Meant to have this up for Halloween, but stuff happened. so it's heard for Novel Writing Month. Thanks for reading
thanks battousaisgirl16 for helping edit this.
Enjoy :)
Chapter 66 Remember
"What do you mean you can't find the pharaoh?" Yugi almost shouted. The sun peeked over the horizon but Yugi only grew more frustrated.
"I only know a few locations," Babasa said
"But you followed the pharaoh."
"That I can not explain. I only acted."
Yugi kicked a sand dune. "Then why are you here?"
"Yugi." Tea chided.
Babassa looked down at the sand. "Don't know."
Yugi took a calming breath. "Then we keep going until we find him."
Mana was lost and panicked. The Pharaoh was missing, so was Esset, and Geb and the princess. Knowing Geb, he would be with Kana. search parties were roaming the country but Mana was on her own. Desperate for news and none of the priests or her grandfather allowing her to join the search parties she'd snuck out of the palace to find her friends.
Tired and sweating in the sun's heat she made her way down to the Nile for water and collect her thoughts. If she knew the Pharaoh and Esset they would seek shelter. But they wouldn't stay there with so many people being worried about them. Maybe that desert rat Akefia had found them and killed them and would take over the palace and the nation and set all the monsters on the people. She looked around, realizing she'd only succeeded in scaring herself. But there was so much land and she was only one person. She fell to her knees looking at her disheveled spiky brown hair and sweaty face. How could she even hope to find her friends?
Voices approached and she turned around to see a group of young people and what looked like a walking boulder with a turban making their way down the sand towards her. The clothes were strange and they all seemed to be arguing with each other. The smallest one split off from the group and she gasped.
"Pharaoh!" she ran forward.
The Pharaoh looked at her in confusion. Mana slowed, looking closer.
"Pharaoh? Why are you dressed so odd?"
"You can see me?" his voice was higher and he didn't seem to know who she was.
The other teens came up too.
"Wow, another person can see us?" the blond one said.
"Maybe she's like Bobasa." the girl said.
"Wait?" Mana said. "What are you doing looking like the Pharaoh? What are you doing here?"
The group looked at each. The Pharaoh look alike turned back to her.
"It's a long story."
"You're using your last move?" the Spirit of the Ring sneered across the table.
"Yes." the Nameless Pharaoh said.
"I hope it's the way you defeated me because I would love to know."
Nameless Pharaoh looked down at the motionless form of his spirit fragments. "I'm am not giving him that, not yet."
"You're a strange shadow game master." Spirit of the rings said. "What is your move?"
"I'm giving him my memories."
Yami woke in an unfamiliar place. It took a moment for him to recognize he was somehow in the palace courtyard. Something was off about it. It was weird and slightly fuzzy. Was he getting memories inside memories again? He groaned and pushed himself up. He must be in some kind of mental space. Falling off a cliff should hurt more than this.
He looked around at the space and realized he was in the courtyard of the palace. Two children ran around the corner. Shocked, Yami watched a younger him running from an even younger Mana around the courtyard while a slave followed at a respectful distance.
The children slowed down as they neared a small crowd near the gates. A group of priests and horses and two kids stood conversing outside the palace. Young Prince and Mana slipped behind a pillar and watched. So did Yami.
Mahad, around ten or so, stood trying to look official as he stood beside the current bearer of the Millennium Ring. Beside him looking particularly small next to the horse and the adults, was young Esset holding onto her brother's hand. Her wide brown eyes looked around the towering stones of the palace and walls. Coming back down to ground level her eyes met the two kids peeking behind the pillars. The younger Prince waved. Esset smiled.
A small group of adults came out including a man in the robe Yami had seen Akefia wear. This must be the Pharaoh. His father, he realized. Younger versions of Aknadin and Shimon approached the small group. The kids bowed to their king. Yami moved closer to hear and no one seemed to see him.
"The new applicant of the Millennium Ring has come, my Pharaoh." the current guardian of the ring said.
Mahad bowed again.
"You have two applicants?" Aknadin motioned to Esset. The girl tried to disappear behind her brother.
"There are some complications," the ring guardian said. "The young man wouldn't come unless his sister came with him."
