Chapter 12: New Responsiblities, New Problems
Juliana, Vash and Naru kneeled down in front of the Pharaoh's throne, waiting for Pharaoh Atem to arrive. They all looked around, Juliana staring at a golden box that sat at the foot of the throne.
"I wonder what Pharaoh Atem wishes to tell us," said Naru.
Vash smiled. "Maybe he wants to have tea and biscuits with us! Haha!"
"What ever it is, we should insist that he waits until he rests..." Juliana sighed, still staring at the box.
Naru nodded to her. "Indeed. How long has it been since he's slept?"
"Weeks at least. Whatever he was doing, must have been very important." Vash said.
Just then, Pharaoh Atem walked in and closed the door behind him. He walked over to the throne at a fairly fast pace and took in a deep breath. "I apologize for keeping you three waiting."
"Pharaoh, before you continue, we all agree that you should get some sleep before doing anything else. We only care about your health." Naru said to Atem.
Atem turned and smiled at them. "I have been working on this project for weeks. I couldn't possibly sleep with all of my excitement." He turned back around and lifted the lid off the box. "First, Vash. Will you please approach."
Vash slowly walked up to the Pharaoh and bowed his head. Atem removed a long golden chain with the senri eye on the end and placed it around Vash's head. "I call it the Millennium Chain. With it you can see the energy level of anyone you wish. A technique that will help greatly in battle."
Vash stepped down back to the two girls and stared at the chain around his neck. "Neat..."
"Now Naru. Please come forth." Naru walked up and bowed her head as Atem removed a medium-sized hour glass hanging on a string from the box. He held it in front of him. "This is the Millennium Age. It has the same powers as the Millennium Necklace, but instead of only seeing the past and future, you can VISIT them as well!"
Naru took the Age then bowed her head again. "Thank you, my Pharaoh." She stepped down.
He reached into the box one last time and removed a medium-sized golden sphere that had the same creases as his Millennium Puzzle. "And Juliana...to you, my dearest friend, I give to you my first work. Does this shape look familiar?"
Juliana stared at the object in the Pharaoh's hands. "I assume you mean besides its physical outside shape?" Atem nodded, then she nodded. "Yes, it is familiar."
"Excellent. You need not say what it is outloud yet. I know what you see." He held up the Sphere for Naru and Vash to see. "I intend to continue my father's wish for a millennium of peace, but what about two millenniums? A new generation of Pharaoh calls for a new generation of items. This was the first. The Millennium Sphere." He took a deep breath. "This Item, I infused with a bit of my father's original seven." He looked back at Juliana and talked quietly. "It can also enhance your existing powers, and the ability I'm sure you're already aware of."
Juliana nodded and stepped down, holding the Millennium Sphere in her hands.
The Pharaoh looked at the three and smiled tiredly, glad the task was complete. "Congratulations. You three are now priests of Egypt. Naru and Juliana, I would like to see you two as well as Chira later in my quaters. Inform Chira to bring the Millennium Key. Shada knows I wish it. You may leave."
The three bowed once more and walked out. Each one admired the new items they had recieved. "The other priests won't be able to mock us anymore. We're equal now, perhaps even greater!" Vash said happily, spinning the Millennium Chain around his neck.
"Don't go off bragging yet, Vash. These Items have yet to be tested," said Naru, inspecting her own Item.
"Yeah yeah." He shrugged. "What do you think, Juliana?"
She ignored the two, with her hands clenched around the Sphere. Through her eyes, it seemed to be pulsating. Almost calling out to her.
"Juliana."
She blinked then looked at Vash. "Yes?"
"Are you alright? You seem off in another world lately," Vash said raising an eyebrow.
'Maybe a part of me is...' she thought. "I'm going to my room to meditate on the matter at hand." She looked at Naru. "Please get me when the Pharaoh calls."
"Sure."
Juliana walked down the hallway, leaving the other two stareing at each other and hoping she was ok. She quickly walked into her room and closed the curtains, lighting a few candles. She walked to the center of her room and slowly kneeled down. "Speak and I will listen..." She slowly placed the Millennium Sphere around her neck and the entire room went into a flash of light.
