(Oooh, this chapter is all about Asenath's love life n.n. I can't waiiiiiiit… Warning: more lemon :D And, err… Yeah. Yami just became Pharaoh. Then Seto gets sick. Sucks, doesn't it? xP Oh, and this chapter is for Seven who got my first-ever 200th review! :D Congrats!)

Light the Flame

Chapter 16

Even in Death…

Weeks had passed.

Seto was sick.

Asenath couldn't believe it. Her brother was terrified of himself, the country was just becoming smei-normal again, but her best friend was also sick. And it was Asenath's duty to look after him for the day.

"Can you do it? Do you have anything else to do?" Yami asked that morning. Asenath shrugged.

"No, it's no trouble at all…" She had treated this same sickness before; it didn't last very long… If the person in question didn't move or do anything active for the rest of the day. "Go on and do, uhh… Pharaoh-things."

Asenath gave Seto an ointment to rub onto his chest, and forced some medicine down his throat early that morning. It was a hit, sticky day; it was very uncomfortable and gross. Asenath had to adjust her black dress many times around her breasts, the unbreathable fabric sticking to her body. She was so hot… and being out in the sun all day… She was grateful when night fell. She had been working very hard to see that no one caught Seto's sickness, and that he didn't get worse. Luckily, all her worries and workings were able to make him recover quickly.

Yami glanced at her that evening, as she headed down to the main hall. She wasn't aware of him, but he watched her. He knew of something they didn't; just as Asenath had sensed that Yami loved Teana, Yami sensed the person Asenath held in her heart as well. It was something the two shared, being so close in age and being raised together. He wasn't sure if putting Asenath to the task of caring for Seto was very wise…

He rested his hand on a pillar. He had enough worries; He was the new Pharaoh (as if that wasn't enough), getting Teana and Zvallah to Kemet… Did he honestly have mind or soul left to worry about Asenath's virginity pact with Osiris?

Night had fallen.


"Asenath!" Yami called, running after her down the hall. Asenath turned around, surprised to see him.

"Yes?" she asked. Yami panted, thinking for a moment.

Asenath wouldn't risk a pact so sacred, especially because it was made in exchange for my life.

"Could you look after Seto for me? Please?" he asked, grinning. "Someone needs to be sure he's fine and isn't still sick." Asenath nodded, bowed, and took off into the other direction. She headed down the halls to Seto's vast room, on the east wing. She pushed back the curtain.

"…Asenath," Seto said, sitting up, smiling. He was obviously stronger then he was this morning, that's for sure…

"I… have more medicine," she said, walking up to him. Seto scoffed and Asenath giggled. Her cheeks were pink, but he didn't notice.

…Truth was, Asenath was deeply in love with him… and he had no friggin' idea.

"Here – open up," Asenath said, giggling more. Seto tried to shy away, but Asenath shoved the spoon into his mouth. Seto coughed, sputtering, grabbing his throat.

"Gods, Asenath – you trying to kill me!" he asked, breathing hard. Asenath set the jar and spoon down on a table and folded her arms.

"Oh, it wasn't that bad, look what it's done for you," Asenath said. Seto was rubbing his cheek and then lowered his hand. Asenath glanced at him as he stretched his arms.

…In the faded light of the torches, the night… his body glistened from the oils that had been rubbed onto him. Asenath gulped. He was bare-chested; that morning, it had hurt him just to be wearing a shirt. He flexed his shoulders and pushed back his blanket.

"Gods, it's hot…" Asenath turned away. She knew what she wanted; she wanted to run back… She headed for the doorway. Seto had stopped fumbling. He had sensed something in Asenath that wasn't there before… Asenath clenched her fists and closed her eyes. She was almost at the door…

She glanced back. Seto had quickly looked away, adjusting the golden bands on his wrists. Asenath had her hand on the doorway… she could get away without defying her pact…

Oh, fuck.

There was a patch on Seto's chest, near where his heart was, that wasn't shiny. That means that there wasn't any ointment there…

"Seto," she said firmly, "Didn't I tell you to cover yourself in that oil?" Seto blinked.

