Man, these last few weeks have been really hectic. So many things to do, so little time to do them all! But I have managed to spare some time to write the next instalment of 'Another World'.
And now, to thank the wonderful reviewers:
Jessiejames
trekker4life
anime-ruthless v.1
me
JMeg
xXR.I.PXx
sugarontop1
Thank you all so much! Your reviews really make my day
'Thoughts'
"Speaking"
Disclaimer: I do not own Yu-Gi-Oh, but if I did, I would have Yuugi/ Anzu an official couple! Long live Peachshipping!
-I-
Another World
Chapter 5: Revealing the Past
-I-
"Well, go on then. Open it."
The 6-year-old girl looked down at the beautifully wrapped box on her lap, then back up at her mother, seated in front of her. Her blue eyes sparkled as the street lamps rushed by outside in the night. She brushed some of her short, brown hair away from her face.
"Is this really for me?" the young girl asked
Her mother smiled and laughed lightly as the car stopped at the red traffic lights.
"Well of course silly. Who else would I give this to? It's not like your father needs it, right honey?"
The young girl's father, seated in the driving seat, swiftly changed gear as the traffic lights changed to green and drove down the long empty road. He laughed at his wife's question as they continued to drive down the road next to the river. The water sparkled in the moonlight. Without taking his eyes off the road, he answered.
"No, I don't think I'd have any use for it. But you know dear, you spoil her too much."
"Oh don't be silly honey! I don't spoil her, do I Anzu?"
Anzu looked up at her mother and beamed. She held onto the crystal necklace around her neck.
"Nope, you don't. And I take very good care of all my presents."
"I know you do," Anzu's mother said, still smiling. "You've taken very good care of that necklace I gave you. Now, open up your present! I want to see your reaction!"
Anzu smiled up at her mother, before carefully beginning to unwrap the beautiful, baby pink paper her mother had used. Moving the paper to the side once it was removed, Anzu slowly lifted up the lid of the box, her hands shaking in excitement. When she saw what was inside, she squealed with joy. Her hands shaking with excitement, she carefully took out the contents of the box.
"Wow…" Anzu gasped as she looked at her brand new deck of Duel Monster cards. She flicked through them and read each card: 'Shinning Friendship', 'Ancient Elf', 'Fire Sorcerer', 'Maha Vailo'(1), these cards weren't bad.
"These are so pretty! Thank you mummy! Thank you daddy!"
Anzu's mother smiled down at her daughter, glad that Anzu loved her gift so much.
"You're welcome darling…darling…darling…"
Anzu looked up at the sound of her mother's voice fading away, and felt a cold chill run through her body. She suddenly found herself surrounded by darkness. A small scream escaped her small lips. The car she had just been in had disappeared, as had her mother and father.
"Mummy?…Daddy?…" She called out into the darkness, her voice echoing through the void.
"Anzu," a distant voice answered behind her.
A now 16-year-old Anzu turned round and saw her mother in the distance. She looked sad, and a tear rolled down her cheek.
"Mum?" Anzu called out again
But this time her mother didn't answer her. Instead, she looked down at the floor, and started to fade away, the darkness absorbing her body and taking her away from her only daughter.
Panicking as she saw her mother disappearing, Anzu tried to run after her.
"Wait! Mum! Don't go!" She extended her hand towards her mother in hopes of reaching her in time…
…But she was too late…
Just as Anzu was about to reach her mother, she disappeared completely. Anzu suddenly stopped running, the sadness she had experienced as a child once again building up inside of her.
"Mum…"
A faint light appeared around her neck.
Suddenly, the darkness began to change. Shapes started appearing out of the blackness, and Anzu found herself in a completely different place. The walls and floor that appeared were black and dark. A dark stone throne appeared in the middle of the floor. A storm erupted outside in the dark sky as two figures appeared before Anzu. One was on the floor, covered in blood, and the second stood above the first, a bloody knife in his hand.
"Oh no," Anzu gasped, "not this…"
"Your time in this lifetime has come to an end," the first figure said, his voice low and gravel. Anzu immediately knew that this was a man, but who was he?
The second man tried to stand up, but found his could not due to his horrific injuries.
"Please…no…" the man begged. His voice was lighter than the first man's, and even though it sounded weak, it was familiar to the young teen watching the horrifying scenes before her.
"It's such a shame that this had to come to an end so soon," the man with the knife spoke, bringing his knife higher.
"Please…"
"But now it's time to die!"
The man with the knife gave one last evil smile and brought the knife down to the body on the floor. A bloody curdling scream filled them room.
"AHHHH!"
Anzu suddenly awoke in bed, her breath heavy and fast, cold sweat dripping from her forehead. Her head ached as the pain from another vision began to subside. Her body shook with fear as the fresh images replayed in her mind. The scream still filled her ears.
