Tornado: Hey people. Sorry it took so long for me to update, but I had some things going on. Thanks to Illeina Yugi and Shadowgoddes4 for reviewing.
DT: For the record Bucephelus was the horse of Alexander the Great, who founded Alexandria, Egypt.
Tornado: On with the fic.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
The pair came back from their desert ride after about two hours. Mid-day in the desert was not the most favorable time to be out. The prince had not ceased in his whining since they had set out. Annoyed, Sheatana had turned back early so she could dump the whining prince. They arrived in the stable yard to find Seth standing in front of a paddock where a brilliant white horse frolicked.
"How was Trye, Seth?" the princess asked as she dismounted her steed.
"A bit lonely," he answered. "I think she missed Bucephelus."
Sheatana smirked as she led her midnight horse into the paddock next to him. Seth walked with her, and watched in awe she turned the demon lose. The black beauty surged to the end of the pasture before rearing and sprinting in the opposite direction. The prince had gone to the stables leaving the pair to discuss.
"What did you think of him?" Seth questioned.
"He's a whiner. The entire time the only thing he said was it's too hot or I'm getting saddle sore," the princess answered in a disgusted tone. "He's just like the other as well."
"In what way?"
"It's all for beauty."
"Accept and it will make your life easier."
"It would be fine and dandy except there was one thing that I can't get over. He called our servants slaves."
"That would do it. How do you think Yami is going to react?"
"Hostilely. It would be better not to tell and just keep my mouth shut."
He nodded. A whistle could be heard from the stable, and they turned to see the prince standing there with an annoyed expression. Sheatana rolled her eyes, leaving the priest to stare after her. Seth quickly ran up to the pair of royalties as they made their way to the plalace. The tension was present but barely noticeable, leaving the prince unconcerned. Sheatana and Seth shot glances back and forth, attempting to make a conversation, but the prince interrupted every time. They soon accepted their conquering and focused on the prince.
Yami and the king greeted them when they entered the palace. Sheatana and Seth bowed. Yami seemed irritated, and the pair could not tell whether it was from their actions or the king.
"If you will please get ready, dinner will be served in an hour," Yami prompted.
The pair bowed again, separating to go to their chambers. The prince followed Sheatana, earning harsh gazes from both Seth and Yami. Sheatana stopped in front of her chambers door, and spun to face the black-haired teen behind her. Her eyes were smoldering, and the prince flinched noticeably. She stood there for several minutes, not taking her eyes off of the weakling before her.
"Are you going to follow me into my private chambers?" she asked.
Aladdin grinned, moving closer to the princess. He placed his hands on her hips before whispering, "Do you want me to?"
"No," she shot, removing the boy's hands. "I would like to bathe alone."
"Why, though? No one will know about it. It'll be between you and me."
"I don't parade myself around like a prostitute. I am royalty, and I suggest that you leave my wing before somebody gets the wrong idea," she informed as she opened the door to her chamber.
"You mean that priest of yours?"
Sheatana froze before whispering, "Why should he care?"
"I saw the way he looked at you, and it was not a look of respect. It seems that he sees beneath that ice of yours and into the fiery depths within, which is how I want to see you."
"Seth and I have know each other for many years. He has been my friend."
"As well as your lover?"
"No," she denied. "He has never been my lover, nor will he ever be."
"I think that's what he wants. Be careful, he may do unthinkable things to get you."
She whirled around in fury. "Seth will never do 'unthinkable things' to get me. He is smart enough to know that he is below the pharaoh and I, and he accepts his position. If you would please leave, I have bathing to do."
With that she stormed into her chambers where several maids were waiting.
Sheatana strode into the dining hall the same way that she had that morning. Her head was held high, her long, silky hair billowed as she walked, and her eyes barked "royalty". Her skirt was a glimmering gold silk that was designed in the same manner as her navy one. Her matching top left her pale shoulders bare, giving the attendants a clear view of her flame necklace. She took her place on the left side of her brother instead of the right as usual, and the sat down on her right side. She rotated her head slightly, and softly hissed, "You should be beside your father."
"I am your guest of honor, so I must sit on your right hand," he replied softly.
"Egyptian custom is the high priest sits on royalty's left hand, but since I am here, Seth's place is on my right."
"Can't the priest sit on your left?"
"No because the princess or queen must always be next to the pharaoh."
"Then Egyptian custom will have to wait for a night."
Sheatana's eyes turned from ice to lava. The princess had been adjusted to a system where nobody questioned those in charge. Then this prince came along, and things had turned rocky. Sheatana turned away from her guest to face Yami. He had caught the whole conversation, but said nothing as his sister's eyes murdered him.
"Yami, where is Seth?" Sheatana interrogated in a quiet whisper.
"He is preparing."