"Oh… I thought—" Seto started, but Asenath shushed him.

"C'mere, fool," she said, sitting on the edge of his bed. Seto gave a half-grin and lay back so Asenath could reach up and smear oil onto his chest.

"You're a friggin' moron, you…" she said, her voice getting softer with each word. She closed her eyes and leaned forwards, leaning against his chest. The part of his body where the oil had been poured that morning was soft and warm…

She knew what could happen if she stayed here. She knew that, both of them being priests… Seto's arms locked around her back, holding her steady. A warm breeze blew into the semi-darkened room. Asenath closed her eyes. She wanted to stay still, forever…

Seto placed a hand under her chin and gently lifted her face. She gazed up at him, he being a good five or six inches taller then her.

They weren't little children anymore; they were both adults, both with the same fate of serving the Pharaoh, who happened to be related to them both.

Seto leaned in and kissed her.


It wasn't anything that Asenath had ever experienced up to that moment. She became enveloped in the kiss, his taste and his love making her feel so many different emotions at once. He shifted his arms so she was trapped in his lock, not that she wanted to leave it.

She had never been kissed like this before, she being a natural born priestess. She wasn't sure how she got herself trapped into this situation, but she didn't care. She just felt that… If she leaned on him… he would accept that. Because the air in the room became easy. And she knew that it was open arms that awaited her.

She pulled away gently, breathing slowly. She opened her eyes and kissed him again, missing his lips and hitting the edges of them. Seto laughed and pulled her down beside him on the bed. A shudder went through Asenath's body. She kissed Seto's neck, nuzzling him gently. She wanted to be a part of him; she wanted to never leave him…

Seto put a hand on her cheek. Asenath watched him with wide eyes. Could it be that he felt the same way about her?

He kissed her forehead, running his hand down the length of her face. He moved back to her lips, resting a hand over her heart. This time, the kiss reached more passionate proportions. Asenath turned her head, so her full mouth was on Seto's. She wrapped her arms around his neck, and kissed him so gently and seductively…

Seto slid his hand down the length of her body, down to her waist… Asenath leaned over him, so he rolled onto his back, and she was on top of his chest… They broke apart, so Asenath could breathe. She smiled and licked her lips, re-positioning her arms on his chest.

"…I…" she whispered, hovering right above his face. Seto sat up, his back against the cool stone of the wall. Asenath leaned forward and kissed him again. So many thoughts, worries, excitements… they were all running through her head. She was worried where this would get to; she was excited for it; she was wondering… what would happen…?

"…Asenath," Seto whispered in her ear, as if trying to tell her something. Asenath closed her eyes and laid her head against his chest again.

"…I know," she whispered back. "…we can't." She breathed deeply, but it didn't matter. She wanted him… her body seemed to have a ferocious, primitive hunger for him. Seto wrapped his arms around her gently.

"It's alright… Asenath…" Asenath held him tighter. She wanted… to never leave him…

"Asenath… You're so cold," Seto said softly, placing a hand on her bare upper back. Asenath closed her eyes and took a deep breath. She looked up at him, her limbs shivering.

…They were so close…

"Tell me," she said in a soft voice, "what do you think of me?" Seto pushed her blonde bangs from her sweaty face to look straight at her.

"I think… that I love you," he whispered to her, placing a hand on her neck. She closed her eyes and allowed him to have her. She wanted him to have her. She would willingly give herself to him, because she loved him. Asenath smiled and breathed deeply. She breathed in his scent, and it comforted her.

"That's not a valid… answer…" she whispered as Seto held onto her tighter. She was sitting in his lap, his back against the wall. She was wearing a black, form-fitting dress with no straps and a slit up one side. It was what she wore on days like this, to keep from frying and to keep from defying her duty as priestess. Seto, however…

She wasn't sure if he was wearing anything. The blanket was pulled to his waist, and it was thick. She was sitting in his lap, on top of the blanket.

She nuzzled her head into the nook under his chin and against his neck. Her body and mind wanted different things; her heart wanted something different entirely…

Seto held onto the back of her neck. She lifted her head from her little coop, and kissed him. She didn't care anymore. In a battle between her body and her mind, her body always wins.