"W-what…what happened?" she spoke to herself, her voice shaking. "I-it felt so…so real. I…I don't want to be alone…not again…not-"
"Anzu!" screamed a voice, running into the room. The door gave a loud 'bang' as it was thrown against the wall.
Anzu looked up and saw a distressed looking Yuugi running into the room towards her. As he came closer and closer towards her bed, Anzu felt her emotions beginning to build up inside of her.
Within a few seconds Yuugi was beside Anzu's bed. He had been in his room when he had heard her scream, and immediately knew something was wrong. Even though he had only known her a few days, he knew she always screamed like that whenever she had some sort of a bad dream. Although she never told him what her dreams were about, he had a fair idea.
'She's had a dream about her past again,' he thought as he stood by Anzu's bed.
"Anzu, are you ok?" he asked in his soft voice. Worry was once again embedded on his face.
"Yuugi…" Anzu answered in a whisper, before collapsing into his arms. She buried her head into his chest as tears of fear started falling down her cheek.
Yuugi was a little surprised by Anzu's sudden actions and found his cheeks were burning with embarrassment. But as he looked down at Anzu's shaken form, he soon forgot about being embarrassed. She looked scared, innocent, like a little child. Like a parent to their child, Yuugi felt the urge to help her, and held Anzu close to him. He stroked her hair softly as he tried to comfort her and calm her down.
"Shh…" he hushed as he smiled down at the young girl.
"Oh Yuugi!" Anzu cried, clinging onto Yuugi's clothes. Tears streamed down her cheeks. "It was horrible! I was so scared and alone!"
"It's ok. I'm here. You're not alone any more…"
"I don't want to be alone Yuugi! I don't want to!" She held onto Yuugi tighter than before, never letting go. "Promise you won't leave me!"
"I promise I'll never leave you Anzu. You'll never be alone again…"
-I-
The 'Master' of the Empire of Dark Souls sat in silence as he watched the scene before him, his head resting on his left hand. His 'secret weapon' was placed in his right hand, projecting the images of Prince Yuugi cradling the scared brunette girl in her room. He smiled as he watched them.
"So, this girl has had a troubled past?" he said to no one in particular. His 'secret weapon' allowed him to look into people's minds and souls and experience their memories and dreams. The 'Master' had looked into Anzu's mind and learnt everything there was to know about her.
"We may be able to use these dreams and visions of hers for our own good." He tapped his 'secret weapon' twice, causing the images before him to disappear. He looked down at his followers below him. "Send out unit A to keep an eye on her."
"Unit A?" one of his followers asked. "Are you sure, sire?"
"Yes. We need someone to keep a close eye on her, and Unit A has been trained for this type of mission. Now, inform them of their mission: phase two is about to begin."
Two guards stepped forward and bowed, before leaving the dark hall.
-I-
Yuugi continued to hold Anzu, stroking her hair and speaking softly to calm her down. Anzu in turn continued to hold onto Yuugi, thankful he was there. After a while, the tears started to die away and her shoulders stopped shaking with emotion and fear. After a few silent moments, Anzu slowly began to sit up, letting go of Yuugi. She was still a little shaken up, but thanks to Yuugi she was feeling much better.
"Are you OK now Anzu?" Yuugi asked.
Anzu wiped the remaining tears away with her sleeve. "Yes, I'm OK. Thanks Yuugi."
She looked up at the young Prince and saw he was dressed in the finest clothes a person could afford in Kemet: a white tunic made out of expensive white cloth with a red band down the middle, with a matching dark red cape wrapped around his neck. His body was decorated with golden armbands and rings, and on his head was a small crown that had been especially made to fit around his unique hair. On his feet he were a beautiful pair of sandals and around his neck hung his eye-shaped pendant (2). In the early morning sun, he truly did look like a Prince.
"Listen Anzu," said Yuugi, sitting on the edge of Anzu's bed. He looked down at the floor. "I'm sorry about yesterday."
Today was Anzu's second full day in Illuminarta. Yesterday, Yuugi had been with Atemu all day and had been unable to see Anzu. Therefore, Anzu had spent the day with Shizuka, being given a tour of the castle in which she was staying. Although she had enjoyed the tour and had gotten to know a little bit about Shizuka, she had missed Yuugi. And even though Shizuka seemed nice, Yuugi was the only person Anzu really trusted at the moment. After all, he did save her life.
"I tried to come and see you," Yuugi continued, "but Atemu insisted that I stay with him. True we were discussing some important things, but I wasn't needed for all of them. I guess he just missed me a lot and didn't want me to leave his side! But still, I feel really guilty."
"You shouldn't feel guilty, Yuugi," said Anzu, her voice a little croaky from screaming. "I know how important family is."
"But I do feel guilty," Yuugi pleaded, looking up at Anzu. He jumped off the bed as an idea popped into his head. "And that's why I want to make it up to you."
Anzu tilted her head to the side in confusion and blinked.
