Thank you for these characters and their stories, Kazuki Takahashi. Requiescat in pace.
Chapter Fifty-Three
Dria
I followed Roland through the halls back towards the front of the plane where Seto was waiting. My steps felt so light and easy that I thought I might fly. The Pharaoh had learned the truth about us, and he hadn't rejected me over it. In fact, he had been rather excited and passionate about rekindling our relationship. Heat rushed up to my ears as I recalled a few moments in particular where I'd had to bury my face into his shoulder or cover my mouth with my own hand to keep from drawing the attention of anyone who might have decided to take a midnight walk. Covering my cheeks with my hands, I tried to calm myself before appearing to Seto. Roland stopped in front of the doors and moved aside. Before I passed him, he cleared his throat before speaking.
"If I may, Miss Dria, I recommend that you and Mr. Mutou tread lightly. Mr. Kaiba would not approve if he found out." He paused a moment, likely debating if he should finish his thought. He then smiled briefly, "I won't mention anything more after this, but I would like to say that I have never seen you this cheerful, and I am happy for you."
He softly pushed me towards the doors, the smile vanishing from his face as soon as they opened. Seto and Mokuba stood at the front of the plane, staring at the Duel Tower as the sun rose behind it. I made my way up the steps and stood beside Mokuba, wrapping my arms around his neck and kissing the top of his head. He looked up toward me and smiled before turning back to his brother.
"There are only 4 finalists left, including myself. Before long, I'll be crowned the world's greatest duelist atop my Duel Tower, plus I'll have the most powerful deck in Duel Monsters, once I win the three Egyptian god cards. Then I'll be respected and feared by every duelist on Earth."
Mokuba sighed, "Not again."
I quietly giggled at the two of them, otherwise keeping silent during their conversation. Seto was still desperate to prove himself to be the best, though at this point, I wasn't positive if it was for his own sake or otherwise. He was resentful about having lost both his title and my love to Yugi. I just hoped he would realize that he could only regain one of those entirely, and he would have to be satisfied with my friendship. I would always love him as a brother and close friend, and I wouldn't hesitate to put myself in harm's way for him if necessary. But my heart was something I could never give him.
Seto turned toward me after he finished his speech. He stretched out his hand toward me and gently took my hand, pulling me closer to him. His eyes drifted down to the bandages on my hands and wrists, and he ran his fingers over the cloth with great care. Blue eyes refocused on mine as he quietly spoke, "We should have these redone before we land."
I shook my head in response, "I'll be fine. They don't hurt as much this morning as they did last night. I'm sure they'll be healed soon."
He raised an eyebrow at me, "What even happened? You were standing on the platform of the old man's laboratory, and the missile was suspended in mid-air as we ran past you. Now, your hands are bandaged like they've been burned."
I nodded at his summary, "Yes, they have second degree burns. I did everything I could to stop the missile long enough to give you and the others time to escape, but the explosion was more powerful than I expected. Even with help, I struggled to contain it. It was only because you designed the blimp as a jet as well that everyone survived. So, thank you for saving us, Seto."
A genuine smile made its way to my lips as I brought his hand to my cheek. He said nothing in response, likely thinking that it had been pure coincidence and he'd had no intention of saving anyone beyond Mokuba. It was still a surprise to me that he didn't question how I'd managed to slow the missile. He simply accepted that I'd been capable of doing it. Part of me wished he would press further about it, but the other part was grateful that his trust in me was absolute.
A few moments later, Roland returned to announce that we would be landing shortly and should prepare to disembark. I released Seto's hand and made my way toward the exit to join the others. Seto didn't follow me. Instead, he watched as his competition descended onto the island. I stopped in the doorway before leaving,
"Seto?"
He inclined his head, indicating he'd heard me, but he never moved his eyes off the screen.
"I hope this tournament gives you what you need."