"This is not done."
"But the Millennium Ring chose him so we had to bring them both."
"None of the items chose her, so she should not be allowed in the palace." Aknadin turned to the pharaoh looking for support.
"Why isn't the girl back home with her family?" the Pharaoh asked.
"They were killed in the attack from the Northern Invaders. The two have been living alone since then."
"Why would we send them back?" the Pharaoh said. "We will welcome her as a companion for the prince."
"Thank you, my Pharaoh." Mahad bowed, motioning for his sister to do the same.
The scene shifted.
Slightly older versions of Mana and Esset were under a fruit tree in the reflecting pool courtyard Yami recognized. Several years had gone past and the girls looked around 10 years old.
The girls seemed to be trying to get a fruit out of reach. Esset tried to get make a step out of her knee for Mana to stand on, but this didn't seem to be working.
Through the doorway came the prince and Mahad. The boys paused to see what was going on. The prince watched a little ways away but then he went up to them. Holding out his hand to steady the other girl so could snatch one of the ripe fruits. Giggling in joy Mana hopped off and started eating.
"Thank you, Ata." Esset said.
"Pleased to help." the prince helped her back.
"I could have gotten the fruit, my prince." Mahad said.
"Then why didn't you?" Esset teased.
Mahad's eyes suddenly widened. Yami noticed a snake slithering close to Esset's arm. Mahad lunged forward pushing his sister away from the snake. Fangs flashed in the sun. Mahad fell to the ground clutching his arm.
"Brother!" Esset knelt at his side. Guards appeared and went after the snake. Mana hovered outside, fruit forgotten in her hand.
"I'm alright." Mahad, teeth clenched, attempted to reassure his sister.
The prince knelt down beside them, grabbed the other boy's arm and began sucking on the wound.
"My prince." Mahad said. "What are you doing?"
The prince didn't break rhythm. Suck, spit, suck spit. Over and over. After a moment he finally paused.
"I need a bandage." the prince said.
Esset untied her sash and used it to tie off the wound.
Everyone stared at the prince. The guards, one holding the lifeless body of the snake in his hands, seemed to forget where they were.
"Come," the prince offered Mahad a hand. "You will need to go to the infirmary."
Esset also helped her brother to his feet.
The scene shifted.
Yami stood in a part of the palace he had never seen before. It was grand, but not as decorated as the Pharaoh's chambers. He saw several people in robes of the priests. This was probably the priests living quarters.
He noticed the prince, now a teen moving quietly around the halls. Ducking behind a pillar as a pair of priestesses passed. Yami also moved carefully, even if no one would hear him.
The prince confined and rounded the corner where there was a wooden door. The door was ajar. There was flickering light on the other side visible through the gaps A faint green glow appeared under the door frame. The prince pushed the door open, thinking maybe they'd forgotten to extinguish a lamp.
Esset sat on one of the beds and standing across from her was a woman with blue skin in a green dress. The prince gasped. The two women looked at the prince. The blue girl suddenly vanished.
Esset stood, expression terrified. "Ata . . . I . . . "
The prince looked confused. "You have a spirit monster?"
She covered her face with her hands. "Mahad told me to never let anyone see my spirit."
"So that's why you disappeared during the spirit extractions today."
She nodded. "Please don't turn me in."
"I'm not going to tell anyone." the prince closed the door behind them, making sure it was properly closed.
"But the pharaoh?"
"Doesn't have to know." the prince sat on the bed, motioning to the spot next to him. She sat next to him, staring at her hands.
"Why didn't you tell me?" he asked.
Her fingers unlocked and interlocked. "I couldn't. I didn't know how to tell you."
"You can tell me anything."
"I did not want you to get in trouble because you knew."
"You can trust me."
"I know."
His hand rested on top of hers, stopping her restless fingers. "It will be alright, Ess. I will protect you. Trust me."
She finally turned to face him. "I always have."
Their faces were close to each other. His other hand reached up brushing a strand of hair out of her face. Cupping a hand behind her neck the two slowly moved in until their lips touched. The kiss was light, chased, and inexperienced. Her hand slipped from under his and stroked his cheek.