"You see," Yuugi continued, "Atemu and I, and a few other people, are going on a small trip today to a nearby oasis. It's nothing special, but I was hoping you would come along with us."
"Me?" Anzu asked pointing to herself.
"Of course, silly!" giggled Yuugi. "So, what do you say? Would you rather stay here all day, or would you like to go out and about?"
Anzu thought for a moment. To stay inside, or to go outside. The answer was obvious!
"Well, if it's no problem, I'd like to go to the oasis with you…and Atemu!" Anzu added quickly.
Yuugi smiled up at her. "Great! I'll go tell Atemu. Serenity will be up here soon with some food, and then she'll take you down to the courtyard. She's coming with us by the way."
Anzu nodded as she understood Yuugi's instructions. Yuugi smiled up at Anzu before making his way to the door, Anzu watching him as he left. As he opened the large wooden door, he turned back to face her.
"Oh! Before I forget, bring your deck with you just in case, and wear something suitable for riding a horse. I'll be in the courtyard with Atemu. I'll see you down there soon!"
"Bye Yuugi!" Anzu called as Yuugi disappeared through the door, closing it softly behind him. As soon as Yuugi was gone, Anzu jumped out of bed with excitement.
Grabbing her bag from beside her bed, Anzu tipped it upside down and allowed her clothes to fall onto the bed. She spread them out neatly and looked at what she had packed.
'OK, Yuugi said to where something suitable for riding a horse,' she thought. 'I guess that excludes my skirts.' She rummaged through her clothes. 'OK, I really need to buy some new clothes.'
She continued to rummage, trying to decide what to wear, when her eyes caught sight of something pink under a black skirt. She lifted up the item of clothing and examined it. After a few moments, she smiled.
"This is perfect!" she exclaimed!
Pulling her night dress/tunic over her head and pulling on clean undergarments, Anzu quickly dressed herself with her chosen outfit: Pink shorts with a matching pink jacket, a yellow top underneath, black stockings and high pink shoes (3). It wasn't the best thing to wear for riding a horse, but Anzu only owned a few pairs of shorts.
Once she was dressed, she brushed her hair and looked herself over in the mirror.
'Not bad, if I do say so myself!'
After quickly checking herself over, making sure she looked OK, Anzu walked back over to her bed and lifted up her pillow. Seeing that her Duel Monster cards were still here, she picked them up and placed them in her pocket. As she did so, someone knocked at the door.
"Come in!" Anzu called, curious to see who was knocking at her door. It wasn't as if she had that many friends in this world. In fact, the only friends she seemed to have at the moment were Yuugi and Atemu (though she wasn't too sure about Atemu).
The door creaked open and in stepped a young female carrying a tray of food. Her long hair swung side to side as she walked towards Anzu and her face bore a cheerful smile.
"Good morning, Miss Mazaki," the girl greeted. She placed the tray of food down on a small table near the bed.
"Good morning, Shizuka," Anzu greeted the young girl back. She looked down at the food. "Is this all for me?"
"Yes miss. I advise that you eat a lot, for we have quite a day ahead of us." Shizuka turned around and headed towards the open door. "I will wait outside until you have finished. When you are ready, we will go down to the courtyard together."
Anzu nodded as Shizuka stepped outside. She looked down at the luxurious food placed next to her and felt herself drool. Her stomach growled in hunger.
"Well, best not to let it go to waste!"
Placing herself onto the bed, Anzu happily helped herself to the delicious food, enjoying every second of it. Taking sips of fresh fruit juice between mouthfuls of food, she quickly finished her breakfast of freshly baked bread and fresh fruit. Her stomach satisfied, Anzu stood up and walked out the room, making sure she had her crystal necklace and Duel Monsters deck with her.
Shizuka smiled as Anzu walked into the corridor and gave a small bow, before walking down the corridor. Anzu followed her, not wanting to get lost in the palace like she had done yesterday. As they walked past numerous rooms and down many corridors, the two girls past servants and maids that worked in the palace and were completing their morning routines. Anzu felt uncomfortable as each person they past stopped what jobs they were doing and stared at her, the occasional few whispering to the person next to them.
As the pair turned another corner, Anzu noticed something. Since she had arrived at the palace two days ago, almost everyone had been suspicious of her and had kept their distance. But Shizuka, as she noticed, did not act like everyone else. Instead of looking at Anzu with disgust, she treated her with respect, as she would with any other human being. Although Anzu liked this, she couldn't help but wonder why.
"Erm…Shizuka…can I ask you something?" Anzu ventured.
"What is it, Miss Mazaki?" Shizuka asked, continuing down the hall.
"Well, I was just wondering…most people in the palace seem to suspect me of something and stay away from me. But…you and Yuugi…well, you don't. It's like you both trust me. I was wondering why."
Shizuka turned to her right and walked towards the entrance to the courtyard.