I blew him a kiss as I finished and headed out the door, not noticing that he had turned towards me. I missed his gaze as he watched me leave, the tender look in his eyes as I walked away from him to join the man I loved. Seto was a better friend, a better man, than I deserved to know. I hoped that by continuing to stay by his side, I would find some way to repay him or lessen his pain. I waited for him at the stairs and walked down onto Kaiba Corp. Island beside him.
Yugi and the others were staring at the Duel Tower, probably confused by the single standing structure amidst piles of rubble and destruction. I hated this place. When Seto had first taken over the company, one of his earliest orders was that every piece of machinery and building on the island be destroyed beyond recognition. We watched from a safe distance as each weapon exploded in a blaze of fire and portions of the island sank beneath the waves. As soon as it was over, I'd begged Seto to leave the remainder of the island in the past and forget about it. He instead built the Duel Tower as a symbol of the new Kaiba Corp.
"That's my Duel Tower, and I plan to defeat you at the very top, Yugi."
The Pharaoh switched places with Yugi once more, and I smiled as the two old rivals stared each other down. Though Seto refused to admit his connection to the past, the Pharaoh and the previous Seto had been the closest of friends and the fiercest of rivals. They had argued and fought over anything and everything, from domestic policies to declarations of war to even who loved me more. Seeing the two men as they had been in the past brought me such joy and exasperation.
Seto placed his hand in the middle of my back and began guiding the group towards the Duel Tower. I thought I saw a flash of jealousy in the Pharaoh's eyes, but when he noticed where Seto's hand sat, that envy faded into pride as he likely recalled the marks he'd left on my back the previous night. I quickly turned away from him to keep from blushing with everyone else around.
Marik had chosen to walk along a higher path as we made our way to the Tower. His blond hair was tousled by the breeze above the wreckage, causing his cape to flutter behind him. He cackled as the Pharaoh walked past him.
"It's such a lovely day isn't it, Pharaoh? Too bad some of your friends can't enjoy it from all the way in the Shadow Realm."
Stepping away from Seto, I took my place between the Pharaoh and a threat, as I always had and always would. Sending him a razor thin smile, I replied, "Now Marik, play nice. There are some parts of the Shadow Realm that are enjoyable, and I'd just love for you to take a vacation there."
His grin widened at my response and he raised the Millennium Rod toward me, "Perhaps we can once I destroy this world here, my dear."
The Rod's Eye glowed dangerously once more, and I felt the Pendant raise a barrier once more in response to the magic. Extending my right hand, I lifted my thumb and first two fingers up, a small bit of space between each one like the statues of ancient leaders in the moments before speaking as they demanded attention. Thrusting this hand sign towards him, a sharp burst of air cut past his cheek, leaving a paper-thin cut and removing a small portion of his bangs. He took one step back in surprise, lifting his own hand towards his face. This motion of mine, however, shifted the neckline of the blouse I was wearing just enough that a red mark on my neck became visible. Marik's eyes focused on that spot, and I hastily readjusted my shirt to cover the mark once more. He returned his glare towards the Pharaoh, realizing what the redness implied. He opened his mouth to speak once more but was quickly interrupted.
"Hey, Artichoke Head! You're going down!"
I was grateful for Joey's impeccable timing because I was afraid Marik was about to reveal what had occurred between the Pharaoh and me. I wasn't ashamed of our night together, but now was definitely not the time to let everyone else in on the secret. Thankfully, Marik either became distracted or chose to wait until another moment before unveiling the truth.
"Then let's get on with these duels. When do I find out who my next victim will is?"
After Mokuba yelled at Marik to be patient, we continued the walk towards the Tower, but this time, I walked beside the Pharaoh. His mind reached out to me as we continued the trek in silence.
Are you alright? What was Marik trying to do?
Without glancing toward him, I responded, The Millennium Rod was created to gain access to the mind of a person possessed by a monster. The monster was controlled and removed from the individual with few to no side-affects. Marik has been using the Item to control the mind of the person, something it doesn't want to do, though it will not betray its current master. My Pendant simply overpowered the already weak will of the Rod, preventing its power from controlling my mind.
