A/N: Whee! I'm not too sure about this chapter, being as I had a rather irritating block on it for the longest time... but it's finished at last. If anyone's looking for an artful (yeah, right) butchering of Yuugiou characters and numerous other-fandom references, check out Reality Check, the fic I've been somewhat occupied with, lately.
Thanks go to Blue September for beta'ing, and the usual crew for being lovely, as always!
In Ancient Past
A Yuugiou fanstory by Arashinobara
Part Two – In the Eye of the Beholder
Atemu stayed with the Queen until she slept. His mother's dislike for Seth had been evident from the start, though he was only just beginning to realise how deeply it ran; he didn't dare leave while facing the possibility of the young Priest being dragged before her.
The boy slipped silently from her chambers and almost stumbled as the shield she had used to cut him from his Shadows, dissipated abruptly. A smile flashing briefly across his face, he conjured a globe of black fire with a wave of his hand before quenching it in the other palm.
In his glee, the young Prince almost missed the presences of two of the deaf and mute elite guards who had chosen to follow him. For once, however, he neglected to object to their presence – Seth was not here, after all, and there could only be harm done to the Priest if Atemu was harmed through what many could perceive as his own Guardian's neglect.
"My Prince."
Atemu paused, ready to snap at whomever dared address him, though he relaxed when he saw who it was. "Safiya. Where is Seth? Did you not obey the Queen's command?" Safiya smiled at the note of repressed hope that entered her Prince's voice.
"I know he is dear to you, and though I love the Queen with more than due reverence, I love my Prince also. To love my Prince is to love his Priest; my Mistress' fever is clouding her judgement." Safiya's eyes were unsettlingly knowing.
"You speak blasphemy, slave," Atemu said, deliberately reminding her of her station. For some reason he couldn't understand, he was becoming uncomfortable at her words. "I could have your head for speaking of my mother so."
Safiya remained disappointedly unruffled. "And death shall be your way to reward your loyal subjects when you are God among Men? If so, you will make a terrible Pharaoh, Atemu."
Atemu bristled in spite of himself, taking two steps forward. "Remember that I am the Prince, one day to be the Morning and Evening Star, as He-Who-Lives-Eternal. My Queen's fondness of you will only tide you over so far before you push me beyond return and I demand blood appeasement from you."
Safiya smiled, unruffled. "Regardless, I have no news of Seth's whereabouts – however, I do carry a message from the High Priest Abasi. He wishes for you to understand you are late for your lesson on high diplomatic relations.
Atemu bit his lip. He hated diplomatic relations. "I –"
"Very well. I shall tell him you will be there shortly." Safiya glided serenely away, and Atemu resisted the urge to call upon the Shadows. 'Impudent bitch,he thought grumpily, deciding to skip the lesson. Looking for Seth was time better spent than learning how to say 'hello' to those Greek dogs; they were so thick one of Seth's slingstones couldn't make a dent in their fool skulls. Atemu nodded, pleased with his reasoning as he wandered off in the opposite direction Safiya had gone. Master Abasi Stone-face could do without him for once.
Seth was tired.
He honestly could not remember the last time he had been so exhausted; his mind felt shredded from its exposure to the Sennen Eye, and even Dios' attempts had not been able to keep the Darkness from closing in. The young Priest was unsure if Akunadin even realised just how stifling his aura was – it reeked of power and blood-magic, and was so thick it was difficult to see where the Shadows ended and the man began.
Seth was thankful to note that the Eye's erratic leakage of Shadow magic was less damaging once they had exited the Portal. Taking the reprieve to rebuild his tattered mind shields, Seth didn't realise he and Shimon were alone until Shimon's mind brushed his own in faint concern.
"Master?"
"You feel tired," Shimon said drily, "and look worse. I'd advise you retire this very moment and sleep away the mind-assault."
Seth looked away. "I do not understand – I thought my shields were sufficient, but that Eye..."
"Release all thoughts of self-blame this instant," Shimon said sharply. "Such is the power of the Sennen Eye, which cannot be fought – it is particularly damaging to us, being that its innate power is to see directly into our souls; to know us with even deeper intimacy than we know ourselves."
"And we, being linked to the Sennen Rod, possess Empathic powers," Seth realised, suddenly understanding the pain he had felt. "We build our shields naturally to protect us from the emotions and thoughts of others; to face an intruding power as great as the Sennen Eye devastated us."