She looked around, seeing nothing but light all around. Hearing footsteps, she looked forward. A rather tall man dressed in a long black cloak was walking toward her. The hood of his cloak covered his eyes in shadow. One thing that caught Juliana's eyes was the bright light comeing from the man's chest, but she couldn't tell wht it was. He stopped in front of her and she looked up at him, trying to see his eyes through the shadows. "Who are you?"
He stayed silent, but raised his arm and put his hand gently on her cheek. His hand was soft and comforting, and she saw the figure smile. "You will soon know exactly who I am soon. Just know that I am no enemy. I am here to help you, and I always will. Do you believe me?"
"Yes..." Juliana put her hand on top of the one on her cheek. "Please show me your face."
"I'm afraid I cannot now." He slowly leaned toward her. "But I come with a message..." He leaned closer and slowly kissed her.
Her eyes widened for a few seconds then closed, welcomeing the kiss. Inside she felt safe, warm, loved and a sense of belonging. The moment could have lasted forever, but the figure broke the kiss and held her close and tightly.
"Never give up fighting," he whispered in her ear. "No matter what. You have people who care for you. People who love you..." He put a hand on her chest where her heart was and again Juliana felt the wave of warmth and belonging. "Just search here when you feel lost...you'll find the answer." He backed up. "Good luck, Princess Juliana..." With that, he turned and began walking the way he came.
"Wait!" Juliana shouted to the figure. She found she could not move her feet, but reached out with her hand. "Will I ever see you again...?"
He stopped, looked back and smiled as he nodded. He then began walking again. The area began to get darker and darker with each step he took.
"Juliana! Juliana!"
'A voice. Sounds like Naru...'
"Juliana! Come on, wake up!"
Back in her room, Juliana's eyes shot open and Naru jumped back from the sudden surprise. She bent over, coughing and breathing heavily. "Naru..."
"My god...are you alright? You frightened me. I would have woken you up sooner but I saw your Item glowing. Were you having a vision?" Naru said, putting a hand on Juliana's shoulder.
"A vision...perhaps..." She wiped her mouth with the sleeve of her cloak and stood. "I'm fine. Is it time?"
"Yes. The Pharaoh just called for us."
"Then we better not keep him waiting any longer. Let's go." Juliana turned and walked out of the door of her room, Naru following behind.
For those of you who don't know, Exodia the Forbidden One is the creature that protects our city, but three other creatures protect Egypt. The names of these three beings is only known to a chosen Pharaoh. It just happens that Atem had inherited the names of the Egyptian Gods; Slifer the Sky Dragon, Obelisk the Tormentor, and the Winged Dragon of Ra. He used his gift and gave mine, Naru's and Chira's (technically Shada's) Items the power to summon them because he felt he felt we were the ones wise enough to use the power of the Gods whenever needed. It was funny how he sometimes could see the future, and his Millennium Item didn't possess that power...heh. He gave Naru's Millennium Age the power to summon Obelisk the Tormentor, The Millennium Key the power to summon Slifer, and my Millennium Sphere contained the power of the Winged Dragon of Ra. It wasn't long after this, that the army that threatened our kingdom arrived...
The kingdom of Egypt's army ran on foot with weapons at hand toward the enemy. On horses road the Pharaoh at front, then his chosen priests and priestess for the battle. This group included Juliana, Naru, Vash, Seto, Karim, Isis, and Shada. Mahado was told to stay behind to guard the Valley of the Kings, and Akunadin was forced to stay and guard the Shrine of Wedju, where the imprisoned Ka's of theives are kept. The opposing army was about three times as large as Pharaoh Atem's army, but that didn't worry him. The young Pharaoh looked over at his loyal guardians and nodded.
Seto nodded back. "Alright! From here on we split up! You all know the plan! Juliana, you're with me. Vash, Isis and Karim are to stay with the Pharaoh at all times! Naru and Shada are to take the remaining soldiers and circle around. Is that clear?"
"Yes!" the rest of the priests said in unison.
"Good! Let us be off!" Priest Seto lightly kicked his horse and he, Juliana, Vash, Isis, Karim and the Pharaoh took about a thousand troops and charged forward, leaving the others running to different sides, trying to corner the enemy. Seto looked at Juliana and they both slowed down a bit, allowing the normal soldiers passed. "Do you remember our plan."