"For what?" she pestered.
"A shadow game."
"With whom?"
"We need to talk once dinner is finished."
"No, Yami, we talk now," she declared, causing the guests to look in their direction.
"Sibling rivalry," a scribe whispered at the other end of the table.
Yami stood, and Sheatana followed the suit, her eyes never leaving her siblings face. The two strode into the throne room, and as Yami shut the doors, Sheatana burst out.
"It's not Seth dueling. Who is it?" she demanded fiercely.
"You are, Sheatana, you are," he answered after looking away from his twin's face.
"Yami you know about those duels! I refuse to take part in one!" she cried.
"Sheatana, I know you don't like the duels, but you must show your power to our guests."
"They can rot in the underworld for all I care. Sacrifice them for Anubis."
"Sheatana, stop, right now. You are going to duel, and that's final!"
"Fuck you, Yami! You can't make me do anything!"
"Sheatana!" the pharaoh said, his eyes showing every once of anger that he had. "You will do what I say. There will be no questions or protests. Do you understand me?" he asked calmly.
"Yes, Yami," she replied submissively. "I understand."
"Good. Now let's get back to dinner."
The pair of rulers entered the hall to find everyone happily conversing with one another. Seth sat in Sheatana's place, and upon spotting her rose apologetically.
"I'm so used to the arrangement I forgot that it was a special occasion," he said. "Sorry my princess."
"At least you kept my seat warm," she replied in a silent good-natured manner.
Seth questioned only to be brushed off. He looked at Yami before taking his place at the left foot of the table. Sheatana was withdrawn from the atmosphere, only speaking when she was spoken to. Aladdin noticed her condition near the end of the meal, while his father never seemed detect that the once proud leader was now passive and shy. Yami never looked into his sibling's wounded eyes. When he spoke to her he stared at a spot on the wall, and when he offered her wine, he stared at the bottle.
Dinner closed quickly, and Yami stood to make an announcement.
"My dear friends and loyal followers, today we must welcome King Mogador and Prince Aladdin to our kingdom. I have a great announcement to make. As you all know, there is an enemy prisoner that has been fighting for a chance to deem himself worthy of our kingdom. I agreed to allow him to duel one of our finest duelists, and Princess Sheatana has agreed to duel him in a Shadow Game," the pharaoh announced.
Several gasps came from the table. Seth's eyes went wide as saucers, and he looked from the pharaoh to Sheatana, whose head was sagging.
"With all due respect, my pharaoh," the priest began. "Don't you think that it is a bit dangerous to allow the princess to participate in such activities? Especially since we know nothing of what magical abilities this prisoner holds? For all we know he could be able to summon the gods."
"Only two people can summon the gods, Seth, and that it is Sheatana and me. Besides, Sheatana is trained to perform such magical spells. Lest we forget that she trained with me."
"My pharaoh, she has not had the constant practice that you have. I am afraid that her skills may be out of form."
"She summons that Blue Eyes Black Dragon of hers fairly easily, wouldn't you say, Seth?" the pharaoh pointed.
Seth's eyes became even wider. Sheatana's head lifted, and stared at the pharaoh, her mouth dropping from the information that he had shed.
"If she can summon a powerful monster like her dragon, I am positive that she will have no trouble summoning the less powerful ones such as La Jin," Yami finished.
"Of course not, my pharaoh. Please pardon my questioning."
"Have you prepared the arena for the duel?" Yami asked the other five priests.
"It is done," they answered in unison.
"My pharaoh?" a female voice questioned.
"Yes?"
A woman with deeply tanned skin, raven hair and turquoise eyes stood. She seemed to pierce the heart of the great pharaoh with her intense eyes.
"What is it, Isis?" the pharaoh questioned.
"I happen to agree with Seth. The princess may be able to summon her dragon when she is out of the battle field, but how will she react to the pressure and drainage of true battle?" the woman asked.
"Her Millennium Flame will give her the power that she needs to survive the duel," Yami answered nonchalantly as he motioned to Sheatana's flame pendant.
"Her flame nay not cover the damage that she receives," the priestess shot.
The priests understood what their fellow priestess had been pointing. The other guests seemed quite confused, and they stared at the princess expectantly. Sheatana did not elaborate on the definition of the woman's words. She simply looked at Yami for a moment. Her brother was considering the words very carefully, analyzing the pros and cons of the deal. Seth was glaring at his superior and long-time friend.
"It will be okay," the pharaoh answered.
The priests seemed nervous, looking from one to the other. No one dared to look at their head, who appeared in complete denial that the pharaoh had actually made that decision. Isis had fallen into her seat once more, and was spacing at her plate. The guests, scribes, advisors, and servants cringed at the immense anxiety among the preachers. Many turned to Sheatana for an appropriate answer, but she had her eyes shut tight. Without warning, she stood, and the entire table braced themselves for the demon that ruled the princess's rage. It never came.