The door opened and the two quickly separated. Mahad stood in the doorway. He looked shocked at seeing the future pharaoh sitting on his sister's bed and the two red as sunsets.
He gave his sister a look and then he retreated, closing the door behind him. They didn't hear the sound of footsteps retreating meaning Mahad remained outside the door waiting for the prince to leave.
The prince stood. Again he took her hands in his.
"Your secret is safe with me."
The scene changed again.
Bodies of priests lay around debris littered throne room. In the center of the carnage stood a crazed priest, whose name Yami derived from some shouting priests was Anubis. It was obvious the priest had grafted himself with some kind of power, making himself a monster. Priests and monsters flew around the room like rags in the wind.
The pharaoh and the remaining priests put up a defense near the throne. Off to the side of the roo, The prince and Esset, now around sixteen, and Mana huddled around a rubble mound. Poor cover but the attacker wasn't interested in them.
"We need to leave." Mana was near tears.
"Come on." Esset tried to pull the prince away,
"It's too late." he hissed. "He'll see us."
"Surrender, pharaoh." Anubis' voice echoed like thunder claps inside the stone hall. "Hand over your country and I may spare you and your son's life.
Only five monsters remained visible in front of the throne barricade. A less powerful version of the dark magician was among them. The small group watched in horror as another blast hit the magician causing it to flicker like a bad television picture. A thud could be heard followed by the magician disappearing.
"No!" Esset and Mana screamed.
Anubis turned towards the sound. His face split in an evil grin. None of the other monsters were fast enough to block the blast. The prince stood and pulled Mana behind him and braced himself for the attack.
Black energy erupted from Anubis' hand, becoming a pillar of destruction coming towards the teens.
Esset was suddenly there standing in front of the other two and raised her hands. Green lights erupted from her hands. The Mystical Elf appeared before her blocking the blasts with a defender of the shield wrapped around them the teens. The black energy ricocheted and hit another part of the hall.
Anubis looked a the shield and mustered another strike and the shield shattered. The elf disappeared and Esset flew across the room. The floor shook knocking others off their feet. Esset was forced to a kneeling position barely conscious. The prince ran up to stand in front of her. The flash in his eyes was enough to tell Yami what was about to happen.
"Slifer! I summon you!"
The red dragon slithered around the chamber, eyeing its opponent.
"You don't have the power to use this monster," Anubis said. "You're just a prince, not the Pharaoh."
A new figure appeared from behind the throne. Pharaoh Ahknamkomon stood with his hand on his son's shoulder. He looked about to fall over himself, but still manage to keep his commanding posture.
"Priests, lend us your monster's power." the Pharaoh commanded.
One by one the remaining monsters turned into light and entered the dragon's mouth. More lights appeared from other locations possibly from the wounded priests or other monsters. The red dragon's two sets of teeth glistened in the light of the monster's power.
"Attack!" the prince and Pharaoh commanded in unison. The blast tore through Anubis like a wave through sand. He gave a gut-wrenching cry as he collapsed. he gave a jerk and then lay still. Slowly other figures appeared from makeshift cover. Aknadin walked up to the body of Anubis. Picking up a sword from one of the fallen guards he sliced the dead man's head off. The prince flinched but didn't speak.
Shouts came from behind them. Yami and the prince turned in unison. Mahad, face matted from drying blood, struggled to break free of two other priests holding him back. He tried to reach another pair of guards who were escorting a dazed and terrified looking Esset from the hall. The prince also tried to follow. But his father's hand held him back. He watched powerlessly as his friend was led away.
The scene shifted. The prince and pharaoh were talking outside a chamber. The prince was barely holding on to his anger.
"You can't do this to her." The prince shouted at the pharaoh.
"She can't have a spirit monster. They are unpredictable." the pharaoh's voice remained composed, but he didn't seem to enjoy what he was saying.
"But this is Esset. If she wanted to hurt me she could have done it years ago, all the times we've been together.
"You're letting your emotions run away with you, my son."
"What if I am? It does not hide the truth. Esset and her monster saved mine and Mana's life from Anubis. Doesn't that count for something!"
"I can not change the law for one person. Her monster has to be extracted." they passed through the door to the throne room. Yami followed.