Juliana frowned at him. "Yes...but is it wise to not inform the Pharaoh of this?"
He smiled. "Priestess Juliana...the Pharaoh gave you a special gift with extraordinary power. I think we should use it in a time of need, and that is now. We both know that our little army isn't going to win unless they have the strength to do it! Now proceed with the plan!"
She sighed and closed her eyes. The Millennium Sphere around her neck began to glow brightly. When the light faded, she looked back at Seto. "It is done."
"Excellent. Off to battle then!" He quickly rode off laughing.
"...Diaha..."Juliana said to herself, as Seto rode off. She looked forward over the hill and noticed the enemy army slowly working their way toward the other side. Gripping a bow and placeing a container of arrows on her back, Juliana kicked her horse into a fast gallop, toward the enemy. "Monster Ka sealed in the stone slab! I summon you, Black Dragon!" She jumped up into the air as a large stone slab flew out of the sand, knocking a few enemy soldiers away. The slab glowed and a large Red-Eyes Black Dragon flew out, catching Juliana.
"Kill the girl! Kill the demon!" the soldiers below shouted. They began lighting arrows and large balls of coated cloth with fire and threw it at the dragon, but Juliana continued to fly toward the center of the army.
Seto looked back and smirked, seeing Juliana's dragon under attack. He began chanting and another stone tablet flew out of the sand. "Great beast, Galestgoras! Come forth and destroy my enemies!" A large dragon type creature emerged from the tablet and charged at the soldiers that were attacking Juliana. Its massive claws and tail swiped at the soldiers as they ran with terror. The creature's large jaw grabbed a few men and chopped them into pieces.
Juliana looked down at shock at the mini-massacre taking place. "Seto...what are you doing...?" She looked back over at the much larger battle taking place and saw that the Egyptians were losing. She whistled twice and the dragon she rode roared loudly, sending a large fire blast down at a large group of enemy soldiers that were not yet engaged in a fight with the Egyptians.
The remaining priests looked up at Juliana's signal. Naru smiled. "Very clever!" She looked over at Shada. "Tell everyone to summon a ka! We may win this battle yet!"
"But we're in the middle of the desert! How can we summon monster Ka when there are no stone slabs?" Shada asked.
Naru pointed at Juliana's dragon, then at Seto's Galestgoras. "Then how did they summon?"
Shada looked at the monsters, then shouted to the other priests. "Summon the ka!" Soon monsters appeared all around the battle field, attacking the enemy. Soon the soldiers ran in fright, not wishing to fight against creatures not of this world. They ran yelling curses and insults at the monsters and the ones who had called them upon the earth.
"I'm pretty sure Priest Seto wasn't planning on scarying the enemy away...but this is perfect." Juliana said to herself. "Let us go and make sure they are not running to retrieve some large weapon," she then said to the dragon.
As if understanding, the dragon grunted and flew in the direction the enemy soldiers ran. They were actually retreating, and ran faster when they saw the shadow of the black dragon on them. All seemed to be going well until a large blast flew at the dragon and struck it hard. The Red-Eyes roared then disappeared and Juliana began falling from the sky.
The memory of her mother falling from a dragon to the ground once again struck her mind and she quickly shook it away. "No!" She fired two dark energy blasts at the ground just before falling, making her landing softer, but not soft enough. She hit the ground hard and groaned in pain as she slowly stood. All around her a group of about 50 men dressed in long black robes with the senri eye on the hood circled her. They all laughed coldly as she glared at them. "What is so funny? You were the ones foolish enough to attack the kingdom that possesses Millennium Items."
All the men continued to laugh but one stopped and threw a battered and old shield at Juliana. "A gift from our master..."
She caught it and her eyes widened as she recognized the shield as the one that had protected her father until his end. Her eyes glowed their separate colors of rage and her aura flowed around her like fire. She gripped her sword and ran at the one who had thrown the shield. As water rushes into an empty hole, all the robed men came in on Juliana at once, but with no weapons. She slashed at everything and anything that moved around her. Blood stained her clothing, skin and sword as the figures died one by one.
The rest of the priests came riding up in their horses with a few soldiers behind them. Vash in the lead with his Millennium Chain glowing around his neck. By the time they reached Juliana, all the men were dead and she was just hacking away at the corpses. "Juliana stop!" Vash jumped off his horse and ran at Juliana.