"I will be sure to make this kingdom proud," she stated.
Yami allowed himself to look relieved. "I am sure you will. You should go prepare for your duel. Isis, Seth, please accompany her to her chamber to groom, and then lead her to the arena."
"Yes, my pharaoh," the priests said.
They escorted Sheatana to her chambers at the farthest end of the immaculate palace. Seth opened the doors for the girls, and ordered the maids to leave. They bowed to both the princess and the priests before leaving. Isis slammed the slabs shut before facing Sheatana.
"What were you thinking!" she cried. "You cringe when you hear the slightest cry of a wounded monster, how can you expect to last an entire duel?"
"What am I supposed to do?"
"You shouldn't have volunteered for this!"
"Isis!" Seth warned. "She never volunteered. Yami made her."
The woman's expression softened considerably as she closed her eyes and sighed. "Forgive me, Sheatana. I did not mean burst on you."
"It's quite all right, Isis. I understand. You know that I would never volunteer to duel in a Shadow Game."
"I was momentarily blinded by Yami's words. I must apologize."
"Save the regrets for later," Seth said. "Right now we need to figure out a way to keep Sheatana from breaking down."
"There's no two ways about it; I am forced to bear it," Sheatana answered.
The two priests looked upon her sympathetically. Seth strode over, and embraced the princess. He then lifted her chin, drawing her into a passionate kiss. Isis turned away to give the couple some privacy, and went to fetch the princess's dueling outfit. Even after their kiss had broken, Sheatana and Seth still embraced each other. Isis soon returned, breaking the pair apart. She handed the folded black clothes to the high priest, and exited the chamber.
Seth helped Sheatana dress for her dreaded battle. Her black, cotton skirt ended at her ankles, and her coordinating sleeveless clasped around her neck, leaving a slice that her pendant could be seen through. Two golden wrist guards were clasped around her wrists. Another set was clamped around both of her upper arms. The priest left temporarily, returning with the finishing touch. On a blue, velvet pillow laid a golden headband. The golden amulet that hung on the chain was the same shape as the pendant on the Millennium Flame. The gemstone that was placed in the center was a sapphire as well. Seth took the headband off of the pillow, and chanted a few prayers before placing it on her head.
"My Isis watch over you during your war," he finished, placing the band on her head.
"Thanks for your blessings, Seth. I will need them," Sheatana admitted as she turned to the door.
Seth grabbed a black cloak, and draped it over his lover's shoulders, drawing that hood over her head. They exited the chamber, and met the waiting Isis. She looked into the shadowed face of her friend, sighing deeply before taking her place on the princess's left side. The trio solemnly floated to the darkened staircase that led to the basement of the fortress. There was a permanent perfume of rancid death that polluted the air. Sheatana coughed, and Seth immediately drew her hood tighter around her face. The odor penetrated through the material, leaving Sheatana to her doubts.
They entered the large arena, and Sheatana looked around. On a throne was Yami, and on his right were his two guests. At the near end of the field, a ragged brunette stood. He looked weaker than Sheatana thought that she would after the duel was over. Jono, Treana, and Triton, who were three of Yami's dearest friends, were seated on the pharaoh's other side. The three looked upon Sheatana with interest, giving the air of ignorance. The prisoner as well seemed unaware of the sorceress that he would be facing.
"All right, quit keeping my opponent in the dark. I want to know who I'm facing!" the prisoner exclaimed.
"Very well," Yami answered. "Seth, remove the cloak!"
Seth nodded, but hesitated before revealing Sheatana. The girl had her head facing the floor, but soon looked up, sowing everyone her true nature. Her eyes were set into that noble aura that she had before dinner. The prisoner stumbled back a few steps before sneering: "You must not care about your sister because she will be taking a one way trip to the Shadow Realm!"
"I think that you should stop talking so we can finish this duel," the sorceress shouted.
"Very well. I hope you like complete darkness because there is no light in the Shadow Realm."
Sheatana took her place at the far end, and faced her opponent with her rigid glare. She forced herself to relax before the storm, for now she was in the eye, needing all of her strength until the hurricane passed. She allowed the prisoner to summon first, courtesy of her royal nature.
"I summon the Pharaoh Imp to the field!" he exclaimed.
A stone tablet rose from the dueling arena and glowed a brilliant emerald. A green bat looking thing with a winged hunchback appeared before her. Panic down poured on her system. She had to destroy the monster or it would destroy her. Kill or be killed, she thought.
"I summon La Jin, the mystical genie of the lamp! La Jin, attack his Pharaoh Imp!" Sheatana instructed.
