Hello, hello! This chapter is a bit of a doozy, so roll with me! I've had this idea since Battle City so finally getting it down was so amazing! I hope you all enjoy it, though!

*I don't own Yugioh. I only own Christine, my OC, and her crazy children. If you recognize anything, I don't own that either. I don't believe there is anything triggering in this chapter, but if there is, please let me know.*

Sati was born in a little village two days ride from the palace. Her father had been a guard in the service of Pharaoh Wahibre but had retired early due to an injury he'd gotten protecting the living god from an attack. Wanting a peaceful life, he moved to the little village and met her mother; Sati was born not long after that.

Sati tried to not linger on memories of her family. Of course, she had a happy childhood. She had fond memories of playing with her friends in the alleys, sitting with her father as he told tales of the Pharaoh's court, helping her mother work the house. It was just when she reached the end that she had to pull away. She still heard their screams. She still saw those men racing about her village on their horses. She still heard her mother shouting for her to run and that she'd catch up.

Sati still heard that man's terrible laugh as he passed her that night as she ran.

Sati had run for days and thought she was finally safe when Lady Nefertari had taken her in. The Great Royal Wife was different than any other woman Sati had ever seen. Lady Nefertari was yellow-haired rather than the dark brown hair her mother and other villagers had. Her eyes were gem-colored rather than dark like hers. She smelled of the perfume from the flower-shaped wand she had. Sati didn't know what kind it was; it just smelled nice. She never complained when Sati wished to be held, holding her in an embrace for as long as she wanted.

When the Pharaoh appeared, Sati felt even safer. Who would harm her when the Pharaoh was with her? He even gave her his cloak that even the gods couldn't see through! Based on her father's stories, though, she thought being in the presence of a living god would be scary. Instead, she was introduced to a playful man who would spar with her new brothers. He would listen to poetry written by her sisters and play games with his wife, but only when she poked at his ego long enough. Sati's father would have lost his mind if he saw what teases Lady Nefertari used to get him to play a game of Senet with her.

She heard Hepzefa call them his parents as they had raised him. A few of the others shared the sentiment but kept to the royal titles as was appropriate. Sati thought about the title of parents for a long time as she sat in the Royal Wife's lap that day. By the time she went to bed, she had decided she liked it, but she wouldn't say it out loud just yet.

But… thinking about parents… It made her think about what she'd lost. And in thinking about them, she thought about the mutterings of her mad grandmother and the words she'd heard that day.

No one knew what had happened to the old woman. It was as if one day she began to mutter about darkness befalling the land, an evil god rising, a priest falling into darkness. Her village had paid her no mind; they called her muttering blasphemy and told Sati to not go near her. Sati had obeyed but had gotten caught once when her friends wanted to see the madwoman. The moment Sati was in her sight, her gnarled hand lifted to point at her.

'You…' The old woman had hissed. 'A gift revealed means another taken away. Within three days shall all things fade to gray. Sadly for you, your gift will not save you. It will only ensure things become new.'

Sati had run once the old woman had stopped talking, not stopping until she was home and wrapped up in her father's arms. The words hadn't left her mind since that day. They flittered about restlessly while Sati tried to figure out what they meant. In the years after, she still had no answers. She eventually just chalked it up to mutterings of a madwoman.

Sadly for Sati, she figured out the first line the previous day. A gift revealed means another taken away… Lady Nefertari had called her revealed power a gift. A day later, her adoptive father, someone the gods had gifted to her after the loss of her parents, was taken away. She wanted to believe it all a lie, one giant coincidence, but it was now beginning to scare her.

Lady Nefertari didn't return to their alcove after her ride or after Shetan, her horse, returned to the palace alone. They only knew she was in the palace because of the large spears of cold magic that were easily identifiable as Lady Nefertari's. They splintered and spread across the walls like a spider's web. Sati had tried to touch it, curious at what it was, but it was so cold that it hurt her. The guards told them as gently as they could that the Royal Wife needed some time; she'd come out when she was ready.

She hadn't left her chambers since last night. If Sati listened hard enough, she could hear the sobs, the screaming. Sati wanted to help, but she didn't know how.

