Sands of Time

Chapter twelve

Atem quietly waited for his father outside his chambers and pressed his ear against the door to hear. "There is only one thing to do and that is to face him." The Pharaoh said. "So I must go out and find those bandits before the people get restless and blame this on the gods."

"It's far too dangerous. I don't like it." The Queen sighed "But I know it is for best. And if you don't return?"

"I believe that Atem is ready to become Pharaoh so there is nothing to worry about." He spoke. "I will visit you in death, I will always be here. But don't you worry I will come back."

"But to prepare I guess it's time for him to choose his Pharaoh Queen." She sighed again. "And I was so looking forward to Anzu being the queen of Egypt."

"Ah, and another thing, the deal with Libya. If I do not return my brother is in charge of that. I don't want Atem to have to deal with it, he was too heart broken and I don't want him to get those feelings back."

Atem pulled away from the door and sighed, "He doesn't think I can do anything. And my mother will force me to choose? How can I?" he whimpered and back away from the door. "I choose Anzu." The tears threatened to fall anew but he held them back as he was scooped up by Mahado.

"Young master, it is not wise to eavesdrop." He smiled and put the prince down. "Seth's been looking for you. He's on another one of his rampages. Apparently someone," Mahado gave him a look, "has been dying the lotus flowers in his garden purple. Do you know who could have done that?"

"Ehh." Atem beamed, "Alright fine, you caught me"

"Where did you get the dye? Did Mana help you? I was wondering why she was practicing with simple dye spells." Mahado shook his head. "You two are just so childish."

"Aw, Lighten up Mahado. It was a harmless little prank."

"Harmless? Seth will hurt you when he finds you…" he was cut off by a loud booming voice.

"There you are! You Fix those!" Seth growled.

"No." Atem laughed as he ran away. "Catch me first. You'll never do it!" Atem speed through the halls and held his breath as he ducked behind a corner. Seth was hot on his tracks and smirked when he saw the shadow of the prince.

"Atem I can see you." Seth sighed and turned the corner bumping into him, "Atem? Are you okay?" The young prince was tightly locked in his position as he looked forward. Seth followed Atem's gaze and gasped

"FATHER!" Atem screamed out and trembled. "Guards! SOMEONE!" Seth flinched and tried to pull Atem away as guards flooded the area around them. His father soon followed behind and glared. On the far wall were the words, You're next written in blood.

"Those bandits. How did they get in to do this?" the Pharaoh growled. "Seth! Take Atem back to his chambers and do not let him out of your sight!" Seth nodded

"No! I want to stay here and help you, father."

"Atem I won't tell you again. Go!" he growled and Atem was dragged away.

After walking to his room, Atem sat on his bed and sighed. "I hate this."

"Your father can handle this, don't worry about it." Seth spoke softly. "Can I ask you something?"

"What?" Atem looked over at him.

"Have you given up on Anzu, I mean truly?"

"Yes, why?"

"But I thought you loved her."

"I do…" he trailed off, "Wait, I thought you were happy that I was over her. Now it sounds like you don't want me to get over her."

"Nothing. Forget it." Seth looked away.

"Are you in love with someone too? Who is it?" Atem smiled when Seth looked at him in shock. "I know you too well is all." Atem answered Seth's un-asked question. "Tell me who she is."

"Well it was a long time ago. Before I was brought here I saw this girl in a bandit camp. She had white hair and big blue eyes. I never saw anyone like her in my life. She was in a cage and the men were talking about what they would do to her so I had to get her out so I did. And we rode away together. But something happened and we were separated, I never saw her again. And I thought-"

"You thought that if I didn't give up on Anzu after such a long time, that you shouldn't give up on that girl?" Atem smiled. "Well Seth. I never got over her and I am still waiting. I was just telling myself that I was over her. But no matter what I say or do I still have the feeling that she'll come back." He beamed. "I like talking to you like this. You know you are the only one I feel close to. Like you are my brother or something."

"Yeah. Now, let me ask you something else." He smirked. "Why did you paint my lotus flowers Purple. "I thought it was a sign from the gods. Don't do that. Why do you always play tricks on me? You know one of these days I will get you back."

"Ah, sure you will." He smirked. "You know you haven't gotten me back for anything yet." Atem laughed bringing Seth into a laugh with him.

"Prince! Prince wake up. Mana jumped on Atem and straddled him, "come on."

Seth woke instantly and pulled her off. "How did you get in here?"

"Magic, Duh! Hey, so did you like those lovely flowers." Mana smiled

"I should kill you for that." Seth's face dropped as he let his fingers slip from their hold on her. She fell to the ground and whimpered. "What?"

"You're mean. I'm telling Prince."

"Tell me what?" Atem looked over the side of his bed at her. "What are you doing down there?"

"Well the queen wants to see you. She said you have a very important decision to make."

"Oh no." he groaned and laid back. "Tell her I'm sick."

"Why, what's wrong?" Seth looked him over for signs of illness.

"I'm not really sick. I just don't want to go." He pouted.

"Why?" Mana asked

"I have to choose the queen that will rule by my side today. But I want Anzu, she's not here." He looked down. "It's not fair. What will I do Seth?"

"I'm sure you're mother will give you time to pick. Since it is a very important decision indeed."

"I hope so." Atem looked outside his balcony unsure.

"How did you do it, Master?" Anzu looked up at Bakura as he put down a jar that was stained with blood. "How did you get into the palace undetected?"

"Simple. I blend in with the darkness and I didn't want the guards to see me so they didn't." he smirked. "Oh, by the way, nice job in Thebes. Those people don't know what hit them. It was amazing. The Nile ran red for the entire day." He smiled. "I think you are ready."

"Ready? Ready for what?" Anzu paused.

"Your sole purpose for my training you." He smirked. "You are going to kill the Pharaoh's son" He smiled as her eyes got wider.

"But how can I do that? His father and the others will be watching over him." She looked up.

"I have already taken care of the Pharaoh. You just need to kill the last surviving heir. And after that I will come and kill the priests and get the items they hold." He grinned toothily "he will pay greatly for what he has done to me."

"Wouldn't it make him suffer more if we killed the others in front of him?" she smiled.

"Ah. See I like your thinking. Perfect. Let's focus on one priest at a time." He laughed