He was silent for a few moments before he replied, He noticed one of the bites on your neck, didn't he?
I had to resist the urge to look at him still because I could already tell he would be grinning like the Cheshire Cat. I couldn't keep my own smile off my face, though, thinking once more about the happiness I'd found after waiting for thousands of years. It frightened me a little to think that he could lead me off a cliff and I would follow as a willing sacrifice, but at the same time, the thought excited me. While I would do anything to defend my friends, up to and including giving up my own life, I'd take one step further for the Pharaoh, and I knew he would do the same for me. As we stepped inside the Duel Tower and Roland explained the rules, I found my mind drifting off once again.
It was late morning when I finally awoke. Every muscle in my body cried out in protest of rising from bed, but as the Queen, I had duties that required my attention. Pushing myself off the bed, I wrapped my body in the bedsheet as I walked toward the Pharaoh's personal bathing chamber. Discarding the wrinkled sheet on a nearby chair, I slipped into a tub of water and began to wash away the sweat that had dried across my skin. Red love bites peppered my neck, shoulders, stomach, and even thighs. My husband hadn't held back last night in lavishing me with attention. I shivered as I brushed over each spot, only somewhat recalling when he'd marked me.
Once I was clean, I donned a fresh dress, but the neckline was too wide for the condition of my collarbone. Pinning a short cloak across my shoulders and hiding the marks, I departed for the throne room. My usual guards stood outside the door, waiting to escort me to my desired location. They followed me in silence, which gave me cause to worry about what I had missed by oversleeping. I heard yelling and the sound of pottery shattering as I approached the throne room. The Pharaoh's soothing voice attempted to pacify the angered individual, but it didn't seem to help. He was authoritative and the people genuinely respected him, but his Father had been better at dispelling tense situations. My husband had a talent, rather, for creating them. Quietly, I slipped into the chamber and hid behind one of the many pillars to watch the event.
"The Queen has not yet produced a male heir, Mighty Pharaoh! You must wed the princess of Libya to ensure our peace with them and provide yourself another opportunity for an heir. Our lady, while she has been a clever and intelligent advisor, has failed in her most important duty as your Royal Wife!"
The Pharaoh rose from his throne, his eyes crimson in the light of Ra as his anger bubbled. The suddenly docile man fell to his knees and bowed before his king. My husband descended from the dais, despite the quiet protests of his Court, and stood before his subject. Though he was infuriated, his voice was controlled as he spoke.
"Lift your head and look into my eyes."
The man hesitated for some time, and like a loose leaf battered by a maelstrom, his body trembled from his fingertips to his toes, his earlier fury now forgotten. He finally lifted his gaze towards the Pharaoh, continuing to shake beneath the powerful figure before him.
"Never speak against my wife again. I have no need for another wife or a concubine to simply bear a child. Dria is the only woman I will ever love and the only one who will share my bed. If the Libyans wish to send their princess to us as confirmation of the treaty, she will be a welcome guest in my household. But a guest and nothing more."
He quickly dismissed the man and returned to his throne, his otherwise proud posture slumping as he rubbed his left temple. The other visitors were also sent away, leaving only the Pharaoh and his Court in the audience hall. Seto approached my husband and dropped his right knee to the ground.
"My Pharaoh, it would be wise to consider the issue of your heir more deliberately. Your line must be secured."
The Pharaoh grinned in response, "I have already seen to that matter, Seto."
Silence permeated the hall as the guardians processed the revelation, myself included. As his wife and advisor, I was privy to more information than anyone else in the court. This statement, however, was news even I was unaware of. We had already been married for four summers, and he had been Pharaoh for nearly a full summer. He had once promised that he would be content even if we never had a child, but it was clear that he had since reconsidered his position. His new position must have influenced his change of heart, and though an ache settled in my heart, I couldn't be upset with him.