With the Pharaoh missing and Lady Nefertari lost to despair, Sati and her new siblings were left to themselves in their alcove. Not wanting them to feel alone throughout the night, Hepzefa suggested they sleep in the middle of the alcove and not in their rooms. If anyone woke up from a nightmare, they all would be there. It had worked, and Sati slept peacefully underneath her cloak.

Servants came in and out that next morning to assume parental control. They apparently thought that the children were stupid and didn't realize what was going on. The twins told them in not so kind voices they could handle themselves until Lady Nefertari came back. All they needed was food, and that was easily procured by asking one of the guards. For most of the day, Sati hid underneath the Pharaoh's cloak, not wanting to be seen. Kiya stayed beside her, one of her dog friends growling at servants that got too close. Mery sat with them as well, but her eyes were locked on something far in the distance. Her mouth was also moving, quiet words reaching Sati's ears; was she talking to something? The boys had tried to distract themselves by sparring, but Hepzefa was looking very antsy. After a bit, he simply began pacing.

"Calm down, Hepzefa." Khemu breathed for what felt like the third time that morning. "They'll find him."

Hepzefa didn't reply. He only kept pacing the length of the alcove. Khemu sighed, giving up, then moving to sit down on a stool to clean his khopesh. Sati watched her eldest brother, seeing his face both determined and scared. When Hepzefa passed Khemu for the third time, her brother sighed again, looking up from his sword. "What's gotten you so antsy?" Hepzefa let a harsh breath out through his nose.

"I'm… I'm worried." Hepzefa admitted.

"About what?"

"You know!"

Hepzefa heaved another sigh. "What's going to happen now? Master Mahad is gone! Master Aknadin was attacked in the palace! His…" Hepzefa's words choked for a moment, but he fought through it. "His majesty is missing…."

"He'll be found." Kiya reminded him, looking up from her barely touched writing set. "Remember what Lady Nefertari said?"

"I know, but… I just get the feeling like something else is involved. Something more than just that no good thief."

Sati watched as Hepzefa gave a huff and stopped his pacing. "There has to be something else! There's no way he could have defeated his majesty!"

"He's a thief, so probably played dirty?" Khemu suggested.

"That has to be it! …right?"

Hepzefa was doing his best to stay upbeat, but Sati could see his nervousness begin to sneak through. The little girl peeked around, seeing both Kiya and Khemu nodding at his words; they were probably trying to cheer him up. Mery didn't say anything, so Sati looked to her next. Hepzefa's twin was still staring out into the distance, mouth moving. Sati, now more curious than ever, pulled her hood down to let them see her and leaned over to poke at her new sister. Mery jumped, snapping her head toward her.

"What are you doing, Mery?" Sati asked.

Mery's cheeks lit up in a blush of embarrassment at being caught. She gave a nervous laugh before replying.

"Sorry." Mery apologized. "I… I was talking to someone."

Talking to someone? Sati leaned around her sister but saw nothing. "I… I hear this voice, and… he sounds so sad…" Sati spent a moment listening. The only sounds she heard were the guards moving about and the slight vibrations she heard through her gift.

"I don't hear anything."

Mery giggled, moving a hand to Sati's cape.

"Well… he may have talked to you, but he couldn't see you!"

Huh? Sati didn't understand, and Mery didn't explain. Her sister simply looked back out into the distance, the whispered words appearing again. Sati huffed, crossing her arms. That didn't explain anything! Kiya must have seen the exchange as she giggled and tapped Sati's back comfortingly. It didn't make her feel better, but she at least had confirmation that the conversation didn't answer anything. Hepzefa groaning again made them look up.

"Gah!" Hepzefa groaned. "I hate just sitting around! Why can't we help with anything?!"

"You take one step outside the palace walls, and Lady Nefertari will drag you back by the heels." Khemu deadpanned, his eyes glazed over from looking at his sword again. "No questions asked."

Hepzefa nodded, agreeing to the words. He didn't look happy, though. "As much as we don't like it, we… We just have to be patient." Hepzefa gave a heaving sigh but nodded.

"Okay."

Hepzefa stopped pacing and sat down on another stool. Most likely bored, he began to mindlessly eat at the fruits the guards had gotten for them. None of Sati's other siblings stopped him; they would probably be doing the same thing in his place.

The children sat around for another hour, the alcove filled with silence. It was far too quiet. Sati didn't like it; she wanted the sound of laughter that hit her ears at all hours while her adoptive parents were there. She wrapped the cape tighter around herself, the rustling sound nice in her ears.