"I do not suspect you because there in nothing to suspect. You are trustworthy, and both Yuugi and I can see that. It will only be a matter of time before everyone else can see the good in you. I like you Anzu, and I know that you are a very kind and caring person."
"Oh…" Anzu said, touched by Shizuka's words. She stopped in the archway that led to the courtyard. "Hey, Shizuka…"
Shizuka sensed Anzu had stopped behind and turned around, stopping herself. "What is it, Miss Mazaki?"
"Please, call me Anzu," Anzu smiled, before extending her hand. "'Miss Mazaki' is too formal for friends."
Shizuka looked down at Anzu's hand and smiled. She took Anzu's hand in her own and gave it a little shake. Both girl's giggled at the start of a newfound friendship.
"What are you girls laughing about?" asked a familiar voice.
The two girls let go of each other's hand and looked up at the source of the voice. Prince Yuugi stood just in front of them, his arms crossed across his chest, a curious look in his eyes.
"It's nothing Yuugi! Really!" Anzu answered, before she and Shizuka giggled again.
Yuugi eyed them curiously. "You two are up to something…"
"Yuugi!" called a low voice. "Are you coming or not?"
"We'll be right there Atemu!" Yuugi called back to his brother. He turned back to Anzu and looked her over.
"You look nice Anzu," he commented.
"Oh…thanks Yuugi!" Anzu thanked, a small blush appearing on her cheeks.
"You ready to go?"
"Yup!"
Yuugi led Anzu and Shizuka down the stone steps to the courtyard, where numerous horses and people had gathered and were preparing for the trip. Shizuka separated herself from the group to help with the preparations, leaving Anzu and Yuugi together. Yuugi continued to lead Anzu through the courtyard, dodging people and horses here and there, until they stopped where Atemu stood with a group of people. Standing behind the young Pharaoh, were eight people, all standing in a line. Two men, who were dressed in what Anzu could only describe as a guard's attire, stood closest to Atemu. The other six people-five men and a woman-were all dressed in pure white robes and held similar golden object that resembled the Millennium Puzzle.
"Anzu, I'd like to introduce you to some people," Yuugi said, stepping towards the two guards first. He stood by the guard with different shades of brown hair and a stern face. "This is Hiroto Honda…"
"Pleased to meet you," Honda bowed in response.
"…and this is Katsuya Jonouchi, Shizuka's older brother," Yuugi continued, pointing to a young blonde male.
"Welcome to the Kingdom of Light," the blonde named Jonouchi said, bowing slightly to the new arrival.
"These," said Pharaoh Atemu, stepping forward, "are the two best guards in the whole of Kemet."
"Aww!" said Honda, slightly embarrassed. "We're not that good Pharaoh!"
Yuugi smiled up at his friends, before walking a few steps to the remaining six people.
"And these our the six Priests of Kemet and the keepers of the Millennium Items. This is Priest Mahado, keeper of the Millennium Ring…"
The Priest named Mahado bowed and greeted Anzu, his Millennium Item shinning around his neck.
"…this is Priest Seto, keeper of the Millennium Rod…"
"Welcome," greeted Seto, and he too bowed. The Millennium Rod glowed in the morning sunlight as he held it in his hand.
Yuugi went along the line and introduced each Priest, stating which Millennium Item they possessed. In turn, the six Priests all bowed to the Prince's guest and greeted her kindly.
"…Priest Akunadin, keeper of the Millennium Eye…Priest Shada, keeper of the Millennium Key…Priest Karim, keeper of the Millennium Scales…and finally, Priest Isis, keeper of the Millennium Necklace."
"Nice to meet you all," Anzu said cheerfully. She had no idea magic and religion played such an important part in Kemet. She was amazed by it all.
"Well, now that that's done," said Atemu, climbing up onto his white horse. "Shall we leave?"
The six Priest's bowed to their Pharaoh and Prince, before they too climbed onto their horses of brown and black. Jonouchi and Honda doubled checked that everything was safe, before they climbed up onto their two black horses. Yuugi was one of the last to mount his white horse, and once he was up, he extended his hand to Anzu and helped her up. Shizuka was last, choosing to sit with Priest Seto rather than her brother. Yuugi laughed as he saw Jonouchi's angry reaction to this. Jonouchi had never liked Priest Seto.
The group moved forward, taking up their positions. Atemu and Yuugi placed their horses at the front, Jonouchi and Honda at either side. Behind them, Priests' Shada, Isis and Karim placed themselves in a row. In the third row at the back, Priests' Mahado, Seto and Akunadin placed themselves in position.
Once everyone was ready, Atemu nudged his horse and pulled on the reins, and started galloping ahead. The rest of the group followed their Pharaoh's lead, and soon the large group were racing through the streets of the city, turning sharp corners here and there, before they reached the gates that guarded the city. The large doors opened before them and they raced out into the desert, towards their destination.
As they raced through the desert sand, the sun beating down on them, Anzu cursed herself for wearing such short shorts, for her legs were rubbing against the horses back painfully. She looked over at Shizuka and Priest Isis, who were both riding side-saddled.