He loved me dearly; I didn't doubt that. But he couldn't afford to ignore the issue at hand: we had no child yet, and it wasn't for lack of trying. Feeling tears gather in my eyes, I had wanted to slip away before being noticed, but a set of gray eyes carefully scanning the throne room caught sight of me. I briefly shook my head, requesting that he not announce my presence. He inclined his head in response. I quickly retreated from the throne room. I didn't think I could handle hearing how exactly my husband had solved the matter of his heir without my knowledge.
I spent the rest of my day buried deep in the archives, transcribing the older, nearly illegible documents onto new papyrus, and organizing them in chronological order, continuing one of the very first tasks Shimon had given me as a child all those years ago. Only a few other servants and scribes were working in the room alongside me, though they all respectfully maintained their distance unless I wished for their assistance.
One messenger came from the throne room, requesting my presence to provide advice regarding a territory dispute to the west. I refused to appear before the Court, stating I was preoccupied, but did offer questions and ideas that could be useful. I somewhat pitied the man because it was a rare occasion that I declined a request from my husband. A second messenger came some time later, bearing a basket of fruits and a collection of roses, poppies, and blue lotuses. I smiled at the somewhat haphazard bouquet; floral arrangement wasn't necessarily within my husband's talents, but I was touched by the gesture. I thanked the messenger and asked that he pass the gratitude to my husband.
Ra was nearly gone by the time I left the archives with sore hands and fingers. I had transcribed nearly a hundred documents in my attempts to control my self-loathing and jealousy. Pausing in the doorway, I examined the slender shadow cast by my body, trying to imagine what it would look like if I were carrying a child. I sighed as I quit the fantasy and continued on my way. I would likely never be a mother, and I could accept that as my fate, but I couldn't bear the thought of my husband never being a father. He deserved to have dozens of children hanging on his every word and showering him with their affection and love. I took a deep breath as I strengthened my resolve to ensure he would have that future, even if it required me to stand aside.
I passed by the throne room again after leaving the archives only to find that requests were still being presented to the Pharaoh and his Court. Since I hadn't been present all day, it seemed wiser to continue my absence for the day. Instead, I made my way out to the stables to visit Pyrrhus. He tossed his head in excitement when I entered, and I felt the remaining tension in my body ease as he put a smile on my face. Sitting on the top of the gate to his pen, I gently combed through his forelock and scratched the top of his head. He stood still for a few moments, enjoying the attention, before he stepped forward and pushed his head into my chest. I laughed as he arched his neck toward me; he wanted his neck massaged as well.
As I complied with his request, I felt a presence behind me. Since Pyrrhus didn't react in anger, it was someone he knew and trusted around me. I heard the rustling of fabric as the person behind me kneeled, and the jingling sound of the Millennium Ring indicated the name.
"My Lady."
"Greetings, Mahad. Is there something you needed?"
"I have a message from His Majesty. He apologizes that his work is not yet completed in the throne room and hopes that he will be able to join you for the evening meal soon."
He paused for a moment, contemplating his next words. As the silence continued, I turned my eyes toward him and smiled. "Was there anything else? You seem troubled."
He took a deep breath before answering, "My Lady, the Pharaoh is entirely dedicated to you, as he has been for many years, and he is not easily swayed. He will not marry or enjoy the company of another woman only for the sake of an heir. So please, do not worry yourself over his devotion and affections."
I felt my smile slip at his words, and I turned back towards Pyrrhus, distracting myself with his tangled mane. Though my chest still constricted at the idea of another woman, I couldn't let emotion rule my decision as I answered.
"I do not doubt his love for me. In fact, he reassured me once that he would be content with simply having me at his side, even without a child. I believe his words. However, I cannot allow him to choose me over the people of Egypt. They need a sign that stability will continue in this kingdom, and an heir to continue the current dynasty will grant them hope. I will not take that away from the people. I cannot be selfish in that regard."
I had seen what the selfishness of those in charge could create within a society, and how dangerous forgotten and neglected people could be. This place was my home, more so than the kingdom of my birth, and I would do everything within my power to protect it.