Mery suddenly standing up made Sati look up from the ground. Instead of moving to grab something, her elder sister was walking toward the door. Why was she moving to leave? Sati jumped up to race after her.

"Mery!" Sati called. "What are you doing?"

Mery didn't reply. She only kept walking. "Mery!" Sati grabbed her arm, trying to get her to stop, but yanked it back with a yelp of pain. She'd gotten shocked! There was no wound, but Sati didn't try again. "Mery!" Her sister kept walking. Scared, Sati stood there for a moment, watching. After a second, she ran to Hepzefa. "Hepzefa!" Mery's twin looked up from the plate of dates, eyes glazed from boredom. "Something's wrong with Mery!" That brought him to his senses, and he jumped to his feet. Sati followed him to his sister and watched as he slid in front of her. Thankfully, Mery stopped walking.

"Mery."

No response. "Mery!" Still nothing. Sati lifted her head, and her eyes widened. Mery's hazel eyes were unfocused; it was almost like she was staring right through her brother. "Hey!" Hepzefa grabbed his sister's arms, and, just as Sati had, he pulled them away with a gasp of pain. "What the…" Mery took the moment when her brother's eyes weren't on her as her chance to walk around him and Sati, continuing towards the door. "Hey!" He grabbed her arm again. "Ow!" He let go, and she continued on.

Hepzefa let out a choice curse - she'd heard her father use a similar one when he was angry - then looked to their siblings. "Khemu!" The boy, who had been watching, flicked his eyes to Hepzefa. "I need you to split into three." Khemu jumped to his feet, nodding. "The main one comes with me. Since I can't stop Mery, we just have to follow and find out where's she's going. Kiya." Kiya got to her feet, her dog friend following her. "I want the second one to go with you; you two are going to get one of the priests. Lady Isis would be preferred, but if you can't find her, grab the first one you see." Kiya nodded. "The third will stay with Sati here." That idea Sati found to be inadequate. The little girl stomped her foot in annoyance.

"I'm not staying here!"

Hepzefa sighed, bending over to take her arms in his hands in the way he had tried with Mery. Sati kept up her dirty look even as he tried one in return.

"We don't know what's going on, Sati. I'd rather not put you in danger if I don't have to."

Sati didn't give in. She didn't want to stay put and worry needlessly; she wanted to help, even if it was only a small thing.

"Please…"

Hepzefa wanted to argue, Sati could see that, but they both knew they were wasting time. Her elder brother flicked his eyes back toward Mery, seeing she was no longer in the alcove and sighed.

"Fine."

Sati gave a squeak of approval before Hepzefa leveled her with a serious expression. "I'm going to give you a tough job, okay?" Sati nodded. "I want you and our third Khemu to get Lady Nefertari." Sati froze. What?

"Hepzefa…." Khemu breathed, trying to intervene, but Hepzefa shook his head.

"What if a priest can't get through to Mery? The only person I know who can is Lady Nefertari. I know she's upset about his majesty, but… I think she'd come out for Mery."

Khemu wanted to argue, but he eventually nodded. Hepzefa looked back to Sati. "Think you can do that?" Sati was quiet for a long second. She was scared of the guards posted in front of the alcove entrance and Lady Nefertari's door. She was frightened of running through the halls without the Pharaoh with her. But… She had to be brave. Sati took a deep breath and nodded.

"Yes." Sati replied. "I can do it."

Hepzefa gave her a soft smile and nodded back. He released her and nodded to Khemu and Kiya. When he saw them nod their heads in return, he turned to race after his sister, Khemu on his heels. Kiya then ran out, with another Khemu following her. Sati was soon the only one left, and she turned when a hand appeared at her side. There was the third Khemu, holding his hand out to her.

"Ready?" He asked.

She was, but she needed to do one thing. It scared her slightly, but she needed to be seen. Sati pulled the cape off of her shoulders and tossed it over the closest chair; no one would come in and take it. She then took Khemu's hand.

"Ready."

With that, the two raced out of the alcove and towards the royal chambers.

