Chapter 18: Confrontation

The day began normally with servants rising early to do their chores and the palace guards patrolling the area before being summoned by the High Priests. Today was the fifth day since the pharaoh fell but their hopes were high. Shadi and Mana bade farewell to the other priests before heading off. There's only one place left that they haven't looked at.

"High Priest Shadi?"

"Yes, Mana?"

"Where can the prince—I mean, pharaoh be?"

Shadi smiled at the other's innocent mistake, his mind focused on the question. The pharaoh was, no doubt, there but his condition was rather unpredictable. He did fell on a cliff.

"By any luck, he is nearby. You need not worry, Mana," Shadi answered.

"But I do worry, High Priest Shadi. I promised High Priest Mahado I will make sure nothing happens to him," Mana said.

"It's alright, Mana. What happened to the pharaoh cannot be prevented but he will be fine," Shadi replied as he focused on the horizon, 'I hope.'

The High Priest looked up to see a familiar monster flying above them and he smiled. 'Thank you Isis,' he thought as he ordered everyone to head to the path said monster took.

Atemu slowly opened his eyes, adjusting to the light that entered from the opening of the cave he was in. He must get back to the palace before Bakura strikes again. This time, he must win. But now will he do that without the Millennium Puzzle?

"Pharaoh…"

That voice!

"Mahado? Where are you, dear friend?" Atemu answered as he forced himself to stand up. Where can Mahado be? The light from the opening of the cave fell on him and his dark-clad friend.

"Mahado! Y-you… you look like the Illusion Magician!" Atemu gasped. No wonder the High Priest's body was never found.

The pharaoh looked at his High Priest, shock and disbelief evident in his eyes. "Why? Do you know what will happen to you, Mahado?" he asked. It was too much of a sacrifice.

"In this way, I will be able to protect you always and make sure you will not be harmed again," Mahado answered with the same sincere voice the pharaoh was accustomed to. Atemu knew what Mahado was talking about. It was the only incident four years ago.

"You've doomed yourself for all eternity! How could you?" Atemu asked.

"I will do it again if I must," Mahado replied.

"That's foolish, Mahado! I don't need a guardian. I don't need you to sacrifice yourself! I need you here to be my best friend and High Priest," Atemu answered.

Mahado rested a hand on his shoulder, a solemn smile creeping its way on his face, "No, Atemu. My destiny is to be your protector. You have a lot of things to face and I will always be there, don't worry," he said.

"Destiny? No one is fated to have his soul stuck in the shadow realm forever! I need you here. Why did you die, Mahado?" Atemu argued, embracing the other.

"Do not fret. You still have your friends. Isis, Karimu, Shadi, Mana," Mahado answered, "You still have Seth. He loves you and stay by your side."

Atemu looked up to meet Mahado's gaze, unable to answer. Then it him; the memory of the kiss hitting him hard. Now he knew why. He would have done it if he faced the same situation. "I understand," he whispered, "Thank you Mahado."

He could sense the other smile, "You're welcome, Atemu," Mahado answered.

"Pharaoh!"

"Pharaoh, where are you?"

The two broke apart and stared at the entrance of the cave, as the voices grew louder. Mahado turned to his pharaoh, "They are looking for you," he told Atemu.

Atemu smiled at his priest, "You're all right with everything?" he asked. Mahado nodded before placing a kiss on the other's forehead.

"Yes, even with Seth. I know from the start about your feelings for each other. And yes, I'm happy. I'm your best friend and all I want to see is that smile on your face so you better make sure it won't leave that face of yours," Mahado answered, "Now go out there!"

Atemu embraced his friend, watching the magician fade away and he headed to the cave's opening, chuckling when Mana embraced him fiercely. This game isn't over yet. Not by a long shot.

Seth watched the other priests do their job in the palace as he sat by the round table staring basically at nothing. How could Bakura do that to Atemu? And for four years, Atemu's been bottling things inside?

Bakura would pay for hurting his pharaoh. He will pay.

"Sires! Sires!"

Seth rose from his chair as the guard came to them.

"What is it?" he asked.

"The pharaoh… he's been found, sire," the guard answered.

Seth's eyes widened and before they knew it, he was already making his way to the throne room to greet his cousin. No wonder Mahado was so protective and concerned.

Atemu watched as his priests lined in the throne room, waiting for him. His wounds, tended already by Shadi, were still visible though, and knowing his cousin, he would definitely fuss over him.

"Pharaoh, are you alright?" Karimu asked.

"Yes, I'm fine," Atemu answered. Somehow, eventually, Shimon will find out and then before he knows it, he'll be undergoing a long sermon about running after insane Tomb Robbers and getting himself killed.

"Pharaoh, might I have a word with you in private?"

Atemu looked at his cousin. What did Seth want to talk about? He nodded and they headed for his chamber.

"What is it that you want to tell me, Seth?"

No response.

"Seth? Are you alright?" Atemu rested a hand on the other's shoulder, confusion embedded on his face. Why was Seth avoiding his gaze?

"Why didn't you tell me?" Seth suddenly asked, meeting the other's gaze.

"Tell you what?" Atemu replied.

"That… Bakura had raped you four years ago? Atemu, why didn't you tell me?"

Atemu's eyes widened, "How did you know about that?" he asked.

"That's not important. It looks like I'm the only person who didn't know. Even Mahado knew, don't you trust me?" Seth answered.

Atemu shook his head, "I trust you, Seth. I just…" his voice faltered. How can he tell his cousin that he was miserable? He felt used, broken, taken advantage of. He was being foolish. How can he tell all of those to Seth?

Seth lifted his lover's chin up to meet his gaze, "I understand, Atemu," he said before placing a kiss on his forehead, "Bakura will pay, I promise you," and he ushered them out to meet the other priests.

Atemu pulled his cousin back, "No, Seth. Don't. He has done much already. I will deal with him. I don't want anymore sacrifices for me. Please understand. I don't want you to get hurt," he told his cousin.

Seth heaved a sigh in resignation, "Fine but no, it doesn't mean I will not worry," he answered kissing the other full on his lips. Atemu embraced the other, "Thank you, love," he said as they headed out.

A/N: Did it suck? Stupid writer's block. I have to finish this as soon as possible and now I can't think of anything to write for the next chapters! Oh well… don't forget to review. Was it confusing? Tell me...