"My Lady, there is still time, and it's still possible that you could bear this child you speak of. You both are in perfect health and of the right age."
I shook my head, "Mahad, it has been four summers. I have long since abandoned any hope of carrying my own child. Regardless, I will never forsake the idea that he should have his own children. He will make a wonderful father, and I will not deprive him of that because of my wounded pride and jealousy."
"But, My Lady-"
"That is enough, Mahad."
I froze at the gentle voice of a new arrival. I hadn't sensed his presence like I had the priest kneeling beneath me. I had been consumed by our conversation and had forgotten to check our privacy. The Pharaoh appeared from behind the stable doors. Mahad bowed his head toward me once more before exiting, leaving the two of us alone.
My husband stepped toward me and extended his hand to help me down from the stall gate. I took his hand with little hesitation, not expecting a sudden pull toward his body. I yelped in a surprise as he firmly placed his left arm around my waist, spinning around so my back was against the wall of the stables. His right hand rested next to my head, leaving me with no manner of escaping. He then softly touched his forehead to mine and captured my gaze.
"Perhaps you did not hear me clearly when you were in the throne room earlier. I have no need or wish for any woman other than you. You are the one my heart, body, and soul desire. Do not believe that your unwillingness to share me is selfish. If our positions were reversed, I would never allow another man to have you unless you wished otherwise. You must trust me. I will ensure my people and kingdom are provided for, but not at the cost of my wife's happiness. Do not sacrifice that for me, I beg you."
Tears obscured my vision as his words echoed through my mind. I pressed my forehead back against his as I closed my eyes to restrain the tears. While I wanted to ask how he knew I had seen the exchange with the man earlier, my mind lingered on his statement to Seto about handling the matter. My eyes lifted back to his as I voiced my question.
"Then what was the meaning of your statement to Seto that you had already seen to the matter of your heir?" If he wanted no other woman even for this reason, how could it have been resolved already? His tender smile formed over his lips before he responded.
"I have drawn up documents stating that if we do not have a child by one of our deaths, my successor will be selected from those in my Court. I have not yet selected whom but have been meeting with each of them in private to discuss their perspective on the matter. Even they are unaware of the reason I have been asking their opinions, though I would assume some have been clever enough to reason it out for themselves."
My knees felt weak as the tension left my body entirely, and I felt myself sink further into his grasp, which had been prepared to hold me more securely. While I was still angered by the fact he'd been forced to resort to such an idea, I was immensely grateful that his plan didn't involve another marriage. I would've missed him terribly when he wasn't with me, and though I still felt selfish for not wanting to share his attention, I loved him even more for his encouragement to desire my own happiness. He briefly kissed my forehead before a confident smirk appeared, and he pushed me back against the wall once more.
"Perhaps we should take time to mark each other once more, so you will remember that I am yours and you are mine."
He loosened my cloak before I could respond, casting it to the side, and began to tease the bites he had left on my neck and shoulders the previous night. My body shuddered in response as I gripped his arms firmly and rolled my head back, leaving myself open to his teasing. With the little control I had left, I transported us both back to the warmth of our bed.
This had been yet another sensuous memory selected by the Pendant. I could only assume it was reacting to my current situation. Perhaps that was how it functioned, but there wasn't time now to test that theory.
By the time I returned to the present day, Roland had begun the first portion of the Battle City Finals: a four-way duel. As each duelist lost Life Points, his chair would climb the tower until two duelists reached zero. The "losers" would face one another immediately while the "winners" would compete in the second round. Mokuba had been kind enough to pull me along with him while my mind had been elsewhere.
The duel was about to begin. I couldn't decide how I wanted this competition to turn out. No matter what happened in this duel, someone I cared for would have to face Marik, and he would undoubtedly turn it into a Shadow Game. I bit my lip as I tried to think of another way to resolve this matter without involving more people. Though it did me little good at this point, I chided myself again for allowing the Ishtars to remain in the darkness for so many centuries. The blame for Marik's revolution rested fully on my shoulders, yet there was nothing I could do to stop him. I looked back up towards the Pharaoh, knowing that he was the only person who could rescue Marik now.