I didn't know how long it'd been since I stopped screaming. My throat burned, and my head ached from the lack of water; my stomach growled wildly since I hadn't eaten since the previous night. The only reason I made it back to my chambers at all was because Lady Isis gripped my shoulders and took me herself. I was still crying, though. The tears hadn't stopped even as the next afternoon arrived. My kohl was probably a mess, but I didn't care. No one was going to be looking at me; why bother fixing my face? I gave another hiccup, dropping my head back into my knees.

"Yami…" I whimpered.

My Pharaoh couldn't have been dead…. He had to be alive somehow! There was no way that Bakura could have defeated him! My body heaved another sob. I wish I knew what had happened and why Shetan was forced to come back alone.

It was just my luck that all this happened the day I confessed.

I tried to catch my breath, forcing air through my lungs. It hurt; the burning and aching only reinforced that Yami was gone, and I didn't know where he was or if he was even alive.

No one had disturbed me. Lady Isis had tried to coax me out during the night, but she was unsuccessful as I was inconsolable. She must have known something as she quietly breathed a calming word before walking out. No other priest tried to come in after that. I faintly heard the guards talking to someone outside, but they never let anyone in. I was grateful; I didn't want anyone seeing me like this.

My brain then made me think about what was going on outside of my room. The palace was most likely in shambles as they scrambled for what to do with Yami's absence. The priests also had to work out what to do with Bakura's attack inside the walls; I still didn't know who had gotten hurt. My heart ached at the thought of my kids. They were probably worried sick…

With great effort, I forced my head out from my knees. The sunlight through the window was blinding, but I figured it was a punishment for being a hermit like I was. I was immediately ashamed at the sight of the ice spears clinging to the walls and piercing through trees. This was far worse than what I'd done on Domino Pier that day… I prayed I didn't hurt anyone.

A glint of golden light then hit my eyes. I flinched back, covering them. "What the…" I turned slightly and saw the small golden pendant that Marik had given me hanging from the partition that hid the bed from the entrance of the room. I stared as it glinted innocently as the light filtered through the trees. How had it gotten over there? It wasn't far, so I was able to crawl over the sheets and pulled it free. It had gotten caught on one of the wooden connectors but not tight enough that it was hard to free. I sat back down, staring at the little pendant in my hand.

Despite it being metal and the weather being hot, the pendant was cold to the touch, almost freezing in fact. Even with my cold skin, my body recognized that it was freezing. I couldn't remember if I had been wearing it yesterday; was I? And… How did it get on the partition and not on my vanity? I then saw that the string was broken and sighed. I had ripped it off my neck and thrown it during my grief. How embarrassing. I didn't move to fix it, though. I kept my eyes on the tiny upside down pyramid. I suddenly wanted it to give me a memory. Something! Anything! It had so teasingly given me memories before; why not now?

The guards then began to speak outside the room, making me look up. Their voices were soft; were they trying to not disturb me? I looked back to the pendant and sighed when I still saw nothing.

I needed a distraction to stop looking at this silly pendant.

I hesitantly got to my feet, gripping the bedpost until I had my balance. Once I had it, I walked over to my vanity to look myself over. Thankfully, kohl was so waterproof that I wasn't too worse for wear. I thanked whatever god allowed that before quickly fixing my pendant, slipping on a new string, and sliding it over my head. My skin tingled at the cold metal touching it. Once it was in place, I walked towards the door.

The guards had stepped away from the entrance, one leaning down to talk to something a tad shorter than him. "What's going on?" Gods, my voice was so scratchy… Both guards jumped to attention, turning in my direction. Their eyes were wide in surprise.

"Great Wife!" One gasped.

"W-w-we're sorry if we disturbed you!" The other stuttered.

I shook my head and waved my hand in a dismissive motion.

"Everything's fine. What's…" My words faded.

I trailed away when I saw Khemu and Sati standing in front of the door. The little girl wasn't even wearing Yami's cape. "What…?" The moment they saw my eyes on them, they raced towards me. The guards fumbled to try and stop them, but, with me bending down to look at them better, they stopped.

"Mery!" Khemu gasped.

Mery? My heart began to race in fear and panic.

"What's wrong with Mery? Is she okay?"

"She was talking to someone I couldn't see, and then her eyes got all unfocused!" Sati jumped in. "She then started to walk out of the alcove!"

"When Hepzefa tried to stop her, he got shocked!" Khemu added.

