Ancient Egypt was called the Two Lands. The terms we use today were given by the Ancient Greeks nearly two thousand years later. It's just easier for me to use terms we are familiar with. Also the Pharaoh was like a god back then…no one lower than the imakhu can speak to him directly. They have to speak through the Royal Eye, the Royal Mouth, the Royal Ear, the Royal Nose and the Royal Tongue. It's kind of funny…each Royal is in charge of whatever his title is. For example the Royal Ears would listen to what the people has to say.

[3] The River is actually the Nile. Ancient Egyptians called Nile, The River. To them it was the most important thing. It helps them survive and that's why the "river" is capitalized to emphasis its importance.

[4] Doctors were called physicians but I decided that a royal physician would need a proper title so I used the Healer. Don't really expect that in Ancient Egypt books, I made that up.

[5] Gruel is what Egyptians ate. It's a thick soup brewed from barley and sometimes has addictives such as dates or honey for flavour. It's actually very nourishing and more of a food than a drink.

[6] This is extra. In time of Ancient Egypt, people believe that they have kas, which is actually their soul, but they can see their own kas and communicate with them. Children have ka-tails to prove that they are still children and able to communicate and see their kas. Adults have no ka-tails and can only communicate with their kas through dreams. Some people have really strong powers dealing with their kas and that's called heka. Kas were quite an important thing and is mentioned in the manga of YGO. I didn't exactly want to deal with that…so I didn't include it in this chapter otherwise, it's very important in the manga. Just a little spoiler…some kas actually look like Duel Monsters in the manga! =)