'Maybe I should have done that.'
The group continued to ride out into the desert, leaving a cloud of dust and tracks in the sand. All was silent, except for the horses' hooves as they galloped on. The mood changed as they rode further away from the city and came closer and closer to their destination. The silence made Anzu feel nervous. No one was talking. Not a single word was uttered.
'Why are they all so quiet? And why is there a hint of sadness in the air?'
Soon Anzu spotted an oasis ahead of them, and guessed that was where they were heading. As they approached the small grassy area, the group remained silent, no smiles on their faces, no sparks of joy in their eyes.
All too soon they arrived. Pharaoh Atemu was the first to dismount his horse and tied him to a nearby palm tree, before making his way to a small, clear area in the middle of the small oasis. Jonouchi, Honda and the six Priests all followed, tying their horses to palm trees so that their horses may feed on the grass and drink from the small pool of water. Yuugi quickly slid off his horse, helping Anzu down once he had dismounted, before running to his brother's side.
Anzu started to follow Yuugi to the small area, before a gentle hand held onto her shoulder and stopped her.
"No Anzu," came Shizuka's voice. "We have to stay here."
Anzu turned around to face the young girl. "But why? What are they doing?"
"Today is the anniversary of the death of Pharaoh Atemu's and Prince Yuugi's father," Honda said in a sad voice, as he and Jonouchi walked towards the pair.
"Two years today," said Jonouchi in the same sad tone. "It's sad how quickly these past few years have gone by."
"Two years since their parents…died?" Anzu asked. She turned around and looked at the two brothers and the Priests. She could now see them all clearly standing around two gravestones. Simultaneously, the group kneeled in front of the stones and began their ritual.
'So much for nothing special.'
"What are they doing?" Anzu asked as chanting could be heard from the large group.
"They're praying to the former Pharaoh and his Queen," Honda answered. He looked over at the now silent Jonouchi. 'He must be praying for her.'
Jonouchi, Honda, Shizuka and Anzu watched in silence from a distance as the large group in front of them performed their ritual. Chants were sung, prayers were said, and flowers were laid. Everything seemed to pass by in a blur. Throughout this sad ceremony, Atemu and Yuugi held each other close. Two years may have passed since their parents' death, but for the young teens, the wounds were still fresh in their hearts.
Soon, the ritual was complete, and as Atemu said his final words to his parents, Yuugi felt himself crack. He may be the same age as his brother, but he was only slightly younger than him by a few minutes, and found it the hardest to let his grief go. Just as Atemu was finishing off, Yuugi walked off, unable to take it anymore. He disappeared deeper into the oasis.
Anzu, who had seen Yuugi's reaction, slowly walked away from the group she was with, who had now closed their eyes and were saying their own prayers. She walked up the small slope towards the oasis and followed in Yuugi's footsteps. Brushing a few branches out of the way as she walked through the trees, she looked for Yuugi. It didn't take her long to find him.
He was sitting in a second clearing, right in the middle of the oasis. He sat on a fallen tree, his head buried in his hands. As Anzu walked over towards him, she could hear the occasional sob from the young Prince. She kneeled on the ground in front of him and tried to make eye contact.
"Yuugi?" she asked, looking up into his amethyst eyes. They were no longer bright and cheerful. Instead, all they showed was grief.
Yuugi let out a few small sobs before speaking.
"Two years," he said, his voice breaking with emotion. "Two years since the Empire of Dark Souls attacked us for the first time. Two years since they died. But it still feels like yesterday. I was only fourteen then, but I can still remember what happened…"
-Flashback-
"Come on Yuugi! Bet you can't catch me!"
A fourteen-year-old Yuugi looked up from the ground at his twin brother and watched him as he ran around the royal garden. The afternoon sun shone down on the two Princes as their game continued.
"I bet I can!" Yuugi called back, before standing up and chasing his twin.
Laughing, Atemu ducked behind a tree as he heard Yuugi coming after him. He hid himself, hoping that his other half wouldn't figure out where he was. Unfortunately for him, there was only one tree big enough in the garden for him to hide behind, and Yuugi had spotted his hair sticking out at the side.
Slowly and quietly, he crept up towards the tree. Atemu tried his best to stay silent, as he tried to listen out for any footsteps. He heard none, until…
"Got you!" Yuugi shouted as he suddenly tackled his brother. Atemu gave out a small yelp as Yuugi suddenly pushed him to the ground and starting wrestling him.
"Told you I could!" Yuugi said proudly as he restrained Atemu.
Atemu laughed up at his twin. "Yes, you definitely proved me-"
BANG!
"AHH!"
Both brothers suddenly froze and the sound of the large explosion. Screams could be heard from outside the palace. More explosions could now be heard from the city. Yuugi spotted smoke rising into the sky.