This wasn't any different. She hovered before him, barely a breath away from completely disregarding a sacred pact and allowing pleasures for herself. Was it something she was willing to give up…?

She kissed him again, her arms around his neck, leaning right against him. Seto wrapped his arms around her lower back and completely shifted his weight around – so now, Asenath was lying on her back with him on top of her. Asenath pulled away and kept her eyes closed, fingering his hair, which was in her face.

"…I love you… so much…" she whispered, before completely giving herself to him with all her heart. Seto moved from her lips to her neck, Asenath giggling in a high-pitched voice – very unlike herself. She allowed him to run his hands down the length of her body, stopping at her hips. She turned somewhat onto her side and held his face gently in her hands, kissing his lips. She then broke away and brought her forehead to his. They just lingered there for a moment, breathing deeply.

"Asenath," Seto whispered to her, wrapping his arms around her back. "Are you sure about this?" Asenath opened her eyes. She smiled.

"I'm sure, Seto," was her answer. She kissed him then before he could say anymore. They broke away, and Asenath nuzzled the nook under his chin. While she did this, Seto was unfastening her dress in the back. The clips were easy to undo and the dress loosened its grip on her body.

Asenath kissed his neck, not caring what would happen in the morning. She knew that, if anyone found out, they would both be in horrible trouble. But it didn't matter. Not right now.

Asenath placed her hands on his chest, running them up over his shoulders. She kissed his chest and his shoulders, leading back to his lips. She pulled away for a moment. She took a breath, and kicked off her dress, leaning against his side. She opened her eyes and stared right at him, smiling. She leaned right in front of his face, her arms around his neck.

"I… I want to make love to you."

And then she kissed him.


"Mmhmmm… you never answered my question right," Asenath whispered as she woke up. For some reason, she had dreamt about that question. What did he really think of her?

Seto was lying on his stomach, his head in his hand, watching her sleep. She rolled onto her side and smiled at him. The sun hadn't risen yet, but it was getting close. The horizon was red.

"I didn't?" he said, stretching his arms. Asenath watched him breathing deeply, her long, dark hair spread out around her head. "Truthfully… I've always looked up to you. Ever since we were children… I've always thought you were very wise." Asenath smiled.

"Really?" she whispered, sitting up. She leaned over and kissed his lips, falling into it. She let out a little playful yelp as she fell into his arms, leaning against his bare body. She giggled and allowed him to kiss the back of her neck.

…Neither of them had any idea how much trouble they were in… Asenath stretched onto her stomach and closed her eyes. She was exhausted…

"You should go," Seto whispered to her. Asenath opened her eyes and nodded. She managed to pull her tired body from Seto's arms, and managed to put her dress on.

As she was fastening it, Seto was doing the same, flopping onto his bed on his back. He was asleep in almost an instant.

Asenath watched him, then went over and kissed him gently. She left shortly after.

Little did they know… how much trouble they had just gotten themselves into.


"Do you have any idea how stupid that was!" Yami said, his hands in fists on the stone table. He was shaking, he was so angry. How could he have misjudged Asenath? Of all people… He was supposed to be able to trust her and her judgement.

Asenath couldn't look at him. Neither could she look at Seto. All she could look at were her hands, folded together before her, her black gloves creasing as she gripped tighter and tighter.

"Asenath!" Yami said, making Asenath jump, "You, of all people… I… You…" He was so disgusted he couldn't speak. He only looked down at the table, absolutely furious. How could they… Of all ways to defy the gods, they do one of the worst… The worst…

He sighed. He hated this; but he was Pharaoh. And he had to enforce the rules. Especially if it meant the gods becoming angry with them.

"Just… just go," Yami sighed, turning around and leaving the room. The hall was lit with moonlight as the sky shined down into it. He had just yelled at his older sister and his older cousin. He never dreamed he would have that kind of control over them, especially people he looked up to. But…

"They did something so… So… stupid!" he gasped, leaning forwards. "Damn! Does she know what could be done to me, allowing them to be together… What was I thinking?" He leaned against the wall and slid down it. He was still in shock upon learning this news… How could they…?