Esset knelt at the foot of the throne, her hands bound before her. The Pharaoh to the throne, which didn't look as if it had been fully cleaned from the disaster that had happened a few days before. Aknadin stood beside a young Seth, who looked very hesitant about something. Both of them stood by the prisoner. The prince stood by the throne, his face a mix of helplessness and rage. The other holders of items stood off to the side, with one notable exception.
"Where is Mahad?" the Pharaoh asked.
"He has been confined to his chambers, my Pharaoh," Shinon said.
"For the best." the pharaoh motioned with his hand. "proceed."
Akanadin stepped forward. "Keeping a spirit monster hidden away from the millennium guardians is a crime against the pharaoh." he said to the room. "This woman has been found guilty and will need to be cleansed of this destructive power."
Esset didn't look up, eyes screwed shut.
"Proceed." the Pharaoh said.
"Seth, remove the spirit monster." Aknadin said.
Seth, white-knuckled had gripped the millennium rod, turned towards Esset.
Before any of them could approach a burst of green light erupted from Esset and surrounded her on all sides engulfing her in a green marble of pulsing light. The force of the light pushed the priests away.
"Take it by force." Aknadin shouted.
Seth again raised the rod.
"Stop!" the Prince shouted.
Seth paused, looking confused from the older priest and the prince. The Prince came down the dais and approached the ball of light.
"My prince, I warn you not to approach the monster." Aknadin said.
"It is written." the prince said. "If a holder of an item can collect a spirit monster, then it belongs to him." he turned to his father. "As future pharaoh, I claim this right."
The Pharaoh nodded. "If you can collect the spirit from the girl, then it is yours."
The prince turned back to the green glow. He approached the protective force field around Esset. He put his hand out and touched it. His teeth clenched as he let the power entered his body.
"Esset!" he said, voice lowered to a soothing tone. "It's me, Ata. "Please, put your shield down."
For a long moment, nothing changed. Everyone watched as the Prince tried his best not to retract his hand from the force. Finally, the force finally dimmed until it disappeared. The prince sank to the floor, holding on to his blistering hand. Esset scooted forward and cupped her hands around his. She cradled them gently in hers, tears dripping onto his hands.
"I'm sorry." she sobbed. "I'm sorry. I couldn't get her to stop. I told her you weren't a threat, but she didn't believe me."
The Prince placed his hands over hers. "Esset, since I was able to withstand your monster's power, I claim this as a victory."
The Prince waited for the priest to stop talking before he continued.
"If you swear your allegiance to me, your monster is in my service."
Esset stared at him, eyes wide. He untied her hands and then took both her hands in his.
"Esset daughter of Khafre, do you swear your monster to the service of the future pharaoh?" the Prince said.
"I swear it."
Yami wanted all these events to slow down so he could take them in. Was this really his history? The character seemed so foreign despite having his features. Shaking his head he made himself focus on the next scene.
The Prince and Esset were on a balcony. One of his hand's was bandaged, and his other was intertwined with hers.
"Now that I'm your monster's guardian, where do I go now?" Esset asked.
"You stay here?"
"Do not be naive, Ata. I'm not a priest or a noble."
"You are a friend of the Pharaoh and sister to a priest."
She smiled. "Future pharaoh. And the priest quarters are crowded enough without extra bodies taking up space."
"You are much more than that." he said
"Then what should I be?"
"My wife."
She stared at him. His face grew red, but he didn't look away.
"Sorry?" she breathed.
The Prince leaned in closer and whispered. "Will you be my queen, Esset?"
"Yes."
Again the scene shifted.
Yami followed the Prince down the corridor. The stars winked through the windows as he passed. Despite the late hour, voices could be heard in the distance. The Prince slowed and approached the doorway where the voice of his father rose to a shout.
"They destroyed the village!"
"I heard from one of the members of the expedition." Mahad's voice was grave. "To create the millennium items the souls of the people of Kul Elna."
Yami's chest froze at the words and he felt sick. The Prince's face looked pale. The voices continued to talk but Yami's head spun too much to comprehend any more.
Footstep faded away. The curtain in front of them suddenly jerked back and the Pharaoh stood before them.
Father and son stared at each other.