The duel was dizzying to follow. Each man had his own strategy and vision of how the rest of Battle City would turn out. It seemed that Seto wanted his revenge duel against the Pharaoh, who wanted to duel Marik to protect Joey, who might have actually wanted to duel Marik to rescue Mai. The final duelist didn't seem to care who was put against him, but likely desired to duel the Pharaoh as soon as possible. Though it was certainly a unique and entertaining twist on the typical tournament finals, there was much more than a championship title at stake, and I feared this twist put everyone in jeopardy.
It wasn't long before the duelists ascended the tower, but we were no closer to knowing which duelists would face one another than we had been when the duel began. As each duelist played out his strategy, it clearly interfered with the plans of another. Seto in particular was infuriated each time the Pharaoh moved out of his reach. Since they were both near the top, Seto could easily throw the duel to make sure he lost, and he could take Yugi down with him. I chuckled a little under my breath; Seto would never purposefully lose any duel, even one like this.
"I can't believe that Kaiba just helped Marik out."
"I don't know about you guys, but I don't trust Kaiba at all."
Though I could understand how it looked to others, Seto's move was logical for his plan. He wasn't trying to help Marik; he was only trying to ensure that he faced Yugi again. Seto had been impatient for another chance to defeat him. I turned my gaze onto the Pharaoh, wishing I could find some solution that would keep everyone safe. But, as Tristan mentioned, the best matchups were Joey and Marik, then Yugi and Seto.
"Joey thinks that by defeating Marik, he can bring Mai back from the Shadow Realm."
My eyes returned to the group as I confirmed what Joey had thought, "He's correct. The terms of a Shadow Duel are different from a regular one. Joey could request nearly anything of Marik as his prize for winning the duel, and that could be in addition to Marik being required to release Mai's mind."
I paused for a moment, looking back up at Joey and Marik before continuing, "That doesn't make the duel any less dangerous, though. Joey has improved dramatically since I first met you all, but a Shadow Duel can wear down even the most stable and trained of duelists. He'll need all the support we can give if his plans come to fruition."
"I just hope he knows what he's doing up there."
Duke's concerns echoed my unspoken thoughts, but if there was anything I'd learned about Joey, it was that I shouldn't bet against him in tough situations. The Pharaoh had the same reservations as Duke and the others, being unwilling to attack Joey directly even though he had no monsters to defend himself.
Pharaoh, Joey will be fine. He's come a long way since Duelist Kingdom, even since the start of Battle City, and he has someone very important to fight for. You saw how he continued to battle for Serenity's sake at my tournament. He won't stop until Mai is safe again.
The Pharaoh didn't turn his gaze onto me, but I knew he agreed with my, and Joey's, sentiments. Though it was with a heavy heart, the Pharaoh attacked Joey directly with Beast of Gilfer. I had to smile at Joey's excitement to have been struck and sent up the tower, closer to Seto and Marik. He was truly a duelist I could watch and feel the same joy I experienced when I first began dueling all those years ago. The rules may have changed, as had the stakes, but the game itself was still the same.
Joey's next move was to attack Seto, who promptly responded with his typical trap-magic combo. What I hadn't expected, however, was the sudden drop in Marik's Life Points as well. I laughed loudly as Joey explained how his sneaky Gravedigger had stolen Spell of Pain from Marik's graveyard. It was a brilliant move, even more so because it irritated Marik. The Pharaoh looked down at me for a moment, long enough to catch my smile and wink at him to ease his concern for a dear friend.
It wasn't long before Joey and Marik were both at the top of the tower, signaling the end of this four-way duel. Seto got his desired rematch against Yugi, exactly as he wished. I followed Mokuba and the others towards the elevator that would take us to the top of the tower.
"Launch the dueling platforms to the top of the tower and let the semifinals begin!"