Yami smashed his fist into the wall beside him, tears streaming down his face. Pharaoh… was much more of a job then he realized. Couldn't they see he was under enough stress? Now they had to make it up to the gods…

"Damn you, Asenath! Damn you both to hell!" He stood with his back to the wall, staring out at the sky. Was this a sign from the gods? Were they punishing him because of his disobedience?

"At least Asenath can't become pregnant," he said to himself. He closed his eyes and sighed. That would be horrible. For a natural-born priestess to give birth would be the worst of sins. That child would be the Devil's child.

Yami's eyes shot open.

But the Gods can do whatever they want, he thought, a horrible truth settling over him. If they could make Teana able to have children, could it be the same for Asenath?

No, it's physically impossible, his mind countered. She was born without the right organs to give birth, unlike Teana. There's no way.

Still… He sighed. Why did Asenath have to complicate things? Not only that, but a new Pharaoh had to make nearly daily offerings to please the gods.

Wasn't he under enough stress? He'd only been Pharaoh barely a week and a half—

"Damnit, Asenath," he muttered.


Asenath had her own things to worry over. She was sitting in her windowsill, glancing down at the courtyard below. She then glanced at the sun overhead.

Just a few more days…Then I'll have to leave. She brought her knees to her chest and sighed. She hopped down from her windowsill, and maneuvered her way to the ground in the courtyard. She slid against the wall down to the stone floor, pulling her knees to her chest once more.

Honestly, even though it pained her to admit it, she didn't regret her actions. She loved him. She has always loved him. That's why she had done something so foolish as to…

She put one hand down on the cool stone. Just a few weeks had passed since the initiation. And already her heart was pounding. The bloody sun was foretelling what she had seen already.

"I have to tell Yami," she whispered. A breeze picked up and blew at her loose hair billowing and shining as if her hair were full of stars.

"Tell Yami what?" a voice said behind her. Asenath gasped and turned, seeing Seto standing at the gate of the courtyard. She was sitting just inside of it. Seto smiled at her and sat down next to her.

"Oh – Seto," she said, staring at him. Seto propped his arm on his knee and stared over the surrounding wall to the dying sun.

"Well? What do you want to tell Yami?" he asked her gently. Asenath looked away from him, hugging her knees.

"…I can't," she murmured. Seto blinked at her.

"Can't what? Tell him? Then why were you debating over it with yourself?" he asked incredulously. Asenath sighed.

"You… wouldn't understand," she said. But her voice had softened; there was something concerning about the way she spoke. She spoke with a tone of mourning.

"Asenath," Seto said, becoming alarmed, "what is it? Is it… is it that…?" he trailed off, too afraid to even speak what it could be.

"… Yes," Asenath whispered. She stared up into Seto's eyes.

"And will…?"

"…Yes," Asenath said again, answering before he even asked the question.

"He will? But – but how!" Seto cried. "You said she doesn't make it here before—"

"They're soul mates," Asenath whispered, since Seto's scared face was lingering right in front of her. "Soul mates… soul mates are never separated." She took a deep breath and closed her eyes. "He'll see her once more… before it happens, Seto."

"When is it going to happen?" Seto asked. Asenath shook her head.

"He's already been inside the room. That means its close."

"Close? Now? But why?" he asked her. "Asenath – why can't you tell me what happens!" he cried, grabbing her shoulders. Asenath stared at him fiercely.

"Because," she whispered. "If I were to tell you any more than you know, it would break my pact with the gods, and I wouldn't be able to change it." Seto was breathing hard, holding onto her. He shook his head.

"No… when? When is it exactly?" Asenath shook her head.

"That I cannot say, Seto." She closed her eyes. Tears began slipping out of them. Her body shook. Her head bowed.

"I… I don't want to see it again!" she cried, grasping onto him unexpectedly. Seto jumped in surprise. She clung onto his shoulders, holding him. She buried her face in the cloth that made up his long tunic.

Seto, unsure of what to do, placed his hands on her shoulders once more.

"What? See what again?" he asked her softly. Asenath sniffed.