Juliana quickly swung at Vash. "Time freeze!" Naru shouted. Her Millennium Age glowed and the sword in Juliana's hands stopped in mid-air.
She fell over but Vash caught her and hugged her tightly. Juliana's whole body shook as she felt the blood on her hands. "It's ok...it's over," Vash said.
"What in the name of Ra was THAT, Lady Juliana! Have you lost your mind!" Karim shouted from his horse.
Vash glared at him. "Shut it, Karim! She's not in the position to speak at all!"
"That's PRIEST Karim to you, you washed up good-for-nothing maggot."
"Children! Enough!" Naru shouted at the both of them. "Now... first of all, who...were these men? They don't seem like they were part of the army we fought."
"Maybe they were..." said Pharaoh Atem, riding up behind them. Everyone bowed, except for Vash and Juliana. "Why else would they attack at the same time? Perhaps..."
"Pharaoh...?" Naru asked, looking at him.
"Let's get home everyone! Make sure we leave no injured behind." He looked at Vash, then at Juliana. Sighing, he turned and rode off. The other priests followed, Naru lagging behind to make sure Vash and Juliana were close.
Vash helped Juliana onto his horse and got on behind her. They all rode off, unknowing of the two dark figures that had stood watch on a cliff during the entire battle.
"I think that went well...don't you Runihura?" Heishin said.
The man behind him smirked and nodded. "Very well."
"I believe the Princess is ready...we act tonight. " He laughed evily.
Once we returned to the palace, Atem questioned me on the incident. Still in shock, I told him what I could. I spent the rest of the afternoon in my room. Later on though, word spread that there would be a grand party to celebrate the new Pharaoh's first victory. Who had suggested the party was unknown, but everyone was excited and getting ready. Rumor among the palace guards said that something unexpected was to happen...
Juliana sat alone in her room, sitting on her bed. She slowly moved her hand around her father's shield, as if trying to absorb the memories around it. There was a knock at the door and she hid the shield under her bed. "...Come in..."
A young servant girl walked carrying a medium-sized box. "Pardon the intrusion, my lady..."
"It's fine. What is it?"
"A package for you...from Priest Seto..." She held the box out infront of her. "He wishes to see you at the banquet tonight..."
"Hm." Juliana walked up and took the box, looking at it. "Please inform Priest Seto that I am attending the banquet on more reasons than just his invitation."
The servant bowed. "Will that be all, my lady...?"
"Yes, thank you." When the servant girl left, Juliana placed the box on her bed and slowly opened it. On the top was an already blossomed light blue rose. She picked it up carefully and placed it on her bed. She then reached into the box again and pulled out a two piece outfit that seemed like it was made for royalty. There was a top that covered just her chest that had two long pieces of cloth that tied around her neck, and a long skirt that tied at the side. Both pieces were mostly made of blue silk, except for one sash to tie around her waist which was gold.
She stared at the beautiful outfit, then removed the last few objects from the box. There were four golden bands, two long ones for the upper arm and two shorter ones for the wrist, that contained a pattern of sapphires and emeralds all around them. "Hmm..."
That night, the grand hall was filled with people. Three long rows of tables, two on the sides and one at the head, were occupied by royalty, nobles, soldiers, and the specially invited. Large plates of different foods surrounded the table as everyone ate and drank happily in this celebration. The two side tables were separated far enough to allow a large group of people to just stand and talk, or dance. The table at the head sat the Pharaoh and the priests. Pharaoh Atem sat in the center, with Priest Seto on his right side, and Priest Akunadin on the left.
Pharaoh Atem stood and the entire room was swept with silence. "Tonight, we celebrate a joyous occasion! Our kingdom continues to reign under peace and happiness thanks to our brave soldiers. You are the proof that this wonderful kingdom is not run by just one man, but by many. Let us take a moment and remember those who died, protecting our peace.." The room was silent for a few moments, then he continued. "Let us begin the evening with a colorful dance?" He sat. "Priestess Naru, please begin."