"What's going on?" Yuugi asked his brother as he allowed him to get up.
Atemu quickly dusted himself off. "I'm not sure. It sounds like we're under attack! But who-"
"NOOO!" Screamed a low voice from just outside the palace walls.
"Father!" Both Yuugi and Atemu screamed at the familiar voice, before running towards one of the lookout towers at the back of the garden. As they raced towards the post, more shouts, screams and explosions could be heard outside the walls. Someone was attacking Illuminarta, but who? And why?
The twins reached the tower, only to find it was empty. As they looked out at the city before them, they were shocked to discover who-or what- was attacking them.
Duel Monsters, both in the sky and on the ground, attacked their great city, destroying buildings and lives. Buildings were on fire, parts of the wall that was supposed to protect them had been demolished in a matter of minutes, the palace was badly damaged, and bodies littered the floor.
Yuugi and Atemu searched for their father amongst the ciaos. They saw the keepers of the Millennium Items using their powers to summon up monsters to protect them, but it wasn't working. As soon as the monsters attacked, they disappeared.
"What's going on!" Atemu shouted in outrage. "Why aren't the monster's protecting us? Is something wrong with the Millennium Items?"
"Atemu! Look!" Yuugi cried, pointing to the entrance to the palace. Atemu followed his brother's gaze, letting out a small gasp when he was the scene in front of him.
Their father was kneeling on the ground, cradling a woman's body in his arms. He seemed to be crying as he tried to wake up to woman in his arms. But the woman would not move. Burns were just visible on her body.
"…Is that…?" Yuugi said before he broke off.
"…Mother…" Atemu whispered as he recognised the still body of their beloved mother. His mother was gone, and she was never coming back. He held his brother close to him as they both began to cry.
"NOOOOO!" Their father screamed in agony from the floor, yelling out into the sky. The young Princes watched as a golden glow appeared around their father. Placing the body of his wife gently down on the floor, he stood up and walked towards the monsters that were attacking the city.
"What is he doing?" Yuugi asked with fear as he watched his father. The aura around him grew and grew and the Millennium Puzzle around his neck glowed as brightly as the sun.
As Atemu watched his father, he suddenly realised what he was doing.
"He's going to sacrifice himself to save us!" Atemu shouted. "FATHER! PLEASE! DON'T DO IT!"
But Atemu was too far away for his father to hear. The two brothers could only watch as their father was absorbed by a blinding glow. The light grew and grew, hiding the monsters and covering the entire city with its warmth. Un-human screams could be heard as the light intensified. Suddenly the screams stopped, and the light began to die down. Atemu and Yuugi looked for their father, hoping that he was all right. They soon spotted him, lying still on the floor, the Millennium Puzzle no longer glowing…
-End Flashback-
"…So, after my mother was attacked by one of the monsters," Yuugi continued, "my father let his emotions control him. He sacrificed himself to save us all. After that battle, Atemu was made Pharaoh and has ruled the Kingdom of Light since. On this day every year, and on ours and our parents' birthdays, we visit the place where we buried them together. They had always liked this oasis, and we thought it was best to let them rest here."
Anzu, who was now sitting on the fallen tree next to Yuugi, wrapped her arm around him and rubbed his back in comfort.
"I know it's already been two years, but the wounds are still fresh. I can't let my grief go." Yuugi buried his head back in his hands. "I miss them so much."
Anzu gently pulled Yuugi closer to her, still softly rubbing his back.
"I know how you feel, Yuugi," she sad, staring out at the palm trees in front of her. She heard a branch snap in the distance. She looked up, but saw and heard nothing else. She focused her attention back onto Yuugi. "My mother died ten years ago, but to me, it still feels like yesterday. Even though I don't remember much from the accident, I still have memories of my mother, and I know she'll always be in my heart, just like your parents are in your heart."
Yuugi looked up at Anzu, tears still in his eyes. "In…in my heart?"
"That's right! No matter how much time passes, you never forget someone you love. They'll stay in your heart forever and will always be with you."
Yuugi gave a weak smile, before tilting his head downwards. Closing his eyes and still smiling slightly, he wiped away his tears.
"Thank you Anzu," he said softly, as the pair stayed in their sanctuary, feeling safe and secure in each other's presence.
-I-
"Did you have to step on that branch?" Priest Mahado asked in annoyance.
Honda bowed slightly at the powerful Priest and Pharaoh Atemu as they remained hidden in the trees. He laughed nervously as they gave him an angry glare.
"I'm sorry!" he apologised, whispering so no one but them could hear him. "I didn't see it! But they didn't notice we're here, so we're safe, right?"
Both Pharaoh Atemu and Priest Mahado slapped their foreheads and sighed. Their patience with Honda was running out…again.
"Yes, luckily they didn't seem to notice," said Atemu, quickly stealing a glance at the people they were watching. "But just make sure it doesn't happen again."
Honda stood up straight and saluted. "Yes sir! Won't happen again, sir!"