Shimon nodded briskly, grey eyes twinkling. "Truly the Gods smiled on me the day they blessed me with an apprentice as quick and efficient as you, young Seth. There can be none other so worthy of my position when I am gone."
Seth looked away, feeling somewhat embarrassed at the praise. "Thank you, Master."
The High Priest smiled broadly at his apprentice's sudden discomfort. "Come, then, to my chambers. Having had a little prior experience with the Sennen Eye, I understand that a little warm wine can take away its sting."
Seth smiled in spite of himself, but shook his head. "I have wine in my own chambers, but I think my mind would rest best when I know my Prince is safe after I have left him for such a time."
Shimon's eyes softened. "There are few who can be a lone Guardian and fulfil his Priest's duties as well. You are a rare person, Seth – the Gods must love you well."
Seth's cheeks darkened again. "I am blessed only in that I have such an opportunity to serve the Gods and to guard their lineage."
"One day, you will learn to accept a compliment for a compliment," Shimon said drily. "Rest well; may the Night send you pleasant visions."
"Gods willing, nothing but the same will bless your own sleep," Seth bowed deeply and left in search of his charge.
'On occasion, I have encountered the High Priest Shimon's Hands and messengers. They all knew me, and carried news of and from my brother. All of his missives read the same – each inquired after my health, my whereabouts, my quest. He always pleaded for me to return home to him.
'How could I, when it is only now that the searing in my soul has been tempered? Since the lightless day I took the Eye, it has burned within its socket with unending flame. It cannot be that I am not its Chosen wielder, for I would have been stricken dead upon the spot had I been false...
'But why did it burn? Why pain me and my link to the Shadow until it hurt to cast my magic, or to call Gadius? Why force me live in agony for eighteen years, and choose now to relinquish its hateful grip upon me?
'Has my spirit been cleansed enough to balance my Item's darkness? Or has my soul blackened so much that the Eye has finally found its home in fathomless shadow?
'Perhaps I should be fearful or uncertain that the pain has left, for in its wake it leaves uncertainty. I cannot afford that – not now. Not now, when I have returned to the Court and all its petty asps and vipers. Not now, when...'
Those eyes...
'I have met my son, and his name is Seth. Seth, of whom Shimon had oft written to me, and Seth, whose accomplishments I had viewed with a mere detachedness. How could I have known that he who had drunk the asp poison from the Prince's blood, he who had won the Prince's favour, he who had given Shimon fits with his refusal to shave his head, was in fact my son
'He is tall, and still growing. His power is cleverly disguised for those who do not know better – an Empath! The Gods have already received sacrifice to convey my thanks, for surely they have blessed my son... His might lies like a great, heavy coil beneath his skin. It is easy, though staggering, to see how he had advanced so far from the ranks of peasantry despite being denied any knowledge or connection to his noble birthright.
'His mother was a foreign craftsman's daughter who had cared for me when the pain of the Eye's burn had proved unbearable. In my gratitude, she had appeared as beauty incarnate. When the pain left, she was still as fair a woman as I had ever met, and I bedded her zealously.
'I look at Seth now, and I see the exquisite balance of Jamila's delicacy and strength in his face. His frame is slender-built, like his mother's, and the red and gold-streaked chestnut hair is also hers... but he has my eyes.
'Jamila, if only you could see our son now.'
As Seth soon discovered, Atemu had not gotten far in his search for his Guardian. The older boy had merely to return to his chambers and Atemu was there, his naked body curled catlike under the covers on Seth's bed.
Stricken by uncharacteristic indecision, Seth watched his Prince sleep as the sun dipped demurely in the sky. Finally, stiff with lack of movement, he moved from the doorway and poured two bowls of wine. A tendril of magic teased at the red liquid before entering it, and Seth waited to see the steam rise from the bowls before lifting one to his mouth, taking a tentative sip of the heated wine. The headache lessened, and Seth spared a brief, grateful thought to his absent Master.
"Is that for me?" a drowsy voice inquired.
Seth swore as his hand jerked and purplish-red liquid fell to stain the front of his robes. Shedding them quickly, he stood naked before remembering his Prince's presence. The Priest's cheeks darkened at the obvious interest Atemu displayed in his body before Seth fumbled for some other covering.
'I had not noticed before.'
Atemu's earlier actions had opened Seth's eyes to the fact that his Prince's affection went well beyond the ties of mere servant and liege.