I flipped my eyes between them, trying to absorb their words as quickly as I could. Mery was talking to someone Sati couldn't see? Mery's ability couldn't do anything like that from what I knew. I then got concerned with the whole 'unfocused eyes' comment. What the heck was that about? "When she didn't stop, Hepzefa had me split into three and go with everyone around the palace." Okay… Khemu must be able to see through all of his doubles' eyes to coordinate with everyone.

"Where is Kiya?" I asked, trying to get a general idea of Hepzefa's plan.

"She and Khemu were getting a priest!" Sati replied.

Good idea. A priest might have been able to get Mery to her senses. Khemu flicked his eyes away for a quick second then looked back. He must have been checking their progress.

"We found Master Kalim!" Khemu added. "He's following us now!"

Good… But, where was Mery herself?

"And where is Hepzefa?" I asked.

"We're chasing Mery through the palace. She started running, so it's been hard to keep up!"

Where would she have to run to? My heart was picking up speed. Khemu's eyes then widened. "She's stopped! The guards won't let her walk in somewhere, but she's not fighting!" I quickly straightened, getting to my feet.

"Where?"

Khemu didn't know how to describe her location, but he quickly led me there. Sati was adamant in following along, so I let her. I'm sure more than a few guards gave double takes when they saw me racing through the palace, but they didn't try and stop me. I was led out one of the side entrances and down the causeway toward the shrines at the far side of the palace complex. I immediately recognized the place as the shrine of Wedju; why was Mery running here? At the entrance of the front most shrine was a large crowd. I recognized Kalim's frame and the bodies of Hepzefa, Khemu, Kiya, and Mery. "Hepzefa!" My eldest turned around, and my heart dropped when I saw tears prick at his eyes. He dashed towards us, meeting us halfway.

"She's still acting strange…." Hepzefa whimpered. "I can't wake her up…. I… I don't know what to do…."

I immediately bent down, holding his arms gently. It brought his eyes to mine.

"You've already done the right thing."

Hepzefa gave a hesitant nod. "You made a plan, executed it, and followed through." He hiccupped, nodding again. I smiled at him. He must have been so scared, but, in a very Yami-like fashion, he kept his head above water and focused on the most important thing. "You did all of that without a gift. I'm proud of you, Hepzefa." More tears slipped out, but he gave a stronger nod. I pressed a quick kiss to his forehead before pulling away. "Now, let's see what I can do."

I slipped away from Hepzefa and walked over to Kalim, who was bent down looking at Mery. The girl was standing absolutely frozen still. My heart picked up speed again. "Can you see anything wrong, Master Kalim?" The priest shook his head.

"Unfortunately not, Great Wife." Kalim replied. "If Shada were here, he could look to see if a Ka monster is influencing her, but he is out searching."

He didn't need to explain why Shada was searching. My heart began to weep at the mention, but I kept my focus on Mery. "I am also not Aknadin and see into her mind." Where was Master Aknadin anyway? He was the guardian of the shrine, wasn't he? I didn't ask the question aloud as the priest pulled out the Millennium Scales then. The object glowed for a second, but the golden plates remained even. "But I do see that her heart is in balance still. Nothing has changed in her. Perhaps she is overshadowed?"

"Overshadowed? But by what?"

"I am not sure."

At that moment, Mery finally looked up, turning ever so slightly so that I could see her face. Sati had been correct in saying her eyes were unfocused. The hazel eyes that were generally filled with light were almost dead, staring right through Kalim and up at me. Hardly caring about being shocked, I stepped closer and took her arms. Surprisingly, I felt no pain as my skin touched hers.

"Mery?"

She didn't reply. Her face simply turned towards me and our eyes locked. I held them and tightened my grip. "Mery. Wake up." Mery did blink this time, but her eyes remained unfocused. Her head then turned back towards the shrine, and my eyes followed hers.

She'd come here for a reason. I didn't know what it was, but something had lured us here. I took a deep breath. Fine. If she wanted in there, I'd see what she wanted. I then got to my feet and turned towards the guards. "Let her through."

"Great Wife."

"No."

I flicked my eyes towards Kalim, seeing him look concerned. "She's come here for a reason. I suspect that, whatever has a grip on her, won't let her go until it has what it wants."

"But in the shrine…."

"Mery does not have a Millennium Item; she cannot summon any of the Kas inside."