"I… I don't want to see that again. That. I don't…. want to see him die ever again." She held tighter onto Seto, shaking. "…never."

"I understand that, Asenath," Seto said softly. "I understand." Asenath sniffed, her tears running down her face full-force. She pulled back from him, still gripping his tunic. She looked up at him, her eyes glinting.

Seto couldn't help but notice how amazing Asenath truly was. Here she was, living with the knowledge of what's yet to come.

She knows, Seto thought. Her one fear is death, and yet the gods force the deaths of others upon her. She can see when and how someone will die.

She's already seen… She's already seen her own family's fate. Isn't that enough?

Asenath closed her eyes. She was tired of this. She didn't want to know what was going to happen anymore.

Seto gripped her tighter. Then, without warning, leaned in and kissed her. It wasn't a little kiss, either; he turned his head to cover her full mouth, wrapping his arms around her small frame. Asenath was surprised, but then she eased into it and placed her hands on his chest.

I should enjoy it… while he's still alive… she thought to herself, tears running down her face.


Yami let out a wistful sigh. The more time he spent away from Teana, the more his heart stung for her. The more he needed her. And Zvallah.

It felt as if he hadn't been with her for years; as if she had just become a memory.

No, he thought, straightening his body. No. I refuse to let that happen. Teana is my life; I have to get her here. He closed his eyes and laid his hands in his lap.

What was he supposed to do? He was sitting in his own windowsill, staring out at the night. The more the days passed, the more he grew wary. The more he grew afraid. Somewhere, in the back of his mind, he was afraid. Terrified. But of what, he didn't know. It was the same feeling as his fear of the Sennen Items; but it was growing stronger every day.

And he didn't know why.

He wanted to know. Although, he kind of knew what was happening. He laid against the window frame and let his leg hand from the window. His eyes closed, he sighed deeply. He was tired, and he felt so alone…

"Yami! Hey, are you with us?" the voice said in his ear. Yami opened his eyes.

He was leaning against something warm and soft. And as he woke up, he realized he was in a court of some sort. A large bonfire had been lit in the center, and he noticed that they were outside, in a vast courtyard. It was dark out; nighttime.

They were in Kemet, he was sure. But, his clothing didn't reflect that of a Pharaoh. He was dressed much more casually, the Puzzle weighing down heavily around his neck.

Someone slid their arm into his, interlocking their fingers in his hand. He looked at the figure beside him, wondering who it could be.

He was staring into the face of Teana. He gasped. He was taken aback at how… how different she looked here.

Her hair was partially pulled back on one side, pulled into an elegant, white clip in the shape of an angel wing. Her clothes were more regal, almost Princess-like, but a casual Princess-like. She leaned against Yami, holding his hand tightly and smiling.

"I'm glad you came back, Pharaoh," she whispered in almost a mocking tone. "You fell asleep. If Kenneth saw, he would be furious."

Yami stared at her. What? What was going on? Had Teana been brought to Kemet already?

It was then he realized that yes, Kenneth, Teana's eldest brother, was standing before the fire, telling a story. He was gesturing with his hands, making it seem like an amazing tale. People were gasping, children were clapping, and many of the elders were just enjoying themselves.

It seemed as if Yami had created a court of people – People from Kemet, and from Teana's land, all sitting together, listening to Kenneth's impeccable skills as a storyteller.

Yami gasped. How could… What could this be? He didn't feel any different. Time hadn't elapsed at all. What was going on? How could all these people suddenly appear?

"Teana…" Yami whispered, turning to her. Teana glanced at him.

"Something wrong?" she asked. Yami was afraid. What would happen if he questioned it? Would this all disappear? He shook his head. He wanted to know where it came from. But, if he could… he didn't want to lose it at the same time.

"Yami? Yami, what is it?" she asked, sitting up straight. Yami opened his mouth, when something flew onto his back.

"What the—" Yami cried. Someone small had leaped onto his shoulders, locking their grip around his neck. Teana laughed as Yami tried to see his pursuer.

A small face peered into his. A tiny, tanned face, with brown hair spilling over it's shoulder, and large, glowing, amethyst eyes, alight with happiness.