The green genie let out a deep chuckle before sending a blast of energy at his opponent. The imp let out a deep growl of pain that intoxicated the princess's system. Sheatana shut her eyes tight as the monster disappeared from the field. Her opponent growled, but didn't hesitate in his next move.
"So, you're a better duelist than I thought. No matter. Come forth Winged Dragon, and attack La Jin!"
The blue spine-spiked dragon launched a fiery ball at La Jin, tearing the monster to bits. A significant amount of energy drained from Sheatana's body, leaving her to stagger. The onlookers rose from their seats to watch the struggling princess. Some stared at Yami for his inconsiderateness to his sister's abilities. Sheatana soon regained her composure, continuing the battle.
"I summon the Armed Ninja, activating the magic of my Millennium Flame to raise its strength, making it more powerful than your dragon. Armed Ninja attack!"
The monster threw two stars at the rival, diminishing it from view, but not before it let out a scream of agony. Sheatana staggered slightly, but made extreme efforts to cover her uneasiness. The hostage gapped at the scene before him, and soon let out a mirthless laugh. It rang throughout the large, stone dome, sending chills down almost every occupant's spine.
"You have not won yet, princess. I have the final monster that will ensure your defeat! My monsters, you have all served me well. Obey me one last time for this victory," he said as two tablets rose, and the monsters captured inside of them liberated. "I merge these two powers to summon the Red Eyes Black Dragon!"
A sharp cry of superiority echoed as the beast resurrected itself. The dragon was one of the mightiest in all of Egypt with its horny black body and potent red eyes. The dragon sounded as he stared into the flamed eyes of the princess. Sheatan, I'll be needing you soon, she thought.
"Red Eyes Black Dragon, attack her Ninja, now!"
A red sphere of annihilation formed at the beast's beaked mouth. It took several seconds for the assault to complete its form, allowing the bitter panic to bubble inside of every observer. Without warning, it was launched, shattering its target's body. Sheatana felt as though every bone in her body had been set aflame and was burning sun hot. Her jaw clamped to prevent her sharp shriek bottled in her mouth, but it proved to be too much. Sheatana opened her mouth, releasing a high-pitched eagle scream in supersonic proportions. The echoing caused the duel's attendees to cover their ears and cringe. Seth and Isis were not among these people. They had both risen to their feet, and were staring plate-eyed at the princess, who was no glowing black. Energy that had been stored from countless years began to concentrate in one place. The air scorched as Sheatana's scream became a deep growl of an inhuman being.
A stone tablet rose on Sheatana's side of the field, instantly radiating a black aura. Abruptly, a large, black dragon loomed over the mighty Red Eyes. The demon's blue eyes seemed to illuminate the field, and its power could be sensed by anything within its blast radius. It raised its mighty head, allowing the battle call to escape. A flash of black light flooded the arena, and a yelp could be distinguished from the near end.
Soon the blackness ebbed away, and the onlookers inspected the damage the beast had done. The prisoner was in a heap at his post, and the princess stood proud at hers. Pleas of mercy could be heard, leaving Sheatana with the ultimate decision. She touched her pendant, and then thrust her palm outward. Momentarily, there was a scream, but it too faded away. There were several cheers from the crowd, but Sheatana did not join in their celebration. Her monster had done the work. Not her.
Words were being exchanged between the two kings; Sheatana feared the worst. Yami soon beamed, confirming the princess's fears. The pharaoh stood on his throne, and cleared is throat. The applaud ceased, leaving Yami with the crowd's attention, just as he wanted it.
"I have splendid news. King Mogador has watched our princess duel, and he thinks that she is better than anyone that he has ever seen, except me of course. He has agreed to allow his son, Prince Aladdin to take my sister's hand in marriage," the pharaoh stated.
Sheatana's heart plummeted to the pit of her stomach. She was doomed to be with a whiner. She was destined to bear the children of a spoiled brat that only liked her because of her beauty. She would never know just how good a father Seth could be. Sheatana felt weak, but she staggered to her dragon. The monster put its head on her shoulder, and she did the only thing that she could do. She cried. The scene did not last long. A few moments later, Sheatana fainted only to be caught by familiar hands. She was guided to the owner, and felt the wetness of his face as he buried it in her shoulder.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Tornado: *in tears* It's so sad what I'm doing to these people.
DT: Drama Queen, will you please pull yourself back together? Knowing you you'll kill the pharaoh or something.
Tornado: What's that supposed to mean?
DT: You hate the pricks that that think they can run people's lives.
Tornado: Like my parents. They always try to run my life. Anyway, I was happy that I actually got two reviews. Hopefully this chapter will be the last set-up, and we can get to the good stuff.
DT: Do excuse her for the length of this story and how fucking long it's going to take to get to the goods.
Tornado: I have a short story disability. Please R&R.