Kalim gave a sigh. I understood he was concerned, but I had a feeling that the Kas weren't in the equation. My eyes moved to Mery, seeing her eyes still locked on the shadowy inside of the shrine. I looked back up again. "Let's just see what she wants." Kalim gave another sigh, but he did nod. I looked back to the guards, and they stepped back, opening the way. "Okay, Mery, go on." Wordlessly, Mery walked inside the shrine, and I followed. Faintly, I heard someone try to follow, but they were stopped. I didn't know by what, but I didn't turn back.

Mery, still not speaking a word, walked up the steps of the high dais inside then stopped. I followed, jumping two to three steps at a time to keep her in my sight. I had just reached the top when Mery turned around to face me. The unfocused eyes were unnerving, but I tried not to flinch. When I got close enough again, I took her arms back. "Mery. Mery." My calls didn't wake her, making me sigh. Then, after a moment's thought, I decided to try something else. "Who are you, and why have you taken control of my daughter?" Mery's face finally moved; it lifted into a smile.

"I did not mean to frighten anyone." Mery replied. "I apologize, Iliana."

I flinched. Mery has never called me that, nor did I think she even knew my birth name. The smile remained on her face. "I simply wished to speak with you, and Mery wanted to help." Mery wanted to help? But Mery was the one talking! I opened my mouth to voice my confusion, but I stopped. Wait a minute… I kept my eyes on her face. There was a very familiar echoey voice that was just behind Mery's… I had heard it once before but in a very different scenario. My breath caught in my throat, the surprise making it hard to breathe. He was speaking through her… Just as I realized it, Mery's smile grew. "It's nice to be recognized, especially by someone who fights tooth and nail to say I'm the best of the three." My cheeks lit up in a blush. Of course he would know about my arguments with Meg about the God Cards. Slifer chuckled, the echoey sound bleeding slightly through Mery's laugh.

"What are you doing here?"

"What am I doing here?" Slifer playfully asked. "Now that seems like a silly question."

"It isn't."

Mery's noncommittal hum bounced off the walls of the shrine. The god was awfully playful for some reason.

"Well, since you must know, I'm following the proper flow of your memories."

What? Mery's smile grew again. "3000 years ago, young Mery offers to help a disembodied voice right a wrong that should never have happened. The being then takes control of her body and leads enough people here to lure you away from your grief." The smile faded slightly, and Mery's head tilted away as if in shame. "It should never have happened, and yet… We did not foresee Diabound being able to copy abilities that quickly." Mery gave a soft growl, Slifer's own growl bleeding through it. "We were fools…."

My brain was running a million miles an hour. I knew Mery had a big heart and would offer to help anyone who came onto her path, but a disembodied voice? I may need to have a… Wait a minute… He said 3000 years ago. Was this not the past? I tightened my grip on Mery's arms, grounding myself.

"You said 3000 years ago."

Mery's head lifted. She wasn't smiling, but a twitch of her lips showed amusement.

"Yes? And what about it?"

"Is this not the past? Is everything that's happened exactly as it was?"

A smile finally lifted her face again, but she shook her head gently.

"Not to the letter. Minor changes here and there, but that's about it."

Mery's smile grew. "Don't you remember where you are?" I fought not to growl. He was teasing me! He was poking fun at me for not remembering what happens! Wanting to prove him wrong, I wracked my brain, desperately trying to find the answer. Finally, it hit me when Slifer had Mery hum a playful tune.

It was the tune of Zorc and Pals from the Yugioh abridged show!

"This is a Shadow Game. Yami and Yami Bakura are at that table in the Museum."

"Bingo."

I stared at Mery, seeing her smile grow even brighter. "This entire world is a giant role-playing game created from the memories of the Pharaoh and the dark god, Zorc Necrophades, and you're playing your part to perfection." I blinked. "And, just as Yugi said, he and the others are searching this world for the Pharaoh's name as it is the key to winning this game." My brain was whirling again. I remembered bits and pieces now: Yami controlling his true self like he was a Dungeons and Dragon's character and an hourglass to control time. I blushed as I remembered a few playful bits. Did he have to talk that out with Yami Bakura? Gods, I hoped not. I then grew suspicious.

"Are you here because of the Game Master?"

Mery's laugh didn't soothe me. It only made me more nervous.