"You overheard?" The Pharaoh said.
The Prince nodded. "What can we do?"
"I need to approach the gods." The Pharaoh began walking away.
The prince followed. "I'm coming with you."
"This has happened during my rein. My negligence is unforgivable. This does not concern you."
The Prince continued to follow. The Pharaoh glanced back at his son but didn't comment again.
The walked down many more passageways until they came to an underground passage. A doorway lined with symbol was blocked up. It looked as solid as the wall. The Pharaoh touched a pattern of symbols on the wall. A grinding sound sounded and the wall slid back to show a passage. The Pharaoh took a torch from the wall and ventured in. The Prince and Yami followed close behind.
They walked on for what felt like hours. The passage seemed older than any of the other ancient monuments around the city. Yami had no experience. He smiled at the thought of Airi inspecting the walls to find out the date.
The passage suddenly opened unto a cavern with an altar at the far end. The Pharaoh lit the flames on either side of the altar. Figures painted of the gods seemed to move in the flames, their eyes seeming to watch the prince.
The Pharaoh knelt before the altar. The Prince stood back looking around awkwardly not knowing what to do.
"Mighty gods." the pharaoh prayed. "I have committed unforgivable sins. By creating the Millenium Items I sacrificed the lives of my people."
A breeze, coming from no obvious source caused the lights to flicker. A voice answered, seemingly from the altar. "The gods know all. Why do you come before us?"
"I plead for my son. He is innocent in this crime. Knowing this crime makes me unfit to rule. Take my life now, a penance for my orders, so your anger will not punish him."
"Your sacrifice is acceptable." the voice said. "However, there is more than lives sacrificed. Your foolish brother created a passage to the spirit realm and a dark presence is not destined to be summoned. Your death will not keep this from happening."
The Prince stepped forward. "What is needed to destroy this darkness."
"At-" the Pharaoh started to interrupt the Prince continued.
"I will lock it away." the Prince stepped forward. "I swear on my life, I will face this evil and banish it when it comes."
"Your courage is commendable." the voice said. "Future pharaoh, do you offer your life to close this portal and lock this demon."
The Prince hesitated only a moment.
"I swear."
The scene shifted to the balcony of the Prince's chambers. The Prince stood alone in the dark. By the look of him, it looked like he'd just come back from a burial. He leaned against the balcony. Yami stepped and looked over the courtyard. Below a tent was erected. Yami's skin tingled as he recognized an embalming tent. That must mean the Pharaoh must be dead.
The prince stared down at the tent. His shoulders started to shake. Yami wanted to comfort him but knew he couldn't.
Esset appeared behind the prince. She stepped up and wrapped her arms around him.
"Ata, I'm so sorry." Esset said.
The Prince turned and gently pushed her away. "Esset, I need you to listen to me."
Esset waited.
Prince swallowed. "I need you to leave."
"What?"
"Now that I am Pharaoh, I will give you a living. I know some small provinces far away. You will be comfortable."
Esset's eyes began to brim. "What's are you saying."
"My reign is cursed. I will have to . . . deal with many different dangerous events.
"Ata? Tell me please."
In a shaky voice, he told her a brief version of what happened in the hidden temple. By the time he finished her eyes were wide with horror.
The Prince paused. ` "I can't let you get hurt."
She paused, but then shook her head. "I've survived dangers before."
"Anubis was dangerous enough. This is going to be worse. I will have to face it alone."
"Never." She gripped his hand. "I'm not going anywhere. I am staying with you and going through this with you until the end."
"Ess-"
She leaned up and kissed him. He didn't fight but allowed her to pull him into her embrace. They finally separated but they stayed with their foreheads pressed against each other.
"I will become your queen, and I will stay at your side."
"This is foolish," he whispered.
"Call it what you will. But I'm staying with you. Forever."
It was the coronation day.
The new pharaoh and queen sat on their throne looking over the celebrating priests. Yami recognized practically the same sort of entertainment from his first day back in the past.
"That took forever." Esset moaned. "Do we have to wave to the people every anniversary of your coronation?"
"Of course." he said. "It is customary."
Eesset sighed.