"Zv-Zvallah?" Yami stuttered. The little boy stuck his tongue out at him.

"Aww, I wanted to fool you again!" he proclaimed, releasing Yami from his grip. A boy of no older then six sat down next to him, dressed as a Prince. He grinned at his father and looked over at Kenneth.

Yami was still in shock. He was seeing Zvallah, years from now. It was strange; almost surreal. The feeling that washed over him.

"Zvallah…" Yami said in a wistful tone. Zvallah stared at him.

"Daddy? Something wrong?" he asked, standing up. Yami blinked and shook his head automatically. Zvallah shrugged and ran off to where someone was calling him. Both Teana and Yami watched him run.

Teana chuckled.

"My mother has always loved him so much," she said, giggling. Yami glanced over to where Zvallah ran to.

Sure enough, Teana's elderly mother, Annuay, was sitting a few seats down from them, noticeably older and more withered then the last time he saw her.

"Speaking of my mother, where did Nephthys run to?" Teana wondered. Yami stared at her.

"Nephthys?" He asked in confusion. Teana stared at him.

"What do you mean, 'Nephthys'? What's wrong with you tonight, Yami? Nephthys is our daughter, remember?" Yami blinked.

"Oh – oh yeah…" he stammered. He was so confused.

What was he seeing?

Suddenly, the scene around him became silent. It had been so lively and noisy before, bustling with life. But in a moment, it died. All sound became muted. Yami watched as a young girl who looked Zvallah's age climbed into Teana's lap. She had the same bright eyes that Zvallah did, only more curved.

Nephthys. His… daughter.

"Do you enjoy what you see?" a voice behind him said. Asenath crouched beside him, still the same twenty years as she would always be.

"I suppose… considering I know what's going on," Yami said slowly. Asenath chuckled.

"One of many scenes from your rule, my Pharaoh," she said, turning to him. "The city s thriving like never before." Yami stared around him as the people were all enjoying themselves.

Suddenly, the scene itself died away. All traces of life, and sound, and color and light… They had all disappeared. All that was left was he, Asenath, and darkness.

Asenath sighed heavily.

"What… what happened?" he asked, staring up at Asenath. Asenath stared back down at him.

"There is something I want to tell you," she said, tears forming in her eyes. "But I can't. The only thing I can tell you is… see this? This darkness? Loneliness? Quiet?"

Yami blinked, and then nodded.

"This… this is your future, my Pharaoh. And that's all I can say."


Yami awoke with a gasp. He was still in his windowsill. As he awoke, he coughed and choked for breath, still shaken from his dream.

"What… what did that mean?" he whispered. He stared at the night sky, his mind alight with questions. "Asenath… what do you mean? What are you so afraid of?"

"Am I…. am I going to die?" he whispered. He rubbed his eyes from the abrupt awakening. What could be happening? What future did she mean? The near future? Far future? Everyone dies, so is that what she was telling him?

"She said… she was running out of time," Yami whispered. He leaned against the sill. "Time until what? What is she waiting for? Or…" he glanced at the courtyard beneath his window. "What is she afraid of?"

A soft breeze was all that answered back.


Neeee Getting close to the end! Sorry, another long chapter. Heh.

Someone in a review said "Aren't Asenath and Seto cousins? How can they have a "fling"?

Easy. In ancient Egypt's time, if you lived in a royal family, inbreeding was really common. Especially in the 18th dynasty – I watched a special on it once. If Asenath hadn't been a natural-born priestess, she would have probably been wed to Yami years ago. And it's actually not that "strange" or "unnatural" to have feelings for your cousin. They don't have the same parents as you, or the same upbringing, normally – the only ties you have is through one parent. So… that's how Asenath and Seto could have a fling.

Ahh, sorry for the randomness. xD;;

Next chapter – It's getting close to the "event" that Asenath predicted so many years ago. And the closer it comes, the more Asenath prepares to leave the city. But, since her heart goes out to Yami and his love for Teana, she uses her power to bring them together one more time…Chapter 17: Longing.

Tata!

Shibby-One