"Hardly, like that broken creature could handle my or my brethren's power. I am here, just as I told you before because I have always brought you here."

Mery's smile turned sweet. "I cannot summon myself nor could any priest as the Millennium Pendant is in the enemy's hands. I may be a god, but I do have rules I must obey. Thankfully, Mery's gift is so versatile that I can use her connection to you as a means of reaching you without the use of a Millennium Item. It also helps that she has been raised well and listens to the little voice begging for help." Yep, I would have a chat with her about talking to strangers, especially disembodied ones. "Don't be angry with her. She technically did not agree to be overshadowed; I happily accept the blame for that." I heaved a sigh, hearing another of Mery's laughs.

Once again, my mind was racing a mile a minute. How could I have forgotten that this whole world was just a game? That piece of info was so essential, and it up and took a smoke break. I took a deep breath, letting my anger melt away. I needed to focus on something else for a second. My eyes lifted back to Mery, seeing her eyes still unfocused but the smile on her face. Slifer went through a lot of trouble to do this. First, he had to convince Mery to help him. Then, he had to ensure someone came to get me. Why though? What was so important that he'd go through all of this? Rather than question in silence, I decided to ask.

"Why go through all this trouble? Why bring me here?"

Mery's unfocused eyes flipped away for a second, almost in shame. I gave the god a moment to compose himself, then watched as he looked back to me.

"I have brought you here to apologize for my dismal failure."

Failure? "You asked me, now as well as all those years ago, to protect the Pharaoh when he chases after Bakura and I failed." I blinked. "To make up for my failure, I give you an offer, Great Royal Wife. The country is in shambles after its Pharaoh is lost; it needs someone to keep it steady and begin the rebuilding efforts until he is found." I blinked, seeing as Mery's sweet smile returned. "No priest will take that job as they are so focused on finding their King, but the Great Royal Wife can." What? He wanted me to sit on the throne in Yami's place? Mery's smile grew even as my heart picked up in speed. "It wouldn't be the first time a woman has sat on the throne of Egypt."

"Yes, but…"

"Someone needs to look after these people, NPCs or not. So, if you do that, I will see to it that no one questions your authority and no one will harm you, now and always."

I blinked. This was the reason why Slifer did all those strange things… Why he would protect me… Even after all that time, he kept his word. A shaky breath escaped me, and Mery chuckled. "I know it's a lot, but someone has to." My head was spinning now. What do I do? I needed time to think.

"I… I know I've agreed to this before, but could I have a moment to think about it?"

Mery's smile sweetened, and she nodded.

"Of course. I'll even give you Mery back. You know where to go if you agree."

Mery blinked, and her hazel eyes finally cleared. She blinked again before lifting a hand to her head and giving a groan. I tightened my grip on her arms, holding her steady.

"Mery?"

Mery's eyes lifted, and they caught mine. She looked so confused.

"Lady Nefertari?" Mery asked. "Where… where am I? The last thing I remember is being in the alcove…."

Slifer must have blocked her memory so that she didn't hear anything. Probably for the best, but I still felt bad.

"You're in the Shrine of Wedju. How do you feel?"

"My head hurts, and I'm dizzy."

Mery gave another groan, hiding her head in her hand. "There was this voice…. He sounded so sad… I just wanted to help…." I sent Mery a smile. She had such a big heart. She was still going to get a talking to, though.

"I'm not mad, Mery. I'm just glad you're okay."

Mery's eyes lifted, and I gave her another smile. I straightened back up and helped her toward the stairs. I then remembered I wanted to think, so I stopped myself from going down with her. "Your brother's outside, along with everyone else." Mery quickly turned back around.

"You're not coming with me?"

"I'll follow in a minute. I need a moment to think."

Mery nodded, looking a tad concerned, but she did step carefully down the dais steps. I watched as she made it out of the shrine before looking up at the stone slabs of the Hidden gods. Each one was immediately identified, and it looked like their carved eyes were all locked on me. Slifer, and maybe even the other two, wanted me to sit on Yami's throne and rule until he returned. I had agreed all those years ago based on Slifer's actions throughout Battle City. I heaved a sigh, bringing my own hand to my head. What was I supposed to do? I was lost. My second hand lifted to my little pedant; it was still cold to the touch. "What do I do, Yami?"

This time, it saw fit to give me something.