Atemu and Mahado both sighed heavily. Honda may be one of the best guards in Kemet, but that didn't mean he was intelligent. Oh, Honda wasn't stupid or dumb, but he wasn't the smartest of people. Pushing aside their little 'problem', they went back to the job at hand: keeping an eye on Yuugi and Anzu. They watched them very closely from behind the palm trees, never taking their eyes off them.
Honda came to their side, still making sure he was hidden behind a tree. Much like many others in the Kingdom of Light, he did not fully trust Anzu. She was not one of them, and whenever she entered a room, a strange aura could be felt. She wasn't normal, if you could call the people of Kemet 'normal'. But as he watched the pair, a strange feeling came over him, and a nagging thought came into his head. Something didn't feel right to him…
…Something was missing…
He looked around the small area they were in, making sure he remained as silent as a mouse, and soon figured who was missing from their little group.
"Err…Pharaoh…have you seen Jou?" Honda asked carefully, not wanting to anger the Pharaoh any more.
Atemu looked up at this strange question. The answer was obvious, Jonouchi was right there with them. But as he looked around their small area, he noticed their hot-headed blonde friend was indeed not there. He had disappeared.
"Strange," commented Priest Mahado as he too looked around. "Young Jonouchi was here only a moment ago."
"I'll go look for him," Honda announced. "There's no need for three of us to be here." And with that, Honda (carefully and quietly) took off in search of his best friend.
As Atemu watched him leave, he hoped Jonouchi had done nothing reckless again. Sighing once again, he turned back to watch Yuugi and Anzu. They were now talking quietly, and sitting a little too close. It took all the strength Atemu had to stop him from jumping out of his hiding place and dragging Yuugi away, sending Anzu to the Shadow Realm and-
"You still don't trust her, do you?" Priest Mahado asked, quietly so Yuugi and Anzu would not hear him.
"No, I don't," Atemu replied. "She is from a completely different world and can easily be working for the Empire of Dark Souls. How can I trust her so quickly?"
"Prince Yuugi does."
Atemu eyed Mahado curiously. "…And?…"
"Pharaoh, will you disagree with you other half?"
Atemu should have expected this question. Since the say they were born, Atemu and Yuugi had always agreed with each other. They hardly ever argued. The argument they had the other day when Yuugi had returned was the first fight they had ever had. He exhaled loudly, closing his eyes and smiling.
"I can't believe I'm saying this, but yes, I disagree with my other half. I don't trust her like he does."
"There's a first time for everything…" Mahado joked.
"We should keep an eye on her, just in case-"
"Pharaoh Atemu!" Honda's voice urgently shouted from a distance. "You had better come over here!"
Mahado and Atemu looked at each other, before nodding in agreement. Reluctantly, they left their post, sneaking one last quick glance at the couple. They made their way through the maze of trees until they made it out at the edge of the oasis. They soon spotted Honda standing with four of the other Priest, all watching something happening below in the desert.
"What seems to be the problem?" Atemu asked as he made his way over. The Priests and Honda bowed as the Pharaoh made his way over, before answering.
"We are sorry to disturb you, my Pharaoh," Isis apologised, "but it is about young Jonouchi."
"Jonouchi?" Atemu asked. "What do you mean by-"
"Let…me…GO!" Jonouchi's voice shouted from below.
Atemu and Mahado looked down at the scene below them. Both of them knew what to expect, after all Jonouchi had done something like this before. But they were still a little surprised to see him being restrained by his sister Shizuka and Priest Seto in the desert sand.
"Big brother, calm down!" Shizuka begged her older brother, standing in front of him.
"I can't! They're out there, I saw them!" Jonouchi shouted. Emotions burned inside of him. He just wanted to break free and find her.
"That doesn't mean she's out there!" Shizuka cried, reading her brother's thoughts like an open book.
"Yes she IS!"
"Jonouchi, listen to your sister!" Priest Seto ordered, restraining Jonouchi by the arms. "There are only two of them! She's not there!"
"YES SHE IS!" Jonouchi snapped back, unable to control his emotions.
"What are they talking about?" Atemu asked Priest Isis as Jonouchi continued to try and break free below.
"We recently spotted two scouts from the Empire of Dark Souls out in the desert," Priest Isis answered, pointing to the horizon. "We tried to stop Jonouchi from seeing them, but unfortunately, he did."
"And now he thinks that she's out there, right?" said Atemu.
"Correct."
"Hey! Atemu!" called a voice behind them.
The Pharaoh turned around at the sound of his name and saw his twin brother and the young girl running towards him. Atemu tried to ignore Anzu as best he could without Yuugi noticing.
"We heard shouting," Yuugi stated when he arrived at his brother's side. "What's going on?"
"See for yourself." Atemu indicated to look at the scene below. Both Anzu and Yuugi looked down as Jonouchi continued to yell and scream.