Shimon would kill him, if not for encouraging such feelings, then for being so oblivious as to allow them to develop so far.
And yet...
"Seth?" The young Priest watched in blank incomprehension as the crook of his elbow appeared to sprout a mop of ludicrous hair. Atemu's huge red eyes blinked up at him as the Prince wormed his way under his Guardian's arm and latched securely onto the taller boy's waist, nuzzling into his side affectionately.
'I have been...' The breath in Seth's lungs hitched before he lifted his arms to rest tentatively around his Prince's small form. Trembling lips pressed a kiss against dark, red-tipped hair. 'I have been so blind'
Seth's mouth tightened as he experienced a very sudden, very real, very foolish urge to sit down and laugh until the breath left his lungs and he crossed over into the arms of Osiris-in-the-Afterlife. If any were to see his actions now... What scandal! What impropriety! What blasphemy!
The Gods help him, he was condoning this... this abomination to continue!
"My Prince..." You should return to your room. It is prudent for you to leave my presence at once, for I have already corrupted you beyond my redemption. I will always be your willing, loyal servant, but it will do my heart good if you never saw me again...
"Yes, Seth?
Seth lifted him; supported his Prince against his hip as if he were still a babe; let the robe fall from his body as he retrieved the bowl of heated wine and offered it to the younger boy. "Drink."
Atemu smiled slyly at his Priest. "Only if you will share with me. I seem to have caused the loss of your own." He cast a significant look at the stained clothes, and Seth's throat tightened.
He nodded.
'My heart will surely be given to Ammit upon my Judgement.'
"Sleep with me, Seth?" Atemu wrapped both arms about Seth's neck, pressing a sloppy, wet kiss to a bare shoulder. The small mouth smiled wickedly against his Guardian's warm skin as Atemu felt the sudden shudder running through the older boy. "Seth?" he crooned softly.
'To my namesake, Seth of Storms... quell the chaos in my mind... to Osiris, my young Lord's greatsire... I beg of you, know I shall shield my Prince from arrow, sword and magic with my own body and soul.'
He couldn't disobey.
'To Hathor, o' Queen of Queens, wise lover and beloved – I beg of you to guard Atemu's heart, for I cannot...
'I cannot...'
Seth lay stiffly as Atemu curled contentedly about his rigid frame, the Prince's small hands stroking languidly at his face, voice murmuring quietly into the silence.
"...and one day, I will go to the far West so I can see the world's end, where Ra battles nightly... shall tame a crocodile... I will have many sons, and many wives, but only one consort... you shall be my Highest Priest, to be raised above all High Priests... I will be able to use the sling as well as you do... the Shadows will be at my command..."
In Seth's half-lidded sight, each dream and hope rose in fragile birth before drifting, golden and pure, into the deepness of night. Atemu's eyes glowed the dark of dried blood in the dim moonlight, and Seth found himself relaxing, even adjusting so that his Prince would fit more comfortably into his embrace.
He sleeps.
And Seth wondered briefly if he shouldn't plead a reprieve from his obligations as Guardian... just to rediscover his certainty in his duty, to grow the core of unquestioning obedience that he had always been proud of lacking. He mused about the glittering look in Atemu's eyes, and the way he had tried to kiss him earlier that afternoon – clumsily. Awkwardly. With passion, and passion that had not been groomed into him by the teachers selected specifically for that purpose; that is, to instruct him in the art of pleasing a partner.
In the night when he held his Prince in sleep, Seth was always more aware of the way his heart clenched sweetly; the swell of desperate affection threatened to suffocate him. This was his Prince – he was bound only to the Gods and to this boy, and it was an intoxicating thought. If ever he had a son, as he sometimes wished to, Seth doubted he could care for his own flesh and blood greater than he did for the Heir. My Prince.
Seth slipped gratefully into sleep, the darkness granting him oblivion from further thought. He would think further on it later, when he was not so warm with wine and love.
Seth woke drowsily to the warm sensation of lips pressing gently against his forehead.
"Atemu?" he mumbled, clutching the smaller boy close to him. A low, amused chuckle broke through the haze of sleep, and Seth's eyes snapped open in alarm as he pushed the sleeping Prince roughly behind him, Shadow magick summoning his sling into his hand.
"Easy, my brother," a light voice chuckled pleasantly. "I do believe that is the first occasion on which I have been able to take you by surprise. A celebration is in order, yes?"