Instead of being in my mind's eye, I actually heard the sounds in my ears. There was a strange rustling sound, and I looked up to identify it. Sitting on the far side of the dais was an eight or nine-year-old me with a twelve or so year old Yami. He had just finished weaving a flower crown and placed it on my head. The little me looked confused, but Yami only smiled.

"I may not be Pharaoh yet," Young Yami began, his voice echoey in my ears. "but, as the son of the King and his Great Royal Wife, the throne is mine by birthright, so I can choose my own wife."

I watched as he poked one of the petals on my head. "With this crown, I name you my first and only queen. Until I pick or am forced to marry another, will you rule our home with me?" Tears pricked at my eyes, watching as the little me nodded her head wildly and wrapped her friend in a tight hug.

Even after all that time, he still picked me….

The memory faded, and the pendant finally began to warm up. A tear or two escaped my eyes. I didn't know the context in which he said those words, but to me now, it showed that he cared and trusted me even as a child. He trusted me to help him take care of the country we called home.

And right now, they needed someone to lead them.

I quickly wiped my tears away and turned back towards the entrance of the shrine. I exited, and anyone who had been talking silenced themselves. My kids were still there; Hepzefa was holding his sister's hand in a death grip. Kalim was there as well, eyes hard with concern. I tried to give him a smile before looking back at my kids. "Can I trust you all to make it back to the alcove by yourselves?"

"But can't you walk with us?" Kiya asked.

I sighed. "Please?" My heart begged me to say yes. These kids had me wrapped around their fingers. I tried to fight it, but Kalim broke in.

"The people can wait a few minutes, Great Wife." Kalim breathed. "Your children need you."

I sighed again but nodded. He was right; I had abandoned them for most of the day. They deserved to have me even for a few minutes. I turned back to them.

"Come on." I told them.

Without arguing, my kids followed me back into the palace. I held Sati and Kiya's hand, smiling when they looked nervously up at me. I hoped to soothe them even just a little bit. When we reached the alcove, I immediately noticed Yami's cape thrown over a chair. Sati had been so brave to walk out of here without it. Playfully, I pulled it free and wrapped it back around the little girl. I kissed all of their foreheads, with surprisingly no whining from the boys, then straightened up. "Please be good?" They all nodded. I smiled once more then walked out of the alcove.

No one stopped me as I walked towards the throne room. Kalim met me at the entrance, bowing his head and helping me inside. The remaining priests, besides Master Aknadin and Shada, were gathered below the empty throne. They all looked exhausted; they must not have slept through the night just as I hadn't. Seto's fists were clenched at his side, his face a mask of anger and disappointment. Shimon, through his veil, was a mask as well. My former mistress had her eyes closed, her hands circling the Millennium Necklace like she was waiting for something to appear from it. When I got closer, her eyes opened and widened.

"Iliana…" Lady Isis breathed, racing towards me.

I let her embrace me, feeling her grip my clothes tightly. When she pulled away, which wasn't for at least a minute, she gave me a concerned look. "You should be resting." I shook my head.

"I can rest later."

My former mistress opened her mouth to argue, but I shook my head again. "I will repeat what Seto said. We cannot continue to let our tears drain into the river; we must take action." Out of the corner of my eye, I saw Seto straighten up, a new fire burning in his eyes. I pulled away from Lady Isis and walked towards the throne. I only stopped once when I reached Shimon, who was standing at the edge of it. "I sit on this throne in his name, not mine." Shimon gave a gentle bow of his head, and he walked with me up the dais. Just like before, the throne was uncomfortable, but it was a burden I would bear until Yami came back. I took a deep breath then opened my eyes. A few priests' eyes had gone wide, but they didn't say anything. A quick peek showed a translucent Slifer circling the throne. He wasn't summoned; he was just there to show his power and keep his word. I quickly cleared my throat and got all eyes again. "Where do we begin?"

Yami Bakura: Question!

Oh boy... What is it?

Yami Bakura: How was Slifer able to appear there at the end?

Oh! Uh... The three are kinda protectors of the King, right? So, in ruling in his name, she's kinda become the King. And... he's able to show up because magic is... magic.

Yami Bakura: Ah. Makes sense... What was up with that grandma?

*Laughs* Well... I guess there were curses even before Meg.

Yami Bakura: Wat?!