"Oh no, not again," Yuugi sighed. This was the second time this month Jonouchi had acted like this.
"Come on Yuugi," said Atemu, making his way down to the trio. "We had better put a stop to this before someone gets hurt." 'Like Priest Seto.'
Yuugi quickly told Anzu to stay where she was with Honda, before jogging to catch up with his brother.
"Oh Atemu, can I say something?" Yuugi asked as they walked down the small sand dune.
"What is it?" Atemu replied.
"Spying is not a hobby I'd like you to continue."
Atemu blushed slight. So Yuugi had known they were there. He should have known. Yuugi was a lot smarter than he looked, just like their mother.
As they made their way down, neither Priest Seto, Jonouchi or Shizuka noticed them coming.
"Brother, please!" Shizuka pleaded, close to breaking point. "She's not out there! She can't be!"
"Your sister's right Jonouchi!" Seto held onto Jonouchi's arms, trying as best he could to stop him from running off. "She may not even be alive-"
"DON'T SAY THAT!" Jonouchi yelled. He continued to fight, determined to find the scouts from the Empire of Dark Souls, and determined to find her.
'I know she's out there,' he thought as he continued to struggle. 'I just know she is!'
"What is the meaning of this?" bellowed a voice.
The trio immediately stopped what they were doing, letting go of each other. As they saw their Pharaoh and the Prince walking towards them, they quickly bowed and silenced themselves. Judging by the look on Atemu's face, he was not happy.
"Well?" Atemu asked impatiently.
The trio remained silent. When no one answered, Jonouchi stepped forward slowly, his head lowered.
"It's my fault, sire," he apologised with a saddened voice. "I saw the scouts and thought-"
"You thought you she was there, didn't you?" Atemu asked gently.
"Yes. I'm sorry, I know I shouldn't have done it, but I couldn't control myself. I just want to find her!"
"We will do Jou," Yuugi said, placing a comforting hand on his friend's shoulder. "I know that she's still alive, and I promise we'll find her."
Jonouchi looked up and smiled at his best friend. "Thank you…"
"We are sorry too sire," Priest Seto stepped forward. Shizuka stepped up next to him, looking equally guilty. Seto continued. "We should have controlled him."
"It is not your fault, Priest Seto," Atemu said kindly. He looked out into the desert and thought for a moment. "If there are scouts from the Empire of Dark Souls near by, then they must know we are here. We had better get back to Illuminarta as quickly as possible."
Atemu, followed by his brother and the shouting trio, made their way back to the rest of the group and informed everyone to pack up and return to Illuminarta.
No sooner had he ordered it, every one had mounted their horses as quickly as possible, and were making their way back to the city as fast as they could. As Anzu held onto to Yuugi's waist as they rode his horse, confused at what had happened just now with Shizuka and the others, she turned behind her as best she could, looking back towards the oasis. She could've sworn they were being watched.
-I-
"So, is that her?" the first soldier of Unit A asked.
"Yes," his companion answered. He watched as the Pharaoh's large group quickly departed the sacred oasis and made their way back to their city. 'They must know we are here.'
"That little bitch doesn't look so tough," the first man laughed, watching the girl from under his cloak. There was a small glint in his unusually coloured eyes.
"Looks can be deceiving," the second man quoted. He turned to face his partner. "Are you sure you want to go through with this? Won't they catch you?"
"No, they won't," the first man answered. "They already know who I am and would never expect me to betray them. I am family to them."
"OK, if you're sure," the second man sighed. He said a quick 'goodbye' and 'good luck' before turning his horse around and making his way back to the 'Master's' castle.
The first man watched his companion leave, before making his way down the sand dune on his horse and towards the city of Illuminarta, taking a short cut so he would beat the Pharaoh.
'The time has come to put the 'Master's' plan into action.'
-I-
To be continued…
-I-
(1): 'Shinning Friendship', 'Ancient Elf', 'Fire Sorcerer', 'Maha Vailo': Basically, just think of the cards that she used when she duelled one of the Big Five. 'Shinning Friendship' is from her duel against Mai.
(2): a white tunic made out of expensive white cloth with a red band down the middle, with a matching dark red cape wrapped around his neck. His body was decorated with golden armbands and rings, and on his head was a small crown that had been especially made to fit around his unique hair. On his feet he were a beautiful pair of sandals…: If anyone has ever seen any images of clips of Atemu in the Memory Saga, then it's the same clothes as that, only I'm using red instead of blue on Yuugi. Atemu's clothes are exactly the same as they are in the Memory Saga.
(3): Pink shorts with a matching pink jacket, a yellow top underneath, black stockings and high pink shoes: The clothes she wore when she (dare I say it) went on a 'date' with Yami.
OK, not one of my best chapters. I think I put too much fluff in. But I can't help it! I'm a sucker for fluff! The next chapter will be more exciting, and will contain more fluff!
Please R&R and let me know what you think!