Mahad approached, dressed in full Millenium Guardian attire complete with ring, carrying something wrapped in white linen.
"My queen, my Pharaoh," he bowed.
Esset tried hard not to giggle and inclined her. "Mahad."
The Pharaoh took the parcel from Mahad and turned to Esset.
"For you."
Esset accepted and unwrapped the diadem. She traced the metal and jewel work.
"It's beautiful." she said.
"May I?" the pharaoh took it and placed it on her head. He leaned in and whispered something Yami had to lean in to hear. "I made it to protect you from all Millenium Items. Mahad and I designed it for you."
She beamed. "It's amazing, thank you." she glanced around. "I have a surprise for you, too."
The pharaoh's confusion turned to surprise as she placed her hands on her stomach.
She laughed at his expression. "I'm with child."
"Enough." Bakura said. "You can't give him any more."
"Fine." the Nameless Pharaoh said. He hoped it would be enough.
Yami's eyes flickered open. The flickering of the fire sent shadows dancing across the walls.
Esset sat beside him, folding her sash up and dipped it in a pool of water flowing in the cave floor. At his movement, she knelt next to him.
"How do you feel?" she said.
"Tired."
"You scared me." she laid the wet cloth on his forehead. "Pulling a stunt like that."
"Thank you for coming after me." he looked around. "Where is the puzzle?"
"It wasn't with you." Esset sat down beside him. "I'm afraid it is lost in the rubble."
Yami leaned back. This fight was going to be worse.
"Rest," she said. "I'm going to see if I can find some help now it's light."
"So." Mana walked beside Yugi and his friends along the Nile's bank. "Do they dress like that in your country?"
"Umm, not everyone," Yugi said.
"Where exactly are we going?" Tristan asked. "We can't spend all our time walking on the beach."
"Is that a horse?" Tea pointed at the horizon.
"It might be the search parties." Mana said.
The horse came closer and suddenly Mana started waving and jumping up and down.
Yugi squinted at the horizon trying to make out the rider. At first, he thought he was seeing things. It had to be the heat getting to him. That girl couldn't be . . .
"Esset!" she called. "Esset!"
Yugi shared glances with the others. They all looked shocked. Except for Babassa. He just stood smiling and humming to himself.
The horse slowed and stopped in front of the group. The woman's fine clothes were dirty but she was obviously noble. Now she was in front of them Yugi couldn't deny the face was nearly identical to Airi.
"Esset, thank goodness." Mana ran up. "Where have you been? Everyone has been looking for you and the Pharaoh. Including these people." she motioned at the stunned group.
The woman, who had noticed Yugi, eyes' narrowed. "How is it you look like the Pharaoh?"
"Ah, Ah, Ah." Yugi stammered.
"It's alright Esset." Mana said. "They're not a threat their friends of the Pharaoh."
"Who are you?" Joey asked.
"This is the queen." Mana said. "For being his friends you don't know about his life."
"Queen!" Yugi squeaked.
"So she's married to the Pharaoh?" Tea said.
"Obviously." Mana said.
The Esset woman continued to eye Yugi. "If you need to see the Pharaoh I can take you to him."
"You know where he is?" Mana said. "Gods be praised."
"Let's go then." Joey said.
"Can you take him to me now?" Yugi found his voice. "If you would, your majesty." it sounded so crazy to say.
Mana and Esset looked at each other.
"We're in a cave by the next ridge," Esset told Mana.
"We can walk." Mana said.
Esset held out her hand to Yugi. "It's faster if you ride."
Yami made his way out of the cave to the sun. It looked so serene and beautiful. It was opposite of the swirl of memories running through his head. Flashes of the memories in random orders trying to make sense of what he's just seen. They kept clashing with the world he had known for the last few years. He guessed it was to help him connect with this world. He was grateful, but somehow it was still like watching someone else's life.
The pound of hooves approached. Esset had said she was going to find help. He didn't think she'd be back so soon.
Esset rode into view and he noticed she had someone with her. Recognizing the hair and the frown of her companion Yami sighed. Now Yugi and Esset had met, Yami had some explaining to do.
A/N: Finally, Yugi figured out Yami and Airi are a thing. about time
Thank you for reading. take care and God bless.