Naru nodded and stood up out of her chair. She walked over to a group of musicians who readied their instruments. She then took out her flute and began to play. The doors to the grand hall opened and a group of dancers, including Chira and Juliana, slowly walked in with the beat of the music. As the beat of the music grew faster, so did the dance steps. The dancers twirled and flipped, all waving long colorful sashes around with their hands. Juliana and Chira, using their own magic, created beams of light along with their sashes.
Seto watched the dance without looking away, mostly keeping his eyes on Juliana and pleased that she had worn the outfit he sent her. He rested his chin on his hands and smiled to himself as he watched.
The dance and music lasted for about 15 minutes until everything slowed and the dancers bowed in front of the Pharaoh. Everyone clapped and cheered, especially the Pharaoh who gave them a standing ovation. "Excellent! magnificently done! Now, let us all enjoy the rest of our food." The Pharaoh sat and the dancers walked out except Naru and Juliana, who remained. Naru walked back to her seat, and Juliana stood behind Atem.
Once the feast was over, everyone either stood or remained seated and talked amongst themselves. Seto stood and walked over to Juliana. "May I speak with you outside, my lady...?"
"Hm? Uh..." She looked over at Atem, then back at Seto. "Alright." The two walked out of the hall and into the gardens under the night sky. Juliana breathed in the cool air then looked at Seto, who was staring at her. "What?"
He smiled. "Nothing. Just...that outfit looks beautiful on you..."
"...Are you sure it's not the other way around?"
"Quite sure..." Seto walked closer to Juliana, putting one hand on her waist and the other caressing her cheek.
She stared into his eyes, breathing more deeply. 'Could Seto be the man in my vision...?'
"Your eyes...they're two different colors. Do you know why?"
"Master Akunumkanon said I inherited them from my parents...my father had green eyes and my mother had blue."
"Ah. And from I've heard from the others, you also inherited your mother's beauty, as well as your father's strength. But I believe you've improved on those attributes. I see something in your eyes though...such pain and suffering, Juliana. And you have the strength to endure such pain. That's something most of use could never understand. But I do..."
Juliana looked down. "Most people would consider holding your feelings in as a weakness.."
He put his hand under her chin and brought her eyes back to his. "They're fools. I...have something I've been meaning to tell you..." His hand moved back to her cheek. "I've fallen in love you with. Ever since the first day I saw you..." Seto moved in and kissed her, holding it out.
But the kiss wasn't like the one in her vision. A great chill swam across her body. She felt anger, sorrow, pain and suffering. Not all she felt was from Seto though. It was as if she could feel the emotions he inflicted or will inflict on others. She sensed a sleeping darkness inside his heart, ready to burst. Juliana quickly pushed him away and stepped back. "No...I'm sorry..." With that, she ran back into the grand hall and passed all the people and ran back into her room.
Vash watched her run and then looked around. He saw Pharaoh Atem starting to follow Juliana. "Pharaoh?"
He turned and looked at Vash. "I'm just going to see what is wrong. I'll be back." With that he kept walking. Soon he reached Juliana's room and opened the door. Looking inside, he found her at the balcony staring at the city. "Juliana, is everything alright?"
"Yes..."
He walked over and stood next to Juliana. "I heard you and Priest Seto..."
She looked at him. "You did?"
He nodded. "You know, about your eyes, both you and Seto were right and yet wrong at the same time. But I know what they truly symbolize..."
"You do? What?"
He placed one hand behind his back, a small ball of a strange energy appeared in it. He smirked. "I'll tell you..."
Back in the Grand Hall, Vash walked around and listened to the different conversations of the people. He looked over at a different group and saw the black and red spikes with a purple cape flowing to the floor. "Pharaoh Atem?"
He turned and smiled. "Yes, Vash?"
"You spoke to Juliana already?"
Atem blinked. "What do you mean? I haven't spoken to Juliana all evening."
Vash stood for a split second, then started running toward Juliana's room. "NARU! FOLLOW ME, NOW! WE GOT TROUBLE!"
Naru and Vash ran up toward Juliana's room, followed by Pharaoh Atem and a few guards behind them. But by the time the arrived in her room, it was too late. They stood frozen as they saw Runihura in his usual black cloak standing with Juliana unconsious in his arms. He looked at them, smirked, then disappeared.
"Oh no..." Naru whispered.