Seth felt comprehension tug at his mind. He lowered his weapon, embarrassed at being caught all but defenceless. "Shada," he murmured. The older Priest smiled gently, and Seth gently nudged the stirring Atemu over so that he could make room for his friend. "How went your journey? Has the Holy Elf come to walk among us again?"
Shada shed his jewelled girdle and and cloak, leaving him in a loose, comfortable tunic, before slipping into bed next to Seth. "Nay, she crossed over with the Lady Healer, but I have met the Stern Mystic, who boasts knowledge of healing and magick. I have guided him and his kin through the Portal and into our Realm." Shada twined his fingers with Seth's, and the younger could feel his blush, but made no move to disentangle himself from his elder companion. "After telling Shimon of my success, as is my duty, I came to see you."
Seth hesitated before wrapping his naked arms around Shada's neck and pressing his face into the fine linen of his friend's robes. "I am pleased," he murmured, and flushed again.
"I'm sure you are," Shada's mouth quirked arrogantly, and he caught Seth's mouth in a kiss. "I missed you."
"You were gone for scarce a half-day," Seth retorted breathlessly. "And leave your lechery 'til another night – if you have not noticed, the Prince lies with us here – do you see?"
"I see all too well." Seth suppressed his laugh at Shada's mock-disgust. "Has there been any news in my absence?"
Seth shook his head 'no', and then paused. "Forgive me, it has slipped my mind. High Priest Akunadin of the Sennen Eye has returned."
Shada stiffened in Seth's arms. "Akunadin? Brother of the Pharaoh... Gods bless, perhaps his soul has settled at last."
"I have not heard much tell of him."
"And you would not," Shada said quietly. "Tell me, though – did he look well?"
Eye of gold, eye of gold-and-green-and-brown...powerful build, piercing sight... strong features, mind-rending gaze...
Seth tightened his grip on Shada's shoulders. "He looks well... and yet ailing."
"He is ill? How?"
The younger Priest moved a hand so that it lay directly over Shada's heart.
"Here."
He slid his fingers up to brush over the man's face, let it rest against his temple. "Here."
And lastly, he drove his hand through the physical illusion of flesh, found the core of Shadow living within every being. "And here."
Shada froze, and was carefully still until Seth withdrew. Both watched as Shadows flickered in the dim light, solidified back into a human hand.
"Heart, mind and soul," Shada said at last. "Again, I might ask – how? Does his heart sicken? Does he grow senile? Is his ka suffering from things indeterminable?"
"There is no physical sickness – his heart is sound, and strong, but he is perturbed by things beyond his understanding. His emotions... I cannot read them. That disturbs me. His soul... brother, it is bound to the Eye. And within the Eye..." Seth paused, trying to articulate his thoughts without speaking treason.
"The Eye...?" Shada prompted.
"I cannot say."
A brief quiet.
Shada spoke first. "Then I shall wait for you to understand what you know. There is no malevolence in him, is there?"
"None I can tell," Seth admitted.
"Then we shall welcome a brother back into our fold, for he is not only Royal, but Holy through Priesthood." Shada kissed Seth again, lingeringly, and slipped out of bed. "I shall retire to my chambers. Were it not for the Prince, I would ask you to join me."
Seth darkened in embarrassment again as he read the older Priest's unshielded emotions. "Perhaps."
Golden light broke across the room, and Seth witnessed Shada winking slyly before he stole another kiss and retreated before Seth could react.
The sixteen-year-old touched his mouth with some embarrassment. Shada could be spectacularly indecent at times. Deciding that sleep would elude him, he sat up and watched Atemu sleep for several minutes before brushing the golden bangs from Atemu's closed eyes and then swinging his legs jauntily out of bed. It was a new day.
Behind him, Atemu's eyes opened, and the crimson gaze was both hurt and thoughtful.
A/N: Ohnoez! Atemu heard and prolly saw Seth and Shada's canoodling! Ohnoez! Ohnoez! Whatever shall we do!
Oh, I know. You guys can review, and I'll let you know what happens next chapter. ;D
You Might Want to Know That...
...when I say 'greatsire' I mean 'grandfather'. 'Sire', to father, 'great' used as meaning 'before' or 'greater than (in age)'.
...Ammit, the Devourer of the Dead that consumed any heart heavier than the feather of Ma'at at the weighing of the heart. It had the head of a crocodile, the shoulders of a lion, and the hindquarters of a hippopotamus – all fearsome animals for the Ancient Egyptians.
